Dear Interested Friend,
MIA-OON flag commemorates 9/11 for TF Spartan at FOB Shank. Camp Eggers memorializes 9/11. Program to improve nutrition for children. Mortarmen support the Soldiers on the front lines.
Iraq: Servicemembers remember fallen at 9/11 ceremony at Camp Victory. Vendors' Fair promotes Iraqi businesses. IA training keeps eye out for IED. On guard at COB Adder. Airmen donate supplies to Iraqi children.
Joanna
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September 12, 2009
CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
MIA-OON Flag commemorates 9/11, Spartans take time to remember
By Army Sgt. Amber Robinson
WARDAK PROVINCE, Sept 6, 2009 - On September 11, 2001, enemy forces attacked innocent Americans on their own soil. The impact was tremendous. Many lives were lost and many lives were changed due to the attack. As the citizens of N.Y. and those who lost their loved ones began to put their lives back to together, American troops moved into Afghanistan to retaliate against those responsible for the devastation.
As OEF began to evolve into the complex fight it is today, Soldiers began to gear themselves for a fight that would last longer than a few years. As years have passed, the wounds of 9/11 have begun to heal, but have not been forgotten. For one Korean-era Marine veteran, it was pertinent to never forget the sacrifices made on that fateful day, nor the sacrifices Soldiers continue to make in the name of their country's freedom.
Ronald James Sorenson, exec. dir. of the U.S. Citizens Alliance and activist for Veteran causes, created the Missing In Attack On Our Nation, or MIA-OON, Flag in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in remembrance of those lost and missing. "Beyond even the horror of that specific event, I recognized that a new symbol was needed to recognize the reality of warfare that confronts our men and women in the armed forces today, and honors their heroism in battle combined with their dedication to the moral values we continue to uphold," stated Sorenson in an online interview.
Since the flag's creation, it has begun to circle the globe and is becoming established as a symbol of anti-terrorism and renewed patriotism. One unit to embrace the flag's symbolism is TF Spartan, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, currently serving their 2nd tour in Afghanistan.
"Each year on 9/11, I remember how I felt on that fateful day," said Lt. Col. Eugene Shearer, cmdr for 710th BSB, TF Spartan. "Much of the anguish and anger come flooding back, and it's always emotional watching the memorial ceremonies. This year will be especially poignant as we remember 9/11 here in Afghanistan...where it all began. For most of our Soldiers, 9/11 was a call to arms. Soldiers grow up hearing about the deeds and sacrifices of those who have come before, and always ask themselves if they were alive would we make them proud? I hope that sometime in the future, other Soldiers will see that flag and include us in the long list of patriots that have served our great nation in combat."
"When I heard what the flag represented, I thought it was important that we make the connection of what happened on 9/11, and what we've been doing here since 2001," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Don White, chief mechanic for 3rd BSTB. "It helps to serve as a reminder of those we have lost as a nation, not only on 9/11, but during our fight over here as well. I am proud to be a member of this org. and everything it represents."
"More than anything else, we are involved in a deadly struggle in the court of Afghan public opinion. Our enemies make the argument that we're occupiers, and that we disrespect the Afghan culture and Islam itself," said Shearer. "They tell the Afghan population that we don't care about them and all true believers should support the insurgency. But, in the same breath they threaten to harm them and their families if they do not support them. They use them to hide behind during combat, and they target them with roadside bombs and IEDs."
The struggle against terrorism and an ever shifting and replenishing insurgency will be a long fight. Terrorism is a global threat and one Sorenson feels that we, as a nation and world, should not tolerate.
For Corbari and his fellow Spartans, the flag and what it represents is also an honor. The fight against terrorism will be long, but Corbari, Shearer and the Soldiers of TF Spartan are proud to fight for the cause.
"I knew it was possible I would end up here," said Corbari. "In fact, I desperately wanted to be here to make a difference. I had no idea what it would be like to walk this ground, to experience the incredible dichotomy that is Afghanistan. I'm proud to be here, proud to represent my country and proud to be contributing to a much larger effort in improving the lives of Afghans, their culture and their country."
The MIA-OON flag flies over FOB Shank.
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Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan RSS
Coalition Camp Memorializes Tragic American Day
Story by Staff Sgt. Larry Reid
Service members assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command-A (CSTC-A), pay their respects during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Camp Eggers. Service members of all branches of the U.S. armed forces, took time to honor those who have fallen, while moving forward on their mission to securing freedom.
KABUL -CSTC-A cmdr, Maj. Gen. Richard Formica, addressed a crowd of more than 150 on the significance of the day. "This ceremony ... reminds us of the tragedy and untold heroism that occurred this day, 8 years ago," said Gen. Formica. "It allows us to remember those who perished that day and those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since."
Along with Gen. Formica, reps from the Navy and Army spoke on why they stepped forward to serve their country after 9/11. "I was posting security at the Job Corps in New York when I heard the news on the radio," said Petty Officer 3rd Class William Freeman, journal clerk for the CSTC-A Joint Ops Center. "Everybody was in shock. I was angry and sad all at the same time ... that's when I decided to make a difference."
Spc. Amrinderjit Singh, who is a Sikh, also noted why he joined the Army. "I joined the Army in the fall of 2005; my decision to do so was made in 2001," said Spc. Singh. He added that after 9/11, there was rash generalization toward the Sikh community, confusing them with radical Muslims. However, "retaliation was not the answer. In order to change people's mindset, I had to do something significant; this is why I stand before you today," Singh said.
Canadian Forces Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Walter Natynczyk was also on hand to provide a few words of remembrance. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm really proud to be here, I'm proud indeed of what all we've been able to do to address terrorism," he said. "Proud indeed of the tremendous work that all of you ... perform daily to enable Afghans to secure Afghanistan."
Since that day, more than 1.1 million Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines have enlisted into the armed forces, vowing to protect the USA from all enemies foreign and domestic.
CSTC-A is located on Camp Eggers in Kabul and oversees subordinate commands, including Combined Joint TF Phoenix and the Combined Air Power Transition Force.
Service members assigned to the CSTC-A, pay their respects during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO RSS
Building Afghanistan Through Healthy Children
Story by Capt. John Stamm
Dr. Abdul Momin, the staff physician at the basic health clinic in the Shutol district of Panjshir prov., and Mr. Abdul Maruf, Panjshir Dept of Public Health nutritionist, grind almonds during the Strong Food training program sponsored by the Panjshir PRT, Sept. 2.
AFGHANISTAN - Malnutrition is one of the major causes of the high mortality rate of children under age 5, claiming the lives over 25% of infants born here. Those living in poverty are most vulnerable according to Chief Petty Officer Eddie Fitzpatrick, the chief hospital corpsman for the 30th Medical Command at Bagram Air Field.
The Panshir PRT is helping to decrease mortality rates with a child nutrition program that is safe, cost-effective, sustainable with local resources, and culturally appropriate.
The Panjshir PRT Medical Unit conducted its first Strong Foods training program at the basic health clinic in the Shutol District. The group trained 12 male and 7 female healthcare providers, Sept. 2. Fitzpatrick is assisting the Panjshir PRT in implementing the "Strong Foods" program here. Fitzpatrick states that the main function of the program is to return acutely malnourished children to normal weight and to restore their appetite to the point where they can sustain positive growth.
In the program, local health practitioners are taught how to prepare a simple food and vitamin mixture that serves as a dietary supplement. A serving of 6 ounces, provides 600 calories and essential vitamins and minerals that stimulate the child's appetite, gives them energy and sustains normal growth.
The mixture contains almonds, sugar, cooking oil, full-fat powdered milk and liquid vitamins that are inexpensive and locally purchased. The ingredients are then ground into a paste similar to peanut butter. The paste is spread on or mixed with other food or eaten straight. "This is really a medication to give the children to help them to eat," he said. "It's only short term. Once the child regains his or her appetite and returns to normal weight, they're removed from the program."
"This program and training is very helpful to us," said Dr. Abdul Momin. "We'll use this training to teach others how to make and use the food to take care of their children. I believe now we can help most of the malnourished children," she added.
AF Capt. Maria DeArmann, staff physician for the Panjshir PRT, instructs healthcare providers in how to prepare a Strong Food mixture for malnourished children.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Fire in the sky: 3-71 mortarmen have a blast
By Spc. Derek Kuhn
Mortarmen Spc Robert Mangini, Pfc Jonathan Dickson, and Pv2 Ryan Beach, take cover after firing a 120mm mortar round, which kicked up plenty of dust, Aug. 29.
LOGAR PROVINCE -- It's 2 a.m.; the night is calm and the sky is clear. If it weren't for the occasional wild camel walking by the encampment, one could believe this was an overnight field exercise, but, it's not. Breaking the early morning serenity, a radio crackles and comes to life. Shaking off the chill of the night, Army Sgt. Roger Clark answers the call. Within seconds Clark rouses his Soldiers - the mortarmen of HHT, with Able Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Sqdrn, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div--by bellowing, "Fire mission!"
The Ft. Drum, N.Y., based Soldiers work quickly, readying the blitzkrieg of 120mm mortar rounds that will fly in less than 2 minutes. U.S. Army Pfc. Jonathan Dickson and Pv2 Ryan Beach prepare the rounds as Spc. Robert Mangini confirms and executes the proper sighting. After confirming the coordinates with Mangini one last time, Clark yells, "Fire when ready!"
Mangini looks over to Dickson, checking to see if the mortar round is ready. "Hang it," Mangini yells as Dickson positions himself to drop the round down the tube. Shouting at the top of his lungs, Mangini commands, "Fire!" Dickson promptly looses the round and ducks down to ensure he is clear of the projectile's path. After a slight delay, the round rockets out,
followed by an ear-numbing sonic boom. About 30 seconds later, the round lands with lethal precision and a cathartic blast. Smiling, Mangini says, "Right on target."
The fire mission was completed in a matter of seconds. "From the time we get the initial call for fire, we've about 2 minutes to complete the mission," said Clark. In that short amount of time, "We are very precise, very lethal," the squad leader said.
Beach, who is a Calvary Scout attached to the mortars, elaborates on the effectiveness of the 120mm mortar system. "It's very lethal. If one were to blow up on the 50 yard-line of a football field, everyone on that field would have a very bad day." Such power and effectiveness enables the mortar system to act as a deterrent to enemies. Insurgents don't like mortars because of how quickly rounds are put out, said Mangini. "We shoot faster than anyone on the battlefield."
"When air-support isn't available, we step in and support the Soldiers on the front-lines," Dickson said. "Helping forward maneuvering units makes me feel good," Dickson continued. "Not only do we have the ability to take lives; we save them too."
"I feel like I'm doing good for Afghanistan, and I'm having fun doing it," said Beach who likes the initial rush of the fire missions, but Dickson prefers riding the base-plate for the first few fires. "Riding the base-plate is my favorite part of firing," said Dickson. It's like being on a trampoline with a larger person jumping from a higher point on to it, he continued. "But, it's very important because it makes it settle evenly. If the system is lop-sided the rounds could be off target. Our job as mortarmen is to obscure, suppress, neutralize and destroy the enemy for forward operating units," Dickson said.
Mortarmen Spc Robert Mangini, and Pv2 Ryan Beach, take cover after firing a 120mm mortar round. Pfc. Jonathan Dickson prepares a subsequent round.
Mortarmen Spc Robert Mangini and Pv2 Ryan Beach, fire a 120mm mortar round.
Mortarmen Spc Robert Mangini and Pv2 Ryan Beach fire a 120mm mortar round in Logar province, Aug. 29. The mortar round is fired in under 2 minutes from the time the mortarmen receive a call for fire.
Mortarmen Pfc Jonathan Dickson and Pv2 Ryan Beach, 'ride' the base plate of a 120mm mortar system, as Spc. Robert Mangini takes cover.
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114th Public Affairs Detachment RSS
Deployed Service Members Remember Fallen at 9/11 Ceremony
Story by Pvt. Karin Leach
Gen. Raymond Odierno, MNF-I comm. gen., addresses service members during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony held at Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad.
BAGHDAD - Shadows fell from service members headgear onto their faces as all heads bowed during the invocation for the Sept. 11 ceremony.
Service members crowded all openings to watch the solemn remembrance. The ceremony's host, Lt. Gen Charles Jacoby Jr., shared encouraging words of the nation's performance since the terrorists struck.
"Since 9/11, we've not lost our focus," said Jacoby, comm. gen. of MNC-I. "We remain vigilant as we perform our duty, and we make the sacrifices required in the service of our nation, to defeat extremism and to bring terrorists to justice, so that future generations in all countries may enjoy peace and prosperity for their citizens."
Maj. Bryan Skarda worked in a vault on the opposite side of where the plane hit the Pentagon, and witnessed the mass confusion resulting from the crash.
"We left and I could see the smoke pouring from the side of the building," said Skarda, knowledge mgt officer, MNF-I CJ6. "It was white almost like a cloud, and I remember having to remind myself it wasn't a cloud. Several people were crying. The building had started to smell like smoke as the air handlers spread it around."
MNF-I Cmdr Gen. Ray Odierno reflected on the events of 9/11. "American bravery was exhibited almost immediately by the courageous acts of the passengers of Flight 93. Though their actions cost them their lives, their sacrifice saved an untold number of innocent people and set the tone for our response."
On Sept. 11, a total of 421 first responders were killed. To honor the fallen firefighters a bell sounded 5 times, repeated in 4 series, while service members rendered salutes. It's tradition to honor departed firefighters with the "Striking of Four Five's."
Service members and civilians gather to honor the fallen.
Reps from the military, fire dept, along with a civilian, participate in a tribute to the lost.
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Vendors’ Fair promotes Iraqi businesses
By Pvt. Karin Leach
AF Master Sgt. Allen Matthews, lodging section chief, 447th Expeditionary Force Support, reviews an Iraqi woman's gravel services business during a Vendors' Fair, hosted by the Victory Regional Contracting Center on Camp Liberty, Aug. 19.
CAMP LIBERTY — "We're establishing a relationship to work together," said Capt. Angela Smoot, contracting specialists, Joint Contracting Command Iraq/Afghanistan. "We're building bonds. That's why the theme of the event was titled Forging Partnership Through Procurement."
The event had more than 70 Iraqi vendors displaying their business capabilities to service members and civilians. The businesses offered services such as cleaning, laundry and maintenance. Other businesses offered construction, gravel and general supplies.
"I was expecting a few vendors," said AF Master Sgt. Allen Matthews, lodging section chief, 447 Expeditionary Force Support. "To my amazement, it was above my expectations. All vendors were very professional in how they offered to show their products to someone as a customer."
The JRCC has a system called the Joint Contingency Contracting System where Iraqi vendors register online to begin the process of gaining business opportunities with govt venues. Vendors are trained through conferences, e-mails, face-to-face contact and phone calls on how to conduct business. They are then given advisement on how to begin their business and assisted through translators and liaisons. Coordination is important to proactively solve any problems with both parties. Ensuring legitimate businesses with the proper registration is the final method put into affect.
"I do think positive results will come out of this," said Smoot. "It was really helpful for the VRCC to see new vendors. Many units came to me and said that they'd made contact with new vendors who provided the same services with better prices."
The JRCC is planning a similar event for the Women-Owned Business Program to fight poverty, and provide business and economic education to sustain livelihood and communities.
"There's nothing like serving in a foreign country and having direct contact with the people of that country in a positive way," Smoot said. "Planning the event was stressful, but the day of the event was so great. I was happy to feel a sincere connection with the people there."
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Multi-National Division - Baghdad
Ever vigilant: IA keeps eye out for IEDs
By Sgt. Joshua Risner
Staff Sgt. Timothy Wallace (center), an instructor assigned to Co B, 163rd CAB, explains the need to be constantly on the lookout for IEDs during a Counter-IED class on Camp Slayer, Sept. 6.
BAGHDAD — IEDs are a deadly part of the landscape here, and it takes sharp eyes and keen knowledge of what to look for to stay out of harm's way.
Soldiers of Co B, 163rd CAB, 2nd BCT, 1st ID, created a counter-IED class designed to give a helping hand to IA Soldiers. According to Staff Sgt. Joseph Barnhart, an instructor assigned to Co. B, the 3-day course covered search techniques, IED ID, IED components, and reaction to an IED.
"The facilities are designed for U.S. forces, and any time you can get the IA onto this base, and utilize the training we use with our Soldiers, it's much better than what they have in sector," said Barnhart. "It betters the IA by giving them realistic scenarios that they can't get without having to deal with the real thing."
The most important point that the Soldiers tried to impress upon their IA students was vigilance. "You may not have the fancy camera systems that we have on our vehicles," said Sgt. Timothy Wallace, assigned to Co. B, "but 90% of the IEDs we've found were spotted with something all of you have, the eyes of a Soldier."
According to Barnhart, another crucial aspect of the training was the effect it would have on IA leaders, and the way they would teach their Soldiers in the future. "That's something they're going to need to do once American forces leave - they're going to have to fall back on their leaders to train the Soldiers," he said. "If we can show them the proper way to teach a class and spread the knowledge throughout their lower enlisted, it will help in developing the IA in the future."
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4th BCT, 1st Armored Division RSS
On Guard in Southern Iraq
Photos by Maj. Myles Caggins
Pfc. Jeffrey Brunner, a fuel handler, stands guard at COB Adder, near Nasiriyah, Sept. 3. Brunner is deployed with Co A, 121st BSB, 4th Bde, 1st AR Div "Highlander." The Highlander Bde is the proof of principle unit for the advise and assist mission in Iraq.
Sgt. Steven Morse, a mechanic, mans an M-240B machine gun mounted on a MRAP truck.
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407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs RSS
Gearing Up for School: Airmen Donate Supplies to Iraqi Children
Story by Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) form an assembly line to package school supplies and toys for Op Iraqi Child, Sept. 5. The school supplies will be distributed to local communities in southern Iraq to prepare children for the upcoming school year.
ALI BASE - Hundreds of bags were stuffed with donations that were gathered to support Op Iraqi Child. "I appreciate everyone coming out and volunteering to support the children of southern Iraq," said Master Sgt. Barry Jackson, 1st sgt for the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Sqdrn.
He noted that it gives Airmen the opportunity to help the country of Iraq from a different angle. By providing the children of Iraq (the future leaders) the school supplies necessary to get a good education, it not only strengthens the U.S. and Iraqi relations today, but builds a bond that will last for generations.
With tables lined up like an assembly line, Airmen filled the different stations and began to work like a machine. Starting with an open bag, in a shopping spree fashion, Airmen filled them to the top with pencils, paper, notebooks, folders, crayons, scissors and other helpful utensils Iraqi children may find useful for the upcoming school year. More than 450 complete school kits were put together in under an hour.
"Without our help the children wouldn't have the appropriate supplies they need to attend school," said Senior Airman Christopher Falicon, Network Configurations for the 407th Expeditionary Communications Sqdrn.
Although many boxes contained school supplies, there was a plethora of toys that were going to the children. Soccer balls, a favorite with Iraqi children, were pumped, sent and ready to play with. Also included in the boxes were fluffy stuffed animals, games, puzzles and crafts.
"Love never fails," said Maj. Richard Fitzgerald, 407th AEG chaplain. "OIC supports the effort in Iraq by acquiring the love and understanding between nations and cultures."
All of the items were donated from AF installations and private orgs all over the world, said Sgt. Jackson. Also, many Airmen here at Ali Base solicited donations from home units in the states and overseas. Churches, professional orgs, or individuals, and families contributed that wanted to make a difference.
"It shows the Airmen that they can make a difference in Iraq through caring and assisting those in need," said Sgt Jackson. "The long term effects of this program will have an effect on the Airmen of Ali Base and the children of Iraq forever."
Airmen from the 407th AEG form an assembly line.
Airmen from the 407th package school supplies and toys.
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