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Wednesday Jul 09, 2008

1,215 Troops Re-Enlist on Independence Day

How symbolic that this took place inside one of Sadam Hussein's palaces.  Nice to see the huge American flag hanging there...

Troops Re-enlist on Independence Day

1,215 Servicemembers from all over Iraq gather in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2008.  Photo by MNF-I Public Affairs.

 
1,215 Servicemembers from all over Iraq gather in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2008. Photo by MNF-I Public Affairs.

 Friday, 04 July 2008

BAGHDAD — Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day.

All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the ‘land of the free’ in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.

“Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. “It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”

Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.

"We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq," Hill said. “These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting.”

All together, the servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.

“It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation,” said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.

The re-enlistees have every right to feel proud, according to Petraeus.

“You and your comrades here have been described as America’s new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description,” Petraeus said. “It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.”

 

(MNF-I Press Release)

 

Thursday Apr 24, 2008

Did You Know?

 
U.S. Air Force airmen unload pallets of supplies from a C-17 Globemaster III.
 
STAFF SGT. AARON BUNTING PROVIDES DENTAL CARE TO AN IRAQI GIRL. - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Bunting, a medic from 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, provides dental care to an Iraqi girl as her mother looks on at a combined medical engagement in Ney, Diyala Province, Iraq, on April 7, 2008. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Mulligan, U.S. Navy. (Released)

Did you know?

I didn't know!

Did you know that 47 countries' have reestablished their embassies in Iraq ?

Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi people? 

 Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation,

263 new schools are now under construction; and 38 new schools have been completed in Iraq ?

Did you know that Iraq 's higher educational structure consists of 20 Universities,  

46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?

Did you know  that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in

January 2005 for the re-established Fulbright program? 

Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational?

They have 5 - 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.

Did you know that Iraq ' s Air Force consists of three operational squadrons,

Which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft

(under Iraqi operational control) which operate day and night,

and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000

fully trained and equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq

that produce over 3500 new officers every 8 weeks?

Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq ?

They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad stations,  

22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5

have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?

Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq

and phone use has gone up 158%?

Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of

75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?

Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a

televised debate recently?

----

Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site.

Sunday Apr 06, 2008

Keeping It Real

                                                                 

Here's a tribute to our military men and women who risk their lives everyday while defending our freedom. It is written and sung by some very talented soldiers and I know you will find it as moving as we do:

 http://www.axpdf.com/wake/index.htm

Wednesday Dec 26, 2007

Living Liberty in the New Year

  As the new year approaches, I thought it appropriate to post this picture of our WWI soldiers forming a living Statue of Liberty.  What does this 90 year old picture have to do with the new year?  Just this: let's dedicate one of our prayers for 2008 to the well-being and safety of our soldiers who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and promote liberty and democracy throughout the world.

WWI Camp Dodge - Living Statue of Liberty

 http://www.iowanationalguard.com/Museum/CDStory/index.htm

"On a stifling July day in 1918, 18,000 officers and soldiers posed as Lady Liberty on the parade [drill] grounds at Camp Dodge." [This area was west of Baker St. and is currently the area around building S34 and to the west.] "According to a July 3, 1986, story in the Fort Dodge Messenger, many men fainted-they were dressed in woolen uniforms-as the temperature neared 105 degrees Farenheit. The photo, taken from the top of a specially constructed tower by a Chicago photography studio, Mole & Thomas, was intended to help promote the sale of war bonds but was never used." (Grover 1987)

Monday Nov 19, 2007

232 Reasons to Love the US Marine Corps

The following is a list of reasons to love the Marine Corps written by a Marine Captain in honor of the birthday of the Corps, founded on November 10, 1775.  Can't say I understood all of it but you can feel the pride as you read each one.  My favorite? Number 128.  Enjoy.

http://vipersden.blogspot.com/

Thursday Nov 15, 2007

Thanksgiving/Christmas/Holiday Donations for our Recovering Soldiers

Hello Americans.  What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas and Chanukah holidays than by sending a small gift to a recovering soldier?  The American Red Cross will accept gifts such as phone cards, CDs, individual, sealed small packets of candy, etc. and will distribute them to injured soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Hospital.  I'm sure an attached note of encouragement and gratitude would be much appreciated as well.

Send your gift to:

American Red Cross                                                                           

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20307-5000

Tuesday Nov 13, 2007

Tribute to our Veterans; Past, Present and Future

Hello Americans,

Just came across this moving tribute to the men and women in our military.  Veteran's Day may be over for another year but we should think about their sacrifices to keep us free every day of the year.  Here's the link: http://www.usaforever.org/flash/WeSupportU.htm

Monday Nov 05, 2007

Reports of Improvements in Iraq Under General Petraus

Here's an interesting report on the progress in the war in Iraq since General Petraus have assumed command.  It seems to be an intelligent evaluation.  See for yourself:

The Patraeus Curve

Wednesday Oct 31, 2007

A site that provides soldier contacts for those who want to send care packages.

10/31/07 by Perry.

I wanted to organize a project for the children of my parish which would benefit our troops abroad.  My dilemma was what items to send and how to obtain an address of troops who would benefit from them?  A friend told me about a wonderful site www.ANYSOLDIER.com . It is pretty complete and easy to navigate; you can select the branch of military you want and then read up on the different soldiers/sailors who have signed up.  It gives complete instructions as to what to do and the soldiers usually specify what items are on their wish lists-- beef jerky seems to be a favorite!   This is from the site:

HERE. Download (MP3)(Right-click and pick "Save Target As"):HERE. and
Promotional sound clip. Listen HERE. Download (MP3)(Right-click and pick "Save Target As"):HERE.

Want to send your support to Any Soldier in harm's way,
but have no idea of what to send, who to send it to, or how to send it?

AnySoldier.com provides Soldier contacts who are in harm's way and they list what they need and want. We even have a search capability so you can easily identify what units need. You read through the names and the stories they write and select the ones you wish to support.

AnySoldier.com Soldiers are volunteers for this effort, they see the "ATTN: Any Soldier" line under their name on the mail you send to them and they put your letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don't get much or any mail.

AnySoldier.com also has "What to Send" and "How to Send" pages to help you properly send letters and packages, and a much more. This effort is 110% voluntary. You send your support, and maybe some stuff, directly to whatever unit or units you want, you don't send us anything.

 

Warning!

"Your organization's troop postings help our citizens show their steadfast support for our Armed Forces,
and I am grateful." Sincerely, George W. Bush (Letter to Any Soldier Inc., August 2005)

AnySoldier.com Thank You!
Listen

  Any Soldier Inc.
<a href="http://AnySoldier.com" target="_blank">
<img src="http://AnySoldier.com/pics/AnySoldierButton.jpg" width="200" height="60" alt="Go to AnySoldier.com" border="0"></a>

Tuesday Oct 30, 2007

Iraqi Army Donates to Help Victims of USA San Diego Fires

WHAT'S RIGHT WITH AMERICA...

10/30/07 by Perry

We certainly have no shortage of negative, depressing stories when catching the latest news programs.  Here at USAb2c, we'd like to redirect the focus towards positive news which is sometimes overlooked.  These inspiring stories, whether by Americans or for their benefit, serve to remind us that we live in the greatest country on earth.  If reading this soapbox puts a little smile on your face and makes you stand a little straighter, we've done well.  If it doesn't, we hope we got you thinking.  Either way, write and tell us what you think.

Here's an article about the Iraqi Army and their efforts to help American victims of the devastating fires in California.  These soldiers know what devastation is all about. 

thanks to BLACKANTHEM

Iraqi Army at Besmaya Installation Support San Diego Fire Victims
By U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Charlene Sipperly, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq Public Affairs
Oct 27, 2007 - 5:43:06 PM

Email this article
Printer friendly page


Blackanthem Military News
U.S. Army Col. Darel Maxfield (center left), Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, receives the check from Iraqi Army Col. Abbass (center right) at the Besmaya Range Complex Thursday for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Members of the Iraqi Army in Besmaya collected a donation for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims Thursday night at the Besmaya Range Complex in a moving ceremony to support Besmaya's San Diego residents.

Iraqi Army Col. Abbass, the commander of the complex, presented a gift of $1,000 to U.S. Army Col. Darel Maxfield, Besmaya Range Complex officer in charge, Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, to send to the fire victims in California. 

The money was collected from Iraqi officers and enlisted soldiers in Besmaya. In a speech given during the presentation, Col. Abbass stated that he and the Iraqi soldiers were connected with the American people in many ways, and they will not forget the help that the American government has given the Iraqi people.  Abbass was honored to participate by sending a simple fund of $1,000 to the American people in San Diego, to lower the suffering felt by the tragedy.

Last Week's Iraqi Army donation to Help Americans in Need Not the First

WHAT'S RIGHT ABOUT AMERICA... 

10/30/07 by Perry

The article posted earlier today re. the donation of $1,000 by a group of Iraqi Army soldiers towards victims of the San Diego fires isn't unique.  Back in 2005, they raised a similar donation to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Another bit of information that, for the most part, fell by the wayside.

Thanks to Defendamerica.mil for this one:

Iraqi Soldiers Donate to Katrina Victims

Iraqi soldiers collected 1,000,000 Iraqi dinars for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
By Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq
TAJI, Iraq, Sept. 9, 2005 — Iraqi soldiers serving at Taji military base collected 1,000,000 Iraqi dinars for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Iraqi Col. Abbas Fadhil, Iraqi base commander, presented the money to U.S. Col. Paul D. Linkenhoker, Taji Coalition base commander, at a Sept. 5 staff meeting.

"We are all brothers. When one suffers tragedy, we all suffer their pain."
Iraqi Col. Abbas Fadhil

“We are all brothers,” said Abbas. “When one suffers tragedy, we all suffer their pain.”

The amount of money is small in American dollars - roughly $680 - but it represents a huge act of compassion from Iraqi soldiers to their American counterparts, said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Goyne.

 

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of their generosity,” Goyne said. “I was proud and happy to know Col. Abbas, his officers, NCOs and fellow soldiers. That amount represents a month’s salary for most of those soldiers.”

Abbas read a letter he wrote after giving the envelope to Linkenhoker.

"I am Colonel Abbas Fadhil; Tadji Military Base Commander,” Abbas wrote. “On behalf of myself and all the People of Tadji Military Base; I would like to console the American People and Government for getting this horrible disaster. So we would like to donate 1.000.000 Iraqi Dinars to help the government and the People also I would like to console all the ASTs who helped us rebuilding our country and our Army. We appreciate the American's help and support. Thank you."

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