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Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Airborne Soldiers Provide Medical Care to Tursak Citizens


Capt. Larry Robinson, surgeon for the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, holds a small Iraqi baby girl sucking on a lollipop during a Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. "Seeing those kids is great," said Robinson. "I hope we are winning their hearts and minds. This is where it counts -- with the kids." (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 10, 2006
SR# 111006-08


By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

BALAD RUZ, Iraq (Nov. 8, 2006) -- It was a cold Iraqi morning as the Soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division loaded their Humvees and rolled-out for a Combined Medical Engagement mission with members of the Iraqi Army, Nov. 8.

The CME provided citizens of Tursak, Iraq, the opportunity to receive medical care for illnesses or injuries that otherwise would not have been tended to. With the Iraqi Army surgeon in the lead, Capt. Larry Robinson, the 5-73 surgeon, was there to provide extra assistance when needed.

"The CME was a chance for us to go out to a village to help the people out with some of their illnesses, and also to give credibility to the Iraqi Army and their medical personnel," said Robinson, a native of Sandusky, Ohio.
As Iraq continues to build upon its democracy, it is important for the people of Iraq to know their army is there for them, not only for security, but for stability and peace-keeping missions, too, said Robinson and the 5-73 medical platoon leader, 1st Lt. Braden Hestermann.

"These missions are important because it lets the people of Iraq know their Army does care about them and wants to help them," Robinson said.

"I think a lot of the Iraqi population knows the Coalition Forces are here to help, but many of them are weary about their own army," said Hestermann, a native of Omaha, Neb. "The more we can get the Iraqi Army out there in a positive light, the more confidence the Iraqi people will have in their forces. “

As the Soldiers arrived in the designated village, the 5-73 Soldiers quickly began to provide security since they did not know how the village would react to their presence. Meanwhile, the Iraqi medical staff and 5-73 medical personnel began to set up for their evaluations.

The sheik in the village provided his house as a location for the medics to set up their table and begin screenings, Robison said.

After setting up the table, medicine and vitamins were brought out and the evaluations began.

"We let the Iraqi doctor and his medics screen all the patients that came in,” added Hestermann. "We helped out when they needed our help, but the goal was for them to lead the mission and be in charge.”

The Iraqi doctor and his staff worked with the villagers while Robinson gave a helping hand when it was needed, looking at illnesses and injuries the medics needed a second opinion about.

The doctors and medics treated everyone who came in, from adults to children -- some villagers needing cold medicine, others needing just vitamins to maintain their health.

"I love [these missions]," said Robinson. "This is why I got into medicine, to help people out.”

“It's nice to get to help people who don’t have many medical resources. These missions are right up my ally,” he added.

"The best part of these missions is knowing you have made a tangible difference and its something you know is making a difference right now," added Hestermann.

"Every little bit helps," he continued. "Anything we can do to help build confidence in the eyes of the people towards their army will help this country."

After everyone had been treated, the units packed up and headed back to camp, knowing they had made a difference in the lives of the villagers.

"Knowing that you went out on a mission and you made a difference today," said Hestermann, "that’s what we all want to do and it feels great."

Both Robinson and Hestermann said one of the best parts of their missions is interacting with the children of the villages.

"Seeing those kids is great," Robinson said. "I hope we are winning their hearts and minds. This is where it counts -- with the kids."

"Kids remember a lot more than we give them credit for," Hestermann said. "They will remember that when they were young, Soldiers came and gave them school supplies, soccer balls and medical [attention]. It will make a lasting impression."

"But the best part is when you're going through a village in a convoy, kids come running up smiling, waving and giving us the thumbs up," he continued. "These kids will remember our efforts and it will make a difference."




While showing the Iraqi doctor his equipment, Capt. Larry Robinson, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, prepares to give a medical examination to a young Iraqi child during the Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. The CME was a mission conducted by both American and Iraqi Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Capt. Larry Robinson, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, checks the heart beat of a young Iraqi girl during 5-73 and the Iraqi Army's Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Capt. Larry Robinson, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, looks into the ears of an elder in the village during 5-73 and the Iraqi Army's Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. "I love [these missions]," said Robinson. "This is why I got into medicine, to help people out.” (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


An Iraqi medic and Capt. Larry Robinson, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, watch while an Iraqi doctor starts conducting a medical evaluation during the 5-73 and Iraqi Army's Combined Medical Engagement in Tursak, Iraq, Nov. 8. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Capt. Larry Robinson, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and a native of Sandusky, Ohio, conducts a vision test for an Iraqi boy during the 5-73's and the Iraqi Army's Combined Medical Engagement, Nov. 8. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Members of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron march toward a memorial site for Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, who was killed while on a convoy near Camp Bucca, Iraq. Her vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device Sept. 28, 2005. She was the first female Airman killed in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Senior Airman Nykita Stoudemire, deployed with Airman Jacobson last year, placed the M-4 assault rifle during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Andy Bellam) Full Story

Soldiers become citizens at Anaconda

Service members take the Oath of Allegiance at the Naturalization Ceremony at the Sustainer Theater at LSA Anaconda Nov. 12. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Murray, 411 Engineer Battalion


Monday, 13 November 2006

LSA ANACONDA — Several service members became American citizens during a ceremony Sunday at Logistics Support Area Anaconda in Balad.

Several dignitaries spoke to the near-capacity crowd at LSA Anaconda’s Sustainer Theater. Brig. Gen. Michael J. Terry, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Commanding General, delivered the keynote speech.

Terry told the new citizens there is probably no other situation or investment, except serving your Lord, in which a person can give up so little and receive so much more in return.

“Becoming an American can have nothing to do with birth or ancestry.” Terry said. “That is because America is an idea, not a race.”

Spec. Simon Muturi, originally from Kenya, was among the service members earning American citizenship. He said he would continue to be a Kenyan at heart, but wants to be an American.

“America is where it’s at.” Muturi said. “ No other country can give you the opportunities like America can.” Muturi joined the Army in 2000.

Already a momentous occasion, the ceremony took on a more special meaning by taking place in a combat zone during Veterans Day weekend.

“Just as important as your new citizenship, and just in time for Veterans Day, we honor the fact that you are also veterans” Terry said.

President George W. Bush, speaking via a video message, congratulated the service members and welcomed them as fellow American citizens.

Dr. Emilio T. Gonzalez, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director, said this year marks the 40th anniversary of his own naturalization ceremony. Gonzales said people are allowed to come into America seamlessly because they don’t swear allegiance to a party or person, but an idea that is bigger than all of us.

Gonzales shared his own stories of the opportunities afforded him as an American. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel. In 2005 President Bush appointed and the senate confirmed Gonzales to head the USCIS.

“Only in America do those type of opportunities exist.” said Gonzales, who led the candidates in the Oath of Allegiance.

Among other dignitaries at the ceremony were USCIS Rome District Director John M. Bugler, who performed the Presentation of Candidates, and 13th SC (E) Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Fountain, who delivered the opening remarks.

New citizens who took part in Sunday’s ceremony are Carlos Arjona, Fernando Avila-Luna, Lorena Ayres, Latifatu Bakare, Benjamin Brito, June-Ray Cadiz, Gustavo Castellanos-Rivera, Luz Adriann Ceballos-Guevara, Ray De La Cruz Sanchez, Juan Delgado-Preciado, Aly Diasse, Kevaughn Edwards, Paul Ernandes, Yaser Essedraoui, Gafatasi Fuimaono, Carlos Gastelu, Maciej Gebala, Nicole Elizabeth Hart, Sok Jin Hong, Bartlomiej Jakowlew, Shilue Johnson, Esteban Leon-Cevallos, Rene Madsen, Kristofferson Marzo, Zayvier Moodie, Simon Muturi, Moonsammy Narinesammy, Oliver Nied, Oscar Ochoa, Kennedy Osara, Tito Parra Fiallo, Alberto Rivera-Jaquez, Angelo Rocha, Jesus Romero, Sergio Sepulveda-Moller, Lester Spence, Preston Suero Delgado, Biel Thiec, Jose Vaca Ramirez, Jorge Vargas, Juan Verduguez Moreno, Dmytro Vilyaykin and Thong Yang.

(Courtesy of 13th SC(E), LSA Anaconda – PAO)


TRUCK SEARCH — U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Karl A. Dohrmann watches a truck while his fellow Marines search through its compartments at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 31, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James B. Hoke

In Today's News - Tuesday, November 14, 2006


Quote of the Day
"As we honor and thank the brave men and women of our military who fight today to guarantee our freedom, we realize there is no greater force in the world than the energy of free people, and we must remember that spreading that energy is the best way to help our country remain free and secure."
-- Bob Beauprez

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
U.S. Raids Homes of Mahdi Army Loyalists in Baghdad
Bush: I Won't Prejudge Group's Report on New Options for Iraq
Bush trades ideas on Iraq with panel
Bush cool to asking Iran, Syria to help on Iraq - Video
Bush skeptical of Democrat troop reduction idea
U.S. warns Iraq to stop Shiite militias
Iraqi Gunmen Kidnap 150 Workers from Research Site
Gov't official says Sunnis and Shiites were taken

Operation Enduring Freedom
Report: Afghan, U.S. Forces Arrest Key Al Qaeda Member
Coalition Marks Fifth Anniversary of Taliban's Fall in Afghanistan

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Al Qaeda seeking nuclear kit for attacks: UK official
US: Immigrants may be held indefinitely

Other Military News
Widows Sue to Get Wiccan Star on GI Graves
New Marine Corps Commandant Welcomed
Chinese Sub Draws Near to U.S. Ship

Mid-East Ceasefire / Hamas Rising / Israel at War
Palestinian factions say close to deal on new PM - Video
Lebanon crisis deepens, cabinet backs Hariri court

Worldwide Wackos
Bush: World Must Isolate Tehran - VIDEO
Bush, Olmert warn of threat in Iran
Iran Spies on Aircraft Carrier
U.N. Nuke Agency Fingers Iran
Report says Mideast nation is obstructing probes
Son of ailing Castro says father is recovering - Video

Politics / Government
Congress reconvenes after Democratic win
Giuliani Takes Steps to Prepare for Presidential Bid
Sen. Mel Martinez to Step In as RNC Chairman
Bush, Clinton Join Ceremony for MLK Memorial
Pelosi Backs Murtha's Bid for House Majority Leader
Seattle Voters Reject Rules for Lap Dances
Oct. budget deficit higher than last yr.
Bush leads King groundbreaking ceremony

In the Courts
High court won't review Skakel verdict

Immigration / Border Control
Texas town OKs anti-immigration measures

U.N. News
U.N. Pledges $22 Million to Help Darfur Forces
U.N. ready to float plan for "hybrid" Darfur force - Video
S.Lanka troops help abduct children as fighters: UN

Science / Nature
Global warming could wipe out most birds: WWF
Mold, maggots in New Orleans homes left to rot
NASA has few options to fix failed Mars probe
Election outcome boosts embryonic stem cell work

Oddities
Unwitting 'Borat' Stars Suffer Consequences
Fla. Man Dies While Pulling Dog From Stump Grinder
Michael Jackson's 48-Hour Countdown to Thrill
Air guitar T-shirt: cotton-picking?
A wild night at the "elk" club?
T-shirt turns air guitar into music
Pitt-Jolie wax wedding on ice in Vegas

Other News of Note
House Rejects Vietnam Free Trade Bill
San Francisco Abandons Bid to Host 2016 Olympics
Mom of Michael Jackson accuser admits welfare fraud
Early Roman shipwreck carried fish sauce
W.Va. pharmacy hostages overpower gunman

Fox News
'Abnormal Behavior' Fears for Tamiflu
Anti-Vaccine Group Challenges Flu Shot Guidelines for Infants
Classes Resume at Occupied College in Mexico
Microsoft's Zune Set to Debut at Stores
Google CEO Foresees Ad-Supported Cell Phones

Reuters: Top News
Roche flu drug to carry new caution in U.S.
Sony's PS3 has problems running PS, PS2 games
Sony sold 88,400 PS3s in Japan in 2 days: publisher
India's "lost" Jews set for long-awaited homecoming
Roche flu drug to carry new caution in U.S.
Most U.S. women in the dark about HPV: survey
Malawi judge to rule on Madonna case November 20
Pepsi, bottlers fall after sector downgrade
Dr. Reddy's to raise $260 mln in U.S. share sale
Aozora Bank opens down 13 percent in market debut
Stocks rise as oil falls
Fidelity cuts Yahoo stake
Flight to risk taking off
On the radar: Nasdaq
Berkshire cuts Ameriprise stake
InterOil says finds big gas reserves in PNG
Dr. Reddy's to raise $260 mln in U.S. share sale
Clear Channel bids due Monday: sources
Ex-KB Home chief reaped big riches in housing boom
Microsoft CEO touts Zune's wireless advantage

AP World News
FDA: Tamiflu patients need monitoring
Tyson Foods sees higher meat prices
Vermont shocks No. 14 Boston College
Dallas agog over Smith's dance prowess
Ramirez, Verlander named top rookies
Woman accused of running down ex-husband
'Grey's Anatomy' star Pompeo is engaged
Dow closes up 23, Nasdaq finishes up 17
Blue Jackets fire coach Gallant
North Carolina names Butch Davis coach
Ramirez, Wood decide to stay with Cubs
Results mixed on Merck's new painkiller

Military.com
Army Eyes USAF Tankers for Network Tech
Op-ed: Mideast Nuke Race
Blog: Army Bashing With Homer Simpson
Op-ed: Troops and SECDEF's Exit
Blog: Marines on Dr. Phil
Phase One of Your Transition
Defense Tech and Ahnold's Movie

CENTCOM: News Releases
SERVICEMEMBERS BECOME CITIZENS ON VETERANS DAY

EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED; 41 DETAINED DURING MULTIPLE RAIDS

IA, MND-B SOLDIERS SEIZE WEAPONS IN APARTMENT COMPLEX

AFGHAN FINANCE MINISTER PRAISES ‘AFGHAN FIRST’ PROGRAM

MND-B SOLDIERS RESPOND TO ROCKET ATTACK, DETAIN THREE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS

TERRORIST CAPTURED BY AFGHAN, COALITION FORCES

TEN SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED IN EARLY MORNING RAID

COALITION FORCES REPEL INSURGENT ATTACK, KILL THREE INSURGENTS

COALITION FORCES DESTROY BOOBY-TRAPPED BUILDING

MND-B SOLDIERS DETAIN FOUR SUSPECTED TERRORISTS, SEIZE WEAPONS CACHE

USJFCOM
USJFCOM prepares 82nd Airborne Division for deployment
USJFCOM signs cooperative research and development agreement with Raytheon - podcast
USJFCOM to join high-tech scientific research network
Planning discussions continue for next multinational experiment
More about Multinational Experiment 5

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
Samarra Leaders Meet to Foster Closer Relations - Story
Coalition, Iraqi Forces Detain Suspected Terrorists - Story
Iraqi Army Soldiers Taking Fight to Enemy - Story

IN IRAQ
Marines Work to Dissolve Cultural Barriers
Iraqis Interdict Insurgents on The Euphrates River
Medical Personnel Provide Care to Residents
Hawija SWAT Unit Graduates Elite Fighting Force
Iraqi Marines Learn Critical Maritime Security Skills

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Officer Saves Governor, Coalition Soldiers
Coalition Sponsors Chamkani Sports Tournament
Afghan Reconstruction Projects Continue
Turkey to Open Provincial Reconstruction Team

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
Officials Identify Army Casualties - 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

National Hurricane Center

Today in History
1666 - Samuel Pepys reports on the first blood transfusion (between dogs).
1732 - The first U.S. professional librarian, Louis Timothee, is hired in Philadelphia.
1792 - Captain George Vancouver becomes the first Englishman to enter San Francisco Bay.
1832 - The first (horse-drawn) streetcar debuts in NYC.
1834 - Ten-year-old William Thomson enters Glasgow University.
1851 - "Moby Dick," by Herman Melville, is published.
1863 - Nathan Bedford Forrest is assigned to command of West Tennessee; Skirmish in Danville, Mississippi.
1881 - Charles J. Guiteau goes on trial for President Garfield's assassination.
1896 - The Niagara Falls power plant begins operation.
1906 - Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first U.S. President to visit a foreign country (Panama).
1910 - Norfolk, VA, is the site of the first airplane flight from deck of a ship.
1918 - The Republic of Czechoslovakia is created, with T.G. Masaryk as President.
1935 - FDR proclaims the Philippine Islands a free commonwealth.
1940 - German planes destroy most of Coventry, England.
1969 - Apollo=12 is launched for the second manned Moon landing.
1970 - Marshall University's football team is wiped out in in a plane crash at Kenova, WV.
1975 - Spain abandons the Spanish Sahara.
1977 - Egyptian President Sadat repeats his willingness to visit Israel to Walter Cronkite.
1981 - The second Space Shuttle Mission (Columbia 2) returns to Earth.
1984 - Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery pluck a second satellite from orbit; NASA launches NATO-3D.
1990 - Michael Heseltine contests Thatcher's leadership of her party.

Birthdays
1765
- Robert Fulton, builder of the first commercial steamboat (or 8/19)
1776 - Henri Dutrochet, discovered and named process of osmosis
1840 - Claude Monet, French impressionist (Water Lilies)
1842 - Walter Williams, claimed to be last survivor of Civil War (d 1959)
1889 - Jawaharlal Nehru, first Indian PM (1947-64)
1896 - Mamie Doud Eisenhower, First Lady
1900 - Aaron Copland, American composer (Billy the Kid, Appalachian Spring)
1909 - Joseph R. McCarthy (Sen-WI), led anti-communist hearings
1929 - McLean Stevenson, actor (M*A*S*H, Hello Larry)
1930 - Edward H. White II, Lt. Colonel USAF / astronaut (Gemini 4)
1933 - Fred W. Haise, Jr., astronaut (Apollo 13 STS T-1, T-3, T-5)
1935 - Hussein ibn Talal I king of Jordan (1953-1999)
1948 - Charles, Prince of Wales

Passings
0565
- Justinian, Roman emperor
1915 - Booker T. Washington, educator / organizer
1990 - Malcolm Muggeridge WW II spy for Britain

Reported Missing in Action
1965
McClelland, Paul T., Jr., USAF (OR); A1E shot down, KIA, body not recovered

1967
Kmetyk, Jonathan P., USMC (NY); KIA, NVA stole body in ambush

Sullivan, Timothy B., USN (MA); F4B shot down (GIB), released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Commander - alive and well as of 1998

1970
Klugg, Joseph R., USN (MI); RF8G lost when tire blew and aircraft slid off carrier during launch, Killed, body not recovered

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