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.

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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

On December 3, 2009, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates went before the the House Armed Services and Senate Foreign Relations committees to talk about President Obama’s change in strategy in Afghanistan. It may not be that big of a change (depending on who you ask), but here’s how Gates put it.

“We cannot defeat al-Qaida and its toxic ideology without improving and stabilizing the security situation in Afghanistan,” he said. “The president’s decision offers the best possibility to decisively change the momentum in Afghanistan, and fundamentally alter the strategic equation in Pakistan and Central Asia – all necessary to protect the United States, our allies and our vital interests.

“As always, the heaviest burden will fall on the men and women who have volunteered and re-volunteered to serve their country in uniform, and I know they will be uppermost in our minds and prayers as we take on this arduous but vitally necessary mission.”

This sounds like a good thing. Sometimes (especially in a long way like the one in Afghanistan), people forget about the military, especially during the holidays. It’s going to be interesting to see if this administration can have any more success in Afghanistan. The only thing that’s really important to me is that the government doesn’t forget the soldiers – those on the front lines that are living in hell so we can live in the best nation on the planet.

And that goes for all my readers too – don’t ever forget the troops, what they’re going through over there. Afghanistan is not over yet. There’s still danger. That doesn’t mean we’re not winning. It’s just going slow so we do it right. That’s the important thing. Safety of our troops while they’re helping other countries.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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C-130 Landing Gear Inspection

Crew chiefs from the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ensure the landing gear is working properly after performing maintenance on the C-130 Hercules, Dec. 7. During an inspection on the aircraft the Airmen found a problem with the landing gear which they immediately fixed to keep the aircraft on time for future missions. The Airmen are deployed from the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing. Photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke

Operation Enduring Freedom

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, commander NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, center, listens to an Afghan army soldier as he discusses the training he has received while attending the Basic Army Warrior Course held at Kabul Military Training Center. Caldwell toured the training center, based in Kabul Dec. 7, 2009, in order to ascertain the materials needed to achieve operational goals. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David R. Quillen

Joint Security Forces Search for Taliban Commander

Members of the joint security force in pursuit of a Taliban commander, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 2, 2009. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Army Spc. Mark Salazar)

Nimitz Hornets Receive Fuel Over Afghanistan

F/A-18F Super Hornets assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, refuel from an Air Force KC-10 Extender while an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron 14 flies starboard observation position on station over Afghanistan. The strike fighter squadrons are part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group on a deployment to the region.

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

“There are a range of things that we know we have to do,” the president told CBS correspondent Chip Reid recently. “At this point, it’s a matter of fine-tuning a strategy that we can be confident will be successful and also won’t be open-ended.”

The president also cited his anger about the recent information leaks regarding the Afghan strategy discussions, calling them inappropriate because of the seriousness of the matter and the lives at risk. The source of the leaks will “absolutely” be fired, he said while in Beijing November 18, 2009.

“We have these deliberations in the Situation Room for a reason, because we’re making decisions that are life-and-death, that affect how our troops are going to able to operate … At the end of this process, I’m going to be able to present … in very clear terms, what exactly is at stake, what we intend to do, how we’re going to succeed, how much it’s going to cost, how long it’s going to take,” he told Chuck Todd with NBC. “I think that’s what is owed the American people, because frankly, over the last several years, that’s not what they’ve gotten.”

President Obama is expected to deliver this plan within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, on November 19, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged international forces to help President Hamid Karzai realize the vision for Afghanistan. This is good – everyone pulling together for the troops. We can win this. (Anyone remember any other slogans we can pull out and re-use? Leave a comment below if so…)

Also, what are you doing to help support the troops in Afghanistan? I’d love to hear your thoughts and plans and even better – your actions to support the troops.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Obama: In America, no dream is impossible

For the first time in Afghanistan, a taped video message from President Barack Obama was shown, congratulating the newest citizens of the U.S. “This is now officially your country,” said Obama. “In America, no dream is impossible. Together we can keep the beacon of America bright enough for all the world to see.” Photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke

Secretary of State Hillary Rodman Clinton Visits ISAf Joint Command, Kabul

Secretary of State Hillary Rodman Clinton shakes hands with United States civilian and military personnel after a speech she gave at the ISAF Joint Command located at the Kabul International Airport. Clinton talked about the sacrifices of the service members and thanked them for their service. She wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Photo by Master Sgt. Matthew Millson

Garmsir Leaders, 2/2 Discuss Bazaar Security, Joint Efforts

Pfc. Bryce D. Andrade, a rifleman with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrols the Balaclava Bazaar in Garmsir, Afghanistan, following a security shura at the Garmsir district governor’s office, Nov. 19. Leaders from the Afghan national security force, along with Lt. Col. John E. McDonough, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, met with Garmsir District Gov. Haji Abdullajan to discuss security issues and concerns throughout Garmsir. Photo by Staff Sgt. Luis Agostini

F-15E Weapons Systems Officer Shatters 1,000 Flight Hour Mark

Capt. Ryan Bone, a weapons-systems officer from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, exits an F-15 Strike Eagle Nov. 22, 2009. Today marked a very important day for Bone, he reached the 1,000 flying hours. “It feels good, reaching 1,000 hours in my first assignment,” he said. “Not a lot of guys do that.” Bone is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and hails from Gainesville, Fla. Photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke

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.

Here’s the thing about Afghanistan. We can have the strongest military, but we also have to have the smartest. And I’m not talking about smart bombs. I’m talking about education. To really have a lasting positive effect in Afghanistan, we’re going to have to spend a lot of time on education in that country – for men AND women.

This has started to happen already (not that you would know it by listening to mainstream media), but there’s more to come. This is why Afghanistan is going to be different this time. If you take a look at the numbers, it’s easy to see. But when you step back and take a look at the human element, that’s when change really becomes possible.

An educated Afghanistan is good for the world. Now, I’m not saying we should stop kicking “butt” over there with our military, but I want to say that all the work that’s going into rebuilding Afghanistan (like Iraq) is going to really pay off in the long run. If you take a look at history you’ll see this is true. Heck, if you look at Iraq you can see this is true. This is why America and the coalition of the willing is going to have different results in Afghanistan.

After that, who knows. Terrorists are running out of places to hide. That’s for sure. The US military is ever vigilant – even when it comes to non-military things like education. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this, though. Do you think we should just bomb them and let them worry about their own government and things like education? Or should we help them? If you have an opinion, leave some comments below and share them with the world.

You know where I stand by now, I hope. If not, you need to read more posts!

Sgt. Stryker out.

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First All Girl High School in Qalat

An Afghan elder from Zabul Province attends the ground breaking ceremony of the first all girl’s high school in Qalat, Oct. 22, 2009. Photo by Staff Sgt. Angelita Lawrence

1st Air Cavalry, Iraqi Army, Iraqi Air Force Conduct Joint Air Assault

After completing a search of a small village north of here, U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade move out towards a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to return to base, Nov. 12. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

Patrol in a small village north of Taji, Iraq

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Austin Huckabee, from San Angelo, Texas, hands a small bag of candy to a young Iraqi girl during a patrol in a small village north of Taji, Iraq, Nov. 12. American Soldiers and the 34th Iraqi Army Brigade performed a joint air assault mission and patrol to check on living conditions of the small village. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

U.S. Medics Train Polish Infantry

Members of a Polish army infantry unit, assigned to Forward Operating Base Ghazni, load an injured service member onto a UH-60 helicopter during training, Nov. 4. The training was conduct by General Support Aviation Battalion flight medics assigned to FOB Ghazni, Afghanistan. The medics conducted training on procedures for proper loading and unloading of causalities onto waiting aircraft. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Corey

B-roll of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visiting service members stationed in Iraq. Scenes include Gov. Schwarzenegger entering a building, Gov. Schwarzenegger addressing service members about his visit and Gov. Schwarzenegger shaking hands and taking photos with service members.