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  "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, God with us. ... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." — George Frideric Handel, "Messiah" WASHINGTON — This magnificent musical work penned by Handel in 1741 is heard all around the world in this season. His powerful lyrics are drawn directly from the Bible and remind us all to be thankful for the birth, sacrifice and resurrection of the Lamb of God.In our family Christmas tradition, Handel's oratorio is performed at our Christmas Eve...

EAST ALTON - A pair of Russian wolfhounds that attacked and killed at least four animals last year struck again Thursday, injuring two dogs and an owner. The wolfhounds, which also are known as borzoi, escaped from their back yard in the 300 block of Washington Avenue about 10:30 a.m., attacked a man walking his dog and mauled a dog in its home. Sgt. Brent Wells with the East Alton Police Department said a 911 call was received from a woman at 10:33 a.m., stating her son was being attacked by two large white dogs. Kevin Bartles, 46, suffered 13...

HAWIJAH, Iraq, May 7, 2007 — The local government approves a building project and provides the land. Local businesses supply the materials. Residents perform the work, and the community reaps the short-term and long-term economic benefits. Several months ago, that was a vision for economic success in this predominantly Sunni Arab town. Now, with the assistance of coalition forces, that vision of the future is becoming reality in Hawijah, Iraq. On April 24, coalition force representatives of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conducted the final pre-construction meeting for the Hawijah Industrial Park Security Wall --...

Lt. Col. Drew Meyerowich, battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, listens to community concerns from civil and law enforcement leaders of communities surrounding Forward Operating Base McHenry, located just outside of Hawija, Iraq, Jan. 29. Courtesy photo Wolfhounds Build Relationships to Achieve Success U.S. soldiers and Iraqi citizens share the common goal of peace. By Spc. Mike Alberts 3rd Brigade Public Affairs HAWIJA, Iraq, Feb. 15, 2007 -- When they arrived six months ago they knew coalition success in their area of operation would hinge on integrating Iraq’s tribal culture. For...

Maj. Khan (left), Afghan National Army’s 2nd Kandak executive officer, Col. Gary H. Cheek (second from left), Combined Task Force Thunder commander, and Mayor Hajji Soorkai patrol the streets of Josufkhel with soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Juanita Chang   Coalition Troops Build Rapport in Paktika Province By U.S. Army Capt. Juanita Chang / Combined Task Force Thunder   PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2004 — The “Wolfhounds” of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment have been conducting patrols in Paktika Province, eastern Afghanistan, since they arrived in here five months ago. Due...

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood...