More GOOD NEWS out of Iraq / SAFE Haven - NO POLITICS

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Afghan Girl Translates for Chairman at School Opening

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PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, July 21, 2009 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior U.S. military members, a best-selling author, and Afghan officials all were on hand for the opening of a girl’s school here last week. But among the dignitaries, a 16-year-old Afghan girl stood out.

Lima, a 12th-grader and top student at a Kabul high school, was allowed to travel to Panjshir with her brother to attend the opening ceremony for the Peshgur School for Girls in the province’s Khenj district. She translated Navy Adm. Mike Mullen’s speech from English to Dari and served as an example of hope in educating Afghan girls.

Throughout the morning, Lima spoke with many of the girls, explaining the hard work and determination she’s applied toward her education.

“We must make our own decisions,” she said. “Nothing is easy. My decision is to study and make a future for myself.”

Lima’s high school is run by Greg Mortenson, the author of “Three Cups of Tea,” who has it made it his life’s work to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Mortenson coordinated the building of the six-classroom Peshgur School for Girls, which is managed and funded by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team in coordination with the Panjshir director of education. It is among the team’s 12 education projects, worth $2.8 million, throughout the province, including nine schools, two dormitories and a multi-purpose building that will be used as a library and laboratory.

Lima, who is fluent in Dari, Pashto, English and Urdu, is preparing for her college entrance exams. She plans to study medicine at Kabul University. Although Lima’s father is unemployed and her mother is a homemaker, she said it’s their support and Mortenson’s vision that have helped her get to where she is today.

[Finish story here] (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55200)

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Related story with photo gallery and special:

Mullen Helps Celebrate New Opportunity for Afghans:
http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=57848221&postcount=8721 (http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=57848221&postcount=8721)

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/EKT0GNCAYTEW1LCAMH4M7GCAQ9L88JCABZJ.jpg .... Do you remember this priceless little story? :mrgreen: Posting this FYI and for those who may have missed the story back in Feb. :D


Animal Planet to feature military’s camel rescue

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Many people associate firefighters with rescuing cats out of trees. For the firefighters assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron in Iraq, they weren’t expecting this animal rescue call Feb. 9: A baby camel was trapped in a manhole.

http://www.stripes.com/images/icons/video_icon.jpgSee story and video (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63806)

[Original post here] (http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=48652231&postcount=7464)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Royals, Fox Sports Honor Missouri Guard’s Agribusiness Team

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KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 21, 2009 – The Missouri National Guard’s agribusiness team in Afghanistan will get a touch of home when Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals and Fox Sports Network honor them during the Royals’ Aug. 8 game with the Oakland A’s at Kauffman Stadium here.

Members of the joint Army and Air National Guard team, which is working with farmers in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province to modernize and stimulate the province’s agricultural economy, will watch the game live at 3 a.m. there.

“This is a great opportunity for soldiers, airmen and families to share an American tradition,” said Army Capt. Janet Wunderlich, who is serving with the team in Afghanistan.

Families of the deployed Guard members will receive two free tickets to the game, with the opportunity to purchase additional seats at reduced cost.

“Events like these help with morale, and it makes the family of the deployed servicemember feel a sense of support, too,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Marsha Thompson, family program specialist. “It is like a ‘thank you’ from the servicemember to the family members who support them. The families really get pumped up and excited about these types of events when they know their soldiers and airmen are watching at the same time.”

Fox and the Royals recently sent a care package to the 60-member agribusiness team that included team jerseys and caps for the Guardsmen to wear during the telecast.

[Read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55199)

Sooooo sweet, thank you Royals and Fox Sport!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan, Coalition Force Confiscates Weapons in Helmand
07.22.2009 03:40
KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint Afghan and coalition force found a cache of weapons in an operation on a Taliban compound in central Helmand province Tuesday night, July 21.

The operation was the pursuit of a senior Taliban commander responsible for the recruitment of improvised-explosive device technicians and the transfer of weapons and bomb-making materials into the region.

The combined force searched the compound near the village of Heyderabad, about 50 km northeast of Lashkar Gah, after intelligence indicated militant activity. While moving to the targeted compound, the force engaged a small militant element after receiving fire.

A search of the compound was conducted without further incident and the following items were confiscated: one AK-47 rifle, one chest rack, and 75 pounds of black tar heroin. One suspected militant was detained.

The force was engaged multiple times upon leaving the compound from three different locations. The force engaged the enemy again and called in precision close air support. Several militants were killed during the incident.

There were no Afghan force, coalition force or civilian casualties.

Helmand province has been increasingly plagued by Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders routinely seek strongholds in Helmand to facilitate the movement of fighters into the heart of Afghanistan. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36635

THANK YOU TROOPS, AWESOME JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Historic Flying Tigers Excel at Close Air Support Mission in Afghanistan

07.22.2009 04:22

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Air Staff Sgt. James Irvin performs an air-cycle machine inspection on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to ensure the A-10 Thunderbolt functions properly, July 20, 2009. Irvin is deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke


They trace their heritage back to the famous Flying Tigers of WWII's war-torn China. In homage to the storied Airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., still has the iconic sharks face painted on the front of their A-10 Thunderbolt II's, lovingly nicknamed the "Warthog."

The Warthog's mission is to provide close air support and precision engagement missions throughout Afghanistan on a daily basis in support of coalition ground forces.

But before the pilots ever get in the Warthog, it's the 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit that gets the aircraft airborne. There has not been a single day in the deployment of the 74th EFS that squadron didn't have at least two aircraft airborne providing support to their warrior counterparts on the ground.

"Just like the Airmen that defended China in World War II, the 74th AMU is often short on resources, maintain aging aircraft and must make do with what they can," said Capt. James Schieser, 74th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, officer-in-charge."The strong leadership, dedication and perseverance of our non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers and officer corps, are what ensure every aircraft is fully mission-capable. The maintainers of the 74th AMU understand, with the Flying Tiger legacy they inherited, failure is not an option."

To date the Flying Tigers have broken records by flying upwards of 12,000 mission hours, expending more than 100 tons of ordinance in the CAS mission since arriving in February 2009. However, many times all it took was a show of force to end an engagement.

"We seek to avoid civilian casualties in all our operations - period," said Senior Master Sgt. Victor Castillo, 74th AMU Weapons Section superintendent. "We have a variety of methods we use including loading of precision guided munitions, monthly updates of aircraft digital maps, and daily maintenance of our targeting systems to ensure the safety of innocent civilians on the ground."

But when enemy combatants don't flee after a show of force, the Warthog can deliver a precise strike to protect coalition ground forces.

Army Specialist Jason Dorsey, "C" Company, 178th Infantry, saw firsthand the precision and power of the Warthog.

"The A-10s were a valuable asset to us on ground missions here in Afghanistan. Their speed and precise targeting provided great support for us and kept the bad guys' heads down during firefights," Spc. Dorsey said.

"We have so many soldiers coming in from the field to thank us - it's their stories of desperately needing 'air' and seeing an A-10 flying overhead providing cover for them that kept us energized and motivated," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas E. Moore, 74th AMU Lead Production superintendent. "It kept us working hard even when it seemed all we were doing was launching and recovering jets 24/7."

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A pair of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, get their final weapons check before taking off on a close-air-support mission. The aircraft provide close-air support and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for U.S. and coalition ground troops. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Lake

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36637
http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55217

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[Loyal American]

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Ravens fly Iraqi skies providing “bird’s eye” view

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Launching an unmanned aircraft by throwing it in the air might not sound too technologically advanced, but with surveillance equipment and auto navigational systems it could be the difference between life and death.

This aircraft, known as a “Raven,” is operated by two Soldiers assigned to Forward Operating Base McHenry, with the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, who use it as an “eye in the sky” around the base.

Spc. Andrew Larsen and Pfc. Eloy Martinez, both infantrymen with Company B, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., have been maintaining, repairing and operating the Raven during their deployment in addition to their infantry missions.

Before launching the aircraft, Martinez and Larsen program coordinates into it. Once the Raven is airborne, the Soldiers need only to control take offs and landings, while the aircraft does everything in between on its own.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27333&Itemid=128http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif[SIZE=5] ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif [/COLOR]

[Loyal American]

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Soldiers Teach Afghanistan's Next Generation of Farmers

07.22.2009 08:21

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LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army National Guardsmen and Air National Guardsmen from the Kansas Agribusiness Development Team, Task Force Mountain Warrior, conducted an agricultural development class at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam's district Research and Demonstration Farm, July 12-16.

The five day class coordinated with members of the U.S. Agency for International Development, taught students from Nangarhar University more effective farming techniques so that they may teach the current and next generations of Afghan farmers.

"These classes are designed to teach future agricultural leaders modern techniques of growing, irrigating, harvesting, and preserving their crops, as well as taking better care of their livestock," said, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roger Beekman, Olympia, Wash., native and ADT Commander.

Beekman began the instruction with classes on food storage and preservation, and sanitation.

Fellow instructors taught additional farming techniques, such as irrigation, soil management, care of livestock, preventive veterinary medicine, and pest management.

A favorite among the Afghan students was the hands-on soil management class, given by U.S. Army Capt. Jeffrey Mann, a soil scientist from Manhattan, Kan.

"The students loved to dig into and analyze the soil samples," said Mann. "They were very curious about the chemicals used to separate the nutrients from the soil and asked many questions."

Beekman said that he felt the classes would have long term positive effects on agriculture in Laghman.

"If these students take just some of these ideas and work with local farmers, who will then put them into practice, we'll see a more productive and efficient farming society in Afghanistan," said Beekman.

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http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36648

THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan Soldiers Help Villagers Build Bridge in Uruzgan Province

07.22.2009 08:30

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KABUL, Afghanistan – The Afghan national army, coalition forces and villagers from Bartow village, Uruzgan province gathered recently to build a bridge over an irrigation ditch to enhance travel through the district.

ANA and coalition forces joined 40 villagers to help build a culvert in an irrigation ditch to facilitate the movement of vehicles through the district. The village elders had pre-arranged the labor force to be present when the joint force arrived. In only three hours the culvert was complete.

After completing the culvert, the villagers were provided humanitarian assistance and hand tools. This method of distributing humanitarian assistance helps stimulate local economy by providing job opportunities that are directly tied to the improvement of their village, district, and country.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36649

GREAT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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A poster of Massoud Barzani hangs at the main market in downtown Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish autonomous region. Elections for the regional government will take place July 25.


In Iraq’s Kurdistan, tension before the vote

Some dare to dream that ruling families will be ousted at polls

By Heath Druzin (druzinh@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, July 23, 2009

Amid a canopy of colorful campaign banners and a stream of breathless programs on party-run television channels, there’s an eerie quiet on the streets of this regional capital just days before elections in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region.

[Read story] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63837)

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg .......FYI

Osama bin Laden's son thought killed in Predator strike
By Bill Roggio
July 22, 2009 7:20 PM

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Sa'ad bin Laden

Sa'ad bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden, is thought to have been killed in a US Predator airstrike in Pakistan's tribal areas. The report has not been confirmed.

Sa'ad is thought to have been killed during a strike earlier this year, US intelligence officials told The Long War Journal.

"We're pretty sure but we're not certain," one official said. "We are hopeful."

US intelligence officials want to confirm or deny Sa'ad's death by using DNA testing. But it is unclear if they have recovered a body from the attack site.

[Read more] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/07/osama_bin_ladens_son.php)

[Loyal American]

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Afghan, International Security Force Pursue Taliban in Kandahar
07.23.2009 01:05
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound in central Kandahar province last night in an effort to disrupt the flow of militants and bomb-making materials used in attacks against Afghan and international units in the region.

The force searched the compound near the village of Khosrow-e Sofia, northwest of the city of Kandahar, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident, and three suspected militants were detained.

Kandahar province has been increasingly plagued by Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders routinely seek strongholds in Kandahar to facilitate the movement of fighters into the heart of Afghanistan.

There were no ANA, international security forces or civilian casualties during this incident. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36690

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Bomb Materials and Narcotics Seized in Afghanistan Bazaar

07.23.2009 05:02

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A raid in southern Helmand province yielded homemade explosives, improvised-explosive-device-making materials and more than 1,600 bags of poppy seeds.

After collecting the find, Marines from 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, stacked the narcotics and set them ablaze, dealing a major blow to Taliban forces operating in southern Afghanistan.

The Marines also discovered poppy fields outside Safaar, and with the help of Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, were able to take these valuable crops out of enemy hands.

The Marines began the raid in the early morning hours of July 19, in the Safaar Bazaar. The streets were quiet when their search began. They expected to find bomb-making materials and drugs, but didn't anticipate such a large haul. In the end, they seized more than 1,600 bags of poppy seeds and an assortment of chemicals used to make homemade explosives.

The Marines' goals was to upset the Taliban's operations by taking some of the materials they rely on to fight with, interfering with the IED networks and also taking away a source of income, such as the poppy seeds, said Col. Eric Mellinger, the brigade operations officer and native of Old Bridge, N.J. By doing so, he believes the lives of coalition forces and Afghans will be saved.

"The goal was really to disrupt the Taliban and move them out of the area and allow the people to come back into the bazaar," Mellinger said. "There are plenty of legal sales of food and other things.""The figures differ, but we say about six to eight percent of the heroin from this region makes it to [U.S.] borders," Fitzpatrick said. "The money derived from narcotics fuels the insurgency's effort, so it's our job to come out here through interdiction to take the money out of the pockets of the insurgents so they're less capable to fund their efforts against us and the world. It is a global problem."


[Read full release here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36697)

HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif ..... What a sweet story, I am proud of this teenage Soldier, can you imagine how proud her parents are!

Keystone's Teen Medic Thrives on Aiding Others in Iraq

07.23.2009 04:20

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Spc. Amanda Cleveland, a medic in the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, described the importance of pressure in stopping blood loss, during first aid training at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Cleveland has trained nearly 1,000 soldiers in Task Force Keystone leading up to and during her nine-month deployment to Iraq.


CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Spc. Amanda Cleveland describes herself as "a simple girl who is not into drama." As an Army medic, sometimes she can't avoid being in dramatic situations, but it is the ability to consistently help and aid people, not the drama, that drives this native of Williamsport, Pa., to excel at her job.

Cleveland graduated from Williamsport High School in 2007 and, at age 17, immediately set off for basic combat training and Combat Medical School.

"I really wanted to go into the medical field and wasn't sure how I was going to do it," said Cleveland. "A recruiter was able to get me into the health care field and give me a $20,000 bonus on top of it."

Cleveland was 18-years-old when her six months of rigorous medical training began and she became very nervous. "It was the longest time I had ever been away from my family," she said. "I don't know if I could have graduated if it had not been for a few older friends I had made who shared their previous experiences with me."

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Spc. Amanda Cleveland, a medic in the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, shows Sgt. Seth Cantler, a force protection sergeant, how to hold the needle while he sticks his fellow soldier, Spc. Christopher Leonard, during combat lifesaver training at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Cleveland regularly conducts first aid refresher courses for her fellow Task Force Keystone soldiers.

[Finish story here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36696)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU SPC. CLEVELAND!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Basrah Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for
New Sports City Complex

Thursday, 23 July 2009

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BASRAH — The provincial government here hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Basrah Sports City Complex, July 20. The project is slated to be completed in 2013, just in time for the city to host the 21st Gulf Cup Soccer Tournament.

"I am proud that the stadium is being built and the Gulf Cup will be here. I can't wait!" exclaimed one soccer player, 14-year-old Mohammad, through an interpreter.

The Basrah Sports City Complex will also be used as a training facility for future Olympians and world competitors of every scope, according to the display model, which showed training halls and fields for various sports, a main stadium with a capacity for 60,000 to 85,000 seats, an additional stadium, various courts and youth housing. The complex will also have a shopping mall, amusement park, playgrounds, museum and mosque.

One day, Mohammad said he aspires to play in the main stadium with the national team and win the World Cup and Olympics. His companions, who represented a wide range of different sports, responded with laughter and bravado as they jibed each other. But beneath the laughs, there seemed to be excitement and hope as their dreams played out in their minds' eyes.

A fellow athlete, Jaffer, piped in through an interpreter and boasted with 12-year-old seriousness, that he would be "a professional boxer; the world champion! I will be like Mohammed Ali."

One of the children's coaches said during the ceremony that the project represents a great future for Iraqi sports and that Sports City will benefit the city and country as a whole.

"There is a significant challenge before us before we can enjoy the benefits of Sports City, but we will do our best to bring about its completion, on which we will celebrate that glorious day," said Basrah Governor Sheltag Aboud al-Mayah, through an interpreter.

"This place will be added to the landmarks of Basrah and we should be proud of this great symbol,” the governor said. “The city of Basrah is known as the Sea City, the Palm City, the Border Gates and the capital of Iraqi culture. We wish to see it also as the capital of Iraq's economy and as our country's sporting capital."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27350&Itemid=128

GRRREAT!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Freedom Minute, July 23

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This edition features a story on the Iraqi air force pilots training on a Mi-17 helicopter under the advisement of U.S. service members. Hosted by Spc. Abbey Cayanan

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/images/stories/icon_video.gif Watch Now (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=64706)

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Afghan-International Security Forces Search Taliban Compound in Ghazni
07.24.2009 01:42
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound in Ghazni province last night. The compound was used by a known Taliban facilitator responsible for supplying weapons and ammunition to local militants for attacks against Afghan and international security forces in the area.

The force searched the compound near the village of Jahangir Kalay, southwest of the city of Ghazni, after intelligence indicated militant activity. During the search, militants engaged the force, and the force returned fire, killing several enemy combatants. The search continued and the force confiscated multiple AK-47 rifles, one PKM machine gun and grenades. All weapons were destroyed in place.

Ghazni province has seen increasing Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders continually seek to establish strongholds in the province to facilitate the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country.

There were no ANA, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36737

THANK YOU TROOPS, OUTSTANDING JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Wasit Iraqi Police Mobile Training Team Trains Their Own

07.24.2009 02:29

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Iraqi police in Wasit province are now capable of sustaining their own training needs after coalition forces leave Iraq thanks to a coordinated effort between the Iraqi police advisor teams, 772nd Military Police Company and the Wasit IP Provincial Headquarters.

The effort established an IP mobile training team to conduct training at the provincial headquarters and IP stations throughout the province as well as train-the-trainers so the separate units can continue to train their policeman on their own.

"It's most important to me to let the world know that with the support of coalition forces, the 41st Fires Brigade, 772nd MP Co. and the Iraqi police training teams, the creation of this mobile training team not only readies the progress for the future, but we are ready to stand by and stop any kind of enemy," said Capt. Hayder Adnan Ali, IP liaison to coalition forces. "When you get good training and good policeman, you can fight the enemy and protect your community,"

The focus at the provincial headquarters was firearms training for the IP trainees. One of the MTT instructors knows the importance of quality training.

"I like to teach my training ideas and training goals to the students because I know that when I stand and fight against terrorism and any enemy against our country or while protecting all our communities, buildings and people's lives, these recruits will be standing beside me and I will know that they have been trained right," said Sgt. Hayder Sahib Silan, Wasit IP MTT instructor.

"This is the first province in Iraq to have this mobile training team," said Hayder. "The other provinces rely on their academies and the coalition-led police training teams, but here in Wasit, we have the first independent, fully-trained Iraqi mobile training team responsible for professional development and training of the Iraqi police."

The mobile training team also ensures the Iraqi police will be able to conduct training, even when they can't afford to send new recruits to the police academy.

[Finish story here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36742)

FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Afghan-International Security Forces Capture Key Haqqani Facilitator in Khowst
07.24.2009 01:44
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound in Khowst province last night in an effort to interdict a key Haqqani facilitator responsible for multiple operations, including suicide attacks, against Afghan and international security forces in the region.

The force searched the compound just west of the city of Khowst after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident and six suspected militants were detained, one of which was the Haqqani facilitator.

The Haqqani network remains one of the most lethal Taliban organizations operating out of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area. Haqqani leaders conduct operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces and seeks to expel international security forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in the eastern provinces.

There were no ANA, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36738

SWEET JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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U.S., Iraqi Water Initiatives to Breathe Life Back Into Baghdad

07.24.2009 08:23

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BAGHDAD – It's a place that is tainted with seven years of conflict, where dust storms are commonplace, and clean, refreshing water is a scarce commodity.

U.S. forces donated much-needed equipment to the office of the Abu Ghraib Director of Irrigation in an attempt to address the Middle-Eastern country's water supply issues during a meeting on a military compound in Baghdad, July 15.

Soldiers with Special Operations Task Force – Central and Multi-National Division – Baghdad's 403rd Civil Affairs detachment have been working together to increase the ability of the government of Iraq to continue the reconstruction efforts as the American forces begin to leave Iraq.

After fusing their efforts, Capt. Steve Davies and Capt. Stephen Nemmer were able to acquire and transfer a brand-new wheeled excavator and loader into the hands of concerned Iraqi citizens.

Underneath the scorching sun producing record-high temperatures, a yellow flat-bed truck drove through a fortified gate and rolled over loose gravel to pick up the equipment.

"This equipment will support ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Water Resources," said Davies, the SOTF-C civil affairs officer. "The Abu Ghraib Director of Irrigation will be taking possession of this equipment and supervising its use for various capacity-building projects throughout his entire area."

CLICK on photo to read more:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/189855.jpg (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36756)

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[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththAmericanFlag-Animate-11.gif ..... Operation Khanjar Update!

Afghan, Coalition Forces Increase Pressure on Insurgents
07.24.2009 12:03
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan national security force and International Security Assistance Force service members are exerting pressure on insurgents in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan.

ANSF and ISAF have already begun the transition from Phase One of Operation Khanjar (Strike of the Sword) in the Helmand River valley, to Phase Two.

Phase One of Operation Khanjar involved clearing operations in which ANSF and ISAF service members moved into towns and villages along the Helmand River valley. Security forces then separated insurgents from the local population. This will ensure that local Afghan civilians are protected from insurgent intimidation and violence.

Importantly, security forces have recently completed two raids that seized quantities of drugs and IED components.

Phase Two of Operation Khanjar involves ANSF and ISAF establishing forward operating bases and combat outposts from which they will continue to engage insurgents who threaten security and stability in the area.

Security forces have also conducted raids on bazaars in the towns of Lakari and Safaar, which uncovered large quantities of drugs, narcotics, contraband, weapons caches and IED components.

The ISAF and ANSF mission is to provide security for population centres along the Helmand River valley and connect local citizens with their legitimate government, while also establishing stable and secure conditions for national elections scheduled for August 20. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36768

GOD BLESS, THANK YOU AND HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S. Marines Patrol Lakari Bazaar, Afghanistan

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U.S. Marines prepare to return fire after receiving enemy fire in Lakari Bazaar, Afghanistan, July 19, 2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1339)

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Zaidon Begins Market Road Refurbishments, Other Projects

07.24.2009 11:41

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BAGHDAD – The clink of a shovel against a dirt road promised a better future for the people of the Zaidon area of the Abu Ghraib county west of Baghdad.

In a ground-breaking ceremony, members of the 24th Iraqi Army Division, local leaders and Soldiers serving with the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad celebrated the beginning of four projects in the area July 22.

The first project is to pave the main road that leads to Zaidon's market, where daily customers buy the essential nutritional edibles for their families to consume.

The second project is to reconstruct the area's milk storage facility near the market, which will keep milk fresh for a longer period of time.

Plans have also been made to bring more electricity and cleaner water to Zaidon, as well as install solar lights in the area, said Lt. Col. Jim Bradford, a native of Lynchburg, Tenn., commander, 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt.

"The area is important because it sits at a crossroad among three Qadas: Yousifiya, Abu Ghraib and the Fallujah province," he said. "As improvements have been made inside the Amanat and the city of Baghdad it's now time to start focusing on the Qadas and the rural areas to bring those same essential services that we are now starting to enjoy inside the city."

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36765)

THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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NATO air support ready to launch from Hungary


By John Vandiver (vandiverj@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, July 24, 2009

STUTTGART, Germany — The multinational Heavy Airlift Wing will officially activate on Monday when defense ministers and NATO officials assemble in Papa, Hungary, where the 12-nation consortium is set to launch a ground-breaking partnership aimed at bolstering airlift support to places such as Afghanistan.

In the weeks leading up to the wing’s activation, it has conducted a couple of small missions already in a new C-17 Globemaster III.

“The first flight went great. The plane is fantastic,” Col. John Zazworsky said last week, shortly after touching down in Charleston, S.C., during an interim stop on his way to Hungary. Zazworsky, commander of the Heavy Airlift Wing, was traveling with a load of cargo to help support the missions ahead.

The wing is now poised to move forward with its main effort: supporting the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

“The bulk of our missions are pointed that way,” said Zazworsky, referring to a busy schedule that involves troop rotation and resupply support. “We’ve got as much business as we can handle at this point.” The wing, which formed in October after two years of negotiations between the nations involved, is expected to log 3,500 hours of flight time per year. The 12 nations involved are: the U.S., Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and two non-NATO countries — Sweden and Finland.
[Read full story here] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63852)

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Redistribution Point Saves Taxpayer Dollars

Saturday, 25 July 2009

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BALAD — Shipping containers arrive here daily filled with every imaginable item: toilet paper, pens, pencils, turbine engines, Humvee repair parts, even a rock climbing wall.

As Coalition forces continue their responsible drawdown from Iraq and close bases, Mobile Redistribution Teams (MRTs) comb installations looking for excess property. The items are then containerized and shipped to the Forward Redistribution Point (FRP) here for further processing.

"Up to three years ago, these items stayed behind or sometimes ended up in a burn pit, because there simply wasn't a good means to redistribute them," said Air Force Capt. Michael J. Sander, MRT-1, officer in charge.

This is where the FRP comes in, said 1st Lt. Spencer R. Taylor, the accountability officer, 910th Quartermaster Company. He likened the FRP to a middleman for all the warehouses and MRTs in Iraq, a hub for excess inventory.

[Read more] (http://www.mnfi.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27372&Itemid=128)

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Gates, Maliki Discuss Security, Future

Saturday, 25 July 2009

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WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki discussed Iraq security issues when they met at the Pentagon Thursday afternoon.

Gates and Maliki addressed the U.S.-Iraqi security relationship and equipment needs for Iraqi Soldiers and Police, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said.

Their conversation, Morrell said, focused “largely on our security partnership, on ways that we can continue to help the Iraqi Security Forces grow in size and capability, so that they are able to fully exert their sovereignty and protect the people from external and internal threats.”

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27369&Itemid=128)
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Improved Medical Care Facilities for Tarin Kowt Hospital

07.25.2009 12:11

KABUL, Afghanistan – Twenty hospital beds and an operating table have significantly improved the medical facilities for local people at Tarin Kowt Hospital in Uruzgan province, southern Afghanistan.

ISAF medical personnel donated the equipment after learning that the old hospital beds were in very poor condition.

After the equipment was delivered, ISAF and Afghan hospital staff members worked together to ensure that it was immediately assembled and available for use.

"It's hard to maintain complex hospital equipment, but these beds will last a long time," said Maj. Mark Friebel, a Dutch ISAF medical officer based in Tarin Kowt.

Importantly, an ISAF surgeon is mentoring an Afghan surgeon at Tarin Kowt Hospital. This support will help ensure the future of effective medical assistance for local Afghans.

ISAF medical staff are also providing ongoing training and assistance to local Afghans responsible for the maintenance and repair of all Tarin Kowt Hospital's equipment.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36815

TERRIFIC, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Wolfpack Sees Operation Iraqi Freedom From Start to Finish

07.25.2009 01:59

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SAHL SINJAR AIRFIELD, Iraq — From the Rumaylah oil fields in Operation Iraqi Freedom I to Operation Phantom Fury during the retaking of Fallujah to patrolling the western border of Iraq, and now providing security and training for the 11th Iraqi Army Brigade, the Wolfpack Marines have fought our country's battles in light armored vehicles.

The Marines of Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion were one of the first LAR battalions to get their treads dirty with Iraqi soil and will be the last LAR battalion to do so during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The battalion has deployed five times throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom's eight-year transformation, conducting varied operations from the initial invasion to fighting an insurgency, to rebuilding and training the Iraqi security forces.

"I see victory all over Iraq today," said Lt. Col. Kenneth R. Kassner, the battalion commanding officer.

However, Kassner has also witnessed a great deal of struggle during his previous deployments with TF 3rd LAR that show how it has taken many years for the people of Iraq to be victorious.

"There was a time when you wouldn't see a kid in the street," Kassner said. "The fact that kids are playing outside and you can see adults playing a soccer match is a victory."

These small victories are from several years of sacrifice, given to sustain a strong Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces.

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Light armored vehicles with Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8 traverse the rocky terrain of the Sinjar Mountains on a constant basis while deployed to the Ninewa province. The battalion was one of the first LAR battalions to enter Iraq and will be the very last LAR battalion to leave.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36797)


GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU WOLFPACK!
YOU HELPED BRING IRAQ WHERE IT IS TODAY AND
WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Infantrymen Take on Iraqi Security Force Training Mission

07.25.2009 02:37

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARRYOWEN, Iraq – The Iraqi army is better enabling its Soldiers to conduct full-spectrum operations through training conducted with the Soldiers of Company D, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment at Forward Operating Base Garryowen near Amarah, Iraq.

"Our training is preparing the Iraqi army to be able to sustain their own country more efficiently," said Spc. Keith Thompson, infantryman with 2nd Platoon, Co. D and resident of Carney's Point, N.J.

The company focuses training of the 38th and 40th IA Brigades on three areas with the goal of a proficient IA that continues to maintain peace within Iraq and deters threats from neighboring countries.

Most activity is centered on teaching the IA to gather intelligence, plan missions, and basic standards and discipline. Through repetition and leader development, the IA requires less assistance from U.S. Soldiers.

"With the assistance of an eight-man transition team, the Iraqi army's 10th and 14th Divisions have a form of standardized basic training at the Tallil Regional Training Center at Camp Ur," said Maj. Ryan Foxworth, operations advisor with the 10th Iraqi Army Military Transition Team.

Currently, the Iraqi army lacks non-commissioned officer leadership academies. Co. D is helping the IA establish training courses so their future leaders are better prepared for situations they may face.

"Our platoon is trying to help the unit put standards in place so their future Soldiers will be properly trained and prepared for battle situations," said Pfc. Matthew Sheldon, infantryman from Erie, Pa.

Co. D has seen a change in the operations here in Iraq. They have gone from combat operations to an advise-and-assist role. While the current mission differs from the recent past, it is no less important.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36798

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-International Security Forces Seize Weapons Cache in Nangarhar
07.25.2009 05:10
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force seized a weapons cache Friday night in Nangarhar province as part of the ongoing effort to disrupt Taliban operations, particularly suicide bomber and IED attacks against Afghan national army and international security units in the region.

The force searched the compound near the village of Malek Kala, about 40 kilometers southwest of Jalalabad, after intelligence indicated militant activity. During the operation, militants twice engaged the force with hostile fire. The first engagement came from a nearby treeline and the second from compound buildings. The force returned fire, killing several enemy combatants. The search continued without incident and eight suspected militants were detained.

The following weapons were uncovered and then destroyed: Two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one machine gun, nine assault rifles, seven grenades, five chest racks, communications gear and a large cache of ammunition.

Nangarhar province has seen increasing Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders continually seek to establish strongholds in the province to facilitate the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36801

GRRREAT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Pass the Ball and Pass Some Time

07.25.2009 02:44

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Leadership of the Dhi Qar Police Department, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division "Highlanders" and 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment "Steel Tigers" got together to discuss how the units could bolster assistance efforts in Dhi Qar province.

"The policemen that work together on the various security projects have worked shoulder to shoulder with coalition forces for a year now," stated an Iraqi non-commissioned officer.

Members of the Iraqi army, the Iraqi police and coalition forces have been successful in learning to work together on security goals.

The Steel Tigers have been learning about the profession of arms while working side by side with their partners in the Iraqi army and police.

While the leadership met on this pleasant 110 degree afternoon, members of the Steel Tigers and Iraqi police Maj. Gen. Sabah's security detail played a spontaneous game of European football, or soccer in the U.S. The love of Soccer in Iraq is no secret and the Dhi Qar policemen brought the spirit to the game.

The efforts during the Soccer game served to release some stress for all the players, as well as engaging in some friendly competition. The event gave the American and Iraqi players a chance to break from the daily missions and to grow together through friendly sports competition.

"This is an opportunity to exhibit the security that has been established. It's telling them we're getting to the point of normalcy with the Iraqi security forces clearly in the lead of making sure this is a better place," stated 2nd Lt. Chad Cooper, of Peoria, Ill., currently serving with the Steel Tigers.

For those who are wondering, Cooper said, the Americans lost the game 6-0, but they are practicing for the next game.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/190039.jpg
Soldiers of the 1-77 Armor 4th BCT, from Ft Bliss, Texas, along with the Dhi Qar province chief of police's security detail enjoy a friendly game of soccer.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36799

We're glad you had some time to relax and
have some fun Steel Tigers! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

Still think you need to invite your Iraqi buddies to a friendly game of basketball or baseball! :mrgreen:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-International Security Force Pursues Taliban in Kandahar
07.25.2009 05:37
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force detained suspected militants during a search of a compound in Kandahar province on Friday night.

The force searched the compound on the east side of the city after intelligence indicated militant activity. The search found evidence supporting the intelligence, including incriminating photographs. The compound is known to be frequented by a Taliban commander in charge of suicide bomber attacks in the region.

During the operation, three Afghan national security force members were killed and three ANSF were injured when they fired upon the joint force members as they were patrolling the compound. A vehicle also passed by and fired upon the joint force. The joint force commander de-escalated the engagement by using interpreters with bullhorns and then met with the ANSF leaders.

The joint force offered medical treatment to the wounded, but the ANSF declined and provided treatment and medical evacuation for their wounded. An investigation into the incident has been directed.

There were no international security force or civilian casualties during the operation.

Kandahar province has been a target of Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders continually seek to establish strongholds in the province to facilitate the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36802

GOOD JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

May the Fallen Afghan forces RIP, their wounded fully recover and we are keeping all of you in our prayers! :pray:

[Edisto Joe]

As a father who has a son serving in the United States Marines , I tend to pay close attention to what is going on in Helmand since his next deployment will most likely be Afghanistan. He has been to Iraq and witnessed first hand the good our military has accompolished for the people there. As your post points out, the key to victory is not just in defeat of the enemy, it envolves restoring the infrastructure and building the facilities to help the people in that country. Feeding and educating the population go a long way in building a lasting trust once the fighting stops.

Edisto Joe
Personal promo link removed by LEE

[Loyal American]

As a father who has a son serving in the United States Marines , I tend to pay close attention to what is going on in Helmand since his next deployment will most likely be Afghanistan. He has been to Iraq and witnessed first hand the good our military has accompolished for the people there. As your post points out, the key to victory is not just in defeat of the enemy, it envolves restoring the infrastructure and building the facilities to help the people in that country. Feeding and educating the population go a long way in building a lasting trust once the fighting stops.

Edisto Joe
The Edisto Joe Outlook (http://www.edistojoe.com/)
Thank you for the post Edisto Joe and welcome to our forum! Please thank your son for me and tell him I am very grateful for his service! Here is a little post just to honor him and his brothers and sisters in arms!


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/graphic1-3.jpg

Marines Build Motivation With Recognizable Image

07.25.2009 11:43

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CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – What is needed to get through a combat deployment? Some might say the answer is perseverance, determination and motivation.

Two Marines with Regimental Combat Team 3, deployed here from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment based in Okinawa, Japan, have gone out of their way to help bring a little bit of motivation to their fellow Marines and Sailors.

Cpl. David Belling and Lance Cpl. William Byrne, field artillery fire control men with RCT-3, built a silhouetted Iwo Jima memorial at the RCT-3 compound here.

This particular memorial depicts one of the most recognizable photographs of World War II, taken by Joe Rosenthal, of five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on the fourth day of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

"I wanted to do what I could to help bring a little bit of motivation and help boost the morale of the Marines," said Belling, who is nine months into his deployment.

They started working on the memorial July 20, and it took about eight hours to complete it.

We worked on the project because we wanted to inspire others by reminding everyone of the history of our Corps, Byrne said.

Throughout the process of building the memorial, Marines and Sailors approached the Marines, shaking their hands and telling them "good job."

"The memorial just signifies what Marines are," said Petty Officer 1st Class Gustavo Ortiz, the religious program specialist with RCT-3. "It is things like this that make it such a privilege to serve with Marines."

In their efforts, Belling and Byrne have left an iconic image of pride and motivation so that those who travel past will remember the sacrifice Marines and Sailors have given.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36811

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththAmericanFlag-Animate-11.gif GOD BLESS, THANK YOU AND HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththAmericanFlag-Animate-11.gif

[Loyal American]

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ANSF, ISAF Thwart Attack, Defeat Insurgents
07.25.2009 12:05
KABUL, Afghanistan – An attempt to attack several government buildings in the city of Khost, eastern Afghanistan, was unsuccessful today. The insurgents perpetrating the attack were killed by Afghan national security forces.

The ANSF thwarted the attack as several insurgents tried to destroy the front gate of the police headquarters. ANSF personnel responded before the insurgents could gain entry into the police compound.

In another part of the city, six suicide bombers were killed while trying to storm a government building.

"A group of militants inside of a car filled with explosives tried to bypass a secured checkpoint at an Afghan military hospital," said Lt. Col. Stephan Smith, commander of 2nd Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment. "The vehicle exploded, injuring two Afghan national policemen and two civilians ... the ANSF saved lives today."

The ANSF were first to respond to the attacks and quickly secured the area. They remain in control of the scene with ISAF service members assisting with security. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36814

WOW, ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING JOB!!! MANY LIVES SAVED, INDEED, GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!!

[Loyal American]

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Flight medic Sgt. Nathaniel Dabney, 32, of Prescott, Ariz., strips the shirt off of a British soldier wounded by a grenade blast during combat operations in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. Dabney is a medic with 2nd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, which has pulled dozens of injured U.S., NATO and Afghan troops off the battlefield since a major offensive began in the region earlier this month.


Helicopter ambulance crews:
Making sure everyone makes it home


By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, July 25, 2009

As U.S. and British-led offensives have sought to retake the Helmand River valley from Taliban insurgents, helicopter ambulance crews from the 2nd Platoon “Gypsies” of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade have pulled dozens of wounded — and sometimes dead — U.S., British and Afghan troops from the battlefield. Their job is to make sure that nobody gets left behind.

[Read story/see photo essay] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63866)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thCoin1-12.gif

GOD BLESS AND A GRATEFUL NATION SAYS THANK YOU!!! :flag:

[Loyal American]

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ANP, 4-25 Paratroopers Find Weapon Cache, Arrest 6

07.25.2009 12:22

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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan national police along with paratroopers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a sizable weapons cache and detained six insurgents during a joint operation, in the Jaji District of Paktya province in eastern Afghanistan, July 20.

The night prior to the operation, a group of suspected militants were detected carrying weapons in northern Paktya and were monitored throughout the night.

Acting on the intelligence from the previous night, the combined force searched two locations, uncovering 13 RPG launchers, 16 AK-47 magazines, two weapons vests, six anti-personnel mines, eight RPG motors, eight grenades, two 12 gauge shotguns, improvised explosive device making material and various other items.

"This is yet another example of how the communication between ISAF soldiers and their ANSF partners can lead to a successful mission and the capture of insurgents," said Maj. Herb Skinner, executive officer, 1-40th Cav. Regt. "With this mission, the Jaji District is a little safer now that Troop A and its Afghan partners took those threats out of the equation."

No U.S. military or ANSF casualties were sustained during this operation.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36816

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[coyote1880]

Thank you for the post Edisto Joe and welcome to our forum! Please thank your son for me and tell him I am very grateful for his service! Here is a little post just to honor him and his brothers and sisters in arms!


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/graphic1-3.jpg

Marines Build Motivation With Recognizable Image

07.25.2009 11:43

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/190094.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/190095.jpg

CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – What is needed to get through a combat deployment? Some might say the answer is perseverance, determination and motivation.

Two Marines with Regimental Combat Team 3, deployed here from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment based in Okinawa, Japan, have gone out of their way to help bring a little bit of motivation to their fellow Marines and Sailors.

Cpl. David Belling and Lance Cpl. William Byrne, field artillery fire control men with RCT-3, built a silhouetted Iwo Jima memorial at the RCT-3 compound here.

This particular memorial depicts one of the most recognizable photographs of World War II, taken by Joe Rosenthal, of five Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on the fourth day of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

"I wanted to do what I could to help bring a little bit of motivation and help boost the morale of the Marines," said Belling, who is nine months into his deployment.

They started working on the memorial July 20, and it took about eight hours to complete it.

We worked on the project because we wanted to inspire others by reminding everyone of the history of our Corps, Byrne said.

Throughout the process of building the memorial, Marines and Sailors approached the Marines, shaking their hands and telling them "good job."

"The memorial just signifies what Marines are," said Petty Officer 1st Class Gustavo Ortiz, the religious program specialist with RCT-3. "It is things like this that make it such a privilege to serve with Marines."

In their efforts, Belling and Byrne have left an iconic image of pride and motivation so that those who travel past will remember the sacrifice Marines and Sailors have given.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36811

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththAmericanFlag-Animate-11.gif GOD BLESS, THANK YOU AND HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththAmericanFlag-Animate-11.gif

Somewhere, Mike is smiling.

I am thinking even Ira would enjoy this.

[Loyal American]

Somewhere, Mike is smiling.

I am thinking even Ira would enjoy this.

HOORAH!!! :flag:

[Loyal American]

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U.S. forces use aerial strike on bunker to destroy weapons cache
Saturday, 25 July 2009
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, DIYALA, Iraq – In cooperation with Iraqi security forces, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division coordinated an aerial strike on a bunker in southern Diyala province, July 25.

The bunker was discovered to contain an active weapons cache during a combined patrol in the area.

The cache had been booby-trapped with homemade explosives and the patrol assessed it to be unsafe for Soldiers on the ground to destroy.

U.S. forces coordinated for two air-delivered munitions targeting the bunker, located in a remote area south of Balad Ruz, away from any population centers. There were no reported casualties following the air strike.

The strike was carried out in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Security Agreement between the United States and the Government of Iraq. Iraqi Security Forces at the Diyala Operation Center approved the strike, and U.S. forces continued coordination with their Iraqi counterparts throughout the mission. http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27380&Itemid=21

Emergency Response Brigade arrest two suspected terrorists outside Baghdad
Friday, 24 July 2009
BAGHDAD – The Emergency Response Brigade, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists during an intelligence-driven mission outside of Baghdad, July 22.

The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh.

Court documents indicate that the constables arrested the suspected insurgents in accordance with the Republic of Iraq’s terrorism law. The suspects are allegedly affiliated with insurgent groups and wanted for conducting improvised explosive device and rocket attacks targeting Iraqi Security Forces operating in the area.

According to ground forces, the apprehension of these suspected terrorists will promote the rule of law and the legitimacy of the Iraqi Government. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27368&Itemid=128

THANK YOU TROOPS, GREAT JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Outside the City: MPs Continue to Mentor Iraqis

07.25.2009 11:29

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BAGHDAD – Since Sovereignty Day, an Iraqi national holiday declared on June 30, the Iraqi security forces have taken the lead, but the Fort Bliss, Texas-based 591st Military Police Company still has a mission to do – train their Iraqi police counterparts to take over security on the outskirts of western Baghdad. On July 24, the MPs geared up and prepared to meet with the IPs yet again.

"Our mission hasn't changed," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Romero, an MP squad leader from San Antonio assigned to the 591st MP Company "There is still more PTT (police transition team) training that we can do even though they've taken the lead."

According to Romero, the PTT mission is to help build tactical and technical skills in order to make the IPs more proficient. In order to check their progress as a blossoming police station, the 591st MPs frequently visit their IP counterparts.

During this visit, they asked the IPs about what new weapons they've received, what investigations are ongoing, if they've detained anyone and if the Ministry of Interior has made any requests.

Romero noted that the amount of classes the IPs have wanted to take has dropped since June 30, most likely because the IPs thought the MPs were supposed to have been gone.

"By talking to the station commanders, we have been able to slowly spread the word that the June 30 deadline only applied to the city and not the countryside, and we're still here to help them out as much as we can," explained 2nd Lt. Romeo Hizon, a platoon leader from El Paso, Texas, assigned to the 591st MP Company, 93rd MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36810)

THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Crew members for a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade prepare for an air assault mission on a recent night in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan.


‘You can’t drive to this fight. You have to fly.’


By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, July 26, 2009

There are few good roads in southern Afghanistan. Dirt tracks that meander through the desert are easily mined, and by the time U.S. and other NATO troops lumber out in heavily armored convoys to their destination, the insurgents have often melted away. U.S. helicopters have become key to fighting the Taliban, restoring the element of surprise with less risk to troops, U.S. commanders say.

CLICK on photo to read story:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/63885_72514558.jpg (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63885)
U.S. soldiers step off the ramp during a recent night air assault mission.


GOD SPEED AND THANK YOU!!! :flag:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Haqqani Militants in Paktika
07.26.2009 05:22
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound last night in the remote reaches of Paktika province in an effort to disrupt Haqqani command and control, communications, and supply lines in the region.

The joint team searched the compound in the Deela District of Paktika, about 160 kilometers southwest of the city of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident and five suspected militants were detained.

The Haqqani network conducts operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces, and seeks to expel international security forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

There were no Afghan, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36824

FINE JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S. troops, Iraqis defuse bombs, take fire on quick-reaction mission
Sunday, 26 July 2009
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers learned of an explosion that destroyed an electrical transmission tower south of Baghdad and called for U.S. support, July 25.

In a combined effort, Soldiers of Company B, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team; Airmen of the 447th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detachment; and Iraq Army soldiers of 25th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division, defeated the explosives planted by terrorists.

The Soldiers of Company B, on duty as the base quick reaction force, and the EOD team rolled out of Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah in armored mine resistant vehicles soon after the Iraqis requested assistance in the early morning.

The explosion destroyed more than 100 feet of power transmission lines supplying electricity to the region. Iraqi Soldiers investigated and confirmed that more explosives threatened a second tower in the rural farming area.

“The Iraqi information was dead on,” said Staff Sgt. George Smith, a squad leader with Company B. ”Intelligence is the key to any successful mission.”

Smith’s Soldiers and the Iraqi troops fanned out from the site, keeping those living on nearby farms and homes away.

As the Soldiers worked, they were taken under small arms fire from a tree line about 500 yards away.

The U.S. and Iraqi soldiers moved to clear the nearby area, and received no more fire.

“It makes me feel better about being here, getting out and getting at the enemy,” said Spc. Anthony Abbot , an infantryman with Co. B.

With the area secure, an EOD robot rolled out to the nearly 100-foot tall tower. An onboard camera showed that terrorists taped explosives to each of the tower’s four legs.

Explosive ordinance technicians guided the robot to each of the explosives and defused them. The explosives were gathered in an empty field and destroyed.

“It is good we found and took care of the explosives without anyone getting hurt,” said Abbot. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27387&Itemid=21

EXCELLENT JOB, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Afghan-ISF Captures Haqqani Improvised Explosive Device Facilitator in Khost
07.27.2009 02:14
KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound last night, July 26, in Khost province known to be frequented by a Haqqani improvised explosive device facilitator responsible for attacks against Afghan and international security forces in the region.

The joint force searched the compound near the village of Majles, north of the city of Khost, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted of the compound without incident and seven suspected militants were detained, one of which was the IED facilitator.

The Haqqani network is a criminal organization which conducts operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces, and seeks to expel international security forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

There were no Afghan, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36838

GOOD GUYS SNATCHIN' UP THE DIRTBAGS AT EVERY TURN! :D
LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS! :dance:
THANK YOU TROOPS, TERRIFIC JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Container Repair Yard Increases Production, Reaches Milestone

07.27.2009 06:22

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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Just seven months ago, Joint Base Balad's Iraqi-owned container repair yard consisted of 45 workers and a quota to repair a minimum of 60 containers per month.

Since then, the Miran Village Company has continued to exceed its production standard monthly since January. This accomplishment, however, pales in comparison next to what the company has grown into today through the hard work of its Iraqi owner and staff, and U.S. Forces.

The Miran Village Co. is now capable of employing nearly 100 workers, and able to repair more than 200 containers a month given their recent milestone.

"In the beginning we had only 45 workers, but we were still able to exceed production," said Hashim Abd Al-Amir Mahdi, owner of the Miran Village Co. "We were successful at the time even though most of the workers were new at their job and just becoming skilled. Now with better training and understanding of their job, we can continue to increase our production."

In June, Mahdi said he employed a total of 84 workers and credits the company's increased productivity to the new workers. For future months, Mahdi said production goals include reaching 250 containers per month, and growing to more than 100 employees. To meet these goals, the Miran Village Co. plans to hire and train a total of 10 new workers per month, which will allow a gradual increase in the company's workforce.

The successes of Mahdi and the Miran Village Co. have not gone unnoticed by those who work with him.

[Finish story here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36849)
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Biap Canals Flowing Again

07.27.2009 11:00

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BAGHDAD -- Sgt. Thomas Jeffrey Phillips, Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward M. Lubas and Bilingual Bicultural Engineering Advisor Majeed Al Tamimi stood, July 23, at the edge of an empty canal that disappeared into the horizon.

The team from the 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, Camp Victory, listened as the diesel back-up generator was fired up, popped, sputtered and then died.

After a few adjustments were made by Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority mechanics, the pumps were primed. Water progressed from a muddy trickle to a steady flow, bringing a satisfying end to the project that started back in April.

"It's good to see they were able to pull everything together and get it working," Phillips, a Gilbert, Ariz., native said.

"To see all that water barreling out and filling the canal was a pretty good feeling."

More than two months ago Director General of ICAA, Sabeeh Al Shebany, expressed the increasing water levels beneath the runway were a priority for any assistance the 364th could provide said Lt. Col. Howard A. Schaffer, Beaverton, Ore.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36856)

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Dagger EPRT Leads Change in Abu Ghraib

07.27.2009 12:16

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BAGHDAD – As northwest Baghdad was once a main-effort location to bring essential services to locals, representatives of the U.S. are focusing on the larger, rural areas of the Abu Ghraib Qada.

This job falls to the embedded Provisional Reconstruction Team-West, which works with the 2nd Heavy "Dagger" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and is equipped with governance and economics specialists with expertise and experience from both the military and civilian realms.

The military and civilian leaders in the ePRT (w) and the Dagger Brigade share a common goal: to increase sustainability in the bond between locals and their political leaders to maintain the democratic establishment of Iraq for years to come.

The ePRT (w) looked for a simple way to strengthen that bond between citizens and their local government in Abu Ghraib through services that haven't been carried out since well before the Saddam Hussein era. "During the Vietnam War, when they were trying to get more presence in the provinces, they mixed U.S. and Vietnamese teams to go out and do the same thing," he said. "We used that model because it had a lot of effect in bringing some areas under control in that time. It sounds like something that worked in the past so we wanted to take that concept and use it in this theater."

[Read full release here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36863)

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Public Health Team Reviews Inspection Process for Products Entering Iraq

Monday, 27 July 2009

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HABUR GATE — A team of veterinary officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army and Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture recently visited this port city in the Kurdish region, at the request of the Iraqi government.
"The purpose of the mission was to get a good look at the inspection process for plant and animal products coming in to northern Iraq so that we can have a better understanding of any kind of road blocks that might be present," said Army Col. Stan Wood, chief of public health, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade.

Inspection processes here can cause significant delays, said an Iraqi official. So as a result, representatives from the government of Iraq requested the assistance of the U.S. government to help solve the crisis.

Addressing these delays would aid the importation process and assist American producers looking to export their products to Iraq, said Wood. More efficient procedures could stimulate growth within the Iraqi exportation trade as well, he continued.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27393&Itemid=128)

Grrreat!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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U.S. Development Team Assesses Afghan Cement Plant

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Islamuddin Ahmadi, general manager of a cement plant in the Jabal Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Parwan province, points out deposits of limestone, clay and gypsum, the key raw materials needed to produce cement, to visiting U.S. development experts, July 25, 2009. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 28, 2009 – Accompanied by members of Task Force Warrior and Task Force Gladius, a U.S. government business and stability operations team visited the Jabal Saraj Cement Plant in Afghanistan’s Parwan province July 25 as part of a fact-finding mission.

Deputy Undersecretary of Defense Paul Brinkley, director of a business and stability task force, and his team of development experts have worked in Iraq for the past three years building the private business sector, and now are travelling across Afghanistan to determine if the United States can assist Afghans with more employment opportunities.

Islamuddin Ahmadi, the plant’s general manager, met with the group and gave a brief tour of the cement plant that employs about 200 workers. The Afghan-Soviet war in the 1980s resulted in damage to the plant’s structure, said Ahmadi, who has worked at the plant for the last 30 years.

“The Taliban later forced plant workers at gunpoint to turn on machines in the absence of adequate power, causing other structural problems and damage to equipment,” he added.

Due to limited electricity, the plant operates for only one hour per day, but it produces cement and has limited sales.

“We did not expect to see this in Afghanistan,” the development experts said, referring to the relatively good working order of the plant and the level of expertise in management.

After the fact-finding mission, Brinkley will report the team’s findings to U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry and to Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, who requested the mission in an effort to foster economic growth in Afghanistan.

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http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55277

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[Loyal American]

Iraqi Freedom Minute

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

This edition features the quality training at the Besmaya Combat Training Center.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/images/stories/icon_video.gif Watch Now (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=64939)

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Major Sewage Project Complete

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

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BAGHDAD — The effort to restore essential services in Baghdad has seen a significant increase as security improves throughout the Iraqi capital. One example of this is the competition of a major sewer network project for the residents of Karkh.

"I was pleased to see this sewage project in our area," said Mobarak, Salhiyah neighborhood council chairman. "We have not seen a project like this occur in our area in over 15 years."

The project was one of many started and seen through to completion by members of the Joint Project Management Office (JPMO) of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), but this project stood out to the Soldiers because of the direct impact it will have on the citizens here.

"The people of Salhiyah will have a new sewer network that will last for decades," said Maj. Andy Attar, officer in charge, JPMO, 2HBCT. "It's a great sign of Iraq moving forward."

Following a small ceremony to commemorate completion of the project, the contractor in charge provided a luncheon for the leaders in attendance.

The luncheon was a chance for the leaders to discuss the importance of the project as well as reflect on their choice of who should be responsible for the construction of the sewage plant.

"I was very happy to see this event turn out so successfully," said Jamal, Karkh Beladiyah director general. "I was happy about the choice of the contractor because I knew he would follow up on his work."

Another positive sign for the project was the start to finish involvement by the local government in an effort that shows Iraqis are ready to take and keep the lead on future reconstruction efforts.

"This sewer network was designed by Baghdad City planners," said Attar. "The work was supervised by their engineers daily with the Dagger Brigade in overwatch."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27433&Itemid=128

TERRIFIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Odierno Says Iraqi Response Paves Way for More Progress

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - The commander of Multi-National Forces - Iraq said today he's extremely pleased with the way Iraqi security forces have stepped to the plate following the June 30 withdrawal of American forces from the cities and towns of the country.

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said he is on track to fulfill the mission he and his command of 130,000 Americans in the country have received. "I've been given very clear guidance: one is that we will have a change of mission on Aug. 31, 2010, and we will no longer have a combat mission," he said during an interview at the Al Faw Palace here. "And by Dec. 31, 2011, all U.S. troops will have left Iraq."

Trend lines are moving in the right direction, with overall incidents in July down from June, which was down from May, the general said. High-profile attacks also will be down in July, and casualties are fewer than in past months, he added. "All indicators are right," Odierno said. "It's not perfect -- we've had some growing pains -- but I will tell you we've worked through those over time."

The turnover of responsibility to Iraqi security forces is itself important, the general said. The fact that the United States is executing the agreement signed in December is important in and of itself. "It has sent the message that we are going to abide by the agreement that we signed," he said.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36911)

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Release brings detainee population below 10,000

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Multi-National Force-Iraq and the Government of Iraq reached another milestone July 28 when the total population of detainees in Coalition custody dropped to 9,969.

At the high point in November 2007, there were more than 26,000 detainees being held.

“One year ago, we had 21,000 detainees in our theater internment facilities,” said Brig. Gen. David Quantock, Joint Task Force 134 commanding general. “Today, we have less than half of the July 2008 numbers. We plan to continue reducing that number through releases and transfers in accordance with the security agreement.”

Of the 9,969 detainees in U.S. custody, 3,407 are held at Camp Cropper, 4,511 are held at Camp Taji, and 2,051 are held at Camp Bucca.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27438&Itemid=21[/url)

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Team Works With Afghan Government to Address Timber Issues

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Gov. Fazlullah Wahidid of Afghanistan’s Kunar province addresses Afghan government officials, business leaders, landowners and elders during a meeting to discuss the province’s timber problem, July 28, 2009. U.S. Army photo


BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 30, 2009 – Members of the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan’s Kunar province facilitated a July 28 meeting between Afghan government officials and provincial leaders to address Kunar’s timber situation.

Gov. Fazlullah Wahidid met with the Afghan Finance Minister Omar Zakhilwal and other officials at his compound in Asadabad to discuss the two main problems in the province: what do with piles of cut lumber and how to stop illegal timber cutting.

The day’s events included remarks from business leaders, landowners and elders on how to protect the environment and replanting the forest, as well as discussions on a hydro-electric dam to be built in Kunar.

The officials decided to keep the lumber that’s already cut in the province and use it to develop Kunar’s wood industry and to help to build a better Afghanistan. The ministers also asked the elders to foster tribal support in finding a way to stop the illegal cutting of new timber.

The successful meeting raised awareness of the timber problem and demonstrated to the people that the Afghan government is taking the issue seriously, officials said.

“One of our efforts is to decrease the distance between the government and the local population,” Zakhilwal said. The ministers also agreed to take another look at addressing Kunar’s timber issues after the upcoming elections.

http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55312

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Troops Help Build School Warehouse

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

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BAGHDAD — With the cooperation of the Iraqi and Abu Ghraib governments, Coalition forces began constructing a 450 sq. meter warehouse to hold supplies for dozens of area schools.

Soldiers with the 112th Infantry Regiment "Paxton Rangers" completed the project this past week and opened the warehouse in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, July 27.

In honor of the completion of the warehouse, Coalition forces, who funded and managed the construction of the warehouse, purchased 153 high capacity photocopiers and over 30,000 reams of copy paper.

Dr. Nihad Abbas Shihad al-Juburi, the deputy minister of education from Baghdad, joined several members of the local Abu Ghraib government at the opening ceremony.

The doctor spoke briefly, congratulating the government of Abu Ghraib on its recent improvements to its city, to include upgrades to the schools and the opening of the supply warehouse, which will act as a hub for the schools in the region.

"I want to thank the CF for their generous gift," said Kamil Abbas, the Abu Ghraib council chairman. "[There was] hard work done by everyone to get the warehouse finished before the beginning of the next school year."

After the speakers concluded a short tour commenced with a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

The Paxton Rangers' Civilian and Military Operations Platoon, lead by Capt. Matthew McKnight, was in charge of overseeing the project.

McKnight and his CMO platoon travel throughout the Abu Ghraib area on a daily basis with engineers in order to inspect the work being done by hired local contractors.

"After months of work overseeing this project and making sure it was completed to [standard] we are glad we can hand over a completed project," said McKnight. "[This was] designed to help the children of Iraq."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27442&Itemid=128

TERRIFIC, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Airmen 'step Back' As Iraqis Take Control of Mission Support

07.30.2009 06:45

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CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- U.S. Airmen don't run dining facilities for the Iraqi military here. They don't pump fuel; they don't make runs to ammunition storage points. At least not any more.

All of these daily tasks that require the utmost attention to detail and dedication to supporting mission readiness are handled directly by Iraqi soldiers.

"We're just here to advise them now," said Tech. Sgt. Willie Moorer, who merely provides "a safety net" for the Iraqi soldiers who run a dining facility that feeds more than 400 troops per meal. "My goal is to work myself out of a job. They understand what they need to do to maintain the dining facilities. They know how to get a refrigerator fixed if it breaks, they know why cleanliness is important and they know about health standards."

Iraqi army Sgt. Major Ahmed Atae is the manager at the dining facility at Camp Taji, a position he's held for a year and a half.

"Our soldiers have a hard job and they need good, healthy food," the sergeant major said. "If they have healthy food, they can do their job. My job is to give them that."

Sgt. Moorer, deployed from the force support squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, says the Iraqis are 95 percent ready to run the operation on their own.

"All they need me for now is to give advice on how to solve an issue they don't know how to solve," Sergeant Moorer said. "But they'll actually go and take care of it."

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36961)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

U.S. Troops Search Cave for Weapons

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/090724-A-3355S-018sized-1.jpg

U.S. Army Spc. Jonathan Araiza uses a mine detector during a mission with Afghan National Police officers to search for enemy weapons caches near Shah Wali Zarat in Khost province, Afghanistan, July 24, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith


[SEE PHOTO ESSAY] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1353)

[Loyal American]

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Communications:
Critical to Marines on the Battlefield

07.31.2009 12:56

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HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A squad of Marines is patrolling through the Helmand River valley in southern Afghanistan, and suddenly machinegun fire rings out from a nearby compound filled with insurgents. The Marines immediately attain a grid coordinate for the exact location and radio for a fire mission. Within minutes, a precision round lands directly on the target and neutralizes the threat.

This exact scenario occurred, July 28, and it's just one of many real-life combat missions that would not be successful without the work of communications Marines within Regimental Combat Team 3.

Communications, or "S-6," Marines support the entire framework of operations here – from field radios to secure e-mail.

There are about 140 Marines operating under the RCT-3 S-6, all of which have various backgrounds from radio and satellite communications to information assurance and data. The Marines are primarily from 3rd Marine Regiment's home in Hawaii, but a sizeable amount are augmenting the RCT from units stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

[Read more here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36983)

THANK YOU AND HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Future Hero Project Distributes Smiles to Iraqi Children

07.31.2009 07:28

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CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Over 2,000 children from the Tarmiyah area received soccer balls and school supplies, July 29, thanks to a combined effort between the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (Independence), Iraqi security forces, and the Ministry of Education.

The Future Hero project is a joint effort between Soldiers from the Independence Brigade and their Iraqi security force counterparts. In the past they have done many school drops under the Junior Hero program, but the Future Hero program took things to the next level by involving Iraqi officials and recognizing academic achievements of the students.

"We have done about 15 Junior Hero projects throughout the Tarmiyah qada, but this one is the largest," Sgt. Brian Choe, of Tustin, Calif., said. "We asked to bring in the Ministry of Education and the council members and are presenting the top students from 15 schools with a certificate of achievement today."

Choe has been based out of Tarmiyah since last October and wanted to give back to the small town north of Camp Taji that he had been working in. He got the idea for Operation Future Hero after holding about fifteen Junior Hero school drops in the past 10 months. According to Choe, Operation Future Hero creates community involvement rather than just handing out gifts.

"Sgt. Choe ensured coordination between the ISF, Tarmiyah leadership, and the Ministry of Education," Sgt. 1st Class Brian Boos, of Philadephia, 56th SBCT information operations NCO said. "It's good to see the ISF come together to help support their qada leadership and make this event possible".

Children lined up for two hours with their classmates prior to receiving their gifts. The boys received soccer balls and the girls received backpacks with school supplies in them. Officials from the Tarmiyah school system and the Ministry of Education were on hand to present achievement certificates to students in a ceremony prior to giving out the gifts.

"This is the first time we've done a ceremony especially for the students. It's a good experience for us," Habib Taba al-Fadan, Chairman of the Tarmiyah Teacher's Association and principal of al-Hatab school said. "This is a cooperative effort where everyone can see that the coalition forces working with us to help improve Iraqi society, especially in taking care of kids. These kids are the future of Iraq."

Iraqi army soldiers and Iraqi policemen inflated soccer balls and distributed the backpacks to over 2,000 spirited children. Choe said that he made sure his Soldiers took a backseat in the actual distribution process.

"We want to make sure the children see that the IA and IP are handing out the toys, not us," Choe said. "They see that they can rely on them to help in their community".

Children smiled as they received the gifts and immediately started to kick the soccer balls around and wear the new backpacks. They didn't seem to mind the triple digit heat as they ran in huge packs around the courtyard of the Huda Girls School testing out their new toys.

"The joys of simple gifts and presents are evident today," al-Farda said. "It is all worth the effort to see the smile of a child"

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37000

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! :clap::hug:
THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif This is an awesome story, read all of it!

Airmen Save Iraqi Girl's Life After Improvised Explosive Device Blast

07.31.2009 01:49

Thanks to security forces Airmen, emergency medics and hospital staff here, an Iraqi girl is still alive after an improvised explosive device detonated at her feet earlier this month.

The girl and her family had just attended a Joint Base Balad sponsored clothing-and-toys distribution for local kids at the east entry control point. Shortly after the event ended, Airmen near the ECP heard an explosion.

Maj. David Haigh and Master Sgt. Sua'ava Poti, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing antiterrorism officers, along with Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Potts of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group, were meeting with Iraqi security representatives outside the ECP when they heard the blast. A few minutes later, a local man came running toward them, yelling for help.

Sgt. Potts saw a vehicle approaching behind the man, and he immediately got out of his seat and sprinted toward it. Sgt. Poti followed closely behind. They soon saw other men pulling a young girl, badly bloodied and burned, out of the vehicle. Together, they put the girl on a stretcher.

"What went through my mind right away," Poti said, "was seeing the kids happy one minute -- telling us they love us, seeing the happiness on their faces -- and then with the snap of your fingers, it went from happiness to tragedy."

[Read more here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36985)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:
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[Loyal American]

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School, Bridge Highlight Progress in Afghanistan

07.31.2009 10:32

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - An agreement for a new school to be built and a new bridge over the Kunar River highlight continued improvements in Afghanistan.

An Afghan construction company here agreed with Task Force Mountain Warrior servicemembers July 29 to build a primary school in the province's Qhargayee district.

The new school, the fourth to be built in the province, will serve as the first primary educational center for the children of Miakhan Kac village and surrounding areas. Funding will come from the U.S.-sponsored Commanders' Emergency Relief Program. All four schools are scheduled to open by spring.

In Kunar province, July 27, the provincial reconstruction team assessed the Shigal district's recently completed Bar Sholton Bridge. The bridge's construction, coordinated and funded by the team using CERP funds, supports 50 to 60 vehicles per day and was built entirely by Afghans. It officially opened July 10.

"Now we have an area where we can set up our own bazaar," said Noor Mohammad, a local villager. "Also, we can now see relatives regularly. Now we have access to the district center [and] clinic, and our children can go to high school, when before they could not."

Previously, villagers had to use a rope ferry to cross the river.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37012

FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Six soldiers, left, with Operational Detachment A 0122, 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) received medals of valor for their actions in Afghanistan during a ceremony Wednesday at Panzer Kaserne in Stuttgart, Germany.

Special Forces GIs honored for valor in Afghanistan


By Warren Peace (peacew@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, August 1, 2009

Leaders of 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) said their soldiers disrupted roadside bomb networks and killed two Taliban leaders in Logar province, Afghanistan, during a recent deployment. Six soldiers received medals of valor for their actions during a ceremony Wednesday at Panzer Kaserne in Stuttgart, Germany.

See story (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63968)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/th7446-4.jpg

[Loyal American]

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New Equipment Reaches Frontlines

08.01.2009 03:37

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KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior, were among the first Soldiers in the Army to receive new equipment intended to lighten their load and increase their mobility during missions.

The equipment issue included new individual body armor, boots suited to the mountainous terrain and other equipment, like lighter sleeping systems and knee pads.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Mark A. Eckstrom, of Frazier Park, Calif., the first sergeant for Company A, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., said the difference between the new and old equipment is remarkable.

[Read more here] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=images/images_gallery.php&action=viewimage&fid=191786)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif
277th Engineers Build Bridges, Bridge Gaps

08.01.2009 03:09

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BAGHDAD – On the banks of a rushing river in northeast Baghdad, clouds of dust hang in the air and hulking machines transform the landscape in preparation for a new bridge being built by Army Reserve Soldiers of the 277th Engineer Company, July 30.

Though a suspension bridge already spans the fast-flowing river, it won't support most coalition forces vehicles, explained Spc. Shane Brassell, a heavy equipment operator from Whitney, Texas, assigned to the 277th Eng. Co., 46th Eng. Battalion, 225th Eng. Brigade.

"The bridge they have now is not big enough and not strong enough to get our MRAPs [Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles] through," said Brassell. "So we're helping put up another bridge that's going to be stronger and safer for our guys."

Being able to move through the area safely and quickly is imperative for the Soldiers stationed on either side of the river as well as for Iraqi security forces located here.

"It's a main thoroughfare for Iraqi army and Iraqi police, and it's right next to Taji, which is a big base for them and it will help them get their equipment through much easier," added Brassell about the importance of the bridge for his ISF partners.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37055)

STAY SAFE GUYS, WE'RE PROUD OF THE JOB YOUR DOING!
THANK YOU!!!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[AEOakley]

Video about Iraqis training Iraqis at the department of Public Works (DPW) in Q-West, Iraq. Produced by Spc. Roger Bemis:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65323

:clap::clap::clap:

[Loyal American]

Video about Iraqis training Iraqis at the department of Public Works (DPW) in Q-West, Iraq. Produced by Spc. Roger Bemis:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65323


:clap::clap::clap:
Hey, hi annie!!! It's called no stone unturned, love it!!! Here is a little A-stan story about our Airmen gettin' the job done! :clap:


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Airpower Delivers 'critical' Ammunition to ANA Soldiers on the Ground

08.02.2009 02:58

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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Nothing ever goes by the book, but this is a classic example of airpower supporting ground forces – primarily the Afghanistan national army – with close air support and air-drop capabilities.

The day could be like any other day, but the calls came in – coalition forces, engaged with the enemy on the ground, were running low on ammunition and needed a re-supply.

Like a swarm of bees overhead looking to sting, U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters, deployed from the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne, from Fort Campbell, Ky., and U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs deployed, from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., weren't going to let anything happen to their allies fighting on the ground.

U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Clementz, one of the Apache gunship pilots that day with Task Force Attack, said that between his Apaches and the A-10 Warthogs, they cleared the way of insurgents for the airdrop and that there was "good interaction with each other."

In classic fashion, a workhorse of modern warfare was ready to assist. Lumbering over enemy terrain, the C-130 Hercules and crew assigned to the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram Air Field had the ammunition destined for the Afghans fighting for their lives on the ground.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37061)

GO GO GO AIRPOWER! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

Three different videos, even if write up in 2nd and 3rd are the same! If you only have time to view one, check out the third one! These are the first videos I've seen on Operation Khanjar! Volume up!

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Operation Khanjar, Part 1 'Send in the Reinforcements' No Voice Over
07.31.2009 04:30

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B-roll of U.S. Marines in the Helmand province as they prepare for one of the largest operations to ever to take place in Afghanistan. Scenes include the Soldiers preparing for their operation, maps of the area, interviews and views of local villagers.

[See video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65271)


Operation Khanjar Part 2 ‘Mission Launch’ - Package
07.31.2009 05:03

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Package about a company of US Marines are on patrol in the village of Sorkh-Duz, in Garmsir, Helmand Province. They’ve been invited by the district governor. Their mission is to win over the local people. They’re practicing a new shift in tactics where the number one priority is now to protect the Afghan population. Crucial to that is for them to engage with the local elders. Produced by Josh Fortune.

[See video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65274)


Operation, Khanjar Part 3 ‘Hearts and Minds’
07.31.2009 05:03

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B-Roll of A company of US Marines are on patrol in the village of Sorkh-Duz, in Garmsir, Helmand Province. They’ve been invited by the district governor. Their mission is to win over the local people. They’re practicing a new shift in tactics where the number one priority is now to protect the Afghan population. Crucial to that is for them to engage with the local elders. Part 3 of 3.

[See video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65272)


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thCoin1-12.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif
Medical Skills Passed to Iraqi Partners

Sunday, 02 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — Two U.S. Army medics from the 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron taught Iraqi Army medics Basic Combat Lifesaving skills here, July 29.

This was the third class in a series of eight in which squadron medics Sgt. Jim Slaughter and Sgt. Edward Woolwine teach medical skills to their Iraqi partners, then return in two weeks to observe their former students teaching those same skills to their junior enlisted Soldiers.

"The purpose of the training is to help the Iraqis train their junior enlisted Basic Combat Lifesaving techniques," said Slaughter.

Needle decompression and patient assessment were the topics of the day as Iraqi medic Saif Salim Hassan, 17th Iraqi Army Division, taught the class while Slaughter and Woolwine observed.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27476&Itemid=128)

GREAT JOB, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Marine Helps Transition Team Train Iraqi Army in Vehicle Maintenance

Saturday, 01 August 2009

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CAMP RAMADI — One Marine has come a long way since beginning a maintenance partnership here in February with the Iraqi Army and Military Transition Team 9999.

Staff Sgt. Donald L. Marsh, a platoon sergeant with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), teaches bi-weekly maintenance classes with in-depth classroom instruction followed by practical application on everything from the fuel system to the electrical system of a Humvee.

"Marsh has contributed a great deal to the partnering with the Iraqi Security Forces of the Iraqi Army, 1st Division, 1st Brigade's Maintenance and Transportation Section," said Gunnery Sgt. Bryan K. Tenhopen, an advisor for MiTT 9999. "He has spent a great number of hours preparing classes for them and teaching the fundamental aspects of the Humvee and the 6.5-liter diesel engine.

"The partnership between the MiTT and the Iraqi Army has been increased tenfold with the help of Marsh and some of his Marines," he continued.

The overall goal of the maintenance partnering program is to help the Iraqi Soldiers set themselves up for success.

[Read more] (http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27472&Itemid=128)

THANK YOU, SSG MARSH, TERRIFIC JOB! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif
HOORAH!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Soldiers Trained by U.S. Snipers

Sunday, 02 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — U.S. snipers and squad-designated marksmen helped Iraqi Soldiers improve their combat marksmanship skills here at Forward Operating Base Constitution, July 25 - 31.

During the week-long course, the Iraqi Soldiers split their time between the classroom and live-fire training on the shooting range.

"Trying to communicate what we expect of them is the biggest problem," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Lynch, lead sniper with the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment. "They're just like American Soldiers; they'll do really well, then they might forget a step. They just need repetition."

The class is one of the U.S. Army's "train-the-trainer" classes, designed to saturate the students with knowledge so they can go back to their units and train their fellow Soldiers.

"The instructors are very knowledgeable and have given us so much to help make us better Soldiers," said Sgt. Mustafa, 6th Iraqi Army Division, who shot 37 of 40 targets on his first try.

The targets are 25 meters from the shooters and are sized down to appear between 50 and 300 meters away.

"We have a good group of instructors here,” said Lynch. “We have snipers, squad-designated marksmen and certified instructors [who] know what they are talking about. With the help of some pretty good interpreters we can pass this knowledge onto the Iraqi Army."

Each Iraqi Soldier successfully completed the training after proving their ability to accurately put rounds on target.

http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27474&Itemid=128

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[Loyal American]

In Kirkuk, Iraqis, Kurds work toward
common security goal

By Jeff Schogol (jeffrey.schogol@stripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, August 3, 2009

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Iraqi and Kurdish security forces have taken steps to overcome their people's historic enmity and work together in the Kirkuk area, but it's a delicate situation, a U.S. military commander says.

[Read Story] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63994)

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[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thtroopsgr7-1-7.gif

Photo gallery: Helicopters in Afghanistan (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63998)

Photos by Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Online Edition, Monday, August 3, 2009

Helicopters are playing an increasingly important role in southern Afghanistan, ferrying troops and supplies to remote bases, as more U.S. forces deploy to the region.

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[Loyal American]

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Iraqi National Police Renamed Federal Police

Monday, 03 August 2009

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi National Police received a new name as the Federal Police when the name change became effective Aug. 1.

The name change to Federal Police “goes side by side with the objectives of the national unity government,” said a spokesman for the police.

Lt. Col Mohammed Al Baydani said the Federal Police have a plan to set up a brigade headquarters in every province, including the self-ruled Kurdistan region, over the next two years. He said the Federal Police’s role is to protect all of the citizens of Iraq. In many areas of Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and Amara, the National Police have proven their ability to restore peace and order for the good of all citizens.

Over the past three years, the former National Police nearly doubled in size to 42,000 members. Under the command of Lt. Gen. Hussain Al-Awadi, the police force has raised its training to a higher standard of professionalism. All brigades have now completed advanced individual training courses and more than 5,700 policemen have completed the specialized Carabinieri training taught by the Italian Police and NATO forces.

[Read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55342)
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[Loyal American]

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Medics Aid Afghans in Remote Villages

08.03.2009 10:42

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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Two medics of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, are using their medical skills not only to help their fellow Soldiers, but also to aid local Afghans.

Army Spcs. Chad E. Brown of Red Oak, Texas, and Rodrigus I. Purdiman of Cairo, Ill., both assigned to Forward Operating Base Baylough in Afghanistan, said they are dedicated to helping ill or injured Afghans.

"The impression we try to leave is that America is here to help them in their lives and not to hurt them in any kind of way," Purdiman said.

Purdiman and Brown rotate their duties, with one medic managing the forward operating base aid station, while the other medic accompanies Soldiers on daily patrols. Most of the patrols trek through mountainous terrain to villages in the Deh Chopan District of Afghanistan's Zabul province.

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Army Spc. Chad E. Brown, a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, cleans an Afghan girl's burned leg July 24, at Forward Operating Base Baylough in Afghanistan's Zabul province.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37091)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Federal Police Receive New Humvees

Monday, 03 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — Multi-National Security Transition Command- Iraq (MNSTC-I) donated 12 new Humvees to Iraqi Federal Police (FP) units here, July 26. These FP units are responsible for providing route security during ground movements of U.S. personnel.

The transfer occurred at the Crossed Swords and was attended by members of the Iraqi FP, MNSTC-I Rough Riders and J-4 personnel. The Humvees were off-loaded and driven to the FP headquarters.

“The headquarters of the Federal Police would like to thank MNSTC-I and the Rough Riders in lifting the combating capability for the company of the guards in our leadership,” said Iraqi Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain Jasim Mohamed, commander of the FP Command Force. The donation of 12 Humvee vehicles provides us, the Federal Police, with a more capable power to execute our duties in a better way.”

“This (donation) of Humvees allows the Iraqi security units to better provide protection for U.S. convoys moving through the cities in Iraq,” said Maj. Scott Andrews, commander of the Rough Riders, which has provided security for U.S. convoys in the past. “They were using pick-up trucks before, and now they are ready for this important mission.”

The Security Agreement signed between the U.S. and Iraq requires that both parties agree to continue close cooperation in training, equipping, and arming the Iraqi Security Forces.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27483&Itemid=128

GRRRREAT! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

Iraqi Freedom Minute:
U.S. Troops Advise and Assist Iraqi Police

This edition features a story on Soldiers providing advisement and assistance to Iraqi police.
Hosted by Spc. Michael Pleyte

[See Video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65381)

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[Loyal American]

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‘The Bullet Magnet’ is back in the fight in Afghanistan

By Dianna Cahn (cahnd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, August 4, 2009

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Struck by shrapnel during heavy mortar bombardment in Iraq in 2003, Staff Sgt. Brandon Camacho has since been grazed by one bullet, hit in the shoulder with a tracer round and finally, in June, shot in the arm.

His men call him "The Bullet Magnet" and joke that since all his injuries have been on his left side, if they just stand to his right, they'll be fine.

CLICK on photo to read the story:

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Staff Sgt. Brandon Camacho, 22, right, assesses the situation during a firefight in the village of Sheshquela on July 20. The squad leader with the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment returned to his unit just a day earlier after receiving his fourth Purple Heart for being shot in the arm in May.

A GRATFUL AMERICA APPRECIATES YOU STAYING IN THE FIGHT, GOD BLESS YOU SSG CAMACHO!:flag::flag::flag::flag:

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[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Army, Police and Coalition advisors arrest 10 Ansar Islam operatives
Tuesday, 04 August 2009
BAGHDAD – Mosul Special Weapons and Tactics and Iraqi Army soldiers, with Coalition advisors, conducted a series of raids on July 24 that targeted and successfully captured key leaders and operatives of Ansar al Islam in Mosul.

Fakri Hadi Gari, also known as Abu ‘Abbas and Mullah Halgurd, assessed to be the deputy commander for Ansar al Islam was arrested during this raid. He is believed to be responsible for AAI recruitment and financing efforts and the operational director for AAI attacks. He is also believed to have facilitated the movement of terrorists across the borders of Iraq.

In addition to Mullah Halgurd, the AAI financial emir and a driver/counter for AAI leadership were captured. The force arrested 10 suspected terrorists in total, pursuant to warrants issued by an Iraqi directorate in Irbil.

This operation is the result of a long-term investigation by the Iraqi Army and police forces. Iraqi security forces and coalition advisors will continue to work closely together to ensure terrorists who threaten the security of Iraq are prosecuted under the Iraqi justice system. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27489&Itemid=21

IT'S CALLED SNATCHIN' UP THE DIRTBAGS, LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS! :clap::clap::clap::clap: SWEET JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Soldiers Boost Security for Afghan National Elections

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KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 4, 2009 – Afghan National Police and U.S. military police assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior conducted training here to boost security for Afghanistan’s upcoming presidential election.
Army 1st Lt. Michael T. Nicholson, platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, led his unit in a district partnership training with the Afghan police July 14 and 15 at the Manogai Police Station.

Nicholson, of Burnsville, Minn., said the goal of the training was to ensure Afghan police are able to effectively operate on their own during the scheduled Aug. 20 elections.

The soldiers conducted two days of training with the Afghan police, said Army Sgt. Christopher C. Silva, of Boston, a squad leader with 2nd platoon. On the first day, they met with the police chief and his officers and assessed the station’s armament, personnel and facilities.

“The second day we finished the assessment and started training for the elections,” Silva said.

[Read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55353)

GREAT JOB, THANK YOU! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

U.S. forces introducing Iraqis to high-tech tools

By Heath Druzin (druzinh@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, August 4, 2009

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As U.S. combat troops see their roles reduced, many of them are increasingly working in small units to mentor Iraqis on everything from vehicle maintenance to intelligence-gathering and border security.

[Read Story (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64006)]

THANK YOU TROOPS, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Next Generation CROWS II Increases Soldiers Safety

08.04.2009 08:44


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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The next generation of common remotely operated weapons station offers an updated version with more options to potentially protect service members and defeat insurgents across Afghanistan.

Located on top of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles the CROWS II allows for safer travels by enabling the gunner to sit inside the vehicle, which prevents potential casualties in vehicle rollovers.

"Fact is, we won't have as many people killed in rollover," said U.S. Army Capt. Timothy Ashcraft, a Corpus Christi, Texas, native and the chief of training with the Combined Joint Task Force-82.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37113)

FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Coalition Transfers Umm Qasar, Al Qurnah Bases to Iraqi Government

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BASRAH — In two separate ceremonies, Coalition forces signed over control of the Umm Qasar and Qurnah bases to the government of Iraq, Aug. 1.

Following the implementation of the Security Agreement June 30, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stayed at these locations at the request of the Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi government. Now the Iraqis feel ready to operate these bases independently.

"In Umm Qasar, our forces were partnered with Iraqi Marines and also with the security forces which run the port. Here in Qurnah, the Americans were mostly partnered with the border forces," said Lt. Col. William Benson, commander, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment. Two of Benson's troop commanders were in charge of Umm Qasar and Qurnah.

"Over the next several months the American presence [in Basrah province] will be reduced by about half as we try to shrink and get out of the local areas," said Benson.

"There is happiness in American eyes and Iraqi eyes as they give these properties back to the Iraqi government," said Sameer Alhaddad, the receivership secretariat and Prime Minister's representative for the GoI.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27490&Itemid=128)

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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New Sadr City School Project Complete

Tuesday, 04 August 2009


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BAGHDAD — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently completed a Sadr City school project that will provide education for 600 boys and girls ages six through 12.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held July 29 with family tribal leaders, officials from the District Authority Council, the General Director of the 3rd Rusafa Education Headquarters, and contractor employees who worked on the $1 million Ammar Bin Yasir School project.

Project Engineer Inez Bergerson from the Gulf Region district’s Loyalty Resident Office said, “it’s a real pleasure to see projects such as this completed in an area of Baghdad that has so little.”

When possible, building materials were purchased from local markets in an effort to help local business owners, Bergerson said.

As Iraq strives to build a secure, stable and self-governing nation, the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed thousands of projects in support of Iraq reconstruction. Since 2004, GRD has completed 4,619 projects throughout Iraq valued at more than $7.2 billion, and has 285 projects ongoing.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27493&Itemid=128

THANK YOU USACE, ROCK ON!!! :clap::flag::clap::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Sons of Iraq Program Continues Integration

Tuesday, 04 August 2009

BAGHDAD – More than 3,000 members of the Sons of Iraq (SoI) program were transitioned Sunday for employment into Iraq’s civil services.

The Government of Iraq assumed responsibility for the program in April and has paid the salaries of all 95.000 members since then. At that time, they committed to transitioning a majority of its members to civilian employment, with the others being integrated into the security forces.

In this latest step, they provided employment opportunities in various ministries throughout the government as well as public service departments.

The integration reflects the improved security situation in Iraq that the SoI program helped bring about.

http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssays.aspx?y=2009&m=8

THANK YOU SOI AND BEST WISHES FOR MAXIMUM SUCCESS IN THOSE NEW JOBS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[ALcard]

We're way ahead of schedule on this project. The pontoon bridge will be a lot better than that chintzy scrap metal they have over the river right now :)

By the way, LA, the local kids love the tootsie rolls ;)


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277th Engineers Build Bridges, Bridge Gaps

08.01.2009 03:09

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BAGHDAD – On the banks of a rushing river in northeast Baghdad, clouds of dust hang in the air and hulking machines transform the landscape in preparation for a new bridge being built by Army Reserve Soldiers of the 277th Engineer Company, July 30.

Though a suspension bridge already spans the fast-flowing river, it won't support most coalition forces vehicles, explained Spc. Shane Brassell, a heavy equipment operator from Whitney, Texas, assigned to the 277th Eng. Co., 46th Eng. Battalion, 225th Eng. Brigade.

"The bridge they have now is not big enough and not strong enough to get our MRAPs [Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles] through," said Brassell. "So we're helping put up another bridge that's going to be stronger and safer for our guys."

Being able to move through the area safely and quickly is imperative for the Soldiers stationed on either side of the river as well as for Iraqi security forces located here.

"It's a main thoroughfare for Iraqi army and Iraqi police, and it's right next to Taji, which is a big base for them and it will help them get their equipment through much easier," added Brassell about the importance of the bridge for his ISF partners.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37055)

STAY SAFE GUYS, WE'RE PROUD OF THE JOB YOUR DOING!
THANK YOU!!!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

We're way ahead of schedule on this project. The pontoon bridge will be a lot better than that chintzy scrap metal they have over the river right now :)

By the way, LA, the local kids love the tootsie rolls ;)
You are ahead of schedule because you guys ROCK!!! :cool:

I'll send more tootsie rolls in your next box, love the kid, ALcard! :hug:

[Loyal American]

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On Ramadan

08.05.2009 07:32

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BAGHDAD – Soldiers serving in Iraq will find that operations and the local citizens might be a little different from usual beginning Aug. 22 and continuing through most of September. Things will be different as most Iraqis will observe Ramadan.

Ramadan is an Islamic religious observance of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins with the sighting of the new moon and continues for 30 days.

On the Western solar calendar, the month of Ramadan moves ten days forward every year. This year, 1430 by the Islamic calendar, Ramadan starts on Aug. 22 and ends on Sept. 20 for Sunnis, with the Shi'a starting and ending a couple days later.

Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the Islamic year, regardless of faith or sect, according to Kadhim al-Waeli, cultural advisor for Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

"All Muslims respect Ramadan; they look to it as the month of mercy and generosity," he explained. "You cannot be true Muslim if you don't fast during Ramadan - it is one of the five pillars of Islam - you have to do it."

The month is characterized by fasting, additional prayer and charity for the less fortunate. Muslims reflect on their lives and use this period to get closer to God.

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37169)
Best wishes for a save Ramadan!

[Loyal American]

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ISAF Engage Insurgents in Southern Afghanistan
08.05.2009 07:36
KABUL, Afghanistan — At 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 5, International Security Assistance Forces identified four insurgents in the Arghandab District in Kandahar province. The insurgents were in open ground with no residential areas in the vicinity. The insurgents were carrying weapons and plastic jugs and were identified as possibly emplacing improvised explosive devices in an area known for IED attacks.

ISAF engaged the insurgents with rockets and small arms fire from a helicopter, killing the insurgents. A large secondary explosion was observed at the point of impact indicating explosive material was in the insurgent's possession. No bombs were dropped.

It is ISAF policy to take all measures possible to avoid civilian casualties. In this case, the insurgents that were targeted were in the possession of a large amount of weaponry and explosives that would be used against ISAF, Afghan national security forces and Afghan civilians.

ISAF is conducting a full investigation of this incident.

ISAF deplores the use of improvised explosive devices due to their indiscriminate nature causing death and injuries to innocent Afghan civilians. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37170

OUTSTANDING JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S. Nurses Aid Iraqi Counterparts

08.05.2009 11:04

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HILLAH, Iraq - In the United States, patients typically see a nurse or technician first at a doctor's appointment, but the same does not hold true in Iraq.

In Iraq, doctors normally are in the lead. They write down a patient's history, take vital signs and direct the nurses.

"The nurses here aren't allowed to do some of the same things that nurses back in the U.S. are allowed to do," said Army 1st Lt. Betty Moore, general medical surgeon nurse for the 10th Combat Support Hospital.

A medical symposium at Babil Maternity Hospital in Iraq's Babil province July 26 to 29 highlighted the differences between Iraqi and American nurses, including education, practical skills and critical-thinking skills.

"A nurse in the U.S. has the initiative that many Iraqi nurses lack or are not allowed to use," said Army Capt. Sharon Owen, brigade nurse for Company C, 172nd Support Battalion. "For example, if a patient starts to have a problem, a nurse in the U.S. would start to assess the patient immediately. Here, the nurses would go find a doctor, because they don't know what to do or aren't allowed to do anything."

Iraq lacks an educational standard for nurses, said Moore, a Canyon Lake, Texas, native. "For example," she explained, "there are some nurses here with a ninth grade education, and then there are others who have a two- or four-year degree from a local university."

Iraqi nurses have limited opportunities to receive foreign education, said Nedaa Wahab, the hospital's midwife and health researcher. "But we do our best to learn as much as we can when the opportunity arises," she said.

To boost their capabilities, American nurses are teaching Iraqi nurses additional skills and critical thinking.

"The American nurses are here to help the Iraqi nurses by being a role model for the nursing profession," said Owen, a Cincinnati native. "Things have to change in Iraq. By educating and giving the nurses here some of the knowledge we have, we can start empowering the nursing profession."

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37175

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Soldiers Run with the Big Dogs

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Wednesday, 05 August 2009

FOB WARRIOR — No matter how fast the dozen or so Soldiers ran, they couldn't outrun Buli and Capka, a pair of German Sheppard military working dogs, during a demonstration here, Aug. 1.

Soldiers from the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, volunteered to don bite suits and were given a head start before the dogs were released.

Spc. Corey Jones, a water purification specialist with 15th BSB, sprinted with all his might, and although he made it farther than most, his run ended with him in the dirt and the dog still tugging on his arm.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27499&Itemid=128)

God bless the MWD and their handlers! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Marines Train Afghans During Live-fire Exercise

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NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 5, 2009 – A 46-pound artillery round explodes into the hills surrounding Forward Operating Base Kalagush here as Afghan National Army forward observers watch patiently, consulting their maps.

After an adjustment, Afghan officers from the 4th Kandak enter new data into their computers and relay updated coordinates to the artillerymen waiting to fire. Within moments, the 7,000 pound D-30 122 mm howitzer artillery cannon blasts another round; this time it’s a direct hit.

The cloud of smoke growing in the distance Aug. 2 marked the first time 4th Kandak forward observers, fire direction control personnel and artillerymen have worked together to conduct live-fire training, said Marine Corps 1st Lt. Steve Murello of Embedded Training Team 4-4.

CLICK on photo to read more:

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HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Infantry Foot Patrols Disrupt Insurgents, Aid Remote Afghan Villages

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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Soldiers of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment at Forward Operating Base Baylough have one mission, disrupt the enemy. Austere FOB Baylough lies 7,500 feet above sea level in a valley below the Hindu Kush Mountains. Because of rocky terrain, most patrols to the remote, local villages in the Deh Chopan District, Zabul province, are dismounted, or foot patrols.

Although they conduct offensive operations based on specific intelligence reports, the 1-4 Inf. Regt. Soldiers accomplish most of their counterinsurgency through daily, key leader engagement patrols. The Soldiers rotate, so each squad patrols every three days.

"We're trying to build trust with [local leaders]," said Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Carney, a 1-4 Inf. Regt. platoon sergeant from Norwood, Mass. "Give us information where the bad guys are, and we'll go fix them for you, so they won't be a problem."

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37203)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU TROOPS!!!

[Loyal American]

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ISAF Engages Insurgents in Southern Afghanistan
08.06.2009 12:36
KABUL, Afghanistan — International security forces killed five insurgents at approximately 10:30 p.m., Aug. 5, in southern Afghanistan.

ISAF forces observed five armed, fighting-aged males for nearly one hour near Senjaray in Zhari District of Kandahar province. The insurgents were observed emplacing command-wire improvised explosive devices along a road.

The men were positively identified as insurgents and they were fired on by an ISAF helicopter using a missile and machine-gun fire. No other people were present in the area at the time of the engagement. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37213

THANK YOU TROOPS, AWESOME JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Women Take Business Into Their Own Hands

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – More than fifty Iraqi women met with Soldiers and contractors recently at the Basra Airport to discuss opportunities in business development and business contracting.

A large portion of the conference was dedicated to explaining opportunities with Joint Contracting Command – Iraq's Women-Owned Business Initiative, a program that reserves Department of Defense contracts for businesses primarily owned by women.

"The target audience for the conference was educated women because contracting normally deals with a huge scope of work that requires specialties in engineering and business management," explained Capt. Ann Demapan, Women's Initiatives coordinator, Multi-National Division - South. "Programs like these can prove to both men and women that women are competitive and competent in almost any field of work."

Jasim Al-Sarraf, a business development consultant with Regional Contracting Center – Basra, concurred.

"Most contractors are men," said Al-Sarraf, a native of Baghdad. "We know for sure that there are many educated women in this society. The university is pumping students out every year."

"They need jobs. They need income," added Al-Sarraf. "And if they don't have it they'll end up sitting at home."

Read more CLICK on photo:

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[Loyal American]

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Basrah SWAT arrests suspected terrorist commander in southern Iraq
Thursday, 06 August 2009
BAGHDAD – Iraqi police from the Basrah Special Weapons and Tactics team, along with U.S. Forces advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist commander Aug. 5, during an Iraqi-led operation in southern Iraq.

During the early-morning mission, the SWAT team operated under the authority of a warrant issued by the Basrah Court. Court documents indicate the police force arrested the suspected insurgent leader in accordance with the Republic of Iraq’s terrorism laws.

The suspected terrorist commander of the Basrah-based insurgent group is allegedly responsible for conducting and coordinating improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks in the area.

The detainment of this individual may reduce the insurgent organization’s effectiveness to conduct attacks against the local populace, Iraqi Security Forces and Government of Iraq officials living and working in the area. ]http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27506&Itemid=128

GRRREAT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif.... More on the symposium in Hillah!!!

Soldiers Teach Iraqi Nurses, Midwives New Skills

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HILLAH, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2009 – U.S. soldiers with the 172nd Infantry Brigade medical team and 10th and 115th Combat Support Hospitals instructed Iraqi nurses during a four-day medical symposium at Babil Maternity Hospital in Iraq’s Babil province.

Midwives, emergency room and ward nurses, and premature intensive care unit teams worked with 40 Iraqi nurses and midwives July 26 to 29 to aid them with infection control, patient assessments and other skills.

“We’re trying to provide education for the nurses and midwives who don’t have the opportunity to further their education outside of Iraq,” said Army Capt. Sharon R. Owen, brigade nurse for Company C, 172nd Support Battalion.

“I’m so excited to learn all the things the American nurses have to share with us,” said Nedaa Wahab, midwife and health researcher. “They have new information, and they’re here to support and help us to grow in our profession.”

The symposium began with a tour so U.S. nurses could get a first-hand look at the Iraqi facilities. After the tour, the symposium’s itinerary changed.

“We originally were going to perform rounds every morning, except for the last day, but through our observations we needed to rework what we planned,” said Army 1st Lt. Betty Moore, general medical surgeon nurse for the 10th Combat Support Hospital. “We focused the second day of the symposium on applied training such as patient assessments and bedside assistance.”

The next day, the teams performed rounds and trained in the hospital wards. The midwife team trained Iraqi nurses on the prevention of postpartum hemorrhaging.

“Deaths from postpartum hemorrhaging is a major problem here in Iraq,” said Sundus Karam Ali, head emergency obstetrics care nurse. “We are very grateful to have this opportunity to work with the American nurses and learn what they know.”

On the last day, medical teams instructed the group on neonatal resuscitation. The medical team then presented each midwife and nurse with a certificate of training.

“This is a very small step in empowerment for nursing in Iraq,” said Owen, a Cincinnati native. “However, I think that we’re showing them that there are more opportunities as a nurse, and leaving them with a broader knowledge of skills.”

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http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55398
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[Loyal American]

U.S., Afghan Forces Conduct Night Operation

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As seen through a night-vision device, U.S. Army soldiers watch a CH-47 Chinook helicopter land during an air assault mission during Operation Champion Sword in Khost province, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2009. The operation involves Afghan security forces and International Security Assistance Forces in efforts to focus on specific militant targets and safe havens within Sabari and Terezai districts of Khost province in eastern Afghanistan. The soldiers are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Focus Targeting Force, 4th Brigade Combat Team.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Freire

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1364)

GOD SPEED AND THANK YOU!!!

[Loyal American]

Just FYI, rather interesting!

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Iraq offers $2,000 for mixed-sect marriages

Sunni-Shiite unions rebound as violence falls

By Bushra Juhi and Deb Riechmann, The Associated Press
Mideast edition, Friday, August 7, 2009

BAGHDAD — Muhanad Talib, a Sunni Muslim, married his Shiite bride because she was a “suitable woman” for him. It also didn’t hurt that their vows made them eligible for a $2,000 payout from the government.

Talib and his wife are among more than 1,700 newlywed couples who have accepted cash from a government program that encourages Sunnis and Shiites to tie the knot. The government has held 15 mass weddings for inter-sect couples from all over Iraq, with the most recent taking place last month at a club in western Baghdad once used by Saddam Hussein’s army.

While the Iraqi government doesn’t track marriages bridging the two major Muslim sects, experts say mixed couples are on the rebound after a dramatic decline during the days of heavy violence. The rise, or rather, the return of mixed marriages appears to be one more sign that Iraqi society is gradually recovering from the war, and that things are more peaceful than they have been in years.

[Read more] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64059)

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[Loyal American]

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Mother, Son Serve Together in Afghanistan

08.08.2009 06:19

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – Deployed Soldiers have all kissed their families good-bye, and headed off to war with the expectation of learning to handle the constant heartache of missing their loved ones.

However, in a rare exception, two Soldiers in eastern Afghanistan have found unexpected relief from this typical situation by being assigned to the same location at Forward Operating Base Salerno in the Khost province.

U.S. Army Maj. Una Alderman, the chief nurse officer for the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, received deployment orders after her son had already been serving in Afghanistan.

"His [mailing] address said Salerno, and then I found out that was where I was going. I just couldn't believe it," she explained.

Her son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Seth Alderman, a military policeman with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Alaska, was equally surprised.

"When I came here with 4-25 in March, she was on orders waiting to deploy, but we didn't know where," he said. "When I found out she was coming here, to Salerno, I just thought 'Wow.' It was a huge surprise to both of us."

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37283)

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[Loyal American]

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Radio Station Gives Voice to Remote Mountain Province

08.08.2009 04:23

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NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When Shaib Dad Hamdard was growing up in Afghanistan's Nuristan province he dreamed of being a voice to his people.

Now, with the turn of a dial, and the flick of the switch, he's on air at Kalagush Radio, reaching out across the remote mountain province.

Today's topic: the need for woman's equality.

"With this I can educate my people," the 24-year-old station manager said, motioning to the microphone. "I can provide a voice to them."

Broadcasting into areas so isolated, that many residents may only travel as far as the neighbouring village in their lifetimes, Kalagush Radio is "a live existence of the [outside] world," said Hamdard.

For 12-hours a day the Nuristani radio station offers news and entertainment programs catered to the remote mountain people.

Although the news stories are not always positive, they are always honest. Offering a balanced look at issues affecting area residents, and following the station's "don't take any sides" philosophy.

But the news is only one part of the station's programming. DJs offer a variety of music, history, education, religious and social commentary shows as well.

According to Hamdard, one of the Kalagush Radio's most popular shows is a daily music program that allows listeners to phone in with requests. Thousands of people attempt to call the hour-long show every day, but only a few hundred get through.

"We think of the needs of the local people, and what they want," said Hamdard, remarking on the station's success.

Although funded by International Security Assistance Forces, the people of Kalagush Radio insist they decide what is put on the air.

"Of course it is funded by the coalition forces, but I have total control over the programs, the programs are not limited to any specific groups." said Hamdard."

Now with the success of the radio station, ISAF forces are working with Kalagush Radio to expend their broadcast to 24-hours a day. They're also planning on hiring several new journalists for the station, including an Afghan woman. Offering a voice, the station's crew says, to a silent majority.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37282

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Captured Weapons Repaired, Used by Iraqi Army, Police, Security Forces

Saturday, 08 August 2009

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CAMP TAJI— The 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) delivered roughly 900 captured enemy weapons to the Taji National Maintenance Depot here, July 28, under an agreement requiring enemy weapons captured by the U.S. military to be turned over to the Government of Iraqi for future use by the Iraqi Army, Police and other Security Forces.

Read more... (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27529&Itemid=128)

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[Loyal American]

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Iraqis Export Two Million Barrels of Oil per day in July

Saturday, 08 August 2009

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Oil Ministry recently announced that oil exports for July had reached 2.037 million barrels per day, an increase from 1.925 million barrels per day in June.

The export levels are the highest totals since 2003. "The July exports represent a strong showing from the Iraqi oil sector. This demonstrates the amount of success that can be achieved when all parts of Iraq's oil sector are contributing,” said Colonel Gerald Fontenot, Director of Multi-National Force-Iraq’s Energy and Services Division.

The latest progress report sent to Congress, “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq,” credited security improvements throughout the country for helping maintain production and exports. The report further stated that while there have been several minor pipeline interdictions over the last several months, none have impeded production, refining or exports.

http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27540&Itemid=128

FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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American Pastime Boost Morale

08.08.2009 01:32

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CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - When you think of Soldiers serving in a combat zone the last thing you might envision is a group of service members gathered around a set of bleachers lacing up cleats and talking about what the batting order will be for the up and coming game.

Since 2004 the Morale, Welfare and Recreation department here on Camp Victory has been supporting one of America's favorite pastimes. Every two weeks, starting in May and running through September, MWR holds softball tournaments on the Camp Victory Softball field.

All of the softball tournaments are sponsored by companies from the United States. The most recent tournament was sponsored by "Lone Star Double Play softball" located in Austin, Texas.

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Pfc. Jonathan Chavez, Charlie Company, Special Troops Battalion, tags a runner out at second base during the "Lone Star Double Play" softball tournament held in July on Camp Victory's ball field. Since 2004 Victory Base Complex Morale, Welfare and Recreation department holds softball tournaments starting in May and running thru late September.


[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37280)

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[Loyal American]

Insurgents Caught Planting Explosives

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B-roll of Helicopter gun camera video footage released today shows the deliberate steps International Security Assistance Force personnel took when countering the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) placed by two insurgents Aug. 5 along a road in southern Zabul province, Afghanistan. Scenes include an Attack Weapons Team of helicopters assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade of Task Force Pegasus observing and engaging two insurgents emplacing an IED, destroying them and eliminating the threat.

[Watch video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=65882)

EXCELLENT JOB, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Leader Hosts Feast, Honors Friends

Sunday, 09 August 2009

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COB Q-WEST — A local Iraqi leader hosted a traditional feast at Katar Restaurant, a Turkish owned and operated eatery here, to say goodbye to two battalions from the Washington Army National Guard, July 30.

Dr. Muhammed Ismail Ahmed, known as "Doc Mo" to military leaders here, acts as a liaison to Coalition forces for more than 50 rural villages surrounding Q-West. He said his farewells to Soldiers and leaders from the 81st Brigade Special Troops Battalion and the 181st Brigade Support Battalion, and welcomed Soldiers from the 2/198th Combined Arms Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard, during the meal.

"It is an ancient Iraqi custom to share food and drink as a sign of friendship and brotherhood," said Ahmed, who holds a medical degree from the University of Mosul. "I want to show that we are brothers, that we are one family. I want to thank all our brothers, those who have been with us this last year and those who have arrived to be with us during the coming year."

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27545&Itemid=128)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S. Forces capture grenade attacker
Sunday, 09 August 2009
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – An Iraqi man was wounded and detained after attacking a U.S. convoy with a grenade in the northern town of Hawijah in Kirkuk province Aug. 7.

U.S. Soldiers positively identified the thrower and responded with small arms fire after the assailant tossed the grenade at their convoy as the vehicles were returning from a local police station to their base outside the city.

Local Hawijah police arrived on scene to take custody of the attacker and transported the man to a hospital in Kirkuk. Two civilians also received minor injuries associated with the incident and were treated at a local hospital.

A U.S. explosive ordnance disposal team was called when the RKG did not detonate.
Iraqi police are investigating the incident. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27548&Itemid=128

Emergency Response Brigade arrests a suspected terrorist in Baghdad
Sunday, 09 August 2009
BAGHDAD – The Emergency Response Brigade, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist during an intelligence-driven mission in Baghdad Aug. 3.

The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh. Court documents indicate the constables arrested the suspected insurgent in accordance with the Republic of Iraq’s terrorism law.

The arrested individual is suspected of being in charge of intelligence and targeting for a terrorist group, which is believed to be responsible for multiple improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi Security Forces. http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27546&Itemid=128

Tikrit ERB arrests suspected terrorist assassin
Sunday, 09 August 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – The 4th Emergency Response Battalion, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist Aug. 2 during an operation in the Salah ad-Din province, with a warrant issued by the Salah ad-Din Court of Appeals.

The arrested individual is suspected of assassinating a member of the 4th ERB in February and participating as a member of a terrorist cell which targets Iraqi Security Forces.

With a warrant in hand, the ERB entered the suspect’s residence, arrested him, and departed the area. http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27547&Itemid=128

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Restoration Planned for Ancient Arch

Sunday, 09 August 2009

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SALMAN PAK — In an attempt to restore national pride and tourism to one of the oldest landmarks in Iraq, American Paratroopers and Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers discussed plans for renovating the area here surrounding the famous Arch of Ctesiphon, Aug. 5.

The all-brick arch was built nearly 16 centuries ago and is one of the oldest free standing arches in the world. But years of neglect and war in the region have transformed the once popular attraction into an IA outpost surrounded by acres of trash and rubble.

However, as conditions here continue to improve, a new effort to renovate the area was discussed between U.S. and IA officials during the recent site assessment.

"About 25 years ago this area was very popular and people came from all over Iraq to trade at the marketplace that used to be here," said Capt. Abbas Kadhum, an IA officer who grew up in the region and currently oversees the outpost around the arch. "There was music playing all the time here, and the large fountain used to have running water that the kids would play in.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27543&Itemid=128)


RELATED STORY AND PHOTO ESSAY:
Salman Pak arch serves as a towering glimpse into history:
http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=28500851&postcount=5252 (http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=28500851&postcount=5252)

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Searches for Insurgents in Kandahar
08.10.2009 03:05
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and International Security Force searched a series of buildings Aug. 9 in Kandahar province in order to disrupt insurgent improvised explosive device and indirect fire cells operating in the region.

The joint force searched the buildings near the village of Mowmand after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force conducted a search without incident and detained four suspected militants.

There were no Afghan, International Security Forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

A U.N. report released last month cited an increase in the use of IEDs by militants in Afghanistan to threaten the lives of civilians. This disregard for human life is increasingly intolerable to the Afghan people. Afghan and International Security Forces continue to apply all available resources to eliminate this threat to the Afghan people, the impending elections, and the Afghan way of life.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37316

GREAT JOB, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththimages-6.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thth158px-Flag_of_Afghanistan_svg-2.png
Forces Earn Support of Afghan Provincial Governor

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Army Capt. Jose Vasquez, commander of Cherokee Troop in the 10th Mountain Division’s 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, greets local elders as they arrive at a meeting in Afghanistan’s Logar province, July 27, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jaime’ De Leon

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2009 – NATO forces working to secure and develop rural areas of this eastern Afghanistan province are finding support from the provincial governor, who is urging local leaders to embrace the opportunities of working with the International Security Assistance Force.

Gov. Attiqullah Lodin spoke with the sub-governor and local elders about plans to bring a stronger government presence to the Kherwar district during a July 27 meeting.

“This time is the time of opportunities,” Lodin said. “Let’s take these opportunities now and build a future for our children. I am telling you now, let’s work together, shoulder to shoulder.”

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/scr_20090727-A-8940D-002.jpg

[Read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55430)

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[Loyal American]

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Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Become NCOs Together

Monday, 10 August 2009

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KIRKUK — The U.S. Army’s way of recognizing newly-promoted non-commissioned officers to the NCO corps is through an NCO induction ceremony; a time-honored tradition for the U.S. Army which has now been shared with Soldiers of the new Iraqi Army.

For the first time, newly promoted NCOs from the 12th IA Division and 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 1st Cavalry Division were welcomed into the NCO corps in a combined ceremony held at the K1 Iraqi Military Base near here, July 29.

The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Abdul Ameer, commanding general of the 12th IA Div., Brig. Gen. James Nixon, deputy commanding general, 25th Infantry Division and Col. Ryan Gonsalves, the commander of the 2nd BCT.

Guest speakers included the top enlisted Soldiers from the 12th IA Div. and 2nd BCT, Command Sgt. Maj. Waleed Ibrahim Ismael and Command Sgt. Major Jeffery Hof, respectively.

"Now that security has gotten better we can focus on other lines of effort, and one of those lines of effort is how do we develop the enlisted corps of the IA," Hof said. "And that has to start with the NCOs first before you can influence the Soldiers in the ranks across the IA."

For the past six months, Hof has been partnered with Waleed and the battalion sergeants major of the 12th IA Div. to mentor them, give them an understanding of where they fit in their Army, and assist them in gaining value.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27556&Itemid=128)

CONGRATULATIONS AND HOOAH!!! :clap::clap::clap::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan National Security Forces Stop Attack on Afghan Governor's Compound
08.10.2009 10:56
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces stopped an attack today on the governor's compound in the Pul-E-Alam District of Logar province in eastern Afghanistan.

At least 2 insurgents were killed in the fire fight with Afghan national police, who led the counter-attack on positions in a building adjacent to the governor's compound. The building was being used by insurgents to stage their attack.

ISAF service members arrived on scene to support the ANP element and provide aid to an Afghan child who was injured by insurgents in the initial assault.

When the ANP breached the building where the attack started, ANP and ISAF troops found explosives rigged to detonate. ISAF troops worked to render the explosives and the area safe.

"The people of Logar should be very proud of their ANP. Their efforts today show the bravery and determination that will help secure freedom for the people of Afghanistan. It also shows their ability to operate independently and defeat the enemy," said Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay, ISAF spokesperson.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37332

AWESOME JOB ANP! :clap::clap::clap::clap:
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Grants Help Business Owners Expand

Monday, 10 August 2009

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U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Andy Zaidi sits with Iraqi veterinarian Majied Abed Ahmead after presenting Ahmead with a $5,000 grant to upgrade his business with medical supplies for farm animals, Aug. 5. Photo courtesy of 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.


BAGHDAD — Nine business owners from the Zaydon, Yusifiyah, and Radwaniyah areas south of the Iraqi capital have been approved for microgrants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help stimulate the local economy.

"[Microgrants] are a tool the commander can use to affect the local economy," said Capt. Tim O'Neil, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. "This is a rapid response to get money flowing into the economy to help businesses, create jobs in the community and in turn get them to help us."

The money comes from the Commander's Emergency Relief Fund, with the West Virginia Army National Guard squadron earmarking $100,000 to distribute through grants in their area of operations. The application process takes about 15 days.

While many types of businesses will benefit from the grants, local farmers will likely receive the most help, as the area is heavily agricultural. Crop yields, however, are small as irrigation water is scarce or hard to transport.


[Read more]

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[Loyal American]

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The Mission That Never Ends:
Downrange Pararescure Jumpers Keep Training

08.11.2009 03:38

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Senior Airman Jelly Larsen, pararescueman of the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron scans his sector as the rest of his element team enters a building during a training exercise here Aug. 4. The 64th ERQS provides combat search and rescue support to coalition forces in the Iraqi theater of operations.


JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- "Is she alive?"

"Copy. Still alive."

The pararescuemen load their patient onto the litter, carrying her off to the safety of an awaiting vehicle.

But the mission isn't over; this mission never really ends.

It's a crisis-action training scenario -- one of the many exercises employed by Air Force pararescuemen, the only members of the Department of Defense assigned the primary mission of recovery and medical treatment of personnel in friendly and hostile environments.

"Readiness is a major Air Force term that a lot of conventional military folks strive for - to be combat-ready," said Tech Sgt. Bob "Scarecrow" Roberts, a pararescue jumper with the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Joint Base Balad. "Once our PJs are out of the pararescue pipeline, they are ready to start the initial familiarization training. After completion of IFAM, and under supervision, they can perform all tasks civil, combat or any other situation that presents itself - they are ready to deploy. But, the training never stops."

Training is a way of life for these U.S. Air Force Special Forces operatives, whose training program possesses the highest drop-out rate in the entire U.S. military special operations community.

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[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37355)

GOD BLESS AND A GRATEFUL NATION SAYS THANK YOU!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Tracks Haqqani Militants in Khost
08.11.2009 03:02
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and International Security Force searched a series of buildings on Aug. 10 in northwestern Khost province thought to be used by a key Haqqani facilitator for the supply of weapons, ammunition and foreign fighters into the region.

The joint force searched the buildings near the village of Mundi Khelah after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force conducted a search of the buildings without incident and uncovered rocket propelled grenade boosters and one assault rifle. The force also detained four suspected militants.

There were no Afghan, International Security Forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

The Haqqani Network routinely uses Khost province as a hub for its many supply routes of weapons, ammunition and personnel into adjacent provinces. The steadfast partnership between Afghan and International Security Forces results in an effective and continuous collaboration of resources to break Haqqani supply lines and to ensure the legitimate governance by the Afghan people.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37349

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S.and Afghan Forces Conduct Operation Silver Creek

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A U.S. Army soldier scans Wadawu valley during Operation Silver Creek in Nuristan province,
Afghanistan, Aug. 7, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1369)


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[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg ...... FYI

US kills 12 in strike on Taliban training camp in South Waziristan

By Bill Roggio
August 11, 2009 9:26 AM

The US has killed 12 Taliban fighters in the latest airstrike in Pakistan's lawless tribal agency of South Waziristan.

One or more Predator strike aircraft, or possibly the more advanced Reaper, targeted a Taliban training camp in the town of Zangikhel in Kani Karam area of South Waziristan. Three or more Hellfire missiles are said to have been launched at the training camp.

Eight Taliban fighters were reported killed in the initial strike and four more died while being transported to the hospital, Geo News reported (http://www.geo.tv/8-11-2009/47439.htm). Five more Taliban fighters were said to have been wounded. There are no reports of senior Taliban or al Qaeda leaders killed at this time.

The strike took place just three miles south of the town of Ladha, where Taliban leaders claim they have been meeting to discuss strategy to battle the military, which has attempted to blockade the region and has launched airstrikes against Taliban hideouts in an attempt to kill Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

The Pakistani government claimed the Taliban have been meeting in Ladha to decide who will replace Baitullah, who is thought to have been killed in the Aug. 5 strike by US Predators. Baitullah's wife and several Taliban fighters were killed in the attack on his father-in-law's compound. Interior Minister Rehman Malik claimed Taliban commanders Hakeemullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman Mehsud killed each other during a shura meeting to decide on Baitullah's heir.

But both Waliur and Hakeemullah have since confirmed they were alive (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/08/taliban_debunk_claim.php) and have spoken to the press. They denied Baitullah was killed and a shura was held to decide on his successor. They also denied any infighting in the group.

Read much more[here] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/08/us_kills_12_in_strik.php)

[Loyal American]

Iraqi Bishop Holds Catholic Mass for U.S. Troops

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, Aug. 11, 2009 – U.S. soldiers took part in a rare celebration of religious and cultural proportions here recently during a Catholic Mass performed by the acting bishop of Basra, Iraq.

The Aug. 8 Mass was celebrated in the historically Persian-rooted Chaldean Rite in honor of the soldiers serving here. Unlike regular services for U.S. soldiers, Bishop Imad Al Banna, a priest and native of Basra, spoke Aramaic, an ancient language spoken in Palestine in the time of Jesus, and still spoken in parts of Iraq.

Banna, who visited with Multinational Division South leaders in early July, led the Catholic service, hosting nearly 50 people in the small room. The Mass was a chance for servicemembers to have fellowship with the leader of the local church here, and for the bishop to minister to them, said Army Chaplain (Capt.)Kevin Peek, a chaplain with the 4th Infantry Division’s 8th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion.

“It was a great opportunity to expose our men and women to the local Christian population of Basra province,” Peek said.

Fighting in Iraq has taken a heavy toll on the Christian population here, said Peek, an Atlanta native. Before the war began in 2003, about 1.2 million Christians were in Iraq. Six years later, that number is down to about 600,000, he said.

[Read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55439)

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif .... Remember the Iraqi Police (IP) are now called Federal Police (FP)

Federal Police Reach Out to Children

Tuesday, 11 August 2009

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MOSUL — The Mosul Brigade Federal Police (FP) handed out school supplies and children's shoes to the citizens of the Bab Al-Toob neighborhood here, Aug. 8. The humanitarian drop was one part of a larger mission to reach out to the populace of this West Mosul neighborhood.

Children and parents alike clamored for the much-needed pencils, notebooks, and other school supplies that will be used when the children return to school in September. Children formed a line in front of Brig. Gen. Majid M. Abaas, the Mosul Brigade FP commander, as he passed out hundreds of bags of school supplies.

Giving out humanitarian aid has become a vital part of the FP's non-lethal mission. Handing out this humanitarian aid allows the FP to reach the citizens on a much more personal level than conducting combat patrols or raids.

"Our project here is the people,” said Abaas. “You want the people on your side, and if the people feel that you will protect them and keep them safe, they will help you in your operations."

The reception of the FP on the streets of Bab Al-Toob was warm, and the citizens also see the value in operations like this.

"It's very good for the kids to be happy and to have a good relationship between the Iraqi Security Forces and the people," said one Mosul citizen. "It's a very good idea."

The FP also went door to door delivering supplies to many homes in the neighborhood, even stopping by a local Christian church to give some school supplies to the nuns who care for the Christian children in the area.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27559&Itemid=128)

AWESOME JOB FP, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Wells Bring Clean Water to Rural Iraqis

Tuesday, 11 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — Capt. Sara Woods calls it "sweet water;" the clean, potable ground water that hides under the dusty farmland here at a depth of about 20 meters. That sweet water is the key to helping many rural Iraqis enjoy greater health and raise much more productive livestock.

Woods is the chief of Civil Affairs Team 31, currently attached to the North Carolina National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and her job is to help Iraqis help themselves by setting up wells and teaching them how to operate them.

The Civil Affairs team, and a platoon of infantrymen providing security, visited well sites near Mahmudiyah, here, Aug. 9, to check on their condition and level of use by local farm families.

"What [a well] does is provide everyone with clean drinking water, for people and animals; for an entire cluster of farm families," said Woods, a native of Janesville, Minn. "From the well, all the families can come in and get good drinking water."

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27562&Itemid=128)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif
Afghan-ISF Pursues Taliban in Ghazni
08.12.2009 06:08
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and International Security Force searched a series of buildings in Ghazni province on Aug. 11 in order to disrupt Taliban movement of weapons, supplies and militant elements into the region.

The joint force searched a group of buildings near Karwaddin Village in Gelan District after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force conducted the operation without incident and uncovered 30 pounds of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer compound and key component in explosive devices that have harmed numerous Afghan civilians. The force detained four suspected militants.

There were no Afghan, International Security Forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

The Taliban continues to set up supply routes, bomb-making sites and attack operations wherever possible. Afghan and International Security Forces continuously partner their skills and resources to disrupt Taliban activities and ensure a lasting peace for the Afghan people.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37406


Afghan-ISF Pursues Taliban in Helmand
08.12.2009 05:32
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and International Security Force searched compounds in Helmand province on Aug. 11 in pursuit of a Taliban shura official who assesses the progress of militants, fills the ranks of Taliban elements and coordinates improvised explosive device attacks in the region.

The joint force searched the compounds near the village of Marjeh in Nad Ali District after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force conducted searches without incident and detained one suspected militant.

There were no Afghan, International Security Forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

Afghan and International Security Forces continuously partner their skills and vigilance to interdict Taliban militants and disrupt their operations in order to establish a lasting peace for the legitimate governance by the Afghan people.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37403

THANK YOU,GRRREAT JOB TROOPS, ROCK ON!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[AEOakley]

Video about U.S. Soldiers mentoring Afghan bakers in basic sanitation in Kabul Province, Afghanistan. Produced by Senior Airman Amanda Wowk:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66087

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Video about U.S. and Afghan service members delivering goods such as clothes, toys, rice and cooking oil in order to continue to build good relationships. Produced by Marine Cpl. Rachael Moore:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66091

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[hwyflier]

Just watched footage of the latest offensive in Nawzad, Afg.The embedded reporter turned to the man working the m240(?) nearby and noticed the amount of ammo wrapped around his person:

"Are you going to use all that soldier?"

"You know it!" answers the solider with a big grin.

:D

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/canadian-flag.jpg

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Canadian soldiers with the Royal 22nd Regiment keep a sharp lookout for other Taliban as they come under fire after gunning down three enemy fighters in the village of Zalakhan, in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province.


Taliban mortar team cut down by Canadians

By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil) , Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, August 13, 2009

Three men jumped from their motorcycles and began to run. The Canadian soldiers opened fire. Two of the men dashed into a field before they were cut down by other troops. Later, the engineers announced they had found a 60 mm mortar tube, a base plate and four high-explosive rounds. The three men had definitely been Taliban.

[Read story - see photo essay] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64141)

Related Story: [Canadian forces take ‘ink spot’ approach ] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64143)

GOD SPEED AND THANK YOU!!!

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif
Afghan, Coalition Forces Catch Four IED Makers
08.13.2009 09:16
KABUL, Afghanistan – Four suspected Taliban insurgents were captured Tuesday during a search by Afghan national army and International Security Assistance Forces after receiving a tip from an Afghan civilian in the Sayed Abad district of Wardak province in eastern Afghanistan.

Task Force Spartan received information from a local civilian and, under the lead of the ANA, searched a location in the Tangi Valley, resulting in the capture of two insurgents notorious for improvised explosive device production, and two alleged accomplices.

The two insurgents are suspected of being involved in several IED attacks on ANSF and ISAF troops in the past, including multiple IED attacks in the Sayed Abad district of Wardak province in June 2009.

Upon receiving the tip from a local, the ANA and ISAF soldiers moved to the target compound and the ANA led the search of the house. The insurgents were found in the house along with IED making materials.

Among the IED making materials was a large amount of coiled copper wire commonly used for IEDs. Tests on the four individuals resulted in positive readings for handling explosive materials. The suspects were turned over to the custody of the Afghan government.

"These suspected insurgents were taken into custody with the help of local Afghans, willing to help rid their village of those who wish to harm their people. This is a good example of locals helping locals, and taking responsibility for their own safety," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Osterholzer, spokesman for Task Force Spartan.

The Afghan civilian who provided the tip was rewarded through the United States Department of Defense Rewards Program. This program, which began in 2003, encourages local Afghans to work with ANSF and ISAF in ensuring the stability and security of Afghanistan by offering rewards based on tips and information on insurgents and insurgent activity.

The DoD Rewards program has seen an increase in use, resulting in a 200 percent increase in the location and removal of weapons caches and insurgent activity from last year throughout Regional Command-East.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37452

AWESOME, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Airmen Prepare Iraqi's to Fight the Flames

08.13.2009 04:58

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ALI BASE, Iraq - Underneath the blistering desert heat in 40 mile per hour winds, firefighters from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and the city of An Nasiriyah gathered for one final training session ... "live fire."

The Airmen here have been mentoring Iraqi firefighters for six weeks with the ultimate goal of preparing the group with the tools necessary to provide adequate fire response capability in and around the city of An Nasiriyah.

"Our ultimate goal is to enhance the firefighting skills of the Iraqi firefighters as they serve their community," said Col Glen Apgar, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander. "This training time demonstrates our commitment to that goal, and also builds on our already solid relationship."

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[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37443)

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

FYI.....

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U.S. Marine Lt. Joe Cull from Golf Company, 2nd Batallion, 3rd Regiment, 2nd MEB, 2nd MEF, throws a smoke grenade to help provide cover for Afghan National Army forces who were trying to usher women and children to safety and out of the way of a potential crossfire between the Marines and the Taliban in the city of Dahaneh, on Wednesday.


Marine mission to protect Afghans slows progress


ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer
Online Edition, Thursday, August 13, 2009

The British jet called in by the U.S. Marines had the Taliban position in sight, but the pilot refused to fire, a decision that frustrated Marines on the ground but was in line with new orders by the top U.S. commander to protect civilians. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, has made protecting Afghan civilians his top priority. The approach is a shift away from a military mindset whose traditional first response has been to kill as many militants as possible.

[Read story] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64156)

GOD SPEED!

[Loyal American]

Artillery at FOB Bastic

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B-roll of an artillery team firing from near Forward Operating Base Bastic in Afghanistan. Scenes include them loading the Howitzer and firing multiple rounds. Produced by Spc. Evan D. Marcy.

[see video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66218http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thCoin1-12.gif

[Loyal American]

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Stryker Troopers Earn Combat Spurs

Friday, 14 August 2009

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CAMP TAJI — Troopers with the 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, are leaving Iraq with new spurs jangling from their combat boots.In keeping with cavalry tradition, troop commanders conducted award ceremonies, at the "Fiddler's Green" rest area of the squadron's footprint. The area is the namesake of a poem about the final resting place of all cavalry Soldiers.

"When a Cav Soldier dies, he goes to a place called Fiddler's Green," 1st Lt. Duncan MacQueen, unit public affairs representative for the 2-104th said. "It's a place for the spirits of Cav Soldiers."Maj. Guy Smith, information officer for the 2-104th, explained that in peace time, troopers can earn their silver spurs through a challenging process known as a spur ride.

It tests physical endurance and Soldier skills, including land navigation, rifle marksmanship and a road march."The spur ride is what's done in peace time to earn them," Smith said. "It's usually pretty physically demanding."Troopers of the 2-104th have earned their gold combat spurs with months of sweat and courage.

Presiding over spur ceremonies, troop commanders "knight" Soldiers with cavalry sabers, granting them the right to wear the spurs. Overall, commanders presented spurs to almost 800 troopers.

"All who are assigned to cavalry [unit] for a combat tour receive gilded spurs," Smith explained. It's our entire squadron and then those who served with us."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27586&Itemid=128 (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27586&Itemid=128)

HOOAH!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

Marines Patrol in Afghanistan

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U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1374)

GOD SPEED!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/webart0814x.jpg
Under the moonlight, Lance Cpl. Sean McMullen of Colorado Springs, Colo., Golf Company, 2nd MEB, talks to his girlfriend on a satellite phone from combat outpost ANP Hill last weekend.


A day in the life of a Marine combat outpost

By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU
Associated Press Writer

Life on ANP Hill in Afghanistan is Spartan. The Marines have no air conditioning despite temperatures that can reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The men sleep alone or in pairs in tiny dugouts barely 4 feet high that they've dubbed "Hobbit Holes," a reference to J.R.R. Tolkien's dwarflike character.

[Read story] (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_AFGHAN_MARINE_LIFE?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-08-14-03-24-26)


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[Loyal American]

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A soldier from the 10th Mountain Division shares a mountain ridge with a wheat-harvesting villager in the troubled Kharwar district of Logar province, Afghanistan, as he takes a break during a massive security operation on Aug. 4.


Kharwar Flood:
Supporting the rule of law in a distant insurgent haven


By Dianna Cahn (cahnd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, August 16, 2009

Along the mountain ridge, hundreds of U.S. and Afghan soldiers were perched with their guns by their sides, part of a three-day mission called Kharwar Flood. The aim was to reinforce that the rule of law had finally reached distant Kharwar, a desolate region near the Pakistani border. The soldiers watched villagers harvesting wheat far below them and waited to see if the enemies among them would rear their heads.

[Read story - see photo essay] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64207)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thtroopsgr7-1-7.gif

[Loyal American]

U.S. Troops Battle Afghan Insurgents

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U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Roberts and fellow soldiers patrol the Korengal valley during the early morning hours in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 13, 2009. Roberts is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. International Security Assistance Force Service members across Afghanistan have increased operations to ensure safety and security during the nation’s second national election scheduled for late August.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1376)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!! :flag:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif
Khost Provisional Reconstruction Team Helps Develop Afghanistan's Future

08.16.2009 06:16

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KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In the outskirts of Khost province, Afghanistan, alongside miles of farm land and small houses, sits a school currently under construction.

The school, along with 14 others throughout Khost province, is just one of the many construction projects being facilitated, funded and supervised by the Khost Provisional Reconstruction Team.

The mission of the Khost PRT is to assist the Afghan people through various projects, such as building hospitals, schools and roads, to better their living conditions, according to Army Sgt. Terry B. Cochran, a team leader with the Khost PRT.

However, construction projects are not the only thing the Khost PRT is involved with. They also focus on what needs to be done to ensure these facilities are able to operate long after they're built.

"We're not focusing on the number of projects as much as we used to anymore; those days are changing," said Lt. Col. Robert Cooley, the deputy commanding officer of the Khost PRT. "We're really trying to build the capacity and sustainability on the inside by making sure they have the doctors and teachers necessary to sustain those facilities."

The PRT, made up of an Army security force, Army civil affairs specialists, U.S. Department of State representatives and Navy engineers, works closely with Khost government officials on a routine basis to make sure that the Afghan people's needs are being met.

Because the Khost PRT is made up of both active and reserve Sailors and Soldiers, with various backgrounds and expertise, there's a great range of experience and information that members can tap into to help fix any problem that may arise, Cochran said.

The Khost PRT works with the government to help the Afghans implement ways to help them help themselves, said Petty Officer 3rd Class David E. Skagen, master at arms from the Khost PRT.

"We interact with them, we help them, we give them the supplies they need," said Spc. Gilbert R. Smook, dismount security for the Khost PRT.

"I think we're going to make a big difference within the time frame that we're going to be here," Skagen said.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37550

THANK YOU KHOST PRT!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Ramadi SWAT arrests suspected terrorist cell leader
Sunday, 16 August 2009
RAMADI, Iraq – Ramadi Special Weapons and Tactics arrests a suspected terrorist cell leader in Ramadi, Iraq, Aug. 14.

The suspect, arrested under the authority of a warrant issued by a Ramadi judge, is an alleged financier and cell leader known for VBIED attacks and other terrorist activities in Al Anbar.http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27612&Itemid=128

Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrest four suspected terrorists in Baghdad
Sunday, 16 August 2009
BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested four suspected terrorists during an intelligence-driven mission in Baghdad Aug. 14.

The Soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh.

The apprehended individuals are responsible for their alleged affiliation with Al Qaeda in Iraq and conducting terrorist activities against Iraqi Security Forces.

According to ground troops, the arrests will disrupt insurgent operations in the area. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27609&Itemid=128

Commandos arrest 2, continue run of success
Sunday, 16 August 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – The 8th Regional Commando Battalion, with U.S. force advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists Aug. 14, during an operation in the Diyala province.

The individuals were arrested with a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Al-Karkh for suspicion of attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. forces, kidnapping and murdering local citizens in Diyala.

The Commandos entered two separate residences and arrested the two suspected terrorists without incident.

In accordance with the Security Agreement, the U.S. unit was conducting a combined operation with Iraqi Special Operations Forces. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27610&Itemid=128

Emergency Response Brigade arrests two suspected terrorists in Babil Province
Sunday, 16 August 2009
BAGHDAD – The Emergency Response Brigade’s 3rd Battalion, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists during an intelligence-driven mission in Iraq’s Babil Province Aug. 14.

The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Babil District Court. Court documents indicate that the constables arrested the suspects in accordance with the Republic of Iraq’s terrorism law.

The arrested individuals are allegedly affiliated with a terrorist group in Iraq, and are accused of providing weapons to insurgent groups operating against Iraqi Security Forces.

According to ground forces, the apprehension of the suspects will increase the personal safety of Iraqi citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi government officials living and operating in the area. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27611&Itemid=128

AWESOME JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[dave rogers]

Excellent news. Very very encouraging. Thanks again

[Loyal American]

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Female Marines try to reach Afghan hearts

By Alfred de Montesquiou, Associated Press
Stars and Stripes online edition, Monday, August 17, 2009

Put on body armor, check weapons, cover head and shoulders with a scarf. That was the drill for female American Marines who set out on patrol this week with a mission to make friends with Afghan women in a war zone by showing respect for Muslim standards of modesty.

[Read story] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64225)

GOD BLESS, THANK YOU AND HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif
P.S. Lance Cpl. Mary Shloss is from my home town! Thank you for your service Mary, Hoosiers are so proud of you! We have you and your sisters and brothers in arms in our thoughts and prayers! God Speed!

[Loyal American]

FYI....

Canada hands off part of Kandahar province to U.S.


By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, August 17, 2009

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Canada has handed over about half of its battle space in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province to newly arrived U.S. soldiers, allowing Canadian forces to concentrate on counterinsurgency and reconstruction efforts in the provincial capital, according to a senior officer.

The move also effectively doubles the size of NATO-led combat forces within Kandahar province, birthplace of the Taliban movement, from two to four battalions, although they will operate under separate U.S. and Canadian commands.

The transfer of responsibility to soldiers of the U.S. 5th Stryker Brigade includes Spin Boldak district — site of an important border crossing with Pakistan — and the districts of Arghandab, Shah Wali Kot, and Kakrez, north of the city of Kandahar, said Lt. Col. Mike Patrick, chief of operations for Canada-led Task Force Kandahar.

The soldiers are among the 21,000 additional American forces that President Barack Obama ordered to Afghanistan earlier this year to combat the burgeoning Taliban insurgency in southern Afghanistan.

[Read more] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64232)


GOD SPEED!!!

[Loyal American]

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Solar Panels power Baghdad Health Clinics

Monday, 17 August 2009

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Mahdi Jonny, an electrical engineer with the Joint Projects Management Office, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, checks the wiring on a series of solar panels on the roof of the New Iraq Health Clinic in Gazaliyah, Aug. 12. Photo by Sgt. Joshua Risner, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.


BAGHDAD — The roof of the New Iraq Health Clinic here in the Gazaliyah district looks a little different from the buildings surrounding it. Two rows of solar panels, collecting the bountiful Mesopotamian sunlight, now provide the building's power through solar powered battery systems.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27618&Itemid=128)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Federal Police fight Hand to Hand

Monday, 17 August 2009

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MAHMUDIYAH — Thirteen Iraqi Federal Police (FP) officers participated in a three-day Combatives Course with U.S. Soldiers here on Forward Operating Base Falcon, Aug. 15.

Combatives is a U.S. Army fighting system comprised of basic level grappling and grabbing and controlling an opponent with chokes and holds.

"It is the quickest way to be an efficient fighter and you can train almost full contact," said Staff Sgt. Terry Thompson of Jacksonville, N.C., a Combatives instructor with the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

The FP lined up in front of a 20-by-10 foot mat on the floor, as U.S. Soldiers demonstrated fundamental holds, called mounts, across the chest, neck and hips.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27615&Itemid=128)

THANK YOU TROOPS, GREAT TRAINING! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Clearing Roads from Maysan to Basrah

Monday, 17 August 2009

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FOB HUNTER — Combat engineers with Task Force Saber recently performed their final route clearance mission in Maysan, then headed to Basrah to do the same.

"It is our job to focus on the road and make sure it's safe for travel," said Pfc. Jeffrey Bernier, a combat engineer from Lebanon, Maine, assigned to the Route Clearance Team (RCT). "We've really gotten to know the area, but it's time to let the new team take charge."

Soldiers memorized every detail of local roads to the point where even a rock shifted from its position would gain their attention. Indicators like a new pile of debris or a change in a person's body language can lead to finding improvised explosive devices (IED) and explosively formed projectiles (EFP).

The RCT from 2nd Platoon, Company E, 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment spent June and July assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, "Sabers." The safety and security of Coalition forces and local citizens traveling along roads and highways were their main responsibility.

The team is equipped with specialized vehicles engineered to provide operators the best opportunity for safely identifying threats.

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27616&Itemid=128)

FANTASTIC JOB, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan boys walk with their donkeys carrying ballot boxes to the remote areas in Baba Ali village, Dara district in Panjshir province, north of Kabul, Aug. 17. Afghans will head to the polls on Thursday to elect the new president.


Security tightens in Kandahar province ahead of Afghan election

By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Afghan police and NATO troops have tightened security in southern Kandahar province ahead of Thursday’s presidential election. With the Taliban threatening to prevent access to the polls, Afghan police in this dusty, barren district on the southern and eastern fringes of the provincial capital have deployed teams of officers to 23 sites where villagers can cast their ballots.

[Read story] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64241)

BEST WISHES FOR A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL ELECTION!!!

[Loyal American]

Interesting write up in S&S today...

Afghan warfare gets wired in quest to spare lives

Aug 18, 3:15 AM EDT
By HEIDI VOGT
Associated Press Writer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan (AP) -- Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Henson goes out on patrol with a computer on his back and a joystick in his holster. He also carries a rifle, but the military is hoping he'll soon have less need for it.

A wired generation of U.S. soldiers is about to battle-test a high-tech weapon calculated to reduce civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

A key component is the "Dragon Egg," a softball-sized robotic camera that can be thrown over a hill or into a building without endangering troops. It rights itself like a Weeble Wobble toy and delivers a 360-degree view through its four tiny cameras. If any innocents are in the area, the soldier can mark the spot using his backpack computer to ward off an air strike.

"You don't have to enter a room. You don't have to worry about the first man in the room," said Sgt. Mike Fraser, who has been trained on the use of the cameras made by La Verne, Calif.-based Octatron Inc.

The idea is to bring down the Afghan civilian death rate, which is stoking public anger and draws denunciations from President Hamid Karzai after each incident.

In one of his first actions since taking over as head of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal issued a tough new rule on airstrikes: If there's any chance of endangering civilians, back off, even if it means the Taliban get away.

With the new technology, "we can put a no-fire area over a mosque or a school," said Col. Harry Tunnell, commander of the 5th Stryker brigade that deployed to southern Afghanistan this summer as part of the 21,000 additional U.S. troops ordered in by President Barack Obama.

[Read more] (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_AFGHAN_WIRED_WAR?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-08-18-03-15-35)

[Loyal American]

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2/8 Marines See Regular Enemy Activity in Afghan South

08.18.2009 12:18

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MIAN POSHTEY, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines poured into southern Helmand province when Operation Khanjar kicked off July 2, marking the largest helicopter insertion of any U.S. military force since the Vietnam War. Some units found conditions on the ground to be relatively quiet, but other Marines encountered heavy contact from Taliban militants upon their arrival. Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is one of the units that have been heavily engaged with insurgents over the last five weeks.

When the company landed here with its more than 200 Marines, they immediately set up a security perimeter and were entrenched by 9 a.m. For the first couple of hours, there was nothing. The only things that could be seen were Afghan civilians departing the area in anticipation of a fight that would come soon, recounted 1st Lt. Kyle Kurtz, executive officer of Co. E.

"After about two hours or so, we started taking some initial pot shots on the perimeter that steadily grew to fire from all directions," the Greensborough, N.C., native continued. "It was pretty heavy –[indirect fire], [small arms fire], [rocket-propelled grenades] – everything they had, they were shooting at us."

The Marines sustained intense battles while carrying a heavy load – enough ammunition, food and water to sustain the unit for 48 hours.

"We started having quite a few heat cases – four or five in the first day," Kurtz said.

For the first week and a half, Co. E was engaged in at least two significant firefights each day – one in the morning and one in the evening. After that point, the company re-positioned to what the enemy had used as a base of operations during the initial days of Operation Khanjar.

[Read more, see additional photos] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37652)

GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrest two suspected terrorists in Baghdad
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested two suspects during an intelligence-driven mission in the Iraqi capital Aug. 17.

The operation was conducted under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.

The apprehended individuals are allegedly affiliated with Al Qaeda in Iraq and responsible for conducting terrorist activities against Iraqi government officials and its Security Forces. According to ground troops, the arrest will disrupt insurgent operations in the area. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27626&Itemid=21

ISOF’s 9th Battalion arrests alleged cell leader and two cell members
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
AL ASAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Force’s 9th Battalion personnel arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader and two other cell members on Aug. 16.

The suspects, arrested in accordance with Central Investigative Court-issued warrants, were allegedly involved in IED attacks, murder of innocent Iraqis and attacks against Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

The arrest of these individuals will disrupt the terrorist group’s activities and possibly lead to future arrests, improving the security of Iraq. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27625&Itemid=21

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Police train with
working dogs

Tuesday, 18 August 2009

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An Iraqi police dog handler instructs his dog to sit during a course with U.S. forces at Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq, Aug. 15, 2009. The course is designed to fine-tune obedience and explosive detection skills of the Iraqi working dogs and their handlers. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Kozloski

MOSUL — Chew toys and leashes in hand, Iraqi Police (IP) dog handlers and their working dogs arrived here to Forward Operating Base Marez to fine-tune their skills in basic obedience and explosive detection techniques, Aug. 16.

The class is the second portion of initial dog training that the IP began earlier in the year. The focus is for the IP to build relationships with their dogs and refine basic obedience and explosive and narcotic detection techniques.

The initial training consisted of introducing the IP to working dogs as a resource, something they did not have until now. In the last month, they've acquired dogs and created a program to use them in their everyday working environment.

“[The police] have a valuable asset now. A dog’s nose is so much stronger than ours,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Nalley, lead instructor for the program. “I can’t smell explosives when I’m walking down the road. These dogs can. If the [police officers] have something that can give them an indication that something is wrong, it can go a long way to help them out.”

[Read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27628&Itemid=128)

GRRREAT!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[AEOakley]

Video about a team of female U.S. Marines attempting to reach the women of Afghanistan to hear what they have to say. Produced by Sgt. Ashleigh Bryant:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66528

:flag::clap::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan Businessman Helps Girls School

08.19.2009 09:44

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LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - With help from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, a local businessman and contractor in the Alingar district of Afghanistan's Lagham province delivered enough school supplies to the Parwai Girls School here, Aug. 17, to keep more than 50 children supplied for a year.

Abdullah Ajabgul, owner of Homyoun Rafi Construction Co., identified the students' need for supplies while building a protective wall around the school as a Commander's Emergency Relief Program project.

Abdullah brought the need of the supplies to the attention of Afghan and ISAF forces, which were able to secure donations for the girls from nongovernmental organizations.

"Mr. Abdullah was the one who identified the need here at the school," said Army Capt. Doug Moore, the CERP project manager for Task Force Wildhorse, noting that education is an important part of life in the province and is helping to defeat Afghanistan's enemies.

"The vast majority of people in Laghman are interested in progress, and education is a big part of that," Moore said. "The Taliban would not allow girls to attend school in the first place, and are only interested in manipulation to achieve their own end of gaining power."

Abdullah's work on the school wall was an important project for the security and safety of the students. The school supplies were an added bonus of the project.

"Boundary walls are a big deal in this area, because they delineate property lines and provide security for the children who attend the school," Moore explained. "The headmaster brought the need for the school supplies to the attention of Mr. Abdullah after his company began constructing the wall, and we were very happy to help out."

ISAF forces gave the supplies to Abdullah, who then delivered them to the school and distributed them to the students, Moore said.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37697
http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55532

THANK YOU TROOPS, TERRIFIC JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Six Legs Are Better Than Two

08.19.2009 09:44

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BAGHDAD, Iraq - The security of those living and working within the International Zone can be contributed to the safety measures put into place by the service members who use their two legs to patrol the streets daily, and one member who patrols on four.

Tech. Sgt. Eric Mendez, military working dog handler deployed with the 143rd Military Police Detachment, and his 7-year-old German Sheppard, Jaso, have patrolled the IZ during the last three months. While the duo's primary mission is explosive detection and suspect apprehension, they may also be called upon to provide immediate response to incidents or accidents that occur within the IZ until the Iraqi army arrives.

"Every day is a little different," said the Woodhaven, Mich., native. "We go to various incidents – from assaults to traffic accidents."

Sgt. Mendez and Jaso teamed up more than a year ago at their home station, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

"We have a good relationship," the sergeant said. "We had to build rapport – just like you do with any new relationship. We've been working pretty well together for the past year."

Jaso has proven to be a good wingman to Sgt. Mendez.

"Jaso and I have responded to several assaults in progress," Sgt. Mendez said. "Having Jaso with me has de-escalated situations without further incident. We've conducted several explosive sweeps of areas after indirect fire attacks in the IZ. Doing this ensured the safety of emergency response personnel and U.S. coalition forces."

[Read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37698)

THANK YOU AND DON'T FORGET JASO'S TREATS SGT. MENDEZ! ;)

[Loyal American]

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Air Cavalry continues training Iraqi Army

Wednesday, 19 August 2009

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Rushing out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Iraqi Soldiers hit the ground and take up security positions during a training exercise in Baghdad, Aug. 18. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski, 1st Cavalry Division.

BAGHDAD — American servicemembers here continue to train the Iraqi Army (IA) using the same methods available to U.S. military forces.

Starting off with the basic steps and procedures, a crawl, walk then run approach helps the Iraqis attain professional military standards.

The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, teamed up with 150th Armed Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, MND – B, to train 17th IA Division Soldiers in helicopter air assault procedures.

For the 17th IA, "this is the very beginning of this aspect of training,” said Capt. Mark Houck from Mullens, W. Va., a troop commander with 150th ARS. “They've done a lot of ground training, cordon searches, [traffic control points] and this is a new type of training that we are starting today."

The IA Soldiers are more than welcoming the new and applicable training – wanting to skip the crawl and walk phases and go straight for the run.

"They have a lot of motivation, they are extremely excited to come down here and do all types of training – especially the air integration training with the helicopters," said Houck.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27636&Itemid=128)


HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan Police Disarm Improvised Explosive Device Reported by Afghan Citizens
08.19.2009 05:55
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Counter-improvised explosive device training from International Security Assistance Force service members paid off for Afghan national police as they successfully disarmed an IED in Kunar province, Aug. 16.

Area citizens in the Asmar District reported the device, which was under a bridge, enabling the ANP, along with National Directorate of Security representatives, to respond to the scene and disarm the device, preventing death, injuries and damage to the citizens of the area.

"Improvised explosive devices are frequently emplaced in the Kunar province by insurgents that do not care about killing innocent Afghans," said Maj. T.G. Taylor, spokesman for ISAF service members operating in the area.

"Local citizens, with the help of Afghan national security forces, have again proven to be the key element in defeating an attempt by insurgents to hinder local progress and harm the Afghan people," he added. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37717

OUTSTANDING JOB, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Mail Boosts Morale for Marines on Front Lines

08.19.2009 06:58

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MIAN POSHTEH, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Life for Marines on the front lines consists of extremes. Marines push themselves through grueling patrols, broken up by periods of resting and waiting. It is during these down times that Marines reminisce about family and loved ones. Any glimpse of home is a bright spot in a Marine's deployment. That is why mail can be one of the biggest morale boosters for Marines – especially on the front lines where the men possess only the bare essentials.

Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, inserted via helicopters into this austere location July 2, 2009, during the first day of Operation Khanjar. They received a truck load of mail here Aug. 11 on a logistics convoy from the battalion's headquarters. Although the convoy brought several other necessary items, the mail was probably the part of the shipment that was most welcomed by the Marines here.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37719

Use the links in my signature to adopt a Marine, Soldier, Airman or Sailor to send mail to, it's appreciated and a great way to say THANK YOU!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan Election Day

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[see video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66700)

[see video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66693)

[see video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66694)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Airborne Cavalry Soldiers Stay Vigilant in Iraqi Suburbs

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Army Staff Sgt. Richard Grimsley greets an Iraqi girl during a checkpoint in the Madain region outside eastern Baghdad, Aug. 19, 2009. Grimsley is a squad leader with the 82nd Airborne Division’s Troop A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Jared Gehmann

MADAIN REGION, Iraq, Aug. 20, 2009 – Undeveloped areas and vast farmlands are some of the key characteristics that make up the southeastern areas outside the Iraqi capital, where Multinational Division Baghdad paratroopers operate.

For the paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s Troop A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, these scenes are a far cry from the heart of Baghdad's Rusafa district, where they operated just a few months ago.

From patrolling the tight, bullet-riddled alleyways and the congested streets of Rusafa to now operating in rural villages here, the surroundings are a huge change for the soldiers of Troop A. But they’ve adapted to the change in scenery quickly. They moved from inside Baghdad to the rural Joint Security Station Salie a month before the June 30 deadline for U.S. combat forces to leave urban areas. But despite the move, the paratroopers’ mission remains the same.

To read more, CLICK on photo:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/scr_20090819-A-4698G-003a.jpg (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55548)

THANK YOU CAV, WE'RE PROUD OF YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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High voter turnout in the heart of Taliban territory


By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, August 21, 2009

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Defying Taliban threats and scattered attacks, voters in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province — the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban — turned out in large numbers to cast ballots in Thursday’s presidential election, local officials said.

An estimated 60 percent of the province’s 800,000 registered voters cast ballots, with turnout heaviest within the provincial capital and in Spin Boldak, a district on the border with Pakistan, according to Toryalai Ghaznavi, a representative of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan.

The Taliban had vowed to disrupt the vote by attacking or blocking access to polling stations, and carrying out reprisal attacks against voters, but only a relative handful of incidents occurred, security officials said.

“Everything was OK; there were no major problems,” said Brig. Gen. Abdul Bashir Salehzai, commander of the 1st Brigade, 205th “Hero” Corps. “[The Taliban] tried their best, but they couldn’t do anything because we were well prepared.”

The officials described the voter turnout as a clear rejection of the Taliban insurgency.

“I went to see a number of polling places,” said Bashir, his index finger stained with purple ink from casting his own ballot. “People were voting. There was no fear.”

[read more] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64281)

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Hotel presented to Government of Iraq

Thursday, 20 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — The 364th Civil Affairs Brigade (CAB) here signed a memorandum of agreement with the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) turning over control of the Caravan Hotel at Baghdad International Airport to the ICAA, Aug. 19.

Distinguished guest, Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt, Multi-National Corps - Iraq deputy commanding general, and Dr. Adnan Al Obaidy, Iraq Department of Transportation, attended the ceremony transferring the hotel to the Government of Iraq.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27645&Itemid=128)
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[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Public Information Officers, media members boost skills during workshop

Thursday, 20 August 2009

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COB BASRAH — Iraqi Public Information Officers (PIO) and media members gathered to train in various Public Affairs tactics and techniques during the Basrah Public Information Officer Workshop here, Aug. 17 -18.

The workshop, which gave the PIO a review of their basic communication tools, was presented by the 34th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.

The participants were presented various scenarios then encouraged to discuss possible outcomes and issues that may arise while reaching solutions.

Participants were encouraged to think of ways they could obtain information from the government and how to utilize the information they receive.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27647&Itemid=128)

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[Loyal American]

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Marine Engineers Construct Major Fortifications in Helmand's Hostile Territory

08.21.2009 02:08

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KOSHTAY, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The mission for Marines here is to seize ground controlled by Taliban insurgents, hold that ground and build on it. Building in this case means fortifying their exposed position on the very front lines of this conflict. However, Marine infantrymen are not known for their carpentry and construction skills. That responsibility falls on the engineers.

Marines from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Combat Logistics Battalion 8 and 8th Engineer Support Battalion rolled out in a 20-vehicle convoy full of heavy equipment and building materials, Aug. 16, to construct a semi-permanent position for Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, which often receives enemy fire.

"This will provide Golf Company an overwatch for their resupply routes," said 2nd Lt. Mark H. Tetzel, platoon commander with Co. D, 1st CEB. It has been difficult to get supplies to Co. G's position since they arrived here in early July. Overwatch will give the Marines a better vantage point to scan the area for approaching enemy fighters or IED implanters.

Construction started immediately upon arrival late in the evening and continued round the clock. The engineers' built two observation posts, Patrol Base Khanjar and Combat Outpost Koshtay, as well as a medium girder bridge. These builds include creating a berm, filling metal, mesh barriers called Hesco with dirt, and constructing security posts high on the walls. While they were in the area, they also repaired a damaged culvert along the resupply route to allow provisions to safely arrive at Co. G's position.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37767)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!

[Loyal American]

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Marines Fight in Garmsir District

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U.S. Marines and Afghan national army soldiers return fire after insurgents ambushed their patrol in the Garmsir district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 13, 2009.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Kurt Stahl

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1383)

GOD SPEED AND THANK YOU!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Poultry Project Empowers Afghan Women

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2009 – The Women’s Poultry Project in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province is a giant leap forward for the women who call the Panjshir River valley their home.

The project is designed to empower women in the valley by assisting them in providing food and income for families.

Greg Schlenz of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agricultural advisor to the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, said the project began last spring in the Anaba district with about 200 families and now includes more than 1,200 Panjshir families in the Anaba, Rhoka, Bazarak, Dara and Khenj districts.

In four training phases over three months, the women learn how to raise, maintain and profit from their chickens.

“The first phase is the initial training, where the women learn how to properly care for the chickens,” Schlenz said. “This includes feeding, watering, managing and how to vaccinate against diseases.”

During the second phase, the women receive materials to build their own chicken coops. In the third phase, the women are given 13 hens and two roosters and receive follow-up visits to ensure the chickens are being cared for properly. The fourth phase teaches the women how to market eggs laid by the chickens.

[read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55571)

AWESOME JOB PANJSHIR PRT! :clap::clap::clap::clap:
THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Coordinated Effort Protects Afghan Voters

ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2009 – As Afghans took to the streets yesterday to exercise their right to vote authorities here worked together to provide security for polling stations across the province.

The Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers coordinated security for more than 40 polling stations.

“The strong coordination of [Afghan and NATO] forces in Zabul to protect the people allowed them to vote for their favorite candidate,” Gov. Mohammad Ashraf Naseri said.

[read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55569)
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[Loyal American]

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Iraqis Arrest 10 on Terrorism Charges

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2009 – Iraqi forces, working with U.S. advisors, have arrested 10 people in Iraq on terrorism charges related to bombings, murder and kidnappings against Iraqi and U.S. forces and Iraqi civilians, military officials reported.

The arrests were made Aug. 19, and seven were with court-issued warrants.

In Kirkuk province, two men were arrested at their homes and charged with attacking Iraqi and U.S. forces with grenades and sniper rifles, as well conducting kidnappings, murders and intimidation against Iraqi civilians. Three other men believed to be associates of the suspects were found and detained in another home.

In Diyala province, Iraqi commandos with U.S. advisors arrested four suspects wanted for attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces and for kidnapping and murdering local civilians there. All were arrested in their homes without incident.

In Ninevah province, Iraqi commandos with U.S. advisors arrested a man on a warrant charging him with attacking Iraqi security forces with roadside bombs and car bombs. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55572

GRRREAT JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg ....FYI

US Predators target the Haqqanis in North Waziristan

By Bill Roggio
August 20, 2009 6:22 PM

An unmanned US Predator aircraft fired missiles at the Haqqani Network in Pakistan’s Taliban-controlled tribal area of North Waziristan.

Two Hellfire missiles struck in the town of Darpa Khel (http://www.geo.tv/8-21-2009/47978.htm) near Miramshah, a known stronghold of the Haqqani Network. Twelve Taliban fighters from Afghanistan were reported killed (http://www.geo.tv/8-21-2009/47985.htm), but no high value Taliban or al Qaeda targets have been reported killed at this time.

A senior Haqqani Network commander and an al Qaeda operative were the targets of the strike, a US intelligence official told The Long War Journal. The official would not identify the names of the leaders targeted.

The strike in Danda Darpa Khel is the third in the town since September 2008. The Haqqani Network has a strong presence in the town. The Haqqanis' madrassa, known as the Manba Ulom, is in the town of Danda Darpa Khel. In the two strikes last year, the Manba Ulom compound was struck both times.

[read more] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/08/us_predators_target.php)

[Loyal American]

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Renovation of Religious Structure Brings Hope to Local Iraqis

08.21.2009 01:28

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CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - As U.S. bases and posts in Iraq continue to consolidate or are transferred back to the government of Iraq, military leaders across the country face the challenges of leaving their locations better than when they initially arrived. Whether it's through the stabilized security we see today in Iraq or the civil affairs projects that have sprouted throughout the country, there are tangible improvements to many of the areas that continue to be or were once occupied by U.S. forces.

One of these improvements was the recent completion of a $50,000 renovation project of a mosque located aboard Camp Al Taqaddum. The religious structure has actually been closed to the public since 1987, when the area was taken over by the Iraqi Army. But its new face-lift gives hope to local Iraqis that their place of worship will soon be available for use.

Military officials with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) and local Iraqi leaders met at TQ in a small ceremony to commemorate the improvements to the mosque. The completion of the project comes only a few days before the beginning of Ramadan, the month-long Muslim observance that focuses on spiritual character building through fasting, prayers and acts of charity.

One of the local leaders who came on base for the event was Ishmaiel Mahmoud Hammad Al-Khelefowi, a religious leader of Al Kabani, a small village neighboring Al Taqaddum. His grandfather actually helped build the first mud structure back in 1945 that served as the mosque for more than 40 years until the area was restricted to Iraqi military personnel. Although the new mosque will remain closed to the public until all U.S. forces depart TQ, Al-Khelefowi knows the local people will appreciate the efforts of the Marines who helped coordinate these improvements.

"They will be very grateful," Al-Khelefowi says. "I want to show the people how coalition forces have helped us . show their good side."

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37805)

TERRIFIC JOB, THANK YOU AND
....HOORAH! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Charger Troops Rock Forward Operating Base Q'West

08.21.2009 04:55

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MOSUL, Iraq — Like leaves floating lazily in a warm summer breeze, the notes from a guitarist's strum encircled two musicians with their instruments.

The tempo rose, picking up speed, slapping the tiny music studio with a hard metal distortion. The notes stung the guitarist's finger tips and tightened his wrist, hoisting him from his seat.

Like a furious tornado, the music tossed the musician back in his chair. As an attempt to regain control, a few slow notes strummed the guitar, trailing off into silence.

"Wow. That was awesome," Pfc. Chris Pointer said, looking over at his friend who had just played "Aerials," by the band System of a Down, by memory.

He and Pfc. Dillon McGrath are combat engineers with 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and are deployed to Qayarrah, Iraq, located south of Mosul. These two Soldiers use their guitars to express themselves and agree that music is a stress reliever after a long drive to a meeting or a day of patrolling.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37772)

FINE TIME FOR THE MUSIC, RELAX AND ROCK ON!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Freedom Minute - United Through Reading

This edition features stories on the United Through Reading Program which records a DVD of a deployed Soldier reading a children’s book. The point is to give the children of deployed parents a connection to their parents while they are gone. Scenes include the Soldiers reading and being video taped.
See also "United Through Reading."
Produced by Sgt. Paul Dayes.

[watch video] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=66534)

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[Loyal American]

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Afghan-International Security Force Detains Militants
08.22.2009 03:54
KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan and international security forces searched a series of buildings Aug. 21 in Ghazni, Khost and Kandahar provinces, where intelligence indicated military activity, as part of the ongoing effort to sever militant financial and logistical operations throughout the country.

In Ghazni, the joint force searched buildings near the village of Jano Kalay in the Gelan District and detained two suspected militants.

Forces also searched a building last night on the south side of Kandahar City in an effort to block Taliban bomb-making and logistics operations. The joint force searched the building without incident and detained four suspected militants.

An Afghan-led force also searched a compound last night in Khost province as part of the continued effort to sever the Haqqani network's financial and logistical operations in the area. The joint force searched the compound near the village of Khan Kalay in the Mandozai District and detained five suspected militants.

The militants use an extensive network of supply routes in Afghanistan to arm and equip its elements within the country. Afghan and international security forces are working together to block these routes and enable the legitimate governance of the Afghan people. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37832

OUTSTANDING JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Paratroopers Run for Charity

08.22.2009 04:59

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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.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37826)

SWEET JOB TROOPERS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Troops search for answers, make friends

Saturday, 22 August 2009

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BAGHDAD – Recently, U.S paratroopers were attacked by an improvised explosive device here outside of Joint Security Station Cleary. According to 1st Lt. Steven Kelly, a platoon leader in the unit attacked, it was the first time anything like this happened to them in more than nine months in Iraq.

On Aug. 18, the paratroopers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment and their Iraqi Army (IA) counterparts donned their armor, loaded their weapons and went on patrol looking to make some contacts, secure the streets and find some answers.

As the morning began, IA led the way into a local market as vendors prepared for the day, splashing water in front of their shops, hanging legs of lamb and arranging fresh produce.

"It's very important to keep a presence for security," explained Capt. Sa'ad Muawzy Lafta, a company commander with the 11th IA Division. "This kind of patrol is important to talk to people and show that we are here in the neighborhood."

An Iraqi man, standing in front of his shop in the shade of an awning, greeted the joint patrol with a wave and a smile. Tires wrapped in blue, orange and red paper were prominently on display next to hubcaps and salvaged car electronics. The patrol briefly stopped to ask the shop owner if he knew anything about the blast from the other day before moving on.

"This patrol lets whoever's trying to blow us up know that we're here; it lets them know that we're still kicking," said a stern-faced Staff Sgt. Kevin Foxworth, an infantry section leader assigned to Co. D. "Hopefully it deters them from trying to hit us again."

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27659&Itemid=128)

THANK YOU, TROOPS AND STAY SAFE! :flag::flag::flag::flag:
p.s. We really hope you enjoyed that watermelon! ;)

[Loyal American]

U.S. Troops Battle Afghan Insurgents






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U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Roberts and fellow soldiers patrol the Korengal valley during the early morning hours in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 13, 2009. Roberts is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. International Security Assistance Force Service members across Afghanistan have increased operations to ensure safety and security during the nation’s second national election scheduled for late August.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller

[See photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1376)


GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!! :flag:



Living Life in the Korengal Valley

08.22.2009 06:03


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KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – As bullets stated to rain down on Baker Company's position, a Soldier sighed, and said, annoyingly, "Well here we go."

Over the next twenty minutes the service members fired everything from bullets to curse words at the invisible enemy attacking from the surrounding hills.

"Just once I'd like to come out here and not get shot at," said an exasperated U.S. Army Sgt. Graham Mullins, of Columbia, Mo., using a four-foot stone wall for cover. "Just once."

Near the end, two F-15 fighter jets pummelled the insurgent forces with 500-pound bombs, and an eerie silence fell across the battlefield. For the U.S. service members, it was just another morning in the notorious Korengal Valley.

Nicknamed "The Valley of Death," the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers have called the isolated valley, in Afghanistan's Kunar province, home, since arriving in June.

"This place is definitely its own monster; there are a lot of other dangerous places in Afghanistan, but I would say this place lives up to the hype," said U.S. Army Capt. Mark Moretti, Co. B. commander, and New Windsor, N.Y., native.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37837)


GOD SPEED!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISFConducts Operations in Kandahar and Logar
08.23.2009 07:29
KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan and International security forces conducted operations, Aug. 22, in Kandahar and Logar provinces in order to disrupt insurgent activity in the regions.

During daylight operations, the joint force searched a location near the village of Senjaray, Kandahar province, after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force uncovered multiple improvised explosive devices, one machine gun, land mines, ammunition vests, grenades and several assault rifles, and detained six suspected militants.

During evening operations, the joint force searched a compound near the village of Salavat in Panjwayi District, Kandahar province, and detained one suspected militant.

In Logar, near the village of Qaryeh-ye Gol'alani in the Baraki Barak District, joint forces searched a compound thought to be used by Haqqani militants for the supply of weapons and IED components into the region.

There were no injuries to Afghan civilians, Afghan forces or international security forces during the operations.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37847

THANK YOU TROOPS, AWESOME JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Sibling Soldiers reunite, catch up in Iraq

Sunday, 23 August 2009

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COB SPEICHER — Deployments usually separate servicemembers from their families. However, for one U.S. Soldier here, it provided the chance to reunite with her brother.

Sgt. Andrea Wieseler, a telecommunications sergeant with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, hadn't seen her brother, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Heath Wieseler, in more than two years. Heath, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, is serving here with the 10th Mountain Division’s 10th Aviation Regiment. Upon hearing this, Andrea's supervisors allowed her some time to meet up with her brother.

Read more... (http://www.mnfi.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27668&Itemid=128)

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[Loyal American]

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Ninewah Commandos arrest two suspected assassins
Sunday, 23 August 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – Elements of the 7th Regional Commando Battalion, with U.S. force advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists on Aug. 21, during an operation in the Ninewah province.

The Commandos arrested the suspected terrorists with a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.

The men are suspected of assassination attempts and explosive attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. forces in Ninewah. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27666&Itemid=21


Emergency Response Brigade arrests suspected terrorist in Baghdad
Sunday, 23 August 2009
BAGHDAD – The Emergency Response Brigade, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in the Iraqi capital Aug. 20.

The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh.

The suspect is allegedly affiliated with insurgent groups and wanted for facilitating and conducting sniper attacks against Iraqi Security Forces operating in the area.http://www.mnfiraq.com/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=27662&Itemid=128

Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces arrest three suspected terrorists in Baghdad
Sunday, 23 August 2009
BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested three suspects during an intelligence-driven mission in the Iraqi capital Aug. 20.

The Soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.

The apprehended individuals are allegedly affiliated with Al Qaeda in Iraq and responsible for conducting terrorist activities against Iraqi government officials and its Security Forces.

The arrest will reduce insurgent attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi government personnel in the area. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27663&Itemid=128

Basrah SWAT arrests suspected terrorist in southern Iraq
Sunday, 23 August 2009
BAGHDAD – A Basrah Special Weapons and Tactics team, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist linked to numerous insurgent networks in Basrah province on Aug. 20.

The SWAT team was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Basrah Court.

The suspect has allegedly served as a high ranking official for numerous terrorist groups operating in the area. The suspect is also wanted for alleged attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and civilians. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27664&Itemid=128

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Airborne Artillerymen Get Back to Basics

08.23.2009 07:47


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FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Artillery Paratroopers are getting the chance to stand behind the big guns and return to the job they enlisted for during artillery training, on the far eastern edge of Baghdad, Aug. 22.

Since deploying last December, Paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, have performed as infantrymen in the urban environment of Baghdad's al-Karradah District.

However, with Iraqi security forces now clearly in charge of security in the city, the artillerymen now have time to go out to the deserts outside east Baghdad and work on their signature skill set.

"We have spent most of the deployment patrolling the streets and doing more of the duties an infantryman would do, such as clearing buildings and learning basic tactical maneuvers," said Sgt. Ryan Buchan, of Stevenville, Mich., a cannon crew member assigned to the regiment's Battery A. "I'm glad that I'm back to my familiar way of life. I didn't mind the combat patrols but it's nice to get back to the howitzers."

From set-up and sight training, to several mobility exercises on the howitzers, the artillerymen alternate their training exercises each week in order to maintain their combat readiness.

"We are improving every day but we still have a long way to go." said Sgt. Josh Smith, of Dentin, Texas, a cannon crew member with Battery A. "Some of these guys have been in the Army for more than a year and this is the first howitzer training they have received since their initial training when the joined the Army. This is because they have been in the field focusing on other things."

Even with all the grueling work, and heat of the desert, the Paratroopers are determined, and optimistic to get back to the level of a seasoned artilleryman in opens of one day getting to fire off some real rounds.

"The harder we work, and the more time we spend training, the better we will be, it's as simple as that," said Smith.

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http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37848

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[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Search Compounds in Paktya and Wardak
08.24.2009 04:21
KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan and International Security Forces searched a series of buildings on Aug. 23, in Paktya and Wardak provinces in order to disrupt their supply lines and improvised explosive device-making operations.

In Paktya, the joint force searched a series of buildings in the remote mountains of Jadran District in search of Haqqani militants. The search was conducted without incident and two suspected militants were detained.

In Wardak province, an Afghan-led force also searched compounds near the village of Badam Kalay in the Nirkh District thought to be used by a Taliban IED element. Two suspected militants were detained in a search conducted without incident.

There were no Afghan, International Security Force or civilian casualties during either incident.

The IED is the insurgents' weapon of choice and they constantly seek to set up IED operations wherever possible within the country. Afghan and International Security Forces continue to combine skills and resources to disrupt IED attacks and protect the Afghan people from undue harm.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37874

THANK YOU, OUTSTANDING JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Forces Hinder Insurgent Communication in Afghanistan

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2009 – U.S. forces conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication and an Afghan civilian thwarted a bomb attack in operations in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.

U.S. soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.

Two Black Hawk helicopters from 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade inserted and extracted troops along the harsh terrain. The force used two-wheel landings, which allowed the troops to dismount and execute their mission.

“Insertion of troops allows ground forces freedom of maneuver in locations where harsh terrain is a factor,” said Army Capt. Joe Daigle, commander of Company C, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, who served as a pilot during the operation. “We take these teams to their mission site and pull them out safely, minimizing their time on the ground.”

Army Capt. Matthew Bebo, the battalion’s liaison officer, said the operation made an impact. “The disruption caused by this operation will have a great effect in Kandahar province,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Sundurwa village resident stopped insurgents from emplacing a homemade bomb on a highly travelled road in Laghman province’s Alingar district.

One insurgent fled the scene. The resident apprehended another insurgent and delivered the suspect to the Alingar police, who transferred him to the province’s Afghan National Police headquarters for questioning.

The incident marked the third time in five days that villagers in Nuristan and Laghman provinces have prevented insurgents from attacking their villages, officials said.

http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55595


[B]BLACK HAWK WAIT (http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2009-08/hires_090823-A-9920R-046a.jpg)

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(http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2009-08/hires_090823-A-9920R-046a.jpg)U.S. Army soldiers pop smoke as they wait for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to extract them from the side of a mountain in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 23, 2009. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment planned and executed the operation, and the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade provided support. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Aubree Rundle


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GOD SPEED!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Afghan Citizen Turns Over IED Facilitator to ANP

08.24.2009 09:50

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – A citizen of Sundurwa village stopped insurgents from emplacing an improvised explosive device on a highly travelled road, Sunday, in the Alingar District of Laghman province, Afghanistan.

One insurgent fled the scene, and another was apprehended by the local citizen. The citizen took the captured man to the Alingar Police, who transferred him to the Laghman province Afghan national police headquarters for questioning by a counter-terrorism team.

International Security Assistance Forces, expressed pride in villagers taking control and responsibility of their communities.

"The bottom line from this event is two things," said Lt. Col. Mike Forsyth, commander of Task Force Steel. "First, it shows that Afghans don't want [insurgents] to use their villages as a safe haven and have decided to take actions into their own hands, which provides ANSF and ISAF with freedom of movement and security for the villagers. Second, it shows our effort to build relationships with the villagers has paid off and they believe it is in their best interests to work with us and turn in [insurgents]."

This is the third time in five days villagers in Nuristan and Laghman provinces have prevented insurgents from attacking their villages.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37879

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME JOB! :clap::clap::clap::clap:
THANK YOU SUNDURWA CITIZEN!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Medical clinic opens for Federal Police

Monday, 24 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — The new Camp Dublin medical clinic celebrated its grand opening here, Aug. 19, highlighting the additional medical support now available to the Iraqi Federal Police (FP) and Emergency Response Brigades (ERB).

The clinic will support up to 2,000 students at the Federal Police Training Center as well as some ERB tenet units. The clinic will provide an important tool in the fight against terrorism by allowing students to get medical help and trauma care right on the spot where they are working, living and training.

Minister of Interior Dr. Ibrahim Masan Khal hosted the FP Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Adnon Ofan Ali and U.S. Army Col. Dr. Bernard DeKoning, medical advisor form Iraqi Training Advisory Mission, in cutting the ribbon.

“We have waited a long time for this medical clinic to be ready to open,” said Ali. “We are very happy to see the achievements that have come as a result of us working together with the friendly side.”

The clinic is rated as a Level 1, meaning it can now receive patients, perform trauma care, dispense medication through its pharmacy, assess patient needs, and more. There is a plan to add dental and x-ray services to the facility in the near future, when the clinic is able to achieve Level 2 status.

“It is an honor for us to be here,” DeKoning said. “I want to complement the doctors and staff for working to open this clinic. In the Army we have an old saying, ‘One Team…One Fight.’ Today we are working together in that tradition.”

The U.S. forces have worked very closely with the Iraqis in getting this facility open and ready for use. This is just one more way that the Security Agreement signed between the U.S. and Iraq is being implemented.

http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27676&Itemid=128

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[Loyal American]

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Here Comes the Boom, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise Gives 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Personnel a Closer Look

08.25.2009 12:11

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Four explosive ordnance disposal technicians honed their skills during an exercise as more than 20 members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing received a closer look at what EOD technicians do.

EOD technicians perform explosive disposal operations such as identifying, disarming, neutralizing and recovering or disposing of hazardous explosives in a wide range of locations.

"It is always good to bring people from around the base, and let them see what we do," said Tech. Sgt. Gregory Locke, 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, non-commissioned officer in charge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Logistics.

Once everyone arrived at the range and had received a safety briefing, EOD detonated a controlled explosive device with four personnel prepositioned behind a protective blanket that blocked the blast wave and debris. Then they allowed members of the 380th AEW to set off multiple explosive devices before firing a .50 caliber rifle at a target approximately 125 yards down the range.

"I got to fire a bomb off today," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Martz, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It is awesome to see and experience something that they do every day."
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37900

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[Loyal American]

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Soldiers Practice Vehicle Rollover Techniques
08/25/2009

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U.S. Army soldiers inside a vehicle rollover simulator unharness to exit after a 180-degree rollover on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 22, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael J. MacLeod

[see photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1389)

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[Loyal American]

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Elementary Students, Staff Send Patriotic Messages to Marines in Afghanistan

08.25.2009 05:33

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CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Some people will walk up to Marines in public and shake their hands to say 'thank you' for their service. Others take it a few steps further by saying their thanks on hundreds of feet of paper.

George and Shirley Jackson of Denton, Md., have been mailing scrolls of thanks to deployed troops for nearly 15 years. Most recently, they sent a 521-foot scroll of patriotic messages of thanks to Marines here. Messages like, "Thank you for your service," or "You rock and watch out for missiles," cover just about every inch. The scroll was posted on the walls in Dining Facility 2.

"Just saying thanks isn't enough for them," said Staff Sgt. Jason L. Carter, transmission supervisor, Regimental Combat Team 3. "We as leaders can tell our guys thanks, but seeing it from people back home has a great meaning for the Marines."

George said in an email, he does this as a way to thank troops for what they do for their country day in and day out.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37908)

GOD BLESS THE JACKSON'S, SWEET SWEET JOB! :flag::clap::flag::clap:
SHALL WE SAY ... HOORAH! :flag:

P.S. You can send mail to a Marine, Soldier, Airman or Sailor by using the links in my signature,
don't miss the opportunity to say THANK YOU! :flag:

[Loyal American]

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Health Fair welcomes local Iraqi children

Tuesday, 25 August 2009

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JOINT BASE BALAD — U.S. Airmen and Soldiers hosted a Department of State Provincial Reconstruction Team-initiated Health Fair for local Iraqi children at the Oasis Dining Facility here, Aug. 22.

More than 40 children from the surrounding Salah ad Din province interacted with service members while learning about basic first aid, the role of emergency medical professionals and nutrition and hygiene.

The Health Fair marked the first time local kids were brought here for a medical outreach program.

"The event served the purpose of educating the children in the hopes they will disseminate the information to their families," said 1st Lt. Emanuel Pierre, Task Force 421, Multi-functional Medical Battalion civil military operations officer. "We also see this as an opportunity to cultivate good sentiment between the Iraqi people and Coalition forces."

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27680&Itemid=128)

GRRREAT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Supplies delivered to villages in need

Tuesday, 25 August 2009

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BASRAH — U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers joined forces to deliver food and supplies to residents of the Faddaqhryah and Bahar communities here, Aug. 18.

The U.S. Soldiers from the 17th Fires Brigade (FB) and the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team helped the Iraqi Army (IA) provide this urgent humanitarian assistance and lay the groundwork for a lasting relationship between Iraq’s Soldiers and its people, said Army Lt. Col. Ross. C. Scott, 17th FB civil affairs officer.

Scott said the IA delivered more than 400 packages, each intended to feed a family of eight for 30 days.

The U.S. patrol, made up of civil affairs and personnel security Soldiers, left here early to link up in the Iraqi villages with their counterparts from the 14th IA Division. In each village, the Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers were met with welcoming, hopeful looks from local elders and heads of families and curious, smiling faces of children.

“This is really helpful to us,” said Abod, one of hundreds of Faddaqhryah residents who lined up to collect food. “Since Ramadan is coming, we thank God for all of this. I have nine family members that all these supplies will benefit greatly.”

The Iraqi Soldiers were pleased to be part of such a mission.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27678&Itemid=128)

TERRIFIC JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Kills Militant Responsible for Numerous Attacks
08.26.2009 04:58
KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-International Security Force killed a Taliban militant in Kandahar province today, Aug. 26, responsible for several improvised explosive devices and small arms attacks in the region.

The joint force searched for the suspected militant southwest of Kandahar City, near the village of Salavat, where intelligence sources reported the known Taliban militant to be located.

During the operation, the force stopped the militant while on his motorcycle and issued multiple verbal commands to dismount. The militant ignored the commands and brandished a weapon, demonstrating hostile intent. The force engaged and killed the militant. A subsequent examination by the force confirmed the identity of the Taliban militant.

There were no Afghan, International Security Force or civilian casualties during the incident.

Though southern Afghanistan is the center of the Taliban-led militancy, the Taliban continues to alienate itself from the civilian populace by indiscriminate use of IED and small arms fire attacks. Afghan and International Security Forces continue to work together – day and night - to expel the Taliban and ensure the legitimate governance of the country.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37964

OUTSTANDING JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28-1-40.gif
ISOF arrest three
suspected terrorists in Khaladiyah
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
AL ANBAR, Iraq – Elements of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrested a suspected terrorist plus two others who attacked ISOF Soldiers while serving a warrant on August 24. Another of the attackers was killed.

The targeted suspect was arrested in accordance with an Ar Ramadi Criminal Court warrant. The individuals is suspected of killing a senior Iraqi Police Officer, taking part in the recruiting of terrorists and providing a suicide vest for an attack against Iraqi civilians.

During the arrest of the warranted individual, who is a local Iraqi Policeman, the unit came under fire from multiple directions. In accordance with Iraqi rules of engagement, the ISOF responded with appropriate force. This resulted in the death of one attacker and the wounding of another. One Iraqi Soldier was also wounded in the action. Two of the attackers were taken into custody after the attack.

The arrest of these individuals will disrupt the terrorist group’s activities and possibly lead to future arrests improving the security of Iraq.
http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27691&Itemid=128

ISOF arrest a suspected terrorist in Baghdad
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with U.S. forces advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in the Iraqi capital on Aug. 23.

The Soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.

The suspect is wanted for kidnapping, murder and attacking Iraqi Security Forces. http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27690&Itemid=128

Ninewah Commandos arrest suspected terrorist
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – Commandos for the 7th Regional Commando Battalion, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist on Aug. 22, during an operation in the Ninewah province.

The suspected terrorist was arrested with a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Kharakh for suspicion of attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and facilitating terrorist movement throughout the province.

The Commandos entered the suspect’s residence, arrested the individual and searched the residence without incident. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27692&Itemid=128

AWESOME JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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ISOF's 1st Brigade Focuses on Human Rights

08.26.2009 09:44

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BAGHDAD – "The inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world." These hollowed words from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ratified by the United Nations in 1948 echoed through a hallway filled with Soldiers from the Iraqi Special Operation Force's 1st Brigade on Aug. 13.

The commanding officer of the 1st Brigade, Maj. Gen. Fadhel Al-Barwari, sat attentively in the front row flanked by men under his command. Members of the Iraqi press recorded the event, which was preceded by a demonstration of ISOF's capabilities and tactics.

In the past, Fadhel invited the Red Cross to speak to his Soldiers about the value of human rights. Doctors and lawyers on his staff also taught his Soldiers about the United Nations declaration.

"We train to treat all people, even suspected terrorists, with respect," Fadhel said. "I want to treat them the same way I treat my family because they are innocent until proven guilty by an Iraqi court."

"I also want the world to know that Iraq values human dignity and individual rights," he noted with a sense of pride.

The lecturer concluded his remarks by emphasizing the first article of the United Nations declaration: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

After the lecture, the Soldiers began shouting and dancing as Fadhel stood to thank the lecturer.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=37998

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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ANSF, ISAF Troops Capture Suspected Insurgent Leader; 6 Others
08.27.2009 02:05
KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-led force detained seven insurgents during a mission to capture a suspected insurgent leader in the Sar Hawza District of Paktika province, Aug. 26.

The Afghan national security force entered a medical clinic to capture the suspected militant leader, who was being treated in a clinic for injuries sustained during a fire fight on Afghanistan national election day.

ANSF were clearing the clinic when they received direct fire attack. International Security Assistance Force members and additional ANSF troops arrived to support the ANSF already on-scene.

After ensuring the clinic was cleared of civilians, an AH64 Apache helicopter fired rounds at the building, ending the direct threat and injuring the targeted insurgent in the building.

"This clearly shows the disparity between coalition forces and anti-Afghan forces when it comes to concerns for civilians caught in the crossfire," said Maj. Matthew Gregory, Task Force Yukon Public Affairs.

"This was a very successful operation led by ANSF to capture insurgents who want to instil fear in the Afghan people."

There were no civilian casualties during this event.

One ISAF service member was killed (previously disclosed in ISAF News Release 640). http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38003

OUTSTANDING JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif
MAY THE FALLEN ISAF MEMBER REST IN PEACE! :pray:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg ....FYI

US strikes Taliban compound in South Waziristan, 8 killed

By Bill Roggio
August 27, 2009 8:05 AM

Unmanned US strike aircraft fired missiles at a Taliban compound in Pakistan’s Taliban-controlled tribal area of South Waziristan.

Three Hellfire missiles struck in the town of Kanigoram near Wana, a known stronghold of the Taliban forces under the command of Mullah Nazir. Eight Taliban fighters and possibly some Uzbek fighters were reported killed (http://www.geo.tv/8-27-2009/48316.htm), but no high value Taliban or al Qaeda targets have been reported killed at this time.

Waliur Rehman Mehsud, the new leader of the Taliban in South Waziristan, was the target of the strike, a US intelligence source told The Long War Journal.

Kanigoram is a known Taliban stronghold. The US conducted an airstrike there on April 29, 2009. Ten Taliban fighters were killed in missile strikes on a Taliban safe house and a vehicle.

[read more] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/08/us_strikes_taliban_c_2.php)

[Loyal American]

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Battery R, 5/11 Ready to Put Rockets Down Range Anytime

08.27.2009 10:53

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CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – In the early morning desert heat, a squad of infantry Marines patrols through a seemingly empty field in the southern Helmand Province. Without warning, they start taking heavy fire from a distant compound. To overwhelm the enemy, the patrol leader calls for indirect fire support.

It now falls to three-man teams, manning two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with just one mission – to provide precision fires during all weather conditions at any time of day or night.

This is what 2nd Platoon, Battery R, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, attached to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, is here to do, according to Sgt. Jeff Witt, a section chief with 5/11.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38020)

HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththimages-6.jpghttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thxinsrc_1cbea4e76f754cafa9b8b9f-4.jpg
U.S. Soldiers Deliver Dog Food to
Iraqi Police K-9 Unit

08.28.2009 03:06

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, MOSUL, Iraq – A group of Soldiers from Command Post-North, Task Force Lighting, 25th Infantry Division; the 269th Military Police Company of the Tennessee National Guard and the Ninewa Provincial Police-Transition Team, 3rd Brigade, 1st Calvary Division, delivered more than 225 pounds of dog food that was donated by the boys from Cub Scout Pack 5 of Goldthwaite, Texas, to an Iraqi police K-9 unit in Mosul, Iraq, Aug. 24.

The group, led by Maj. Chris Medina, deputy provost marshal for CP-North, loaded the first delivery of dog food from the scouts, which Medina's nephew is a member of, packed into approximately 15 flat-rate boxes in the back of a mine resistant ambush protection vehicle.

"They started this idea back in April. They asked me what they could do for us over here, for troops in general. At first I said they could send care packages," stated Medina. "Then, after I had gone to see the kennels, I knew that the kennel master, Maj. Shamel, was going to be giving out money from his own pocket to support the dogs until their supply system got on track. So I said, 'Why don't I see if we can get these Cub Scouts to sponsor the dogs and the kennel?'"

The scouts of pack 5 took up donations of dog food and spent their summer doing fund raisers to pay for the shipping costs of more than 400 pounds of dog food for the Iraqi police K-9 unit. Additionally, a story was run in the scout's local paper, The Goldthwaite Eagle, telling how the scouts and community could help support the dogs.

"They got the community's support. They asked me for a picture of one of the dogs for their paper," added Medina. "They put it in their local newspaper saying 'Cub Scouts seek sponsor to support K-9.'"

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38044)

SWEET SWEET JOB TROOPS! :flag::clap::flag::clap:
THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-International Security Forces Pursue Militants in Kandahar and Kundoz
08.28.2009 02:00
KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan and international security forces searched multiple compounds, Aug. 27, in Kandahar and Kundoz provinces after receiving reports of militant activity in the regions.

In Kandahar province, a joint military force searched a location just west of Kandahar City in pursuit of a Taliban element known to finance and transport weapons and supplies into the region. The forced searched the buildings without incident and detained six suspected militants.

In Kundoz province, a joint military force searched a compound near the village of Chehar Darrechi suspected of being used by an element of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan operating in the region.

While travelling to the compound, the force received fire from militants positioned in different locations, engaged them, and killed several enemy militants. One local national civilian was caught in the crossfire and suffered a gunshot wound to the arm.

The force searched the compound and uncovered several rocket-propelled grenades, seven assault rifles, multiple grenades and chest racks. Among the enemy dead was a female militant who engaged the force, armed with an assault rifle and wearing a full chest rack of ammunition. All weapons were destroyed in place. The force detained one suspected militant and evacuated the wounded local national civilian to a military hospital to receive medical treatment.

There were no Afghan or international security force casualties during either incident.

Afghan and international security forces continue to combine skills and resources to disrupt these attacks and help ensure the legitimate governance of the Afghan people.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38043

Afghan Civilians Protected From Militant Attacks
08.27.2009 11:50
NURISTAN, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance forces protected civilians in Barge Matal after militants launched a series of attacks targeting civilians, a girls-school and buildings near the district center, Aug. 27.

ANSF and ISAF forces maneuvered to engage the militants and requested close air-support during the eight-hour battle. Two Afghan national army soldiers and one Afghan national police officer died in the battle while protecting Afghan civilians and repelling the militants.

One civilian was wounded by enemy fire and several militants were killed during the fighting.

"ANSF are the true guardians of the Afghan people and they are committed to defending their country against those who seek to oppress them," said Lt. Col. Clarence Counts, CJTF-82 and RC-East spokesperson. "ISAF forces will continue to support the ANSF in their efforts to protect the Afghan people." http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38039

OUTSTANDING JOB, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Seabees Construct New Entry Control Point

08.28.2009 04:32

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Personnel from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24, Al Asad's Base Command Group and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pose for a group photo in front of the recently completed Entry Control Point after a ribbon cutting ceremony, Aug. 16, aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 recently completed the expansion and upgrade of an entry control point on the base. This was the largest and most diverse project that NMCB 24 had been tasked with for their current deployment to Al Anbar province, Iraq. The entire project was valued at approximately $22 million, and required the cooperation of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Al Asad's Base Command Group, 347th Army engineers and the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) communications and engineers sections.

The project started in May 2009, and was a joint effort by many of the units stationed aboard the base. The ultimate goal was to take the incomplete ECP and make it functional and effective, thus increasing the ability to maintain proper security and force protection for all personnel, both military and civilian, residing aboard Al Asad Air Base.

Petty Officer 1st Class, Joseph Capozzi, a NMCB 24 builder, was the onsite project supervisor and one of the lead planners from Charlie Company. He worked closely with all of the units involved, including the management of more than 50 personnel from all of the battalion's companies.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38045)

ROCK ON SEABEES!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:
HOOYAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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‘Sons of Iraq’ Gain Iraqi Government Jobs

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2009 – Several years ago, tens of thousands of Sunni fighters considered themselves enemies of the Iraqi government and its U.S. conspirators, but after switching allegiances, these former insurgents now are filling the ranks of Iraq’s ministries and armed forces.

Thousands of these “Sons of Iraq” -- the moniker given to those Sunni combatants who defected from insurgent groups to fight alongside U.S. and Iraqi security forces -- recently gained employment as government workers in Baghdad. Another 13,000 have jobs as Iraqi policemen or soldiers.

Though once part of the al-Qaida-aligned resistance in Iraq, these fighters left the insurgency in droves in 2007 amid the surge of U.S. troops, notably in Anbar province as part of a broader movement that was later dubbed the Anbar “Awakening,” or “Sahwa.”

“It started with the Sahwa movement where the Sunni Iraqis recognized the true nature of al-Qaida,” Army Maj. Gen. John Johnson, deputy commander for Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters in a news conference today. “They rejected that ideology and ultimately stood side by side with their countrymen and with U.S. forces to bring al-Qaida to the point they're at today.”

[read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55650)

TIMES HAVE CERTAINLY CHANGED! :clap::clap::clap::clap:
GOOD LUCK TO THESE SOI! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Multi-National Corps- Iraq Honors Women's Efforts Toward Equality

08.28.2009 06:29

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AL FAW, Iraq - Approximately 200 service members gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate Women's Equality Day with skits, essays and a speech from Brig. Gen. Heidi V. Brown at Al Faw Palace.

The ceremony began with the national anthem and an invocation followed by proclamation that the evening ceremony provided an opportunity to pause and express deep appreciation to women for their countless contributions to society.

"It is especially noteworthy that we are celebrating Woman's Equality Day here in Iraq, as Iraqis, like Americans, continue in their journey to find the delicate balance of preserving tradition and promoting equality for women," Brown, Multi-National Corps- Iraq deputy commanding general for sustainment, said.

"Iraq is made up of about 63 percent women," Brig. Gen. William N. Phillips, Joint Contracting Command- Iraq and Afghanistan, said. "I believe that the women of Iraq will help build this country in a powerful way, they will engage and seek greater hope and prosperity, not only for themselves, but for their families and their children. I believe they are important to all we are doing in Iraq."

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38047)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Seabees Construct Crow's Nests for Combat Outposts

08.28.2009 07:11

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AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 recently completed the construction and delivery of a dozen armored tactical crow's nests for Forward Operating Bases and Combat Outposts throughout the Al Anbar province.

The project required more than twenty personnel from Charlie Company to complete. The crow's nests utilized ballistic glass and steel plating to ensure the protection of the service members manning them.

Each structure was built in the pre-fabrication yard at Camp RJ, aboard Al Asad Air Base. Once the buildings were finished, Alfa Company personnel and the Convoy Security Element teams delivered the finished products to their final destinations.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. It is a reserve unit, with home detachments located in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and West Virginia. NMCB 24 began its second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the spring of 2009. Currently, it is headquartered at Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar province, Iraq.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38048

HOOYAH!!! :flag:

THANK YOU SEABEES, WE ARE SO PROUD OF THE
JOB YOU DO!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain 2 Militants, Seize Weapons in Khost
08.28.2009 12:31
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan border policemen and International Security Assistance Force Soldiers seized a sizable weapons cache and detained two militants, Aug. 24, while conducting a joint operation in Khost province.

ABP and paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conducted a focused mission specifically targeting improvised explosive device makers and facilitators within Khost province.

"We were able to accomplish the mission without any escalation of force," said 2nd Lt. Travis Ward, a platoon leader with 2-377th PFAR. "We were able to surprise the enemy, so when one militant tried to run he didn't get far. Being able to surprise the enemy in this area is often difficult due to their system of early warning networks."

The combined forces searched the home of the detained militants and discovered several weapons caches, some of which were stored inside the walls.

The collective contents of the munitions found included a variety of small arms, nearly 2,000 rounds of ammunition, blasting caps, and various IED-making material.

"The bottom line is this mission gives the enemy of Afghanistan fewer weapons to endanger innocent Afghan civilians, fewer bad guys to try to intimidate the population and gives more confidence from the people of Afghanistan in its government and the Afghan national security forces charged with their security," Ward said. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38076

GRRREAT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Freedom Minute

This edition features vendor fairs being held in Iraq to help promote and increase Iraqi business.


http://www.mnf-iraq.com/images/stories/icon_video.gif Watch Now (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=67188)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Pursue Taliban Militants in Kandahar
08.29.2009 05:56
KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan and international security forces searched multiple compounds, Aug. 28, in Kandahar province in order to disrupt a Taliban element operating in the region.

One joint force conducted an operation northeast of Kandahar City in pursuit of Taliban militants. The joint force pursued a militant who was killed after he ignored commands to stop and brandished a weapon with hostile intent. The force continued its search and detained five suspected militants.

In a separate operation in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander and his improvised explosive device-emplacing element, a joint force searched a compound near the village of Mowmand and east of Kandahar City. The force searched the compound buildings without incident and detained one suspect who surrendered immediately and identified himself as the sub-commander.

There were no Afghan, international security force or civilian casualties during either incident.

The Taliban continues to use its extensive network of militant elements in Afghanistan to plan and conduct attacks within the country. Afghan and international security forces are working together to eliminate these Taliban elements and help ensure the legitimate governance of the Afghan people.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38108

EXCELLENT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Honey bees work to deliver liquid gold

Saturday, 29 August 2009

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KIRKUK — U.S. development and reconstruction teams recently visited local farmers in the village of Qaytul to check up on those who had received bee farming equipment as part of a year-long project designed to increase the income of small farm owners here.

"The Honey Bee Hive Development Project intends to help farmers in Kirkuk province increase household income through the inclusion of honey production," said Sana Rajah, a representative for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The project began in May 2008, when 159 farmers, including five women from throughout the province, were each given four modern hive boxes and 30 hours of training on how to properly care for, breed and collect honey from bees. The project was initially identified by the Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and funded by USAID.

The training was hosted by the Honey Keeper in Kirkuk and Kurds Farmer Union organization, which now works closely with the bee farmers by sharing equipment and continuing to educate them on new ways to increase bee productivity.

According to Rajah, the goal of the project is to give farmers a way to raise their income by consistently producing honey, which sells for about $25 U.S. dollars a kilogram on the local market. Although Rajah does not expect these farmers to become full-time bee keepers, he hopes their income will continue to increase as they produce more honey.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27721&Itemid=128)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Destroy Haqqani Stronghold in Paktika
08.30.2009 03:01
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force killed a large number of enemy militants and destroyed a complex of bunkers, weapons and other structures in Paktika province, Aug. 28, that was used by the Haqqani Network as a logistics base and safe haven for foreign fighters operating in the region.

The joint force conducted the operation in the remote location in the mountains of Urgun District on the eastern side of the province. The force was engaged by small arms fire from hostile militants on several different occasions in an operation that lasted close to 24 hours.

The force used direct fire and close air support to repel the attacks from militants. By the end of the operation, the force killed a large number of hostile militants and recovered multiple antiaircraft artillery pieces, two heavy machine guns, two light machine guns, several assault rifles, multiple chest racks, ammunition, and communications gear. The force destroyed the bunker complex and all enemy weaponry in place.

There were no civilian casualties reported during the operation.

Afghan and international security forces continue to work together to destroy the Haqqani militant network, eliminate Muslim against Muslim violence and allow the Afghan people to live their lives free from terrorism caused by insurgents.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38123

THANK YOU TROOPS, OUTSTANDING JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

FYI....
Detainee population falls below 9,000 (Cropper)

Sunday, 30 August 2009

CAMP CROPPER, Iraq – The number of detainees in Task Force 134 custody dropped below 9,000 during a detainee transfer between Coalition Forces and the Government of Iraq on Aug. 27.

As a result of the 107-person transfer, the detainee population in Iraq stands at 8,947 – the lowest number in U.S. custody since March 2005.

In accordance with the Security Agreement, detainee transfers between Coalition Forces and the Government of Iraq must be conducted with arrest warrants or detention orders. If detainees do not have arrest warrants or detention orders, they must be released.

“We work very closely with the Iraqi government to ensure releases and transfers are conducted in a safe and orderly manner,” said Capt. Brad Kimberly, Task Force 134 spokesman. “In compliance with the Security Agreement, we transferred these detainees to the GoI after receiving valid warrants or detention orders.”

Every detainee’s file is thoroughly reviewed by Coalition Forces and the Government of Iraq to determine if a warrant should be issued, he said. Detainees whose investigations do not produce a warrant are eligible for release according to the detainee’s threat level.

Of the 8,947 detainees in U.S. custody, 3,572 are held at Camp Cropper, 4,585 are held at Camp Taji, and 790 are held at Camp Bucca.

Task Force 134 is in the process of transferring the Bucca Theater Internment Facility detainee population prior to the facility’s closing, which is scheduled for September. Detainees currently held at Camp Bucca will be transferred to either Camp Cropper or Camp Taji.

Task Force 134 releases approximately 750 detainees from its detention facilities each month. In addition, nearly 250 transfers to the Government of Iraq are completed per month.

Since January, 1,179 detainees have been transferred to the Government of Iraq with a valid warrant or detention order, and 5,236 have been released.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27727&Itemid=21

[Loyal American]

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Spartans See to Clean Water, Fresh Start

08.30.2009 07:38

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BAGHDAD – A series of intertwined, water-filled canals create a patchwork of green fields, abundant in crops near the section of al-Zooba, here, in Baghdad.

The intricate irrigation system provides essential water to the local farms but not to its inhabitants.

"Potable water makes the difference between getting disease. For us, it's the difference between life and death," said Spc. Stephen Palac, a combat medic, about the importance of available drinking water. "There are all kinds of bad organisms in that canal water which leads to lots of stomach problems."

National Guard Soldiers of 2nd Platoon "Spartans," 1st Battalion, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, visited one of five solar-powered water-purification pumps donated by U.S. Forces and Iraqi Security Forces to local Iraqis leaders in the area to fulfill the need for potable water.

"Before, the people got sick from the water," explained Sheikh Mohammed Shalal Syiar, a local sons of Iraq leader, Aug. 28. "Then, we got our water from the pumping station, but it was difficult to get to and if the power was out, then no fresh water. The kids and young people need the water. Now, they come here by foot."

CLICK on photo to read more:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/199590.jpg (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38125)

THANK YOU SPARTANS, YOU ALWAYS DO A GREAT JOB! :flag::clap::flag::clap:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Key Taliban Leaders Linked to IEDs Captured in Chapa Dara
08.30.2009 10:20
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Forces captured two key Taliban leaders, including one commander, during a joint operation in the Kanday village of Chapa Dara District, Kunar province, Aug. 29.

Qari Azimullah is a Taliban commander in the district, and has been directly linked to several improvised explosive device attacks in the Kunar province. One of these attacks resulted in the recent death of a U.S. service member.

A second captured individual is another suspected Taliban leader in the area that has also been linked to IEDs in Kunar province.

Two additional individuals were detained. A large weapons cache including a suicide vest and IED making materials was seized during the operation.

"By removing these insurgents from the streets, the Afghan national security forces have benefitted the local population in Chapa Dara and throughout Kunar," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Clarence Counts, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-82. "The streets are now safer for Afghan citizens thanks to the hard work of the ANSF."

ANSF and ISAF troops protected several women and children who were nearby during the operation when insurgents began firing weapons at the troops in the village.

No civilians, ANSF troops or ISAF soldiers were killed or injured during the operation. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38126

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif
THANK YOU TROOPS!!! :clap::clap::clap::clap:

[Loyal American]

FYI...

ISAF Commander Submits Strategic Assessment
08.31.2009 08:07
KABUL, Afghanistan - General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan forwarded his strategic assessment today to the Commander, U.S. Central Command, General David Petraeus, and the Commander, Joint Force Command Brunssum, General Egon Ramms, who will comment and forward through their respective chains of command to the U.S. Secretary of Defense and NATO Secretary General.

"The situation in Afghanistan is serious, but success is achievable and demands a revised implementation strategy, commitment and resolve, and increased unity of effort," said McChrystal.

The assessment, which was directed by U.S. Secretary of Defense and NATO Secretary General, seeks to implement NATO's Comprehensive Strategic Political Military Plan and the U.S. President's strategy to reduce the capability and will of the insurgents, al Qaida and trans-national extremists, support the growth in capacity and development of the Afghan national security forces and to facilitate improvements in governance and socio-economic development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38157

[Loyal American]

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New youth center opens in Baghdad

Monday, 31 August 2009

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BAGHDAD — The conflict in Iraq has had a dramatic effect on many Iraqi children, but the children of Shaab now have a fun, safe place to play with the recent opening of the Araby Youth Center here.

The center is a result of the efforts of the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq, and its partnership with the local Iraqi government. Local dignitaries, including the Iraqi Minister of Youth Sports, formally opened the center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, August 30.

The $2.5 million center, funded through the Iraqi Economic Support Fund, is the first of its kind built by the Gulf Region District’s Loyalty Resident Office. The year-long project included the construction of martial arts training rooms, a 25-meter swimming pool, a weight room, game rooms for billiards and ping pong, a cafeteria with kitchen and a computer center for Internet access and video games. For added security, the 10,000 square-meter site is surrounded by security walls.

“The Al Araby Youth Center reflects the immense pride and a genuine sense of accomplishment by everyone who worked on this project,” said Inez Bergerson, the Loyalty Resident Office project engineer. “The goal of all members of the project team, from the workers who cleared the site to the skilled craftsmen and engineers, was to build a facility for the enjoyment of the young Iraqis in this neighborhood. It is through the construction of facilities like these that Iraqi communities can join together and find hope for the future.”

The Iraqi-owned Silver Moons Company was the general contractor for the project. All of the sub-contractors were also Iraqi-owned companies, according to Bergerson. More than 65 local Iraqis worked on the project, providing a much-needed economic boost to the local community. The facility will have a full time staff of 30 employees.

The Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has completed thousands of reconstruction projects in partnership with the U.S. government and the Government of Iraq. Since 2004, GRD has completed 4,626 projects throughout Iraq valued at more than $7.2 billion, and has 287 projects ongoing.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27745&Itemid=128

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[Loyal American]

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ISF arrest four suspected terrorists, reduce illegal weapons flow
Monday, 31 August 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – During operations throughout northern Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested four suspected terrorists under the authority of various warrants issued by the Government of Iraq on Aug. 29.

Bayji Special Weapons and Tactics arrested a suspected terrorist in the Salah ad-Din province with a warrant issued by the Bayji Investigative Court for suspicion of trafficking illegal weapons throughout the country.

During a separate mission in the Diyala province, Commandos with the 8th Regional Commando Battalion arrested three suspected terrorists with warrants issued by a court in Al-Khark.

The three men were suspected of attacks on ISF and U.S. forces, kidnapping and killing citizens of Diyala.

The Commandos entered the three separate suspects’ residences and arrested the individuals without incident. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27749&Itemid=128

ERB, ISOF execute warrants, arrest two suspected insurgents (Baghdad)
Monday, 31 August 2009
BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with U.S. force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in the Iraqi capital on Aug. 28.
The soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Khark.

The detained individual is allegedly affiliated with insurgent groups, including Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and is wanted for conducting attacks against Iraqi government officials and its Security Forces.

In Tikrit, an element of the Emergency Response Brigade, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist without incident on Aug. 28.

The soldiers arrested the individual with a warrant issued by a court in Tal Afar. The alleged insurgent is wanted for connections with terrorist cells responsible for attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. forces and murdering citizens in the Mosul area. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27742&Itemid=128


GREAT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Power Lines Find Their Way to Remote Iraqi Villages

08.31.2009 09:53

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— For the residents of the remote village of Guddah in the Kirkuk province of Iraq, it has been a long, hot summer. Although this village has a few air coolers, there is no electrical power source to plug them into. But this is about to change.

With the support of 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, local companies have begun constructing power lines in this village.

An initial assessment of the construction was done Aug. 28, when a civil affairs specialist from Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, traveled to Guddah to see how the project was progressing.

"This village is one of the last ones to get power in this area," said Staff Sgt. Michael Montique, a Fayetteville, N.C., native with the 414th Civil Affairs Company.

"I am very excited," said Ebrahem Aswad Ahmad, a resident of Guddah.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38167)

FANTASTIC, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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ISF derail rocket launcher factory operations in Maysan
Tuesday, 01 September 2009
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The 38th Iraqi Army Brigade and Iraqi Tactical Security Unit Police from Amarah seized a large cache of supplies used for improvised rocket launchers in Maysan province August 31.

The operation snared 16 complete rocket rails and over 1300 car jacks and other components used in the assembly of the rails.

Hundreds of jacks were smuggled in banana shipping crates marked with Iranian stickers.

“The loss of this particular cache will seriously hinder the criminals’ ability to disrupt peace in southern Iraq,” said Maj. Myles Caggins, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division spokesperson familiar with the operation. “It was especially encouraging to see the number of local citizens come forward to tell the Iraqi Army about the cache location. Outlaws who smuggle lethal aid seek to undermine economic development in Maysan.”

The evidence is being investigated by the 38th Iraqi Brigade and Iraqi Police, with assistance from Weapons Intelligence Specialists assigned to the U.S. Army’s 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment.

The U.S. battalion advises and assists Iraqi Security Forces from their base in rural Maysan.

Iraqi media were permitted to view the cache. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27754&Itemid=21

THANK YOU TROOPS, TERRIFIC JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Afghan-ISF Detains Militants in Ghazni
09.02.2009 04:51
KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint Afghan and International Security Force searched a series of buildings in Ghazni province on Sept. 1, in an ongoing effort to disrupt Taliban lines of communication, supplies and foreign fighters into the region.

The joint force searched buildings near the village of Ghazi Kheyl in Gelan district after intelligence indicated militant activity. The searched was conducted without incident, and the force detained three suspected militants.

The Taliban uses an extensive network of supply routes in eastern Afghanistan to arm and equip its militant elements within the country.

Afghan and International Security Forces are working together to block these routes and ensure the security and legitimate governance of the Afghan people. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38268

HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Joint effort sees new bridge span Tigris

Wednesday, 02 September 2009

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BAGHDAD — On the banks of the mighty Tigris River, a track excavator slowly inched forward, pushing a land-based ramp toward a pontoon suspension bridge.

Simple pins, connecting the two, marked the Aug. 31 completion of a spectacular engineering effort from three separate engineer entities that took a month to complete.

U.S. Army Engineers with the 225th Engineer Brigade, the 555th Engineer Brigade and elements of the Headquarters, 4th and 5th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiments have literally bridged the gap while spanning the river to reduce traffic inside of Baghdad in accordance with the Security Agreement.

On July 27, the 225th began the massive job of removing 6,000 cubic yards of dirt to level both banks of the river for the bridge's on and off ramps. Using the Army's largest bulldozer, the D9, San Antonio-based engineers moved some 400 dump truck loads worth of dirt in only 23 days.

"The 277th Eng. Company's scope of work was to construct the near side and far side approach and the boat launch sites. This was done with a variety of engineer operations of cutting and filling; loading and hauling and grading, leveling and compacting," said plans officer, Maj. Shane Rauh, of Baton Rouge, La.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27768&Itemid=128)

AWESOME JOB, THANK YOU TROOPS! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Shakin' With the Sheik

09.02.2009 08:31

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Members of Alpha Company, 2-162 Infantry, Oregon National Guard, had the opportunity to go outside the wire and participate in a Pre-Ramadan feast given by a local resident, Aug. 19.

Mr. Ali Jadaan, a local sheik and contractor in Scania invited the command staff of Alpha Co, Capt. Charles Ellis and Lt. Mark Major, and others to the feast prepared by his family.

"There was a lot of food, a lot of variety," Capt. Ellis said. "It was definitely harvest time with all the fresh fruit there. It was very nice."

The guests tasted a chicken and rice, meat and rice wrapped in grape leaves, soups, pickled vegetables, flat bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dates.

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[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38272)

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U.N. Agency Notes Decline in Afghan Poppy, Opium

09.02.2009 02:07

WASHINGTON - Farmers in Afghanistan grew fewer opium poppy plants last year, while opium drug production also declined, according to a United Nations-sponsored report released in Kabul, Sept. 2.

The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime's "Afghan Opium Survey 2009" says opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan declined 22 percent and opium production went down 10 percent during the May 2008 to June 2009 planting cycle.

"At a time of pessimism about the situation in Afghanistan, these results are a welcome piece of good news and demonstrate that progress is possible," Antonio Maria Costa, the office's executive director, said in a news release.

The report cites overall opium-poppy growth in Afghanistan as having declined to 123,000 hectares -- about 304 acres -- from a peak of 193,000 hectares -- about 477 acres -- in 2007.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38289)

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Hunting Taliban Different Than What They Expected

09.02.2009 04:41

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KHOSRABAD, Afghanistan – For the Marines of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, hunting the Taliban takes patience and flexibility. Even on days when they don't get what they expect, being seen and speaking with the locals is a small victory.

On Aug. 25, the Marines from 1st Platoon began their day with the intent of looking for a fight. A patrol, like any of the countless ones they've undertaken since their arrival here, but based on a guess that insurgents might try to ambush them. With that knowledge, the Marines prepared themselves to hit back.

A few days earlier, the Taliban had critically injured a child while trying to emplace a hasty IED for them during a similar morning patrol. This day, despite their expectations, the Taliban didn't show themselves where the Marines expected them, and probably for a good reason.

"They shot themselves in the foot in that village," said 1st Platoon commander 1st Lt. Patrick O'Shea. "I think if they were to show up there, the villagers would kill them."

In this war, where the main focus is the well-being of the local people, these young men, whose average age is 23, have a difficult job that is not usually associated with the hard-hitting Corps. Tactical restraint is the name of the game.

CLICK on photo to read more:

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THANK YOU AND GOD SPEED!

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Marines Operate Out of Enemy Compound

09.02.2009 05:03

KHOSRABAD, Afghanistan – Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, have been using formerly Taliban-owned real estate as a base of operations for nearly two months now.

During their time here, the troops have seen many changes and learned a few lessons since their arrival July 2.

"When we first got here it was like a ghost town. We would go out on patrol and not see a single person," said Lance Cpl. Colin Newman, 20, a rifleman from Somerset, Wis. "Now, a lot of the locals that moved out are starting to come back. We're seeing much more activity around here."

Company C's 3rd Platoon is currently living in what was once a Taliban safe house. During the battalion's opening operation in Helmand province, Marines discovered the compound.

"There were sleeping bags lined up outside, and there was food recently cooked when we got there," said Sgt. Kevin Woods, 22, a squad leader from Early, Texas. "A few compounds away, we found a cache consisting of more than 20 pressure plates, jugs of HME (homemade explosive), anti-tank mines and anti-personnel mines."

Unfortunately, before uncovering the cache, one of the platoon's vehicles ran over an improvised explosive device, injuring two of their comrades.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38294)

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Infantry Band Rocks USS Decatur

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, Sept. 2, 2009 – For what many believe to be the first time in history, an Army band performed on a Navy destroyer in the Persian Gulf last week.

The 34th Infantry Division band Center Mass concluded its week-long tour of the Gulf after playing five shows in four locations. The band played at Umm Qasr, an oil terminal in Basra, on the USS Decatur and at Camp Bucca before returning here Aug. 30.

The highlight of the trip for many of the band members was performing Aug. 26 for the sailors stationed aboard the USS Decatur, which is providing security around Basra oil terminal in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“That was the best thing this week, playing on the Decatur,” said Sgt. Ryan Lodgaard, Center Mass drummer and a St. Paul, Minn., resident. “I never thought in a million years I would play on a Navy destroyer for the Army. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and one I won’t soon forget.”

Many of the Decatur’s crew and the members of Center Mass believe this is the first time an Army band has performed on a Navy ship at sea, and according to Sgt. Dave Woychek, Center Mass keyboardist, it wasn’t easy getting there.

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[read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55714)

SHALL WE SAY ... HOOAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Kirkuk Science College gets new computers

Wednesday, 02 September 2009

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KIRKUK — The computers at the Kirkuk College of Science have endured seven years of student use and software altering, and their age had begun to show.

But teachers this year won’t have to worry about trying to install new software on the outdated systems, or think about whether their compact disk drives will last through the semester, because 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, donated 50 new computers to the college, Aug. 26.

“Our department really depends on computers,” said Akmed Chalak, a computer networking teacher at the school. “We have been using very old computers, because we didn’t have any choice. “But with these new computers, the students will able to work with modern equipment.”

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27766&Itemid=128)

FINE JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Afghan, ISF Captures Taliban Militant in Kandahar
09.03.2009 03:50
KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force detained a Taliban militant implicated in several improvised explosive device attacks in Kandahar province, Sept 2.

The joint force searched for the suspected militant west of Kandahar City, near the village of Chalghowi, where intelligence sources reported he was located. He was captured on a roadway and detained without incident.

Though southern Afghanistan is the center of the Taliban-led insurgency, the Taliban continue to alienate themselves from the populace through the use of indiscriminate IED attacks, which frequently target and kill civilians. Afghan and international security forces continue to work together to expel the Taliban and ensure the legitimate governance of the country.

ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38307

THANK YOU TROOPS, GREAT JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Operation Care's Effort to Help

09.03.2009 02:07

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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Many service members deployed in Afghanistan and many of the Afghan people are at extremely remote places throughout the country that do not have basic accommodations.

Operation Care is an organization on Bagram Airfield that receives donations of hygiene items, clothing, toys and comfort items for the troops and people of these places.

"Operation Care is important because both groups [Afghans and Soldiers] don't have a lot in some places," said Michael DeNovo, the president of Operation Care.

According to Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Kurtz, superintendent of utilities shop here on Bagram, donations are recieved from the chaplain's office, people back in the United States and military personnel who are redeploying.

"Operation Care is an all-volunteer organization that was established to support the troops and to benefit the people of Afghanistan by providing them with aid and comfort in terms of clothing, basic supplies, school supplies and hygiene items," said Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Anderson, 755th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron.

Operation Care volunteers meet three times a week to organize and pack donated items. After the boxes are filled, they are brought to a flatbed truck and shipped to outlying forward operation bases throughout Afghanistan, or to be distributed to local nationals who work here.

According to Kurtz, a platoon of Soldiers went out on a routine mission in a nearby town and insurgents had set up an ambush for the Soldiers. A little boy of the town, who had received a toy from an organization similar to Operation Care just days before, heard of the ambush and told his father, who then warned the troops.

"If one toy can save that many lives, I think it is totally worth the effort on our part," said Kurtz.

To receive or donate items, troops can stop by the Operation Care building Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m., behind the Enduring Faith Chapel.

Clothing and toy donations need to be in a good, serviceable condition. Clothing of all sizes and for all ages is welcome. Men's clothing and shoes are needed most for the local nationals, said DeNovo.

"It makes me feel good to give back and help those who need it," Denovo said. "I have everything I need here."

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Master Sgt. Stephen Kurtz hands out toys to local national workers on Bagram Air Field, Aug. 25. Operation Care is an organization at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, that receives donations of hygiene items, clothing, toys, and comfort items.


http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38305

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Airmen Ignite Iraqi Firefighter Training

09.03.2009 02:15

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BAGHDAD -- Two Air Force sergeants stationed inside the International Zone here are in the process of training Iraqi firefighters to be able to respond to a crisis at a moment's notice.

By the end of this training, Master Sgt. Jeffrey Kimball and Tech. Sgt. Essam Cordova, 821st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Iraqi Training Advisory Mission fire rescue advisors, said the Iraqis should be capable of running a response system similar to 911 in the United States.

"The best way to think about it is when you call 9-1-1 you feel like you're safe, and we're trying to do the same thing for the people in Iraq," said Cordova. "We work with civil defense, which is the equivalent to a city fire department, with all agencies from airport firefighters at the Baghdad International Airport, to city and Iraqi air force and army firefighters."

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38304)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Double payments made to Sons of Iraq

Thursday, 03 September 2009

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PB HAMIYAH — Sons of Iraq (SoI) members in Babil province received two months pay on this patrol base from the Iraqi Army's 4th Company, 31st Brigade, Aug. 26.

Established in the spring of 2008, the SoI program creates jobs for local Sunni and Shiite citizens by asking them to maintain security checkpoints throughout their areas.

For the months of June and July, the 4th Company, 31st IA Bde., paid more than 3,000 SoI members approximately 276,000 Iraqi dinar (approximately $240) each for their services.

Soldiers of Echo Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment oversaw the payments made to the SoI members on the Iraqi side of the patrol base.

"This is a great opportunity for the Iraqi government to show how they are following their word on paying the SoI and continuing with the program without our help," said Staff Sgt. Jason M. Watson, headquarters platoon sergeant, Echo Troop, 5th Cav. Regt. The Government of Iraq took over SoI payments from U.S. forces in March 2009. The SoI help to support their own government and minimize U.S. military assistance by providing security for the surrounding areas.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27775&Itemid=128

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C-130 'Herks' Deliver Humanitarian Supplies to Afghan Village

09.03.2009 07:16

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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- The Airmen of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron performed a high-altitude airdrop mission, supporting coalition and civilian Afghans in a remote village in Northern Afghanistan.

The Georgia Air National Guard crew that flew the mission, deployed from the 158th Airlift Squadron, Savannah, Ga., successfully deployed eight bundles of humanitarian aid from a C-130H Hercules, Aug. 26.

The eight bundles, weighing approximately 4.1 tons, were packaged in a container delivery system, which assured the bundles and their cargo of food, water, clothes and blankets arrived intact.

Waiting on the ground were coalition forces who helped distribute the humanitarian aid to the villagers.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38313)

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team's Military Police Conduct Final Training Session
at Dashtak Prison

09.04.2009 05:53

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team's military police unit recently concluded its last scheduled training session with the guards at the Dashtak prison in Anaba District of Panjshir province, Afghanistan.

The training was conducted on three separate occasions, and included handcuffing, searching, the use of a baton and some basic hand-to-hand combat skills including take-downs, pressure point controls and restraining techniques.

U.S. Army Sgt. Eric D. Breuker, a four year military police veteran with the 410th MP Company out of Ft. Hood, Texas, and the PRT's MP squad leader, coordinated the development of the course and supervised the training.

"Our primary purpose was to train the guards in the basic survival skills they will need in their work environment," he said.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38353)

THANK YOU PANJSHIR PRT!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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ISAF Air Strike in Kunduz Province
09.04.2009 04:10
KABUL, Afghanistan – An International Security Assistance Force air strike was carried out in Konduz province early this morning against a large number of insurgents after an Afghan government agency, the Konduz Operational Command Center, reported that two fuel trucks were stolen by insurgents on the evening of Sept. 3.

After ISAF observed the insurgent activity and assessed civilians were not in the area, a local ISAF commander authorized an air strike. A large number of insurgents were reported killed or injured and the fuel trucks were destroyed in the attack.

ISAF has received reports that civilians were killed and injured in this attack and in conjunction with Afghan officials is now conducting an investigation into the claims. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38349

Related:

ISAF Investigates Kunduz Air Strike
09.04.2009 07:22
KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force is currently conducting a thorough investigation in close coordination with local and national Afghan government officials, following reports that civilians may have been killed or injured in an ISAF air strike earlier today in Kunduz province. ISAF always takes reports of civilian casualties seriously and remains concerned with the welfare of Afghans.

"ISAF targeted a large number of insurgents who had stolen two fuel trucks. While the air strike was clearly directed at the insurgents, ISAF will do whatever is necessary to help the community including medical assistance and evacuation as requested," said Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay, ISAF spokesperson. "ISAF regrets any unnecessary loss of human life and is deeply concerned for the suffering that this action may have caused to our Afghan friends."

On the evening of Sept. 3, the Kunduz Operational Command Center reported that two fuel trucks were stolen by insurgents. ISAF troops located the trucks on the banks of the Kunduz River. After forces observed insurgent activity, and believing civilians were not in the area, the local ISAF commander authorized an air strike. A large number of insurgents are believed to have been killed or injured and the fuel trucks were destroyed in the attack. http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38355


GOOD JOB TROOPS AND WE PRAY THERE WERE NO CIVILIAN CASUALTIES!

[Loyal American]

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Aging 'Phrog' Still Hopping Strong

09.04.2009 05:26

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AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – It is no secret that the CH-46 Sea Knight, one of the Marine Corps' oldest aircraft, is on its way out as the new MV-22 Osprey replaces the CH-46 as the Corps' medium-lift assault support aircraft. The end of its nearly five decade reign is coming to a close, but the Marines are ensuring the Sea Knight's final chapters finish strong.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 has been deployed to Iraq's Al Anbar province since March 2009, flying their seasoned CH-46 aircraft, also known as the Phrog, practically every day and night without missing a mission due to maintenance. The maintenance Marines of the Red Dragons work around the clock to ensure the Phrog's reputation stays solid to the end.

"It is a pride thing for the '46 community,'" said Cpl. Elissa Everett, an HMM-268 flightline mechanic. "Sure, they are being replaced by the Osprey, but this aircraft has had a strong history, and we want to keep it that way to the end."

The Red Dragons' maintenance effort centers around five core maintenance shops: flightline, avionics, airframes, ordnance and flight equipment. Additional maintenance support and control come from maintenance control, maintenance administration, quality assurance and the phase maintenance shop. Their combined and well-orchestrated efforts keep every part of the squadron's aircraft functional.

"Everyone works together to get the job done and keep the mission going," explained Master Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Yri, the HMM-268 maintenance chief.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38351)

HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

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Greywolf Brigade Breaks Ramadan Fast With Iraqi Police Chiefs

09.03.2009 01:49

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MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi police chiefs from throughout Ninewah province and 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division gathered at Forward Operating Base Diamondback for an evening "break-fast" Ramadan meal Aug. 31.

The meal was a gesture of friendship by 3rd HBCT, who provided food and drinks comparable to what the police chiefs would have eaten had the meal occurred in their own homes.

"The food for the meal was provided by a local vendor and consisted of some special items including dates, balaclava and a couple different kinds of soups," said Lt. Col. Chuck Armstrong, the executive officer for 3rd HBCT.

Col. Gary Volesky, the commander of 3rd HBCT, chatted with his Iraqi friends about various topics over tea and balaclava.

Ramadan, a 30-day period beginning the day of the first waxing crescent moon in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day, is meant to teach patience, modesty and spirituality.

According to Abdul Saleh, a Muslim from Sheikan, located north of Mosul, individuals are encouraged to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or other ill-natured indulgences throughout the day. Saleh also said that families often gather in one home and hold their evening meal together.

Participating in the religious observances of the IPs was more than just a nice gesture. Activities like these reinforce current relations between local Iraqi security forces leaders and the U.S. forces that share their soil.

"What is especially important is the relationship between the IP and us. We want them to know that they are part of the team, and how critical that importance is," Armstrong said.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38332

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[Loyal American]

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Marines Take Demolition Training

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U.S. Marines prepare improvised Claymore mines during a combat engineer demolition course at a training area near Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 27, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is conducting sustainment training in Kuwait while serving as the reserve force for U.S. Central Command.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie

[see photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1400)


Soldiers Hone Weapons Skills

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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul Touchette zeroes his M-4 rifle on a range at Al Asad, Iraq, Aug. 24, 2009. Touchette is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. The brigade of paratroopers is the first fully-augmented “advise-and-assist brigade” to deploy to Iraq for the mission of security force assistance.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael J. MacLeod

[see photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1402)

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[Loyal American]

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USS Decatur secures Iraqi oil terminal

Saturday, 05 September 2009

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BASRAH — Thirty miles off the coast of Iraq, in the Persian Gulf, the USS Decatur patrols the waters around the Basrah Oil Terminal, providing security for the platform while Iraqi Naval Forces train to take its place.

Named after Capt. Stephen Decatur, the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the U.S. Navy at the age of 16, the USS Decatur celebrated its 11th birthday, Aug. 29, and is in its third month of a six-month deployment here.

"With a vast array of weapons and support capabilities, she is an extremely versatile and powerful craft," reads the Navy's official Website for the Decatur. "Her ability to carry the Tomahawk Cruise Missile gives her the capability to strike with pinpoint accuracy from hundreds of miles away."

"The Decatur is a Ballistic Missile Defense ship and a strategic platform," said Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Weber, the Decatur's independent duty intelligence officer. "It is used to protect ourselves and our allies from missile threats."

[read more] (http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27791&Itemid=128)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USS DECATUR!

[Loyal American]

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New equipment to keep town clean, healthy

Saturday, 05 September 2009

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BAGHDAD — In an effort to help keep the streets of Nassir Wa Salam clean, healthy and safe, U.S. forces here delivered a new front-end loader to the Government of Iraq, Sept. 2.

A $175,000 project includes 90-days of contracted trash pick-up and for the first 12 months, and a guarantee on maintenance and equipment replacement, said Staff Sgt. Jeff Blanchard, a civil affairs specialist assigned to B Company, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB).

"It was brought up in a meeting that they needed to remove trash and debris in their streets," said Blanchard, a native of Shelby, N.C., who attends the local leaders’ meetings frequently. He added that cleaning up the area isn't just for aesthetics.

"The threat for us is trash. It's an easy way to implant stuff...everyday trash could be an [improvised explosive device]," Blanchard explained. "Also, dysentery, cholera and malaria are all diseases related to trash. Citizens here will be a whole lot happier and healthier when their town is clean."

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27794&Itemid=128)

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[Loyal American]

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Marines return huge Anbar base to GoI

Saturday, 05 September 2009

ANBAR — U.S. Marines returned Camp Baharia, the largest remaining U.S. base here east of Camp Ramadi, and nearby Combat Outpost Castillo back to Iraqi government control, Sept. 2.

“It has been an honor for my Marines and other Coalition forces to have supported the Iraqi Security Forces. This transfer of authority is a major example of the Iraqi Security Forces’ progress,” said Col. Matthew A. Lopez, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team -6.

Iraqi officials will discuss whether to maintain a military presence on the base or to demilitarize the area and return it to its pre-war function as a tourism site.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27793&Itemid=128

HOORAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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ISF arrest 4 suspected terrorists, capture cell leaders Multi-National Corps-Iraq
Sunday, 06 September 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – During operations throughout northern Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested four suspected terrorists under the authority of various warrants issued by the Government of Iraq on Sept. 4.

Soldiers with the 7th Emergency Response Battalion arrested three suspected terrorists in the Salah ad-Din province with warrants issued by the Central Interrogation Court of Iraq. The men are suspected of operating and leading terrorist cells within Salah ad-Din and conducting improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi Security Forces.

During a separate mission in the Ninawa province, soldiers with the 5th Emergency Response Battalion arrested a suspected terrorist with a warrant issued by a court in Irbil.

The individual was arrested for alleged attacks on ISF and U.S. forces in the Ninawa province.

The Commandos entered the suspect’s residence and arrested the individual without incident. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27806&Itemid=128

Commandos arrest terror cell commander
September 5, 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – Commandos with the 8th Regional Commando Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. forces advisors, detained a suspected terrorist commander while serving a warrant Sept. 5.

Najim Abdallah Zahwen Al Ujayli is wanted for allegedly commanding terrorist cells operating in and around the Tikrit area.

The 8th RCB operated under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court in Baghdad.

Al Ujayli was a general in Saddam Hussein’s prominent Hammurabi Armored Division of the Republican Guard. Since the fall of Hussein’s regime, Al Ujayli is suspected of being a key facilitator in various aspects of terrorist activities, including financial and logistical support and higher level facilitation of terrorist activity.

Commandos with the Golden Brigade entered the suspected cell leader’s residence, arrested Al Ujayli and searched the residence without incident.

“Tonight’s operation was conducted in a professional manner and continues to build upon the great abilities of the Soldiers of the 8th RCB,” said Army Lt. Col. Mitchell Franks, commander of Special Operations Task Force – North.

“The detention of Al Ujayli will deal a significant blow to terrorist activities in not only the Salah al-Din province, but throughout the northern part of Iraq as well,” Franks added. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27807&Itemid=128

TERRIFIC JOB, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Corpsmen Ship Nearly $3 Million Worth of Supplies to Afghanistan

09.06.2009 10:21

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CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - As more U.S. troops are being sent to the fight in Afghanistan, the possibility of more troops being injured rises. To ensure those responsible for saving limbs and lives are equipped to handle such an enormous task, Sailors with the 2nd Medical Logistics Company at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, have sent about $3 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to the region.

The shipment of the much-needed gear does more than just keep military doctors and corpsmen well-stocked to handle any emergency; it also helps to reduce the military's footprint in Iraq. With millions of pieces of gear still left to ship out of Iraq, anything that can be retrograded back to the U.S. or to Operation Enduring Freedom will bring military planners one step closer to reducing its footprint in Iraq. But the major concern during the drawdown process, says Chief Petty Officer Adrian V. Dimla, the officer in charge of 2nd MEDLOG, is making sure he continues to support his own units in Iraq while also looking out for his fellow medical professionals in Afghanistan.

"The biggest challenge we face here at MEDLOG is continuing to receive and ship gear and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, while at the same time continuing to sustain the units within Multi National Force - West," he said.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38412)

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Comics bring laughs to Joint Base Balad

Sunday, 06 September 2009

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JOINT BASE BALAD — U.S. service members were treated to a night of good comedy and laughs when the "Comics Ready to Entertain" tour made a stop here, Sept. 4.

Stand-up comedians Scott Kennedy, Mike Pace and Bob Kubota performed for hundreds of grateful Warfighters at the base's east side Morale, Wellness and Recreation center.

Scott Kennedy, who has performed on Comedy Central numerous times, said this was his 33rd trip to Iraq.

"I'm usually at the [Forward Operating Bases] and [Contingency Operating Bases], but I'll never forget my second home at Joint Base Balad," said Kennedy.

"You guys let us be a little part of your brotherhood," he continued.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27814&Itemid=128)

THANK YOU!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Clothing and Toys Collected for Children of Female Prison Inmates

Sunday, 06 September 2009

BAGHDAD – Hundreds of children in Iraq’s prison system received new clothes, shoes and toys Sept. 3 thanks to the efforts of some caring U.S. military personnel, citizens and organizations in the United States.

U.S. Navy Master at Arms Chief Hector Villanueva, lead advisor for Tribal Affairs, Multi-national Security Transition Command-Iraq and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Anita Francis with Law and Order Task Force have been collecting clothing, shoes and toys to distribute to these children who stay with their mothers in Iraq’s prisons.

“Many times, when you have a woman convicted of a crime and put into prison, there are young children who must be taken care of,” said Villanueva. “The fathers [often] don’t have the ability to take care of them, so the Iraqi prison system allows the children to stay with their moms in prison.”

These children are in need of clothes and other basic necessities and this is where the collection efforts come in to help. Many individuals and organizations in the United States have helped by collecting clothes, shoes and toys and sending them to Iraq to be distributed to these children. The Major Stuart Adam Wolfer Institute out of New York, along with the Hylant Group from Dublin, Ohio and the Credit Suisse Group, PJ Arthurs, out of Chicago, Illinois were the largest donors of these much needed supplies.

It is efforts like this that build a continued trust and bond with the Iraqi people,

Villanueva said. “This is not an Army program or a government program. This is the work of individual soldiers and sailors who care about the Iraqi people and wanted to make a personal difference.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27817&Itemid=128

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif


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[Loyal American]

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Two suspected terrorists killed
Sunday, 06 September 2009
BAGHDAD – Two suspected terrorists were killed after Iraqi Special Operations Forces and U.S. forces advisors were fired upon during a court-ordered mission in Basrah, Iraq, on Sept. 6.

The elite counter-terrorism force was operating under the authority of warrant issued by the Al Etehadiyeh Court of Appeals.

The suspected terrorists were known criminals allegedly responsible for smuggling and distributing arms to terrorist organizations. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27809&Itemid=128

THANK YOU TROOPS, GREAT JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles emerge from a cloud of dust at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany in June. The MRAPS are part of the first shipment of vehicles to be used for training units in U.S. Army, Europe.

Soldiers in Germany try out MRAPs, but learn Afghanistan’s terrain often calls for foot patrols

By Seth Robson (robsons@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, September 7, 2009

Last week, 173rd Airborne Brigade soldiers got to sit in the driver’s seat of the first MRAPs fielded in Europe as the unit prepares for a deployment. However, the gently rolling, pine-covered hills of Germany’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center are a world away from the jutting, snow-capped mountains and rugged valleys of Afghanistan.

[read more] (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64617)

http://www.stripes.com/images/icons/video_icon.jpgSee video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsoxlQnGp34)

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Soldiers Graduate Bomb School

09.07.2009 11:00

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A single Iraqi solider wearing a red beret stood against the wall and began to sing. Soon the rest of the 34th Level IV graduating class of Iraqi Army Bomb Disposal School joined in the IA warrior song in celebration after receiving their course certificates, Aug 26.

The Iraqi Army Bomb Disposal School was established in 2004 through partnership with Coalition forces. The school has partnered with Task Force Troy in training Iraqi army soldiers to become bomb disposal technicians.

The school focuses on demining operations, ordnance identification, battle area clearance, basic demolition and improvised explosive device-defeat. The school house maintains and operates the only IA robot repair facility and as of August 2006 has been run solely by Iraqis with coalition forces acting in an advisory role.

"The instructors are extremely good at what they do," Master Sgt. Christopher S. Ellette, senior enlisted advisor to the Iraqi Bomb Disposal School said. "All of the courses here are taught by Iraqis and two days a week the classes are student lead."

Since 2006 the cadre has trained more than 1,500 level III and 350 Level IV Soldiers and police officers from the Ministry of Interior.

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[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38437)

CONGRATULATIONS AND
BEST WISHES FOR MAXIMUM SUCCESS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqis ‘Enforce the Law’ in Rashaad Valley

Monday, 07 September 2009

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KIRKUK — A joint security operation between the Iraqi Army (IA) and Iraqi Police (IP) dubbed "Enforce the Law VI" was carried out in the Rashaad Valley, Sept. 2.

This was the first mission entirely planned and conducted by IP and IA in the Rashaad Valley, said Capt. Jesse Prince, commander of Troop A, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

"All they asked us for were the enablers they could not provide," he said.
These enablers included military working dogs and aerial support.

The operation began with the IA Soldiers establishing a barrier to prevent wanted individuals from escaping the area.

The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) then made an announcement to residents from a loudspeaker, asking that all military-aged males report to the IP to have their names checked against a wanted list.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27824&Itemid=128)

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[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg ..... FYI

US strike kills five foreign fighters in North Waziristan

By Bill Roggio
September 7, 2009 1:48 PM

Unmanned US aircraft killed five foreign fighters during a strike in the Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan.

Predator or Reaper strike aircraft targeted a safe house and a madrassa in the village of Machi Khel near Mir Ali. Five Uzbek fighters were reported killed and five more were wounded in the attack, Geo News reported (http://www.geo.tv/9-7-2009/48850.htm).

The town of Mir Ali is a known stronghold of al Qaeda leader Abu Kasha al Iraqi, an Iraqi national who is also known as Abu Akash. He has close links to the Taliban, a senior US intelligence official told The Long War Journal (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2007/01/the_pakistani_taliba.php) in January 2007. He serves as the key link between al Qaeda's Shura Majlis, or executive council, and the Taliban.

His responsibilities have expanded to assisting in facilitating al Qaeda's external operations against the West, a senior US military intelligence official told The Long War Journal in October 2008.

Kasha commands two local Pakistani commanders, Imanullah and Haq Nawaz Dawar. These two commanders administer al Qaeda's network in Mir Ali. Kasha also has a working relationship and close communication with the Uzbek terror groups, including the Islamic Jihad Group (or the Islamic Jihad Union) run by Najimuddin al Uzbeki, who also operates out of North Waziristan.

[read more] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/09/us_strike_kills_five.php)

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg ..... Follow-up to previous post!

Senior al Qaeda leaders reported killed in North Waziristan strike
By Bill Roggio
September 8, 2009 12:57 AM

Two senior al Qaeda leaders are among those thought to have been killed in the Sept. 8 Predator strike in Pakistan's Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan.

Ilyas Kashmiri and Mustafa al Jaziri may have been killed during the strike in the village of Machi Khel near Mir Ali. Unmanned US strike aircraft are reported to have hit a car and a madrassa in the attack, The News reported (http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=24388).

Initially five Uzbeks from the Islamic Jihad Group were thought to have been killed, but the report was revised to two Arab al Qaeda members, three Punjabi jihadis, and two or three local Taliban fighters killed.

[read more] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/09/senior_al_qaeda_lead_6.php)

[Loyal American]

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Provincial Reconstruction Team-Zabul Helps Reconnect Afghan, Government

09.08.2009 04:05

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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A country's future depends upon the people connecting with the government. Afghanistan has held only its second democratic elections since ousting the Taliban in 2001 and now is trying to rebuild the government's relationship with its people.

Coalition forces provide a helping hand through the use of Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

"[The purpose is] to give hope and a means for a better future to people recovering from war and oppression under a totalitarian regime," said Air Force Lt. Col. Andy Veres, the PRT-Zabul commander from Melbourne, Fla.

PRT-Zabul is located in the heart of Qalat City. The PRT, a civil and military organization, brings reconstruction, development, governance and security to the province. Representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development work with the PRT to help the Afghans live in a free and democratic country. They work hand and hand with Mohommad Ashraf Naseri, the Zabul province governor, and his staff to improve the lifestyle of the Afghan people throughout the province.

"We [the PRT] try to build the government infrastructure in a small community from the smallest element and up," said Army 1st Sgt. Conrad Gamez, the PRT-Zabul senior enlisted from Melbourne, Fla.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38449)

THANK YOU ZABUL PRT!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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First Lt. John Nielsen of the 2nd Platoon, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of Fort Lewis, Wash., briefs his soldiers Tuesday for an afternoon mission patrolling Qalat, the capital of Zabul province in Afghanistan. The Stryker brigade arrived in the province for the first time roughly a month ago, representing an increase in troop strength in an area of Afghanistan that previously did not get a lot of military attention.

Arrival of Stryker unit shifts attention to Zabul province

By Sandra Jontz (jontzs@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, September 9, 2009

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ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan — It’s the forgotten province in a nation time seems to have forgotten.

And until the recent boost of U.S. forces to Afghanistan, it’s the province that the military paid less attention to than others in this ongoing war.

But that is changing with the recent arrival of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, Wash. — the first Stryker brigade to be deployed to the rural, poverty-stricken 6,500-square-mile province in southeastern Afghanistan.

CLICK on photo to read more:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/64653_98143136b.jpg (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64653)

THANK YOU AND GOD SPEED!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/predator-uav.jpg ..... FYI

12 killed in second US strike in North Waziristan
By Bill Roggio
September 8, 2009 1:07 PM

The US killed 12 extremists in the second airstrike in the Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan in two days.

Unmanned strike aircraft fired at a Taliban compound in the village of Dargamandi in the Tabi Saidgai area, which is three miles northwest of Miramshah, the main town in North Waziristan. The compound was run by a local tribesman named Maulvi Taib Shah, Dawn reported (http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/06-us-drone-fires-missiles-into-north-waziristan-rs-06). Geo News reported (http://www.geo.tv/9-8-2009/48908.htm) the owner of the compound was Ismail Khan.

No senior al Qaeda or Taliban leaders have been reported killed at this time, a Pakistani intelligence official told AFP (http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/06-us-drone-fires-missiles-into-north-waziristan-rs-06).

The Miramshah area is a stronghold of the Haqqani family, which is led by Jalaluddin Haqqani. The attack was said to have targeted the Haqqani Network.

The Haqqanis have extensive links with al Qaeda and with Pakistan’s military intelligence agency, the Inter-Service Intelligence, or ISI. These relationships have allowed the Haqqani Network to survive and thrive in North Waziristan. The Haqqanis control large swaths of North Waziristan, and run a parallel administration with courts, recruiting centers, tax offices, and security forces.

[read more] (http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/09/three_killed_in_seco.php)

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Army Gets Job Done

09.09.2009 04:37

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CAMP SPARROW HAWK, Iraq - The cornerstone to sustaining any fighting force is effective training. Every military unit in the world trains to fight. This is why 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment has partnered with the 38th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division to bring Maysan province one step closer to self-sustainment.

When 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. paired with the Maysan Stability Transition Team assigned to develop the 38th Iraqi Army Brigade, Lt. Col. Robert L. Menist Jr. chose Capt. Jeffrey L. Giltzow, an infantryman and Alpha Company "Apache" Commander, from Caldwell, N.J., to execute this crucial task. The goal is to professionalize the Iraqi army, starting at the brigade level. In order to do this, Maj. Cristian Drew Keels, the STT chief, and Giltzow have been working closely with the Iraqi brigade's deputy commander and operations staff.

"We want the Iraqi army to see the advantages of this type of training cycle so they will continue it after we leave," said 2nd Lt. Elliot Emerich, from Flower Mound, Texas.

[read more] (http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38491)

THANK YOU TROOPS, WE ARE PROUD OF THE JOB YOU'RE DOIN' OVER THERE!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Soldiers Conduct
Tangi Valley Mission

U.S. Army soldiers prepare for a dismounted patrol through the Tangi Valley in Wardak province, Afghanistan, Aug. 28, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 10th Mountain Division’s Company A, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade

[see photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1405)



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U.S. Soldiers Conduct
Joint Medical Clinic

U.S. soldiers assist Iraqi soldiers in guarding the gate surrounding a medical facility during a combined medical mission with Iraqi soldiers in Baghdad, Sept. 1, 2009. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Benjamin Boren

[see photo essay] (http://www.defenselink.mil/PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=1406)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/th7446-4.jpg

[Loyal American]

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Airmen to stay, train Iraqi Air Force

Wednesday, 09 September 2009

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NEW AL MUTHANNA AIR BASE — Although the 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here will soon be deactivated, some U.S. Air Force maintainers will remain to make sure the Iraqis are fully capable of keeping their C-130 aircraft in the air.

Tech. Sgts. Julie Litz, electrical environmental specialist, and William Kusar, aircraft structural maintenance and metals technician advisor, are two Airmen who will remain deployed to complete this mission.

For Sgt. Litz, remaining in-country is necessary, as more than half the 25 Iraqi Airmen she trains have yet to reach the desired skill level.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27837&Itemid=128)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Gen. Nash: Iraqi Forces securing the south

Wednesday, 09 September 2009

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WASHINGTON — Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are making tremendous progress throughout southern Iraq, the commander of Coalition forces in the region said yesterday.

Army Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, who commands the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division as well as Multi-National Division - South in Iraq, said the Iraqi Army, Police and Border Police are performing very well.

“The Iraqi Security Forces have had tremendous success in establishing security throughout the nine provinces of southern Iraq,” Nash said in a video conference with Pentagon reporters yesterday. The spreading security is encouraging local Iraqis to side with the government and has resulted in significant captures of weapons and ammunition, he said.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27840&Itemid=128)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif ..... http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif .....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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NATO, Afghan Forces Help Flood Victims

09.08.2009 03:23

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - NATO International Security Assistance Force service members have helped Afghan forces in their efforts to aid flood victims in eastern Afghanistan.

In Laghman province's Alingar District, ISAF service members delivered three truckloads of humanitarian aid items to Sundurwa villagers, Sept. 3, after a road washed out, destroying a house and killing nine children. Two children were missing after the flood.

In an effort to support the Afghan border police, who initially responded to the washout and provided humanitarian aid, ISAF service members, including an engineer serving with the Nuristan provincial reconstruction team, assessed the road and determined it could take up to a week before it could be repaired.

ISAF also delivered humanitarian supplies to the Behsood district in Nangarhar province after heavy rains and local flooding destroyed 289 homes, Aug. 31.

In addition to the assistance provided by Afghan soldiers, Task Force Mountain Warrior members and the Nangarhar provincial reconstruction team provided almost 2 tons of rice, more than 600 pounds of sugar and many other necessities to the flood victims. They also assisted with a contract for repair of the Saracha bridge, which was washed away by the raging waters.

"We are happy to assist the government of Afghanistan as they assist their citizens in need," said U.S. Army Maj. T.G. Taylor, Task Force Mountain Warrior spokesman. "The real effort for these humanitarian assistance missions came from Afghans, including the Afghan national police and Afghan national army."

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=38476

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Small desert foes pack considerable punch

Wednesday, 09 September 2009

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COB SPEICHER — The 180th Medical Detachment Preventive Medicine Support Team here serves to assess the environment's ecological hazards and educate Soldiers on preventive medicine.

The Soldiers of the 180th PMST have posted information around the COB ranging from dangerous wildlife such as scorpions and snakes to information about personal hygiene.

"The main area of our mission is risk management and assessment services," said 180th PMST commander, Maj. Douglas Voegeli, Madison, Wis.

The unit takes samples of water, soil and air to evaluate and assess the environment in high-traffic areas where Soldiers are living and working. These evaluations will help determine if anything in the environment could have an adverse affect on the troops.

[read more] (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27838&Itemid=128THANK YOU AND WATCH OUT FOR
THOSE CAMEL SPIDERS TOO!!! :eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Loyal American]

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Face of Defense:
Marine Recalls 9/11 Enlistment Decision

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CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq, Sept. 9, 2009 – Potential Marines usually sit with a recruiter and pick out the reasons they want to join from a stack of colorful cards featuring the words “travel,” “education” and “discipline,” among others, that describe most of the reasons someone would decide to commit.

But for Marine Corps Sgt. Justin D. Toren, a driver and operator for the 2nd Marine Logistics Group commanding general’s personal security detail, his reason was not in the cards. Toren joined during his junior year of high school after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“I remember listening to the news on the radio on my way to school,” he recalled. “They said we had been attacked, but they didn’t have a lot of details. I got to school, and we watched the news in class. That’s when I knew I was going to join the Marine Corps.”

Along with three classmates, Toren enlisted shortly after the tragedy occurred.

Toren joined the Corps to become an infantryman; he said he wanted to be a machine gunner like his great uncle, a Korean War veteran who served in the Marine Corps from 1949 to 1953. At boot camp, he was meritoriously promoted to private first class after breaking the overall record on the rifle range. The sergeant credits his marksmanship skills to his country-boy roots, having grown up taking part in shooting sports.
[read more] (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55768)

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GOD BLESS YOU SGT. TOREN!
A GRATEFUL AMERICA SAYS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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ISF arrest 4, reduce terrorist activity in northern Iraq
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – During operations throughout northern Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested four suspected terrorists on Sept. 8, under the authority of various warrants issued by the Government of Iraq.

Soldiers with 8th Regional Commando Battalion arrested two suspected terrorists in Diyala province with a warrant issued for one of the men by a court in Al Khark. The unwarranted suspect was brought in for questioning. The men are suspected of conducting terrorist activities in the community.

During a separate mission in the Ninawa province, elements of the Mosul Special Weapons and Tactics arrested two suspected terrorists with warrants issued by the Court of Inquiry of Ninawa.

The individuals were arrested for allegedly conducting attacks on ISF and U.S. forces in the Ninawa province.

The SWAT members entered the suspects’ residences, arrested the two individuals and searched the two residences without incident. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27844&Itemid=128

Ninawa SWAT arrest 3, help reduce attacks in the area
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
TIKRIT, Iraq – Tal Afar Special Weapons and Tactics, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested three suspected terrorists Sept. 8, during an operation in the Ninawa province. Two of the suspected terrorists were arrested with warrants issued by the Ninawa Central Criminal Investigative Court for allegedly coordinating and conducting attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and civilians in Ninawa.

A third individual, with connections to the arrested suspects, was also detained.
The soldiers entered two residences, arrested three individuals and departed the area without incident. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27842&Itemid=128

GRRREAT JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththafro-1-1-40.gif

[Loyal American]

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Soldiers in Iraq Keep Helicopters Flying

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Sept. 9, 2009 – Soldiers assigned here with Bravo Company, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, strive to make sure the AH-64 Apaches, UH-60 Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinooks are prepared to take anything a war zone may have in store for them.

“Our primary job is to perform all the scheduled maintenance on the CH-47, UH-60 and the AH-64,” said Army Maj. John Kilby, the company commander, a native of Rising Sun, Md. “We handle the scheduled maintenance, but sometimes we get a call from one of the [aviation unit maintenance companies] asking if we can fix something, whether it’s because they don’t have the tools, parts or people qualified to do the work.”

But the battalion’s duties are not limited to maintenance. “We help weigh aircraft and assist with accident investigations,” said Army Staff Sgt. Douglas Kephart, a technical inspector in the quality assurance shop. Kephart recalled an incident at Fort Sill, Okla., as an example of the unit’s other duties.

CLICK on photo to read more:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ALBUM%204/202372.jpg (http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55770)

GOD SPEED AND THANK YOU!!!:flag::flag::flag::flag: