By Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - Victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, were remembered in an emotional ceremony at Camp Phoenix here today. The ceremony began at 5:16 p.m. local time with the sounding of a siren from the Camp Phoenix fire truck to match the time in New York City when the first plane struck the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. Afghanistan time is eight and a half hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast.
The formation of troops in Patriot Square included soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and the Camp Phoenix-based French and Romanian detachments of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix.
The task force is led by the New York National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which had many of its soldiers serve at the World Trade Center site immediately following the attacks and has since deployed hundreds of troops for homeland defense missions and for combat service in Iraq. They now serve in Afghanistan as trainers and mentors for the Afghan national security forces.
Today's ceremony was especially poignant to the citizen-soldiers of the 27th because for many, the service that began at Ground Zero has now come full-circle to the land from which the terrorists plotted and then launched their attacks.
"Seven years later, we are left with vivid memories that include sorrow, anger and pride in the courage and determination shown by ordinary people and especially by emergency responders who sacrificed themselves for others," Army Col. Brian K. Balfe, commander of CJTF Phoenix and New York's 27th IBCT, said.
"The images of that day will never leave us. But what also stands out is what we discovered about ourselves. In the face of so much terror, so many Americans rose above their fears. Their call to duty that day was to risk their own lives, to save others," he said.
Army Maj. Dennis Bates, a volunteer fireman from Rochester, N.Y., now serving at Camp Phoenix, paid tribute to the firefighters who responded to the terror attacks.
"The fire service is made up of a unique group of individuals. It takes a special person to go running into a burning building when everyone else is running out," he said. "It is not easy for people to understand and not easy for us to explain. It is something we are, not something we do."
Five serving members of the New York National Guard were lost when the World Trade Center towers collapsed, including three soldiers and two airmen. They were firemen, police officers, emergency services personnel, a security guard and an employee of Windows on the World restaurant.
New York National Guard soldiers served for months in New York City at Ground Zero, bridges, tunnels, train stations and airports. They also provided security at nuclear power plants and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, 12 soldiers took their service oath, having recently re-enlisted in the National Guard.
(Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning serves in the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix Public Affairs Office.)
Showing posts with label phoenix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label phoenix. Show all posts
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Cheney: U.S. Will Keep Afghanistan, Iraq Commitments
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 27, 2008 - The United States will maintain its commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of its offensive strategy to defeat global terrorism, Vice President Richard B. Cheney told American Legion members in Phoenix today. "We're going to keep our commitments to Afghanistan and Iraq, as we have pledged to do," Cheney vowed during his address at the American Legion's annual convention.
The United States has been on the offensive against global terrorists since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney said, noting America would not "sit and wait to be hit again."
And "for the sake of our freedom and security, we must not relent until this enemy is destroyed," Cheney said.
The years-long U.S. military campaign against terrorism, Cheney said, has been "a hard-fought, difficult, challenging enterprise." However, the success of Gen. David H. Petraeus's surge-of-forces strategy, Cheney said, has greatly damaged and disrupted insurgent operations in Iraq, enabling Iraqis to enjoy a level of security they've not had in years.
"We're gathering better intelligence, because now the Iraqis are less afraid to pass along tips about where enemy fighters are hiding, and where they keep their weapons," Cheney said of the results of the surge. Al-Qaida in Iraq "is substantially degraded, running out of sanctuaries, losing the fight," Cheney pointed out.
The success of the surge, Cheney continued, "has given Iraq's elected leaders the breathing room to pass new reforms, and they've stepped up to their responsibilities."
Meanwhile, U.S. and coalition troops continue to train up Iraqi soldiers and police, Cheney said. The improving Iraqi security forces, he said, "are able to lead more and more operations on their own."
Success in Iraq also has enabled the U.S. military to reduce combat tours there from 15 months to 12 months, Cheney said.
"We've brought home all five of the combat brigades and the three Marine units who were sent into Iraq as part of the surge," Cheney said. "Further troop movements will, as always, depend on what is happening on the ground."
Cheney saluted the performance of America's servicemen and women in the war on global terrorism.
"I've had no greater privilege than the chance to work with members of the American armed forces," the vice president said. "I believe that if anyone lacks for inspiration in the war on terror, they need look no farther than the men and women who do the fighting.
"Whether it's on cold mountain peaks in Afghanistan or the hot dusty streets of Iraq, they have been magnificent," Cheney said of America's servicemembers. "And, a new generation of warriors is the next chapter of American ingenuity, bravery and valor."
Cheney recalled the bravery and self-sacrifice of Army Pvt. Ross McGinnis, who was killed in Baghdad in late 2006. McGinnis threw himself upon an enemy hand grenade to protect his fellow soldiers. Cheney described McGinnis, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, as "one of the bravest men in our history."
The United States, Cheney said, was founded on the principles of liberty, justice and equality. The American military has served to preserve those values at home and abroad.
"We have served those principles, and sacrificed for them, to the far corners of the Earth," Cheney said. "We have thrown back tyrants, stood watch on the frontiers of freedom, and defended the weak against the violent."
The United States sent its military to Afghanistan and Iraq to help people in need, Cheney emphasized.
"We've done all this, not for glory or empire, but for freedom – because we know that the spread of freedom makes our world safer, and brings us closer to the peace we all desire," Cheney said. "In the process, we've received more than our share of criticism, and we can take it."
The world "is a better place because of the power, the influence, and the values of the United States of America," Cheney said.
The United States is "blessed with the finest military any nation has ever fielded," Cheney pointed out. "And, may we never take them or their families for granted."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 27, 2008 - The United States will maintain its commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of its offensive strategy to defeat global terrorism, Vice President Richard B. Cheney told American Legion members in Phoenix today. "We're going to keep our commitments to Afghanistan and Iraq, as we have pledged to do," Cheney vowed during his address at the American Legion's annual convention.
The United States has been on the offensive against global terrorists since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney said, noting America would not "sit and wait to be hit again."
And "for the sake of our freedom and security, we must not relent until this enemy is destroyed," Cheney said.
The years-long U.S. military campaign against terrorism, Cheney said, has been "a hard-fought, difficult, challenging enterprise." However, the success of Gen. David H. Petraeus's surge-of-forces strategy, Cheney said, has greatly damaged and disrupted insurgent operations in Iraq, enabling Iraqis to enjoy a level of security they've not had in years.
"We're gathering better intelligence, because now the Iraqis are less afraid to pass along tips about where enemy fighters are hiding, and where they keep their weapons," Cheney said of the results of the surge. Al-Qaida in Iraq "is substantially degraded, running out of sanctuaries, losing the fight," Cheney pointed out.
The success of the surge, Cheney continued, "has given Iraq's elected leaders the breathing room to pass new reforms, and they've stepped up to their responsibilities."
Meanwhile, U.S. and coalition troops continue to train up Iraqi soldiers and police, Cheney said. The improving Iraqi security forces, he said, "are able to lead more and more operations on their own."
Success in Iraq also has enabled the U.S. military to reduce combat tours there from 15 months to 12 months, Cheney said.
"We've brought home all five of the combat brigades and the three Marine units who were sent into Iraq as part of the surge," Cheney said. "Further troop movements will, as always, depend on what is happening on the ground."
Cheney saluted the performance of America's servicemen and women in the war on global terrorism.
"I've had no greater privilege than the chance to work with members of the American armed forces," the vice president said. "I believe that if anyone lacks for inspiration in the war on terror, they need look no farther than the men and women who do the fighting.
"Whether it's on cold mountain peaks in Afghanistan or the hot dusty streets of Iraq, they have been magnificent," Cheney said of America's servicemembers. "And, a new generation of warriors is the next chapter of American ingenuity, bravery and valor."
Cheney recalled the bravery and self-sacrifice of Army Pvt. Ross McGinnis, who was killed in Baghdad in late 2006. McGinnis threw himself upon an enemy hand grenade to protect his fellow soldiers. Cheney described McGinnis, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, as "one of the bravest men in our history."
The United States, Cheney said, was founded on the principles of liberty, justice and equality. The American military has served to preserve those values at home and abroad.
"We have served those principles, and sacrificed for them, to the far corners of the Earth," Cheney said. "We have thrown back tyrants, stood watch on the frontiers of freedom, and defended the weak against the violent."
The United States sent its military to Afghanistan and Iraq to help people in need, Cheney emphasized.
"We've done all this, not for glory or empire, but for freedom – because we know that the spread of freedom makes our world safer, and brings us closer to the peace we all desire," Cheney said. "In the process, we've received more than our share of criticism, and we can take it."
The world "is a better place because of the power, the influence, and the values of the United States of America," Cheney said.
The United States is "blessed with the finest military any nation has ever fielded," Cheney pointed out. "And, may we never take them or their families for granted."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
New York National Guard, British Soldiers Aid Afghans
By Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 12, 2008 - More than 1,000 residents of Ud Kheil village here were treated by Afghan medical staff and received medicine, vitamins and personal items through a joint assistance operation conducted by New York Army National Guard, Afghan and British soldiers Aug. 7. The project is the latest in a growing partnership between the Afghan community and Camp Phoenix in the Afghan capital, home to the New York National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team headquarters, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, coalition allies and the area's Afghan national security forces.
The assistance mission was held at the girls' school, a construction project that was completed in the spring. That work, officials said, is part of Camp Phoenix's ongoing outreach and support to the Afghan government and its people.
"We actually requested that Camp Phoenix provide us medicines," Haji Farid, the village elder and district representative, said through an interpreter. "That is why the people are happy that U.S. forces are doing this."
"They have asked for our assistance, and we have been able to provide it," Elmira, N.Y., native Army Capt. John Shannon, project coordinator with Task Force Phoenix, said. "And the reason we are able to provide it is because we have this great cooperation with the Afghan army, the Police, our British allies and, of course, our troops are out here doing a fantastic job as well."
On the morning of Aug. 7 a team of security forces, along with medical and support staff, left Camp Phoenix in an armored convoy and moved the short distance east to the village. The team was joined there by units of the Afghan National Army, Kabul Military District and Afghan National Police.
Afghan security personnel already were on checkpoints as the team from Camp Phoenix arrived. Providing additional security were members of the British army's 2nd Scottish Regiment, Royal Highland Fusiliers.
"We have worked with the U.S. before, at the Ali Khail School when I first got here in May," said Capt. Lizzie Winchester, education and training service officer assigned to the 2nd Scots. Her Kabul patrol company conducted mounted surveillance around the site, while Task Force Phoenix security force personnel established an outer cordon. The inner cordon around and inside the school was run by Afghan personnel.
Winchester said her troops discovered a suspicious device along the road, which meant that plans were working. In addition, women soldiers from her command searched women coming to the event, while Afghan soldiers searched the men to ensure that no weapons or explosive devices would threaten the event.
"This one's working really well," Winchester said, adding that she and her team were "enjoying working together once again - supporting each other and the Afghan national security forces to make things a bit safer."
Shannon said the security measures were paying off and was quick to point out that Afghan units had leading roles.
"We are just the outer piece," he said, "and they are doing the real hard work of making sure that anyone who gets into the clinic to be seen -- incidentally, by Afghan doctors -- [is] secure."
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Martin Scott, a nurse from Long Island, N.Y., who works at the Camp Phoenix clinic, said the team meets with village elders to determine the community's medical needs, then plans and identifies the right combination of medicine and supplies that will be needed. At the event, they mentor and support the Afghan medical staff.
"We allow them to take care of their people. We provide the medications and advice on prescribing and then dispersing them," he said.
Farid, a local resident, expressed gratitude that schools had been built for the village's boys and girls. He said a clinic is now the village's primary need. His community has more than 4,500 homes with an estimated population of 25,000 to 30,000 people.
"And now we are happy that the U.S. forces will build a clinic in the village for us, and they are already starting to work on it," he said. "They are doing good things. Camp Phoenix is our neighbor. When we are meeting and discussing different issues -- security and clinics, schools, bridges, ditches, ... they are the only organization helping us.
"And when we need to talk about the issues, if we give them a call they invite us," he continued. "Sometimes we invite them, because we think they are from our own village. They are part of our own people."
(Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning of the New York National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team is serving with Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 12, 2008 - More than 1,000 residents of Ud Kheil village here were treated by Afghan medical staff and received medicine, vitamins and personal items through a joint assistance operation conducted by New York Army National Guard, Afghan and British soldiers Aug. 7. The project is the latest in a growing partnership between the Afghan community and Camp Phoenix in the Afghan capital, home to the New York National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team headquarters, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, coalition allies and the area's Afghan national security forces.
The assistance mission was held at the girls' school, a construction project that was completed in the spring. That work, officials said, is part of Camp Phoenix's ongoing outreach and support to the Afghan government and its people.
"We actually requested that Camp Phoenix provide us medicines," Haji Farid, the village elder and district representative, said through an interpreter. "That is why the people are happy that U.S. forces are doing this."
"They have asked for our assistance, and we have been able to provide it," Elmira, N.Y., native Army Capt. John Shannon, project coordinator with Task Force Phoenix, said. "And the reason we are able to provide it is because we have this great cooperation with the Afghan army, the Police, our British allies and, of course, our troops are out here doing a fantastic job as well."
On the morning of Aug. 7 a team of security forces, along with medical and support staff, left Camp Phoenix in an armored convoy and moved the short distance east to the village. The team was joined there by units of the Afghan National Army, Kabul Military District and Afghan National Police.
Afghan security personnel already were on checkpoints as the team from Camp Phoenix arrived. Providing additional security were members of the British army's 2nd Scottish Regiment, Royal Highland Fusiliers.
"We have worked with the U.S. before, at the Ali Khail School when I first got here in May," said Capt. Lizzie Winchester, education and training service officer assigned to the 2nd Scots. Her Kabul patrol company conducted mounted surveillance around the site, while Task Force Phoenix security force personnel established an outer cordon. The inner cordon around and inside the school was run by Afghan personnel.
Winchester said her troops discovered a suspicious device along the road, which meant that plans were working. In addition, women soldiers from her command searched women coming to the event, while Afghan soldiers searched the men to ensure that no weapons or explosive devices would threaten the event.
"This one's working really well," Winchester said, adding that she and her team were "enjoying working together once again - supporting each other and the Afghan national security forces to make things a bit safer."
Shannon said the security measures were paying off and was quick to point out that Afghan units had leading roles.
"We are just the outer piece," he said, "and they are doing the real hard work of making sure that anyone who gets into the clinic to be seen -- incidentally, by Afghan doctors -- [is] secure."
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Martin Scott, a nurse from Long Island, N.Y., who works at the Camp Phoenix clinic, said the team meets with village elders to determine the community's medical needs, then plans and identifies the right combination of medicine and supplies that will be needed. At the event, they mentor and support the Afghan medical staff.
"We allow them to take care of their people. We provide the medications and advice on prescribing and then dispersing them," he said.
Farid, a local resident, expressed gratitude that schools had been built for the village's boys and girls. He said a clinic is now the village's primary need. His community has more than 4,500 homes with an estimated population of 25,000 to 30,000 people.
"And now we are happy that the U.S. forces will build a clinic in the village for us, and they are already starting to work on it," he said. "They are doing good things. Camp Phoenix is our neighbor. When we are meeting and discussing different issues -- security and clinics, schools, bridges, ditches, ... they are the only organization helping us.
"And when we need to talk about the issues, if we give them a call they invite us," he continued. "Sometimes we invite them, because we think they are from our own village. They are part of our own people."
(Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning of the New York National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team is serving with Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix.)
Friday, July 04, 2008
Soldiers in Iraq Give Reasons for Re-enlisting
By Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2008 - As soldiers' enlistments near their end, they must decide whether they want to leave the service or stay on for another term. Some soldiers in Iraq who decide to stay in the Army face another choice: whether to re-enlist here or wait until they're back in the United States. Some may want to re-enlist while in Iraq for the chance at their pick of duty station or for the tax-free bonus. Others do it for more personal reasons.
"I knew I was going to stay. I had already made up my mind about four or five years ago," said Army Staff Sgt. Dimas Estrada, an air and missile defense operations sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Mountain Division.
For Estrada, the chance to re-enlist while serving here was a significant event. He comes from a long line of Army veterans, but his father, who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, had also re-enlisted here.
"I was going to re-enlist when I got back," said Estrada, a Phoenix native, stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. This is Estrada's fourth time taking the enlistment oath, having already served 12 years.
With only three years of service thus far, Army Spc. Jeremy Giddings, of Watertown, N.Y., also had an important decision ahead of him.
"I've been considering re-enlisting for at least the past year," said Giddings, a member of a battalion security detail for Headquarters and Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion. "I realized I wanted to stay in and make a career out of it. Besides, you can't beat the benefits," he said with a smile.
Those benefits come with the possibility of deploying again, but Giddings said that had no effect on his decision.
"I expect at least two or three more after this," he calmly said.
For Estrada, the possibility of future deployments was something he took into account.
"I had to really think about it at first," he said. "I know I'm going to deploy again, but I don't have much time left [until retirement]. It's a good thing for my kids. My family, after all, is secure -- not just financially. I feel that my family is safer with me being in the military," he added, mentioning the presence of military police at Fort Drum, where his family lives.
Soldiers have many reasons for re-enlisting and these reasons often differ whether they're in the United States or in Iraq. But Giddings said his decision to re-enlist would have had the same outcome either way.
"This is just one of many [re-enlistments] to come," he said, making it clear that no matter where he hangs his hat at night, he's staying in the Army.
About 1,200 soldiers are re-enlisting in a mass ceremony at Al Faw Palace tomorrow, with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, swearing them in for their next term.
(Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2008 - As soldiers' enlistments near their end, they must decide whether they want to leave the service or stay on for another term. Some soldiers in Iraq who decide to stay in the Army face another choice: whether to re-enlist here or wait until they're back in the United States. Some may want to re-enlist while in Iraq for the chance at their pick of duty station or for the tax-free bonus. Others do it for more personal reasons.
"I knew I was going to stay. I had already made up my mind about four or five years ago," said Army Staff Sgt. Dimas Estrada, an air and missile defense operations sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Mountain Division.
For Estrada, the chance to re-enlist while serving here was a significant event. He comes from a long line of Army veterans, but his father, who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, had also re-enlisted here.
"I was going to re-enlist when I got back," said Estrada, a Phoenix native, stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. This is Estrada's fourth time taking the enlistment oath, having already served 12 years.
With only three years of service thus far, Army Spc. Jeremy Giddings, of Watertown, N.Y., also had an important decision ahead of him.
"I've been considering re-enlisting for at least the past year," said Giddings, a member of a battalion security detail for Headquarters and Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion. "I realized I wanted to stay in and make a career out of it. Besides, you can't beat the benefits," he said with a smile.
Those benefits come with the possibility of deploying again, but Giddings said that had no effect on his decision.
"I expect at least two or three more after this," he calmly said.
For Estrada, the possibility of future deployments was something he took into account.
"I had to really think about it at first," he said. "I know I'm going to deploy again, but I don't have much time left [until retirement]. It's a good thing for my kids. My family, after all, is secure -- not just financially. I feel that my family is safer with me being in the military," he added, mentioning the presence of military police at Fort Drum, where his family lives.
Soldiers have many reasons for re-enlisting and these reasons often differ whether they're in the United States or in Iraq. But Giddings said his decision to re-enlist would have had the same outcome either way.
"This is just one of many [re-enlistments] to come," he said, making it clear that no matter where he hangs his hat at night, he's staying in the Army.
About 1,200 soldiers are re-enlisting in a mass ceremony at Al Faw Palace tomorrow, with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, swearing them in for their next term.
(Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
NFL Coach Visits Troops in Afghanistan
By Navy Seaman Tim Newborn
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 25, 2008 - Head coach Mike Nolan of the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers and former defensive back Eric Davis visited with U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at three forward operating bases in Afghanistan yesterday on the second day of a tour with radio talk show host Ron Barr of Sports Byline. The visit is sponsored by Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan.
The group traveled to three bases in central Afghanistan -- Camp Dubbs, Camp Lightning and Camp Phoenix -- by helicopter. At each stop, U.S. sports enthusiasts eager to talk about their favorite teams greeted them.
"My reason for coming out here really is because I have tremendous respect and admiration for what you guys do," Nolan said. "I think I share the same sentiment for all the guys that I coach and coach with."
From one camp to the next, Nolan, Davis and Barr talked about how it feels to be among the servicemembers and witness firsthand their commitment and dedication to the mission.
"When I'm challenged or it's been a tough day, I think about people who are doing what they're doing over here, and I forget what was bothering me in the first place," Barr said. "My problems are nothing compared to the challenges that are faced here."
Davis, who played with the 49ers for six years, including in Super Bowl XXIX, told the troops what the trip means to him.
"I have so much respect for you guys for the teamwork that I've seen," he said. "Some people understand that kind of commitment on a certain level; you are all achieving teamwork on the highest level, where the stakes are so much higher."
Nolan, Davis and Barr took time to shake hands and to speak one-on-one with as many troops as they could.
"It's very rewarding to know that people care so much that they would risk their own life by coming out here to show their support," said Army Spc. Gary Wiggins Jr., 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York National Guard. "We see that people we idolize also idolize us, and they're thankful for us to be where we are."
(Navy Seaman Tim Newborn serves in the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 25, 2008 - Head coach Mike Nolan of the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers and former defensive back Eric Davis visited with U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at three forward operating bases in Afghanistan yesterday on the second day of a tour with radio talk show host Ron Barr of Sports Byline. The visit is sponsored by Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan.
The group traveled to three bases in central Afghanistan -- Camp Dubbs, Camp Lightning and Camp Phoenix -- by helicopter. At each stop, U.S. sports enthusiasts eager to talk about their favorite teams greeted them.
"My reason for coming out here really is because I have tremendous respect and admiration for what you guys do," Nolan said. "I think I share the same sentiment for all the guys that I coach and coach with."
From one camp to the next, Nolan, Davis and Barr talked about how it feels to be among the servicemembers and witness firsthand their commitment and dedication to the mission.
"When I'm challenged or it's been a tough day, I think about people who are doing what they're doing over here, and I forget what was bothering me in the first place," Barr said. "My problems are nothing compared to the challenges that are faced here."
Davis, who played with the 49ers for six years, including in Super Bowl XXIX, told the troops what the trip means to him.
"I have so much respect for you guys for the teamwork that I've seen," he said. "Some people understand that kind of commitment on a certain level; you are all achieving teamwork on the highest level, where the stakes are so much higher."
Nolan, Davis and Barr took time to shake hands and to speak one-on-one with as many troops as they could.
"It's very rewarding to know that people care so much that they would risk their own life by coming out here to show their support," said Army Spc. Gary Wiggins Jr., 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York National Guard. "We see that people we idolize also idolize us, and they're thankful for us to be where we are."
(Navy Seaman Tim Newborn serves in the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs Office.)
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