DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 07/26/2004

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Jul 26, 2004

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ON PATROL — U.S. soldiers patrol the ruins of an Afghan village during Operation Verendrye near the Pakistan border. The soldiers are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Task Force 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, which is deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Todd Schmidt

MESSAGE TO THE TROOPS

Why We Fight in Iraq

By Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense

     More than 15 months ago, a global coalition ended the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein and liberated the people of Iraq.
     As in all conflicts, this has come at a cost in lives. Some of your comrades made the ultimate sacrifice. For your sacrifices, our country and the President are deeply grateful.
    In a free, democratic country we have vigorous debates over important public policy issues – none more heated than a decision to go to war. But this should not distract us from the mission at hand or lessen the magnitude of your accomplishments.
      The threat we face must be confronted. And you are doing so exceedingly well. Indeed it has been an historic demonstration of skill and military power. More

Bush Hails 9/11 Commission Report

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2004 — President Bush today hailed the 9/11 commission's final report released July 22, pointing to its "serious and comprehensive" findings. During his weekly national radio address, the president said he appreciated the commission's "hard work over the past 20 months" and welcomed its recommendations. Story

Deputy Secretary Visits McChord

McCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash., July 24, 2004 — A joint audience of more than 800 airmen and soldiers heard firsthand from one of the nation's top military leaders here July 23. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz held a town hall meeting with airmen from McChord, soldiers from neighboring Fort Lewis, and their families. He visited, he said, for a simple reason: to say thanks. Story

Wolfowitz Praises Troop Achievements

Defense Leaders Speak

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld

"We have, literally, thousands of Iraqis standing in line to join the army and to join the police force and to join the National Guard and the border patrol and the site protection. And we’re helping the Iraqis get them trained so that they can take over their own security."

Interview on The Michael Reagan Show, July 22, 2004

Truck Bomb Detonates
Outside Gates of Mosul

MOSUL, Iraq, July 26, 2004 — Three Iraqis, including one child, were killed, and six others were wounded when a pick up truck loaded with explosives detonated near the Mosul Airfield July 26, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials.
Story

Briefing Helps Returning Troops

AL ASAD, Iraq, July 23, 2004 — For more than 25,000 Marines and sailors deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the hardest part of serving in a war zone might be the war-related internal conflicts they may need to deal with before returning to their loved ones. Story

Overseas Voter
Registration Progresses

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2004 — With only 102 days before the November general elections, the Defense Department is working hard to make sure that service members and their families stationed overseas have the opportunity to vote. Story

Navy Anti-Terrorism, Security
Learning Center Stands Up

LITTLE CREEK, Va., July 23, 2004 — The Center for Anti Terrorism and Navy Security Forces was officially established aboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek recently. Story



Iraqi Reconstruction Archive

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 Intervention Force (9 more photos)

Iraqi soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade, Iraqi Intervention Force, find cover in tall grass after crossing a dirt road while performing a field patrol in an area suspected of being a mortar launch site, outside of Al Taji, Iraq, July 19, 2004. U.S. Army Reserves supported the Iraqi Intervention Force during the patrol. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Brokop More Photo Essays

Army Engineers Repair Sewage System

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 22, 2004 — Block-by-block, soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division’s 20th Engineer Battalion are taking aim at one of the most disagreeable problems facing Baghdad’s largest and most dangerous neighborhood. Story

Iraqi Army Takes Possession of Military Base

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 22, 2004 — The coalition handed over possession of Al Kasik military base July 21 at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Northern Iraq base, according to Office of Security Transition officials. The handover caps the coalition’s year-long $96 million refurbishment of the former regime’s army base roughly 20 miles northwest of Mosul. Story

Iraqi Reconstruction Archive

Iraqi, U.S. Fighter Pilots Band Together

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq, July 22, 2004 — Two former enemies came together for lunch in the spirit of friendship July 20, as six Iraqi air force pilots and 10 American pilots shared stories and then took pictures together in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon here. Story

Marine Tank Battalion Trains for Djibouti Duty

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. July 21, 2004 — Marine Reserves from 8th Tank Battalion are temporarily joining the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism) to conduct perimeter security and sentry duty at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, Africa.
Story

Marine Radio Battalion Returns from Iraq

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay, July 21, 2004 — Twenty-two Marines from 3rd Radio Battalion returned home July 11, from a five-month deployment to Iraq. More

War on Terrorism

. Marine Commandant: Corps Adapts for Terror War

. DoD Ushers in New Missile Defense Capability

. Multinational Diving Exercise Kicks Off

. U.S. Safer, But Still Remains Vulnerable

Iraq

. El Salvador to Continue Iraq Deployment

. Bad Troops, Poor Leaders Led to Abuse

. Powell Praises Iraqis' Efforts to Re-establish Security

Military News

. Military 'Footprint' Discussions Continue

• Character Development Needed in Schools

• Managers Encouraged to Support Volunteer Efforts

• Military Taking Steps to Protect Against Identity Theft

. National Guard, Reserve Update

More Afghanistan News

States Look for Ways to
Support Military Families

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2004 — Big or small, many deployed troops or few, states' concerns for the families of deployed service members are very similar. Story

Conference Focuses on Military Children

Army to Complete Largest
Move Since WWII

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2004 — In coming weeks, the Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command will complete the largest equipment movements in its 30-year history. More

Osbournes Visit Wounded
Troops at Walter Reed

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2004 — Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne visited wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center July 21 to tell them they are thankful for their sacrifices and bravery. Story

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Profile

U.S. Marine Corps
Lts. Frederik and Anja Easterly

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Frederik and Lt. Anja Easterly. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq, July 23, 2004 — Courtesy of Operation Iraqi Freedom, siblings 1st Lts. Frederik J. Easterly and Anja M. Easterly currently find themselves serving in the same war zone. Story
More Profiles

In Afghanistan

Tools of War Reminder of
Afghanistan's War-Ravaged Past

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 23, 2004 — Everywhere in Afghanistan are reminders of the country's war-ravaged past, from the bullet-scarred mosque to rusting Soviet fighter aircraft. Story

Air Force Team Takes
Over Passenger Terminal

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 22, 2004 — Travelers passing through the Bagram passenger terminal can now sign up earlier to travel and show up closer to the takeoff time due to new procedures. Story

Bronco Creates Stability
Around Kandahar Airfield

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 22, 2004 — On traditional battlefields, success was gauged by who controlled the most strategic area and inflicted more damage on the enemy troops and their equipment. But the battlefields in Afghanistan have changed how wars are fought and won. Story

'On The Ground' Archive