Dear Interested Reader,
Navy Dr. Lt. Cmdr. Krisoff, 62 serves to honor 2 Marine sons. IP prevent attack, awarded U.S. Army medal. Conference held to promote an ethical and free press. 2nd Bde, 1st Cav. patrol in Abu Ghraib. Joint op clears Nassir factory. School children share cultures through VTC.
In Afghanistan, Memorial Day service at Bagram Air Field. School supplies and humanitarian aid lifts morale. Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10-miler shadow run at FOB Fenty.
Joanna
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June 3, 2009
2nd Marine Logistic Group Public Affairs RSS
Navy Doctor, 62, Serves on First Deployment in Honor of Two Marine Sons
Story by 2nd Lt. Michele Perez
Lt. Cmdr. William Krissoff, orthopedic surgeon with TQ Surgical Co, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd), examines the knee of Staff Sgt. Troy Wiltshire, TQ Air Boss chief aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, May 13.
CAMP AL TAQADDUM - For Lt. Cmdr. William Krissoff, the inspiration to join the Navy Medical Corps at age 60 stemmed from his sons' bravery and commitment to duty. In particular, his service is a legacy to his oldest son, 1st Lt. Nathan Krissoff, a counterintel/human intel officer with the 3rd Recon Bn, killed in Iraq Dec. 9, 2006.
Both of Krissoff's sons, Nathan and Austin, were deeply affected by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Like many Americans, they wanted to show their support for the thousands of lives lost that day, but they didn't simply raise an American flag on their lawn or put a bumper sticker on their car showing support for the troops. Instead, the Krissoff brothers took it one step further when they decided to join the Marine Corps, knowing that going to war may be inevitable. Krissoff knew very little about the Marine Corps then, but he knew that he couldn't be prouder of their decision to serve their country. "In the natural order of things, sons are inspired by their dad," Krissoff said. "In our family, I've been inspired by my sons and their commitment and dedication to service and Marines."
Krissoff's final push to join the Navy Medical Corps came from a visit their family received from the 3rd Recon Bn comm. officer, Lt. Col. William Seely, and bn sgt maj, Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Pickering. Both traveled across the country visiting the families of fallen Marines and those recovering from wounds, when they stopped in Nevada to visit the Krissoff family. They discussed the possibility of Krissoff serving as a doctor in a Marine unit and that's when the future Navy doctor was convinced that he wanted to pursue his commission. "I'd like to do that," Krissoff thought. "That was the moment that I got in my head that was something I could do."
However, the road to earning his Navy Medical Corps commission was not easy. In order to apply for the Navy Medical Corps commissioning program, Krissoff had to apply for an age waiver to even be considered as a candidate. Prospects of receiving the waiver had appeared to be dwindling, until the Krissoff family came across a unique opportunity to speak with then-Pres. George W. Bush during a private meeting with several families of fallen service members in Reno, Nevada, Aug. 2007. The meeting was nearing its end when the Pres. asked one last question: 'Is there anything else I can do for you?' Not letting this prime opportunity pass him by, Krissoff told the pres. about his desire to be commissioned as a Naval Officer. Two days later, Krissoff had his age waiver.
Krissoff closed his private practice, and he and his wife made the move to San Diego where he checked into 4th Medical Bn, Marine Forces Reserve. On arrival, he got started on the standard Navy medical training. He attended the Combat Casualty Care Course, the Navy Trauma Training Course, the Field Medical Service Officer's Course, and later attended the Joint Forces Trauma Management Conference, among other schools. In addition, in July 2008 he went on a month-long deployment to Morocco where he served as part of a Forward Resuscitative Surgical System to support a reserve Marine weapons company. They partnered with the local military and became familiar with operating in an austere and remote location.
Currently Krissoff is working on gaining his active duty status, so that he can lock in future deployments in direct support of U.S. service men and women.
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DoD Imagery
IP Prevent Attack, Receive Army Medal
Lt. Col. Terry Cook, 1st Cav Div, pins Commissioner Hameed Hermis, an IP officer, with an Army Achievement Medal during a ceremony at the Provincial Joint Control Center in Kirkuk City, May 19.
(Photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor)
KIRKUK — A small mosque was recently the scene of a life and death struggle between 4 IP and a teenage suicide bomber. The 4 IP succeeded in stopping and detaining the would-be bomber, potentially saving the lives of hundreds inside the mosque.
"We are here to recognize the selfless acts of the IP. They saved hundreds of lives," said Lt. Col. Terry Cook, 1st Cav Div, during his speech at the ceremony. "The actions of these Policemen highlight the exemplary performance of the IP in the city."
"They prevented a catastrophe in that mosque," explained the provincial IP cmdr, Maj. Gen. Jamal Bakir. "These IP were willing to sacrifice themselves for the peace and security of this city," continued Bakir. "They're protecting Kurds, Arabs, Turkomen, and everyone else. They're working without discrimination. I know that the rest of the IP will look up to these 4 honorable Policemen, and they will follow their examples."
According to intel sources, the suicide bomber, Ammar Hamada, 19, was stopped by the IP at the Shi'ite Al-Zahra Mosque, after he reportedly fired on a guard and charged into the mosque, where he was tackled and restrained to prevent him from detonating his suicide vest.
"There were so many people praying in that mosque," explained Commissioner Hermis, one of the Policemen who stopped the suicide bomber. "It was our duty to protect all of those people. As long as we wear our uniform, it will be part of our job to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the people we serve, and it's great that we're being awarded this."
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Multi-National Security Transition Command-I
Free Press Helps Build Political Primacy
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Journalist Syndicate held a conference at the Rasheed Hotel, covering journalist standards, ethics and independent reporting in a fledgling democracy, May 23. The intent was to pave the way forward in a democracy that promotes an ethical and free press.
The conference focused on freedoms of expression and journalistic autonomy with the goal of seeking the truth. The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate sponsored an all day event where media from all over the world attended with the main purpose of helping the Iraqi media build capacity and capability. The conference was attended by more than 100 journalists, vendors and organizers. Attendees were from almost every region of the world including Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Middle East.
The conference addressed the need for more pan-Arab media involvement due to the global recession. Western media bureaus are either reducing staff or closing outlets. However, this gives the Iraqi media a great opportunity to tell its story to the world.
Aiden White, general secretary, Int'l Federation of Journalists, addressed the conference with Iraq’s PM Nouri Al-Maliki in attendance. White specifically acknowledged Maliki in his address, “The Union of Journalists salute the courage and sacrifice of the Iraqi people, and especially the journalists and members of the Iraqi Journalist Syndicate.” White praised Maliki’s commitment to democracy and allowing the media to play a vital role in this endeavor. White added, “We have launched the Ethical Initiative conference and training for journalists to improve and strengthen the quality of journalism. We have launched these programs across the pan-Arab world, Russia, and Europe. We now bring this campaign to Iraq.”
White said, “We work without sacrificing our editorial independence and media freedom, but we have our eyes wide open. All of us live in a changing world, and it's time for everyone in public life - journalists included - to stand for ethics, honesty and democratic values.”
The group Int'l Federation of Journalist signed agreements, largely as a symbol to form an alliance to uphold journalistic integrity and ethical standards. The hope is to improve the democratic landscape in Iraq. The agreement was signed by the Iraqi Commission on Integrity and the Iraq Electoral Commission. The conference was a significant event as it reinforces Iraq’s sovereignty.
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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq RSS
Patrol in Abu Ghraib
(Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan)
Army 1st Lt. Orlando Martinez, attached to the 2nd Bde, 1st Cav Div, talks with Iraqi soldiers during a patrol through the province of Nassir Wa Salam in Abu Ghraib, May 16.
U.S. Soldiers along with Iraqi soldiers, patrol the province.
U.S. Soldiers along with Iraqi soldiers, meet with the SoI at their HQ.
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56th Stryker BCT, 28th ID RSS
Joint Operation Clears Nassir Factory
Story by Capt. Maggie White
Staff Sgt. Paul Hanson (left) and Spec. Adam Ortiz, prepare to enter a building at the Nassir factory complex.
TAJI — Soldiers from the 56th Stryker BCT conducted a large-scale joint op, May 24, with members of the IA to clear a factory of possible enemy insurgent activity.
The Nassir factory, located about 2 miles north of Camp Taji, has historically been an area of insurgent action in the northern Baghdad belt. This was the first joint op of this size the PA National Guard troops had conducted with the IA. It included 2 companies each from 56th SBCT and the IA. "This is an important mission to disrupt insurgent activities," said Col. Marc Ferraro, 56th SBCT cmdr. "We want to work with our Iraqi counterparts to make this a success."
Iraqi and American Soldiers worked their way through the Nassir factory, walking building to building to clear the massive complex. The premises were swept for weapon caches, bombs, and personnel with outstanding warrants. Soldiers also patrolled through the village of Kem, located directly north of the factory.
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Dustin Wolfgang, of Co B, 1st Bn, 112th Inf Regt, led his plt through the area with a squad of Iraqi soldiers. He worked with his Iraqi counterparts every step of the way, watching as both groups of soldiers inspected the warehouses and facilities. "I'm glad to see the IA take the lead," Wolfgang said. "The Iraqi people see that the U.S. and Iraqi soldiers are working hand-in-hand to make their country safer".
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Blackanthem Military News
Bridging cultures through VTC
By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, cmdr 2-20 FAR, 41st Fires Bde, leads students from Al Enteserat Primary School on a tour of JSS Ezdehar, May 22.
(AF photos by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Coney)
FOB DELTA - Al Enteserat Primary School students from Shaykh Sa'ad met 4th and 5th graders from Meadows Elementary School in Fort Hood, Texas, through a video teleconference (VTC) set-up at Joint SS Ezdehar. The VTC, organized by Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 20th FAR and 67th Forward Support Co, was the culmination event between the partnered schools. Previously, the 2 schools had swapped video-taped sessions between the classes.
"This is the 1st step for us, coming from far away to this military place just to learn about your education and your knowledge, and we hope it's going to be a long-term friendship," said Adnan Muhammad, principal. The students traded turns asking and answering questions ranging from how their schools are organized and what subjects they study, to how they spend their free time, and what they want to be when they grow up.
The VTC gave the students from both schools a chance to see and hear how different and similar their respective schools and experiences are. "My Soldiers are partners and friends with the IA and the IP, and I hope that the children of America will be friends forever with the children of Iraq," said Lt. Col. Timothy Bush.
"This VTC helps to bridge the cultures between the American and Iraqi students," said Capt. Mark Terwilleger, 67th FSC and JSS Ezdehar cmdr. The elementary school students represent the future of Iraq, and hopefully this event will continue after U.S. Forces depart Iraq, said Terwilleger.
"It's our hope and desire that this friendship will extend and grow over and over for the years to come," said Mrs. Karol Carlisle, Meadows Elementary Principal. The students at Meadows Elementary school plan on conducting a school supply drive for their partner school in Iraq, at the beginning of the next school year.
Students from Meadows Elementary wait for a VTC call to start with Iraqi students.
An Iraqi student asks a question to students at Meadows Elementary.
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40th Public Affairs Detachment RSS
Bagram Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Fallen
Story by Pvt. Cody Thompson
Service members honor their fallen comrades during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Joint Ops Center Compound, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, May 25.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD – Gen. David McKiernan, the cmdr of ISAF and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, spoke about what Memorial Day means today. "Today we gather here to honor our fallen heroes," said McKiernan. "Countless Americans gather across cities, towns and countries to place flowers on the graves of those fallen service members."
During the ceremony a wreath of flowers was laid and U.S. and CF paid respects to their fallen comrades and those who came before them. For many service members, this day is extremely personal, because it honors the friends, family and battle buddies that have given their lives. "It's a great honor to be here and remember our comrades," said Spc. Samuel Newberry, part of the Personal Security Detachment with HHC, 82nd Abn Div STB. "I had a few friends give their lives in Iraq, which makes this day very personal."
Service members take time out of their day to honor those who have given much more for them. Memorial Day signifies a lot," said Capt. Tasha Jones, cmdr for the HHC. "We see what Soldiers can ultimately give up for freedom."
Since May 30, 1868, Americans have honored the tradition of Memorial Day, previously known as Decoration Day, by placing flowers on service members graves. It was first enacted to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, the government expanded the holiday to include all service members who have died in all wars.
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Combined Joint TF - 101
ANSF, ISAF DELIVER SCHOOL SUPPLIES, LIFT MORALE OF CHILDREN
Story by Pfc. Derek Kuhn
An Afghan elder receives a truck-load of humanitarian aid in Abbaskheyl Shirobi District. The humanitarian aid provided many needed items to local children.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD - Ask school children in America what they want, and they would probably reply, "I want a video game or toy." However, pose that question to school children in Afghanistan, and you most certainly won't hear any mention of toys or games. It's much more likely they will request pens or paper.
School supplies, were recently delivered to the village of Abbaskheyl, Shirobi District in the Paktika Province, May 21, by ABP and paratroopers from 4th BCT (Abn), 25th ID. "They (students) were ecstatic," said 1st Lt. Troy Yoho, Scout Plt Leader, "They were excited because they didn't expect it". Yoho said that delivering school supplies helps show children that their govt is hard at work for them.
Sgt. 1st Class Jason Weaver, Plt Sgt for the 4th BCT, believes that missions like this one have a lasting impact on the community. "The school supplies were something they needed," said Weaver. "Anytime you can encourage kids to go to school, it's a good thing."
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
2009 Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10-miler shadow run
Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Melinda Johnson
Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and civilians pose for a photo before the start of the 2009 Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10-miler shadow run at FOB Fenty, May 23. More than 100 participants competed in the shadow run, a satellite run to the actual race held in Chicago, May 23.
Participants cross the starting line.
Army Maj. Keith Matiskella, an engineer with 3rd BCT, 1st ID, HHC, races to the finish line.
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