http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/frwn/ en-us Sat, 4 Jul 2009 18:13:18 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285543/posts NAWA, Afghanistan – Taliban militants were nowhere in sight as the columns of U.S. Marines walked a third straight day across southern Afghanistan. But the desert heat proved an enemy in its own right, with several troops falling victim Saturday to temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Marines carry 50-100 pounds (23-45 kilograms) on their backs. But because they are marching through farmland on foot, they can't carry nearly as much water as their thirst demands. Few even realized the date was July 4, ... a world away from the strenuous task Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine... AP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285543/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 18:13:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285509/posts An Iraqi city worker prepares to unload new trash containers to be distributed to local citizens of Basrah, July 1. Approximately 12,000 trash containers were delivered that day, with a total of 350,000 to be delivered in the near future. Photo by Sgt. Rodney Foliente, 4th Infantry Division. BASRAH — U.S. Soldiers and members of the Basrah Provincial Reconstruction Team joined Governor Sheltag Aboud al-Mayah here as he distributed the first trash can to a city family, July 1. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, coordinated with the local government to provide trash cans to residents here as... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285509/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:21:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285505/posts KIRKUK — "If terrorists knew this explosion would have unified Arabs, Turks, and Christians, they wouldn't have done it," said Mayor Talib of Taza, referring to a truck bomb attack here in June. "It has united us!" Representatives from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and Kirkuk's Provincial Reconstruction Team traveled to Taza, June 27, to assist in the recovery. Capt. Nathan Jennings, a company commander with 2nd BCT, met with Talib. According to Jennings, the purpose of the visit was to assess the security situation in the city, deliver much needed water, and examine a tent city... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285505/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:17:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285504/posts A hilltop view of the ancient city of Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar II, whose life spanned 630-562 B.C., built his hanging gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Photo by Maj. Mike Feeney, 172nd Infantry Brigade. HILLAH — Soldiers of the 172nd Infantry Brigade are enabling documentarians, historians and preservationists as they work to ensure ancient Iraqi history is preserved and documented in Babil province. The Soldiers provide these experts transportation and security as they conduct site surveys of Babylon, an ancient city near the modern city of HillahThe Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team hosted the World Monuments Fund... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285504/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 17:13:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285203/posts AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — When Gunnery Sgt. Amber Beegle received orders to deploy to Iraq, she had no idea she would be working just a few miles away from her younger brother, Sgt. James Ihle, an aviation ordnance system technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26. “My brother informed me that he was also going to Iraq about two months before we left,” said Beegle. “I was really happy since he just finished his re-enlistment package, and I knew he wanted to deploy.” What the Ocala, Fla., natives couldn’t have predicted, however, was a surprise meeting at Marine... Marine Corps News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285203/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 01:13:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285148/posts WASHINGTON, July 3, 2009 – U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces are continuing Operation Khanjar in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, NATO officials said today. Almost 4,000 personnel from the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan have moved into cities and towns along the Helmand River and are digging in for the long haul. The addition of nearly 22,000 American personnel in Afghanistan will allow the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force to institute a “clear, hold, build” counterinsurgency strategy. Before, small numbers of coalition forces would enter an area and clear it of Taliban, but the shortage of forces meant that when they pulled... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285148/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:40:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285141/posts Ms. Nisreen Abdul Raoof plays with an orphan at the Deep Strike farewell to the children of the Kut orphanage at the Rehanah Al-Haydaryah Family Park, June 26. Nisreen said they came up with the idea to have a farewell in the park so the American forces could say goodbye to the children. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson. FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Children from the Kut orphanage were treated to an evening of games, gifts and entertainment at the Rehanah Al-Haydaryah Family Park by 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, June 26."It was an... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285141/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:35:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284434/posts The Ruzh Hallat Primary Health Care Center will provide medical services for 30,000 residents of the Humer Kwer quarter of Sulaymaniyah province. USACE photo by Mike Scheck. SULAYMANIYAH — For the 30,000 residents of the Humer Kwer quarter of this province, access to healthcare just got a lot easier with the completion of the Ruzh Hallat Primary Healthcare Center. The $540,000 construction project was managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Iraq. The U.S. Economic Support Fund provided funding for the project, and the USACE’s Sulaymaniyah Resident Office was the on-site construction manager.Dr. Ousman Younes, the Kurdistan... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284434/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 21:56:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284430/posts ]-->Army Capt. Jason Smith listens to an infant's breathing at the last "Bring on the Docs" cooperative medical engagement at the Jassan Health Clinic in Iraq's Wasit province, June 23. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson, Multi-National Division - South. FOB DELTA — Soldiers serving with a medical task force here completed nearly a year's worth of missions last week, satisfied that they've helped to improve health care in Iraq's Wasit province. Soldiers from Task Force Gunner Med wrapped up Operation "Bring on the Docs" with a recent visit to the Jassan Health Clinic for a cooperative medical engagement."It... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284430/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 21:50:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284383/posts WASHINGTON, July 2, 2009 – It’s “so far, so good” in Iraq since U.S. combat forces withdrew from the country’s cities and towns, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said yesterday. “It’s going fine -- no problem at all,” Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said on the PBS program “Newshour With Jim Lehrer.” Iraqi troops and police are manning checkpoints and stations by themselves, the general added. Baghdad and Kirkuk have seen bomb attacks, but Iraqi forces have been able to handle the situations, Odierno told news anchor Judy Woodruff. U.S. forces have been moving out of the cities and... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284383/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:21:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284373/posts WASHINGTON, July 2, 2009 – Iraqi officials are learning to accept modern inspectors general in their government, and the coalition-backed investigative program is ready to stand on its own, a senior leader in that effort said. Marine Corps Col. Robert Schroeder, inspector general special staff assistant to the commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, spoke with bloggers and online journalists during a June 30 “DoDLive” bloggers roundtable about the support his office provides. The command has dedicated IG advisors to Iraq’s ministries of Defense and Interior, Joint Headquarters Staff and Counter-terrorism Bureau, Schroeder said. “Each of the advisors and... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284373/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:18:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284366/posts WASHINGTON, July 2, 2009 – Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, detained an alleged senior leader of a terrorist group along with other suspected terrorists June 29 and 30 in operations in Iraq, military officials reported. In June 30 operations: -- The Emergency Response Brigade and coalition advisors arrested a suspected senior leader in Taji, north of Baghdad. The leader is believed to be responsible for organizing sophisticated operations against coalition forces in the area. -- In Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, along with coalition advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist during an Iraqi-led operation. The man is believed to be... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284366/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:06:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284357/posts BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009 – A Nebraska National Guard agriculture development team is helping Afghan farmers capitalize on their investments. Members of the Task Force Warrior agribusiness development team work alongside Afghan farmers who went to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, June 24, 2009, to learn how to assemble grain bins. A Nebraska group shipped the bins to Afghanistan, which are designed to store seed and harvested grain. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The Task Force Warrior agribusiness development team trained farmers from nearby provinces here June 24, showing them how... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284357/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:59:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284352/posts Some 4,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers and 650 Afghan soldiers launched nearly simultaneous air and ground assaults all along the river. One Marine was killed and several others were wounded in early fighting, officials said. The forces, under the command of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, are entering areas where few – if any – coalition forces have been in the past. Helmand province is a stronghold of the Taliban, and the coalition mission is to secure the area and make it safe for Afghans to live without the threats of militant groups. “The operation in Nawa is going to... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284352/posts#comment Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:55:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283674/posts 7/1/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Haish Saidqi Girls' School in the Panjshir province in Afghanistan resounded with laughter of children for the first time June 23. Panjshir Governor Haji Bahlol dedicated the school-opening ceremony in honor of Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team commander who was killed May 26 when a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device against the PRT's convoy. The Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team demonstrated its commitment to education by joining Governor Bahlol, Zulami Saheen, the province's director of education, and other distinguished guests to celebrate the school's grand opening.... Air Force Link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283674/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:14:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283666/posts WASHINGTON, July 1, 2009 – It would be easy to confuse Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with the NATO International Security Assistance Force there. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal commands both organizations. The biggest difference, officials say, is the mission. Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S.-led operation that toppled the Taliban in 2001. American and coalition servicemembers worked with the Afghan Northern Alliance soon after the terror attack in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Part of Operation Enduring Freedom retains that mission: to find and kill or capture terrorists. Since 2001, servicemembers assigned to Operation Enduring Freedom also have... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283666/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:09:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283661/posts WASHINGTON, July 1, 2009 – U.S. forces in Iraq helped to bolster Iraqi sovereignty in recent days with the opening of a new health care center and the return of two combat outposts to Iraqi control. Army Capt. Bradford Brannon, and Sameer al-Haddad, a representative of the Iraqi prime minister, sign documents giving Iraqi security forces authority of Combat Outpost Summers in Iraq’s Wasit province, June 29, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Allison Churchill  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. A new center is bringing access to health care closer for the 30,000 residents of the Humer Kwer area... On the Ground http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283661/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:04:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283660/posts FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq, July 1, 2009 – Soldiers serving with a medical task force here completed nearly a year’s worth of missions last week satisfied that they’ve helped to improve health care in Iraq’s Wasit province. Army Capt. Michael O’Leary checks a patient’s eye during an examination at the last “Bring on the Docs” cooperative medical engagement at the Jassan Health Clinic, June 23, 2009, in Iraq’s Wasit province. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Soldiers from Task Force Gunner Med wrapped up Operation “Bring on the Docs” with... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283660/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:01:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283655/posts WASHINGTON, July 1, 2009 – U.S. forces demonstrated their ongoing commitment to improving security and development throughout Afghanistan in recent days, as several units took on new tasks and a reconstruction team helped to celebrate the opening of a new school. First graders at the newly opened Haish Saidqi Girls' School answer questions about what they want to be when they grow up. The school, funded by Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir, opened June 23, 2009, and will serve more than 500 girls, and a few young boys, from nearby villages in the Rokha district of Afghanistan’s Panjshir province. U.S. Air... On the Ground http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283655/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 22:56:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283651/posts LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, July 1, 2009 – Coalition forces in this eastern Afghanistan province have learned that outreach to local residents can make a big difference in their ability to accomplish military operations and exercises. Army 1st Lt. Barry Klinger makes a friend in the village of Altimur in Afghanistan’s Logar province, June 20, 2009. Klinger and his soldiers visited the village to assess local needs and warn residents of upcoming artillery training in the area. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jaime’ DeLeon  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. U.S., Czech and Afghan soldiers recently made a trip to Altimur... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283651/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 22:53:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282932/posts The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division completed Al Swaib Bridge, southeast of Al Qurnah, June 29. The completion provides the region an increased capability in traffic, thereby enhancing security and trade. Photo courtesy of 4th Infantry Division. BASRAH — The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division completed a key bridge project southeast of Al Qurnah, June 29, increasing traffic flow and enhancing security and trade. The Swaib Bridge project cost more than $122,000 and included the removal of worn asphalt, fabrication and installation of 22 decking panels, replacement of side barrier posts and the construction of guide... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282932/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 01:29:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282929/posts NAJAF — The Iraqi provincial government recently received three pallets of humanitarian relief supplies from organizations in the United States, which they will distribute to the local populace here. "Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, project coordinator. "It is important because it is a capacity-building effort," added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade in Homewood, Ill., and project coordinator back in the States. "It not only helps one... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282929/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 01:25:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282926/posts 6/30/2009 - JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) -- Under the Security Agreement signed between Washington, D.C., and Baghdad, Iraq, officials in November 2008, U.S. servicemembers are to withdraw from Iraqi cities, villages and localities by June 30. As a result of the agreement, some servicemembers are moving onto main installations such as Sather Air Base, Iraq, and Joint Base Balad. With the start of the withdrawal from urban areas in progress, Joint Base Balad is capable and ready for the influx of servicemembers and equipment, said Col. Sal Nodjomian, the 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander. "Joint Base Balad is... Air Force Link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282926/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 01:21:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282920/posts CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq, June 30, 2009 – Army 1st Sgt. Jane Baldwin and her husband, Army Maj. Page Baldwin, beat the odds of cancer, and at the same time, grew closer as a couple, expanding their family and resolving to continue their military service. Cancer survivors Army 1st Sgt. Jane Baldwin, with Company E, 3rd Battalion, Small Arms Readiness Group, and her husband, Army Maj. Page Baldwin, 343rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, continue to serve. Major Baldwin is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, working for Multinational Division South. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.... Face of Defence http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282920/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 01:11:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282909/posts STUTTGART, Germany, June 30, 2009 – The new commander of U.S. European Command told reporters today he’s “very interested in finding additional and alternative ways for allies to contribute” to coalition efforts in Afghanistan. Navy Adm. James Stavridis said shortly after change-of-command ceremonies at Eucom’s Patch Barracks here that he’ll explore additional ways of broadening the coalition in Afghanistan. Stavridis will be put on a second hat as supreme allied commander in Europe, to replace the retiring Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock as commander of NATO forces, including the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, during July 2 ceremonies.... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2282909/posts#comment Wed, 1 Jul 2009 01:04:46 GMT