July 23, 2007 cjtf82.afghan.swa.army.mil

Gen.Gen. PacePace ttalksalks toto trooptroopss atat BagramBagram - Page 4 Page 2 Freedom Watch DEFENSE DIGEST July 23, 2007

served as Acting Secretary of the Air ter through Hire A Hero and create Force from July to November 2005. online profiles at www.hireahero.org. Before joining the Defense Instructions can be found by clicking on Department, Geren was an attorney and Perdew's photo found on the Hire a businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Hero Web site. The application deadline is Aug. 15. Second 'Apprentice' looks to military for his own apprentice Air Force Army WASHINGTON - The winner of Senate names Pete Geren 20th NBC's second season of "The Air Force streamlines officer, Secretary of the Army Apprentice" reality show, Kelly Perdew, is enlisted evaluation forms WASHINGTON - The Honorable looking to hire an apprentice. WASHINGTON - Air Force officials Pete Geren became the 20th Secretary of Perdew is the president of are introducing new officer and enlisted the Army July 13, following his nomina- ProElite.com, an online community for evaluation forms as it transforms its per- tion by President George W. Bush and mixed martial arts fighters, fans and sonnel processes. confirmation by the U.S. Senate. organizations. The former Army officer The major part of this effort has been As Secretary of the Army, Geren has is partnering with the non-profit group directed at reducing the workload associ- statutory responsibility for all matters "Hire a Hero" to find the right person. ated with preparing officer and enlisted relating to the U.S. Army: manpower, "Kelly Perdew is a quality employer, performance reports while ensuring the personnel, reserve affairs, installations, entrepreneur, and a patriot, who is truly evaluation process remains fair and pro- environmental issues, weapons systems helping to make a positive difference in vides for accurate portrayal of perform- and equipment acquisition, communica- the lives of those who have served," said ance. tions and financial management. Dan Caulfield, Hire A Hero's executive The change also includes the much Geren is responsible for the director. "He is setting the example for all anticipated addition of physical fitness Department of the Army's annual budg- other employers to follow." documentation to both evaluation and et and supplemental of $170 billion. He Caulfield, a former Marine officer, feedback forms. leads a work force of more than one mil- founded Hire a Hero, a program of the Although the Air Force used a com- lion active-duty and reserve-component Armed Forces Support Foundation. The petency based performance evaluation Soldiers, 230,000 Department of the program helps active-duty and transition- and feedback process, the changes to the Army civilian employees and 280,000 ing military personnel, veterans, National evaluation forms make them a more contracted service personnel. He has Guard members, reservists, and their user-friendly, value-added product that stewardship over 15 million acres of spouses find training and employment accurately reflects an Airman's perform- land. through an online community to help ance. Caring for Soldiers and their families them network into quality job opportuni- Implementation dates for the new has been Geren's top priority since his ties and training. evaluation forms for all ranks is as fol- days serving as the 28th Under Secretary The organization also is a member of lows: of the Army. In an opening statement America Supports You, a Defense - Officers: Aug. 15 during his confirmation hearing last Department program connecting citi- - Airman basic to senior airman: Aug. 15 month, he reaffirmed that commitment. zens and corporations with military per- - Staff sergeant: Jan. 1, 2008 "My year as Under Secretary of the sonnel and their families serving at home - Technical sergeant: Jan. 1, 2008 Army taught me much - my four months and abroad. - Master sergeant: Oct. 1 as Acting Secretary of the Army taught The winning candidate will work - Senior master sergeant: Aug. 1 me much more," he said. "I have been under Perdew at ProElite.com, a sub- - Chief master sergeant: Aug. inspired by the selfless service of our sidiary of ProElite Inc. The company - Premier band: April 1, 2008 Soldiers, and humbled by the sacrifice of provides mixed martial arts entertain- - Air Force Reserve and Air National their families." ment, including live, arena-based enter- Guard (airman basic to chief master ser- Geren joined the Defense tainment events, cable television pro- geant): Aug. 15 Department in September of 2001 to gramming on Showtime Network, and The new IMT performance report serve as Special Assistant to the Secretary community-driven interactive broadband and performance feedback worksheets of Defense with responsibilities in the entertainment via the Internet are available on the Air Force e- areas of inter-agency initiatives, legislative All interested job candidates, current Publishing Web site at http://www.e- affairs and special projects. He also or former military personnel, must regis- publishing.af.mil/. July 23, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 3 66

COVER Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, took time July 18 to answer servicemembers' ques- tions during a town hall meeting at Bagram. (Photo by Army Sgt.. Timothy Dinneen)

Photo by Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain Contents Country music artist Brian Stace (left) and lead guitarist Mark PAGE 2 Agnessi perform for servicemembers at Airfield, , July 7. Stace and his band played at several bases in Defense Digest Afghanistan during a three week tour. PAGE 4 Chairman of Joint Chiefs visits servicemembers PAGE 5 PSS missions support troops at Forward Bases PAGE 6 Country music’s ‘Blue Eyed Bad Boy’ entertains service- members in Afghanistan 88 -- 99 PAGE 7 Afghan engineers rebuild Afghanistan PAGE 8-9 TF Rock prepares to tame ‘Valley of Fire’ PAGE 10 CENTAF commander visits Airmen at Kandahar Airfield PAGE 11 Freedom Focus PAGE 12-13 Joint medical engagement reaches out to Afghans in Photo by Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello The view from a gun position at Firebase Phoenix overlooking the PAGE 14 Korengal Valley. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Afghans, Romanians improve relations with soccer Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Paratroopers occupy several small firebases along the valley in PAGE 15 one of the most hard-fought areas in Afghanistan's Regional Entertainment Page Command-East.

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. cjtf82.afghan.swa.army.mil Page 4 Freedom Watch NEWS July 23, 2007 Chairman of Joint Chiefs visits servicemembers

Story and photo by Army Sgt. Timothy Dinneen Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan- istan - The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he believes the War on Terror will last another 20 to 30 years during a town hall speaking engagement with servicemembers here July 18. Marine Gen. Peter Pace used the opportunity to offer support and answer questions servicemembers fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom had before he leaves his position as chairman in September Marine Gen. Peter Pace (left), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retires. answers servicemembers' questions during a town hall meeting July "Any terrorist activity over the past 18. Questions raised by servicemembers ranged from gauging the 100 years, it's taken 20 to 30 years to support of the American public for the War on Terror, differences defeat terrorist activity," said Pace. "It between the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, future footprints of American does not mean having 25,000 service- forces remaining in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how to influence a local members in Afghanistan, or 150,000 populace to embrace peace. Americans in Iraq; that will be deter- mined in a shorter timeline." war. The only thing for us to deter- ered servicemembers the importance Questions raised by servicemem- mine is how we prevail." of re-enlisting in a struggle that will bers ranged from The enemy is last well into the foreseeable future. gauging the support wrong to mis- "Anytime any of our fellow of the American pub- “The enemy’s intent is take [American] Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines lic for the War on to destroy our way of debate on how decide to stay on active duty, it makes Terror, differences to wage the war all of us who are on active duty feel between the Iraq and life. As long as our with our resolve pretty damn good because you're stay- Afghanistan wars, enemy has sworn to to win it," Pace ing on board with us," Pace said. "I future footprints of continued. "We guarantee you the folks in Congress American forces end our way of life, we will prevail." and the American people know exact- remaining in Iraq and will be in a war. The The deputy ly what's going on here. It's important, Afghanistan, and how assistant secre- and you will be appreciated when you to influence a local only thing for us to tary to the return home for a job well done." populace to embrace determine is how we Navy, retired Pace was not given another nomi- peace. Marine Col. and nation opportunity to continue as "The wars in Iraq prevail. ” Medal of chairman by Secretary of Defense and Afghanistan are Honor recipient Robert Gates. Gates is due to recom- part of the same war, - Marine Gen. Peter Pace H.C. Barnum mend Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, cur- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff battles of the same Jr., thanked rent chief of Naval operations, to war," Pace said. "The troops for their Congress and if confirmed will enemy's intent is to destroy our way of service and let them know the assume duties in September. life. As long as our enemy has sworn American people are behind them. Pace will retire from the Marine to end our way of life, we will be in a Pace also impressed upon the gath- Corps after 40 years of service. July 23, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 5

Army Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Plotnick (far right) and Pfc. Michael Harrison (left center), from 726th Finance Battalion, provide financial support to Soldiers stationed at Forward Operating Base Tillman July 10. PSS missions support troops at forward bases Story and photo Bryce Compton, Morale Welfare "We get wish lists from the FOBs By Spc. Rodney Carreiro and Recreation director for the and we try to provide whatever is on 43rd Joint Logistics Command Combined Joint Operations Area, that wish list as best we can," said accompanied the PSS personnel to Chris Taitingfong, AAFES business ensure troops at the FOBs are provid- manager. ed with services to Members of the FORWARD OPERATING BASE make their lives 82nd Airborne TILLMAN, Afghanistan - Soldiers better. “We try to get out and Division's All- and civilians from Bagram Airfield "We establish American Band conducted a Personnel Service and cyber cafes and get eyes on what they performed for the Support mission here July 10. phone services at have and what they troops during the The mission brought supplies, serv- the FOBs for the visit. ices and entertainment to the troops at troops wherever need to make an imme- "We travel from the small FOB where many of the and whenever we diate impact. ” FOB to FOB amenities of larger bases are absent. can get to them," doing shows in the Soldiers on the ground at FOB Compton said. - Army Sgt. Maj. Kerry S. Tooley [dining facility] or Tillman provided the leadership with Taking comput- Task Force Gladius wherever we can feedback about what is being done ers and phones to for the troops," right and what they need. the FOBs allows troops the means to said Spc. Joshua Bandy, a bass player in "We try to get out and get eyes on contact loved ones back home more the band. "Days like today are fun; it's what they have and what they need to frequently. The access also gives troops great when we can get to the smaller make an immediate impact," said Army a way to complete educational courses places that bigger groups can't get to." Sgt. Maj. Kerry S. Tooley, the online and conduct financial transac- "It helps a lot of the guys out here, Combined Joint Task Force-82 person- tions easier. we don't have the ways or means to go nel sergeant major. "We gather their AAFES employees also brought get things since we can't leave the issues and bring them to the chain of merchandise from the Post Exchange FOB," said Army Sgt. Taion Harrison, command at Bagram to tell them what on Bagram to the troops at FOB camp mayor at FOB Tillman. they need at the FOBs." Tillman. Page 6 Freedom Watch NEWS July 23, 2007 Country music's 'Blue Eyed Bad Boy' entertains servicemembers in Afghanistan Story and photo said. "We have been able to fly around and By Sgt. Tony J. Spain see that schools are being built and all the 22nd Mobile Public good things that are happening." Affairs Detachment Stace, who has talked to a lot of Servicemembers in Iraq and now Afghanistan, says there is a common KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghan- theme from the fighting men and women. istan - Country music artist Brian Stace "You get the real truths from the has performed several concerts for mem- Soldiers about what happened out in bers of the U.S. Armed Forces in Kosovo, combat. The thing I here from every Iraq and now Afghanistan. He wrapped Soldier is nobody here wants to kill any up a three week tour with a performance innocent woman or child or by-standing here July 7. civilians, but it happens when they are har- Stace entertained the crowd with music boring the and the people are off his new "Blue Eyed Bad Boy" album shooting at them," said Stace. and a single he just released to radio "So it is a whole different story when "Daddy's Coming Home," a song that has you actually talk to the people who are car- become popular amongst the military rying the guns as opposed to the people deployed. who are carrying the news cameras and After the show numerous U.S. Soldiers, microphones," he said. Airman, Sailors, and Marines, as well as Country music star, Brian Stace, performs for servicemembers at Stace is taking this message to the civilians and NATO troops, lined up for a Kandahar Airfield July 7. Stace, American people while on tour in the chance to meet Stace and his band. The an avid supporter of the military, states by talking about his experiences and performers stayed for hours to make sure has performed for U.S. what he has seen during his time spent everyone who wanted an autograph, to Servicemembers in Kosovo, Iraq with the troops. take a picture with them or just shake and now Afghanistan. "We are letting them know about the hands and talk got the opportunity to do itary and the situation on the ground from sacrifices you all make and the job you are so. those with first-hand knowledge. doing over here," he said. One fan waiting in line was Air Force "A lot of us didn't know much about Stace said he can't express enough Staff Sgt., Joseph G. Packard, 451st Air the military until we did our first tour and what an honor it is to play for the troops Expeditionary Group, who sported a now we realize all the little things; where and how humbled he is by the apprecia- black cowboy hat with an Afghan flag for you eat, where you sleep, the temperatures tion he receives from them. Stace to autograph. you have to endure, the equipment you "I don't know we would ever get that at "I love the music and would like to have to carry around, you always have a a regular show. Soldiers come up and look thank performers like Brian Stace for gun in your hand," Stace said. "All the you in the eye and from the bottom of coming to play for us," Packard said. "It simple things that we take for granted their hearts thank you for coming over means a lot to me, and it shows they're everyday. We don't realize all the things here," he said. "We appreciate the thanks, giving to us and showing their support for you guys are dealing with everyday and but we are here to thank you" us." doing without everyday." "I respect everybody just for picking Stace says they are thanked often, but Stace also made the point after seeing up the pen and signing the acceptance to they are not doing it for the praise. "We the situation for himself, there seems to be join the military whenever they did it," are honored to be able to get over here a disconnect between the situation on the Stace said. "I think it takes a lot of and be able to play," he said. ground and what Americans read and see guts…you're actually signing over some- Stace traveled to several locations dur- in the news. what of your freedom and putting it in the ing his tour in Afghanistan, and as the new "All we hear about in the news in the hands of the U.S. Government hoping "Blue Eyed Bad Boy" of Nashville States is things that maybe make every- that you're going to help other people in brought country music to U.S. forces, thing look bad. We don't get to hear about the world. So I respect that and appreciate Stace and his band learned about the mil- all the good things that are happening," he it." July 23, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 7 Afghan engineers rebuild Afghanistan

By Army Capt. processes. The Afghan's knowledge "they supervised local equipment Ashley Dellavalle of local construction methods has operators and cleared and grubbed Task Force Rugged been helpful during their quality the land. Then they graded it to a Public Affairs Office control and quality assurance mis- one- to two-percent slope [improv- sion. ing water] drainage. It was horrible "Since the start before, now it is FORWARD OPERATING BASE of the program, “We want to work for much better." SALERNO, Afghanistan - Afghan our expectations The Afghan engineers teamed up with the facili- are greatly the Coalition forces. engineers, from ties engineer team here to complete increasing. They The rebuilding of the Khowst a host of construction projects to have a lot of Province and include a "play ground," a mosque knowledge. My Afghanistan and the from Paktia, are roof, as well as an ammunition hold- civilian engineers security situation are proud to be part ing area. were pleasantly of the Coalition The Afghans have assisted in the surprised by their important to us and team. many facets of the engineer expertise," said our country. ” "We want to processes, to include supervising Army Lt. Col. work for the the contracted equipment projects, Mark Jacobsen, - Abdullah Coalition forces," as well as doing some small project the facilities engi- Afghan engineer said Abdullah, design work. neer team leader, one of the The initiative to have Afghan from Gresham, Afghan engineers engineers augment Coalition forces Ore. who graduated from Kabul and civilian engineers in theater was "Many times it is difficult to University Engineering Facility. started by the previous facilities communicate with the Afghan engi- "The rebuilding of Afghanistan and engineer team in Afghanistan. neers. Fortunately, engineering and the security situation are important The engineers worked with the math is a language all to itself. At to us and our country. We are build- local contractors to improve their the ball field, as one engineer calls it ing good relationships with the construction techniques and a 'play ground'," said Jacobsen, Coalition engineering teams."

Dari/Pashtu phrase of the week Are you hungry? Aya shume gursna hasted? (Eye-yah shoo-mah goor-ees-nah hah-stayed?)

Pashtu Taso wazha ye? (Tah-soh wah-ja yaya?)

Courtesy photo Afghan men typically wear a long tunic over baggy trousers and often wear a vest over the tunic. Turbans are wound around a type of turban cap. Pashtuns, and others who imitate them, leave a couple of feet of turban cloth hanging down, while most of those in the rest of the country tuck the end in. Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE July 23, 2007 Page 9

We have been shot at before, mortared Knowing their importance and their development. A good relationship with before and we know what to do. role in Afghanistan are important, said the local populace is a theme the bat- Taking care of your buddy to your left a platoon sergeant from Able talion is working hard to achieve. and right is the key to our success and Company who lives at Firebase "It's important to concentrate on getting after [terrorists] when they try California in the Pech Valley. His pla- both lethal and non-lethal aspects," to attack us is our motto and that toon's job is to secure an area that said Army Maj. Scott Himes, TF comes from the heart of these troop- includes a road project, seven villages Rock's plans and operations officer. ers in Battle Company and no insur- and an unknown number of enemies. "Historically this has been an area of gent can match that." "I hope they know by now why they safe haven for the insurgents. If we The Soldiers based in and around are here," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose don't have a lot of positive interaction the dangerous valleys have proven they Magaña of his Soldiers. "To look out with the people, they will be suscepti- have heart and much more in the short outside the base and see people doing ble to the Taliban's leverage. We have time since their arrival. As their war things, selling things and kids going to to rely on a partnership with the peo- stories accumulate, their vested interest schools, that's why we're here, so that ple." in the progress of the Afghan authori- the Afghan people can do things many "We have to prove to them that ties becomes a personal matter. take for granted. It's not easy to bear there is a positive alternative," Himes "We have fought with these guys," all the sacrifices these Soldiers are said, "As we build trust with the people said Army Sgt. Raul Padilla, a Battle making but their role is historic in and the people trust more in the capac- Company team leader at Firebase granting people the same freedoms we ity of the Afghan governmental agen- Phoenix in the Korengal Valley. "This have at home." cies, we can build has become personal to us. The peo- One of the pla- long-term partner- ple, not just the soldiers and police- toon's specific tasks “ ships. They'll know men, of Afghanistan are depending on is focused around a To look out outside the we are going to us to help them get control of their road project linking base and see people stay and provide country." several population security." A paratrooper from Able Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade doing things, selling Combat Team, scans the ridgelines across the Pech River as he pulls guard at Firebase California. Personal is the only way these hard- hubs through three A recent flood- ened Paratroopers can take the death districts. things and kids going to ing of the Pech of one Soldier and several combat "Our job is to schools, that’s why River, which killed TF Rock prepares to tame 'Valley of Fire' injuries in their battalion. But not even secure an area of three people and the death of their fellow Soldiers will the Pech River we’re here, so that the destroyed one Story and photo More than a month after replacing with locals to establish a sound living deter them, said Padilla. Road," said Afghan people can do home and nine By Army Spc. the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry environment, to help train and work "We won't leave this valley until the Magaña, also a vet- bridges may have Jon H. Arguello Regiment, TF Rock has once again side-by-side with [Afghan National insurgents leave, and if they won't eran of the battal- things many take for demonstrated the Task Force Rock Public Affairs been charged with completing the task Army], and second, to eliminate forces leave we'll make it personal for them ion's last rotation to granted.” local government's of taming the area between the Pech that cause disruption to the process of too," said Padilla, a veteran of TF Afghanistan. "The commitment. As and Korengal valleys called the "Valley a good, trustworthy government in our Rock's last deployment to Afghanistan. strategic location - Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Magaña Coalition forces FOWARD OPERATING BASE of Fire" by the Soldiers who patrol it area of responsibility." "This area is now under the control of and purpose of this 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry (Airborne), came to offer aid, FENTY, Afghanistan - It's been Afghan and Coalition forces. The road make it very 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, they were already because of the frequency of fire fights. Already the "Sky Soldiers" placed Task Force Rock almost 18 months since 2nd Battalion, "We are to conduct counter-insur- along the triangular-shaped intersection Taliban is going to have to go away or valuable. We need in full swing of 503rd Infantry (Airborne), 173rd gency operations in [Regional of the two valleys have been in several go around us because they aren't wel- to ensure the road's planning repairs. Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Task Command]-East to destroy and defeat fire fights and repelled various come here anymore." progress moves for- The Pech district's Force Rock, left Afghanistan after the insurgents and build the capability ambushes. But the attempts to chal- The sense of purpose these troops ward. This road will improve the lives sub-governor not only planned, but proving its capabilities against insur- of Afghan National Security Forces to lenge the Rock's Paratroopers is a have gained goes beyond their specific of the people who live here, enhance with Coalition help, repaired the only gents throughout operations in the enable the [Islamic Republic] of waste of the insurgents' time said jobs and ranks at this point, Spc. Jason the Afghan security forces' ability to road leading to the victims of the southern part of the country. Afghanistan provide a secure and sta- Caldwell. Mace said. control the area and stimulate econom- flood and delivered emergency relief. The battalion's success was notable ble environment that deters the re- "The insurgents, as you may want to "Slowly, we are accomplishing things ic and social development." Even with the 2-503rd's tremendous as it established relationships with the emergence of terrorism in the region," call them, will never match up with any here," said Mace. "We've already done Just hours after Magaña's interview, efforts to develop Afghanistan's securi- population helping Afghan authorities said Army 1st Sgt. LaMonta Caldwell, troopers from Battle Company or Rock things we were told were impossible. Firebase California fended off an ty forces, the trust of the locals, and to develop a respectable fighting force. Battle Company, 2-503rd. "The troop- Battalion," said Caldwell. "This is not They said we couldn't go to this area insurgent attack. Despite persistent, stimulate their living conditions in a All of this was done while finding, fix- ers of Battle Company, 2-503rd, under- our first rodeo. We just left or pass that line but we have. It's tak- but apparently futile attempts to dis- positive direction, it's impossible to ing and destroying large numbers of stand our task at hand: first, to finish Afghanistan 16 months ago. A lot of ing time but it's not going to stop until rupt TF Rock's work, the battalion ignore the kinetic side of the war, enemy on several occasions. what 1-32 has already started- working those veterans are still around like me. we do something about it and we are." continues to push economic and social especially in the "Valley of Fire." Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS July 23, 2007 CENTAF commander visits Airmen at Kandahar Story and photo By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer A. Evans 451st Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghan- istan - The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander visited service- members of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group here July 7. Air Force Lt. Gen. Gary L. North observed operations and spoke with deployed Airmen from units around the world. Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander, "I would like to thank each and visits with Airmen of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group and Bulgarian every one of you for the great job that forces at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, July 7. you are doing down here," said North. North ate lunch with 26 Airmen 451st ESFS, was coined for his out- members he visited. "Spiritual, physi- and presented coins to a few stand-out standing support of the mission and cal and emotional health are vital," he Airmen from the 451st Expeditionary was somewhat surprised to be recog- said. Security Forces Squadron, 73rd nized by the CENTAF commander. North also made a point of visiting Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, "I was really not expecting this," with Bulgarian troops at the perimeter as well as the command and communi- said Infante. guard towers in reciprocation of the cations sections. North stressed the importance of visit the Bulgarian Head of State made Air Force Airman David Infante, the 'wellness triangle' to the service- to CENTAF headquarters recently.

ANA Soldiers secure Mehter Lam Story and photo By Spc. Aubree Rundle Task Force Pegasus Public Affairs

MEHTER LAM, Afghanistan - When they're not pulling security at the Entry Control Points or training for missions, a company of Afghan National Army Soldiers stationed here open their doors to U.S. troops to share their meals and friendship. The ANA Soldiers have a cook, Bahador Khan, who pre- pares rice, chicken and a variety of vegetables over an open fire, along with flat bread for ANA Soldiers and other troops to get a taste of Afghan cuisine. "We share our meals with the troops because we appreciate what they are doing for our country," said ANA company com- mander Capt. Ahmed Shah. "The Soldiers here are good peo- ple, just like us." Bahador Khan, a cook for the unit of Afghan ANA Soldiers also protect the village of Mehter Lam, just National Army Soldiers at Forward Operating Base outside the Foward Operating Base's walls. A number of vil- Mehter Lam prepares rice over an open fire to serve lagers work on base and a few operate a restaurant and shop- with chicken and vegetables July 12. ping venues offering cultural foods, trinkets and ethnic artifacts. July 23, 2007 FREEDOM FOCUS Freedom Watch Page 11

Army Sgt. Garian Wilcox Unit and occupation: I am a flight operations specialist with the 450th Movement Control Battalion. Time in the military: Seven years Home Station: Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla. What service do you provide on Bagram Photo by Spc. Aubree Rundle Airfield? I provide communication with the passenger terminal and flight line crews. and chillin’. Most memorable moment in Afghanistan: When I The first thing that you're going to do when you get arrived and saw how beautiful this country is - I expected a back: I'm going to go out and have fun with my family and desert and saw mountains. friends. What do you miss most about home? I miss my sons and Interesting personal fact: When I was stationed in my girlfriend "Dae-Dae." I also miss having free time for Germany, I coached youth basketball. One of my goals in myself. life is to coach basketball and help children become interest- Hobbies: I like playing basketball, reading, watching movies ed in sports as a way of keeping them out of trouble. PPHHOOTTOOSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE FFIIEELLDD Hundreds of tribal elders from Kher Khot district in gathered at their new district center July 11 to hear an address from Gov. Akhram Khapalwak. Khapalwak talked about the progress made by the government during a Shuraor, or councils of tribal representa- tives, meeting. Khapalwak discussed the efforts of the government and the people in three areas: security, construction and governance. He emphasized that these important pillars must have the support of the people to be effective.

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 Photo by Army Capt. Ashley Dellavalle what action is taking place. Page 12 Freedom Watch FEATURE July 23, 2007 Joint medical engagement reaches out to Afghans in Nuristan province Story and photos By Army Sgt. Brandon Aird 173rd Aviation Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan - The weather was gloomy with a slight drizzle from overhead, but that didn't affect the enthusiasm or the pace of the people walking through the marshland. The ground was muddy and it made areas difficult to navigate. Choices had to be made- either get wet, try to jump from stone to stone, or even navigate a log to cross areas of question. Some, in the rush to get there got wet. Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team's enthusiasm for the mission at hand couldn't be denied and was easi- ly seen on the speed they marched to the site. Doctor Bashir (center), Surgeon for 2nd Kandak, 201st Afghan National Army Corps, looks at a patient with Lt. Commander William With the help of a few local don- C. Ashby, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team, during a medical keys, the team carried hundreds of civil action project in , Afghanistan. pounds of medical supplies on a 10- kilometer road march through marsh- ical engagement were spent walking came together to work side-by-side es and meadows to the village of the valley and talking with local and provide medical care for Parun Parun nestled in Afghans about the and the neighboring villages. the beautiful “I like helping out (the) best suitable site for The crowds of people gathered Hindu Kush the engagement. shortly after the team's arrival. Once mountain range local people.” Sailors, Airmen, the equipment was in place and the in Afghanistan. Soldiers, Marines, doctors were ready to see patients The previous - Doctor Bashir Surgeon for 2nd Kandak, Army National most of the town had already gath- two days leading 201st Afghan National Army Corps Guard and Afghan up to the med- National Army Continued on Page 13 July 23, 2007 FEATURE Freedom Watch Page 13 Continued from Page 12 comparing notes learning from each said Chief Hospital Corpsman Arwin others knowledge. Ariles, Nuristan Provincial ered around the site. The three treatment rooms worked Reconstruction Team. "The man is "We have three stations set up to simultaneously and treated over 220 going to get checked up with the local see people," said Army Staff Sgt. Afghans during doctor here who Michael Ortiz, Headquarters and the two days the also helped with Headquarters Company, 2nd engagement Afghans from as many the (engage- Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment spanned. as seven neighboring ment)." (Airborne). "We saw The Nuristan Afghans from as many as seven roughly 150 the villages walked to the Provincial neighboring villages walked to the site first day and 70 site to see the doctors. Reconstruction to see the doctors. on the second," Team has consis- "I like helping out (the) local peo- said Ortiz. tently brought aid ple," said Doctor Bashir, Surgeon for The local to Parun and the 2nd Kandak, 201st Afghan National Afghans showed up to get treated for surrounding villages. This medical Army Corps. numerous ailments ranging from skin engagement wasn't the first and cer- Bashir worked side-by-side with his rashes, tuberculosis, open wounds, tainly won't be the last the Nuristan American counterpart Capt. Joel fever and even malnutrition. PRT and Afghan National Army will Dean, Battalion Surgeon for 2-503rd. "The worst thing we saw was an conduct together in the region. Often during the two days, he two infected thumb that required could be seen evaluating patients and drainage, cleaning and antibiotics,"

Capt. Joel Dean, Battalion Surgeon for 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), listens to a local Afghan's lungs in Parun, Afghanistan. Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Afghan National Army came togeth- er to work side-by-side and provide medical care for Parun and the neighboring villages. Page 14 Freedom Watch BROTHERS-IN-ARMS July 23, 2007 Afghans, Romanians improve relations with soccer

Courtesy Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In a part of Afghanistan, where green grass is an uncommon sight and summer tem- peratures reach 100 degrees by mid- morning, an Afghan soccer club faced a team of Romanian Army soccer enthusiasts in an exhibition soccer match under the watchful eyes of 2,000 spectators here July 10. The Farah Firestorm emerged vic- torious over the Romanian Army Team with a final score of 5-1. For the citizens of Farah, the fact that an event of such magnitude was held without violence and in good spirits Photos by Spc. David Gunn was a victory in itself. Afghans and Coalition soldiers compete in a soccer game in Farah, After the match, team members Afghanistan, July 9. Coalition Soldiers put the game together between exchanged gifts and expressed good- a local Afghan team and Romanian soldiers. will toward each other. "We have lost the match, but we gained some new friends," said a stantly improving relations between Romanian Army Team member. "I Coalition forces and the people of hope to get the chance to play again Afghanistan," said a Coalition Civil when the weather Affairs officer. is cooler." “The fact that a sport- "Though it is just The event was a game, soccer made possible ing event was staged can provide a through coordina- with thousands of spec- positive outlet tion with local for youth in the government offi- tators and no one was region." cials who spread harmed is a testament Coalition Civil word of the Affairs teams upcoming match. to the constantly continue to build By the time the improving relations and repair facili- players took to the between Coalition ties that improve field, the area sur- the lives of the rounding the grass forces and the people of people of was packed with Afghanistan.” Afghanistan. At eager fans. this time, the An Afghan child salutes in a "The fact that a - Coalition Civil Affairs officer Civil Affairs team crowd of children in Farah, sporting event was in Farah is in the Afghanistan, July 9. The children staged with thou- process of secur- waited for Coalition forces sol- sands of spectators and no one was ing funding for a municipal soccer diers to hand out gifts. harmed is a testament to the con- stadium. July 23, 2007 ENTERTAINMENT Freedom Watch Page 15

Word Search Can you find the following words in the puzzle? Words may run forward, backward or diagonally. By Senior Airman Brian Stives American Forces Network - Afghanistan BULLDOGS PARUN CARE PACKAGE PETE GEREN CIANFROCCA ROMANIANS CLIENT SERVICES SATURDAY SHUFFLE COMMANDER SHURAOR EVALUATION FORM SOCCER FARAH TF GLADIUS FIREBASE TF PEGASUS HIRE A HERO TF ROCK TUNIC LT GEN NORTH TURBAN MOUNTAINS VALLEY NURISTAN PRT VALLEY OF FIRE

Word Find

Words within words. How many of the 90 words, consist- ing of three letters or more, can you find in the word ...

FIREBASE?

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

Got a joke, review or top ten list? E-mail it to: Normandy, June 6, 1944: Poor navigation, overrun drop [email protected] zones and Nazi flak scattered the elite U.S. paratroopers and you could see them printed here! throughout the French countryside. If not for their Army- issue reflective belts, they would have never been able to form LGOPs * (Little Groups of Paratroopers), thus enabling them to complete their mission. F F r r e e e e d d o o m m J J

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Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan received a new commanding general at a change of command ceremony July 16 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Brig. Gen. Robert W. Cone took the reigns of command from Maj. Gen. Robert E. Durbin, becoming CSTC-A’s second commanding general. (Photo by Navy Petty Officer First Class Scott Cohen)