Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 

Cdr. Job W. Price, 42, of Pottstown, Pa., died Dec. 22 of a non-combat related injury while supporting stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.  Price was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit in Virginia Beach, Va. 

This incident is currently under investigation. 
 
For further information related to this release, please contact the Naval Special Warfare Group Two Public Affairs Office at 757-763-2007.

Through Airmen's Eyes: High school reunion ... above Afghanistan

by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs

12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.

This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.

The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.

"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."

Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.

"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."

As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.

It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.

"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."

Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.

"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."

Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.

"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."

Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.

"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."

In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.

Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.

"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."

Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."

Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."

And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.

"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."

That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.

"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.

"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."

It is Now Time to Leave Afghanistan

Commentary by Lt. Colonel John Lewis Cook, USA (ret.)

If anyone out there needed more proof  that all is lost in Afghanistan, it now appears that a smoking gun has finally been located at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, the birthplace of the counterinsurgency strategy being  used there, the same strategy that is proving to be a complete and total failure.  While the Pentagon refuses to say much, a new handbook is being produced at Ft. Leavenworth that places much of the blame for the recent surge in insider attacks against our forces there on……our forces.  Yes, you read that correctly.  The major thrust of this handbook is to explain to the troops on the ground that “cultural insensitivity” on their part is a major factor in these coldblooded murders and if the troops fully grasp this clash of cultures and refrain from any criticism of Afghan culture, this should greatly reduce coalition casualties at the hands of the very people they are trying so desperately to help.  It should be noted at this point that 63 Americans have died so far in 2012 as a result of these attacks.

In fact, they have been going on for a number of years and coalition forces have been dying as a result.  No one knows for sure how many soldiers have been killed in this manner since, for obvious reasons, the coalition did want to shine a bright light into this very dark place.  When they increased dramatically two years ago, each attack was explained as an “isolated incident” and, while “tragic,” there was no reason for alarm.  That excuse has now worn thin and the truth is it can no longer be ignored: the Afghan security forces are now at war with the coalition forces.

As a result, a new explanation had to be hastily prepared and rolled out, one which  demonstrates  that the leadership is taking this crisis seriously, but not serious enough to place the blame where it actually belongs.  The handbook, which runs about 75 pages, instructs the troops to avoid any topic or subject that has the potential to offend the Afghans. Naturally, such a list has to be extensive since the Afghans  are easily offended. Topics on the banned list include the Taliban, abuse of women, homosexuality, bestiality and pedophilia.  These topics are considered “taboo” and discussing them is considered insensitive.   If fact, any topic that has the potential to offend the sacred tenets of Islam must be avoided at all costs.  In short, the troops must pretend that they have no values of their own worth defending, certainly not there.  Standing up and speaking out for basic human rights concerning the brutal treatment of women and the rape of children is off the table.  The risks of running afoul of cultural insensitivity is simply too great.  Saying anything negative concerning the Taliban runs the risk of offending Islam since the Taliban practice a pure form of this religion and any such discussion could be viewed as disrespectful to Islam. 

All of this brings up serious intellectual and philosophical questions that the Pentagon would rather not address.  If explaining to the Afghans that abuse of women and children, practices that are universally condemned,  is somehow offensive, then why are we still there?  If we remain silent on such practices, then we are condoning them.  If we refuse to speak out against  the Taliban for fear of offending Islam, what message are we sending?  That the Taliban and Islam are Siamese twins, sharing a single heart?  If we go this far, we are dangerously close to admitting that the real enemy is Islam, since Islam condones all of these things. Treating women as property and abusing children is deeply ingrained in the Afghan culture, as well as widespread homosexuality.  While not discussed openly, these practices are widely accepted.  In fact, they make up a large part of Afghan culture.

Faced with the choice of blaming either a 7th century religion that recognizes no other belief system, and the forces working to make life better for all Afghans for these attacks, the American government made the politically correct decision; the troops were thrown under the bus. 

After eleven years of war and over 2,100 Americans killed, it this what it has come to?  Political correctness wrapping itself in the mantle of cultural sensitivity?  The war in Afghanistan lost any relevance to America when we gave up on winning long ago.  Now, having refused to clearly identify the enemy, we are placing the blame on our troops for their own deaths.  What little morale they have left will disappear when this latest policy hits them.  Aside from being intellectually dishonest, it is morally bankrupt.  The blame for this travesty must be shared.  It’s not enough to lay it all at the feet of this administration which has proven, over and over again, that any criticism of Islam will not be tolerated.  While absolutely true, the real blame goes deeper than that.  In the end, if this handbook actually sees the light of day and is issued to the troops, it’s our fault, all of us, because we have let it happen.  Slowly, over time, we simply lost our way, with one failed policy morphing into another failed policy in a desperate attempt to make Afghanistan into something it has never been and never will be; a free, democratic and prosperous nation, all the while ignoring the fact that the iron grip of Islam will keep Afghanistan forever chained to the 7th century.  Lacking the moral courage and intestinal fortitude to face this, it is now time to simply leave. Forget about the Afghans taking responsibility for their own security and forget all the hype about nation building.  Put all that in the back of the bus and turn the lights out; it’s over. 

About the Author

Lieutenant Colonel John Lewis Cook, United States Army (Retired), “served as the Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Interior in Kabul, Afghanistan, with responsibility for developing the force structure for the entire Afghan National Police.  As of 2012, this force totals 157,000.  From March 2008 until August 2012, his access and intimate associations with all levels of the Afghan government and coalition forces have provided him with an unprecedented insight into the policies which will determine the outcome of the war.  It is this insight, coupled with his contacts and associations throughout Afghanistan that form the basis of Afghanistan: The Perfect Failure.

Click to read more about Lt. Colonel John Lewis Cook

Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 20, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested 15 insurgents in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province during a search for a Taliban facilitator today, military officials reported.

Officials said the sought-after facilitator is responsible for manufacturing and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout Nangarhar province.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed the Taliban leader, Mahjur, along with one other insurgent in the Nari district of Kunar province. Mahjur was responsible for planning attacks against Afghanistan government officials and coalition forces. He also acquired and facilitated the movement of IED-making components, other weapons and ammunition used in attacks.

-- In the Alingar district of Laghman province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader. The sought-after Taliban leader is responsible for attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces.

Also, a Haqqani leader was arrested Dec. 17 in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani leader purchased weapons and ammunition for insurgents and was directly involved in planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

PACAF band visits Okinawa, carols for community

by Staff Sgt. Alesia D. Goosic
18th Wing Public Affairs

12/19/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia from Yokota Air Base, Japan, visited Okinawa and performed Christmas carols for members of Kadena Air Base and the local community, Dec. 13-14.

The five-Airman ensemble, known as Pacific Clave, is just one part of the USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia that specializes in "world music." Their sound varies between popular genres including salsa, jazz, Latin jazz, pop, ballads, ethnic and more.

Pacific Clave brought the sounds of Christmas to hundreds of people of all ages. They visited two elementary schools, the military personnel section and the medical clinic on Kadena Air Base. Off base, they performed for an elderly home, a pediatric development center and a popular entertainment and shopping complex in the local community known as American Village.

Air Force bands provide the power of music to bridge language, cultural, societal and socio-economic differences and inspire immediate, positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States in the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

Dempsey Discusses Fiscal Tightening, Progress in Afghanistan

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – U.S. Africa Command’s ability to adapt to having fewer resources than its commander would like is an example of the thinking the entire military will need in an era of fiscal restraint, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told service members yesterday during a town hall meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey acknowledged that Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of the Stuttgart-based command, would prefer to have more maritime support, as well as more aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.

“But you are getting it done,” Dempsey said. “Africom is forced to network differently -- conventional, special operations forces, other agencies of government -- because of the limited resources.” This, he said, means the service members and civilians assigned to the combatant command have to be creative.
The chairman emphasized that all segments of the military are going to have to perform their missions with less resources. The U.S. fiscal condition is changing, he said, and DOD must adapt.

“We don’t have to be the solution, but we have to be part of the solution,” he said. “We’re going to have to think about how we take this wonderful instrument of military power and its most decisive instrument, which is human capital … to use that capital to influence security around the world.”

Just back from a trip to Afghanistan as well as other stops in the Middle East and Europe, the chairman told troops in Stuttgart that progress in Afghanistan has not always been easy to recognize.

“Afghanistan just happens to be one of the most-complex places on the face of the Earth,” Dempsey said, noting Afghanistan likely will experience security challenges in the years ahead.

However, he added, Afghanistan also demonstrates signs of progress.

For example, in 2002 “approximately 800,000 boys were going to school in Afghanistan and zero women,” the chairman said.

“Today the number is 8 million [Afghan students] and 35 percent of them are women,” Dempsey said. “That’s got to make a difference over time.”

Also in 2002, 15 percent of Afghans had access to medical care, and today that number is 60 percent, he said.

“Child mortality rates are [now] on par with most nations of the world, which is incredible compared with what they were,” Dempsey said.

Face of Defense: ‘North Pole’ Marine Serves in Afghanistan

By Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
Regional Command Southwest

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2012 – Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, a Marine whose hometown’s name is most commonly associated with elves, Santa Claus, reindeer and snow, has heard all the jokes since he joined the Corps.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, right, with fellow Marine Lance Cpl. Carl Adams at Combat Outpost Taghaz, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Broderick hails from North Pole, Alaska, a small town near Fairbanks featuring candy cane-themed street lights, a Santa Claus Lane and a place where thousands of children’s letters arrive for Santa each year.

A machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, Broderick is now surrounded by Afghanistan’s sand and dirt, a long way from his hometown’s wintry snow and ice.

Broderick moved to North Pole when he was in the third grade.
“When I tell people I am from North Pole, they think I’m joking,” Broderick said. “I usually have to show them my driver’s license to get them to believe me.”

Broderick said he’s sometimes the butt of good-natured jokes.

Lance Cpl. Carl Adams, a mortar man with the company, said he asks Broderick questions about living in the North Pole and working with elves.

Broderick takes the humor in stride. He understands there is no ill will behind the Marines’ comments.
“They’ll ask me if my dad is Santa Claus, things like that,” he said.

Today, Broderick finds himself thousands of miles from home and in a country that reaches temperatures of more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I’m really glad I am not out here during the summer,” he said.

Broderick said he has had to adjust to Afghanistan’s temperatures as well as the country’s wintertime sunrise and sunset.

“During the winters in North Pole we get about 18 hours of darkness,” he said. “During the summer the sun almost never goes below the horizon. Now [in Afghanistan] at 7 a.m., the sun is rising and by 7 p.m. it has set.”

Broderick said he joined the Marines because he wanted to fight for his country.

“I remember it was 2001 when we moved to North Pole,” he recalled. “I remember because of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Ever since then, I thought I’d join the military when I got older. I wanted to be in the Marine Corps and fight in this war before it was over.”

Weapons Company functions as a quick-reaction force and the explosive ordnance disposal unit for the Afghan National Security Forces in the area. The Afghans are in the security lead, with the Marines supporting their efforts. The Marines are no longer clearing areas and going house-to-house but that does not stop Broderick from working hard.

“I’ve known him for about two-and-a-half months,” Adams said of his relationship with Broderick. “He tries to help out and make the best out of everything. He’s a good Marine.”

Broderick stands the guard post almost daily, helping to keep the area secure. Back home in Alaska, the snow has already started, with temperatures reaching minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Broderick has traded Alaska’s snow for Afghanistan’s sand and his small town of mom and pop shops for an outpost of tents and security barriers. Yet for Broderick, it’s the fulfillment of his life’s dream.

Panetta Thanks Norwegian Minister for Support in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – In a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart yesterday, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta thanked Norway for its support in Afghanistan and its “steadfast commitment” to the NATO alliance, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

During his meeting with Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen, the secretary underscored the importance of Norway's involvement in alliance operations and praised Norway for expediting its acquisition of the F-35 joint strike fighter, Little said.

“The secretary highlighted the importance of defense spending and developing future alliance interoperability through the NATO Response Force,” the press secretary said. “Having both recently returned from visiting Turkey, the leaders discussed the upcoming NATO deployment of Patriot batteries and strong support for our ally,” he added. “They also discussed the strategic importance of access to the Arctic."

Chairman's USO Tour Show Entertains Troops in Afghanistan

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

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff greeted and praised troops at two U.S. bases in Afghanistan during his annual USO holiday tour show.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, onstage, hosts one of his annual USO holiday tour shows at Bagram Airfeld, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, along with his senior enlisted advisor, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, and their spouses visited Bagram Airfield here, followed by a visit to Kandahar Airfield the following day, entertaining troops with what the general called “some extraordinarily talented people.”

“They're great Americans, and they're patriots,” Dempsey told troops at Bagram. “And they really care about you. They've given up their holidays. I'm actually very privileged to be traveling with them, and bringing them here to you tonight.”

Battaglia, who spoke after the chairman and before the start of the entertainment portion of the show, had a similar message for service members at both bases.

“As our 18th chairman said, it is, indeed, a privilege and honor to spend part of Christmas and the holiday season with you all,” he said. “We'd love to stay here with you through Christmas, through New Years, you know we would.”

The sergeant major said while it's unfortunate that most of the troops are unable to be home with their families for the holidays, they are certainly not alone.

“While you're not at home or not able to be home with your biological family to spend the holiday season, you're here, by God, with your uniformed military family to spend it,” Battaglia said. “And it doesn't get much better than that, right?”

Both senior leaders used different, but effective methods, to energize the crowds. Battaglia led service members in a raucous chant of “U-S-A,” while Dempsey highlighted the troops’ individual pride of their units and branches of service.

“Those folks that the chairman are going to introduce you to, in just a minute here, are from a country that you love, they're from a country that you protect, and from a country in which you live,” Battaglia said. “It's the USA, and that would be the most motivating force right now. Those three letters -- all in unison.”

Dempsey introduced each USO celebrity to kick off both shows. Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; and country music singer Kellie Pickler and her band performed on behalf of the USO.

Additionally, the chairman recognized USO President Sloan D. Gibson, and Shane Hudella of “Defending the Blue Line,” an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.

Following both shows, Dempsey showcased his own talent, serenading the packed venues with his rendition of singer Bing Crosby's “A White Christmas.”

“It is Christmas and I hope that you had a few moments to remember that and to forget about everything else in your life right now,” the chairman said.

Dempsey also praised the troops for their service to the nation.

“I hope you know how proud we are of what you do every day for the country,” he said. “We're proud of your service. You're all volunteers -- that includes the civilians out there that have come over here to help support the men and women in uniform. And we're really proud of you.”

Navy Casualty

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

Lt. Leonard Robinson, 29, of Spring Lake, N.C., died Dec. 15, of non-combat related injuries while home on leave in Fayetteville, N.C.  Robinson was assigned to the Naval Hospital Sigonella, Italy detachment located at the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Bahrain.

For further information related to this release, please contact Navy Medicine East public affairs at 757-953-1942.

ISAF Commander Condemns Kabul Explosion, Offers Condolences

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2012 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan strongly condemned today’s explosion in Kabul, which reportedly killed at least one Afghan civilian and injured more than a dozen others, military officials said.

"Like many of the insurgents' attacks, this morning's explosion in Kabul served only to kill and injure innocent Afghan civilians," Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen said in a statement. "I condemn this act, and all indiscriminate insurgent attacks that harm Afghan civilians.

"I offer condolences to the family and friends of those killed and injured in Kabul this morning,” Allen continued. “I also extend my continued thanks and admiration to the Afghan National Security Forces, who immediately secured the scene and rendered assistance to the innocent civilians harmed in this attack. The ISAF community of nations stands with these brave protectors of the Afghan people."

In Afghanistan operations today:
-- An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Nad ‘Ali district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The arrested Taliban leader had emplaced improvised explosive devices and coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the Nad ‘Ali district. The security force also detained one other suspected insurgent.
-- A combined force arrested two insurgents during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The sought-after insurgent leader coordinates and plans attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- In the Jaghatu district of Wardak province, a combined force arrested two insurgents and seized several weapons during a search for Taliban suicide attack planners. The planners are believed to have been preparing for an attack against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- A combined force arrested a Haqqani leader, detained four other suspects and seized several weapons and ammunition in the Sabari district of Khost province. The arrested Haqqani leader conducted rocket-propelled grenade attacks against Afghan and coalition troops. He also acquired and transferred grenade launchers, rockets and other weapons for Haqqani insurgents operating in the district.

And in an operation yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. The facilitator had provided direct support to the insurgents who conducted the Dec. 2 attack on Jalalabad Airfield.

In a Dec. 15 operation, an Afghan-led, coalition-supported force arrested a Taliban leader and detained two other suspects in the Kandahar district of Kandahar province. The Taliban leader supplied insurgents with weapons and ammunition, coordinated attacks and oversaw the transfer of homemade explosives and IED-making materials.

And on Dec. 14, a combined force discovered an IED cache in the Washir district of Helmand province. The cache contained seven IEDs, weapons and IED-making materials. All the items found in the cache were destroyed.

Army Casualty

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

Sgt. 1st Class Kevin E. Lipari, 39, of Baldwin, N.Y., died Dec. 14 in Logar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to HHC 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. This incident is under investigation.

For more information please contact the U.S. Army Europe public affairs in Heidelberg, Germany at 011-49-162-271-6685.