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Jan 21, 2004

Jan. 20, 2004

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ADDING ARMOR — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Batres (left) and Airman 1st Class Michael Davis, both with the 447th Expeditionary Logistical Readiness Squadron Special Purpose Vehicle Mechanics, weld and cut steel plates to be fitted to a 5-ton truck for armor protection purposes at Baghdad International Airport, Jan. 16, 2004. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Verlin Levi Collins

STATE OF THE UNION

Nation Strong, Americans Are 'Rising to the Tasks of History'

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — The United States has not come through tragedy, trial and war to falter. Americans are proving the state of the union is strong, and they are "are rising to the tasks of history," President George W. Bush said in the State of the Union address tonight.
     Bush, speaking to both bodies of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, said the government's greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. He said that in the 28 months since the attacks of Sept. 11, there are many who believe the danger is passed.
     "That hope is understandable, comforting – and false," he said. "The killing has continued in Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Riyadh, Mombassa, Jerusalem, Istanbul and Baghdad. The terrorists continue to plot against America and the civilized world. And by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated."
More Transcript

Bush Praises Nation's Military

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — President Bush praised service members around the world for their sacrifices to defend America during his State of the Union address tonight.
     He said that the men and women of the American armed forces "have taken the hardest duty" in the war on terror. He added that hundreds of thousands of U.S. service members are based around the world protecting America.
     "We've seen their skill and their courage in armored charges, and midnight raids and lonely hours on faithful watch," Bush said at the U.S. Capitol. "We have seen the joy when they return, and felt the sorrow when one is lost." More

Ashley's Letter
Excerpt 2004 State of the Union Address

     I've been witness to the character of the people of America, who have shown calm in times of danger, compassion for one another, and toughness for the long haul. All of us have been partners in a great enterprise. And even some of the youngest understand that we are living in historic times.
     Last month a girl in Lincoln, Rhode Island, sent me a letter. It began, "Dear George W. Bush. If there's anything you know, I, Ashley Pearson, age 10, can do to help anyone, please send me a letter and tell me what I can do to save our country." She added this P.S.: "If you can send a letter to the troops, please put, 'Ashley Pearson believes in you.'"
     Tonight, Ashley, your message to our troops has just been conveyed. And, yes, you have some duties yourself. Study hard in school, listen to your mom or dad, help someone in need, and when you and your friends see a man or woman in uniform, say, "Thank you." And, Ashley, while you do your part, all of us here in this great chamber will do our best to keep you and the rest of America safe and free.

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

Reserve Affairs Chief to
Open NASDAQ Stock Market

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2004 — Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas F. Hall will ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ Market on Jan. 22, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., according to a Defense Department news release. Hall will open NASDAQ on behalf of the Defense Department.
     The NASDAQ has demonstrated its support to its employees who participate in the National Guard and Reserve by signing a "statement of support," in which an organization pledges to publicly support their Guard and Reserve employees.
     Hall is responsible for overall supervision of Reserve component affairs and matters pertaining to the 1.2 million members of the seven Reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. There are approximately 190,000 National Guard and Reserve members currently on active duty.

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. More

Coalition Denies Afghan Strike
Caused Civilian Casualties

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — The coalition military command in Afghanistan today denied reports that a weekend air strike in the country's Oruzgan province killed children and other innocent civilians.
     Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said that while "coalition forces did engage five armed adult males who were fleeing from a known terrorist compound," the command has "no indications that civilians were killed in that incident," according to a written statement issued as a news release from U.S. Central Command.
      News agencies have reported a claim by Afghan officials that the strike killed four men, four children and three women, none of whom had any connection with the Taliban or other coalition enemies. More

Radio

Television

While We Wait More Photo Essays

U.S. Army Spc. Juan Hernandez, 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, N.C., reads a book to pass time Jan. 15, 2004, inside the Charleston Air Force Base Fitness Center while waiting for transportation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Larry Simmons 3 More Photos

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

Air Force Tactical Air Control Troops
Assist Ground Force Operations

By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson / 455th Expeditionary Ops Group

Air Force Airman 1st Class James Blair coordinates air cover for Army 10th Mountain Division soldiers during an operation in the Sroghar Mountains of Afghanistan. Blair and other Tactical Air Control Party airmen are serving with special operations forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Blair is deployed from Fort Drum, N.Y. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 20, 2004 — "The strong will stand, the weak will fall by the wayside." For Air Force tactical air control party airmen, these words are more than just a motto; they also serve as a battle cry.
Wherever American military forces are found, TACP airmen are sure to be nearby. Nicknamed the "Air Force infantry" because they spend most of their career assigned to Army units, tactical controllers can most often be found embedded with special operations forces. More

Injured Afghan 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 just one day after Afghanistan adopted a new constitution. More

Task Force 1st Armored Division
Screens Iraqi Police Applicants

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

Coalition Forces Winning
‘Hearts and Minds’ of Iraqis

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq, Jan. 16, 2004 — 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

Airmen ‘Discover,’ Restore Abandoned Mosque

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

Iraq

. Coalition Officials Announce Iraq Jobs, Rebuilding Program

. Bremer: Sovereignty Handover Should Happen on Schedule

. Sanchez: Saddam Loyalists Should Disarm, Look to Future

Military News

. Guard-Staffed Civil Support Teams Slated to Increase

. Iraq, Afghanistan Rotation Plan to Provide Right Mix of Forces

. 101st Airborne Division Starts to Head Home

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties

      WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 — Defense officials announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
       Staff Sgt. Roland L. Castro, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died Jan. 16, in Camp Cedar II, Iraq, of a non-hostile gunshot wound. Castro was assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Field Artillery, based at Fort Sill, Okla.
       Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck, 36, of Fort Worth, Texas, died of wounds Jan. 18 at 28th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Iraq.
       On Jan. 16, Master Sgt. Hornbeck sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle, south of Samarra, Iraq. He was initially evacuated to the 21st CSH and then moved to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for further treatment where he later died. Hornbeck was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Carson, Colo.
       The incident is under investigation.

	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

"...The men and women of the American military -- they have taken the hardest duty. We've seen their skill and their courage in armored charges and midnight raids, and lonely hours on faithful watch. We have seen the joy when they return, and felt the sorrow when one is lost. I've had the honor of meeting our servicemen and women at many posts, from the deck of a carrier in the Pacific to a mess hall in Baghdad.

"Many of our troops are listening tonight. And I want you and your families to know: America is proud of you."

State of the Union Address, Jan. 20, 2004

Transformation

Army Deploys 'Shadow'
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Iraq

A Shadow tactical unmanned aerial vehicle is propelled into the air for a flight after completing maintenance checks. Photo by Cpl. Vernon R. O'Donnell, USA

HABBANIYAH, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2004 — Having better intelligence than your enemy is vital to the success of a military operation, and the current situation in Iraq is no exception.
In an effort to thwart terroristic activity, the Army has recently developed and deployed a new information gatherer - the Shadow, a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. Story

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. More

More Profiles

. Maps of Afghanistan

In Afghanistan

Troops Celebrate
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Lt. Col. Houston B. Washington (left), featured speaker at the Martin Luther King Day ceremony, listens as Brig. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, Combined Joint Task Force-180 commander, speaks to troops attending the event. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Thompson

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2004 — As American soldiers here took time Monday to celebrate an American hero, it was standing room only for the soldiers assembled to honor civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of racial and religious tolerance. More

'On The Ground' Archive