Home Page - DefendAmerica 
[NOTE: Because of increased web traffic, you may experience delays.  Please be patient.]
May 11, 2004
space
Department of Homeland Security Threat Advisory System
DHS Threat & Protection Advisory Level - Yellow: Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
space
Pentagon Town Hall
space
Support For Our Troops
DoD Video Broadcast
Skip Navigation
spaceFirstGov
spaceEPA
spaceFAA
spaceFBI
spaceFEMA
spaceHomeland Security
spaceJustice Department
spaceState Department
spaceTreasury Department
spaceWhite House
spaceWar on Terror Sites
space
spaceDefense Department Home Page
spaceArmy
spaceNavy
spaceAir Force
spaceMarines
spaceCoast Guard
spaceReserve Affairs
spaceArmy Reserve
spaceNavy Reserve
spaceAir Force Reserve
spaceMarine Reserve
spaceCoast Guard Reserve
spaceNational Guard
spaceAir National Guard
spaceArmy National Guard
spaceESGR
spaceMerchant Marines
space
spaceCivil Air Patrol
spaceCoast Guard Auxiliary
spaceFBI
space
spaceDefense Department
spaceState Department
spaceWhite House
A Year in Iraq - The Mission
Photo, caption below.
space
TAKING AIM — Marine Corp Fast Team members Lance Cpl. Kevin Miller (left) and Cpl. Anthony Monnin provide protection for other Marines at the Coalition Provisional Authority Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, April 29, 2004. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Quinton Russ
space
General Says Iraqi People Hold Key to Ending Standoff at Najaf
By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 -- The best resolution to the standoff in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf will be one orchestrated not by the coalition but by the Iraqi people themselves, the commander of the 1st Armored Division said in Baghdad today.
     Army Maj. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters it's up to Iraq's stakeholders — its tribal leaders, clerics and politicians — to tackle the delicate situation in one of the country's holiest cities. More
U.S. Has 'Vital Interest' in Iraq, Bush Tells Pentagon Audience
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
President Bush praises Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld for his leadership and thanks the men and women in uniform for defending America with "unselfish courage" during a May 10, 2004, visit to the Pentagon. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Jerry Morrison     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    Remarks    Photos
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.
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
space
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)
space
Veterans Affairs Reaches Out
To Newest Combat Veterans
     WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its efforts to reach veterans of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure they are aware of benefits they have earned. More
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
space
National Military Appreciation Month, May 2004
space

"Dear Troops:
Thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and service to your country. Thank you for all you have done in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world in these difficult times. w/ Respect and Dear Admiration."
Susan DeVeber, Londonderry, NH

Send a Message     Read Messages
Sign the Online Thank You Note
space
Transformation
space
space
1st Infantry Div.
Flight-Tests UAV
space
The 1st Infantry Division’s tactical unmanned aerial vehicle takes flight during a test run at Forward Operating Base Remagen, Iraq, May 10, 2004. The vehicle is launched from a hydraulic rail launcher and gains speed in excess of 70 mph. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Roland G. Walters      TIKRIT, Iraq, May 11, 2004 — The 101st Military Intelligence Battalion ran its first test flight of the 1st Infantry Division’s Shadow 200, tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, May 10, at Forward Operating Base Remagen.  More
Army Special Ops Forces
Unveil Updated Helicopter
space
     RIDLEY PARK, Pa., May 7, 2004 (USASOC News Service) — Army special operations forces received their first MH-47G Chinook helicopter during a rollout ceremony at aircraft manufacturer Boeing’s compound here May 6.
More
More Transformation News
space
Marine Corps Programs Support
Families During Deployments
     MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay, May 7, 2004 — The eyes of the country have settled upon operations by service members in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, but the military does not forget family members in the background who are faithfully supporting the troops. More
Benefits Ease Stress on Families
spaceAir Force Radio
spaceAFRTS - Radio
spaceSoldiers Radio
space
spaceTelevision
spaceAir Force TV
spaceAFRTS - TV
spaceNavy-Marines TV
spaceSoldiers Radio&TV
space
AFRTS Video Report
space
Coalition Provisional Authority, The Path to Democracy
space
The Coalition Bulletin - pdf document
space
Saddam's Capture - A Video from Golf Troops' Perspective
space
Fallen Warriors
 
Send E-Mail to Troops at AnyServiceMember.
 
http://www.defendamerica.mil/homecoming/archive.html
 
Photoessays
 
Link to Profiles.
 
Military Systems & Equipment.
 
Humanitarian Aid
 
Backgrounders
 
Subscribe to DefendAmerica Email News.
 
Feedback.
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

space
Photo Essay - banner image
Recognizing Iraqi Troops' Heroism 5 More Photos
Photo, caption below.
Col. Dakill, commander of the 201st Iraqi Civil Defense Corps Battalion, presents awards to Iraqi soldiers during a ceremony in Tikrit, Iraq, May 5, 2004. More than 30 soldiers were recognized for acts of heroism performed during various combat operations. Awards presented include the Iraqi Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and cash rewards of $250. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Klaus Baesu   Photo Essay Archive
space
Fallujah Brigade Secures Route
For Marine Expeditionary Force
     CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 11, 2004 — With the 1st Battalion of the Fallujah Brigade providing security all along their route, Marines from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force traveled into downtown Fallujah May 10 to meet with city officials, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
      The commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, Maj. Gen. James N. Mattis, met with Mahmood Ibraheem Al Jurasi, Fallujah's mayor, and a group of tribal sheiks to discuss plans to rebuild and revitalize the city. More
Troops Deliver Water to Neighborhood
By U.S. Army Spc. Bryan Kinkade / 1st Cavalry Division
     CAMP BLACK JACK, Iraq, May 10, 2004 (Army News Service) — A crowd of villagers moved toward the vehicles as they watched the 400-gallon water buffalo slowly cruise past them.
     The soldiers from Battery C, 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment were back, to provide water to the citizens of Sheik Fahed’s Village, right outside the Baghdad International Airport. More
space
Rebuilding Iraq - banner image
space
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. More
space
Marines, Iraqis Celebrate
Opening of Training Center
     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. More
space
Bremer Meets With Iraqi Women Educators, Attorneys
space
space
Marine Battalion, Afghan Police Team Up
     SUROBI, Afghanistan, May 8, 2004 — The Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, have found a new partner in the war on terror. The battalion has joined forces with the Surobi police in both security and civil affairs operations throughout the Surobi District.
     “America’s Battalion” deployed to Afghanistan late last year, and has spent the past two months operating in the Tagab Valley. The area was once home to numerous anti-coalition militia members. More
space

Deployed Airman Helps Build
Cultural Bridge One Friendship at a Time

By U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Dixon Sr.
     TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq, May 10, 2004 (USAFENS) — In my 22 years in the Air Force, I have spent my birthday in some pretty neat places - Las Vegas, Nevada, Germany and Holland … but none will compare to how I spent my 40th birthday.
     As the operations superintendent for the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, I had the unique opportunity to visit with some Bedouin families who live near our base. More
More News - banner image
War on Terrorism
Ridge, European Union Officials Discuss Aviation Security
U.S. Condemns Terrorist Attack in Chechnya
State Dept. Announces Program to Curb Movement of Terrorists
Iraq
First Court-Martial Set in Iraq
General Pledges Protection Under Geneva Conventions
Bush: Majority of U.S.Troops in Iraq Display Decency, Courage
Rumsfeld Announces Detention Operations Review
Military News
Bush Requests Additional $25 Billion for Defense
. National Guard, Reserve Update
space
space
Defense Leaders Speak
space
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
space
space
Defense Officials
Identify Casualties
     WASHINGTON, May 10, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of a soldier and a Marine.
     Army Spc. Philip D. Brown, 21, of El Paso, Texas, died May 8 in Balad, Iraq, from injuries sustained west of Samarra by an improvised explosive device. Brown was assigned to the Army National Guard’s Company B, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Jamestown, N.D.
     Marine Cpl. Ronald R. Payne Jr., 23, of Lakeland, Fla., died May 7th due to hostile action in the vicinity of Tawara, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
space
Afghanistan Update
space
Maps of Afghanistan
space
space
space
America Pays Tribute to the Troops
space
Padres Swing Special
Salute to USS Boxer
    SAN DIEGO, May 10, 2004 (NNS) — During the San Diego Padres' 8th Annual Military Appreciation Day, the club offered seats throughout Petco Park's entire upper deck to service members and their families members at discounted prices. But to 50 family members of USS Boxer, however, the Padres opened up their gates, their hearts and upper deck for free. More
space
starSign an On-line Thank You Note
space
space
Profile
space
space
U.S. Army
Capt. Michael J. Trotter
space
Army Capt. Michael J. Trotter speaks to soldiers from Company B, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, at a range in rural Djibouti. As company commander, Trotter travels throughout the region to various mission locations to ensure soldier safety. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric M. McKeeby     CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti, May 11, 2004 — Army Capt. Michael J. Trotter has been busy in the five months since his company began supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  More
space
U.S. Marine Corps
Chief Warrant Officer 3
Jean Poitevien
space
Marine Brig. Gen. Ron Coleman, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Haiti, and Col. Mario LaPaix, the commanding general's special advisor, pin chief warrant officer 3 rank on Jean Poitevien. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mike Escobar     CAMP CINTRON, Haiti, May 11, 2004 — A stocky, broad-shouldered man walks down a hall of the Combined Joint Task Force Haiti headquarters, making his way to the linguists’ office. “Oohrah, sir,” a young "devil dog" greets him as he walks by the chief warrant officer. “How are you this morning?”  More
More Profiles
space
space
space
On the Ground
space
space
In Afghanistan
space
space
Maintenance Troops Work
To Stay Ahead of Climate
Marine Cpl. Nicholas J. Morrison preforms maintenance to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas C. Alston      KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Though most enemy anti-aircraft guns were destroyed when U.S. forces entered Afghanistan in 2001, the climate remains hostile to the aircraft of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). More
In Iraq
space
space
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
space
space
In Djibouti
space
space
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
space
space

Ballistic Missile Defense | Defense Department Overview | Joint Chiefs of Staff
CENTCOM | EUCOM |