DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 07/07/2004

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Jul 7, 2004

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COMBAT OPERATION — A miltary police vehicle from Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 22, the combat service support element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), plows through a river during a recent combat operation in south-central Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

Leaders Discuss Troop Rotations

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Pentagon leaders today faced tough questions on Capitol Hill on issues of deployment and force structure as the military gears up for another round of troop rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Story

Iraqis Will Help Government End Violence

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — As the Iraqi people become more confident in their new interim government, more of them will cooperate in the government's efforts to end the violence plaguing the country, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here today. Story

U.S., Australia Pledge to Work Together

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — The United States and Australia agreed here today to cooperate on a missile defense system, to improve the ability of the countries' forces to work together, and to develop a joint, combined military training capability. Story

Four Marines, Soldier Die in Iraq Incidents

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Four U.S. Marines and a soldier were killed in two separate incidents in the past 48 hours, military officials reported. Story

Navy Strike Group Takes On Gulf Duties

ABOARD USS BELLEAU WOOD, At Sea, July 7, 2004 — Expeditionary Strike Group 3 entered the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet July 2, and is scheduled to take over the duties of maritime security operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf. Story

President Hails 'Transformation' in Iraq

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2004 — President Bush reiterated July 6 that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein harbored terrorists and was a threat to the Middle East and to the people of Iraq. The president discussed Iraq and defense issues while meeting with Iceland's Prime Minister David Oddsson. Story

National Security Personnel System

The new National Security Personnel System slated to go into effect beginning next summer will improve the working environment within the Defense Department while creating a more satisfied, more productive workforce, Navy Secretary Gordon England told Pentagon workers today at a town hall meeting.

Iraqi Army Makes First
Patrol into Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — The Iraqi Army made a well-received first foray into the city July 1 with a single company from the Iraqi Intervention Force’s 2nd Battalion conducting foot patrols down the crowded streets of the city’s troubled southern district of Abu Deshir. Story

New Iraqi Reconstruction Archive

Some Extended Guardsmen,
Reservists May Get GI Bill Boost

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Guardsmen and reservists whose active duty time is extended past the normal 12-month call-up may be eligible for active duty-level benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill under certain circumstances, according to a senior Department of Veterans Affairs spokesman. Story

Troops Raise More Than $20K
For Families of Wounded Veterans

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, July 7, 2004 — On July 4, troops serving on the front lines in the Global War on Terrorism participated in the the “Freedom Is Never Free” 10-kilometer run, raising more than $20,000 to support the families of wounded veterans staying at the Fisher Houses. Story

Military Photographers on the Frontlines Flash Slide Show

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

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

Iraqi Female Cadets Part 3 (14 More Photos)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Harry Glenn, commander of the 1/501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, speaks to soldiers during an Independence Day celebration at Bagram Air Field, Salerno, Afghanistan, July 4, 2004. The soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Vernell Hall Photo Essay Archive

Second Class of Women Soldiers Graduate

ZARQA MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Jordan, July 7, 2004 —Forty female Iraqi soldiers will graduate from the Jordanian Royal Military Academy here July 9, the second of three classes of this type planned to train at the academy, according to Office of Security Transition officials. Story

Army Engineers Improve Electrical Stations

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — The U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division's 20th Engineer Battalion have added a second plan of attack in the battle to repair Baghdad's electrical grid, adding to their ongoing efforts to replace old, inefficient and often inoperable equipment. Story

Navy Construction Battalion Improves Infrastructure

FALLUJAH, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — A U.S. Navy construction battalion here is improving Iraq's infrastructure in this area and is training Iraqis to do the same in years ahead, improving Iraq's future stability and prosperity. Story

City Council Receives Control of Former Ops Center

SAMARRA, Iraq, July 6, 2004 — Control of the former Civil Military Operations Center compound in the city of Samarra, Iraq, was officially turned over to the local city council July 1. Story

NATO’s Flag Flies in Mazar-e Sharif

MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan, July 6, 2004 — The NATO flag was raised at the Mazar-e Sharif Provincial Reconstruction Team headquarters on 1 July, marking the assumption of NATO command of the Provincial Reconstruction Team from the Coalition forces. Story

USS George Washington Departs Gulf

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea, July 6, 2004 — USS George Washington departed the Arabian Gulf July 5, following more than four months on station providing air support for ground troops fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Story

Group Sends Care Packages, Support

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2004 — It all started when Army Spc. Robert Collins called his mother from Afghanistan to thank her for his care package and ask that she send more for some of his buddies who weren't getting goodies from home. Story

USS Hopper to Support Enduring Freedom

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, July 6, 2004 — USS Hopper left its homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, June 28 on a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Story

Father’s Day in Iraq

By Scott Lowdermilk / Transatlantic Programs Center

Most people would think that spending any special day, especially a day like Father’s Day, away from their family would be a bad thing. I was pleasantly surprised on this Father’s Day to find out not only could the day be special, I think it may have been one of the best Father’s Days that I have ever had. Story

War on Terrorism

• Families, Workers Must Leave Bahrain

• NATO Forces Will Free Up U.S. Troops

Iraq

• Iron Soldiers Prepare to Depart Iraq

• Top Iraq Achievement: Saddam Capture

Military News

• Finance Agency Opens New Reserve Pay Center

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Casualties

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of two Marines and a soldier who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. More

Girl Scouts Send Kennedy
Sailors a Sweet Treat

USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, July 7, 2004 — Sailors serving aboard USS John F. Kennedy, from Carrier Air Wing 17 and Destroyer Squadron 24 enjoyed a taste of home June 26, when Girl Scouts sent 600 boxes of the organization’s traditional treats to the crew. Story

Sisters Create Web Site to Help
Families of Deployed Troops

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Twin sisters Jackie and Janice know the challenges military families face. Their father served 31 years in the Navy, and as self- described "military brats," they called several places home. Story

Stars for Stripes Tour Salutes Troops

Comedian Visits USS Greeneville

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Profile

U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Boyd Myers

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Boyd Myers. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brandon Lingle RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, July 6, 2004 — When a staff sergeant from the Systems Program Office at the Air Force Personnel Center here went to the Comal River for a relaxing tubing trip June 19, he wasn't expecting to save the lives of two people from the rain-swollen waterway. Story

More Profiles

In Afghanistan

Taking Care of
Patients in the Air

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 6, 2004 (AFPN) — Most military aircraft are not well known for passenger comfort. But when passengers are seriously ill or injured, a team of medical experts is always on hand to ensure as comfortable a ride as possible. Story

'On The Ground' Archive

MEDICAL CHECK — U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Burnette, 725th Main Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, evaluates a village elder who was complaining of pain and swelling in his legs during a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration meeting in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, June 5, 2004. Defense Dept. photo by Staff Sgt. Kelly McCargo