VOA News 07 September 2010
North Korea released a South Korean fishing boat and its seven-man crew Tuesday, after asking South Korea for a shipment of rice, cement and heavy equipment to help it recover from recent flooding.
Pyongyang announced on Monday that it would free the squid-fishing boat and its crew of four South Koreans and three Chinese seized a month ago for alleged illegal fishing. North Korea called the release a "humanitarian" gesture.
South Korean media said Tuesday that freeing the ship and its crew was
Continue reading "North Korea Releases South Korean Boat, Requests Flood Aid" »
ISAF Joint Command
09.06.2010 KABUL – A joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, completed an assessment of possible civilian casualties in an operation in the Musa Qal’ah district of Helmand province Wednesday. The team has determined the civilian casualties were inadvertently caused by ISAF strikes on the target.
“It is regrettable that insurgents continue to place civilians in harm’s way,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, ISAF Joint Command director of plans and projects and team lead. “We regret the loss of life and injuries to our civilian partners. Our first objective is to protect the people of Afghanistan, and in this case we failed."
During a dismounted patrol, partnered forces from
Continue reading "Assessment of civilian casualties in Helmand complete" »
1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
09.07.2010 CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) gathered to pay final respects to their fallen comrade, Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, who died, Aug. 27, while conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province. He was 34 years old.
Fedder, an EOD technincan with 1st EOD Company, 1st MLG (FWD), loved his job as an EOD technician and as a Marine.
“Fedder was the ultimate jarhead” said Master Sgt. Alonza I. MendozaValencia, EOD chief for 1st EOD Co., 1st MLG (FWD). “He was always squared away. He was the model Marine, and he took care of his men.”
Fedder, from
Continue reading "Marines gather to remember fallen EOD technican" »
VOA News Selah Hennessy | London 06 September 2010
Human rights in Britain have been eroded during the past 10 years in a badly judged bid to limit the terror threat, that is according to the international body Amnesty International.
Amnesty told the government a number of counter-terror measures need to be dropped if civil rights in Britain are to be protected.
Amnesty highlighted four measures it says have seriously undermined human rights: police powers to stop and search people without suspicion; the state's right to hold suspected terrorists for 28 days without charge; extradition of foreign nationals despite the risk of torture; and restrictive control orders.
"All of these powers came into place over the last 10 years, mostly since
Continue reading "Amnesty International Asks Britain to Repeal Terror Laws" »
Afghan-American Interpreter Works from the heart in the heart of Afghanistan by Lt.j.g. Jennifer Franco 1 MEF
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Few people aspire to “be the change you want to see in the world” as the iconic Mahatma Gandhi said, encouraging ordinary people to do extraordinary things. But Afghan-American Atiqualla Rahin, is making a difference by sharing his knowledge of the Afghan culture and his language expertise with NATO-led Coalition Forces working to improve the legal system in Southern Afghanistan.
“You’ve got to think from your heart, not from your brain,” said Atiqualla.
Atiqullah is assigned to work for Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team and works with the Rule of Law section to help further solidify a civil legal system that detains those waiting to be tried for alleged crimes in Afghan courts.
Continue reading "Afghan from America sees Changes in Homeland" »
1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs
09.06.2010 KIRKUK, Iraq - To assess how well the local government in Dibis near Kirkuk, Iraq, is running, U.S. Forces along with members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team attend the weekly district council meetings.
According to Capt. Benjamin Hart, who is the U.S. Forces representative at the Dibis district council meetings, the meeting he attended Aug. 18, sends a message of encouragement the people of Dibis.
Continue reading "Iraq District council meeting sends ‘message of hope’" »
Road improvement project completed in Mehtar Lam
by Capt. Tristan Hinderliter CJTF101
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Provincial officials, including Laghman governor Mohammed Iqbal Azizi, recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Chardi Road Rehabilitation, a U.S. government-funded road improvement project in Mehtar Lam District, Aug. 25.
“The road will provide improved transportation and opportunities for work for more than 3,000 people in the area,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Sean Stapler of Narragansett, R.I., Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team lead engineer. “Residents will have greater access to medical and educational facilities, as well as government services. The project will also enhance security by allowing Afghan National Security Forces better access to the region.”
Continue reading "Laghman: 32 Day, $45k Road Project Finished" »
VOA News 07 September 2010
The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan says an American church's plan to burn Korans on September 11 could endanger U.S. troops and damage the overall war effort in that country.
General David Petraeus warned Tuesday that the planned burning of the Muslim holy book "is precisely the kind of action the Taliban would exploit for propaganda purposes." He said it could stoke anti-U.S. sentiment not only in Afghanistan, but across the Muslim world.
Continue reading "Petraeus: Planned Koran Burning Endangers Troops" »
1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Public Affairs
Story by Natalie Cole
09.06.2010 CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Jets, planes, pilots, blue sky. These are all images people associate with the Air Force. Yet, Airmen with the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait break the mold.
The more than 300 vehicle operators and mechanics with the 387th make up the only ground transportation unit in the Air Force. Since 2004, the combat truckers have been transporting supplies and equipment back and forth between Iraq and Kuwait, a mission known as line haul. The combat truckers drive 915's, which are over-sized tan tractor trailers with waist-high tires and roaring engines.
The 387th truckers supply troops in forward operating areas, and they have played an important role in
Continue reading "Air Force’s Only Line Haul Unit Hits the Road in Support of OIF, New Dawn" »
Warfighters, civilians come together on agriculture
by Capt. Peter Shinn CJTF101
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan -- About 50 civilian and military officials gathered to share “best practices” and coordinate their efforts to boost eastern Afghanistan’s agri-business sector at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Sept. 6.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development and their various implementing organizations met with military leaders from the three National Guard Agri-Business Development Teams serving the eastern Afghanistan provinces of Nangahar, Laghman and Kunar, which are all in the Task Force Bastogne area of operations.
Continue reading "Farmer-Soldiers Bring DoA up to speed on Afghanistan" »
IAEA report says Iran continues to refuse to answer questions
VOA News 07 September 2010
The U.N. atomic energy watchdog says Iran is hampering surveillance of its nuclear program, refusing to provide inspectors with the information and access they need to determine whether Tehran is trying to build weapons.
In a report Monday, the International Atomic Energy Agency said for the past two years Tehran has refused to answer questions about possible undisclosed nuclear activities, including those related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile.
The IAEA also said Iran has failed to
Continue reading "IAEA Says Iran Hampering Nuclear Monitoring" »
ANSF, TF Bayonet leaders prepare for upcoming Afghan elections by Pfc. Michael Sword CJTF101
LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Senior leaders from the Afghan National Security Forces across Wardak and Logar provinces and commanders from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, gathered at Forward Operating Base Shank, Sept. 1, to prepare for the upcoming Afghan elections.
The meeting was the first to bring together the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, provincial National Directorate of Security chiefs, Operational Coordination Center, Provincial commanders, as well as representatives from Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission and the 173rd’s leadership to discuss the upcoming elections and the combined effort of securing both polling sites and voters.
Continue reading "Coalition Plan for Afghan Elections" »
News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command regarding operations conducted in the following provinces: Paktika, Kunar, Parwan, Uruzgan, Baghlan, Zabul, Khost, Helmand and Kandahar.
In the Sangin District of Helmand.......
The 7th Commando Kandak, assisted by members of two Marine special operations teams, found and destroyed a large drug and weapons cache in Sangin district, Helmand province Thursday.
Continue reading "War in Afghanistan News 7 Sep 2010 " »
Spike in Pirate Attacks in Indonesian Waters Raises Warnings
Sara Schonhardt | Jakarta VoA News: In the latest of a series of attacks in Southeast Asian waters, armed pirates attacked a Japanese chemical tanker off the Indonesian island of Mangkai in the South China Sea. Indonesia and its neighbors are coordinating efforts to fight the pirates.
Pirates armed with guns and knives are increasing their attacks on ships passing by three Indonesian islands off the east coast of Malaysia.
The International Maritime Bureau says 27 pirate attacks have been reported in the South China Sea since January, up from only seven in all of 2009. A spate of attacks since mid-August has deepened concerns at the maritime crime monitor, which warns ships to remain vigilant in the area.
Continue reading "Piracy in SE Asia up 400%" »
19 Killed in Pakistan Suicide Attack
Ayaz Gul | Islamabad, VoA News: Pakistani police say a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-filled vehicle into a police station early in the day in the northwestern town of Lakki Marwat.The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility the attack.
The powerful blast destroyed the building housing as many as 50 policemen at the time of the attack. Officials say children are among the victims because the bomber struck a school van before hitting the police station. Television pictures also showed books and school bags in the wreckage.
Continue reading "Taliban Murder 19 Pakistani Muslims, including Children" »
Gunmen Kill 5 North of Baghdad
Police say gunmen have killed five Iraqi construction workers who were building a police station north of Baghdad.
Authorities say Monday’s attack occurred in Samarra, about 100 kilometers from the Iraqi capital.
On Sunday, heavily armed suicide bombers attacked an Iraqi army compound in Baghdad, killing 12 and wounding 36 others.
Continue reading "Samarra: Enemy Guns Down Construction Workers" »
As Coalition Forces continue targeting, capturing, and killing enemy leaders, the bad guys continue to target, kill and injure Afghan Civilians, including children. To counter the atrocities of the enemy, the Good Guys continue to treat wounded civilians, whether young, old, or in between. In Brief:
In Wardak, a bombmaker was targeted and his assistant caught, despite several Talib running at the sight of Coalition Forces. Once cornered, their will to fight was destroyed by use of full metal jacket. Three of their buddies were more cowardly and surrendered themselves and their weapons at the targeted compound.
Continue reading "War In Afghanistan News - 6 Sep 2010" »
Task Force Iron Soldiers relocate to Ghazni Province; kill insurgents, recover weapons by Sgt. Brent Powell CJTF101
For the past several months, Task Force Iron soldiers have worked tirelessly throughout Paktika province, conducting numerous combat patrols, clearing miles of roadway and building relationships with local village leaders and elders to pave the way ahead.
Recently the soldiers moved their new area of responsibility in the Andar District of Ghazni province to join Task Force White Eagle. Although the battalion does not assume official responsibility of the area until mid-September, several platoons are already patrolling the district to prepare for the battalion’s arrival.
Continue reading "101st Makes Their Presence Known in a New Neighborhood" »
Assessment of civilian casualties in Helmand complete
ISAF Joint Command, KABUL – A joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, completed an assessment of possible civilian casualties in an operation in the Musa Qal’ah district of Helmand province Wednesday. The team has determined the civilian casualties were inadvertently caused by ISAF strikes on the target.
“It is regrettable that insurgents continue to place civilians in harm’s way,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, ISAF Joint Command director of plans and projects and team lead. “We regret the loss of life and injuries to our civilian partners. Our first objective is to protect the people of Afghanistan, and in this case we failed."
Continue reading "Helmand: Civilian Deaths Resulted from Taliban Occupation of Compound" »
Officer charges into first contingency response deployment by Staff Sgt. Kali Gradishar
CHAKLALA AIR FORCE BASE, Pakistan – As a group of more than 30 Airmen landed at Chaklala Air Base, Pakistan, and began set-up for a contingency response element, one Air Force captain arrived with eyes wide open and ready to learn the ways of the unit.
Capt. J.D. Foy, a 31-year-old Air Force Academy graduate stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, is in Pakistan on his first mission with the contingency response element, or CRE. While the CRE operates out of Chaklala Air Base in support of flood relief efforts in the country, Foy will observe the members of his outfit and gain the knowledge it takes to become a CRE director of operations.
“Up until a year ago, I didn’t know what any of this stuff was. It’s way outside my career field,” said the captain. “What better way to learn than in the real world?”
Continue reading "USAF Captain Preps for Paki Relief Effort" »
Army helo assets to aid in northern flood relief by Staff Sgt. Kali Gradishar
CHAKLALA AIR FORCE BASE, Pakistan – Two UH-60 Black Hawks and one CH-47 Chinook arrived at Chaklala Air Force Base to aid the Pakistan government and military flood relief efforts. The aircraft are the first wave of a total 10 Chinooks and eight Black Hawks expected to arrive in country in the next week.
The aircraft will arrive at Chaklala AFB via Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy aircraft from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Pilots, maintainers, fuel technicians and various other support-function personnel will arrive along with the aircraft to get them up and running as quick as possible.
Continue reading "Alaskan Helos Arrive in Pakistan" »
Iowa ADT helps Nuristan PRT fight deadly rabies outbreak
by Capt. Peter Shinn
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan - The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team is fighting an outbreak of rabies in the province’s Titin Valley that has claimed the lives of four Afghan citizens, but they are not going at it alone.
The PRT is getting help from the Iowa National Guard’s 734th Agri-Business Development Team, which provided 300 doses of rabies vaccine. The vaccine will be used to innoculate dogs in the area and will help avoid the slaughter of Titon Valley’s canines.
“We were going to have to go to the villages in the valley, and if we saw any suspicious animals, we were basically going to have to put them down,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Kyle N. Burditt, a physician’s assistant with the PRT from Dodge City, Kan. “We were going to end up killing a lot of animals that wouldn’t have to die if we didn’t have this vaccine.”
Continue reading "Iowa Farmer-Soldiers Fight Rabies, Save Dogs" »
Security shura in southern Afghanistan
by Sgt. Jes Smith, 16th Mobile PAD
Afghan Border Police commanders in southern Afghanistan, together with coalition forces hosted a security shura in the border town of Spin Boldak, Aug. 31.
The shura is a weekly meeting held by the local Afghan Security Forces where leaders get together to share ideas and resources.
The Shura was hosted by ABP Lt. Sadullah Asad, and attended by ABP Commander Sultan Muhammad and Afghan Highway Patrol Commander Sahib Jan.
Col. James D. Edwards, commander of in the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, and Lt Col. Andy Green, commander of the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, also attended from the coalition forces.
Continue reading "Spin Buldak Shura Council Focuses on Security" »
Afghan forces receive improved protection
by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte CJTF101
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan– One might say U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Timothy N. Easton is in the home improvement business for eastern Afghanistan.
Easton, who is from Buffalo, N.Y., uses his 12 years of experience as a combat engineer to assess and recommend ways to increase protective measures for Afghan National Security Forces throughout the area covered by Task Force Bastogne.
Continue reading "Protecting The Afghan Force" »
No Ordinary Trip to the Store
by Staff Sgt. John Wollaston RCSouth
TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan – For most people, a trip to the store to buy a few needed items falls into one of two categories. It’s a routine act that requires little thought because such an event is so commonplace in our everyday lives. Or it falls under the “why did she wait till the middle of the football game to need these things doesn’t she know it’s the playoffs” point of view.
Now imagine that trip to the corner store for a few items on your list were in Afghanistan. Suddenly the oh-so-routine trip is a major operation.
Continue reading "Shopping for Hearts & Minds" »
Taliban Vows to Disrupt Afghan Elections
VOA News: The Taliban on Sunday announced plans to disrupt Afghanistan's parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 18.
A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told reporters that the balloting is just for the benefit of the foreigners who he says are occupying the country. And he urged the Afghan people to boycott the election.
Some 2,500 candidates are competing for 249 seats in Afghanistan's lower house of parliament.
The Taliban's threat to derail the election follows plans by the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to open peace talks.
Continue reading "Taliban Again Threaten Free Elections" »
Colombia's President Pledges Tough Action Against Rebels
VOA News: The new Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, is vowing to step up his predecessor's military crackdown against leftist rebels, following an attack this week that left 14 police officers dead.
President Santos met Friday with top generals in the southern state of Caqueta, where the officers were killed in a roadside bomb attack blamed on the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Continue reading "Colombian President Santos Pledges Escalation Against Narco-Terrorists" »
US Troops Leave Millions in Unclaimed Back Pay
VOA News: The U.S. military is having trouble giving bonus payments to troops who were involuntarily kept on duty after September 11, 2001.
The Defense Department say an estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries are entitled to the retroactive pay of $500 for each month of involuntary service beyond original discharge dates - a policy known as "stop-loss."
Those eligible to receive the payments must apply by October 21. The Defense Department says the average payout is between $3,000 to $4,000.
Continue reading "DoD Searching For Stop Loss Veterans" »
Spain's Basque Separatists Declare Cease-Fire
VOA News: The Basque separatist group ETA has issued a video declaring a cease-fire.
The video, posted Sunday on the website of the Basque newspaper Gara, shows three masked militants making a statement in the Basque language saying they were ending armed operations.
One of the rebels said ETA decided several months ago to lay down its arms to achieve its goals through a democratic process. It was not clear if the ceasefire is permanent or temporary.
Continue reading "Basque Terrorists Promise Cease-Fire, Again" »
5 Russian Soldiers Killed in Dagestan Suicide Bombing
VOA News: A suicide bomber plowed his explosive-filled car into a military base in the Russian republic of Dagestan, but was stopped before he could reach an area where many soldiers were sleeping.
A Defense Ministry spokesman in Moscow says Sunday's attack killed three soldiers and wounded more than 30. Earlier, officials in Dagestan said at least five soldiers had been killed.
Both accounts said several of the wounded were in critical condition. Officials in Moscow said some of the injured soldiers were being flown to a military hospital in Rostov-on-Don to receive specialized treatment.
Continue reading "Russians Bloodied in Dagestan Bombing" »
Little White Dog Brightens Day for Troops in Kuwait
by Natalie Cole 1stSusCmd
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - If people who are good with dogs get the title dog whisperer, then it’s safe to say that the reverse is true of Lance, an 8-year-old West Highland Terrier who is good with people. Every Saturday, the canine human whisperer shares his affection and general cuteness with troops in hospital wards on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Lance is part of the American Red Cross Kuwait Pet Visitation Program, which also operates at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Continue reading "Lance Strikes Heart of Wounded" »
A glimpse of things to come: Afghan police take charge of security at Nawa bazaar
by Sgt. Mark Fayloga RCT-7 1st MarDiv
NAWA, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Sooner, rather than later, the Marine presence in Nawa will dwindle down as Afghan police and soldiers take over complete responsibility for the security and stability of the region.
At the Nawa District bazaar Sept. 3, a scene from Afghanistan’s possible future unfolds.
Continue reading "Afghan Police Step Up in Nawa" »
Gunfighters contribute to counterinsurgency operations in more ways than one by Cpl. Ryan Rholes 3rd MAW
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Protecting the Afghan people is one of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369’s primary missions here, and despite being a heavily-armed attack squadron, the unit often accomplishes this without firing a shot.
HMLA-369, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) is a shining example of the International Security Assistance Forces’ efforts to win the counter insurgency war in Afghanistan.
“Before we came out here our leaders told us that they would rather us let a bad guy go, than take the chance of hurting an innocent person,” said Capt. Matt Palumbo, an AH-1W Cobra pilot with HMLA-369. “We haven’t had any civilian casualties since we have been here.”
The same sentiment was passed to troops serving in Afghanistan by Gen. David Petraeus, commander of ISAF, in guidance he released after assuming his new command.
“Hunt the enemy aggressively, but use only the firepower needed to win a fight,” he wrote. “We can’t win without fighting, but we also cannot kill or capture our way to victory. Moreover, if we kill civilians or damage their property in the course of our operations, we will create more enemies than our operations eliminate.”
Continue reading "Marine Rotorheads: Aggressive Hunters" »
Marines mentor Afghan National Army on command, control skills by Cpl. Skyler Tooker RCT7 1st MarDiv
CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - The Regimental Combat Team 7 Advisory Training Teams opened a Joint Tactical Operation Center, Sept. 3, at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, allowing Marines to mentor the Afghan National Army in conducting command and control operations.
The JTOC is a command center where Marines oversee ANA soldiers as they plan operations, conduct missions and communicate with three Kandaks throughout southern Afghanistan.
The Afghan National Army and Marines are working alongside each other in the JTOC. They are feeding off each other learning how to work with what they have.
Continue reading "Marines Mentor Afghan Army in Helmand" »
USD-N assists Iraqi government with displaced civilians by Pvt. Jennifer Montagna 135th Mobile PAD
MAREZ, Iraq – Task Force Marne Deputy Commanding General Support, Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal, has made several visits to internally displaced persons camps in Kurdistan and has met with government officials to assist the families who reside in those camps.
Hundreds of families along Iraq’s borders have taken refuge in internally displaced persons camps throughout the past eight years of conflict. The government of Iraq and the Kurdish regional government are looking for long-term solutions, but currently humanitarian support is being provided by non-military organizations and the KRG.
Camp Sangasar, in Sullymania province, is home to approximately 500 displaced families. Most of the individuals fled their Qandhil Mountain homes due to artillery fire. While their current camp is safe from artillery fire, there is another problem caused by the location of the village; it is located on a flood plain.
Continue reading "Army Tries to Persuade Kurd Refugees "Combat" is Over" »
The enemy continued their offensive against civilians with attacks in Jalabad, Khandahar, Konduz, and Paktika, killing at least 8 and wounding at least 11 Afghan Muslims. In Marjah, civilians led the counter attack, when the enemy attacked their mosque. While less deadly than the Taliban slaughter of neighboring Pakistan's Flood victims, it continues to demonstrate their deadly intent.
In a rare act of bravado, the enemy attacked and was easily repelled in Chapa Dara, Kunar.
However, in typical fashion, the bad guys surrendered without a fight in Khowst and in Paktia. In Khandahar, the good guys destroyed a weapons cache.
Continue reading "War In Afghanistan News 5 Sep 2010" »
Wasp Sailors React to New Warfare Pins Rules
By Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Kobobel, USS Wasp
USS WASP, At Sea – Now that all sailors must acquire initial enlisted warfare pins as per the release of NAVADMIN 268-10, many onboard USS Wasp said that this new policy will both benefit junior sailors in helping to advance their careers yet also lead to new difficulties and challenges for them.
Under the policy change, all enlisted sailors who have not attained their initial warfare pin will be automatically enrolled in the program once they check onboard. E-5s will have 18 months to complete the qualification, E-1 to E-4 will have 30 months, and those re-qualifying will have 12 months.
Continue reading " Navy "Warfare" Pin Stirs Debate" »
Soldier overcomes amputation to return to Iraq with his unit
By Pfc. Philip Steiner, 115th Mobile PAD
Sgt. Matthew Braddock brings the Soldier's Creed to life. He is a part of the Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Combined Arms, Oregon Army National Guard. Braddock is a soldier first and a civilian second. He chose to always be a soldier even after losing his left leg to a roadside bomb in Kirkuk, Iraq, five years ago on his last deployment with the 116th Cavalry Brigade.
Now he is back again… for another deployment. The 3rd Battalion will deploy to Iraq this fall with the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard.
Braddock lives in Vancouver, Wash., and spends most of his time there or with his family in Texas.
Continue reading "SGT Braddock Rides Again" »
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