The tragedy on January 12, 2010 was far away, but it’s the biggest tragedy on this hemisphere in a long, long time. As usually happens when world disaster strikes, the United States (and some other nations) sprung into action, making sure the people of Haiti (though they may be poor) have what they need to survive. Survivors were pulled out of the rubble for many days after.

After a week of missions into and out of Haiti, aircrews from the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing and the Air Force Reserve’s 914th Airlift Wing returned Thursday, January 21, as new crews rotated in to take their place.

“It was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Capt. Justin Pautler, a 107th C-130 pilot. “Whenever you can utilize your training for the benefit of others, it’s a good thing.”

In the short time that the crews spent there, a noticeable change had become apparent. “The first night we got there it was total chaos,” said Pautler. “But as the week rolled on, a sense of control had been established,” he added.

“We delivered medical and relief supplies down and returned with evacuees,” said Capt. Richard Konopczynsky, a 914th C-130 pilot.

“We brought them back to the United States for medical care,” he added. “Seeing the despair in the faces of the victims, it’s hard not to think of your own family. They were devastated, but were very thankful for what we were doing.”

According to Konopczynsky, he flew twenty plus hour and flew six sorties. He ended up transporting thousands of tons of supplies into Haiti and airlifted more than 100 Haitians to Homestead Air Reserve Station for medical treatment.

And those are just a couple of the names of the many brave men and women who have given their support to help the people of Haiti during their time of need. It’s times like these that my military makes me proud.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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22nd MEU Corpsmen Offer Medical Assistance to Haitians

Navy Lt. Matt Swartz (left), surgeon for Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Chief Petty Officer Kenny Mathiesen (center), leading chief petty officer for the BLT’s aid station, talk with Bob Devoe, president of Lifeline Christian Mission group, during a medical site survey on the outskirts of Leogane, Haiti, Jan. 23. The corpsmen of the BLT visited the site in order to see what kind of aid they can offer the group in order to treat the sick and injured local Haitians. Photo by Cpl. Alan Addison

HMH 461 Carrries Supplies to Haiti

A local Haitian man waves an American flag while Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a food and water resupply mission in a small village near Leogane, Haiti, Jan 22. Marines from the 22nd MEU have been operating in the area since Jan. 19, bringing in food and water to the area. The 22nd MEU is embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Mission near the island of Haiti to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the wake of a devastating earthquake that rocked the country, Jan. 12. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission capable force comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its command element. Photo by Cpl. Alan Addison

USS Bataan Located Off the Coast of Haiti

A house in Leogane, Haiti lies in ruin, Jan. 21 after a major earthquake struck the island Jan. 12. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed in support of relief operations in Haiti. Photo by Cpl. Theodore Ritchie

22nd MEU and USS Bataan Resupply

A Navy MH-60S Night Hawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 lifts pallets of Meals-Ready-To Eat from the USNS Sacagawea, Jan. 23, 2010. Of the 534 pallets of supplies brought onboard, 434 will be used as aid to the people of Haiti. Approximately 2,000 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked from Camp Lejeune, N.C., to help support Operation Unified Response, Jan. 15, 2010. Photo by Staff Sgt. Wayne Campbell

The Holidays are over for the most part, but most of us who spent it with our families may not have given much thought to the men and women who are still serving over in Iraq. While they work very hard over there – just look at all they’ve accomplished – they do take time out every now and then to relieve some stress. Soldiers from the 716th Quartermaster Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), of out Jersey City, N.J., have found time to relieve some stress, and play some football. The team, called the “Dark Knights” gather at Killeen Field on Joint Base Balad to compete weekly in a game of flag football.

“Having a company flag football team is good for morale,” Staff Sgt. Robert Rivera said. “I would like to thank our fans for all of their support so far this season.”

“It’s a great thing to come out here and cheer on our team. I’m very proud of my Soldiers,” said 1st Sgt. Nilsa Davila-Aranda, the 716th’s senior non-commissioned officer.

Meanwhile, the 1483rd Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), held a truck rodeo on December 29, 2009 in the company’s motor pool on Camp Taji, Iraq.

The 541st CSSB chaplain Capt. Nathan White, a native of Wichita, Kansas, made an appearance at the truck rodeo, and with Soldiers from the unit encouraging him, he decided to test his driving skills at the straight line backing station. Even though he had never driven a HET before, the chaplain earned a time better than some of the competing Soldiers.

“The truck rodeo was a good test of all of our skills,” said Spc. Brian Ginett, a motor transport operator with the 1483rd Trans. Company and an Antigo, Wisconsin, native.

As you can see, our soldiers are fighting for freedom, but they also know how to take some much needed (and deserved) down time.

Sgt. Stryker Out.

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It’s Not Always Work, Work, Work

Dark Knight’s Spc. James Blamah-Sah, with the 716th Quartermaster Company (center), runs past an Air Force “49ers” defenseman during a game against the Air Force’s “49ers” Jan. 10 at Joint Base Balad.

Dark Knight’s Quarterback Spc. Todd Boban, with the 716th Quartermaster Company, runs the football up the sideline during a game against the Air Force’s “49ers” Jan. 10 at Joint Base Balad.

Rodeo Brings Excitement to Soldiers

A Soldier from the 1483rd Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), knocks over cones while attempting to do straight line backing with a heavy equipment transporter Dec. 29, 2009 on Camp Taji, Iraq, as Sgt. Josephine Beal, an operator with the 1483rd Trans. Company and Ohio native, sets the cones back up and grades the driver.

Spc. Brian Ginett, an Antigo, Wis., native, and Spc. Josh Crisenbery, a Cridersville, Ohio, native, both motor transport operators with the 1483rd Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), perform preventive maintenance checks and services while competing in a truck rodeo Dec. 29, 2009 on Camp Taji, Iraq.

January has seen explosives still being a problem in Afghanistan. On January 23, ISAF forces operating in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province discovered a large cache of homemade explosives. The estimated 310 kg cache included 36 five liter jugs of explosives and 9 kg of fragmentation.

They destroyed the cache at the site, but there’s more out there. On the same day, in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, forces discovered another cache of munitions. This one consisted of 38 RPG rounds, eight recoilless rifles and 2,200 rounds of 7.62 mm small arms ammunition.

These may not seem like large weapon caches, but each one we find – every weapon we take out of the enemies hands – the easier it’s going to be going about rebuilding Afghanistan so that they can stand on their own. The Taliban may be talking about public relations changes they want to make, but the casualties tell the story. It’s weapons like the ones found all over Afghanistan in caches like this that are a problem. On their own they don’t seem like much perhaps, but when you put them together, it really starts to add up.

Just a day later, on January 24, 2010, two ISAF service members from the United States were killed in an IED strike in southern Afghanistan.This is why it’s so important to continue to find these small weapons caches and take the battle to the enemy – wherever they might be. Pakistan, Iran or any other nation shouldn’t be a hiding place for these people. The enemy is out there, and slowly but surely we’re taking away their ability to do battle. It’s been a long war so far, but if we continue the way we’re going, victory is certain.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Combined Action in the Khost-Gardez Pass

(Left to right) Afghan national army Maj. Shapoor Sharafat, engineer officer, 6-1 Kandak, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jonathan Patten, executive officer, 1-40th Cavvalry, 4-25 Infantry Division, ANA Capt. Ghulam Rabani, intelligence officer, and a local interpreter, plan missions inside of the Combined Tactical Operations Center, Combat Outpost Wilderness, Afghanistan, Dec. 26. COP Wilderness is located in the Khost-Gardez pass, which is the most direct route through the mountains from the city of Gardez to Khost and is a key area of combined action efforts between the U.S. and Afghan Army. Staff Sgt. Stephen Otero

Bastogne Warriors Battle Through Scenarios

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Easton of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division briefs his platoon on the Joint Readiness Training Center mission Jan. 15 at Fort Polk, La. Bastogne Warriors received a Situation Train Exercise to hone in on their skills in preparation for their rotation to Afghanistan. Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.

Operation Enduring Freedom

U.S. Army Pvt. Pygong G. Lim with Bear Troop, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment takes a position along the wall of an Afghan border police checkpoint in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, Jan. 9. The mission of the Afghan border police is to secure the borders of Afghanistan from infiltration and illegal entry of persons and the smuggling of contraband. (Photo by: Tech Sgt. Francisco V. Govea II)

Soldiers Teach Tractor Inspection

U.S. Army Lt. Col. William T. Ewing and U.S. Army Maj. Jim E. Rush, both with the Kentucky Agri-business Development Team, Task Force Cyclone, teach a student at Al Biruni University how to plow a field using a tractor in Kapisa province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21. The Kentucky ADT mission is to promote agribusiness in Parwan, Pansjhir, Bayman and Kapisa provinces in Afghanistan through providing resources and education. Spc. Charles Thompson

In response to insurgent tactics to place IEDs, the mission of 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion recently was to convoy to three designated positions, and build observation posts along the route known as Cowboys. These are just a few more of many OPs that have been built along the notorious route, developing a chain of security leading south along the road. Each post has sight to the next post, and with each new OP comes increased road security.

“Our goal is to get eyes in the structure and to fight and have clear path for us and the people of Afghanistan,” said Staff Sgt. Juan A. Perez, a combat engineer for 2nd CEB. “The people see that were fixing roads and adding protection. It’s good in soo many ways and aspects, and the Marines will have a place if they get engaged.”

Marines worked from early morning to late into the night on a rocky dirt path surrounded by brush, mud houses, and a murky green canal. Shoveling mounds of dirt, placing concertina wire and sawing lumber were just a few of the tasks Marines had to do to build the posts, and although at times fatigue was apparent, the Marines didn’t complain.

“It’s tough but sometimes you just got to push through and get the job done. What gets me through it is seeing everyone come together through that hard work, and getting the mission done,” said Lance Cpl. Sherwin O. Charles, a motor transport operator for 2nd CEB.

Each of the outposts took several hours to create. But after three days of work, three new OPs were completed – manned by infantry Marines. With their work done, 2nd CEB convoyed back to their base on an IED-free route. This is what I like to hear. What about you?

Sgt Stryker – Over and Out.

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Marines Build OPs to Provide Security

Sgt. Jorge A. Lopez, motor transport maintenance for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, works with a fellow Marine to build a rooftop for an observation post along route Cowboys, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 7. During 2nd CEB’s mission on route Cowboys, three OPs were constructed along the road.

A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion uses a sledge hammer to knock a wooden beam into the ground, for the construction of an observation post on route Cowboys, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 6. During their mission on route Cowboys, 2nd CEB constructed three observation posts along the road.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion flatten the dirt of a protective wall on a newly constructed observation post on route Cowboys, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 6. During their mission on route Cowboys, 2nd CEB constructed three observation posts along the road.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion work into the night constructing an observation post along route Cowboys, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 7. 2nd CEB’s mission included the construction of three observation posts on route Cowboys.

If you know anything about the history of Afghanistan, you know that drugs have played a negative role in the country for many years – hundreds of years. That said, the natives of Afghanistan sometimes are just trying to make a living by raising Poppy plants. Raising drugs is a serious problem, though, as it helps funds Al Queda and other terrorist organizations. And when the bad guys are funded, it puts our brave men and women in harm’s way. And that’s not a good thing.

Luckily, things are progressing in the war against drugs in Afghanistan. On January 7, 2010, Afghan National Police working with ISAF air and ground elements seized more than 800 pounds of opium in Helmand province. Four individuals were arrested in the operation. This just goes to show how many drugs are going through this country and ending up in other areas of the world.

Separately (but very closely linked to drugs in the area), an ISAF patrol operating near Nawah-Ye-Barakzai also in Helmand, discovered a weapons cache including two 155-mm artillery rounds, 15 RPG warheads and other IED making materials. This happened on Saturday afternoon, January 9, 2010. The munitions were safely destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team from the area.

As you can see, drugs and weapons are both serious problems in Afghanistan, but they are two problems that the US military and the ISAF is trying to combat. The good news is that they’re being successful, but the bad news is that there’s still a long way to go. By slowly chipping away at the drugs (and money) in Afghanistan, the enemy will have less and less resources to put toward harming US and Afghan citizens who are trying to do the right thing and help the country into the 21st century.

This is Sgt Stryker thanking all the troops in Afghanistan and signing out.

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Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs

An adolescent boy listens in as members of the Ghazni Civil Affairs Team speak with village elders in Qaryeh Ye-Bahktiar, Afghanistan on Jan. 6. Members of Ghazni PRT met with villagers directly following an operation conducted by Afghan National Army soldiers in the village. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Corey

Afghan Government Leaders Join Nawa, Marjeh Citizens in Historic First Meeting

Haji Zahir, district governor of Marjeh, stands as he speaks to the group of men who came together from Nawa’s Shorshorak area and the city of Marjeh for a historic first official meeting of people and government near Forward Operating Base Fiddler’s Green Jan. 8. Leaders from Nawa and Marjeh also listened to the needs of their people and outlined their plans for success in the region. After the discussion they showcased construction projects to the group which were completed by local Afghan contractors. Photo by Sgt. Brian Tuthill

Combined Action in the Khost-Gardez Pass

(Left to right) Afghan national army Maj. Shapoor Sharafat, engineer officer, 6-1 Kandak, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jonathan Patten, executive officer, 1-40th Cavvalry, 4-25 Infantry Division, ANA Capt. Ghulam Rabani, intelligence officer, and a local interpreter, plan missions inside of the Combined Tactical Operations Center, Combat Outpost Wilderness, Afghanistan, Dec. 26. COP Wilderness is located in the Khost-Gardez pass, which is the most direct route through the mountains from the city of Gardez to Khost and is a key area of combined action efforts between the U.S. and Afghan Army. Photo by Staff Sgt. Stephen Otero

Operation Enduring Freedom

A Chinook helicopter fires warning flares before dropping supplies at Combat Outpost Sarkari Bagh, Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, Jan. 9. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

WWE Tribute to the Troops took place in December of 2009, as a way to support the troops. It aired on December 19th, 2009 on NBC, although it was filmed in Iraq on December 4, 2009.

“It’s awesome; it’s really our Super Bowl,” said Vince McMahon, chairman of the WWE. “Everyone thinks Wrestle Mania is [the big event], but it’s really not. This is our seventh year over and this is the biggest thing we do all year. We just thoroughly enjoy it. The handshake tour is one thing, but to be able to set up shop and actually broadcast television from here is something special.”

Sgt. Michael A. Carruth, battalion maintenance office clerk with Task Force 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment out of McComb, Mississippi, and a Summit, Mississippi native, said the divas were the highlight of the show, but he enjoyed the visit as a whole.

“As an avid fan of the WWE, it was fantastic,” Carruth said. “I found the superstars of wrestling, and especially Mr. McMahon, to be very humble and friendly. Some went out of their way to say thank you and pose for photos with the troops – very down to earth. I was only able to shake hands and say ‘thank you’ to Mr. McMahon before the show; he said ‘No, thank you for your service.’ It seemed that he was genuinely humble and meant it.”

McMahon said the WWE staff considers the trip to Iraq a privilege, especially because they spend time with troops when their families cannot. He said he wanted to show his support for the men and woman of the armed services.

“This is a small token of our appreciation on behalf of everybody at WWE, on behalf of everybody back home,” said McMahon. “There is no price tag on that; there is no price tag on freedom. We just came over to say thank you.”

Sgt. Stryker would like to take a moment to give a shout out to the WWE for all they’ve done to support the troops.

Sgt. Stryker … out.

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WWE Superstars, Divas Entertain Troops at JBB

World Wrestling Entertainment superstars John Morrison and the Miz perform for the troops Dec. 4 at Holt Stadium at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. WWE superstars and divas came to Iraq to film and perform the “WWE Tribute to the Troops,” which will air Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Photo by Sgt. Ryan Twist

WWE Superstars Visit Dragon Brigade Soldiers in Iraq

World Wrestling Entertainment superstar, John Cena, tests his skills at firing an M4 carbine assault rifle during a visit to Forward Operating Base Paliwoda, Iraq, Dec. 3. The visit was a part of a three-day WWE Tribute to the Troops tour. Photo by Spc. Shantelle Campbell

WWE Superstars Help Raise Air Cav Morale With Visit

World Wrestling Entertainment superstars Mike “The Miz” Mizanin (left) and JTG (center), sign autographs with Soldiers from the 615th Aviation Support Battalion,1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, here, Dec. 2, as part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored WWE visit. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

Pro Sports MVP Wrestlers Diva’s Visit Troops in Afghanistan

Christy Hemme, former wrestler for the World Wrestling Entertainment, signs an autograph for a Soldier. The WWE Divas of Wrestling signed autographs and took pictures for the troops of Bagram Air Field, March 24, at the Morale Welfare and Recreation Clamshell. Photo by Sgt. Opal Hood

Back in September of this year, Army Specialist Tommy Turner, a combat medic attached to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Detachment 3 convoy, had a run in with an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated, ripping through his Humvee. As the convoy drove through an underpass in Iraq, an explosively formed projectile filled with ball bearings hidden within a concrete pillar detonated, penetrating the back hatch of a Humvee.

Shrapnel hit one Airman in the shin and embedded in the back, face and upper abdomen of another.The convoy immediately assumed a defensive posture while fellow Airmen and Turner attended to the wounded. Within minutes of the explosion, a fellow Airman had applied a tourniquet to the injured Airman’s leg.

“Specialist Turner saw what happened, evaluated the situation, and reacted,” said Technical Sgt. David Harrelson, a 732nd ESFS Det. 3 squad leader, deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in a press release. Harrelson, from Laurel, Indiana, said Turner gave step by step instructions on how to care for the Airman with the leg injury, while he remained at the scene to help the driver. Without his explicit direction, it could have been a lot worse.

“The Army training is repetitious; the more you do it, the better you are going to be at it,” said Turner, combat medic deployed from the 248th Area Support Medical Company Georgia Army National Guard. “I always felt that I might freeze up, but once it actually happened, it was pretty much by the book.”

As you may or may not know, an Army combat medic attends 16 weeks of medical training that’s divided into two parts. The first six weeks prepares the Soldier to pass the emergency medical technician basic national registry test. The next 10 weeks they learn the EMT intermediate and paramedic skills used in a combat environment. These are brave men and women and we shouldn’t ever forget what they’re doing for our safety.

Sgt. Stryker Out.

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Joint Taskings a Way of Life in A.O.R.

Army Spc. Tommy Turner, a combat medic attached to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Detachment 3, prepares his equipment prior to a mission Dec. 12. Turner recently saved an Airman’s life after his vehicle was hit by an explosively formed projectile while out on a mission. Turner is deployed from the 248th Area Support Medical Company, Georgia Army National Guard, and hails from Rome, Ga.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tim Ryan (left), a security forces manager with the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Detachment 3, receives medical treatment from Army Spc. Tommy Turner, a combat medic attached to the 732nd ESFS Det. 3, Dec. 12. Turner recently saved an Airman’s life after his vehicle was hit by an explosively formed projectile while out on a mission. Ryan is deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and hails from Oakfield, Wis. Turner is deployed from the 248th Area Support Medical Company, Georgia Army National Guard, and hails from Rome, Ga.

IED Defeat

Soldiers with G platoon, 121st Brigade Support Battalion load a “wounded” Soldier into a medical evacuation vehicle after an Improvised Explosive Device hits their convoy during convoy lanes training on Contingency Operation Base Adder.

Improvised Explosive Device Training

An Iraqi soldier, assigned to the 10th Iraqi Army Division, adjusts the angle on a mortar tube on Camp Ur, Dhi Qar, Iraq, Dec. 21. Iraqi soldiers are taught about IED components, and actions to take when encountering an IED. Photo by Spc. Ernest Sivia III

Starting with the Pequot War in 1637, through the present day, the Army National Guard has defended freedom in every war or conflict our nation has fought, making them the oldest of the U.S. armed forces. Happy (belated) 373rd National Guard!

Wow, has it really been that long? “Always Ready, Always There.” From the crossing of the Delaware to the current conflict in Afghanistan and the current reconstruction in Iraq, the US National Guard has done their part for America since the beginning. I’m not going to tell you what I did to celebrate (no reason!), but over in Iraq, Task Force Marne Commander and more than 50 DoD civilians, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen—active duty and National Guardsmen—celebrated the 373rd National Guard’s Birthday with a cake cutting commemoration ceremony at the Task Force Headquarters, December 12,2009.

“We love our country, we love our state, and we love our communities,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bullard, 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Oklahoma National Guard. “I think it’s a great way to serve our country.”

He’s not the only one who had something to say, however.

“I’m really proud of the U.S. National Guardsmen—from all services—contribution to the defense of our Nation,” said Capt. Joshua Page, 145th MPAD. “I feel the National Guard demonstrates our country’s unity and dedication to the principles of freedom.”

Ever since the Revolutionary War, National Guardsmen have helped defend the nation. Today is no different. While the US military tries to help all over the world, the National Guard is there. Whether it’s to man a Howitzer to take out enemy locations, or hand out much needed supplies in Afghanistan or even Indonesia, the National Guard is there – Always Ready, Always There.

Why don’t you leave a comment and let the world know what you did on the National Guard’s 373rd birthday. I won’t be upset if you didn’t have that many candles on the cake.

Sgt Stryker out!

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National Guard’s 373rd Birthday

At al-Faw Palace, Dec. 13, members of the 101st Engineer Battalion, the oldest unit in the Army National Guard, along with service members from the National Guard Bureau, assist the youngest member of the 101st Eng. Bn., Pfc. Jeramie Burgos (right), of Worcester, Mass., in the cake cutting ceremony celebrating the Army National Guard’s 373rd birthday.Photo by Sgt. Tracy Knowles

Oldest Unit in U.S. Military Celebrates Guard Birthday

Soldiers cut the National Guard’s birthday cake at a celebration at the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Sunday, Dec. 13. From left to right, Lt. Col. Charles Cody, Braintree, Mass., commander, 101st Engineer Battalion; Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Chase, Derry, N.H., 101st Engineer Battalion Sergeant Major; Maj. Gen. Peter Aylward, deputy commanding general for Iraqi security forces, Arlington, Va.; Major General Richard C. Nash, commander, 34th Infantry “Red Bull” Division; Brig. Gen. Donald Currier, commander, 49th Military Police Brigade; Pfc. Jeramie Burgos, Worcester, Mass, 101st Engineer Battalion, the youngest member of the unit. The 101st Engineer Battalion was originally organized in 1636 as The East Regiment from existing militia companies of Saugus, Salem, Ipswich and Newbury. Photo by Master Sgt. Michael Daigle

101st Engineers Host National Guard Birthday Run

Carrying his company guidon with pride, Capt. Michael McDeviit, of Sutton, Mass., Headquarters Support Company, 101st Engineer Battalion, runs in the National Guard Birthday Road Race, on Victory Base Complex, Dec. 13. The birthday run, hosted by the 101st Eng. Bn., celebrates the 373rd birthday of both the Army National Guard and the 101st Eng. Bn,. Photo by Staff Sgt. April Mota

Hometown Heroes Salute

Oregon Staff Sgt Nicholas Menard and Staff Sgt Jon Hayes of the 142nd Fighter Wing, 142nd Civil Engineers Squardron pose for a photograph with Brigadier General Bruce W. Prunk, commander Oregon Air National Guard during the Hometown Heroes Salute held at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Dec. 13, 2009. Hometown Hero’s is an Air National Guard recognition program that honors Citizen-Airmen deployed more then 30 consecutive days for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. John Hughel

Afghanistan continues is the word of the day in my mind. Here’s a recent even from earlier in December. An Afghan-international security force detained a couple of militants in Khowst province, one who was a Haqqani facilitator responsible for the shipment and distribution of weapons to other militant elements in the area. (Nice, huh? No wonder our boys are having such a rough time – even though we are doing well.)

The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Badal Kalay in the Nader Shakhot district where intelligence sources indicated he was located. The man identified himself and surrendered without incident. No shots were fired and no one was injured. Very good news.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan, provincial leaders and ISAF representatives met with the Farah province governor December 10, 2009 at his compound inside Farah City to discuss the current state of affairs. Representatives of the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police and National Directorate of Security also attended the meeting and discussed numerous issues including joint operations.

“I am very proud of our ANA and ANP who are risking their lives trying to protect us and our country from the violent insurgents,” Governor Rahool Amin said according to a press release.

The council also talked about the recent border disputes and smuggling issues.

“We man our posts 24 hours a day and have constant communications,” said Farah district ANP Deputy Chief Abdul Lattif. “We hear the problems of the people and we are trying to fix them, unlike the enemy who only wants to create more problems and more bloodshed for our people.”

The difference between us and the enemy is a really simple one. We care about the safety of the Afghan people. And that’s why we’re going to be victorious in the long run. Watch and see.

“Everything we do is intended with the best interests of the people,” said ANA Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akram Sameh. “We are set on stopping the destructive activity of the enemy and we will continue to fight alongside our counterparts wherever we are needed.”

It’s good to hear stuff like that coming out of Afghanistan if you ask me. The fight isn’t over by any means, but we’re making headway just like we did in Iraq. And that’s going very well if you look closely – lots of bridges being built, and schools, and more.

======================

New Road in Downtown Asadabad

A Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar patrol conducts a final quality assurance and quality check in downtown Asadabad on a new 4-kilometer road through the provincial capital prior to a dedication ceremony, Dec. 13, 2009. The Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar engineers did the check to ensure the Kunar Construction Company did a good job building the road. The project took nearly one year and approximately $1 million to complete. The hope for the new road is it will continue to spur economic development and job growth in the city. More than 50 provincial leaders and tribal elders gathered at the ceremony site after the QA/QC check to do the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert

Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar provincial governor, speaks to the crowd following the dedication of a 4-kilometer road through Asadabad, the Kunar province capital, Dec. 13, 2009. The Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar engineers did a final quality assurance and quality check on the road prior to the ceremony to ensure the Kunar Construction Company did a good job building the road. The project took nearly one year and approximately $1 million to complete. The hope for the new road is it will continue to spur economic development and job growth in the city. More than 50 provincial leaders and tribal elders gathered at the ceremony site after the QA/QC check to do the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert

Commander NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan Attends Staff Course Graduations

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, commander NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, attends the graduation of the Strategic Command and Staff Course and the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Command and Staff College, Kabul, Dec. 12, 2009. Photo by Senior Airman Brian Ybarbo

Cricket Match Promotes Youth Sports, Peace in Kunar Province

The Dam Kalay Tigers receive their winner’s gifts and trophies after a rousing performance in an exhibition cricket match to promote peace and youth sports in Kunar province, Dec. 11. More than 400 adults and children gathered on a cool afternoon in downtown Asadabad, Afghanistan, to watch the Tigers defeat the Kerala Eagles. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Leonard Remias, Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, said the match was part of the ongoing effort to engage different segments of the population. Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert

A Marine tradition continues this year, and I’m asking you to take part. Toys for Tots began in 1947. Major Bill Hendricks (USCR) and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children in the area. The original idea was said to come from Bill’s wife, Diane. The original project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and that’s when it expanded it into a nationwide campaign.

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 400 million toys to over 188 million needy children over the years. That is a lot of toys, but you have to remember that times are tougher than ever for Americans all over. It’s time to pull together – even if you’re not a Marine – and give it that Marine one-two-get-it-done attitude. Are you with me?

If each one of you tells five people about Toys for Tots – reminding them it’s important to give even a little – those five people may each tell five people. Do you see where I’m going with this? I hope so. If you take action, you could start a landslide and help kids all over America have a little better Christmas this year. It doesn’t take a lot – cash or unwrapped gifts. That’s it.

If you don’t know where to donate, look around your community or check out the Marine’s Toys for Tots web page, which will have more information about your area of the country. It’s the holidays, and it’s important for all of us to pull together and continue this great tradition the Marines started so many years ago. Today more than ever, every little bit helps. Tell five people and tell them to tell five people. Before you know it, we’ll have the word out and many more children a little happier on Christmas morning.

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Toys for Tots on Today Show

Marines from 6th Communication Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, and Stuart Jacobson, author and producer, wait to talk with Al Roker on NBC’s “Today Show,” Oct. 21, New York City, about the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The program is a charitable extension of the Marine Corps that collects toys for as many of the 13 million children living in poverty as possible at Christmas-time each year. These Brooklyn, N.Y., based Marines handle all donations and distributions for New York City and surrounding area. For more information about Toys for Tots visit www.toysfortots.org. Photo by Sgt. Randall Clinton

R. Lee Ermey Helps Toys for Tots Ermey

Former U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor turned Golden Globe-nominated actor R. Lee Ermey joins Santa Claus to put toys into the “Toys for Tots” donation box at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Ermey visited the hospital to support the program and visit with staff and service members. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg Mitchell

Toys for Tots

Capt. Michael Kelly, commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, presents toys and a check to retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey to benefit the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program at Naval Air Station North Island. Fleet Readiness Center Southwest has been supporting the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program for 49 years. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rialyn Rodrigo

Toys for Tots Brings Presents to New Jersey Hospital

A Marine from 6th Communications Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, who recently returned from an Iraq deployment leaves the stage after joining New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and musicians Michael Buble and Aretha Franklin in lighting the 76 ft. Christmas Tree during NBC’s 77th Annual Live Holiday Celebration, Dec. 2. Marines from numerous local units attended the event as special guests in front of the stage for the evening’s celebration. Photo by Sgt. Randall Clinton