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Four-legged Defenders Sniff Out Trouble

Media Release By Air Force Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel Special to American Forces Press Service KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq, May 12, 2008 - Prompted by a few words of command by his handler, military working dog Charlie sprints ahead and attacks a simulated enemy during a training session here.   Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, practices techniques with his dog Charlie during a recent training event. Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. For Charlie, a German shepherd deployed here, this attack is no less a priority than if it were a real insurgent attempting to harm coalition forces. Despite temperatures hovering near the century mark, Charlie makes no bones about pushing his paws to the limit for the seemingly small reward of some praise from his handler. "The dog sees everything he does here as a game," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Patrick Carroll, 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "Even when the dog does have a big find, the dog never sees it as work. Seeking a reward and praise from their handler is the primary reason the dogs do the work for us." While these military working dogs may be unable to comprehend their important contribution to the global war on terrorism while playing "the game," their capabilities are vital to the safety of coalition forces both inside and outside the base perimeter. Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions. The 506th ESFS military working dog team conducts missions with the goal of protecting the more than 5,000 coalition forces personnel who reside at the base. While working inside base confines, 506th ESFS military working dogs conduct frequent patrols and assist security forces airmen at entry control points. "Explosive detection is one of the main things we do with the dogs," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th ESFS military working dog trainer. "The dogs are also trained to protect, deter, identify and apprehend any unauthorized personnel or contraband. Basically, the dogs prevent anything from getting on base that isn't supposed to be here." The 732nd ESFS team typically works with the U.S. Army's 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, during the brigade's missions outside the wire in the city of Kirkuk and surrounding areas. Similar to the 506th ESFS, the 732nd ESFS military working dog team frequently is on the lookout for explosives during its missions. The team is composed of airmen filling "in-lieu of" taskings -- U.S. Army positions augmented by the Air Force. "Everything we do in this capacity is outside the wire," said Carroll, who is deployed from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The 732nd ESFS team conducts a wide range of missions that include raids, cache searches and vehicle searches. The team's missions can last for more than 10 days outside the wire, Carroll said. Carroll is not new to the military working dog career field, but he said he feels his current deployment is unlike anything he's ever seen. "People can tell you what you're getting into, but after leaving that gate you realize it's different than anything you've ever seen," he said. "But I build on each and every mission, and it's been satisfying to help assist the Army mission with Air Force canines." Carroll, who volunteered for the position, said soldiers have helped his transition into the Army's working environment. "The Army has made me very comfortable incorporating the dogs into their mission," he said. "I've been working with canines for more than 12 years now, but nothing comes close to what I've seen here. Working outside the wire with the Army has been a very rewarding opportunity." To accomplish such a wide variety of missions both on and off the base, dog handlers rely on the keen senses of their canines, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Esparza, 506th ESFS kennel master, said. "A dog's scent is far more advanced than a human's," said Esparza, who is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. "In comparison, humans can't distinguish the individual ingredients when we smell a pizza. [Dogs] can smell the cheese, pepperoni, oregano and all of the other ingredients individually." Each handler typically has his or her own assigned dog during a deployment. These dogs often travel with their handler from the United States, and spend much of their deployment patrolling and sharpening their skills. Since handlers spend so many of their hours with the dogs, the commonly known bond between "man and his best friend" often forms, said Nelson, who is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. "You can't help being attached to the dogs; they depend on you," he said. "You are completely responsible for the dog's health and safety. But you also always have a partner that will lay down their life for you - these dogs aren't scared of guns, knives or anything else. They are extremely loyal. "For us, a dog is similar to another person on the team," the sergeant added. "The dog is treated the same as if they are an airman, because the dog won't be any good at his job if we don't take great care of him." Carroll's dog sleeps in his bedroom, thus making their relationship an around-the-clock endeavor, seven days a week. "There is definitely a bond that forms when you live with a dog every day for six months," Carroll said. "My dog, Jack, makes the time away from my family not as bad." While military working dogs will never receive retirement checks or re-enlistment bonuses for their abilities to sniff out weapons caches, these canines are a vital and valued capability in the deployed environment. "These dogs are basically tools that we use to help save lives," Carroll said. "I know for a fact that my dogs have found weapon caches that would've otherwise been used against coalition forces. Whether it's protecting the base from within or going off base, these dogs play a major part in helping to keep us safe." (Air Force Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel serves with 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs.)

Related Sites: Multinational Corps Iraq Multinational Force Iraq

Airman 1st Class Ryan Wasson, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, holds his dog Charlie back from Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th ESFS military working dog trainer, during a recent training event here. Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel

The History of Armed Forces Day, Celebrated May 17th

http://www.defenselink.mil 

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too.

In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas" and said, "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Mr. Truman stated:

Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.

The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense." It was chosen as a means of expressing the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government. Although this was the theme for the day, there were several other purposes for holding Armed Forces Day. It was a type of "educational program for civilians," one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to the civilian population they were protecting. And it was a day to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

According to a New York Times article published on May 17, 1952: "This is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces ... to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world. Armed Forces Day won't be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty."

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows. In Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets, and veterans marched pass the President and his party. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. troops paraded for the German citizens at Templehof Airfield. In New York City, an estimated 33,000 participants initiated Armed Forces Day "under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types." In the harbors across the country were the famed mothballed "battlewagons" of World War II, the Missouri, the New Jersey, the North Carolina, and the Iowa, all open for public inspection. Precision flying teams dominated the skies as tracking radar were exhibited on the ground. All across the country, the American people joined together to honor the Armed Forces.

As the people gathered to honor the Armed Forces on this occasion, so too did the country's leaders. Some of the more notable of these leaders' quotes are stated below: Click link:

http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/military/history.html 

 

Militants Killed; Operations Disrupted in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008 - Several militants were killed and eight were detained during two separate coalition operations to disrupt militant operations in Khowst and Helmand provinces yesterday. Afghan and coalition forces performed a search of several compounds in Sabari district, in Khowst province, targeting a militant cell conducting IED operations. The targeted individuals are known to have been involved in the Jan. 1 IED attack in Danda Fakiran, in Sabari district, which killed two civilians and the December 2007 kidnapping and murder of another civilian. During the course of the operation, several armed militants were killed when they attacked the joint force. Afghan and coalition forces detained eight individuals, including the head of the targeted cell. In addition, several AK-47s, a shotgun, magazines, ammunition vests, and a grenade were discovered on the compounds and removed or destroyed to prevent their future use. In a separate operation, coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in Garmsir district, in Helmand province. The target of the operation was a Taliban insurgent associated with procuring and smuggling various machine guns and assault rifles. During their search, militants threatened coalition forces who responded with small-arms fire, killing several. In earlier operations, several militants were killed and nine were detained May 9 during a coalition operation against militants in Nangarhar province. Coalition forces searched compounds in the Shinwar district, targeting a foreign-fighter network. Militants in the same area recently had engaged coalition forces. During the operation, several militants were killed when they attacked coalition forces. Nine militants suspected of facilitating foreign fighters were detained. In addition, coalition forces discovered several AK-47 rifles, a bolt-action rifle, ammunition, and grenades on the compounds. These items were destroyed. Elsewhere May 9, Afghan and coalition forces detained two militants in an operation to degrade their activities in Khowst province. Afghan and coalition forces searched compounds in Nadar Shahkot district targeting a militant network facilitating the use of improvised explosive devices. (Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

Related Sites: Combined Joint Task Force 101 NATO International Security Assistance Force

Marines, Sailors Prepare for Possible Operations in Burma

Media release By Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks Special to American Forces Press Service ABOARD USS ESSEX, At Sea , May 11, 2008 - Marines and Sailors with the Essex Amphibious Readiness Group are preparing for possible humanitarian assistance operations to aid cyclone-stricken Burma. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group, along with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is steaming to support potential humanitarian-assistance operations in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma May 1 and 2. Some estimates have put the death toll at more than 100,000. So far, the Burmese military government has allowed only one U.S. shipment of relief supplies. "This is what we are here for," Navy Chief Petty Officer Andres Carillo, of the USS Essex, said. "It's our mission to help those in need." The amphibious readiness group includes the forward-deployed amphibious ships USS Essex, USS Juneau, USS Harpers Ferry and USS Mustin. The servicemembers are working to fill more than 14,000 5-gallon plastic water bladders with fresh water. In the event of humanitarian operations, the water could be loaded onto landing craft and helicopters to be distributed to those affected by the cyclone. "We are capitalizing on the excess water the ship has to support the victims who need it," said Marine Capt. Ray Howard, embark officer for 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. "We want to be able have the water distributed by the quickest means possible and be on call for help so that when within reach we can send the water via helicopter and boat to the disaster areas." The process of filling up the bladders requires a great deal of manpower and hard work, Carillo said. Marines and sailors set up shop before filling the water bladders. The Essex's Repair Division manufactured a fresh water distribution system that mirrored a miniature farming irrigation system. Afterward, both Marines and sailors prepared large boxes to store the water bladders for transport. During the filling process, they check the pipes of the water distribution system to ensure no leakage occurs. After each bag is filled, Marines and sailors pack the clear plastic water bladders into the boxes. "It's great to see the Marines and sailors working together to accomplish the mission," Howard said. "It's a great show of joint-service camaraderie."

Related Articles: Burma Allows One U.S. C-130 to Deliver Relief Supplies Gates: U.S. Military Ready to Help; Ships, Air Support Staged

Abrams Tank Crew Kills Attackers in Baghdad Fighting

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 - An M1A2 Abrams tank crew fired a 120 mm round at two attackers on a rooftop, killing both, during fighting in northeastern Baghdad today, military officials reported. A nearby U.S. patrol had struck a roadside bomb, and two men on a nearby rooftop then engaged the Americans with small-arms fire. No U.S. soldiers were injured in the attack. "When attacked or when we observe an imminent attack, we will respond with appropriate force," said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, Multinational Division Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division chief of staff. In yesterday's operations in Iraq: -- U.S. soldiers killed four enemy fighters in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad. "These criminals have no concern for the future of Iraq. We will continue to use all available resources to end these attacks and defend ourselves and the people of Iraq," said Army Maj. Alan Stout, a Multinational Division Baghdad spokesman. "Coalition forces, along with our Iraqi counterparts, remain steadfast in fighting these violators of the rule of law." -- An aerial weapons team used a Hellfire missile to kill three men preparing to launch an attack in Baghdad's Sadr City section. An earlier indirect-fire attack occurred from the same location. Later, a U.S. patrol killed a man who was seen planting a roadside bomb. -- U.S. soldiers on patrol in southwestern Baghdad were attacked with enemy small-arms fire. Air-to-ground support was called in, and a Hellfire missile and 30 mm rounds killed three attackers. -- U.S. soldiers found a weapons cache during a patrol in the West Rashid district of southwestern Baghdad. The cache contained eight rocket-propelled-grenade rounds, seven 81 mm mortar rounds, five 60 mm mortar rounds, a bag of grenades, a 70 mm rocket, eight Iranian-made mortar rounds, five cans of homemade explosives, a bag of explosives, a homemade bomb, a sniper rifle, an AK-47 rifle, and a box of machine-gun and shotgun rounds. "Criminal elements are trying to destabilize Iraqi society through indiscriminate violence and criminal activity," said Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a Multinational Division Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division spokesman. "By taking these weapons off the streets, we are making Baghdad safer." -- U.S. soldiers operating in Baghdad's Sadr City area used unmanned aerial vehicles to kill five enemy fighters. In May 3 operations: -- Iraqi and coalition forces destroyed an enemy command-and-control center with precision-guided munitions in northeastern Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the center was used to plan and coordinate attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces and innocent Iraqi citizens. -- U.S. soldiers and Iraqi forces seized a weapons cache in the Risalah community in southern Baghdad. The cache contained armor-piercing bombs, police protective vests, ballistic plates, ballistic helmets, identification cards, Iraqi army uniforms, and machine-gun ammunition. -- An Iraqi quick-reaction force cleared Basra's Latif neighborhood of illegal weapons, explosives and criminals. The Iraqi forces were deployed to Basra from Anbar province April 1 to help local Iraqi forces establish security in the city. The Iraqi troops have cleared Basra's Quibla, Hyyaniyah, Huteen, Jumhuriya and Latif neighborhoods. These operations have resulted in the detention of dozens of criminals, netted hundreds of mortars and rockets, machine guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition, officials said. -- Iraqi security forces detained 26 suspected terrorists during various operations in Diyala and Ninevah provinces. In Ninevah, nine suspected terrorists were detained in eastern Mosul, and 10 were detained during an intelligence-driven operation in southern Mosul. In Diyala, seven suspected terrorists were detained. Three of the seven were detained in Baqouba. -- Iraqi soldiers and commandos advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained a mid-level al-Qaida in Iraq leader and detained six other suspected terrorists in an operation in Sadiya, about 55 miles northeast of Baghdad. -- A citizen's tip led to a cache find in Kartani Fahal village in Sadr Yusifiyah, about 25 kilometers southwest of Baghdad. A "Sons of Iraq" citizen security detachment recovered the cache with Iraqi soldiers providing security. The cache contained: 36 mortars, 17 rocket-propelled-grenade rounds, 11 rocket-propelled-grenade launch motors, an improvised rocket launcher, two rockets, a hand grenade, seven 50-pound bags of homemade explosives, more than 300 rounds and 400 blasting cap primers, a mortar tripod and three mortar tube sights, as well as other bomb-making materials. In May 2 operations: -- Coalition forces found four armor-piercing bombs in the southern Baghdad community of Warij. A new 107 mm rocket also was discovered, along with 40 pounds of explosives, a rocket sled and blasting caps. One person was detained for further questioning. -- Iraqi commandos advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers captured a suspected mid-level Iranian-backed "special groups" leader and detained a member of his group in Baghdad. The detained insurgent leader is linked to attacks against Iraqi troops and coalition forces in Baghdad, as well as acts of kidnapping and murder. -- An Iraqi special weapons and tactics team from Hillah arrested two suspected members of a criminal group and four of their associates during an overnight operation near Jabella, about 55 miles southeast of Baghdad. The detainees are linked to attacks against a coalition forces base with indirect-fire weapons. -- A Sons of Iraq citizens security group member turned in a large weapons cache to U.S. soldiers. The cache contained an anti-aircraft gun with 300 rounds, 17 rockets of various sizes, a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher with seven grenades, a 120 mm projectile and other small-arms munitions. The contents were transferred to an explosive ordnance disposal team. In earlier operations, U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained seven suspected insurgents and killed four during a reconnaissance patrol in the Jazeera desert, about 237 miles north of Baghdad, on May 1. "The detention of these seven individuals will also improve the security situation and help reduce attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces," said Army Col. Bill Buckner, a Multinational Corps Iraq spokesman. Also May 1, U.S. soldiers killed five enemy fighters, detained 24, found two caches and two armor-piercing bombs in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. (Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

Related Sites: Multinational Force Iraq Multinational Corps Iraq

Soldiers Extend Hand to Iraqi Children

By Gregory Dubin Special to American Forces Press Service BAGHDAD, May 2, 2008 - Several years ago, the diagnosis of baby Noor's rare congenital condition would have been equal to a death sentence. Today, she is on her way to leading a happy and healthy life, thanks to the soldiers of Multinational Division Center.   Salvadoran Col. Walter Arevalo, commander of the Cuscatlan Battalion 10th rotation, holds Hussein Kase, 12, during a wheelchair distribution at Rhama Disabled Association in Kut, Iraq, April 18, 2008. Kase is unable to talk and suffers from a skin condition in addition to being paralyzed. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Born with some of her organs outside her body, Noor depended on advanced medical procedures the Iraqi medical system could not provide. Determined to get her the care she needed, doctors from 948th Forward Surgical Team performed an operation that saved her life. Soldiers are making arrangements to send her to the United States for two follow-up surgeries. Stories like Noor's are increasingly common throughout Multinational Division Center's area of operations. Throughout the region, soldiers are coming to the aid of the often-neglected victims of this conflict: Iraq's children. From building schools to distributing toys to buying wheelchairs, Task Force Marne soldiers are working to improve the quality of life for Iraqi youth. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, came to the aid of Abdul Razik Raad Mutter al-Jabouri. In November, the boy was doing chores along the Tigris River when he stepped on a makeshift bomb planted by insurgents. Abdul lost his right arm and leg in the blast, but the soldiers responded to the scene quickly and managed to save his life. Company A has continued to play a role in his recovery. They transport Abdul and his family to and from the hospital for his many appointments, helping him through each step of his grueling recovery. Now Abdul is able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg the soldiers had fitted for him. Often, for injuries as serious as Abdul's, a medical evacuation by helicopter presents the best chance of saving a patient's life. The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade evacuates an average of 60 Iraqi civilians every month. This figure does not include evacuations of those serving in the Iraqi security forces. Aside from individual assistance, Task Force Marne soldiers routinely conduct large-scale medical engagements. These initiatives give local residents an opportunity to receive free care, from treating small injuries to serious ailments. About seven coordinated medical engagements take place in the Multinational Division Center area of operations every month, reaching thousands of people in need, many of them children. But not all humanitarian engagements focus on caring for the sick and injured. The soldiers contribute to multiple aspects of the Iraqi school system. Their efforts have helped facilitate an environment in which children can learn and thrive. Since their deployment, Task Force Marne soldiers have helped renovate 87 Iraqi schools, at a cost of nearly $20 million. In one such project, soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, coordinated refurbishment of two schools in Mahmudiyah. The Iraqi Education Ministry and the town's mayor identified the Uthman school and the Omah al-Mukhtar girls school as most in need for improvements. The Commander's Emergency Response Program funded the renovations, which included fresh paint, new classrooms, desks, windows and exterior walls. Changes like these help eliminate overcrowding and unsanitary conditions that make learning difficult. The soldiers also have addressed the problem of Iraqi students lacking resources such as school supplies, textbooks and areas for recreational activities. To date, $2.25 million has been spent on parks, school supplies and youth centers. In one case, soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team delivered backpacks filled with supplies and notebooks to the Raqhaa and the Abu Shear schools. The 1,600 students attending the two schools now have the materials they need to pursue their education. In an effort to modernize Iraq's education system, the 214th Fires Brigade worked with the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team to equip the Al-Kut girls secondary school with an Internet center. The girls have taken advantage of the new furniture and 10 machines to learn computing skills, do research, work on projects and complete exams they would otherwise need to travel to Baghdad to take. Growing up in a war zone, many young Iraqis miss out on basic pleasures often taken for granted, such as playing sports or receiving a new toy. Certain humanitarian projects aim simply to bring joy into the lives of Iraqi children. In Khidr, soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division's Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, bought soccer balls and goals for the town. Local residents worked with the soldiers to clear a field and set up the goals. Now the children of Khidr have a safe venue to take part in their favorite pastime. Various other Task Force Marne initiatives organized classes and provided uniforms and equipment to young Iraqi athletes. For example, 101st Airborne Division soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, recently ran a three-day basketball camp for children in Radwaniyah. Projects and initiatives like these help to build ties of friendship and understanding among the country's future generations, U.S. officials said. (Gregory Dubin works in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)

Related Sites: Task Force Marne/Multinational Division Center Multinational Corps Iraq

A Look Back: EISENHOWER IN DACHAU

Date:  April 30, 2008

It is a matter of history that when Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower, found the victims of the death camps, he ordered all possible photographs to be taken, and for the German people from surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps and even made to bury the dead.

He did this because he said in words to this effect:'

Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the track of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened. All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.'

This week, the University of Kentucky removed The Holocaust from its school curriculum because it 'offended' the Muslim population which claims it never occurred.

This is a frightening portent of the fear that is gripping the world and how easily each country is giving into it.

It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended.

This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the 6 million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and hum iliated with the German and Russian peoples looking the other way!

Now, more than ever, with Iran, among others, claiming the Holocausr to be 'a myth,' it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets.

This e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide!

Be a link in the memorial chain and help distribute this around the world.

Don't just delete this.  It will only take a minute to pass this along.

Author Unknown: submitted by Emery Bittman

Adopt a Platoon' Still Thrives After 10 Years

' By Jamie Findlater Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 28, 2008 - Iga Hagg knows all about care packages; in fact, after 10 years of sending them out, she's pretty much an expert. "The troops appreciate beef jerky, sunflower seeds, movies, DVDs," she said. "In the outlying areas, they appreciate receiving baby wipes and socks and hygiene products -- and all this is topped off with tons of cookies." Hagg first realized the importance of care packages when her own son was deployed to the Balkans, she explained during an "ASY Live" BlogTalkRadio interview. The online radio program is an extension of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home or abroad. "In every letter he would send, he would talk about how nine out of 10 of his buddies did not receive regular mail," Hagg said. Since 1998, her organization, "Adopt a Platoon," has been sending out thousands of care packages to let U.S. troops know they care. In fact, she said, the group sends out about 30,000 pieces of mail and care packages a month. "It is my experience," Hagg said, "that Americans want to support the troops, but unless they have a deployed servicemember -- a spouse or a son or daughter in the military -- ... they don't know how. ... For this reason, we rely greatly on our 'platoon moms and dads.'" The group also works closely with combat hospitals and gets word from chaplains who tell them what items the troops need the most. One of Adopt a Platoon's current projects, "Operation Don't Bug Me," stemmed from one of these requests. The group sends mosquito repellent during the summer months. Other operations range from supplying soldiers with sunglasses, to seasonal moral boosters such as "Operation Holiday Stocking" and even a special campaign called "Operation Underwear." "Only American mothers truly care and understand the most important needs that you wouldn't normally think about," she said. The group's "Operation Crayon" started in 1999 in the Balkans to help out with humanitarian missions in Bosnia and in Kosovo. Today, it serves areas in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Now, while our troops help with reconstruction efforts, we can provide the writing tablets and supplies for the schools," Hagg said. A teacher by trade, Hagg said she understands that it is important to get everyone in the community involved. "We rally fellow Americans, our neighbors and our community to stand behind our troops," she said. "We encourage people to submit an application, and we follow through with personal phone calls. We work to involve teachers and their students, families, business, civic groups." Everyone can get involved as much or as little as they like, she said. "A classroom in a senior high school wants to write letters, but can't afford the care packages," she said, "so we form a partnership with them." Though trying to determine what items will truly give troops that extra push is a full-time job, Hagg said, it's worth the effort. She said troops appreciate cards and letters the most. "They just need to know that we're thinking about them all the time," she explained. The success of the organization over the past decade is proof that America values its servicemembers, Hagg said. "I had no idea in 1998 that we would be as big as we are today," she said. "It just goes to show that our American people want our support our deployed sons and daughters." (Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live" on BlogTalkRadio.com, works in the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)

Related Sites: Adopt a Platoon ASY Live

VA to Call Combat Veterans With Info on Care, Benefits

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 25, 2008 - The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans May 1 to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits. "We will reach out and touch every veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to let them know we are here for them," said Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. James B. Peake, a retired lieutenant general who served as Army surgeon general. "VA is committed to getting these veterans the help they need and deserve." A contractor-operated "Combat Veteran Call Center" will telephone two distinct populations of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, officials said. In the first phase, calls will go to an estimated 17,000 veterans who were sick or injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. VA will offer to appoint a care manager to work with them if they don't have one already. Care managers ensure veterans receive appropriate care and know about their VA benefits. For five years after their discharge from the military, these combat veterans have special access to VA health care. The department screens combat veterans for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. VA personnel have been deployed to the military's major medical centers to assist wounded service members and their families during the transition to civilian lives. The new call center's second phase will target 550,000 Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for services. Once contacted, veterans will be informed about VA's benefits and services. The initial calls will be made by a private contractor, EDS, which specializes in technology services to improve business. If needed, VA employees will make follow-up calls, officials said. "We will leave no stone unturned to reach these veterans," said Dr. Edward Huycke, chief of the Veterans Affairs – Defense Department coordination office. (From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)

Biographies: Dr. James B. Peake

Donations wanted for soldier snack packs

The Atco Lions Club is holding a drive to send snack packs to soldiers serving in Iraq.

It costs $25 to sponsor a snack pack. A personal letter to a soldier can be included. Snack packs consist of peanuts, cookies, peanut butter crackers, beef jerky and M&M'S.

The club has sent more than 300 snack packs.

Donations can be sent to Atco Lions Club, Box 44, Atco, N.J. 08004.

Troops in Iraq Kill Suspected Terrorists, Capture Dozens

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 27, 2008 - Coalition forces killed at least 20 suspected terrorists, captured scores of others, and seized weapons caches in Iraq over the past four days, military officials said. During operations today: -- Coalition forces conducted two operations east of Samarra targeting associates of a known al-Qaida in Iraq facilitator who is a liaison with senior terrorist leaders. Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists and discovered weapons and a building wired to explode. After moving civilians away from the area, coalition forces called for an air strike to destroy the building and weapons. -- During operations in Mosul in northern Iraq, about 100 kilometers from the Turkish border, coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists. One of the suspects is believed to be an al-Qaida in Iraq leader in the city, and another is believed to be part of an illegal terrorist court system. During the operation, coalition forces found a building containing bomb-making materials, which they safely destroyed on site. -- South of Taji, coalition forces captured an alleged associate of al-Qaida in Iraq leaders and five additional suspects believed to have ties to the terrorist network in the northern belt around Baghdad. In operations around Iraq yesterday: -- Coalition forces conducted coordinated operations targeting associates of an individual who allegedly acts as a facilitator and liaison for al-Qaida in Iraq leaders, military officials said. When coalition forces arrived in the target area east of Tikrit, they encountered small-arms fire. Responding in self-defense, coalition forces returned fire and called for supporting aircraft to engage the hostile threat. Three terrorists were killed in the initial engagement, but coalition forces continued to receive fire as they secured buildings in the area. Again engaging the hostile threat, coalition forces killed two more terrorists. Inside the buildings, coalition forces discovered weapons and more than 900 pounds of explosives, which they safely destroyed on site. -- The operators of an unmanned aerial vehicle observed two armed criminals who were providing over-watch on a vehicle route, and were believed to be triggermen for an improvised explosive device. A Multinational Division Baghdad aerial weapons team was called into the area and fired a Hellfire missile, killing the two criminals. Soldiers on the ground verified the IED's locationand safely removed it as a threat. A short time later, Multinational Baghdad operators of an unmanned aerial vehicle positively identified two armed criminals and engaged them with a Hellfire missile, killing both. -- During an operation east of Samarra, a terrorist approached coalition forces and detonated a suicide vest, killing himself. Another terrorist at the location moved to a tactical position and refused to follow the interpreter's instructions to surrender. Coalition forces, perceiving hostile intent from the terrorist, engaged and killed him. Seven suspected terrorists were detained during the coordinated operations. -- Coalition forces went to a location northwest of Balad searching for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq senior leader. A man in the targeted building refused to comply with the interpreter's instructions and moved to a hidden position. When he refused to surrender, coalition forces perceived hostile intent and engaged the terrorist, killing him. -- Four suspected terrorists were detained during a coalition operation in Yusufiyah targeting a close associate of an al-Qaida in Iraq leader in the southern belt around Baghdad. West of Baghdad, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists while targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq leader whose group is suspected of instigating sectarian violence and facilitating attacks against coalition forces. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad unmanned aerial vehicle killed two Iranian-backed "special groups" criminals in the Sadr City district of Baghdad. -- Soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Police Division, seized a munitions cache in Baghdad's West Rashid district. The Iraqi police seized blocks of C4 explosive and 107 mm rockets. During April 25 operations: -- Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained 17 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists in the Sadiyah villages of Sama and Rabia. The patrol also confiscated more than 30 SPG-9 rounds, 40 various types of mortars and more than 100 mortar fuses. An anti-tank mine and an IED were also found and destroyed on site. -- Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team seized homemade explosives and various materials used for making IEDs while conducting a cordon-and-search operation within the Bayaa community. -- Quick Reaction Force 1 from the 1st Iraqi Army Quick Reaction Force began the latest stage of Operation Charge of the Knights. The last stage of the operation included clearing and searching homes in Huteen. The searches turned up several weapons caches including mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, and IEDs. -- The Fallujah Special Weapons and Tactics unit, advised by U.S. Special Operations forces, detained one insurgent cell leader and eight others in an operation northeast of Karma. The cell leader is suspected of planning and launching IED attacks against coalition forces in the area and recruiting others to join his terrorist network. -- Coalition forces killed four al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists and detained two other terrorists during an operation to disrupt al-Qaida in Iraq networks near Samarra and Quaraysh. Intelligence identified four terrorists traveling in a vehicle east of Samarra. When coalition forces pursued and attempted to detain the vehicle, two terrorists exited the vehicle carrying assault rifles and grenades. Coalition forces engaged, killing two and detaining two other terrorists. Another vehicle with alleged terrorists inside was stopped near Quaraysh. When the terrorists resisted capture and displayed hostile intent, the coalition forces engaged and killed them. During April 24 operations: -- A tip led soldiers from 4th Company, 4th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, to a cache of IED-making materials southwest of Yusifiyah. The cache included 19 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 15 hand grenades, 10 60 mm mortar rounds, four cases of .50-caliber ammunition, one case of machine gun ammunition, 10 handheld radios, eight switch boxes and multiple trigger components. -- In the Jazeera Desert, 2nd Iraqi Army Division soldiers conducted a cordon-and-search operation to identify insurgent lines of communication in the area. During the patrol, ground forces saw a truck that appeared to be stuck in the sand. The two individuals in the truck were told to dismount. The two men dismounted the vehicle for a few seconds, but quickly returned to the truck and began shooting at the Iraqi soldiers with AK-47 assault rifles. Iraqi soldiers returned fire and killed both individuals. One Iraqi soldier also was killed during the firefight. -- In western Ninevah province, 3rd Iraqi Army Division soldiers detained three suspects during a cordon-and-search patrol. (Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

Related Sites: Multinational Force Iraq Multinational Corps Iraq

Face of Defense: From Life in India to U.S. Army, Soldier Sees the World

By U.S. Army Sgt. James Hunter Special to American Forces Press Service CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq,, April 24, 2008 - The nearly 200 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Al Faw Palace here on April 12 each took a different route to the military and their service in Iraq. U.S. Army Spc. Vivek Mishra, a native of central India, raises his right hand and recites the Oath of Citizenship during a U.S. naturalization ceremony at the Al Faw Palace at Camp Liberty, Iraq, April 12, 2008. Mishra serves as a chemical operations specialist for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multinational Division Baghdad. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. James Hunter, Multinational Division Baghdad (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Spc. Vivek Mishra, a chemical operations specialist born and raised in central India, took a rather unusual route to his new life. Mishra serves in Multinational Division Baghdad and is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. His father was a doctor, serving at the head of India's Department of Pharmacy. Mishra's family was wealthy; famine or war didn't bring him to the United States of America. His studies did. He grew up in a large household that held anywhere from 25 to 40 family members at any given time. There was a lot of respect among the household's members, he said, and a major focus on family and religious values. Often, Mishra spent time with his friends at clubs or dining out at the restaurants that lined the highways near bodies of water. When it was time for Mishra to go to college, he knew exactly the field he wanted to join. He felt he was not good at math, and he didn't like art. He wanted to be a chemist. "At that time when I was in India, they considered it a very big thing to be a doctor," Mishra said, "but my dad never forced me to do anything. He said whatever I wanted to choose to do, do it." After three years at the Government Science College, Mishra earned his bachelor's degree. Then, less than three years later, he earned his master's degree in chemistry at the Rani Durgeivati University in Jabalpur, India. "In chemistry, I love reactions," he said. "You cannot see it how it changes into another substance. When you mix two substances, it will have a reaction. I love being able to understand those things." After earning his master's degree, Mishra joined the doctorate program. During his studies, he said, his professor asked if he was interested in getting another master's degree at a school in the United States. He said he thought it would be a good choice, but wanted his parent's opinion on the matter first. His father told him if he stayed in India, he would just know his surroundings; however, he would not know the "real world." Mishra arrived in the United States in 2002 and enrolled at Illinois State University to work toward another master's degree in chemistry. He was nearly complete with his degree, he said, with one semester left and 80 percent of his thesis done, when he decided he needed to take a break from school. He was recently married, and said he didn't make much money working as a graduate assistant at the university. He had to put college aside to provide for him and his wife. He worked a numerous jobs, but never really found his true calling. He said he wanted to work in a lab as a chemist, mixing different substances. "At that time, I said, 'Well, I do not have this much patience to continue to look for a job,'" he recalled. After seeing an article on recruitment, he decided the next best thing for him would be the military. Mishra recalled with a chuckle that he didn't tell his parents he'd joined the Army until he graduated from advanced individual training, where he became a chemical operations specialist. "They were in shock," he said. His mother didn't want him to join the military, he said, but his parents understood he wanted to make a difference. His mother thought that no matter where he was as a soldier a bullet would find him, he said. That has not been the case. Mishra said being in the military is his true calling. "I will be in the Army for about 20 to 25 years, as long as my body permits it," he said. "It's like a big family. It's a big mental support. I have made a lot of changes within myself." When growing up, he said, he wasn't given orders; he simply was given the choice if he wanted to do something or not. "I have learned responsibility and order," he said. Now that he's a soldier and a U.S. citizen, his next goal in his career is to become an officer in the chemical field. "War is completely changing, but chemicals are still an issue," Mishra said. "The chemical corps is growing, and they need really good soldiers to understand all these things." He said he wants to maximize his abilities with chemicals in relation to the military. In the meantime, however, he will first soak in his new status as an American citizen. "It's completely different now to be an American citizen. It's a good feeling," Mishra said. "Now I am on the same track as everyone. I don't think anyone treated me differently because I wasn't a citizen, but it's a mental thing." Becoming an American citizen is an honor Mishra deserves, said Army Capt. Robert Woodruff, his commander. "Specialist Mishra exemplifies all that is good in an American soldier, even before he officially became a U.S. citizen," Woodruff said. "He's been through a roller coaster ride for the two years to get to this culminating point in his life. He is technically and tactically proficient in his skills as the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear expert in the company, routinely filling the shoes of a noncommissioned officer on a daily basis. He definitely deserves this." (Army Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)

Related Sites: Multinational Corps Iraq

Troops in Iraq Kill 22 Suspected Terrorists, Capture 37

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 25, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 22 suspected terrorists, captured 37 others, and seized weapons caches in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. During operations today: -- An air weapons team fired a Hellfire missile at four criminals as they attempted to emplace an improvised explosive device in northeastern Baghdad around 1 a.m. The missile killed all four and destroyed the IED. -- A separate AWT witnessed two criminals setting up a firing position in northeastern Baghdad at about 1:30 a.m. The AWT engaged with one Hellfire missile and killed one criminal; the other fled to a nearby building. The AWT could not engage the second criminal due because innocent civilians were near the building. -- Coalition forces captured six suspects south of Beiji, including two wanted men. One of the wanted suspects allegedly leads a large bombing cell that spans Salahuddin province. The other is believed to be a key distributor of explosives used against coalition forces and their allies. Troops also discovered and destroyed a weapons cache during the operation. -- Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists in two raids targeting al-Qaida in Iraq leaders in Samarra. -- Coalition troops continued to corral members of the al-Qaida in Iraq propaganda network, detaining a wanted man in Baghdad who is believed to conspire directly with terrorist leaders. -- Troops, using information gleaned in an April 21 operation, captured an alleged go-between for al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders in Mosul. -- Troops descended on an alleged foreign terrorist hideout northeast of Khalis and detained one suspected terrorist believed to be an assistant to the al-Qaida in Iraq network. In operations around Iraq yesterday: -- Coalition forces and Iraqi police members recovered three rocket rails while searching the Ubaydi neighborhood of the New Baghdad district. During the operation, criminals attacked the joint forces with explosives and small-arms fire. The combined force and an AWT retaliated, killing an IED triggerman and three Iranian-backed "special groups" criminals. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad AWT killed three criminals in northeastern Baghdad. Around 10:30 a.m., the AWT observed the men attacking a coalition forces patrol with small-arms fire. The AWT engaged them with a Hellfire missile, killing all three. -- A three-man criminal mortar team attacked U.S. and Iraqi soldiers at their joint security station in northeastern Baghdad. Soldiers located and engaged the assailants, killing all three. -- Around 10 p.m., an AWT spotted criminals digging by a road in northeastern Baghdad. The AWT engaged them with a Hellfire missile, killing two. -- Coalition forces fired on a renegade vehicle east of Samarra that refused to stop after verbal commands and warning shots. Troops killed one suspected terrorist in the vehicle. Two others, armed with grenades, exited the vehicle. Coalition forces, responding to the hostile threat, engaged and killed them. -- Coalition troops near Taji stopped a vehicle believed to be associated with terrorist activity. While searching the vehicle, coalition forces found several pipe bombs, two assault rifles and bomb-making materials. They destroyed the weapons materials and the vehicle and detained three terrorism suspects. -- Forces targeted an individual in Mosul believed to be involved in planning suicide attacks. Troops stopped a vehicle believed to be associated with the suspect, and detained five suspected terrorists. During April 23 operations: -- Coalition forces conducted four coordinated operations in Samarra targeting associates of al-Qaida in Iraq leaders. When troops called out for occupants to exit the target building, one man initially appeared, but suddenly refused to follow the interpreter's instructions and moved toward the building. Perceiving hostile intent, coalition forces engaged and killed him. Troops detained eight suspected terrorists. -- Coalition forces in southern Baghdad captured three suspected terrorists, including a suspected financier and liaison for al-Qaida in Iraq groups in Baghdad and the southern belt surrounding the city. As troops secured buildings in the area, one man failed to comply with coalition forces' instructions and reached for an object under a pillow. Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat by engaging and killing the terrorist. -- Troops captured an alleged terrorist assistant and four additional suspects during an operation along the Tigris River south of Tikrit. The suspected assistant is believed to directly conspire with senior al-Qaida in Iraq leaders who move in and out of the country. -- In a separate southern Baghdad raid, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an individual believed to have a long history with the al-Qaida in Iraq network, whose group conducts bombing and small-arms attacks. One of the suspects was wanted for his alleged role as a bombing cell leader in the city. -- Coalition forces found and recovered 12 Iranian-made rocket launchers south of Baghdad following a tip from a local resident. The rocket launchers, designed for 107 mm rockets, were discovered near a reported launch site. This site appeared to be targeting a nearby forward operating base. Initiation wire attached to the launchers indicated they are of Iranian origin. The same type of wire has been found at previous launch sites, military officials said. (Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

Related Sites: Multinational Force Iraq Multinational Corps Iraq

American Legion Online: Offensive art exhibit: Care to trample on Old Glory?

http://www.legion.org

A university student's controversial art exhibit left out one important variable: resistance from a determined Legionnaire.

Susan Crane, a 40-year-old education major at the University of Maine at Farmington, displayed a series of U.S. Flags last week on the floor of a student-center hallway.

"My purpose was to figure out how people felt about the flag and (I) gave them a choice to walk around it," she said.

Enter Vietnam War veteran Charles Bennett. The American Legion commander of Maine's District 4 tried to remove the flags from the floor, but university officials threatened to arrest him. Bennett held his ground as he stood in front of the flags, discouraging many students from stepping on them. Even so, some students chose to walk or stand upon Old Glory.

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Gloucester City: THANK YOU SGT. JOE!

Army Staff Sgt. Joe Farley, formerly of Gloucester City, was home recently after spending his second tour of duty in Iraq.

During his time in the war zone children from Gloucester City (names are listed below) sent him items that could be handed out to the kids in Iraq along with presents and other essentials for Sgt. Joe and the soldiers in his unit.

In appreciation for the kids kindness Sgt. Joe in February took them to the Westbrook Bowling Alley for a party and treated them all to pizza and drinks.

Photo: top left, Catherine Driscoll, Kathy Hall, and Sgt Farley. Second row, Jack Driscoll, Luke Driscoll, Madison Long. Bottom: Kieran Kidd, Nathaniel Kidd, Sammy Driscoll, Liam Driscoll, Olivia Driscoll, Genevieve Driscoll, Brian Long and Alexa Long.

Not pictured-Emily Hall, Christopher Hall, Liz Glassman, Jimmy Glassman Eric Glassman, Bridget Hall and Ryle Hall

Photo on right Ron Hall with SSGT. Joe Farley .

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Good friends are like stars..........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there

 

Note: Hank Miller, former resident of Gloucester City has two sons serving in the military. He sent this message asking everyone for their prayers

As I reflect on this photograph, I see once again that not all the brave leave the "home of the brave" to enter battle; some are required now to be the brave of the home   

It is said a picture is worth a thousand words but it leaves me speechless and  tears in my eyes. Would You Send This Please to others and ask them for their prayers.

We have a long list of good friends whose husbands are deploying to Iraq next month. One of the wives sent me this. We feel compelled

to send it on. Your prayers are deeply appreciated. These guys deserve our love, our hugs and most powerfully, our prayers.
 

Prayer Request:

I understand that life in Iraq is very difficult to bear right now. Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance and safety.

Send this on after a short prayer; please don't break it:

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need... Amen."

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world. There's nothing attached; just send this to all in your address book. Do not let it stop with you, please -- of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best!!!   

Sincerely, Hank Miller

Army Vet, Hockey Player Puts Iraq War Injuries 'On Ice'

By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 16, 2008 - Retired Army reservist Joseph L. Bowser was 9 years old when he first experienced the thrill of skating and using his hockey stick to whack a rubber puck across the ice on a frozen pond in his birthplace of Toledo, Ohio. Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Joseph L. Bowser plays competitive ice hockey despite the loss of his lower right leg due to an injury suffered from an exploding enemy rocket April 12, 2004, in Balad, Iraq. Courtesy photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Today, the 48-year-old Iraq veteran still plays ice hockey, despite the loss of the lower portion of his right leg four years ago during a rocket attack on Camp Anaconda, in Balad, Iraq. Bowser, then a truck driver with 283rd Transportation Company based in Fairfield, Conn., recalled that the enemy attack occurred on April 12, 2004, soon after he returned to Camp Anaconda after delivering a 5,000-gallon load of jet fuel. Bowser credits Connecticut Army National Guard Maj. Michael McMahon, a physician assistant, for saving his life. McMahon, he said, used his fingers to slow the bleeding from a gashed artery on Bowser's injured right leg. "He reached up on my leg to clamp off my artery so I wouldn't 'bleed out,'" Bowser recalled. McMahon, now 45, recalled during a recent phone interview from his home in Hamden, Conn., that his military training kicked in when he saw the stricken Bowser bleeding profusely. "You just react," McMahon said. "We took care of him and got him stabilized. There was a combat surgical hospital in Balad. "Once we got the bleeding controlled, ... I thought he was going to make it," McMahon recalled. Bowser and McMahon keep in touch; they met up in February when Bowser was in Connecticut to play a hockey game. Wearing body armor probably also saved his life, Bowser said, noting his armored vest was riddled with shrapnel damage. The then-staff sergeant also suffered shrapnel injuries to his left hand. Bowser said he arrived at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here about a week after being wounded. The doctors thought he would have more mobility with a prosthetic leg, he recalled, rather than by keeping his mangled limb. "The first thing that I thought of was that I wanted to play hockey again," Bowser said. "So, I said I wanted to have it amputated." Bowser spent more than two years of inpatient and outpatient recovery at Walter Reed, and he was medically retired from the Army as a sergeant first class in July 2006. He rates the medical care he received at Walter Reed as "awesome." "You couldn't ask for a better place," Bowser said of Walter Reed. Bowser now works at the Pentagon as an administrator for Army Secretary Pete Geren. In his spare time he plays pickup hockey games at Maryland rinks near his present-day home near Baltimore. He also occasionally travels to play in hockey tournaments. Bowser plays right wing, one of the three forwards on an ice hockey team. The center and left winger make up the other two-thirds of the forward line, and their job is to harass the opposing team and score goals. Two defensive players are positioned rearward to protect the goalie. Bowser said his artificial leg can be adjusted to accommodate his skating style, and that having a prosthetic limb actually has its advantages during a rough-and-tumble game of hockey. "You don't have to worry about getting a puck slapped on your foot," Bowser said, noting he enjoys ice hockey's speed of play and physical aspects. Bowser completed as a member of the U.S. National Amputee Hockey Team during the 2008 Standing Amputee Hockey World Championships that were held April 2-6 in Marlborough, Mass. Team USA won the silver medal at that four-team tournament, beating out teams from Latvia and Finland. Canada won the gold medal, and Finland took the bronze. Before he got his job in the secretary of the Army's office, Bowser had volunteered to work with injured military veterans as part of an initiative administered through Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England's office. Bowser met with a number of Washington Capitals professional ice hockey team players and coaches when they paid an April 6 visit to the Pentagon last year. Later, he got to skate with some Capitals players during a team practice. The Capitals hockey club has sponsored several Military Appreciation Nights at the Verizon Center here for servicemembers and their families, Bowser noted. "I've gone there several times with wounded warrior guys from Walter Reed," Bowser said. "They've just opened their doors to us. They totally support us." Bowser, who got married April 12, said God gave him a second chance at life after being severely wounded in Iraq. Grateful for each day of existence, he strives to help his fellow wounded warriors. "I treat each day like my last ... (while) helping my fellow soldiers," Bowser said.

Injured Army veteran Joseph L. Bowser, left, and physician assistant Michael McMahon meet up at an ice hockey tournament in Connecticut in February. McMahon was the military medical person who first treated Bowser after he was wounded by an exploding enemy rocket in Balad, Iraq, on April 12, 2004. Courtesy photo Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Hand Out Toys, School Supplies

By Army Sgt. Waldemar Rivera Special to American Forces Press Service CAMP TAJI, Iraq, April 16, 2008 - U.S. and Iraqi soldiers made April 13 a happy day for Iraqi children at two schools near Taji, northwest of Baghdad. Iraqi soldiers from 1st Battalion, 34th Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, hand out toys at the Asim bin Omar school in Sab Al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, April 13, 2008. During Operation Bounty Hunter Pencil, the Iraqi soldiers worked with Company A, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multinational Division Baghdad, to hand out toys and school supplies to children. Photo by Army Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multinational Division Baghdad (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," and Iraqi soldiers from the 9th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 34th Brigade, brought toys and school supplies donated by American children to the Iraqi students in a mission dubbed Operation Bounty Hunter Pencil. Army 2nd Lt. Lauren Bowen, a native of Roscoe, Ill., and a platoon leader with Company A, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, conveyed the American children's spirit of giving. "These toys were sent to you children with lots of love from the American people," Bowen told a classroom full of children at the Asim bin Omar school in Sab Al Bour. The U.S. and Iraqi soldiers helped distribute the toys and school supplies among the rows of children in the classrooms. After the distribution of gifts was done and after a signal from the teacher, the children said, "Thank you very much" in English as a token of friendship. Army Sgt. 1st Class Yvonne Barnes, a Lane, S.C., native, said it was an honor to deliver toys and school supplies from American children to the Iraqi children. "It was my first contact with Iraqi children, and I was impressed of how well the children verbalized English phrases such as, 'Thank you very much,'" said Barnes, the operations sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 225th Brigade Support Battalion. Next, the convoy headed toward the That Al Natakhein school, also in the town of Sab Al Bour. Toys and school supplies were distributed among the students by soldiers from both armies, once again under the supervision of school officials. The event closed with a promise from Bowen to return to both schools with more gifts from the American people. (Army Sgt. Waldemar Rivera serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)

Related Sites: Multinational Corps Iraq

Army Sgt. 1st Class Yvonne Barnes, a Lane, S.C., native, talks to a child April 13, 2008, at the Asim bin Omar school in Sab Al Bour, northwest of Baghdad. Barnes, along with members of her unit and soldiers from the Iraqi army, handed out school supplies and toys to children as part of Operation Bounty Hunter Pencil. Barnes serves as an operations sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multinational Division Baghdad. Photo by Army Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multinational Division Baghdad