Military News: 26 August 2007 - 01 September 2007

Click here to be taken to the MyMilitaryYears home page.

Click here to be taken to the Military News page.

26 August 2007  --  News releases compiled by the AFPS from Multinational Corps Iraq and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula illustrated the extent to which Iraqi citizens have become targets for insurgent violence.  A coalition patrol base near Khan Ban Sa'ad, Iraq, received seven Iraqi citizens yesterday.  The citizens showed obvious signs of torture and told base officials that they had escaped from a makeshift prison, in which they had been held by enemy forces.  The citizens led coalition forces to the prison, where eight bodies, also showing signs of torture, were found.  The escapees were treated in an Iraqi clinic.  Just earlier that day, three men identified as hostile enemy forces were fired upon and killed by coalition forces.  The remains of the three men were identified by the escapees as their captors.

27 August 2007  --  Political progress in Iraq has taken another step forward.  During a visit to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM, President Bush applauded a recent agreement made by top Iraqi leaders that will finally allow former Baath Party officials to serve in the Iraqi government.  Another of the benchmarks set by U.S. legislators, this amendment of the "de-Baathification" law is largely seen as a positive move toward a power-sharing agreement between Iraq's political leaders.  While this action still requires the approval of the Iraqi parliament, President Bush called it "an important step, but said he reminded Iraqi leaders in phone calls that much more needs to be done."  He also vowed that "the United States will continue to help the Iraqi people succeed," as the success of their "nascent democracy" will spell disaster for those forces continuing to target the U.S.  Wish to comment on this article?  Post your comments in the MyMilitaryYears Forum.  Click here to be taken to our Forum Page.

28 August 2007  --  In an online article posted to the Department of Defense website today, John Kruzel of the AFPS highlighted the Army Long Term Family Case Management program.  According to the program chief, Army Lt. Col. Nora Linderman, this program, established 18 months ago, "provides long-term support to families of fallen soldiers by helping them through the painful and sometimes arduous steps toward receiving benefits and various other types of support."  The idea behind the program is to establish an "open dialogue" with family members after losing a loved one, and to keep that dialogue open for as long as the family needs it.  The program's website, http://www.altfcm.army.mil, also allows users to have access to information on current legislation dealing with benefit programs geared toward deceased soldiers' families. 

29 August 2007  --  In an article compiled of various news items from Combined Joint Task Force 82, the AFPS reported today on various successful missions in Afghanistan.  A combat patrol moving through the northern region of the Kandahar province was attacked by insurgent forces.  During the ensuing battle, insurgents received reinforcements.  The Afghan-led security force, advised by coalition forces and supported by coalition aircraft, gained the upper hand and defeated the extremist forces, once again demonstrating the advances that have been made in their ability to patrol and defend their country against insurgent forces.  Also mentioned were the capture of several suspected militants (some thought to be Taliban affiliates), in the Ghazni district and the Nangarhar province.  Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, spokeswoman for Combined Joint Task Force 82, stated that "Pockets of militants continue to attempt to disrupt the efforts toward prosperity in Afghanistan...Their negative influence will not be tolerated in a country that has chosen development and progress."

30 August 2007  --  At the Pentagon today, Preston "Pete" Geren was officially sworn in as the newest Secretary of the Army.  At a ceremony hosted by Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Casey said the following about Geren's upcoming mission: "Our [Army] force is stretched and out of balance...The tempo of our deployments are not sustainable, our equipment usage is five times the normal rate and continuously operating in harsh environments."  Casey also pointed out that the Army's health care, education and family support systems have been slow to catch up to the new demands made on our military forces since the attacks of  9/11.    Of his own commitment to Army servicemembers and military families, Geren said: "We need to provide the support they have earned and deserve in an era of persistent conflict...The Army's more than one million soldiers are a national treasure the nation is taxing at unprecedented levels...In order to sustain our force, we will do more for our Army families in these challenging times.  Family support systems, health care, child care, housing (and) education designed for the pre-9/11 Army must be adapted to sustain an Army at war."  Geren also noted the coming launch of the Army Family Action Plan, set for this fall.

31 August 2007  --    Carol J. Williams, writer for the L.A. Times, commented today on the recent stand-down proclaimed by radical Shiite cleric, Muqtada Sadr.  Sadr called for a six-month stop to his militia's activities in and around Baghdad, the purpose of which, he says, will be to rid his Mahdi Army of "rogue elements."  Aides to Sadr have since stipulated that this stand-down can be recanted at any time should the need arise and will last no longer than six months. 

01 September 2007  --  The American Legion honored enlisted members from the five armed service divisions for their volunteerism in local communities.  Army Sgt. Korey W. Chandler, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gaurav R. Patel, Marine Corps. Sgt. Matthew W. Stone, Air Force Airman 1st Class Robb K. Hulet and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class David B. Edelson, were presented the distinguished Spirit of Service award on August 28, 2007, at the American Legion's 89th National Convention celebration.  Paul A. Morin, the National Commander, and Gen. Charles C. Campbell, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, presented the awards.  "As an organization of wartime veterans," Morin said, "we truly understand and cherish the concept of service to community, state and nation...Today, Legionnaires honor these outstanding Americans who reflect the great spirit of service to others that the founders of our organization considered essential."  The recipients of the Service award were selected based on: (1) their current status as military professionals; and (2) their active involvement in community volunteer projects during off-duty hours.