The Air Force is getting it done on the ground as well as in the air. There are three groups in the United States Air Force that handle joint expeditionary taskings – things like combat logistics, convoys, area security operations, detainee visitation, explosive detection and chapel ministry. These are all very important things. The 586th Air Expeditionary Group is one group from the Air Force getting it done in Iraq.

There is an Army-led task force at Camp Bucca, Iraq, that operates a Theater Internment Facility. The TIF houses thousands of detainees who have been identified as security risks to Multi-National Force-Iraq, the government of Iraq and the Iraqi people, the colonel explained.

“We support that mission by facilitating visits between family members and the detainees,” said Colonel Metzler. “That’s one of our two core missions that we perform there. We operate a first-class visitation center where we process over 1,800 detainee family members each week. Last year, we processed 132,000 visitors through our facility. Now, we’re especially vigilant in our screening procedures to protect ourselves but also to protect our task force counterparts and the detainees. We provide quality care and custody in a secure environment.”

The 586th commander explained the critical job the Airmen in the visitation section have.

“They have hundreds of daily contacts with visitors to Camp Bucca — the family members of detainees who sometimes have a jaded outlook of us and our goals in Iraq,” he said. “Through these thousands of contacts a week, we’ve learned one thing — that our most important weapons in countering negative views and gaining their support for our strategic objectives in Iraq is our values as Airmen and our values as Americans.”

“We treat everyone with dignity and respect, we have earned their respect as a result,” Colonel Metzler explained. “Our contact, our care, compassion and communication — and when I say communication, I mean our Airmen are learning to speak Arabic and they interact with these family members every day. All of these elements have been a key element in changing their attitudes for all these family members. By doing so, we increase the safety and security of the TIF, which is one of our core missions, and we gain their support and reconcile this population in support of Iraq’s future.”

Colonel Metzler said the Airmen of the 586th perfectly represent what Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz said about the Air Force being “all in” when it comes to the continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There’s been some discussions in the past and commentary about our commitment to the current fight and whether we’re part of the ground fight,” Colonel Metzler said. “I can assure you that the Air Force is fully engaged. We’re contributing to the counterinsurgency effort here and there’s no question that Airmen are making a difference in this campaign in the air and on the ground.”

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Air Show Delights Lowcountry Crowds

Pilots fly just inches from the other aircraft as the Navy Blue Angels soar through Beaufort skies May 14. Pilots log more than 1,400 flight hours in their careers and are considered to be among the best in the military. Photo by Cpl. Christopher Zahn

New York’s Fleet Week 2009

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force New York, led by 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated raid of Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island, N.Y., May 23. The event allowed area residents to walk through helicopters and view static displays of weapons. The 24th MEU has more than 900 Marines who are slated to showcase several events for New York’s Fleet Week 2009. Photo by Cpl. Patrick Fleischman

Memorial Day Ceremony From Ali Base

Senior Airman Jay Cason, 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, paces in front of the Ali Base memorial as a silent guard during Memorial Day ceremonies, May 25. Members of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group took shifts acting as silent guards for the memorial to show their respect for fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky

Naval Fleet Marine Force Course Teaches Marine Corps Skills in Iraq

Sailors in the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officers Program, participate in a six-mile hike aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, April 2. The hike is one of several events required to earn the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officers Pin. Photo by Cpl. Bobbie A. Curtis

Aviation Combat Element Wrap Up

AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters sit on the flight deck of Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 12. Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, a section of the air combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, provides fire support, security and visual reconnaissance support to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A and other alliance forces. The Marines of the squadron have undergone a rigorous training program specifically tailored to SPMAGTF-A’s assigned mission. Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones

330th Transportation Hand Over the Keys

The 330th Transportation Battalion Soldiers wait in formation during their transfer of authority ceremony at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, May 16. The 49th Trans. Bn. will assume command of the 330th Trans. Bn. mission and responsibilities providing logistics and distribution support throughout Iraq. Photo by Pfc. Amanda Tucker

I hope you stopped a few and reflected on all the sacrifices men and women have made all over the globe via the large family known collectively as the US military. Whether you had a barbecue or visited relatives, caught up on movies and television, or just even hung out and slept, it’s good to always stop and think about everything that’s done by the military to allow you to live the lifestyle you do.

From Arlington to Zimbabwe, the US military must be remembered. And if you didn’t do much to remember the military on Memorial Day, that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next year to do something. That’s right. The troops can always use a letter, a care package, some help when they get back home. Ask around (ask me!) to get some ideas of what you can do – any day of the year, not just on Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day.

While it’s nice to have a day set aside to memorialize the troops past, present and future, this is something more people should do on a weekly or at least monthly basis. There are some who do it on a daily basis, but it’s not too much to ask to donate a little of your time to help out the military in some way. This is the best way to memorialize all of them and thank them for their duty.

Sgt. Stryker out.
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Trial by Live-fire: 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment Christens New Range

A squad automatic weapon gunner engages enemy objectives as Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment puts the Combat Center’s Range 401 to the test, May 15. Photo by Pfc. Michael Gams

Traffic Control Point in Kirkuk, Iraq

U.S. Army Soldiers from Crazyhorse Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, walk through a field during a combined hasty traffic control point with Iraqi army soldiers on May 23.Photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

Memorial Day Ceremony

The Naval Station Rota Joint Color Guard parades the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony at the base Chapel. More than 100 Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Spanish military personnel joined retirees and family members from the local community to honor those who have served. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Ebalo

Fallen Honored During National Police Week

Members of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and Office of Special Investigation performed a retreat ceremony to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officials during National Police Week, May 15 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Names of fallen ESFS and OSI members were read followed by a moment of silence with the retreat ceremony concluding the event. Photo by Senior Airman Brian Ellis

Non-commissioned Officer Parade at Fort Myer

The Non-Commissioned Officer Parade in celebration of the Year of the Non-Commissioned Officer at Fort Myer, Va., May 19. The event was hosted by the Secretary of the Army Hon. Peter Geren, the Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey and the Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston. Photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade

Okay, I’ve “beamed” some new Star Trek videos on the site. (See below.) Keep the comments coming.

I went and saw the movie last week. I liked it! The “military” or federation in the movie was kind of fascinating to me. What did you think? Leave a comment and share with the world what you thought.

If you hadn’t noticed, there’s still a lot going on with the US military all over the world. Billy Blanks, who created the Tae Bo sensation, stopped in Iraq to visit the troops and try to help with morale. It was a big hit. It’s nice when people who aren’t in the military and don’t have to be there travel to where the troops are to make sure they know they’re gone but not forgotten. There are a lot who do, but I say there could always be more.

Things aren’t easy sometimes when you find yourself in a foreign land, surrounded by strange cultures and people who want to kill you. There are a lot of people who are working with the US troops a lot more now, but there are still bad guys around certain corners. They’re being rooted out, though, before any more civilians on either side are hurt. That’s the goal, the mission. Supporting the troops helps make sure they’re successful. And you don’t have to be someone like Billy Blanks to support the troops. Everyday citizens can do a lot too. Want to know what you can do? Leave a comment and ask.

Sgt. Stryker out.
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1st Infantry Division Cavalry Scouts Search Unexplored Terrain

A Soldier with C. Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, scans the surrounding area as night begins to fall during a mountain patrol in the Kunar province of northeastern Afghanistan April 10. The patrol to search for caves and enemy passages was a joint effort with Afghan national army soldiers and was the first done in that region in more than two years.

Army Staff Sgt. Eric Winn and Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Carswell from C. Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, scan a mountain slope with their weapons before their troop departs on a patrol in Kunar province April 10. Photo by Staff Sgt. David Hopkins

Soldiers with C. Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and Afghan national army soldiers, cross a foot bridge over the Kunar River during a patrol April 10. Photo by Staff Sgt. David Hopkins

USS Gettysburg Activity

The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, left, conducts an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl. Gettysburg is the flagship of Combined Task Force 151, a multi-national task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations throughout the Combined Maritime Forces area of responsibility. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Diendorf

Outside With Villagers

An Afghan boy stands amongst other villagers in Morghan Kecha, Afghanistan, on May 14, 2009. Photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.

Talking With Villagers

An Afghan man looks into the camera in Morghan Kecha, Afghanistan, on May 14, 2009. Photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Abimilach Wenthold, 451st Air Expeditionary Group Tactical Security Element, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, follows an Afghan teenager through the village of Morghan Kecha, Afghanistan, May 14, 2009, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.

While more soldiers are being deployed to hostile areas in Afghanistan, bringing the fight to the enemy, the fruits from all the intensive training given to the Iraqi people is beginning to pay off. From the Sons of Iraq to the Iraqi National Police and beyond, a lot of brave Iraqi citizens have stepped up to do something for their country. And after being trained by US and coalition forces and experts, they’re doing a pretty good job at getting it done on their own.

They still may need a little backing and direction from US troops, but they’re doing more and more on their own. Recently in Mosul, Iraq, they began canvassing an older section of the city, taking census data. Up until recently, it was considered a safe haven for terrorists. The Iraqi people are doing something about the problem on their own, though, which is great. (And I bet you didn’t hear much about this on the news… maybe more about the so called scandal for Miss USA. Blech.)

Anyway, some great work has already been done over there and it’s showing. Work continues, though, with thousands of men and women giving their all to help bring Iraq back better than it was before. Whatever your thoughts about the war in the first place, it’s hard to argue with helping a country get back on their feet by training them and being there for them to support them. If you’re rational that is. If you disagree, leave a comment.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Patrol in Mosul

Iraqi police officers stand guard during a cordon and search mission in the Al Siha District of Mosul, Iraq, May 14. Iraqi police ensures the security of the Iraqi population by clearing and disrupting insurgent activity and showing a presence in neighborhoods throughout the city of Mosul. Photo by Senior Airman Kamaile Chan

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Arrives in Afghanistan

Marines with the Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan catch up on sleep May 3 during a flight to southern Afghanistan. The Marines hope to carry forward the successes of their predecessors currently serving in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl. Aaron Rooks

Patrol in Kirkuk

A U.S. Soldier attached to 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, scans the horizon during a patrol in the Tigris River banks on May 11 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

Patrol in Abu Ghraib, Iraq

U.S. Army Sgt. Heath Boyer attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, discusses a patrol route with an Iraqi soldier in the neighborhood of Abu Nassir in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, on May 13. U.S. forces along with the Iraqi army work together in a combined effort to track down and arrest Iraqi insurgents operating in the Abu Ghraib province of Iraq.

Soccer Game in Baghdad, Iraq

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel McAllister of 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, gives an Iraqi boy a “high five” near a soccer field in Karadah, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8. The local Iraqi public was invited to watch a youth soccer match followed by a game between joint teams of U.S. Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and Iraqi national police. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

U.S. Army Sgt. John Palmer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, holds a soccer ball donated in memory of U.S. Army Pfc. Nick Madaras, at a soccer field in Karadah, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8.Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

Last time I talked a little bit about pushing the Taliban back in the North of Afghanistan. There’s also a lot going on in South Afghanistan too. Service members from Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan recently put the US resolve to the test, doing their duty.

“Afghanistan can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable,” said Maj. Tom Clinton, a senior watch officer with the brigade’s command element. “Some call this country the ‘graveyard of empires.’”

Those that don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it. That’s why Afghanistan might finally be different this time.

Helmand in Southern Afghanistan is a land of extremes, according to the Helmand Provincial Handbook. It’s the largest and one of the most volatile provinces in Afghanistan.

“At one time, we would engage no more than seven to 15 enemies in firefights,” Clinton said. “Once in Garmsir, that number was at least if not more than 300.”

Pashtuns constitute the overwhelming majority in Helmand, according to the manual, making up 94 percent of the population. The Pashtun ethnic group is unique in comparison to other groups around the world. They very strictly follow the Islamic religion down to the letter of the law, to the detriment of many, many people in the area.

“The big challenge we face is that we want to help and do things right away,” said Clinton, who spent much of his deployments around local Afghan leaders. “But in order to be successful, you have to get to know the people. It took me more than one month in one case just to get one of the village elders to speak to me. We must have patience.”

These are very wise words. It’s like the bullet in one of the photos below.

Sgt. Stryker Out.

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Working Hard in Comoros

Seaman Travis C. Porter, engineering aide constructionman, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, Detachment Horn of Africa, takes measurements in a rain storm for the Hamramba School Project. NMCB-11 is deployed for the first time since being re-established in 2007 and is working on four schools in the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa area of responsibility. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Erick Holmes

Iraqi Special Forces Conduct Live Fire Training

An Iraqi special operations forces soldier fires at a target during assault rifle training on May 2 in Al-Asad, Iraq. ISOF conducted assault rifle training to site in their M-4 assault rifles and to conduct live fire tactical training exercises to hone in their skills. Photo by Eric Lippmann

Practice Makes Perfect for Charlie Company

Marines with Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, line up on the firing line during training in the Combat Marksmanship Program on the flight deck of USS Boxer, May 11. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations. Photo by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House Air Show

2009 Joint Service Open House Air Show takes place at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 15. There are a variety of military air crafts and land maneuver equipment displays in this show and the Thunderbird team has a highline performance in the show. Photos by Spc. Jean-Paul G. Li

While I’ve been talking about all the good things the US military is doing, there are still a LOT of bad guys out there causing havoc. From Afghanistan to Iraq to beyond, the terrorists are still trying to disrupt the lives of a lot of people. It’s a mad, mad, mad world, you could say. Luckily, though, the US military (and a lot of other soldiers in the coalition) are still helping to keep Afghanistan and Iraq safe – while they help rebuild. Yeah, it’s quite a task, but one the US military is up to if you know what I mean.

And it’s not only the US troops. The coalition is in full force in Afghanistan and are pushing North in the country, pushing the Taliban further and further away from being able to terrorize the people anymore. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but the bad guys should know we’re NOT giving up, that we’re NOT going away, that we ARE going to finish what we’ve started for the good people all over the world. The US military has been helping people around the world for a while now in various respects. And it’s good to see them continuing the tradition.

Oh, some might say that the fact the “war” is still going on is proof it didn’t work, but the country of Afghanistan has changed a lot over the last few years. And it keeps getting better as the coalition really ramps things up and begins pushing the enemy instead of waiting for them to attack then scurry like cowards back into Pakistan (or WHEREVER they are going.) I’m not going to point any fingers, but I’ll say the world is tired of terrorists being able to use certain countries as a safe haven in between terror runs or causing problems for people trying to rebuild their respective countries.

Ok, here are some pics and photos. Stay tough out there. Sgt Stryker signing out.

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Special Operations Forces Save Lives After Suicide Bombers Strike

Coalition medics used any means possible including a flat-bed truck, to transport and treat the more than 20 victims of a double suicide bombing at the Gareshk bazaar in Helmand province, Sunday, May 10. Courtesy Photo

Combined Task Force 151 Makes First Suspected Pirate Capture

Members of a visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg and U.S. Coast Tactical Law Enforcement Team South Detachment 409 capture suspected pirates after responding to a merchant vessel distress signal while operating in the Combined Maritime Forces area of responsibility as part of Combined Task Force 151. CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. Photo by Eric L. Beauregard

Humanitarian Aid Food Drop in Mosul, Iraq

U.S. Army Pvt. Stephen Lam, a native of Upland, Calif., with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Brigade, 167th Armored Battalion, provides security during a humanitarian aid food drop in the Domiz District of Mosul, Iraq on May 9. Photo by Senior Airman Kamaile O. Chan

Tropic Lightning Soldiers Patrol With Iraqi Border Enforcement

U.S. Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor, 172nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Iraqis from the Department of Border Enforcement, patrol through villages in Tursaq, Iraq, on May 11. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ali E. Flisek

Forces Join for Alwash Operation

An Iraqi girl brings water to a U.S. Soldier during a clearing operation in Alwash, Iraq, on May 12. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Pels

Multi-National Division – Baghdad Deputy Command General Visits Salman Pak

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jeffrey Wismann, a platoon leader with 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, stands watch, May 7, at the Arch of Kessura, an ancient structure built by a Persian king more than 2,000 years ago. The structure is the oldest free-standing arch in the world. Photo by Sgt. Joshua Risner

Argonauts Bring the Lightning

Lightning illuminates the sky behind an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Elliott J. Fabrizio