Air Force Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Tech. Sgt. Larry D. Bunn, 43, of Bossier City, La., died March 7 as a result of a non-combat incident at an undisclosed base in Southwest Asia.  He was assigned to the 307th Maintenance Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. 

For more information media may contact the Air Force 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office at 318-529-3024.

Hagel Offers Observations After Meeting With Karzai

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 10, 2013 – After his first meeting with Afghanistan’s president as head of the U.S. military today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the encounter featured “clear, direct conversation.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, left, meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 10, 2013. Hagel traveled to Afghanistan on his first trip as the 24th defense secretary to visit U.S. troops, NATO leaders and Afghan leaders. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The secretary and President Hamid Karzai met for discussions and dinner at the presidential palace here.

NATO International Security Assistance Force commander Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., U.S. Ambassador James B. Cunningham and other senior U.S. officials also attended.

In a speech earlier today, Karzai seemed to suggest the United States and the Taliban were conspiring to keep the level of violence in Afghanistan high to ensure the continued presence of U.S. troops here beyond 2014.

“We did discuss those comments,” the secretary said, responding to a reporter’s question about his meeting with Karzai. “I told the president it was not true that the United States was unilaterally working with the Taliban in trying to negotiate anything.”

Any negotiation with the Taliban to build peace and political consensus in Afghanistan must come from the Afghan government, Hagel said. “Obviously, the United States will support efforts, if they are led by the Afghans, to come to some possible resolution, if that eventually evolves,” he added.

Later in his comments, Hagel acknowledged that “when a nation would … think of engaging an enemy they’re still at war with, it’s difficult.” But he added that he always has believed it’s wise for nations to engage with and reach out to each other.

“That doesn’t mean you are prepared to negotiate; it may never get to that point,” he said. “But I think it’s far preferable to war.”

Hagel’s first visit to Afghanistan as secretary has been eventful. Yesterday, his first full day here, he attended a briefing within earshot of a deadly blast near the defense ministry that killed nine Afghan civilians and injured at least 14 others. Those in attendance reported they could hear the explosion clearly, though they didn’t immediately know the source.

Today, a scheduled Karzai-Hagel news conference was called off, and Hagel’s planned visits to the Defense and Interior ministers at their respective headquarters were shifted to an ISAF installation.

U.S. officials said security considerations led to moving the ministerial meetings to ISAF facilities and cancelling the news conference. A statement from the presidential palace said the media event was cancelled because of schedule pressures.

Hagel secretary appeared unfazed by those events. “When you spend 48 hours in Afghanistan or anywhere else that’s too dangerous,” he told reporters, “you recognize the complications that exist every day.”
The solution to those complications may be imperfect, Hagel said, but “we should always be mindful of the higher purpose of what we’re doing and why.”

It’s easy in a war zone to get focused on issues of the day, week or month, Hagel said. While the metrics of the moment are good guideposts, the secretary added, “we’ve got to keep in mind the larger context of where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished and where we’re going with the big issues.”

The secretary offered three other observations about his trip, the first he has made to Afghanistan since 2008, when he was part of a congressional delegation along with then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. His current trip has let him see, Hagel said, that “a lot of things have gone right” in the interim.

“A lot has happened in this country, and a lot of it’s been very good,” he added.

His second takeaway, he said, was that much of that success can be attributed to the efforts of U.S. troops and diplomatic staffs, supporting dedicated generals and ambassadors.

“The quality of our people doesn’t really ever change,” he said. “The American serviceman and woman [and] our diplomats, … especially in the war zones, what they have to deal with every day and the sacrifices they make -- it’s pretty remarkable.”

Third, he said, the transition in Afghanistan is a critically important time. As U.S. and coalition forces redefine their roles and Afghan forces assume greater responsibility, he said, there will be new challenges and new issues to face beyond the battlefield.

“It’s a different time, a different dynamic, a different environment,” he said. “I don’t think any of these are challenges that we can’t work our way through.”

From 2008 to now, the secretary said, he has seen dramatic changes in Afghanistan and a renewed commitment from both NATO and Afghan leaders. Hagel said that -- coupled with his great faith in U.S. military leaders and diplomats in Afghanistan -- tells him “we’re on the right path, and I think we will meet these transition dates.”

Hagel met separately this afternoon with Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi and Interior Minister Ghulam Mujtaba Patang. This morning, the secretary also visited the Kabul Military Training Center, where he heard briefings on noncommissioned officer battle staff training, the Afghan sergeants major academy, and female NCO training.

Hagel Meets With Soldiers in First Afghanistan Troop Visit

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 9, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited the soldiers of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division’s “Bastogne” 1st Brigade Combat Team here today.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel listens to a question from a U.S. soldier in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, March 9, 2013. The soldier is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. Hagel traveled to Afghanistan on his first trip as the 24th defense secretary to visit U.S. troops, NATO leaders and Afghan counterparts. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The secretary spent time with troops at Forward Operating Base Fenty, located near the airfield, and pinned two Bastogne soldiers with Purple Hearts: Sgt. Jeremyah Williams and Pfc. Harry Hikes IV. Each suffered a traumatic brain injury during a Dec. 2 predawn attack on the base.

Following the award ceremony, Hagel told more than 100 of the brigade’s troops he will “always do my best for you, for your families [and] our country. I will always put our men and women in uniform first.”

The secretary acknowledged that now is not an easy time to serve in the U.S. military. But those now in uniform, he added, have “a rare opportunity to participate in something that doesn’t come along every day.”
The world is in transition, as Afghanistan itself is, he said. “That presents great possibilities for all of us,” he said, along with the dangers, uncertainty and complicated challenges.

The military mindset is to “see through challenges to find the opportunity to help make a better world,” the secretary said. “And if there’s one thing that defines your service, your sacrifices, it is to help make a better world.”

Hagel said he’s “very proud to be part of your team.” He then asked the soldiers if they had questions or advice for him.

Hagel responded to several questions regarding the sequester and the $500 million in across-the-board spending cuts it could mean for the Defense Department over the next 10 years. The soldiers asked if it would affect change-of-station moves, retirement benefits or transition programs for service members leaving the military?

The secretary said he and the Congress are committed to keeping the promises they’ve made to service members.

“I will do everything I possibly can to assure those commitments are fulfilled at every level, in every program,” he said.

Hagel explained that sequester, along with the continuing resolution that expires March 27, puts tremendous financial pressure on DOD and other federal agencies. “It affects all of our programs,” he added.
If Congress doesn’t alter that landscape, the secretary said, it will become more and more difficult for the nation’s defenders to do their jobs. But, he repeated, he is committed to protecting pay and benefits for those now serving, and for their families.

“We will work through it, and we will continue to work with the Congress to … make sure that certainty is there and will continue to be there,” he said.

Hagel also responded to a soldier asking whether he plans on pushing so service members’ same-sex partners get the same benefits as other military spouses. “The quick answer to that question,” he replied, “is yes, absolutely.”

Every military member who serves the United States deserves the same benefits, Hagel said. “It’s the right thing to do,” he added, noting that many benefits already are, or are scheduled to be soon, open to same-sex partners.

“We still have more to address, [and] we will,” Hagel added. “But I am absolutely committed.”
As he concluded his talk with the Bastogne soldiers, the secretary asked them to give his regards to their families.

“In almost every case, it’s more difficult for them -- not that it’s easy for you,” he said. “The families have to … [stay] behind, and worry, and deal with the day-to-day rigors of, in many case, one-parent families and other responsibilities while you’re doing your job for our country.

“I recognize that,” he added, “and we very much appreciate it.”

Suicide Bomber Attacks Nearby During Hagel ISAF Meeting

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 9, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was in a briefing at a NATO International Security Assistance Force facility here today when a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb outside the Afghan Defense Ministry just before 9 a.m. local time.

The attack killed nine and injured 14, according to first reports from Afghan officials. The initial blast was followed by small-arms fire. ISAF officials said no coalition troops were directly involved.

Later in the day during a visit to Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan, Hagel told reporters traveling with him that he wasn’t sure what the blast was when he first heard it.

“I was in a briefing – but we’re in a war zone,” the secretary said. “I’ve been in a war. So you shouldn’t be surprised when a bomb goes off.”

Hagel, a Vietnam War veteran who earned two Purple Hearts in combat during that conflict, said such “spectacular” attacks make no difference to U.S. or ISAF strategy in Afghanistan.

“We’re going to continue to work with the Afghans and coalition partners to fight that war, and to assure that the Afghan people have every ability and right to develop their own country in their own way, in a democracy,” he said.

The secretary today also visited U.S. conventional and special operations forces leaders and spoke to U.S. troops.

Seasoned Airman, young 'AF cop' early female casualties of war on terror

by Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel
Air Force News Service

3/8/2013 - Fort George G. Meade, Md. (AFNS) -- A seasoned loadmaster assigned to special operations and a young security forces Airmen, barely 21-years-of-age, have the distinction as the first female Airmen to die during the Global War on Terror in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom respectively.

Staff Sgt. Anissa Shero was deployed during the earliest stages of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was serving as an MC-130H Combat Talon II loadmaster when her plane crashed shortly after take-off, on June 12, 2002. She was assigned to the 16th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

The 31-year-old West Virginia native was a 10-year Air Force veteran who had been awarded the Air Medal in 1996 and the Air Force Commendation Medal, along with two Air Force Achievement Medals during 2001. She had married Staff Sgt. Nathan Shero, a fellow air commando, on Sept. 1, 2001.

Anissa Shuttleworth Shero was born Oct. 5, 1970 in Grafton, WVa., the daughter of Clyde Shuttleworth and the late Tammy Moats. She was born into a military family, with grandfather James Shuttleworth, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, and her father, who lost both legs during action in Vietnam.

Shero graduated from Grafton High School in 1988, and worked for a local radio station while attending Fairmont State College. She enlisted in the Air Force in 1992.

Slightly more than three years after the tragic death of Shero, on Sept. 28, 2005, a young security forces Airman became the first Air Force female to die supporting the war in Iraq.

That day, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson, a member of the 17th Security Forces Squadon at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, and her Army driver, lost their lives instantly when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle.

Her death sent a shockwave through the service. Jacobson was only 21 years old, the security forces first member to die in combat operations since 1975, and the first female Airman to die during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Before the fateful mission, Jacobson volunteered to accompany a convoy on its routine mission, delivering supplies to a nearby camp. Instead of staying behind and securing her base from the relative security of a guard tower, she wanted to "pull her weight," and make it known that she was part of the team. So only three months after arriving, she was assigned the more dangerous duty 'outside the wire.'

Even the deployment to Iraq was assigned to the young Airman because she volunteered to be part of a team of 13 Airman to deploy from Goodfellow AFB, telling her unit leaders that it was "her time" to deploy.

Before joining the Air Force, the Riviera Beach, Fla., native attended high school while living with her grandparents. She then decided to live with her mother in Madera, Calif., only to return to Florida in search of work.

After the 9/11 attacks, she made the decision that changed her life. In 2003, she joined the Air Force, launching her on a promising career in military law enforcement in the Air Force security forces. After completing security forces technical school, she was assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron, where she performed duties as an installation entry controller and patrolman.
Jacobson envisioned herself rising to the rank of chief master sergeant, but also dreamed of having a family, with two sons, after returning to live in sunny Florida.

"Elizabeth liked being a troop and was so proud," said Elizabeth's father in a conversation with then-Capt. Kevin Tuttle, who was the military liaison to the Jacobson family. "She made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the cause of freedom."

Her heroic and selfless dedication to her service were soon recognized formally and Jacobson was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals for her meritorious service while engaged with opposing armed forces.

A memorial with a plaque featuring Jacobson's likeness etched on it, reminds visitors and Airman at Goodfellow AFB of their fallen comrade's sacrifice every time they enter through the same gate where Jacobson once greeted base visitors as a guard.

Further, a training facility at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, an Air Force-level Award for Expeditionary Excellence, as well as a street at a base in Southwest Asia, was named in her honor.

Jacobson has arguably become one of the most recognizable faces of recent Air Force history and has taken her place among other Air Force heroes on the pages of the Air Force's professional development guide.

For family and friends however, Jacobson is most remembered for her good nature, smile and sense of enthusiasm. Even in a combat zone, she kept her morale, jokingly writing in a letter that the "room service" in the camp was terrible.

"What I think I will miss most about her is the way she could cheer you up no matter what mood you were in," said then-Senior Airman Christopher Bauer, a friend and fellow security forces member. "After she deployed, she called me two or three times a month. She loved what she was doing."

In her own words, Jacobson once shared her favorite quote with friends online. "We're only on earth for a little while," she wrote. "So live life to the fullest and carry a smile."

Virginia Siblings Become Brothers in Arms

By Army 1st Lt. Vanessa Macekura
1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan, March 8, 2013 – A family business might be a store in a small rural town, but for a pair of brothers from Norfolk, Va., the family business is the Army.

Army Spc. Travis Russell, left, followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Army 1st Lt. Timothy Russell, right. The brothers are deployed to Afghanistan, serving in Regional Command-South. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Vanessa Macekura   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Spc. Travis Russell, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, Combined Task Force Raider, 3rd Infantry Division, has followed in the footsteps of his older brother, 1st Lt. Timothy Russell.

Lieutenant Russell, 27, is an armor officer assigned to Command Group, Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Regional Command-South. He enlisted in the Army as a private and climbed his way up the ladder to the rank of sergeant before he earned his commission through Officer Candidate School.

During his enlisted time, he worked toward a criminal justice degree, taking classes at Columbia College using the Army Tuition Assistance Program. He then applied for OCS with the degree completion option, so he could become an officer with the understanding that he would complete his degree.

Specialist Russell, 24, is an infantryman, and he’s working on a criminal justice degree from Trident University. During a deployment to Iraq, he maintained regular email conversations with his older brother, who suggested he relocate to Fort Stewart, Ga. Soon after, the younger brother received orders to Fort Stewart, bringing the brothers closer together.

“I think it is pretty cool,” Specialist Russell said. “When you need help with something, you can go to someone you really know.”

His brother agreed. “And when he needs something, I’m a telephone call or a helicopter ride away,” he said.
The lieutenant also had a quick answer to whether he and his brother plan to make the Army a career. “He is going to be the sergeant major of the Army,” he said, “and I will be the chief of staff.”
 

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Cody D. Suggs, 22, of West Alexandria, Ohio, died March 7 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, as a result of a non-combat incident that remains under investigation.  He was assigned to the 1487th Transportation Company (Piqua, Ohio), which is part of the 371st Sustainment Brigade (Springfield, Ohio).

For more information, the media may contact Ohio National Guard Communications Director James A. Sims at 614-202-7949.

Hagel Visits Afghanistan to Assess Operations

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 8, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel landed here today on his first trip as the Defense Department’s leader to thank U.S. troops and to see for himself “where we are in Afghanistan.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel briefs the press, March 7, 2013, en route to Afghanistan to thank troops during his first trip as the 24th secretary. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Hagel, who was sworn in Feb. 27, said he’s looking forward to visiting U.S. service members and thanking them for their work.

“I think it’s always important, when new leadership comes into any office in our national security organization, that we recognize the people who make it all possible and who are the ones on the front line,” he said to reporters traveling with him during the flight.

The new secretary’s last trip to Afghanistan was in the summer of 2008, he noted, along with then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. Hagel said he also was a member of the first congressional delegation to visit the country in January 2002.

“I need to better understand what’s going on there,” the secretary said. “I need to talk to, listen to, get a good sense from our commanders on the ground.”

Hagel said he’s interested in seeing for himself, and discussing with Afghan and NATO International Security Assistance Force partners, “where the Afghans are in some of their capabilities.” He added that he has spoken by telephone this week with both Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who recently returned from a visit to Afghanistan.

The secretary said he looks forward to meeting with Mohammadi during his visit, and to talking with senior ISAF leaders, including Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who took over command of the coalition force from Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen on Feb. 10.

Hagel said he also looks forward to getting reacquainted with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whom he first met in 2002.

The secretary said that as the alliance prepares for the final stage of transitioning to Afghan security lead in their own country, there are “a lot of big issues and challenge ahead.”

“That transition has to be done right; it has to be done in partnership with the Afghans [and] with our allies,” he said. “Our country -- as well as Afghanistan, the region and our allies -- have a lot at stake here. Our continued focus and energy and attention on Afghanistan is going to be very important.”

With some 66,000 U.S. service members still at war in a combat zone, Hagel said, “I don’t minimize or marginalize anything.” While discussions are ongoing among Afghan, U.S. and NATO member governments, he said, the question of ISAF troop numbers and mission beyond 2014 remains open.

As NATO’s combat mission in Afghanistan draws to a close, the secretary said, it’s important to manage the transition so the Afghan people have the best possible chance at a secure future.

“I think we all have invested an awful lot here in this effort, especially the men and women who made tremendous sacrifices from our country, and their families,” he said. “I think we are transitioning in a way that gives the Afghan people a very hopeful future.”

Hagel said any follow-on mission for U.S. forces in Afghanistan after the transition is complete in 2014 will be far different from the lead combatant role they’ve played for 12 years.

The new mission, as the president has outlined, will be training, assistance and advice, he said. “What we’re working through … with the Afghan government is a bilateral agreement that will address some of these future issues,” he added. “Our role as we transition out is a totally different role.”

Responding to a reporter’s question on North Korea’s government, which reportedly has threatened to launch a nuclear strike against the United States, the secretary said “the United States of America and our allies are prepared to deal with any threat … that occurs in the world.”

Africom Commander Outlines Diverse Challenges Ahead

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2013 – Somalia and Mali represent different stages of the challenges for U.S. Africa Command, Army Gen. Carter F. Ham told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

Ham, who will step down as Africom commander next month, said the five-year-old command has increased operational capabilities and capacities and has worked to build and focus security cooperation on the continent.

“Our approach seeks to address the near-term threats to our national security while simultaneously building partnerships and fostering regional cooperation which contribute to achieving longer-term U.S. objectives in Africa,” he said.

Africa has been a mixed bag in recent years, with positive steps in Somalia and security challenges in Mali.
Along with allies in East Africa, Africom developed a strategy that has seriously weakened the terror group al-Shabaab, Ham said. “Somalia still faces significant political, economic and security challenges, but the Somali people now have something they haven't had for a very long time: hope for a better future,” he added. “And I'm proud that we've played a role in that.”

In Central Africa, African troops, advised and assisted by U.S. Army Special Forces personnel, have achieved some significant tactical gains against the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader, Joseph Kony. “Today, we are seeing increased levels of LRA defections, fewer LRA attacks, and enhanced cooperation between the military forces in the region,” the general told the Senate panel.

Africom also is working with nations and regional groups in the Gulf of Guinea to boost cooperation against pirates, smuggling and illegal trafficking, Ham said.

Such security initiatives illustrate what can be achieved through an Africa-led endeavor to which America provides support and logistical capabilities, he said, and this same approach could be key to establishing peace and stability in Mali. The command has supported French and African allies’ efforts in northern Mali and is sharing intelligence and providing some transportation to forces opposing al-Qaida in the Islamic Mahgreb, he said.

But while the increasing willingness of many African partners to actively address shared threats is encouraging, the general told the panel, other trends in the region are deeply concerning. Terror groups in West and North Africa are increasingly working together, he noted.

“The loss of four Americans in Libya and three more in Algeria underscores the threat presented by this growing network,” Ham said.

The terror groups individually pose threats to the region, he said, but their increasing collaboration increases the danger they present collectively.

“I'm convinced that if left unchecked,” Ham added, “this network will develop into one that poses a greater and more imminent threat to U.S. interests.”

Stopping the spread of these groups is the command’s top priority, the general said. “At the same time, we're tasked to focus on prevention through a very active partnership strategy,” he said. “It remains clear that Africans must solve Africa’s problems.”

And it is in this area that fiscal challenges will hurt the most, Ham said.

“I’m concerned about the impacts resulting from the combined effects of sequestration and a continuing resolution,” the general told the senators. “We’ve already had to make difficult decisions based on the availability of funds, such as reducing reconnaissance flights.”

Budget reductions will cut theater security cooperation engagements and will reduce important joint and combined exercises, Ham said. The cuts, possible cuts and threatened cuts mean uncertainty in both the military ranks and in Africom’s civilian workforce, he added.

“They are not sure what to expect of their government,” Ham said.

Civilian employees face furloughs, he noted, and military personnel and their families face the question of whether Congress will sustain programs.

“I don’t think we yet understand what effect this uncertainty may have in the recruiting and retention of our civilian workforce, and perhaps even more importantly, on the recruiting and retention of what I think is the crown jewel in all of this, and that's the sustainment of the incredibly talented all-volunteer force we have,” he said. “I think there are a lot more unknowns right now than knowns.”

The command is looking at new ways to address the many challenges in Africa, Ham said. “The Army's regionally aligned force, Navy's Africa Partnership Station, and the Air Force counterpart, Africa Partnership Flight, are programs the services have purposely designed to help us achieve our objectives,” he said. “We look forward to the capabilities of the Marine Corps’ new Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force, which will bring improvements in our crisis-response capabilities.”

Ham commended Africom’s service members and civilians as he prepares to turn over the command to Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez.

“It will be my privilege to see him lead the women and men of United States Africa Command well into the future,” he said.

Combined Force Makes Arrests After Firefight With Insurgents

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 7, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator and detained a wounded insurgent after a firefight in the Sayyid Karam district of Afghanistan’s Paktia province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator is believed to be responsible for housing Haqqani and Taliban militants during operations, and for coordinating the movement of weapons and ammunition for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.
As the security force approached, insurgents opened fire. The security force returned fire, wounding one attacker.

The security force also seized an assault rifle, two ammunition magazines and a fragmentary grenade.
In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Nimroz province arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained four other insurgents in Khash Rod. The facilitator is believed to be a significant link for the Taliban's supply chain in the Helmand River Valley. He also is accused of supervising distribution of weapons, improvised explosive devices and IED components to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Logar province’s Baraki Barak district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader and detained three other insurgents. The leader is alleged to be responsible for planning and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and to be instrumental in acquiring, transferring and selling weapons for insurgent operations. The security force seized a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a grenade, a block of military-grade explosives, a mortar tube and tripod, and 20 mortar fuses in the operation.

Combined Force Kills Taliban Commander

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 6, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and wounded two others, including a Taliban commander, during an operation in the Giro district of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.

The deceased Taliban commander had exercised operational control over insurgent fighters in the area and was responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said, as well as executing a campaign of fear and intimidation against local citizens.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed a Taliban leader, Biragh, in the Marjeh district of Helmand province. Biragh was responsible for conducting IED and small-arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also commanded multiple fighters and played a crucial role in facilitating weapons to insurgents.

-- A combined force killed a Taliban IED expert, Mushtaq, in the Kunduz district of Kunduz province. Mushtaq, also known as Azizullah or Khalid, was heavily involved in IED operations throughout the province. He personally carried out multiple IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and distributed IEDs to fellow insurgents

U.S., Danish Air Forces make history with joint airdrop mission

by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/6/2013 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan  -- The U.S. and Danish Air Forces made history when the two nations came together for an airdrop over the skies of Southern Afghanistan Feb. 25.

While airdrop missions have been going on from the beginning of operations in Afghanistan, this mission marked the first that U.S. and Danish aircraft flew together to drop supplies.

"It's awesome that we finally got to do this with the Danish," said Maj. Marcus Lewis, 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130J pilot. "We didn't want to get overly excited because we tried to do this two times, but both missions were cancelled."

Lewis explained how the joint mission made perfect sense since both the U.S. and Danish Air Forces are taught and trained in the joint coalition atmosphere.

"Since I began pilot training in 1995, I've always been around and trained with the Danes," Lewis said. "We established these relationships long ago, so when we flew this mission it only felt natural. I thought it was flawless."

The Danish aircrew also felt the mission was a success and the "icing on the cake" in terms of their deployment coming to an end, said Lt. Col. Claus Caspersen, Danish Air Force pilot.

"We have done the airdrops, but this one was the best because we got to do it together before we leave soon," Caspersen said. "We go to the U.S. two times a year for training so this was easy. It's smooth when we work together because we both know what to expect from each other."

Maj. Daniel Hilferty, 771nd EAS Tactics chief, noted how the familiarity of working together builds strong ties.

"It's important to build strong coalition relationships because it translates to increased trust on the battlefield," Hilferty said. "Coalition training develops a mutual respect for each other's knowledge and capability, enabling us to execute combat missions with greater confidence."

Training Reduces Insider Attacks, Mattis Says

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2013 – Effective counterintelligence training and vigilance has helped to reduce the threat of insider attacks to one this year, the commander of U.S. Central Command said here today.

Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis testified before the House Armed Services Committee on the decline of “green-on-blue” violence in Afghanistan, where Afghan soldiers attack U.S. military personnel and their coalition partners.

As of September 2012, 45 International Security Assistance Force members had been killed during insider attacks.

“It goes to the very heart of trust,” Mattis said. “So far this year, [there’s only been] one attack. Now, I do not get complacent. I think I know why it's gone down. It has to do with training.
“It has to do with counterintelligence training we've given to the Afghans so they have ferreted out some of these people inside their ranks, and caught them,” he added. “And we have very good techniques for doing that.”

Despite the decline in attacks, Mattis said there has been very little change in interaction with Afghan troops.

Mattis said if contrasted to two years ago, “you would probably find very little difference in what you saw as far as our troops interacting with their troops.”

“We are very much involved with them, integrated with them,” he said. “We are obviously taking what you would consider prudent measures in the field to protect ourselves.”

Mattis noted Afghan troops have lost more of their own in “green-on-green” than U.S. forces have in green-on-blue attacks.

“So we have had wholehearted support from the Afghan leadership in addressing this problem,” he said. “And it appears to be paying off.”

Airmen adapt aerial port procedures to be more effective, efficient

by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2013 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- The 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron members recently re-evaluated their processes and procedures and decided it was time to fine tune the way they operate and move cargo here.

Maj. Philip Shields, the former 451st ELRS Aerial Port Flight commander and Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Spain, the 451st ELRS APF superintendent, developed a simple and direct mission statement that the aerial port flight immediately embodied -- "We move cargo, no matter if it walks, rolls or is palletized."

"In November, we began to focus our efforts on processes that directly impact this mission," Spain said. "Activities that did not directly impact the efficient movement of cargo were deprioritized and replaced with value-added activities. If it doesn't fit into our definition of cargo movement, then it is waste, and we must get rid of it."

He explained that one of the inefficient processes they were encountering was the locations of the cargo ramps and yards.

The airfield they were dealing with consisted of six cargo loading ramps and five separate cargo storage yards, all of which are separated over a 4-mile area.

"This was a big deal for the material-handling equipment," Spain said. "MHE was made to drive under a mile from the cargo yard to the aircraft. The long distances in the extreme temperatures cause the loaders to overheat, in turn, causing additional maintenance."

Spain expressed how he believes in the common-sense approach and that they needed to work as efficiently as possible.

One example was building a working relationship with planers in the flying squadrons and the base operations center to allow the aircraft to park on the ramp closest to the cargo yard.

"We consolidated everything into two yards to minimize transportation waste," Spain said. "We also needed to be proactive and help base operations park the aircraft closer."

Consolidating everything into two yards was designed to minimize travel and waste, but also acts as a gauge for when more aircraft will be needed to transport cargo.

"We implemented the pull versus push method," Spain said. "The airlift system traditionally operates on a push system of cargo movement. The user pushes the cargo to the aerial port. The port's backlog increases and one of two signals eventually triggers a response of airlift to move the cargo."

He said using that method led to longer port hold times and port capacity constantly fluctuated. The pull system, however, continuously pulls cargo into the port to maintain a more constant and steady demand for airlift, leveling the workload on both personnel and MHE and effectively utilizing airlift, he added.

"The yard will now stay at approximately 80 percent capacity," Spain said. "Not only has this allowed us to optimize each sortie to the fullest extent possible, it has cut down on aircraft delays and has reduced safety incidents. Now, we know well in advance what will be going on the aircraft and we aren't scrambling to rush with less manning."

Other process improvements include daily cargo meetings, daily port throughout discussions and increasing cargo forecast interaction with customer agencies.

"Aside from hard work and a good attitude, getting out there and building relationships with the customers has been the biggest reason for our success," Spain said. "We had to get out there and educate them on what we do."

"This emulates the precision loading concept," Spain said. "We took the concept that Dover uses and tweaked it to fit the mission in the AOR. In a nutshell, our logisticians created an electronic blackboard tool that connects cargo providers, planners and aerial port managers to optimize cargo pallet and aircraft configuration and the generation of additional airlift at a consistent rate."

Previously, the Army Movement Control Team would process customer's cargo not knowing what kind of airlift would be used, or if the next mission was ten days away. Now, the customers, MCT and aerial port use the electronic blackboard in order to move the cargo from the customer to aircraft in less than five days. This common-sense approach allowed logistic managers to "see" the cargo and match up the ground cargo with available airlift.

Using the new methods, Kandahar Airfield APF increased their outbound rolling cargo items from November to December by 314 percent. The old process allowed them to move 65 pieces of rolling stock; the next month, using the new method, they were able to move 269 pieces.

"I believe we're currently running at optimum conditions because we are aligning the cargo with the airflow, which allows us to maximize output for all aircrafts departing KAF," said Master Sgt. Andre Bellamy, the 451st ELRS Special Handling NCO in charge. "Within one month, and with the help of everyone here coming together to learn and get educated on what we do, we changed the entire culture of how we move cargo."

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 5, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained two other insurgents during an operation in Kandahar City in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested Taliban facilitator is linked to directing suicide attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province, officials said. He’s also linked to the deaths of Afghan civilians.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained four other insurgents in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province. The arrested Taliban facilitator is accused of importing and distributing homemade explosive material and narcotics in the district, and securing funding for insurgent activity against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Ghaziabad district of Kunar province, a combined force killed four insurgents and wounded three others during a security operation.

Special Ops Chief Hails Restructure, Partnership Progress

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2013 – The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command told Congress today strong partnerships with allies and an understanding of terrorist networks in Afghanistan and North Africa have helped build the command’s capacity to meet mission objectives.

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Navy Adm. William H. McRaven said his command helped establish a new structure which aligned various NATO and special operations forces under a two-star headquarters.

“This has allowed the special operations forces to have a common view of the enemy and synchronize [the forces] to achieve a common end-state,” he said. “It has made (special operations forces) even more effective than ever before.”

Adapting to a changing strategic and fiscal environment will keep special operations forces relevant now and in the future, he said.

“We understand the complexity of the Al Qaida network,” McRaven said. “You certainly cannot isolate a single organization and expect to be able to solve the problem locally … or by individual entity.”

In addition to Afghanistan, McRaven said, special operations forces are in 78 countries around the world.

“At the request of those nations, we’re helping to build their [special operations forces] capacity and strengthen our partnership and allied networks to deal with the unpredictable and complex threat we face today.”

McRaven assured ongoing collaboration with the joint chiefs and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to ensure SOCOM is postured to meet its objectives as a leaner, more agile and more technologically advanced force.

“Partnered with our Afghan [special operations forces], we have continued to attrit the enemy leadership while at the same time building and training the Afghan security forces so they can stand on their own against this determined threat,” he said.

As Afghan forces mature in confidence and take on greater responsibilities to thwart the Taliban, McRaven said SOCOM will also maintain what he termed its “wonderful relationships” in the Pacific with nations such as Philippines and South Korea.

In light of last year’s strategic guidance that saw a pivot toward the Asia Pacific region, McRaven said SOCOM will work with combatant commanders and mission chiefs to assess where to apply special operations resources that help nations in the region fight militant separatist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah.

“We always need to maintain our ability to rescue Americans and … eliminate the terrorist effects,” McRaven said. “The current and future aspect of special operations that … is equally if not more important is how we go about building our partners’ capacity and … allow them to deal with their own security problems.”

Afghan Forces Set Conditions for Success, Mattis Says

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2013 – The chief of U.S. Central Command discussed progress in Afghanistan and the upcoming transition there and also outlined budget challenges triggered by sequestration during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

“Our mission is succeeding,” said Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis. “The Afghan campaign is on track. It is, obviously, a combination of progress and violence, but I would say when it comes down to the [Afghan] security forces, they are proving themselves capable.

“Obviously, when we were looking at the drawdown numbers, there was a certain amount of forecasting that the Afghan forces would be capable,” Mattis added.

The general cited a casualty statistic to demonstrate Afghan forces have successfully transitioned to leading security in most of the country.

Since January 1, four U.S. troops have been lost in action, Mattis said, and in the same period, Afghan security forces have had 198 killed.

“There can no longer be any doubt,” he said. “It’s not an opinion, it’s now a fact -- the Afghans are doing the bulk of the fighting. And they’re doing it with our support.”

With 352,000 Afghans serving in their security forces, the Afghans are improving daily and their end strength will not be reduced as previously proposed by NATO.

“We’re seeing that these lads are willing to take it to the enemy,” Mattis said. “I think the Taliban have very little reason for comfort right now.

“They are getting better each day,” he continued, “and with 87 percent of the country now under their lead, and them proving themselves in combat … I support it.”

The current NATO mission in Afghanistan ends in December of next year. Although post 2014 troop levels have yet to be finalized, Mattis said he has recommended that 13,600 U.S troops remain in the country.

Discussing the Centcom region in general, Mattis noted there remains a “significant risk” to U.S. interests.

“Specifically, [there is] a perceived lack of an enduring U.S. commitment,” he said. “To counter this misperception, we must clearly communicate our intent and demonstrate our support through tangible actions.”

Mattis said the transition in Afghanistan has been “steady and deliberate.”

The United States is among 50 nations fighting together in the country as part of the largest coalition in modern history, the general said.

“[We are] providing continued support of the Afghan security forces as they set conditions for their long-term success,” he said.

Mattis said he will also need continued support from the Senate committee for military-to-military engagements, security cooperation efforts, military exercise programs, and information operations.
This includes, he said, innovative and flexible authorities, and the necessary funds to continue doing what is required to protect U.S. national security interests.

“As our nation confronts a period of fiscal austerity, our ability to adapt our ways and means to continue to meet our operational objectives is impacted by three key factors,” Mattis said.
“Right now, I do not have any budget certainty. Second, my need for time to adapt to reduced budgets and take the cuts smartly.”

Mattis said his third request is for flexibility to determine where to shift available funds in a manner that reduces risk and is consistent with the intent of Congress.

“And, of course, much of that flexibility must be granted to the service chiefs,” he said.

Asked what he thought would assist in meeting these factors, Mattis called for an appropriations bill that would replace the continuing resolution currently in place.

“I believe that if we got some degree of budget certainty through an appropriations bill that provides us as much as the continuing resolution does … we can make some wise choices,” he said.

“And the flexibilities you’re talking about for the service chiefs would be critical to those choices, obviously, consistent with congressional intent,” Mattis said. “We need that.”

“With your support and with the continued devotion to duty of our troops and the commitment of our military families, we will stand by our friends to maintain a measure of regional stability in defense of our values and our interests,” Mattis said.

Afghan medics train at Bagram

by Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/4/2013 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Even in the midst of conflict, it is important to keep an eye toward the future.

To that end, the staff members at Craig Joint Theater Hospital here have trained more than 40 Afghan doctors and nurses as part of the Afghan Trauma Mentorship Program.

"The goal is to train Afghan health care providers to be able to operate using the latest technology and methods so they are able to provide the best health care possible for their countrymen," said Capt. Claudia Niemiec, a 455th Medical Operations Squadron critical care nurse, who was responsible for planning the most recent course under the program.

The classes usually have four students selected from medical facilities run by the Afghan National Security Forces, which includes the army and various police forces.

During the course of three weeks, the students are immersed in every aspect of a modern hospital, from receiving a patient from an ambulance to operating room techniques.

Besides having all the latest equipment, the program also benefits from years of battlefield medicine.

"From a treatment standpoint, there are a lot of lessons that have been learned throughout the conflict here as far as trauma resuscitation, damage control surgery," Niemiec said.

The students are often volunteers who have heard about the program from previous participants.

"Physicians we've had in the past have returned to their own hospitals and told their colleagues this would be beneficial to attend," Niemiec said.

Identifying physicians interested in attending the course is done by Dr. Abdullah Fahim, a medical and cultural adviser for the hospital. He works with the Afghanistan National Security Forces' leaders to gather information about the applicants.

"All these security sections have their own medical facilities and their own physicians," Fahim said. "We have to train all of them so they will be independent to take care of their own wounded warriors and trauma patients."

Niemiec added that working with their Afghan counterparts presents a great opportunity for the medical staff here. "We're doing something that is going to have a lasting impact on the people here long after we've left," she said.

At the graduation of the latest group to pass through the program, one doctor wished to express his appreciation.

"We've learned things we have not seen before that we will bring back to our hospitals," said 1st Lt. (Dr.) Farooq Azam, an ear, nose and throat surgeon with the Afghan National Police. "We enjoyed our time spent at this great hospital and wish we could have stayed longer."

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 4, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Afghanistan’s Khost province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent is believed responsible for organizing and conducting improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.
In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In the Baraki Barak district of Logar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator and two other insurgents. The arrested Taliban facilitator is accused of procuring and distributing weapons for Taliban fighters in the district. He also is alleged to have directed IED and small-arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force arrested two insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Sherzad district of Nangarhar province. The arrested Taliban leader is believed to be responsible for directing and participating in attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the district. He also is accused of being involved with a network that has executed innocent Afghan citizens and actively seeks to recruit fighters to conduct attacks against coalition forces. He also is accused of extorting the residents of the district, using the money to fund illegal activities.

-- In the Kandahar district of Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator and one other insurgent. The Taliban facilitator is accused of coordinating the movement of supplies, weapons and IED-making materials for use against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is believed heavily involved in recruiting efforts ahead of the spring fighting season.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed three insurgents and wounded one other in the Ghaziabad district of Kunar province.

-- In the Khanabad district of Kunduz province, a combined force killed one insurgent.

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader and four other insurgents in the Chahar Darah district of Kunduz province. The insurgent is believed to be a prominent member of a local insurgent IED network.

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 1, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained three other insurgents during an operation in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent is alleged to be heavily involved in improvised explosive device operations in the district. He also participated in multiple IED attacks and has a history of procuring and distributing IED components to other insurgents.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed Taliban leader, Sadiq, and wounded another insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Sadiq was an experienced insurgent leader responsible for procuring and distributing small arms and IEDs to Taliban fighters for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also was involved with kidnappings of government officials and Afghan National Security Force members.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent during an operation in the Kishindeh district of Balkh province.

DOD, Homeland Security, Governors Look to Improve Dialogue

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2013 – Senior Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security leaders met Feb. 25 with representatives of the Council of Governors to find how the entities can work together better, officials said in a read-out of the meeting.

Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano met with leaders of the council at the Pentagon. The meeting included discussions on cybersecurity, strategic trends affecting the defense budget and a review of the Hurricane Sandy response.

The council operates under Executive Order 13528 -- signed by President Barack Obama in 2010. It is a bipartisan council designed to strengthen the relationship between DOD, Homeland Security and the states and territories.

Napolitano briefed the governors on the president’s executive order and policy directive on improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity and resiliency. Those attending agreed to improve cooperation on the issue and to make it a regular part of the meeting agenda.

They also agreed to a consultative process between DOD and the states for programming and budgetary proposals affecting the National Guard. Governors had raised concerns that the National Guard -- a precious state resource -- was not taken into account during the budgeting process.

The consultative process opens an avenue for the states to communicate their civil support needs to DOD, strengthens unity of effort and maximizes transparency on the strategic context of DOD programming and budgeting, officials said.

Air Force cuts aviation support at public events

3/1/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- As the Air Force braces for potential sequester, leadership has cancelled all aviation support to public events for at least the remainder of the fiscal year and is standing down the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team to save flying hours to support readiness needs.

Effective today, active-duty, Reserve and Guard units will cease all aviation support to the public. This includes the cancellation of support to all air shows, tradeshows, flyovers (including funerals and military graduations), orientation flights, heritage flights, F-22 demonstration flights and open houses, unless the event includes only local static assets.

Additionally, the Air Force will cancel the Thunderbirds' entire 2013 season beginning April 1.

The Thunderbirds and Heritage Flight crews will complete their certification procedures for safely flying aerial demonstrations in case the budget allows resumption of scheduled events in 2013, but and the Air Force will cease participation in Heritage flights following certification.

The Air Force will reduce flying hours by as much as 18 percent -- approximately 203,000 hours -- and impacts will be felt across the service and directly affect operational and training missions.

"While we will protect flying operations in Afghanistan and other contingency areas, nuclear deterrence and initial flight training, roughly two-thirds of our active-duty combat Air Force units will curtail home station training," said Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

Since all aerial support to public and military events is flown at no additional cost to the taxpayer using allotted training hours, the Air Force had no choice but to cancel support to these events.

"Engaging with the public is a core Air Force mission and communicating and connecting with the public is more important today than ever before. However, faced with deep budget cuts, we have no choice but to stop public aviation support," said Brig. Gen. Les Kodlick, the director of Air Force Public Affairs. "The Air Force will reevaluate the program at the end of the fiscal year and look for ways to curtail the program without having to cancel aviation support altogether."

The Air Force will continue to seek additional ways to remain engaged with the American public.

For more information, please contact Air Force Public Affairs at aerial.events@pentagon.af.mil or 703-695-9664. For information specific to the USAF Thunderbirds, please call Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007.

Manning Scores ‘Touchdown’ With U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

By Army Staff Sgt. David J. Overson
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, March 1, 2013 – There are arguably tens of millions of football fans around the globe, and it is safe to assume that many are fans of Super Bowl champion and current Denver Broncos’ quarterback, Peyton Manning.

Denver Broncos' quarterback Peyton Manning, addresses service members at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, during a USO tour, March 1, 2013. Manning was accompanied by retired Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling, NFL players Austin Collie and Vincent Jackson, and other athletes and entertainers. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David J. Overson   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

So when Manning arrived here today with a United Service Organizations-hosted tour, service members gathered at Bagram Air Field roared their approval.

 

Manning thrilled onlookers by throwing a few passes into the audience. Austin Collie, a wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts and Vincent Jackson, a wide receiver with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, assisted Manning on stage.

“It’s truly inspiring to see all of the pride and hard work these men and women display every day here, and it makes me grateful to be an American,” Manning said.

1. In tow with Manning, as part of the tour, were a few sports celebrities to help entertain the troops. Retired Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling delighted the crowd with inspiring words, along with the National Football League’s Austin Collie and Vincent Jackson.

“A lot of my family members served in the military, and this is an incredible honor for me to come here today and say ‘thank you’ to all the men and women putting their lives on the line for all of us back home,” Schilling said.

The host of the USO show, which was held in a modified tent, was Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., who introduced two members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Cassie Trammel and Jackie Bob, to the audience. Both Trammell and Bob bantered with the audience and performed a dance routine.

The musical portion of the tour featured Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo of “American Idol” fame. The couple, who are engaged to one another, met on “Idol’s” 11th season, and have been touring with the USO for the past two years.

“To be able to come here and perform for the troops is first and foremost an honor, DeGarmo said. It’s nice to be able to bring a small piece of home here, and hopefully help put their troubles behind for just a moment.”

“Getting to meet and talk to the soldiers about their daily duties is quite the blessing for me. I really love what they all do for us back home,” Manning said.

The entertainment concluded with service members obtaining autographs from their favorite sports celebrities. Whether it was Peyton Manning, or the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, it was obvious the crowd was walking a bit lighter when the tour rolled out.