DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 05/16/2004

Home Page - DefendAmerica
[NOTE: Because of increased web traffic, you may experience delays. Please be patient.]

May 16, 2004

Armed Forces Day 2004 - A Tradition of Heroes

Government

Military

Help Fight Terror

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Transcripts

ANTI-TANK MINE CHECK — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jessen of the 748th Explosive Ordnance Detachment checks the underside of two anti-tank mines found in a village outside Ad Dujayl, Iraq, May 9, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Elizabeth Erste

Powell Confident U.S. Will 'Stay the Course' in Iraq

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

     WASHINGTON, May 16, 2004 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said today he is confident the United States will stay the course in Iraq.
     He said that President Bush has already made it clear this nation will not "cut and run."
     "We expect that the Iraqi interim government that will come into place on the first of July would certainly ask us to remain and help them stay the course," Powell said on NBC's "Meet The Press."  More

Former 101st Leader Accepts New Iraqi Security Mission

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

     WASHINGTON, May 16, 2004 — With Iraqi sovereignty less than two months away, the man who commanded the 101st Airborne Division the first year of the Iraq war is up for an enormous, new challenge.
     Army Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, who stepped down as commanding general of the Fort Campbell, Ky.-based division May 14, will be heading back to Iraq in the next few weeks to oversee training of Iraqi security personnel.
     In an interview on CNN's "Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer" today, Petraeus said his newest mission is an enormous challenge, but it's not "mission impossible."  More

President Thanks Troops for Efforts in War on Terrorism

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

     WASHINGTON, May 15, 2004 — President Bush used his weekly national radio address to applaud the efforts of service members on Armed Forces Day.
     The president credited the U.S. military with keeping terrorists across the world on the run, helping the people of Afghanistan and Iraq to build democratic societies, and making America more secure during his address today.
     "By their example, the people of those countries and of the countries around the world are coming to know that freedom is the answer to hopelessness and terror," he said.   More
Radio Address

Defense Leaders Speak

Gen. Richard B. Myers
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

"Those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America stand between liberty and tyranny, as they have for over two centuries. You have proven to the world that the United States and our allies seek not to conquer, but to defend freedom, restore peace and create hope for a better future."

Armed Forces Day Message, May 14, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Joint Service Open House
Honors War's Heroes

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — Although the 54th annual joint Armed Forces Day open house at Andrews Air Force Base has more to do with seeing both old and new generations of aircraft, military technologies and weapon systems, the message of the day from Defense Department officials was one of thanks and gratitude to service members. More Photos

Probe Says Tornado Jet Downed
In 'Perceived Self-Defense'

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — A U.S. Patriot missile crew in Iraq downed a British Royal Air Force Tornado attack fighter jet in "perceived self-defense," U.S. Central Command's investigation of the March 22, 2003, incident has concluded. More

Transformation

Transformation Requires
Cultural Change

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — Private-sector information technology providers and military leaders will need to change the way they think and do business if transformation of the force is to be truly successful, a senior U.S. official noted here. More

Marines Praise Body
Armor Effectiveness

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., May 13, 2004 — Coinciding with President George W. Bush's proposal for a larger U.S. military and expanded force protection measures, military suppliers and Congress are rushing to get new body armor to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. More

Battlelab Improves In-Flight Patient Care

More Transformation News

Radio

Television

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

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

Honoring Armed Forces Day 4 More Photos

U.S. Army Col. Charles Taylor, commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard (center), escorts Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers (left) and Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz (right) during the inspection of troops during Armed Forces Day at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 14, 2004. Defense Dept. photo by Helene C. Stikkel Photo Essay Archive

Local Iraqi Starts Independent Newspaper

AL ASAD, Iraq, May 14, 2004 — Ammar Aloba Idi of Jooba, and Sevan Lousinian, Department of Defense Arabic translator, presented the pilot edition of The Voice of the Euphrates, the first independent newspaper for the local region, to Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, here May 13.
"For 35 years, Saddam teach people, in school and television, to deal with United States as enemy," said Aloba Idi. "This will take a lot of time - to change people's mind." More

Seabee Contracting Team
Awards Landmark Contract

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq, May 14, 2004 — The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Group awarded a $100,000 contract to an Iraqi company here in a step toward a self-sufficient, free Iraq.
The group awarded the contract for the Al-Mostawda and Al-Malab road improvement project to Awad Jasim Dhayresh, who began construction immediately following the award. More

Troops Provide Care for Villagers

By Capt. Catherine Wilkinson / Army News Service

Army Spc. Elizabeth Jarry, a dental hygienist at Balad Air Base, Iraq, shows villagers of all ages how to brush their teeth during a recent Medical Civic Action Project at a small village in Balad. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant David Gillespie

BALAD, Iraq, May 13, 2004 — Civil affairs and medical personnel from Logistics Support Area Anaconda provided medical assistance to more than 130 residents of a nearby village May 12.
Soldiers and airmen combined forces to provide basic medical care for Bakra Village residents during a Medical Civil Action Project mission. More

Civil Affairs Battalion Targets Dental Health

Marines Reach Out to Refugee Camp

Afghan Officers Visit West Point

By U.S. Army Spc. Eric S. Bartelt

WEST POINT, N.Y., May 14, 2004 (Army News Service) — Three Afghan officers from the National Military Academy of Afghanistan visited West Point April 30 through May 8.
The Afghan commander, dean and admissions officer got a firsthand look at academy life, from academics to dining facilities. More

Afghan Soldiers Recognized for Battle

By Staff Sgt. Kelly McCargo / Office Military Coordination - Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 14, 2004 — More than 300 Afghan National Army soldiers were recognized by the Afghan National Army Central Corps commander during a 1st “Commando” Battalion, 3rd Brigade (Quick Reaction Force) Recognition Ceremony, April 26 at the Pol-e-charki soccer field.
On three separate occasions, the commandos successfully repelled ambushes by al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgent forces and coordinated retaliatory assaults, during a three-month force presence mission in southern Afghanistan from February through April. More

Special Forces Clinic Treats Afghan Citizens

By U.S. Army Sgt. Frank Magni / 17th Public Affairs Detachment

KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, May 13, 2004 (USASOC News Service) — For many in Afghanistan, access to medical care is very limited. A lack of medical training and equipment within community clinics has prompted coalition forces here to send their own medical personnel into communities to assist.
But in Konar Province, these medical aid projects are also being supplemented with an unconventional approach - the same clinic that treats coalition forces at a Special Forces camp here opens its doors to Afghan citizens as well. More

War on Terrorism

. Kimmitt: Cleric’s Militia Has No Respect for Holy Sites

. New Commands to Replace Combined Joint Task Force

. Soldier to Face Court-Martial

. Request for $25 Billion to Cover Near-Term Expenses

. U.S. 'Part of the Battleground' In Terror War, General Says

Iraq

. Mortar Attack, Sniper Ambush Kill U.S. Soldiers in Iraqi City

. Official Reports on Review of Detention Center Operations

. Defense Secretary, Chairman Visit Iraq’s Abu Ghraib Prison

. U.S. Senate Resolution Condemns Abu Ghraid Abuse

. Troops Cheer Rumsfeld, Myers at Baghdad Town Hall Meeting

. Abizaid: U.S. Troops Will Stay In Iraq Until Country Is Stable

Military News

. Task Force Recommends Plan to Prevent Sexual Assaults

. Veterans Affairs Reaches Out To Newest Combat Veterans

. Unit Activates to Prepare Volunteers for Special Forces Selection

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Commandant, Marine Spouses
Discuss Iraq Deployments

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., May 13, 2004 — Gen. Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, thanked military spouses for their spirit and patience May 6. "One year," was his response to a question about how long some Marines might stay in Iraq. Story

Marines Train for Iraq Deployment

Arizona Couple Trucks
Salute to Service Members

Ed Negrin discusses his trucks' red, white and blue design theme with Air Force Master Sgt. Cassandra White and Army Master Sgt. Bruce Allen May 14 in the Pentagon's center courtyard. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry J. Gilmore

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — Arizona entrepreneurs Ed Negrin and his wife, Tonie, are self-described patriots who've decorated several trucks they own with red, white and blue motifs to show their support for U.S service members. More

Armed Services YMCA
Names 'Volunteer of the Year'

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — An Army medic, his wife and four young children came here from Fort Drum, N.Y., May 13 to be honored as the Armed Services YMCA "Volunteer of the Year" during the organization's 17th annual recognition luncheon on Capitol Hill. More

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

"Thank you for your courage and honor. Words cannot express how much we appreciate you and your selfless sacrifice. Keep your heads up, we will see you back in the USA soon! All our love,"
The Palermo Family in Boston, Mass.

Send a Message Read Messages

Sign the Online Thank You Note

. Maps of Afghanistan

Profile

U.S. Army
Capt. Dan Godbee

Capt. (Dr.) Dan Godbee, 351st Military Intelligence Company attached to 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), talks to 1st Lt. Will Baynes, Company B, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, who was injured when a piece of shrapnel hit him near Hammam Al Alil, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeremy Heckler

MOSUL, Iraq, May 14, 2004 — To many, Capt. (Dr.) Dan Godbee, 351st Military Intelligence Company, is the image of the typical country doctor, mild mannered, quick with a handshake and a kind word. More

U.S. Marine Corps
Pfc. Billy McCulloch

U.S. Marine Pfc. Billy McCulloch, Platoon 2158, Company G, fills out a platoon fire-watch roster. McCulloch was appointed platoon scribe for his knowledge and organizational skills. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jess Levens

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 14, 2004 — Television shows about child geniuses have captivated American people for decades: "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "Malcolm in the Middle" and even Cartoon Network's "Dexter's Laboratory" have captured hearts of nearly everyone that watches. More

More Profiles

In Afghanistan

Engineers Build Showers
For Ghazni Soldiers

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 14, 2004 — Sixty-six days is the longest a soldier from 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment is rumored to have gone without a shower. More

In Djibouti

Old Guard Soldiers
Conduct Missions at Sea

Soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," and Marines and sailors from the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa are suspended over the Indian Ocean by a MH 60-S helicopter during a Special Purpose Insertion and Extraction training exercise launched from the USS Wasp. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric M. McKeeby

ABOARD THE USS WASP, May 13, 2004 — On a deployment packed with diverse missions for the Army’s oldest active infantry unit, soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” recently boarded the USS Wasp for combat training and tactical missions at sea. More

'On The Ground' Archive