Sgt. 1st Class Michael Mega, an MP from the 447th MP Co, serves Thanksgiving dinner at the Drop Zone Café on Bagram Airfield.
“I’m thankful that I've more family than when I left,” said Spc. Kyle Nichols, a squad automatic weapon gunner, about the Soldiers in his plt.
“I’m thankful for family, my kids and all of the Soldiers getting home safe,” said Sgt. Steven Pruitt, a team leader with 2nd squad, 3rd plt.
“I’m thankful that we’ve been safe throughout this entire deployment,” said Spc. Michael Smith, a vehicle mechanic. “I’m thankful for the experience of the deployment. It’s something I’ll never forget.”Ambassador Karl Eikenberry and wife, Ching, greet a table full of service members and civilians, and thank them for their service on Thanksgiving Day.
Evans was wounded when his Stryker armored vehicle hit an IED while returning from a patrol. Despite spending Thanksgiving in a hospital bed, Evans said he was optimistic because he'd plenty to be thankful for. “You can dwell on the negative or be thankful for what you have,” Evans said, "and I'm just thankful for everything that I have, like my family.”
In another room, wounded Afghan troops and civilians lay recuperating as well. Some are victims of indiscriminate attacks by the Taliban. Mrs. Eikenberry handed out stuffed animals and warm clothing. The items were donated by Americans back home who wish them a speedy recovery. “It was an honor to welcome them,” said Noor Mohammad, an ANA soldier who was wounded when his unit was ambushed by Taliban fighters. “We thank him and appreciate their visit.” To the ambassador, however, the honor was his. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to pay our respects to ANA soldiers who were wounded in combat, and are at this hospital side-by-side with our soldiers who are recovering as well,” Eikenberry said. “It was also an opportunity to talk to many Afghan civilians who have been injured and seriously wounded as a result of Taliban attacks. I'm very proud when each one of them told me that the care they're getting here makes them feel like they are living with their own family.” Down the road from the hospital, Thanksgiving meals were being served at many different dining facilities. The smell of cured ham, roasted turkey, and fresh candied yams lingered in the entry ways. Inside one of Bagram’s largest dining facilities, servicemembers and civilians enjoyed the feast. Prime rib, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, shrimp cocktail, and of course, turkey, were but a few of the menu items available. The desert menu was just as robust. “I liked the variety of foods available,” said AF Master Sgt. Christopher Wagers, a communications NCO with TF Paladin. “They had anything people could want. The people that set up the dinner did a great job, and standing in line was definitely worth it.” During the meal, the Eikenberrys again took the opportunity to shake as many hands as possible, moving about the large dining hall greeting people and offering thanks for their service. “Our tradition has always been that the leaders, whether on the military side or the civilian side, take this day of Thanksgiving, and go out and try to express our appreciation as best we can to the very brave soldiers and civilians who are serving wherever they might be,” Eikenberry said. “We’re one big army family,” said Lt. Col. Buddy Hopkins, cmdr of the 603rd Aviation Support Bn, as he scooped out heaping dishes of ice cream. “It’s good for us to do this, so they’ll have more time to relax or spend time either on their own or talking with their families back home.” “I think a lot of guys just try to stay focused on the mission,” said Evans. “The holiday season is tougher, and you think more about home. You miss your family more, but the only thing you can do to combat that is focus more on your mission and just try to stay busy, because the busier you are the better off you are.” So after having feasted and given thanks, what’s next? “In true Thanksgiving fashion I think I’m going to go home and nap,” joked Wagers. “Actually I will probably go back to the office and do a few things, because we work 7 days a week, so today is just another day, but it was nice to come out here and have a full spread, and memories of home.”Army Spc. Jason Azoon, a food service specialist with the 3rd Sqdrn, 17th Cav Regt, crafts a decorative piece from a watermelon.
PAKTYA PROVINCE - The Paktya PRT completed the 6th Civics Training class in Jaji District, as part of an initiative to expand Rule of Law in the prov, Oct. 29.
The training includes instruction on the roles and responsibilities of the govt, from the President of Afghanistan down to provincial and district level, as well as constitutional law, and women's and children's rights. “Unfortunately, most women here don't know the world outside their very strict homes, much less their rights,” said Army Staff Sgt. Quitze Garcia, PRT Paktya Civil Affairs specialist and Rule of Law rep. “These classes help young ladies realize they've rights, and neither their religion nor their constitution is what's denying them their rights. “ The 5-day course is taught by Afghan university law professors and is aimed at educating govt officials and teachers. “It's important to give these classes to the multipliers, teachers and upcoming govt officials,” Sgt Garcia said. “They are the future of Afghanistan and they need to know how to improve the quality of life for all Afghans.” So far, more than 400 students have been through the training, with 14 more classes scheduled in the coming months to cover every district in the prov. The initial 4 courses were held for teachers in the capital city of Gardez. The training was such a success that the PRT and Paktya Dept of Ed. worked to expand the program to outlying districts, like Jaji, and neighboring Chamkani district, both in a historically volatile region along the Pakistan border. “I was in Gardez and I heard that the PRT successfully completed the Civics training Program,” said the Chamkani rep of education. “Now I'm so happy that they've the same program here in Chamkani.” Fifty-three females signed up to attend the Chamkani course, but on day one, 60 showed up. In Jaji, 50 women were invited, but 83 reported for the training.The PRT local national advisor assisting with the training noted that the women were fairly quiet the first day, but by the end were excited and engaged in discussion; many even hurrying home to share their newly acquired knowledge with their parents. One participant told her parents about the course discussion on domestic violence and arranged marriages. Her father, a tribal elder in the region, was so pleased to hear about the discussion, that he sent his younger daughter to take part in the rest of the course. The effectiveness of the training is evident in other ways, too. The PRT advisor recently received a threatening phone call, telling him the Taliban doesn’t approve of the Civics Training and asking him to stop. “The Taliban are angry because they know we’re opening people’s minds and giving them knowledge of their constitutional rights,” Sgt Garcia said, “and the Taliban don’t like that.” The PRT is looking at expanding the program even further, and also using the radio to put out additional info on constitutional and legal topics. Like most of Afghanistan, Paktya prov. has less than a 20% literacy rate, but more than 80% of the population has access to radio. Especially in Paktya’s hard-to-reach outlying districts, the airwaves have become increasingly important in communicating with the info-starved populace, countering enemy propaganda, and connecting the people to a govt to which they wouldn’t otherwise have access. Sgt Garcia believes strengthening faith in the judicial system is the next important step.
After learning safety lessons, children are able to play with their volunteer military mentor. Activities such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, and board games are available for entertainment.
AF Tech. Sgt. Joey Burgess, 332nd ECES construction inspector, said the children's days are not only useful for teaching children safety, but are also good for establishing positive relationships with local communities. "If we can help out people and displace negative or harsh feelings they've toward us, then it's a win-win situation," said Burgess. "I'm very passionate about helping others, including kids. That's why I volunteer."
Along with volunteering his time during the children's events, Burgess also works as the coordinator for the “Kids of Iraq” program. He works with other Airmen and Soldiers to receive, organize and distribute donated goods. "We collect all kinds of donations ranging from toys, hygiene products, clothes and school supplies," he said. He also said TF 38 was one of the largest donators of supplies for distribution.
Headed by Indiana Army NG Sgt. Andrew Schnieders, the TF command asst, TF 38 Soldiers pick up supplies from Burgess and other Airmen on a monthly basis, prepare supplies and packages for transportation and fly the supplies in a TF 38 UH-60 Black Hawk to a FOB for further distribution.
"It's a motivator to go out and help provide people with the material they need to set themselves up for success," said Schnieders. He said the TF is carrying on the mission previously conducted by the 449th Theater Aviation Bde, and it's something he looks forward to each month. "It's not an extra duty. It's something people choose to do," he said. "It's a chance to contribute to a greater good on a personal level."
Schnieders said Soldiers who volunteer for the TF’s humanitarian aid missions show a real care and concern for people in need of the supplies. One of those Soldiers is Indiana Army NG Staff Sgt. David Shutt, TF 38 Air Mission Request Cell NCO-in-charge. "It's all about showing Iraqis that we care, and we're here to help them get back on their feet," said Shutt. He added that helping Iraqis also gives him a personal satisfaction. "I feel like I'm making a difference," said Shutt. "It's nice to do something that's not so combat related."
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MNF-I
BAGHDAD — The exchange of info between medical professionals is commonplace throughout the world, but after years of conflict and instability, many doctors here are out of the info loop.
To help Iraqi doctors catch up on some of the latest medical info, U.S. Soldiers from the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, organized an alliance between U.S. military doctors and local Iraqi hospitals. "Our goal is to meet with the hospitals monthly," explained Capt. Gabriela Niess, the bde's medical planner.
Currently the bde meets with 2 hospitals, one in Abu Ghraib and one in Yarmouk, in western Baghdad, with plans to add more hospitals to the exchange in the future. The hospitals request the topics to be covered and bde personnel work to coordinate the appropriate subject matter experts, and arrange a time, transportation and security.
"There's a huge payoff with minimal effort and cost," explained Sgt. 1st Class David Crowley, from the 422nd CAB.
Physicians Lt. Col. Chris Soltis, with the 702nd BSB, and Maj. Fred Schlorke, with the 414th CAB, gave lectures to medical professionals at the Abu Ghraib hospital; Soltis discussing atopic dermatitis, a skin condition affecting children, and Schlorke lecturing on the H1N1 influenza virus.
H1N1 has become a topic of serious concern among Iraqis recently, as there has been an increase of infections within the country. However, Schlorke focused on the reality of the virus, explaining prevention measures and how the illness is spread. "There is some risk from H1N1, but let's focus on perspective," he said, adding that many tend to forget that 36,000 Americans die each year from the regular seasonal flu.
For the Iraqis in attendance, many said they came away with new info, and that they're looking forward to future lessons. "They answered all of our questions we asked," said Intzar Kazam, a clinical pharmacist. "It was a very good open forum discussion.”
Both Soltis and Schlorke said they also enjoyed the experience, and would gladly return. "I've given a lot of lectures and briefings," Schlorke said jokingly, pointing to his M9 pistol, "but this was the first one I've ever done it packing heat."
BAGHDAD – ISF arrested 13 suspected members of the AQI terrorist org. Nov. 27 and 28, while conducting a series of joint security ops in northern Iraq.
The IA and U.S. advisors searched several residential buildings in SE Mosul Nov. 27, for an alleged AQI member responsible for facilitating deadly suicide bomb attacks against Iraqi civilians in Balad and Muqdadiyah earlier this year. Based on preliminary questioning conducted at the scene, ISF arrested the warranted AQI suicide-bomb facilitator and 9 suspected AQI associates.
During a separate security op conducted Nov. 28 in SE Mosul, the IP and U.S. advisors searched for the leader of an AQI-sponsored VBIED cell operating in Ramadi and Mosul. IP searched a building for the suspected VBIED cell leader and, based on preliminary questioning conducted at the scene, the security team arrested an alleged AQI associate.
During a 3rd security op conducted Nov. 28 in Hawija, located approx 49 km SW of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Services Unit and U.S. advisors searched for and arrested a suspected AQI associate, allegedly responsible for supporting VBIED and suicide bomb attacks. The warranted individual also allegedly transports large sums of money and explosives material to locations across northern Iraq. Based on a preliminary investigation conducted at the scene, Iraqi authorities identified and arrested the warranted AQI member. The 3rd ESU also arrested a suspected criminal accomplice.
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Blackanthem Military News
By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq
AN NUMANIYAH - More than 150 IA soldiers conducted their end-of-course live-fire exercise Nov. 22, at the An Numaniyah Multi-Purpose Range Complex, culminating the 21-day course. "I'm impressed with the skill levels they're displaying here today," said Iraqi Staff Col. Hussain, 3rd Training Center cmdr, who was overseeing the exercise. Following the live fire exercise, the students and their instructors conducted a graduation ceremony conducted by the training center's weapon's wing. After IA Lt. Col. Ayat, cmdr for military occupational skill qualification, delivered the commencement address, 1st Lt. Nabeil Fakhry, plt leader, was given special recognition for his leadership and technical knowledge. The ceremony closed with students reciting the Iraqi soldiers' creed. These soldiers now return to their home units to continue efforts for ensuring safety and security in Iraq.
By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq
BESMAYA - 573 IA soldiers completed a 4-week warrior training program at the Besmaya Combat Training Center Nov. 25. The soldiers are garrisoned in Taji, and conducts mechanized infantry ops in Taji and Baghdad. First Bn's cmdr took the skills taught by the IA cadre at the training center and adapted them into the mounted live-fire op. This was the first time at Besmaya Combat Training Center that a unit expanded the training they received, and developed its own training scenario. These soldiers now return to their units to continue to provide safety and security in Iraq.