Dear Interested Reader,
July 4th Celebrations: Becoming U.S. citizens at Camp Phoenix; TF Resolute Soldiers re-enlist on Kandahar Airfield; Gen. Petraeus re-enlists servicemembers at Bagram Air Field; Celebrating America's birthday at the 438th AEW. Ohio native gives guiding hand to future of Afghan security. ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, July 4.
Iraq: Final American naturalization ceremony at Al Faw Palace. Falcon Paratroopers earn coveted 'AA' combat patches.
Joanna
__________________________
For Stewart, who has served in the Army for 7 years, the 4th of July reminds her that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants who’ve come from all over the world. “I believe the U.S. is a melting pot of people of all races, all of who share the same freedoms,” she said. “Now, I get to be a part of it.”Eikenberry, who'll leave Afghanistan this summer, told the new citizens he's proud to call them American patriots. “I want to thank each of you personally,” Eikenberry said. “You are the real U.S. ambassadors here in Afghanistan.” -30-
AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Becoming US Citizens During Independence Day Ceremony
Story and photos by Army Staff Sgt. Todd Pouliot, TF Falcon
The TF Falcon soldiers who became U.S. citizens during the Independence Day naturalization ceremony included: Pfc. Felipe Andrade, far right, originally from Brazil, lived in the U.S. for 12 years and said, "there's no greater feeling than to be called an American; Pfc. Robert Holm, originally from Jamaica; Pfc. Zeiko Ifill, originally from Barbados; Spc. Tod Lanki, originally from the Marshall Islands;
and Jeridine Stewart, a communications specialist, originally from Palau.
KABUL - On a day marking the 235th birthday of the U.S., 5 soldiers from the 10th CAB, took the Oath of Naturalization, becoming some of the nation’s newest citizens during a ceremony at Camp Phoenix, July 4. “You're representative of the values and diversity that make our country stronger,” said U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, as he addressed 48 service members from 25 countries. “The great patriots who founded our nation have a lot in common with you. Like them, you’ve fought to keep America safe, and you’ve served with distinction.”
For Stewart, who has served in the Army for 7 years, the 4th of July reminds her that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants who’ve come from all over the world. “I believe the U.S. is a melting pot of people of all races, all of who share the same freedoms,” she said. “Now, I get to be a part of it.”Eikenberry, who'll leave Afghanistan this summer, told the new citizens he's proud to call them American patriots. “I want to thank each of you personally,” Eikenberry said. “You are the real U.S. ambassadors here in Afghanistan.”
Spc. Tod Lanki, a human resources specialist with HHC, TF Knighthawk, 10th CAB, 10th Mtn Div, TF Falcon, became a U.S. citizen. Lanki, originally from the Marshall Islands, was singled out by Amb. Eikenberry during the ceremony, for having earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart while serving in Afghanistan.
Pfc. Zeiko Ifill, an automated logistics specialist with Co E, TF Tigershark, 10th CAB, TF Falcon, shakes hands with Amb. Eikenberry at the conclusion of a naturalization ceremony.
-30-
DVIDS
TF-Resolute Soldiers Re-enlist to Celebrate Independence Day
Story by Staff Sgt. Alexander Burnett
Gen. David Petraeus, the ISAF comm. gen., speaks to the 235 service members who re-enlisted during "Operation Red, White and True" on Kandahar Airfield, July 4.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD - In a large, crowded tent on an FOB in southern Afghanistan, so many service members gather with one goal. Before the massive crowd, on the day of their nation’s birth, a senior Army officer takes the stage and brings them to attention. The formation stands as a final order is given to raise their right hands.Thirty-six TF Resolute soldiers reaffirmed their commitment to the Army during a re-enlistment ceremony. The "Resolute" warriors stood in a formation of 235 service members from the AF, Navy, Marine Corps and Army in what was named "Operation Red, White, and True." The re-enlisting officer for the ceremony was Gen. David Petraeusl. Before giving the Oath of Re-enlistment, he gave all those in attendance several words of encouragement.“These 235 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines preparing to take this oath are showing the highest level of dedication to our nation,” said Petraeus. “You're dedicating yourself to continue being a member of what is regarded as the best military in the world.”After the oath of re-enlistment, each service member was invited to take a photo with Petraeus, receive the ISAF coin and a custom coin for the ceremony, and receive a signed certificate. "Operation Red, White, and True" held special significance, as it's the last re-enlistment ceremony Petraeus will host before retiring from the Army. It's also the last 4th of July he will spend deployed as a soldier.“There's nowhere in the world I would rather be this 4th of July than right here with these service members,” said Petraeus. “To all those who re-enlisted today and will enlist in the future, we express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you.”After completing the ceremony on KAF, Patraeus immediately caught a flight to perform another re-enlistment at Bagram Air Field, completing Operation Red, White and True.The service members in attendance also expressed their feelings on the ceremony and the timing.
“This is a moment in history,” said Sgt. Melissa Gillespie, a HHC, STB, TF-Resolute orderly room NCO. “It’s wonderful that Gen. Petraeus came here to share this moment with us.”
“This is a moment in history,” said Sgt. Melissa Gillespie, a HHC, STB, TF-Resolute orderly room NCO. “It’s wonderful that Gen. Petraeus came here to share this moment with us.”
Sgt. Melissa Gillespie proudly displays her Certificate of Re-Enlistment and 2 coins.
Sgt. Tray Davis, a TF Resolute human resources NCO, takes the Oath of Re-enlistment.
Gen. Petraeus smiles for a photo with Spc. Don Ellen.
Gen. Petraeus poses with Staff Sgt. LaSonya Morales, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Det. (Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Haraz Ghanbari)
-30-
DVIDS
Commanding General Petraeus Visits Bagram Air FieldPhotos by AF Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson, RC-East PA
BAGRAM AIR FIELD -- The Army’s 1st Cav Div’s Color Guard performs a traditional ceremony during an Independence Day celebration, July 4.
Sen. John McCain, center, joins, from left, Gen. David Petraeus, ISAF and USF-A cmdr.; Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, RC-East and Combined Joint TF-1 cmdr.; Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, ISAF and USFOR-A senior enlisted adviser; and Command Sgt. Maj. Isaia Vimoto, RC-E and CJTF-1 command sgt. maj., for a July 4th celebration with CF at Bagram Air Field. McCain, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Sen. Joseph Leiberman visited bases in Afghanistan, during a congressional delegation tour.
Gen. Petraeus re-enlists more than 200 service members.
-30-
Celebrating America's Birthday at the 438th AEW Photos by Tech. Sgt. Brian Christiansen
KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- Airmen of the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing stand at attention during a retreat ceremony, July 4, 2011. The deployed airmen are responsible for setting the conditions for a professional, fully independent and operationally-capable Afghan air force.
Airmen of the 438th AEW stand at attention during a retreat ceremony. (Joanna: The retreat ceremony serves a twofold purpose. It signals the end of the official duty day, and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag.)
-30-
Regional Command Southwest
Ohio Native Gives Guiding Hand to Future of Afghan Security
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Snodgrass
First Lt. Patrick Abell (left), 1st Co mentor for Border Advisor Team 1, confers with Haji Samad, a co. cmdr. with the Afghan Border Police (ABP), at Bost Airfield, June 19. The two discussed current and future operational and logistical issues, and took time to enjoy afternoon tea together.
LASHKAR GAH - First Lt. Patrick Abell has one of the toughest and most important jobs a Marine can have: teaching future ABP how to do their job after CF leave Afghanistan. As the ABP mentor for Border Advisor Team 1 in Helmand prov., Abell is responsible for advising ABP leaders on how to effectively and efficiently secure their borders, and key points of entry. Hard work, dedication and determination are qualities he believes in, and qualities he believes can exist within the ABP. "Abell brings many qualities of a leader into the field, when he sets out to complete his missions, said GnrySgt. Jeffrey Holliday, ops chief for Abell’s advisor team. “His integrity is his best feature,” said Holliday. “I've never known him to be crass or disrespectful to his juniors.”Abell takes the hard work and experience he gained growing up, with him into his work. At Revere H.S., he was a football team captain, class president and a member of the drama guild. He graduated from Harvard University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in American history. These experiences instilled the knowledge that extra time and effort can make the difference between success and failure, a lesson he finds applicable in his mentor role with the ABP, he recounted. The 3 professional goals that Abell wants to achieve as a mentor are to train strong, quality leaders who can command the ABP; to have 90% accountability for all the personnel’s training and equipment; and to move them to a new, centralized location. “Having strong leaders will ensure that their borders are secure, and their unit is free from corruption,” Abell said. “Getting them moved into their new HQ will be a big step to them having more capabilities and independence.” A standardized point system for promoting ABP personnel, and a direct deposit payment system are other improvements he would like to see implemented. Abell’s team has seen progress in preparing the ABP to eventually handle the security of Lashkar Gah by themselves, "but there's still work to be done," he said. “We’re taking it one step at a time,” he reflected. “This way, we’re making a sturdy foundation of success we can build on. In the end, it’s their country to win or lose, and I think most of them have decided they want to win.”
First Lt. Patrick Abell takes inventory of ABP weapons at Bost Airfield. The advisor team helps their ABP counterparts develop accountability and other military procedures.
-30-
ISAF Joint Command- Afghanistan
ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update July 4, 2011
NANGARHAR PROVINCE – A combined Afghan and coalition SECFOR killed more than 15 insurgents during a security op in Sherzad district, July 3. The op was to locate an insurgent weapons cache, and disrupt the flow of insurgent fighters and weapons across western Nangarhar.
The Afghan-led SECFOR was commencing a search when they encountered multiple groups of armed insurgents. The force attempted to detain the individuals peacefully, but was met with hostile fire. A series of engagements followed, resulting in more than 15 insurgents killed. Following the engagement, the force discovered multiple fortified fighting positions, and confiscated an RPG launcher, several machine guns, grenades, AK-47 rifles, and chest racks. BALKH PROVINCE -- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents, during a search for a Taliban leader in Chahar Bolak district, July 3. The leader is responsible for conducting roadside bomb and small arms attacks against ASF. KUNDUZ PROVINCE -- In Archi district, an Afghan-led SECFOR detained several individuals July 3, with suspected Taliban ties. The target of the op was a Taliban cmdr., who leads a roadside bomb and suicide bomber attack network within the district. KANDAHAR PROVINCE -- During a clearing op in Zharay district, a combined SECFOR killed several insurgents, while detaining 2 suspected insurgents, July 3. After arriving at the targeted location, they noticed several armed insurgents taking offensive fighting positions. An engagement ensued and several insurgents were killed. Two men associated with the insurgents were detained for further questioning. URUZGAN PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition patrol detained a suspected insurgent leader during an op in Tarin Kot district, July 2. The suspected leader was detained for allegedly constructing and distributing homemade bombs. Numerous additional men were detained during the operation. The detainees were taken by Afghan authorities for further questioning. ZABUL PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SECFOR detained a suspected insurgent, during a security search for a Taliban leader in Qalat district, July 3. The facilitator conducts roadside bomb emplacements, receives fighters, and leverages illegal taxes against Afghan civilians for the Taliban. HELMAND PROVINCE -- In Marjah district, a combined SECFOR detained several individuals with suspected ties to the Taliban, and discovered 100-lbs (45 kilos) of opium, July 3. The force was looking for a Taliban leader who directs an attack cell in the area. His cell is responsible for multiple roadside bomb attacks, and is actively involved in the solicitation of narcotics, heavy machine guns and rockets.-----An Afghan-led SECFOR detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Kajaki district, July 3. The leader is the Taliban senior military leader operating in Sangin district. He coordinates roadside bomb attacks with his subordinates, and facilitates weapons acquisition. PAKTIKA PROVINCE -- A combined SECFOR captured a Haqqani leader and 2 suspected insurgents during a security op in Mata Khan district, July 3. The leader was responsible for conducting, coordinating, and directing roadside bomb attacks against Afghan and CF. KHOST PROVINCE -- In Sabari district, an Afghan-led SECFOR captured a Haqqani leader and 2 suspected insurgents, July 3. The leader participated in roadside bomb and direct attacks against the ANA. He also taught subordinates how to conduct indirect fire attacks.IRAQI STORIES:
U.S. Forces Iraq
Becoming US Citizens During Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony Photos by Staff Sgt. Caleb BarrieauBAGHDAD -- The morning of July 4th, Al Faw Palace received 2 rows of American and Iraqi flags, leading the way inside for the final American naturalization ceremony for U.S. service members in Iraq.
Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, comm. gen., USF-Iraq, addressed the final 45 service members to ever be naturalized in Al Faw Palace, at Camp Victory.
Service members excitedly sit in preparation for their naturalization ceremony to begin.
The final U.S. naturalization ceremony in Al Faw Palace.
Service members take the Oath of Allegiance.
-30-
DVIDS
Falcon Paratroopers Earn Coveted 'AA' Combat Patches Photos by Sgt. 1st Class John Laughter.
CAMP RAMADI -- Capt. James Wiltse, cmdr. of HC, 1st Bn, 325th Abn Inf Regt, 2nd AAB, attaches an 82nd Abn Div patch to the right shoulder of a Red Falcon paratrooper, during a ceremony at Camp Ramadi, July 3. After being deployed to Iraq for 30 days, soldiers are authorized to wear the coveted "Double A" combat patch. As one of the few units to have taken part in every major campaign of the U.S. military's ops in Iraq, the 2/82 has been tasked with strengthening the ISF, as they work to maintain a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people, as the 2/82 leads the transition of U.S. forces out of Iraq.
Lt. Col. James McFadyen, cmdr. of 1st Sqdn, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd AAB, awards the sqdn EO, Maj. William Taylor, the 82nd Abn Div combat patch during a ceremony at Al Asad Air Base in the Anbar prov.
Sgt. Maj. Robert Teske, ops sgt. maj. of 1st Sqdn, congratulates a paratrooper who has earned an 82nd Abn Div combat patch.
Capt. Rickey Torres, HC, 2nd BSTB, 2nd AAB cmdr., slaps an 82nd Abn Div patch on the right shoulder of Sgt. Brittany Conger.
-30-