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May 20, 2004
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DHS Threat & Protection Advisory Level - Yellow: Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
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Photo, caption below.
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CONVOY LOOKOUT — Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Lloyd mans the turret of a tactical vehicle providing protection during a convoy May 14, 2004, to purchase mission-essential supplies for Tallil Air Base, Iraq. He is assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christina M. Rumsey
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Iraq 'Commitment Will Be Kept,' Cheney Tells Academy Grads
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 19, 2004 — The United States made a pledge to help Iraqis establish a new government free from tyranny, "and that commitment will be kept," Vice President Dick Cheney told Coast Guard Academy graduates today.
     In his remarks to the Class of 2004 at the New London, Conn., military institution, Cheney asserted that "America will do what is necessary" in Iraq, including "destroying the terrorists, returning sovereignty to the Iraqi people, and helping them to build a stable, self-governing nation." More
Top U.S. Generals Say Leaders
Responsible for Abu Ghraib
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 19, 2004 — Top U.S. military generals in Iraq today told senators they accept responsibility for the failures under their commands.
     U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. John Abizaid said one of his deepest beliefs is that U.S. military officers, when in charge, must be in charge. "This is as true for the lowest second lieutenant in the chain of command as it is for me," he said. More
Review Procedure Put in Place For Guantanamo Bay Detainees
By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 19, 2004 — Nearly 600 enemy combatants being held at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will now have an annual opportunity to petition for their release.
     Defense officials have put into place an administrative review process to determine whether detainees should continue to be held, a senior defense official said at the Pentagon May 18. More
Two Soldiers Killed in Iraq;
MPs Detain Bomb Suspects
American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 19, 2004 — Two 1st Infantry Division soldiers died in separate incidents and a Marine assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq's Anbar province died from nonhostile causes May 18, Multinational Force Iraq announced in news releases today.
     Another news release said soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division's 336th Military Police detained nine suspects May 18 near the site of an improvised-explosive-device blast near Khalis. The soldiers discovered two more IEDs and confiscated three AK-47 assault rifles, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 12-gauge shotgun shells, a grenade primer and several knives. Story
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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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Defense Leaders Speak
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Vice President Dick Cheney
"Sept. 11, 2001, changed everything for this country. In the space of a few hours, we saw the violence and the grief that 19 men can inflict. And we had a glimpse of the even greater harm that terrorists wish to do to us. The terrorists hate our country and everything we stand for in the world. They serve a fanatical ideology that sets itself against progress and against humanity."
Coast Guard Academy Commencement,
New London, Conn., May 19, 2004
Defense Views
Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
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One 1st ID Soldier Killed,
One Wounded by Explosive
     TIKRIT, Iraq — One 1st Infantry Division soldier was killed and one was wounded when their combat patrol was attacked with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire near Samarra, Iraq, at 5:28 p.m. May 19. Another soldier was slightly injured trying to put out a fire caused by the explosion. More
Detention Facility Review
Called in Afghanistan
     KABUL, Afghanistan — Lt. Gen. David Barno, commander of Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan, has directed a "top to bottom" general officer led review and assessment of all coalition detention and holding operations in Afghanistan.
     The appointed general will physically visit every facility to ensure internationally accepted standards of handling detainees are met.  More
Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties
     WASHINGTON, May 20, 2004 — Defense Dept. officials have announced the identities of two soldiers who died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     Army Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Garyantes, 34, of Rehoboth, Del., died May 18 by sniper fire in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, while on a combat patrol. Garyantes was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.
     Army Spc. Marcos O. Nolasco, 34, of Chino, Calif., died May 18 in Baji, Iraq, as a result of an electrocution accident. Nolasco was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, Bamberg, Germany.
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Transformation
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Resealable Pouches
Changing Drinking Habits
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     NATICK, Mass., May 17, 2004 — Pouches that can be resealed are changing the way troops drink. Pouches allow warfighters to pour water into a package holding a powder mix, shake and consume the beverage from the opening. Story
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A Year in Iraq - The Mission
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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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U.S. Taking Steps for June 30
Sovereignty Transfer in Iraq
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 18, 2004 — The U.S. government is taking steps to be ready for the transition of sovereignty to Iraq on June 30, government officials told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today.
     Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said their departments are doing what they can to prepare for life after the Coalition Provisional Authority goes away. More
Salim Assassination Won't
Dampen Coalition's Resolve
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, May 18, 2004 — Despite yesterday's killing of a senior Iraqi official, the U.S. remains resolved to see through the establishment of a democratic Iraq, the Coalition Provisional Authority's chief spokesman said in Baghdad today.
     The CPA regularly reviews security needs for U.S. and Iraqi officials, Dan Senor told reporters during a news conference. Izzedin Salim, the head of the Iraqi Governing Council, was killed during a suicide bomb blast in Baghdad. More
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Photo Essay - banner image
Providing Security in the Gulf of Oman 5 More Photos
Photo, caption below.
U.S. sailors from USS Leyte Gulf's Vessel Board Search and Seizure Team return to their ship using a rigid hull inflatable boat, after conducting a search of the fishing dhows in the Gulf of Oman, May 1, 2004. The multinational Task Force 150, currently under the command of Royal Navy Commodore Tony Rix, is operating in the North Arabia Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Countries contributing to Task Force 150 currently include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officers 1st Class Bart Bauer  Photo Essay Archive
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Land Agreements Set Foundation For Afghan National Army Growth
By Cpl. Douglas DeMaio / Office of Military Cooperation – Afghanistan
     KABUL, Afghanistan, May 19, 2004 — Gardez, Kandahar, Mazare Sharif and Herat for building Afghan National Army regional commands and subsequent deployments to those areas are setting a basic foundation for expanding the national army's presence throughout the country.
     In addition to the four regional commands, land agreements for seven Afghan National Army regional recruiting headquarter battalions are being arranged, launching a structure the army will soon use to recruit and operate on a national scale. Story
U.S. Marines Slingload Chinese
Fighter Jet Found on Iraq Base
By U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. A.C. Mink
A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, lifts an F-7 Airguard, the Chinese version of a Russian MiG-21, from the ground at Al Asad, Iraq, May 14. The external lift mission resulted in the use of the Super Stallion's dual-point lift system to move the aircraft to a less-populated location aboard the Air Base. Photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte      AL ASAD, Iraq, May 19, 2004 — A helicopter squadron from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and a helicopter support team from 1st Force Service Support Group, joined forces to show there's no limit to what they can deliver on the battlefield.
     The units combined their skills to move a Chinese F-7 Airguard, May 14. The F-7, which was located in a high-traffic area here, needed to be moved to an area of the air base where there was less chance of it being tampered with by curious personnel. More
Iraqi Infant Slated for U.S. Surgery
     BALAD, Iraq, May 19, 2004 — An 8-month-old Iraqi girl has a new lease on life thanks to U.S. officials on both sides of the Atlantic who cut through mounds of red tape to set up surgery to remove a large birth defect.
     Early May 18, Fatemah Hassan and her 21-year-old mother, Baday Amir Abdel-Jabar boarded a military aircraft en route to Germany. After a brief layover, they'll continue on to Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, for the surgery. More
Team Helps Relieve Combat Stressors
By Capt. Tom Knowles / 386th Air Expeditionary Wing
     SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 18, 2004 — Their stories and experiences are harrowing: improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire attacks, comrades killed and injured in action and near-death experiences. It is the unfortunate reality of a combat environment that many U.S. servicemembers are confronted with daily throughout Iraq.
     Fortunately, an Air Force medical team is helping servicemembers cope with the stressors tied to confronting and surviving a harrowing array of stressors. More
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War on Terrorism
War on Terror Requires Next Generation to Meet Challenges
President Thanks Troops for Efforts in War on Terrorism
Iraq
Roadside Bomb Releases Small Traces of Sarin Gas in Baghdad
Coalition Provides Broad Security for Iraqi Officials
Military News
Task Force Recommends Plan to Prevent Sexual Assaults
Veterans Affairs Reaches Out To Newest Combat Veterans
. National Guard, Reserve Update
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National Military Appreciation Month, May 2004
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"All of us are truly grateful for your sacrifice and service. May God richly bless and protect you." Karl Duff and family, Canton, GA
Send a Message     Read Messages
Sign the Online Thank You Note
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America Pays Tribute to the Troops
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Volunteer Groups Offer
Troops Transportation Aid
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., May 3, 2004 — With continuing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan involving thousands of American troops, volunteers from many aid organizations stand ready to assist servicemembers and the families of troops wounded or killed in action there. More
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starSign an On-line Thank You Note
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Honoring the Fallen
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Photo, caption below.
IN MEMORY — Maj. Gen. David McKiernan, Coalition Forces Land Component Command/Third Army commander and Command Sgt. Maj. John Sparks, Coalition Forces Land Component Command/Third Army command sergeant major, unveil a plaque and inscription May 8, 2004, officially renaming Camp Udairi to Camp Buehring, in memory of Lt. Col. Charles H. Buehring. Buehring was killed last October in Baghdad. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Brown
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Profile
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U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. John Kaiser
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U.S. Army Capt. J.R. West gives the oath of re-enlistment to Sgt. Leon Franklin, nearest flag, and Sgt. Levon Franklin as Sgt. 1st Class Wilton A. Hobbs looks on. The Franklins re-enlisted May 1 in Tikrit, Iraq.      NEW YORK, May 19, 2004 — Before Sept. 11, 2001, former Marine Sgt. John Kaiser had no clue the Corps would re-enter his life – and in doing so, take him from Bronx, N.Y., to the Middle East and back. More
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U.S. Army Sgts.
Leon and Levon Franklin
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U.S. Army Capt. J.R. West gives the oath of re-enlistment to Sgt. Leon Franklin, nearest flag, and Sgt. Levon Franklin as Sgt. 1st Class Wilton A. Hobbs looks on. The Franklins re-enlisted May 1 in Tikrit, Iraq.      FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, TIKRIT, Iraq, May 19, 2004 — Two 1st Infantry Division soldiers may be making history as they support Operation Iraqi Freedom II. They are, perhaps, the only identical twins to face combat with the 1st Infantry Division since it was assembled in 1917. More
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On the Ground
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In Qatar
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Center Ships Blood
Throughout SW Asia
An airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's blood transshipment center tracks blood from donor to recipient and everywhere in between because of accountability procedures. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class J.G. Buzanowski     AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar, May 18, 2004 — No matter who you are, they have your type.“They” are the six-person staff at the blood transshipment center here. The team, part of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, is the first rotation here since the one-of-a-kind center was relocated in March.  More
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In Afghanistan
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Marine Flags Fly
Over Afghanistan
     FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan, May 19, 2004 — When Marine Sgt. Maj. George H. Mason arrived at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, one of the first things he noticed was the abundance of unit, state and even college flags flying over the base's tents and buildings. But there was no Marine Corps flag. Story
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In Iraq
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Marines Find Peace
On Dance Floor
Cpl. Adrienne R. Norris, a 3rd Radio Battalion Arabic linguist, and an Albuquerque, N.M., native and Cpl. Joel E. Paula, a 3rd Radio Battalion administration clerk, salsa dance at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, May 1, 2004. The dance is one of several recreational events hosted by the Camp Fallujah Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. (Official USMC photo by Lance Cpl. J.C. Guibord) Photo by: Lance Cpl. J.C. Guibord     CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 19, 2004 — The sounds of Latin tunes blared out the door and the faint smell of sweat emitted from couples dancing for hours while black lights and glow sticks faintly lit the room. It may sound like a normal dance club, but there is nothing normal about “Club Fallujah."  More
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'On The Ground' Archive
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