DefendAmerica 11/25/2003

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Nov 25, 2003

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READY FOR ACTION — U.S. soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s artillery battery quickly dismount their vehicle during training near Al Hawija, Iraq, Nov. 24, 2003. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Brandon R. Aird

President Says New Generation Must Face Great Challenges

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2003 — President Bush told soldiers and their families at Fort Carson, Colo., today that a new generation has been called to great challenges.
      He said the post's soldiers have been called on to serve in the first war of the 21st century.
      The war started Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked America and killed thousands, the president said. "The events of that morning changed our nation," he told the soldiers and their families. "We awakened to new dangers and we accepted new responsibilities.
      "That day we saw what our enemies intend for us, and last week we saw their cruelty again with their murders in Istanbul," he continued. "Today, America, Britain, Turkey and all responsible nations are united in a great cause: We will not rest until we bring these committed killers to justice." More    Remarks

Bush Signs Authorization Act During Pentagon Ceremony

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2003 — Calling it a landmark piece of legislation that sends the clear message that "Americans stand with the United States military," President Bush signed the fiscal 2004 National Defense Authorization Act in a Pentagon ceremony here today.
     A bipartisan group of legislators and DoD's civilian and uniformed leaders flanked him.
     The act authorizes the Defense Department to spend $401.3 billion in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. "We will do all it takes to keep our military strong, to keep the peace and to keep the American people secure," Bush said. More    Remarks

Amb. Bremer Explains Steps
To Restore Iraqi Sovereignty

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2003 — In a nationwide broadcast Nov. 21, Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III explained to the Iraqi people the steps to re-establishing sovereignty.
     Bremer, administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority, explained the agreement between the CPA and the Iraqi Governing Council in his address. He said this is a step all Iraqis want, and told them that their "future of hope draws nearer."
     Bremer said that an interim government will take control of the country on June 30. A basic law that will be in place by the end of February will dictate the interim government's structure. More

Eid al Fitr 2003

Eid al Fitr, the three-day Feast of the Fast-Breaking, begins at the conclusion of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Amb. L. Paul Bremer, Coalitional Provisional Authority administrator in Baghdad, issued the following statement to the Iraqi people. Statement

4th Infantry Div. Patrols Net Weapons, Explosives

     TIKRIT, Iraq, Nov. 25, 2003 — Over the past 24 hours, 4th Infantry Division soldiers have conducted 199 patrols, seven raids and captured 18 individuals, according to officials at U.S. Central Command.
     One of those captured was wanted for anti-coalition activity. Thirty-three of the patrols were joint operations conducted with the Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and the Border Guard in an effort to continually improve the safety and standard of living for the Iraqi people.
     Weapons and equipment confiscated in raids and patrols throughout the Task Force Ironhorse area of operation include 17 AK-47 assault rifles, one machine gun, 11 rifles, one pistol, three rocket propelled grenade launchers, 24 rocket propelled grenades, 53 grenades, 50 blasting caps, 6 containers of artillery propellant, 60 120mm and 250 60mm mortar rounds, 10 blocks of C4 explosives, 10 sticks of TNT, 50 mortar fuses, 40 spools of wire used to detonate improvised explosive devices and five improvised explosive devices.

Iraq Weekly Progress Update (Governance, Electricity, Education, Oil, Security, Economics, Health Care)

U.S. Defense Dept. slides with facts &
figures on reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

U.S. State Dept. fact sheet on the latest developments in restoring Iraq's essential services, security, economy & governance.

Defense officials provide an update on the Coalition Provisional Authority & the Iraqi Governing Council agreement that outlines the process of restoring Iraq's sovereignty and the adoption of a permanent constitution.

Students Welcome Back Their 'Baghdad Buddy'

Air Force Maj. Mike Lundy, chief of public health at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., and school student council adviser Margaret Panik pose with

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2003 — Fourth-grade students Allison Foster and Rebeca Reyes, both 9, said they were sad to see the military go off to war in Iraq. Reyes said she really didn't know much about the war, other than what her mother told her: "that my grandpapa was in the last one." However, on Nov. 21 any sadness the two shared about the war turned to smiles when the "Air Force-Army guy" entered the room. More

Radio

Television

Helicopter Crash Kills 5 Near Bagram; More News From Iraq

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2003 — Five U.S. soldiers were killed and seven others were injured Nov. 23 when their helicopter crashed near Bagram, Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command officials said.
A CENTCOM statement did not specify the type of helicopter or its unit, except to say it was a U.S. military helicopter and that the soldiers were taking part in an operation called Mountain Resolve in the eastern part of the country. Officials said the cause of the crash is being investigated. More

SAM Hits Cargo Jet, 3 Dead as Operations Continue in Iraq

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2003 — Baghdad International Airport was closed to all civilian traffic after a DHL cargo aircraft was hit by surface-to-air missiles Nov. 22, coalition officials said during a press conference today in Baghdad, Iraq.
Three U.S. soldiers also were killed in Iraq, said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, deputy operations director for Combined Joint Task Force 7. Kimmitt said gunfire was involved in the deaths of the soldiers, but would not comment further. More

President Signs Bill at the Pentagon More Photo Essays

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld escorts President George W. Bush into the Pentagon on Nov. 24, 2003. Bush will sign the Defense Authorization Act with Rumsfeld. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway
3 More Photos

Rumsfeld, Myers Thank Troops, Employees for Their Service

Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2003 — As America approaches the Thanksgiving holiday, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said he is grateful for the voluntary service of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines worldwide as they protect America and take the fight to the terrorists.
Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers held a Pentagon Town Hall Meeting today. The men thanked service members and civilian employees for their service and answered questions about the global war on terrorism and the newly passed National Security Personnel System. More

Iraqi Freedom Veterans Show Younger Marines the Ropes

By U.S. Marine Cpl. Shawn C. Rhodes

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew V. Dover (left), a communications technician, explains the setup of the command operations center to Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Todd. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn C. Rhodes CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Nov. 21, 2003 — A tradition in the armed services is that war veterans will pass on the knowledge they gained to the newer generation of warriors. This tradition doesn't just apply to shooting and squad movements, though.
"In Iraq, it was our job to set up the command operations center tent," said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. James K. Renner, a vehicle commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom, who quickly realized the seriousness of his job. "The Marines in the front of the column were relying on us for everything from air strikes and medevacs, to sending them supplies." Story

Mom Returns from Iraq

Keith and Beth Topa, both technical sergeants in the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron here, enjoy some time together as a family. Photo by 2nd Lt. Tracy Giles

     RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) — You’re on the list and you receive orders to deploy to Iraq.
     “It’s your turn and you gotta go,” said Tech. Sgt. Beth Topa, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of the unit control center here.
     For five and a half years as the deployment unit manager, Beth has been sending airmen off to remote locations around the world. This time, however, it was her turn and she had to leave her husband and two young children behind. More

1st Infantry Disrupts Attempt
To Emplace Explosive Devices

     AL FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov. 24, 2003 — Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 16th Mechanized Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, attached to 82nd Airborne Division, killed three enemy personnel emplacing an improvised explosive device last night at approximately 8:30 p.m., according to U.S. Central Command officials.
     The soldiers were conducting a patrol along the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 10 when they observed two individuals digging a hole in the median. A sedan arrived shortly after. Three personnel exited the car and began walking toward the two individuals digging. One of the individuals from the sedan was carrying a large object to the hole.
     The observing troops determined that the individuals were emplacing an improvised explosive device and initiated direct fire.
     Three of the personnel were killed. One of the individuals fled to the north with the unknown object, while another escaped to the south.
     Soldiers immediately contacted the local police force. They arrived at the scene and took possession of the vehicles and bodies. No Coalition soldiers were injured in this incident.

USS Enterprise Aircraft Strike Enemy

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) — Strike fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, flying from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the North Arabian Gulf, attacked enemy targets near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 22 in support of Operation Iron Hammer.
After flying complex missions over both Afghanistan and Iraq in recent weeks, this strike was the carrier’s first use of precision-guided ammunition in the Kirkuk region. More

Army Combat Support Hospital Ward Master Invents Life-Saving Device

By Sgt. Mark Bell / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD, Iraq — What do cardboard, plastic pipe, tape and a hair dryer have in common? Probably nothing, but add Staff Sgt. Adam R. Irby into the equation and you get an effective life-saving device proven in combat situations.
As the 25-year-old ward master, from Yorktown, Va., for the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) of the 28th Combat Support Hospital, from Fort Bragg, N.C., which is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, Irby said they needed something to warm patients who have lost a large amount of blood. More

Global War on Terrorism

. Terrorists Will Not Drive Wedge Between U.S. and Turkey

. Bush, Blair Pledge Solidarity In Wake of Bombings in Turkey

On Iraq

. 82nd Airborne Division Continues to Uncover Caches

. Coalition Provisional Authority Puts $10M Bounty on al-Douri

Military News

. President Grants Extra Time Off For War on Terror Returnees

. Former 'Iron Soldier' Chosen as New Sergeant Major of the Army

. National Guard, Reserve Update

	U.S. Views — Quotes by President Bush & other U.S. leaders
	Defense Views — Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
	Maps of Iraq — Maps of the nation of Iraq and the region

Defense Secretary
Donald H. Rumsfeld

“Those attempting to prevent the Iraqi people from taking hold of their country and determining their future have launched many new attacks -- attacks on coalition forces, to be sure, but also attacks on Iraqis themselves….These attacks will not deter the coalition from its mission.”

Remarks at Town Hall Meeting, Nov. 21, 2003

Some Guard, Reserve to Get Unlimited Commissary Benefits

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2003 — Defense Department officials announced today that with the president's signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, includes provisions for unlimited access to commissary stores for some members of the National Guard and Reserves. Story

Army Addresses Deployed
Soldier Pay Problems

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2003 (Army News Service) — The Army is working on immediate actions to eliminate the pay problems of deployed soldiers, and long-term solutions are also underway.
“The basic pay and allowances for most soldiers is there. It’s the situation-unique entitlements based on location, dependent status, special skills – these are the one’s that, because they require additional documentation and inputs, fall through the cracks,” said Eric Reid, chief of Finance & Accounting Oversight and Field Operations Division, U.S. Army Finance Command. More

Profile

U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Gina Gray

KIRKUK, Iraq (Army News Service Nov. 21, 2003) — Staff Sgt. Gina Gray, a broadcast journalist assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, found herself in the unusual position of playing doctor, nurse and midwife to an Iraqi mother too poor to afford a trip to the hospital to give birth. More

More Profiles

Transformation

Determination Leads Scientist to Develop Improved Protective Suit

Physical scientist Quoc Truong tests prototype chemical- biological protective gloves at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center at Natick, Mass. Photo by Donna Miles WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2003 — Fifteen years ago, Quoc Truong knew there had to be a better way to protect service members from chemical and biological agents.
The chemical/biological suit, with its built-in charcoal filter, absorbed chemical materials well enough. But it also absorbed just about anything else in the air, including moisture, gasoline and body sweat. More

Send Your 'Best Wishes' to the Troops
Pay tribute to service members supporting the global war on terrorism. Send your message. Read messages to the troops.

'Price Is Right' Hosts Special
Show for Active Duty, Veterans

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 21, 2003 (NNS) — CBS hosted a special taping of "The Price Is Right" game show Nov. 7 honoring the Armed Forces and Veterans at CBS Television City's Bob Barker Studio.
More than 300 service members and veterans attended the taping with hopes of becoming a contestant on the popular daytime game show. More

Tennis Pro Donates Event Proceeds
To Pentagon Memorial Fund

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2003 — Michele Heidenberger enjoyed tennis. The lead flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 77 and 183 others lost their lives when the hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001. More

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

     Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan - Two coalition soldiers were wounded when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on a mounted patrol in the vicinity of Shkin about 1 p.m. today.
     The soldiers received initial medical treatment on the scene and were evacuated by air to the medical facility at Salerno firebase for further care and evaluation. The names of the wounded are being withheld for privacy.
     There were media from several news outlets accompanying the soldiers. However, no media personnel were seriously injured in the incident. No further information is available at this time.

More Afghanistan Update Details

In Kuwait

Troops Enjoy an Entertaining Evening of International Culture

The Kuwaiti ensemble demonstrated musical arts rooted in their Bedouin heritage.

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait — More than 1,500 service members turned out Nov. 22 for the most recent quality of life diversion offered at this huge logistics base. They came to savor a taste of international culture and departed well satisfied. More