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.

Another Veteran’s Day has come and gone. I hope you had some respect for all the fallen veterans on November 11, 2009. As you may have noticed, I’ve been posting a little less frequently. This isn’t because there is less happening in the world – there couldn’t be anything further from reality – but I’ve been thinking a lot. I made a decision to come back and pick up the pace with some more solid posts, including the pictures and videos taken by military men and women all over the world. I hope you’ve come to enjoy what you’ve been seeing on this site and will continue to visit and even tell your friends about this site.

Okay, enough of that. On to the action. I have a video today of a Firefight in Waterpur Valley, Afghanistan. In the video, a U.S. Army Platoon has a firefight at Qatar Kala, Kunar province in Afghanistan with anti-Afghan forces. The video includes the platoon firing towards the mountains where they were being attacked from and more. It’s a short video, but unlike what you see on the media, it’s not just a short snippet that is negative toward the military. (That happens ALL TOO OFTEN in the media. You should write to your local television station or newspaper and let them know that they should start to support our troops more. If we all talked they would listen…)

But I digress. This video is just one small slice of what our brave military men and women are facing in Afghanistan right now. Things are still going over there and it’s more important now than ever before (especially with the holidays coming up) to really show our support for the troops and all they’re doing in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world to keep us safe and spread freedom. That’s a mighty big task, but luckily we have the best military in the world armed with the best military equipment. That’s a force to be reckoned with. Russia gave up on Afghanistan, but I see us staying the course (like in Iraq) and really bringing about a good change. What about you? I want some comment love!

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Delivering Morale to Airmen in Afghanistan

Master Sgt. Roque Fuentes (left) hands a box to Airman 1st Class Jericks Silver (right) as they load mail onto an aircraft Nov. 15, 2009. Both of the Airmen are air transportation members from the short take off and landing office of the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron. The STOL office is in charge of delivering personnel and mail to different forward operating bases. Silver is deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and hails from Hamilton, Mo. Fuentes is deployed from Lackland AFB, Texas and hails from Corpus Christi, Texas.  Photo by Senior Airman Felicia Juenke

Troops Get Culture Shock Before Deploying to Afghanistan

Women take their meals in a separate room from men during this traditional Afghan luncheon coordinated by the 189th Infantry Brigade here through Indiana University. Troops with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams participated in the luncheon as part of their cultural awareness training Saturday Nov. 14 at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center. Photo by T.D. Jackson

Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team Visit City Orphanage

Children from an orphanage in Ghazni City watch as Mark Smith, Army Corps of Engineers technical advisor for Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team generates power to one of the hand crank radios that were handed out to the kids that day. Members from Ghazni PRT were at the orphanage delivering school supplies donated from their friends and family back home.Photo by Master Sgt. Sarah Webb

University Fo Ghazni Visit

Sgt. Nicholas Carlson, Medic for the Texas Agribusiness Development Team, assigned to Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan, stands guard while other members of the Texas ADT perform a site survey at the Sanaee High School in Ghazni City, Ghazni, Afghanistan. The team was visiting the high school to check the status of a storage shed and garden area for the Agriculture students of the high school. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Corey

Yes, the terrorists are still killing – their own countrymen (and women – can’t forget to mention that in that part of the world!) and also US civilians that are over there trying to help the everyday people of the country of Afghanistan (aka the country to the East of Iran.) Sigh. So much bloodshed. It’s a shame. On August 16, 2009, a U.S. civilian working with the military died after his patrol encountered small-arms fire from insurgents in eastern Afghanistan.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the fallen,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Todd Vician, a U.S. spokesperson. “His sacrifice will not be forgotten as we continue our mission.”

Just a day earlier, on August 15, 2009, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near ISAF Headquarters, Kabul, Afghanistan, around 8:30 a.m. Reports indicate that there were several civilians killed, a number of civilians wounded. There were injuries to several ISAF service members; no ISAF personnel were killed in the blast. Initial reports also point to a lone suicide bomber dying in the blast.

“The insurgents prove once again that they use indiscriminate violence that kills or injures scores of innocent Afghan civilians,” said Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesman.

Afghan emergency medical personnel arrived quickly on the scene and supported ISAF medical staff to treat a number of local civilian and Afghan military injuries and several injuries to ISAF personnel.

“The Afghan government and ISAF remain vigilant and determined to bring peace to the Afghan people,” said Tremblay.

You know, when they go after our troops, even though they CHEAT, well, that’s not half as bad as when they go after our civilians and their civilians too. That’s what I don’t understand. Do they just want to kill everyone who doesn’t believe in the same things they do? That seems a little ludicrous to me, right? I don’t know. Not everyone over there thinks like that, thankfully. There are many who are helping us over there.

And it ain’t over yet. Cowardly acts like those of the Taliban and terrorists won’t go unnoticed.

Sgt. Stryker (ever vigilant) signing out.

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Airstrike in Korengal Valley

A U.S. Army Soldier watches as U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jets destroy insurgent positions with a bomb, after a 20-minute gun battle in Kunar province, Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, Aug. 13. U.S. Service members from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, routinely engage insurgents in the volatile valley. International Security Assistance Forces across Afghanistan have increased operations in recent months, in order to ensure safety and security during Afghanistan’s second national election, scheduled for the end of August. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller

A Day With Black Hawk Crews

After completing training with Iraqi army soldiers, air crews from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, make a return flight to Camp Taji, Iraq, Aug. 18. The training mission focused on teaching Iraqi army soldiers how to maneuver around aircraft during an air assault – a primary mission for air crews from 3-227th. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

As another UH-60 Black Hawk rides the horizon, Spc. Kevin Hood, a Black Hawk crew chief in Company B, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, mans a 240B machine as he scans the terrain for possible hazards to his Black Hawk. Hood, his aircraft and his sister aircraft are headed to a training area near Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 18. The Soldiers of 3-227th primarily conduct air assaults the U.S. ground forces, but also train Iraqi army soldiers on how to effectively move in and out of an aircraft. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

During an early morning start, an orange glow from the sun fills the sky as a team of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, depart Camp Taji Airfield, Iraq, Aug. 18. The aircrews are flying to a training area were they will be conducting training with Iraqi army soldiers. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

It’s that time again – elections in Afghanistan. This is one of the more important elections in that area in a while. Although, when you think about it, most things happening in that part of the world end up affecting us here in the states eventually. It’s weird to think about that sometimes. Anyway, the elections are going to be interesting, I think. As would be expected, ISAF is gearing up to protect and respect during elections in Afghanistan.

Following the call from the government of Afghanistan for a Day of Peace, the International Security Assistance Force will suspend offensive operations during the election. In support of the Afghan national security forces who lead the security efforts during the electoral process, only those operations that are deemed necessary to protect the population will be conducted on that day.

“Our efforts alongside our Afghan security partners will focus on protecting the people of Afghanistan from the insurgents so that the population can freely exercise their right to choose their next president and their provincial representatives,” said Brigadier General Eric Tremblay, ISAF spokesperson.

ISAF remains fully committed to the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability to create the conditions for progress, reconstruction and development to take place for the benefit of all Afghans.

Now, all this said, I’m betting that the Taliban and the other bad guys don’t play by the rules on this day. I expect more terror and chaos from them, unfortunately. But you know, the coalition is going to be ready. The Afghan people are going to be ready. The years of tyranny are over for the people of Afghanistan. The US Military is there and the troops know what to do and the leaders know what to do. The enemy doesn’t know what to do, but they will. Trust me.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Firefighting Training Exercise

A hose team sprays water on a burning mobile trainer during a firefighting training exercise at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

USS Bataan Action

Sailors aboard multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit scrub the ships flight deck as part of regularly scheduled cleaning. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is supporting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. Photo by Seaman Apprentice Erin Lea Boyce

Inspection Checkpoint

U.S. Army Soldiers from A Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment man a vehicle inspection checkpoint near Forward Operating Base Joyce, Konar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 11. The inspections are conducted in an effort to increase security ahead of the upcoming Afghan presidential election, Aug. 20. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

Air Cavalry Continues Supports to Iraqi Training

Rushing out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Iraqi soldiers hit the ground and take up security positions during a training exercise Aug. 18, Baghdad, Iraq. The Black Hawks and training were provided by Company B, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, to help build the IA skills during air assault missions. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski