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Apr 23, 2004
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Photo, caption below.
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REFUELING MILESTONE — An F-16CJ Fighting Falcon from the 555th Fighter Squadron approaches a KC-135 from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, April 21, 2004. The Falcon received the one billionth pound of fuel from Combined Forces Air Component Command refuelers since Jan. 30, 2003 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The F-16 was flying a combat sortie that dropped munitions over Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II
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De-Baathification Policy in Iraq
'Remains Intact,' Coalition Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 – The policy prohibiting hardcore Baathists from gaining government, military and teaching positions in the new Iraq is a good one and hasn't changed, the Coalition Provisional Authority's chief spokesman said in Baghdad today.
     However, Dan Senor, noted to reporters, the de-Baathification policy issued last May and implemented by Iraqi officials in January is being tweaked to ensure it is being applied fairly. More
Rumsfeld Asks Editors to Tell Public 'Whole Story' of War
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, April 22, 2004 — Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld appealed to American newspaper editors here today to tell the whole story about the global war on terrorism.
     Rumsfeld spoke at a conference of U.S. newspaper editors, and told the group their publications are uniquely posed to help debate in America because they have the room for detail and nuance.
     "To know the whole story about what's going on in Iraq today, America and other nations need to hear not just the truth that there are attacks and setbacks, … but also why these attacks are happening and why the terrorists and the regime remnants are lashing out," Rumsfeld said. More
Fallujah Has 'Days, Not Weeks' To Honor Peace Settlement
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, April 22, 2004 — It's a matter of "days not weeks" for Fallujans to demonstrate they are serious about honoring the agreement they made earlier this week, Coalition Provisional Authority spokesmen in Iraq said today.
     Speaking during a Baghdad press conference, senior spokesman Dan Senor said Fallujans must turn over illegal heavy weapons and they must work "to remove foreign fighters, drug users, former Special Republican Guard, former Fedayeen Saddam and other serious, dangerous and violent criminals operating out of Fallujah." More
4th Infantry Div. Commander Recounts War in Iraq Moments
By Tam Cummings / Fort Hood Public Affairs
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, arrives at Forward Operating Base Bernstein, near Tuz, Iraq, just before the base's dedication ceremony, Jan. 23, 2004. Odierno participated in the division's homecoming ceremony April 22, 2004. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe     FORT HOOD , Texas , April 22, 2004 — A war fighting terrorists, the capture of a fallen dictator, the introduction of email to a battle zone and the first war of the century have earned the soldiers of Operation Iraqi Freedom a unique place in history. “This is a new type of war,” said Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse. More
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The New Iraq: Feature Section
Time Line of Events in Iraq: 2003-2004
Legavy of Terror: Mass Graves
Today's Iraq: A Year of Progress
A Year in Iraq: The Mission (Flash photo slideshow)
On the Ground in Iraq Iraq's 55 Most Wanted Maps of Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
Weekly Progress Report (Adobe PDF slides)
Rear Detachments
Serve Vital Wartime Role
     WASHINGTON, April 22, 2004 — Army Lt. Col. Ed Dorman, deputy commander for the 507th Corps Support Group, admits he "broke the heart" of one of his best young officers when he told him he would be staying behind at Fort Bragg, N.C., when the unit deployed. More
Fallujah Has Long History
Of 'Wild West' Lawlessness
    WASHINGTON, April 21, 2004 — U.S. Marines stand ready inside Fallujah, while anti-coalition forces continue to attack in defiance of a ceasefire agreement. The city is a hotbed of anti-coalition activity, and has been since the U.S. troops entered the area in April last year. More
Air Force Secretary
Visits Kyrgyzstan
Kennel Master Tech. Sgt Edward Keenan with 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron looks on as Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche meets Military Working Dog "Kevin" and Staff Sgt Jake Bolton, also with the 379th, before a tour of the kennels at a forward deployed location, Apr. 19, 2004. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt Prentes M. Tramble     MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan, April 21, 2004 — Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche for his inaugural visit here April 14 to 16. Manas is the primary strategic airlift hub for operations in and around Afghanistan and provides tactical-airlift and aerial-refueling support for Operation Enduring Freedom. More
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Defense Officials Announce
Soldier's Captured Status
     WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today a change in the status of a soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from duty status - whereabouts unknown to captured.
     Pfc. Keith M. Maupin, 20, of Batavia, Ohio, was declared captured on April 16, 2004.
     On April 9, 2004 , Maupin and Sgt. Elmer C. Krause, 40, of Greensboro, N.C., were categorized as duty status - whereabouts unknown when individuals using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire attacked their convoy. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army Reserve’s 724th Transportation Company, from Bartonville, Ill.
     Krause’s status remains unchanged because his whereabouts remain unknown. Efforts continue to obtain the successful and safe return of both individuals.
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Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties
    WASHINGTON, April 22, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau, 23 of Portland, Maine, died April 20 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Gelineau was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion, Gardiner, Maine.
     Sgt. 1st Class Bradley C. Fox, 34, of Orlando, Fla., died April 20 in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained on March 14 when his military vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Fox was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedburg, Germany.
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The flag of the 4th Infantry Division was uncased today in ceremonies at Fort Hood, Texas, marking the official return of Task Force Ironhorse to the nation's largest military base. U.S. Army photo by Tam Cummings
Fort Hood Hosts Texas-Size
Homecoming Celebration
By Tam Cummings / Fort Hood Public Affairs
     FORT HOOD, Texas, April 22, 2004 – The flag of the 4 th Infantry Division was uncased today in ceremonies marking the official return of Task Force Ironhorse to the nation's largest military base.
     Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno and Les Brownlee, acting secretary of the Army, oversaw the event held before an estimated crowd of 60,000 soldiers, family members and national, state and community leaders.  More
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Families Briefed on Iraq Deployment Extension
By U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory F. Withrow / 1st Armored Division
     WIESBADEN, Germany, April 22, 2004 — Iron Spouses and family members, anticipating the announcement extending their loved-ones in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, gathered throughout the 1st Armored Division’s communities over the past week to discuss issues and have their questions answered. The announcement sparked a flurry of questions from families about their soldiers on the ground in Iraq. In order to get the story straight, Maj. Gen. Martin Dempsey, 1st Armored Division Commanding General, sent back a command representative.
     Brig. Gen. Mark Hertling, returned from Iraq last week, beginning a tour of 1st Armored Division communities in Hanau, Friedberg and Giessen on Friday, addressing the concerns of family-members. More
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Rebuilding Iraq - banner image

Rumsfeld Praises Role of
Free Press in U.S., Iraq, Afghanistan

     Washington, April 22, 2004 -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the emergence of a free press in Iraq and Afghanistan is an important current event in both countries but one that is under-reported by the media.
     Speaking to the American Society of Newspaper Editors April 22, Rumsfeld said the United States was founded "on the notion that an unchecked government is a major obstacle to human freedom." American leaders, he said, must be "challenged, internally through the complex constitutional system of checks and balances, and externally by a free and energetic press." More

Iraqi Reconstruction Core
Group Meets to Coordinate Assistance

     WASHINGTON, April 22, 2004 -- The State Department hosted senior representatives of the Iraq Reconstruction Core Group in Washington April 22 to discuss ways to coordinate international reconstruction assistance to Iraq.
     According to a statement by State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher, the group members discussed reconstruction issues related to the June 30 transition of power, the current security situation, and the importance of effective aid coordination.  More
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Iraq Deployment
Marines Assist Village Farmers
     AL ASAD, Iraq, April 22, 2004 — The Marine Corps' mission of winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people brought the Air Base staff, here, to a local date palm grove to foster friendship with the local communities and villages, April 17. More
Soldiers Train Iraqi Armed Forces Under Fire
Army Staff Sgt. Russell Cotton of the 75th Division (Training Support) advises an Iraqi platoon leader while on a combat patrol in Tallafar, Iraq, April 20, 2004.     TALLAFAR, Iraq, Army News Service, April 20, 2004 -- Amidst mortar attacks, fire fights at the front gate, drive-by shootings, and the ever-present danger of improvised explosive devices, a team of the 75th Division (Training Support) is training hundreds of soldiers of the Iraqi Armed Forces. More
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Condors Prepare to Migrate Home
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Barry J. Stroll, operations chief for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, disassembles the tail section of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter here April 20. Stroll and the rest of HMH-464 is packing up and leaving the Horn of Africa after being deployed here for six months. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam C. Schnell    CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti, April 23, 2004 - After six months of being Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s only helicopter squadron, the Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 are ready to return home to Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.
     The HMH-464 helicopter detachment will be replaced by a detachment from HMH-461, their sister unit from New River and the same unit that was deployed here just six months ago. More
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War on Terrorism
Singapore Vows Commitment To Global War on Terrorism
Terror War Demonstrates Need to Update Doctrine
Commander Calls War on Terror 'National War for Our Survival'
Iraq
Bush: U.S. Won't 'Cut and Run' From Iraqi Freedom Mission
Terror Attacks in Basra Leave 38 Civilians Dead, 98 Injured
Terrorists Can't Compete With Reconstruction Team Projects
Military News
Some Soldiers Get Reenlistment Bonuses
. National Guard, Reserve Update
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America Pays Tribute to the Troops
Children Send
Greetings on Quilt
Sgt. Maj. Wayne R. Bell, 1st Marine Division sergeant major, and a group of Marines from the division's Headquarters Battalion pose with a quilt made by students at ABC Child Care Center in Temecula, Calif. The children made the quilt to show their love and support for the troops in Iraq.
     WASHINGTON (Army News Service, April 20, 2004) — Many of the soldiers in Iraq are young parents and won’t see their spouses or children for a year or more. But soldiers will soon be able to more easily send e-mail to or call their loved ones at home due to the donation of millions of dollars of telecommunications equipment and services to the Army. More
Bagram Airmen
Receive Taste of America
Brownie Troop 2859 from Marlboro, Mass., sent about 150 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Szczechowski
     BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN). April 21, 2004 — With hand-written messages like, “We support you 100 percent,” and “Thanks for protecting our country,” on every package, reinforcements recently arrived here from the United States. More
starSign an On-line Thank You Note
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Defense Leaders Speak
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld
"Today we're experiencing a decisive test of wills between the millions of Iraqis that are dedicated to freedom, and the murderers and the terrorists who oppose Iraqi progress to self-government. The remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime know they have no future in a free Iraq. Most of the 25 million Iraqi people oppose them. Their defeat is eventually assured, so long as the United States stays the course with its coalition partners."
Newspaper Association of America/American Society of Newspaper Editors Joint Conference, April 22, 2004
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Defense Views
Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
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Afghanistan Update
Maps of Afghanistan
Profile
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U.S. Army
Capt. David Rozelle
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Capt. David Rozelle (right) talks about his prosthetic foot with Sgt. Justin Callahan during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where Rozelle spent time talking to fellow amputee soldiers after getting fitted for a new swim leg prosthetic. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lorie Jewell     SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 23, 2004 — Losing part of his right leg below the knee has made Capt. David Rozelle more determined than ever to be the kind of leader that motivates soldiers by example.  More
U.S. Naval Academy
Midshipman Courtney Davidson
     QUANTICO, Va., April 23, 2004 — Courtney Davidson, team captain for the 2003-2004 Navy women's basketball team, put one last touch on a stellar collegiate basketball career, appearing in the 16th Annual Mountain Dew College Basketball Slam Dunk and Three-Point Championships in San Antonio, Texas, on April 2. More
More Profiles
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On the Ground
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In Kyrgyzstan
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Reserve C-130 Crews
Support Front-Line Fighters
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     MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan, April 21, 2004 — While many people here are at the end of their average workday, eagerly anticipating working out, eating dinner or catching a movie before turning in for the night, Maj. James Hayes’ duty day is just beginning. More
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'On The Ground' Archive
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