Kites are introduced to Afghani children; loving it!

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

This is one of those stories that touched my heart so warmly. Many people look at our Soldiers and see only brutes or men ready to kill you if you look at them wrongly. This is the furthest from the truth. They do not understand the ROE (Rules of Engagement). Many people have no idea about life in the military, this is the story for you.

Let me see if I find just one paragraph to entice you. This seems like the right one:

"It seems like time stopped here 2,000 years ago," said Polish Pfc. Chris Demko, a gunner on one of the giant Rosomak armored personnel carriers. "We see these kids running around with nothing, not even shoes, and we want to change that." [The Real Kite Runners flying the Afghan Skies.]

Bravo for the Polish Soldiers! It just goes to show that loving children and humanity does not stop at our waters edge. :)

Big guns play big role in E. Afghan

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

This is one cool article. I know. I'm sick for thinking it is cool to know that our men can kill so many of our ENEMIES, right? YOU'RE READING THE WRONG SITE! Go away! lol.

I love it! Check out this paragraph:

"It's not like the previous wars when they lined up and we would mow them down," said Mantle. "Fires have a lot of different effects. When we fire the 155s from here, the enemy doesn't hear the round coming in. It immediately puts the enemy on the defensive and has a tremendous demoralizing effect." [Big guns play big part in eastern Afghanistan.]

Give them all the guns they need, then give them about twice that! Let's kick butt!

Afghan: One mission at a time and a new dam

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

I know many people think the only thing Marines, Army persons, Navy personnel, the National Guard, the Air Force crew and the such are only capable of killing. Trash things and kill people. That's all there is to it, right? Hold on! Not so fast here. Here are two articles that could at least pierce your hearts, if only you would read them.

The first article is aboout changing the lives of these destitute people, one mission at a time.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The C-130 is one of many different types of aircraft stationed here, but could easily be called one of the most versatile.

The members of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron put that versatility to the test every day. The three primary missions of the C-130s here are airdrop, air-land and aeromedical evacuation.

"Our airdrop missions can be anything from dropping pamphlets to the locals to humanitarian drops such as water, blankets, food and firewood in the winter, ammunition and troop re-supplies," said Senior Airman Patrick Keefe, 774th EAS loadmaster. "Air-land missions consist of troop movements or hauling cargo." [Continue reading.]

They are being modest. They also provide food to people who are so idolated that they cannot feed themselves. These people are just trying to stay alive after years and years of war.

The next article is about the necessity of water and the huge impact dams and irrigation will have not only on their crops but also on their economy. Just take one paragraph:

In a country held back by more than 30 years of war, ineffective water use has made life even more difficult in this already-barren country. Managing water is life or death for farmers like Haji Mazdigar Gul, 56, who explained that without a diversion dam, flooding often causes him to lose his fields, jeopardizing his family’s survival. His village of Koza Bokhana is one of 30 that will benefit from dams, which will redirect water from rivers to the fields of more than 80,000 farmers and families. [Continue reading.]

This is a very good thing they are doing, and they are not doing it alone. The Afghan people are actually working side-by-side with them. They are all great and while we empower them, we also are helping ourselves here at home. Read and find out why. I am very proud of you guys and gals! :)

A glimpse at my 'work'

I have been over at my other sites again, and I have also added another writer to some of my sites. His name is Ronbo, and he certainly does speak his mind. I may not agree with the way he do so, but I will not censor him. After all, isn't that what we are fighting against?

Here are articles from DoD Daily News-2:

ANA aviators partner with U.S. counterparts. This is about a few Afghani pilots in the Afghanistan National Army working with our guys (actually, we are training them), and they seem to be enjoying it very much. They are coming along just fine.

US Navy Seabees improve Primary School in Ethiopia. This one is in a place where I have a soft spot for the people--the Horn of Africa. Our Seebees are working very hard at reconstruction, and they are paving the way for better relationships between our countries. I just love our guys!

Forensic science gives edge to warfighters. This is an article you are just going to love. These guys are a fabulous new asset. They do just as the title implies, they analyze the evidence right on the spot. We used to have to collect it, bring it in, do the paper work, send it off and wait for the results before we could act on it. Man, am I glad these guys are finally there. Yes, we've been better off with them right there. :)

New UK commander tells Iraqis 'We will stand by you'. The Brits have a new commander, and he seems pretty impressive. He reassured the Iraqis that the Brits were going to stay with them and support them for as long it takes. This was good, since some of them went home. He let them know that this was because they were not needed, because their section had been turned over their own ISF (Iraq Security Force). It is his 3^rd tour of duty in Iraq.

First LAR always on watch, even in enemy’s nightmares. I love the picture in this one. These guys are ready to go and kick some butt! They patrol every night so that no terrorist has an opportunity to plant any IEDs. What happens if they run into someone trying? Yes, these guys are al Qaida's worst nightmare. lol.

Dragon’ Soldiers Seize, Destroy Bomb Factory. YEAH! It may not seem like much because there are so many, but each one that is discovered is one less that is available to the terrorists. Also, there is much intel that can be discovered in these places. Great job, guys! Keep up the great work, and be careful.

Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals! It is about time they started to recognize the importance of our Air Force. They even created a new medal, especially for the Air Force, so they could claim it as their own. (Each branch has its own special medal.) Recipients of this award: Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black, Senior Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, Master Sgt. Charlie Peterson, Master Sgt. Byron P. Allen and Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Paxton. You'll have to read the article to find out why, but these guys are great!

Leaders, Wounded Warriors Celebrate Army Birthday at WRAMC. It was very nice for the DOD to remember those who are wounded, especially on the 232^th birthday of the Army.

Marines Train Servicemembers in Martial Arts. This one is so cool. I always wondered why we didn't learn this skill, now I don't have to wonder. Check it out. They even have a 57 year old man getting in on the training!

NGAUS Notes and NGAUS: What's Happening in Congress? These are weekly reports for the National Guard.

Reconstruction Advisory Team working with Iraqis in Baghdad. When the surge began, there were not just Military men sent. No. There were also reconstruction people sent. They are small teams of experts that go out with the brigades. This gives them a better chance to see the whole picture, and they also get an opportunity to assess what is necessary to each sector. They are doing a great job!

Mukki places blame on USA for Golden Mosque and Turkish incursion. This is short a short paragraph (how fitting, lol) about this terrorist.

Iraqi Security Forces foil suicide car bomb attack. This a fantastic article. You cannot tell me the ISF isn't doing their job!

The Lion of Fallujah: Marine Corps Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec. He is one of our finest. He is also someone you should know. What a courageous, patriotic, honorable man and determined. He earned the Bronze Star for last battle. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Here is an article from Causes of Interest:

Jack Idema's free, now let's help him get justice. The title should make this article self-explanatory. :)

Here are some articles from Love America First-2. These are mostly written reprinted by CNN.

Billy Graham: Wife 'had a great reception in heaven'. What a beautiful, loving marriage. What a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace.

N. Korea: Atomic inspectors can return. Ho-hum...what next?

Four North Koreans get their wish. This is wonderful news, if they are not North Korean spies. I wish them (conditioned on their loyalty) all the best.

China taking on U.S. in cyber arms race. Let's keep selling our sovereignty to them so they go to war with us. Great and wise thinking...what stupid senators we have!

India escapes U.S. list of worst human traffickers. India has been an abuser of Christians as long as I can remember. This article, however, is focused on countries that are still involved with human trafficking, the penalties and names some of those countries.

Sudan accepts revised plan for joint Darfur force. I'll believe when I see it.

Advertisers not wary of 'Genocide Olympics'. No wonder. They've been punished for NOTHING. Not even trading with countries that have sanctions on them. Oh my, what a wonderful body that corrupt UN is, let alone our own congress!

Chad may allow peacekeepers on Sudan border. This is more believable, because Sudan has been attacking them also.

North Korea test-fires missiles. Everyone is claiming that it's only a regular missile, not a ballistic missile. And the point is?

So you can see I have not been just sitting around doing nothing. (I don't like using double negatives in a sentence, but I couldn't figure a way not to. lol) I hope you enjoy at least one article. Gosh, I worked hard to get them all posted! :)

British and American Troops help ANA in readiness

The Aghanistan National Army (ANA) are busy training and working towards the day when they may be able to defend Afghanistan on their own. It seems to be going well. The 205th Regional Security Assistance Command are quite capable and are making sure of this. They are making sure that the ANA has the supplies they need and that the British are teaching them the American ways to run an Army. I like this. If you would like to read the whole story, you will find it here. Have a great day, and to those of you who are serving, "THANK YOU, and God bless you!"

My Heroes in Afghanistan have posted

I have found that my new friend has posted another great article. He is so articulate, I admire him. For more than that!

I've become aware that he has a few others in his team which could use some letters from home. If you would like to send them packages, letters, or whatever comes to your mind, just let me know. I will set it up. I'm just trying to take care of this group. I'd appreciate any help you could offer these men.

I'm on the poor side, and they're in the middle of nowhere with nothing. I'm sure they have the luxuries, such as MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat), rocks to use for pillows, and all these amenities that the jerk Atkins was complaining about some months back.

I am being selfish, though. I should be telling you about them. Truth be told, I don't know enough about the rest of the team. If you cannot help, I'm sure they would be appreciate any kind words you may have to offer them. Words of gratitude go a long way. :)

Where does the time go?

When I woke up today, it was after noon. That seems reasonable since I went to sleep somewhere between 6 and 7 am this morning. I checked my e-mail, threw out the usual garbage, and started reading a very interesting article about Iran and Germany. Precisely, Hitler and Admadinejad. I'm still not through with the article, but I just wanted to drop in and let you know everything is going well.

There is one thing. Would you please pray for the Soldiers (and their families) who were shot down in Afghanistan? I only have sketchy details. I think there were 5 of them. I pray that the man I told you about was not among them. I feel so ashamed for saying and feeling this way, but I do. That is one thing about this site. I won't lie to you. I pray he is alright. Thank you.

Correction: There were 7 Soldiers in the plane, and a rescue mission was ambushed. I don't know which numbers belong where, but that is the only information I have so far. Keep praying.

Hard work creates progress in border provinces

It has been quite some time that we've been in Afghanistan, but anything worth having is worth waiting the time. We are spreading our wings, and we are helping this poorest country in the world slowly turn the dial on the clock of despair. Little by little, we are branching out into places no one has tred on before, and it is working to make a difference. Hope is beginning to peak its head.

The elder tribesmen from the Korengal Valley met for peace talks with Coalition leaders and Nuristan Gov. Tamim Nouristani at his compound in the Paruns Valley May 3.

“The Korengal Valley [elders, whose home] is enemy central for Kunar Province, where we’ve been doing most our fighting for the last 14 months now, have decided they want a third party outside of Kunar Province to talk their problems down,” said Army Capt. David W. Mayfield, Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment. “They trust Governor Nouristani to be that third-party element to help them solve that problem.” [Continue reading.]

May their hopes be fulfilled, just as long as it does not include our elimination! lol.

Training, Restoring and Maintaining ANA

Afghanistan is still a very dangerous place, but our guys are doing a remarkable job. So is the Afghan National Army (ANA). Our Airmen are deployed for one year, and they are very proud of the job they are doing training these folks in areas of cleanliness, safety, repairs of machinery, etc. They are also achieving a great rapport with their counterparts.

"This place was in dire need of basic, essential supplies," said Staff Sgt. Falsen Cambre, a weapons embedded training team mentor. "The buildings had no plumbing, electricity or windows. We began supplying them with the basics needed to accomplish the mission."

Some of the depot's 140-year-old buildings house large machines that manufacture vehicle and weapon parts.

"We've given the buildings a 100-year upgrade," said Maj. Jim Wood, a facilities mentor. "We've repaired walls, both structurally and cosmetically, added windows, doors, roofing and electrical capabilities." [Continue reading.]

Many of the Afghanis have commented on how much they like us being there, but I guess you won't read about that too often. Keep stopping by here, and I will try to provide you with ALL the news. Not just the bad. Have a great day!

Military News: 15 May 2007

There are some difficult articles and some really good articles in today's report. Let's start with a reconstruction in Basra article.

Basrah Public Works Initiative Complements Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

BASRAH, Iraq – Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) began as a concept in Afghanistan, developed by then U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. They proved to be so successful that when Khalilzad was named Ambassador to Iraq in June 2005, he decided PRTs would be a good way to develop capacity in that country as well. PRTs are now being established in each Iraqi province. [Continue reading.]

This is the story I want everyone to put their hearts and prayers into. This is about the three men missing in action in Iraq.

General Cites ‘Massive Effort’ Under Way to Find Missing Soldiers

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2007 – The U.S. military, coalition partners and Iraqi security forces are making a “massive effort” to find three American soldiers missing in Iraq since May 12, a senior U.S. military officer said today.

“We are using every asset and resource available to the United States and our Iraqi allies in these efforts,” Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said during a videotaped release broadcast on the Pentagon Channel today. [Continue reading.]

Here is a story of a man who found himself in a different kind of war and himself.

Former Infantryman Finds Calling in Civil Affairs.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GHAZNI, Afghanistan — It was clear to Army Sgt. Drew Pylant as his convoy pulled up to the district center, framed against the snow-capped mountains of eastern Afghanistan, that he wasn’t fighting in the same kind of war that his father and grandfather fought in.

On an icy February morning in Ghazni Province, many years ago, he pulled up his neck gaiter to try and fight off the penetrating cold as he sat behind his M-249 squad automatic weapon. Even though he spent years running and training with this same weapon, he doubted his skills with it would come in use that day, or ever, because his mission had changed. [Continue reading.]

This is a wonderful article about the first Muslim to be in command of an Aviation Squadron!

First Muslim to Take Command of Aviation Squadron.

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea – Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar F. Khan relieved Cmdr. Timothy Langdon as commanding officer of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 during a ceremony held at sea aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) May 13.

Khan is the first Muslim to take command of an operational aviation squadron in the U.S. Navy.

The “Topcats” of VS 31 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard Stennis, and currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). [Continue reading.]

That is quite a mixture of stories. I just wish our media was willing to supply us with such diversity...

New blog in Afghanistan, just got there

The name of this site is Bill and Bob's Excellent Adventure, and here is what is written in the 'About me' section:

Citizen soldier with 25 years of service. Volunteered to go to Afghanistan to advise the Afghan National Army as an ETT (Embedded Tactical Trainer.)

View my complete profile.

I'm not sure if it is just one person or two, but I am sure however many it is they will need our support. Let's buck up and keep these guys feeling loved and appreciated. What do ya say? Okay then, head on over there! :)

Justice for Jack Idema Blogburst 4/25/2007

If you may have noticed, it is no longer Free Jack Idema Blogburst. That is because Jack has been released 2 weeks ago from the Afghani prison where he has been imprisoned in for over 2 years. We are now persuing the Justice for Jack Idema Blogburst. Why, you may ask?

I'm glad you asked. Here is why. The state department that kept Brent and him imprisoned after their innocence was proven in court was forced to release them, but they have kept Jack's passport and other documents (which prove their innocence about entering the country illegally). While he may be 'free,' he cannot go anywhere! He is a man with no country.

We cannot allow our state department to have this much power over any US citizen, let alone a Special Operations Officer! No, we have to continue pushing for justice to dealt to these agents which inflicted so much torture and hardship on this Patriot. We must also clear his name of any wrongdoing.

If you would like to join the join the blogburst (we publish an article about the newest news on Wednesdays, and it is e-mailed to us. Feel free to write more!), please go to the link I have provided. Rotty Puppy and Cao's Blog are the main people in charge. You may also e-mail me, and I will set things up for you.

IF YOU DO NOT PLAN ON BEING SERIOUS ABOUT POSTING EVERY WEEK, DO NOT BOTHER JOINING. We have had trouble with people signing up just to have their names on the blogroll. I guess they feel important, but it only hurts our efforts. We count on you to be serious. After all, this is a serious situation. Thank you.

Amazing Restoration in Afghanistan

Do you remember when the Taliban blew up the 1400 year old Buddhas? This may not be the rebuilding of the Buddhas, but they have come a long way in finding and restoring some of the oldest, historical artifacts. They are placing them in a museum which is strickly guarded.

This is a news article I found today at Fox News titled, "Reporter's Notebook: Afghanistan's House of History Restored." It is an amazing article, and I recommend it. If that link no longer is available, try this one.

News from CENTCOM: 3/13/2007

CENTCOM has some very good articles today. Not that they don't have them everyday, but these are the ones I received. lol.

There are five altogether:

Two ANP saved by quick response by Army Sgt.
What are the terrorists saying?
Navy’s First Riverine Squadron Deploys.
45th MedCo works closely with Marines to save lives.
PRT Helps Afghanis to Help Themselves.

Happy reading. I really must lay down now. :)

Assassination attempt on VP Cheney fails

As Vice President Cheney visits the troops in Bagram, Afghanistan, there was an assassination attempt made on his life by a suicide bomber who killed 23 people just outside the entrance to the base.

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AP) — A suicide bomber attacked the entrance to the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan on Tuesday during a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney, killing up to 23 people and wounding 20.

Cheney was unhurt in the attack, which was claimed by the Taliban and was the closest that militants have come to a top U.S. official visiting Afghanistan. At least one U.S. soldier, an American contractor and a South Korean soldier were among the dead, NATO said. [Read the whole article.]

Our prayers go out to the families of those whose lives were lost and also to those who are injured.

If the link provided no is longer available, try this one.

Big Dog has a rather intriguing and disturbing article about this as well. Please check it out. Have a nice day. Matt Drudge has an interview that was taken with VP Cheney in Afghanistan. (If that link is no longer available, try this one.)

Source: USA Today.

Interview with Capt. Traversa

I have had an interview with Captain Doug Traversa with the help of CENTCOM. If you are interested, you may read it here.

Capt. Traversa is a logistician in the USAF. His blog is Afghanistan Without a Clue. He is a wonderful man with a wonderful wife and family. Please read about him and Afghanistan. Have a nice day.