DefendAmerica - Home Page 01/20/2004

Home Page - DefendAmerica
[NOTE: Because of increased web traffic, you may experience delays. Please be patient.]

Jan 20, 2004

Government

Military

How To Help

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Transcripts

WEAPONS CACHE — Army Engineers and Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel prepare to destroy a weapons cache at Al Fathah Air Field, Iraq, Jan. 14, 2004. Coalition forces are destroying a daily average of 130,000 pounds of confiscated munitions from the estimated two million pounds uncovered at Al Fathah. Defense Dept. photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe, U.S. Air Force
Additional news photo

HOMELAND DEFENSE

Guard-Staffed Civil Support Teams Slated to Increase

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — The Defense Department plans to stand up more National Guard-staffed civil support teams trained to assist local authorities in the event of a weapons of mass destruction attack on the American homeland, a senior Defense Department official said Jan. 16.
There are currently 32 weapons of mass destruction civil support teams with the skills and equipment to detect chemical, biological, nuclear and explosive agents in support of emergency first responders in event of an attack, noted Paul McHale, assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense. More

Myers: World Must Think of
Terrorism Threat Like Slavery

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

TOWNSVILLE, Australia, Jan. 19, 2004 — The war on terrorism seems light years away from this beautiful tropical city on the Coral Sea, but what happens in New York, Riyadh, Bali or Istanbul has a direct affect on the people here.
That was the message Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered to the people of Townsville during a Jan. 18 stop to end his nine-day, four-country visit to the Asia-Pacific region. More

U.S. Not Seeking Bases in Australia, Myers Says

Coalition Officials Announce
Iraq Jobs, Rebuilding Program

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2004 — A senior Coalition Provisional Authority official today announced an $18 billion jobs and reconstruction program for Iraq that aims to create 50,000 jobs by the June 30 handover of sovereignty.
The main purpose of the program "is to help rebuild your country," retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Nash, director of the CPA's program management office, told Iraqis during a Baghdad news conference. 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.

. Iraq Update . Maps of Iraq

. Iraq's 55 Most Wanted

. Saddam's Iraq Reign of Terror

Myers Wraps Up Asia-Pacific Trip, Topics Included Iraq Support

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2004 — Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers' trip to Japan, Mongolia, China and Australia reemphasized to leaders in the region that the United States is interested and committed to progress in the region, said senior defense officials.
     In Japan, Myers met with senior military and government officials. Officials said the Japanese decision to send troops to help rebuild Iraq is a "watershed" event in the nation's history.
      The chairman also visited Mongolia, which is providing forces to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Some 178 Mongolian soldiers - infantrymen, engineers and medics - are operating with the Multinational Division Center/South in Hillah. Story

Task Force 'All American'
Conducts Al Anbar Missions

RAMADI, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2004 — The 82nd Airborne Division and its subordinate units continued missions over the last 24 hours in Al Anbar province, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
Civil affairs personnel with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team delivered $12,000 to three clinics and a hospital in the Iskandariyah area which will allow the clinics and hospitals to purchase needed medicines. These funds will immediately allow the three clinics and the hospital to provide adequate medical care to the 150,000 residents in the area. More

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties

      WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers were killed when their Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck an improvised explosive device and overturned. Killed were:
     Pfc. Cody J. Orr, 21, of Ruskin, Fla. was killed Jan. 17, north of Taji, Iraq. Orr was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
     Spc. Larry E. Polley, Jr., of Center, Texas, was killed Jan. 17, north of Taji, Iraq. Polley was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
     Sgt. Edmond L. Randle, 26, of Miami, Fla., was killed Jan. 17, north of Taji, Iraq. Randle was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Radio

Television

Transporting Patients More Photo Essays

Members of the 447th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility prepare a C-141 cargo aircraft for patient transport, Camp Sather, Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq, in mid-December. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall 3 More Photos

State of the Union Address
To Highlight War on Terrorism

By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2004 - America will continue to fight the war on terror, President Bush said today in his weekly radio address, noting that he will report to Congress and the American people this week.
The president will deliver the State of the Union address Jan. 20. Highlights will include economic growth, health care, education and the war on terror. More

Iraq, Afghanistan Rotation Plan
To Provide Right Mix of Forces

By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample / American Force Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2004 — Possibly the largest rotation of military forces in United States history is about to take place, as thousands of troops prepare to relieve units that have been in Iraq and Afghanistan for as long as a year, the director of operations for the Joint Staff said here today.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Norton Schwartz said the rotation will involve all varieties of active duty and reserve combat and support forces. More

Army Chief Praises
Troops, Acknowledges Sacrifices

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2003 — “We are entering the most challenging period for our Army since World War II,’’ Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, Army chief of staff, said in a message to soldiers whose tours of duty in the U.S. Central Command theater have been extended from five to 60 days. About 1,600 of the 130,000 soldiers currently deployed will be affected by the extension, Army officials announced Jan. 15. More

Iraqi Reconstruction Facts

Iraq's New Currency

Iraq's new currency is an important indicator of economic revitalization. During the Iraqi currency exchange, which began on October 15, 2003, and ended on January 15, the value of the new dinar has risen by 25 percent. To date almost 4.5 trillion new Iraqi dinars or $3 billion are estimated to be in circulation. (Coalition Provisional Authority, Baghdad)

Cell Phone Service Comes to Iraq

Improvements in telephone service are helping Iraq reintegrate into the international community and paving the way for the new economy. Today, mobile telephones are available in Iraq for the first time, and by April 2004, there could be more than half-million Iraqi cell phone subscribers. New technology is also making it possible for Iraq to establish its first emergency call network. (Coalition Provisional Authority, Baghdad)

Education in Iraq

Renewing Iraq's educational system is vital because Iraqi youth will determine their country's future. All universities are open, 5.1 million Iraqi primary school students are back in the classroom, and more than 51 million new textbooks - without propaganda - are being distributed. Plus, Iraqi teachers now earn up to 25 times their salaries before liberation. (U.S. Agency for International Development)

Airmen ‘Discover,’ Restore Abandoned Mosque

By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Williams / 506th Air Expeditionary Group

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Walter Poliansky removes part of a concrete pillar during the Jan. 11 cleanup effort to help restore a mosque here. Chief Poliansky is chief of operations for the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Williams

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq, Jan. 16, 2004 (AFPN) — Among a landscape filled with tree stumps, old barbed wire, concrete and rebar, airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group found a hidden jewel -- an old building in desperate need of repair.
Thanks to base chapel, contracting and civil engineers leaders, and with the help of a large volunteer base, a 35-year-old Sunni mosque will soon be used again after having been abandoned for several years. More

Global War on Terrorism

. Cheney Addresses Terrorist Threat, U.S. Security Strategy

. Ridge Lowers Threat Level, but Nation Remains On Guard

Iraq

. Bremer: Sovereignty Handover Should Happen on Schedule

. Sanchez: Saddam Loyalists Should Disarm, Look to Future

. Three U.S. Soldiers, Two Iraqis Die in Bombing

Military News

. 101st Airborne Division Starts to Head Home

. Myers Says Reenlistment Rate Strong During War on Terror

. 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

President George W. Bush

"...In Iraq, the enemies of freedom are being systematically routed from their holes and rounded up. Iraqis are assuming greater responsibility for their own security and future government. American troops in that country are performing their duty with skill and courage, and we're proud of them all."

Weekly Radio Address, Jan. 17, 2004

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

Send your message Read others

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Profile

U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Melissa Magyari

Staff Sgt. Melissa Magyari is one of 10 active-duty servicemembers recently selected for the Air Force Flight Attendant program. The 19th Air Refueling Group command section information manager will be greeting and serving meals to the vice president and his wife, governors, congressmen and other distinguished visitors aboard C-32 and C-40 aircraft. U.S. Air Force photo by Sue Sapp

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. - It is not every day you get to cook dinner for Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, but that is what Staff Sgt. Melissa Magyari will soon be doing -- and at 30,000 feet, no less.
The 19th Air Refueling Group command section information manager was one of 10 active-duty service members recently selected for the Air Force Flight Attendant program -- in existence since the Air Force's beginning. More

More Profiles

. Maps of Afghanistan

In Iraq

Cargo, Passengers
All in a Day’s Work

Air transportation workers load cargo into a Georgia Air National Guard C-130 Hercules temporarily assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here. U.S. Air Force and Estonian cargo movement specialists work together to move cargo and passengers through here. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham

TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq, Jan. 15, 2004 (AFPN) — Air Force and coalition forces are working together to keep cargo and passengers moving through the aerial port here.
Airmen from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., and Lackland AFB, Texas, have teamed with members of the Estonian military to move more than 4,000 passengers and 880 tons of cargo on more than 500 monthly aircraft missions. More

In Kyrgyzstan

Transient Alert Team
Keeps Air Operations Moving

Staff Sgt. Aaron Schutter starts the pump motor on the de-ice truck here. He is assigned to the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's transient alert team. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brus E. Vidal

MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan, Jan. 15, 2004 (AFPN) — Unlike the old saying which goes, “jack of all trades, master of none,” the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing’s transient alert team here are "airmen of all aircraft, masters of most."
The team is primarily responsible for meeting the fuel, cargo and maintenance needs of military and commercial passenger and cargo aircraft as well as distinguished visitor aircraft not assigned to Manas Air Base. More

In Turkey

Incirlik Serves as Army 'Terminal'

Air transportation workers load cargo into a Georgia Air National Guard C-130 Hercules temporarily assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here. U.S. Air Force and Estonian cargo movement specialists work together to move cargo and passengers through here. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey, Jan. 14, 2004 (AFPN) — Incirlik has a new role as a temporary "terminal" for U.S. soldiers traveling home after serving about a year in Iraq. More

'On The Ground' Archive