Dear Interested Reader,
2-45th ADT makes 1st mission to eastern Paktya. Insurgent leader arrested in Wardak. Women benefit from Ghazni PRT classes. H.S. alums serve with Paktika PRT. Road through Uruzgan Pass rebuilt. Nuristan PRT views govt progress in villages.
Iraq: Celebrating Halloween at Camp Taji. IA M1A1 program gets boost at Camp Iraqi Hero.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
RC-East, Bagram Media Center
IRAQI STORIES:
USF-I
Celebrating Halloween at Camp Taji
Story and photos by Capt. Efrem Gibson
Spc. Wendy Rodriguez, with the eCAB, 1st ID, poses for a photo during a Halloween party on Camp Taji, Oct. 31.
CAMP TAJI - U.S. Soldiers traded their uniforms for costumes, as they celebrated Halloween with parties on Oct. 29 and Oct. 31. Both parties were organized by Soldiers of the eCAB.The party held on Oct. 29 was exclusive to Soldiers of the brigade's HHC. "It was a huge success," said Cpl. Creshawna Stevens. "We've been working hard, so it was great to see everyone loosen up for a few hours."Despite being deployed, the parties resembled what a typical Halloween party would look like in the states. Soldiers dressed as several characters including Michael Myers from the "Halloween" movies, and Brian, the dog from the "Family Guy" television show. Soldiers at the party competed for several prizes, including one for the best costume, which was won by Sgt. Amanda Goodlavage. She appeared as the Queen of Hearts from the movie "Alice in Wonderland.""The costumes were really good," said Spc. Anita Chacon. "I was surprised at the amount of people who showed up in costumes, and all the effort they put into them."The fun continued on Camp Taji with another Halloween party, Oct. 31. This party was open to all Soldiers on Camp Taji, not just members of the brigade. In addition to costumes and live music, Soldiers enjoyed activities like horseshoes and volleyball. "The volleyball games were great," said Sgt. Shelby Boaz. "It was good to have something that helped build morale for everyone on Camp Taji."The Halloween parties were the first of the holiday season for the eCAB, but will likely not be the last. Soldiers are already planning events for Christmas and New Year's Day.
Staff Sgt. Joe Riddle, a Soldier serving with the eCAB, plays a song with his band Jambo.
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USF-I
Iraqi Army M1A1 program gets boost
“This is a significant milestone in the progress the IA has made in the last 7 years,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero.
As of Oct. 14, 35 tanks have arrived at the Besmaya Combat Training Center as part of a larger, comprehensive program to modernize Iraq’s conventional defensive capabilities. “We need to be ready to protect the Iraqi people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; this is our duty,” said Iraq’s Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. al-Mifarji.Prior to the arrival of the new Iraqi tanks, the U.S. and Iraqi Armies collaboratively developed a training program in early 2009, to help familiarize Iraqi crewmembers with the Abrams. “What other country in the world would let another country use their tanks for training?” asked the defense minister.“The IA has been the fastest growing Army in the world,” Barbero said. “These tanks represent this growth, and will help strengthen the IA’s ability to protect the sovereignty of Iraq.”-30-