Dear Interested Reader,
Joint Medical Expo brings needed healthcare to villagers. COP Power handed over to IA in Mosul. Suspected terrorist cell leader arrested. COP Diamond helps secure remote area. AF flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis.
In Afghanistan, TF Chosin provides education amenities to Logar schools. 1st Bn, 32nd Inf. Regt. disrupt timber smuggling. Forces continue successful ops in the south.
Joanna
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June 12, 2009
DoD Imagery
Joint Medical Expo Brings Needed Healthcare to Iraqi Villagers
Dr. Abdul Abbas examines the throat of a young Iraqi girl during a medical expo at Hor al-Bosh, near Taji, June 7.
(Photo by Capt. Maggie White)
TAJI — Thanks to the combined efforts of Pa. National Guardsmen, the IA and villagers were recently given access to medical care in an area where local clinics are not accessible.
Shaykh Mohammed Ibrahim donated hundreds of doses of antibiotics, vaccinations, and other medications. He worked with the U.S. Soldiers and their IA counterparts to set up the event where families could seek medical treatment in a safe environment. "Lots of these people have no money," Ibrahim said, "With this mission they are feeling that someone cares about the people; that the CF, along with the IA, are for their best interests."
Two Iraqi doctors, a nurse, an Army physician's asst and medic treated 147 people from the area. Many parents brought their children to receive antibiotics, ointments, and immunizations. Soldiers handed out makeshift wheelchairs along with donated toys, art supplies, and clothing sent from relatives back in the United States wishing to help out.
"This mission is to show our thanks and support our people," said Dr. Kamin Salah, a general practitioner who donated his time to the expo. Many families said they did not have the means to see a doctor on a regular basis. They waited in line to receive medication that they might not otherwise be able to receive.
"I'm glad to see children benefit from the medication," said Staff Sgt. Eric Klemm, a senior medic with 1st Bn, 112th Inf Regt. The Iraqi doctors and nurse took the lead in the expo, with the U.S. medics in a mentoring role; only stepping in to ask questions and listen to the advice the doctors gave.
"This medical expo is a good example of the IA and the U.S. military working together toward a common goal," said 1st Lt. Joshua Fox. "We all want to improve the quality of life for the Iraqi people."
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Multi-National Division - North PAO
Hand-off marks fourth U.S. outpost closure in Mosul
Mosul - COPs located throughout Mosul are closing as the deadline nears for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities.
Btry A, 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div handed command of COP Power, in east Mosul, over to members of the IA, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony, June 7.
"There was a great turn-out by all levels of command on both the Iraqi side and the U.S. side," said Capt. Gene Palka, cmdr of Btry A. "This is a great day; the transfer is a good thing that's happened."
Intended for CF troops to embed with the ISF stationed throughout the city, the COPs were often only big enough to inhabit 2 plt-sized elements. Soldiers worked with their Iraqi counterparts, conducting patrols and getting to know the outpost's surrounding community in order to gain a clear understanding of their counterparts' capabilities.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
ISF arrest suspected terrorist cell leader in Kirkuk province
TIKRIT - ISF, with CF advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader on a warrant issued by the Investigation Court Council of Kirkuk, and detained an additional associate for questioning, June 8 during an op in the Kirkuk province.
The arrested individual is suspected of leading a violent terrorist cell responsible for coordinating roadside bomb attacks against ISF.
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145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment
Combat Out Post Diamond Helps Secure Remote Area
By Sgt. Jeremy Pitcher
1st Lt. Russell Morgan, plt leader for 2nd Plt meets with IA soldiers at an overwatch point.
DIYALA — A "diamond in the rough" - that seems a fitting description for the small COP Diamond, located south of Balad Ruz in the southern Diyala province. With only 8 small tents located on the land, members of Alpha Co, 2nd Bn, 28th Inf Regt under TF 3-66, 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID, along with other "enabler" personnel, call this home.
Their mission, as they rotate from FOB Hammer every few days, is an array of tasks that not only help to improve the security of the area, but also improve the region's stability, so that many of the displaced people, who once lived in the area, will return one day. "We do combat patrols, work with the IA on joint missions, and often check on Iraqi checkpoints to ensure they have what they need, and that they are doing their job properly," said 1st Lt. Russell Morgan, 2nd plt leader for A Co.
Another facet of their mission is to observe the internally displaced population, and see what progress is being made, and what is still needed for people to return home. "We're trying to see how many of the internally displaced persons are coming back, and seeing if they have basic needs, such as water and electricity, to stay," said Morgan.
Recently the COP underwent a build-up of needed items to help with the living conditions there. Before this expansion Soldiers had no tents or freezers to store water.
"When we first got out here there wasn't much. We lived out of our vehicles, and that was it. It was kind of like we were Nomads," said Spc. John McManus of HQ plt.
Though the area around Diamond may be harsh, the spirits on the COP stay high. "We enjoy working with each other, and make the best of it. Often we entertain ourselves with movies or video games, but we'll also get together for a game of cards," said Spc. Benjamin Menner.
Recently Task Force 3-66 was tasked to move from FOB Hammer further north to FOB Caldwell. The process will change the 'second home' for the residents of Diamond, while adding in the interesting task of moving tons of equipment on the few days they are actually there. "It's kind of nice - having somewhere new to live all of the sudden. The move has also helped to make time go by pretty fast, because we've all stayed so busy," said McManus.
"The tangible evidence that we have done our job successfully, is when the people begin to move back. That's how we know we've made a difference," said Morgan.
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U.S. Air Forces Central
Air Force Flight Surgeons Hand Over Training Mission to Iraqis
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
An Iraqi Soldier watches as Iraqi Lt. Amar Gaad, nurse and flight medic instructor, marshals the litter into the C-130 Hercules during aero-medical evacuation transport training at New Al-Muthana Air Base, June 2. The 4-week course, once taught by U.S. instructors, is now instructed by Iraqis.
(Photo by Senior Airman Jacqueline Romero)
NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE — As U.S. forces withdraw in the future, the IAF will assume new missions and responsibilities. One such mission is the Aero-Medical training of flight medical techs, also known as "flight medics."
The 4-week training course is now taught by Iraqi flight medics with coalition oversight. Soon, the Iraqi instructors will have complete oversight of the course. "This is a very important mission for me and for the IAF," said IAF Lt. Amar Gaad, nurse and flight medic instructor. "We're here to save lives so that our army counterparts can focus on their mission, and on their service to our country."
After graduating June 4, the largest class ever, with 18 newly certified Iraqi flight medics, will be well equipped to directly support their assigned military units in the airborne medical evacuation of their unit's casualties in helicopters and C-130 Hercules aircraft.
"Upon graduation the new flight medics will be able to care for their patients, while transporting them via air to medical facilities" said Col. (Dr.) William Dodson III, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq ITAM AF surgeon. "This will add to the strength of the Iraqi military."
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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO RSS
Support Battalion Provides Education Amenities to Logar Schools
Story by Spc. Chris Baker
Command Sgt. Maj. Shelton Williamson, 710th BSB command sgt maj, watches and smiles as Afghan children take school desks into the Darwesh Elementary school, near Pul-e-Alam in Logar province, June 2. The desks were delivered as part of a humanitarian aid drop by 710th, TF Spartan.
FOB SHANK – ANP from Pul-e-alam supported by Soldiers of the 710th delivered approx. 2000 pounds of school supplies to the Darwesh and Karzai Elementary Schools, near Pul-e-alam, June 2.
Notebooks, pens and soccer balls were handed out, along with many other items in an attempt to provide more amenities for Afghan students. The most significant gift given during the day was work desks for the otherwise, empty Darwesh Elementary.
"When we found this school, it had no furniture whatsoever. What we've done, using Cmdr's Emergency Relief Program funds, was to bring furniture for them in order to have a better learning experience," said Lt. Col. Eugene Shearer, Cmdr, 710th BSB.
"I've never been in school and tried to read and write while sitting on the floor. The desks will create a more organized classroom," Cpt. William Bennett, Cmdr, Co A, 710th BSB.
As Afghan children ran around excitedly and asked Soldiers for pens, Bennett explained the progress his unit has made in Logar. "We've made great strides to build trust and relationships in this area. Today's a good day. We actually have furniture and supplies for the children who would otherwise be sitting on the ground." Bennett also said that one of the biggest requests from local leaders were the desks. With that request fulfilled, the bn focus can shift towards other projects in the area like power, well and building projects.
According to Shearer, many more improvements are on the way. "In our area of op we've planned projects for several schools, mosques and roads." Shearer also mentioned ISAF's dedication to helping in Afghanistan. "It's a long-term commitment. You can't get everything done right away. It takes time," said Shearer.
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Special to American Forces Press Service
Soldiers Disrupt Timber Smuggling in Afghan Province
By Army Sgt. Amber Robinson
Soldiers of 1st Bn, 32nd Inf Regt, intercept illegal timber, as it's smuggled through the Narang Valley in Konar province. Donkeys are the primary way that timber smugglers are able to export the timber without detection over the rough terrain of the Afghan-Pakistan border.
KONAR PROVINCE, June 8, 2009 – TF Chosin soldiers from 1st Bn, 32nd Inf Regt, have been making a difference in disrupting timber smuggling in this lush area near the Pakistan border.
Konar has been a route of transit for smuggling goods from the Korengal Valley into Pakistan, an activity that helps to fund enemy ops. “The enemy funds their ops a number of ways,” said Army Lt. Col. Mark O’Donnell, TF Chosin cmdr. “They smuggle illegal gems, opium and timber.”
In the months following the fall of the Taliban, many insurgents fled to Pakistan, where they continue to operate and help to fund insurgency ops in Afghanistan. Various resources that fund weapons for enemy groups operating in Afghanistan are imported across the border. Timber, O’Donnell explained, is used mainly for expensive, ornate furniture produced exclusively in Pakistan. Before the TF arrived, he added, timber smugglers operated with impunity. “Mostly, the units before us did not have the troop strength that we have to combat the problem,” O’Donnell said.
Although drug and gem smuggling are lucrative ways for the enemy to fund insurgency, timber smuggling is even more lucrative. Most of the timber comes through the Korengal Valley, and is then moved down the Konar River to strategic points. It's picked up by trucks and then moved up the Narang Valley through the mountains into Pakistan.
Although the Pakistan border has various checkpoints that monitor traffic, the border is still porous. Trucks carrying the illegal timber can’t move through the checkpoints, so the cargo is loaded onto the backs of donkeys and transported across the rough border terrain. TF Chosin’s unmanned surveillance equipment has photographed and recorded the smuggling procedure on various occasions.
“We've plenty of footage,” said Army Capt. Nathaniel Miller, cmdr of TF’s Co D. “What we’ve observed is a well-oiled process. These guys have been doing this for awhile and have their routine down to a science. Although the procedure may seem primitive, it works, and more lumber than we can imagine has been smuggled over the border in this way.”
TF soldiers have put up strategic outposts to hinder the timber flow, and they have caused much difficulty for smugglers. “The outposts have definitely put a dent in the process,” Miller said. “Smugglers go so far with the wood and realize they can’t move with the same ease. They get to that point and simply dump the timber.” Portions of the Narang Valley have become littered with abandoned illegal timber. The timber usually is confiscated and stored in Asadabad, the largest city near the Narang Valley.
The illegal timber industry has been operational for years, but with smugglers now having Taliban connections, the involvement of NATO ISAF troops has been more evident. “We've met with all of our local Afghan leaders, and all are aware of the problem,” O’Donnell said. “It was actually the gov. of Konar that brought the blatant timber smuggling activity to our attention once we got here.”
As it stands, all money that comes from timber smuggling is spent in Pakistan. The only outcome Afghanistan usually sees from the exploitation of its natural resources is a well-armed and relatively well-funded insurgency, officials said.
“If the Afghan govt can turn this around and capitalize on the industry, it would not only bring more money to the country, but the cutting could be standardized and the resources protected,” O’Donnell said. “Right now, with no regulations, the Korengal’s timber could be in danger of being over-cut. Until Afghan officials can get a hold on how to fix this, we’ll fix it the best we know how,” he said, “and that’s with strategic ops. In the future, hopefully, things will be different, but for now we will handle the problem as it is.”
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Blackanthem Military News
Afghan forces continue ops in southern Afghanistan, deliver aid to villagers
By US Forces Afghanistan PAO
KABUL - ANA Commandos and soldiers, advised and assisted by CF, are continuing ops in Shahidi Hasas district, Oruzgan province.
The combined forces are operating in the area, because it's known to be an insurgent safe haven and a transit point for militants, equipment and weapons. Late in the evening of June 5, the troops saw a group of armed militants consolidating near their location. After ensuring there were no non-combatants in the area, the friendly forces requested air support, which eliminated the threat.
Today, the Afghan commandos distributed clothing, book bags and school supplies to a large number of area villagers, and assessed what additional needs they may have. Then, the elite Afghan soldiers spoke with village elders, and explained to them the purpose behind the op.
Ops are ongoing.
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Blackanthem Military News
Afghan forces stop planned attacks during continued ops in the south
By US Forces Afghanistan PAO
KABUL - ANA Commandos and soldiers, advised and assisted by CF, prevented attacks by enemy fighters in Shahidi Hasas District, Oruzgan Province, late in the evening of June 4.
The combined forces were conducting an op in an area known to be an insurgent safe haven and a transit point for militants, equipment and weapons. They received info leading them to a number of armed militant cmdrs and fighters who were gathering in an open field to stage attacks on Afghan and CF. After positively identifying the armed militants and confirming there were no non-combatants in the area, the combined forces called in a successful air strike.
Ops are ongoing.
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