March 19, 2007 www.cfc-a.centcom.mil

Black belt exam tests students’ skills - Pages 8-9 Page 2 Freedom Watch March 19, 2007 designed to briefly highlight current graphs with fans. topics General Moseley feels are The NFL is continuing this off-sea- important to America's Airmen. son its legacy of more than 40 years of "The issues on my scope are ones sending players overseas to visit that keep me up at night," said troops. This year's trip is a 12-day tour Moseley. "(These are) ones your senior of several bases in Iraq and leaders are working to make sure our Afghanistan. Airmen are the best organized, trained and equipped military force in the Navy Air Force world." Officials announce selections The Chief's Scope, available on Air to senior master sergeant Force Link's homepage, www.af.mil, will feature a consistently updated list- RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, ing of topics General Moseley wants Texas - Air Force officials have select- to highlight to Airmen. ed 1,282 master sergeants for promo- tion to senior master sergeant. The promotion list was released Army publicly at 9 a.m. CDT March 14, and the complete list is available on the Air Force Personnel Center web site. Photo by Navy Mass Communication The board, which convened here Specialist 2nd Class Adam R. Cole Dock landing ship USS Harpers Feb. 5 to 23, considered 14,626 master Ferry (LSD 49) is the backdrop sergeants, for an 8.77 percent select of a Japanese shrine honoring rate. Last year's selection rate was 8.63 service members lost in the percent. Battle of Iwo Jima. The average score for those select- ed was 663.89, with an average time in Sailors, Marines honor Iwo grade and time in service of 4.50 and Jima veterans in visit 20.53 years respectively. The average Photo by Army Spc. Laura M. Bigenho IWO JIMA, Japan - Sailors and Sgt. 1st Class James Deal, 3rd score was based on the following point Marines from Sasebo-based USS Infantry Regiment (The Old averages: Guard) chats with Kansas City Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and embarked -- 134.99 for enlisted performance Chiefs' guard Will Shields. Okinawa-based 1st Marine Aircraft reports; Shields joined Alge Crumpler, Wing (MAW) got a rare chance to see -- 32.88 for time in grade; Shelton Quarles and Ben Watson firsthand the island of the historic -- 21.52 for time in service; on a 12-day trek through the World War II battle during a visit here -- 21.12 for decorations; Middle East, made possible by March 13-14. -- 65.42 for Air Force supervisory USO. They came here to provide direct examination; support for the 62nd Commemoration -- 387.97 for board score. NFL players visit Victory of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Score notices are available on the troops The commemoration was held to virtual military personnel flight, or CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - Troops honor the veterans of both nations vMPF, and Air Force Portal. Those here packed the MWR facility com- and celebrate the unity that currently selected will be promoted to senior monly known as "Area 51" to meet exists between the United States and master sergeant beginning in April. some of their favorite NFL players Japan. About 20 veterans from each March 6. country and their family members What's on the Chief's Scope? Tight ends Alge Crumpler of the shared in what was a day of reverence- WASHINGTON - Air Force Chief Atlanta Falcons and Benjamin Watson minded speeches, wreath laying and a of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley of the New England Patriots, line- 21-gun salute. Unity of the nations launched a new Web feature March 14 backer Shelton Quarles of the Tampa was further displayed in the joint cere- to tell Airmen what is of special inter- Bay Buccaneers, and guard Will monial color guard and ceremonial est to them. Shields of the Kansas City Chiefs military band. Known as "The Chief's Scope," it is signed autographs and took photo- March 19, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 3 55

COVER 44 Republic of Korea marine Cpl. Ji-Sang Park, Korean Medical Group, breaks 10 boards with his head during the ROK marine demonstration exercise during the 2nd Tae Kwon Do Promotion Examination held at the Enduring

Faith Chapel on Bagram Airfield March 13. (Photo by Photo by Senior Airman Andrea Wright Senior Airman Brian Stives) Senior Airman David Gipson, 451st Air Expeditionary Group Photo by Senior Airman Andrea Wright Contents Communications Squadron, Airman 1st Class Michelle Scott, punches down a telephone 73rd Expeditionary Air Control line in a 110 block, setting Squadron, monitors the "kill box" PAGE 2 up service for someone. in an operations module. Defense Digest Villagers in the PAGE 4 Khenj district Airmen of COMM go above and beyond help unload bags of ready- 1133 PAGE 5 to-mix cement. 73rd EACS helps keep an eye on the skies The cement was PAGE 6 used to repair a retaining wall Postal team links deployed Soldiers to home that protects a PAGE 7 mosque. Coalition forces make roads safer PAGE 8-9 Taekwondo shouts ring across Bagram Airfield

PAGE 10 Photo by Air Force Capt. Chris White ANG director visits deployed ‘Citizen Soldiers’ PAGE 12 U.S. Army combat 82nd Airborne Division, ANA launch ‘Operation Achilles’ engineers from A in Southern Afghanistan Company, 27th Engineering Battalion, PAGE 13 20th Engineering Panjshir PRT turns best practice into Afghan favorite Brigade (Airborne) PAGE 14 devise a plan to keep an armored bulldozer Combat engineers rescue bulldozer in distress from falling off a cliff PAGE 15 into the Pech River in 1144 Eastern Afghanistan. ANA, Coalition plans course ahead Photo by Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello

Freedom Watch is a weekly publication of Freedom Watch Staff Combined Joint Task Force-82. Commander - Air Force Maj. CJTF-82 Commander Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez John Bryan RC East Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. David A. Accetta Superintendent - Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen Freedom Watch, a Department of Defense publication, is published each NCOIC - Air Force Staff Sgt. Monday by the American Forces Network - Afghanistan Print Section at Matt Lichtenberg Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Printed circulation is 5,000 copies per week. Editor/Print Chief - Air Force Senior Airman In accordance with DoD Instruction 5120.4, this DoD newspaper is an Brian Stives authorized publication for members of the U.S. military overseas. Staff Writer - Air Force Senior Airman Contents of the Freedom Watch are not necessarily the official view of, or Andrea Wright endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of Defense. Deadline for submissions is 0730 Zulu each Friday. All submissions are subject to editing by the AFN-A Print Section, located in Bldg. 415, Room Visit the CJTF-82 website at 205, Bagram Airfield. We can be reached at DSN 318-231-3338. www.cfc-a.centcom.mil Page 4 Freedom Watch NEWS March 19, 2007 Airmen of COMM go above and beyond Story and photo By Senior Airman Andrea Wright American Forces Network - Afghanistan

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Communications Airmen stationed at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, were originally assigned there to serve the 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron by providing them with "data, voice, wireless and information management services" said Air Force Maj. Gordon Richards, 451st Air Expeditionary Group Communications flight com- mander. However, their area of responsibil- ity has expanded exponentially. Senior Airman David Gipson, 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron "Our mission has grown beyond communications satellite maintainer, performs routine maintenance that considerably. We provide all of on a portable emergency maintenance notification system at the communications support for the Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Air Force personnel here on Kandahar Airfield," said Richards, a tions that are part of the 451st AEG," ing water getting into the lines, these Pittsburgh native. said Richards. Airmen have a lot to keep up on daily. Considering the U.S. Air Force only With all of their additional duties, a "The environment in this area is makes up four percent of the base typical day for one of the 18 commu- very, very hard on equipment," said populace, this may not seem like such nications Airman is between 14 and Richards. a big feat. But that 15 hours long. But A work order can be as simple as a four percent occu- they never lose two minute check on a circuit or pied by Airmen “Without the services sight of their pri- extend for a week or more at a time. makes up a huge mary mission. "By us taking that burden off the piece of the opera- we provide to the 73rd "Without the Army, we're able to provide a better tional pie on EACS they wouldn’t be services we pro- service to the Air Force personnel and Kandahar Airfield. able to deliver the air- vide to the 73rd the Army is able to divert its resources From Predators EACS they would- toward the Army personnel. So it's a and Desert Hawks borne assets to the war n't be able to nice balancing act," said Richards. to air control and fighter on the ground to deliver the air- Even though the mission is hectic combat search and borne assets to the and the work day is long, Richards and rescue, these com- support them.” war fighter on the his team of Airmen feel a great sense munications ground to support of accomplishment at the end of the Airmen have it - Air Force Maj. Gordon Richards them," said day. covered. 451st Air Expeditionary Group Richards. "There's a different sense of Communications flight commander "We support The rough urgency and a stronger feeling of con- the predator oper- environment of tribution. It's pretty easy to put your ations with their data and voice serv- Afghanistan sometimes gets in the finger on the importance and value of ices, we provide the same type of way, making their job even more diffi- what we're doing here in providing the services to the combat search and res- cult. From fiber getting dirty and support directly to the war fighters," cue team, and all of the support func- effecting data transmission to stand- he said. March 19, 2007 FEATURE Freedom Watch Page 5 73rd EACS helps keep an eye on the skies Story and photo By Senior Airman Andrea Wright American Forces Network - Afghanistan

When aircraft take off or land at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the Airmen from the 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron are the first and last voice the crew hears. "Our primary goal is to make sure the aircraft take off, go do their mis- sion, and get home safely," said Air Force Lt. Col. Randy Morris, 73rd EACS commander. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Michael, 73rd Expeditionary Air Control In order to get all of that accom- Squadron, performs routine maintenance in an operations module. plished, it takes many different person- nel. And they aren't just talking to craft. In Afghanistan there is no "To support a full operational air American Forces aircraft; Kandahar opposing air threat," said Morris. "So, control squadron, there are 24 Air Airfield supports all kinds of aircraft the main thing we do to support the Force Specialty Codes required," said from the Dutch Air Force's F-16's and Army is to provide aircraft and direct Morris, as he named off all his Airmen British GR-7's to the F-15E's at support. Basically, if the Army needs a from the ground radio troops and Bagram Airfield and the commercial bomb dropped someplace we provide computer specialists to the squadron's aircraft going through Kandahar [the] aircraft to drop that bomb for own personnelist and medic. International Airport. them." In all, there are 87 Airmen deployed "We're basically tracking and identi- According to Airman Scott, her from Aviano Air Base, Italy, who now fying all the aircraft in our current air- team is essential in helping the aircraft fall under the 73rd EACS and they are space," said Airman 1st Class Michelle get its bombs on target. all vital to keeping the mission afloat. Scott, 73rd EACS surveillance techni- "We talk to the aircraft," she said. "The mission of the air control cian, and San Diego native. "And make sure that they don't run squadron is to provide air superiority While the idea of tracking aircraft into each other while they are up over the country of Afghanistan so in the airspace is nothing new to the there." our aircraft can fight unopposed and 73rd EACS, being in Afghanistan does With so much going on day to day, support the troops on the ground," pose some interesting challenges for Scott says her job can be hectic. said Morris. Their area of responsibil- its Airmen. "I like it when it's busy," she said. ity is "all of southern Afghanistan, "Normally we train for an air-to-air "But I wouldn't have it any other way - including Bagram, and that's a lot of war, which means our aircraft are if we help get a bomb dropped on the area to cover." going against the opposing army's air- bad guys, that's an accomplishment." Page 6 Freedom Watch NEWS March 19, 2007 Postal team links deployed Soldiers to home

Story and photo supporting the troops. By Army Pfc. "We make Soldiers happy by mail- Melissa M. Escobar ing stuff out to their loved ones all 22nd Mobile Public Affairs over," Isais said. Detachment For Soldiers serving downrange, receiving mail from loved ones back BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- home is especially important. In fact, istan - One of the best groups of it's the most important thing as far as Soldiers for any troop to know while morale goes, according to Army downrange is the postal team. Master Sgt. Patrick J. Muir, a native of For Soldiers serving at Jalalabad Holland, Mich., assigned to HHC, 3rd Airfield and throughout the north- BCT. eastern section of Regional Before Soldiers receive mail from Command-East, that team of Soldiers the U.S., it makes its way to New York. is the 458th Adjutant General From there, everything is sent to Company (Postal). Bagram Airfield, the initial arrival Army Staff Sgt. Brian R. Boss of point of all incoming mail. Then the Valiant, Okla., the noncommissioned mail is sorted out and sent to post officer in charge of the team, operates offices like the one the 458th crew the post office along with his crew of runs. postal clerks, Army Pfc. Livet Diaz, of If it seems like mail isn't reaching Chicago, and Army Pfc. Cynthia Y. its destination quick enough, that fault Army Pfc. Cynthia Y. Isais places Isais, from El Paso, Texas. They are doesn't necessarily lay with the postal responsible for ensuring that troops the final documentation required to a Soldier's package headed team. It cannot control all aspects of stationed at bases like Jalalabad back to the states. the mail system. Airfield, Jalalabad Provincial "Neither rain nor snow," unfortu- Reconstruction Team, Asadabad, has sent numerous packages to his nately, is not always an appropriate Camp Blessing, Naray, Kala Gush, two children for special occasions motto for theater mail. Weather is a Mehtar Lam and including their huge factor. In fact, there is a backlog Torquam not only birthdays and of mail stuck at Bagram that accumu- receive their mail “It’s a morale booster for Christmas. He lated in the winter due to the cold, but get their out- me and for the troops. doesn't forget to rainy and snowy weather. going mail sent. send packages to But not to worry; Boss said he'll Through base ...We make Soldiers one of his fellow use any means of transportation nec- postal facilities, happy by mailing stuff Soldiers, his own essary to get the mail to its final desti- Soldiers receive wife, who is also nation. letters and care out to their loved ones serving in Soldiers can expect their mail to packages, send all over.” Afghanistan. arrive by convoy or aboard a chopper. letters and pack- "Postal is Even if there's a single package head- ages to loved extremely ed in the same direction as a convoy, ones and even - Army 1st Sgt. Daniel Hall important," Hall Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade he'll do what he must to get that pack- mail their own Combat Team first sergeant said. "It's a age delivered. belongings to morale booster Either way, when you receive your themselves. for me and for package or a notice that your package Army 1st Sgt. Daniel Hall, a native the troops. I'm pretty confident in the has reached its final destination, thank of Ahoskie, N.C., who serves as mail system." your loved ones for the odds and ends Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Isais realizes the importance of her they have sent you - but don't forget Combat Team first sergeant, has job and said she gets satisfaction from to show a little gratitude to your local become an expert on sending mail. He knowing that she plays a vital role in postal workers. March 19, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 7 Coalition forces make roads safer By Air Force Capt. incorporated into IEDs," said Air to be disposed of in place. The cache David O. Calkins Force Staff Sgt. Harold Horton, EOD is in a remote enough area that the 755th Expeditionary Mission Support team member. team can dispose of the weapons on- Squadron The Airmen traveled to the cache site without danger to Afghan people with Army Military Policemen, and or buildings. A location was carefully BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- met with Afghan National Army con- selected to consolidate the cache, and istan - On his sixth deployment, Air tacts. After some discussion with the Airmen began building their shot. Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Bolen is no locals familiar with the area and with Proper build-up is important. stranger to the Global War on Terror. some judicious use of mine detecting "It ensures everything is eliminated Deployed to the 755th Expeditionary equipment, the team cleared a safe and prevents fragmentation or scatter- Mission Support Group Explosive path to the munitions cache. The ing of the ordnance," said Air Force Ordnance Disposal Team from his process was slow- made more difficult Master Sgt. Keith Raver, team leader. home station at McConnell Air Force by language barriers and buried metal, After ensuring the area was clear of Base, Kan., blowing up caches is just but there was no hurry. The team people, the team fired the shot. A another day in EOD. knew a wrong step could take away life resounding crack bounced off the It was a good news story - a muni- or limb in the blink of an eye. hills, accompanied by a towering tions cache was identified by locals and Once the path was deemed safe, plume of smoke and dust. After wait- turned over to Afghan soldiers, who they began the process of assessing ing for any stray fragmentation to fall notified Coalition forces. Getting rid the cache itself. Each item was identi- to earth, the team moved in to inspect of explosives that could otherwise find fied, inspected and catalogued. its work. It found a hole and not much their way into the hands of terrorists is "We take these missions very seri- else- mission accomplished and time almost always a team effort. ously," Bolen said. "There's always the to head home. The operation will destroy 122mm danger of booby traps and ordnance The MPs and EOD thanked the rockets, RPG rounds, projectiles, that has been exposed to the elements Afghan Police for its help and started weapon fuses and small-arm ammuni- for years can become dangerously back to Bagram. tion. unstable." "It's a satisfying day when you can "We've seen these weapons used After assessing each item in the go out, make the country safer and against Coalition forces in Afghanistan cache, the team determined what blow something up to boot," Bolen - fired from improvised launchers or could be transported and what needed reflected.

Dari/Pashtu phrase of the week A“Sal-i Now Mubarek” or “Nowrouz Mubarek” (Happy New Year) wish is appropriate to be extend- ed to your Afghan col- leagues in person, on the phone or in an e-mail.

Courtesy photo Nowrouz (New Year's Day): Nau Roz, March 21, is the first day of spring and of the Afghan solar calendar. During celebrations, lavish meals are prepared in Afghan homes. Two dishes, samanak, a dessert made of wheat and sugar, and haft-mehwah, a dish of fruits and nuts, are cooked especially for the occasion. Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE March 19, 2007 Page 9 Taekwondo shouts ring across Bagram Airfield ond Black Belt Promotion for fear and darkness. Examination on behalf of the Korean "Through this promotion test, all Taekwondo Association March 13 at the skills you've learned and efforts Enduring Faith Chapel. you've put in the past six months will The test took place with the sup- be tested," said In Lee. "What is more port of more than 200 Coalition important than the promotion is the members and was monitored under mental attitude you gain from the test. the watchful eyes of the judges, And in this aspect, you'll discover the Republic of Korea army Maj. Kyoung true Soldier in you." Gook Ko and ROK army Capt. Duk After the examination, nine of the Jin Jeon, both fourth-degree black 10 red belts earned their black belts, belts in taekwondo. ROK army Col. while 22 first-degree black belts earned Lee In Hee, ROK army Support their second-degree black belts. Group commander, supervised the "Watching all of you participating testing. in the test, I was able to envision all "I hope all those who are here to the efforts and endeavour you put take the test show the best of what into the last six months to learn taek- you've learned and trained so far and wondo," said In Lee to the students win the honor of this promotion," after the examination. "I will never forget the precious moments your Republic of Korea army Capt. Jae- said In Hee in his opening statement. Army Spc. Zulfikar Keskin, 377th Sik Cho, Bagram Provincial sweat and tears have poured into this The ROK SG has held the taek- Military Intelligence Battalion, Reconstruction Team, performs a wondo class on BAF since October prepares to begin his examina- moment. I hope you keep in mind the summersault board break during and the number of participants has tion for black belt during the 2nd spirit of taekwondo throughout your the demonstration exercise at reached more than 200, with more Tae Kwon Do Promotion life whenever and wherever you are." Enduring Faith Chapel on Bagram than 150 coming from Coalition Examination. Airfield March 13. Forces - a number that far exceeds those of any general class offered in Korea. Among those taking the class, 66 were geared up to take the black Taekwondo ethics belt promotion test and 26 of them Republic of Korea army Sgt. Sung-Soo Lee, Korean Medical Group, does As in all Martial Arts, ethics are of mony with nature and oneself. Balance is Never retreat from a battle Perseverance (In Nae). This basi- were Coalition Forces. great importance. One can look at indi- gained by controlling both evil and good When taking life, be selective cally stands for your internal drive. a front kick during his examination for black belt during the 2nd "I've dramatically matured myself vidual ethics, treat a fellow-man right, or forces (Yin vs. Yang): A true Taekwondo The commandments of Taekwondo Challenges allow us to Taekwondo Promotion Examination held at the Enduring Faith Chapel both physically and mentally through one can look at social ethics, as part of a student knows how to behave in all situ- are used as a guide for the moral devel- improve ourselves and on Bagram Airfield March 13. whole. ations. opment of students and art. No student should therefore not learning taekwondo, and am proud Ethics basically all comes down to Taekwondo is not only a way to who doesn't fully understand these be avoided. that I've learned it," said Billy Sanders, one point, the difference between 'good' improve skills of self defence, but it's a tenets can ever hope to master the true Story and photos and 'evil'. We practise taekwondo, often way of life. Practicing Taekwondo gives essence of the art. Self-control (Guk Ki). To have who has attended the taekwondo class By Senior Airman Brian Stives seen as an aggressive sport, but does this the student more self-confidence, but control of your body and mind. A every night. "I believe today's promo- mean we can be aggressive? Do we want this should not result in a false sense of Taekwondo student Successful American Forces Network - The Tenets of Taekwondo tion test is one of the most important to be aggressive? The answer is no. superiority. Courtesy (Ye Ui). To be thoughtful should practice con- Afghanistan We wear protection, because we trolling his actions and moments of my life, and I'll give it my and considerate of launching of don't want someone else injured, nor do HwaRang code of honor others. Taekwondo reactions. he Korean army Support best." we want to get hurt ourselves. Because of the military background, practisers (both stu- Group, one of the many During the test, the students were Taekwondo is not a destructive and there is a general code. These codes are dents and instructors) Indomitable spirit (Baekjool taekwondo pro- aggressive sport, but a sportive one. Boolgool). To have courage in the face members making up asked to perform certain moves to reflected in the "Commandments of should be polite, and show considera- T Taking part in a competition is not to modern Taekwondo" and is strongly tion for others. of adversity. A motion test Coalition Forces participating in show that they learned the necessary hurt your opponent, but to test your influenced by Buddhism. These com- Taekwondo Operation Enduring Freedom, has skills to wear the black belt. Wearing strength, in both physical and mental mandments are influenced by the Integrity (Yom Chi). Integrity student should ways. HwaRang Do code of honor: describes how you never be dom- takes place played a pivotal role in promoting the black belt means the student has Taekwondo students can improve Serve your lord with loyalty should interact with inated by, or have his spirit broken by taekwondo throughout Bagram reached maturity in the art and is also themselves physically and mentally by Serve your parents with filial piety others. To be honest another. training. The final goal is to achieve har- Trust your friends and good, earn respect and trust. Airfield, Afghanistan, and held its sec- an indication of being impenetrable Source: International Taekwondo Federation Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS March 19, 2007 ANG director visits deployed 'Citizen Soldiers'

Story and photo By Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Af- ghanistan - The highest ranking offi- cer of the United States Army National Guard met with deployed Guardsmen here March 4. Army National Guard Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, Army National Guard director, received a warm wel- Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, Army National Guard director, speaks to come from fellow Guardsmen at the deployed Guardsmen at the Kandahar Airfield main dining facility Mar. Kandahar Airfield main dining facility. 4. Vaughn is the highest ranking officer of the U.S. Army National Guard. More than 40 guardsmen, deployed from across the U.S., serving at KAF it. The Guard was 20,000 troops we are the most powerful community- crowded into the dining facility for the understaffed and stretched thin due to based defense force in the world," said opportunity to meet, shake hands with deployments. Today the Guard is Vaughn. and listen to Vaughn address some of almost at its 350,000 Soldier limit. Vaughn further elaborated on what the issues facing the National Guard. "Our recruiting and our retention a "Citizen Soldier" is. He said most "It is a privilege to be here with you, are really good. Our younger Soldiers National Guard Soldiers hold jobs in and I am proud of your service," said now out number the older ones, and their communities with numerous Vaughn. we have been able to retain experi- titles ranging from farmers, teachers Vaughn said the American people enced Soldiers and keep that experi- and law enforcement agents serving in are also proud of the National Guard's ence in the units," said Vaughn. a variety of different kinds of units. service. Spc. Jesse Thompson, a three-year "The 'Citizen Soldier' shows every- "The people in your communities member of the Oregon Army thing that is right about America. It's are proud of you and are following National Guard, was pleased that someone who is a patriot that will put what you are doing here very closely," retention has improved. their families and job on hold to serve he said. "I like to hear that they are making their nation when called to duty," said Pfc. Dominic Abramson, a two- efforts in the right direction to keep Vaughn. year member of the Oregon Army retention within the units so that the Vaughn also spoke to the National Guard and on his first experience stays along with the youth," Guardsmen of the importance of the deployment to Afghanistan, said he said Thompson, a forward observer fight. was glad to hear about the support who volunteered to deploy to "We must win this thing in from the home front. Afghanistan. Afghanistan; it is a big piece of the "I think it is good to hear people Vaughn also attested to the unique- puzzle in the war. Iraq is important back home are still following what we ness of the National Guard Soldier, too, but this is the global war on ter- are doing because at times you don't describing them as "Citizen Soldiers" ror," said Vaughn. hear about it as much," he said. "It just with a heritage dating back to colonial As the director of the National helps to reassure you that people are times. The National Guard held its Guard, Vaughn guides the formula- thinking and they know what is going first formation in the Massachusetts tion, development and implementa- on over here." Bay colonies on Dec. 13, 1636. This tion of all programs and policies Some key issues addressed by the date is recognized as the birthday of affecting nearly 350,000 Soldiers in all three-star general included recruiting the National Guard, and there have 50 states, territories and the District of and retention in the National Guard. been "Citizen Soldiers" in formation Columbia. Vaughn noted that 18 months ago the ever since. There are approximately 700 Guard was wondering how they were "We are the largest community- National Guard Soldiers currently going to meet the demands placed on based defense force in the world, and serving at KAF. March 19, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 11 RC-East, USAID leaders plan future Afghanistan development

By Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison that have a role in construction and development to advance 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment all our goals here in Afghanistan," Anderson said. "Previous rotations have been more focused solely on BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The leaders of defeating the enemy," said Army Lt. Col. John Strandberg, Regional Command-East and United States Agency civil military operations, RC-East. "Bullets aren't going to International Development met here March 6 in order to win the war for us." bridge the information gap between the two groups. RC-East is much more committed to the non-lethal "USAID is an independent agency within the structure of efforts involved in a counter-insurgency fight like we're in the state department," said Leon Waskin, mission director, here, Strandberg said. USAID in Afghanistan. "We create a sustainable environ- "We can't achieve what we want to achieve here in ment for development and reconstruction for develop- Afghanistan without the collaboration of RC-East and I'm ment." very grateful to General Anderson for helping launch that Waskin said they accomplish this mission by following process," Waskin said. several strategic objectives including economic growth, "The experience of USAID in reconstruction and devel- democracy, governance, education and health. opment is essential for us to make wise choices in how we "We could not do our work without the full support and commit our resources, and today's conference has done cooperation we've enjoyed from the military," he said. much to advance the communication, coordination and col- USAID has been in Afghanistan since 2001, and has laboration of our various programs, projects and policies," worked along-side and in close collaboration with the mili- Anderson said. tary during that time. "I think we've put in place today, thanks to General "Our president has made it clear that reconstruction and Anderson and his team, a process of collaboration that's development in Afghanistan is one of the keys to long-term going to continue to progress in the months to come," success, and likewise it is a priority of ISAF," said Army Waskin said . Brig. Gen. Rodney Anderson, deputy commanding general, This commitment, after less than two months in com- RC-East. mand, is just another example of RC-East's dedication to "We are partnering with the USAID and other elements going above and beyond the expectations of the Army.

PPHHOOTTOOSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE FFIIEELLDD Members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a first responder course for 14 members of the Afghan National Police at Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, March 4 and 5. The course included basic anatomy and treatment of bleeding, shock, hyperthermia, hypothermia, burn care and scene safety. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charles Campbell, Army Reserve Master Sgt. Thomas Daly, Air Force Senior Airman Conan Broyles and team interpreter Zakria Hamidi, taught the two-day course. Panjshir Deputy Governor Abdul Rahman Kabiri and Air Force Lt. Col. Neal Kringel, Panjshir PRT com- Photo by Army Reserve Maj. Cliff White mander, presented stu- If you have high-quality photos of servicemembers supporting the Coalition mission or enjoying well-deserved off- dents certificates and first duty time, please e-mail them to [email protected]. Please include full identification and caption informa- aid kits upon completion of tion, including who is in the photo and what action is taking place. the course. Page 12 Freedom Watch NEWS March 19, 2007 82nd Airborne Division, ANA launch 'Operation Achilles' in Southern Afghanistan

"The main effort is actually the British; we are a sup- Taliban commander porting effort to help isolate and prevent Taliban from escaping," said Army Capt. Tom Reinner, 1-508th PIR. captured by Afghan "This is the largest multi-national combined ANSF and ISAF operation launched to date, and it signifies the National Army beginning of a planned offensive to bring security to northern Helmand and set the conditions for meaningful By Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain development that will fundamentally improve the quality 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment of life for Afghans in the area," Van Loon said. KHANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - At the Although "Operation Achilles" focuses on improving request of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's govern- security conditions, its overreaching purpose is to assist ment, soldiers from NATO's International Security the government of Afghanistan in improving its ability to Assistance Force and the Afghan National Security Force begin reconstruction and economic development in the launched a major operation targeting area. Taliban and drug traffickers in south- "Strategically, our goal is to enable ern Afghanistan March 6. the Afghan government to begin the "Operations will focus on improv- “This is the largest multi- Kajaki Project," Van Loon said. ing security in areas where Taliban national combined ANSF Van Loon noted the project, extremist, foreign terrorists and [nar- which centers around the Kajaki cotics] traffickers are trying to destabi- and ISAF operation multi-purpose dam and power lize the government of Afghanistan," launched to date, and it house, will improve the water supply for local communities, rehabilitate said Dutch Maj. Gen. Ton Van Loon, signifies the beginning of commander, Regional Command- irrigation systems for farmlands, as South. a planned offensive to well as provide sufficient electrical "We also intend to empower village bring security to northern power for residents, industries and elders to take charge of their commu- commerce. nities as they have been doing so in Helmand and set the con- Soldiers from the Afghan other parts of southern Afghanistan, ditions for meaningful National Security Force captured a without the influence of Taliban high-ranking Taliban commander extremists," he said. development that will and suicide bomb attack facilitator Code named "Operation Achilles," fundamentally improve during the second day of "Operation the multi-national force operating in Achilles" March 7. the northern region of the Helmand the quality of life for Mullah Mahmood was arrested at Province involves 5,500 soldiers, Afghans in the area.” an ANSF check point as he tried to including 1,000 soldiers from the escape dressed in a burka, a veil worn by Islamic women here. Afghan National Security Force and - Dutch Maj. Gen. Ton Van Loon up to 1,000 Paratroopers from Fort Regional Command-South commander "The capture of this senior Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division. Taliban extremist is another indica- The first elements of the operation tor that a more normal life is return- reached their positions early March 6 said Van Loon. ing to the Zahre and Panjwaii districts, and is a testament Paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute to the great work the ANA is achieving," Van Loon said. Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd "Yesterday's security crackdown in Panjwaii is an exam- Airborne Division, is playing a key roll in "Operation ple of the ultimate goals of "Operation Achilles." With Achilles." stability provided by the ANA, much needed reconstruc- "Our Paratroopers coordinated a convoy and night air tion will commence for the people of southern assault in the Ghorak Valley of the Helmand Province," Afghanistan," he added. said Army 1st Lt. Mathew Catalono, 1-508th PIR. March 19, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 13 Panjshir PRT turns best practice into Afghan favorite By Air Force Capt. Joe Campbell Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Af- ghanistan - A best practice program developed by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team has become a community favorite here. The pro- gram provides construction materials to Afghan's to complete or repair their own projects. Initially started as a way to encour- age villagers to take a more active role in community development, the free bags of ready-to-mix cement plan has expanded to include gabions - wire cages designed to hold rocks or other riprap material to form foundations or erosion control structures. "Villagers pick up bags of cement from the PRT themselves, do the work themselves, then our engineers inspect the work to ensure the cement Photo by Air Force Capt. Chris White was used properly," said Army A best practice program developed by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team has become a community favorite here. The pro- Reserve Capt. Nick Ashbaugh, gram provides construction materials to Afghan's to complete their Panjshir PRT Civil Affairs team own projects. Not all projects are approved and each request meets a leader. stringent review process by the requesting village's provincial council The 49th and 50th do-it-yourself members and the PRT. Villagers pick up bags of cement from the projects were undertaken recently Panjshir PRT headquarters. They complete the project and then engi- after cement projects in the Khenj neers inspect the work to ensure the cement was used properly. and Dara districts were approved. Not all proj- this addition to be met with enthusi- Villagers from ects are asm throughout Panjshir," said Air Safachi received “Captain Ashbaugh has approved. Each Force Lt. Col. Neal Kringel, Panjshir 150 bags of cement negotiated the deliv- request meets a PRT commander. to repair a mosque stringent review The program allows locals to while Bari Ali citi- ered price of good- process by the accomplish projects benefiting their zens were given 100 quality cement from requesting vil- villages and it is a cost-effective way bags of cement to lage's provincial for the PRT to make a difference in fix a canal wall for our supplier to $5 per council members more reconstruction projects while their micro-hydro bag; so a 150-bag proj- and then the need watching costs. power plant. is verified by PRT "Captain Ashbaugh has negotiated "We always keep ect costs a mere $750.” members before the delivered price of good-quality cement on hand to a project is sup- cement from our supplier to $5 per support these types - Air Force Lt. Col. Neal Kringel ported. bag; so a 150-bag project costs a mere Panjshir PRT commander of projects," said "The success $750," said Kringel. "More impor- Ashbaugh. "We've of the cement tantly, it fosters partnership, sweat given out more than 6,500 bags of program led us to add gabions to our equity and fast-track responsiveness." cement since May 2006." do-it-yourself efforts and we expect Page 14 Freedom Watch NEWS March 19, 2007 Combat engineers rescue bulldozer in distress

another challenge rose. As the cables from a Jinga truck's winch tightened around the cab of the dozer, the stakes anchoring the pulling system began to bend. "The stakes we were using were not deep enough into the rocks to support the weight so they kept bending," said Army Sgt. Joshua King of Baltimore, Md. "And the contractors didn't have drill bits large enough to get the stakes deeper into the rock. We had to find another way." "We had to convince an excavator operator to help pull on the bulldozer U.S. Army combat engineers from A Company, 27th Engineering while another excavator pushed on it Battalion, 20th Engineering Brigade (Airborne), devise a plan to keep with its bucket," Fredrickson said. an armored bulldozer from falling off a cliff into the Pech River in east- "He had already left the scene scared ern Afghanistan. After several hours the combat engineers successful- ly recovered the vehicle. that he would ruin his equipment but we convinced him to give it a try." Story and photo "Once they had the dozer anchored After about an hour of the excava- By Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello they pulled the trailer out and that's what tor tearing away a portion of the 22nd Mobile Public Affairs we have now, a 30-ton piece of equip- mountain side to make room for his Detachment ment hanging off a cliff," Fredrickson equipment to get into position, the said at the time of the event. Paratroopers gave the order. BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- The combat engineers immediately Once the mechanical beasts began istan - A 30-ton armored bulldozer went to work to recover the equip- the synchronized pushing and pulling hanging off a cliff may have seemed a ment, but there were many obstacles, on the enormous armored bulldozer test and task daunting enough to break including the location. The bulldozer with their hydraulic arms, the huge the will of even the toughest was hanging off a cliff which had been earthmover began to tremble, rock, Paratroopers, but not even the laws of weakened by its enormous weight. and shake up dust before its center of gravity would deny the veteran engi- Between the cliff and mountain side gravity brought its massive 30-ton neers of A Company's Road Clearing was a road barely large enough for one frame crashing to the ground, raising Platoon, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th vehicle to drive on. an enormous cloud of dust and pul- Engineer Brigade (Airborne), another Another obstacle was the lack of verized rock underneath both of its successful mission. equipment the engineers had on hand. safely planted tracks. "While transporting the dozer on a Without heavy enough equipment, the "When I first saw that bulldozer lowboy trailer the truck ran up on engineers quickly contacted local leaning over the cliff, I wasn't sure if some rocks on the side of the road," national contractors, who were build- we were going to be able to recover it," explained Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard ing a road in the area. said Army Staff Sgt. Michael Huff, a Fredrickson, the Road Clearing Easing the equipment drivers of Road Clearing Platoon squad leader Platoon sergeant from Salt Lake City, their fear of being dragged over the from Orlando, Fla. "But with these Utah. "Once the bulldozer was at the cliff once they began to pull on the guys I'm never surprised." right angle it tipped over." bulldozer was a dilemma. The engi- After a year successfully clearing Only a quick response by the Light neers had to find a way of rocking the mines, improvised explosive devices Equipment Platoon, which anchored equipment back on its tracks without and paving a safer path for other the bulldozer to the side of the moun- destabilizing it to the point of falling Soldiers, the combat engineers have tain with chains, saved the piece of over. The plan was to use a pulley sys- proven even physics can't keep these Army equipment from going over, tem to decrease the weight of the Paratroopers from accomplishing their Fredrickson said. dozer, but as soon as the work started mission. March 19, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 15 ANA, Coalition plan course ahead Story and photo By Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The command ser- geants major of the 173rd Infantry Brigade (Airborne) and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Spartan met with senior Afghan National Army leaders March 11 at an ANA base in Jalalabad. "Sky Soldiers" were in town for a pre-deployment reconnaissance with TF Spartan to assure a smooth transi- Army Command Sergeants Major Isaiah Vimoto (left) and James tion. Redmore (right) watch an Afghan National Army briefing regarding the personnel issues. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Isaia Vimoto, 173rd Inf. Brig., was intro- Vimoto and other sergeants major of anymore," said Redmore. "We are duced to ANA "Commando TF Spartan. moving beyond the kinetic phases of Brigade's" Command Sgt. Maj. Shoib The steady stream of mentioned this war. We are building Afghanistan just before a briefing describing the milestones included a good level of to the point of having and being able current capabilities and recent accom- morale, increased coordination and to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy in our plishments of the area's ANA to proficiency in handling the communi- country." cations and logistics, and improved Vimoto also thanked the ANA for medical care, including a new military the briefing, which he intended to hospital located on the base. The take back to Vicenza, Italy, to help briefing also covered the area of prepare his "Sky Soldiers" for their operations of the units present and return to Afghanistan. Their first concerns of the senior non-commis- deployment, during which the brigade sioned officers at the briefing. was based at Kandahar, was hailed as TF Spartan Command Sgt. Maj. hugely successful in flushing the James Redmore addressed the room Taliban out of Zabul province and of senior enlisted Soldiers, thanking robbing them of safe haven through- them for the briefing and praised the out the south. dedication and commitment of the "I'm impressed by your accom- ANA. plishments," Vimoto told the Afghan "You have to have three character- sergeants major. "I pledge to support istics to be a warrior," Redmore said. you and I hope, together, we can "You have to be tactically and techni- accomplish as much as you have over cally proficient; you have to be men- this past year." tally and physically tough; but most Redmore affirmed that the area of importantly, you have to have the will operations would be in good hands as to fight. The ANA has displayed all of the airborne brigade moved in. these traits." "The brigade that is replacing us is Redmore also reiterated the long- a brigade of Paratroopers," he said. term goals of the mission. "These are the Army's best and I'm "You're maturing as an army and a sure they'll do just as good of a job, if nation, and the goal is to not need us not better than we have." Freedom Watch March 19,2007 March

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (left) talks to Army Master Sgt. Steve Farr, 147th Personnel Services Battalion, Minnesota Army National Guard, during his visit to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 9. Farr is originally from Lake Shore, Minn. Pawlenty visited Bagram Airfield to see how the 30 Soldiers from the Minnesota ANG and 100 Soldiers from the 13th Psyop Bn., from Arden Hills Reserve Base, Minn., are doing in Afghanistan. Pawlenty also visited Minnesota Soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait on his trip. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brian Stives)