Harnessing life-saving skills - Pages 8-9

Transcription

1 March 12, Harnessing life-saving skills - Pages 8-9

2 Page 2 Freedom Watch March 12, 2007 Air Force Leaflet airdrop delivers message to Taliban Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo Airman 1st Class Josh Huffman, a C-130 Hercules loadmaster, drops a box of 30,000 warning leaflets over the southeastern mountains of Afghanistan March 6. SOUTHWEST ASIA - The message was clear and well delivered. A C-130 Hercules airdrop mission dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountainous terrain of southeastern Afghanistan March 6 to deter the insurgent activity of the Taliban. The warning leaflet airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles launched March 6 by the International Security Assistance Force to create a secure environment that'll enable the government of Afghanistan to help the country's people. The warning leaflets were used in support of a ground task force to communicate with Taliban extremists, warning them not to interfere with Coalition activities. Army Army fields new protective neck gear Courtesy photo The Army began sending out more than 430,000 new helmet pads Feb. 28. WASHINGTON - The Army announced Feb. 28 it is fielding 430,000 new helmet pads, officially referred to as Nape Pads, designed to better protect Soldiers' neck areas from ballistic fragmentation. The Army has begun shipping the new protective pad to Soldiers deploying in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The neck pad further complements the Army's system-of-systems approach to force protection, integrating layers of protection for Soldiers on the battlefield. Additional individual protective gear provided by Army Program Executive Office Soldier includes the advanced combat helmet, ballistic eyewear, hearing protection, night-vision devices, the M4 carbine rifle, fire resistant uniforms and integrated body armor with enhanced small-arms protective inserts, deltoid auxiliary protectors and side-armor plates. DoD IRS offers free tax assistance for troops, families WASHINGTON - With income tax deadlines quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding troops and their families that free assistance is available to them at military tax centers worldwide. The IRS has provided the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to servicemembers from more than 25 years. The program, overseen by the Armed Forces Tax Council, works to train military volunteers on installations through a series of intensive training sessions so they can understand current laws and offer tax advice, preparation, return filing and other tax assistance. IRS tax laws provide special benefits to active-duty servicemembers, particularly those in combat zones. For federal tax purposes, "armed forces" includes officers and enlisted members in regular and reserve units controlled by the secretaries of Defense, Army, Navy and Air Force, in addition to the Coast Guard. According to the IRS Web site, three combat zones have been designated by executive order from the president in areas where armed forces are or have engaged in combat, this includes the air space above those areas. These are the Arabian Peninsula, Kosovo and Afghanistan. The Defense Department also has certified locations for combat zone tax benefits due to the direct support of military operations during operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. A listing of these locations can be found at by clicking on the "Armed Forces" tab. Those who qualify for combat zone provisions can apply for military pay exclusions, deadline extensions and miscellaneous provisions by writing "combat zone" and their deployment date in red ink on the top of tax returns. Qualifying taxpayers may directly notify the IRS of their exclusion status by e- mailing combatzone@irs.gov. Servicemembers should provide name, stateside address, date of birth, and date of deployment to the combat zone. They should not include social security numbers in an . This notification may be made by the taxpayer, spouse or authorized agent or representative.

3 March 12, 2007 COVER Pararescueman Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Piccoli, 306th Rescue Squadron, rappels off the rock wall at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, during a training exercise. (Photo by Senior Airman Andrea Wright) Freedom Watch Page 3 Maj. (Dr.) Clifford Perez, Task Force Med general surgeon, uses the state of the art vital sign monitors to check his patient's condition at the newly opened Craig Joint T h e a t e r Hospital March 4. 4 Contents PAGE 2 Defense Digest PAGE 4 New Bagram hospital open for business PAGE 5 JDOC keeps KAF forces speaking same force protection language PAGE 6 Bagram PRT helps local children, despite challenges PAGE 7 Bagram PRT provides needed supplies for Womens Day in Afghanistan PAGE 8-9 Pararescue: ensuring everyone goes home safe, sound PAGE 10 NFL cheerleaders visit troops in Afghanistan PAGE 11 Elite Soldiers train special reaction police in Ghazni PAGE 12 Remembering heroes: 455th AEW honors fallen Airmen PAGE 13 Spartan, Afghan mechanics labor side-by-side at JAF PAGE 14 Cargo riggers ensure resupply mission successes Freedom Watch is a weekly publication of Combined Joint Task Force-82. CJTF-76 Commander Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez RC East Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. David A. Accetta Freedom Watch, a Department of Defense publication, is published each Monday by the American Forces Network - Afghanistan Print Section at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Printed circulation is 5,000 copies per week. In accordance with DoD Instruction , this DoD newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military overseas. Contents of the Freedom Watch are not necessarily the official view of, or 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 205, Bagram Airfield. We can be reached at DSN Photo by Senior Airman Andrea Wright 7 Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg Army Sgt. Jeremy Hancock, civil affairs specialist for the Bagram PRT Kapisa team, hands a bag full of supplies and materials, everything from blankets to toiletries, to one of the workers at the Department of Women s Affairs in Kapisa Province Monday. Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher 10 Air Force Staff Sgt. Diana Martinez, 451st Air Expeditionary Group, checks surveillance systems for suspicious activity as part of the force protection at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 28 Photo by Army Pfc. Matthew Lear The performance at Forward Operating Base Salerno Feb. 28 was just one of many the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders are giving throughout Afghanistan. Freedom Watch Staff Commander - Air Force Maj. John Bryan Superintendent - Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen NCOIC - Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg Editor/Print Chief - Air Force Senior Airman Brian Stives Staff Writer - Air Force Senior Airman Andrea Wright Visit the CJTF-82 website at

4 Page 4 Freedom Watch NEWS March 12, 2007 New Bagram hospital open for business Story and photo By Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher Regional Command-East Public Affairs Office BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - In 2006, Army Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig, a medic with the 159th Medical Company, 10th Mountain Division, was holding desperately to a patient as they were both being hoisted from a ridgeline by a Blackhawk helicopter. Halfway to the chopper, the line snapped, and Craig and his patient fell to their deaths. The Craig Joint Theater Hospital, named for him, opened for business March 4, offering Task Force Med patients a whole new level of care and doctors a new level of technology with which to work. "We're officially open over there," said Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Claude Hawkins, CJTH medical chief of staff. "Our emergency room stood up at 6 a.m., so that's where we're now taking emergency patients." The new hospital is the most advanced in the area of operations and features a four-bed trauma bay, three operating rooms and a state of the art dental clinic. "The new Craig Joint Theater Hospital is a state of the art hospital that rivals any stateside hospital of equivalent size," said Air Force Col. Bart Iddins, TF Med commander. "The new facility meets all current requirements, but leaves room for expansion as needed." The biggest advantage the new facility offers is its cleanliness. The new Craig Joint Theater Hospital is a state of the art hospital that rivals any stateside hospital of equivalent size. Air Force 1st Lt. Karis Russell, Task Force Med nurse, flushes Craig Joint Theater Hospital patient Rahmat Shah's IV. Patients were moved from the original TF Med hospital to the new facility earlier that day. "It's a cleaner environment and more sterile," Hawkins said. Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Clifford Perez, TF Med general surgeon, said the cleaner, more sterile environment will be of great help after surgeries. "We seldom closed our wounds immediately," he said of surgeries at the old hospital. "We used a lot of new techniques in wound care, and U.S. Soldiers were sent out to other facilities when the chance of infection was increased." The new hospital also has more room for patients, sporting nearly 50 beds, twice as many as in the old hospital. Air Force 1st Lt. Karis Russell, TF Med nurse, said the new equipment is a great help. "As a nurse, the extra space is good," she said. "We also have more - Air Force Col. Bart Iddins Task Force Med commander monitors and oxygen for every bed." "The new facility is equipped with the most advanced medical equipment and medical technology currently available. It is truly first rate," Iddins said. "It feels like a hospital that's stateside," Perez agreed. "I was very excited to come and work here. We have a lot more capability." As happy as she is to work at the new hospital, Russell said she has happy memories of working at the old one. "There are some things I'll miss," she said, "like being able to go outdoors with the patients so easily. It's very healing." Iddins said while having new equipment is nice, it's the people that make the real difference. "It's the dedication, knowledge and skills of its staff that makes Craig Joint Theater Hospital a premier world-class medical organization," he said. "The new hospital clearly represents the United States of America's continuing commitment to provide only the finest medical care for its servicemembers and Coalition partners."

5 March 12, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 5 JDOC keeps KAF forces speaking same force protection language Story and photo By Senior Airman Andrea Wright American Forces Network - Afghanistan KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - At first glance, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, may look like chaos. The base is a sea of different uniforms, vehicles, aircraft and accents. But one unit on KAF is responsible for making sure everyone is speaking the same language on the battlefield. They are the Joint Defense Operations Center and are "the hub" of force protection at KAF said Royal Air Force Flight Lt. Mark Folley, force protection duty operations officer. The JDOC is manned by members from several different countries. "It's a coalition organization headed by the Royal Air Force Regiment with elements of U.S. Air Force security forces from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group," said Folley. "We've also got a Danish radar battery company, a Romanian Tactical Assault Force company and Canadians working as watch keepers for us." Things seem to work pretty smoothly between the different Royal Air Force Regiment Senior Aircraftman Tim Glew, Group Disposal Account, writes down coordinates of some vehicles he was tracking. Glew is part of the Joint Defense Operations Center at Kandahar Airfield who helps keep the force protection of the base on the same level throughout the Coalition Forces. nations, but this wasn't always the case. "Prior to us getting here, the force protection was very unorganized, because everyone was conducting their own force protection," Folley said. "What we've managed to do is gel the whole system together to make an integrated force protection unit here at KAF." Working on a base as important as Kandahar in the Global War on Terror, it is vital that everyone in the JDOC work as a team and stay on the same page. "It's a large and important base and with the fact there's so many air operations here, it's extremely important we get our job right and allow the air and ground operations from the camp to continue unhindered as much as possible," said Royal Air Force Flight Lt. Adam Constant, flight commander. This crew of servicemembers from different nations has a lot on its plate every day. From the helicopters in the air to the convoys outside the wire, everything that goes on in the sky and on the ground goes through them first. Not only in the Kandahar region itself, but all of southern Afghanistan. "It's integral to the Coalition effort against the Taliban in southern Kandahar," said Folley. With the weather and the spring offensive warming up, the JDOC is definitely feeling the heat. "Within the last 12 hours we've had a rocket attack last night, there are ongoing incidents out in the area of operations, we're dealing with unexploded ordnance at this very moment, and that's a pretty average day here at KAF," said Folley.

6 Page 6 Freedom Watch NEWS March 12, 2007 Bagram PRT helps local children, despite challenges Story and photo By Army Sgt. Timothy Dinneen Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs MIRA KHAL, Afghanistan - As the convoy crawled through the Mirah Khal village along a narrow dirt road in the deceptively peaceful Tagab Valley Feb. 19, tall mud walls hugged the sides of the Humvees as the crackle of smallarms fire reigned down on the caravan. "Fire, left side!" shouted Army Master Sgt. Warren Beard, NCOIC, Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team, as Air Force Tech. Sgt. Darril McDonald increased the speed of the Humvee from a crawl to a slow walk around the bending road. Army Sgt. Pavel "Ski" Prezszlowski immediately returned relentless fire with his M249 machine gun swivelling in the gunner's nest. The vehicle was then rattled by an explosive boom near the left side, the blow seemingly knocking out both time and sound as the lightning pace of the ambush seemed to become slow and silent. They awoke to Beard's call for "ammo" prompting a 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper, We are happy you are here because we know you re here to help.we like it because we want to be clean, pretty and healthy. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Daniene Edwards administers a tetanus shot to an Afghan girl during the Medical Civilian Assistance Program at Mira Khal elementary school Feb. 19. assigned with Combined Joint Task Force-76, to reach for his Leatherman knife cutting the cord holding the 5.56 mm rounds and sending them to the gunner. "They're on both sides moving all around," McDonald said surveying the mountains while navigating through the bottle-necked road. Subsequent explosions followed as the gun-fight unfolded when a rocket propelled grenade narrowly missed one of the lead vehicles that would have cut-off their sole avenue of escape. The silence marking the end of the attack came as quickly as the initial fire when the caravan reached a main road outside the chaotic and claustrophobic road. The vehicle - Sauza 10-year-old Afghan girl carried the silence with it as it sped down the dusty road. "At least the children got their medicine," Beard said breaking the momentary silence. The Bagram PRT was returning from a Medical Civilian Assistance Program at the Mira Khal elementary school in Kapisa Province. "Kids are the future, we want to get them on our side so when they become leaders they'll cooperate with Coalition forces," said Army Maj. Donald Johnson, director, Bagram PRT. "We are concerned with school kids, giving personal hygiene classes, treating the sick and injured and sending them home with hygiene kits so they can practice what they learned." The village children were also given vitamins, de-wormed and tetanus shots for preventative care at the school where they are taught English. It's a good program because the children will be able to take care of themselves and be healthy," said Army linguist Jamila Saleh. Army Maj. Robert Mulsby, surgeon, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, said this is more than an opportunity to provide medical treatment. He said it's tough to turn around the older population but there's a good opportunity for young people to develop a positive perception of ISAF forces. "This is more than providing quick health care, it's about winning hearts and minds," said Mulsby. "We want them interested in us and not the Taliban." "We are happy you are here because we know you're here to help," said Sauza, a 10-year-old Afghan girl. "We like it because we want to be clean, pretty and healthy." According to Mulsby, the Bagram PRT has been visiting the school every month since November. "Hopefully this will help bring the peace by teaching future generations you are here to help," said Abdull Saboor, school master, Mira Khal. "The children need these things because they are very poor sometimes going days without food." "The toughest part is not being able to help more people but it's fulfilling when you see the children smiling or hear an occasional laugh," said Senior Airman Melanie Weaver. "You can just do the best you can with the time you have here."

7 March 12, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 7 Bagram PRT provides needed supplies for Women's Day in Afghanistan By Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg American Forces Network - Afghanistan B agram's Provincial Reconstruction Team visited Kapisa Province to deliver materials and supplies to the Department for Women's Affairs, Monday. They were welcomed by several workers of the DWA when they arrived with a trailer full of food, blankets, toiletries and other items. These much needed items were distributed during a ceremony Thursday to the women of the province. "It's necessary, and I also enjoy helping these people," said Army Sgt. Jeremy Hancock, civil affairs specialist for the Bagram PRT Kapisa team. The Kapisa team provides this type of aid once a month all over the province and this is its third drop to this particular place. "I'm proud to be a part of this team," said Army Capt. Birma Gonzalez, truck commander for the trip to Kapisa. "They deliver items all throughout this area, so anything I can do to help, I'm excited to do." These supplies were given to women who have endured under extreme conditions over the past few decades. "The women of Kapisa have suffered both psychologically and economically for many years because of war, so we're very thankful for the Bagram PRT," said Saifora Kohistani, Director of the Department of Women's Affairs of the Kapisa Province. "We appreciate everything they're doing for us." The benefit of helping the Afghan people is two-fold: they get much-needed supplies and it shows Coalition forces are here to help them. "The biggest thing is the government and the people are more willing to work with us because of our help," said Hancock. "The locals are more permissive to Coalition Forces and they're also more loyal to their government." The Bagram PRT Kapisa Team has $6 million in projects planned for this province, mainly for building roads, health clinics and schools. Overall, these projects will help the Afghan economy grow to become more independent. Dari/Pashtu phrase of the week You are a good friend Dari Shuma yak doste khoob hasted. (Shoo-ma yak doe-stay khoob huas-ted) Pashtu Tasoo yow khu malgeray yaste. (Tah-soo yow khoo mal-gah-ray yaws-tay) Courtesy photo In Afghanistan, boys and girls are schooled separately in primary school. Under the Taliban regime, girls were not allowed to have education at any level. Women and girls can now partake in education throughout the country.

8 Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE March 12, 2007 Page 9 Group ensures everyone goes home safe, sound minds of these Airmen. "We try to fill up our days with as much training as we can, keeping proficient in all our skill sets," said Air Force Staff Sgt. John Henry Lane, a pararescueman with the 306th Rescue Squadron. An average day for a PJ starts the same as many other jobs, with a cup of coffee. Then they ready their gear and head to the climbing wall or the junkyard to train on one of the many skills they need to keep sharp. "As pararescuemen we're tasked with a number of different things we need to stay proficient such as a confined space rescue, shooting and high angle rescues. We also have to keep our hours current on the helicopter," said Lane. Airmen from the 306th Rescue Squadron from Tucson, Ariz., pose for a group picture outside Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The Airmen have relaxed grooming standards since they are in close contact with the Afghan population. Senior Airman Christopher Keen, 306th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, practices his shooting skills out on the range during a training day at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Senior Airman Brian Kimber, 306th Rescue Squadron pararescue, sharpens his shooting skills at the range during down time. Airmen train so others may live Story and photos By Senior Airman Andrea Wright American Forces Network - Afghanistan A sk any pararescueman, or PJ, and they'll tell you, if they're working a mission, then something has gone very wrong. Chances are, an aircraft is down and there are injured personnel in need of rescue. So, it's a good day when they aren't hard at work. Fortunately, aircraft mishaps are few and far between in Afghanistan and training is number one on the Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Piccoli, 306th Rescue Squadron pararescue specialist, clears the rope before his fellow pararescueman climbs up the rock wall during a training exercise. Other skills they hone in their downtime are extrications from uparmored HMMWVs and focusing on the medical side of their jobs. "We'll go through medical exercises for treating patients or just sit and talk about medicines and medical procedures," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Piccoli, another pararescueman with the 306th RS. Sometimes, there are certain aspects of the job that cannot be practiced while stationed in Afghanistan. "The combat dive mission - we are not able to work on it because there's not any water around here," said Senior Airman Brian Kimber, another pararescueman with the 306th RS. "But, we do bring all of our gear with us just in case something happens and we're the closest people to help out." In general, a pararescueman's job while deployed is, according to Lane "to provide combat search and rescue for theater assets." It's a simple definition, but these PJ's also provide much more. "We're the main asset for search and rescue in the area and that doesn't just involve downed U.S. aircraft, it involves any isolated personnel whether it's U.S, Coalition Forces or Afghan nationals," said Lane. The pararescue motto is, "So others may live," and it's the reason they train nonstop and volunteer to put their lives on the line. "The reason I became a PJ is because, as Americans, we don't leave anyone behind. That's what we're here for, personnel recovery. Making sure everybody that comes over here goes home," said Lane.

9 Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS Onya R. Hayward, a pharmaceutical sales representative and member of the Washington Redskins' cheerleaders, signs an autograph for a thankful servicemember while visiting Forward Operating Base Salerno Feb. 28. NFL Cheerleaders visit troops in Afghanistan Story and photo By Army Pfc. Matthew Leary Task Force Fury Public Affairs Office FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan - From cheering on the football field to cheering "in the field," some of the National Football League's patriotic cheerleaders visited the servicemembers of Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Feb. 28. The "First Ladies of Football," a portion of the Washington Redskins cheerleaders, performed dance routines, spoke to the troops and invited a few lucky individuals to come up on stage. The purpose of the trip was to visit servicemembers deployed in support of their country and provide them entertainment for at least one night, said Donald R. Wells, Redskins director of entertainment and cheerleading. "This is the twenty-third tour we've done," Wells said. "We're going through different bases in Afghanistan to provide a touch of home." The show began with the First Ladies charging on stage and performing one of their many sideline routines. The crowd erupted in applause, and the intensity of the moment continued throughout the hour-long performance. "We haven't gotten a bad review yet," said Onya R. Hayward, a pharmaceutical sales representative who is also a Redskins cheerleader, about the reception the crowd provided. "It's a great form of entertainment," said Army Staff Sgt. Edmund G. Butsamante, Company E, 1st Battalion, 285th Aviation Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. "It's nice to see something besides the same uniform." Between performances, one cheerleader would step on stage and speak to the crowd. "This is our way of saying thanks," said Lauren K. McNulty, a neuro-therapist who spends part of her free time as a cheerleader. And while the First Ladies were there to thank the Soldiers, Airmen, March 12, 2007 Sailors and Marines, the servicemembers were equally returning thanks. "It helps us to know the people back home really care," said Sgt. Mike Semja, a petroleum specialist with Co. E, 1st Bn., 285th ARB. "It lets you know you're not forgotten." Some of the servicemembers were called on stage to participate in a pushup contest, a dance-off between Soldiers and also to dance with the First Ladies themselves. "I don't know what to say," said Army Pfc. Tristan P. Winter, a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, who was called on stage to dance with one of the First Ladies. "It was certainly something I didn't expect, to dance with an NFL cheerleader." As the show came to a close, Wells said the cheerleaders would give every servicemember an opportunity to meet the First Ladies up close and personal during an autograph session. The troops formed a line wrapping around the building, anxiously awaiting a chance to get autographs and take photos with the First Ladies. After more than three hours of signing autographs and talking to the troops, the First Ladies finally got to get something to eat and get a few hours of sleep before leaving the next morning to visit more servicemembers. Despite the fast-paced schedule, they were upbeat about the chance to visit Afghanistan. "This has been absolutely wonderful," McNulty said. "This is my ninth tour, and so far this has been the best for me." And while the Washington Redskins are obviously their team of choice, the First Ladies were here to support all the servicemembers, even division rival Dallas Cowboys fans. "They can be a Cowboys fan," Hayward said. "But we definitely turned them into Washington Redskins cheerleader fans."

10 March 12, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 11 NEWS Elite Soldiers train special reaction police in Ghazni By Army Spc. Jeremy Todd 4th Brigade Combat, 10th Mountain Division Team Public Affairs FORWARD OPERATING BASE GHAZNI, Afghanistan - Special circumstances call for a special force, and the circumstances calling for an elite group of Afghan police officers is the thawing of snow and nearing of spring. In Afghanistan, springtime not only brings thawing snow, but also the Taliban; and with the Taliban comes fear of reprisal. A special group of Coalition Soldiers are training individually chosen police officers of the Ghazni Province on how to react to the threats towards their citizens. Unlike average police officers, Special Response Team officers must graduate from an intense three-week course in military-style tactics, discipline and professionalism. According to General Aylishaad, Ghazni police chief, who would not give his first name, the officers of the latest class are well prepared to tackle any offense they may encounter. "We are all children of this country, therefore we have a duty to protect it," he said. Although the glimmer of spring was whitened by snowfall during the graduation, these officers are still prepared to take on any enemy of the Ghazni Province. A recent graduate, Ayatollah, who hides his identity because of fears of retaliation against his family, said he chose to be an SRT police officer because he wanted to make a difference in the community. "I will serve the people of my community with honor and bravery," he said. More than 20 police officers graduated from this intense training; Ayatollah along with his classmates and the SRT commander, Atiqulla, recognize this training as extremely valuable and thanked the instructors for their dedication. "I want to thank the Coalition Soldiers for teaching my officers these new tactics and practices," said Atiqulla. "We will surely apply what we have learned and teach it to other officers." Atiqulla also went on to thank the families of the new police officers for their sons' dedication to the people of Ghazni. Although this is the first class to graduate, it certainly won't be the last. The Ghazni police command chose 20 more police officers to go through the next class. With each class, the officers will become more synchronized with what the Ghazni Province requires of its SRT officers as well as what the instructors expect from the police officers attending the class. The Governor of the Ghazni Province said these elite officers have now joined the ranks of those who protect the people of Ghazni. "Just remember it is your brothers and sisters who you are protecting; we are all proud of you," he said. PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD A HH-60 search and rescue helicopter prepares to take off on a mission from the flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 28. Photo by Senior Airman Andrea Wright If you have high-quality photos of servicemembers supporting the Coalition mission or enjoying well-deserved offduty time, please them to freedomwatch@swa.army.mil. Please include full identification and caption information, including who is in the photo and what action is taking place.

11 Page 12 Freedom Watch NEWS March 12, 2007 Remembering heroes: 455th AEW honors fallen Airmen Story and photo By Air Force Capt. Travis Tougaw 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing held a formal retreat March 4 to remember the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. According to Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson, the council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and honor that should be incorporated in our daily tasking and to create a renewed sense of espirit de corps." At the beginning of the ceremony, Airmen from across the wing read the names of the 20 fallen Air Force heroes and the circumstances of their deaths. During his address, Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Miller, 455th AEW commander, reminded the wing that some of the Airmen died in combat with the enemy, but others died when their aircraft failed. "The losses inflicted by the enemy are a stark reminder of the reason that we serve, so that our fellow Americans can sleep safely at night and enjoy the rich blessings that freedom brings to a worthy people," he said. "But, the losses caused by the failure of our aircraft are an equally clear reminder of the nature of the Air Force and the ever-present need for us to work as a team to launch the best-prepared machines that we can into the demanding environment of Earth's atmosphere." Miller encouraged the wing to remember why they're in Afghanistan. "Look to your left, look to your right, and when you can, look in a mirror, and you'll see Airmen who stand in the tradition of those whose names we've read today," he said. "None of our fallen comrades sought the sacrifice that we honor them for today, but they did something that we must all seek to do equally well: to bear true faith and allegiance to their nation, to their comrades of all services, and to the ideals of the Constitution that we An honor guard from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing takes down the American flag during a formal retreat ceremony at Camp Cunningham. Be proud of those we honor tonight, be humbled that we can serve a great nation, and be recommitted to victory in this historic fight - Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Miller 455th AEW commander serve. Those words, true faith and allegiance, are very short, but their meaning is vast. We can aspire to very few things that mean more." In exhibiting faith and allegiance, those Airmen improved the lives of the Afghan people and people around the world, the general added. "They fought so that men and women of America and their children, and the children of Afghanistan, and all free peoples might live in a world that is marked by trust, not hatred, and freedom, not oppression," he said. "Be proud of those we honor tonight, be humbled that we can serve a great nation, and be recommitted to victory in this historic fight." For Sergeant Wilson, the fight against terrorism holds personal significance. He was less than 30 yards from the bomb that exploded at the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in "I know what it's like for terror to come knocking on your front door, and how lucky I was to survive with only moderate injuries," he said. "I'm not sure there's a day that has gone by in the last 10-plus years that I haven't thought about that night. Hopefully, this ceremony will allow everyone, regardless of how often or ever, to stop and take a moment to reflect and remember." The ceremony marked five years since Senior Airman Jason Cunningham's death. Cunningham, a pararescueman from the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., was killed in action March 4, 2002, in Paktia Province when the quick reaction force he belonged to entered hostile territory to rescue two American servicemembers. He was the first Airman to die in Afghanistan. The Air Force compound at Bagram Airfield is named in Cunningham's honor. Sergeant Wilson encouraged all members of the 455th AEW to read the plaque near the Camp Cunningham flag pole. "It's important to remember the War on Terror is real and it can strike home at any time," he said. "Thousands of Armed Forces members have paid the ultimate price, so that billions around the world can live free and without fear of terror."

12 NEWS March 12, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 13 Spartan, Afghan mechanics labor side by side at JAF Story and photo By Army Pfc. Jaime Mial Task Force Spartan Public Affairs JALALABAD AIR- FIELD, Afghanistan - With precision and efficiency, Afghan mechanics working at the new Task Force Spartan headquarters hub of Jalalabad Airfield help ease the weighty load on the shoulders of maintenance Soldiers assigned to E Company, 710th Brigade Support Battalion. "They've been a lot of help - they free up Soldiers to take care of other tasks," said Army Staff Sgt. Chris Parsons, battalion motor sergeant. Replacing worn-out engines and enormous numbers of suspension systems, the local mechanics always come in and get right to work, Parsons said. The dedicated work of these men has helped keep TF Spartan vehicles in prime condition to continue the mission of the Task Force Spartan in northeastern Afghanistan. The locals, who commute daily to work from greater Jalalabad, perform to a high standard. Their proficiency and precision have been noted by virtually all who have worked with them. "They are awesome workers and they get it done right," said Army 1st Lt. Rebecca Collins, battalion maintenance officer. Most of the Afghans working with the task force mechanics already had some maintenance experience. While few, if any, were complete strangers to wrenches and lug nuts, they had varying levels of experience. Soldiers filled in the training gaps and provided instruction on tasks specific to task force vehicles and equipment. Local national mechanics work on the suspension system on a Humvee March 4 at Jalalabad Airfield. "They were already mechanics when they came to work for us in September, but we taught them a few things too," Parsons added. "They do just about everything we do, except classified stuff." "We have a Soldier supervise and then check the work when they are done, but they get it done," he said. E Co. is responsible for maintaining a large number of vehicles and equipment, and with such a heavy load the help is greatly appreciated. The Soldiers put in long hours in large tents they use as They were already mechanics when they came to work for us in September, but we taught them a few things too. - Army Staff Sgt. Chris Parsons E Company, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, battalion motor sergeant makeshift shops or outside the tents under the hot sun to keep the TF Spartan rolling. Maintenance specialists and local national mechanics work side by side, turning wrenches, tightening bolts, replacing parts and lubricating joints - doing everything they can to keep the task force moving. The additional help is predictably popular with 710th maintenance personnel. "It's really good now that we have local help. It eases the load up on us a lot," said Army Spc. Brandon Larsen, light wheel mechanic, E Co. Their work isn't the only thing the Soldiers appreciate; many have found new friends in their local counterparts. "They interact real well with the Soldiers," Parsons said. "They're here from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so they are here a lot and have become friends with the Soldiers." The good feelings are apparently mutual. "I enjoy working with the Soldiers," said Nazeem, a local mechanic working with E Co. "These guys are awesome. They get a lot done and they're cool guys," said Spc. Donovan Boyd, a generator mechanic with E Co. Combined, the Soldiers of E Co. and the dedicated local mechanics of greater Jalalabad form a winning team, one that literally oils the Task Force Spartan machine and keeps its wheels turning.

13 Page 14 Freedom Watch FEATURE March 12, 2007 Cargo riggers ensure resupply mission successes Spc. Jeremy Lamb, 11th Quartermaster Detachment, secures a tarp over a pallet of supplies March 1. The 11th QD is responsible for securing cargo for air drops around Afghanistan. Story and photos By Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher Regional Command-East Public Affairs Office BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When troops in the wilds of Afghanistan get hungry, they can't just get on the phone and order Chinese. And when all other avenues of getting resupplied fail, it's up to the 11th Quartermaster Detachment at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to make sure the goods get delivered. The riggers of the 11th QD are responsible for preparing supplies air dropped to forward operating bases and units in the field when other means of resupplying them are unavailable. "We're the last resort for supplying the [forward operating bases]," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Melloyd Carter, 11th QD NCOIC. "We supply MREs, water, Christmas bundles and ammunition." A lot of things have to go wrong before the 21 riggers and staff of the 11th QD get called up, the Miami native said. "The first line is convoys," he said. "Then you have sling load and air load. Then there would be us." When dropping cargo from aircraft, there's a trade-off, Carter said. The least amount of people are in danger, but the cargo could be damaged from being dropped at high altitudes. "The work is very important because of survivability and reliability," Carter said. "If it doesn't work, they have to make do without, so the riggers take pride in doing it right." Army Sgt. Ben Hatcher, from Knoxville, Tenn., said he takes pride in knowing his mission is to supply troops in the field. "The best part is getting to come out and do what you got to do," the sergeant said. "This is my second time in Afghanistan, and it's good to support the guys fighting so they can go out and get it done." One of the most important and difficult parts of the mission is resupplying troops with ammunition. Carter said riggers have to be very careful to make sure the right ammo gets to the right places. "At one time, we can have several drop zones dropping at the same time," he said. "We have to make sure the right ammo goes to the right zone, or you can have a squad of infantry out there receiving howitzer rounds. What are they going to do with that?" On a busy day, Carter said riggers will have an entire bay filled with ammunition being divided up by drop zones. "It's a bunch of ammo," Spc. Jon Neal of Winston-Salem, N.C., said while rigging parachutes Carter said just because they were the last line of resupply didn't mean they weren't making a difference. "This is a 24-7 operation," he said. "At any time an emergency request can come in. We're the last resort, and it makes us feel good knowing our equipment is going out there to fight the war." Army Spc. Jon Neal, 11th Quartermaster Detachment rigger from Winston-Salem, N.C., rigs a parachute that will be used to air drop cargo somewhere in Afghanistan.

14 March 12, 2007 NEWS Freedom Watch Page 15 Ceremony marks Nuristan bridge opening Story and photo By Army Staff Sgt. Giovanni Caligiuri Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The governor of Nuristan Province and key Afghan and American military leaders welcomed a significant development in regional communication, transportation and commerce Feb. 22 at Nurgram. Gov. Tamim Nuristani and Army Lt. Col. Todd Brown, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, presided over a ceremony marking the opening of a new bridge linking western Nuristan with the eastern and central regions of the province. The Titan Bridge took eight months to complete and employed hundreds of local Afghans from the Nurgram and Dow Ab districts. Funding for the $225,000 bridge, which spans 60 meters across the Alingar River, was provided through the Nuristan PRT Commander's Emergency Response Program and administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Titan Bridge project is part of an ongoing reconstruction program that combines the efforts of the Nuristan PRT, the provincial government and the local populace in working together toward the economic development and Army Lt. Col. Todd Brown (right), commander of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team, cuts a ribbon held by Nuristan Gov. Tamim Nuristani during the ceremony opening the Titan Bridge Feb. 22 at Nurgram. improvement of the remote and impoverished region. The governor and the PRT commander said the new bridge will facilitate economic development and encourage regional and even national unity. "The bridge is another step in assisting the Afghan people in becoming a better, stronger nation," Brown said. "Titan Bridge opens up the Titan valley to Nurgram and will allow for future reconstruction projects in the district, thus supporting the people in economic recovery efforts," Nuristani said. Donation from the heart saves wounded ally U.S. servicemembers save Afghan brothers Courtesy RC-East Public Affairs BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - As the life of an Afghan National Army soldier hung in the balance Feb. 25, U.S. Soldiers, Sailors and Marines serving at Forward Operating Base Asadabad responded to his injury with an outpouring of blood. A total of 11 American servicemembers each donated a pint of blood used in a life-saving surgery at the base hospital. "The joint efforts of the medevac aviators, field surgeons, and our combat lifesavers and combat medics along with the selfless blood donors from many units contributed to saving the lives of our two ANA brothers," said Army 1st Lt. Zachary Heinrich, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, Task Force Spartan medical platoon leader. The soldier and an ANA colleague were injured during a weapons malfunction at the Korengal Outpost, a combined Afghan and American facility administered by the ANA. The injuriesrequired the amputation of a leg. When the casualty's profuse bleeding and operation exhausted existing blood supplies of O-positive-type blood, the volunteers agreed promptly to donate. Aviators from Jalalabad Airfield reached the outpost at breakneck speed, braving daunting obstacles and a treacherous route to reach the injured allies as quickly as possible. They delivered the casualties to the base near Asadabad, the nearest major city. The forward surgical team at Asadabad stabilized the casualties, administering life-saving medical treatment. The casualties were then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital at Bagram Airfield. The extraordinary effort gave the wounded ANA soldiers a fighting chance. It also demonstrated the lengths to which allied forces willingly go in support of one another. "You hope for the best any time you hear about an accident or a tragedy," said Army Maj. Robert V. Urquhart Jr., 1-32 Inf. executive officer. "This time, the best case truly did come about." "It was great to see the guys at Asadabad lining up to help, without questions, without hesitation," the executive officer added. "In their time of need, we were there for our ANA brothers."

15 Freedom Watch March 12, 2007 The American Flag waves over the building called "Taliban's Last Stand" in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It was the last building the Taliban held here, before being driven out by Coalition Forces. (Photo by Senior Airman Andrea Wright)