A message from Landstuhl:

Gail
I dont' know what to say, I can't tell you how much your son touched the lives of all of us over here, since hearing the news of how good he is doing it has made us all different people, I talked with Dr Woods this morning and told him and he said it made it all worthwhile, Joey will never know the inspiration he is to us over here, his special nurse is Captain Lim, she is so anxious to talk to him and Chaplain Warren will also be writing you along with the ICU nurses, I am sitting here now with tears, my son was also a Marine and was hurt in a training accident, every young boy that comes through looks like him, and I cry, today was very hard for us over here, now I sit here and look at the pictures of Joey before and after and realize how many lives he has touched, and the hope it gives us for the boys that are here, God brought you to me right now, I needed to hear from you, please send me your number and a time, it is so cheap for me to call you, I would love so very much to talk to you
Love,
Carolyn

Our thanks to everyone at Lanstuhl for all that they do to take care of the wounded brought to their doors.

from http://www.defendamerica.mil


U.S. Marines block their faces from wind while ensuring their fellow Marines safely hook up a decommissioned assault amphibious vehicle for airlift, Jan. 9, 2005. The old vehicle was airlifted to Al Asad, Iraq, to an off-base aerial firing range used by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte



U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Anson G. Smith, a 27-year-old landing support specialist from Richland, Wash., ensures the dual point lifting system of the CH-53E Super Stallion clears all obstacles on an assault amphibious vehicle, Jan. 9, 2005. The decommissioned vehicle was airlifted from Al Asad, Iraq, by a helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16. The old vehicle was moved to a target range used by elements of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing for aerial target practice. Smith, assigned to Helicopter Support Team, Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, needed to ensure the lifting cables remained free from obstruction so the helicopter could properly lift the vehicle. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte



U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chelsee A. Rattray, landing support specialist, Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, covers her face from the wind while ensuring the airlift of an unserviceable assault amphibious vehicle goes well, Jan. 9, 2005. The vehicle was airlifted by a CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, and moved from Al Asad, Iraq, to an off-base aerial firing range used by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Rattray, a Sunnyside, Wash., native, and her fellow Marines had to brave hurricane force winds created by the helicopter’s blades to properly hook up the vehicle to the helicopter. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte



A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, Jan. 9 airlifts an old Iraqi armored personnel carrier using a dual-point lifting system. The Marines were conducting one of many airlifts of the vehicles that were moved from Al Asad, Iraq, to an off-base shooting range used by aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul Leicht



A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion demonstrates its strength by lifting a decommissioned assault amphibian vehicle weighing approximately 25,000 pounds during an airlift, Jan. 9, 2005. The helicopter’s blades created hurricane-like winds. Marines working on the ground, responsible for hooking the cargo to the hovering aircraft, are members of a helicopter support team with Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group. The old vehicle was intended for use as a aircraft target for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Chad McMeen



Two CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, carry decommissioned assault amphibious vehicle using their dual-point external lifting system over the barren desert near Al Asad, Iraq, Jan. 9, 2005. The inoperable vehicles were set on the desert floor to be used as targets for aircraft of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Chad McMeen



A CH-53E Super Stallion, carrying a decommissioned assault amphibious vehicle, creates a dust storm behind it as the pilot prepares to lower the nearly 25,000 pound load to the desert floor. A pair of heavy-lift helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, conducted dual point airlifts of several old Iraqi armored personnel carriers and two assault amphibious vehicles at Al Asad, Iraq, Jan. 9, 2005. The vehicles were moved to a range for use as aerial target practice by Marine aircraft. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Chad McMeen



Helicopter Support Team Marines with Landing Support Company, Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, watch for the approach of a CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, Jan. 9, 2005, while sitting on an old Iraqi armored personnel carrier. The Marines were waiting to conduct one of many airlifts of the vehicles that were moved from Al Asad, Iraq, to an off-base shooting range used by aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul Leicht



Two U.S. Marines from Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, watch the approach of a CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, Jan. 9, 2005, while sitting on an old Iraqi armored personnel carrier. The Marines were waiting to conduct one of many airlifts of the vehicles that were moved from Al Asad, Iraq, to an off-base shooting range used by aircraft from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte



U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chelsee A. Rattray (left), a landing support specialist, grounds the dual point hook from a CH-53E Super Stallion while Cpl. Damon M. Robertson, a heavy equipment operator, hooks up the external cargo cable to the helicopter. The Super Stallion, from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, has the ability to lift extremely heavy loads, which the helicopter support team from Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, used to lift several decommissioned assault amphibious vehicles and Iraqi armored personnel carriers from Al Asad, Iraq, Jan. 9, 2005. The vehicles were are to be used by aerial gunners in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing for target practice before missions. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Torrential storm tears up western states
The torrential storm that caused the deadly mudslide in California is leaving a path of destruction in other Western states, bringing flooding that has gobbled up houses and roads and forced hundreds of people to flee.

Allawi nurtures popular-but-strong image
With elections less than three weeks away, interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi is spending much of his tenure's final days wooing Iraqis and reassuring them of his ability to lead this nation fatigued by war and terror.

Witness: Graner often disobeyed orders
An Iraqi detainee, repeatedly questioned about whether the alleged ringleader in the Abu Ghraib prison abuse case was just following orders to beat the prisoner, admitted he simply could not be sure.


Weather
Weather information provided by HamWeather

Iraq, Baghdad


Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Gunmen kill six, kidnap one in Baghdad
Gunmen shot six Iraqis dead and kidnapped a Turkish businessman outside a hotel in central Baghdad on Thursday, police said. Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Pumping resumes between Kirkuk and Beiji
KIRKUK, Iraq (AP) - Engineers have repaired a major pipeline linking Kirkuk's oil fields with the northern refinery of Beiji after a sabotage attack interrupted pumping for three weeks, an official with the North Oil Co. said Thursday. Fresno Bee: Iraq

Allawi nurtures popular-but-strong image
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - With elections less than three weeks away, interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi is spending much of his tenure's final days wooing Iraqis and reassuring them of his ability to lead this nation fatigued by war and terror. Fresno Bee: Iraq

Eight Louisiana soldiers killed in Iraq
HOUMA, La. (AP) - In civilian life, Bradley Bergeron was an air conditioning technician. Kurt Comeaux was a probation officer and Warren Murphy a tugboat deckhand. Fresno Bee: Iraq

U.S. lowers expectations for Iraqi vote
WASHINGTON (AP) - Administration officials say the Iraqi elections at the end of the month will be less than perfect, but nonetheless will pave the way for a drawdown of U.S. troops. Fresno Bee: Iraq


Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Killings, kidnapping in Baghdad
Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Mudslide search continues...West hit by storm...Alaskan power restored
Katu.com: Iraq & Terror


Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Gunmen Seize Turk, Kill 6 Iraqis in Baghdad --Locals
Gunmen attacked a hotel in Baghdad onThursday, kidnapping a Turk who was staying there and killing six Iraqis, local witnesses said. Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Gunmen Kill Six, Kidnap One in Baghdad
Gunmen shot six Iraqis dead and kidnapped a Turkish businessman outside a hotel in central Baghdad on Thursday, police said. Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

U.S. Lowers Expectations for Iraqi Vote
Administration officials say the Iraqi elections at the end of the month will be less than perfect, but nonetheless will pave the way for a drawdown of U.S. troops. Yahoo! News: War with Iraq


The U.S. News
Syria is releasing some Iraqi funds, but not enough: US
Syrian officials have begun returning Iraqi assets that deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein kept in a Syrian bank, but not enough to satisfy the United [in Hindustan Times] The US News: Iraq News

If Timetable Does Not Function In Iraq, Everything Will Be ...
During the constitution of actual Iraq, Iraqi Shiites made this mistake and they remained out of the administration for 70 years. [in Turkish Press] The US News: Iraq News

Iraq Abuse Soldier Said to Flout Orders
By Adam Tanner FORT HOOD, Texas (Reuters) - A U.S. soldier at the center of the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal was said in court on Wednesday to have often flouted instructions, undercutting his defe... [in Reuters] The US News: Iraq News

U.S. Sets Up Iraq Polling Places Stateside
web sites ) election voting, the United States is setting up polling places in five American cities — Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and Nashville — to give expatriates a voice in... [in Yahoo] The US News: Iraq News


From Fox News:
Gunmen Kill 6 in Baghdad- Al-Sistani Rep, 5 Others Killed

Tsunami Aid Groups Hobbled- U.N. Feeding Over 1 Million

London-N.Y. Flight Sent Back

Witness: Graner Disobedient


From the Department of Defense:
As Fallujah Residents Return, Troops Help
FALLUJAH, Iraq, Jan. 12, 2005 — People are coming back to Fallujah. Each day, more Iraqis are crossing the New Bridge or coming up to the other four entry points to the city, to see their homes and neighborhoods and the Marines and soldiers who fought so hard to rid the city of insurgents are working to help the Iraqis rebuild. Story Photo Essay: Fallujah, Iraq

Reconstruction in Iraq Moves Forward
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2005 — Security and reconstruction go hand in hand and are equally critical to Iraq's future, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Bostick, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division, told reporters in Baghdad, Iraq, today. Story

ON THE GROUND
Supply Operation Delivers Goodwill
JAMIL, Iraq, Jan. 12, 2004 — U.S. soldiers assigned to the 206th Field Artillery Company, part of the 39th Brigade Combat Team, recently conducted a civil military operation to deliver supplies to the citizens here, an operation highlighted by the children's level of anticipation, which grew as the soldiers unloaded the trucks. Story

Marines, Sailors Describe Afghanistan Ambush
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Jan. 12, 2005 — Marines and sailors of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, had an unforgettable holiday, making contact with enemy forces in the Korangal Valley. Story

IN IRAQ
U.S. Troops Uncover Bomb Factory

'Commando' Unit Detains Suspected Bomb Maker

Cavalry Unit Rescues Iraqi Police Colonel, Wife

Combat Engineers Work to Improve Camp

ScanEagle Proves Worth in Fallujah Fight

Ordnance Disposal Robots Perform Tech Wonders

IN AFGHANISTAN
Soldiers Assess Needs of Afghan Village

IN KUWAIT
3rd Infantry Division 'Raiders' See Changes in Kuwait

IN SOUTHWEST ASIA
Deployed Troops Send Relief to Tsunami Survivors

FACE OF DEFENSE
Eye-Opening Experience Motivates Sailor to Excel
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Jan. 12, 2005 — When Jamaal D. Lofton was robbed at gunpoint and shot twice on Jan. 19, 1998, he began to reassess his life and, in doing so, decided to join the Navy. Since that eye-opening experience nearly seven years ago, the sailor has had nothing but success in his military career. Story

HOMECOMING
Horse Detachment Returns to Fort Hood from Iraq
FORT HOOD, Texas, Jan. 12, 2005 — A little more than two dozen soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment returned home from Iraq recently to a crowd of family, friends and well-wishers. Story

TOP NEWS
IN IRAQ
Troops Capture Insurgents, Weapons

Soldiers Graduate from Training

Insurgents Continue Attacks

Iraq Daily Update

Iraq Reconstruction

Maps

Weekly Progress Report (pdf)

IRAQ ELECTIONS
Election a 'High Stakes' Event

Officials Reach Out to Expatriates

Allawi Vows Elections on Schedule

IN AFGHANISTAN
Missing Aircraft Search Continues

More Weapons Caches Turn Up

Afghans Aid with Weapons, Drug Find

Afghan Army Shows Great Progress

Enduring Freedom Marks 3 Years

Afghanistan Daily Update

Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Terrorism Requires Global Response

Russia's Ivanov Discusses WMDs

Guard Teams Ready to Respond

Rumsfeld, Ivanov Talk Terror War

Ridge Pledge: Secure Inauguration

Waging and Winning the War on Terror

Terrorism Timeline

Terrorism Knowledge Base

MILITARY NEWS
Top Enlisted Leaders Visit Wounded

National Guard, Reserve Update