DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 05/07/2004

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May 07, 2004

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ON THE HUNT— An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 494th Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, flies a combat sortie in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II

Defense Secretary Accepts
Responsibility for Abu Ghraib

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld listens to the testimony of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.l Richard B. Myers before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill May 7, 2004. Rumsfeld and Myers testified on the alleged mistreatment of detainees in Iraq. Defense Dept. photo by Tech Sgt Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2004 — Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld accepted full responsibility for "the terrible activities that occurred at Abu Ghraib."
The secretary said the alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners at the prison in Iraq "occurred on my watch, and as secretary of defense I am accountable for them, and I take full responsibility." More Remarks More Photos

Soldier Killed, Two Others Wounded in Baghdad Attack

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

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2004 — Terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi may be responsible for the latest death of a U.S. soldier, Coalition Provisional Authority officials said at a Baghdad news conference today.
Military spokesman Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt said one soldier was killed and two others were wounded May 6 by a suicide car bomber at a military checkpoint in Baghdad. More

BUSH EXPRESSES REGRETS

President Calls Abuse 'Stain' On Nation’s Honor, Reputation

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 — President Bush called cases of abuse of Iraqi prisoners "a stain on our country's honor and our country's reputation" and said he told Jordanian King Abdullah II during their meeting today that he is sorry for the humiliation suffered by the prisoners as well as their families.
Speaking with Abdullah in the White House Rose Garden, Bush said he also told the king he is also sorry that many of the people who saw photographs of cruelty and humiliation toward Iraqi prisoners don't understand "the true nature and heart of America" — an America, he said, that was "sickened" by the images. More Remarks

Wolfowitz Disputes the Notion Saddam 'Just Another Bad Guy'

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 — Saddam Hussein "institutionalized and sanctioned brutality on a scale" unimaginable to most Americans, the Pentagon's second- ranking civilian said in Philadelphia today.
Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz addressed the World Affairs Council of Greater Philadelphia. Wolfowitz was standing in for his boss, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. More Remarks

Bush Requests Additional
$25 Billion for Defense

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 — President Bush is asking Congress to establish a $25 billion contingency reserve fund to meet additional demands on troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as those serving elsewhere in support of the global war against terrorism. More

U.S. House Condemns
Iraqi Prisoner Abuse

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 — The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution May 6 that condemns the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in U.S. custody and urges the U.S. Army to conduct a thorough investigation into all allegations of Iraqi prisoner abuse. More

Defense Leaders Speak

Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld

" To those Iraqis who were mistreated by members of U.S. armed forces, I offer my deepest apology. It was un-American. And it was inconsistent with the values of our nation."

Senate Armed Services Committee ,
May 7, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Air Force Nurses Provide
Key Support in War on Terror

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 (AFPN) — Air Force nurses have provided tremendous support in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, treating more than 200,000 patients throughout Southwest Asia, Maj. Gen. Barbara C. Brannon told the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense April 28. More

Defense Officials
Identify Marine Casualty

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Jeffrey G. Green, 20, of Dallas, Texas, was found deceased on May 5 in the Euphrates River, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Cause of death is under investigation. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

"There are no words that can express the amount of pride and courage you have. We are all proud of all of you. Every day you show the world how great the military is in the USA. Remember God is with you because you are fighting for what is right for the world and its people. Thank You for all you do for us every day. God Bless you. "
Don Palladini, MA

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Radio

Television

Saddam's Capture - A Video from Golf Troops' Perspective

http://www.defendamerica.mil/homecoming/archive.html

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
Pushes Deeper into Afghanistan

By U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Dent

Marines from A Co., BLT 1/6, prepare to patrol after a helicopter insert into central Afghanistan. The Marines are part of the 22d MEU (SOC) operating in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force 180. Photo by: Cpl. Jemssy Alvarez

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RIPLEY, Afghanistan, May 6, 2004 — Marine helicopters swooped into the central Afghanistan valley and dropped off Marines from the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), marking the unit's second major push into Afghanistan earlier this week.
The Marines arrived in Afghanistan last month and have now moved deeper into the country to establish a Forward Operating Base to support combat and civil-military operations primarily in the Oruzgan province. More

Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team 9 More Photos

1st Sgt. Dale Perez with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, hands out supplies to children at the Gulbahar Orphanage in Gulbahar, Afghanistan, May 4, 2004. The Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team donated toys,clothes and school supplies on behalf of a church in the United States to the Gulbahar High School and Orphanage in Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Vernell Hall Photo Essay Archive

Italian Troops Continue Humanitarian Aid Projects

AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq, May 7, 2004 — Despite attacks by anti-Coalition insurgents, Italian soldiers in Iraq continue humanitarian aid projects throughout the Dhi Gar province, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials.
A recently-completed project restructured the electrical network at the An Nasiriyah railway station, granting more dependable power to local railways. More

Italians Provide Water Purification System, Kits to Iraqis

Army’s Top Sergeant, Families
Talk Iraq Deployment Extension

WIESBADEN ARMY AIRFIELD, Germany, May 6, 2004 (Army News Service) — Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston’s visit to Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, May 4 was a homecoming of sorts.
Preston, the Army’s top enlisted soldier, came to discuss current issues with Family Readiness Group members from 5th Corps’ 1st Armored Division and the 104th Area Support Group. A large number of questions revolved around Army policies on keeping soldiers on deployments longer than originally planned. More

Alert Illinois Guardsmen Spot Explosive

BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 6, 2004 (Army News Service) — “BOOM!” The car exploded and there was nothing left but nuts and bolts.
April 12 started out as an average day for Staff Sgt. David Jensen and Sgt. Bruce Hartman of Fox Battery, 202nd Air Defense Artillery, part of the Illinois National Guard, attached to the 1st Cavalry Division. Then it happened. A broken down car was parked on their patrol route. More

Team Works to Polish 'Jewel' of Kabul

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ron Burke / 211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 7, 2004 — Two enlarged black-and-white photographs on top of a storage cabinet caught the attention of everyone in the classroom. The photos date back to the 1960s and the frayed edges and bronze tinting added to the mystique of Kabul University’s College of Pharmacy.
Now, after 24 years of war and instability, the university is in the midst of a recovery program. More

Operation Enduring Freedom
Reunites Mother, Daughter

Spc. Katherine Storlie (left), 551st Military Police Company., and her mother, Sgt. 1st Class Jannette Wildfong, 485th Medical Detachment, were reunited at Bagram Air Base. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Chris Stump

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 7, 2004 — There are many parents who are concerned for their deployed children. And there are many children who feel the same about their parents. Very few can jump in a vehicle and drive to see their deployed family and see how they’re doing.
Of course, there are some exceptions — like Sgt. 1st Class Jannette Wildfong and her daughter, Spc. Katherine Storlie, who are both stationed in Afghanistan. More

War on Terrorism

• Bush, Jordanian King Pledge Unity in Facing Terror Threat

• U.S. Counterterrorism Official Reports Progress to Africans

• Seminar to Focus on Terror Threats, Response

• Guard, Reserve Critical to Homeland Defense Capabilities

Iraq

. Former Anti-Saddam Activist Named as New Najaf Governor

. Coalition Forces Take Steps to Improve Oil Terminal Security

. Military Will Examine 'Every Facet' of Iraq Prisoner Abuse

. Abu Ghraib Abuse 'Abhorrent,' Bush Tells Arab News Services

. Rumsfeld: Iraq Prison Abuse 'Unacceptable, Un-American'

Military News

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Celebrity Chef Visits
Pearl Harbor Ship

Celebrity Chef Roy Yamaguchi dishes up lunch during a visit to the Pearl Harbor-based guided missile frigate USS CrommelinU.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Williams

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, May 6, 2004 (NNS) — Culinary specialists aboard the Pearl Habor-based USS Crommelin hosted celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi April 30, to share tips on food preparation and a love of cooking. More

Girl Scouts Send Taste of
Home to Deployed Troops

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., May 6, 2004 — Marines and sailors celebrated with the Girl Scouts and San Diego community members with the shipment of more than 125,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies and handwritten notes to thousands of American troops serving in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Thin Mint during an April 26 ceremony. More

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Profile

U.S. Navy
Lt. Cmdr. Chris Cassidy

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., May 7, 2004 — The National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced May 6 that Lt. Cmdr. Chris Cassidy, a Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, and Land) assigned to a locally based SEAL team, was selected for NASA’s Astronaut Program.
The announcement was made during a Space Day ceremony hosted at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. More

U.S. Air Force Chief
Master Sgt. (Ret.) Wayne Fisk

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Fisk displays a flag presented to him by two pararescue airmen who rappelled from a helicopter during a ceremony naming a park here in his honor April 28. U.S. Air Force photo by Carl Bergquist

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala., May 7, 2004 — The monument tells the story of an airman who earned two Silver Stars, a Defense Superior Service Medal, a Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals. A park here now bears his name. More

More Profiles

Afghan Honored for
Human Rights Work

NEW YORK, May 6, 2004 — A 28-year-old Afghan man has been recognized for his courage and determination in pursuing human rights in Afghanistan, especially the rights of Afghan women and children, with a 2004 Reebok Human Rights Award at a gala ceremony May 5. More

. Maps of Afghanistan

In Iraq

Signal Soldiers Ensure
Clear Communications

Task Force 1-37 Armor signal officer, 2nd Lt. Scott Paul, carries hanks of computer network cable and a case of Meals, Ready to Eat, during set up operations for the task force’s communications systems. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Meissner

WITH TASK FORCE 1-37, Iraq, May 7, 2004 — In war, communication lines are just as important as battle lines. When Task Force 1-37 Armor arrived at Camp Lima they found the Polish forces already inhabiting the camp had already set up a good foundation for the task force’s signal operations. More

In Turkey

Incirlik Supports Enduring
Freedom Troop Transit

Soldiers supporting Operation Enduring Freedom arrive at Incirlik Air Base for a brief layover April 29. U.S. Airforce photo by Senior Airman Michelle Miranda

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey, May 7, 2004 (USAFENS) — While the spotlight has been focused lately on Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom’s global war on terrorism still quietly continues in Afghanistan. More

In Afghanistan

Command Keeps
Supplies Moving

Sgt. Ronald Peters, Lightning Task Force 725, directs a truck, while a crane hoists a Humvee overhead. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Frank Magni

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 7, 2004 — Throughout the Army, soldiers filling a transportation or supply job typically fall under division support commands, corps support groups or transportation units. But as the Combined Joint Task Force-180 has adapted to operations in Afghanistan, so have the soldiers from these traditional support units, coming together to make the Joint Logistics Command. More

'On The Ground' Archive