US Military Doing Good Deeds

US helping Haiti

2010-01-30T11:37:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwardo Proano

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dristan Henley, a psychologist from Chicago, holds a Haitian infant in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The infant was born Jan. 25 aboard the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship. He and his mother were discharged from the ship after receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated Haiti.

Operation Goodwill

2009-12-20T15:17:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Sgt. Leon M. Branchaud

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Haggins, dressed as Santa Claus, presents a gift to a Filipino child during Operation Goodwill at the Manila Day Care Center in Manila, Philippines.

The operation gives U.S. Marines and their families stationed in Okinawa, Japan, an opportunity to spread goodwill in the region during the holiday season.

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

2009-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington

A special thanks for the men and women serving in our military so we can observe this day in freedom. Also, thanks to their families and friends.

tags : Republican ... Democrat .... Conservative .... Liberal .... Hillary ..... Clinton .... Barack .... Barak ..... Barak Obama ..... Obama ..... pelosi .... ObamaCare ..... BarakCare .... BarackCare --- Rush Limbaugh --- Moveon.org --- pro-life --- pro-choice --- abortion --- Global Warming --- Global Cooling --- Carbon Credits --- Ice Age--- WMDs --- War on terrorism --- Afghanistan --- pac money --- minimum wage --- bill of rights.... Health Care ............................................

2009 PHIBLEX

2009-10-18T10:52:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino

Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) play volleyball with students from Sangley Point National High School during a lunch break at a community service project.

Tortuga, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are participating in Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2009. PHIBLEX is designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional relationships between the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Getting an earful in Sumatra

2009-10-10T20:14:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Byron C. Linder

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tony Truong checks a childs ears at a free medical clinic in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Truong is assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Squadron. The clinic was set up after two earthquakes ravaged the region. U.S. and Indonesian military personnel are responding to a request from the Indonesian government for assistance and support for humanitarian efforts.

Never Forget

2009-09-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Robert Jordan.

In remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S. Army Maj. Marty Reigher salutes the national colors flown above Forward Operating Base Falcon, Baghdad, Sept. 11, 2009.

Reigher is an information operations officer assigned to Headquarters Company, 30th Heavy Brigade Team.

Project Handclasp

2009-09-06T13:07:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Grieco

U.S. Sailors assigned to guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) and members of the Colombian coast guard offload Project Handclasp supplies at a local Colombian school during a Southern Partnership 2009 community service project in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Doyle is on a six-month deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2009 supporting the U.S. Southern Command Partnership of the Americas strategy.

Rear Adm.Tyson and CARAT 2009

2009-08-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Lt. Mike Morley

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Nora Tyson signs autographs for students at Nural Falah Elemetary School in Jakarta, Indonesia during a community service project being conducted as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2009.

Tyson is the commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces.

Operation Smile

2009-08-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Danielle Grannan

Monica Castaneda, a child life specialist with Operation Smile, introduces a surgical patient to a stethoscope and breathing mask in preparation for surgery aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort while off the coast of Corinto, Nicaragua.

Comfort is deployed in support of Continuing Promise 2009, a four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Operation Smile is a worldwide children's medical charity that performs reconstructive surgery for children with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

tags : Republican ... Democrat .... Conservative .... Liberal .... Hillary ..... Clinton .... Barack .... Barak ..... Obama .... US Torture --- US Atrocities --- US military --- War on Terrorism --- Iraq --- Afghanistan --- Iraqi Kids --- Iraqi Children --- Good News in Iraq .... US Air force --- US Marines --- US Navy --- US Army --- Air Force --- Marines --- Navy --- Army --- CENTCOM --- Multi-National Forces --- Pentagon --- Department of Defense ---pelosi .... cut and run --- Satire .....................

USNS Comfort Provides Continuing Promise 2009

2009-07-26T11:15:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Fred W. Baker III

U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Fortunato, a pediatric gastroenterologist assigned to the USNS Comfort, examines a Nicaraguan girl during a medical site visit in Chinandega, Nicaragua.DoD photo by

Alongside Fortunato is U.S. Southern Command intern Rachel Libby, right, and medical student volunteer Michael Fein, center.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Gift Exchange

2009-07-26T11:08:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason M. Tross

Navy Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific, exchanges gifts with a child at the Pattaya Orphanage in Pattaya, Thailand.

Tyson visited the orphanage during a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2009 community service project. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annual in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of participating forces.

Ear Check

2009-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young

An East Timorese woman's ear is checked by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Cope during a clinic in Dili, Timor Leste.

U.S. and East Timorese officials set up the clinic as part of Operation Pacific Angel, a Pacific Air Forces humanitarian assistance operation led by the 13th Air Force on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Cope, a labor and delivery technician, is assigned to the 3rd Medical Group on Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

Blue Basketball

2009-05-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Whelan

Children help U.S. Navy Storekeeper 2nd Class Eric Jones paint a basketball court in Bluefields, Nicaragua,

U.S. Navy Storekeeper 2nd Class Eric Jones was helping during a community relations project in support of Southern Partnership Station. The training mission, which encompasses the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, encourages information sharing and collaboration between the region’s navies, coast guards and civil organizations.

Another Air Force One Photo Op

2009-04-30T18:55:00.003-07:00

Photo Credit: Master Sgt. James McCullough

President Barack Obama greets a member of the 131st Fighter Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, before departing on Air Force One from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in St. Louis, Mo.

Obama marked his 100th day in office with a town hall meeting in Arnold, Mo.

Thumbs Up

2009-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Spc. David J. Marshall

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Piotor Juchniewicz gives a thumbs up while handing out medication during a medical civic action project supporting Balikatan 2009 at Nakar Elementary School.

Juchniewicz is assigned to Health Service Support Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Civil military humanitarian assistance activities enable Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. personnel to get to know each other, train together, and provide assistance in communities where the need is greatest, improving their ability to operate as one team on joint projects

Entertaining at Emmanuel Christian School

2009-04-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Airman 1st Class Ashley Garcia

U.S. Navy Chaplain Cmdr. David Oravecand and Aerographer's Mate Gina Hegg entertain students at Emmanuel Christian School.

Oravecand and Hegg embarked aboard the military hospital ship USNS Comfort. They entertained students at Emmanuel Christian School during a Continuing Promise 2009 community service program in Port au Prince.

Click here for the complete story, including Clinton, behind the photo.

HAITIAN HIGH-FIVE

2009-04-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcus Surore

U.S. Navy Ensign Kathleen Kostka gives a high-five to a Haitian child during a Continuing Promise 2009 medical project in Killick, Haiti.

Kostka is embarked aboard the military hospital ship USNS Comfort during its four-month mission in seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Click here for the complete story behind the photo.

Playtime during Cope Tiger

2009-04-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Corporal Melani R. Stemmler

U.S. Navy Aircraft Administrator 3rd Class Tanya R. Williams plays with a student at the Ban Lam Nang Keaw elementary school as part of the humanitarian efforts of Exercise Cope Tiger.

Williams is assigned to Fixed Wing Fighter Attack Squadron 27. Cope Tiger is an annual multi-lateral exercise meant to demonstrate joint and multinational capabilities, and improve interoperability between the United States, Thailand, and the Republic of Singapore.

Music from the Africa Partnership

2009-04-02T20:22:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter

Musician 1st Class Justin Benge plays a trumpet with the help of a student from Pacelli School of the Blind in Lagos Nigeria. Nashville is on a 10-day port visit to Lagos.

Benge embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13). Nashville is on a 10-day port visit to Lagos. Nashville is participating in Africa Partnership Station 2009, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Africa to work with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Can you see me now?

2009-03-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Ensign Shawn P. Eklund

U.S. Navy Capt. Thom W. Burke shares his glasses with a child at the Hee-Rak-Won Orphanage during a community service project in Busan, Republic of Kore.

Burke is commanding officer of the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge.

The Water Man

2009-03-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Erick S. Holmes

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter A. Belcastro gives local children a ride on his shoulders at the end of his day's work in Aromo, Uganda.

Belcastro is assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, which is assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in its first deployment since being re-established in 2007.

Tractors for Lutifiyah Nahia, Iraq

2009-03-08T12:22:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Pfc. Evan Loyd

One of 14 ArmaTrac 602 tractors presented to local sheiks in the Lutifiyah Nahia during a ceremony on Combat Outpost Meade.

The Lutifiyah Nahia is a primarily agricultural land with almost all of the residents working as farmers. Previously, the farmers could only work with hand-held or animal driven equipment. The 14 tractors will allow the entire area to rebuild their farmland faster.

“Every day we drive down the road, we can see the green returning to the area,” said Mammay. “With the tractors we are providing today, we hope to see even more green return.”
For more info. about the ohoto, click here

Continuing Promise 2009

2009-03-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Donna Miles

Chief Joseph Bone, USNS Comfort’s pharmacy technician, takes stock of the prescription drugs already arriving for the upcoming Continuing Promise 2009 mission March 4, 2009. Bone helped fill 122,000 prescriptions during Continuing Promise 2007.

Last-minute preparations are under way aboard USNS Comfort here as it prepares to leave early next month for a four-month humanitarian assistance mission through Latin America and the Caribbean.

The hulking hospital ship -- three football fields long and one wide -- will deliver medical, dental, veterinary and engineering assistance in support of Continuing Promise 2009.

The mission, U.S. Southern Command’s fourth in as many years, will include visits to Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Panama.

While providing critically needed assistance that reaffirms U.S. commitment to the region, Continuing Promise will provide a tremendous training opportunity for the way the United States and its partners would respond to a real-life disaster, explained Navy Capt. Robert G. Lineberry Jr., Comfort’s commodore.

Click hre for more information abut the picture.

Goodwill Basketball

2009-03-01T08:07:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Law

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Mario Evans, center, reaches for a rebound during a goodwill basketball game against Philippine Sailors at the Fort Bonifacio recreation gym. Lawlor/Released).

Evans is from the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force.

Can you hear me now?

2009-02-21T08:01:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Joe Zuccaro

U.S. Air Force Maj. Traci Morris checks the ears of a village elder during a Medical Civil Action Program visit to Milo, Ethiopia.

The program enables military people to offer medical assistance and services to village members who would otherwise go without help.

Milo shoes

2009-02-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Joe Zuccaro

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cameron Barnes puts shoes on a child during a medical civil action program in the village of Milo, Ethiopia.

U.S. military personnel are providing medical assistance and services to villagers who would otherwise go without help.

New schedule for posting to this blog

2009-02-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have been posting to this blog once a week or so. Now it will 2-3 times a month. I have switched my time to my new blog:

Conservative Oversight of Progressive Stupidity

Africa Partnership

2009-02-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class David Holmes

U.S. Navy Capt. Cynthia Thebaud receives thanks from a Vivre Ensemble orphanage staff member after a team of Africa Partnership Station members delivered donated medical and child-care supplies from Project Handclasp in Dakar, Senegal.

Thebaud is the commander of Africa Partnership Station. Africa Partnership Station, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa, aims to improve maritime safety and security.

El Mangos

2009-02-04T20:33:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Tech Sgt. Rebecca Danét

Army Capt. Liliu Moody, Joint Task Force-Bravo, takes a break from distributing mattresses to spend time with 5-month-old Jalia in El Mangos, Honduras.

The men and women of JTF-B distributed more than 200 mattresses to people in three Honduran villages including Los Mangos. (US Air Force photo/)
For the story behind the photo, click here

Pool Party

2009-01-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Akaiya Miller plays basketball with Japanese children from the Omura Kodomo Children's Home at a pool party in Sasebo, Japan

Volunteers from Fleet Activities Sasebo hosted 45 children to the base for a picnic and games at the base swimming pool.

Building schools in Rwanda

2009-01-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sergeant Samuel Bendet

Students of the Kamabuye Secondary School in the Bugasera District of Rwanda greet each other during the first day of class for the 2009 school year.

More than 580 students in four grade levels and aged between 13 and 18 years old study at the school, which was built in 2005 as part of a U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance program. Over the last 10 years, 12 schools and one hospital were built in Rwanda under this program. Currently the program is funding the expansion of a college in Matare, a middle school in Masaka and the construction of a hospital in Kigali.
For more info. on the US Africa Command, click here

Tag! You're it!

2009-01-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Seaman Charles Oki

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Martinez runs from students during a game of tag at The Sullivans Elementary School at Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

Martinez is assigned to the USS The Sullivans. Sailors from The Sullivans visited the school during a port visit to Yokosuka.

Armed Forces Inaugural Committee

2009-01-09T18:09:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS KYLE NIEMI

President-elect Obama greets Armed Forces Inaugural Committee members Thursday in Washington.

Project Hope

2009-01-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: MC3 David Danals

Hilary Warren, a pediatrician from Project HOPE, examines a child during medical aid operations at a neighborhood school in Gros Morne, Haiti.

When Tropical Storm Fay and hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike leveled the Caribbean country of Haiti and Ike flooded the island community of Galveston, Texas, some of the residents were left adrift, wondering what to do next. This is when USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Nassau (LHA 4) stepped up to the plate, ready for whatever pitch was headed in their direction.
For the story behind the photo, click here (PDF)

Video: Belize requests help

2009-01-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Video Credit: YouTube’s soldiersmediacenter channel

Joint Task Force Bravo answers a request for help from the Belizean government after severe flooding trapped remote communities.

Obama visit US Marines

2008-12-31T20:41:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Alesha R. Guard

President elect Barack Obama kneels to chat with brothers Tate, 5 years-old, and Colin Johansson, 7 years-old, at Anderson Mess Hall, Dec. 25.

Obama also greeted the boys' mother, Kristen Johansson, pictured holding her youngest son, 2 year-old Reed.
For the story behind the photo, click here

Future Mechanic

2008-12-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven L. Shepard

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class James R. Wilkerson watches as a child from the Children's Home Shunko Gakusen tests out his new toy, Yokosuka, Japan.

Wilkerson is assigned to the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge. The USS Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force.

US Marine's Toys for Tots

2008-12-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Chuck Little

Santa's sleigh shows up at the 34th Annual Street Bikers United Toy Run.

Bikers had the chance to come together to support the Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots campaign to benefit Hawaii's less-fortunate children.

For the story behind the photo, click here

New recruit for President Obama's Army

2008-12-13T13:57:00.003-08:00

Photo Credit: www.army.mil

Mr. Potato Head dons his camouflage helmet to help less fortunate children as Sgt. Jeffrey Reick of the 301st Psychological Operation Company (Airborne) waits to drop off his toy during the 11th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop here on Dec. 6. Soldiers donate toys for the honor of jumping with either the Irish and German jumpmasters to earn their desired jump wings.

A Marine's Silent Night

2008-12-06T10:30:00.001-08:00

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. >
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Merry Christmas to all US Marines and all the other military personnel protecting our freedoms.

Southcom delivers

2008-12-06T07:50:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: SouthCom

Boys from the village here help unload food from a Joint Task Force-Bravo HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter transported 2,000 pounds of food and water to the village in the region of Bocas del Toro, which was affected by recent flooding. Seven helicopters and about 50 service members from JTF-Bravo are deployed in flood-affected areas in Panama and Costa Rica in support of humanitarian relief efforts.

Click for more information about the picture.

What coalition in Iraq? - Part 300

2008-11-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas

Capt. Luis Lineras, an El Salvadoran Army doctor, looks at a patient's x-rays at the Al Salam Medical Clinic in Al Hayy, Iraq.

The U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group and El Salvadoran medics hosted a MEDREADY treating over 200 patients here.

Click here for other photos (PDF)

Happy Thanksgiving to our deployed troops

2008-11-26T20:27:00.001-08:00

I want to thank all our men and women that are spending this Thanksgiving away from their family and friends protecting our freedoms and creating a more peaceful world.

From the serious to what hopefully will put a smile on your face, click here to watch a Thanksgiving scene from the TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati".

Photo Credit: Sgt. Jerry Sasley

PFC. Katty Marie Le Blanc and SPC. Reuben Jones display 8 turkeys that will be used for the brigade’s Thanksgiving dinner in Iraq.

“Every Soldier will get a good Thanksgiving dinner based upon patrol schedule,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey, a Palmerton, Pa., native, who serves as the senior enlisted leader for the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “It will be a continuous operation throughout the day.”

But turkey is not the only traditional food being served to the troops this holiday season. Sweet potato pie, apple cobbler and Baskin Robin’s ice cream are other treats to accompany the feast.

Click here for more info. about the picture.

Commanding General’s Thanksgiving Letter to troops in Iraq (PDF)

Santa Rosa 2008

2008-11-23T21:02:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Barker

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ade Luna and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Carletta James speak to children during a medical assistance project in Santa Rosa, Guyana.

Luna and James both embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). The Kearsarge is supporting the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008, an equal-partnership mission involving the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, France, Nicaragua, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

Unique headgear in Iraq

2008-11-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Senior Airman Eric Harris

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Bertles documents a meeting between a local Iraqi man and U.S. Army Capt. Jason Meloy.

Bertles is with 1st Combat Camera Squadron and Meloy is with 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. It was during a patrol of Diwaniyah, Iraq, to assess the markets and needs of the people. The Iraqi man is a construction worker.

One on One

2008-11-15T08:45:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Seaman Ernest Scott

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mary Hojek uses her lunch break to interact with children at the St. Jude's School for Girls during the humanitarian and civic assistance mission Continuing Promise 2008 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Kearsarge is supporting the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008, an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana.

Seeing the future

2008-10-19T12:06:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Chief James G. Pinsky

U.S. Navy Lt. Johnny Cosby, assigned to the USS Kearsarge, conducts an eye exam at a medical clinic set up as part of Continuing Promise 2008, Las Calderas, Dominican Republic.

Click for more photos.

Prayer shawl ministry in Iraq

2008-10-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Army Spc. Tiffany Evans

Army Staff Sgt. Lani Yearicks crochets a prayer shawl as part of a prayer shawl ministry at CAMP VICTORY, Iraq,

The shawls are being sent home to the families of fallen servicemembers and those heading home on emergency leave. The group and one or more military chaplains pray over each shawl before it’s sent, JChaplain (Capt.) Mike Jones, Task Force Mountain chaplain, said.

For more info. about the picture

US military and the world help Haiti

2008-09-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erik C. Barke

Canadian Forces Cpl. Eva-Marie Rogerson talks with locals during a medical assessment survey to determine what aid will be needed for future relief efforts.

Rogerson is currently attached to USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge embarked personnel from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, along with medical personnel from the U.S. Public Health Service, Canadian Army, Air Force and Navy, Brazil, Project HOPE and International Aid are working together to conduct disaster relief operations in Haiti.

Click hre for more information abut the picture and how to donate.

The eye of a tropical storm

2008-09-18T16:30:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Adam Nuzzo

A young boy peeks threw the crowd to try to get a glimpse of what medical augmentees are doing inside.

The medical augmentees are assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is supporting humanitarian assistance/disaster relief in Haiti after a series of tropical storms devastated much of the country.

Obama tried to make a deal with Iraqi Leaders

2008-09-16T17:27:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: THAIER AL-SUDANI

WHILE campaigning in public for a speedy withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Sen. Barack Obama has tried in private to persuade Iraqi leaders to delay an agreement on a draw-down of the American military presence.

According to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Obama made his demand for delay a key theme of his discussions with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July.

"He asked why we were not prepared to delay an agreement until after the US elections and the formation of a new administration in Washington," Zebari said in an interview.

Obama insisted that Congress should be involved in negotiations on the status of US troops - and that it was in the interests of both sides not to have an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its "state of weakness and political confusion."

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Operation Unified Hope

2008-09-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brian J. Griffin

Bangladeshi residents attend Operation Unified Hope, a 10-day medical mission in Taragonj, Bangladesh.

U.S. Marines and sailors participated in the mission, providing care to more than 6,870 patients.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by

Partriot Day Observance (Sept. 11, 2008)

2008-09-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Brock Jones

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond kneels down to place a flag that was flown at ground zero during the Partriot Day Observance (Sept. 11, 2008).

“[September 11, 2001] is a day that will live in infamy, just as the attacks on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. These attacks were similar – they awoke our great nation and mobilized America’s credentials. It’s what brought us here today and is the heart of what we are doing now,” Hammond said.

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Engineering humanitarian aid

2008-09-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gina Wollman

Army Lt. Col. Franky Bruno, left, and a Colombian host nation security guard play with local children outside of an engineering site during the humanitarian assistance mission Continuing Promise(CP) 2008.

Kearsarge is supporting the Caribbean phase of CP 2008, an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

Here's looking at you

2008-08-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Maddelin Angebrand

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Paul Wickard examines a child during the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008 in Yulu, Nicaragua.

Wickard is a U.S. Public Health Service physician's assistant traveling with the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge. This is an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana.

US Military doing good deeds for Georgia

2008-08-27T18:04:00.003-07:00

Photo Credit: Lt. Cmdr. John Gay

USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrives in the Port of Batumi, Georgia to deliver more than 80 tons of humanitarian supplies as part of the U.S. response to the government of Georgia’s request for humanitarian assistance.

Backhanded high-five

2008-08-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico

U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Martin Urias gets high-fives from children at the Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea.

U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Martin Urias is assigned to Mobile Expeditionary Security Detachment 531. U.S. Navy Seabees and Australian army engineers from 1st Combat Engineer Regiment conducted a humanitarian civic assistance mission in the area in support of Pacific Partnership 2008, a multinational exercise with participation from nongovernmental organizations and joint services, which provides local communities with various medical, dental and engineering services.

Continuing Promise 2008 in Nicaragua

2008-08-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lange

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Soutsakhone Sanethavong teaches a child how to use a toothbrush during a Continuing Promise 2008 medical humanitarian assistance project in Taupi, Nicaragua.

Sanethavong is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the primary platform supporting the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008, an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

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Georgian troops in Iraq replaced by the Iraqi Army

2008-08-16T16:22:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Spc. Tiffany Dusterhoft

An Iraqi Army Soldier pulls tower guard duty at Joint Security Site 2.

“We knew it was unfortunate that the Georgians had to leave, but it provided us with the opportunity to take an active role in securing the checkpoints along the main routes in Wasit,” said Brig. Gen. Abed Gabr Mazloum, commander of the 32nd Iraqi Army Bde.

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Continued peace and growth in Iraq

2008-08-14T19:11:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Cpl. Shawn Coolman

Spc. Rashon Ellington chats with an Iraqi child while on patrol in the northwestern Baghdad neighborhood of Shulla.

Just a few months ago, Shulla rattled with fighting between coalition forces and special group criminals. Now, the area is quiet and looking toward a future of continued peace and growth. Ellington, a native of Mesa, Ariz., serves with 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Knowledge is power in Afghanistan!

2008-08-12T16:54:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Adora Medina

Nengaresh villagers gather around for the chance to receive radios from the Afghan National Police during a joint operation with Coalition Forces. Kala Gush radio aired for the first time in March.

"The people are so happy, they are so glad we have a radio station," said Farooq, another broadcaster. "Everyone you meet is talking about the radio. They're calling on the phone to ask for songs, introduce themselves or read some poetry."

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Pacific Fleet Band

2008-08-08T14:29:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Valcarcel

U.S. Sailors assigned to the Pacific Fleet Band perform for Hanuabada villagers during a Pacific Partnership medical civic action program in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Partnership 2008 is a multinational exercise with participation from nongovernmental organizations and joint services, which provides local communities with various medical, dental and engineering services.

Timorese children speak out

2008-08-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek R. Sanchez

Capt. William A. Kearns III, Pacific Partnership 2008 mission commander embarked aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), speaks to Timorese children about the renovations made to Bario Pite Elementary School.

U.S. Navy Seabees and engineers from the Australian and Indian armies renovated to the school during a Pacific Partnership engineering civic action program. The Pacific Partnership mission focuses on establishing friendships with partner and host nations through humanitarian and civic assistance.
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Video: Partnership of Americas 2008 (Peru)

2008-07-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

Video Credit: Pentagon Channel

The humanitarian aid is part of a military exercise called Partnership of the Americas 2008, which aims to improve relations with partner nations and to increase the operational preparedness of naval forces participating in the exercise, including Marine Corps forces, in the American continent.

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US helping other places in the Middle East

2008-07-19T17:05:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn

Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Williams helps a child play basketball at the Ria Center summer camp in Bahrain as part of a community relations (COMREL) project.

The Ria Center is a multicultural facility that offers a year-round English curriculum with both a pre-school nursery and a special educational needs unit for those students with communication disorders. This was the third COMREL conducted by Peleliu Sailors during their current deployment. Peleliu is currently deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in a maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations compliment the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations, and seek to disrupt violent extremist's use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

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US Military has Mercy on Dili

2008-07-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico

At sunrise, the US Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) prepares to bring on patients during its second day of the Pacific Partnership mission in Timor Leste.

This humanitarian civic assistance mission is supporting and cooperating with the government of Timor Leste, Partner Nations including representatives from Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Portugal, and the Republic of Korea and the many non governmental organizations.

CARAT 2008 Jam Session

2008-07-13T19:43:00.003-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Brannon

Seaman Shanti Redus leads an impromptu jam session.

Redus, assigned to the USS Tortuga (FFG 46), wa part of a community relations project at the PDK Kompleks Penyayang school during the Malaysian phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (CARAT) 2008. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises involving the U.S. and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness.

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Help the Boy and Girl Scouts of Iraq

2008-07-11T16:45:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Spirit of America

Support the Boy and Girl Scouts of Iraq

US Military and State Department personnel, in cooperation with the "Green Zone Council", are asking your help to re-energize involvement and opportunities for Boy & Girls Scouts in Iraq. Iraq was one of the first founders of Scouting in the Arab Region but lost international backing in the 90's when Sadaam Hussein changed the organizational goals and mission. However, the "Green Zone Council" a group which includes state department and military personnel in collaboration with local leaders, is working to foster the rebirth of Scouting in Iraq as a way to teach, coach and mentor youth in values and skills that will set them up for success in life. With so much riding on the leadership of the next generation of Iraqis, this is an important way to build up the country's youth to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Froggy Friend

2008-07-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Hulle

Engineering Aid 2nd Class Susan Knox holds a child at Saint Francis Notre Dame Orphanage in Djibouti.

Knox is assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, based out of Gulfport, Miss. Knox gave the orphans here more than 30 pairs of shoes donated by her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other volunteers deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa donated toys and flip-flops to the orphans.

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Symbols of America (4th of July 2008)

2008-07-04T18:38:00.001-07:00

On the July 4th, I want to thank the men and women of the US military serving overseas. Thank you to those serving stateside. Thank you to their family and friends.

God bless America.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July.

Peruvian Promise

2008-06-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson

Air Force Tech. Sergeant Maria Torres speaks with a patient at a medical civic assistance project at the Guillermo Enrique Billinghurst school in Barranca, Peru.

Torres embarked aboard the USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is currently deployed in support of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise 2008, an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru.
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Navy balloons

2008-06-25T17:32:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Lt. j.g. Tim Hawkins

U.S. Navy Seaman Nicole Blanks plays with a local kindergartner.

During the community relations project, 25 USS Decatur crewmembers entertained local children for two hours at a government-supported nursery for lower-income families, the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children Wai Yin Club Nursery School, Hong Kong.

The Navy was kidding around again

2008-06-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Petty Officer Specialist 2nd Class MC2

Petty Officer 2nd Class Melody Colangeli holds a baby goat while visiting a family goat ranch.

Colangeli, assigned to the USS Boxer,was visiting the family goat ranch with a team of Army veterinarians in the Huacho region of Peru during an Operation Continuing Promise 2008 veterinary civil affairs project, Huacho, Peru. Colangeli is an aviation maintenance administrationman.

"Kick for Nick" honors fallen comrade

2008-06-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Zach Boes

Staff Sergeant Christopher Brotka, an Erie, Pa., native, gives soccer balls to children in Musayyib, Iraq.

Receiving a soccer ball may not seem like a big deal to some, but for the Iraqi children who don’t have much in the Hay Mo’Alamen and al-Jursa neighborhoods of Musayyib, the round ball gives them something to entertain themselves with now that summer is here.

The Soldiers, from 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, handed out 40 soccer balls to local children during a patrol as part of a program founded to honor a fallen comrade.

“Kick for Nick,” was established in honor of Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, who was killed Sept. 3, 2006, due to injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted
patrol during combat operations in Baqubah, Iraq.

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African Sax

2008-06-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock

Master Sgt. Daniel Weber performs for villagers in Negad, Djibouti.

The band is deployed to support Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa out of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. Weber is a saxophone and vocalist with the U.S. Air Force Central Command Band, Falcon.