U.S. Military In Iraq and Afghanistan

Girl in yellow

2010-01-30T13:20:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons)

Little girls in yellow at school supply drop in the Basra province, Iraq.

The supply drop was a joint mission between Military Transition Team 5214 (Team Bandits) and the 52nd Iraqi Army Brigade.

Soccer Friends

2010-01-24T09:54:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas

Team, shakes hands with an Iraqi child after handing him a soccer ball near Dibbis in Kirkuk province Iraq.

Soldiers from the MiTT began a soccer-ball drive dubbed "Operation Wild Balls". The soccer-balls were donated from friends, Families and others through a Web site set up by the MiTT.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Clothes giveaway in Sakhrah

2009-12-20T17:25:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow

Lt. Col. Adnan Abdullah Waheb, interim chief of the Iraqi police station in Multaka, gives new clothes to children in the village of Sakhrah, in Multaka, Iraq

Iraqi police and U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Platoon, 218th Military Police Company went door to door in Sakhrah to deliver more than 30 bags of food and clothes to residents.

Full moon

2009-12-13T09:13:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Travis Zelinski

An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter departs the flightline under a full moon.

The helicopter departs the flightline to conduct operations from Camp Taji, Iraq. The helicopter is assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Air Cavalry Brigade.

Reason for being in Iraq

2009-11-28T10:32:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Ali Hargis, Joint Combat Camera Center-Iraq.

Two young boys smile at U.S. Soldiers as they leave a ribbon cutting ceremony at a newly-opened elementary school in the Mahkmur District of Iraq.

george Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

2009-11-26T11:02:00.002-06:00

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington

A special thanks for the men and women serving in our military so we can observe this day in freedom. Also, thanks to their families and friends.

tags : Republican ... Democrat .... Conservative .... Liberal .... Hillary ..... Clinton .... Barack .... Barak ..... Barak Obama ..... Obama ..... pelosi .... ObamaCare ..... BarakCare .... BarackCare --- Rush Limbaugh --- Moveon.org --- pro-life --- pro-choice --- abortion --- Global Warming --- Global Cooling --- Carbon Credits --- Ice Age--- WMDs --- War on terrorism --- Afghanistan --- pac money --- minimum wage --- bill of rights.... Health Care ............................................

Afhgan Healthcare

2009-11-14T16:03:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. William Greeson

An Afghan boy is treated by a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman in the Nawa district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The corpsman is with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment at Patrol Base Jaker. The boy's father brought him to the base saying that his son had fallen into a nearby canal. The Marines are deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3 to conduct counter insurgency operations in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces in southern Afghanistan.

Buddies

2009-11-07T14:56:00.006-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Michael Wykes

U.S. Army Sgt. Amy Emde holds a little girl as the girl's mother receives clothing.

Emde is with 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team. The clothing was from Iraq's 5-2 National Police Brigade and the 5-2 Federal Police Training Team. They were in one of the poorest areas of Baghdad.

Iraqi Kids Day

2009-10-18T11:43:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Heather Norris, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Two Iraqi children play during Iraqi Kids Day. Joint Base Balad hosted 125 children, parents and officials, increasing community relations with surrounding villages.

Just being kids

2009-10-10T20:55:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston

Local Iraqi children run and play in Radwaniyah, Baghdad.

Bnaslawa Girls School

2009-10-04T13:11:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Pfc. Justin Naylor, 1st Cavalry Division

Zahra Azadin, 14, stands in front of her new school in the Bnaslawa District of Erbil.

Zahra is one of 1,600 female students who began attending the school.

"There was a lot of overcrowding in this area," said Lt. Col. Timothy Quinlan, who helped oversee the project from June 2008 to April 2009 while serving in Erbil with the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade.

"This is a growing community and the governor wanted to put schools in the poor neighborhoods that needed them most," Quinlan said.

Opening a school of this size and quality in a downtrodden neighborhood like Bnaslawa demonstrates to the people that the government really cares, according to Quinlan.

"This school will serve 1,600 females," said Quinlan. "The schools they [females] had before were the most in need of repairs."

Overcrowding had gotten so bad that the government had to contract private homes in the community to use as schools, according to Quinlan.

"Day by day, the population of Erbil grows," said the mayor of Erbil, Hussein Katari. "We needed more schools."

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Me and My Shadow

2009-09-20T08:14:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea

Spc. Jonathan "Tito" Taylor leans against a rock wall as an Iraqi girl overlooks his shoulder during a combined foot patrol in the town of Salman Pak, Iraq, located 30 miles southeast of Baghdad.

Iraq Army Soldiers and paratroopers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division ? Baghdad, conducted these patrols frequently in order to deter any enemy activity in the area.

Barcelona Boy

2009-09-13T17:37:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: US Army

A local child wears a U.S. Army kevlar helmet,

Iraqi police and U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, interview candidates for micro-grants in Altun Kupri, Iraq,

Fist Bump

2009-09-13T17:35:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Pvt. Jared N. Gehmann

Sgt. Richard Grimsley greets a young Iraqi girl during a checkpoint patrol, in the Ma'dain region, located outside eastern Baghdad.

Staff Grimsley, of Charleston, S.C., is a squad leader assigned to Troop A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. Prior to moving to the outskirts of eastern Baghdad, Troop A operated in the heart of Baghdad's Rusafa District.

Wall Walker

2009-09-13T08:06:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Canaan Radcliffe

Children play on a cement wall in Altun Kupri, Iraq.

Never Forget

2009-09-13T08:02:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Robert Jordan.

In remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S. Army Maj. Marty Reigher salutes the national colors flown above Forward Operating Base Falcon, Baghdad, Sept. 11, 2009.

Reigher is an information operations officer assigned to Headquarters Company, 30th Heavy Brigade Team.

Playing soldiers in Iraq

2009-09-06T13:54:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Ali E. Flisek

An Iraqi Soldier plays with a local boy during a combined clearing mission in the village of Ibrahim Jassim in the Diyala province of Iraq.

The Iraqi Soldier with the 4th Battalion, 18th Iraqi Army Brigade had a combined clearing mission with U.S. Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Afghan Girls

2009-08-29T21:43:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: US Army

Students at the Parwai Girls School show off their new school supplies in the Alingar district of Laghman province, Afghanistan.

The supplies were delivered and distributed by Abdullah Ajabgul, the owner of a local construction company who identified a need for supplies while constructing a protective wall for the school..

Food and school supplies for Afghan kids

2009-08-29T21:37:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

Afghan children wait to receive food, water and school supplies during a mission in the Shigal district center, Konar province, Afghanistan.

US soldiers are with 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment..

Afghan Fist Bump

2009-08-29T21:30:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Carabello shows Afghan children how to exchange a fist bump greeting during a patrol through the streets of Asadabad city, Konar province, Afghanistan.

Carabello is deployed with 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment..

Activity in Kalsu

2009-08-29T21:20:00.005-06:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Thomas Coney

U.S. Army Spec. Nick Weber hands out an activity sheet to an Iraqi boy during a route clearance convoy with Iraqi Soldiers near Kalsu, Iraq.

Weber is with the 303rd Psychological Operations Company.

Tikrit Boys

2009-08-22T09:40:00.006-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Luke P. Thelen

Iraqi boys watch U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi police officers and members of the Salah ad Din Provincial Reconstruction Team, during a visit to the children of the Tikrit Orphanage, to drop off toys and books, in Tikrit, Iraq.

The U.S. Soldiers are with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.

tags : Republican ... Democrat .... Conservative .... Liberal .... Hillary ..... Clinton .... Barack .... Barak ..... Obama .... US Torture --- US Atrocities --- US military --- War on Terrorism --- Iraq --- Afghanistan --- Iraqi Kids --- Iraqi Children --- Good News in Iraq .... US Air force --- US Marines --- US Navy --- US Army --- Air Force --- Marines --- Navy --- Army --- CENTCOM --- Multi-National Forces --- Pentagon --- Department of Defense ---pelosi .... cut and run --- Satire .....................

Iraqi Bishop Holds Catholic Mass for U.S. Troops

2009-08-16T08:57:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery

Bishop Imad Al Banna raises the host in preparation for Holy Communion during a Catholic Mass for servicemembers at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq.

Banna, a Basra native, said he celebrated the Mass in gratitude for contributions made by U.S. soldiers for peace in his country.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

The Watchers

2009-08-01T09:43:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Marc I. Lane

Afghan children look through a window while Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A) chaplains meet with their camp elders.

CSTC-A chaplains and coalition volunteers distribute donated food, clothing and school supplies to people in need throughout the Kabul area.

The Future of Iraq

2009-08-01T09:37:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Chrissy Best

A young Iraqi girl looks into the camera, after receiving coloring books from U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 8th Infantry Division, in Basra, Iraq.

Brother and Sister

2009-07-26T07:29:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. William Greeson

Afghan children watch as Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a civil affairs group patrol in the Nawa District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations. They will train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in the country.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Afghan Watcher

2009-07-26T07:21:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. William Greeson

An Afghan girl watches as Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a civil affairs group patrol in the Nawa District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Afghan Singer

2009-07-26T07:11:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Marc I. Lane

Afghan girl sings during a Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan volunteer community relations visit at a day care for the children of employees of the Afghan Geodesy and Cartography Head Office in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Excitement

2009-07-05T19:15:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Neil Stanfield

Local children express excitement about gifts they received.

The gifts were received from visiting members of 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, at Abu Asif, Iraq. The Soldiers provided security during a key leader meeting with a local shiek.

Keene Baby Talk

2009-06-27T10:29:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Mary Phillips.

Sgt. Elisabeth Keene plays with a little boy outside of Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyahl.

Keene is attached to the 120th Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and is part of a group of Soldiers who went to the village on the other side of the FOB wall to conduct a census in the area.

"stuffed" love

2009-06-20T13:58:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Jon Soles

Two Iraqi boys smile after receiving stuffed animals from Iraqi Police in the Ameriyah neighborhood.

The Iraqi Police were on a joint patrol with the Soldiers of the 463rd Military Police Company, 93rd Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade.

Full of Hope

2009-06-16T19:38:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Michael Sullivan

A young student is laden down with school equipment and hygiene supplies at her school at al-Boreyap.

US soldiers stepped on in Iraq

2009-06-05T19:24:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Derek Smith

Service members at COB Basra contest for the attention of the Raiderettes during the cheerleaders’ show. No Soldiers were injured during this contest; only a little pride. <

Buddies

2009-06-03T19:17:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Kamaile Chan

A group of Iraqi children peer out of a doorway in the Rasalkoor District of Mosul, Iraq.

Ice Cream

2009-06-03T19:12:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Kamaile Chan

Iraqi children enjoy ice cream cones in the Rasalkoor District of Mosul, Iraq.

Graduation

2009-05-30T09:07:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

Iraqi children sing during a kindergarten graduation in the city of Altun Kapri, Iraq.

Laughter and a friendly meal

2009-05-30T08:51:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin Roberts

Master Sgt. Moty McKinney (left) shares a laugh with Command Sgt. Maj. Mahmud Lafta during lunch at Forward Operating Base Constitution.

McKinney is a native of Saginaw, Mich. and an advisor with the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division Military Training and Transition Team. Lafta is with the 24th Bde. 6th I.A. Div..

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Donkey Cart

2009-05-23T07:53:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

Iraqi boys ride by on their donkey cart in the industrial sector of the town of Taza.

Soccer in Kirkuk

2009-05-23T07:44:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Casey Jones

Army Lt. Col. Terry Cook (right) faces off against an Iraq policeman during a soccer match in Kirkuk.

Army Lt. Col. Terry Cook, the battalion commander, said it's vital that the Iraqi police continue to work hard, as insurgent activity still exists in the city. He cited the case of a suicide bomber's attempted attack at a local mosque that the police thwarted.

Click here for more information abut the picture.

Hand to Hand Combat in Iraq

2009-05-23T07:29:00.005-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Peter Ford

Cpl. David Medlin arm wrestles with a little boy after giving some of the neighborhood children shoes.. "I love playing with the kids," said Medlin.

Medlin is a military policeman assigned to the 591st Military Police Company., 93rd MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade.

Lion of Kirkuk

2009-05-16T09:58:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Michael Sims

The "Lion of Kirkuk" stands amongst the children and teachers of the Halima al-Sadiya Primary School in the Qoria district of Kirkuk province, Iraq.

The lion is actually an Iraqi Policeman that helped deliver much needed schools supplies to the children of the school.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

New water "torture" at Abu Ghraib

2009-05-15T21:26:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Whelan

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Weaver offers a bottle of water to an Iraqi child at the Al Rafudi school opening in Abu Ghraib,

Weaver is with the 2nd Brigade, 8th Cavalry Division.

My brother is such a cry baby

2009-05-03T07:39:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

An Iraqi girl holds her little brother in Kirkuk.

Video: Christians in Iraq

2009-05-02T19:22:00.002-06:00

Video Credit: American Forces Network Iraq

This edition features a story on the Archbishop of the U.S. military visiting with fellow Catholic leaders in Baghdad. Hosted by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mat Gleason

Bubble Boy

2009-04-28T19:42:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Daniel Owen

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Mike Bennet helps an Iraqi boy blow bubbles at Al A Alahbab school in Jaeffer, Iraq.

Bennet is assigned to the 8th Military Police Brigade.

Pretty and Colorful

2009-04-25T18:12:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

Iraqi children smile at U.S. Soldiers the Madain area of eastern Baghdad.

The Soldiers visited to assess soccer fields, and distribute soccer balls donated in memory of fallen U.S. Soldier Pfc. Nick Madaras.

Sharing

2009-04-22T21:09:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Short

Iraqi boys share a bicycle in Mosul.

Thumbs up for school

2009-04-19T17:40:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Alex Licea

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sean Boyd gives a thumbs up sign to an Iraqi boy during a school supply distribution event in eastern Baghdad, Iraq.

For related photos

Chicago hospitality in Iraq

2009-04-18T22:19:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Pfc. Gbenga Ayantade gives an Iraqi baby a firsthand look at American hospitality.

Ayantade is a combat medic from Chicago, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment.Ayantade, who came to the U.S. in 2007and is originally from Nigeria, helped keep the communitysafe by operating a checkpoint with Iraqi SecurityForces during the sixth anniversary of the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Picture source: Daily Charge (pdf)

President Obama has been mainly correct on national security

2009-04-12T10:25:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante.

U.S. President Barack Obama visits Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Iraq

This was Obama's first trip to Iraq as commander in chief and he took time to talk to troops and civilians.

Obama was wrong on Gitmo.

Thumbs Up

2009-04-04T20:35:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

An Iraqi girl gives the thumbs up in Kirkuk province.

Zambraniyah sniles

2009-04-03T21:32:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Kani Ronningen

Iraqi girls from Zambraniyah, Iraq, smile and watch as U.S. Soldiers pass by during a visit to the neighborhood.

The soldiers were from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.

Young Iraqi Police recruit

2009-04-02T18:34:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Alex Licea

U.S. Army Capt. Clay White, right, talks to an Iraqi police officer as he carries an Iraqi child wearing a police uniform following a school supply distribution in eastern Baghdad, Iraq.

White, a company commander, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's Company C, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Iraqi officials invited U.S. paratroopers to participate in National Orphan Day across Iraq and more than 60 orphan children received needed goods.

Smiles for new playground

2009-04-01T19:11:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. William Addison.

Iraqi children test out the new playground in Baghdad's International Zone.

Colorado boy gives his big yellow ducky to an Iraqi Girl

2009-03-27T19:22:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Alex Licea

Army Spc. Greg Moreland hands a stuffed animal to an Iraqi girl at the Abuthare and Rufayda Elementary School in eastern Baghdad.

Moreland gave the toys to the children on behalf of his pen pal, Jacob Poehls, 8, of Summit Cove, Colo. Jacob donated his toys to the children of Iraq. His hometown also donated Girl Scout cookies and candy for the children.

Click hre for more information abut the picture.

Red Bag for knowledge

2009-03-26T19:17:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Capt. Jamey Trigg

A young Afghan girl proudly stands with her new bag of school supplies, clothing and toys given to her by US soldiers..

The troops were with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan. The troops stopped by the Bagram elementary school to deliver the gifts.
For more info. about the ohoto, click here

Aiding the disabled

2009-03-25T21:18:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Isaac Wendt

U.S. Army Capt. Jesse Stewart carries a disabled Iraqi girl to a humanitarian event where she received a wheelchair in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad, Iraq.

Stewart, a troop commander assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, assisted the mother in getting the girl to the event and helped her get one of 80 donated wheelchairs.

Thumbs Up

2009-03-24T18:41:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Karah Cohen

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Roig spends time with local Iraqi teenagers outside of the Al Mobid
Medical Center, in the Az Zubayar district, in Basra, Iraq.

Roig is with the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade.

Standing Tall

2009-03-21T07:09:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. James D. Sims

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Wire stands atop Ghar Mountain at Kabul Military Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Wire, assigned to Delta Security Force on Camp Phoenix in Kabul, made the early morning climb for a re-enlistment of four fellow soldiers.

Sisterly Love

2009-03-19T18:23:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Craig Lifton

Airman 1st Class Lesley Parra, a security forces apprentice with the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, plays with Iraqi children.

Puppy Love

2009-03-15T17:38:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Staff Sgt. Clayton Hendricks takes time away from searching for bombs with the EOD technicians to play with a friend in Baghdad.

Hendricks is a combat engineer assigned to the 731st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Baghdad Fishing Derby

2009-03-14T08:25:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Frank Vaughn

Soldiers display the winning fish at the second annual Baghdad Fishing Derby hosted by Operation Catch Fish and Multi-National Corps-Iraq. My 100th “good News in Iraq” video will have a video clip of the Baghdad Anglers Club.

The fish, caught by Jason Sparkman, weighed in at 13 pounds, 1 ounce. First prize for the Derby was a 26-inch flat screen television with built-in DVD player.
For more info. about the ohoto, click here (PDF)

The princess and the butterrfly

2009-03-12T19:27:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Georges Aboumrad

U.S. Army Sgt. Stephen Covell and an Iraqi girl go down a slide at the playground during the reopening of the Al-Moutasam Kindergarten in the Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad.

Irshad Secondary School for Girls

2009-03-10T21:10:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Rodney Foliente

Students at the Irshad Secondary School for Girls wave flags and display flowers as they sing and chant during the opening ceremony of the school. The school enrolls the top 20th percentile of girls aged 13-15 from Diwaniya and surrounding areas. .

The students of this school are among the top 20 percent of young female students from within and around the city.

“We are happy for this school. It is very nice,” said a young student in English.
She then showed off and said it in French and Arabic.

“Our old school was too small and not ours. We borrowed it, shared it with others,” she said, describing the crowded situations and sometimes being unable to have a full day of school.
For more info. about the ohoto, click here

Tractors for Lutifiyah Nahia

2009-03-08T13:19:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Pfc. Evan Loyd

One of 14 ArmaTrac 602 tractors presented to local sheiks in the Lutifiyah Nahia during a ceremony on Combat Outpost Meade.

The Lutifiyah Nahia is a primarily agricultural land with almost all of the residents working as farmers. Previously, the farmers could only work with hand-held or animal driven equipment. The 14 tractors will allow the entire area to rebuild their farmland faster.

“Every day we drive down the road, we can see the green returning to the area,” said Mammay. “With the tractors we are providing today, we hope to see even more green return.”
For more info. about the ohoto, click here

Talk to me

2009-03-06T19:40:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Eric Harris

U.S. Army Sgt. Jeremy Baumgardener provides security during a ceremony turning over control of Combat Outpost 4 to the 8th Division, Iraqi Army, while an Iraqi cameraman documents him in Diwaniyah, Iraq,

Baumgardener, from Purcellville, Va., is with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Iraq,

barbecue cook-off

2009-03-06T19:30:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Laura Johnson

Louis Hunter, a Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff member, checks the ribs and brisket on the grill at the barbecue cook-off at the East Mayor's Cell on Camp Liberty, Iraq.

Camp Liberty’s East Life Support Area (LSA) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) center recently hosted a barbecue cook-off, giving Soldiers an opportunity to relax, enjoy some good food and visit with fellow Soldiers who are usually on the move.

Unfortunately, four of the five teams who signed up for the event weeks in advance cancelled due to unexpected missions. Still, the MWR staff continued with the cook-off, which eventually evolved into a cookout.

Click hre for more information abut the picture.

Schoolyard friends

2009-03-02T20:39:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: AP photo

A U.S. soldier shakes hands with an Iraqi girl in a school yard as troops distributed humanitarian aid in Baghdad, Iraq.

Shaheed Ali Memorial Soccer Field

2009-03-01T10:27:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Karah Cohen

Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, met with Iraqi officials to celebrate the opening of the soccer field. Shaheed Ali Memorial Soccer Field will be a landmark in Ramadi to remember a great local hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect his people.

Recognized as a martyr, Capt. Ali Raqaij Assafi, an Iraqi Police officer, was tragically killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle in a nearby neighborhood.
For more info. about the ohoto, click here

Almost school time

2009-02-27T19:49:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell.

Iraqi children come out to greet Coalition forces checking on the progress of a school being refurbished near the Saadoun neighborhood in the Rusafa District of Baghdad.

Thank you from Oubaidy

2009-02-24T20:35:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: American Forces Press Service

Iraqi school girls sing a song in Arabic to thank the Iraqi and U.S. forces for their generosity at the Al Kays and Al Yasameen elementary school, one of two schools to receive goods in Oubaidy, Iraq.

“I appreciate these items for the children,” the headmaster of the Al Assal kindergarten said. “We are very thankful.”
Paratroopers have teamed up with Iraqi security forces in several humanitarian events to improve the lives of district residents.

“Events like this will allow the local residents’ mood to change, because they are seeing that we are here to provide security for them, and we are here to help their children get a better education,” Army Capt. Agustin Dominguez, the battalion’s fire support officer, said.
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Rugby match

2009-02-23T21:00:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Task Force 34

US Soldiers play in a seven man rugby tournament with the British troops.

US Soldiers were from Task Force 34, 3rd Battalion 159th Attack Reconnaissance US Soldiers from Task Force 34, 3rd Battalion 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion deployed to Basrah, Iraq.
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Stormy Weather

2009-02-21T10:09:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Adam Mancini

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Larry Baca monitors the weather outside as a storm approaches Forward Operation Base Lane, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Larry Baca monitors the weather outside as a storm approaches Forward Operation Base Lane, Afghanistan. Baca is assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment.

Helping the ANP

2009-02-18T22:28:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt Laura K. Smith

Village children peer out a doorway as the Afghan National Police unload humanitarian aid for distribution to needy families in their community.

Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-West team members assisted the ANP on the mission to distribute the supplies.

Basra Friends

2009-02-16T19:12:00.004-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Karah Cohen

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Waymona T. McIntee befriends a child at a school in Basra, Iraq.

McIntee and fellow soldiers of the 21st Military Police Company, 16th Military Police Brigade accompanied members of the Iraqi police during a mission to the school to hand out school supplies.

CSI: Al Anbar

2009-02-15T17:41:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Cpl. Ryan Turnage

Coalition forces recently provided Iraqi Police with 21st century forensics equipment to furnish the newly-opened Al Anbar Forensics Center in order to support the overall goal of enhancing Iraqi Police capability in conducting criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Iraqis were using equipment dating back to the 1950s, and many of their investigations failed due to lack of evidence, according to Col. Azzam Abd el-Latif, chief of forensics for Al Anbar provincial Iraqi Police.

“We are in 2009. Things have changed,

and now thanks to the U.S., our new equipment will help to stop crimes,” el-Latif continued.

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"Frankenstein" American in Iraq

2009-02-15T17:27:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Karah Cohen

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tonio Pearce plays with local children.

Pearce, with 121 Field Artillery Brigade, Multinational Division Southeast, provided support for the ground breaking and corner stone laying ceremony in celebration of the new Al Tannummah Bridge held in the Al Tannumah District in Basra.

New schedule for posting to this blog

2009-02-11T21:52:00.000-06:00