War On Terror News

Airmen Inspired at Good Grief Camp Over Memorial Day Weekend

119th Wing Public Affairs North Dakota Air National Guard

Story by Penny Ripperger

06.04.2010  FARGO, N.D. – As many people recuperate from an exhausting holiday weekend of fun with family and friends, five Airmen from the North Dakota Air National Guard reminisce about a different type of weekend. A weekend that truly represents what Memorial Day is about: honor, dedication and devotion to fallen military members and their families.

Tech Sgt. Jodi Renschler, Staff Sgt. Samantha Kolness, Staff Sgt. Mandi Hagen, Senior Airman Mandy Herrmann and Senior Airman Kaila Margheim gave up their beautiful weekend, used personal vacation time and paid their own plane ticket to attend a Good Grief Camp in Washington, D.C. through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, more commonly known as TAPS.

"I don't really consider it 'giving up' my weekend. I feel that it's my duty to give back, and I can't think of a better way to do it," Kolness said.

Compassion is addicting. This is the fourth year that

Everyone Wins at Kaiserslautern Special Olympics

21st Theater Sustainment Command

Story by Angelika Lantz

05.18.2010  ENKENBACH-ALSENBORN, Germany – Their smiles proclaim them winners – exuberant and infectious, or a bit shy, but always radiant. Countless faces sported huge smiles at the Kaiserslautern Special Olympics, May 12, at the German Police Academy.

Neither the dreary overcast skies nor the unseasonable cold could dim the smiles of the 800 athletes who participated in the games and the 1,650 volunteers who made it all possible. The athletes, between the ages of 8 and 70, came from 58 schools and institutions throughout Germany, including 19 Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Europe.

The Special Olympics, an international program of athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, was hosted by the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern for its 27th year. As in the past 11 years, they were co-hosted by and held at the grounds of the German Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn.

Marines, Sailors Plant New Beginning for National Park

III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs  Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Avitt

04.09.2010  JOSHUA TREE, Calif. – Five Marines and Sailors with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion assisted Joshua Tree National Park Resources' staff with an environment restoration project along the Lost Horse Mine Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, April 6 and 7.

Volunteers planted new trees to help rejuvenate the environment after a fire swept through the area and burned 450 acres last May.

Although Joshua Tree National Park firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in just two days, the scorched earth bared no resemblance to the untouched areas around the rest of the park.

"If we were to let the environment run it's course, it would take 25 to 100 years to return to normal," said Vicky Chang, the science coordinator at Joshua Tree National Park.
"Restoring the vegetation quickly helps to restore the ecosystem and bring animals back to the area," added Katy Mathews, a biologist with Joshua Tree National Park staff, and Rochester, N.Y., native.

Volunteers and park staff dug

Arizona-based Unit Brings Clothing to Give to Local Community

13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Story by Sgt. Ryan Twist

03.27.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers with the 3666th Support Maintenance Company provided clothing and other donated items to the local community during a humanitarian aid mission March 21 near Contingency Operating Base Taji, Iraq.

The items were donated through the Arizona Army National Guard, by a local organization in Arizona called Students Helping Students, started by a fellow Soldier to give to those in need.

Staff Sgt. Rose L. Mattie, the operations non-commissioned officer in charge with the 3666th SMC out of Phoenix, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Phoenix native, said the mission provided a chance for the local community to see the Soldiers do something positive and also gave the Soldiers a chance to see the culture and life outside the wire.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Raymond L. Baxter, an Allied Trades supervisor with the 3666th SMC, said the opportunity to conduct the mission came before they left the U.S.

Baxter, a Phoenix, Ariz., native, said he was approached a week before the deployment by Lt. Col. Dawn E. Latting, the Defense Movement Coordinator for the Arizona National Guard and a special education teacher who started the program, and asked if the unit would be interested in bringing clothing to distribute to the local Iraqi children.

Deployed Marine trains to fight while brother fights cancer half a world away

3/10/2010  By LCpl. David Beall, 24th MEU 

DJIBOUTI, Africa  — For Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew C. Revei, the hardships of being an infantryman training in austere environments while deployed don’t compare to the hardships his younger brother, and best friend, are enduring stateside.

It’s not the sharp rocks jabbing his back while sleeping outside after baking in the desert sun that keep him up at night. Worrying about his younger brother’s fight with cancer does.

While Andrew, 24, serves his country overseas, currently deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, his brother Abraham, 22, is battling

Iraqi Children and Orphans

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team  By 1st Sgt. Gavin McIlvenna

03.02.2010  CAMP ADDER, Iraq – Some Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon National Guard asked, how they can help Iraqi children affected by violence in Baghdad?

It started with a conversation and then quickly turned into action. From private citizens, church organizations and deployed Soldiers, the desire to help was directed to the Noha Al-Agha, the Head of Nintu Organization for Humanitarian and Cultural Assistance in Baghdad.

Members of the Klamath Falls, Ore., based C/1-82 Cavalry Squadron, and Bend, Ore., based HHT/1-82 Cavalry Squadron, assigned to Task Force Stetson of 41 IBCT coordinated with Noha to deliver much needed school supplies.

The troops had been collecting boxes sent from

Heads Shaved in Kosovo to Support Mom's Battle with Cancer

Band of Brothers

116th Public Affairs Detachment Story by: Spc. Lance Schillinger

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – Selfless service is generally defined as a service performed without any expectation of result or award for the person performing. This quality is a part of the "Seven Army Values" that Soldiers live by.

It is not only shown fighting through physical acts like floods, tornadoes, or earthquakes, but also with emotional capacities.

For one Soldier deployed to Kosovo, a fight arose that was not found on a battlefield and could not be won with conventional means. From that battle, a new form of selfless service arose that reached all the way home.

For Spc. Bryce A. Noonan, Lisbon, N.D., 231st Maneuver Task Force, a recent call home was expected to have been like any other. As any other Soldier would, he just wanted to say hello to his family and let them all know that things were going well on his first deployment.

However, this call would be different.

Soldiers' Work Helps Iraqi Children

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs By Army 1st Lt. Nicholas Griffo

BASRA, Iraq - While working to revitalize a southern Iraq community, a platoon of soldiers came in contact with local children who have none of the things Westerners take for granted. So a platoon leader made a phone call to make a difference.

Just over five months ago, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, left Fort Lewis, Wash., for a yearlong deployment to Iraq. Their mission is to work with the Iraqi police and military to rebuild infrastructure, create a safe environment and improve relations with Iraqi communities.

Noticing almost immediately the conditions in which the village children live and play, 2nd Platoon, "B" Battery soldiers agreed that creating a safe environment meant something more.

AFG School Supplies Rain Down: Aviators Answer Call for Help

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Spc. Monica K. Smith

01.16.2010  BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – West, a crew chief with Company A, Task Force Knighthawk, Task Force Falcon, was recently guarding his Black Hawk at a landing zone at Camp Kiwi, Bamyan, Afghanistan when a small child threw a rock at him.

"Children throwing rocks isn't unexpected out here," West said. "You never know what people really think of you out here so I just assumed it was another kid taunting us."

But this kind of rock throwing was different; the rock had a note attached to it.

Marines and Iraqi Soldiers Spread Cheer to Students in Al Anbar

 

II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) Story by Cpl. Triah Pendracki

01.05.2010  AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Americans are known to have a surplus of many things, which often go to waste or are forgotten about when the next "big thing" comes on the market.

To combat some of that regular behavior, Marines from 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Task Force Military Police, aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, decided to enlist the help of the Iraqi army to disperse many of their little extras to the children of Iraq's Al Anbar province.

"Since we've been out here, we have acquired extra supplies from care packages and other sources," explained 1st Sgt. Robert Nutt, the first sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Bn., 24th Marines. "We made contact with the 7th Iraqi Army Division through the Military Transition Team on Al Asad and started planning distribution."

What started as an idea for a small delivery to a few families grew to something much bigger.

Soldiers Help Iraqi Boy Get a New Smile

30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team Story by Sgt. Mary Phillips

 

12.25.2009 BAGHDAD, Iraq - From behind his father, a 3 year old Abdullah plays peek a boo with Soldiers of 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

The Soldiers are there to check on the child who is recovering from a recent cleft palette surgery; a surgery that happened thanks in part to the efforts of the Soldiers there to see him.

It all started with a trip to the trash dump.

2nd Lt. Charles Duggan said he visits the area south of Baghdad regularly while on missions with his Soldiers.

"I was talking to the people there and I asked who the sheik was," said Duggan, of Jacksonville, N.C. "I went to talk to him, and this guy brought his kid and showed me his kid."

Arhim Shakban's son, Abdullah, was born with a cleft palate, a birth defect that happens when a child's mouth does not develop properly during pregnancy.

"It's one thing that I felt like I was in control of, that I could help out," said Duggan. "[Arhim] did not ask me specifically about his son, but his son was there and I wanted to help his son. I had to act."

Iraq Spartans Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Children

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Story by Spc. Crystal Witherspoon

12.25.2009 FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq – Smiling children fill a room almost to capacity. Their faces are shining and full of excitement. Col. Charles E. Sexton, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Commander, asks them, "Have you all been good boys and girls or bad boys and girls?"

"Good!" scream the children, with cheer.

The commander smiles; he turns to an interpreter and asks him to tell the children, in Arabic, they have a surprise waiting in the next room. The children become overjoyed as they hear "Ho, Ho, Ho," bellowing from the next room.

The 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID Soldiers made Christmas extra special for young orphans in Mosul, Iraq and Kermles, Iraq on Christmas Eve when Pfc. Brent Read, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, dressed as Santa Claus, as he and other Spartan Soldiers passed out toys, candy, backpacks, and shoes to the children.

JSOTF-P Brightens Spirits at Social Development Center

Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines Story by Lt.j.g. Theresa Donnelly

12.23.2009 ZAMBOANGA, Philippines - Twenty members of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines spent a special holiday evening visiting children at the Social Development Center in Zamboanga City Dec. 23.

"It made me feel really good to give my time and spent time with the kids. I was excited about it and could tell they were excited to see us," said U.S. Navy 1st Class (AW/SW) Christopher Cross, Aerographer's Mate.

Founded in 1994, the center serves as a residential facility for children who are abandoned, neglected, orphaned, or abused. The children here receive personal care and rehabilitative services, with the hopes that they will eventually be reintegrated back to their families and communities.

JSOTF-P volunteers started the evening playing games and singing Christmas carols with the nearly 60 children at the center. Later, children received

ADA Soldiers Battle Hunger at Soup Kitchen

69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Story by Pfc. maria asenbrener

12.18.2009  FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers from the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade volunteered at the Angel House, the soup kitchen that is part of the Austin Baptist Church, in Austin, Dec. 15.

The Angel House is a soup kitchen where everyone eats free. It serves many of the less fortunate people in the Austin area who need a little help in troubling times. The Angel House also tries to encourage its patrons by giving them hope, direction, and, of course, a hot meal.

Troops fund Iraqi baby's gift of sight

Saturday, 12 December 2009

BAGHDAD— One-year-old Noor Hassam Oudah, known as "Baby Nourah," was born blind with congenital cataracts. The condition is reversible with surgery, but out of reach for her family here, as the city's hospitals lack the facilities and physicians to perform such a procedure.

First Lt. Jason Hickman, of Greenville, W.Va., proudly holds Noor Hassam Oudah during a celebration in her honor, Dec. 9. The one-year-old, known as "Baby Nourah," was born blind with congenital cataracts. Hickman spearheaded a campaign, raising over $5,000 for her surgery through donations from Soldiers of the 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and their families and friends. Baby Nourah received surgery through the Khalidi Medical Center in Amman, Jordan, Nov. 15, three days after her first birthday. Photo by Spc. Ruth McClary, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team 

Upon hearing of her plight some months ago, Soldiers with Troop C, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, jumped into action to try and help her.

According to 1st Lt. Jason Hickman, a platoon leader in Troop C, it seemed as if things fell into place right from the start. He said it was a perfect example of divine intervention, as his convoy made a wrong turn five months ago, ending up in Zwaynat, a small village southwest of Baghdad.

Baby Nourah was there visiting with her uncle, Muhameed Gharbi Sultan, who spoke with Hickman, informing him of the baby's plight.

"So there we were at a place we hadn't intended on being," said Hickman. "Wrong turn, perhaps, but that's not how I see it. My interest and contacts with the Order of Saint John [charity organization], the wrong turn, her being there with her uncle instead of with her parents in Baghdad, no, not a coincidence."

Toys for Tots receives truckload of toys from MCCES

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.   — The formation of 1,626 Marines seemed to go on forever as they poured out of the Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School during the Toys for Tots Run at the Combat Center Dec. 4. 

12/11/2009  By Cpl. Monica C. Erickson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Nearly every Marine carried toys ranging from balls, action figures and board games— one Marine even rode a bicycle. The toys were collected for the Toys for Tots program, which provides less-fortunate families with the means to give their children Christmas gifts.

As the Marines ran to the Commanding General’s building, the commanding officer for MCCES, Col. David J. Terando, passed the first toy to the Combat Center’s commanding general, Brig. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy.

Toys for Tots volunteers waiting in their dress blue uniforms

Air Defense Artillery Soldiers Hold Food Drive Over the Holidays

69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade  By Pfc. Scott Rubin

12.09.2009  FORT HOOD, Texas - The 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th ADA Brigade's Family Readiness Group, along with many of the unit's Soldiers and family members, hosted a food drive on Fort Hood for Soldiers and families in the unit who could use a little extra help over the holidays.

The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Brian W. Gibson, and his wife, Cheryl, started off the event by providing a huge amount of support through the family's generous contributions. Mrs. Gibson's sisters, Catherine Gaither and Laura Wesoloski, flew in from Pennsylvania to help out with the food drive as well.

The 1-44 ADA's FRG responded by organizing a battalion-wide food drive and getting each Soldier to do their part in helping this compassionate cause.

Employee Aids Leukemia Patient

By Karl Weisel   Special to American Forces Press Service
 

U.S. ARMY GARRISON WIESBADEN, Germany - For 102nd Signal Battalion telephone technician Alexander Weber-Fetscher, June 22, 2007, will be remembered as the day he welcomed a new life into the world and helped to save another.

That's the day his son was born and also the day he learned he was an ideal match as a stem cell blood donor for a young leukemia patient.

"The same day as my son was born there was a letter at my house," Weber-Fetscher recalled, explaining he had registered with the German Bone Marrow Donor bank in Koblenz in 1994 after seeing a German television program seeking a donor for a 4-year-old boy.

While he wasn't a match for the 4-year-old, he did come up as a match for another patient five years ago. "But they didn't take me," Weber-Fetscher said, explaining that the series of blood tests matches an initial four blood markers, and if successful, doctors take more blood and try to match an additional six markers of the donor with the patient in need of a transfusion.

Kadena Hosts 10th Annual Special Olympics

III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs  Story by Pfc. Jovane Holland

 

11.22.2009 The sun shone and spirits were high as more than 900 special needs athletes participated in the 10th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Nov. 14.

The games, which consisted of foot races, hockey, tennis, golf, soccer, basketball and other outdoor events, are the culminating events for the Okinawa chapter of the Special Olympics, according to Col. Kelly Fletcher, commander of 18th Mission Support Group, 18th Wing, Pacific Air Forces, and chairman for the Okinawa Chapter of the Special Olympics.

Chiefs in Bahrain Purchase, Donate to Special Needs Children

Bahrain Chiefs Perform Community Service

U.S. Naval Forces, 5th Fleet Public Affairs  Courtesy Story 10.19.2009 By Petty Officer 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge

 

MANAMA, Bahrain - The Southwest Asia Chief Petty Officer's Association from Naval Support Activity Bahrain purchased and donated much needed equipment for mentally and physically disabled students at the Regional Institute for Active Learning School Oct 15.

"Helping disadvantaged children get adequate medical care as well as an education is worthwhile," said Chief Petty Officer William Hammond, a religious program specialist. "This community relations program has been a great success."

This project has made a big difference in the lives of underprivileged children. The chiefs donated two new wheelchairs and one walker for students with physical handicaps valued at $4,000.

"The families were really touched by the gesture," said Christine Gordon, director of RIA School. "I am so grateful to the chiefs because there was such a great need for the equipment."

The chief petty officers association sponsored a karaoke night in the chief's mess to help raise money to buy the equipment for the school.

This donation is just a small part of ongoing efforts to support the school by the chief's association. "Members of the chief's community volunteer at the school weekly," said Hammond.

According to association president Chief Petty Officer Thomas Butler, a navy career counselor, helping the children of the RIA School is beneficial.

"What a great way for the chiefs to show their spirit. Today we show that the chief's mess is committed to helping the community."

The RIA school is a non-profit special needs school and houses approximately 100 students of varying educational and physical abilities.

The Heart of the Matter

Story by Spc. Nevada Smith

69th Public Affairs Detachment

10.14.2009 CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — Viona Cuci has stunning blue eyes and a smile that will break your heart. This is very fitting, since Viona had a hole in hers.

Viona, who was born just one day after Christmas last year, has had a very hard time of things. You might hear some people say they had it rough as a child, but you wouldn't say you had it rougher than Viona. On Jan. 14 almost three weeks after being born doctors discovered a murmur in her heart.

"We had gone to the doctor for a regular checkup when they found the heart murmur," said Shemsi Cuci, Viona's father and a linguist working on Camp Bondsteel. "We had an ultrasound and discovered she had a hole in her heart."

In fact baby Viona had two heart complications, the hole in her heart and an almost complete blockage of the aortic artery going to her lungs.

Falcon Band Makes Friends, Inspires Blind Children in Kyrgyzstan

376th Air Expeditionary Wing Story by Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi

 

10.02.2009 TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- A team of Airmen deployed with the Air Force Central Command Band made a difference in a local village here through their talents when they made a stop at the Transit Center at Manas, Sept. 25 - 28.

The AFCENT Band Falcon inspired and performed for an audience of mostly children during a show at the Bishkek Boarding School for the blind and visually impaired in Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 28.

The team's performance at Manas was part of their concert series around the AFCENT area of operations.

"We are improving international relationships in the communities that we live and work in," said Lt. Col. Larry Lang, Falcon Band director. "Music is a universal language and everyone can appreciate it."

139th Airlift Wing Helps St. Joseph Scouts Earn Their Merit

Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Office Story by Angela Jean

10.01.2009 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – More than 300 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts took home a merit badge over the weekend thanks to the 139th Airlift Wing members.

The scouts camped out from Friday through Sunday outside the gates of Rosecrans Memorial Airport learning basic survival skills. Those skills were put to the test Friday night as a thunderstorm ripped through the area.

"It was awesome," said Jordan Hill, 9, of St. Joseph. "It started raining and the tents blew in on us. It started flooding water everywhere. I was afraid the other tents were going to blow away, too."

Iraq 14-year-old Mortar Attack Survivor released from hospital

Air Force medics release 14-year-old mortar attack survivor after weeks of treatment

by Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

9/29/2009 - JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS)  -- The all-call came over the Air Force Theater Hospital loudspeakers at 11:45 a.m. Sept. 17 here. It wasn't an emergency, but it prompted dozens of staff members to stop what they were doing and make their way to the long exit hallway. Smiling and chatting, they began lining up on the walls.

Over in the intensive care ward, a 14-year-old Iraqi boy was gingerly settling into a wheelchair.

Medical personnel applaud as Ahmad, a 14-year-old Iraqi victim of a mortar explosion, leaves the Air Force Theater Hospital Sept. 17, 2009, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Ahmad spent more than a month at the AFTH recovering from his injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Heather Norris) 

With a doctor rolling him along and his father by his side, Ahmad rounded the corner, turned down the hallway and broke into a grin. He raised his hand and waved at all of the medical professionals who were waiting -- for him.

Andy Baldwin's Pennsylvania Health Ride and Kids Fitness Days 2009

Hmmm.......why is a site that has it's focus on Iraq and Afghanistan publishing an article about Andy Baldwin?  If you don't know the answer to that, then you don't know who Andy Baldwin is.  We cover topics that are military related, and you know I love finding stories about our troops who step outside their military work to help others in the community.  So here is a short bio on just a part of who Andy Baldwin is.

AFG:82nd Airborne Shuffle Scene Pays Charity

Paratroopers Run for Charity

40th Public Affairs Detachment by Pfc. Derek Kuhn,  08.22.2009

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – It's 6 a.m. and scores of Paratroopers can be seen pushing themselves to their limits on Disney Drive. The rising temperatures, elevation and mental and physical exhaustion are barriers each Paratrooper must endure and overcome as they run Bagram Air Field's main thoroughfare.

In a show of 82nd Airborne Division's pride and generosity, many Paratroopers are running laps around BAF's perimeter to raise money for charity.

Known as the Combined Joint Task Force-82 Perimeter Run Challenge, the event recognizes the first 10 individual runners or teams of four to complete 82 laps around the perimeter with a donation to a charity of choice.

The donation originally awarded $82 for charity to the winners. However, other donations have bolstered the event's total from $820 to $2278.

Each lap measures 7.9 miles and has many hills, which increases the difficulty of each lap in the already thin air.

According to the event's mastermind, Army Maj. Anthony Clemente, future operations officer for CJTF-82, prior to the 82nd Airborne Division's arrival CJTF-101 had a completed laps tracker, but he wanted

'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Air Force style

Air Force volunteers pitch in for co-worker's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'

by Ron Fry  Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

Air Force volunteers remove a wheelchair ramp from the James Terpenning home while "Extreme Makeover" camera crews videotaped the work Aug. 1 at Beavercreek, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ron Fry)

8/4/2009 - BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (AFNS) -- A team of Air Force military members and civilians volunteered Aug. 1 to help a fellow Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employee who is getting a new home as part of ABC-TV's series, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

A team of about 25 Air Force people helped with the makover of the home of James Terpenning, a computer specialist at the Aeronautical Systems Center. The team of volunteers were led by Gen. Donald Hoffman, the Air Force Materiel Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, the ASC commander.

Pilot for a day

Kayla Kiley learns about the KC-135 Stratotanker while sitting in the cockpit during the Pilot for a Day Program July 23 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Kiley is currently battling cancer. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy)

 

Pilot for a day leaves Andrews with memories for a lifetime

Beanies for Afghanistan Update

"I'd like you to meet Zakel. He is 17 yrs old and last year, during a time of turmoil in his life he was recruited by the Taliban to become a suicide bomber."

Playing Into the Hand of the Enemy - 3 Banning Generosity

by WOTN Editor

 

There are multiple excuses used for banning the generous actions of individual troops.  In a report from Iraq, the excuse for a ban on throwing candy from a moving vehicle was that it "endangered kids."  In a report on a complete ban of handing out toys, the excuse was that the recipients and their families were targeted by the Taliban.  These are excuses for a lack of deliberate planning to overcome a specific challenge.

As my role in convoys had been often the designated candy/pencil thrower, I can tell you it is very easy to do this safely.  Kids always lined the sides of the streets and candy was never thrown into the street.  For More on throwing candy and pencils, see "Dust Devils Spawned of Candy Sins"

The total ban on toys is however the biggest play into the hands of the enemy I think I've seen yet.  This one simply astounds me.  No one wants their gift to be used by the atrocious as a means of targeting, but banning the sharing of smiling hearts of Afghan kids and American Troops is not the right answer.  This simple act of kindness is one of the highlights of an American Soldier's time in some of the worst conditions known to man.  See Beanies for Baghdad by MsMarti for the effects and how you can help.

The excuse rests on this targeting of Afghan Children by the Taliban and it is at the very heart of the difference between US Troops and the enemy we fight.  We give kids toys which brings a smile to a kid's face, a Soldier's face, and the parents of the kids.  Supposedly, the Taliban then rides in and slaughters this happy family for having received the toys and the smiles from Americans.

The Taliban knows as well as anyone that parents' hearts and minds are warmed by this act that brings happiness to their child.  Word spreads of the generosity across the village and the tribe.  People begin to realize that Americans aren't so bad as they've been told.  Contrast that to the enemy that then kills Afghans for having the audacity to smile and embrace the happiness of their kids.

Deliberate Planning on this one would have determined the knee jerk response was backwards and counter-productive.  It would demonstrated that increased cooperation with locals to secure their own safety was needed to overcome the threat.  It would have demonstrated that the proper response was not an end to the smiles of kids but a plan to eradicate those that would harm kids.

The Taliban, like other tyrant wannabes, attempt to win the Counter-COIN match with fear.  It is a short term strategy that banks on the perception that the government cannot prevent their atrocities.  US COIN strategy is long term and rests on building the trust of the people, turning against those that inflict fear on them.  This example is one which plays directly into the enemy's tactic of preventing ours.

And for the Troops that benefit from the act of giving, it is one that annoys me more than most knee jerk reactions.

Part 1: Playing Into the Hand of the Enemy

And it is not only in the information arena that we are now playing into the hands of the enemy.

War on Terror News©2009, ARM, all rights reserved.

Marine Donates Bone Marrow

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -Corporal Brandon Benjamin serves his state as a corrections officer, his country as a Marine and as of June 18, a total stranger as a bone marrow donor. Bone marrow donation is the only chance for a cure for many patients afflicted with terminal diseases such as leukemia. Benjamin decided to undergo the painful process despite an upcoming deployment to Iraq in just over a month.  Courtesy Photo, 6/22/2009 8:00 PM

Giving the gift of life: Marine donates bone marrow 

6/23/2009  By Lance Cpl. John Faria, II MEF 

MARINE COPRS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - How far would you go to save the life of someone you’ve never even met?

That’s the question Cpl. Brandon Benjamin, a military policeman in the Marine Corps Reserve, faced when he was called up for active duty and a second deployment to Iraq.

When Benjamin volunteered to be listed on the C.W. Bill Young DOD Marrow Donor Program back in 2004, he never dreamed he’d be confirmed as a match with a terminally-ill patient right as he was preparing to leave for a combat zone.

Chief Addresses Concerns

 

BAHRAIN (May 11, 2009) Vice Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III, Chief of Naval Personnel, salutes as he is piped aboard the Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69). Ferguson visited Sailors in Bahrain to discuss current Navy personnel issues and thank them for their service. Milius is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer/Released)

Chief of Naval Personnel Addresses Sailors' Concerns in Bahrain
Release Date: 5/12/2009 4:52:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The chief of naval personnel (CNP) visited Sailors in Bahrain May 10-11 to discuss current Navy personnel issues and thank them for their service.

CNP Vice Adm. Mark E. Ferguson held an all hands call at Naval Support Activity Bahrain and visited Sailors deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations aboard the Norfolk-based USS Milius (DDG 69), the Bahrain-based USS Gladiator (MCM 11) and the San Diego-based USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

"There is no substitute for going forward and seeing the great work that Sailors are doing and hearing their concerns," said Ferguson. "Then I can take their concerns back to Washington, D.C., when we address the problems of Sailors and their families."

During his discussions with Sailors, Ferguson addressed the Navy's recent decision to hold some permanent change of station (PCS) moves, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the return of family members to Bahrain, force stabilization, selective re-enlistment bonuses, individual augmentee deployments and the new Navy working uniform.

"It's a great time to be in the Navy," said Ferguson. "We're seeing record retention levels; we're seeing reduced attrition, and the performance of our Sailors around the globe is truly extraordinary. It is a great time to serve with the benefits that we offer in terms of education, pay, health care and the introduction of the Post-9/11 GI Bill."

Ferguson assured Sailors that they will be able to conduct a PCS move to their next duty station if they have orders in hand. He also said that the Navy should have a more definitive answer regarding PCS moves for the rest of the fiscal year by the end of June.

"Those who could potentially be affected in July, August and September, we'll work on a case-by-case basis and try and protect those who have operational assignments, career milestone billets and follow-on education to get them orders," said Ferguson. "I can assure Sailors that leadership, from the secretary of the Navy to the chief of naval operations (CNO) on down, are working to identify sources of funding for this year."

Ferguson also lauded the introduction of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and stressed the flexibility of the new GI Bill, which allows Sailors to transfer their entitlement to their spouse or children.

"Congress and the administration have been extremely supportive of our service members and their families," he said. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a tremendous benefit that entitles Sailors or their dependents to post-secondary school tuition, basic allowance for housing and a stipend for books and fees, upon completion of service requirements."

The visit to Bahrain is the first by Ferguson since he became the Navy's 55th chief of naval personnel April 16, 2008. He is responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training and education resources, budgeting for Navy personnel and developing systems to manage the Navy's total force.

 

Airmen take heed for those in need

Staff Sgt. Robert Forbes paints a column on a piece of playground equipment at the Umut-Nadjeshda Children's Rehabilitation Center May 9 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A group of Airmen visited the center in their off-duty time to help install a stove and improve the children's playground. Sergeant Forbes is a vehicle maintenance technician assigned to the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at nearby Manas Air Base. He is deployed from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and his hometown is Tucson, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Charles M. Wade)

by Master Sgt. Charles M. Wade
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/14/2009 - MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFNS)  -- Ten Airmen from Manas Air Base visited the Umut-Nadjeshda Children's Rehabilitation Center in Bishkek May 9 to help fix the center for more than 60 local children.

Marines Help PVA At Pistol Match

HIGHLAND, Calif., -Members of the Cal-Diego chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America aim down range during their prep time before firing the 25-yard, slow-fire portion of the chapter's 2nd annual pistol shoot at the Inland Fish and Game shooting range in Highland, Calif., April 16. 8 Marines from the Carlos Hathcock Range Complex attended the shoot to provide classes about safety and the fundamentals of shooting. They also kept score, helped shooters load ammunition, replaced target faces and gave range commands., Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes, 4/13/2009 5:47 AM

Miramar Marines help coach the old breed 

9/4/2024  By Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar 

HIGHLAND, CalHIGHLAND, Calif.,  —Seven Marines who work at the Carlos Hathcock Range aboard East Miramar volunteered April 13, to help the Cal-Diego chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America conduct the organization’s 2nd annual pistol match, hosted at the Inland Fish and Game shooting range here.

And They're Off...

Multi-National Division-Central

Story by Spc. Darryl Montgomery
Date: 04.25.2009

CONTENGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Six camels lined up at the starting block in a camel race organized by British military personnel at Contingency Operating Base Basra April 18.

As the derby began, teams cheered and shouted as loud as they could for their camels, trying to urge them on. "Go Chuck, go!" shouted one team, sitting nervously on the edge of their seats.

It was neck and neck for some camels, as others remained in the starting block.

The race dwindled to two teams; one made up of British officers and the other of American enlisted personnel, and was settled by just a few feet. With a last-gasp effort, the American team's camel, Chuck Norris, made a sprint to the finish line to win the race in dramatic fashion.

Dirty USAF Recruiters Pay

 

Lt. Col Sean McKenna (front) and Staff Sgt. Kenny Gayoso low crawl through an obstacle at the 10K Dallas-Fort Worth Mud Run March 29. The team finished the race in 1 hour and 55 minutes and raised money for local charities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Rumer)

by Tech. Sgt. Dustin Beard, 344th Recruiting Squadron

4/7/2009 - FORT WORTH, Texas (AFNS) -- Eight members of the 344th Recruiting Squadron took part in the Dallas-Fort Worth Mud Run March 29, getting dirty while raising money for local charities.

The annual race featured nearly 2,500 competitors who took on a 10-kilometer course along the Trinity River Trail, made challenging by 18 military-style obstacles and loads of mud and water.

The 344th RCS competed as two separate teams, each with four members. Both Air Force squads

Soldier-musicians provide musical therapy at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

United States Army Field Band Soldier-musicians interact with patients at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, Maine, March 22, 2009.  Photo credit John Altman

On a chilly Sunday afternoon in March in Portland, Maine, there was nothing but warmth within the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.

Children snuggled securely with stuffed animals and blankets; employees huddled together as they tightly clutched their coffee cups; and family members held the hands of loved ones-all visibly attempting to get a firm grip on anxiety.

Then The United States Army Field Band arrived, and, to the delight of patients, family members and staff alike, the Soldiers' Chorus sent melodious notes throughout the hospital.

With bright walls, skylights and wonderful outdoor views as the backdrop, the Chorus belted out folksongs and musical theater selections that left the audience mesmerized.

Soldiers, college students work side-by-side to build homes for homeless

Pfc. Vincent Tomasino, a volunteer in the 11th Engineer Battalion, trims the j-channel, which he must lay down before adding siding to the Habitat for Humanity house Friday.

Mar 23

By Cheryl Rodewig

Nineteen Soldiers from the 11th Engineer Battalion helped build several Habitat for Humanity houses last week in south Columbus. They partnered with college students on spring break to provide housing for low-income families at a low, interest-free cost.

Students impress Marines

 

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.-Marine volunteer Staff Sgt. Steven Turner, electronics maintenance chief at The Basic School, reviews sixth-grade student Alyssa Gonzalez’s science fair project., Lance Cpl.. Jimmy Serena Jr., 2/4/2009 11:00 AM

Sergeant Gives Kidney to Fellow Airman

By Air Force Master Sgt. Darryl Bush
Special to American Forces Press Service

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., Feb. 5, 2009 – On April 30, 2008, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Jones became what some would call the "ultimate wingman."