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

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

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

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

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Special Operations Forces Save Lives After Suicide Bombers Strike

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

Combined Task Force 151 Makes First Suspected Pirate Capture

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

Humanitarian Aid Food Drop in Mosul, Iraq

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

Tropic Lightning Soldiers Patrol With Iraqi Border Enforcement

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

Forces Join for Alwash Operation

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

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

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

Argonauts Bring the Lightning

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