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Jan 21, 2004

Jan. 20, 2004

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MUNITIONS FIND — Soldiers from A Company, 1st Engineer Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., roll through the open gates in their M-540 Half Track vehicle outside a building complex where weapons and munitions were found buried in the back yard, in Ar Ramadia, Iraq, Jan. 17, 2004. The 1st Infantry Division is currently stationed in Camp Junction City, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Roberts

Coalition Officials: Iraqi Army
First Brigade Nearly Complete

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

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2004 — The first of nine brigades planned for the new Iraqi army nearly is complete, the officer responsible for helping to rebuild the country's military reported in a Baghdad briefing today.
Addressing progress in the rebuilding effort, Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, commander of the coalition's military assistance and training team in Iraq, said three battalions of Iraqi soldiers have graduated from military training academies since October. The desired "end state" is to eventually have "Iraqi officers and soldiers take over the training of their own soldiers," Eaton said. More

Officials Explain Commissions
That Will Try Terror Detainees

By Paul Stone / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2004 — Human rights organizations will closely monitor every step they take. Judicial activists will analyze everything that takes place in the courtroom. And both U.S. and international news organizations will report the day-to-day proceedings they will be a part of.
In short, the eyes of the world will be upon two retired generals working with the military commissions formed to try detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. More

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.
More Transcript

Bush Praises Nation's Military

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.

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

Iraq War Points Out Need
To Improve Logistics System

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2004 — The military's logistics system needs to be further modernized to better serve today's war fighters, a senior Defense Department transformation official asserted here today.
Retired Navy Vice Adm. Arthur K. Cebrowski, director of the Pentagon's Office of Force Transformation, pointed out to attendees at a downtown digital communications conference that U.S. ground forces racing toward Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom had often outstripped their supply chain. More

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

More Transformation News

Weapons, Equipment
In Coalition Custody

MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 21, 2004 — Weapons and discarded Iraqi military equipment were turned in or discovered by soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade (Stryker), 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in northern Iraq yesterday, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
Members of the Coalition for Iraqi National Unity, a concerned group of local citizens, turned in six rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 60 RPG rounds, 1,490 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 1,000 rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition and one night-vision scope. More

120 Baathists Renounce Political Party

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.

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

Students Spruce Up ‘Terminal’ For U.S. Soldiers from Iraq

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Elaine Aviles / 39th Air Base Group Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey, Jan. 21, 2003 — Incirlik elementary school students spruced up an otherwise dull hangar recently with colorful posters and banners thanking U.S. soldiers for their sacrifices and welcoming them to the base as they transited through Incirlik from Iraq.
The soldiers, who have been traveling through the base since Jan. 6, are using the hangar as a layover point as they head home. More

‘Four Corners’ Supply Process
Expedites Troop Redeployment

By Pfc. Thomas Day, USA / Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP VICTORY, Kuwait, Jan. 21, 2004 — One of the first tasks for soldiers crossing into Kuwait on their way home is to turn over all equipment that won't be going with them.
At camps throughout Kuwait used by the 101st Airborne Division, that potentially cumbersome process has been organized and expedited with a streamlined system called "Four Corners." More

82nd Airborne Div. Troops To
Provide Force Rotation Security

By Joe Burlas / Army News Service

POPE AFB, N.C., Jan. 20, 2004 (Army News Service) — Deploying in harm’s way for the second time in two years, the first contingent of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade departed for Iraq from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Jan. 15.
The brigade had been deployed to Afghanistan for seven months between 2002 and 2003. More

Fort Stewart To Increase Its Deploying Units by 66 Percent

International Partners

Republic of Korea Soldiers Welcome Visitors to Bagram

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2004 — The more than 200 Republic of Korea soldiers serving here at Bagram Air Base welcomed distinguished visitor Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Hee-Sang Kim, Republic of Korea’s Advisor on National Defense to the President, Jan. 19 on an overnight visit.
Kim, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Ki Seok Song, operations director for the South Korean joint chiefs of staff, stopped in Bagram as part of a tour to deliver words of support from the South Korean people to their soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Iraq in support of the global war on terrorism. More

U.S. Military, Iraqi Doctors Share
Experiences at Trauma Symposium

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ST. MERE, Iraq — Army physicians spend countless hours each day researching medical history and treatment methods. They regularly study medical documents and books, surf the Internet and attend medical conferences hoping to find any information to improve their methods. However, they may not always have the resources they need to continue their medical education, especially during a deployment.
To help resolve this dilemma for the military healthcare providers deployed to Iraq, the 30th Medical Brigade sponsored a Trauma Symposium of medical corps officers to share their expertise. More

Texas Reservists, Germans Host
Conference to Improve Iraq's Water Supply

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan, 21, 2004 – Task Force 1st Armored Division soldiers from the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve unit from Abilene, Texas with help from the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, hosted a conference Jan. 15, to discuss ways to raise water quality for the people of Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
Several Iraqi representatives from government ministries, local universities, community water districts and representatives from foreign health and government agencies attended the conference. Story

Iraqi Border Open to All Pilgrims During Hajj

RAMADI, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2004 — For the first time in more than three decades, Iraqis are able to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage without preferential oversight from the former regime, according to U.S. Central Command officials. Task Force “All American” soldiers have been quietly assisting the Iraqi security forces who have taken the lead the efforts to facilitate the safe travel of the Hajj pilgrims. Story

Global War on Terrorism

. Myers: World Must Think of Terrorism Threat Like Slavery

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

	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

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. Marine Corps
Sgt. Raul Marquez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Raul Matrquez, recruiter, Recruiting Substation Margate, Fla., won the Rookie Recruiter of the Year Award for Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. David Salazar

RECRUITING SUBSTATION MARGATE, Fla. — As a child, Raul Marquez never let anything get him down.
“I lived everywhere: Indiana, Louisiana, California, Florida, Illinois. Growing up, my parents always moved, going from job to job in different states. Sometimes I spent time with my mom, sometimes with my dad, and it seemed every time I went to visit them, they lived somewhere new,” explained the 34-year-old Marquez, now a sergeant and a canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Substation Margate, Fla. 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

In Iraq

Steel Rain Washes
Away Fear at Warhorse

BAQUBAH, Iraq, Jan. 20, 2004 — It was not long ago when soldiers of Task Force Ironhorse’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, occupying Forward Operating Base Warhorse, were afraid to go to the chow hall or the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building.
It was common for anti-coalition forces to fire mortar round after round at the bases in the area once daylight dissipated. Some of the troops began referring to the base as “Mortar Horse.” More

'On The Ground' Archive

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