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

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

Earlier this November, Army Reserve Soldiers from the 401st Multi-Role Bridge Company of Oklahoma City, Oklahome (under the 844th Engineer Battalion, 194th Engineer Brigade), traveled 300 miles north to bridge the gap across the Tigris River near Hammam Al Alil. They knew that a bridge was needed, but they didn’t know how important the bridge really was. It served as a strategic link between the two shores, allowing coalition patrols to traverse the crossing to save nearly four hours of travel time. Sgt. Brandon Weston, from Charleston, S.C., a squad leader from 2nd Bridge Platoon, 401st MRBC said, “We don’t always know the reason; we just know that it’s needed.”

The mission proved to be a difficult one from the start, and the 401st MRBC Soldiers had some major obstacles to overcome. Conditions on the Tigris River were less than ideal. Not only did the Soldiers have to combat the swift current of six to seven feet per second, but the constant flow of debris lodging in the boat’s hydro jets caused them to lose power. However, the quick thinking and diligent work of the maintenance crew enabled the boats to function well and they completed the mission.

The task required over 100 Soldiers and more than 40 vehicles. Bridge crewmembers worked long hours. Once on site, crews immediately started to work, downloading boats in the water and preparing bays for launch. To complete the bridge, 21 interior bays and two ramp bays were used with a build time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The bridge was open to military and civilian traffic by 1230 hours that afternoon. Pfc. Christopher Allen, a member of 5th Squad, 2nd Bridge Platoon, 401st MRBC, from River Falls, Wis., states, “It’s a proud feeling when the bridge is complete and you see all the cars waiting to use our [the 401st MRBC] bridge.”

To date, this is the biggest bridging mission the company has completed since arriving in Iraq in late spring. When asked about the completed mission, Weston states, “It was just another bridge. We put bridges in. That’s what we do.”

Indeed. You don’t hear many stories like this in the media, but I’ll try to get them out to you.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Seattle Shadow Marathon and Seattle Shadow Half Marathon

Participants run in the Seattle Shadow Marathon and Half Marathon Run in Baghdad, Iraq at Camp Victory on November 29, 2009. Photo by: Pfc. Karin Leach

Year of the NCO: 2010

Sgt. 1st Class Darrell Sammons gazes out the door of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Oct. 16, as he flies over Baghdad. Sammons has served as the personal security detail noncommissioned officer in charge for Multi-National Force-Iraq Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson and will join Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston’s team in early 2010. Photo by Sgt. Lindsey Bradford

1st ACB Pilot Reunites With Daughter in Iraq

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Charles Brady (left), from Harker Heights, Texas, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot in 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, stands next to his daughter Heather Brady after being reunited, here, Nov. 27. Heather was visiting Iraq as part of a Hooters tour that included a stop at her father’s base. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

Thanksgiving at Camp Victory

Service members and civilians at Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq, enjoy a Thanksgiving day meal. Photo by Lee Craker

An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants on November 29, 2009 in Wardak province while pursuing a militant who is a Taliban commander and IED weapons facilitator. The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Tagab in the Sayed Abad district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity. They searched the compound without incident then detained the suspected militants. No shots were fired and no one was harmed, which is a good way to end things.

In a separate operation, an Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant and detained several others in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban district commander. This Taliban commander is said to have numerous ties to local senior militant leaders and weapons facilitators – responsible for many IED attacks in the area.

The joint security force targeted compounds near the village of Kudezai in the Zhari district after intelligence sources reported militant activity. The joint force killed an enemy militant who maneuvered near the force. Another man was wounded when he came from around a compound building in a hostile manner. The joint force provided immediate medical attention and evacuated the man to a nearby hospital. The force searched the compound without further incident and detained additional suspected militants.

A day earlier, on November 28, 2009, An Afghan-international security force detained a few suspected militants in Logar province while chasing a Taliban IED facilitator. The joint security force targeted compounds near the village of Alozi in the Pul-e Alam District. This is where intelligence sources reported militant activity recently. The joint force searched the compounds without incident and detained the suspected militants.

In a separate operation today, an Afghan-international security force detained a couple of suspected militants in Khowst province while pursuing a Haqqani facilitator allegedly involved with the planning of attacks and the transport of fighters into the area. They secured a compound near the village of Lewan Kheyl in the Sabari District after intelligence indicated militant activity. They ended up searching the compound without incident and detained the suspected militants. The force also recovered a number of AK-47 rifles and military-grade batteries.

No shots were fired and no one was injured in either of the operations. Good, good, good. Makes you thankful.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Afghan National Police

Members of the Afghan National Police force, who man the Checkpoints and District Center in the district of Qara Bagh, receive formal instruction from Civil Affairs members assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni. The course is based on building good relationships with the villagers in their jurisdiction to enhance public support for police actions and decrease support for insurgent activities. Photo by Master Sgt. Sarah Webb

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 in Afghanistan

Senior Airman Chris Busto (left) from Bristol, Conn., Senior Airman Christopher Mcclure from Clinton, Mo., and Senior Airman William Jackson from Harrisburg, Pa., assigned to the 809th Rapid Engineer Deployment Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, place concrete at a construction project on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte

Giving Thanks With Our Military Family

U.S. Air Force Airmen gather for a Thanksgiving meal, Nov. 26 in Southwest Asia. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Department of Defense personnel celebrated Thanksgiving together while deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Barney

Military Thanksgiving, Undisclosed Location

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Pendergrass gathers his Thanksgiving meal with fellow Airmen, Nov. 26 in Southwest Asia. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Department of Defense personnel celebrated Thanksgiving together while deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Barney

Last week, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced that the military will be looking into the Fort Hood shooting more carefully, which is a good thing. The military is so large today that people sometimes get lost in the system. That doesn’t mean that the whole military system is bad, however. Oh no, that’s not what I’m saying. It’s good that the military can look at itself closely when tragedies like this do occur.

As you know, the incident happened on November 5, 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas, and left 13 dead and dozens injured.

“In light of the Fort Hood incident and unique challenges, the Army will conduct a more in-depth, detailed assessment of whether Army programs, policies and procedures reasonably could have prevented the shooting,” he said. The Army’s findings will be submitted as part of the Army’s contribution to the departmental review, Gates added.

“Its results will inform and largely shape a departmentwide follow-on examination of any systemic institutional shortcomings, an examination I expect to be completed within four to six months,” he said.

“There is nothing any of us can say to ease the pain for the wounded, the families of the fallen, and the members of the Fort Hood community touched by this incident — pain I saw vividly and firsthand yesterday in Mountain City, Tenn.,” he said. “All that is left for us to do is everything in our power to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.”

Sgt Stryker (respectfully) out.

Dead are:

– Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman, 55, of Havre De Grace, Md. She was assigned to the 1908th Medical Company, Independence, Mo.

– Maj. Libardo Caraveo, 52, of Woodbridge, Va. He was assigned to the 467th Medical Detachment, Madison, Wis.

– Capt. John P. Gaffaney, 54, of San Diego. He was assigned to the 1908th Medical Company, Independence, Mo.

– Capt. Russell Seager, 41, of Racine, Wis. He was assigned to the 467th Medical Company, Madison, Wis.

– Staff Sgt. Justin Decrow, 32, of Plymouth, Ind. He was assigned to the 16th Signal Company at Fort Hood.

– Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29, of Kiel, Wis. She was assigned to the 467th Medical Company, Madison, Wis.

– Spc. Jason Hunt, 22, of Tillman, Okla. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade at Fort Hood.

– Spc. Frederick Greene, 29, of Mountain City, Tenn. He was assigned to the 16th Signal Company at Fort Hood.

– Pfc. Aaron Nemelka, 19, of West Jordan, Utah. He was assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, at Fort Hood.

– Pfc. Michael Pearson, 22, of Bolinbrook, Ill. He was assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, at Fort Hood.

– Spc. Kham Xiong, 23, of St. Paul, Minn. He was assigned to the 510th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, at Fort Hood.

– Pvt. Francheska Velez, 21, of Chicago. She was assigned to the 15th Combat Support Battalion at Fort Hood.

– Michael Cahill of Cameron, Texas, a Fort Hood civilian employee.

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Army Reserve Honors Fort Hood Fallen Soldiers

First Sgt. Mark Demers gives the final roll call at a remembrance ceremony for the five Army Reserve Soldiers who died in the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony was held at the Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga., Nov. 18, 2009. Killed in the shooting were: Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, Maj. L. Eduardo Caraveo, Cpt. John Gaffaney, Cpt. Russell Seager and Sgt. Amy Krueger. Photo by Timothy Hale

A memorial display honoring the five Army Reserve Soldiers who died in the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, sits in front of the Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga., Nov. 18, 2009. Killed in the shooting were: Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, Maj. L. Eduardo Caraveo, Cpt. John Gaffaney, Cpt. Russell Seager and Sgt. Amy Krueger.

Maj. Gen. James Sholar, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, pays his respects at a remembrance ceremony for the five Army Reserve Soldiers who died in the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony was held at the Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga., Nov. 18, 2009. Killed in the shooting were: Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, Maj. L. Eduardo Caraveo, Cpt. John Gaffaney, Cpt. Russell Seager and Sgt. Amy Krueger.

Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, commanding general U.S. Army Reserve Command, gives his remarks at a remembrance ceremony for the five Army Reserve Soldiers who died in the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony was held at the Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga., Nov. 18, 2009. Killed in the shooting were: Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, Maj. L. Eduardo Caraveo, Cpt. John Gaffaney, Cpt. Russell Seager and Sgt. Amy Krueger.

No one likes when it happens, least of all me, but friendly fire sometimes happens. And not just from the US military. For example, Several Afghan national police were wounded when two AH-64 Apache helicopters responded to small arms fire from insurgents in the early morning hours in Ghazni province on August 8, 2009.

The ANP wounded were treated by International Security Assistance Force service members. One has been released from treatment. Four ANP are still being treated, including one who is in critical condition, and three who are in stable condition. The incident is currently under investigation.

The thing is, the ISAF is a key component of the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. Because of this, it’s important that they are given every benefit of the doubt.

I don’t know. Like I said, it’s a horrible thing that you don’t want to happen, and you should investigate it as much as possible, but the war goes on and the goals still need to be met. Am I sounding too harsh? I don’t know, maybe I’m getting bitter in my old age. Haha. What do you think?

Just a day before, three International Security Assistance Force service members were killed yesterday when their patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device and then attacked by insurgents with small arms fire. The patrol responded to the attack but three service members died in the engagement.

This is tragic, but the battle in Afghanistan continues. There are going to be losses – friendly fire losses, collateral damage losses, and losses of high quality US troops. The thing is, there is progress being made on BOTH sides of Iran. That’s right, I said it again. And I’m going to keep saying it. Do I know the future? No, but I can look to the sky and see when it’s getting ready to rain.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Endeavour Activity

The ANDE-2 Pollux spherical spacecraft is deployed from Space Shuttle Endeavour on July 30 by the Internal Cargo Unit.

Romanian Navy at School

Romanian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Gheorge Marin fires an M-240B machine gun during a visit the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School. Marin is the Romanian military equivalent to the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Kathryn Whittenberger

BEEF Moves to New Pasture

The 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron has been comprised of Airmen from the West Virginia Air National Guard. During their tour at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, they were responsible for sustaining Camp Justice and the Expeditionary Legal Complex in support of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. The squadron completed a successful six-month tour July 30. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released by a court. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations. Photo by Spc. Carlynn Knaak

Hey, Sgt. Stryker here. Hope I haven’t run some of you off with my sometimes harsh words. You have to know where I’m coming from. I don’t want to talk about it too much at the moment. There’s too much else to talk about. Take August 5, 2009 in Afghanistan. International security forces killed five insurgents at approximately 10:30 p.m. in southern Afghanistan.

Here’s the story coming out of the area. ISAF forces observed five armed, fighting-aged males for nearly one hour near Senjaray in Zhari District of Kandahar province. The insurgents were observed emplacing command-wire improvised explosive devices along a road. The men were positively identified as insurgents and they were fired on by an ISAF helicopter using a missile and machine-gun fire. No other people were present in the area at the time of the engagement.

This is a clear cut action. It’s not something you want to do, but it’s something the US military, the coalition, needs to do, you know? There’s just so many bad guys still on the loose in that country. The battle continues against hunger and poverty in the country of Afghanistan (aka the country on the east side of Iran…) Any way you look at it, there’s a lot to do – whether militarily or to help the people of Afghanistan.

I can assure you of this – the US Military has what it takes to get the job done over there. We’re just getting warmed up in a lot of ways. As the weather begins to shift over the next few months, I bet you see a lot of interesting activity in that country. I expect battles to heat up even more as the enemy is rooted out while the people are helped at the same time. This one two combo worked in Iraq and it’s going to work in Afghanistan over time. It wasn’t a big priority when Iraq was in full swing, but now the sights can be trained on the country.

Sgt. Stryker out.
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2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment Mortar Team Blasts Away at Forward Operating Base Kalagush

Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division fire a 120 mm mortar at the hills surrounding Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Aug. 2. The Task Force Mountain Warrior Soldiers have been increasing operations in their area in order to disrupt insurgents before the country’s second national elections, scheduled for the end of August. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller

Securing Baghdad’s Belt

Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, the commanding general for Multi-National Division – Baghdad, picks his way through reeds on the bank of an island in northeast Baghdad, Aug. 3. Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Pulling Into Rio

A Sailor aboard the amphibious assault ship pre-commissioning unit Makin Island mans the rails while the ship pulls into Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss., July 10 and is circumnavigating South America, via the Strait of Magellan, to its new homeport at San Diego. Makin Island is scheduled to also make port visits in Chile and Peru to support U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and to share methods and training. Makin Island is scheduled to be commissioned in October. Photo by Seaman Michael Barton

Iraqi Police Patrol With U.S. in Kirkuk

U.S. Army Pfc. Eloy Martinez, from Dallas, Texas, assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, pulls security during a joint patrol mission in Kirkuk, Iraq, Aug. 2. Photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe

Well, they found him. Finally. It’s done, though. Remains found last month in Iraq’s Anbar province are those of Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher. If you remember, he was shot down flying a combat mission in an F/A-18 Hornet on January 17, 1991. His fate (until now) had been uncertain.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Speicher’s family for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said. “I am also extremely grateful to all those who have worked so tirelessly over the last 18 years to bring Captain Speicher home.”

“Our Navy will never give up looking for a shipmate, regardless of how long or how difficult that search may be,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Captain Speicher and his family for the sacrifice they have made for our nation and the example of strength they have set for all of us.”

In early July, an Iraqi civilian told Marines he knew two people who recalled an American jet crashing and the remains of the pilot being buried. One of those people said he was present when Bedouins found Speicher dead and buried his remains. The Iraqis led Marines to the site, and the Marines searched the area. Remains were recovered over several days during the past week and were flown to Dover Air Force Base, Del., for scientific identification by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology’s Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

The recovered remains include bones and skeletal fragments. Positive identification was made by comparing Speicher’s dental records with the jawbone recovered at the site. The teeth are a match, both visually and radiographically, officials said.

This puts a sad tale to rest. As it does, notice how well the military worked to find the remains of on of their own – one of our own.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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USS George Washington Activity

Sailors assigned to the supply department of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington attach a cargo net to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Island Knights of Helicopter Combat Squadron 25 during a vertical replenishment. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her inaugural deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. Photo by Seaman Adam K. Thomas

Iraqi Hueys

An Iraqi air force pilot performs a pre-flight check on a UH-1H Huey helicopter before going on a joint mission over Iraq at Forward Operating Base Diamondback in Mosul, Iraq, July 31. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Carmichael Yepez

First Lady Visits Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group

First Lady Michelle Obama greets the families of Sailors returning from deployments with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort. Photo by Desiree Green

Action in Afghanistan

U.S. Army Pvt. Adam Eggers, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, loads his M4 rifle during a live fire range on Camp Blessing, Afghanistan, July 27, 2009. Photo by Spc. Evan Marcy

Sgt Stryker here with news of more and more engagements (and victories – big victories) in Afghanistan. As I’ve said, it’s gonna take time, but things are moving forward. In an operation July 26, 2009, a joint Afghan and coalition force searched a compound in Khost province believed to be frequented by an insurgent known for coordinating attacks against troops as part of the Haqqani terrorist network.

After intelligence indicated militant activity at a compound near the village of Majles, north of the city of Khost, the joint force searched the area and detained seven suspects, including the wanted man. No Afghan, international security forces or civilian casualties were reported during the incident. This is very good news and shows the degree of professionalism shown by US troops in the region.

During operations July 25, 2009 in Afghanistan, a joint security force searched a compound in the remote reaches of Paktika province in an effort to disrupt Haqqani command and control, communications, and supply lines in the region. The joint team searched the compound in the Deela District of Paktika, about 95 miles southwest of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. Combined forces detained five suspects in the raid.

July 24, 2009 Afghanistan operations:

* A joint force seized a weapons cache in Nangarhar province as part of the ongoing effort to disrupt Taliban operations, particularly suicide-bomber and homemade-bombing attacks against Afghan national army and international security units in the region. In a raid, troops killed several enemy combatants and detained eight others.

* Combined forces searched a suspected militant compound in Paktia province in an effort to disrupt Haqqani financial and logistical support lines extending from the Khost-Gardez Pass and into the country. The joint force detained seven suspects in the operation.

* A joint Afghan and international security force detained an unreported number of suspected enemy fighters during a search of a compound in Kandahar province that also yielded incriminating photographs. Three Afghan security force members died and three others were wounded in the operation. An investigation into the incident has been directed.

These are just three days of some of the progress being made in Afghanistan. Say what you want, but if you don’t follow the news (wherever you can get it), you’re not going to be able to keep up with the good news flowing out of the country as the coalition does its job.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Afghan National Police and U.S. Soldiers Visit Shah Wali Dokan

An interpreter for U.S. Army Soldiers greets a man in the village of Kowtay, Khowst province, Afghanistan, July 2009. The Soldiers were on a patrol with Afghan national police in an effort to gather intelligence information from locals. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

An Afghan national police sergeant speaks with people in the village of Shah Wali Dokan, Khowst province, Afghanistan, July 22. The ANP were on a patrol with U.S. Army Soldiers in an effort to gain intelligence information from locals. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

Afghan National Army and U.S. Troops Patrol in Midoni Village

A U.S. Army Soldier uses an interpreter to translate questions for the Afghan national army soldier to ask village members during a dismounted patrol near the village of Midoni, Khowst province, Afghanistan, July 23. The U.S. Army in Afghanistan is increasingly transferring responsibility to the Afghan national security forces. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

An Afghan man listens as an Afghan national army soldier asks questions to village members near Midoni, Khowst province, Afghanistan, July 23. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith