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Apr 26, 2004
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Photo, caption below.
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ARABIAN GULF — USS Bulkeley participates in exercises in the Arabian Gulf, April 21, 2004. The Norfolk, Va.-based Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer is on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U. S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brien Aho
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Patrols to Begin in Fallujah While Concerns Grow in Najaf
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, April 25, 2004 — City representatives in Fallujah have agreed to allow joint patrols by Iraqi and U.S. forces to begin in the city April 28, senior coalition officials said during a news conference in Baghdad today.
     The coalition also is concerned about a "dangerous" situation in Najaf, as illegal militias are stockpiling weapons and ammunition in mosques, holy sites and schools, officials said. More
Fallujah Leaders Must Rescue City From Enemy Forces' Grip
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, April 24, 2004 — The coalition has fulfilled almost all aspects of the agreement in Fallujah while anti-coalition forces there have fulfilled almost none, coalition officials in Baghdad said today.
     Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt went over each of the aspects on the signed agreement during a news conference. More
Bremer Speaks to Iraqis About Security, New Iraq, Fallujah
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 — The vast majority of Iraqis want to live as a free, democratic and peaceful country, said the top coalition official in Baghdad today, but they must work with the coalition to make this a reality.
     Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III said on the Al-Iraqiyah national television service that Iraq faces a choice between freedom and continued tyranny. More
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, 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  Briefing
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. He said their publications are uniquely posed to help debate in America because they have the room for detail and nuance. More Remarks
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Pfc. Hammer Finds a Home
Staff Sgt. Rick Bousfield holds Pfc. Hammer, the Iraq-born cat that joined his infantry company during their deployment in Iraq.      WASHINGTON, April 24, 2004 - A tiger-striped Iraqi kitten that wiggled its way into the hearts of a U.S. Army unit has made its way to the United States, thanks to a host of volunteers and two animal welfare groups.
     Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, dubbed the tiny ball of fur that wandered into their tent early last fall "Pfc. Hammer." 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)
Former Football Star
Killed in Afghanistan
     WASHINGTON, April 24, 2004 – He was so moved by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, that he turned down a $3.6 million professional football contract to become an Army Ranger.
     Spc. Pat Tillman, 27, who was deployed with the 75th Ranger Regiment from Fort Benning, Ga., was killed April 22 during a firefight in southeastern Afghanistan. The Defense Department confirmed the soldier's identity late April 23. More
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Rocket Attack Hits Coalition
Base; 4 Killed, 7 Wounded
     AL TAJI, Iraq April 24, 2004 — Four Task Force Baghdad soldiers were killed and seven were wounded as a result of a rocket attack on a Coalition base near here early April 24, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials. Previous Coalition reports indicating that a fifth soldier had died today in the attack were incorrect. The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.
Pentagon Memorial
Fund Launches Campaign
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 — The Pentagon Memorial Fund campaign was officially launched here April 22 during a Capitol Hill ceremony. Almost $30 million is being solicited, according to a news release from the Washington, D.C., public relations firm handling fund-raising for the memorial on a pro bono basis. More
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Combat Controllers Play
Key Role in Terror War
     WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 — The largest-ever class of future Air Force combat controllers is training at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., to provide critical skills required in the war on terror. More
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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
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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.
Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualty
     WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 — The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     Staff Sgt. Edward W. Carman, 27 of McKeesport, Pa., died April 17, in Baghdad, Iraq when the track of the tank he was in broke, the driver lost control and the tank rolled off the bridge. Staff Sgt. Carman was assigned to the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 12th Armored Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
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Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michelle Williams and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Williams reflect on Dave's experience as a prisoner of war in Iraq. U.S. Army photo
Military Couple Relives
POW Experience From Both Sides
     FORT HOOD, Texas, 2004 — It's been a year since Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Williams' Longbow Apache helicopter was shot down over Iraq and he and his copilot, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ronald Young Jr., spent 22 days as prisoners of war before being rescued by U.S. Marines. Williams and his wife, fellow Army pilot Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michelle Williams, share their experiences, both in Iraq and from the homefront waiting news of his return, and how their lives have changed as a result. Story
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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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Families Briefed on Iraq Duty 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
Defense Language Institute Teachers Help Afghans Rebuild Nation, Lives
By James Coburn / 37th Training Wing
     LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, April 23, 2004 (AETCNS) — Teaching teams from the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at here get a good feeling that is “magnified 100 times” as they help rebuild Afghanistan by teaching English to members of the new Afghan National Army, a team leader said.
     Lorain Cardenas, a center supervisor who recently returned from Kabul, Afghanistan, after a three-month teaching assignment, said U.S. and other coalition forces “are trying to rebuild Afghanistan, trying to build a national army, not a factional army.” More
Soldiers Assist Afghan Police
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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More News - banner image
War on Terrorism
U.S. Urges Adoption of Resolution on WMD
Singapore Vows Commitment to Global War on Terrorism
Terror War Demonstrates Need to Update Doctrine
Iraq
4th Infantry Div. Commander Recounts War in Iraq Moments
Fallujah Has 'Days, Not Weeks' To Honor Peace Settlement
Fallujah Has Long History of 'Wild West' Lawlessness
Bush: U.S. Won't 'Cut and Run' From Iraqi Freedom Mission
Terror Attacks in Basra Leave 38 Civilians Dead, 98 Injured
Military News
Some Soldiers Get Reenlistment Bonuses
. National Guard, Reserve Update
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Military Phone Card
Donation Program Goes Public
     WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today that any American can now help troops in contingency operations call home. The “Help Our Troops Call Home” program is designed to help servicemembers call home from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. More
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America Pays Tribute to the Troops
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
Civil Affairs Teams
Deliver Aid to Schools
     KABUL, Afghanistan, April 21, 2004 — A civil affairs team out of Parwan distributed humanitarian aid to the Bagram and Golbahar Schools, April 19, 2004, according to Combined Joint Task Force 180 officials. Another civil affairs team in Ghazni City delivered 66 desks from Eiffel Contractor to the Shamir Primary Boys School and coordinated the delivery of 100 floor mats and two school-in-a-box kits for a high school in Miri/Andar District. More
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 Iraq
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Postal Service
Improves for Marines
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Maine Lance Cpl. Gustave L. Jonas, a mail clerk with 9th Communications Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, 19, of Macadeon, N.Y., passes a piece of mail down the line to Cpl. Freddy Casias, an armorer with Combat Service Support Battalion 1, 1st Force Service Support Group, 21, of Kinston, N.C., on March 31, 2004. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. J.C. Guibord      CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, April 23, 2004 — For Marines in Iraq there is no more waiting weeks, or sometimes months, for their letters or care packages, even amidst combat operations throughout the Al Anbar province.  More
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In Southwest Asia
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Tanker Aircraft Delivers
One Billionth Pound of Fuel
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Senior Airman Casey Killian refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 21. Airman Killian pumped the 1 billionth pound of fuel passed by Combined Forces Air Component Command aircraft since Jan. 30, 2003. She is a boom operator with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II       SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN), April 22, 2004 — If you were to count from one to one billion it would take about 95 years. It took a little over a year for U.S. Central Command’s Combined Force Air Component Command-controlled tanker airlift to deliver one billion pounds of jet fuel.  More
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'On The Ground' Archive
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