By Samantha L. Quigley
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2006 – As NATO forces prepare to take over security operations in portions of Afghanistan, Army Gen. John Abizaid said he's pleased with the progress he sees in regard to the country's security situation. "We're pretty satisfied with the military situation despite the fact that there's been a lot of fighting," the commander of U.S. Central Command told "Fox and Friends" in a telephone interview from Bagram, Afghanistan, yesterday. "There's nothing we can't handle militarily out here, although we're pretty realistic that there's going to be continued fighting."
NATO forces recently took over security operations in the southern part of the country and are doing well, the general said. He added that he looks forward to turning over the eastern sector to NATO forces when the political and military conditions are right. Abizaid said the Taliban is the No. 1 problem in the south, and other groups, some of which are being aided by al-Qaeda, are operating in the east.
"Then you have various other criminal groups that are associated with the drug trade and operating in areas that have not really had much military activity on our part for a while," he said. "Now that the NATO forces have come in, they've allowed us to contest those areas, so there'll be a lot of security activity going on." Abizaid took the opportunity to express his approval of the Afghan National Army, describing it as "developing fairly rapidly."
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Maliki: Iraq 'Will Never Be in a Civil War'
By Donna Miles
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2006 – Iraq is not now and will never be in a civil war, the country's prime minister told Wolf Blitzer today on "CNN Late Edition." Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, speaking from Baghdad, praised strides being made in Iraq on the political, economic and security fronts and said that despite news reports to the contrary, violence is on the downswing and Iraq's new government is succeeding.
Maliki insisted that a spirit of reconciliation is taking hold in Iraq. "The violence is not increasing," he said. "Iraq is not in a civil war. Iraq will never be in a civil war." While declining to specify exactly how long Iraq will need coalition forces to reinforce its own security efforts, Maliki said the believes it "won't be long," possibly "within a year or less."
"I don't want to commit to a certain time or a certain period, but I want to have my best efforts to decrease this time for a year or less, or a few months," he said. But Maliki emphasized that he's not anxious to see the coalition leave until the Iraqi security forces are prepared to handle the job alone to ensure progress already made can continue.
He noted that Iraq's security forces are slated to take control of all provinces by the year's end and said they're gaining in both numbers and capability every day. "Our security ability is increasing," he said. Meanwhile, Iraq won't allow its neighbors, including Iran, to interfere in its affairs and disrupt this progress, Maliki said
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2006 – Iraq is not now and will never be in a civil war, the country's prime minister told Wolf Blitzer today on "CNN Late Edition." Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, speaking from Baghdad, praised strides being made in Iraq on the political, economic and security fronts and said that despite news reports to the contrary, violence is on the downswing and Iraq's new government is succeeding.
Maliki insisted that a spirit of reconciliation is taking hold in Iraq. "The violence is not increasing," he said. "Iraq is not in a civil war. Iraq will never be in a civil war." While declining to specify exactly how long Iraq will need coalition forces to reinforce its own security efforts, Maliki said the believes it "won't be long," possibly "within a year or less."
"I don't want to commit to a certain time or a certain period, but I want to have my best efforts to decrease this time for a year or less, or a few months," he said. But Maliki emphasized that he's not anxious to see the coalition leave until the Iraqi security forces are prepared to handle the job alone to ensure progress already made can continue.
He noted that Iraq's security forces are slated to take control of all provinces by the year's end and said they're gaining in both numbers and capability every day. "Our security ability is increasing," he said. Meanwhile, Iraq won't allow its neighbors, including Iran, to interfere in its affairs and disrupt this progress, Maliki said
General: Iraq Not Moving Toward Civil War
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2006 – Despite a recent increase in violence in Baghdad, Iraq is not on a path toward civil war, the commander of U.S. Central Command said yesterday. Army General John Abizaid recently visited Baghdad and talked with Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the highest-ranking military commander in Iraq, as well as Iraqi government officials. He also had the opportunity see the situation in Baghdad firsthand while moving around the city with coalition forces.
Abizaid said he left confident that progress is being made on the Baghdad security plan. "It's still too soon to say how the sectarian violence is going to be (a factor), but the early indications are that we've made some good progress against a lot of the ... killings that were going on in Baghdad," he said. "I don't see it moving toward civil war at this point."
Abizaid noted the Iraqi security forces in Baghdad, which outnumber coalition forces, are a combination of Iraqi military and police forces. "We're very satisfied with the performance of the military forces in Baghdad," he said. "The police forces still have a lot of work to do." The Iraqi minister of the interior acknowledges that some reforms are needed relatively quickly, Abizaid said. "But we believe we can move it in the right direction," he said
Abizaid said he left confident that progress is being made on the Baghdad security plan. "It's still too soon to say how the sectarian violence is going to be (a factor), but the early indications are that we've made some good progress against a lot of the ... killings that were going on in Baghdad," he said. "I don't see it moving toward civil war at this point."
Abizaid noted the Iraqi security forces in Baghdad, which outnumber coalition forces, are a combination of Iraqi military and police forces. "We're very satisfied with the performance of the military forces in Baghdad," he said. "The police forces still have a lot of work to do." The Iraqi minister of the interior acknowledges that some reforms are needed relatively quickly, Abizaid said. "But we believe we can move it in the right direction," he said
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Global Alert Map
The global alert map, operated by the National Association of Radio-Distress Signaling and Infocommunications, Havaria Emergency and Disaster Information Services, Budapest Hungary, provides a fantastic near-real-time recap of world-wide events; everything from terrorist attacks in Turkey to an algae bloom in an Oregon lake.
Global Alert Map
http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert.php?lang=eng
There is also a hyperlink to the map from the blog at www.terrorism-online.blogspot.com
Global Alert Map
http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert.php?lang=eng
There is also a hyperlink to the map from the blog at www.terrorism-online.blogspot.com
Detainee Transfer Announced
The Department of Defense announced today that it transferred five detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Afghanistan. These detainees were all recommended for transfer due to multiple review processes conducted at Guantanamo Bay.
With today's transfer, approximately 120 detainees remain at Guantanamo who the U.S. government has determined eligible for transfer or release through a comprehensive series of review processes. Departure of these remaining detainees approved for transfer or release is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations. The United States does not desire to hold detainees for any longer than necessary. The department expects that there will continue to be other transfers and releases of detainees.
With today's transfer, approximately 120 detainees remain at Guantanamo who the U.S. government has determined eligible for transfer or release through a comprehensive series of review processes. Departure of these remaining detainees approved for transfer or release is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations. The United States does not desire to hold detainees for any longer than necessary. The department expects that there will continue to be other transfers and releases of detainees.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson, 21, of Milford, Conn., died Aug. 25 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Plainville, Conn.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Forces Reserve at (978) 796-2839.
Cpl. Jordan C. Pierson, 21, of Milford, Conn., died Aug. 25 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Plainville, Conn.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Forces Reserve at (978) 796-2839.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Defense Department Set to Kick Off 'Why We Serve' Tour
By Steven Donald Smith
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – In an effort to help the American people understand why U.S. servicemembers choose to serve their country and what the experience entails, the Defense Department has launched a program it calls "Why We Serve."
"Essentially, Why We Serve is an armed forces style grassroots movement to reconnect with the American people," said Marine Major Matt Morgan, the program's director. "What we want to do is close the gap by allowing the servicemembers to communicate directly with the American people about why it is they do what they do." Beginning next week, 13 servicemembers from across the force will fan out across the country to speak about their military experience.
"We can't rely on the international press to tell our story," Morgan said. "We can't expect them to be communicating the essence of servicemembers' experience on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa." Morgan said the idea originated with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Marine General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rumsfeld and Pace felt the best way to communicate with the American people is to send servicemembers to their hometowns when they return from overseas to talk directly to community organizations about their experience.
"Secretary Rumsfeld has said that he sees servicemembers re-enlisting at record rates, young men and women volunteering to go back to combat zones two or three times, officer retention that is beyond anything we've seen," Morgan said. "We need to tell this story” The group of 13 will speak at events ranging from Rotary Club dinners to large university forums. "The remainder of it is more grassroots-type coordination, working with the other programs that we have within public affairs, such as America Support You," Morgan said.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that helps showcase Americans' support for the men and women of the armed forces and their families. The servicemembers also will participate in upcoming Freedom Walks that are scheduled around the country to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor America's past and present military veterans. The Defense Department's America Supports You program is sponsoring the main Freedom Walk in Washington, D.C., which takes place Sept. 10. Similar independently organized events are scheduled in a growing number of communities from coast to coast.
Morgan said everyone in the pilot group of 13 has been deployed overseas and most are likely to go back. "People don't understand the sacrifices they make on a day-to-day basis. A lot leave family and friends behind because they believe in what they're doing," Morgan said.
The group that is about to embark on the Why We Serve mission is made up of the right mix of people to make Americans understand that military service is more than what they see on television, he said. One of those getting ready to go on the speaking tour is Army Staff Sgt. Paula Newman, who said she joined the military to serve her country. "I grew up saying I was going to join the Army," she said. "I'm glad I did. It has undoubtedly improved my life. I'm proud of what I'm doing."
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – In an effort to help the American people understand why U.S. servicemembers choose to serve their country and what the experience entails, the Defense Department has launched a program it calls "Why We Serve."
"Essentially, Why We Serve is an armed forces style grassroots movement to reconnect with the American people," said Marine Major Matt Morgan, the program's director. "What we want to do is close the gap by allowing the servicemembers to communicate directly with the American people about why it is they do what they do." Beginning next week, 13 servicemembers from across the force will fan out across the country to speak about their military experience.
"We can't rely on the international press to tell our story," Morgan said. "We can't expect them to be communicating the essence of servicemembers' experience on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa." Morgan said the idea originated with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Marine General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rumsfeld and Pace felt the best way to communicate with the American people is to send servicemembers to their hometowns when they return from overseas to talk directly to community organizations about their experience.
"Secretary Rumsfeld has said that he sees servicemembers re-enlisting at record rates, young men and women volunteering to go back to combat zones two or three times, officer retention that is beyond anything we've seen," Morgan said. "We need to tell this story” The group of 13 will speak at events ranging from Rotary Club dinners to large university forums. "The remainder of it is more grassroots-type coordination, working with the other programs that we have within public affairs, such as America Support You," Morgan said.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that helps showcase Americans' support for the men and women of the armed forces and their families. The servicemembers also will participate in upcoming Freedom Walks that are scheduled around the country to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor America's past and present military veterans. The Defense Department's America Supports You program is sponsoring the main Freedom Walk in Washington, D.C., which takes place Sept. 10. Similar independently organized events are scheduled in a growing number of communities from coast to coast.
Morgan said everyone in the pilot group of 13 has been deployed overseas and most are likely to go back. "People don't understand the sacrifices they make on a day-to-day basis. A lot leave family and friends behind because they believe in what they're doing," Morgan said.
The group that is about to embark on the Why We Serve mission is made up of the right mix of people to make Americans understand that military service is more than what they see on television, he said. One of those getting ready to go on the speaking tour is Army Staff Sgt. Paula Newman, who said she joined the military to serve her country. "I grew up saying I was going to join the Army," she said. "I'm glad I did. It has undoubtedly improved my life. I'm proud of what I'm doing."
Web Site to Outline Voting Options for Troops Overseas
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – A new Web site being developed by the Defense Department will provide information on electronic voting options for servicemembers and other U.S. citizens living overseas. The Integrated Voting Alternative Site, which is scheduled to be accessible Sept. 1, will include information from all 55 states and territories on the various electronic ballot request and delivery alternatives available to U.S. citizens living overseas covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, said Scott Wiedmann, deputy director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program. The IVAS will be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site, and will be updated to reflect changes to state laws, he said.
The by-mail ballot system is still the preferred, and most used, voting method for troops and citizens overseas, Wiedmann said, but it isn't always available, so DoD developed electronic alternatives starting in 1990. "Servicemembers, just like any other American citizen, have the right to participate in the electoral process," he said.
Different states have different electronic voting options, but they almost all allow overseas citizens to use fax machines for at least part of the voting process, Wiedmann said. About 30 states offer blank ballot delivery by fax, and 24 states allow citizens to return ballots by fax, he said.
Ballots cannot be filled out or submitted online because of security concerns, Wiedmann said, but the IVAS will have an electronic Federal Post Card Application - the form citizens use to request an absentee ballot - that can be filled out and submitted to the state officials via a secure site. The state officials can then post a blank ballot to the same site, and the citizen can print it out and mail it back when completed, he said. "Where states are able to participate, either through their state laws or procedures, to use electronic capabilities, we encourage that," he said. "That helps to cut down part of the process."
State governments are responsible for the voting process, and DoD does not register any voters or send in ballots, Wiedmann said. The department simply acts as an intermediary, ensuring citizens covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act have a chance to vote, he said. "It's our job to carry out that act and do whatever we can to facilitate that process and that communication between the individual member and their local election official," he said.
It's important for servicemembers to participate in this year's election, Wiedmann said, because members of Congress make many decisions directly affecting the military. Decisions about military pay, housing, and base closure go through Congress, he noted. "In that regard, (servicemembers) should always be electing the people who they feel represent them best," he said.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – A new Web site being developed by the Defense Department will provide information on electronic voting options for servicemembers and other U.S. citizens living overseas. The Integrated Voting Alternative Site, which is scheduled to be accessible Sept. 1, will include information from all 55 states and territories on the various electronic ballot request and delivery alternatives available to U.S. citizens living overseas covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, said Scott Wiedmann, deputy director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program. The IVAS will be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site, and will be updated to reflect changes to state laws, he said.
The by-mail ballot system is still the preferred, and most used, voting method for troops and citizens overseas, Wiedmann said, but it isn't always available, so DoD developed electronic alternatives starting in 1990. "Servicemembers, just like any other American citizen, have the right to participate in the electoral process," he said.
Different states have different electronic voting options, but they almost all allow overseas citizens to use fax machines for at least part of the voting process, Wiedmann said. About 30 states offer blank ballot delivery by fax, and 24 states allow citizens to return ballots by fax, he said.
Ballots cannot be filled out or submitted online because of security concerns, Wiedmann said, but the IVAS will have an electronic Federal Post Card Application - the form citizens use to request an absentee ballot - that can be filled out and submitted to the state officials via a secure site. The state officials can then post a blank ballot to the same site, and the citizen can print it out and mail it back when completed, he said. "Where states are able to participate, either through their state laws or procedures, to use electronic capabilities, we encourage that," he said. "That helps to cut down part of the process."
State governments are responsible for the voting process, and DoD does not register any voters or send in ballots, Wiedmann said. The department simply acts as an intermediary, ensuring citizens covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act have a chance to vote, he said. "It's our job to carry out that act and do whatever we can to facilitate that process and that communication between the individual member and their local election official," he said.
It's important for servicemembers to participate in this year's election, Wiedmann said, because members of Congress make many decisions directly affecting the military. Decisions about military pay, housing, and base closure go through Congress, he noted. "In that regard, (servicemembers) should always be electing the people who they feel represent them best," he said.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Gordon G. Solomon, 35, of Fairborn, Ohio, died Aug. 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 451-9033.
Staff Sgt. Gordon G. Solomon, 35, of Fairborn, Ohio, died Aug. 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 451-9033.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. William E. Thorne, 26, of Hospers, Iowa, died on Aug 24, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Thorne was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Media with questions about this soldier can contact the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (254) 291-2591.
Pfc. William E. Thorne, 26, of Hospers, Iowa, died on Aug 24, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Thorne was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Media with questions about this soldier can contact the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (254) 291-2591.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Dwayne E. Williams, 28, of Baltimore, Md., died Aug. 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Media with questions about this Marine can call Marine Corps public affairs in Okinawa at 011-81-611-745-0790.
Staff Sgt. Dwayne E. Williams, 28, of Baltimore, Md., died Aug. 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Media with questions about this Marine can call Marine Corps public affairs in Okinawa at 011-81-611-745-0790.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Marquees A. Quick, 28, of Hoover Ala., died on Aug 19, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered while conducting security and observation operations, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using multiple grenades. Quick was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.
For further information related to this release, contact the 1st Armored Division Public Affairs at 011-49-611-705-4862.
Sgt. Marquees A. Quick, 28, of Hoover Ala., died on Aug 19, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered while conducting security and observation operations, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using multiple grenades. Quick was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.
For further information related to this release, contact the 1st Armored Division Public Affairs at 011-49-611-705-4862.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Jeremy E. King, 23, of Meridian, Idaho, died on Aug. 24, in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained by enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. King was assigned to the 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Media with questions about this soldier can contact the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (254) 291-2591.
Sgt. Jeremy E. King, 23, of Meridian, Idaho, died on Aug. 24, in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained by enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. King was assigned to the 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Media with questions about this soldier can contact the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (254) 291-2591.
America Supports You: Indiana Town Plans Freedom Walk
By Samantha L. Quigley
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – Residents of Crawfordsville, Ind., will gather to participate in an America Supports You Freedom Walk, joining an ever-growing number of Americans who will pay similar tribute to the victims of 9/11 and the nation's past and present veterans. Defense Department officials said this morning that so far, 75 communities in 36 states have registered similar events on the department's Freedom Walk Web site.
"We have gotten the message out to the local churches, so they're going to put the (announcement) in the church bulletins for us," said Jessica Williams, president of Indiana's third chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America. The message is also getting out via traditional media outlets, such as the local newspaper, she said. She added that several state Veterans Affairs officials also have committed to the walk.
Blue Star Mothers of America is a nonprofit organization of mothers who currently have, or have had, children serving in the military, according to the organization's Web site. The organization also is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which spotlights ways the American people and the nation's corporate sector support U.S. servicemembers.
Activities like the Crawfordsville Freedom Walk are important because they help acknowledge the impact the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, had on every U.S. resident, Williams said.
"People have changed their careers because of this. They were starting out to be an architect and they ended up going into law enforcement," she said. "A group of our boys stepped up (and) now they're in the military because of what happened on 9/11."
The local events parallel the Washington, D.C., Freedom Walk scheduled for Sept. 10 and sponsored by the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
In Crawfordsville, the walk will begin with opening ceremonies that include a welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. At the conclusion of the walk, which covers about a half-mile of downtown sidewalks, a Tower Tribute audio-visual program will be presented. The evening will conclude with local talent providing a patriotic program, Williams said.
"(Freedom Walks) allow various people to come together under the Freedom Walk for no purpose other than to show support," she said. "Yes, we may be going on with our lives, but there's a part of us that will always be affected."
Information for people interested in organizing Freedom Walk observances in their communities is available at the America Supports You Freedom Walk Web site.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – Residents of Crawfordsville, Ind., will gather to participate in an America Supports You Freedom Walk, joining an ever-growing number of Americans who will pay similar tribute to the victims of 9/11 and the nation's past and present veterans. Defense Department officials said this morning that so far, 75 communities in 36 states have registered similar events on the department's Freedom Walk Web site.
"We have gotten the message out to the local churches, so they're going to put the (announcement) in the church bulletins for us," said Jessica Williams, president of Indiana's third chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America. The message is also getting out via traditional media outlets, such as the local newspaper, she said. She added that several state Veterans Affairs officials also have committed to the walk.
Blue Star Mothers of America is a nonprofit organization of mothers who currently have, or have had, children serving in the military, according to the organization's Web site. The organization also is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which spotlights ways the American people and the nation's corporate sector support U.S. servicemembers.
Activities like the Crawfordsville Freedom Walk are important because they help acknowledge the impact the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, had on every U.S. resident, Williams said.
"People have changed their careers because of this. They were starting out to be an architect and they ended up going into law enforcement," she said. "A group of our boys stepped up (and) now they're in the military because of what happened on 9/11."
The local events parallel the Washington, D.C., Freedom Walk scheduled for Sept. 10 and sponsored by the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
In Crawfordsville, the walk will begin with opening ceremonies that include a welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. At the conclusion of the walk, which covers about a half-mile of downtown sidewalks, a Tower Tribute audio-visual program will be presented. The evening will conclude with local talent providing a patriotic program, Williams said.
"(Freedom Walks) allow various people to come together under the Freedom Walk for no purpose other than to show support," she said. "Yes, we may be going on with our lives, but there's a part of us that will always be affected."
Information for people interested in organizing Freedom Walk observances in their communities is available at the America Supports You Freedom Walk Web site.
Camp Pendleton Marines Make Final Preparations for Deployment
By Donna Miles
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Aug. 25, 2006 – Just three weeks before they deploy for six months as U.S. Central Command's theater reserve force, Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit here say they're ready to get on with the mission despite pulls at their heartstrings over leaving home. The heavy lifting is over. Six months of intensive training recently wrapped up with an 11-day joint task force exercise aboard USS Boxter that earned the unit the critical "special operations capable" designation.
"The operating tempo has been unbelievable," said Staff Sgt. Tracie Kessler, the MEU's public affairs chief. "But no MEU wants to go out not being special operations capable." Col. Brian Beaudreault, the MEU commander, said the unit's operations tempo has been "as high as it's ever been," but has paid off in a big way. "We're prepared to execute any mission we're assigned as the theater reserve," he said. "We're ready for everything from sustained combat operations ashore to humanitarian relief operations and everything in between."
Unlike the MEU's last deployment, when its members knew they were headed to Iraq, this time that's not a given unless CENTCOM requests the support. "As far as I know, that's not going to happen this time," said Staff Sergeant Dwayne Benjamin. "But then, that could all change any time." With its pre-deployment training wrapped up, the pace at the MEU's command headquarters has come to a near halt -- the proverbial calm before the storm.
A sign at the top of a stairwell marks the days until the deployment -- E-21 yesterday for "Embarkation minus 21." When the sign reads "E-0," 2,300 Marines will leave here aboard three ships: USS Comstock, USS Dubuque and USS Boxter. The contingency will include the battalion's combat landing team, its logistics battalion and air combat element.
But for now, there's a sense of quiet here, with most of the Marines on block leave and a skeletal staff wrapping up last-minute details. "We're now in a decentralized mode of operation. Each section knows what has to be done. It's a matter of setting those Marines loose to get it done," Beaudreault said. Right now, the emphasis is on maintenance of equipment and quality time for families."
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dwayne Benjamin, the unit's purchasing chief, is processing last-minute orders to ensure the Marines have all the gear they need while they're away. Cpl. Juan Juarez, an administrative clerk, is double-checking travel vouchers to make sure they've all been settled and unit members paid. Chief Warrant Officer Mike Chaney, working as a action officer in the MEU's operations section, is planning the training the unit will conduct during its deployment, as it awaits a call for a real-world mission.
Maintainers were turning wrenches, checking times and ensuring the MEU's aircraft and vehicles are ready to go. Sgt. Bobby Savicke, a motor transportation mechanic, was checking transmission fluids and "making sure nothing goes out the door broken." The unit supply administration chief, Cpl. David Choe, was rechecking boxes of desert camouflage uniforms and other supplies to make sure nothing was inadvertently left behind. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Jucutan, a corpsman preparing for his eighth deployment with the Marines, was packing medical equipment in new medical bags the MEU recently received.
Meanwhile, other United States Marines from the MEU were on Camp Pendleton's Red Beach testing a new tactical water purification system to make sure it will operate properly during the deployment.
Most of the Marines are veterans of multiple deployments and said the operational preparations tend to go smoother each time. "For me, it gets easier," said Benjamin, about to leave for his fourth "float" and his third with the 15th MEU. "It doesn't seem as stressful as the first time around. Everything starts to become second nature, especially if you work with the same people." "This deployment is a lot easier than the last one," Chaney agreed. "We knew what to expect in the work-up cycle. It's still painful, but it's not new."
Juarez said he's applying lessons learned from his last deployment this go-around. "Last time, I learned so many things that I'm using to mold this deployment to help myself, my shop and my fellow Marines," he said. Those lessons range from better ways to pack a backpack to knowing what equipment and supplies need to go and what ones will simply take up space on the ship.
As important as these last-minute details will be to success during the deployment, Beaudreault said, an equally important priority right now is ensuring the Marines get their personal affairs in order and, most importantly, spend time with their families. Cpl. James Johnson, the MEU's postal clerk, is giving up his apartment while he's gone and moving everything he's not taking with him into storage. He's already assigned power of attorney to a buddy who will watch over his car.
Staff Sgt. Danny Sava, the unit data chief, is drawing up a list of details and contact information for his wife, Julia. The family bill payer, Sava set up a lot of automatic online payments and is making sure Julia knows where to find his will, power of attorney, Social Security card and other important documents. "We're trying our best to get everything together and get squared away," Julia said.
After four deployments with the MEU, Sava has control of the tangible preparations but admits the emotional ones are a bit tougher. He missed the birth of his daughter, Alyssa, now 18 months old, during his last deployment, and this time he'll miss her second birthday as well as his son Anthony's 11th birthday and Christmas. "We'll celebrate it late," Julia said, quickly filling the silence left after her husband acknowledged the lost landmarks.
Chaney is busy preparing for them as well, writing letters and wrapping birthday and Christmas gifts that he'll leave behind for his 3- and 6-year-old children for his wife to present on the appropriate days. "I'm trying to do that now, so everything is pre-staged and I know it will be there, instead of worrying about getting them here in the mail," he said.
In addition to making sure household expenses are in order, Juarez said he's devoting every spare moment possible to his wife of two years. "We're spending a lot of time just talking to each other," he said. After his last deployment, Juarez said, the two already know what's ahead, but he's not sure that's going to make it any easier. "We already know what to expect of each other, but I think this one is going to be a little more difficult," he said. "I think we're going to feel the sense of separation more this time."
Benjamin is busy getting his personal affairs in order and making sure his wife and three children, ages 13, 12 and 6, are ready for his departure. He plans to take a week of leave at home, relaxing with the family and enjoying his favorite foods, "especially a good steak."
Deployments are never easy on families, Benjamin said, but experience has shown him that his family can make it on their own while he's away. "We've done this before," he said with a shrug. "When you do this over and over, things tend to get -- not easier, but simpler."
When embarkation day comes, Benjamin said he knows he'll be ready to go. "You have a job to do," he said. "My head is always in the game." Juarez, too, said that although he hates to leave his wife behind, he's ready for the deployment. "I don't stress out about it. I know I have to deploy, so I don't worry. I just stay focused on my job," he said. "It's going to be a good deployment. I'm looking forward to it."
Johnson, a single Marine, doesn't share his comrade's conflicts about the upcoming deployment and said he's more than ready to go. "I love it. I'm excited," he said. "It's where I want to be." "At this point, it's almost, 'Let's go,'" Chaney agreed. "You do all this training, so you just want to get out there and get the deployment going. We're Marines, and we're just ready to go."
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Aug. 25, 2006 – Just three weeks before they deploy for six months as U.S. Central Command's theater reserve force, Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit here say they're ready to get on with the mission despite pulls at their heartstrings over leaving home. The heavy lifting is over. Six months of intensive training recently wrapped up with an 11-day joint task force exercise aboard USS Boxter that earned the unit the critical "special operations capable" designation.
"The operating tempo has been unbelievable," said Staff Sgt. Tracie Kessler, the MEU's public affairs chief. "But no MEU wants to go out not being special operations capable." Col. Brian Beaudreault, the MEU commander, said the unit's operations tempo has been "as high as it's ever been," but has paid off in a big way. "We're prepared to execute any mission we're assigned as the theater reserve," he said. "We're ready for everything from sustained combat operations ashore to humanitarian relief operations and everything in between."
Unlike the MEU's last deployment, when its members knew they were headed to Iraq, this time that's not a given unless CENTCOM requests the support. "As far as I know, that's not going to happen this time," said Staff Sergeant Dwayne Benjamin. "But then, that could all change any time." With its pre-deployment training wrapped up, the pace at the MEU's command headquarters has come to a near halt -- the proverbial calm before the storm.
A sign at the top of a stairwell marks the days until the deployment -- E-21 yesterday for "Embarkation minus 21." When the sign reads "E-0," 2,300 Marines will leave here aboard three ships: USS Comstock, USS Dubuque and USS Boxter. The contingency will include the battalion's combat landing team, its logistics battalion and air combat element.
But for now, there's a sense of quiet here, with most of the Marines on block leave and a skeletal staff wrapping up last-minute details. "We're now in a decentralized mode of operation. Each section knows what has to be done. It's a matter of setting those Marines loose to get it done," Beaudreault said. Right now, the emphasis is on maintenance of equipment and quality time for families."
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dwayne Benjamin, the unit's purchasing chief, is processing last-minute orders to ensure the Marines have all the gear they need while they're away. Cpl. Juan Juarez, an administrative clerk, is double-checking travel vouchers to make sure they've all been settled and unit members paid. Chief Warrant Officer Mike Chaney, working as a action officer in the MEU's operations section, is planning the training the unit will conduct during its deployment, as it awaits a call for a real-world mission.
Maintainers were turning wrenches, checking times and ensuring the MEU's aircraft and vehicles are ready to go. Sgt. Bobby Savicke, a motor transportation mechanic, was checking transmission fluids and "making sure nothing goes out the door broken." The unit supply administration chief, Cpl. David Choe, was rechecking boxes of desert camouflage uniforms and other supplies to make sure nothing was inadvertently left behind. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Jucutan, a corpsman preparing for his eighth deployment with the Marines, was packing medical equipment in new medical bags the MEU recently received.
Meanwhile, other United States Marines from the MEU were on Camp Pendleton's Red Beach testing a new tactical water purification system to make sure it will operate properly during the deployment.
Most of the Marines are veterans of multiple deployments and said the operational preparations tend to go smoother each time. "For me, it gets easier," said Benjamin, about to leave for his fourth "float" and his third with the 15th MEU. "It doesn't seem as stressful as the first time around. Everything starts to become second nature, especially if you work with the same people." "This deployment is a lot easier than the last one," Chaney agreed. "We knew what to expect in the work-up cycle. It's still painful, but it's not new."
Juarez said he's applying lessons learned from his last deployment this go-around. "Last time, I learned so many things that I'm using to mold this deployment to help myself, my shop and my fellow Marines," he said. Those lessons range from better ways to pack a backpack to knowing what equipment and supplies need to go and what ones will simply take up space on the ship.
As important as these last-minute details will be to success during the deployment, Beaudreault said, an equally important priority right now is ensuring the Marines get their personal affairs in order and, most importantly, spend time with their families. Cpl. James Johnson, the MEU's postal clerk, is giving up his apartment while he's gone and moving everything he's not taking with him into storage. He's already assigned power of attorney to a buddy who will watch over his car.
Staff Sgt. Danny Sava, the unit data chief, is drawing up a list of details and contact information for his wife, Julia. The family bill payer, Sava set up a lot of automatic online payments and is making sure Julia knows where to find his will, power of attorney, Social Security card and other important documents. "We're trying our best to get everything together and get squared away," Julia said.
After four deployments with the MEU, Sava has control of the tangible preparations but admits the emotional ones are a bit tougher. He missed the birth of his daughter, Alyssa, now 18 months old, during his last deployment, and this time he'll miss her second birthday as well as his son Anthony's 11th birthday and Christmas. "We'll celebrate it late," Julia said, quickly filling the silence left after her husband acknowledged the lost landmarks.
Chaney is busy preparing for them as well, writing letters and wrapping birthday and Christmas gifts that he'll leave behind for his 3- and 6-year-old children for his wife to present on the appropriate days. "I'm trying to do that now, so everything is pre-staged and I know it will be there, instead of worrying about getting them here in the mail," he said.
In addition to making sure household expenses are in order, Juarez said he's devoting every spare moment possible to his wife of two years. "We're spending a lot of time just talking to each other," he said. After his last deployment, Juarez said, the two already know what's ahead, but he's not sure that's going to make it any easier. "We already know what to expect of each other, but I think this one is going to be a little more difficult," he said. "I think we're going to feel the sense of separation more this time."
Benjamin is busy getting his personal affairs in order and making sure his wife and three children, ages 13, 12 and 6, are ready for his departure. He plans to take a week of leave at home, relaxing with the family and enjoying his favorite foods, "especially a good steak."
Deployments are never easy on families, Benjamin said, but experience has shown him that his family can make it on their own while he's away. "We've done this before," he said with a shrug. "When you do this over and over, things tend to get -- not easier, but simpler."
When embarkation day comes, Benjamin said he knows he'll be ready to go. "You have a job to do," he said. "My head is always in the game." Juarez, too, said that although he hates to leave his wife behind, he's ready for the deployment. "I don't stress out about it. I know I have to deploy, so I don't worry. I just stay focused on my job," he said. "It's going to be a good deployment. I'm looking forward to it."
Johnson, a single Marine, doesn't share his comrade's conflicts about the upcoming deployment and said he's more than ready to go. "I love it. I'm excited," he said. "It's where I want to be." "At this point, it's almost, 'Let's go,'" Chaney agreed. "You do all this training, so you just want to get out there and get the deployment going. We're Marines, and we're just ready to go."
Coalition Forces in Ramadi Attacked From Mosque
RAMADI, Iraq, Aug. 25, 2006 – Coalition forces were attacked today from the Al Qadir Al Kilami mosque in Ramadi, Iraq, military officials here reported. The attack at about 12:30 p.m. included small-arms and machine-gun fire, rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades and a makeshift bomb, officials said.
Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense using escalation-of-force procedures, officials said, and finally fired several main gun rounds from M1 tanks into the mosque to defeat the attackers. The mosque's dome and minaret were heavily damaged.
A coalition soldier was wounded in the attack, but later returned to duty. Officials said no assessment was available yet on enemy or civilian casualties.
Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense using escalation-of-force procedures, officials said, and finally fired several main gun rounds from M1 tanks into the mosque to defeat the attackers. The mosque's dome and minaret were heavily damaged.
A coalition soldier was wounded in the attack, but later returned to duty. Officials said no assessment was available yet on enemy or civilian casualties.
'Strong Angel III' Tests Military-Civil Disaster Response
By Donna Miles
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25, 2006 – More than 600 military members, Defense Department employees and contractors, first responders, nongovernmental organization representatives and technologists are here this week exploring better ways to coordinate their disaster response. Strong Angel III, the third in a series of disaster response exercises, revolves around the scenario of a worldwide viral pandemic that stretches emergency response efforts toward the breaking point. At the same time, a terrorist network launches a wave of cyber-attacks that disable communications throughout the United States when they're needed most.
Power is down. Lights are out and water is cut off. Internet and phone access is blocked. Local governments struggle to provide humanitarian assistance relief without an established telecommunications infrastructure. Helping prepare for such a contingency, and promoting civil-military cooperation in meeting its challenges, is the goal of Strong Angel III, explained Navy Commander (Dr.) Eric Rasmussen, exercise director and chairman of the Department of Medicine at Naval Hospital Bremerton, Wash.
Rasmussen is no stranger to disasters. He's been involved in civil affairs and humanitarian and disaster response in Bosnia, Africa and Iraq, served as head of a civil-military coordination team after the 2005 tsunami in Indonesia and deployed to New Orleans with Joint Task Force Katrina. Throughout these experiences, Rasmussen said, he continually identified a nagging problem that he hopes efforts like Strong Angel III will help resolve: military and civil responders simply don't know how to communicate and work with each other.
"There's a misunderstanding about the level of professionalism on both sides," he said as he overlooked a flurry of activity on an open-air balcony at San Diego's Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility. Military people often think of non-governmental organization members as "do-gooders" who lack either experience or a long-term commitment. NGO staffers think of the military as too rigid or shortsighted to see the job through.
"Neither is true," Rasmussen said. "And if you have them come together to the same place to do something hard that requires them to work together toward a common purpose, that's how they come to recognize each others' professionalism." But the challenges go beyond mere perceptions, Strong Angel III participants acknowledged. In some cases, classified military networks don't interface with other first responders' open networks. As a result, the two entities can't talk to each other or coordinate their efforts.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Ed McLarney from U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Experimentation Directorate is here working to help break down those network boundaries. McLarney is part of a team testing a prototype that enables users to transfer information from a simulated classified network to a user on the open Internet.
"The idea is to selectively transfer specific information from a classified network, as needed, to networks where others can access it," he said. In a real disaster response, those involved could better share information, requirements and assistance. The concept follows what McLarney called the Army adage of "train as you fight." "And the way we fight today is as coalitions, so it is important that we be able to share information," he said.
Other DoD participants in Strong Angel III are exploring different ways to promote military-civil cooperation. Michael McGonagle, knowledge management chief for JFCOM's Standing Joint Force Headquarters, is here promoting HARMONIEweb.org, which the command recently developed as a clearinghouse for disaster assistance responders. The site, with the acronym for Humanitarian Assistance Response Monitoring and Operations Network Internet Enterprise, presents a single link where all responders can share information and coordinate their efforts, McGonagle explained.
"It's a link between those who have and need things," he said. "It's a way of pulling together existing sites so there's a single place for people to get information."
Feedback from Strong Angel III participants will help JFCOM further fine-tune the site and make it more useful, he said. Not far from McGonagle's work station, Lowell Pennington, an analyst from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, is part of a team exploring ways to help bring better situational awareness to first responders.
In one exercise scenario, an unknown white gas was pouring from a stopped vehicle. McGonagle and his fellow analysts charted the vehicle's location, calculated wind conditions to determine what areas might be affected by the smoke plume and worked to get that information to responders who needed it. "The bottom line is getting geospatial intelligence to the lowest tactical level," Pennington said. "We're trying to find out what we need to do to make the system better and more interactive for the future."
Across the balcony area, Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Michael Zwingle, Marine emergency preparedness liaison officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region 9, was coordinating with other Strong Angel III players to determine what military resources were available to meet their needs.
"They tell me what capability they need, and I tell them what assets we have and what we can do," he said. "They are looking for assets. I look for resources and offer suggestions."
Meanwhile, Martin Hill, a research analyst for the Naval Health Research Center in nearby Point Loma, was here in the training facility courtyard sharing information about a software program the Marine Corps uses for medical planning before a deployment. The goal, he said, isn't to get civilian first responders to adopt the Marine Corps system. It's to identify what changes the system needs to better suit those responders' requirements.
"What we're looking at is developing it into a tool for civilian first responders," he said. "So we're here talking to people, collecting data, and we will take that back and figure out a course of action that will be mutually beneficial."
As participants in Strong Angel III learn from each other and field test ways of delivering life-saving humanitarian relief and rapidly deployable communication systems in response to major disasters, Rasmussen said he's overwhelmed by how quickly they are coming together as a team. "Stuff is happening all over this balcony," he said, looking out over a vast array of makeshift work stations at the Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility, "where people are coming together who would not otherwise have touched."
Strong Angel III is helping these responders smooth out their differences and form working relationships before an actual disaster occurs. "I can tell you from experience that it's deeply advantageous to know each other beforehand," Rasmussen said.
That way, they're better prepared to face crises and better able to help the people who need them. "Our major goal is to establish a model of community resilience in the face of adversity," Rasmussen said.
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25, 2006 – More than 600 military members, Defense Department employees and contractors, first responders, nongovernmental organization representatives and technologists are here this week exploring better ways to coordinate their disaster response. Strong Angel III, the third in a series of disaster response exercises, revolves around the scenario of a worldwide viral pandemic that stretches emergency response efforts toward the breaking point. At the same time, a terrorist network launches a wave of cyber-attacks that disable communications throughout the United States when they're needed most.
Power is down. Lights are out and water is cut off. Internet and phone access is blocked. Local governments struggle to provide humanitarian assistance relief without an established telecommunications infrastructure. Helping prepare for such a contingency, and promoting civil-military cooperation in meeting its challenges, is the goal of Strong Angel III, explained Navy Commander (Dr.) Eric Rasmussen, exercise director and chairman of the Department of Medicine at Naval Hospital Bremerton, Wash.
Rasmussen is no stranger to disasters. He's been involved in civil affairs and humanitarian and disaster response in Bosnia, Africa and Iraq, served as head of a civil-military coordination team after the 2005 tsunami in Indonesia and deployed to New Orleans with Joint Task Force Katrina. Throughout these experiences, Rasmussen said, he continually identified a nagging problem that he hopes efforts like Strong Angel III will help resolve: military and civil responders simply don't know how to communicate and work with each other.
"There's a misunderstanding about the level of professionalism on both sides," he said as he overlooked a flurry of activity on an open-air balcony at San Diego's Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility. Military people often think of non-governmental organization members as "do-gooders" who lack either experience or a long-term commitment. NGO staffers think of the military as too rigid or shortsighted to see the job through.
"Neither is true," Rasmussen said. "And if you have them come together to the same place to do something hard that requires them to work together toward a common purpose, that's how they come to recognize each others' professionalism." But the challenges go beyond mere perceptions, Strong Angel III participants acknowledged. In some cases, classified military networks don't interface with other first responders' open networks. As a result, the two entities can't talk to each other or coordinate their efforts.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Ed McLarney from U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Experimentation Directorate is here working to help break down those network boundaries. McLarney is part of a team testing a prototype that enables users to transfer information from a simulated classified network to a user on the open Internet.
"The idea is to selectively transfer specific information from a classified network, as needed, to networks where others can access it," he said. In a real disaster response, those involved could better share information, requirements and assistance. The concept follows what McLarney called the Army adage of "train as you fight." "And the way we fight today is as coalitions, so it is important that we be able to share information," he said.
Other DoD participants in Strong Angel III are exploring different ways to promote military-civil cooperation. Michael McGonagle, knowledge management chief for JFCOM's Standing Joint Force Headquarters, is here promoting HARMONIEweb.org, which the command recently developed as a clearinghouse for disaster assistance responders. The site, with the acronym for Humanitarian Assistance Response Monitoring and Operations Network Internet Enterprise, presents a single link where all responders can share information and coordinate their efforts, McGonagle explained.
"It's a link between those who have and need things," he said. "It's a way of pulling together existing sites so there's a single place for people to get information."
Feedback from Strong Angel III participants will help JFCOM further fine-tune the site and make it more useful, he said. Not far from McGonagle's work station, Lowell Pennington, an analyst from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, is part of a team exploring ways to help bring better situational awareness to first responders.
In one exercise scenario, an unknown white gas was pouring from a stopped vehicle. McGonagle and his fellow analysts charted the vehicle's location, calculated wind conditions to determine what areas might be affected by the smoke plume and worked to get that information to responders who needed it. "The bottom line is getting geospatial intelligence to the lowest tactical level," Pennington said. "We're trying to find out what we need to do to make the system better and more interactive for the future."
Across the balcony area, Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Michael Zwingle, Marine emergency preparedness liaison officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region 9, was coordinating with other Strong Angel III players to determine what military resources were available to meet their needs.
"They tell me what capability they need, and I tell them what assets we have and what we can do," he said. "They are looking for assets. I look for resources and offer suggestions."
Meanwhile, Martin Hill, a research analyst for the Naval Health Research Center in nearby Point Loma, was here in the training facility courtyard sharing information about a software program the Marine Corps uses for medical planning before a deployment. The goal, he said, isn't to get civilian first responders to adopt the Marine Corps system. It's to identify what changes the system needs to better suit those responders' requirements.
"What we're looking at is developing it into a tool for civilian first responders," he said. "So we're here talking to people, collecting data, and we will take that back and figure out a course of action that will be mutually beneficial."
As participants in Strong Angel III learn from each other and field test ways of delivering life-saving humanitarian relief and rapidly deployable communication systems in response to major disasters, Rasmussen said he's overwhelmed by how quickly they are coming together as a team. "Stuff is happening all over this balcony," he said, looking out over a vast array of makeshift work stations at the Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility, "where people are coming together who would not otherwise have touched."
Strong Angel III is helping these responders smooth out their differences and form working relationships before an actual disaster occurs. "I can tell you from experience that it's deeply advantageous to know each other beforehand," Rasmussen said.
That way, they're better prepared to face crises and better able to help the people who need them. "Our major goal is to establish a model of community resilience in the face of adversity," Rasmussen said.
Coalition Recovers Weapons Caches in Afghanistan; Makeshift Bomb Found
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – Coalition forces recovered three weapons caches Aug. 23 while searching three compounds in Afghanistan's Paktika province, U.S. military officials reported. The caches consisted of rifles, a machine gun and ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade ammunition, a mine detector and a Taliban banner and literature.
Serviceable equipment will be turned over to the Afghan security forces for their use, and an explosive ordnance disposal team will deal with the unserviceable equipment, officials said. Marijuana also was found in one of the compounds.
"The weapons found in Paktika will no longer be a threat to the lives of Afghan civilians," said Army Colonel Thomas Collins, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan spokesman. "We will continue working alongside Afghan security forces to remove these types of deadly weapons wherever we find them to better ensure a peaceful future for the Afghan people."
In other news from Afghanistan, Afghan National Police discovered and disarmed a makeshift bomb in Kunar province on Aug. 23. The police secured the site to protect civilians, and a coalition explosives ordnance disposal detachment from Asadabad disarmed the device.
"Getting this improvised explosive device out of the hands of extremists improves the safety and security for all Afghans," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman. "Now this weapon cannot be used against Afghan and Coalition forces or turned against innocent civilians as an intimidation tactic."
Serviceable equipment will be turned over to the Afghan security forces for their use, and an explosive ordnance disposal team will deal with the unserviceable equipment, officials said. Marijuana also was found in one of the compounds.
"The weapons found in Paktika will no longer be a threat to the lives of Afghan civilians," said Army Colonel Thomas Collins, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan spokesman. "We will continue working alongside Afghan security forces to remove these types of deadly weapons wherever we find them to better ensure a peaceful future for the Afghan people."
In other news from Afghanistan, Afghan National Police discovered and disarmed a makeshift bomb in Kunar province on Aug. 23. The police secured the site to protect civilians, and a coalition explosives ordnance disposal detachment from Asadabad disarmed the device.
"Getting this improvised explosive device out of the hands of extremists improves the safety and security for all Afghans," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman. "Now this weapon cannot be used against Afghan and Coalition forces or turned against innocent civilians as an intimidation tactic."
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
On June 19th, 2004, a granite wall commemorating the soldiers who have died in the recent Middle East Conflicts was erected in Marseilles, Illinois. The wall is over 50 feet long and stands six feet high. As of March 6, 2005, the names of 2500 soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen and coastguardsmen who have fallen in Middle East Conflicts since 1980.
You can visit the website at http://www.ilfreedomrun.org/
You can visit the website at http://www.ilfreedomrun.org/
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. James D. Hirlston, 21, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Aug. 23 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 451-9033.
Lance Cpl. James D. Hirlston, 21, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Aug. 23 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 451-9033.
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