May 25, 2004 Government FirstGov EPA FAA FBI FEMA Homeland Security Justice Department State Department Treasury Department White House War on Terror Sites Military Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard Reserve Affairs Army Reserve Navy Reserve Air Force Reserve Marine Reserve Coast Guard Reserve National Guard Air National Guard Army National Guard ESGR Merchant Marines Help Fight Terror Civil Air Patrol Coast Guard Auxiliary FBI Transcripts Defense Department State Department White House

PROVIDING SECURITY — Special Forces soldiers from the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan and soldiers of the Afghan National Army's 2nd Kandak Battalion, 1st Brigade, provide security outside the governor's home in Gardez, Afghanistan, May 7, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Melissa Harvey Bush Outlines 5 Steps Toward Freedom, Democracy in Iraq By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — President Bush tonight outlined five steps that will help Iraq move toward democracy and security. He also laid out a proposal to demolish the notorious Abu Ghraib prison.      Bush delivered his remarks in a televised address from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pa., the Army's senior service school to train leaders in developing and employing landpower. He said that after June 30 Iraqis will know Americans have no interest in continued occupation of Iraq. More  Remarks  Fact Sheet Interim Government Will Move Iraq Closer to Direct Elections By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — The Iraqi government that will take control June 30 will move the country "much closer to direct elections," a Coalition Provisional Authority spokesman said in Baghdad today.      "Iraqis we speak to everywhere say they want two things," Dan Senor said in a press briefing. "They want sovereignty. They want control over their daily government functions and daily lives, and they want the opportunity to direct elect Iraqi officials and hold them accountable."  More  Briefing U.S.-Led Coalition Continues Operations to Restore Stability By American Forces Press Service      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq continues operations to restore stability in order to repair infrastructure, stimulate the economy and continue the transfer of sovereignty to the people of Iraq      "To that end, in the past 24 hours the coalition conducted 2,021 patrols, 22 offensive operations, 55 Air Force and Navy sorties, and captured 55 anti- coalition suspects," Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt said today. More Car Bomb Coalition forces secure the scene of a car bombing that killed both occupants approximately 500 meters from an entrance to the Coalition Provisional, May 24, 2004. U.S Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt Roy Santana Army Physicians Work to Bring Wounded Troops Home Pain-Free By Rudi Williams / American Forces Press Service      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — April 13 was an unlucky day for 24-year-old Army 1st Lt. Melissa J. Stockwell. That was the day she lost her left leg in Iraq.      She arrived at Walter Reed on the night of April 19, and doctors performed a regional anesthesia block the next morning to better manage her pain. Regional anesthesia allows doctors to block signals to the brain from the wound region. Story

Defense Leaders Speak President George W. Bush "As the Iraqi people move closer to governing themselves, the terrorists are likely to become more active and more brutal. There are difficult days ahead, and the way forward may sometimes appear chaotic. Yet our coalition is strong, our efforts are focused and unrelenting, and no power of the enemy will stop Iraq's progress." Remarks in Carlisle, Pa., May 24, 2004 Defense Views Quotes by U.S. defense leaders Iraq Reconstruction Moving Ahead Again      WASHINGTON, May 25, 2004 — Security challenges in Iraq put a significant wrinkle into reconstruction efforts in early spring, but work is once again progressing rapidly on $5 billion in contracts awarded in March, the U.S. head of reconstruction in Iraq told Pentagon reporters May 24. More   Briefing U.S. Soldier Dies, Four Wounded in Rocket Attack      BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 25, 2004 — One Task Force Baghdad soldier was killed and four others were wounded during a rocket attack on a coalition base northwest of Baghdad at about 2:20 p.m. May 24, according to Multinational Corps Iraq/Multinational Force Iraq officials.      The deceased soldier's name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. Guard, Reserve Employer Support Awards Announced      ARLINGTON, Va., May 24, 2004 — Well-known corporate giants lead the pack in the 2004 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense Agency, sponsors the awards, which were announced recently.  More Defense Officials Announce Personnel Appointment      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today that the National Security Personnel System senior executive, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, has named Mary E. Lacey as the program executive officer for the National Security Personnel System.  More Teen, Country Music Star Team Up to Thank Troops      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — When high-school freshman Shauna Fleming launched her campaign, "A Million Thanks," to collect and distribute letters for the troops as part of National Military Appreciation Month, she could not have imagined where it would lead. More Reading Keeps Families, Sailors Connected During Deployment      ABOARD USS WASP, At Sea, May 24, 2004 (NNS) — Aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, a program is helping sailors to bridge the gap of time and distance with their children. United Through Reading helps keep military families connected during times of deployment through reading aloud on videotape. More Sign an On-line Thank You Note

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Iraqi Army Soldiers Complete Squad Leaders, NCO Courses By U.S. Army Sgt. Jared Zabaldo / Office of Security Cooperation      KURKUSH MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq , May 24, 2004 — The Office of Security Cooperation's Coalition Military Assistance Training Team graduated nearly 1,000 Iraqi army soldiers from the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy here, May 20, 2004, in a formal ceremony on the base's parade grounds.      The graduates, students of the school's Squad Leaders Course and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Course, negotiated the special leadership training in anticipation of future assignments as Iraqi army recruit trainers to take place in the coming months throughout Iraq. More Marines Distribute School Supplies By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jose E. Guillen / 1st Marine Division      CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 22, 2004 — Marines arrived in Kharma to a sea of smiles and waving hands from Iraqi schoolchildren May 22, a sign of the distinct difference Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment are making here.      Marines visited a school in Kharma to pass out school supplies, toys and other items in an effort to further cement their relationship with the citizens of Kharma. More School Supplies for Mosul 10 More Photos Iraqi children wait for school supplies that Soldiers of Comanche Company, 1-23 Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team, have brought to their school in Mosul, Iraq, May 15, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson  Photo Essay Archive Airmen, Iraqis Dig Up Ancient Site By U.S. Air Force Maj. Charles Anthony / 506th Air Expeditionary Group      KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq, May 21, 2004 (AFPN) — An ages-old mystery is being unearthed here thanks to some amateur archeologists serving with the 506th Air Expeditionary Group.      Iraqi archeologists have determined the air base has at least one site with artifacts dating back to between 1200 B.C. and 2600 B.C., possibly predating the ancient Assyrians. More World Bank Issues $40 Million Grant To Support Education In Iraq      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — The World Bank recently issued their largest grant in 30 years to the Iraqi Ministry of Education, according to Coalition Provisional Authority officials. This grant – which will not have to be repaid like World Bank loans – provides $40 million to print and distribute 72 million new textbooks for the 2004/2005 school year. There will be 600 titles available for the six million primary and secondary school children across Iraq. This generous grant from the World Bank is one more example of the international community pulling together to support a new Iraq. Coalition Forces Jolt Iraq’s Power Production      BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 21, 2004 (USASOC News Service) — In the heart of this capital city, amidst the hustle and bustle of business, commerce, and daily living, some five million Iraqis reside here in Baghdad. Nationwide, the population surges to some 24 million people whose lifestyles rely upon the production and distribution of power to offices and homes. More Iraq's Mullah Power Station Increases Capacity      BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 20, 2004 — Thirty six megawatts of electricity (30 megawatts derated) was added to the Iraqi power grid as Generator Unit Six at the Mullah Power Station was brought online May 16, 2004 in Mullah, Iraq, according to Gulf Region Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additional days testing and verification of the restored turbine have been completed to confirm the operation of the generator.  More June 30 Transition Is Historic Day for Iraq, Says Bush      WASHINGTON, May 21, 2004 — President Bush says that June 30, the day sovereignty will be assumed by the Iraqi interim government, is an "important day in modern Iraqi history," adding "there are better times ahead, but it requires courage and strength and will." More Iraqi Interim Government to Include Executives, Cabinet      WASHINGTON, May 21, 2004 — Secretary of State Colin Powell says the Iraqi interim government that will assume power on June 30 will consist of a cabinet and an executive group made up of a president, two vice presidents and a prime minister.  More War on Terrorism . Terrorist Exclusion List Authorized by USA Patriot Act . Chairman Details Challenges, Risks Ahead in War on Terror . President Praises Solidarity of U.S., Italians in Terror Fight . Review Procedure Put in Place For Guantanamo Bay Detainees Iraq • Spokesman: No Wedding Party Found at Desert Attack Site • Suicide Car Bomb Injures Iraqi Official • Coalition Captures, Detains Four Suspects in Berg Murder . Korea-to-Iraq Troop Movement Won't Erode Pacific Security Military News • Words, Photos Relate 'Truths of War,' News Anchor Tells Class . National Guard, Reserve Update

"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 . Maps of Afghanistan Honoring the Fallen Seabees Gather to Honor Fallen Comrades      CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 21, 2004 (NNS) — Dozens of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalions 5 and 74 and members of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Group, gathered here May 8 to honor Seabees who paid the ultimate price for the U.S. mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom. More Special Forces Camp Named For Fallen Ranger      KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, May 19, 2004 (USASOC News Service) — The ripple of Afghan and American flags in the evening breeze could be heard as an Army chaplain and a local mullah gave a ceremonial benediction in English and Pashtu during a Special Forces camp dedication here May 16 to honor U.S. Army Sgt. Jay A. Blessing. Story Profile U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph W. Estabrook      MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, May 24, 2004 — The revelation he was to be installed as a bishop changed everything and nothing for Navy Chaplain (Capt.) Joseph W. Estabrook, command chaplain here.  More U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Martin Langhorst       MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, May 24, 2004 — They were inseparable. Born just one day apart, these small-town Minnesota boys were more than cousins; they were best friends. The Marine Corps brought them even closer, but war separated them forever.  More More Profiles Midshipmen Donate Sneakers to Afghanistan      WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — It's a U.S. Naval Academy tradition, as first-year students climb a lard-coated 21-foot-tall Herndon Monument on the academy grounds to symbolize their advancement to second-year status. This year, midshipmen continued what has become a related tradition: collecting hundreds of pairs of sneakers kicked off during the May 20 event, cleaning them up and sending them to the needy in war-torn countries. Story In Iraq Desert No Obstacle For Frozen Dessert      AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq, May 23, 2004 — Far removed from the everyday comforts of home, the Marines and sailors serving at distant outposts here were treated to the ultimate delight recently when a variety of ice cream was delivered to their collective doorsteps. More  In Afghanistan Marines Take On Varied Tasks As Provisional Rifle Company      FORWARD OPERATING BASE RIPLEY, Afghanistan, May 24, 2004 — While the Marines and sailors of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are scouring south-central Afghanistan for Taliban and anti-coalition militia, it would be unable to complete its mission without a safe place for its Marines to call their home away from home. More Afghan Golf Course Swings Back Into Business      KABUL, Afghanistan, May 24, 2004 — With de-mining, a benefit of a U.N. program, and assistance from an effort called "disarmament, demobilization and reintegration," heavy weapons and mines no longer thwart those who wish to indulge in recreation at the Kabul Golf Club, Afghanistan's only operational golf course. More 'On The Ground' Archive