Saturday, September 3
U.S. GRUNTS NIX AMBUSH, ARREST 8
| September 3, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq -- Task Force Liberty Soldiers stopped an imminent ambush in Ad Duluiyah Sept. 2 and detained the four would-be attackers. Soldiers identified the ambush and called in attack helicopters to provide support, which caused the attackers to surrender. During questioning, the detainees provided the location of four more terrorists, who were also subsequently detained, in Ad Duluiyah. |
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WEAPONS CACHE DESTROYED, TERROR SUSPECTS NABBED NEAR AL-AMIRIYAH
| September 3, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Forces, acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens, raided a suspected terrorist location East of Al-Amiriyah, capturing several terror suspects and destroying a weapons cache on Sept. 2. During the raid, 12 suspected terrorists were detained. These terrorists are suspected of transporting and emplacing improvised explosive devices, and coordinating ambushes with small arms and crew-served weapons against Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces. Multi-National Forces also discovered three vehicles loaded with weapons at the same location. They destroyed the weapons and vehicles. Secondary explosions caused a house fire at the location in which detainees had been held. The house sustained some fire damage fore the fire was extinguished. No civilians were reported injured. |
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THE GOOD GUYS DETAIN TERRORISTS, FIND WEAPONS
| September 3, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq - Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 32 more suspected terrorists Sept. 1 and 2.. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search in northern Mosul. Soldiers from 1-5 Infantry detained two more individuals suspected of terrorist activity after receiving small arms fire while searching a home in eastern Mosul Sept. 1. The unit identified a vehicle which local nationals confirmed had been used in mortar attacks. Further investigation led to the confiscation of drums of AK-47 rounds. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 21 individuals suspected of terrorist activity in northwest Tal Afar Sept. 2. Soldiers from 1-3 ACR also detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search in Tal Afar Sept 1. No MNF injuries were reported. |
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Ekra, Ektom and Hesab – the Iraqi Three R’s
| Diwaniyah, Iraq - If you peer closely into the “windows of their souls,” it is apparent that these are the eyes of children who have already lived a hard life. Theirs is a youth spent much closer to the razor’s edge of unexpected death than that of their peers from Butte, Mont. or Lubbock, Texas. But those smiles! They are grins of such beauty that can warm the heart of the most grizzled individual. These are the faces of the children of Iraq . . . the very future of this oft conquered country that was for so long dominated by grownups with misdirected objectives. In these small faces lies the direction for Iraq in the 21st century. And, to a large part, this goal is being helped by the multi-national Coalition force reconstruction efforts. In fact, if the several thousand individuals who comprise the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region District (GRD) and its partner in country re-building, the Project and Contracting Office (PCO), have anything to say about it, these children will be masters of their own fate when they are grown. The Corps’ Gulf Region South District (GRS), led by Col. Larry McCallister, is a prime example of the focused, community-by-community effort helping provide better environs in which these children may learn the Iraqi equivalent of “the three Rs: readin’, ‘ritin’, and ‘rithmatic.” In Arabic, the equivalent is “ekra, ektom, and hesab.” The variety of work being done on these schools varies from project to project. The actual determination of how much will be done is made by the local Provincial Regional Development Councils. In some cases, it may be a $24,000 rehabilitation project of adding two rooms and upgrading or building a new toilet as are being done at the Saniyah School for Girls and at the school of Shahama. As in the Diwaniyah neighborhood of Thalthah, it may be a totally new facility of nine rooms and a rest room facility costing $93,000. In many cases, however, it seems not nearly enough. Having been so stated, Barry Stuard, construction representative, and Michael Osborne, project engineer, both of the Diwaniyah Resident Office, recognize anything is better than what typically existed. McAllister affirms this sentiment saying, “Yes, there is so much more that we wish we could do but, tragically, virtually all manners of this country’s infrastructure have been unattended for nearly three decades. As generous and giving as the U.S. and its Coalition partners are, there is only so much that can be done at this point. Like others, he acknowledged the frustration that more cannot be done in specific areas, but that Coalition reconstruction efforts must address many other badly-needed services, to include water purification, sewage treatment facilities, medical clinics, hospitals, power generation projects, road paving efforts, and many more. In a major understatement McAllister said, “This creation of a country business is not for the faint hearted.” “Under Saddam Hussein’s regime, institutions of learning appear to have not been of little to no priority as regards real education. Again and again we find that nothing has been done on these facilities for thirty years.” In the Diwaniyah district, there are presently fourteen school construction projects in progress. Considering the oppressive range of temperatures in the region, most facilities are small and crowded. Most lack even basic fans to circulate the air. For years, educators have tried to accommodate the massive need, but to no avail. With limited facilities and so many children wanting to learn, classes are taught in shifts. In the small city of Hussain, the 1,200 students cram into fourteen classrooms in two sessions, one morning and the other late afternoon. Fortunately, as a result of the efforts of their military, civilian, and Iraqi national employees, GRD and PCO are contributing to help create a new, democratic country that is concerned with the basics of Ekra, Ektom, and Hesab. |
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Afghan Army begins demining operation, with training from U.S.
| KABUL , Afghanistan — The Afghan National Army recently put their training to use as they successfully conducted the first ANA-led demining operation in Afghanistan . The mission highlighted not only the expanding military capabilities of the ANA, but the government’s commitment to achieve a mine-free Afghanistan for future generations. With the approval of the Afghan Ministry of Defense, the ANA leadership took charge and organized two days of real-world demining operations at the Area Military Depot of Pol-e-Charkhi. HALO Trust, a British-based non-governmental organization dedicated to humanitarian mine clearing, identified the area as containing mines. “Getting the soldiers to work in a real minefield immediately after training was essential to instill the courage and confidence needed to do their job,” said French Army Capt. Thierry Sagon, the primary instructor for demining training. The demining operation consisted of three main areas: the entry control point, the demining zone and the company area of operations. At the entry control point, each two-man demining buddy team received a safety briefing and protective gear. They were also listed on an accountability roster by name and blood type. Each buddy team was comprised of a first-degree and a second-degree deminer. A first-degree rating qualifies deminers to search for mines and provide initial detection. Second-degree deminers, who are also rated as instructors are qualified to identify and determine which neutralization method is best for disabling each mine or munition. The ANA company leadership provided the overall command and control for the operation. Safety was emphasized over speed, with the operation occurring in a secured environment under daylight conditions. A medical evacuation team was on site as well. In the demining zone, three two-man buddy teams took positions 50 meters apart and worked in corridors 80 centimeters wide. Since manual demining can be tedious, repetitive and dangerous, the teams were rotated every 20 minutes as a safety precaution. During the second day of the operation, the Afghan demining teams discovered an improvised explosive device and a Russian anti-personnel mine. Applying their knowledge and training, the deminers quickly assessed the situation and determined that the IED could be safely detonated in place. They marked the anti-personnel mine’s location and left it in place for later destruction. The Afghan demining teams cheered and applauded their first live detonation. Yet their confidence and elation did not distract them from the gravity of their work. Only two months prior, 90 members of the engineer company from the 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps’ 4th Combat Support Kandak (Battalion) completed advanced demining training and earned their first and second-degree ratings. Members of the French Army’s Engineer Mobile Training Team conducted the training as part of Operation Epidote, the name France has given to its entire training mission in Afghanistan . “It was very necessary for the Afghan Army to be involved today and to show that they can learn and execute technical skills,” said Lt. Col. Gaetan Sevin, chief of the French training team. “We do not alter our standards of training. The Afghan soldiers are trained just as we are in France . We are very pleased with the outcome and have much confidence in the abilities of the soldiers.” The 4th Kandak’s Engineer Company was the first ANA unit to complete the comprehensive two-month demining training. According to the French instructors, they trained in realistic, difficult situations to master the drills and procedures needed to work in a live minefield. The training focused on mine identification, detection, clearance, neutralization and removal methods. The students learned to identify 60 types of munitions and 35 different mines. “I am very happy our soldiers were able to get professional demining training,” said Lt. Col. Aminjan, commander of the 4th Kandak. “Last year, our unit deployed to the Ghazni province and could do nothing when we faced real minefields and explosive materials. Thanks to the French trainers and Coalition forces, we now have the skills and moral courage to locate and neutralize the mines to help protect our people.” The French instructors lead the way in ANA demining training with support and donations from Coalition forces and other non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan . Despite progress made by mine action organizations, Afghanistan still remains heavily contaminated by mines and other explosive remnants from years of war. These mines continue to have a devastating effect on the Afghan people and impede economic development. “Today was not about just finding mines or munitions, but rather their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in aKABUL , Afghanistan — An Afghan National Army first-degree deminer carefully searches for mines using an entrenching tool. Each demining buddy team worked in a corridor 80 centimeters wide. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Meyer, Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs) real-world environment,” Sagon said. “They organized and executed the operation in entirety. They did a great job.” The demining mission marked a huge step and a new direction in operational abilities for the ANA. “The training and today’s demining operation will help us in our military duties,” said Capt. Shenwari Hanifullah, the ANA engineer company commander. “More importantly, it will help us to protect the people of Afghanistan .” |
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Iraqi Boy Gets Heart Surgery, Courtesy Of C-130 Crew
I wonder if the plans for this little boy will be altered by Katrina.
| Ali Base, Iraq -- Although Baher, 8, looks like a happy, healthy boy on the outside, the joint Iraqi and U.S. Air Force C-130 aircrew, who gave him the ride of his life Aug. 22, knows he isn’t healthy - at least for now. Baher and his mother, Afaf, are headed to New Orleans, La., to repair a hole in his heart via a new program called Operation Mend a Heart. “I was very happy to (be a part of the aircrew to) help him,” said Iraqi Air Force Navigator Atiya, Squadron 23 (Transport), whose name is protected. Atiya was one the C-130 crewmembers who flew Baher from Baghdad International Airport to Basrah Air Station on the first leg of his journey. He has reason to sympathize. “I have three boys myself,” said Atiya, who held Baher on his lap to show him the airplane’s control panel. “They’re 11, 10 and 5.” From Basrah, Humanitarian Operation Center (Kuwait) Army Civil Affairs were waiting to whisk the family to Kuwait to pick up the proper visas and paperwork. Later in the week, the mother and son are to board a plane headed for their ultimate destination - Tulane University and Hospital Clinic where Baher will receive surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. The $100,000 surgery, which is donated by TUHC, was facilitated through Operation Mend a Heart - a joint effort between TUHC, the U.S. military and Coalition forces. More than 10 different U.S. and Coalition military and civilian agencies will have their hand in getting Baher to TUHC doctors to perform the life-saving surgery. “Let’s just say, it’s a network of inspired people,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark N. Matthews, Sr., 90th Regional Readiness Command, Camp Pike, Little Rock, Ark., who was in Southwest Asia in January 2005, where he helped facilitate intra-theater airlift and began dreaming of ways to help Iraqi children with heart problems. Matthews knew about the Iraqi Air Force and heard they wanted to help. So even though he currently isn’t in the Middle East, he helped smooth over the logistical bumps and get a hold of the right people to involve Squadron 23 Airmen. Although the airlift portion of the trip the Ali Base C-130 aircrew flew was short, it left a lasting impression. “This was the first (Advisory Support Team) mission that flew humanitarian airlift for their country,” said Maj. Bob May, Squadron 23 AST pilot instructor who is assigned to the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here. “It was a great feeling being able to do this together with so many Iraqi crewmembers on board,” he added. May was the copilot and an Iraqi officer piloted the aircraft. “I got to share some of my wife’s homemade chocolate chip cookies with him,” said Major May, who is deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. At the end of the trip, the U.S. crewmembers asked one of the Iraqis to translate their well-wishes to the mother and son. “We asked the translator to tell them it was an honor for us to be able to help him,” said Major May, whose son is Baher’s age. He also has two more reasons to sympathize with the concerned mother: his children, ages 6 and 3, who are anxiously waiting for him to come home from his six-month deployment as a C-130 instructor to Iraqi Airmen here. “When Baher and his mother were driving away, they were all big smiles,” said Major May. “It’s good to know you’re making an impact and doing something good for other people.” That same spirit of kindness is what moved Matthews, who started the seeds for the idea of the organization, while helping an Iraqi 5-year-old girl named Noor get airlift to Kuwait a Japanese aircraft earlier this year. The story reached wide acclaim and recognition through the recently-deceased reporter Peter Jennings. “On a phone call home, I described how humbled I was to have been a part of helping Noor,” Matthews said. Later, the organization came up with the phrase ‘You must have a heart, to save a heart.’” The fever for the program snowballed until it involved a long list of supporters, to include U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu. “The people behind Operation Mend a Heart understand that one way we can support our troops is by supporting the people they are fighting for, the children of Iraq,” said Landrieu in a press release. “Operation Mend a Heart will help provide the humanitarian medical assistance to the underprivileged children of Iraq who would otherwise not have access to the pediatric medical and surgical care they need,” she said. During the expected four-week recovery period after the surgery, an Iraqi professor at the TUHC will host the mother and son. They’re expected to return to Iraq sometime in October.Ali Base, Iraq - Baher, 8, sits next to his mom Afaf, who took him on an Iraqi C-130 stationed at Ali Base to complete the first leg of their journey to Tulane University and Hospital Clinic, New Orleans, La., where he’ll receive heart surgery. Ali Base is home to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group and is located near the town of An Nasiriyah, Iraq. It’s the U.S. Air Force’s only major airfield in southern Iraq. The group operates C-130 Hercules and trains more than 100 Iraqi Air Force members how to maintain and fly C-130s. Ali Base’s more than 1,100 Airmen reside on Base Camp Adder, which is home to the U.S. Army’s 122nd Corps Support Group and houses 3,500 sister service members and 3,300 coalition forces here. For many of those involved, the intense logistical coordination required by U.S. and Coalition military personnel is indicative of a key role that the military plays in Operation Iraqi Freedom, but is often downplayed in the news. “Most Americans think of our military in combat roles,” said Operation Mend a Heart program founder Karen Troyer-Caraway and vice president of TUHC. “Many Americans do not realize that our military mission also includes humanitarian assistance, rebuilding communities and investing in the future. Operation Mend a Heart is ordinary Americans helping the U.S. military accomplish their mission.” The mission is immense, and involves the lives of many caught in the struggle between the insurgency and the hardworking people of Iraq. Sadly, Atiya says he knows of many children in Iraq in need of healthcare. In fact, his cousin’s child is 11 and has leg and eyes problems that prevent him from attending school. “I want all babies to be healthy and happy, and I was very happy to be a part of helping another Iraqi get healthy,” said Atiya. “I want to thank the American people for all the help they gave this child.” |
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The Long-Haul Truckers Of The Sky
| BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – The C-130H crew prepared for a combat landing touch down on an Afghanistan runway that’s little more than a dirt strip Tuesday. Their mission – a double-shuttle air-land mission in the eastern region of Afghanistan to resupply American troops on the ground who are helping the Afghan Army prepare for free elections Sept. 18. The mission, which included the delivery of 39,310 pounds of cargo, is just one of numerous deliveries made throughout Afghanistan. “The support we provided to the Marines was part of Operation Whalers a subset of Operation Vigilant Sentinel, and we continue to support the Army as part of Vigilant Sentinel,” said Maj. Jay Brawka, 745th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircraft commander and deployed mission commander. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission and its capabilities from rough terrain and dirt strips makes it prime transport for air and land drops in hostile areas. These assets led to the decision to have the C-130H aircraft and crews from the 745th EAS, a squadron under the 379th Expeditionary Wing, temporarily relocate to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. “While here (Bagram), we remain on Bravo alert standby for Army, Marines and ANA in support of Operation Vigilant Sentinel ensuring the success of this country’s upcoming free elections,” Major Brawka. The crew, which deployed here Aug. 10, has answered the call for supplies in the field on a near continuous basis since their arrival. Having a crew here in the war, closer to the areas that require the increased need of C-130H cargo drops, provides a quick reaction force to make sure those in need of supplies to ensure the safety and security of the Afghanistan people have it. The crews have successfully executed these missions since their arrival. “We’re the long-haul truckers of the sky,” said Maj. Clayne Bradley, 745th EAS navigator. “We get the stuff there so people can use it.” “The airlift community understands the importance of ensuring the beans, butter and bullets make it to the troops in the field on time, every time,” said Maj. John Boccieri, 745th EAS pilot and tactics officer. “The Air Force, Army and Marines jointly plan these airdrops and utilize the high-altitude airdrop capabilities.” Airlift operations are essential on a historical scale as Afghanistan National Army forces gradually become self sufficient in maintaining the safety and security of the region and helping ensure free elections. “The ANA have demonstrated their abilities with great success,” said Lt. Col. James Donnellan, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment. “The willingness and professionalism of the ANA to engage the enemy will ensure success for the security of Afghanistan.” BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Senior Airman Brandon Alonzo, 317th AMXS (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) load master, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, directs a forklift loader to a C-130H aircraft, unloading supplies to ground troops in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Desiree L. Hayden, 379th Communications Squadron Multimedia)In ensuring continued success, getting supplies where and when needed is critical. The supply request for cargo that need to air or land dropped originates with the unit requesting the supplies, Army or Marine units in the field. The request is routed through the unit’s logistics chain to the Air Mobility Division at the Combined Air Operations Center. Once a final decision is made, Air Terminal Operations Center sends a message that sets all of the players in motion. "Making these missions a reality relies on the joint efforts of the Afghanistan National Army forces, Army and Marine Corps and as well as many other players, including the ATOC; tower; intel; my air crew, maintenance technicians; Army parachute riggers and other support personnel," said Major Brawka. "We appreciate all of their contributions of and the help and support we have received from the people here at Bagram, especially the support we received from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing – we couldn't get these missions done without them." The duration of the mission here is dependent on the need in the field. But regardless of how long they are here, the joint, combined and coalition forces are committed to making it a success, according to leadership. “In a few weeks, the people of Afghanistan will elect a National Assembly which will constitute a vote against continued violence and suffering and a vote for a free and prosperous future,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, Combined Joint Task Force 76 Commanding General. “The enemy, too, has choices to make: to peacefully and honorably reconcile with Afghanistan’s national government and become part of Afghanistan’s brighter future; or to continue to live in the shadow of continued military confrontation, violence, death and defeat.” |
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Marines Provide Security for Afghan Elections
| Asadabad, Afghanistan- With an eye towards the future, Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii conducted security operations with the Afghan National Army in the Korengal Valley Aug. 10 - 20. Marines and ANA soldiers, part of Task Force Koa, conducted Operation Whalers to take away enemy safe havens in the Kunar Province and Korengal Valley and to ensure next month’s elections will be secure for Afghans to vote. The Korengal Valley is 400-square kilometers and is well known for the constant attacks against military forces that venture there. Enemy forces can easily attack Afghan and Coalition forces from a distance and hide amongst the steep, jagged mountains. The Marines sent one company to enter from the north end of the valley and another company to enter from the south and yet another to set up blocking positions to deny enemy reinforcements and to trap enemy forces in the valley. Afghan soldiers and Marines were continuously engaged during the operation. Fox Company was engaged in a sustained firefight against an estimated 100 insurgents and Echo Company Marines were victims of a platoon ambush. Despite the constant harassing attacks, the Marines displayed unwavering resolve in their efforts to help the people of Afghanistan. “Our goal going into the operation was to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to interfere with the upcoming elections. We clearly accomplished that goal,” said Lt. Col. James Donnellan, commanding officer, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. “We also worked for the first time at the battalion level with our ANA counterparts, which was a tremendous experience that will serve us well in future operations. We showed the enemy that we can operate in the rugged mountainous terrain as well as on the valley floors. The Marines, soldiers and sailors performed exceptionally, and the insurgents now know that Task Force Koa will be relentless in pursuing them, wherever they many hide.” Marine and Afghan commanders also met with elders at numerous villages and received information on village needs and to build a trusting relationship—a difficult task. “These people don’t trust us, and we just have to do our best to show them that we’re here to help them. They’ll learn that we’re better for them than the Taliban,” said Lance Cpl. Peter D. Jones, infantryman, from St. Louis, Missouri. “They always tell us that there are no insurgents yet we’re always getting attacked every time we come here.” Insurgents use intimidation, fear and violence to control Afghan villagers in the area, according to the some villagers. One village reported the deaths of twelve citizens after they denied assistance to enemy forces. However, according to local elders and officials, Operation Whalers disrupted enemy activity and continues to undermine the will of the populace who support enemy forces. During Operation Whalers the ANA and Marines fought side by side in 29 separate engagements. Afghan security forces report these engagements resulted in over 40 enemy killed and many more wounded. One Marine was killed and one ANA soldier were also killed during the operation. |
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Coalition Gives Medical Assistance To Afghans
| BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition service members and medical personnel provided medical and dental assistance Sunday to Afghans in Khakeran, Zabol province. The village medical outreach visit, or VMO, treated 414 people; 242 men, 58 women, and 114 children. Dental teams treated 86 men, nine women and 24 children. They performed 43 tooth extractions. Veterinarians with the group treated farm animals and distributed enough medication for 2,900 animals. The medicine will help fight against worms, the most common illness for the animals here. This group of service members included American medical and veterinary personnel, Romanian soldiers and dentists, and a security element of Afghan National Army and Coalition soldiers. “The people in remote villages have little or no visibility of the efforts of the Afghan government to improve and stabilize their country,” said Capt. Paul Larson, commander Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry (Airborne). “So when they see this level of goodwill coming from their own authorities, along with Coalition forces, it leaves a lasting impression; and that impression is nothing but good.” In Khowst province, Afghan medics and a U.S. medic team conducted VMOs in five separate villages, as well as a refugee camp. During the seven-day mission, which started Aug. 24, they treated 3,832 Afghans, including 2,630 children, and some 1,579 animals. These VMOs are not only opportunities for Afghan doctors and medics to work with U.S. medics to help Afghan citizens receive medical treatment; they are also opportunities to learn from each other. “As Afghan doctors, our experience working side-by-side with the Americans helps us to improve our techniques and learn new methods of treatment,” said Dr. Rasool Habibi, an Afghan doctor from Khowst City . “It also helps to calm any fears the residents may have when they can see an Afghan doctor working with the Americans.” “We find ourselves engaged in a fight in which success is measured by the population’s belief that their local leaders and security forces are strong and committed to protecting and serving them,” said Brig. Gen. James Champion, Combined Joint Task Force-76 Deputy Commanding General. “Conducting these types of village medical operations fosters confidence in the government and further commits the population to supporting their government and its’ programs.” |
