DefendAmerica - Home Page 01/20/2004

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Jan 20, 2004

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SECURITY — U.S. soldiers from 1st Battalion, Field Artillary, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kan., pull security outside a train station in Ar Ramadia, Iraq, Jan. 16, 2004. The 1st Infantry Division is currently stationed in Camp Junction City, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Roberts

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

Transformation

Army Stryker Brigade Moves
Into Mosul Area of Operations

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — Soldiers equipped with the Stryker — a transformational, multi-wheeled armored vehicle — are soon slated to take up duty in the Mosul, Iraq, area of operations, according to a Combined Joint Task Force 7 news release today.
The 1st Corps headquarters element from Fort Lewis, Wash., arrived in Mosul Jan. 17. In early February, the release noted, 1st Corps is slated to relieve the 101st Airborne Division of control of military operations around Mosul in northern Iraq. More

Task Forces Turn Up Former
Iraqi General, Weapons Caches

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — A former Iraqi general turned himself in to coalition forces Jan. 19, reported Combined Joint Task Force 7 today.
Gen. Matloob Muslat Sayer, a former high-ranking Baath Party official and paramilitary Fedayeen Saddam member, surrendered himself to Task Force All American, according to a Combined Joint Task Force 7 release. His action was a result of the task force's previous operations against former regime element networks," the release noted. More

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 are operating with the Multinational Division Center/South in Hillah. Story

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

Kandahar Children Continue To Recover at Combat Support Hospital

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Keith Thompson / 4th Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 20, 2004 — On Jan. 6, a series of explosions ripped through the east side of the city of Kandahar, and 11 days later the effects of those explosions were still evident on the children in the 452nd Combat Support Hospital here.
As many as 14 people were killed and dozens were wounded in the double bomb blast in the "spiritual home of the Taliban," just one day after Afghanistan adopted a new constitution, according to a statement from the office of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. More

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

CENTCOM Deputy Commander: Coalition Forces Winning ‘Hearts and Minds’ of Iraqis

By U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gene LaDoucer / 506th Air Expeditionary

Lt. Gen. Lance Smith, U.S. Central Command deputy commander, answers questions from airmen assigned to the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kirkuk AB, Iraq. The general visited Kirkuk and two other bases in Iraq Jan. 12. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alicia Sarkkinen

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq — While overwhelming force brought a quick end to major combat operations in Iraq, it’s the coalition’s ability to win over its people that will ultimately lead to a free Iraq, says U.S. Central Command’s deputy commander.
During a quick visit here Jan. 12, the first of three in a daylong tour of military bases in Iraq, Air Force Lt. Gen. Lance Smith spoke highly of the efforts of U.S. forces in establishing security and stability in Iraq. More

Task Force 1st Armored Division
Screens Iraqi Police Applicants

By U.S. Army Sgt. Mark S. Rickert / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

U.S. Army Spc. Carlos Moura, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Division, checks an applicant’s blood pressure and pulse at the Iraqi Forum in central Baghdad Jan 10. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark S. Rickert BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2003 - The auditorium at the Iraqi Forum in central Baghdad was bustling Jan. 10 with applicants hoping to join the ranks of the Iraqi Police Service.
Before they can attend the police academy, candidates must go through a prescreening process, which was run by soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. This is the second time the brigade soldiers conducted the prescreening. More

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

Honoring the Fallen

New York Marine Recruiters
Honor Former Marines

New York City Firefighter Christian Regenhard, a Bronx native, got out of the Marine Corps as a sergeant in 1997 and graduated from the fire department academy July 2001. The Wall of Heroes Memorial honors the 23 former Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice Sept. 11, 2001 as firemen, policemen and federal agents.U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt. A.R. Hay

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2004 — The Marines of Recruiting Station New York recently unveiled a “Wall of Heroes” honoring the 23 former Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice Sept. 11, 2001 as firemen, policemen and federal agents attempting to save lives at the World Trade Center.
More than 200 firefighters of the Fire Department of New York, police from the Port Authority and New York Police Departments and federal agents gathered to pay respect to the fallen heroes and to reassure their loved ones that their loss, brotherhood and sacrifice are not forgotten. More

	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

Restored Tank
Recaptures Glory

Staff Sgt. Gary E. Barnhart, native of Caldwell, Idaho, noncommissioned officer in charge of 610th Engineer Detachment’s terrain team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, poses in front of the M4-A3HVSS Sherman tank, which was captured and restored by the brigade at Camp Raider, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samuel Soza

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RAIDER, TIKRIT, Iraq, Jan. 11, 2004 — Standing at the main gate of Forward Operating Base Raider, a World War II Sherman tank, captured and restored by soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, keeps a constant vigil.
The tank was found along a main highway, at the beginning of the war, near Forward Operating Base Speicher at an abandoned Iraqi armored vehicle school. 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