Free Republic

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Nov. 24, 2006 – As winter tightens its grip on Afghanistan -- higher elevations already are snow-covered -- U.S. forces are striving to fortify their Afghan National Army counterpart units and instill professional discipline to keep the Afghan soldiers on duty year-round. “Traditionally, they all go home in winter,” Army Sgt. Maj. Bryan Gran, operations sergeant major for Task Force Iron Graze here, said in a Thanksgiving Day interview. “We’ve got to try to get them away from that. And the way to do that is we’ve got to provide them with suitable living...

FERRIS, Iraq, Nov. 20, 2006 — What a difference one determined Iraqi can make. The Police Transition Team (PTT) under Regimental Combat Team 5 introduced Ferris to their newest commander, and immediately the new leader began whipping the station into shape. “He’s a fresh face for the station,” said Army 2nd Lt. Jill M. Glasenapp, PTT platoon leader, from Mauston, Wis. “He’s prepared to be the rock that holds this station up.” "The new lieutenant is definitely taking over smoothly and quickly. You can see the Iraqi police are listening to him and following his orders. He’s really putting them...

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany, May 3, 2006 – Family tradition may be what inspired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tom Landenberg to join the military, but 20 years later, he said it's pride that keeps him serving. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tom Landenberg said pride inspired him to join the Air Force and keeps him serving as he helps prepare young airmen for combat duty. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Larry Chambers, USCG  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The Pine Mount, Ga., native followed in the footsteps of his father, a 22-year veteran of the Army and Coast...

ARLINGTON, Va., March 21, 2006 – Annual observances provide a chance to reflect on history that defines "how women were treated and how they struggled, organized and contributed significantly to the positive change in this country," a history-making woman general said here today. Army Brig. Gen. Belinda Pinckney, principal deputy director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, tells the audience at the Defense Department's observance of Women's History Month that the annual event isn't about idealizing women. "It's about expanding the vision of what women can do," she said. Photo by Rudi Williams  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image...

When we look at the constant assault on all that made America great -- a common language, personal liberty, the right to assemble with whom we wish, conventional marriage, the Boy Scouts, religion, etc. -- we need only look inward to those working among us. We can call them Democrats, liberals, the left, or progressives. The label is not important. By their acts, we know them as socialists and they have a plan to disassemble society as we know it. We have written about the infamous House Progressive Caucus[1] many times before. The Progressive Caucus is the Congressional arm of...