DefendAmerica 12/07/2003 - Sunday Edition 2

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Dec 07, 2003

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SHIP'S LOCATION — On the USS Enterprise signal bridge, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Holland from Alton, Ill., checks the line of position off the sun using a marine sextant to determine the aircraft carrier's position. Enterprise is currently underway in the Arabian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jennifer L. Brown

Sanchez: U.S.-Coalition Efforts
Against Insurgents Succeeding

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2003 — Recent U.S.-coalition operations against insurgents in Iraq are succeeding, a senior U.S. military commander said today during a briefing from Baghdad.
     "The only way you win in combat is to stay on the offensive," Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 7, told reporters, noting that insurgent actions against American and coalition forces have dropped off in recent weeks.
     In order not to aggravate Iraqi citizens during U.S.- coalition military operations against insurgents, Sanchez noted it's important that those operations are "focused" and "based on intelligence" in coordination with pro- coalition Iraqis and their security forces. More

Sec Def Praises U.S. Troop
Dedication, Progress in Iraq

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

     SHANNON, Ireland, Dec. 6, 2003 — Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld applauded current Georgian leaders' close working relationship and improving conditions in Iraq during a news conference today with reporters en route with him back to Washington.
     The secretary said U.S. forces are "wonderful men and women who are dedicated to what they're doing, and they're well-led and well-trained and well-equipped, and in my view are doing an outstanding job."
     Rumsfeld visited U.S. forces in Kirkuk and Baghdad today, and observed training conducted for Iraqi Civil Defense Corps recruits. But although the security situation in Iraq continues to improve as more and more Iraqis take on security jobs coalition forces had been doing, Rumsfeld said security isn't the only part of the equation for a stable and free Iraq. Story

Insurgent Success Rate Down,
4th Infantry Gen. Tells Sec Def

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

KIRKUK, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2003 — Attacks against coalition forces in northern Iraq have dropped significantly in recent weeks, and 95 percent of them fail to hurt coalition personnel or even damage coalition vehicles, the commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division told visiting Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld here today.
Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno said that while the numbers of attacks went up at first when insurgents changed to more "stand-off" kinds of attacks using improvised explosive devices and rocket and mortar attacks, the attacks have fallen off as more and more factors are working against the insurgents. More

Wolfowitz Accepts Patriot Award
On U.S. Defense Team's Behalf

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2003 — Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz accepted the 2003 American Patriot Award Dec. 5 "on behalf of our fallen heroes" and "the hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform and all of those that support them," including defense civilians and contractors.
The award, sponsored by the National Defense University Foundation, was previously issued to former President George H.W. Bush, now-Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. President George W. Bush provided his thanks for the award via videotaped comments, noting America's military members perform "the highest form of citizenship" during the war against terrorism. Story

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.

Fifth-Grade Winners
Offer Their Insights

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2003 — Kevin Young, a 10-year-old boy living in San Diego, recognizes how fortunate he is to live in the United States, “a country,” he wrote in the Weekly Reader’s Operation Tribute to Freedom essay contest, “that stands for freedom.”
Kevin’s essay was the top winner in the contest, not only among fifth-graders, but also among entries submitted by more than 8,000 students in grades three through 12 from across the country. More

. Fourth-Grade Winners

. Third-Grade Winners

. Patriotic Essays Define Freedom

'Bulldog' Brigade Detains 43,
Captures Weapons Caches

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 7, 2003 — Soldiers from Task Force 1st Armored Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team struck at insurgent elements in the Al Mansor district on the west side of the city Thursday, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
The operation, part of Task Force 1st Armored Division’s Operation “Iron Justice,” included 3rd Brigade units, attack helicopters, military police elements, and 300 Iraqi Civil Defense Corps guardsmen. More

. Soldier Killed by Explosive Device

Radio

Television

Rumsfeld Praises Georgia for Assistance in War on Terror

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

     TBILISI, Georgia, Dec. 5, 2003 — With mounting concern in this former Soviet republic over Russia's behavior in the region and a new interim government still finding its feet, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld toured a U.S.-sponsored military training facility and met with key leaders here today.
     In a joint press conference with acting president Nino Burdzhanadze, Rumsfeld said the United States agrees with Georgia that Russia needs to live up to its obligations under the so-called Istanbul Accords of 1999 to withdraw its forces from Georgia, except for a 2,500- to 3,000-member peacekeeping force in a troubled region of the country.
     Calling Georgia a "staunch friend of the West," Rumsfeld said the United States appreciates the country's help with Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Story

. Secretary of Defense Visits U.S. Georgia Train, Equip Program

Rumsfeld Overseas in Georgia More Photo Essays

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld reviews paper work while traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 5, 2003, where he would meet with acting President Ms. Nino Burdzhanadze. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway 5 More Photos

Rumsfeld Meets with Karzai, Notes Progress in Afghanistan

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 4, 2003 — U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today praised the "truly remarkable" progress Afghanistan's government has made in the two years since the country's liberation, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he expects his country's condition to continue improving in the months and years to come.
The pair met here today to discuss Afghanistan's progress and future. More

. Rumsfeld Visits Afghanistan, Praises Reconstruction Team

Troops See President Usher in Christmas at the White House

By Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USA / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2003 - The countdown began with "5," and four seconds later the 40-foot blue spruce burst forth in with red, white and green – Christmas at the White House had officially begun.
President Bush and wife, Laura, greeted hundreds of children, their families and special guests on the White House lawn in chilly temperatures to watch the national Christmas tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 4. Several service members from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom were among those assembled. More

77th Maintenance Company
Returns from Operation Iraqi Freedom

Capt. Ben Lipari, commander of 77th Maintenance Company, and his wife, Melissa, cuddle their 8-month-old son Dominik during the 77th's Nov. 26 welcome home to Babenhausen (Germany) Kaserne. The captain and more than 100 members of the 77th deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when Dominik was 12 days old.

     BABENHAUSEN, Germany — More than 100 soldiers from 77th Maintenance Company, 3rd Corps Support Command, were welcomed home here Nov. 26 after being deployed for eight months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
      Excited wives and children carrying signs, flowers and American flags gathered on the sidewalk outside the Army Community Service center on Babenhausen Kaserne to greet their loved ones.
      With a military police escort, the soldiers marched from their motor pool through the base to ACS. With the first glimpse of the unit, family members broke out in cheers and tears flowed. More

Paratroopers Celebrate Holiday
With Community’s Orphans

Paratrooper Spc. Shirley Baez, Headquarters and Company A, 407th Forward Support Battalion, Task Force 1st Armored Division, talks to a couple of orphan Iraqis during their special Eid Al-Fitr dinner celebration Nov 26. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason B. Baker

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 5, 2003 — The Iraqi children were shy, staring at the festive decorations adorning the walls of the dining room where the paratroopers awaited their arrival. Hesitant at first, the children’s timid faces began to smile.
The children, orphans from the southern village of Al Jebachy, came to Camp Falcon to celebrate the Islamic holiday Ramadan’s Feast of Eid Al-Fitr Nov. 26. More

U.S. Troops Invade Iraqi Town Armed
With Soccer Balls, Candy, Clothes

CAMP NAVISTAR, Kuwait, Dec. 3, 2003 — It was not a mission soldiers under the Montana National Guard’s 495th Transportation Battalion were used to doing; but in the end, all agreed they got quite a “kick” out of it.
In an effort to alleviate acts of mischief in the Iraqi border town of Safwan-located just a few miles from the 495th’s base at Camp Navistar in Kuwait-members of the unit passed out soccer balls, candy and clothes to youngsters in the community. More

U.S. Soldiers Establish Tashree
Community Center, Clinic, Playground

Three Iraqi girls make use of the swings at the Tashree community center playground in central Baghdad, Nov. 17, 2003. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chad D. Wilkerson

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 3, 2003 - Every day, as soldiers in Baghdad travel down the city streets, through neighborhoods and markets, they travel with weapons loaded, watching people, buildings and vehicles for the source of the next possible threat.
The job that many of these soldiers have taken on, however, is not simply defending themselves against insurgents, or even to find and apprehend those who pose a threat to Coalition forces. These soldiers have also made it their mission to improve life for the Iraqi people. More

Global War on Terrorism

. Myers: Transformation Vital to Fighting Global War On Terror

. Rumsfeld in Azerbaijan; Talks Include NATO, War on Terror

On Iraq

. Bush Surprises Troops, World With Thanksgiving in Baghdad

. Sanchez: More Mobile Force Will Have 'Right Blend' of Units

Military News

. Legacy Project Seeks to Preserve GIs' History in Iraq

. Defense Officials Update Force Rotation Plan

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Send your 'Best Wishes' to the men and women in uniform supporting the global war on terror
Send your message
Read other messages

'Howard Huge' Calendars to Be Sent to Deployed Troops

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2003 — Local Junior ROTC cadets packed thousands of 2004 poster-size calendars into mailing cylinders at the United Unions Building here Dec. 4.
Marine cadet Capt. Karen Bellini, of Mount Vernon, Va., said participating in the project was a way to show appreciation to those serving overseas and fighting the global war on terror. More

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

	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

"We ... honor all of our fellow Americans serving far away from home during the holidays. Separation from loved ones is especially difficult this time of year. Our people in uniform can know that their families miss them and love them, that millions are praying for them, and that America is grateful for the men and women who serve and defend our country. "

Pageant of Peace, Dec. 4, 2003

. Maps of Iraq

. Maps of Afghanistan

Profile

U.S. Army
Sgt. Aaron Talley

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Army News Service, Nov. 26, 2003) — Sgt. Aaron Talley came all the way from Vicenza, Italy, to sing Harry Connick Jr.'s "Recipe for Love," which won him best-of-show honors in the U.S. Army's 2003 Margaret "Skippy" Lynn Stars of Tomorrow Entertainment Contest Nov. 22 at Wallace Theater here.
"This is a great honor," said Talley, 29. "It means a lot to compete against the best in the Army and be recognized. More

More Profiles

Transformation

Iraq, Afghanistan Transform
Army Lessons Learned Center

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan., Dec. 3, 2003 — Like the Army it serves, the Center for Army Lessons Learned at Fort Leavenworth is transforming. The director of the center, Col. Larry Saul, notes that because of the war in Iraq, the center has had to transform. More

In Afghanistan

College Education
En Route to Bagram Troops

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 5, 2003 — In the midst of deployment and combat, formal college education options are rarely the top priority, but with units being extended and troops leaving school to serve their country, Bagram personnel are planning to make the difficulties of deployment a little easier with a new education center. More

In Djibouti

Personnel Renovate School,
Improve Life in Obock

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with Omar Farada Mohamed, the commissioner for the District of Obock, Abdoulkader Ahmed Hussain, the Obock Primary School director, and a handful of school children, cut the ribbon strung across the entrance of the newly opened school, Dec. 4. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bradly Shaver OBOCK, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2003 — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held here Dec. 4, marking the grand opening of the newly renovated Obock Primary School by personnel from the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. More

'On The Ground' Archive

A NEW ERA — Iraqi contractors prepare to remove a statue of Saddam Hussein's head from the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, Iraq, now used as the Coalition Provisional Authority headquarters, on Dec. 2, 2003. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Houghton