Nov. 22, 2006
Story ID#: 200611210347

By Lance Cpl. David Rogers, MCB Camp Butler

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 22, 2006) -- A powerful storm, most likely a tornado, slammed Camp Schwab around 1 p.m. Nov. 18 injuring three Marines in the parking lot of the Post Exchange and leaving several cars overturned and buildings damaged.

The Marines suffered minor injuries and were taken to the camp medical clinic where they were treated and released according to Petty Officer 2nd Class Francis Alcanciado, a hospital corpsman and a section head for the Acute Care Area at the Camp Schwab medical clinic.

The camp post office, enlisted barracks, Beachhead club, and theater all sustained minor damage.

An electrical transformer in the exchange parking lot was also damaged and several power lines were knocked down. None of the damage was severe and maintenance crews of the Facility Engineer detachment have finished cleaning up the area, according Sgt. Daniel Carter, the Camp Schwab maintenance detachment noncommissioned officer-in-charge. Power has been restored and the camp has resumed normal operations.

Kadena Air Base's 18 Operational Support Squadron Weather Flight is currently analyzing all metrological and physical data available, including ground and aerial photos and eye witness accounts, to determine if the storm was a tornado, as has been widely reported.

The storm could have also been a microburst, an extremely powerful, short, downward gust of air that can reach speeds of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado, said Capt. Jonathan Wilson, the commander of the Kadena Weather Flight.

There was a warm front moving through an area of low pressure when the storm occurred. Though these conditions are capable of producing severe weather, they are not uncommon this time of year, Wilson said.

These are not circumstances that would normally produce a tornado or microburst, and there is currently no solid evidence to support that it was either, Wilson said.

Wilson maintains that no matter the classification, this storm was an isolated incident and future occurrences are not likely. However, he cautioned that weather is unpredictable and personnel should seek shelter when severe weather is present.

Nov. 22, 2006
Story ID#: 2006112117570

By Lance Cpl. Bryan A. Peterson, MCB Camp Butler

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 22, 2006) -- Since 1st Lt. Patrick Cleburne "Clebe" McClary, III was told by doctors he would never walk again due to wounds he received during the Vietnam War, he has run marathons and set treadmill test scores that members of the Dallas Cowboys have been unable to beat.

The highly decorated Vietnam veteran turned world-renowned motivational speaker visited Okinawa Nov. 1-7 to share his story with service members and, more importantly to him, thank them for keeping the United States a free nation during this time of war.

During the visit, the Silver Star and Bronze Star recipient visited with service members at various locations including the Camp Hansen United Services Organization and Kadena Air Base's Keystone Theatre. He was also the guest of honor at the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group Marine Corps Ball.

"(Marines) are fighting a tough enemy right now," McClary said during his presentation. "They are making progress despite what the civilian media is reporting. They shouldn't be discouraged when they come home and hear people bad mouthing them for what they are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan."

When McClary was contacted to be the guest of honor for the III MEF Headquarters Group ball and to speak to the troops here by Cmdr. Manuel A. Biadog, III MHG chaplain, it was an easy decision to accept, McClary said. He already planned to be in Okinawa to speak at the Okinawa Franklin Graham Festival put on by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

"It's a funny thing about me coming here," he said. "I was originally coming here to speak alongside Franklin Graham. I was contacted by the chaplain here to come talk with the Marines and sailors, so aside from the festival, I knew my off time would be well spent."

His story is one of determination. In 1968, McClary was on his 19th reconnaissance mission when he was critically wounded. He and his men were attacked by the communist Vietnamese enemy, ultimately engaging in hand-to-hand combat. After he was pulled out of the fight, he suffered the loss of his left eye, left arm and sustained severe wounds to his left leg caused by shrapnel from a grenade.

McClary subsequently endured 34 reconstructive surgeries. For his actions of bravery and dedication to his men, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.

"I didn't plan on living my life like this, not to say it's a bad thing," he said. "To me, it was like getting your legs knocked out from under you and looking up. It was then that God became a part of my life. Sure I was down, but not out. I wouldn't let these injuries ruin my life."

He said his war experience is something he hopes Marines and sailors never have to endure. He added no matter the outcome, they should keep a positive attitude and drive on.

"The places I've been were crazy," he said. "I just wish that if these (service members) are placed in a hostile area, that they just remain strong, keep alert and have a good mindset about what they are doing."

One of the many Marines who attended breakfast at the USO said McClary was a very intense, forward person who didn't hold back. "I have been to speeches before where the speakers aren't very exciting," said Lance Cpl. William Simpson, a ground radio intermediate repairer with 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. "He had our attention the moment he got in front of us. It's amazing he has accomplished so much after all he has been through."

McClary has been a public motivational speaker for more than 17 years. He has traveled more than 2.5 million miles across the globe to share his story of courage, determination and dedication. He says with every presentation, if his message reaches one person, he has accomplished his goal.

"I feel I have to give back," he said. "Life has been a blessing to me and my goal is to tell everyone, if you're down, press on, regardless."

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter serves Thanksgiving dinner to deployed service members at Al Asad, Iraq, Nov. 23. Winter and his staff visited troops in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq throughout the holiday to show support to fellow Americans serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the 74th Secretary of the Navy and has been holding the position since Jan. 3, 2006. Photo by Cpl. Brandon L. Roach

Anatolian Eagle
An F-16 Fighting Falcon performs combat air patrol over the glaciers of central Turkey during Exercise Anatolian Eagle. About a dozen F-16s and more than 200 Airmen traveled from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in the NATO exercise at Konya Air Base, Turkey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha)

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2006 – Afghanistan’s defense minister thanked the United States today for its steadfast support for his country, specifically recognizing the U.S. troops who have served and sacrificed there and outgoing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak told Pentagon reporters Afghanistan is indebted to the United States for the progress it’s made during the past five years. “These achievements would not have been possible without the advice, guidance and generous support we have received from the United States,” he said.

Wardak gave special thanks to Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, commander of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, who joined him at the podium, as well as Rumsfeld, whom he met with before today’s news conference.

“Secretary Rumsfeld has been a great support of the Afghan cause as a whole,” he said. “He played a fundamental role in delivering Afghanistan from years of destruction, occupation and civil war.”

Afghanistan as a nation “has all the love, respect and admiration for him,” Wardak said of Rumsfeld. “He founded a security relationship that will endure, and we have every intention to build on those relations.”

Wardak expressed “the profound and everlasting gratitude of the Afghan government and people for everything the United States government and people are doing to help deliver Afghanistan from years of terror and destruction.”

The Afghan defense minister also recognized the U.S. forces who have served in Afghanistan, noting the commitment they have shown and the sacrifices they have made.

“They are representing your great nation proudly and demonstrating the high standards of service and professionalism,” he said. “I pray that their sacrifices will one day no longer be necessary, and that my own nation will be able to repay its debt through our enduring partnership with the United States.”

Wardak and Eikenberry are visiting Washington for consultations with U.S. government and military leaders, Eikensberry told reporters.

The two paid an earlier visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., to observe United Endeavor, a week-long exercise that’s preparing 82nd Airborne Division leaders and their Afghan, International Security Assistance Force, interagency and non-governmental organization partners for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The mission rehearsal exercise brought together about 1,300 servicemembers who will deploy in January as Combined Joint Task Force 76. The task force, which also will include other supporting Army and Air Force elements, will serve in Regional Command East under the NATO-led ISAF.

The exercise built on a troop-level training exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. About 50 Afghan soldiers trained with their 82nd Airborne Division counterparts in late October.

Eikenberry called the Afghan troops’ first deployment to the United States for field training a significant step that “underscores the continuing development of the Afghan national security forces.”


Biographies:
Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, USA

Related Sites:
Combined Forces Command Afghanistan
Video of News Conference

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off during Phase 1 tests at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. Tests are being conducted to determine the C-17's ability to bring a large force into a wet or dry dirt airfield without making runway condition corrections. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin Dec. 4 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

Story: Dirt runway testing increases C-17 safety, agility

Lt. Col. Michael Rose, commander of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, places the “First Team” combat patch on Pfc. Lashunda Morris, 3rd BSTB. "It’s a symbol of being a veteran," said Rose. "The unit insignia stays with that Soldier no matter what future assignments they have." (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 21, 2006
SR# 112106-##

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

BAQUBAH, Iraq (Nov. 21, 2006) -- Soldiers from the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division partook in an U.S. Army tradition for deployed Soldiers -- the presentation of the combat patch.

The combat patch is awarded to Soldiers who are deployed to combat zones for a period of 30 days or more. Grey Wolf, who deployed at the beginning of October, is currently stationed in the Diyala province of Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

The 215th Brigade Support Battalion and the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, held separate ceremonies on Nov. 19 and 20 at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, placing the 1st Cavalry Division patch on the right side of the Soldiers’ uniform to symbolize their service.

Each Soldier will forever be able to place the “First Team” patch on their Army Combat Uniforms and their Class A uniforms.

"It’s a symbol of being a veteran," said Lt. Col. Michael Rose, commander of the 3rd BSTB. "The unit insignia stays with that Soldier no matter what future assignments they have."

"Any time that you are in a unit that goes through war together, the cohesion in that unit is great," he continued. "The combat patch is almost like a rally symbol and a shared bonding experience."

"The patch that is placed on the right shoulder signifies that Soldiers place in history," said Lt. Col. Ronald Kirklin, 215th BSB commander.

"The patch is also a reminder to [the Soldiers] and their families about the sacrifices of freedom at home and abroad," he added. "It is a reminder of the friends and comrades that were there beside you. It will remind you that everything worth fighting for comes with a price, though some greater than others."

Not only does the patch stand for what these Soldiers are currently doing in Iraq, but it also stands for the journey that still lies ahead for the Grey Wolf Soldiers and the heroes they have become.

"[The Soldiers] should be proud of this patch and what they have accomplished so far, and what they will accomplish in the upcoming months," said Kirklin.

Lt. Col. Ronald Kirklin, commander of 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, places the 1st Cav. combat patch on Spc. Craig Woolever, 215th BSB. "The patch is also a reminder to [the Soldiers] and their families about the sacrifices of freedom, at home and abroad," Kirklin said. "It is a reminder of the friends and comrades that were there beside you. It will remind you that everything worth fighting for comes with a price, though some greater than others." (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

A Soldier from 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, places the “First Team” combat patch on Spc. Wesley Heine, 215th BSB. "The patch that is placed on the right shoulder signifies that Soldiers place in history," said Lt. Col. Ronald Kirklin, commander of the 215th BSB. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Michael Rose, commander of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks to his Soldiers after they received their combat patch. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Al Anbar, Iraq (Nov. 23, 2006) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) The Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter takes a moment in prayer with U.S. Marines and Sailors stationed at Camp Fallujah. The SECNAV is in Iraq to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving and give thanks for their service during his visit. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn P. Eklund

After performing for the Soldiers of the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Sallie Gym on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 18, Christopher Titus and Jennie McNulty, comedians and actors with the United Service Organizations tour, greet and sign autographs for the Soldiers. The performance was to help raise the morale of the Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 19, 2006
SR# 111806-01

Laughing It Up With Titus…

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

BAQUBAH, Iraq (Nov. 18, 2006) -- What started out as an ordinary day for the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, turned into a laugh fest provided by the comedic styling's of Christopher Titus and Jennie McNulty.

Both performers, comedians and actors with the United Service Organizations tour, entertained the "Grey Wolf" Brigade for two shows at the Sallie Gym, Nov. 19.

"It was nice to have comedians come here," said Pfc. Cody Reynolds, Company A, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd BCT, and a native of Jamestown, N.Y.

"We don’t really get to watch TV, so it's nice to have someone come around here and give us something to laugh about," he added.

McNulty took the stage first, warming up the crowd with jokes about her life and poking a little fun at the audience of Soldiers.

Then, with a roaring applause, she introduced Titus. Titus worked the stage for over an hour delivering joke after joke, all to entertain and raise the morale of the Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"[The Soldiers] have difficult jobs," said Titus. "If you're a driver in a convoy and you're tense all the time from missions, and I can come out here and make you laugh for an hour and a half, then that’s great."

"If we can come up here and help take your mind of where you are for a bit, it makes me feel like I am helping a cause and doing my part," added McNulty.

Reynolds agreed these events raise the moral of the Soldiers around him.

"It makes the day go by better and it defiantly brings the morale up," said Reynolds. "Getting a chance to laugh, that was nice. And it gives you something to talk about … other than work."

Titus' show was a routine filled with jokes and comments, most of which were inspired by his life before and after Sept. 11, 2001.

Titus, who welcomed his first child into the world two weeks before Sept. 11, said the show was about having a child so close to 9/11, said Titus.

Titus also mentioned the importance of reminding the Soldiers of the impact they make on the community.

"I have a two and half year-old son," Titus continued, "and if he was out here, I would hope someone would want to come out here [to entertain him and his buddies.]

"This show is for these guys," he added.

"[The Soldiers] need to know that somebody notices them and their efforts, and the people back home really do," Titus said. "We are completely behind you."

After the show was complete, Titus and McNulty signed autographs, posed for pictures and spoke personally with the Soldiers.

"The [whole experience] was great," said Titus. "The [audience] was really great and listened really well. It was nice."

"I'm glad to see someone take their time to come out here because some Soldiers do need a morale boost and this does help," said Spc. Billy Hicks, Co. A, 215th BSB, and a native of Wellston, Ok.

"I really enjoyed the show," he continued. "It’s the first time I have ever seen Titus. The last time I was in Iraq, I missed many of the shows that were put on, so this was very nice to see."

Both Reynolds and Hicks said they laughed a lot and would love to see more shows come to FOB Warhorse in the future.

"I would love to see more performances like this," said Reynolds. "This gives us a really good memory of being over here.”

"This means a lot to us,” said Hicks, “Anyone who is willing to come out here and do this for us -- it’s great."

Comedian and actor Christopher Titus performs for the Soldiers of the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Sallie Gym on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 18. "If I can come out here and make [the Soldiers] laugh for an hour and a half, then that’s great," said Titus. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Christopher Titus, a comedian and actor with the United Service Organizations tour, performs for the Soldiers of the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Sallie Gym on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 18. "If I can come out here and make [the Soldiers] laugh for an hour and a half, then that’s great," said Titus. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

While performing for the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Sallie Gym on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 18, Christopher Titus, a comedian and actor with the United Service Organizations tour, makes an eccentric face while joking about reactions when opening a newspaper and reading the headlines about the war in Iraq and other world events. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Christopher Titus, a comedian and actor for the United Service Organizations tour, performs for the Soldiers of the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Sallie Gym on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 18. "If I can come out here and make [the Soldiers] laugh for an hour and a half, then that’s great," said Titus. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Soldiers of the 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, enjoy the comedy show featuring Christopher Titus and Jennie McNulty, comedians and actors with the United Service Organizations tour, at Sallie Gym on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Nov. 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

THANKSGIVING VISIT — U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, center, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and country music singer Michael Peterson, seated on Gainey's right, eat Thanksgiving dinner with servicemembers on Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Nov. 23, 2006. Peterson is visiting deployed troops and conducting concerts through the USO. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher DeWitt

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Meltdown in Iraq
22 dead in latest sectarian bombing
Shiite Group to Boycott If Al-Maliki Meets With Bush
Iraqi tensions rise - Video
Iraq's bid for help shows desperation
Shi'ite cleric says Sunni must defuse crisis
U.S. military deaths in Iraq hit 2,871
Marine seeking discharge sent to Iraq

Operation Enduring Freedom
7 Suspected Insurgents Killed in Afghanistan
Exercise preps 82nd Airborne Division staff for Afghanistan deployment

Homeland Security / War on Terror
N. Ireland Pols Flee Parliament After Bomb Threat
The Invasion of the Chinese Cyberspies (And the Man Who Tried to Stop Them)

Supporting Our Troops
Bush wishes military members happy Thanksgiving

Other Military News
Vt. grieving families bond in war video
Recently Honored WWI Vet Dies at 111

Mid-East Ceasefire / Hamas Rising / Israel at War
Palestinian Grandmother Blows Self Up Near Israeli Troops
Palestinians Bury Grandmother Bomber
Israel kills 2 Palestinians in Gaza: medics - Video
Lebanese businesses strike for peace

Worldwide Wackos
Iran nuclear program overshadows rights: Ebadi
AP-Ipsos Poll: Chavez holds strong lead

Politics / Government
Cheney's office denies he's in Iraq

U.N. News
U.N. fails in bid to ban ocean trawling
U.N. says 55 civilians killed in Uganda army sweeps
U.N. finds mass grave in east Congo army camp

Media in the Media / Bloggers in the News
Ex-NY Times managing editor dies at 56

Science / Nature
Southern California Wildfire Started by Lost Camper's Signal Fire
Earthquake hits Hawaii's Big Island

News from My Neck of the Woods
12 injured in Mass. blast leave hospital

Oddities
Missing Show Dog Becomes NYC Urban Legend
German police get their phoney U.S. Highway Patrolman
One in five consumers open to cosmetic surgery

Other News of Note
Spy Accuses Putin From the Grave
Report: Radioactive Material Found in Body of Dead Ex-Russian Spy
Putin dismisses allegations
Police: 2 Killed in Chicago Standoff
Mexican Drug Gang Takes Out Ad Calling Themselves Anti-Crime Vigilantes

Fox News
Deal-Hunters Slam Stores as Black Friday Kicks Off
Task Force to Probe 4 Atlanta City Murders
Pitt, Jolie Spend Thanksgiving in Vietnam

Reuters: Top News
Chad extends emergency to tackle ethnic violence
Turkish police appeal for restraint in Pope protests
"Road Home" too long for some New Orleanians
Fed's Bernanke to join China mission in December
Taking wheat to its wild side boosts nutrients
Sony finds defect in Cyber-shot digital cameras
Zelda wins Wii players but critics query future demand
Life a series of small steps for Barbaro
Premier League becomes ultimate toy for rich boys
Folic acid can cut heart attack risk
Don't reject or abandon AIDS victims, Pope says
Another baby boy for supermodel Heidi Klum
Stocks sink on dollar worries
Dollar tumbles to 1-1/2-year low vs euro
Oil rallies towards $60 on Nigeria, dollar
Gold moves higher as weaker dollar spurs buying
Systemax jumps after earnings rise
Euro surge heralds 2004-style rally
Dollar plunges against major currencies
Funds eye back door into China market
Black Friday shopping starts early
Carlyle group bids $5.5 bln for Taiwan's ASE
Family Dollar still unable to file annual report
Ontario Teachers in $2.4 bln marine terminals deal
Severstal in talks to buy U.S. Weirton Steel: paper
Quest Software executive quits amid options probe

AP World News
Expanded hours, discounts lure shoppers
Arctic gull reportedly seen in Calif.
Renowned jazz singer Anita O'Day dies
LJ, Tynes put Chiefs over Broncos, 19-10
Thousands watch parade despite rain
Howard: Laws won't change for Qantas
Air France-KLM in talks with Alitalia
Retailers push Thanksgiving specials
Romo lifts Cowboys over Bucs 38-10
Search for Minn. brothers enters 3rd day
Probe sought in police shooting of woman
3 dead in holiday shooting in Calif.
Report suggests better background checks
Ohio mom found incompetent in arson case
Man shot at courthouse had knife

Military.com
Op-ed: Ollie on the Draft
Blog: T-giving Message from Op-For
Join the Crowd and Kit Up!
Brits Take Over Defense Tech
Advisors: Turkey Pressure?
Beat the Mall Crowds This Friday

CENTCOM: News Releases
FOUR TERRORISTS KILLED, SIX SUSPECTS DETAINED

ELEVEN TERRORISTS CAPTURED BY AFGHAN, COALITION FORCES

ONE TERRORIST KILLED, TWO DETAINED IN BALAD RAID

ISF CONDUCTS RAID AGAINST KIDNAPPING-MURDER CELL

ISF CONDUCTS RAID TO CAPTURE INSURGENT

ISF CONDUCTS RAID TO CAPTURE FOUR INSURGENTS

USJFCOM
Milestone reached in development of Cross Domain Collaborative Information Environment - podcast
Liveblogging: Unified Endeavor 07-1
Omni Fusion ties Army into UR 2015 - podcast

Department of Defense
NEWS UPDATES
Scores of Suspected Terrorists Detained During Iraq Operations - Story
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

ON THE GROUND
Gainey Visits Deployed Troops for Thanksgiving - Story
Top Afghan Enlisted Soldier Helps NCO Corps - Story
Preparation Provides Key to Turkey Day in Iraq - Story
Training Center Prepares Future Afghan Soldiers - Story

IN IRAQ
Army’s BOLT Helps Secure Iraqis Future
New Iraq-Zakros Primary School to Open in Kirkuk
Musical Marine Helps Lift Morale of Wounded
Marines Stop Insurgents With Vehicle Checkpoints

IN AFGHANISTAN
Aircraft Continue Missions Over Afghanistan
Engineers Dodge Explosives to Provide Services
Afghan Officer Saves Governor, Coalition Soldiers

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 Marine 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

National Hurricane Center

Today in History
1759 - Mt. Vesuvius erupts.
1859 - Charles Darwin publishes "On the Origin of Species."
1863 - In Tennessee, the Battle for Lookout Mountain begins.
1871 - The National Rifle Association is organized.
1874 - Joseph F. Glidden patents barbed wire.
1896 - Vermont enacts the first U.S. absentee voting law.
1903 - Clyde Coleman patents the automobile electric starter.
1930 - Miss Ruth Nichols becomes the first woman pilot on a transcontinental air flight (Mineola, NY to CA), in a Lockheed-Vega (it takes 7 days).
1944 - U.S. bombers based on Saipan first attack Tokyo.
1947 - The Un-American Activities Committee finds the "Hollywood 10" in contempt because of their refusal to reveal whether they are Communists.
1949 - Britain nationalizes its steel and iron industry.
1954 - The first U.S. Presidential airplane is christened.
1958 - Mali becomes an autonomous state within the French Community.
1963 - In the first live murder on TV, Jack Ruby shoots Lee Harvey Oswald.
1964 - The rebellion ends in Zaire.
1966 - In NYC, 400 die of respiratory failure and heart attack as a result of killer smog.
1969 - Apollo-12 returns to Earth.
1971 - Prisoners revolt in Rahway State Prison, NJ.
1983 - The PLO exchanges 6 Israeli prisoners for 4,500 Palestinians and Lebanese.
1989 - The Communist Party resigns in Czechoslovakia.
1991 - The U.S.' 75th manned space mission, "STS 44" (Atlantis 10), is launched.
1992 - A Chinese air crash kills 141.

Birthdays
1784 - Zachary Taylor (Whig) 12th U.S. President (Mar 5,1849-July 9,1850)
1864 - Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, painter (At the Moulin Rouge)
1868 - Scott Joplin, entertainer/composer (The Entertainer)
1888 - Dale Carnegie, author (How to Win Friends and Influence People)
1921 - John V. Lindsay (Mayor-NY, 1965-73)
1925 - William F. Buckley, Jr., conservative curmudgeon (Firing Line)
1935 - Ron Dellums, (Rep-CA)
1942 - Marlin Fitzwater, press secretary (George Bush)
1946 - Ted Bundy, serial murderer

Passings
1962 - James J. Kilroy, tank inspector (Kilroy was here)
1963 - Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK's assassin, shot dead by Jack Ruby

Reported Missing in Action
1963
Cody, Howard Rudolph, USAF (MS); B26 shot down, KIA, body not recovered

The following US Army SF personnel reported missing after their patrol was ambushed:
Camacho, Issac (Ike), (TX); escaped - retired as a Captain - alive as of 1998

McClure, Claude Donald (TN); released in Cambodia November, 1965

Roraback, Kenneth M., (NY); Executed September, 1965 - on DIC list

Smith, George E. (Smitty), (WV); released in Cambodia November, 1965

1967
Foley, Brendan P., USAF (NY); RF4C shot down (pilot, w/Mayerick)

Mayerick, Ronald M., USAF (NJ); RF4C shot down (manned camera / technical equipment, w/Foley)

1969
Comer, Howard B., Jr., US Army (FL); UH1H crashed (pilot)

White, James B., USAF (FL); F105D disappeared while on mission over Laos

The following USAF personnel lost when their C130A was shot down:
Balamonti, Michael D., (NY); navigator, remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

Brown, Earl C., (NC); remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

DeWispelaere, Rexford J., (NY); remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

Fellenz, Charles R., (WI); remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

Ganley, Richard O., (NH); remais returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

Grewell, Larry I., (WA); remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

Matthes, Peter R., (OH); co-pilot, remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995 (brother does not accept ID)

Wright, Donald L., (MD); remains returned November, 1993 - ID'd October, 1995

1970
McIntosh, Ian, US Army (Canada); OH6A shot down (observer), Killed, body not recovered