by Petty Officer 1st Class Martin Anton Edgil
August 22, 2006
Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team conduct an area reconnaissance mission in Baghdad.

Kurds flee homes as Iran shells Iraq's northern frontier

Friday August 18, 2006
Michael Howard, The Guardian

Turkey and Iran have dispatched tanks, artillery and thousands of troops to their frontiers with Iraq during the past few weeks in what appears to be a coordinated effort to disrupt the activities of Kurdish rebel bases.

Scores of Kurds have fled their homes in the northern frontier region after four days of shelling by the Iranian army. Local officials said Turkey had also fired a number of shells into Iraqi territory...

Read the Rest

Live fire
An F-16 Fighting Falcon fires an AIM-9 missile off the coast of South Korea during a live-fire exercise Aug. 18. The F-16 is assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)

Kevin, thanks for sending this, and for all the sacrifices you and your loved ones make for all of us.


Please do not repost or reprint without permission

Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (Aug. 21, 2006) - A team of U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five (NMCB 5), attached to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF HOA), set up tents to house approximately 6,000 displaced victims of a devastating flood that hit Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. NMCB-5 joined a multi-national effort, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the humanitarian effort following 15 days of heavy rain that washed away roads and homes in the region. U.S. Navy photo Chief Mass Communication Specialist Robert Palomares

Requests for assistance continue to come in to Soldiers' Angels SOS: KIDS program, and we really need your help to keep our efforts going strong.

The program exists to help Heroes who are seeking supplies for local kids in their Areas of Operations; School supplies, clothing, toys, and candy are all among the items requested.

Right now, we are working with more than 20 Heroes trying to get much-needed supplies to the kids they work with every day. Among the requesters:

Afghanistan:
There is a dire need for over-the-counter medicines, for a unit running medical clinics, and supplies for a unit working with an orphanage requiring items for the more than 500 children they care for.

A school supported by U.S. and Korean troops, which lost its stores when a warehouse was destroyed in an enemy attack.

A Hero "asking for small toys, bags of hard candy or smartees and especially Pez candy dispensers to give to the Afghan children in the orphanages and schools."

A Hero who says, "I would love to be able to give candy out to the local children that we meet everyday.Also some pencils and paper would be greatly appreciated."

A Hero who says, "I have a significant amount of contact with Afghan locals and realize they they would tremendously appreciate some small things ranging from hard candy to pens to small inexpensive toys. "

Iraq:
A Hero who writes, "the clinics are always running out of medicine for children...Things like cough syrup and cold medicine (Sudafed, Robitussin, Benadryl, Dimetapp, etc.)I've asked everyone who is contemplating sending me fun stuff to send over-the-counter kids' medicines instead. I go over to the clinic with everyone from my office once every month to donate what I have received and assist with the children...If you want to send toys and clothes (or other comfort things for children), I'll deliver those as well but our main goal is medical and hygiene items. The way to win this thing is to love the next generation of Iraqis and they will love us back!!"

A Marine Hero who says, "I work closely with the Iraqis so anything you could send for their children would be great (used clothes, shoes, or soccer balls). God bless and Semper Fidelis"

A Hero who writes, "I also wish that you could send something for the kids of Iraq...'cause these poor kids are in dying need of anything that anyone can send. They have nothing and barely the clothes on their backs..."

A Hero who says, "we will be doing alot of medical since thats my calling...we will be needing dolls and stuffed animals for the kids..."

FAQ's
What is needed?
Donations of items, and donations of funds to assist with purchasing materials and postage to get these much-needed supplies to where they need to go. Clothing, simple toys, shoes, soccer supplies, school supplies, and over-the-counter children's medications are among the most popular requests.

Where should I send items?
If you are closer to the East Coast, you can send to:

SOS: KIDS
P.O. Box 832
Torrington, CT 06790
(Please email us for an address to use with UPS or FedEx)

If you're closer to the West Coast, you can send to:

Soldiers' Angels
Attn: SOS: KIDS
914 Tourmaline Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320

How are donated funds used?
100% of donated funds will go directly to supporting the program, either with purchases of requested items, or postage and supplies to ship those items.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes; Since Soldiers' Angels is a 501(c)(3) organization, donations are tax-deductible.

How can I donate funds?
You can donate either through PayPal or by check; visit the SOS: KIDS page for details. We can also accept donations of vehicles - visit this page for information.

To send a check, please make the check out to "Soldiers' Angels," and write "SOS:KIDS" in the memo field.

You can send checks to:
Soldiers Angels
1150 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Can I mail my items directly to a particular Hero?
Due to security concerns, we cannot release a Hero's APO without their direct consent. However, if you would like to make sure your items go to a particular Hero, you can email us and we'll do our best to make sure that your items go directly to that Hero.

When donated items are sent, if requested, we will include a note to the Hero that tells him/her where those items came from. We will also forward a card or note, if you would like to include one in the box. We cannot guarantee that you will hear back from any Hero; they are often extremely busy. We do know that everything sent is greatly appreciated.

An additional note:
SOS: KIDS is particularly near and dear to my heart, since I'm one of the Co-Leaders, and I first got involved through my adopted Hero's efforts through Wings of Hope (now rolled into the SOS: KIDS program).

To learn more about the program, and how you can help, visit the SOS: KIDS webpage or the SOS: KIDS blog, or email me.

Thank you for helping our Heroes help others.

CHECKPOINT — Lance Cpl. Lawrence T. Singletary stands security in Sadiquiyah, Iraq, Aug. 17, 2006. Singletary and other members of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment set up vehicle checkpoints in the area to detour insurgency operations. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Death Squad Leaders Captured
Saddam Trial Defendant Denies Targeting Civilians
500 Recruits Join Anbar Police
Less Than Glamorous
UK may cut Iraq force in half by mid-2007: commander - Video
Bush voices concern over talk of an Iraq civil war
Kurd accuses Saddam in court of poison gas attacks - Video

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Terror Suspects in Court
Security incident as note found at London airport
Mumbai say terror plans foiled
Bomb defused in Sri Lankan capital after raid in U.S - Video

Other Military News
Wounded Soldier Looks Toward Future

Mid-East Ceasefire
Israel Suspends War Review
Italy: Cease-Fire Must Stick
Italy provides up to 3,000 troops to UN force - Video
Israeli tanks enter Gaza
Hezbollah official discusses blockade

NSA / CIA
Calendars: Armitage Met With Reporter Near Plame Time

Worldwide Wackos
Iran's Answer
Iran offers 'new formula' for solution
China urges peaceful resolution
Oil holds ground as deadline nears
Romanian oil firm says rig attacked by Iran
Video: From the scene in Tehran
North Korea threatens attack due to war drills - Video

Homegrown Moonbats
Ky. Teacher Reassigned After Burning Flags in Class
Dixie Chicks documentary could be election issue

Politics / Government
Bush to Sign Executive Order For More Health Cost Info

Mother Nature
New Orleans mayor blames bureaucracy
Worst is yet to come, hurricane chief says
'Urban' Raccoons Kill 10 Cats
Drought, water worries cloud skies for US farmers
Evacuation orders lifted for Wyo. fire
Tropical system brings rain to islands

Oddities
Cons escape with different sort of pepper spray
Tom & Jerry in trouble for smoking scenes
Willy the Tortoise comes home

Other News of Note
'There Is Nothing Crazy About This Man' - Lawyers say Karr is not insane
JonBenet suspect to appear before L.A. judge
Police Raid Katsav's Home
Russian Plane With 170 Aboard Crashes in Ukraine
"Unstable recruits" guard Russia nuclear facility
Carmakers must tell buyers about "black boxes"

Fox News
Ford to Unveil New Clean-Burning Diesel Pickup
University of Texas at Austin Named Best Party School

Reuters: Top News
EU reinforces troops in Congo as fighting flares
Wiesenthal Center probing Grass's Nazi past
"Hobbit" was ancestor of modern human pygmy
New shrimp farm rules aim to save Asian mangroves
Friendster looks to recover lost glory
New warnings on ADHD drugs
Acne drug raises fat levels: researchers
Thousands sing at "Idol" trial in Alabama

AP World News
Toll Brothers 3Q profit falls 19 percent
U.S. makes 2nd round in world basketball
Cisco buys private on-demand TV company
Yankees finish historic sweep of Red Sox
Paris Hilton praises her debut album
Tigers top ChiSox in key AL Central tilt
Suspected killer nabbed near Va. Tech
Phoenix looks to cold cases for killer
Two killed, escaped inmate captured
Man overseas accused of online extortion
Universities aim to avoid 'Freshman 15'
More bone fragments found in Mo. yard

Military.com
Cole Skipper off Promotion List
Court Expands Coverage for Vietnam Vets
Pentagon Mulls JSF Delay

CENTCOM: News Releases
EXTREMIST'S ROCKETS INJURE NOMADS

SUSPECTED TERRORISTS CAPTURED NEAR PARU KHYL VILLAGE

ISF, MND-B SOLDIERS CONDUCT CORDON, SEARCH OF AN OFFICE OF THE MARTYR SADR

24TH MEU COMPLETES MISSION IN LEBANON

MND-B SOLDIERS HELP CITIZENS OF SOUTHWEST BAGHDAD WITH HUMANITARIAN-ASSISTANCE

IRAQI CITIZENS HELP IA, MND-B SOLDIERS RESCUE 4 KIDNAP VICTIMS, NAB 3 KIDNAPPERS, DISCOVER WEAPONS CACHE

IRAQI ARMY SOLDIERS RESCUE KIDNAPPED WOMEN, ARREST KIDNAPPERS

1 MILLION PILGRIMS COMMEMORATE 7TH IMAM

IRAQI FORCES CAPTURE KEY INSURGENT LEADERS IN BAGHDAD

USJFCOM
Initial trial of Urban Resolve 2015 wraps up - podcast
Web-based system helping the joint warfighter with intelligence situational awareness

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
Iraqi Forces Capture Key Insurgents - Story
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
Local Leaders Discuss Progress, Stability - Story
Chief of Staff Visits Soldiers at Speicher - Story
Iraqi Police Receive Protective Vests - Story
Navigating Basra, One Day at a Time - Story

IN IRAQ
Iraqi Farmers Union Holds First Election
Iraqi, Coalition Squelch Violence in Ameriya
Iraqi Brigade Takes Lead in Mahmudiyah
Winning Hearts, Minds With a Medical Project
More Police in Iraqi Town Increases Security

IN AFGHANISTAN
A-10 Thunderbolts Surge for Afghan Offensive
Chief Master Sgt. Praises Afghan Progress
Security Forces ‘Fly Away’ to Support Mission

BACKGROUND
IRAQ
Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (PDF)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Weekly Reconstruction Report (PDF)
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

CASUALTIES
Defense Officials Identify Casualty - Story

Weather
Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Gitmo

Today in History
565 - St. Columba reports seeing a monster in Loch Ness.
1454 - Jews are expelled from Brunn Moravia on the order of King Ladislaus.
1485 - Richard III, last of the Plantagenet kings, is slain at Bosworth Field.
1775 - King George III proclaims the American colonies to be in open rebellion.
1791 - The Haitian Revolution begins.
1846 - The U.S. annexes New Mexico.
1864 - Twelve nations sign the Geneva Convention.
1902 - President Teddy Roosevelt becomes the first U.S. chief executive to ride in a car.
1910 - Japan annexes Korea.
1911 - The "Mona Lisa" is stolen from the Louvre.
1963 - NASA civilian test pilot Joe Walker reaches an altitude of 67 miles (106 km) in the X-15.
1969 - Hurricane Camille strikes the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing over 250.
1982 - General Ariel Sharon urges the Palestinians to discuss a peaceful coexistence with Israel.
1989 - The first complete ring around Neptune is discovered.
1990 - President George H.W. Bush calls up military reservists.

Birthdays
1836 - Archibald M Willard US, artist (Spirit of '76)
1862 - Claude Debussy St Germain-en-Laye, composer (La Mer, Clair de lune)
1904 - Deng Xiaoping Chinese leader (1976-1983)
1917 - John Lee Hooker Mississippi, blues musician (Canned Heat)
1920 - Dr Denton Cooley heart surgeon (1st artifical heart transplant); Ray Bradbury, science-fiction author ("Fahrenheit 451")
1932 - Gerald P. Carr, Colonel USMC/astronaut (Skylab 4)
1934 - Norman Schwartzkopf, U.S. General (Desert Storm)

Passings
1818 - Warren Hastings, first governor-general of India (1773-84)
1922 - Michael Collins, Sinn Fein leader, killed by rebels
1978 - Jomo Kenyatta, president of Kenya

Reported Missing in Action
1967
Kerr, John C., USAF (FL); A26A disappeared during mission over Laos (pilot) ; Killed, body not recovered

Morgan, Burke H., USAF (CO); A26A disappeared during mission over Laos (navigator) ; Killed, body not recovered

1968
Acosta-Rosario, Humberto, US Army (P.R.); separated from his unit when they withdrew under heavy attack

1972
Crockett, William J., USAF (NM); F4E shot down (w/Tigner), KIA, body not recovered

Tigner, Lee M., USAF (Washington, D.C.); F4E shot down (w/Tigner), KIA, body not recovered