DefendAmerica 11/26/2003

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Nov 26, 2003

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TRAINING FLIGHT — An MH-53 Sea Dragon pilot assigned to the Blawkhawks of Helicopter Mine-Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen scans the landing zone during a training mission. The Blawkhawks are currently forward deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg

Rumsfeld, Myers Laud Troops; Cite Accomplishments in Iraq

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2003 - Americans everywhere should be thankful for service members serving in Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said today.
     "We're truly fortunate there are so many wonderful young men and women who are willing to step forward and volunteer to serve," he said at a Pentagon news conference. "Their accomplishments deserve full recognition."
      The secretary delivered a list of coalition accomplishments for the week of Nov. 17-23. During that time, coalition service members conducted almost 12,000 patrols and more than 230 targeted raids. They captured about 1,200 enemy forces and killed 40 to 50 and wounded 25 to 30. More     Briefing

. Rumsfeld: U.S. to Consult Allies on American Military Posture

Thanksgiving Message to the Troops
From the Secretary of Defense

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday — a reminder not only of the abundance that freedom brings, but that ours was the first nation in the history of the world to be founded on freedom. Freedom lies at the heart of who we are, and what we believe. And for more than two centuries, our country has been blessed with men and women willing to fight and die to defend the freedom we cherish. More

British Diplomat: Iraqis Look Forward to Self-Government

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2003 — Britain's top diplomat said today in Baghdad that members of the Iraqi Governing Council are pleased that an Iraqi-run government is slated to assume governance of the country early next summer.
A Nov. 15 agreement made between U.S., coalition and Iraqi officials, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw told reporters, calls for the resumption of Iraqi sovereignty through the establishment of a transitional government by June 30, 2004. More

Abizaid: Latest 'Despicable' Attacks Focused on Innocents

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2003 — The coalition's intensified offensive operations in Iraq have reduced attacks on American forces by about 50 percent during the past two weeks, but as a result, desperate Saddam Hussein loyalists have turned their aggression toward innocent Iraqis, officials told reporters in Baghdad today. More

Nat'l Defense Authorization Act 'Transformational' Chu Says

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2003 — The Defense Department's top personnel and readiness official called the fiscal 2004 National Defense Authorization Act "transformational" for its support of the department's aim to change to confront the threats of the future. President Bush signed the act into law during a Pentagon ceremony Nov. 24. The $401.3 billion budget funds the department through Sept. 30, 2004. More

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.

Wolfowitz Hosts Pre-Holiday
Feast to Honor Injured Troops

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2003 — Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner at the Pentagon Nov. 25 honoring almost 70 U.S. service members wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families and thanking them for their contributions to the war on terror.
Wolfowitz extended his appreciation, saying the service members "have been to war and faced its danger and borne its wounds." More

Navy Secretary Thanks
U.S. Troops in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 26, 2003 (NNS) — Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England arrived in Bahrain Nov. 24 for a weeklong Thanksgiving visit to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
England spent much of his first full day in Bahrain thanking sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilian staff and families for their service, and addressing their questions at several all-hands calls. At each event, England expressed his gratitude and told his audiences that President Bush and the American people are proud of them. More

. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Visits Soldiers in Mosul

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.

Painting Proceeds Go to
Pentagon Memorial Fund

Artist Rick Herter attended the unveiling of his Pentagon and World Trade Center terrorist attack depictions in this 2002 photo.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2003 — Rick Herter welcomed each person with a smile and a handshake. He eagerly answered and asked questions as he autographed his prints at the Pentagon here Nov. 24.
After the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Air Force Art Program artist was given the mission of re-creating the scene of the first pilots arriving at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. More

New York Jets Salute
Military at Appreciation Day

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2003 — The New York Jets recognized the sacrifices of their nation's military recently during their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
They invited Marines and representatives from every service to take part in their pre-game ceremonies and to stay and see the game. More

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Radio

Television

Aviation Rescue More Photo Essays

N.A.S. Pensacola, Students at the Aviation Rescue Swimmer School prepare to undergo a parachute disentanglement exercise. The physically arduous 4-week course of instruction trains enlisted air crewmen as rescue swimmers for search and rescue operations at sea and ashore. U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photograper's Mate Chris Desmond 5 More Photos

Iraqi Self-Governance Remains U.S.-Coalition Goal, Feith Says

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2003 — The U.S. and coalition goal in Iraq is "to give the Iraqi people the opportunity to create a new and thriving Iraq" for themselves, a senior Defense Department official said here Nov. 24.
"Our strategy aims to put the Iraqis in a position to run their own lives, manage their own government and provide for their own security - and to leave as soon as we have done so," Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas J. Feith told a Heritage Foundation audience. More Remarks

AIR FORCE SURGEON GENERAL

Lessons Learned in Operation Enduring Freedom Help in Iraq

By G.W. Pomeroy / Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFPN) — Lessons learned in Operation Enduring Freedom have resulted in better patient care and better interoperability with other services during Operation Iraqi Freedom, said the Air Force surgeon general. He recently completed a 10-day tour visit to the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom theaters.
“We learned a large number of lessons in Operation Enduring Freedom on how to better operate with special forces and with the Army and Navy, and all those have been turned into smoother actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr. More

. Fleet Hospital Bremerton Fights Combat-Related Stress in Iraq

Combat Medic Competition

MOSUL, Iraq, Nov. 21, 2003 — Teams representing eight different units in the Northern Iraq area of operations squared off at Mosul Airfield Friday to compete against one another in the Combat Medic Challenge.
The contest is the first division-sponsored competition in Iraq, according to Capt. Jennifer DeBruin, 526th Forward Support Battalion. “It’s nice to be able to forget about the seriousness, the anxiety and the death for a little while and be able to work together and have some fun,” she said. More

82nd Airborne Div. Captures
Former Saddam Hussein Bodyguard

     AR RAMADI, Iraq, Nov. 26, 2003 — Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division successfully raided a house north of Ar Ramadi as part of ongoing operations in the area to capture individuals involved in anti-coalition activities, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
      Elements of the 1st Battalion, 16th Mechanized Infantry Regiment, conducted a raid on a house north of Ar Ramadi suspected of insurgent activity. At approximately 3:00am, the unit established a cordon of the area and entered the house, capturing four Iraqi personnel. Brig. Gen. Khalid Arak Hatimy, a former bodyguard of Saddam Hussein, was one of the men captured.
      Task Force “All American” will continue to hunt and find former regime loyalists who threaten the safety of Iraqis and coalition forces.

101st Operations Net Nine Suspects

MOSUL, IRAQ, Nov. 26, 2003 — An assortment of weapons were confiscated and nine individuals detained by the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), during operations Tuesday in northern Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team conducted heavy presence patrols and traffic control points in Mosul. The missions netted 15 AK-47s assault rifles, two pistols and 23 AK-47 magazines. During the operations, three people were detained, two for weapons violations, and one individual who was wanted for planning attacks against Coalition Forces. More

. Associates of Izzat Ibrahimal-Duri Captured During Raid

Soldiers Help Supplies Reach Iraqis Left Homeless After Car-bombing

By U.S. Army Cpl. Todd Pruden / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 26, 2003 — Much needed help was delivered to victims of a recent terrorist attack on the infrastructure of Baghdad. Food and other supplies were delivered to residents left homeless following a Nov. 2 car-bombing of the Al Shaab police station in the Al Adhamiya area of Baghdad. More

COMMENTARY

A Lot More People Have
Reason to be Thankful This Year

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 25, 2003 (AFPN) — When I was in Iraq in late October, out on a Basra street patrol with the British Army, we had an Iraqi interpreter with us named Ahmed.
Ahmed was a man is his late 30s who was partially bald and spoke broken English, but whenever he spoke it was easy enough to understand what he meant. During the patrol we had discussed many things, but one thing he said sticks with me today and will for a long time. He said, “Say thank you to Mr. Bush! We are free from Saddam Hussein and we thank him for it.” More

Global War on Terrorism

. U.S. and Australia Announce Agreements on Guantanamo Detainees

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

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

On Iraq

. Amb. Bremer Explains Steps To Restore Iraqi Sovereignty

. 82nd Airborne Division Continues to Uncover Caches

Military News

. Defense Department Updates Force Rotation Plan

. 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

Defense Officials Identify
Air Force, Army Casualties

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2003 — Defense Department officials announced today the deaths of one soldier and four airmen killed in an MH-53M helicopter accident in Afghanistan on Nov. 23 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Story

Soldier Dies From
Non-Hostile Gunshot Wound

MOSUL, Iraq, Nov. 26, 2003 — A soldier, attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), died from a non-combat related gunshot wound Nov 26, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
The name and unit of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin. The incident is under investigation.

Honoring the Fallen

FINAL TRIBUTE — Hundreds of soldiers paid their final tributes to Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Wilson and Spc. Rel Ravago at the soldiers' memorial ceremony, in Mosul, Iraq, Nov. 26, 2003. Wilson and Ravago were killed in an ambush Nov. 23. The soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based in Fort Campbell, Ky. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Chris Jones Story

	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

"...We give thanks for our freedom, and for all of you, who guard and protect it every day. We are thankful also for your families, who sacrifice so that you might serve. We are grateful for our friends and allies who stand with us in the war on terror and for each U.S soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine -- and those of our allies -- who have given their lives in the cause of freedom."

2003 Thanksgiving Message to the Troops

Chemical Exercise Tests
Marine Anti-Terror Unit

BALTIMORE — Marines assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism), along with the Baltimore City Fire Department, recently conducted a mass-casualty consequence management drill at the Johns Hopkins Memorial Hospital subway station in Baltimore.
"This joint effort between the city and the Marines is one of our many efforts to make us a faster and more efficient rescue force during emergencies," said Col. Dwight E. Trafton, commanding officer, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force. Story

Profile

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Richard Vater

The hands of 1st Lt. Sarah Grivicic, 25, from Louisville, Ky, an intensive care nurse assigned to the 28th Combat Support Hospital, in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, in Baghdad, flushes a nasogastric tube on a critically ill patient recently. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark Bell / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

     BAGHDAD, Iraq – Although engaged in combat and helping to rebuild Iraq, there is still a need to continue to enforce the Army’s standards for an equal opportunity.
      Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe has recognized one Task Force 1st Armored Division soldier for his efforts in the EO battle.
     Competing against equal opportunity advisers from throughout USAREUR, Master Sgt. Richard Vater took the title of 2003 USAREUR Equal Opportunity Adviser of the Year Oct. 23. More

More Profiles

In Kuwait

Command Ensures Troops
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