DefendAmerica - Home Page 12/23/2003

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Dec 23, 2003

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INCOMING TOMCAT — U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chancellor Staley supervises Petty Officer 3rd Class Colin Jarret as he guides an F-14A Tomcat aircraft as it comes in for an arrested landing on the flight deck of USS Enterprise. Enterprise is underway in the Arabian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Jhi L. Scott

Time Selects 'The American Soldier' As 'Person of Year'

By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service

The American Soldier, representing all men and women who wear the uniform, has been named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Three 1st Armored Division soldiers -- Sgt. Ronald Buxton, Spc. Billie Grimes and Sgt. Marquette Whiteside -- are featured on the magazine's Dec. 29 - Jan. 5 cover. Photo by James Nachtwey / VII for Time, used by permission.

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2003 — Three 1st Armored Division soldiers – Sgt. Ronald Buxton, Spc. Billie Grimes and Sgt. Marquette Whiteside – grace the cover of today's Time magazine. They represent "The American Soldier" – all men and women in uniform – chosen as Time's 2003 Person of the Year.
     "For uncommon skills and service, for the choices each one of them has made and the ones still ahead, for the challenge of defending not only our freedoms but those barely stirring half a world away, the American soldier is Time's Person of the Year," editor-at-large Nancy Gibbs wrote in the opening essay of the magazine.
     The magazine cover is a "fitting tribute to these young men and women who have volunteered to serve their country and are over there doing a superb job," Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said. More

Myers Salutes U.S. Troops, Recaps Central Command Trip

By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2003 — The American soldier, Time magazine's choice for Person of the Year, is "exactly right," the nation's top military officer told Sunday news shows audiences here today.
The magazine cover is a "fitting tribute to these young men and women who have volunteered to serve their country and are over there doing a superb job," Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said on CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer." The general just returned Dec. 20 from visiting 25,000 troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Djibouti. More

Heightened Security Not Tied
To Saddam Hussein's Capture

By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2003 — The heightened security alert in the United States is not related to the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, coalition administrator Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III said here today.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced the change in the national threat level of terrorist attack from elevated (code yellow) to high (code orange) Dec 21. The decision, Ridge said in a prepared statement, was based on "a substantial increase in the volume of threat-related intelligence reports" from the intelligence community. He said, "These credible sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the homeland around the holiday season and beyond." 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.

. Maps of Iraq

Holiday Messages

From the Defense Secretary WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2003 — As Americans across our land move toward the holiday season, its message of peace and hope echoes and re-echoes in our hearts.
And so too the thoughts and prayers of Americans naturally turn to you –the men and women of the U.S. military, all who have volunteered to defend the freedom we all cherish and to advance the cause of peace. More

From the Joint Chiefs Chairman WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2003 — For generations, U.S. service men and women and government civilians have spent the holiday season far from loved ones, so that all Americans can celebrate the peace, prosperity and liberty that our armed forces have fought to protect.
Today, you continue to keep steadfast watch across the globe, from bases on land, planes overhead, and aboard ships at sea; from distant, remote locations, and within our own borders. More

Central Command Soldiers
Eligible for Re-enlistment Bonus

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2003 (Army News Service) — Regular Army soldiers who re-enlist in the Central Command area of responsibility this fiscal year are now eligible for a lump-sum bonus of about $5,000 and the bonus is also retroactive for soldiers who re-enlisted from Oct. 1 until now. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld approved the plan Dec. 17. Story

Defense Officials
Announce Casualties

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2003 — The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     U.S. Army Pfc. Charles E. Bush Jr., 43, of Buffalo, N.Y., was killed Dec. 19 in Balad, Iraq. Bush was in a convoy when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, 352nd Civil Affairs Command, U.S. Army Reserve, based in Riverdale Park, Md.
     Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, 24, of Pittsfield, Mass., died Dec. 18 during physical training in Baghdad, Iraq. Allison was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, based in Fort Drum, N.Y.

Walter Reed Red Cross
Asks Donors To Hold Off

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2003 — In August, the American Red Cross asked the public for donations of phone cards, clothing, small suitcases, and comfort items for service members recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. More

Radio

Television

Comptroller's Vision Helps Advance Transformation Efforts

By Paul Stone / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2003 — Dov Zakheim, undersecretary of defense (comptroller) and the Defense Department's chief financial officer, often refers to DoD as America's largest corporation. And during a recent interview, he did not hesitate to characterize that reference as a vision that can be a bit overwhelming at times.
"Sometimes it's a scary vision," Zakheim said in a half-serious, half- joking manner, "to wake up in the morning and say, 'My God, we're trying to drag the largest corporation in America into the 21st century.'" More

World Wrestling Entertainment Visits Baghdad
More Photo Essays

A U.S. Army soldier gets a handshake and an autograph from World Wrestling Entertainment 's "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at the Coalition Provision Authority Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, Dec. 19, 2003. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon 5 More Photos

U.S. Presence Vital to Horn of Africa Counterterrorism Efforts

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti, Dec. 20, 2003 — The American presence here has helped thwart at least three and possibly as many as 10 terrorist attacks in the Horn of Africa region, said Marine Brig. Gen. Mastin Robeson, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.
Robeson spoke to press traveling with Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers during a stop at the command's headquarters here Dec. 19. More

Bush, Blair Welcome Libya's
Pledge to Dismantle Weapons

By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2003 — Libya's leader, Colonel Moammar al Ghadafi, confirmed his commitment to disclose and dismantle all weapons of mass destruction programs and has agreed to allow inspectors from international organizations to enter his country, President Bush said here Dec. 19.
"These inspectors will render an accounting of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and will help oversee their elimination," he added. "Colonel Ghadafi's commitment, once it is fulfilled, will make our country more safe and the world more peaceful." More President's Remarks Fact Sheet

Two Weeks Before Christmas!

By Deborah Sandberg / Proud 101st Airborne Division Mom

     'Twas two weeks before Christmas, And all through Iraq, The people still worried that Saddam would be back. The soldiers went out on their nightly patrol, Capturing the bad guys was always their goal!
     With raids seeming endless in the triangle Sunni, We hoped that not all of Iraq was so looney! We gathered the tribe of Saddam, in Tikrit, And suddenly now they all started to snit!
     They told of a farm where Hussein just might be Odierno, Then called on our boys- from the great 4th ID! More rapid than Baathists our soldiers they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name More

Operation Gratitude Ensures
Soldiers Are Not Forgotten

By U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Stanis / 1st Armored Division

BAGHDAD, Iraq — This holiday season, Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice.
Thousands of 1st Armored Division soldiers in Iraq and service members throughout the U.S. military who are deployed overseas will be remembered this holiday season because of Carolyn Blashek and Operation Gratitude. More

Air Force Leaders Visit Bagram

By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson / 455th Expeditionary Operations Group

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN), Dec. 22, 2003 — Air Force senior leaders praised the dedication and sacrifice of airmen here during a visit Dec. 19.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray were welcomed to Afghanistan by 455th Expeditionary Operations Group airmen who are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The visit was one of many stops the leaders made to visit deployed airmen in the days leading up to the holiday season. More

Army Sgt. Major Visits Kuwait

By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Marcia Triggs / Army News Service

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (Army News Service), Dec. 20, 2003 — A visit by the sergeant major of the Army this holiday season was not on top of the wish list for most troops in Kuwait, but those who saw him said it was still an awesome present.
Long lines of Soldiers waiting for a chance to speak to Sgt. Maj. of the Army Jack Tilley resembled children at the mall waiting to talk with Santa. However, instead of asking Tilley for DVDs or video games, they wanted to shake his hand, take a picture, get his autograph or just say “thank you.” More

Global War on Terrorism

. 'Tremendous Strides' Made in Iraq, Afghanistan, Collins Says

. Kimmitt: Insurgency Attempts to Terrorize ‘Will Not Succeed’

. Rumsfeld Conveys Thanks of Nation to Terror War Veterans

. Barno Addresses Challenges of Dual Missions in Afghanistan

. Myers Highlights Progress in Economic, Government Areas

On Iraq

. Iraqi Legal Profession Trains to Prosecute Regime Crimes

. Iraqi Volunteering Increases Following Capture of Saddam

. Capture of Saddam Not Luck, But Skill, Gen. Abizaid Says

. 4th Infantry Div. Follows Up Big Catch with Samarra Operation

. Terror War Continues, Rumsfeld Says, Despite Saddam's Capture

Military News

. Rumsfeld Approves Brigade Deployment, Extension

. Defense Dept. Launches Transformation Web Site

. New Benefits Help Families Visit Injured Sailors, Marines

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Troops Singled Out as
President Praises Volunteers

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2003 — Service members are among volunteers President Bush singled out in his radio address here today in praise for their community service.
"Some of the men and women I have met are members of the armed forces, who volunteer time in their communities on top of their service to the nation," the commander in chief said. Story

Send your 'Best Wishes' to the
troops waging the global war on terror.

Send your message

Hello my fellow military members!
     Wishing you all peace this holiday season and a safe return home. Thank you for your service and please know that you are ALL thought of each and every day back home in the states!!! Sincerely,
     Staff Sgt. Krista LaFrance,
     New York Army National Guard

Read other messages

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Programs Offer Sailors Free
Calls Home During Holidays

MILLINGTON, Tenn., Dec. 20, 2003 (NNS) — Navy personnel worldwide will be able to call family and friends free of charge this holiday season. Through combined phone card projects, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ladies Auxiliary VFW, Navy’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division and the Navy Exchange Service Command are ensuring that each sailor receives a prepaid calling card. More

Military Essay Contest Winners
To Ride in Rose Bowl Parade

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2003 — Two military officers will join marching bands, equestrian teams and colorful floats traveling down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif., at the 115th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1.
Air Force Reserve Maj. Tami Rougeau, and Army National Guard Capt. Kris Marshall, along with their families and civilian employers, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the event. More

Profile

U S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Jason Wittling

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Dec. 12, 2003 — It is probably a safe bet to say that Marine Sgt. Jason Wittling won't soon forget the weekend of Dec. 12-14, 2003.
Friday, just minutes after his three brothers arrived at Camp Pendleton from Wisconsin, Wittling was surprised to hear the voice of his favorite NASCAR Busch Series driver, Team Marines' Bobby Hamilton Jr., on the other end of the phone. More

More Profiles

	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 have shown resolve. In word and in action, we have clarified the choices left to potential adversaries. And when leaders make the wise and responsible choice, when they renounce terror and weapons of mass destruction, ... they serve the interest of their own people and they add to the security of all nations.”

Response to Libya's pledge to
dismantle WMD programs, Dec. 19, 2003

. Maps of Afghanistan

U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Brian Allen and Lt. Natalia Henriquez send Christmas greetings to their loved ones from aboard USS Enterprise, underway in the Arabian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Justin N. McGarry

In Afghanistan

Capturing the Holiday
Season with One Photo

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson snapped photo after photo for almost 16 hours, shooting more than 3,000 photos. Courtesy photo

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 22, 2003 —“Just like senior pictures.”More than one airman or soldier made that remark on a recent weekend as they waited their turn to pose for digital Christmas portraits. More

'On The Ground' Archive