Posted on 08/31/2006 3:54:41 PM PDT by Gucho
By Donna Miles - American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2006 – Thirteen servicemembers recently returned from deployments in the Middle East will fan out across the country beginning today to share their experiences and motivation for serving in uniform as they launch the Defense Department’s new “Why We Serve” program.
The program has one simple goal: to help connect returning military members with the general public and give them an opportunity to tell their personal stories, explained Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
The servicemembers, representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, will travel the country through mid-October, sharing their experiences and motivations for serving with groups ranging from Chambers of Commerce to Rotary clubs to grassroots organizations to schools to media outlets.
They’re hitting the streets, many starting in their own hometowns, with no DoD-generated “talking points” or packaged speeches -- just their own thoughts to express in their own words, Barber said.
“The goal is that they will go out on the road to different venues nationwide to tell their story,” she said. “Why did they choose to serve the military? What did they do in Iraq or Afghanistan? And why are they are serving our country?”
Barber said she hopes the effort helps connect troops returning from overseas deployments with the American public and promotes understanding about what motivates them to serve. “It’s an educational campaign,” she said. “We are educating the citizens of this country about why people choose a different path and why they choose to serve this country.”
Although the American public stands solidly behind its servicemembers — as evidenced by the success of DoD’s “America Supports You” program — the new Why We Serve effort is designed to create a more personal connection, Barber explained.
“You just can’t beat face-to-face communication,” she said, and that’s exactly what the Why I Serve program will promote. The public will get a chance to shake hands with the troops, talk with them and ask questions about their experiences and see their photos. “And that bond can only be developed in one-on-one, real communication,” Barber said.
The program has no political agenda, she emphasized. It’s not designed to sway public opinion about the war on terror, but rather is simply to give people insight into their men and women in uniform.
Why We Serve isn’t a recruiting campaign, either, Barber said, although she acknowledged that it could have that effect. “Will some people hear what these men and women have to say and be motivated and inspired to consider the military? Of course. How could you not?” Barber said. “But that is not the purpose of the program. It’s an educational campaign.”
Ultimately, Barber said, she hopes the exchange benefits the audiences as well as the participants themselves. “For audiences, I would like them to walk out of that room and say, ‘How fortunate we are to live in a country where men and women volunteer to defend freedom at any cost,’” she said. “And I would like our military members to walk away from the experience feeling renewed in their commitment to defend this country because of the interaction they have had with the citizens of this country.
“Why We Serve is really about telling the story of our military,” she said. “And we think that is going to be very powerful.”
Although the program initially will run through mid-October, Barber said DoD could expand it in the future.
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Defense Department to Kick Off ‘Why We Serve’ Tour
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Thursday, August 31, 2006
Two rockets slammed into the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, one of them hitting a newly built upmarket residential area, but they caused no casualties or damage, police said.
By Sgt. 1st Class Paul Schultz
Aug 31, 2006
KIRKUK, Iraq – Bastogne Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division freed a kidnap victim and captured three of the terrorists who had taken him hostage just outside of Kirkuk today.
An aerial reconnaissance team, flying missions near Kirkuk, spotted four men wearing black robes and wielding AK-47 rifles. The men stopped their sedan several times along one of the area’s main roads and set up illegal checkpoints at each stop.
As coalition ground forces moved into the area, the group made their last stop, holding 10 passengers in a van at gunpoint before pulling one of the men out of the vehicle. The four then forced the man into the trunk of their car and sped away.
As Bastogne Soldiers on the ground were moving in on the vehicle, the sedan stopped, allowing one of the terrorists to get out of the vehicle. The remaining group continued to a nearby building where they jumped out of their car and ran into the building, taking their victim with them.
A team of Bastogne Soldiers air assaulted to the area and quickly moved into the building, capturing the three assailants and freeing the hostage. A careful search of the building revealed three AK-47 rifles and several magazines, as well as a barrel filled with ammunition.
This is the third Iraqi citizen rescued from the hands of kidnappers by Task Force Band of Brothers Soldiers this month.
Kidnapping, whether for ransom, terror or propaganda use, continues to be a tactic of terrorists and criminals throughout Iraq. Teamwork between coalition forces and increasingly capable Iraqi security forces, with the help of local residents, is aimed at identifying and capturing these individuals.
Tip lines have been established in the Provincial Joint Communication Centers in Iraq’s northern provinces to allow residents to anonymously provide information about terrorist activity.
By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Montello - 25th Combat Aviation Brigade
Aug 31, 2006
TIKRIT, Iraq -- A Relief in Place ceremony was conducted today to transfer responsibility for air operations in Northern Iraq from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to the 25th Infantry Division.
The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade from Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, relieved the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade which has served at Contingency Operating Base Speicher since August 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 25th Aviation Brigade is no stranger to deployment, having supported the Global War on Terrorism in Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Forge in 2002, in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. Elements of the Brigade were also deployed to support humanitarian efforts for earthquake victims in Pakistan in 2005.
As part of the US Army’s transformation, the brigade was renamed the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade after reconfiguration and acquisition of two new battalions in 2005. The 25th CAB’s mission is to provide air support to the 25th Infantry Division units, which have the larger mission of working by, through and with the Iraqi security forces in the interest of a safer and more secure Iraq.
“What I will view as success is our ability to help the Iraqi people in any way possible to stand up their abilities to defend themselves, secure the borders and create conditions for economic prosperity,” said 25th CAB Commander Col. A.T. Ball. “One of my main goals during this rotation is I want the other brigade combat team commanders to feel the aviation support is responsive and flexible to meet their daily changing needs.” The ceremony also marks the completion of the 101st CAB’s second deployment in three years. The 101st CAB supported the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from August 2003 to August 2004.
During the past year, the 101st CAB has accumulated more than 110,000 flight hours, by conducting recon missions and air assault missions supporting both Iraqi and U.S. forces.
“Not only am I proud of my Soldiers, but I would like to acknowledge the growth in professionalism, discipline and confidence in the Iraqi Army. They have made considerable progress in the last year,” said 101st CAB Commander, Col. Warren Phipps.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade and Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade display the colors during a Relief in Place ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by SFC Michael Montello)
Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade and Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade display the colors during a Relief in Place ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by SFC Michael Montello)
Colonel A.T. Ball, Commander of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. George Kingston salute the unit’s flag after unfurling it during a Relief in Place Ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Russell Lee Klika)
Sergeant Carlos Murray of the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry carries a unit flag during a Relief in Place Ceremony conducted at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, transferring responsibility for air operations in Northern Iraq from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Russell Lee Klika)
Major Christopher Albus, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, presides as the Commander of Troops for a Relief in Place Ceremony transferring responsibility for air operations in Northern Iraq from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. (SSG Russell Lee Klika)
Lt. Col. Jim Barker of the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry participates in a Relief in Place Ceremony transferring responsibility for air operations in Northern Iraq from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. (SSG Russell Lee Klika)
By Spc. C. Terrell Turner - 4th Inf. Div. PAO
Aug 31, 2006
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from the 50th Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Brigade, traveled north of Baghdad on a mission Aug. 22 to repair and maintain bridges crucial to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, Iraqi Security Forces and local citizens, while Iraqi army soldiers, with the help of Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, and 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, both of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provided security for the operation.
As missions continue for MND-B and ISF in the northern Baghdad region, a key concern is the maintenance of infrastructure for the local communities; many bridges constructed by combat engineer units are in need of maintenance and repair to maintain combat effectiveness.
Soldiers from 50th Eng. Co., stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., traveled from Balad Air Base to an Iraqi army checkpoint on a bridge in the Taji region.
“Our mission is to repair and upgrade existing military bridges,” said 1st Lt. Nate Hanawalt, platoon leader, bridge platoon, 50th Eng. Co. “Every once in a while, these things get blown up and we deploy to build quick bridges to maintain the infrastructure. We need to be ready to deploy in a matter of hours.”
In its ninth month of deployment, the unit surpassed 50 bridge missions after a mere six months, said Hanawalt. The company is one of the largest bridge units operating in theater.
In addition to building float bridges and repairing dry bridges, the unit also trains Iraqi engineering soldiers and military units from other countries, to include Georgia and Romania.
“This is our third trip here to Taji,” said Staff Sgt. Keelin Scott, section leader, 50th Eng. Co. “Three of our other teams came here before to train Iraqis on different types of bridges and equipment. In fact, we sent a reconnaissance NCO out on a training mission with a group of Iraqis and noticed the need for repairs.”
The 50th Eng. Co. uses its floating bridge pieces while it repairs dry bridges using parts from bridge kits the unit maintains at its home base in Balad.
In addition to repairs, the Soldiers conduct patrols in boats on the rivers with local units.
The Soldiers’ latest project was built by U.S. Marines years before using a commercially produced bridge kit, known as a Mabey Johnson bridge.
“It’s a British company that makes all the pieces,” said Staff Sgt. Alexander Campillo, section sergeant, 50th Eng. Co. “One of their reps usually does come out and helps, but at this point, we got it all under control.”
The length of the missions can vary depending on the different types of missions.
“It can be a challenging job at times, but enjoyable,” said Spc. Kevin Sentieri, boat operator, 50th Eng. Co. “We go out once or twice a month depending on the missions and stay out from a few days to a month at a time. The hardest part is building at night. It just adds another level of complexity to an operation.”
The mission continues for the engineers across Iraq.
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Engineers from the 50th Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Brigade, carry wood to an Iraqi army patrolled bridge in the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division’s area of operations during a repair mission Aug. 22. During the mission, soldiers from the Iraqi army and 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment and 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, provided security. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. C. Terrell Turner, 4th Inf. Div. PAO)
By Nancy Montgomery - Stars and Stripes European edition
Thursday, August 31, 2006
HEIDELBERG, Germany — Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, who has been V Corps commander for more than three years — longer than any previous general — will relinquish command next week, V Corps announced Wednesday.
Sanchez will turn over command to Gen. David McKiernan, commander of U.S. Army Europe, at a ceremony at 10 a.m. next Wednesday at Campbell Barracks’ parade field.
There was no word on whether Sanchez, the highest-ranking Hispanic officer in the U.S. military — who was once considered a contender for a fourth star and command of the U.S. Southern Command — was retiring after more than 33 years in the Army.
“I can’t tell you,” Patton said. “He’s relinquishing command, and he’s going back to the States.”
Sanchez, 55, has served as the V Corps commander since June 2003, when he assumed command in Baghdad.
He also took on a second role as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-7, putting him in command of a multinational force of some 135,000 active and reserve component troops.
Many observers, including a variety of retired U.S. generals, have said that number of troops was insufficient to stabilize Iraq, allowed for a power vacuum and enabled the insurgency and continuing chaotic and violent conditions.
It was on Sanchez’s watch that the Abu Ghraib prison torture scandal erupted. Sanchez was cleared in various military investigations of any wrongdoing, but one report found him and other top commanders “responsible but not culpable.”
Sanchez has never addressed criticisms that have dogged him since 2004. He has repeatedly declined to comment in newspaper stories about him and did not respond to an e-mail request for an interview on Wednesday.
Lt. Gen. Pete Chiarelli is currently leading V Corps’ headquarters now deployed in Iraq, and is also commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
Sanchez is a native of Rio Grande City, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&I University, Kingsville, Texas, as a distinguished military graduate and was commissioned a second lieutenant in armor in the Regular Army in 1973.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2006 – Bastogne soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, freed a kidnap victim and captured three of the terrorists who had taken him hostage just outside Kirkuk, Iraq, yesterday, military officials reported.
An aerial reconnaissance team flying missions near Kirkuk spotted four men wearing black robes and wielding AK-47 rifles. The men stopped their sedan several times along one of the area’s main roads and set up illegal checkpoints at each stop.
As coalition ground forces moved into the area, the group made their last stop, holding 10 passengers in a van at gunpoint before pulling one of the men out of the vehicle. The four then forced the man into the trunk of their car and sped away.
As Bastogne soldiers on the ground were moving in on the vehicle, the sedan stopped, allowing one of the terrorists to get out of the vehicle. The remaining group continued to a nearby building where they jumped out of their car and ran into the building, taking their victim with them.
A team of Bastogne soldiers deployed by helicopter to the area and quickly moved into the building, capturing the three assailants and freeing the hostage. A careful search of the building revealed three AK-47 rifles and several magazines, as well as a barrel filled with ammunition.
The freed hostage is the third Iraqi citizen rescued from the hands of kidnappers by Task Force Band of Brothers soldiers this month, officials said.
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
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By Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Roach and Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke - 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 30, 2006) -- In the midst of a combat zone it may be hard for one to find beauty, but with the help of one Naval petty officer, service members deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, will get a little taste of heaven when visiting the base chapel.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald J. Hodory, builder, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25, 9th Naval Construction Regiment, saw a need and took the necessary steps to make the newly constructed chapel more like a religious sanctuary in the States.
"The idea for stained-glass windows came more as a dream than anything else," said Hodory. "When I heard that the new chapel was being built, it just made perfect sense to fabricate stained-glass windows for it."
The Woodstock, Ill., native has been in the stained-glass industry for roughly 12 years, and he now owns an architectural stained-glass studio.
"The planning phase of this required us to get the supplies donated from stateside companies," said Hodory. "A friend of mine owns (a stained-glass manufacturing company) in Wisconsin, where they coordinated all the donations and shipped the supplies to the Army's 67th (Air Support Group) headquarters in Nebraska."
"When Hodory first approached me about making the stained glass, I was a little skeptical," said Army Capt. Brian Kane, chaplain, 67th ASG. "The way this entire project fell into place still amazes me. So many people had a part in making this happen. I wasn't even sure that the chapel would be finished by the time our year was over, let alone that it would have stained glass."
With the help of the soldiers with the 67th ASG, Hodory was able to receive the supplies and complete the windows well before his departure from Iraq.
"The gratification I received is far greater than any other project I have worked on in my life," said Hodory. "There is no other place in the world where spiritual health is more important than in Iraq."
For his accomplishments, Hodory was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, a medal that is for service members who go above and beyond in their service to the Army.
"This project has been above and beyond from the start," said Kane. "Hodory had to continue all of his regular duties and find time to work on the windows, sometimes working late into the night. He also took time to teach others some of his skills so they could help, but also because they wanted to learn."
According to Hodory, the journey to the completion of this project was one of the main obstacles that kept him focused upon it.
"I have met so many new people because of this project, and they have all enriched my life in one way or another," said Hodory. "It was unbelievable, the outpouring of help that I received from so many people on this project."
Although many friends were made along the way, Hodory had other motivations to spur him towards the completion of this project.
"My inspiration for the stained-glass windows came from the desire to contribute my talents for something that will have tremendous longevity," concluded Hodory. "It was an opportunity for the Seabees to leave a unique legacy, along with all the other major accomplishments they have had in the history of this deployment. These windows will remain long after we have returned to our lives in the (United States)."
A single Seabee logo was built into a stained-glass window for future service members to admire Aug. 27, at Al Asad, Iraq. Seabees are known for identifying their work and for Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald J. Hodory, this project was no exception. A total of 60 stained-glass windows were recently installed by Hodory, which gave the worship facility a more traditional look of colored light streaming in. (Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Chad McMeen)
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald J. Hodory is silhouetted by the colored light shining through his stained-glass creation in base chapel at Al Asad, Iraq, Aug. 30. (Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Chad McMeen)
More Photos (scroll down)
By Paula Wolfson - White House
31 August 2006
President Bush is making a new push to boost public support for the war in Iraq, casting it as a crucial component of a broader battle against terror. In a speech to a veteran's group in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mr. Bush intensified a crucial election year debate on his Iraq policy.
The president says Iraq is part of a wider war raging between the forces of freedom and Islamic fanaticism.
"When terrorists murder at the World Trade Center, or car bombers strike in Baghdad, or hijackers plot to blow up planes over the Atlantic, or terrorist militias shoot rockets into Israeli towns, they are all pursuing the same objective: to turn back the advance of freedom," said President Bush.
He says this is the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century, and vows America will stand firm against, what he calls, a worldwide network of radicals.
"And the unifying feature of this movement, the link that spans sectarian divisions and local differences, is the rigid conviction that free societies are a threat to their twisted view of Islam," he said.
The president spoke to the annual convention of the American Legion - one of the oldest and largest veterans' groups in the United States.
Many of these men and women served in combat roles in World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. The president drew a link between the enemy they faced, and the enemy of today.
"They are successors to fascists, to Nazis, to communists, and other totalitarians of the 20th century," said Mr. Bush. "And history shows what the outcome will be."
This address to the American Legion was the first in a series of speeches the president will deliver in the days leading up to the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
White House officials say the anniversary is a good time to remind the American people of the high stakes involved in the war on terror. The reminders are also coming in the weeks before congressional elections in the United States and during a campaign in which the conflict in Iraq is a central issue.
The president has denied that this latest round of speeches on the global war on terror - the third in less than a year - is politically motivated. But in his address in Salt Lake City, he took aim at critics of his policy.
"Some politicians look at our efforts in Iraq and see a diversion from the war on terror," he said. "That would come as news to Osama Bin Laden who proclaimed that the third world war is waging in Iraq."
Mr. Bush said those who are calling for a U.S. military pull-out from Iraq are patriotic but wrong, and he warned of dire consequences should the United States withdraw. He said supporters of Saddam Hussein would join with radicals and armed groups with ties to Iran to turn Iraq into a major base of terrorist operations.
"If we give up the fight in the streets of Baghdad, we will face the terrorists in the streets of our own cities," continued President Bush. "We can decide to stop fighting the terrorists in Iraq and other parts of the world, but they will not decide to stop fighting us."
Aides say Mr. Bush will sound similar themes over the next few weeks, culminating with a speech to the U.N. General Assembly on September 19.
Listen to the President's Speech:
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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel M. Dresch
Cpl. Daniel M. Dresch is a convoy security commander with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. His responsibility is to make the split-second decisions regarding whether or not Marines in his convoy will use deadly force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran)
By Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran - 1st Marine Division
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Aug. 31, 2006 — Cpl. Daniel M. Dresch is a man with his head on a swivel.
Dresch, a 21-year-old security force commander from Columbia, S.C., is the man making the call for his Marines when it comes to shoot or don’t shoot. It’s a role that demands complete awareness, quick decisions and nerves of steel. It’s also a job that he knows keeps his Marines safe on Iraq’s roads.
“It’s my job to make sure no other vehicle comes into our convoy,” Dresch said. “Keeping the Marines safe is the most important thing.”
Dresch’s job as the lead man for security means he’s got to be aware at all times of all threats against his Marines. He’s the one keeping the keenest eye for telltale signs of improvised explosive devices, ensuring his Marines are prepared to react to small-arms attacks and ready to counter whatever the insurgents might throw at them.
It’s also a job that means Dresch has to make the right call every time. One bad decision could cost a Marine’s life.
“Making the right decision is the hardest part of the job,” he said. “If you go from your gut instinct, it makes it easier.”
Dresch’s importance to the patrols he rides with isn’t lost on his Marines. They know he’s got one of the most demanding jobs.
“It’s one of the most important jobs,” said Cpl. John M. Norton, a 22-year-old vehicle commander from Lumberton, N.C. “He’s supposed to be security of the whole convoy.”
Still, Dresch’s role as the convoy security commander means that he’s the one who sometimes makes the call to not unleash the full fury of the automatic weapons. That was one situation he found himself dealing with recently.
Dresch was a on a night patrol when an Iraqi was driving toward the convoy. The Iraqi turned off his headlights, but didn’t pull his car off the road. Dresch got out and began yelling to the driver to back off, but he didn’t budge.
Dresch fired one shot with a tracer round in front of the car to show the Iraqi the Marines were deadly serious about their intentions.
“On almost every convoy, I have to use some escalation of force,” he explained.
So far, his demonstrations of intent have had their effect.
“I haven’t had to use the last step of escalation of force,” Dresch added, meaning the situation has never developed to a point where he needed to shoot to kill.
“On almost every convoy, I have to use some escalation of force,” he explained.
So far, his demonstrations of intent have had their effect.
“I haven’t had to use the last step of escalation of force,” Dresch added, meaning the situation has never developed to a point where he needed to shoot to kill.
Dresch’s quick thinking and steady nerves in tense situations have earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow Marines. They know he’s the one putting himself out there, making the calls.
“It is important that his Marines trust him,” said Cpl. Bobby J. Kane, a 23-year-old vehicle driver from Greeneville, Mo. “If they didn’t, things wouldn’t run the right way.”
Dresch instills that trust even before he and his Marines leave the wire. He briefs his Marines before every convoy to make sure they are prepared for any situation. He doesn’t skip a beat, discussing the procedures for reactions to IEDs, small-arms fire and escalations of force.
“I think a lot of the briefs are reinforcement because repetition makes sure that everyone is doing the right thing at the right time,” said Cpl. Mark McElMurray, a 22-year-old vehicle driver from Forrestville, N.Y.
Dresch knows that he’s got a tough role, but it’s a job he wouldn’t trade. He said he likes being able to make the decisions for his Marines, steering them through the tough scenarios.
Making the right decisions is the hardest part of the job, he said.
“I just hope everyone goes back home,” Dresch said. “I want everything to run smoothly and go home.”
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