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May 11, 2004
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DHS Threat & Protection Advisory Level - Yellow: Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
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A Year in Iraq - The Mission
Photo, caption below.
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ROLL IT OUT — Airmen unroll a 50,000-gallon fuel bladder at a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia. Fuels flight airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have replaced 10 bladders since March. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Angela Smith
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U.S. Has 'Vital Interest' in Iraq, Bush Tells Pentagon Audience
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 10, 2004 — President Bush reiterated that the United States has "a vital national interest" in Iraq, following a meeting of his national security team at the Pentagon today.
     Bush met with Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers. More
Steadfast Leadership, Will, Determination Needed in Iraq
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 10, 2004 — The coalition is winning in Iraq, and what matters is determination, will and steadfast leadership from the United States, President Bush said here today.
     The president told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Radio and Television Service today he doesn't care about the U.S. politics of the problem; he is going to do the right thing. The government, he added, will send whatever is needed to win in Iraq. If U.S. Central Command head Army Gen. John Abizaid says he needs to slow down the rotation to get more troops on the ground, "he'll get that," Bush said. More
Transfer of Sovereignty in Iraq
Won't Be 'Instant,' Official Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 10, 2004 — As U.S., coalition, Iraqi and U. N. authorities work to transfer sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government June 30, a senior U.S. official cautioned today that it wouldn't be a complete process.
     "On June 30, there will not sort of be a light switch turned on or turned off where it's just instant - it's a gradual process," Coalition Provisional Authority chief spokesman Dan Senor noted at a Baghdad news conference. More
First Court-Martial Set in Iraq
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 9, 2004 — The first court-martial to arise from allegations of detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison will be held in Baghdad beginning May 19, U.S. officials in Baghdad said today.
     Army Spc. Jeremy C. Sivits is facing three charges: conspiracy to maltreat subordinates and detainees; dereliction of duty for negligently failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment; and maltreatment of detainees. More
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The New Iraq: Feature Section
Coalition Provisional Authority Update
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)
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Nonprofit Group Plans Grief
Seminar for Military Families
     WASHINGTON, May 10, 2004 — Organizers of the National Military Survivor Seminar have planned their 10th annual event for Memorial Day weekend here. A nonprofit organization called Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, sponsors the event. More
Court Proceedings Slated
For Travis Airman
     SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., May 10, 2004. — The next court-martial session involving Senior Airman Ahmad I. Al Halabi, will convene May 11 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., according to U.S. Air Force officials. Airman Al Halabi was on temporary duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba at the time of his alleged offenses. More
Marine Patrol Saves Child
From Explosive Device

CAMP TAQQADUM, Iraq, May 9, 2004 — A Marine patrol near Husaybah took note of a child playing with an unusual object May 5, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials. More

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National Military Appreciation Month, May 2004
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"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

Send a Message     Read Messages
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Transformation
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Experimental Vessel Returns
From Persian Gulf Duty
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     FORT EUSTIS, Va., May 10, 2004 (Army News Service) — The U.S. Army's experimental Theater Support Vessel USAV Spearhead, TSV-1X, made its first port call at its home base of Fort Eustis April 30.  More
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Marines Test 'Blooper' Against
Roadside Bomb Threat
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Sgt. Bradley Leblanc, a military policeman with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, loads a practice round into his M-79 grenade launcher as Staff Sgt. Simon Lemay checks the firing line. Marines tested the "blooper" guns as a possible solution against improvised explosive devices for convoy operations in Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva     CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq, May 7, 2004 — It might just be that the answer to a 21st century problem for Marines has been around for 40 years.  More
More Transformation News
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AFRTS Video Report
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Coalition Provisional Authority, The Path to Democracy
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The Coalition Bulletin - pdf document
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Saddam's Capture - A Video from Golf Troops' Perspective
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Fallen Warriors
 
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COMMENTARY
Iraq: Work To Be Proud Of
(This column was published in the New York Post May 7 and is in the public domain. No republication restrictions.)
By Andrew S. Natsios
Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development

     The last time I was in Iraq, I met with a delegation of graduate students from Baghdad's best universities. Two hours into the discussion, one student said something extraordinary to me. He likened us to "doctors" and Iraq to a "patient" who needed radical surgery: "You [Americans] have started the operation. We are on the operating table. You can't leave now. You've got to finish," he pleaded. More

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Photo Essay - banner image
Training for Deployment 4 More Photos
Photo, caption below.
Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct firing drills from a close distance with their M-16 rifles May 7, 2004, during a Training in an Urban Environment Exercise at Camp Dawson, W.Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment. The Marines are with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines - the ground combat element for the 24th MEU. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers   Photo Essay Archive
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Rebuilding Iraq - banner image
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Marines, Ministry of Labor
Finalize Job Placement Contract
    AR RAMADI, Iraq, May 8, 2004 — Marines met with members of the Ministry of Labor here May 6 to finalize a contract providing $56,200 to create job placement offices in the Al Anbar province, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials. Another $16,700 goes toward employees' salaries for the first month's service.
     "Today we signed a memorandum between the Coalition and the Ministry of Labor," said Maj. Mark E. Stanovich, a civil affairs officer for the 1st Marine Division and the project supervisor. More
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Marines, Iraqis Celebrate
Opening of Training Center
1st Lt. Mike Oquin, projects manager for Civil Affairs Group, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and Sheik Phurat discuss contracts for projects in the near future. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment met with local sheiks and high-ranking Iraqi Civil Defense Corps officials to help in the unveiling of facilities and equipment May 8. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jose L. Garcia     HIT, Iraq, May 8, 2004 — Marines in western Al Anbar Province helped open a new Iraqi Civil Defense Corps training center here May 8. The center's opening marks the Iraqi force's strides to taking more responsibility for security in their own cities.
     Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment met with local sheiks and high-ranking Iraqi Civil Defense Corps leaders to unveil new facilities and equipment to better prepare the 503rd Battalion of the corps for protecting the local towns. More
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Bremer Meets With Iraqi Women Educators, Attorneys
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Civil Affairs Marines Visit Iraqi
Villagers, Lend Helping Hand
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew J. Apprendi
     CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 7, 2004 — Marines put a new twist on mending fences in a village near Fallujah.
     About two weeks ago, an M-1A1 tank was mired in mud in the small village of Al Budekil. Retriever crews yanked the monstrous vehicle from a farm field, but tore up valuable cropland in the process. A recent visit, though, not only fixed the problems, but allowed Marines to gain the trust of local Iraqis. More
Reserve Marines Fulfill Critical
Roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew J. Apprendi
     CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq, May 7, 2004 — They are the lawyers as infantrymen, the doctors as mechanics and the contractors as helicopter pilots.
     Currently, during Operation Iraqi Freedom alone, more than 3,000 Marine reservists are supporting I Marine Expeditionary Force’s mission of conducting security and stabilization operations in the Al Anbar province. More
Army Post Modernizes Deployment
Facilities, Wins Excellence Award
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Marcia Triggs
     WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 (Army News Service) — Last year Fort Stewart, Ga., was being scrutinized for the way it housed mobilized soldiers. This year, the installation won $1 million for swiftly modernizing as a deployment platform.
     “The whole complexion of Fort Stewart is changing from a World War II post to a modern deployment facility. Buildings are sprouting up all over the post, and next year we will undertake $136 million worth of construction,” said Col. John Kidd, the garrison commander for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield after being honored by the Army’s senior leadership. More
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War on Terrorism
U.S. Condemns Terrorist Attack in Chechnya
State Dept. Announces Program to Curb Movement of Terrorists
• Bush, Jordanian King Pledge Unity in Facing Terror Threat
• U.S. Counterterrorism Official Reports Progress to Africans
Iraq
General Pledges Protection Under Geneva Conventions
Bush: Majority of U.S.Troops in Iraq Display Decency, Courage
Rumsfeld Announces Detention Operations Review
Defense Secretary Accepts Responsibility for Abu Ghraib
Military News
Bush Requests Additional $25 Billion for Defense
. National Guard, Reserve Update
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Defense Leaders Speak
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President George W. Bush
"Our military, from this building to the streets of Fallujah, is performing with exceptional skill and courage. They and their families are making tremendous sacrifices for the security of our nation and for the freedom of others. And all the hardships and sacrifices are not behind us."
Remarks at Pentagon, May 10, 2004
Defense Views
Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
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Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties
     WASHINGTON, May 10, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of three soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. More
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Afghanistan Update
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Coalition Forces Attacked;
Weapons Caches Found
     KABUL, Afghanistan, May 8, 2004 — Coalition forces have reported coming under attack over night south of Tarin Kowt, according to Combined Joint Task Force 180 officials. One U.S. Marine was killed and one wounded. The name of the Marine who was killed will be held pending notification of the next of kin. More
Maps of Afghanistan
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America Pays Tribute to the Troops
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Padres Salute Miliary With
Annual Appreciation Day
U.S. Navy Lt. Adam Ellis, assigned to the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, sings the National Anthem at Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, during Military Appreciation Day. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas     SAN DIEGO, May 10, 2004 (NNS) — The San Diego Padres, known to many as the "Team of the Military," continued their yearly salute to the military April 15 when they hosted the 8th Annual Military Appreciation Day at their new downtown home, Petco Park. More
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Charlie Daniels Band
Plays for Troops
Charlie Daniels fiddles for the military audience during a free concert in Wiesbaden, Germany, aired live on AFN radio. U.S. Army photo     WIESBADEN, Germany, May 7, 2004 (Army News Service) — Charlie Daniels fiddled his way into the hearts of soldiers, civilians and family members at Wiesbaden Army Airfield May 6 during a fee concert to show support for U.S. troops. More
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starSign an On-line Thank You Note
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Profile
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U.S. Air Force
Col. Bill Simpson
Airman 1st Class Doug Simpson
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Air Force Col. Bill Simpson shares lunch with his son, Airman 1st Class Doug Simpson. Colonel Simpson is from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and Airman Simpson is from Pope Air Force Base, N.C. They are at the same forward-deployed location. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class J.G. Buzanowski     SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 10, 2004 — At first glance, these two airmen share only a name: Simpson. One is a senior officer, the other is junior enlisted; one is a reservist, the other active duty; one works in an office, the other on a flightline. More
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U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. Randy J. Bresnik
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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    MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., May 10, 2004 — This year NASA selected one U.S. Marine to become an astronaut. Maj. Randy J. Bresnik, operations officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, was selected out of several thousand applicants for a seat in the Astronaut Candidate Training Program. More
More Profiles
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On the Ground
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In Iraq
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Troops Combat a
Little-Known Enemy
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael E. Quaranta, a corpsman with 1st Marine Expiditionary Force Group Aid Station, a Vallejo, Calif. native, sprays cammies with permethrin at Camp Fallujah on April 27, 2004. Uniforms are being sprayed to prevent sand fly bites, which spread leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection causing long term boils on the skin. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. J.C. Guibord     CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 7, 2004 — Marines and sailors here are getting ready to combat a little-known and potentially dangerous enemy indigenous to this region.  More
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In Djibouti
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Drill Tests Flight Line
Emergency Response
     CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti, May 9, 2004 — Flashing red lights and sirens broke the silence of the sultry African night here May 5, as personnel from U.S. Marine Forces Central Command-Djibouti and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa conducted a mass casualty drill under the full moon. More
'On The Ground' Archive
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