Free Republic

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2010 – Two days before Iraq’s national parliamentary elections, the biggest impression for Army Col. Peter Newell is what his 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, soldiers aren’t doing. U.S. Army Col. Peter Newell, commander of the 1st Armored Division’s 4th Brigade, discusses election security with Brig. Gen. Ali Hameed of the 10th Iraqi Army Division during special-needs voting in Amarah, Iraq, March 4, 2010. The Iraqi general invited Newell to tour polling sites used by the Iraqi army. Newell's brigade is deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas, to advise and assist Iraqi security forces in Dhi Qar, Maysan...

FORT IRWIN, Calif., Nov. 3, 2009 – As the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Brigade prepares for its fourth deployment to Iraq, its soldiers are getting lessons in the art of leading from behind as they help to set the stage for the eventual drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq. Army Pfc. Adam Britt prepares to leave the mock Iraqi town of Medina Wasl during 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Divison's training rotation at the National Training Center. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jared S. Eastman  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The "Raider Brigade" was part of the initial U.S. invasion...

PARIS – It wasn't yet 8 a.m. when police knocked on Monique Pouille's door, searched her home and took her away — all because she recharged cell phones for illegal migrants. The 59-year-old volunteer with several groups in the Calais region of northern France was put behind bars and interrogated for three hours before being freed. The French government forbids aiding illegal migrants, and sets quotas for arrests of those who do as it tries to control growing clandestine immigration. This year's target: 5,000 arrests.

Iraqi National Policemen help a local Iraqi family returning to their home in the Risalah community of the Rashid District of southern Baghdad, Sept. 15, 2008. Photo by Capt. Mark Miller, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs. FOB FALCON — As Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers dismounted their vehicles for a security patrol in the Rashid District, a family waited alongside a road in the Risalah neighborhood. A displaced family, returning from Syria with all of their worldly belongings, sat anxiously on the road in southern Baghdad looking for someone to help them...

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 7, 2008 – Up front and in the spotlight, surgeons often are revered by patients and grateful family members for their lifesaving skills and knowledge. Army Staff Sgts. Isagani Maawac (left) and Michael Adkins, both operating room specialist instructors, teach a young visitor about surgery as part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities in January. The operating room specialists set up a mock surgical suite to give people a glimpse into the duties of Army medical professionals. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. However, other lifesaving medical professionals are working just...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2008 – The United States remains “ready, willing and able” to assist Pakistan and partner with the nation as it takes on al Qaeda, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon news conference today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates (left) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael Mullen hold a news conference in the Pentagon, Jan. 24, 2008. Photo by R. D. Ward  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Gates and Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen discussed the situation in Pakistan, saying the Pakistani government now understands the threat extremist...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2007 – Coalition forces detained five suspected militants and provided critical medical assistance to suicide-attack victims during recent Afghan operations. During a mission today, coalition forces detained five suspected militants in Paktika province in an operation to disrupt extremist activities in Afghanistan. Intelligence sources led coalition forces to compounds in the Orgun district, where suspected militants were indicated to be hiding. Upon reaching the compounds, coalition forces conducted a search of the buildings in the area. “While performing a search of buildings in the Orgun district, coalition forces detained five individuals with suspected ties to extremist forces,”...

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2007 – Servicemembers who’ve suffered serious injuries resulting from their wartime service can get financial help thanks to two congressionally legislated programs, a senior U.S. military officer said July 3. Congress established the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program in 2005 in response to the experiences of some former and current military members who found themselves financially strapped after they suffered severe injuries during the war against terrorism. Coverage applies to active-duty and reserve-component members. “This program provides up to $100,000 per event, depending on (the type of) injury,” Army Col. John Sackett, a disability compensation...

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2007 – Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials yesterday activated the second and third companies focused solely on overseeing the health, welfare and morale of “warriors in transition.” Walter Reed officials activated Battle Company and Chosen Battery of the Warrior Transition Brigade, while the much-maligned Medical Hold Company was deactivated, during a ceremony. Battle Company and Chosen Battery join Able Troop, which was activated April 27, as part of the new Warrior Transition Brigade “to facilitate the healing process of warriors in transition and their families physically, mentally and spiritually,” said Army Col. Terrence McKenrick, the...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2007 – More than 8,000 Florida National Guard members are ready to assist local authorities after a tornado touched down in the central part of the state early this morning, a Florida National Guard spokesman said today. A Florida Air National Guard helicopter is flying Gov. Charlie Crist over the damage area, which includes DeLand, Fla., about 30 to 50 miles northeast of Orlando, Florida National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Ron Tittle said. Tittle said Florida National Guard headquarters in St. Augustine has been communicating all day with the state’s emergency operations center in Tallahassee. The...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2006 – The United States will provide funding and other assistance to support a U.N. plan to end warfare between Lebanon-based Hezbollah guerrillas and Israel, President Bush said here today. Recently passed U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 has authorized a 15,000-strong international force to deploy as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah. A brokered cease-fire has reduced fighting between the two antagonists after they fought a month-long trans-border battle using rockets, mortars and ground troops. “America will do our part. We will assist the new international force with logistical support, command and control, communications and intelligence,” Bush...

Twelve security guards were arrested at several popular night spots as part of a three-day raid in Laredo.Authorities with the Texas Department of Public Safety said Friday that eight were impersonating a security guard, three were unlawfully carrying a weapon and one was impersonating a peace officer. Of the eight people working as uniformed security officers at local businesses, one was a convicted child molester and two were illegal aliens, said Keith Oakley, who is part of the Austin-based Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas (ASSIST). ASSIST, working in conjunction with DPS and Immigration and Customs...

USS NASHVILLE, At Sea (NNS) -- A Utility Landing Craft (LCU) operated by Sailors assisting the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) landed in Lebanon, July 20, to begin transporting American citizens who have chosen to depart that country. The LCU deployed from USS Nashville (LPD 13) and is the first U.S. naval vessel to land in Lebanon in support of the voluntary departure of U.S. civilians. “Nashville moved into position this morning just a couple of miles off the coast of Lebanon,” said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Ulmer, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 liaison. “It launched its LCU and put...

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Sailors and Marines from the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have been directed to assist in the authorized departure of American citizens from Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has requested military assistance to help American citizens who wish to depart Lebanon to leave in a secure and orderly manner. Commander, Task Force 59, Marine Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, is in Cyprus directing military efforts to provide support to the Embassy. The ESG and MEU are operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of...

6/2/2006 - ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- In a combat environment, knowing what the weather will be can be crucial to the success of operations. A team of Airmen here is dedicated to doing just that. “We provide accurate, mission-specific weather information and products to Ali Base warfighters and coalition forces,” said Master Sgt. Milton Threet, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron chief of weather station operations. To do that, the four-person shop monitors local and theater weather conditions around the clock. They stay familiar with what’s going on not only at Ali Base, but also at destinations of the aircraft...

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2006 – The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday to allow military forces to be used in border-security operations under certain circumstances. In a 252-171 vote, House members agreed on an amendment to the Sonny Montgomery National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Representatives also voted yesterday to name the bill after Montgomery, a retired congressman and tireless veterans advocate. Montgomery died today at age 85. The act gives authority to the Defense Department to assign military members to assist Homeland Security organizations in preventing the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers and illegal aliens into the...

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2006 – U.S. 5th Fleet assets and personnel responded immediately at approximately 10:15 p.m. today after learning that a vessel capsized in a Bahraini harbor, approximately one mile east of the command's headquarters in Bahrain. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, including Coast Guard Cutter Wrangell, got under way from the Bahrain port to support Bahrain's rescue efforts. A U.S. Navy helicopter is currently in the air, and another is standing by to assist the government of Bahrain, which has the lead on search-and-rescue efforts. In addition, 16 Navy divers are standing by, U.S. military officials said....

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (March 5, 2006) -- It was an honorable mission. Marines from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, assisted recently in the search for Army Sgt. Keith M. Maupin remains. The recovery team consisted of U.S. Army and British soldiers. Test results confirmed that several partial sets of remains that were recovered were not American. Still, Marines and soldiers were proud to take part in the search to recover Maupin. “It is the noblest of missions,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brett A. Turek, a 37-year-old Mobile Assault Platoon commander from Hinsdale, Ill. “Fifty years from now,...

ABOARD USS GONZALEZ (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), currently deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of maritime security operations (MSO), rescued six Iranian mariners Feb. 28 after they had been adrift for 10 days. Gonzalez’s bridge team first spotted the crippled dhow while conducting MSO in the Central Persian Gulf. Once the destroyer’s watchstanders identified the distressed vessel, the ship immediately changed its course to render assistance. The Iranians explained that their dhow’s engine and rudder failed Feb. 8. “Patrolling warships are sometimes called on for humanitarian interventions,” said Cmdr. Robert D. Randall, the ship’s...

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 10, 2005) -- Staff Sgt. Jason P. Bennett and his fellow Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment frequently conduct patrols of the villages in their area of operations. During these patrols, the Marines and the 30-year-old provisional platoon commander for 4th Platoon, Company G, locate the local leaders at each village and discuss the concerns and needs of their community. Bennett and his Marines completed a number of these operations from Sept. 6 through the 8. “We come to the small areas a lot to see what we can provide for the locals,” said the...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2005) -- As East Coast Marines wade through the aftermath of Louisiana’s deadly flood zones, left by Hurricane Katrina’s path of destruction, survivors slowly begin are bringing their lives back to some kind of normalcy. The West Coast Marines of Recruiting Station Sacramento found it in their hearts to lend a helping hand in what seemed to be a nationwide effort in assisting Katrina victims to regain some of the simple comforts of home, despite their losses. All 14 stations throughout RS Sacramento’s area of operation decided to take a break from their usual mission of...

BELLE CHASSE, La. (NNS) -- Firefighters and Marines from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans helped evacuate more than 60 people Sept. 24 from an area flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita. Eight firefighters and three Marines responded to a call for assistance from the Lafitte Volunteer Fire Department. The call was placed early that morning when water from the nearby bayou started flooding the small community, which is located approximately 25 miles southwest of New Orleans. Two fire engines, a military humvee, and a seven-ton transport vehicle were sent with the team to help...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- The purple force isn't just for joint operations at deployed locations. Technicians with the 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron, the 95th Medical Operations Squadron and the 95th Medical Support Squadron here helped out a Marine detachment recently by making sure their physical examinations were current after returning from deployed locations. "After the Marines had returned from a prolonged deployment, many of their physical exams had expired," said Lt. Col. James Elliott, commander of the 95th AMDS flight. "And because they currently have limited organic medical support, they requested our help in updating their physicals....

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, based in Gulfport, Miss., launched Seabees from Construction Battalion Center (CBC) Gulfport Sept. 9 to neighboring communities throughout Harrison and Stone counties in Mississippi to assist its citizens with disaster recovery in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. When CBC Gulfport officials offered Seabee assistance to the community at large, Malcolm Jones, acting mayor of Pass Christian, stepped forward with his town’s need for improvements to an aid distribution station including a large tent to store donated food and supplies. Also with no water and sewer service, the citizens needed a...

BATON ROUGE, La. (Army News Service, Sept. 5, 2005) – Units from across the nation have descended on Louisiana and Mississippi in response to Hurricane Katrina as part of the unprecedented call-up of National Guard and other military forces for a natural disaster. “It’s state helping state and neighbor helping neighbor,” said Florida Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Fleming. Fleming, who is in Louisiana because of his extensive experience from the four hurricanes which struck Florida last year, said the National Guard’s primary focus is to save lives, provide security, and evacuate residents. Approximately 38,000 Guardsmen operating in the...

Help! My son has changed the settings for the screen magnification--he changed the colors from 256 to 16. Fonts, icons, size of open windows are huge--the overfill the screen to the point that only about 1/4 of an open window can be viewed. Here is the problem--when I try to change the settings I can get the open window to move high enough to allow me access to the bottom of the open window to hit the ok button. Can you offer a solution. Thanking you in advance.

Tom Cruise Wants to Assist With on-set Scientology. In the upcoming Steven Spielberg remake of War of the Worlds, one family fights for survival when Earth is invaded by Martian war machines. But on the set of the movie, there’s been an invasion of another sort: Scientologists! Tom Cruise, the film’s star and the religion’s most well-known adherent, has set up a Scientology tent with a volunteer minister. “It’s a gift from Tom to the crew,” says Lee Anne De Vette, Cruise’s sister and spokeswoman. “You can receive what’s called an assist there,” a Scientologist practice that, as she describes...