By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 21, 2007 - Connecting supportive Americans with deployed troops keeps one Colorado-based support group busy. "In the last two years and eight months, we have grown to 16,000 registered supporters," said Ann Johnson, founder of Adopt A US Soldier. But that number doesn't accurately represent the volume of volunteers, she added.
"Many schools, synagogues, churches, companies and organizations are counted as one in our system, and yet the supporters are many more," she explained.
And they don't just live in the United States. Johnson said Adopt A US Soldier has supporters in 52 countries. "It's a very important reality that many countries support and are appreciative of the U.S. soldier," she said.
The number of troops that receive care packages of snacks, entertainment, hygiene and comfort items is a little under-reported as well, Johnson said. Before July 2005, 3,000 servicemembers had been "adopted."
"The numbers now must be (near) 10,000 or closer to 15,000 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen," Johnson said. "One soldier will sign up his unit, platoon or company."
Johnson started Adopt A US Soldier in July 2004 when her son, Paul, was first deployed to Iraq. She asked everyone she knew to help support his company. She set out to adopt 175 soldiers, a number that seemed daunting. But then local media got wind of what she was doing and ran a spot on Jan. 10, 2005.
"It got such a huge response," Johnson said. And so did she, in the form of 600 e-mails from supporters wanting a servicemember to write to. That was just the first day after the news spot aired.
The organization has grown from there. Adopt A US Soldier now has 12 core volunteers and 11 volunteers in supporting roles nationwide.
Adopt A US Soldier is hoping for even more exposure as a new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The group also would benefit from any networking its affiliation with America Supports You can provide, Johnson said.
"We have thought (about) having welcome-home parties," she said. "And having a welcome home for (3,000 to 5,000), we could use all the help we could get."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Secretary, Chairman Give Thanks for Troops, Families
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - The two top Defense Department leaders expressed gratitude today for the efforts of servicemembers and their families and called on the nation to remember those serving this Thanksgiving. "Let us give thanks for them and for the difficult job they do. Let us also remember their families, whom we join in watching and praying for their safe return," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' Thanksgiving Day message reads.
In the message, Gates said that the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed around the world risk their lives to keep safe the blessings we enjoy.
"Let us give thanks for them and for the difficult job they do. Let us also remember their families, whom we join in watching and praying for their safe return," Gates said. "To the men and women of the United States armed forces, wherever you are – with your loved ones at home or deployed overseas – know that your vigilance, your strength, and your sacrifice are deeply appreciated by your countrymen. Know that Americans will be thinking about you as they gather around the Thanksgiving table."
Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed similar gratitude for families' service in a message marking National Military Families Appreciation Week, which kicks off on Thanksgiving Day.
"A great measure of our nation's strength is the support our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen (and) Coast Guardsmen receive from our families. None of us could do it without them. They serve every bit as we serve," Mullen's statement reads.
He also called on the nation this Thanksgiving to remember the sacrifices paid for the freedoms American's enjoy.
"All across the United States this week, families will join together and give thanks for the blessings in their lives and the freedom to do so. Let us never forget how that freedom was won or how, by the courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families, those freedoms have been preserved," Mullen's statement reads. "On behalf of my family and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, please accept my gratitude to you and your family this Thanksgiving."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - The two top Defense Department leaders expressed gratitude today for the efforts of servicemembers and their families and called on the nation to remember those serving this Thanksgiving. "Let us give thanks for them and for the difficult job they do. Let us also remember their families, whom we join in watching and praying for their safe return," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' Thanksgiving Day message reads.
In the message, Gates said that the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed around the world risk their lives to keep safe the blessings we enjoy.
"Let us give thanks for them and for the difficult job they do. Let us also remember their families, whom we join in watching and praying for their safe return," Gates said. "To the men and women of the United States armed forces, wherever you are – with your loved ones at home or deployed overseas – know that your vigilance, your strength, and your sacrifice are deeply appreciated by your countrymen. Know that Americans will be thinking about you as they gather around the Thanksgiving table."
Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed similar gratitude for families' service in a message marking National Military Families Appreciation Week, which kicks off on Thanksgiving Day.
"A great measure of our nation's strength is the support our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen (and) Coast Guardsmen receive from our families. None of us could do it without them. They serve every bit as we serve," Mullen's statement reads.
He also called on the nation this Thanksgiving to remember the sacrifices paid for the freedoms American's enjoy.
"All across the United States this week, families will join together and give thanks for the blessings in their lives and the freedom to do so. Let us never forget how that freedom was won or how, by the courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families, those freedoms have been preserved," Mullen's statement reads. "On behalf of my family and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, please accept my gratitude to you and your family this Thanksgiving."
U.S. Troops Stand Ready for Bangladesh Cyclone Relief
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - If asked, American troops stand ready to help the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, Pentagon officials said today. The cyclone struck Bangladesh Nov. 15. More than 3,100 people are known dead, and possibly thousands more are missing in the densely populated South Asian nation.
Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered his condolences to the people of Bangladesh. "The United States military is assisting with some medical teams on the ground and is ready to assist further with a couple of Navy ships, should they be required," he said. "They are headed in that direction."
As of now, Bangladesh has not requested U.S. Defense Department support, Pentagon officials said.
To be prepared to respond, the department is moving select naval assets in the direction of Bangladesh. The USS Kearsarge, with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked, and USS Essex, with the 31st MEU, have been identified as potential naval assets that could provide assistance if it's requested.
The ships' extensive medical facilities and berthing capabilities enable them to provide effective care to returning troops under battle conditions, or for disaster relief in support of humanitarian missions during peacetime. The ships can support up to 600 patients while still providing routine care to crewmembers and embarked troops.
Major medical facilities include four main and two emergency operating rooms, four dental operating rooms, X-ray facilities, a blood bank, laboratories and intensive-care ward facilities.
An 18-person Defense Department medical team from U.S. Pacific Command was in Bangladesh conducting military-to-military training and is available to assist as needed. Medical supplies and a mobile clinic have been transported from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Thailand in preparation. The clinic can support 500 patients a day for 30 days.
A 23-person Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team has deployed to Bangladesh to coordinate with the U.S. Embassy country team and relief agencies to identify key areas, scope and duration of military support if requested by Bangladesh. The team came from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. The team is led by Marine Brig. Gen. Ronald Bailey.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - If asked, American troops stand ready to help the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, Pentagon officials said today. The cyclone struck Bangladesh Nov. 15. More than 3,100 people are known dead, and possibly thousands more are missing in the densely populated South Asian nation.
Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered his condolences to the people of Bangladesh. "The United States military is assisting with some medical teams on the ground and is ready to assist further with a couple of Navy ships, should they be required," he said. "They are headed in that direction."
As of now, Bangladesh has not requested U.S. Defense Department support, Pentagon officials said.
To be prepared to respond, the department is moving select naval assets in the direction of Bangladesh. The USS Kearsarge, with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked, and USS Essex, with the 31st MEU, have been identified as potential naval assets that could provide assistance if it's requested.
The ships' extensive medical facilities and berthing capabilities enable them to provide effective care to returning troops under battle conditions, or for disaster relief in support of humanitarian missions during peacetime. The ships can support up to 600 patients while still providing routine care to crewmembers and embarked troops.
Major medical facilities include four main and two emergency operating rooms, four dental operating rooms, X-ray facilities, a blood bank, laboratories and intensive-care ward facilities.
An 18-person Defense Department medical team from U.S. Pacific Command was in Bangladesh conducting military-to-military training and is available to assist as needed. Medical supplies and a mobile clinic have been transported from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Thailand in preparation. The clinic can support 500 patients a day for 30 days.
A 23-person Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team has deployed to Bangladesh to coordinate with the U.S. Embassy country team and relief agencies to identify key areas, scope and duration of military support if requested by Bangladesh. The team came from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. The team is led by Marine Brig. Gen. Ronald Bailey.
Lack of Supplemental Funding May Lead to Civilian Furloughs
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - The Defense Department is developing plans to send furlough notices to some civilian workers as early as mid-December if Congress doesn't pass the $178 billion emergency supplemental funding bill quickly, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates notified Congress today that the Defense Department will need to borrow – or "reprogram" – funds from the Navy and Air Force and the working capital fund to cover ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said.
"Without dedicated funding for the global war on terror, we have been forced to finance the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with money from the budgets of each of the services," he said. As a result, the Army's operations and maintenance budget is expected to dry up in early February, and the Marine Corps' O&M money will run out in early March.
In addition, the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, which tests new projects, ideas, ways of doing business and equipment to counter IEDs, "won't make it into the new year," Morrell said. Retired Army Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, the JIEDDO director, told reporters yesterday his funds will be depleted Dec. 1.
Gates' reprogramming request will shift $3.7 billion from the Navy and Air Force payrolls and an $800 million excess in the working capital fund to Army, Marine Corps and JIEDDO operations. The reprogramming will sustain JIEEDO for a few more months, "but we can only keep the Army and Marines afloat for a couple of additional weeks," Morrell said.
The reprogramming is the department's only remaining option to keep afloat the Army and Marine Corps, which have been keeping up their war efforts at the expense of their own operations and maintenance budgets, Morrell said. "This is the last such move Congress will allow us to make," he said.
Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters earlier today the Defense Department's hands are tied with respect to legal constraints on shifting funds to cover shortfalls. "Those who think that we have some sort of flexibility here simply are misinformed," he said. "We have very little reprogramming authority, very little. ... You can't do more than what they allow you to reprogram."
As a result, Gates directed the Army and Marine Corps to begin planning to reduce operations at all Army bases by mid-February and all Marine installations by mid-March, Morrell said. "At that point, the bases will be all but shut down, able to provide only the most basic safety and security measures for those who reside there," he said.
In addition, the department will begin notifying about 200,000 civilian employees and contractors "we can no longer afford their services and that, absent additional funding, they will be furloughed or temporarily laid off within a matter of weeks," Morrell said.
He noted that some civilian employees' contracts require 60 days' notice of an upcoming furlough. As a result, Army employees whose paychecks won't be covered after mid-February will begin getting notice in mid-December of an imminent furlough.
Morrell insisted that the plans "aren't scare tactics" designed to prod Congress to move supplemental legislation. President Bush has insisted he will not accept legislation that has strings attached that include timelines for troop withdrawals from Iraq.
"These are the facts," Morrell said. "We are not out to scare anybody. We are not out to issue propaganda. We are out to adequately fund our troops who are in battle right now, and we are only dealing with the facts here."
The Defense Department considers the pending budget crisis "a very dire situation" and is taking all steps necessary to ensure its uniformed force doesn't go wanting while operating in harm's way, Morrell said. America's troops on the battlefield "deserve to be treated right," he said. "They deserve to have the money needed to support their operations."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - The Defense Department is developing plans to send furlough notices to some civilian workers as early as mid-December if Congress doesn't pass the $178 billion emergency supplemental funding bill quickly, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates notified Congress today that the Defense Department will need to borrow – or "reprogram" – funds from the Navy and Air Force and the working capital fund to cover ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said.
"Without dedicated funding for the global war on terror, we have been forced to finance the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with money from the budgets of each of the services," he said. As a result, the Army's operations and maintenance budget is expected to dry up in early February, and the Marine Corps' O&M money will run out in early March.
In addition, the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, which tests new projects, ideas, ways of doing business and equipment to counter IEDs, "won't make it into the new year," Morrell said. Retired Army Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, the JIEDDO director, told reporters yesterday his funds will be depleted Dec. 1.
Gates' reprogramming request will shift $3.7 billion from the Navy and Air Force payrolls and an $800 million excess in the working capital fund to Army, Marine Corps and JIEDDO operations. The reprogramming will sustain JIEEDO for a few more months, "but we can only keep the Army and Marines afloat for a couple of additional weeks," Morrell said.
The reprogramming is the department's only remaining option to keep afloat the Army and Marine Corps, which have been keeping up their war efforts at the expense of their own operations and maintenance budgets, Morrell said. "This is the last such move Congress will allow us to make," he said.
Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters earlier today the Defense Department's hands are tied with respect to legal constraints on shifting funds to cover shortfalls. "Those who think that we have some sort of flexibility here simply are misinformed," he said. "We have very little reprogramming authority, very little. ... You can't do more than what they allow you to reprogram."
As a result, Gates directed the Army and Marine Corps to begin planning to reduce operations at all Army bases by mid-February and all Marine installations by mid-March, Morrell said. "At that point, the bases will be all but shut down, able to provide only the most basic safety and security measures for those who reside there," he said.
In addition, the department will begin notifying about 200,000 civilian employees and contractors "we can no longer afford their services and that, absent additional funding, they will be furloughed or temporarily laid off within a matter of weeks," Morrell said.
He noted that some civilian employees' contracts require 60 days' notice of an upcoming furlough. As a result, Army employees whose paychecks won't be covered after mid-February will begin getting notice in mid-December of an imminent furlough.
Morrell insisted that the plans "aren't scare tactics" designed to prod Congress to move supplemental legislation. President Bush has insisted he will not accept legislation that has strings attached that include timelines for troop withdrawals from Iraq.
"These are the facts," Morrell said. "We are not out to scare anybody. We are not out to issue propaganda. We are out to adequately fund our troops who are in battle right now, and we are only dealing with the facts here."
The Defense Department considers the pending budget crisis "a very dire situation" and is taking all steps necessary to ensure its uniformed force doesn't go wanting while operating in harm's way, Morrell said. America's troops on the battlefield "deserve to be treated right," he said. "They deserve to have the money needed to support their operations."
Africa Command Pledges to Partner with Other U.S. Agencies
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - The military's unified command responsible for operations across Africa will work in tandem with other U.S. government agencies to assist partner nations there to confront poverty, disease, terrorism and other challenges, a senior U.S. officer said today. "We are not looking to take the lead for any other government-agency work that they are doing today across the continent or our international partners," Navy Vice Adm. Robert T. Moeller, U.S. Africa Command's deputy to the commander for military operations, told "bloggers" and Internet reporters during a conference call.
AFRICOM will team with the U.S. State Department and other U.S. agencies and organizations to assist African partners to combat AIDS, malaria and other challenges that affect regional stability and security, Moeller explained.
AFRICOM marked the startup of its initial operations Oct. 1. For now, the command is collocated with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Plans are for AFRICOM to be fully established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30 and eventually to base the command's headquarters somewhere in Africa.
The new command will consolidate support efforts in Africa currently performed by U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. European Command, Moeller pointed out.
"By doing so, we would hope that we would be more effective in (providing) that kind of support," Moeller pointed out.
Moeller dispelled a misconception that AFRICOM intends to have a large military footprint in Africa.
"The establishment of AFRICOM is not about the deployment of (sizeable U.S.) forces to the continent or the establishment of bases," Moeller emphasized.
From time to time, Moeller explained, some U.S. military personnel would go to the continent to team with African partners in performing security-cooperation activities.
A key point is that African nations are taking the lead in their relations with AFRICOM, which will assist those countries in developing the capacities they need to help themselves, Moeller said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - The military's unified command responsible for operations across Africa will work in tandem with other U.S. government agencies to assist partner nations there to confront poverty, disease, terrorism and other challenges, a senior U.S. officer said today. "We are not looking to take the lead for any other government-agency work that they are doing today across the continent or our international partners," Navy Vice Adm. Robert T. Moeller, U.S. Africa Command's deputy to the commander for military operations, told "bloggers" and Internet reporters during a conference call.
AFRICOM will team with the U.S. State Department and other U.S. agencies and organizations to assist African partners to combat AIDS, malaria and other challenges that affect regional stability and security, Moeller explained.
AFRICOM marked the startup of its initial operations Oct. 1. For now, the command is collocated with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Plans are for AFRICOM to be fully established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30 and eventually to base the command's headquarters somewhere in Africa.
The new command will consolidate support efforts in Africa currently performed by U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. European Command, Moeller pointed out.
"By doing so, we would hope that we would be more effective in (providing) that kind of support," Moeller pointed out.
Moeller dispelled a misconception that AFRICOM intends to have a large military footprint in Africa.
"The establishment of AFRICOM is not about the deployment of (sizeable U.S.) forces to the continent or the establishment of bases," Moeller emphasized.
From time to time, Moeller explained, some U.S. military personnel would go to the continent to team with African partners in performing security-cooperation activities.
A key point is that African nations are taking the lead in their relations with AFRICOM, which will assist those countries in developing the capacities they need to help themselves, Moeller said.
Coalition Troops Kill 4 Terrorists, Detain 4 in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 21, 2007 - Coalition forces killed four terrorists and captured four suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq leaders conducted in central and northern Iraq today, officials reported. Coalition forces killed four terrorists during operations north of Hawija. As the ground forces approached the target area, they called for the building's occupants to come out, but they did not comply. The individuals were armed and attempted to fire on coalition forces. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing four terrorists, including two wanted individuals. Reports indicate that an al Qaeda leader in Kirkuk and a car-bombing kingpin were among the terrorists killed.
During anti-insurgent operations west of Kirkuk today, coalition forces captured a wanted individual while targeting weapons and foreign facilitators. The wanted individual was associated with acquiring weapons and materials for attacks on coalition forces and smuggling foreign terrorists into the region. Coalition forces approached the target building and called for the building's occupants to come out and they complied. The ground force detained four suspects without incident, including the wanted individual who identified himself to coalition forces.
Yesterday, coalition forces killed two wanted terrorists during operations south of Baghdad. Intelligence reports led coalition forces to the individuals' location, and they called supporting aircraft to engage. An air strike killed the two terrorists, who were reported to be leaders in the Arab Jabour region and responsible for numerous attacks on coalition forces and maintaining weapons caches. During the operation, coalition forces detained six suspects and destroyed one vehicle.
"We're bringing down al Qaeda's networks across Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces are working together to dismantle al Qaeda and protect the Iraqi people from their violence."
In other news from Iraq, Iraqi security forces, assisted by coalition forces, detained 81 suspected extremists and confiscated several weapons caches in Diwaniyah during Operation Lion Pounce, Nov. 17 to 19.
Maj. Gen. Othman Ali Farhood, 8th Iraqi Army Division commander, outlined the successes of Lion Pounce in a news conference at Camp Echo on Nov. 19.
"The northeast quarters of Diwaniyah, where the operation was conducted, were under control of criminal and militant groups," Farhood said. He added that no casualties or equipment damage had been associated with the operation to that point.
Polish Maj. Gen. Tadeusz Buk, Multinational Division Central South commander, said Operation Lion Pounce was the first large-scale operation led by an Iraqi army general who commanded not only army soldiers, but also Iraqi police units. "The results of the operation show that it was well-planned and prepared," Buk said.
Sheikh Hussein al Bderi, chairman of the Provincial Security Committee, highlighted sound cooperation among local government officials, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces as key to the operation's success. He added that new security stations will be built to maintain order and security in the region.
In Nov. 19 Iraq operations, Iraqi soldiers and U.S. Special Forces captured six extremists during a series of early morning raids. In Rahmaniya, Iraqi soldiers and U.S. troops conducted a cordon-and-search operation targeting five extremists believed to be part of an improvised-explosive-device and weapons-facilitation cell. Five extremists were detained during the raid. In a separate operation, the Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces detained an extremist suspected of being part of a cell responsible for attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces.
During operations Nov. 17-18:
-- Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces troops captured seven extremists Nov. 18 during operations targeting illegal cells operating within Iraq. Five terrorist suspects were detained in an operation in the Samarra and Tikrit areas. Two more suspects were detained during other operations conducted near Diwaniyah.
-- Acting on tips from Iraqi citizens, U.S. soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment "Tuskers" and Iraqi volunteers working in the Saydiyah section of West Rashid seized several caches of weapons and explosives Nov. 18. The caches contained a complete 82 mm mortar system, more than 40 pounds of homemade explosives, and several AK-47 rifles and some pistols.
-- U.S. troops captured two individuals and seized a cache of explosively formed penetrators, rockets and other munitions during operations in southern Baghdad Nov. 17. Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment "Black Lions," 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, launched the operation after some individuals were spotted fleeing after a rocket attack in the Aamel neighborhood of West Rashid. The two suspects were tracked to a house and detained.
A search of the building revealed the cache. The cache contained six complete explosive-formed penetrators, three 107 mm Iranian-made rockets, more than 30 mortar rounds of various calibers, 12 57 mm projectiles and other explosives and bomb-making materials.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Nov. 21, 2007 - Coalition forces killed four terrorists and captured four suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq leaders conducted in central and northern Iraq today, officials reported. Coalition forces killed four terrorists during operations north of Hawija. As the ground forces approached the target area, they called for the building's occupants to come out, but they did not comply. The individuals were armed and attempted to fire on coalition forces. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing four terrorists, including two wanted individuals. Reports indicate that an al Qaeda leader in Kirkuk and a car-bombing kingpin were among the terrorists killed.
During anti-insurgent operations west of Kirkuk today, coalition forces captured a wanted individual while targeting weapons and foreign facilitators. The wanted individual was associated with acquiring weapons and materials for attacks on coalition forces and smuggling foreign terrorists into the region. Coalition forces approached the target building and called for the building's occupants to come out and they complied. The ground force detained four suspects without incident, including the wanted individual who identified himself to coalition forces.
Yesterday, coalition forces killed two wanted terrorists during operations south of Baghdad. Intelligence reports led coalition forces to the individuals' location, and they called supporting aircraft to engage. An air strike killed the two terrorists, who were reported to be leaders in the Arab Jabour region and responsible for numerous attacks on coalition forces and maintaining weapons caches. During the operation, coalition forces detained six suspects and destroyed one vehicle.
"We're bringing down al Qaeda's networks across Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces are working together to dismantle al Qaeda and protect the Iraqi people from their violence."
In other news from Iraq, Iraqi security forces, assisted by coalition forces, detained 81 suspected extremists and confiscated several weapons caches in Diwaniyah during Operation Lion Pounce, Nov. 17 to 19.
Maj. Gen. Othman Ali Farhood, 8th Iraqi Army Division commander, outlined the successes of Lion Pounce in a news conference at Camp Echo on Nov. 19.
"The northeast quarters of Diwaniyah, where the operation was conducted, were under control of criminal and militant groups," Farhood said. He added that no casualties or equipment damage had been associated with the operation to that point.
Polish Maj. Gen. Tadeusz Buk, Multinational Division Central South commander, said Operation Lion Pounce was the first large-scale operation led by an Iraqi army general who commanded not only army soldiers, but also Iraqi police units. "The results of the operation show that it was well-planned and prepared," Buk said.
Sheikh Hussein al Bderi, chairman of the Provincial Security Committee, highlighted sound cooperation among local government officials, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces as key to the operation's success. He added that new security stations will be built to maintain order and security in the region.
In Nov. 19 Iraq operations, Iraqi soldiers and U.S. Special Forces captured six extremists during a series of early morning raids. In Rahmaniya, Iraqi soldiers and U.S. troops conducted a cordon-and-search operation targeting five extremists believed to be part of an improvised-explosive-device and weapons-facilitation cell. Five extremists were detained during the raid. In a separate operation, the Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces detained an extremist suspected of being part of a cell responsible for attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces.
During operations Nov. 17-18:
-- Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces troops captured seven extremists Nov. 18 during operations targeting illegal cells operating within Iraq. Five terrorist suspects were detained in an operation in the Samarra and Tikrit areas. Two more suspects were detained during other operations conducted near Diwaniyah.
-- Acting on tips from Iraqi citizens, U.S. soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment "Tuskers" and Iraqi volunteers working in the Saydiyah section of West Rashid seized several caches of weapons and explosives Nov. 18. The caches contained a complete 82 mm mortar system, more than 40 pounds of homemade explosives, and several AK-47 rifles and some pistols.
-- U.S. troops captured two individuals and seized a cache of explosively formed penetrators, rockets and other munitions during operations in southern Baghdad Nov. 17. Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment "Black Lions," 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, launched the operation after some individuals were spotted fleeing after a rocket attack in the Aamel neighborhood of West Rashid. The two suspects were tracked to a house and detained.
A search of the building revealed the cache. The cache contained six complete explosive-formed penetrators, three 107 mm Iranian-made rockets, more than 30 mortar rounds of various calibers, 12 57 mm projectiles and other explosives and bomb-making materials.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Gates Revisits Past at Missouri Base
By Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - In a homecoming of sorts, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited here today to meet with local community leaders and members of Team Whiteman. Gates first came to the base as a second lieutenant in 1967 when he was assigned to the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, which controlled 150 Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missiles scattered throughout a 16,000-square mile area in west-central Missouri.
The secretary returned at the request of Whiteman's Base Community Council, an organization of more than 350 people representing 17 communities surrounding the base, designed to identify common interests of civilian and military populations and work together on issues of mutual concern.
"Being here in the 'Show Me' state means coming full circle from Air Force second lieutenant to secretary of defense," Gates said. "I was commissioned Jan. 4, 1967. I married my wife, Becky, in Seattle on Jan. 7, and a few days later reported for duty here at Whiteman as a brand new second lieutenant."
Before speaking to a crowd of more than 175 military and community leaders at the base's consolidated club, Gates presented a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and an Air Force Combat Action Medal to a Team Whiteman airman for his actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"It was the greatest honor I will probably receive in my lifetime," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Shumate of the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal flight. "This would normally be awarded at the squadron or wing level, so to be awarded at the Department of Defense level by the secretary of defense is indescribable."
During a luncheon, the secretary spoke highly of the base community council, an organization stemming from the Minuteman II missile days when base operations occurred throughout a wide area of central Missouri.
"I travel to Afghanistan and Iraq periodically, and I am occasionally asked by troops whether the people back home support them," the secretary said. "I tell them 'yes' because of organizations like yours. To everyone here from the BCC, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful ways you have volunteered to help this military community."
Following his speech, Gates fielded questions from among the council members regarding current events in Iraq and Iran.
"The security situation (in Iraq) has certainly improved, we have had some positive developments we did not anticipate," Gates said. "It is clear that our men and women in uniform have brought (the Iraqi people) opportunities that are being seized in some areas (that) are not being adequately seized in Baghdad."
When asked to comment on policy regarding Iran, the secretary said "another war is the last thing the Middle East needs." He said economic sanctions and diplomacy are the best options now for dealing with Iran.
Air Force Col. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, assured Gates that the wing would continue to provide military might when called upon.
"As you all know, the B-2 is the world's greatest strike aircraft -- because what you can't see you can't hit, and if you can't hit it, you can't stop it, and if you can't stop it, that means there is no sanctuary for America's enemies anywhere on this globe," Harencak said as he presented the secretary with a model of the B-2 "Spirit of America" to conclude the luncheon.
"Just as Whiteman provided strategic depth and deterrence during the Cold War, so too do its platforms and people safeguard America today," Gates said. "While consolidating gains in Afghanistan is a priority and Iraq remains at the forefront in the war on terror, the strategic deterrence and long-range, precision capabilities offered here – our only operational B-2 base – are critical to protecting America's other national interests around the world."
(Air Force Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch is assigned to 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 20, 2007 - In a homecoming of sorts, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited here today to meet with local community leaders and members of Team Whiteman. Gates first came to the base as a second lieutenant in 1967 when he was assigned to the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, which controlled 150 Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missiles scattered throughout a 16,000-square mile area in west-central Missouri.
The secretary returned at the request of Whiteman's Base Community Council, an organization of more than 350 people representing 17 communities surrounding the base, designed to identify common interests of civilian and military populations and work together on issues of mutual concern.
"Being here in the 'Show Me' state means coming full circle from Air Force second lieutenant to secretary of defense," Gates said. "I was commissioned Jan. 4, 1967. I married my wife, Becky, in Seattle on Jan. 7, and a few days later reported for duty here at Whiteman as a brand new second lieutenant."
Before speaking to a crowd of more than 175 military and community leaders at the base's consolidated club, Gates presented a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and an Air Force Combat Action Medal to a Team Whiteman airman for his actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"It was the greatest honor I will probably receive in my lifetime," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Shumate of the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal flight. "This would normally be awarded at the squadron or wing level, so to be awarded at the Department of Defense level by the secretary of defense is indescribable."
During a luncheon, the secretary spoke highly of the base community council, an organization stemming from the Minuteman II missile days when base operations occurred throughout a wide area of central Missouri.
"I travel to Afghanistan and Iraq periodically, and I am occasionally asked by troops whether the people back home support them," the secretary said. "I tell them 'yes' because of organizations like yours. To everyone here from the BCC, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful ways you have volunteered to help this military community."
Following his speech, Gates fielded questions from among the council members regarding current events in Iraq and Iran.
"The security situation (in Iraq) has certainly improved, we have had some positive developments we did not anticipate," Gates said. "It is clear that our men and women in uniform have brought (the Iraqi people) opportunities that are being seized in some areas (that) are not being adequately seized in Baghdad."
When asked to comment on policy regarding Iran, the secretary said "another war is the last thing the Middle East needs." He said economic sanctions and diplomacy are the best options now for dealing with Iran.
Air Force Col. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, assured Gates that the wing would continue to provide military might when called upon.
"As you all know, the B-2 is the world's greatest strike aircraft -- because what you can't see you can't hit, and if you can't hit it, you can't stop it, and if you can't stop it, that means there is no sanctuary for America's enemies anywhere on this globe," Harencak said as he presented the secretary with a model of the B-2 "Spirit of America" to conclude the luncheon.
"Just as Whiteman provided strategic depth and deterrence during the Cold War, so too do its platforms and people safeguard America today," Gates said. "While consolidating gains in Afghanistan is a priority and Iraq remains at the forefront in the war on terror, the strategic deterrence and long-range, precision capabilities offered here – our only operational B-2 base – are critical to protecting America's other national interests around the world."
(Air Force Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch is assigned to 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs.)
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