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This video is totally awesome, it shows the power of the gattling gun used on the apache and hueys. Click me to see Movie If you haven't seen the video "Thank You America" then check that video out also, it can get you choked up.

The film A COMPANY OF SOLDIERS - a month in the life of the 1st Battalion of the 8th Cavalry stationed in South Baghdad - will be broadcast next Tuesday night, February 22, on PBS at 9 pm (check local listings). It is the soldiers' story of fighting in Iraq. It was shot last November during one of the most dangerous times for that unit. A COMPANY OF SOLDIERS was made by October Films under the umbrella of the PBS Frontline Series and we'd like to ask you to email this to everyone you know with a request for them...

I have no idea if this music ever had an words. It is haughtingly beautiful. I hope this is fitting for this night on which our president hit a grandslam homerun. Only those who hate America or have an agenda for their own power could not be filled with pride tonight. God bless this country. It is the light of the world. MIDI - DANCES WITH WOLVES - first version I thank God that I am here…I am grateful This is my country…land that I love We have been blessed by God from above Though it's old-fashioned…when flags pass by...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The confederate flag flying in Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery in uptown Charlotte should be taken down – that is a recommendation from a committee looking into the flag issue. The confederate battle flag flies above a section of the cemetery dedicated to confederate soldiers. Some were concerned about the image this created for the city. Last month, the community relations committee executive council met to review information gathered on the flag. The information included public feedback and legal research. In a draft report, the committee recommended: The current flag be taken down and placed in a glass enclosed...

Almost as soon as his song "God Bless America" began generating revenue, Irving Berlin established The God Bless America Fund, to benefit America's youth. Over $6,000,000 has been distributed to date, primarily to two youth organizations with which Mr. and Mrs. Berlin were personally involved: The Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, and the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America. These councils do not discriminate on any basis and are committed to serving all segments of New York City's diverse youth population. In recent years the Fund has distributed about $200,000 annually, though the figures...

Just announced by Sean.

I posted this on November 1:Tomorrow I and my wife will vote for George W. Bush. Tonight, I heard on the radio that an Army soldier was killed in an ambush in southeast Afghanistan. My son is stationed in southeast Afghanistan. I checked Fox news and they have an article about a US soldier killed and two wounded in a patrol near Orgun. My son is on a patrol near Orgun. I do not care if it is him, tomorrow we will still vote for Bush. God bless America and God bless President Bush.I have not told my wife. She...

Please visit my website at www.conservative-kids.com and let me know what you think! Thanks!

Was anyone watching the 7th inning stretch at St. Louis? The rendition of God Bless America with what seemed like the entire crowd singing just game me prideful goose bumps. What a great moment.

A couple of weeks ago I unleased John Kerry's Bad Rap on FR and do to overwealming hits, I had to move it to a new server due to it crushing my server space on sbcglobal. (thank you one and all!) The Kerry Rap in all honesty was a secondary project. I always wanted to do a serious flashmovie on President Bush with Johnny Cash singing "When The Man Comes Around" (your spared my singing voice) I collected literally hundreds of photos published in the "Day in the Life of President Bush Thread". (Special thanks to freepers GretchenM, MJY1288, rintense,...

And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder: One of the four beasts saying: "Come and see." And I saw. And behold, a white horse. There's a man goin' 'round takin' names. An' he decides who to free and who to blame. Everybody won't be treated all the same. There'll be a golden ladder reaching down. When the man comes around. The hairs on your arm will stand up. At the terror in each sip and in each sup. For you partake of that last offered cup, Or disappear into the potter's ground. When the man comes around....

WAUSAU - In his eighth trip to the Badger State since spring, President Bush asked thousands of his faithful supporters at Marathon Park on Thursday for Wisconsin's help as Election Day nears. Bush's Boeing 757 airplane landed around 2:40 p.m. at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee, and with surgical precision, the president greeted local Republicans, including Jim Jacobson of Horizon Development Group and Gerald Whitburn, president and chief executive officer of Church Mutual Insurance Co. in Merrill, before jumping in an armored limousine for the 15-minute drive to Wausau along a deserted Highway 51. Accompanying the president was National Security...

    Soldiers in demand for speaking engagements By Sgt. Lorie Jewell September 29, 2004 WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Sept. 29, 2004) -- The Army’s Operation Tribute to Freedom program is recruiting Soldiers willing to go out into their hometowns or local communities to share their experiences in fighting the Global War on Terrorism. “We’re moving forward with efforts to strengthen the bond between American Soldiers and citizens of the nation they serve,” said Capt. Robert Kuster, who heads the speakers service. “To do that, we want Soldiers who will volunteer to go out and share their stories and personal...

Reserve Component Reenlistments Exceed ExpectationsBy Sgt. Dan Purcell, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentCAMP BLACK JACK, Baghdad—How much is a good Soldier worth and how far would you go to keep one in the Army? For one dedicated noncommissioned officer [NCO] keeping a good Soldier in is everything. Recently, three Soldiers belonging to the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion reenlisted in An Najaf. Making it happen took the patient efforts of Master Sgt. Rebecca Sewell, who is the senior Army Reserve retention noncommissioned officer in Iraq assigned to the Third Army. Sewell, a native of Cape Coral, Fla., is one of...

Wal-Mart Hosts Appreciation Picnic for Walter Reed Patients By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2004 – Good weather, good music and great food combined for one picnic full of thanks and appreciation from Walter Reed Army Medical Center patients. West Virginia National Guardsman Sgt. Dawn Adamson enjoyed the good food and good company at the Wal-Mart-sponsored Military Appreciation Picnic held at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House Sept. 25. An Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, Adamson was joined by her friend, Robert Rice. She is a member of the 157th Military Police Company.(Click photo for...

Abizaid Pledges to Root Out, Destroy Zarqawi Terror Network By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2004 – The U.S. general responsible for U.S. military operations from the Horn of Africa to Central and Southwest Asia pledged today to destroy "piece by piece" the terror network of fugitive Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Army Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command, met briefly with reporters along with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq John D. Negroponte following a closed Senate briefing. Zarqawi has a $10 million bounty on his head, and...

Afghan Army's Kandahar Regional Command Stands Up By Col. Randy Pullen, USASpecial to American Forces Press Service KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 20, 2004 -- The Afghan National Army stood up its first regional command headquarters outside the Kabul area in Kandahar Sept. 19. Afghan Defense Minister Fahim Khan (center), accompanied by Kandahar Gov. Yousef Pashtoon (in light suit), reviews the troops of the Afghan National Army's 205 Corps prior to the beginning of the ceremony establishing the Kandahar Regional Command. Photo by Maj. William S. Wynn, USA(Click photo for screen-resolution image); high-resolution image available. Establishing regional commands of the Afghan...

God bless America’ banner comes down By J. FRANK LYNCH jflynch@theCitizenNews.com Crumpton Furniture’s “God Bless America” banner has finally come down in Fayetteville. About 500 people turned out Saturday night for a 9/11 commemorative concert at The Villages Amphitheater marking the end of a months-long patriotic campaign in the city inspired by the oversized banner. Brothers Ronnie and Eddie Crumpton drew national attention in January when Fayetteville officials cited them for unlawful display of their sign on the front of their furniture store on North Glynn Street. At 90 square feet, the size of the sign was in violation of...

Thousands Honor Loved OnesAt Iron Horse Memorial By U.S. Army Sgt. Greg Heath / 4th Public Affairs Detachment FORT HOOD, Texas, Sept. 9, 2004 — Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division and hundreds of family members gathered Thursday for a memorial dedication ceremony on Fort Hood's Sadowski Field to honor and remember the division's 81 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq while serving as part of Task Force Iron Horse. The Task Force Iron Horse Memorial contains plaques bearing the names of the 75 men and six women Task Force Iron Horse soldiers who died during Operation...

Reserve Component Readiness Highest Ever By Kathleen T. RhemAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2004 -- The state of readiness among today's reserve- component forces is higher than it has been in the nation's history, the official responsible for equipping and training those forces said today. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas Hall said he believes the high state of readiness among National Guard and Reserve troops is indicative of the goodness in the American people. "I believe the thing that has been said about America and our goodness is (that it) is not at all...

Officers Cite Overwhelming Iraqi Support for U.S. Forces By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2004 – More than 90 percent of the Iraqi people support the efforts of U.S. forces in their war-torn country, a panel of Army and Marine field commanders told the House Armed Services Committee here Sept. 8. All five officers based their estimates on personal observation. Army Col. Michael Linnington, who commanded a 101st Airborne Division brigade in Iraq before assuming his current duties on the Joint Staff, told the committee he found the Iraqi people to be committed to the...

Coalition Makes a Difference for Afghans By Sgt. 1st Class Matthew A. Fearing, USASpecial to American Forces Press Service KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 28, 2004 –– The convoy crested a dusty hill and the riders could see Shah Wali Kot below. The village is nestled in a small valley with brown hills that reach skyward on either side. Children in the village stopped to look as vehicles rolled into town. They turned and waved. An Afghan girl named Negeba paints a wall in a Shah Wali Kot classroom. She assisted coaliton servicemembers who visited her village during a recent...

UK Free Press The London Times "Most afternoons, among the market stalls leading to the old city of Najaf young men set up TV sets in the street showing grotesque scenes of cruelty. Handcuffed prisoners are executed with sticks of dynamite shoved into their pockets. Screaming men plead for their lives as they are beaten by Saddam Hussein's secret police. Crimson fragments of bodies lie in the street, moments after a huge explosion, to the soundtrack of an Arab lament. The crowds gather round. People mutter and shake their heads. Then they queue to pay 1,000 Iraqi dinars (about 33p)...

OPIC PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThursday, August 19, 2004For further information, contact:Lawrence Spinelli (202) 336-8690Timothy Harwood (202) 336-8744U.S. SMALL BUSINESS USES OPIC LOAN TO ESTABLISH FIRST BEVERAGE MANUFACTORY IN AFGHANISTAN WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A U.S. small business will use financing from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to establish the first locally manufactured beverage facility in Afghanistan, helping the country both meet a strong demand for clean drinking water and continue its economic reconstruction.OPIC will provide a $9.2 million loan to ABI Group Ltd., a U.S. small business comprised of Afghan-American businessmen, to construct and operate a beverage manufacturing, packaging...

Soldier a stranger no more Kreutz Creek Presbyterian Church honored a friend it had never met. By KAREN MULLER Daily Record/Sunday News Monday, August 23, 2004 order photo reprint Paul Kuehnel - YDR The Rev. Marion Haynes-Weller prepares to pray for Sgt. Nathan MacLane of Middletown, center right, at Kreutz Creek Presbyterian Church in Hellam Township on Sunday. The church wrote to MacLane when he was stationed in Afghanistan and planned to honor him when he returned home. MacLane, 24, is a full-time college student and a volunteer firefighter. bigger version Sgt. Nathan MacLane didn't know the people who sent...

1st Cavalry Division soldiers leave no comrade behind August 18, 2004 By Spc. Jan Critchfield, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment FORWARD OPERATING BASE HEADHUNTER, Baghdad – Anti-Iraqi forces have continued to engage Iraqi National Guardsmen as they work to maintain security on the streets of Baghdad. 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers are finding themselves in a supporting role in many of these firefights, and on one such occasion, the Soldiers lived up to the creed to never leave behind a fallen comrade. During an August 15 “thunder run,” or mounted patrol Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry were...

  ~*~       Links - August 21,  2004 TF DANGER SOLDIERS CONFISCATE LARGE WEAPONS CACHE (+) CENTCOM  | August 21, 2004Bletchley Park's USA Day celebrates American culture (MILTON KEYNES, England) Stars and Stripes | August 21, 2004Army honors Time Magazine reporter (Michael Weisskopf) Army News Service  | August 19, 2004 | Sgt. Lorie Jewell'Freedom Calls' Helps Deployed Troops Connect With FamilyDoD-AFPS  | August 20, 2004 | Samantha L. QuigleyAir Force Link ~ This Week in PhotosAir Force Link | August 20, 2004Civil affairs teams help build relations with AfghansUS Army Special Operations Command News Service | August 19, 2004 |...

Saturday, August 21, 2004 Bletchley Park's USA Day celebrates American culture Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Thursday, August 19, 2004 MILTON KEYNES, England — Several events are planned to celebrate USA Day at Bletchley Park, the home of World War II codebreakers who cracked the complex German Enigma code.The American Garden Trail at the park will be opened as part of the events that start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.In addition, baseball and American football — complete with cheerleading — will be played. And American food such as hotdogs and Cajun chicken will be available, along with buttermilk pancakes and popcorn.The trail...

 Required reading Voters should know the contents of The 9/11 Commission Report | by Joel Belz 9/11 Commission: The final report With Election Day just three months away, some folks are campaigning for stiffer standards at the polls. I couldn’t agree more. When my wife and I voted in the North Carolina primary a few days ago, no identification of any kind was asked for. We could have been Islamic terrorists appropriating the names Joel and Carol Belz. If it’s OK in America to ask for a photo ID to drive a car, why not to vote?But for Election Day...

DoD Helps Local, State, Federal Agencies in Disaster-Response Exercise By Petty Officer 1st Class Beverly K. Allen, USNSpecial to American Forces Press Service PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Aug. 12, 2004 -- It was a nightmare worst-case scenario. But that's what U.S. Northern Command officials had intended for "Determined Promise '04." The exercise, which ran from Aug. 5-10, was designed to test NORTHCOM's ability to respond to multiple, simultaneous homeland-defense and federal-relief efforts. Firefighters, police and military personnel from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas participated in the NORAD/NORTHCOM-sponsored exercises Determined Promise '04 and Amalgam Virgo '04. Photo by...

NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 August 12, 2004Release Number: 04-08-38 IRAQI ARMED FORCES TO BEGIN MEDICAL LOGISTICS TRAINING BAGHDAD - Ten medical officers from the Iraqi army will commence training at the Iraqi Armed Forces Medical Logistics Course at Marka Military Air Base, Jordan, Aug. 23, as the inaugural class to negotiate Iraqi's newly formed medical specialty school. The course, designed with Multi-National Force and Jordanian assistance, is the first of its kind in Iraq's long military history. Military medical logistics, commonly referred to as...

USO Distributes 300,000th Care Package, Expands Support American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2004 – United Service Organizations has distributed more than 300,000 Operation USO Care Packages to troops since the program began in September 2002, USO officials announced Aug. 6. Initiated by the USO of Metropolitan Washington, Operation USO Care Package is a way for the American people to show their support for servicemembers, officials said, and is endorsed by the Defense Department. The packages include items specifically requested by military personnel serving in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras,...

Insight for Living   -  The Bible Teaching Ministry of Charles R. Swindoll   Chuck Swindoll   A Reformation in Our PatriotismMonday, August 09, 2004   Listen to today's radio broadcast online Psalm 46 1 Peter 5:6-8   ~*~   Radio broadcast, intro:(Excerpt, Chuck Swindoll:)"...I believe we take a stand as a country.I believe we have a future to preserve.I salute every member of the armed service....not because I'm a Marine, but because I was raised right.Because my father would have gone in a heartbeat if they would have allowed him to go.... Because they didn't, he worked seven days a week,...

LAST WEEK I wrote a column entitled "God Bless America." I said that I was not a fan of many of that country's policies, but that I thought it unfairly treated. Whatever its faults, the United States is still a great and noble nation. Thousands of e-mails later, I'm still amazed. It wasn't so much the vast number of responses, from all over the world, as the depth of feeling. There were only half a dozen negative letters, all from somewhat deranged individuals. The rest were so heartfelt, so sincere, so American. Yes, so American. That wonderful blend of openness,...

Iraq Veterans, Other Troops Take Citizenship Oath By Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USAAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2004 – Four servicemembers were among 34 immigrants who became U.S. citizens in Arlington, Va., Aug. 3. For these patriots, the part of the Oath of Citizenship to the United States that states, "I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic," held special significance. Jamaica native Marine Cpl. Everton Bryon, 22, Headquarters Company Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, D.C., and Dominican Republic native Army Spc....

Tuesday, August 3, 2004 Iraqi-Americans help 2nd ID troops prepare for Iraq’s culture By Seth Robson, Stars and StripesPacific edition, Tuesday, August 3, 2004 Seth Robson / S&S Iraqi role players, who met 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. John R. Wood at Camp Casey last week, said they now have a better grasp of soldiers' lives. Seth Robson / S&S Iraqi role players interact with Lt. Col. Joseph Southcott, commander of 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment at Camp Hovey during training. Seth Robson / S&S Iraqi role players, who met 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. John R. Wood at Camp...

Providing Aid in Afghanistan U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven Akana, a medic with 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, reads a paper an Afghan man gave him with prescription medicine he needs during a Medical Civilian Assistance Program in Somulzay, Afghanistan, July 26, 2004. The unit's forward treatment team is in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Sgt Andre' Reynolds lllllllllllll U.S. Army Spc. Xavier J. Kantor, a trauma specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, sorts through medicine to be used by the forward treatment team...

Hometown Heroes Stuttgart (Ark.) soldiers profiledBy Staff Sgt. Rebekah-mae Bruns39th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs CAMP COOKE, Taji, Iraq -- The town of Stuttgart, Ark., sometimes referred to as “Sugar Town,” has 27 of its community members currently serving in Iraq with the 39th Brigade Combat Team’s 39th Support Battalion. Here are a few of the town’s Soldiers and their experiences as they continue to serve just north of Baghdad in Taji. Iraq:Spc. Chris Slaughter Spc. Chris Slaughter, a signal support specialist, keeps people talking. He ensures the lines of communication are open by keeping the phones and radios working....

Christmas comes early for 1-8 Cav, ING [Enlarge Image] Sgt. Thomas Rollins watches a fellow Soldier from Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, dig up a spot where a mine detector recorded a "hit" July 20. The digging turned up a piece of scrap metal. July 31, 2004 Story & Photos by Cpl. Bill Putnam, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment BAGHDAD, Iraq – Christmas came early during the first joint cordon-and-search of “Cambodia” that netted five large caches of weapons and improvised explosive devices (IED) and four suspected anti-Iraqi forces July 20. Units from the 1st Cavalry Division’s...

On Patrol in Afghanistan Virginia Army National Guard soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, conduct patrols throughout the city of Ghazni, Afghanistan, July 26, 2004. The soldiers and Marines are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Vernell Hall llllllllllllll A Virginia Army National Guard soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, and a Marine assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, conduct patrols throughout the city of Ghazni, Afghanistan, July 26, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Vernell Hall llllllllllllll Virginia Army...

Iraqi children swing around in one of the new toys at the Al Buwaib Qu’rter playground in Al Sadiya. The grand opening for the park included a ribbon cutting and soccer ball giveaway July 26 in the Battery B, 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team, area of operations. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Al Barrus Soldiers Work to Improve Iraqi Neighborhood By U.S. Army Pfc. Al Barrus / 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   AL SADIYA, Baghdad, Iraq, July 29, 2004 - There were plenty of smiles around Al Sadiya on July 26, when a...

Navy Recruiting Sets New Record Story Number: NNS040730-20Release Date: 7/30/2004 10:08:00 PMBy Journalist 2nd Class Chris Conklin, Navy Recruiting Command Public AffairsMILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Officials and recruiters of Navy Recruiting Command are celebrating the thirty-sixth consecutive month of making active-duty enlisted accession and new contract objective goals July 31, continuing to raise the bar for the sea service’s future recruiting success. Due to the unprecedented accomplishments of the recruiting force, the Navy has been able to concentrate on bringing in better quality recruits and more directly reflect the vision of the Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Gerald...

11th MEU (SOC) 'rides' with Army in IraqSubmitted by: 11th MEUStory Identification #: 200473055131Story by Gunnery Sgt. Chago Zapata FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq  (July 30, 2004) -- The country of Iraq is presently in a state of transformation to a democratic sovereignty as elections loom six months in the future. Now, another change has come into their lives, specifically for the people in the province of Al Qadisiyah and in the city of Diwaniyah in particular. The Marines have landed -- again. Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are currently conducting a...

Fresh Iraqi guardsmen perform first patrolStory by Sgt. John Queen3rd Brigade Combat Team,1st Cavalry Division Baghdad, Iraq — Just over six weeks after joining the newly constituted Iraqi National Guard, a squad of fresh recruits from the 302nd ING Battalion took to the streets of Baghdad for its first patrol and its first chance to make a lasting impression.“These guys are fresh out of training,” said 1st Lt. Tim Stith, the officer in charge of the ING’s American cadre at Warrior Forward Operating Base. Stith is a member of 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, which is attached to 1st...

South Korean Troops, Afghan Students Build Volleyball Courts By U.S. Army Pfc. Cheryl Ransford 17th Public Affairs Detachment BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 30, 2004 — Although facilities were in place to encourage academic growth at Bagram Air Base Boys High School, there was no place available to encourage physical well-being. Looking for a way students would be able to exercise as part of their daily school activities, Principal Dad Kwawda Jahish, Bagram Air Base Boys High School, approached the Republic of Korea Army’s 100th Engineer Group. “I wanted a way for the children to exercise and knew that...

Shortly after the mass murder of September 11, 2001, I wrote a column about the United States. I said then that I'd never been a particular fan of many of the foreign and domestic policies of the U.S., and I have no reason to change my mind now. But I have now written an updated version of that column because, frankly, I am sick of the smugness, the hypocrisy and the sheer hatred evinced by so many people towards the United States. I've had enough of certain risible Canadians inflating themselves by claiming superiority over their southern neighbours. I'm tired...

Marines, soldiers destroy mountains of munitions, making many safer in Iraq Submitted by:   1st Force Service Support Group Story by:    Lance Cpl. Samuel Bard Valliere Story Identification #:   200472811320 CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (July 28, 2004) -- While most other missions to make Iraq a safer place have fallen into the lap of the country’s new interim government, one mission vital to returning stability to the country will remain a U.S. military mission for some time. Military and civilian explosive experts, with the assistance of some Iraqi soldiers and workers, are destroying many of Saddam Hussein’s munitions stockpiles scattered throughout...

  Army Band scores hit CD, sales to build museum By Courtney Hickson WASHINGTON (Army News Service July 27, 2004) -- The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) has a chart-topping CD; "Hero for Today" has reached number nine on the Billboard Top Classical Albums. For the week of July 8 the CD by the Army Band and Chorus was ranked number nine, but this is not the first time this CD has been on the charts. When it debuted Hero for Today came onto the charts at number 15 the week of June 26. There have been 7,500 CDs...

      Medics Provide First Response at Bagram Gate By Pfc. Cheryl Ransford, USASpecial to American Forces Press Service BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 29, 2004 –– Patients come to Bagram Air Base from as far away as Pakistan and Uzbekistan, knowing they will receive the best medical care available. A triage and treatment station is set up at the base's front gate to determine the severity of each situation. Army Spcs. Chris Grant (left), a medic with 2nd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and Kelly Gonzales, a medic with the 551st MP Company, place clean bandages on...

Col. John Wagner discusses life in Iraq with Norfolk High School students. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jason M. Webb) High school students welcome home colonelAir Force Space Command News ServiceBy Candrea ThomasSpace and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs   LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE -- It wasn’t a tickertape parade, but it was close. The students at Norwalk High School threw a welcome home luncheon for Col. John Wagner, Defense Meteorological Satellite System Program Office director, complete with marching band. Colonel Wagner recently returned from Iraq where he believes the American troops were giving the Iraqi people the...