June 11, 2007 www.cfc-a.centcom.mil

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AfghanistAfghanistanan - Page 10 Page 2 Freedom Watch June 11, 2007 here June 4 the start of Air Force thanked Kyrgyzstan for its continued Week, which was designed to inform support for operations in and educate the public about the and the Global War on Terrorism. important roles the Air Force plays in During a joint news conference here support of the nation's defense. following a meeting with Lt. Gen. There were numerous events sched- Ismail Isakov, the Kyrgyz defense min- uled throughout Air Force Week, ister, Gates said he looks forward to which ran through June 10 including expanding the two countries' bilateral performances by Tops in Blue, an open relationship and security cooperation Army house at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrangements. Army celebrates 232nd birth- and the Capitol Air Show featuring an Gates said his "frank discussions" day with ‘Call to Duty’ aerial demonstration by the U.S. Air with Isakov addressed a range of WASHINGTON - Installations and Force Air Demonstration Squadron, issues, including the continued U.S. use commands all over the world will cele- the Thunderbirds. of Manas Air Base to support brate the Army's 232nd birthday "Our nation's Air Force is one of Coalition efforts in Afghanistan. A Thursday. the most elite military organizations in contingent of about 1,000 U.S. troops With the theme "Call to Duty - the world," Gov. Arnold based here provides logistical support Boots on the Ground - Army Strong," Schwarzenegger said. "It forms the for Operation Enduring Freedom. the celebration honors Soldiers cornerstone of our nation's defense The secretary reminded reporters answering the call to duty during one strategy and its ranks are filled with that use of the base - an issue that has of the most dangerous periods in his- those who tamed the wild blue yonder generated debate in some circles here - tory. to ensure the safety of our sky. During is critical in fighting global extremism. "Today's Soldiers symbolize the this time of war, we extend a special "I think what is important for the nobility of selfless service," said Sgt. salute to those currently serving in people of Kyrgyzstan to understand is Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, conflicts around the world." that our use of Manas is in support of reflecting the Army's heritage. "Today's "I was honored to join with my col- a larger war on terror in which Soldiers are motivated by an unwaver- leagues in the California state capitol to Kyrgyzstan is an ally of virtually every ing belief that they will be victorious honor the Air Force," said California other nation on earth," Gates said. on the field of battle, because we have Lt. Gov. John Garamendi. "It's was a Gates emphasized the impact the air fought this way since 1775 and always very, very good week." base has in that effort. "We are all will." working to try and prevent a resur- Special birthday events began gence of the in Afghanistan," Saturday and continue through the fol- he said. "Our use of Manas is one way lowing week, with a cake-cutting cere- in which Kyrgyzstan can play a very mony at Walter Reed Army Medical positive and constructive role in coop- Center Tuesday and a Twilight Tattoo eration with many other nations, not Wednesday at the Washington just the ." Monument. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Larry Simmons On Thursday, Acting Secretary of Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton the Army Pete Geren, Army Chief of talks with Christina, 4, (left) and Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Isabella, 5, after the Air Force Preston will participate in the annual Week California Proclamation wreath laying ceremony at Arlington Ceremony June 4 at Sacramento, National Cemetery's Tomb of the Calif. Unknowns. DoD Photo by Cherie A. Thurlby Air Force Gates emphasizes importance Defense Secretary Robert M. Californians honor youngest of Krygyz Air Base in fighting Gates conducts a news confer- ence with Lt. Gen. Ismail service with Air Force Week terror Isakovich Isakov, Krygyzstan's SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - Defense defense minister, in Bishkek, California governor officially declared Secretary Robert M. Gates June 5 Kyrgyzstan, June 5. June 11, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 3 77

COVER Spc. Thomas Siler, 2nd Platoon, 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment gunner in the Arizona National Guard, gives his squad leader the thumbs up after setting up a secu- rity checkpoint near the site of a ceremony celebrating the opening of a new district center for Sabari district in Khowst province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Army Pfc. Micah E. Clare)

Photo by Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain Contents U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates sits down with troops PAGE 2 in an open forum conversation at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, June 4. Defense Digest PAGE 4 Honoring fathers this Father’s Day PAGE 5 Reporters visit Bagram for media day PAGE 6 ROK forces host Asian-pacific Heritage Day PAGE 7 Secretary of Defense visits troops deployed to Kandahar Airfield PAGE 8-9 82nd Airborne goes ‘All the Way’ during Operation Achilles PAGE 10 Khowst PRT winning the fight in Afghanistan PAGE 11 Freedom Focus 88--99 PAGE 12 Photo by Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain Task Force Pacemaker builds FOB Logar from scratch Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry PAGE 13 Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division patrol through the "heart of ANA trains, leads with support of Soldiers Taliban country" of the Sangin valley in the morning as Operation Achilles continues in the of Southern PAGE 14 Afghanistan. Airmen clean up around Camp Cunningham Freedom Watch is a weekly publication of Freedom Watch Staff Combined Joint Task Force-82. Commander - Air Force Maj. CJTF-82 Commander Army Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez John Bryan RC East Public Affairs Officer Army Lt. Col. David A. Accetta Superintendent - Senior Master Sgt. Freedom Watch, a Department of Defense publication, is published each Richard Simonsen Monday by the American Forces Network - Afghanistan Print Section at NCOIC - Air Force Staff Sgt. Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Printed circulation is 5,000 copies per week. Oshawn Jefferson In accordance with DoD Instruction 5120.4, this DoD newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military overseas. Editor/Print Chief - Senior Airman Contents of the Freedom Watch are not necessarily the official view of, or Brian Stives endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of Defense. Deadline for submissions is noon local each Friday. All submissions are subject to editing by the AFN-A Print Section, located in Bldg. 415, Room Visit the CJTF-82 Web site at 205, Bagram Airfield. We can be reached at DSN 318-231-3338. www.cfc-a.centcom.mil Page 4 Freedom Watch COMMENTARY June 11, 2007 Honoring fathers this Father's Day

By Senior Airman Brian brave (and sometimes brain-cell many of the bad things my son did, Stives deficient) boy, I confidently said, but I can tell you all about the American Forces Network - "No," and left the room before times he's made the A-honor roll Afghanistan anyone could figure otherwise. and trophies he's won bowling. For months afterward, I lived in I've always wished my dad a A 12- and 10-year-old boy and a fear of the doom I knew would happy Father's Day, but now that chainsaw ... inevitably come when my dad I'm following in his footsteps, I'm I'm not sure what picture those found out the truth. I didn't return learning to truly appreciate what a words paint in your mind, but in to the Top-Secret Super G.I. Joe wonderful dad he's always been. my mind, that picture isn't pretty. Fort for a long time. I decided I hope everyone who reads this My 12-year-old mind, on the Cobra could take over the fort and story has similar tales they remem- other hand, wasn't thinking about the entire world - as long as my dad ber about their fathers. But the two the horrors of what could have never found out what I'd done. most important things to remember happened when I decided, along More than 10 years later, I finally as we honor dads this Father's Day with my brother, to use our grand- worked up the courage to tell him are: first, don't let your child play father's chainsaw during the con- what really happened. I think I was with a chainsaw; second, make sure struction of our Top-Secret Super 22, and I made sure I had a thick you tell your dad he's special this G.I. Joe Fort in the desert behind book stuffed firmly in the seat of Sunday. our grandparent's home in my britches when Chaparral, N.M. I told him I was Construction was well underway the moron who'd when we ran out of material to cut down the build the walls of our super fort. bushes and lied to We knew there was no way on earth him so many years we could defeat Cobra (G.I. Joe's before. I was nemesis) with a half built super relieved when he fort, and with the future of the simply chuckled world at stake, we felt it was our about it, only duty to use my grandpa's chainsaw vaguely remember- to cut down a few small mesquite ing the details. bushes to finish the fort. But that's the We got a little carried away and way my dad is cut down more bushes than we about many of the needed. What we didn't need for negative things the fort, we left lying on the I've done in my ground. life. He doesn't No doubt we saved the world remember most of from Cobra's evil tyranny, but we my failures, but nearly lost our backsides in the he's got a pretty process and not from a fast-moving, good memory highly-sharpened chainsaw blade. when it comes to I only remember my dad being my achievements - angry once or twice while I was both as a child and growing up, but this bush-cutting an adult. Photo by Alex Dorgan-Ross incident was one of those times. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Neubaur holds his daugh- Now that I'm a ter, Katlyn, in the passenger terminal after return- He was livid when he came home father, I believe ing from a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, one afternoon and asked if we that's how many as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Neubaur knew who cut down the bushes on dads are. I know I is assigned to the Dover Air Force Base, Del., 436th our grandparent's land. Being a don't remember Aerial Port Squadron. June 11, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 5 Reporters visit Bagram for media day

Story and photos "Media specialists play a key role in By Spc. supporting free speech and the capability Nathan W. Hutchison to keep the people of Afghanistan 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment informed," said Rodriguez. The reporters were then invited into BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - the Egyptian and Korean hospitals, the Local and international media representa- main contributors in treating injured and tives visited here Tuesday for a com- ill Afghan citizens in the Bagram area. mand-hosted media Several military day organized by leaders briefed the members of the “The media day was media on the efforts Combined Joint by American and Task Force-82 very good, and it’s nice Coalition forces to Public Affairs for us to be involved in ensure safety and Section and Media security while pro- Reporters interview some of the Operations Center. the military and viding aid to patients at the Egyptian hospi- The media were Afghanistan in a tal, one of the main hospitals Coalition activity.” providing treatment to the local greeted at the gate hazardous, and people. and airfield by public - Ahmad Hanish sometimes hostile, affairs personnel and Radio Liberty reporter environment. Albert Culanding and his team gave a escorted to the Jirga Additional brief- demonstration on escalation of force. Center for an intro- ings included operations and intelligence, This event involved tactical military duction to CJTF-82 leadership. projects and education in Kapisa and vehicles and support from several Army Army Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, Parwan provinces, the rewards program personnel. commanding general, 82nd Airborne for weapons information, improvised "It's good to let the media and local Division and Combined Joint Task explosive device awareness and media on people know the steps we take to ensure Force-82, addressed the 28 media day the battlefield. their safety, as well as that of their fami- attendees on the mission and commit- After lunch, the media was driven to lies," said Culanding, a mobile reaction ment to the Afghan people. the flightline where Army Staff Sgt. force section leader. Culanding said that their (Soldiers) job is to find and prevent potential threats, but the sanctity of innocent lives is a major priority. The media also saw aircraft used by Coalition forces in Afghanistan. "The media day was very good, and it's nice for us to be involved in the military and Coalition activity," said Ahmad Hanish, a reporter from Radio Liberty. Hanish said the Afghan people are uninformed so they don't always differen- tiate between the Russian forces before and Coalition forces here now. "This is quite different, so it is our job to inform the people about their (Coalition forces) efforts," said Hanish. "The Afghan people get the wrong idea about foreign forces, so when they hear Republic of Korea Lt. Col. Ill Kor Kim, ROK hospital commander, discusses about the achievements of Coalition their role in aid to the Afghan people during media day. forces it is very good." Page 6 Freedom Watch NEWS June 11, 2007 ROK forces hold Asian-Pacific Heritage Day Courtesy Republic of Korea Freedom at Bagram Airfield, This helps enhance understanding with Public Affairs Afghanistan, held "Asian-Pacific Heritage one another and set the condition for a Day" May 31 to display the beauty of smooth combined operations. Korea's culture and the excellence of For this event, the ROK Support ROK Armed Forces with an exhibition Group prepared Taekwondo demonstra- BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - kiosk, lunch buffet and variety of shows. tions, which is increasingly gaining popu- The Republic of Korea Support Group, Asian-Pacific Heritage Day is a cultur- larity on the base, and a dance perform- participating in Operation Enduring al festival hosted by Combined Joint Task ance by B-boy. Also, a cultural exhibition Force-82 kiosk was set up to display Korea's histo- every year. It ry, culture and the ROK Armed Forces' helps provide contributions to world peace. the Coalition "ROK Forces Support Group is seen forces from with much value by the Coalition forces the Asia on BAF, not only as a Coalition partner Pacific region participating in Operation Enduring with an Freedom, but also as a vitalizing factor in opportunity life on BAF," said ROK Col. Jang Soo to share their Jeong, ROK Forces Support command- traditional cul- er. "We will continue to make efforts to Photo by Petty Officer Second Class Janell Paugh ture and intro- promote the prestige of the Republic of Members of the B-boy performance group dance during duce their Korea and Republic of Korea Armed the “Asian-Pacific Heritage Day” celebration May 31. armed forces. Forces." Soldier wins 2008 Braxton Bragg automobile raffle Story and photo helps the Army family." By Army Sgt. The self proclaimed "die hard" Timothy Dinneen Washington Redskins fan and free- Regional Command-East lance sports photographer said he Public Affairs enjoys touring Civil War sites and will take advantage of his new wheels to BAGRAM AIRFIELD, explore the rolling hills of the Afghanistan - A deputy supply officer Petersburg Battlefield in Virginia. serving with Combined Joint Task "I chose the slate metallic Toyota Force-82 will be driving a new 2008 Tacoma because of its dependability Toyota Tacoma pickup truck he won and reliability compared to the rest of in the annual Braxton Bragg Chapter the vehicles," Powell explained as only of Association of the United States a supply officer could when choosing Army raffle when he returns to Fort among the 10 vehicles offered. "It will Lee, Va. save on delivery charges for moving Army Capt. Jaren Paul Powell, a and hauling." Washington, D.C., native, bought the Powell will receive his new truck winning raffle ticket from Sgt. 1st when he redeploys to Fort Lee and Class David Moore. said winning the ticket was unexpect- "I've always felt being a member of ed. a team includes supporting programs "You never expect to win or have and activities within the Army com- something like this happen to you," Army Capt. Jaren Paul Powell, munity," said Powell. "They (AUSA) Powell said. "You kind of wonder if Combined Joint Task Force-82 are one of the voices of the Army to anyone ever really wins raffles and deputy supply officer , won the help with things Soldiers depend on clearing house drawings. I was just 2008 Braxton Bragg automobile like medical care and retirement. It supporting the program." raffle. June 11, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 7 Secretary of Defense visits troops deployed to Kandahar Airfield

Courtesy International Security Assistance Force Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Af- ghanistan - During a visit to Afghanistan, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates shook hands and sat down with 30 service- members at Kandahar Airfield in an open conversation forum June 4. The U.S. troops candidly talked about their experiences while on deployment and had a chance to ask questions of the secretary. "It was good to meet him. It’s not every day you get to meet the Photo by Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain Secretary of Defense," said Army U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates sits down with troops in an Pfc. Brian Chiassom, Headquarters open forum conversation at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, June 4. Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry was a relaxed environment. Everyone The Secretary also met with lead- Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat felt comfortable asking questions to ers at the Regional Command-South Team, 82nd Airborne Division. "It the Secretary of Defense," he contin- headquarters to discuss operations in was a good experience all around. It ued. RC-South.

Dari/Pashtu phrase of the week It’s nice to meet you. Dari Az deedean-e-shuma khoosh hal shudam. (Oz dee-dawn-a-shoo-mash hoosh haul shoo-dahm)

Pashtu Da tasoo leedena sokha khoosh hal shooma. (Dah tah-soo lee-deh-nah sow-ha hoosh haul shoo-mah) Photo by Eric Aubrey On average, Afghans in the U.S. place a high value on education. In Islam, education is valued more than wealth. Most children of Afghan refugees and Afghan immigrants are college-educated or enrolled in a university. Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE June 11, 2007 Page 9

Gereshk. around the perimeter and found a place Rawcliffe also found out that they The Sangin valley is one of the most to sleep on the rock-hard, uneven were still feeding the child dry milk and productive poppy growing regions in ground beneath them. that he was not eating a lot of solid the world. That, coupled with its repu- "I applaud all the efforts of these foods. tation as a Taliban stronghold, made guys. They have to "I told them he conducting missions in the valley a true live under fairly aus- needs to be coming test for the Paratroopers. tere conditions “I applaud all the efforts off the milk, espe- "The fighting in Sangin was a lot when they come out cially if it is not his more intense," said Spc. Jacob Allen, here. There are no of these guys. They mom's milk, and go 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1/508th. FOBs (Forward have to live under fairly to solid food. Also, "There was a lot more Taliban activity Operating Base), make sure to keep than what there was during the Ghorak there's no internet, austere conditions when him hydrated in mission," he said. there's no ice cream they come out here. case he is teething," In the Sangin district, Paratroopers or dining facilities. said Rawcliffe. began their assault clearing buildings So they have to There are no FOBs Events like these 82nd Airborne goes ‘All the Way’ and ridding the area of Taliban. Then, suck it up a little (Forward Operating could win over sup- 82nd Airborne goes ‘All the Way’ after completing the mission, they bit," said Mennes. port of the Afghan helped the local Afghans communicate Winning hearts Base), there’s no inter- people and make it duringduring OperationOperation AchillesAchilles with the IRoA and provide security. and minds net, there’s no ice cream easier for the Much of the same was to be expected After most of Paratroopers to Army Pfc. Emanuel Alzate, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, is on patrol as on the mission near Gereshk. the fighting died or dining facilities. So accomplish their the sun rises in the Sangin valley of Southern Afghanistan. The Sangin valley is one of the most productive poppy Unlike missions in Iraq and else- down, the they have to suck it up a overall mission. growing regions in the world and has a reputation as a stronghold for drug lords, Taliban and al-Qaida making it one where in Afghanistan, the terrain does Paratroopers moved little bit.” According to of the most dangerous places for Coalition forces in Afghanistan. not allow the luxury of a HMMWV. into phase two of Mennes, the meas- A look into Achilles: drops and Paratroopers make their way they can't handle with competence, and Paratroopers must move on foot carry- their operation, - Army Lt. Col. Brian Mennes ure of success is off the helicopter to pull security. The that is impressive," he said. ing all their gear as they advance for- which consisted of 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry not about body How Paratroopers Chinook begins to kick up dirt and "Achilles" was launched at the ward through poppy fields, jumping providing security Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, counts of enemy debris as it roars off into the darkness request of the Islamic Republic of irrigation canals and fighting the and humanitarian battalion commander. Taliban combatants, played key rolls in leaving these Paratroopers in the poppy Afghanistan government and is the Taliban into the dawn. assistance to the but rather giving two phases of fields of the Sangin Valley. largest Coalition operation to date. It Finally getting a chance to rest, these local populace. the people of This is the latest air assault mission involves approximately 5,500 ISAF exhausted Paratroopers made a com- When a father showed up with his sick Afghanistan a sense of security in their operations for the 1/508th in a series of sub-oper- Soldiers, including 1000 Soldiers from mand post out of an Afghan farm 11-month-old child at the Paratrooper's government so they can bring in the ations under "Operation Achilles," an the Afghan National Security Force and house. They set up guard positions command post, Spc. Fred Rawcliffe, ANSF for long term security. Story and photos operation ongoing since early March. close to 1000 Paratroopers from Fort combat medic, "In this part of the operation, what By Army Sgt. Many of these Paratroopers spent more Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division. 3rd Plt., Co. A, we try to do is accomplish a network Tony J. Spain than 40 days in the first and second Nicknamed the "Red Devils," the 1/508th was with Afghans and help them form a 22nd Mobile Public sub-operations of "Achilles," only to 1/508th continues to play a key roll in there to provide stable, peaceful and prosperous Affairs Detachment return to the battlefield after a six-day conducting the largest air assault mis- aide. Afghanistan," Mennes said. regrouping period. sions of Operation Enduring Freedom "His dad told One of the main methods to do this HELMAND PROVINCE, It is just another day for the elite in a region that has not seen military me he had been is to host local shuras to meet local eld- Afghanistan - The sounds from roar- group of Paratroopers from the 82nd operations since the Soviet Union's vomiting on and ers and discuss problems and concerns ing engines and spinning rotors from Airborne Division. The Paratroopers occupation in the 1980's. off for about a in their local area. the British CH-47 Chinook pierce have a rich history since World War II There have actually been three sepa- month and he Mennes says the purpose of the through the night as the aircraft carries of living up to their "All the Way" rate operations within "Achilles," said had diarrhea," shuras is to try and establish a contact Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion, 508th motto by doing whatever it takes to Mennes. said Rawcliffe. between his Paratroopers and the locals Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd accomplish what their country asks of The first mission was in the Ghorak "I just checked as well as between the locals and IRoA. Airborne Division, on an air assault them. valley and was pretty calm, he said, and out some of the "In Sangin, we were really success- mission into the lower Sangin Valley These Paratroopers are going into except for some minor skirmishes common causes ful," said Mennes. "We stood up the near Gereshk district. places that have not had a previous U.S. Taliban fighters were virtually nowhere for children first couple of shuras and after that the Landing under the cover of darkness presence and are being met with heavy to be found. Army Spc. Fred Rawcliffe, medic, 3rd Platoon, Company doing that, like Afghans started running their own." in southern Afghanistan's Helmand resistance at times, said Army Lt. Col. The second and third missions took Alpha, 1/508th PIR, 82nd Abn. Div., checks the ears of ear infections, or The 1/508th hosted three shuras for province, the "heart of Taliban coun- Brian Mennes, battalion commander, place in the Sangin Valley, one in the an 11-month-old child during phase two of their opera- possibly the locals and a medical engagement to try," the back ramp of the Chinook 1/508th. "It shows there is nothing Sangin district and this one near tion in the Sangin valley in Southern Afghanistan. teething." help Afghans who need treatment. Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS June 11, 2007 Khowst PRT winning the fight in Afghanistan

Story and photo who volunteered for this command. rity, he said. By Army Pfc. A team of military advisors, United This is where the PRT security force Micah E. Clare States Agency for International comes in, typically provided by the Army 4th Brigade Combat Team Development and Department of State National Guard. Public Affairs Office officials, joined together as a PRT; a board "Good security is vital for the PRT's of directors working to synchronize their mission to be successful," said Army 2nd FORWARD OPERATING BASE efforts and resources. Lt. Cory Marr, platoon leader for the SALERNO, Afghanistan - Less than 10 The Khowst PRT has brought assis- Arizona National Guard’s 2nd Platoon, miles from training tance to the province Company B, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry camps that produced “These projects serve in the past few years Regiment, who provides security and many of the Sept. 11, not only to improve the by sending its Army maneuver support to the Khowst PRT. 2001, terrorists, a Civil Affairs teams to The security is beginning to take care of team of Coalition quality of life for the live in local commu- itself, he said. servicemembers are residents, but also to nities to send back The overall security in Khowst has working together to updates on area improved greatly, which is the result of make sure the area, put shovels in the peo- needs. Many con- locals seeing the many improvements that once home to Osama ple’s hands, providing struction projects have come in the past year, the fruit of their Bin Laden's organiza- such as irrigation efforts in securing a safe environment, tion, becomes an them with jobs.” systems, diversion Marr said. environment that will dams, wells, schools This has allowed the PRT to extend its deny such people a - Cmdr. Dave Adams and roads have been reach, he explained. support base ever Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team set into motion by "In some of the more remote places we again. commander the PRT in this way, go, the locals have become extremely help- But for this joint- Adams said. ful to us," said Spc. Doug Schletz, an service team, spear- "These projects infantryman in 2nd Platoon. "They used to heading the fight against terrorism in serve not only to improve the quality of life look at us like we were aliens, but recently Eastern Afghanistan's Khowst province for the residents, but also to put shovels in they've seen what we're here to do for doesn't involve executing tactical military the people's hands, providing them with them, like seeing us helping the ANSF pro- operations, but in providing reconstruction jobs," Adams said. vide security for many of their events." assistance. A big part in bringing these quality of This is a big step forward in winning The Khowst Provincial Reconstruction life improvements is the necessity for secu- the fight in Afghanistan, Adams said. Team, based at Forward Operating Base Chapman near Khowst City, serves as the main effort in rebuilding Khowst province by distributing humanitarian aid, mentoring local government officials, planning for construction projects and providing securi- ty for important events, said Cmdr. Dave Adams, commander of the Khowst PRT. "We're a reconstruction organization with a military arm," Adams said. PRTs were established in Afghanistan when it was realized in 2003 that units needed to focus on winning the security fight, and a separate military organization was required to head up the badly needed reconstruction efforts. The Navy and Air Force answered the A convoy from the Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team visits a dis- call and stepped up to assist, explained trict center in the Spera district of Khowst province, Afghanistan. The Adams, a submarine officer of 21 years, PRT members visited Spera to assess the area's security situation. June 11, 2007 FREEDOM FOCUS Freedom Watch Page 11

Cephas Anderson Unit and occupation: World Wide Language Resources supervisor Time in the military: Six years Hometown: Killeen, Texas What service do you provide on Bagram Airfield? I ensure the packages everyone on Bagram sends has the proper postage (if any is needed) and meets other requirments to be sent. Most memorable moment in Afghanistan: Meeting all the different people who come from Washington, D.C. to visit all the Soldiers, Photo by Senior Airman Brian Stives Sailors, Marines and Airmen here. What do you miss most about home? I miss my family. back: I am going to visit my church. Hobbies: I like playing chess and reading. Interesting personal fact: I am a minister preaching at the The first thing that you're going to do when you get chapel here and just love helping and meeting people. PPHHOOTTOOSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE FFIIEELLDD Navy Lt. Morgan Ellison, Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan Detainee Operations Department per- sonnel officer, works with the to inventory AK-47s prior to transfering them to the ANA Guard Force.

If you have high-quality photos of servicemembers supporting the Coalition mission or enjoy- ing well-deserved off-duty time, please e-mail them to free- [email protected]. Please include full identifica- tion and caption information, including who is in the photo Photo by Cmdr. Tim Zysk and what action is taking place. Page 12 Freedom Watch NEWS June 11, 2007 Task Force Pacemaker builds FOB Logar from scratch

Story and photos Soldiers. By Army 1st Lt. "The con- Kenya V. Saenz struction is Task Force Pacemaker going well. The Public Affairs Office project is esti- mated to be FORWARD OPERATING BASE completed by LOGAR, Afghanistan - Combat mid-summer," engineers are building a forward oper- said Army Cpt. ating base from the ground up in the Samuel Escobar, Logar province. The completion of the 585th En. this new FOB, which is in a key loca- Co. commander tion, will reinforce the link between At FOB Soldiers of the 585th Engineer Company secure cor- U.S. forces and Afghan National Logar, the 585th rugated metal from a crane to place as the roof of the Security Forces. is establishing guard tower. The 585th Engineer Company positive rela- run as smoothly as possible. from Fort Lewis, Wash., is construct- tionships with local nationals, Afghan "It is a great honor to build a FOB ing 26 wooden shelters, called Butler National Army and the Afghan from scratch where you can actually Huts, to provide living quarters for National Police. employ a full company to conduct the Soldiers. Two larger wooden "The intent is to link up with the horizontal and vertical construction structures, called Sea Huts, are being Afghan National Army and share simultaneously, which also requires built for use as a Dining Facility and responsibilities," Escobar said. great emphasis on synchronizing the Tactical Operating Center. Guard Currently, the ANA and ANP are aid- local national contractors, life support towers, latrines and laundry facilities ing the engineers by helping provide and equipment readiness for such a are also being built. The construction security at the FOB. They also ensure mission," said Escobar, a Rio Piedras, at FOB Logar will support up to 300 the contracts with Afghan civilians Puerto Rico native. The combat engineers of the 585th are setting the pace in Afghanistan. They have the ability to construct roads and build FOBs any- where in Afghanistan. FOB Logar will be able to provide future troops with the facilities needed to accom- plish missions. FOB construction, such as Logar, will enable joint and multi-national forces to partner with Afghan forces in order to enhance Soldiers of the 585th Engineer Company horizontal construction pla- the stability and security of toon level the land to place wooden living quarters. Afghanistan. June 11, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 13 ANA trains, leads with support of Soldiers By Army Sgt. LeeAnn Lloyd 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP TOMBSTONE, Afghan- istan - Making sure the Afghan National Army is properly equipped with the logistics and supplies it needs to conduct operations throughout the country can be a difficult task, but a team from the 205th Regional Security Assistance Command is up to the chal- lenge. The 3rd Brigade Logistics Support Team here works day in and day out to Photo by Army Capt. David Kline make sure the ANA's 3rd Kandak, 205th Two Soldiers with the Afghan National Army help Soldiers fix a tire "Hero" Corps, is taken care of so those after the vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device April 10 ANA troops can go out and take care of in Helmand province. their own. The LST also serves as back- doctrine. What that means is you can't "The ANA, they reacted very well. ground support to British Operational teach them one type of doctrine down They reacted exactly as they were sup- Mentoring Liaison Team, whose direct here in the 205th, and then be able to go posed to in a situation like that," he noted. mission is to teach and mentor ANA back up to the 207th or the 209th and The knowledge that the ANA has of Soldiers about Western doctrine. teach those Soldiers different doctrine. the terrain and local villages plays a vital "Essentially our mission is to provide We are trying to establish continuity part in ensuring the security of ISAF the ANA [with] what they need supply across the board, so the ANA can func- forces. wise, and to ensure the British are teach- tion with any kandak (similar to U.S. com- "This is their country, they know the ing them American doctrine," Army pany size) throughout the country and ground. In fact, after that ambush, they Capt. Matthew Blackwelder, supply offi- the same standards still apply, regardless ended up pointing things out that made cer with the 3-205th said. of the location of the Soldier," he said. me wish I had included them in the plan- Blackwelder said the thought strikes The willingness to learn, coupled with ning process. There are things I may have many as odd: Why would British Soldiers the tenacity of Afghan soldiers, never picked up on if I had one of them with teach American doctrine to the Afghan ceases to amaze Blackwelder. me leading the convoy," Daniels said. Army? The answer is simply that the War "Tactically, they know how to fight, and One thing that seems evident to the on Terrorism remains a multinational they're not afraid to fight. They are tough. LST is that the ANA has the ambition effort as Afghanistan moves toward a They are very willing to go out and do necessary to perform the missions that state of peace and prosperity. what needs to get done," Blackwelder said. ensure the security of their people. "By and large, the British way of doing Daniels recalled a recent event when "When it comes to fighting and being things is much like [ours]. Their standing their 3-205 LST supply convoy was hit warriors, these guys are all over it," operating procedures do not differ dra- with an IED, and the ANA were right Daniels said. matically from ours, but the terminology there to help move supplies out of the LSTs throughout Afghanistan will is different … So sometimes you just damaged vehicle. They also proved them- continue to provide the support neces- have to cut through the different vernac- selves during that event when an escala- sary for soldiers of the ANA to sustain ular to get to where you're going," tion of enemy forces in the area attacked operations, because they know that one Blackwelder noted. with indirect fire. Daniels said the ANA day, the ANA will be able to handle it on Maintaining doctrinal continuity is a dismounted their vehicles and charged their own. The Soldiers of the 3-205th vital part of providing solid mentorship to into fields without hesitation. The ANA LST have seen first-hand how the ANA the ANA, according to Army Maj. Marc were successful in detaining eight insur- is capable of fighting the good fight as Daniels, the 3-205th operations officer. gents that day, even after one of their their potential continues to shine through "The ANA have subscribed to our own vehicles hit a mine and was disabled. with every mission. Page 14 Freedom Watch FEATURE June 11, 2007 Airmen clean up around Camp Cunningham

Story and photos By Air Force Staff Sgt. Craig Seals 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- istan - Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing have been vol- unteering their spare time to help clean up an area of Camp Cunningham at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan in order to make room for a living condition upgrade. Airmen living in Camp Cunningham currently reside in Butler Huts that have lasted beyond their original expectancy. The current plan is to relocate the B-Huts to a cleared off area of the camp to make way for sturdier relocatable buildings. "As of right now, we're starting off with 18 of the huts to relocate," said Chief Master Sgt. Russ Pollard, 455th Expeditionary Mission Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing remove sandbags in Support Group chief enlisted man- preparation for an upgrade to the deployed Airmen's living quarters on ager and mayor of Camp Camp Cunningham at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan May 22. Cunningham. "We've been working on this every Pollard. "One of our biggest hurdles June 15 to move the first of the B- day for the last few weeks," said has been the moving of the barriers Huts." at the edge of While the clean-up effort has only the camp. The been going on for a few weeks, solution is to enough Airmen have volunteered have our civil and the clean-up is nearly complete. engineering The 18 selected B-Huts will be folks assist with moved to the cleared off area of the the moving." camp while the new relocatable "We've had buildings will be placed in the B- outstanding Huts' original spots. show of effort While the displaced Airmen may for sandbag experience a few growing pains or removal, but inconveniences, this project is aimed there is more to at the long-term improvement of come. This is Airmen's living conditions while sta- just phase one tioned here. of the project," Any Airman interested in volunteer- Senior Airman Bradley Luu, 455th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, removes sandbags in the chief said. ing to assist with the clean-up or with preparation for an upgrade to the deployed Airmen's "We've got a any other Camp Cunningham project living quarters on Camp Cunningham deadline of may contact Pollard at 231-3258. June 11, 2007 ENTERTAINMENT Freedom Watch Page 15 Happy Birthday, U.S. Army 30. Follower of Communist 9. Army branch leader 13. Alias abbrev. 32. Spring mon. 14. Above Army 34. Army bed Commendation Medal 36. Mar 16. Honest ____ 37. General: got 1953 Nobel 19. Disney prize 22. Type of Italian dish 40. Army field need 24. Duty for Beetle Bailey 41. Actress Arthur of Golden 26. "The Greatest" Girls 27. Number of lives a cat has? 43. Story 28. Middle East country 44. Abides by 29. Army commissioning 46. Pie ___ mode source 50. General: "Old Blood & 31. Last Army CJCS Guts" 33. ALS, SOS, ISS, AWC 54. General: "I shall return" 35. State home to Wright-Patt 59. Nobody (two words) 38. Path, in short 60. Army branch 39. Army gear harness 61. Sphere (abbrev.) 62. Worry 40. Box-shaped wagon on rails 63. Noble gas 42. Cleopatra killer? By Air Force 1st Lt. war" 64. Still 43. Coach Tony Wickman 13. Singular tooth (two words) 45. Thai money Alaskan Command 15. Sign of Aries DOWN 47. Den Public Affairs 17. CENTCOM leader for 1. Pancake alternative 48. Teen concern OEF/OIF 2. Idolize 49. Period ACROSS 18. Ancient army weapon 3. Epics 51. Old English for at once 1. First American Army gener- 20. Mil. pay statement 4. Pontiac muscle car 52. Singer Keith al 21. Used to increase music out- 5. Soft mineral 53. Succeeding 8. Blueprint put 6. Last general with 5 stars 55. Back part of a ship 10. Oklahoma town 23. Zeus' wife 7. Emperor who let Rome 56. Explosive 11. Train 25. Indian princess burn? 57. Vase 12. Clauswitz's famous "___ of 28. stock offering (abbrev.) 8. General: led US in WWI 58. Type of bread

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Senior Airman Isaac Watson, American Forces Network - Afghanistan broadcast producer, shoots video of the Panjshir Valley. Watson was in the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan to cover the success stories of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team based out of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, performing a Veterinarian Civil Action Program in the valley. (Photo by Senior Airman Brian Stives)