DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 05/28/2004

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May 28, 2004

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GRAND REOPENING — U.S. Army Maj. Christine Nichols with the 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, center, cuts a ribbon to mark the grand reopening of the Boys' School in Charasaib, Afghanistan, while Col. Jon Khan, a delegate of the Ministry of the Interior, and Abdal Satar Sarhal, a delegate of the Ministry of Education, look on, May 18, 2004. The 364th Civil Affairs Brigade was instrumental in the rebuilding of the school. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Melissa M. Harvey

NAJAF, KUFA STRIFE

U.S. Hopeful Iraqi-Brokered
Peace Deal Will End Fighting

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2004 — A Coalition Provisional Authority official today said he is hopeful about an Iraqi-to-Iraqi-brokered agreement designed to end fighting in the cities of Najaf and Kufa.
Dan Senor, chief CPA spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference that renegade cleric Muqtada al-Sadr stated in a recent letter that he'd order his militia to pull out of Najaf and Kufa as part of a peace deal made between him and senior Shiite religious leaders. More

Saddam Victims Honor U.S. Troops

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

Army Spc. Patrick Moran, an 'Old Guard' soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry, helps members of the Iraqi delegation lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on May 27 to honor U.S. service members killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Donna Miles

ARLINGTON, Va., May 27, 2004 — As the sound of "Taps" wailed from Army Sgt. Major Henry Sgrecci's bugle today, seven Iraqi citizens pressed their new prosthetic hands against their hearts at the Tomb of the Unknowns here to honor U.S. service members who have given their lives in Iraq.
The seven men, all Iraqi merchants, have been in the United States since mid- April to receive their new "bionic" hands to replace the ones amputated by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as punishment for trading in U.S. currency. More

Marine Efforts in Iraq Help New Government Ensure Stability

By Jim Fisher-Thompson / State Dept. Washington File

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2004 — Marine combat troops, aviators and support personnel are helping to "roll up" terrorist networks in Iraq, making it easier for a new Iraqi government to ensure stability down the road, says Navy Secretary Gordon England within whose department the Marine Corps operates.
At the same time, England told a May 26 National Press Club luncheon, the U.S. Navy -- its ships and special operations forces -- will continue to fight terrorism abroad and provide security for the world's sea lanes through an expanded use of aircraft carriers worldwide. More

USS Cole Returns From Deployment

NORFOLK, Va., May 27, 2004 (NNS) -- USS Cole returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Va., May 27. Cole departed along with USS Thorn and USS Gonzalez Nov. 29.
During the deployment, Cole was part of NATO’s Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean, serving with nine ships from Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Turkey. She conducted more than 1,000 vessel queries, served as the force's Strait of Gibraltar escort commander and carried out four maritime interdiction boardings in support of the global war on terror. More

Powell Hails Senior Iraqi
Officials at Training Course

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2004 — Secretary of State Colin Powell has told senior Iraqi officials from the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Defense and Foreign Affairs that their leadership will be important for the future of Iraq. More

Americans Asked to Pause
To Remember Heroes

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2004 – White House officials are asking all Americans worldwide to pause for 60 seconds at 3 p.m. local time May 31 – Memorial Day – to honor America's fallen and to recognize veterans and today's servicemen and women, particularly those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. More

Defense Leaders Speak

President George W. Bush

"Today, all who wear the uniform of the United States are serving at a crucial hour in history, and each has answered a great call to serve our Nation on the front lines of freedom."

Memorial Day 2004 Proclamation

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

'USA Cares' Helps Military
Families in Financial Need

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2004 — Deployments can put unexpected financial hardships on military families — sky-high telephone bills, unanticipated travel costs, loss of income for Guardsmen and reservists called to active duty for extended periods, among them. More

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Defense Officials
Identify Marine Casualties

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Kyle W. Codner, 19, of Wood River, Neb. and Cpl. Matthew C. Henderson, 25, of Lincoln, Neb., died May 26, due to hostile action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Afghan Army Increases Battalion Training

Afghan Army Officer Displays Leadership

Radio

Television

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

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

Military Photographers on the Frontlines Flash Slide Show

Artillerymen Guard Najaf Governor

AN NAJAF, Iraq, May 27, 2004 (Army News Service) – A field artillery battery has been tasked with the unique mission of guarding the An Najaf governor’s compound and protecting the governor’s life.
“He receives daily assassination threats,” said Capt. Brandon Anderson, commander of Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force 1st Armored Division. “It’s the (Muqtada Militia’s) attempt to undermine the coalition.” More

Marines Embark on
Clean Water Project for Ramadi

AR RAMADI, Iraq, May 27, 2004 -- Civil Affairs representatives from the 1st Marine Division and Navy Seabees signed a $3.2 million contract for the Al Jazeera Water Project in Ramadi, according to Multinational Forces Iraq officials.
The project will provide clean drinking water to 51,000 people. It will include chemical treatment facilities and new piping, and its construction will employ at least 200 Iraqis. More

Iraqi Helicopter Pilots
Graduate from Flight Training

BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 27, 2004 — Nineteen Iraqi airmen will graduate today from flight training conducted at the Royal Jordanian Air Force in Amman, Jordan, according to Coalition Provisional Authority officials. The aviators will pilot helicopters in the fledgling Iraqi air force.
All 19 airmen, pilots from the former regime, were offered and accepted an opportunity to join the new Iraqi air force in Jan. 2004. More

Marines Break Ground on New Mosque;
School, Medical Clinic to be Improved

ZADAN, Iraq, May 24, 2004 -- The civil affairs team with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment recently completed the initial stages of a project that will improve a mosque, school and medical clinic in the city. The event was celebrated by a groundbreaking ceremony on the property May 19.
"Today was a big day for us," said Sgt. Daniel P. Carreon, an assistant team leader for the civil affairs team from Garden Grove, Calif. "It was one of the first times we've been invited to a mosque in the city and been welcomed by everyone. More

Marines Awards Contracts Worth $280K

U.S. Soldiers Work with Baghdad Reps to Clean Graffiti

Military Police Secure Coalition
Supply Routes in Afghanistan

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

Spc. Alan Garrett, 58th Military Police Company, pulls security from the turret of an up-armored Humvee while on a presence patrol along New Kabul road. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Frank Magni

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 27, 2004 — Traveling back and forth on New and Old Kabul roads, military traffic is a constant sight. With these roads established as supply routes linking key Coalition headquarters, security becomes a very hefty task.
Providing the security for these vital routes is the responsibility of the 58th Military Police Company home-based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Each of their internal squads patrol independently, serving in two ways to keep New and Old Kabul roads secure. More

War on Terrorism

. Threat Shows Terrorists Intend 'To Hit the United States Hard'

. Garmisch Course Focuses on Cooperating Against Terror

. Terrorist Exclusion List Authorized by USA Patriot Act

Iraq

. Al-Sadr Lieutenant Captured, Coalition Kills Mahdi Militiamen

. Partnership Continues to Improve Electrical Grid in Iraq

. Soldiers Rebuild Cities In Iraq While Fighting Insurgents, Terror

Military News

• Guard, Reserve Employer Support Awards Announced

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Soldiers Seize Weapons

TIKRIT, Iraq, May 27, 2004 — Soldiers from 1st Infantry Division battalions seized more than 1,000 munitions found in several caches near Tikrit May 25 and 26, according to Multinational Forces Iraq officials. In two instances, Iraqi citizens provided information to Task Force Danger soldiers. More

Contract Flights to Resume for
Rest and Recuperation Program

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2004 (Army News Service) — The Army plans to resume military contract rest and recuperation flights from the Central Command area of operations to the United States on or about June 15, according to officials. Acting Secretary of the Army Les Brownlee approved the plan May 26. More

Army's 'On Point' Shares
Iraq Lessons Learned

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2004 (Army News Service) — A little more than a year after the end of major hostilities, the Army released May 25 its first major study on operations that liberated the Iraqi people. More

Air Force B-1B Supports
French, Afghan Troops

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, May 26, 2004 (AFPN) — An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped four Joint Direct Attack Munitions to help French and Afghan troops fighting against Taliban forces in Afghanistan on May 25. More

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! My son is serving in Iraq too & I just want all of our AMERICAN military to know our prayers are with you and come home soon. Proud Mom of a son in the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
Gail Limas- Ontario, Calif.

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Profile

U.S. Air Force
Senior Airman Roger Thomas

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev., May 27, 2004 — Watching the “Price is Right” game show faithfully for years, an airman here was invited to “Come on Down,” for his chance to bid in contestants row. More

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Andy J. Hurt

Marine Cpl. Andy J. Hurt is the recipient of the Outstanding New Writer title for the Marine Corps. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nich R. Babb MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif., May 27, 2004 — A combat correspondent here has been named the Marine Corps Outstanding New Writer for 2003, an award that is part of the annual U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association/Division of Public Affairs Merit Awards Program. More

More Profiles

In Afghanistan

Refuelers Give Helicopter
Squadron Its 'Legs'

Marines with the Direct Air Support Squadron conduct a changeover at the end of a shift. These Marines augmented the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) as they formed Task Force Linebacker during combat and civil-military operations in Afghanistan.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RIPLEY, Afghanistan, May 25, 2004 — After weaving through the mountains of south-central Afghanistan, darting back and forth to deter would-be attackers, the three CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced) are getting thirsty. More

'On The Ground' Archive