DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 05/12/2004

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May 12, 2004

Armed Forces Day 2004 - A Tradition of Heroes

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LET SPARKS FLY — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Clinton Miller cleans a weld with a grinder while repairing the front end of a forklift at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Miller is a vehicle maintenance specialist deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown

Rumsfeld: Abuse Charges Don't Overshadow Positives in Iraq

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld called incidents at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad "a body blow" to the nation's military, but said they don't overshadow tremendous strides being made in Iraq or the virtues of the men and women in uniform.
Rumsfeld said the nation is "heartsick" for what happened and its impact on the country's "really well-earned reputation as a force for good in the world." Story Transcript Town Hall Photos

Prisoner Abuse at Abu Ghraib Resulted From Leadership Gap

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — Detainee abuse allegedly committed by U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq resulted from a lack of leadership, Army Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
Taguba was asked point-blank for his opinion on what went wrong at the Baghdad detention facility. More

More Specifics Needed To Find Source of Iraqi Detainee Abuse

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — Pinpointing who said what to whom is one key to determining how alleged abuse of detainees by soldiers at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison came about, the Army's top intelligence officer told the Senate Armed Services Committee here today.
Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander told senators that although some accused soldiers have said military intelligence personnel told them to "soften up" prisoners for interrogation, no firm evidence to that effect has been uncovered as yet. More

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 to tackle the delicate situation in one of the country's holiest cities. More Briefing

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

Fort McNair Conference
Updates Coalition Partners

FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, D.C., May 11, 2004 — "I suppose this is what Americans mean when they say the coalition must have an international face," said a European attendee at the first Coalition Conference, held here May 6-7. The man was talking about representatives from 54 nations gathered to receive updates on the war on terrorism and specifically about the strategies and ways ahead in Iraq and Afghanistan. More

Pentagon Personnel Chief Details
Asia-Pacific Americans' Service

ARLINGTON, May 11, 2004 — The senior-ranking DoD civilian of Asian descent used the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal to shed positive light on a fellow Asian-Pacific American during a speech here May 10. More

"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

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Sign the Online Thank You Note

Transformation

Myers: U.S. Must Exploit
Asymmetric Advantages

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — The United States has its own asymmetric advantages in the asymmetric war on terror, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today, and those advantages are at the cusp of transformation. More

More Transformation News

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

Radio

Television

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

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

Iraqi Security Forces Learning Ropes, Making Solid Progress

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld praised the progress being made in training the new Iraqi security forces for their critical role in their country's future, but warned naysayers that it's unrealistic to expect too much too quickly.
Rumsfeld told service members, DoD civilians and government contractors at a Pentagon town hall meeting today that they're likely to hear "mixed" reviews of Iraq's security forces in the weeks ahead. More

Recognizing Iraqi Troops' Heroism 5 More Photos

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

Army's 3rd Brigade Combat
Team Completes Al-Hather School

BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 12, 2004 — An opening ceremony for the Al-Hather Secondary School in southern Baghdad took place May 7, marking the completion of United States-funded renovations to the school, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials.
The $57,500 renovation had been under way since late March, said 2nd Lt. Stephen Jaworski, Emergency Response Program coordinator for the 161st Infantry's 1st Battalion. The school will serve more than 700 students and have a staff of 30 teachers, Jaworski said. More

Improvements on Tap for Fallujah, Al Kharma

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 12, 2004 — Marines will soon start the Fallujah Outreach Center Project designed to train and employ more than 80 young Iraqis in such trades as plumbing, electrical work and construction work, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials.
The center will be built north of the Fallujah Liaison Team building using materials and equipment from local businesses and vendors. More

CPA Awards Contracts for Babil Province Community Projects

Iraq Moves Toward Regulating Its Own Electronic Media

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

Iraqi Police, Coalition Conduct Raids

MOSUL, Iraq, May 11, 2004 — More than 50 Iraqi police officers conducted three simultaneous cordon-and-knock operations in southwest Mosul May 7 to attempt to capture three people wanted for attacking Iraqi police in the Tal Ar Ruman neighborhood a week earlier, according to Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials.
Task Force Olympia supported the raid by establishing the cordon around each targeted location. More

7th Cavalry Unit Detains Weapons Dealers

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. More

Fort Hood Wives Send
Slingshots, Other Gifts From Home

By Tam Cummings / Fort Hood Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas, May 12, 2004 — When the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in March, the soldiers told their wives they would call home as often as possible.
But when Sgt. Sean Nicholson called home last week, what he really wanted was for his wife to send him a slingshot and a bag of marbles. More

War on Terrorism

• Seminars to Focus on Crucial Role of Media in Terrorism Response

. Ridge, European Union Officials Discuss Aviation Security

. U.S. Condemns Terrorist Attack in Chechnya

. State Dept. Announces Program to Curb Movement of Terrorists

Iraq

. U.S. Has 'Vital Interest' in Iraq, Bush Tells Pentagon Audience

. Steadfast Leadership, Will, Determination Needed in Iraq

. Transfer of Sovereignty in Iraq Won't Be 'Instant,' Official Says

Military News

. Unit Activates to Prepare Volunteers for Special Forces Selection

. Bush Requests Additional $25 Billion for Defense

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Leaders Speak

Secretary of Defense
Donald H. Rumsfeld

"In Iraq we have liberated 25 million people from the tyranny of a brutal dictator. In a few weeks we'll hand over power to Iraqis, an interim government that will shortly be operating under a constitution that will guarantee freedom to all Iraqi people."

Town Hall Meeting, May 11, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualty

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Rodney A. Murray, 28, of Ayden, N.C., died May 9, in Iraq, in a vehicle accident between Baghdad and Scania when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and his military vehicle collided. Sgt. Murray was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 351st Military Police Company, Ocala, Fla.

Abuse Allegations Investigated;
Civil Affairs Rebuilding Continues

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 12, 2004 — On May 11, Coalition leaders were notified of an allegation of detainee abuse, according to Combined Joint Task Force 180 officials. Upon notification coalition forces launched an immediate investigation into this matter. More

U.S. Reviews Alleged Abuse

. Maps of Afghanistan

Girl Scouts Give USS Ford
Little Piece of Home

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Pederson gives local Girl Scout Troop 2171 a tour of the guided missile frigate USS Ford. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Travis Lee Clark

EVERETT, WASH., May 12, 2004 (NNS) — As part of the Pocket Flag Project, Naval Station Everett’s USS Ford played host May 7 to seven local Girl Scout troops. The purpose of the scouts' frigate visit was to bestow upon the Ford’s crew 300 folded pocket flags to remind them of home while on their upcoming deployment. Story

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Profile

U.S. Air Force Reserve
1st Lt. Jason Szuminski

U.S. Air Force Reserve First Lt. Jason Szuminski, relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres, warms up in the bullpen during a game here against the Braves. Szuminski is the only Air Force reservist in Major League Baseball. U.S. Air Force photo by Bo Joyner

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga., May 12, 2004 — When he is not wearing the blue and gray uniform of the San Diego Padres, relief pitcher Jason Szuminski switches to Air Force blue as a first lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve. More

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpls. Trevor G. Thuman
and Philip E. Thuman

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Trevor G. Thuman, 22, and Lance Cpl. Philip E. Thuman, 20, smile after Philip pinned on Trevor's lance corporal chevrons during a promotion ceremony at Camp Blue Diamond May 5. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Veronika Tuskowski

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq, May 12, 2004 — U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Trevor G. Thuman just wanted one thing for the day he finally pinned on his lance corporal chevrons. That was for his brother, Lance Cpl. Philip E. Thuman, who lives less than 10 miles across town, to pin them on for him. More

More Profiles

In Iraq

Air Force 'Dust Devils'
Repair Busy Runway

Members of 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron use a bullfloat to smooth out concrete on the Tallil Air Base runway. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard

TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq, May 10, 2004 — Dust off, surveillance, supply deliveries, transient personnel, and rotators home, are just a few of the air missions that come in and out of Tallil. Each require the critical ability to land on a viable and operational runway. More

Communications Experts
Keep Marines in Touch

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Victoria M. Bellman, telephone and computer repairer with communications and electronics maintenance platoon, removes tiny screws from the bottom of a laptop computer to inspect the motherboard and other essential parts, at Al Asad, Iraq, May 7, 2004. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. J.L. Zimmer III

AL ASAD, Iraq, May 10, 2004 — The communications and electronics maintenance Marines of Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were some of the first troops to arrive here in early February in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More

'On The Ground' Archive