July 2, 2007 www.cfc-a.centcom.mil

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- Page 6 Page 2 Freedom Watch DEFENSE DIGEST July 2, 2007

1st Information Operations Command and Fort Leonard Wood, garnered the at Fort Belvoir, Va. She will tee off most support as its residents ordered with Tiger at 6:30 a.m. at the No. 1 3,889 gift certificates worth $78,150. hole on Congressional CC's blue Connecticut came in second with 879 course. Air Force Master Sgt. Andy orders totaling $19,110. New York Amor of Andrews Air Force Base, placed third, with Texas and California Md., and AT&T Chairman Randall rounding out the top five. Stephenson will complete the four- As of May 31, 86,857 "Gifts from some. the Homefront" gift certificates have Army "I think this is one of the most been sent since the Department of exciting things ever - it's almost like Defense approved the exchange sup- winning the Powerball of golf," Kelly port campaign in March 2003. More said. than 22,000 of these have been deliv- The quartet will be joined on the ered to service members and their fam- 15th or 16th hole by former President ilies via AAFES' 10 charitable partners. George H.W. Bush, who will accompa- ny them for the remainder of the Program seeks to preserve round. Sixty Soldiers from Fort Belvoir will history with playing cards unveil a large American flag inside the WASHINGTON - Defense Depart- ropes on the No. 1 fairway to the tune ment officials will issue decks of play- of "God Bless America." Four hun- ing cards to deployed troops starting dred U.S. flags also will be distributed July 31, but not for Texas Hold 'Em to spectators surrounding the tee box, tournaments. Tiger Woods to honor while an Air Force drill team performs The cards are training aids designed Soldiers, families and a Navy band plays patriotic songs. to help the servicemembers under- WASHINGTON - Tiger Woods will stand the archaeological significance of honor Soldiers and military families DoD their deployed locations. Wednesday at the inaugural Earl The queen of hearts card in the new Woods Memorial Pro-Am 'Show Me State' shows deck also makes a bold statement Tournament, part of the AT&T greatest support for about the importance of culture, say- National PGA Tour event, scheduled ing that the ancient sites are important for Tuesday through Sunday at troops to the local community. Congressional Country Club in DALLAS - When it comes to showing The idea behind the archaeological Bethesda, Md. support for America's troops, Missouri deck of cards began when a group of Woods donated 30,000 free tickets is living up to its nickname as the Middle Eastern archaeologists decided for the tournament to military person- "Show Me State" by sending nearly to work with the military archaeologi- nel, who will be treated to special seat- 4,000 Base and Post Exchange gift cer- cal community to educate military ing behind the greens and hospitality tificates to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors members about the places they are tents. and Marines. being deployed. "It's very important to me that this Since the beginning of the year, sup- The cards will identify several rare tournament honor the men and women porters from 45 states and the District archaeological sites and artifacts who serve in our armed forces," Woods of Columbia have contributed to the reminding troops that these areas are said. "They put their lives on the line so Army & Air Force Exchange Service's not only a part of Iraqi and Afghan that we are able to enjoy our freedom, "Gifts From the Homefront" program cultural history, but also their own. and we'd love for them to come out and with people from Missouri far and Officials are hoping this new pro- enjoy a few days of relaxation. Our away the most generous, sending an gram will inform troops about the intent is to honor and really thank the average of 778 military exchange gift importance of protecting the past and people that protect us." certificates a month. respecting the things that are impor- Woods even extended a playing date From January through May, tant to the Iraqi and cul- to a Soldier: Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly of the Missouri, home of Whiteman AFB tures. July 2, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 3

COVER Air Force Master Sgt. Theresa Sheheen (left), 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight medical technician, and Air Force Capt. Michelle Mulberry, 455th EAEF flight nurse, tend to a litter patient on an aeromed- ical evacuation mission from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Craig Seals) 4 Contents 4 Photo by Army Spc. Aubree Rundle PAGE 2 Army Staff Sgt. David Prater, 242nd Ordnance Battalion explosive Defense Digest ordnance disposal, briefs Soldiers before beginning the detona- tion of Composition C-4 during a demolition range June 22, at East PAGE 4 River Range, Bagram, Afghanistan. Soldiers train at East River Range PAGE 5 Bagram PRT, Nijab doctors work hand-in-hand to build confidence in Afghan medical system PAGE 6 ‘Anytime, anywhere’ is mantra of Bagram aeromedical evacuation team PAGE 7 Medical assistance provided to 639 Afghans in Khowst City PAGE 8-9 ‘The Mayor of Bagram Airfield’ PAGE 10 Daily maintenance keeps UAV eyes in sky PAGE 11 Freedom Focus 1100 PAGE 12 Afghan senator member visits injured locals at Bagram Photo by Army Sgt. Brandon Aird Army Staff Sgt. Pablo Villanueva, Bravo Company, 173rd Special hospital, assesses medical care Troops Battalion (Airborne) takes an engine off a RQ-7 Shadow PAGE 13 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at Forward Operating Base Fenty in Mechanics keep vehicles in the fight , Afghanistan, June 19, while conducting preventive maintenance.

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 NEWS July 2, 2007 Soldiers train at East River Range

Story and photo By Army Spc. Aubree Rundle Task Force Pegasus Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- istan - Soldiers from 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade recently conducted their first mission outside the wire to East River Range June 22. Accompanied by 242nd Disposal Group explosive ordnance disposal, truck drivers, gunners, tankers and other logistic personal from 122nd ASB had the opportunity to continue enhancing their combat readiness by assembling and detonating explosive material known as Composition C-4, a (left to right) Army Spc. Lindsey Timms, Co. A, 122nd ASB, 82nd Combat stable explosive used in the military. Aviation Brigade driver, along with Army Spc. Peter Tudor and Army Capt. Christopher Bailey, 242nd Ordnance Battalion explosive ordnance Along with C-4, the newest edition disposal, work with Composition C-4, explosive material, during a dem- to 122nd ASB weapon systems, a 12- olition range June 22 at East River Range, Bagram Afghanistan. gage shotgun referred to as the "lock buster," was made available to shoot at 122nd ASB. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Wibbens, Co. A, the range and familiarize the Soldiers Bringing new Soldiers out each 122nd ASB platoon leader. "All train- with the weapon during the same time time, 122nd ASB frequently conducts ing objectives were met." as the demo range. these ground movements to East Combat readiness is a key factor in "The best part about the range for River range. While conducting these the successful execution of missions, me was going out and shooting the 12- missions, Soldiers have also been pro- said Army Capt. Thomas Whitlow, Co. gage shotgun," said Army Pfc. Daniel vided the opportunity to maintain A, 122nd ASB. Yonce, 122nd their marksman- "Readiness can account for the ASB truck driver. “I felt confident going ship capabilities inspection of sensitive items and sup- For Yonce, like out with this convoy, and familiarize plies before movement, the functions other Soldiers on themselves with and uses of combat arms, familiarity the convoy, this because I know it’s my other weapon sys- with the terrain and threat level, and in was his first job and that’s what I’ve tems in the event some scenarios - the assembly and det- opportunity to they are required to onation of explosive materials," said drive in a convoy been trained for.” operate them, said Whitlow. "The successful execution of while deployed. Command Sgt. a mission is a direct result of Soldiers' "Every time we - Army Pfc. Daniel Yonce Maj. Andrew preparation and readiness during each go outside the 122nd Aviation Support Battalion Nichols, 122nd trip outside of the wire." truck driver wire we have new ASB command ser- "Our pre-convoy training was thor- Soldiers with us on the convoy, so it's geant major. ough thanks to our command team good to brief the groups on electron- "This was a good experience for the and the convoy leaders," said Yonce. "I ic warfare and the rules of engage- combat logistics patrol to familiarize felt confident going out with this con- ment to refresh everyone's minds themselves with the local area outside voy, because I know it's my job and before the mission is executed," said the wire and sustain their qualifica- that's what I've been trained for." Army 1st Sgt. Mark Myers, Co. A, tions and readiness at the range," said July 2, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 5 Bagram PRT, Nijrab doctors work hand-in-hand to build confidence in Afghan medical system

Story and photo By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Nijrab hospital staff and members of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team worked side-by-side to gain the confidence of locals in the Afghan med- ical system through a medical engage- ment June 22. While the Bagram PRT has held other medical engagements in the past, this one is the first of its kind in many ways. (Left to right) Navy Lt. Jennifer Rosen, doctor of general medicine, "This is the first true medical engage- and Tech. Sgt. Deborah Taylor, Bagram Provincial Reconstruction ment held in Nijrab," said Air Force Capt. Team medic, organize medications for distribution prior to a medical Erick Saks, Bagram PRT executive offi- engagement in Nijrab district June 22. cer. "There have been previous medical U.S. has the best health care in the world," American culture. A surprise was how events held in the area, but they were lim- he said. "Though this is true in many easy it was to communicate. We did have ited to simply providing quick medical ways, we don't want them to distrust their a dedicated interpreter, but all diseases care. This is the difference between a own system, so by working hand-in-hand have Latin or Greek names, so being medical civil affairs project and a medical with the local providers we show that understood was not hard at all." engagement. A medical engagement they are providing the same level of care Nijrab internal medicine doctor, Dr. actually works toward capacity-building." as we do in the U.S." Serajuddin, was just as glad to be working "Our goal is to build up all areas of the Another difference is how closely the with Coalition forces. government to the point that the Afghan Bagram medical staff was able to work "I like working with the [PRT] doctors, people can eventually sustain them- with the Afghan providers. we learn from each other," he said. "I am selves," he said. "This engagement was an "This is the first time we have worked very happy that they are here. It is also opportunity to work toward that goal by with these health care providers in such wonderful to see the people are getting building up the medical community of an intimate way," said Gacioch. "More help. Before the [Coalition forces] came, Nijrab." often, we only get to talk with the health- the hospital was destroyed." Although PRT medics treated Afghans care facility administrator or higher level The hospital, in which the engage- with various ailments during the event, the Ministry of Health personnel. At other ment was held, was built by the U.S. team's primary objective differed from a medical engagements we have done in Agency for International Development typical medical event this time. the last 90-days there were no local and has served as an outpatient clinic "The purpose of the engagement was national providers, this meant that we had since August 2006. The inpatient portion to work with the local national providers to do all the patient care ourselves and is due to open later this week. On average, and gain a clear understanding of the there was no opportunity to learn from the Nijrab doctors care for approximate- strengths and weaknesses of the each other's best practices. ly 90 people daily. During the engage- Afghanistan hospital system and "[The Afghan providers] are very ment, more than 160 people were seen in providers, said Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Tim bright, well educated and dedicated pro- a four-hour time span for various ail- Gacioch, Bagram PRT. "[The medical fessionals," Gacioch said. "After being ments, ranging from muscle aches to engagement] was an opportunity to teach the only 'doc' assigned to my PRT for so worms. The PRT also had an opportuni- and to learn. Delivering care to locals was many months, I just enjoyed the opportu- ty to make up some minor medicine a secondary objective. nity to 'talk shop.' The biggest surprise for stock shortfalls with the supplies they "Afghans sometimes believe that the me was how current they are on brought with them to the hospital. Page 6 Freedom Watch NEWS July 2, 2007 ‘Anytime, anywhere’ is mantra of Bagram aeromedical evacuation team

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

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Being an aeromedical evacuation team means bringing the hospital to the wounded. Missions come up 24 hours a day, seven days a week with only a moment's notice, and someone needs to always be ready. The 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight has four, three-person teams consisting of a nurse and two medical technicians on alert at any given time. Prior to being put on alert status, an AE team is given 12 hours of crew rest. Once those 12 hours are up, their alert status begins for the next 48 hours. "[When] we are alerted, we have an hour to respond. Sometimes, if the Airman 1st Class Bryce Bishop, 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical mission is urgent, we have 15 minutes Evacuation Flight medical technician, secures a litter patient into a C- 130 during an aeromedical evacuation mission from Bagram Airfield, to be ready," said Air Force Capt. Afghanistan. Michelle Mulberry, 455th EAEF flight nurse. patients need to be carried and secured medical care. Once alerted, the team loads the on the aircraft." After the patients are transferred aircraft with the necessary equipment Once all patients have been secured off the aircraft, the medical equipment for its mission. That mission could on the aircraft and the AE team is unloaded and the team heads back take them anywhere in Afghanistan. ensures the patients are as comfortable to the AE shop. Paperwork is complet- "We're staged out of Bagram, but as they can be, it's time to keep moving. ed, crews are debriefed and some have we fly all over Afghanistan and some- "At times, the missions make me a chance to reflect on their day's times into Kyrgyzstan as well," said feel very emotionally vulnerable. It's accomplishments. Mulberry. "We will go wherever they difficult to see some of the injuries "This job is the most rewarding job need us, really." and imagine how they will change that I have ever done," said Mulberry. "I Upon arriving at their destination, patient's life," said Sheheen. "On the work in an ER at home and nothing the AE team is met by an ambulance flip side, it is very rewarding to know I compares to what we do here. I feel carrying either ambulatory, litter am doing something, no matter how like we are such a small part of a big patients or sometimes both. small, to make that patient a little more war, and the least I can do is help the "Ambulatory patients are ones who comfortable." wounded get one step closer to need our care, but can pretty much Upon arriving here, the aircraft is home." move on their own," said Air Force met by an ambulance and medical per- Another mission complete, another Master Sgt. Theresa Sheheen, 455th sonnel from the Craig Joint Theater 12 hours of crew rest, another 48 EAEF medical technician. "Litter Hospital who take over the patient's hours of alert - just another day. July 2, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 7 Medical assistance provided to 639 Afghans in Khowst City Courtesy Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police 14, supported by coalition forces, provided medical assistance to 639 local Afghan civil- ians in Khowst City, Matun District, Khowst Province, June 22. The medical engagement occurred just nine days after the ANP detained Nawroze, the primary financier for a Khowst area Taliban network, known only by his last name, at a simi- lar event near Salerno, in the of Khowst Province. For this medical engagement, ANP 14 established security around the jhirga hall in Khowst City and distributed products announcing that the event was open for patients. The police officers also sectioned off the hall into a dental treatment sta- tion, a veterinary station and separate male and female medical treatment areas. Medical personnel treated 280 men and 359 women and children in nine hours. A dentist at the hall saw 15 patients, while three residents were provided consults by the veterinary staff. "Afghan National Police forces are providing a valuable service to the residents of Khowst City," said Army Maj. Chris Photo by Army Spc. Michael Carter Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesperson. "As A Coalition servicemember hands out medicine to an the city becomes more secure from the Taliban the residents Afghan child during a medical engagement in the should expect these types of services more frequently." Khowst province June 21.

Dari/Pashtu phrase of the week Can we look? Dari Ma deda mayrawanaim? (ma de-da may-ta-wa-nam?)

Pashtu Moong kawaray sho chi wa goro? (moong ka-wa-la cho che wo-gu- ru?)

Courtesy photo An early bronze-age civilization that arose in northern Afghanistan developed an active trade link- ing the civilizations of the Indus Valley and Mesopotania. The finest lapis lazuli stones in the world were brought west from the Afghan highlands 5,000 years ago by this route. Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE ‘The Mayor of Bagram Airfield’ Air Force Maj. John N. Bryan, Freedom Watch: You've been and when we hit some rough spots, American Forces Network-Afghanistan com- called the "Mayor of Bagram," but as we won't leave. mander, recently sat down with Army Col. the commander of Task Force FW: The word "commitment" is Jonathan Ives, the commander of Task Force Cincinnatus, there's so much more to important and I'm sure you see that Cincinnatus on Bagram Airfield. Their dis- what you do than just take care of with your dealings with provincial cussion centered on security, development and personnel on Bagram Airfield. governors and tribal elders. They're governance in Regional Command-East, and Col. Ives: That is true, we are not looking for us to show that we how Combined Joint Task Force-82 is chang- just the garrison command, but we (Coalition forces) are not just a pass- ing the future of Afghanistan. also have the base defense … and gar- ing fad. rison support for (Forward Operating Ives: Their culture is built on rela- Bases) Edgars, Salerno and Kandahar. tionships. So, we have to remind them So, we're actually in a number of dif- that we're here representing the ferent areas. We also have “outside the United States, who is putting much of wire” requirements in the five local the money here. provinces which really form our But along with our Soldier there are backyard. government agencies, like USAID, FW: You mentioned garrison helping. And they (USAID) have a big support. What are the particu- commitment. It is estimated that lars of that mission? almost $700 million in aid will be Ives: We provide the infra- brought here in the next year. That structure for the logistics development is immense. movement. We work togeth- FW: Recently, RC-East Public er with the Joint Logistics Affairs held a media day on BAF with Command, Air Force or 30 local Afghan reporters. What do Army aviation sections to you hope the reporters took with provide the entire support them and what can the citizens of network they need. We Afghanistan learn from their visit? also try to ensure we have Ives: Security is first. Otherwise, a plan on where we are you have chaos. today and where we're We have so much to give them. The looking to be in the future development we're providing can help of BAF as it turns into an them catch back up to the present, enduring base, which will be where they need to be. Medical, edu- the footprint of the U.S. cation, child mortality and women's force in 10 years. issues, were completely lost through FW: It seems like we're the Taliban. They (Taliban) restricted going to be here for a little women and children from having any while. Is that why we're adding type of education. on all the infrastructure (around They (Afghans) are family oriented. BAF and Afghanistan)? Their children are the most important Ives: That's right. We are things in their lives. They're really, adding roads, communications, really concerned about education, water, and sewer and garbage sys- health and the well-being of their chil- tems. All of those things have to dren. That's the great hope for this be managed, and we help society. manage them now. It FW: At the Media Day, you briefed shows that we're com- on several projects going on around the mitted to country that Task Force Cincinnatus is Afghanistan for involved in. How much of these proj- many years, ects are our plans or do these projects July 2, 2007 Page 9 come from the Afghan people? we're actually part of history. They ments, their government and their Ives: It's absolutely their plan. had about 1.2 million children in security. We expect , and hope, that Everything we're doing is executing school 30 years ago, and now there they will take that mission on them- their plan - the Millenium are almost six million students regis- selves with the Afghan National Police Development Plan. This was the com- tered this year - two million are girls. and Afghan National Army. They're mitment from the United Nations to Fifty percent of their population is survivors. Now, they want to be a part say we're going to go out and help below the age of 15, and there are 23 of the international community. impoverished countries set some goals million Afghans in the country. So, we They just need the basic needs first - for education, health, infrastructure - have this huge requirement for educa- shelter, food and stability. Beyond that, basically, stabilizing their communities. tion right now. And, all of that speaks I know they'll get to the next level. I'm From that, they created the Afghan well to their future. positive about it. I'm optimistic about National Compact, which said we're FW: It's hard to change a culture. it. They have the resources and they going to develop and make goals. For But, education has always been impor- have the commitment. instance, one goal is that by 2010 tant to the Afghan people. FW: What is one thought you we're going to have 100 percent of Ives: Absolutely. They understand would leave with us? our primary age children in school, education is the way for the future of Ives: We are all a part of their and a basic health care system in their children. We just opened this progress - every servicemember that's Afghanistan. teacher's training college in Panjshir - here may think their small piece is We are building the roads to help teachers training teachers. insignificant, but it's not. Overall, them get to the hospitals, building FW: You seem very positive and what we're doing here is part of histo- clinics and hospitals, and building the hopeful. And, it sounds like the ry. It's developing a nation that will be infrastructure for radio towers and Afghans are also taking control of forever grateful to the United States cell phone towers. what they do, as far as their security and their Coalition partners- they The other huge thing I was refer- and their government. already are . And, they say that in ring to before is the educational boom Ives: That's so critical. We're here to more ways than you can imagine every that's happening right now…and, support their plans, their develop- day. The many faces of ... Col. Jonathan Ives

Photos by Senior Airman Brian Stives Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS July 2, 2007 Daily maintenance keeps UAV eyes in sky Story and photos By Army Sgt. Brandon Aird 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan - One of the assets commanders in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team use to view the battlefield is the RQ-7 Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The UAV is able to provide the combat team with video coverage of an area of interest for hours at 50 kilo- meters (31 miles) from the launch and recovery site. The air vehicle uses a pneumatic launcher and is recovered by a tactical automatic landing system on the run- way. The air vehicle is stopped using an arresting hook and cable system. Army Staff Sgt. Pablo Villanueva, Bravo Company, 173rd Special The first launch of a RQ-7 Shadow Troops Battalion (Airborne), conducts preventive maintenance on a UAV in the 173rd was by Army Col. RQ-7 Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at Forward Operating Charles A. Preysler, 173rd ABCT Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, June 19. commander, in Germany during the training for preparation to By the time the Shadow gets into Villanueva's crew of mechanics per- Afghanistan. the sky, it gets checked a minimum of forms maintenance, which is called The UAV is a new asset to the com- six times, said Army Staff Sgt. Pablo "preventive maintenance daily," every bat team and keeping it operational is Villanueva, maintenance chief for the day. essential. Shadow, Bravo Company, 173rd "I enjoy doing this," said Army Sgt. Special Troops Christopher Johnson, a UAV mechan- Battalion ic in Bravo Company, 173rd STB. (Airborne). The 173rd's Shadow operation is "We take it non-stop mission, which doesn't end apart to make until the deployment is over. sure everything "We work in 12-hour shifts," is tightened explained Villanueva. "Eight hours are down, verify all spent doing PMD and the other four the electronics are doing preflight inspections." work and con- Once the UAV gets back from a duct preflight flight the work starts all over again. checks," "We have to check to make sure no Villanueva said. parts fell off or loosened during The UAV is flight," Villanueva said. also inspected Villanueva and his crew open the Army Sgt. Christopher Johnson, Bravo Company, by the flyer and plane up and take it apart to make sure 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne), takes the screws out of the nose of a RQ-7 Shadow 200 again by the everything is right. PMD is a daily Unmanned Aerial Vehicle June 19 during preventive mechanics when process, which doesn't end until the maintenance. on the launcher. mission is over. July 2, 2007 FREEDOM FOCUS Freedom Watch Page 11

Army Sgt. Brian Patterson Unit and occupation: Door gunner with Company B, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade "Flippers" Time in the military: Four and a half years Home Station: Fort Bragg, N.C. Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. What service do you provide on Bagram Photo by Army Spc. Aubree Rundle Airfield? I perform general maintenance on the CH-47 (Chinook) helicopter, I am also a door Hobbies: I like riding motorcycles, weightlifting and the gunner. Army. Most memorable moment in Afghanistan: The thing I The first thing that you're going to do when you get will remember the most about here is losing fellow comrades back: Drink a beer and relax. and friends in a RPG attack on a CH-47 last month. Interesting personal fact: I just re-enlisted and re-classed What do you miss most about home? My wife. I also miss to change my career path in the Army to become a commu- riding a motorcycle. nication support specialist. PPHHOOTTOOSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE FFIIEELLDD An UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter kicks up dust moments before touchdown near Camp Morehead on the outskirts of , Afghanistan.

If you have high-quality photos of service- members supporting the Coalition mission or enjoying well-deserved off-duty time, please e-mail them to [email protected]. Please include full identification and caption information, including who is in the photo and what action is taking place.

Photo by Eric Aubrey Page 12 Freedom Watch NEWS July 2, 2007 Afghan senator member visits injured locals at Bagram hospital, assesses medical care

Story and photo that every patient By Senior Airman who gets recovery Dilia DeGrego care here gets very Combined Joint Task good treatment. We Force-82 Public Affairs are always so happy to hear about their BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan time spent here." - A member of Afghan parliament Kareemullah, a stopped in at the Craig Joint-Theater recovering patient Hospital intensive care unit here June who was injured 18 to visit patients and assess the med- during a recent ical care being provided. insurgent rocket Salih Mohammad, a senator of attack, commented , said was highly pleased with a smile about with the medical care local Afghan his experience dur- patients, who are victims of recent ing his stay at the insurgent attacks, are receiving at the hospital. hospital. "Today, I am "Thirty years of war has brought a happy because I am lot of atrocity going home to this country, “It is a fact that from the and we cannot every patient who hospital, provide the but the hos- kind of quality gets recovery care pital staff [medical] care here gets very good are not like that is offered a staff, they Salih Mohammad, a senator of Kunar province, here. We are all treatment. We are are like fam- speaks with a Craig Joint-Theater Hospital inten- grateful for all always so happy to ily members sive care unit patient who lost his leg during an the care they hear about their with me," attack by a suicide bomber. are receiving," Kareemullah said. "I have Craig, a medic with the 159th Medical Mohammad time spent here.” never felt like I was away from Company, 10th Mountain Division, said. home." who lost his life during a medical rescue "There is - Salih Mohammad The hospital staff said they mission in 2006. The hospital, which hope here that Kunar province senator are all thankful for the oppor- opened March 4, is the most advanced [the doctors] tunity to serve and help the one in the area of operations and fea- can save their extremities and their Afghan people. tures a four-bed trauma bay, three oper- lives," he continued. That is a huge suc- The Craig Joint Theater Hospital is ating rooms and a state-of-the-art den- cess for the Afghan people. It is a fact named after Army Staff Sgt. Heathe N. tal clinic. July 2, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 13 Mechanics keep vehicles in the fight Story and photo By Navy Chief Petty Officer Eric Harrison 43rd Joint Logistics Command Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- istan - Members of the Army Materiel Command contingent work hard each day here to ensure that servicemembers who go outside the wire in up- armored light vehicles are as safe as possible. Army Maj. Dennis Dockery, execu- tive officer of the 3rd Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade, empha- sized the importance of up-armored light vehicles in Afghanistan. "It's an added force protection to the Soldier when they are travelling in their vehicle to their objective," he said. Contractors, third-country nationals Robert Reay, a civilian contractor with AECOM, works on a HMMWV at and Afghans all work together at the Army Materiel Command compound at Bagram Airfield, AECOM Global Services to properly Afghanistan. AECOM provides its expertise in outfitting the vehicles outfit each light-wheeled vehicle in with better armor protection in the operating area. Afghanistan with armor protection. there is no deadline on the vehicles." Reay said he came to work at Bagram Robert Reay, a civilian contractor According to Reay, the working envi- to be part of a challenging and different mechanic with AECOM, replaces body ronment can be a challenge at times. team and to make a difference. mounts in HMMWVs because of the "It's not exactly your workshop "That's part of being here; that's why added weight of the armor and the downtown," Reay said. "You've got to you want to get it right for them going arduous terrain in Afghanistan. work with the tools you've got and the out. So you know they're going to go "The frame tended to crack with the facilities you've got." out … and come back." extra weight on the old frame," Reay An important part of the process lies Heyward McLendon, the deputy said. "The new frames are stronger and in the diversity of the team at AMC. project manager of AECOM, said that more stable." "You've got the language barriers up-armoring vehicles help save Soldiers' Reay added this is important because with the different nationalities we've got lives during improvised explosive the new mounts can withstand the here, including me," said the England devices, rocket-propelled grenades and shock better. native. small-arms fire attacks. "It's safer and they're not going to One of the major factors in turning "No vehicles go outside the secure have a crash," he said. the vehicles back to the Soldiers is the [bases] unless they are [properly] Reay said he's glad to be part of the mission requirements. armored," said McClendon. "Our job is team because it's helping to keep "If they've got a mission on, every- to ensure that we apply those enhance- Soldiers safe. thing's got to drop so you can get theirs ments properly so it can protect the war "All I'm doing is changing bits of in priority." fighter from IEDs." metal so that when they're out there I Dockery said that the light-wheeled McLendon also has seen firsthand know it's going to be alright." vehicle shop is especially important in the results of his team's work. There are dozens of people here the mission. "It makes us feel good inside, working through the up-armor process "It supports the war fighter directly," because we've seen vehicles that we on the vehicles, ensuring each one is he said. "When we want to modify and have up-armored and maintained go out ready to go when it leaves their shop. enhance a vehicle, we bring them here and hit IEDs and come back and the "We don't let it go out until it is mis- or we can have a team to support out in total vehicle was destroyed, but no one sion-capable," said Reay, "which means the field." got hurt." Page 14 Freedom Watch BROTHERS IN ARMS July 2, 2007 Engineers cement Sangin's security Task Force Helmand Press Information Center

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghan- istan - British military engineers cemented the security of an Afghan town in the heart of Taliban country. Members of 26 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers have just completed three company sized patrol bases for the Afghan National Security Forces in the town of Sangin, in northern . Each base will be home to up to

100 members of the ANSF and gives Photo by Army Cpl. Adrian Harlen the Afghan's a solid foothold in the Members of 26th Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers work on compa- town, should the Taliban try to recap- ny sized patrol bases for the Afghan National Security Forces in the ture it. town of Sangin in northern Helmand Province. "Having removed the Taliban, these bases represent the next step in estab- Airborne Division have carried out British patrols containing engineering lishing enduring security in Sangin; clearance patrols to push the Taliban specialists began visiting Sangin, and their presence seeks to reassure local further back from the edges of Sangin. other towns in Helmand to find out people, while at the same time deter- Taking advantage of the Taliban's what is needed in the communities. ring the enemy," said British Army Lt. withdrawal, British military engineers But, the actual building work is carried Col. Ivan Jones, commanding officer were brought in to build the bases in out by local Afghan contractors. of 26th Engineer Regiment. the north, south and at the center of "We must empower the Sangin eld- Sitting in the center of the the town. ers to take forward development and Helmand Valley, the town of Sangin Each base's dedicated accommoda- encourage the use of local manpower. came to symbolize the challenges fac- tion block dramatically improves the But where necessary, we will provide ing the British Army in the province. living conditions for the troops based specialist support," Jones added. The small garrison of troops stationed there and provides them with basic The visits by the Development and in the mud brick town were too strong cooking facilities. Influence Teams are the first time to be defeated by the Taliban, but not The high protective wall and sentry many Afghan communities have inter- strong enough to launch a major oper- positions give the Afghan forces some acted with ISAF forces and many are ation to drive the enemy out. form of protection, when they are not wary of openly talking to the visiting That all changed in mid-April, carrying out operations against their troops for fear of possible retribution when Royal Marine Commandos, sup- foes in the surrounding hillside. from the Taliban. ported by Afghan, United States, With three bases being so close to A representative from Sangin said, Canadian, Dutch and Estonian forces one another, they can offer mutual "The Taliban gave very little to local launched a massive operation to clear support, should the Taliban attempt a people in the Sangin valley, but we the valley of the Taliban influence. direct assault against them. need to be safe before we will talk to Taliban forces caught at the center With improvements to the security ISAF." of a pincer operation were either of Sangin underway, British troops Communities in Lashkar Gah, destroyed or forced to flee to the sur- started talking to the community about Babaji and Garmsir are beginning to rounding countryside. possible reconstruction work of the see the benefits from the stable envi- Since then, joint patrols from the town's civic amenities. ronment and ISAF hope to add the Afghan National Army and the 82nd The next stage is underway where town of Sangin to that list July 2, 2007 ENTERTAINMENT Freedom Watch Page 15

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Last Week’s Solutions: Great moments in reflec- tive belt history

Got a joke, review or top ten list? E-mail it to: free- domwatch @swa.army .mil and you could see Word Find Answers: them print- Ansi, anti, ants, Asia, fang, fans, fain, fast, fats, fiat, figs, fins, finn, fish, fist, fits, gain, gait, gash, gnat, gift, gins, ed here! ginn, gist, hagg, haas, hang, hans, hats, hint, hits, nags, nash, nasa, nigh, inns, saga, sang, sana, shin, snag, sian, sift, sigh, sign, sing, stag, tags, tang, than, thai, thin, this, tins, again, angst, asian, fangs, faint, faith, fight, finns, 1775 gains, Ghana, gnash, gnats, giant, gifts, hangs, Haifa, If not for the refelctive belt, GeorgeWashington hints, night, ninth, santa, saint, satan, satin, shaft, shift, sight, stain, sting, thing, afghan, aghast, faints, faiths, would have lost boats in the “fog of war,” thus ren- fights, giants, hating, nights, infant, sating, things. dering his crossing of the Delaware river pointless. F F r r e e e e d d o o m m

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Senior Airman Carlos Moreno, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, keeps a close eye on his field of fire while helping maintain a 360 degree security perimeter around an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team's detonation site outside of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 13. Airman Moreno is deployed from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)