DefendAmerica 11/28/2003

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Nov 28, 2003

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SURPRISE GUEST — President George W. Bush meets with troops and serves Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bob Hope Dining Facility, Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2003. The president made a surprise visit to the troops in Baghdad Thanksgiving Day. White House photo by Tina Hager.

Bush Surprises Troops, World
With Thanksgiving in Baghdad

By Gene Harper / American Forces Press Service

President George W. Bush delivers remarks to troops on Thanksgiving Day in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager.

     WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2003 - About 600 troops gathered for Thanksgiving Day dinner in Baghdad had a surprise guest: their commander in chief, President Bush. Under the security of darkness and tight-lipped staff secrecy, the president arrived in Baghdad on Thanksgiving Day at Baghdad International Airport for a reported 2½-hour visit.
     Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, Combined Joint Task Force 7 commander, and coalition administrator L. Paul Bremer were just finishing remarks to soldiers of the 2 Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Armored and 82nd Airborne divisions and other guests at the start of what was supposed to be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
     On cue, Bush walked into the area and up to the podium before a stunned crowd of soldiers. They immediately jumped to their feet and hailed him with sustained, thunderous applause and shouts of "hooah." The president's watery eyes showed his reaction.
     "I was just looking for a warm meal somewhere. Thanks for inviting me," Bush said.
     He acknowledged Iraqi Governing Council members on hand. "We're pleased you're joining us for one of our nation's great holidays, a chance to give thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings we've received." Then to the gathered service members he said, "I can't think of a finer group of folks to have Thanksgiving dinner with than you all. More   Remarks

U.S. Task Force Operations Continue to Move Iraq Forward

AR RAMADI, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2003 — Task Force “All American” continued to conduct operations in order to bring peace to Iraq and assist the reconstruction efforts. These missions continue to move Iraq toward becoming a free and independent nation.
During the past 24 hours, the 82nd Airborne Division and subordinate units conducted three offensive operations, including two raids and one cordon and search. Soldiers also conducted 206 patrols, including 15 joint patrols with the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. In addition, three improvised explosive devices were discovered and disarmed. There were three enemy contacts consisting of one RPG attack, one small arms engagement and one mine strike. During these operations, 15 enemy personnel were captured and two U.S. soldiers wounded. 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.

Navy Secretary Visits USS
Enterprise in Arabian Gulf

     ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea, Nov. 27, 2003 (NNS) — Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England visited the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise Nov. 26 in the Arabian Gulf, to wish Big E’s sailors and Marines a happy Thanksgiving holiday, and to thank them for their efforts in the global war on terrorism.
     More than 4,200 Big E crewmembers gathered on the flight deck to hear England speak, watch him reenlist 10 Enterprise sailors and then present awards to four others.
     England said he believes this generation that is fighting the war on terrorism will be remembered throughout history as a great one. 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.

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

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Radio

Television

President's Thanksgiving Visit to Iraq More Photo Essays

President George W. Bush paid a surprise Thanksgiving Day visit to U.S. troops stationed at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2003. The president spoke to several hundred troops at the Bob Hope dining facility on Thanksgiving Day and helped serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to the troops. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon 4 More Photos

Soldier Employs Good Humor in Recovering From Wounds

By Jamie Reese / Special to American Forces Press Service

U.S. Army Spcs. Brian Wilhelm, left, and Harvey Naranjo, an occupational therapy assistant, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Wilhelm has been a patient there since Oct. 11, after being wounded in Iraq. Defense Dept. photo by Jamie Reese.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2003 - U.S. Army Spc. Brian Wilhelm has been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here since Oct. 11, exactly six months from the time his unit crossed into Iraq. His lower left leg was amputated as a result of being severely wounded in Iraq.
At the center, Wilhelm works every day with Spc. Harvey Naranjo, an occupational therapy assistant. Wilhelm is one of about 10 patients Naranjo sees each day. Wilhelm and Naranjo recently shared their stories on the friendship they've formed while maintaining their therapist-patient relationship. Story

AIR FORCE SURGEON GENERAL

Lessons Learned in Operation Enduring Freedom Help in Iraq

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

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2003 (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

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. More     Briefing

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

Global War on Terrorism

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

On Iraq

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

. British Diplomat: Iraqis Look Forward to Self-Government

. Abizaid: Latest 'Despicable' Attacks Focused on Innocents

Military News

. Myers Receives Eisenhower Award, Says Stakes High in War

. Wolfowitz Hosts Pre-Holiday Feast to Honor Injured Troops

. Nat'l Defense Authorization Act 'Transformational' Chu Says

. Defense Department Updates Force Rotation Plan

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualty

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2003 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. David J. Goldberg, 20, of Layton, Utah, died on Nov. 26 in Qayyarah, Iraq. Goldberg died of a non-combat related injury. Goldberg was assigned to C Company, 52nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), U.S. Army Reserve, 43rd Area Support Group, based in Fort Carson, Colo. The incident is under investigation.

. Soldier Killed in Mortar Attack

. Soldier Dies from Gunshot Wound

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

President George W. Bush

" Each one of you has answered a great call, participating in an historic moment in world history. You live by a code of honor, of service to your nation, with the safety and the security of your fellow citizens. Our military is full of the finest people on the face of the earth. I'm proud to be your Commander-in-Chief."

Remarks to U.S. Troops,
Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2003

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 Iraq

Soldiers Help Supplies Reach Iraqis Left Homeless After Car-Bombing

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

'On The Ground' Archive