Ugly Angels: 70,000 hours of doing it right

23 Sept 07
By Cpl. Zachary Dyer
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD).

AL ASAD, Iraq -- History is a big part of the Marine Corps, every Marine is taught to honor the legacy of the first Leathernecks in 1775. Tradition has permeated so far into the Marines that it is not just the history of the Corps that Devil Dogs honor, but the feats of individual units as well.

Marines in one of the oldest heavy helicopter squadrons in the Marine Corps, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, are upholding a tradition of excellence that has extended almost 25 years with 70,000 Class A mishap-free flight hours.

“Its very rare,” said Lt. Col. Brian Cavanaugh, the Ugly Angels’ commanding officer. “Hardly any squadrons get this high, so we’ve been fortunate to reach this milestone. It’s a good mark, and we want to keep it going. Especially in combat, because it’s not like flying at home in the states, it’s desert (operations) with a high operational tempo. To be able to continue to do things safely is a testament to the high caliber of the Marines.”

The squadron’s mishap-free streak, which started March 28, 1983, is an accomplishment that has taken years of hard work, according to Maj. Richard Matyskiela, the HMH-362 operations officer.

Part of that hard work was completed in combat. Since they arrived in Iraq the squadron has flown just over 2,800 hours, according to Matyskiela, a Silverdale, Pa., native.

“That’s four to five times what we fly back in (Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii),” said Matyskiela. “Every aircraft out here is at about 60 hours per month. And along with that, our maintainers are doing a few years worth of maintenance out here. In six months out here they are probably getting a good two years worth of maintenance under their belt. Out maintainers are doing a phenomenal job out here.”

The “Ugly Angels” of HMH-362 have a deep history that dates back 55 years. They have the proud distinction of being the first Marine aircraft unit to deploy in support of the Vietnam War, and they also currently have the oldest CH-53D “Sea Stallion” in the Marine Corps, according to Cavanaugh.

“This squadron has a rich history,” said Cavanaugh, a Baltimore native. “We celebrated our 55th anniversary this year back in April. So this is one of the older squadrons in the Marine Corps. This squadron was in Vietnam, it was in the first Gulf War, it’s been to Haiti. So there is a lot of tradition, a lot of heritage, within the unit. This is just another benchmark to show that this squadron is a very, very good squadron. One of the best in the Marine Corps.”

The Marines of HMH-362 operate the same way they have done for the last 55 years, by the book. It is the dedication of the junior Marines that has allowed the Ugly Angels to continue the streak as long as they have, according to Capt. Nick Turner, an HMH-362 pilot and the flightline officer in charge.

“The pilots and the officers don’t do it around here,” said Turner, an Elliot, Iowa native. “I mean, sure we give a little guidance, but it’s the sergeants and below. They are the pulse of the squadron. Our frontline is out there on the flightline making sure that the aircraft are mission ready. And they do it with a smile on their face, without a complaint, every day. It’s impressive.”

Turner, who is the pilot credited with flying the mission that helped the squadron reach the latest milestone, attributes the Marines’ pride in their squadron and in maintaining the reputation they have built over the years to their success.

“They have an enormous sense of pride, not only in this aircraft but in this squadron,” explained Turner. “They know the great history of this squadron, I mean it goes all the way back to 1962 in Vietnam. My dad was an original Ugly Angel back in 1965 in Vietnam. They have an enormous amount of pride, not only in the aircraft and the history, but in preserving it.”

From the moment a Marine arrives at the squadron, they are taught the history of the Ugly Angels, and they become part of the Ugly Angels family, according to Lance Cpl. Jorge Toledo, a crew chief with HMH-362

“It definitely motivates us, especially when we watch old videos of the squadron that date back as far as Vietnam,” said Toledo. “As the years went along, we’ve always remained Ugly Angels. It’s just the way we do things. It’s 100 percent all the time, no less. Whenever you feel down you think about what the people did that were here before you, and it motivates you to keep on going, to work that much harder to get things done.”

So the Ugly Angels are celebrating their latest achievement, and looking forward to adding more to their long list of accomplishments.

“People come and go, but the way the Ugly Angels do things remains the same,” said Turner. “This patch has stayed the same the whole time. Regardless of who’s been here, nothing’s changed.”

Photo - Capt. Nick Turner, a pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, skillfully pilots a CH-53D “Sea Stallion” through a turn during a mission, Sept. 15. The Marines of HMH-362, the “Ugly Angels,” have racked up over 70,000 Class A mishap-free flight hours. Photo by Cpl. Zachary Dyer. Digg!

Navy's riverine force plans first homecoming since Vietnam

Source: Leatherneck News.

22 Sept 07
By Cpl. Ryan C. Heiser
2nd Marine Division.

HADITHA DAM, Iraq -- Mention of the U. S. Navy usually conjures images of huge battleships cruising across the oceans, but the Navy is also responsible for much smaller boats and waterways. The Navy has fought on rivers and lakes at home and overseas since its establishment during 1775.

During the War for Independence, sailors fought on tiny boats against the huge warships of the Royal Navy on colonial waterways. The War of 1812 found sailors on the Mississippi River aiding Gen. Andrew Jackson during a major British assault on New Orleans. With the beginning of combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the 1960s, the Navy joined forces with the U.S. Army to form the first Riverine squadron, known at the time as the Mobile Riverine Force.

The Navy officially stood up the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, responsible for fielding a new Riverine force in Iraq, Jan. 13, 2006, in Little Creek, Va. Sailors in the new command began training during June 2006 in preparation for their upcoming deployment. Less than a year later, during March 2007, Riverine Squadron 1, Riverine Group 1, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, deployed to Iraq’s waterways in support of Regimental Combat Team 2, in Al Anbar Province.

Now, for the first time since the Vietnam War, a Navy Riverine unit is wrapping up their tour of duty, turning over their area of operations, and preparing to come home.

"When we controlled the rivers during Vietnam, it was a huge hit to the enemy and a major U.S. success. [My bolding.] It’s the same here,” said Navy Chief Petty Officer John V. Flanagan, a damage control chief with the squadron. “Manning boats and guns is the Navy’s job. We just scaled down the boat, the gun, and the size of the operations. It feels good to be the first ones back in this position. Those are big shoes to fill, but I think we did pretty well.”

Flanagan, as well as the other sailors in the unit, commonly referred to as riverines, is pleased with the success the squadron has had in Iraq.

“My measure of success is this, in seven months we’ve only been shot at twice and we never hide. We are doing things right and the enemy stays away. They know if they mess with this unit they will be leveled. It’s the most significant Brown Water Navy contribution to the war so far. They came in, ramped up training and deployed in less than a year. We haven’t lost anyone and we’ve completed every mission. That’s success plain and simple,” said Flanagan, who is serving on his third deployment.

The months leading up to the riverines’ deployment were filled with various schools, exercises and training sessions. Every riverine in the squadron attended the Marine Corps School of Infantry East, in North Carolina. Boat captains and crewmen attended Special Missions Training Command, to learn more about the watercraft. Gunners went through the Marine machine-gunners course, and selected sailors even attended the Defense Language Institute for an Iraqi immersion course. Riverines assigned to Maritime Interdiction Operations Teams, a ground combat element, went through a specialized combat course provided by Blackwater, a private civilian security firm. In addition, most of the riverines also completed a combat lifesaver course.

“The training was great,” said Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Bennett, a boat captain with Detachment 3, Riverine Squadron 1. “Before we deployed, we met some of the riverines who served during Vietnam, and they emphasized the importance of what we are doing and got us excited about coming. Then, when we got here, the Marine Dam Security Unit trained us and prepped us for the takeover of (Haditha Dam). We’ve been set up for success since day one, and when we got her,e we just wanted to work and help out. We wanted to leave our footprint and get experience.”

The riverines are responsible for the security of the Haditha Dam, but in addition, they work with other units within the regiment on various combined arms operations.

“We’ve worked with Marine Anglico guys, They were awesome. We provided support for the Navy Seals sometimes. We worked a lot with the regiment’s Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, doing blocking positions and sweeps, and provide security for various units,” said Bennett, a 35-year-old Seguin, Texas, native. “A lot of times, we transported people and gear, because the waterways are safer than roads to travel on. Once, we even worked with the Air Force on an operation. We don’t care, we just want to help out.”

Many of the riverines say their new role in the war has given them a better perspective for the type of life a Marine or soldier might have, and most of them are happy to share that warrior heritage.

“We definitely have more appreciation for Marines, soldiers, and groundpounders in general,” laughed Bennett.

“We are proud of the fact that the only difference between us and the guys on the ground is the water under our boat. We share hardships, we know what that type of lifestyle entails, and we’re proud to have a claim in that,” agreed Flanagan. “There’s no rivalry or bickering, because we’ve been trained by everyone, Marine, Army, Navy, even civilians, its one team, one fight.”

Photo - Navy riverines with Detachment 1, Riverine Squadron 1, Riverine Group 1, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command man their machineguns during a patrol on the Euphrates River. The squadron was stood up, trained, and deployed in less than a year, and is the first Navy riverine unit to be deployed since the Vietnam War. Photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Heiser.

While I did not write this article, Cpl. Ryan C. Heiser did, I believe it one that should be shared. Our men have done well since their inception of the Navy (and all other branches), and it is about time we all stood up and said so. Let's support our men and women. Pass this story along.

This is why I have chosen this post for today's Linkfest. Please join us at the Linkfest and remember, no porn!

Posts I've trackbacked to (go read them!): The World According to Carl: Historic Photos Of Tallahassee -- Andrew N. Edel, The World According to Carl, Outside the Beltway, Blog @ MoreWhat.com, Nuke's, Right Voices, Conservative Thoughts, Blue Star Chronicles, Stop the ACLU, The Amboy Times, AZAMATTEROFACT, Dumb Ox Daily News, Stix Blog, Right Truth, Pirate's Cove, Perri Nelson's Website, The Bullwinkle Blog, 123beta, and Adam's Blog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

People who've trackbacked to this post:
1. Stix Blog: Why Fred Thompson should be elected.
2. The Florida Masochist: Weekly dolphins prediction.
3. Right Truth: Sunday Reading List 10/21/07.

Paratroopers Create Combat Logistics Patrol Academy

Source: Defend America.

21 Sept 07
By Spc. Robert H. Baumgartner
82nd Sustainment Brigade.

CAMP ADDER, Iraq — Whether pioneering coalition air drops or providing critical support to major offensives like Operation Marne Torch, the 82nd Sustainment Brigade paratroopers’ logistical contribution to the security of Iraq has been considerable.

Arguably one of the most far-reaching and longest-lasting contributions has been the brigade’s commitment to “growing the future” by implementing realistic, reactive training programs through the creation of the Black Scorpion Combat Logistics Patrol Academy.

The program is designed to keep soldiers’ existing skills sharp, teach them new skills based on the most current information available and train them to handle situations they may encounter on the road.

Since January 2007, more than 1,000 soldiers have completed the training, which includes casualty extraction and treatment, improvised explosive device detection and escalation of force procedures.

Army Capt. Robert Walls, 82nd operations officer in charge, said the goal is to give combat escort teams the ability to evolve as the insurgency evolves.

“The insurgency is adapting to our tactics at a rate that is inconsistent with our deployments,” Walls said. “The enemy has had four years to study us. We only have one rotation to get a step ahead of him.”

This lag in tactical knowledge creates a deficit that can increase soldier’s susceptibility. The academy program creates a bridge to give soldiers the edge they need to be successful in a rapidly changing asymmetric environment.

“A lot of what we teach can be practiced in the unit motor pool, the squad leader or convoy commander can run them through the scenarios,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Patterson, commandant of the academy. “But we allow a more in-depth range of possible scenarios. We can provide all the resources needed to conduct the training and make it a little more realistic.”

One scenario designed to improve real-time decision-making requires students to drive vehicles down a road at convoy speed to be confronted by an instructor driving a white pickup truck.

Soldiers are then expected to exercise escalation of force procedures, flexible to each unique situation. Sometimes the instructors comply with the soldier’s overtures. Sometimes they do not.

“We try to drive home the point that their efforts to stop a vehicle may not be as effective as they think they are,” Patterson said. “Each of the students gets a chance to sit with us in the pickup truck while their buddies go through the EOF procedures so they can get an idea of what it looks like. It gives them a better understanding of how to effectively communicate their intentions when time is so limited.”

Photo - Army Spc. Octavio Garza pulls security while his fellow soldiers treat a mock casualty at the 82nd Sustainment Brigade's Black Scorpion Combat Logistics Patrol Academy on Camp Adder, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Robert H. Baumgartner. Digg!

Kyrgyz controllers see stateside air traffic operations

Source: US Air Force.

by Maj. Adriane Craig
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.

MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) -- Kyrgyz controllers from Manas Air Base got the chance to see air traffic operations on a whole new level with an orientation trip to the United States Sept. 3 to 17. Seven Kyrgyz air navigation controllers spent nearly two weeks touring the training and advanced operations sites that comprise the United States flight network.

U.S. Central Air Forces sponsored the trip as part of the on-going education and exchange program between Kyrgyz air navigation and the 376th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron at Manas Air Base. The two organizations work closely because the base is collocated with Manas International Airport.

The controllers visited civilian air traffic control centers belonging to the Federal Aviation Administration and the military air traffic control tower at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. They also traveled south to visit the military air traffic controller school house at Keesler AFB, Miss.

Air operations in another country was a real eye-opener for some of the participants as the Kyrgyz controllers got to see firsthand the high-tech equipment used in daily operations and training.

For Aibek Akmatov, a senior air traffic controller with the KAN, the training facility was one of the biggest surprises.

"You can talk with the computer," said Mr. Akmatov after seeing the simulator used at the military ATC school.

The group spent three days at the schoolhouse, where hundreds of military controllers are trained each year. The schoolhouse provides realistic training to better prepare controllers for the challenges they'll face on duty.

The size of the airports that the groups visited also impressed the Kyrgyz controllers, along with the amount of air traffic they handle.

"Seventy percent of the global air traffic flows through the United States," said Maj. Michael Smith, the 376th EOSS commander, who accompanied the controllers on the trip west.

The Kyrgyz controllers were exposed to large-scale operations, which enhanced their understanding of the big picture of safe air traffic control.

"Now I have a clear view of how our American colleagues work. The command air traffic control centers in Washington, D.C., work with 20 sectors across the country and provide a good flow of air traffic," Mr. Akmatov said.

Photo - David Maddox explains the layout of the airfield to Igor Kulik, Taalaibek Alisherov, and Lev Semenovykh Sept. 6 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Mr. Maddox is the Federal Aviation Administration shift manager responsible for tower operations at Andrews AFB. The Kyrgyz air traffic controllers visited Andrews AFB and several other facilities in Virginia and Mississippi as part of a two-week orientation sponsored by U.S. Central Air Forces. The trip is part of an ongoing education and exchange program between Kyrgyz air navigation and the 376th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. The two organizations work closely together because the base is collocated with Manas International Airport. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexy Saltekoff. Digg!

Sister services, brothers in arms

Source: Navy.mil.

by Sgt. Matthew Clifton
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CHAPMAN, Afghanistan – You only have to say two words to invoke that feeling of rivalry that is oft-present between two of the largest armed services in the United States.

"Army-Navy." GO NAVY! :)

Upon hearing those words, one’s mind is immediately drawn towards collegiate athletics and although there may be some slight truth in the rivalry each Soldier or Sailor has towards the opposite service, one unit (comprised not of Soldiers and Sailors, but Servicemembers,) has demonstrated how the rivalry, when it comes down to it, is just good-hearted fun.

The truth is, whatever feuds the Army and Navy may have, they are certainly taken with a giant grain of salt.

No one unit better proves this point than the Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team. Made up of uniformed personnel from both services, the Khowst PRT plays a key role in the development of the Khowst province by funding and contracting projects like the building of schools, roads and hospitals.

This mission is a huge task and one that would not be possible without the complete and total teamwork of all its members, Army and Navy.

"This is the first time I’ve ever been in a joint environment," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey Caffey, master at arms, Khowst PRT. "I’ve never experienced the ‘Army thing’ before and at first it was a total culture-shock."

The "culture-shock" was best remembered through his pre-deployment training at Fort Bragg, N.C.

"I think the biggest thing for the Navy guys was the ruck-marches we went on," said Staff Sgt. Michael A. Sheets, civil affairs noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Khowst PRT. "I think it was difficult for the [Navy] guys, not because they couldn’t handle it, but because they were so used to being on a ship."

"It was fun teaching the guys about marching formations, what way to point their weapon and things like that," Sheets continued. "They were completely cooperative the whole time and I don’t think I’ve ever seen any one group of guys more eager and willing to learn."

Caffey, a New Braunfels, Texas native, laughed at the recollection of the ruck-marches, mentioning that, although he "walked" a lot during his Navy basic training, he had never before donned full "battle-rattle" and walked for miles in a formation.

"It was definitely different," Caffey added. "Some of our guys had a tough time, but I think some of the Army guys also had to get used to having a Navy commander."

None of the Soldiers in the unit had ever worked on a ship and both Caffey and Sheets agreed the Navy "slang" used by the commander was something the Soldiers had to get used to.

"There is an enormous amount of service-specific slang the commander uses in his speeches," Sheets said jokingly. "He always says something about ‘fair winds.’"

Caffey was quick to add "fair winds" means everything is going fine, like "smooth sailing."

"The Army just says ‘hooah’ for everything," Sheets, an Ohio native, retorted.

All-in-all, the unit spent three months training at Fort Bragg and after being in the Army for more than four years, this was Sheet’s first experience with the Navy.

"The tact shown by these guys during training can not be matched," Sheets said. "Our commander is one of the smartest guys I know."

Sheets referred to the way their commander, understanding he needed experienced leaders, made Sheets and other combat veterans "team leaders" during their training time.

Before they realized it, their training had stopped and they were in Afghanistan doing exactly what they had trained for. By that time, there was no longer the distinction between the Army and the Navy. They were just "the team."

Daily life for Caffey and Sheets is seen by both as being vastly productive. Working at the district center in Tani, a small district in Khowst, they literally live among the people of Afghanistan, helping to rebuild the area through funding and reconstruction projects.

"We work with the local government officials and police officers to ensure the continued stability of the district," Caffey said. "They are an all-around good group and I feel proud that they are doing what’s best for their citizens.

Straddling the half-way mark of their deployment, the lines of "Army and Navy" have gone from blurred to nonexistent.

"I don’t even see a difference anymore, its just one big team," Caffey said.

Neither Caffey nor Sheets had ever worked in a joint environment before and that they, along with their entire unit, bonded so instantly and permanently says something about how trivial and "elementary" any type of rivalry really is.

"I’m completely shocked at how everyone left their egos at the door and came together to be the best possible unit," Sheets said. "We have a good government to work with in this province and because we work so well as a team, I feel good about the future of our district."

Photo - Staff Sgt. Kirtis Hoursch, a squad leader with the 158th Infantry Battalion, Arizona Army National Guard, attached to the Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team, inspects a Soldier and a Sailor prior to heading out on a mission, at Forward Operating Base Chapman, Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Clifton.

Digg!

CENTCOM commander visits 380th AEW Airmen

19 Sept 2007
by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny
380th Air Expeditionary Wing.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- The commander of U.S. Central Command visited Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Sept. 17 at their forward deployed location in Southwest Asia.

Adm. William J. Fallon was greeted by Brig. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 380th AEW commander; Col. Bruce VanSkiver, the 380th AEW vice commander; Chief Master Sgt. Angelo Wilson, the 380th AEW command chief, and host nation and U.S. Embassy officials.

Admiral Fallon and his staff attended a unit mission brief given by the wing commander. During the briefing, General Wells explained how the 380th AEW missions contribute to contingency operations throughout the area of operation and the war on terrorism.

"Admiral Fallon took special interest in how we provide unblinking (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) support to the combatant commanders. He highlighted the fact that our wing has been instrumental in the positive outcome of recent combat operations and praised our Airmen for their dedicated service," General Wells said.

After the briefing, Admiral Fallon toured a hangar where he was briefed by Airmen and civilian technicians on the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, Global Hawk and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft missions.

"Our goal was to introduce Admiral Fallon to as many young Airmen as possible," General Wells said. "We knew he would be impressed once the Airmen started talking about their mission. And our Airmen were fabulous; they all made me very proud hearing them explain in great detail how they were a key part of the war effort."

Retired senior master sergeant James Cheeley helped brief the admiral on the capabilities of the U-2 aircraft. Mr. Cheeley is the 99th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Lockheed site manager. The retiree is also a 20-year Lockheed veteran with more than 32 years combined experience working with the U-2, and is considered a U-2 subject matter expert.

"I explained how it was built and delivered to the Air Force in April 1989," he said. "They were surprised because they thought all U-2s were 50 years old."

The 380th AEW also hosted a luncheon for Admiral Fallon and his staff, to which several Airmen and their commanders were invited. Admiral Fallon visited with each Airman and acknowledged their contributions to the mission by presenting them with a CENTCOM commander's coin.

"Receiving a coin from the admiral was a great honor," said Staff Sgt. Luvelle Pemberton, a command post specialist with the 380th AEW. "I love doing my job but I know that without the 'One Team, One Fight' concept, we could not be victorious in our fight. I try to give 100 percent every time I walk through my office door."

Sergeant Pemberton also served on the honor guard detail present during the admiral's arrival.

"Just seeing his aircraft with the words United States of America written on it made me proud to be serving my country," the NCO said. "To be honest, I was a little nervous to meet him. He sat right next to me and started asking me about my stay here. My lasting impression of him is that he holds a position in which he has to make tough decisions and stand his ground on what he feels is right for our armed forces and nation. But, take away all the stars and you will see a Sailor, as we are Airmen, proud to serve our country."

Near the end of the luncheon, Admiral Fallon grabbed his chair and sat with every Airman selected to meet him. He asked where they were from and what they liked most about supporting the CENTCOM's mission.

"It was amazing talking about strategic initiatives from the actual general officer that controls the face of our future in the current AOR from a strategic perspective as well as from an angle supporting national and political objectives for the United States of America," said Maj. Anthony Mullinax, the 380th Expeditionary Logistic Readiness Squadron operations officer. "It's not often you get an audience and are able to provide a perspective to leadership at that level."

"Admiral Fallon was quick to praise the families and friends back home for their support of our deployed Airmen," General Wells said. " It was good to know that he appreciated our time spent deployed and that he recognized the importance of the encouragement we get from our loved ones."

Photo - Adm. William J. Fallon talks to Airman 1st Class Alfred Roldan (left) and Senior Airman Aaron Austin during a luncheon Sept. 17 at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. Admiral Fallon is the U.S. Central Command commander. Airman Roldan is with the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and Airman Austin is with the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny.

Source: US Air Force. Digg!

Sr. Army enlisted leader visits Army well drillers

Source: www.DefendAmerica.mil.

20 Sept 07
by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente.

ASSAMO, Djibouti – National Guardsmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa were visited by the senior enlisted leader for the National Guard Bureau for three days.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. David R. Hudson, NGB senior enlisted leader, traveled to Djibouti Sept. 12-15 to learn about the HOA mission, visit well drilling sites and check on the morale of the Guardsmen.

“As a person who testifies before Congress, I wanted to come and see how they were doing and if they were in need of any supplies or equipment,” said Hudson.

While the sergeant major has visited several camps in theatre, this was his first time to Africa.

“It was a neat opportunity to come and see what kind of impact Guardsmen are making,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know about Djibouti, where it is or what we are doing here.”

Hudson met with the 1132nd Well Drilling Detachment of the North Carolina Army National Guard Sept. 15, and traveled to Assamo to view three of the five wells the servicemembers completed.

“Well drilling is an important contribution here because it helps prevent illness,” said Army Staff Sgt. William R. Brown, 1132nd Well Drilling Detachment lead driller and acting first sergeant.

The difference between the hand-dug wells the Djiboutians use and the wells the Guardsmen install is that the well drillers encase them, which makes them sanitary and keeps bacteria from getting into the water.

The well drillers test the water each time they return to the site using a hydrologist water test kit. While there is no regulation or other requirement for this process, the Guardsmen go an extra step further to make sure the process is still intact.

“We do it as a courtesy, because we care about what we’ve done,” said Brown. “We want to make sure we have left a positive impression on the people.”

The NGB senior enlisted leader felt the trip was educational, and he enjoyed meeting members of the HOA mission.

“I personally learned a lot,” said Hudson. “I didn’t know about the well drillers and what they bring to the HOA mission. The men and women of the National Guard are hard workers. The well drilling unit is doing a wonderful job.”

The command sergeant major also appreciated the assistance of the CJTF-HOA commander and command chief.

“Rear Adm. James M. Hart and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John R. Harris were great hosts during my time in HOA,” he said. “They have their own duties, and they put them aside to help me in making sure I could see as much as I could in a short amount of time.”

Army Sgt. Phillip W. Lawing, 1132nd Well Drilling Detachment lead well driller and mechanic, enjoyed the senior enlisted leader’s visit.

“Someone from that position who takes an earnest interest in what we are doing is nice,” said Lawing. “Knowing someone came from Washington, D.C., means they’re aware that we’re here and that’s pretty special.”

At any given time, there can be 70,000 to 90,000 Guardsmen deployed to 44 countries around the world. About 200 are in the Horn of Africa.

The well drillers are part of the CJTF-HOA mission, serving with more than 1,800 coalition and U.S. servicemembers who are part of the operational effort to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, and protect coalition interest in order to prevail against extremism.

Photo - Sgt. William R. Brown, left, uses a hydrologist water test kit as Army Sgt. 1st Class Danny D. Hunter records the various levels from a well drilled for local Djiboutians. The Guardsmen are not required by any rules or regulations to measure the pH levels, hardness, salinity, and other traits of well water, but do so as a courtesy check to ensure that the well is intact and because they care about what they've done. Brown and Hunter are members of the 1132nd Well Drilling Detachment deployed from Mooresville, N.C., Army National Guard. Brown is lead driller and acting first sergeant and Hunter, is team leader commander. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente.

Afghan NCOs Take Lead at Basic Warrior Training

Source: DVIDSHub.

18 Sept 07
by Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr.
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Public Affairs.

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghans lead best when in the lead and in the Basic Warrior Training Course at the Kabul Military Training Center, this responsibility falls on the shoulders of Afghan drill sergeants. The mentors call this progress. They describe their jobs as being only temporary – the goal is for the Afghans to take charge in all facets of their army with coalition forces acting in a supporting role or as an enabler.

The Afghan national army leaders have “improved a lot on tactics and leadership,” said Army Master Sgt. Roberto Garcia, a senior mentor at KMTC. “They still have a long way to go … but they are hard workers and they work a lot of hours.”

Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan mentors assigned to BWT in the past have seen their jobs go from dominant in the training and development of ANA soldiers to more of a supporting and advisory role to ANA non-commissioned officers and officers at KMTC. The new soldiers training at KMTC are experiencing this transition first-hand.

“NCOs are ready to take on the responsibility,” said Garcia, a drill sergeant assigned to the 218th Army National Guard Regiment’s Brigade Combat Team at KMTC. “It’s sometimes hard for us to (step back), but we have to remember that we have to be patient. We just have to realize that our military has been around and developing for over 200 years. We can’t expect (for theirs to develop) in five years.”

The senior mentor to the ANA Advanced Combat Training brigade commander, Army Lt. Col. Daniel A. West, echoed Garcia’s perspective. “We can’t implement our system here,” said West, also a member of the 218th BCT. “They don’t have the same equipment or personnel in place.”

However, the ANA has implemented a training system in which their NCOs are increasingly at the helm. Soldiers are assigned to train new recruits at BWT, the NCOs are being trained to be drill sergeants and NCOs are training BWT graduates for further responsibilities and assignments within the army.

A new class of recruits begins BWT about every two weeks at KMTC, and NCOs are taking the lead at teaching course materials.

“It was mostly officers, mixed with some NCOs (teaching the classes). That’s what I saw when I got here,” Garcia said. Now it’s mostly the NCOs teaching, with officers occasionally helping out.

During a recent live-fire training exercise of ANA soldiers at KMTC, ANA NCO instructors oversaw soldiers in their initial firing of 82 mm mortars and Russian-made SPG-9s, which fire 73 mm grenades.

The exercise was the “smoothest since I’ve been here,” said Army Master Sgt. Anthony J. Harris, a senior NCO mentor for combat arms assigned to the 218th BCT. “They are pretty self-sufficient.”

The soldiers themselves are responding to the new ANA leadership.

“They’re always excited,” said Spc. Seth R. Hungiville, a weapons specialist with the 218th BCT. “There (are) a lot of similarities in how the soldiers are very fascinated with the weapons systems just like we are when we get to fire a new weapons system.”

Photo - An Afghan national army drill sergeant demonstrates weapon functions of an AK-47 to ANA soldiers during Basic Warrior Training at Kabul Military Training Center. Coalition soldiers assigned to the 218th Brigade Combat Team at KMTC mentor Afghan national army Basic Warrior Training drill sergeants. Photo by Staff Sgt. Luis P Valdespino Jr.

Ironhorse Brigade helps, brick by brick, villagers rebuild lives

18 Sept 2007
By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

FALAHAT, Iraq – Soldiers from “Dagger” Troop D, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division joined with members of the brigade’s Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team and Company A, 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion to assist local tribal sheiks and villagers with several construction projects, Sept. 16.

Working side by side, villagers and Soldiers moved construction supplies to include wheel barrows, shovels and wood among other building materials from a truck provided by Dagger Troop that transported the materials to a site where a store is being built. Additionally, the troops delivered a brand new generator to be used once the store is completed.

Dagger Troop coordinated the effort that will donate the store to a local family that has no source of income due to the sole breadwinner being disabled. Building supplies delivered to the site will also be used to build a house for a Falahat family, currently living in a mud hut, and to repair a second house in the village that was damaged during an insurgent attack nearly five months ago.

“We’re glad to see that security has improved enough to where we can begin reconstruction here and it’s especially important to do this during Ramadan because it ties in well with the Islamic principle of Zakarat which means charity,” said Capt. Martin Wohlgemuth, Dagger Troop commander and a native of Anchorage, Alaska. “All of the families we’re helping are poor so it makes this just that much more special.”

“It’s helping us to build better collaboration and improve our relations with the locals here,” said 1st Lt. Mike Blake, a platoon leader in Dagger Troop and a native of Baltimore. “We’ve gotten to know the people extremely well and they trust us. During events like this, the whole community comes together to help each other and they treat us just like we’re part of their community.”

A few days prior to this particular event, Soldiers from Dagger Troop had already transported 4,000 bricks and 26 tons of mortar to the building site.

A local Iraqi contractor is providing the labor and overseeing the building projects.

The Ironhorse EPRT paid for the building supplies with quick reaction funds from the U.S. State Department which are funds the department sets aside for non-profit organizations, businesses and for special construction projects such as those in Falahat.

“It’s all about facilitating Iraqi efforts to promote accelerated social and economic development,” said Maj. David Parker, an EPRT transition officer and a native of Savannah, Ga., explaining the purpose of the funds.

“This is a great opportunity to help them rebuild their own country and see them take pride in ownership,” said Maj. Jesse Larson, Ironhorse EPRT civil affairs officer, who hails from Kansas City, Kan. “Eventually as the security situation continues improving, the Iraqi government will step up and be taking over these types of projects.”

After all the supplies had been delivered to the site, the Iraqi contractor began working with laborers, who he hired to work on the project, to create a foundation for the store. They dug trenches in which to emplace bricks for the walls of the structure and set several of the bricks in place.

According to Wohlgemuth, it should only take about five to seven days for the contractor to complete the store with the construction and repairs on the two houses to be completed over a period of several weeks.

Recent successful reconciliation efforts in the area have helped to accelerate projects in the village and Soldiers said they have been amazed by the village’s transformation.

“There’s been a very dramatic change, it’s been four months since we’ve had a major attack, and we used to be attacked nearly everyday,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lien, an acting platoon sergeant in Dagger Troop who hails from Whitewater, Wis. “We’ve worked closely with local tribal sheiks and the (Iraqi security volunteers) to kick out insurgents and the difference has been like night and day.”

“It’s pretty fantastic to see that the people here are showing their support for reconciliation efforts in the area, and this has been an incredible success when you compare it with how things were before,” said Pfc. Warren Griffen, a Dagger troop forward observer and a native of Rochester, N.Y.

So far, the combined efforts of Dagger troops working with the Iraqi security volunteers have led to the finding of many improvised explosive devices, weapons caches and the detaining of several Al Qaeda in Iraq fighters greatly improving the security situation, said Blake.

Future projects for the village, said Wohlgemuth include the refurbishing of schools, the fixing of water lines and the pursuit of more projects, similar to the construction effort, that will put the villagers back to work.

Photo - Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lien, left, an acting platoon sergeant, and Staff Sgt. Kevin Sartor, center, a forward observer, both from Dagger Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regt., offload building supplies with the help of a local Iraqi man in Falahat, Iraq, Sept. 16, as part of a humanitarian effort to rebuild the socio-economic infrastructure of the village. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp.

Source: DVIDSHub page 7. Digg!

Air Traffic Controllers Manage Flights

Source: Marine Corps News Room.

19 Sept 07
By Sgt. Anthony Guas
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).

AL QAIM, Iraq — Just like a guide dog helps a blind person or a ground guide assists a heavy equipment operator, air traffic controllers are on the ground to help pilots. Wherever there are Marine Corps aircraft[s] flying, there are air traffic controllers ensuring that the pilots know when they can take off or land, how to approach the airfield, or what is in the airspace.

For Al Qaim, those are the controllers of Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team for Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Detachment C.

“The mission of any air traffic controller, whether it be back in the states or here, is the expeditious flow of traffic into or out of our airspace,” said Staff Sgt. Jimmy Houser Jr., MMT leader for MACS-1, Detachment C. “Here it’s all helicopters, we don't have a runway for any fixed wing aircraft.”

The controllers are responsible from the surface of Al Qaim to 3,000 feet, 5 nautical miles from the center of the airfield. They are split into six-hour shifts in which they land and depart as many as 20 helicopters a day.

“We de-conflict any type of flight into or out, (unarmed aerial vehicles), weather balloons all that stuff,” said Houser.

Since the size of Al Qaim does not accommodate fixed wing aircraft, the controllers spend their time dealing with just helicopters. The limited number of aircraft operating in and out of Al Qaim makes the operational tempo for the controllers a little slower than usual.

“The traffic here is slow, we do just over 40 operations a day,” said Houser. “Most of the Marines are from (Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.) and I'm from (MCAS Yuma, Ariz.), which are two of the busiest airports in the Navy and Marine Corps so we are used to 40 operations in an hour and we do that in a 24-hour period here.”

The slower operational tempo allows Marines like Cpl. Blaze Crawford, who previously worked in radar, an opportunity to wet his feet working in the tower.

“It's new, when I first started I didn't know the aircrafts flight and where they were going to come in, I had no clue what was going on because I never see them in radar,” explained Crawford. “When I'm in the radar room I'm in a box, I don't see them, they are a dot. It's exciting to actually see what I'm doing."

Although the operational tempo may be slower, the Marines are determined to give their best effort by increasing the quality of air traffic control that they provide.

"We're doing great so far,” said Sgt. Nicholas Foster, air traffic controller, MACS-1. “I'm glad that it’s such a small group of guys. It could be bad because there could be one or two that don't know the job, but we kind of lucked out in that we are all kind of seasoned. Nobody has to baby-sit anybody, everyone knows their job, they know what they have to do, they know the Marine Corps.”

While battling the normal difficulties of a deployment, the ATC Marines also have an added number of obstacles that they must hurdle on a daily basis.

“What makes the job difficult here is limited visibility and limited equipment,” explained Houser. “Basically the austere environment and the wear and tear of the gear.”

Despite the lack of accommodations to do their job, the Marines are adjusting to their environment and compensate for the shortfalls by increasing their proficiency in other areas.

“The Marines study the airspace as much as they can,” explained Houser. “There are a couple of different things that you can learn around here.”

Whether it is reading manuals or memorizing the rules for the airfield, the controllers are always working hard to ensure that they are a positive source of information for the aircraft pilots.

“There is a manual that teaches you everything about the airfield, a course rules brief that tells all the pilots how to get into and out of the airspace, what we expect them to do,” said Houser. “As long as we continue to train to everything in the airspace, train on the radio, train on the equipment to pass information whether it be mIRC (Internet Relate Chat), (e-mail), that’s how we compensate for some of the shortfalls.”

Another service that the controllers provide is navigational aid when there is inclement weather or limited visibility. To ensure that the navigational aid is always ready the MMT has a technician on call 24 hours a day.

“We provide tactical aid navigation for aircraft to find the airfield in case of inclement weather or some type of outage or shortage,” Houser explained. “(The tactical aid mechanic) provides service to that (system) 24 hours a day.”

Although they are a small air traffic control team and their mission is smaller than usual, the Marines know that they are having positive influence on the mission in Al Qaim.

“I think its great that we're out here, normally if there is any type of a Marine aircraft flying there's always a Marine air traffic controller that's talking to them,” explained Houser. “We do play a vital role when it comes to the (medical evacuations), getting them out as quick as possible. That's probably the best feeling that we have, knowing that there's troops in contact, we need to get a gunship out or there's somebody injured and we need to get them medevaced into or out of the airspace.”

Photo - Sgt. Nicholas Foster, air traffic controller for Marine Air Control Squadron-1, looks on the mIRC (Internet Relate Chat) for information on incoming flights to Al Qaim, Aug. 31, 2007. Foster is part of the Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team that manages the airspace in Al Qaim. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony Guas. Digg!

Don't like the candidates for prez? Listen in at 9pm est

I did not write this, but I am supporting Duncan Hunter. Please give him a chance and listen to the grassroots who are supporting him. Thank you.

PS. If you missed the program, do not worry. They tape it so that you may listen later at your convenience.

Join us Thursday night October 18, 2007 beginning at 9:00pm EST, 8:00pm CST, 7:00pm MT and 6:00pm PST for The "Hunters Rangers" Internet Radio Show sponsored by the following:

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This show will provide insight on the Grassroot efforts for Supporters of Duncan Hunter as well as sharing your thoughts and ideas in an effort to educate volunteers, supporters, as well as first time listeners.

Everyone is encouraged to either call in or send us an AOL or Yahoo instant message.

Our guests will be:

Nevada Co- State Directors Kristie Parker and Tim Shepard to discuss the CLC this past weekend in Sparks, Nevada

Florida State Director Dennis McCarthy to discuss the upcoming Presidency IV Conference in Orlando on October 22nd.

This show will be "On-Demand" as well available 1 hour after the show has aired.

Tune in every Thursday Night at 9:00pm EST for "Hunters Rangers" Internet Radio Show The Grassroots Effort for Duncan Hunter

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If the link doesnt not work, please go to www.winamp.com and download the free program.

THIS SHOW IS NOT AFFILATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE DUNCAN HUNTER FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE THAT OF THE HOST, LISTENERS, AND GUESTS AND ARE NOT ENDORSED BY THE DUNCAN HUNTER FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN

"LETS GET THIS TRAIN ROLLING"
Thank You

Sean Cole
Midwest Regional Director
IA, MO, IL, IN, KY, OH, and WV
Hunter for President 08

Hunter for President, Inc.
9340 Fuerte Drive
La Mesa, California 91941
United States

I hope you tune in, I really do. That is why I've decided to post it and present it as my post for open trackback at Linkfest. Thank you.

Posts I've trackbacked to: Opinionated Linkfest #4, OTA Linkfest #3, third world county, Inside the Northwest Territory, Perri Nelson's Website, Right Truth, The Populist, Pirate's Cove, Webloggin, Stuck On Stupid, Leaning Straight Up, Republican National Convention Blog, High Desert Wanderer, Conservative Cat, Nuke's, Blue Star Chronicles, The Virtuous Republic, The World According to Carl, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Kind people who've trackbacked to this post:
1. Potbelly Stove: Dems proven incapable of governing.
2. The Florida Masochist: I don't think hearing aids are the answer.
3. The Florida Masochist: The Knucklehead of the Day award.
4. Republican National Convention Blog: Smells Like Teen Spirit. Digg!

Welders Develop First Up-Armored Iraqi Police Truck

U.S. Army welders designed and built the first up-armored truck for the Iraqi police to use at checkpoints.
11 October 2007
By Pfc. Bradley J. Clark
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq, Oct. 11, 2007 — Members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division here are often faced with unusual and difficult tasks, most recently creating an up-armored truck for the Iraqi police.

Welders from the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, currently assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment said that designing and building the up-armored pickup truck was a novel, and difficult, experience in part because it had never been done before.

“Especially the doors,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Jewell Loving, “because we had to make our own hinges and fabricate a lot of stuff for them, but we had all the supplies that we needed. The project took us two-and-a-half weeks from start to finish.”

The purpose of the pickup truck is to provide security for the IPs manning checkpoints.

One of the things the welders worried about was the added weight as a result of up-armoring the pickup truck. “Even though the vehicle isn’t intended to chase after insurgents when it was taken on a test drive it had pick up, it wasn’t top heavy and it handled well, very well,” said Loving. Because the welders did such a good job accomplishing the task put before them, they have been tasked to up-armor four more pickup trucks.

“The next ones will be less time-consuming because we already have the design and we are in the process of receiving more equipment for them,” said U.S. Army Pfc. David Durham.

Accomplishing a mission as difficult as inventing something that cannot only help save lives, but also help secure a nation, made these soldiers feel great.

“I get a sense of pride by having the ability to do this for the IP,” said Durham. “We were able to work with the equipment and materials that we had. On top of all of that, I gained much more job experience due to this project.”

Photo - U.S. Army Pfc. David Durham completes the final part of welding on the first ever up-armored pickup truck for the Iraqi police on Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq. Durham is a metal worker with Bravo Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark.

Source: Defend America.

Digg!

Doctor's visit

I'm not going to be posting this for the Linkfest anymore. I'd rather keep it personal.

The doctor thinks there may be something wrong with his liver. I do not. It isn't because I know more than the doctor, I do not. But the hospital said he was anemic, the doctor said he is missing 5 pints of blood, and he claims it looks like someone who has been drinking. John hasn't had a drink in over 22 years. There simply is no way that could be the cause.

He did order many tests, so I feel good about that. We have to go back tomorrow, because he needs to have not eaten or drinking anything. Water is okay, though.

He also ordered some prescriptions. I had them filled after sending him home. He was tuckered. Well, that's about it. I'm bushed, so good night.

Charge: Aiding the enemy, Trial: Oct 15-20, 2007

Source: MNF-I.

BAGHDAD – An officer accused of aiding the enemy will stand trial Oct. 15-20. In a pre-trial session held at Camp Liberty, Iraq, Oct. 7, Lt. Col. William H. Steele plead guilty to three of the seven charges facing him. The charges Lt. Col. Steele plead guilty to carry a maximum penalty of six years confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and dismissal from the service.

Those charges include:

CHARGE IV: Violation of the UCMJ, Article 92
Specification 1: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele did, between on or about 18 February 2007 and 21 February 2007, violate a lawful general regulation, to wit: paragraph 7-4, Army Regulation 380-5, dated 29 September 2000, by wrongfully storing classified information in his living space.

Specification 2: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele did, between on or about 1 September 2006 and 21 February 2007, violate a lawful general regulation, to wit: paragraph 4-32, Army Regulation 380-5, dated 29 September 2000, by improperly marking classified information.

Specification 4: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele did, between on or about 18 February 2007 and 21 February 2007, violate a lawful general order, to wit: paragraph 2e, Multi-National Corps-Iraq General Order Number 1, dated 16 December 2006, by wrongfully and knowingly possessing pornographic videos.

Lt. Col. Steele still faces four remaining charges. The charges below do not represent a finding of guilt and Lt. Col. Steele is presumed not guilty.

CHARGE I: Violation of the UCMJ, Article 104.

Specification: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele, did, between on or about 1 October 2005 and 31 October 2006, aid the enemy by providing an unmonitored cellular phone to detainees.

CHARGE II: Violation of the UCMJ, Article 134
Specification: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele, did, between on or about 31 October 2006 and 22 February 2007, having unauthorized possession of classified information, violate Title 18, United States Code, Section 793(e), by knowingly and willfully retaining the same and failing to deliver it to the officer or employee of the United States.

CHARGE III: Violation of the UCMJ, Article 133
Specification: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele, did, between on or about 1 December 2005 and 11 December 2006, knowingly and wrongfully provide special privileges to and maintain an inappropriate relationship with an interpreter, wherein such acts constituted conduct unbecoming an officer in the armed forces.

CHARGE IV: Violation of the UCMJ, Article 92
Specification 3: In that Lt. Col. William H. Steele, having knowledge of a lawful order issued by the 89th Military Police Brigade Deputy Commander, did, on or about 22 February 2007, fail to obey the order.

The trial has been previously postponed twice. August and September trial dates were delayed to allow additional trial preparation. Lt. Col. Steele is expected to remain in confinement at the Theater Field Confinement Facility at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, until trial.

Charges against Lt. Col. Steele were referred to a general court-martial June 10. The remaining charges carry a maximum possible punishment of life imprisonment.

Digg!

I am afraid, grateful, angry and relieved

Yesterday night (Sunday), I was afraid my brother was having a stroke. Since I had previously had a few, I knew what to do. I started giving him the neurological tests, and he failed terribly. My brother has not seen doctor in over 20 years, that I am aware of, and I was not going to wait until morning. I had waited 18 hours before I called operator, and I received brain damage due to that. So I called the ambulance.

They made the mistake of asking him why he called them! They would not let me talk. This was very frustrating. Especially since he couldn't get out of the bed nor call anyone. He was trying to talk, but his words were illegible.

We got to the hospital, and I remembered to grab a shirt for him. (Forgot the shoes and socks, though. Oops.) We arrive a litte before 2 am. He saw a doctor that ordered so many tests. I was grateful for this. He even gave him a prostate exam (which I have been begging him to get done for several years now). I was relieved by this.

Well, he wasn't having a stroke, and I am super grateful for that! Instead, he is anemic, he has some pulminary spots (lungs), and some other things. After I heard spots on his lungs, I couldn't hear anything else.

We caught a cab home which the hospital paid for, I went to my doctor's appointment and embarrassingly fell asleep, nothing was accomplished there but I did pick up my medication that was ordered one week ago (John has been sick since a day before he took me to this hospital), I bought some Chinese food (hey, I may hate their government, but I love their food, lol), and he ate a little bit for the first time since last week.

I am afraid of those spots, so please pray for him that God will heal him totally.

I am grateful that he is home, he doing well, and he is not going leave me anytime soon.

I am angry that people are not more understanding or willing to hear the truth. I CALLED, dang it!

I am relieved that I was wrong. That's right. He was not having a stroke, and he finally had the exam he so badly needed. Who knows? Maybe my fear may have caught something worse from happenging? Let us pray so.

Lesson learned: Do not doubt that inner voice when it says, "It's time to call the ambulance."

PS. I have broken my promise to write at least once a day. In this instance, I forgive myself. I hope you can also. ;)



This is rather personal, but I do believe it may save the life of some other loved one. That is why I am sharing it in this Linkfest. We would appreciate any and all prayers available. God bless you, and thank you.

People I've trackbacked to: Perri Nelson's Website, Right Truth, Right Voices, Pirate's Cove, Blog @ MoreWhat.com, The Populist, Blue Star Chronicles, The Amboy Times, , and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest.

People who've trackbacked to this post:
1. The Florida Masochist: Shuffling off to San Diego.
2. 123beta: Good Stuff Tuesday.
3. Planck's Constant: Disney does sneak attack to bolster Blu-ray format.
4. Adam's Blog: Rudy Giuliani’s Convenient Republicanism.
5. The Florida Masochist: The Knucklehead of the Day award.
6. The Florida Masochist: Nice bottom.
7. The Florida Masochist: Miracle in Montreal.
8. The Florida Masochist: Free Jason Allen.

Chris Muir - Cartoonist Extraodinaire

Our prayers are with your family and you, Chris.


Take all the time you need. We will be here praying and waiting for you. May God heal the wholes in your hearts...

More Military News

I have three articles for you today, and I do believe these are news articles that need to be reported more broadly. Saying that, let's get down to the nitty-gritty:

New Ramps Increase Bagram Capacity.
New School Offers Space for Learning. And
Airmen keep Soldiers, Marines in the fight.

These articles include good news, good works, progress, successes and all the things the Marxists (or should they be called jihadis?) hate to report. I'll leave that up to you to decide...

Some good news should be shared by all, and we sure could use some! That is why I am submitting this short article to the open trackback Linkfest. If you are not already a member, I encourage you to join. There are many wonderful people who have open trackbacks from here, and many of them have thought-provoking and wonderful articles. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Posts I've trackbacked to: Dumb Ox Daily News, Right Truth, Conservative Cat, Nuke's, Is It Just Me?, Dumb Ox Daily News, The Populist, Stix and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Kind people who've trackbacked to this post:
1. The Florida Masochist: The Knuckleheads of the Day award.
2. The Florida Masochist: Trade War.
3. The Florida Masochist: Blogging Notes.
4. Shadowscope: The Nobel Peace Prize. Digg!

Airmen keep Soldiers, Marines in the fight

Source: Hanscom Air Force Base.

Ah, the great people behind the scenes. Back home, I hate doctors. They are so full of themselves. Not out here.

Please allow me this one moment to say I AM NOT IN THE MILITARY. I know there is a big to-do about phony soldiers, and I do not want to give the impression that I am. I just love and appreciate our troops so much. That's all folks.

1 Oct 07
by Capt. Christopher Moore
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Army Sgt. Scott Boomershire injured his ankle kicking down doors in Iraq. However, it's up to Airmen here, stationed hundreds of miles from the infantryman's unit in Baghdad, to help Sergeant Boomershire get the medical care he needs to put him back in the fight.

Members of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group's Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility team are charged with preparing injured servicemembers for transport to medical facilities around the world.

"If we receive someone who looks like they can be treated in the area, we'll make sure they are cleared for travel and send them to a regional medical facility for treatment and return to duty," said 1st Lt. Elizabeth Quinn-Wilber, a CASF nurse deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "If medical conditions are too severe, we'll prepare the individual for flight aboard one of our C-130 (Hercules aircraft) and they'll be flown to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, for advanced care."

The CASF receives patients via C-130 from bases throughout the region or via ambulance from nearby military bases. Once patients arrive, the CASF staff makes sure their vitals are within normal limits, changes dressings if necessary, and prepares the servicemembers for their next journey.

"Most patients we receive are actually pretty close to being ready to go," said Senior Airman Elle Liza Marie Franz, a CASF medical technician also deployed from Travis AFB. "We keep the patients for about 12 hours -- usually just long enough for transportation to be arranged."

The CASF processes more than 300 patients a month, with ailments ranging from hernias and broken bones, to gunshot wounds and improvised explosive device-related injuries.

It's those patients arriving after being hit with IEDs that draw the most attention at the CASF. The CASF has implemented a "Battle Injury Program" where American flags are presented to those with combat injuries.

"It's the least we can do," said Maj. Cheryl Spray, the officer in charge of the CASF's medical control center and also deployed from Travis AFB. "It's a way to show that we appreciate the sacrifices that they make for us and it's a small reminder of what we're fighting for."

Photo - Senior Airman Elle Liza Marie Franz conducts a vital check on Army patient Sgt. Scott Boomershire at the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility Sept. 24 in Southwest Asia. The CASF is a 24-hour medical holding and staging facility, which averages about 300 patients per month. Airman Franz is a 386th Expeditionary Medical Group medical technician. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder. Digg!

New School Offers Space for Learning

Source: Asymmetric Military.

Many people are unaware of the major work we have been doing in the Horn of Africa known as the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). This is a part of WWIV that fascinates me. Our men and women are doing such a good job and many good works, and it all goes mostly unnoticed.

I might add this is while America and the HOA is fighting the ships and pirates from al Qaida by capturing there ships which have been kidnapping people, enslaving and murdering them, and stealing whatever they please. Now on to the article from CentCom.

2 Oct 07
By Maj. Wesley P. Miller IV
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Public Affairs.

SANA’A, Yemen — Dozens of children rushed through the doors of Socotra’s newly built Usama Bin Zaid Primary School, eager to see their new learning environment.

The project dedication ceremony held for the people of Socotra, Sept. 23, was the result of a combined effort of the U.S. military, U.S. State Department, United States Agency for International Development, the Government of Yemen and the Hadibo local council.

U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Stephen A. Seche, Rear Adm. James Hart, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa commander, as well as numerous other U.S. and Yemen government leaders attended the ceremony.

“There’s a significance and [a] value in education – a degree of excellence – one which the youth of Socotra are deserving. It has been stated that every person has a right to an integral education, an education which responds to all of the needs of the human person. We hope that these refurbishments will make this process a little easier,” said Hart.

The project dedication is an event Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa holds when they complete a civil-military project. The dedication symbolizes turning over the completed project to the local community. The U.S. military delegation traveled to the island to dedicate the Usama Bin Zaid primary school to more than 2,000 residents.

The Dayshes school, built by a local contractor Faiz Abdullah Salem and funded by the U.S. government, will become a learning center for more than 250 children, ages 6-14. Before erecting the school, there were limited structures to house the children and many had to attend class in grass huts.

With a U.S. and Yemen flag flying atop the school, Seche and Hart officially dedicated the school to the village of Dayshes. The $40,000 invested by the U.S. government in building and outfitting the Usama Bin Zaid school are part of a total U.S. government assistance program in Socotra, Yemen totaling more than $1,900,000 in projects for 2007.

Hart said that refurbishing the Usama Bin Zaid school began with CJTF-HOA’s assigned Civil Affairs team joining forces with local elders and contractors to repair the school.

Other projects completed or ongoing on Socotra include: the Omar Bin Kattab school, a health clinic for women and children in the Qalansiyah district and nearly 20 water storage tanks completed or nearing completion throughout the island. Civil Affairs Teams are working to fund 374 more water storage tanks to help provide potable water throughout Socotra.

Through building schools, water storage tanks, health centers and conducting numerous other Civil-Military Operations, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa is building capacity throughout the Horn of Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism.

“It is my hope that all the people of Yemen continue to feel the benefits from the strong and growing U.S. – Yemen friendship. Geographically, Socotra may be far from Sana’a and the Embassy, but cooperative projects like this school will continue to draw us closer together,” said Seche.

One thing that was not mention but is clearly evident to me is the fact that along with this clean water, we are also educating these people on health issues from dirty water. Yes, great job, guys!

Photo - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. James Hart, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa commander (center), presents a dedication plaque to Faiz Abdullah Salem at the Usama Bin Zaid Primary School in Socotra, Yemen, Sept. 23, 2007. Salem is a local contractor who helped in the construction of the newly erected school by teaming with United States Agency for International Development and CJTF-HOA personnel. U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Stephanie Addison.