Dear Interested Reader,
Michigan NG engrs. wrap up deployment. Gary Sinise, Lt. Dan Band uplift troops at Bagram. Afghan dir. provides donated items, thanks to generous Americans. Nuristan PRT battles H1N1 misinformation.
Iraq: Thanksgiving is celebrated at Camp Victory, Baghdad. Paratroopers install vehicle scanners at check points. High profile terrorists arrested.
Joanna
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Afghanistan Stories:
Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO
Michigan Guard Engineers Wrap Up Afghan Deployment
Story by Sgt. Warren Wright
Army Sgt. Daniel DeRoche, a team leader with 3rd Plt, 1431st Engrs, carries a vehicle drive shaft torn from his vehicle after striking a roadside bomb. DeRoche, and the other Engrs from the 1431st, spent 10 months in Afghanistan searching for and destroying dangerous roadside bombs.
FOB SALERNO – For 10 months, engrs from the 1431st EC have performed more than 200 missions in Khost and Paktika provs. Their primary mission is traveling some of the most dangerous roads in Afghanistan, searching for IED's; the number one threat to Coalition and Afghan forces. "A lot of units depend on us," said Sgt. Daniel DeRoche. "We're getting out there and making sure the routes are clear and making sure it's safe for the other guys." Their mission in Afghanistan is a very dangerous one, and all the Soldiers of the 1431st know the threat, said Army 1st Sgt. Robert Jeannotte, the 1st Sgt. for the 1431st. "Right now we're looking at about 40 purple hearts in the unit, and it takes some inner courage for them to keep getting in there and getting back out time after time." The 1431st consists of Michigan Army NG units out of Calumet, Mich. and Baraga, Mich., along with about 20 other Soldiers from the 1433rd Engr Co (Sapper), out of Augusta, Mich. Since 9/11, the Army NG has made the same sacrifices the Active-Duty Army has made when it comes to deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. "In the last 5 to 8 years, being NG is not a part time thing anymore," DeRoche said. "It's a bigger part of our lives; it's not just one weekend a month anymore." "This is my 3rd deployment, and there're a lot of soldiers in the same boat. We have Soldiers on their 1st deployment ... junior Soldiers that are fairly new to the NG," Jeannotte said. "Anyone who's been in the NG more than 5 years has at least one deployment if not two. It's making it difficult, but the Soldiers keep sticking around," Jeannotte said. "They seem to give selflessly to do the right thing for their country." "A lot of us had to leave school, and we had to leave our jobs," said Spc. Alexander Harris, a Vehicle Operator with the 1431st. "There were quite a few of us that had to take pretty big pay cuts coming in, so our families had to adjust." Deploying with the NG does have its advantages. Most people in the NG serve with other Soldiers who they've known their entire lives. "It's pretty crazy because we all pretty much came from the same area, so our morale towards each other is a lot better than it is on an active duty unit," said U.S. Army Spc. Dominic Fredianelli a combat engr with the 1431st. "We work a lot easier together knowing everyone and knowing each other's families." The Engrs ended their deployment on a high note. Towards the end of the day during their last mission, after a full day of escorting other units along dangerous roads, the team was able to find one last IED and destroy it before it could be used by militant forces to harm any other forces or civilians travelling that route. The unit was replaced by the 1141st Engr Co of the Missouri Army NG.
Engrs from the 1431st Engr Co (Sapper) of the Michigan Army NG stand in front of one of their MRAP vehicles for a photograph.
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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO
Gary Sinise, Lt. Dan Band Uplift Troops in Afghanistan
Story by Capt. Michael Greenberger
"CSI: NY" actor Gary Sinise plays his bass guitar with the Lt. Dan Band during a concert in Afghanistan Nov. 23.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Gary Sinise, Leann Tweeden, Kristy Swanson, Kevin Farley, and the Lt. Dan Band joined troops in Afghanistan as a prelude to the holiday season. "Little" may be an understatement because when the Lt. Dan Band took the stage of Bagram Airfield's Morale Welfare and Recreation clamshell tent, they seemed to electrify the air with their music in a big way. Farley, a comedian and known for his recent role in "An American Carol," was the first to greet the thousand or so who came to see the show. After a few jokes, he was joined by Tweeden and Swanson whose sly smiles gave the impression that they were up to something. After a few well placed service-related jabs, they summoned a rep from each branch of the armed services to the stage for a contest. It was up to each service member to sing their respective service's song. First up was Army – and Staff Sgt. Billy Bauer was put to the test. With assistance from the assembled soldiers, Bauer pulled it out and won first place in the contest, receiving 2 tickets to anywhere, courtesy of American Airlines. Although Bauer was the decided winner, each brave service member received tickets for getting up and singing for the audience.Tweeden, known for her modelling and hosting NBC's "Poker After Dark," is a soon-to-be military spouse, and received a roaring ovation after letting the assembled mass know that she was here on her 12th USO tour since 9/11 and will spend a second Thanksgiving with the troops. Her sacrifice was not lost on those that came to see the show. "Being here on Thanksgiving really meant a lot to all of us," said Army Capt. Brenda Vianna, a battle captain with CJTF-82. "Their songs and their message and their dedication really boosted morale." Tweeden saw no issues with being here during the holiday season. "I think spending holidays with the troops is like being home – it's like a big extended family," Tweeden said. "My fiancé is in the Delaware Air NG and deploys to Bagram soon, shortly after I return to the states, so I know what the families go through when their loved ones have to leave." Also taking part in the introductions was the command team for the Combined Joint TF-82 and Regional Command East. "They're here for you," said Cmdr Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, "to say thanks for what you do every day for our nation and our country."
For 2 hours, the Lt. Dan Band rocked the house and fired up the crowd. Their percussion pounded, the singers soared, the guitars wailed, and Sinise furiously thumped his bass the whole time with a smile. The show was interactive as well. On at least 2 other occasions, service members joined the performers on stage. In one, more than a dozen female service members joined the group on stage dancing and singing to Labelle's "Lady Marmalade." On another occasion, a tall soldier was summoned to the stage to be serenaded by two of the band's sultry singers. "It was exhilarating being up on stage," said Army Spc. Matthew McKinney, a civil military ops specialist with TF Cyclone. "I just went with it and took in the entire experience. I do appreciate what the USO does for us, and we should make the most of it. I absolutely did that tonight." The stars also visited the Staff Sgt. Heathe Craig Joint Theater Hospital, a tour of a SF compound, a look at an Afghan Bazaar, and a visit to a local Afghan school to hand out some school supplies.
Staff Sgt. Billy Bauer sings the Army Song as Kristy Swanson, the "original" Buffy the Vampire Slayer looks on.
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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO
Afghan Director Provides Donated Items
Story by Capt. Angela Webb
Orphanage staff and Army Master Sgt. Tim Vaughan, Civil Military Ops NCO in-charge, Khost PRT, distribute humanitarian assistance items at an orphanage in downtown Khost, Nov. 21. Local disabled and orphaned Afghans were invited to receive a variety of winter and school supply items, which included blankets, jackets, shoes, notebooks, pens and much more. The items were distributed by staff members and overseen by Mirzaman Narai, Khost province dir. of the disabled and social affairs.
KHOST PROVINCE – Khost Dir. of Disabled and Social Affairs, Mirzaman Narai, who is an amputee himself, was worried about the upcoming winter season and continuing school terms, and approached the Khost PRT several months ago to see if there was anything that could be done for his people. Narai and the Khost PRT worked together to find a way to help. U.S. citizens and orgs. donate items to service members and locals on a regular basis, so the Khost PRT asked for items to center on assisting those who are less fortunate. "Partnering with Narai was an easy decision. He has done so many great things for the needy in Khost prov.," said Army Lt. Col. Rob Cooley, cmdr of Khost PRT Civil Affairs Team and dep. cmdr. "We're extremely grateful for those at home [U.S. citizens and orgs] who were so willing to provide for those who can't provide for themselves." Nearly 30 U.S. orgs. and individuals sent items that Narai and his staff requested, which included blankets, clothes, hygiene items and a variety of school supplies. "It wasn't long before blankets, jackets, notebooks, pens, shoes, and even a wheelchair came flooding in from those at home," said Sgt. Steven Dentone, Khost PRT Civil Affairs Team-Central team sgt. "There was an overwhelming amount of items that came in, and we can't thank those enough for their generosity." Smiles and laughter filled the air at the orphanage, while Narai and his staff handed out the donated items. The disabled and children could not thank Narai enough for the items they received. "He [Narai] is a great man," said a disabled local. "We're very happy that he could make this happen, especially since it's so hard to get help most of the time." Narai and his staff of 17 are working diligently to find ways to provide for his people. There's always a need for quality of life items, but one of his main efforts is to keep his prosthetics factory up and running. The dir. provides amputees with prosthetics, free of charge, but finds it harder to do so lately.
"There's such difficulty to get help, and I want to thank those from the bottom of my heart for the U.S. and PRT support," said Narai. "It means so much to everyone that the items were what we needed, and that they went to those who needed them the most." The dir. hopes the Afghan govt, and his people can work together to assist in his dilemma to provide continuous support. "We're continuing our efforts to connect the Afghan govt to Afghan orgs. and its citizens," said Cooley. "Those at home wanted to give back, and we greatly appreciate all their support, but now we must continue to coordinate with Khost leadership to find a long term solution."
"There's such difficulty to get help, and I want to thank those from the bottom of my heart for the U.S. and PRT support," said Narai. "It means so much to everyone that the items were what we needed, and that they went to those who needed them the most." The dir. hopes the Afghan govt, and his people can work together to assist in his dilemma to provide continuous support. "We're continuing our efforts to connect the Afghan govt to Afghan orgs. and its citizens," said Cooley. "Those at home wanted to give back, and we greatly appreciate all their support, but now we must continue to coordinate with Khost leadership to find a long term solution."
Mirzaman Narai rolls a wheelchair to be distributed at an orphanage.
A young boy, injured by an explosion, reaches for his caretaker.
A young girl receives school supplies from a volunteer.
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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO
Nuristan PRT Battles H1N1 Misinformation
Story by 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne
Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, senior medical officer for the Nuristan PRT, records a radio message on Radio Kalagush, a U.S.-funded Afghan radio station that broadcasts from FOB Kalagush, in Nuristan prov., educating locals about the H1N1 flu virus, Nov. 19.
FOB KALAGUSH - Lt. Jennifer Dreiling and Lt. j.g. Stacy Gross, PRT info ops officer, broadcasted public health messages. According to Gross, the messages informed people how to react to the common cold or H1N1 signs and symptoms, and what to do if they suspect they have the virus. Insurgents in Nuristan has spread misinformation on how the H1N1 is contracted and where it comes from. "Part of the aim of the messages themselves is to dispel those rumors - like you can contract the disease by eating pork, or that H1N1 was brought to Afghanistan and spread by CF," said Dreiling. According to Gross and Dreiling, every radio message the Nuristan PRT broadcasts out with useful info about the virus is another opportunity to take power away from the enemy's infor campaign. Dreiling felt that the radio messages were successful because, "the radio messages makes the people feel like they've control of their own situation, and it's empowering for them to know what's going on around them." The Nuristan PRT releases public health radio messages at least once a week.
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Iraqi Stories:
Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO
Service members, civilians celebrate Thanksgiving in Iraq
CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD - Service members and civilians in Iraq celebrated Thanksgiving Day with a morning run, religious services, a traditional turkey dinner, football on television, and phone calls to family and friends back home.
Approx 1,400 service members and civilians stationed at Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, started the morning with a holiday tradition, running in the 2nd Annual Tamarac, Fla., 5-K Turkey Trot Shadow Run.
Later, service members and civilians enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal at dining facilities throughout Iraq. Supervisors and leaders served meals to the troops that included turkey, ham, dressing, yams, pies and much more. Dining facility staff members not only made the special meal, they also provided fantastic decorations to include ice sculptures, displays, and elaborately decorated cakes.
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Multi National Corps -Iraq PAO
Paratroopers install vehicle scanners at check points
Capt. Mohanad, Iraqi ops officer, based at COP Hawas, Al Anbar prov., greets paratroopers with Co A, 2nd Bn, 504th PIR, 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Div (Advise and Assist Bde), as the Americans prepare to drop off cargo-scanning explosives detection equipment, at a traffic control point, Nov. 20, 2009. The AAB is deploying the vans to help ISF thwart the trafficking of arms and explosives in the run-up to the 2010 national elections.
(Army photos by Spc. Michael MacLeod)
Iraqi Soldiers stop traffic while paratroopers drop off cargo-scanning explosives detection equipment at a traffic control point.
A paratrooper guides the unloading of cargo-scanning explosives detection equipment at a traffic control point manned by Iraqi troops. At left is Capt. Mohanad, Iraqi ops officer.
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Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO
SWAT arrests alleged IED attack planner
ANBAR PROVINCE - An Iraqi SWAT unit, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested an alleged Jaysh Al-Islami cell leader, Nov. 20. The suspect, who fled the area in Jan., is allegedly responsible for kidnapping and killing citizens of Anbar Province, forming JAI cells, and planning 2 IED attacks in Karmah against ISF.
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Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO
ERB arrests suspected northern Iraq ISI leader
TIKRIT - Elements of the ERB, advised by U.S. forces, arrested Adnan al-Afri, a suspected leader of a terrorist network, in Ninawa prov., Nov. 25. Adnan is the suspected emir, or leader, for the ISI in northern Iraq, and is believed to be responsible for facilitating explosive attacks against Iraqi citizens and ISF. It's believed that he issues orders for attacks conducted by ISI in northern Iraq.
The forces searched for and collected evidence in the residence without incident.
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Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO
Kirkuk ESU arrests suspected JRTN cell leader
TIKRIT - The Kirkuk Emergency Services Unit, advised by U.S. forces, arrested Muhammad Jabouri, a suspected terrorist cell leader, in Kirkuk, Nov. 25. Muhammad is suspected of leading a Jaysh Rijal al-Tariq al-Naqshabandi cell in Kirkuk, financing terrorist ops and smuggling weapons. The Kirkuk ESU arrested Muhammad in his residence and collected evidence from the home, to include weapons and sensitive materials.
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