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Monday, June 25, 2007

Marines make presence known, win hearts and minds

A Marine befriends children in Haditha. U.S. Marine Corps photo.


from MNF-Iraq:

BAGHDAD — U.S. Marines continued counterinsurgency operations in Haditha Sunday in an effort to win the hearts and minds of Iraqi citizens.

“Showing a presence in the area does a lot more than people would think,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph A. Cervantes, squad leader, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2. “We mainly do two types of patrols, one being security patrols, which are designed to have a deterrent effect on anything that happens in the area.”

Marines assigned to 1st Sqd., 3rd Plt., conduct up to three patrols a day. Patrols allow Marines to find the enemy and learn about the populace.

“We also do ‘meet and greet’ patrols. We go out and meet the families, and we start a relationship with them,” said Cervantes. “We speak to them and get their feelings on current situations and take their suggestions on what could be done differently in the city.”

The locals warmed up to the Marines, and now talk to them regularly.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edward G. Martin, an automatic rifleman in the unit, said the people didn’t act this way upon their arrival late March 2007.

“They seemed a little distant and cold at first,” said Martin. “They’ve always been friendly, but you can tell we’re now winning them over. They’re beginning to trust us and (they’re) glad we’re here.”

Martin recalled a recent 16-hour operation when the Marines were welcomed with open arms by the locals.

“The people were running out and giving us cold water and allowing us to come into their houses and rest,” he added. “This is what lets me know they’re thankful.”

Due to the large amount of patrols, Marines who patrol the area have begun to recognize people in the area.

“We went firm in a house one day and the locals working there recognized us because we stopped at their house earlier in the week,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan A. Fanning, an automatic rifleman in the unit. “He said he remembered us because of how respectful we were with him and his property.”

The friendliness and openness are a growing trend in the region. Numerous battalions have deployed to the Haditha region and experienced daily fire fights, sniper attacks, improvised explosive device explosions, and other friction, said Martin.

“I thought at first it was going to be non-stop fighting, but I’m glad it’s not. After being here, it’s a lot more fulfilling to be helping out in the way that we are,” he said.

Cervantes believed the area has completely turned around.

“The locals used to be very standoff-ish, but now they’re a lot more vocal,” said Cervantes. “I think they’re starting to realize we sacrifice a lot to come out here and help them. They are grateful, but they would still like to see their own army move in. It would help with their national pride a lot to see the Iraqi Army out here.”

While an Iraqi battalion is deployed in the region, they are not permanently positioned in the area.

Cervantes expects it to keep getting better throughout the remainder of the deployment.

“I hope things continue to go smoothly for the rest of the time we’re out here, but I’ll just take it patrol-by-patrol and day-by-day,” said Martin.

(U.S. Marine Corps story by Cpl. Rick Nelson, Combat Correspondent)

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INFORMATION GATHERING — An Afghanistan National Police Sergeant informs U.S. Army Capt. Aaron White, the Commander of Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, that he has two special agents that have gathered lots of information concerning the Taliban in the Ghazni province, June 7, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Holley

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In Today's News - Monday, June 25, 2007

Quote of the Day
"Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war
you obtain a master."

-- Demosthenes

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Suicide bombers kill 36, Baghdad hotel hit
"Chemical Ali" sentenced to hang - Video
Strength of Iraqi Forces Questioned

Operation Enduring Freedom
U.S. military probes Afghan detainee abuse report

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
Captors Demand U.K. Forces Back Off
Hamas: Gilad Shalit in 'Good Shape'
U.N. force vows to pursue Lebanon task despite bomb
Israel, Arabs to show support for Abbas

Troops on Trial
U.S. sailor on pedophile charges in Australia

Other Military News
Wounded GI endures blindness, paralysis
Gen. Grant's sword draws $1.6M bid
Number of Blacks Joining Military Down

Worldwide Wackos
North Korea Receives Frozen Funds
Chavez warns of resistance war with U.S.

Homegrown Moonbats
Cameron Diaz apologizes for Maoist bag

Politics / Government
Report: Lady Bird Johnson Alert, Stable
Rice defends U.S. policy despite Mideast strife
New Yorkers crowd White House field
Mrs. Edwards comfortable with gay unions
Obama says Gitmo facility should close
Bushes enjoy Ford's Theatre holiday gala
Clinton cautious on health care reform
World Bank board to name next president

Illegal Immigration / Border Control
Immigration May Be Key to Latino Vote
Ex-Councilor Faces Deportation for Voting (Nice selective enforcement - military spouses and other people who actually do something worthwhile face deportation, but scumbags who milk the system live free and clear....)
Senators push for support on immigration

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment / Law and Order
Second Arrest in Missing Mom Case - PHOTOS - VIDEO - TIMELINE
Stalker Spies on Family Using Phones
Dad Charged With Family's SUV Murders
Va. Police Chief Charged With Dealing Meth
Human Traffickers May Have Taken Madeleine
Lawyer Kills Self; Porn-Filled Computer Found
No sure bets as Conrad Black fraud trial nears end

Adventures in Political Correctness
Court Keeps Jesus Picture Despite ACLU

U.N. News
Iran Invites U.N. Nuke Inspectors to Tehran

Media in the Media / Bloggers in the News / Watching the Web
Google fights global internet censorship

Science / Medicine / Technology
Americans making progress managing diabetes: study
Unions move toward health-care reform deal
Japan, U.S. experts to meet on beef trade rules
Release of iPhone has industry abuzz

Mother Nature
Wildfire Burns 165 Homes - High winds stoke blaze near Lake Tahoe
PHOTO ESSAY: Wildfires Rage in Lake Tahoe and Alaska
Distemper kills 41 seal pups in Denmark

Other News of Note
Israel Baseball League Plays First Game
Ex-All-Star Pitcher Rod Beck Dead at 38
Beck remembered for hard work, outlook
Griffey passes McGwire on home run list

Fox News
New Jersey Dog Crowned World's Ugliest
Pop Tarts: Paris Books Post-Jail Interview
CDC Releases Report on Sexual Behavior and Drug Use

Reuters: Top News
Olmert says summit with Abbas to project peace hopes - Video
Gaza reporter's family urges captors not to harm him
Liberia's Taylor boycotts trial again
France hosts meeting on help for Darfur, Chad
Japan PM Abe's support rate stuck near danger zone
Want to be sure it's GM-free? Buy food in Moscow
Addiction experts say video games not an addiction
Plaxo turns address books into Web social networks
Fat-conscious Japan sweats to boot camp workout
Youths find time for mobiles rather than watches
Playboy's Hefner approves movie about his life
"Evan Almighty" runs aground at box office
Interest rate and credit worries rattle global stocks - Video
Wall Street set for mixed start, housing data eyed
LSE shares fall after deal to buy Borsa Italiana
Oil slides 1 pct after Nigerian strike ends
No relief for yen as carry trades continue
Wall Street and risky securities
More subprime mortgage fallout
Encroaching on economy's pain threshold
Dow Jones, Murdoch near pact on independence
GLG Partners sells stake, sets up U.S. listing
Yahoo unifies ad sales as key sales exec leaves
Tyson, Syntroleum set to announce new plant: report
Nintendo outstrips Sony in market value - Video

AP World News
Nadal to get another chance at Wimbledon
Tigers complete lopsided sweep of Braves
Religious groups take lead for gay pride
Post-jail Paris: Quiet philanthropist?
LEDs move into home lighting market
New York City roller coaster turning 80

Military.com
Blog: Inside 'Arrowhead Ripper'
DT: 'Mini Osprey' at Paris Air Show
Movie Review: A Mighty Heart
Op-ed: Allies Question U.S. Resolve
Using Your VA Home Loan Benefit
Shop for Deployment Gear Necessities
Movie Review: Evan Almighty

CENTCOM: News Releases
3 SUSPECTS DETAINED FOR QUESTIONING
7 TERRORISTS KILLED, 10 DETAINED, BOMBS DESTROYED
IRAQI SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES DETAIN INSURGENT LEADER IN SADR CITY
IRAQI ARMY KILL AL-QAEDA GUNMEN DURING CHECKPOINT ATTACK

USJFCOM
USJFCOM Advanced Concept Development Demonstration named finalist for award - podcast
Exercise puts critical technology on trial
Command helps test new gun shot location system - podcast
Wood addresses joint warfare transformation at Transformation Warfare conference - podcast

Multi-National Force-Iraq
Troop drawdown depends on ISF improvement
Combined security forces help Iraqis during Operation Arrowhead Ripper
Conference first step toward inter-faith reconciliation in Iraq
ISF, CF discover execution house, illegal prison in Baqouba
IED emplacers detained during Operation Peregrine II
43 suspected terrorists detained
Bridge bypass completed, traffic follows
Special Troops Battalion helps keep area safe for Iraqis
Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces receive tips to VBIED factory, cache

DefenseLink
Vice Chairman Meets with Troops at Bagram
Giambastiani: Afghanistan Has Come Long Way
Religious Conference Opens Door For Progress
Combined Security Forces Help Iraqi Citizens
Troop Drawdown Depends on Iraqi Security Force
Odierno Describes Operation Phantom Thunder
Gates, Pace Discuss Spike in Iraq Violence

More Headline News
Vice Chairman Recaps Recent Trip to Iraq
Iraqi Police Rapidly Gain Proficiency, General Says
Project Aims to Preserve History With Cards
Pace Adviser Announces 2008 Retirement

Military News
Army Reserve Now Part of Operational Force
Chiefs Push Reserve Incentives, Integration
Guardsmen Respond to New York Floods, Alaska Fires

War on Terror
Forces Kill 11 Insurgents, Detain 25 Suspects in Iraq
Casualties Identified in Iraq
Coalition Kills Enemy Fighters
Troops Rescue Hostages
Iraq Ops Kill, Capture Terrorists

America Supports You
Christmas in July Party Set
N.C. Group Paints Patriotism
Care Package Includes Jeep
Freedom Walk Set for Sept. 9

Transformation
Gait Lab Helps Amputees
Officials Discuss Alternative Fuel
Air Guard Retires Last F-16A

Face of Defense
Friendship Trumps Sniper Fire
Woman Cadet Prepares for Iraq
Marine Leaves Music for Corps
Soldier Loves Tae Kwon Do

DefendAmerica
NEWS UPDATES
Coalition Kills Enemy Fighters - Story

ON THE GROUND
Reconstruction Team Launches Dam Project - Story
‘Arrowhead Ripper’ Continues Offensive - Story
Shadow Warriors Focus on Faceless Enemy - Story

IN IRAQ
Iraqi, Coalition Forces Continue Forward
Volunteers Donate Supplies to Iraqi Children
Aviation Battalion Reaches 20,000 Flight Hours
Iraqis Join Ranks of Lutifiyah's Police Force
Sheiks Meet in Baghdad, Discuss Progress

IN DJIBOUTI
Music Strengthens Ties Between Djibouti, U.S.
Well Drillers Increase African Water Supply

IN AFGHANISTAN
Army Battle Company Makes Presence Known
Panjshir Opens Teachers’ Training College

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
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
War on Terror Reconstruction Report
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

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

Today in History
1630 - The fork makes its way to American dining tables, courtesy of Governor Winthrop
1788 - Virginia becomes the 10th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
1798 - The U.S. passes the "Alien Act," giving the President the power to deport dangerous non-citizens.
1862 - The Seven Days begin with fighting at Oak Grove.
1864 - Federals begin digging tunnels under Rebel lines at Petersburg.
1868 - Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and the Carolinas are readmitted to the U.S.
1876 - Custer and hsi 7th Cavalry troops are wiped out by Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at Little Big Horn.
1929 - Pres Hoover authorizes the building of Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam).
1942 - The British RAF stages a 1,000 bomb raid on Bremen, Germany.
1950 - The Israeli airline El Al begins service; North Korea invades South Korea, beginning the Korean War.
1956 - The Andrea Doria and the Stockholm collide, killing 51.
1961 - Iraq announces that Kuwait is a part of Iraq, a position Kuwait disagrees with.
1962 - The Supreme Court rules school prayer is unconstitutional.
1966 - The first Soviet weather satellite, Kosmos 122, is launched.
1972 - Bernice Gera becomes pro baseball's first female umpire.
1973 - John Dean begins testimony before the Senate Watergate Committee.
1975 - Mozambique gains independence from Portugal.
1977 - Roy C. Sullivan of Virginia is struck by lightning - for the seventh time.
1981 - The Supreme Court upholds male-only draft registration as constitutional.
1982 - Sec of State Alexander Haig, Jr. resigns.
1991 - Slovenia and Croatia declare independence from Yugoslavia

Birthdays
1864 - Walther Hermann Nernst, physical chemist, Nobel Prize winner
1886 - General Henry (Hap) Arnold, US Army Air Force commanding general, WW II
1903 - George Orwell, satirist/author (Animal Farm, 1984)
1907 - J. Hans D. Jensen, physicist, Nobel Prize winner

Passings
1212 - Simon de Montfort, Crusade leader
1906 - Architect Stanford White, shot by jealous husband atop Madison Square Garden (which he designed)
1959 - Charles Starkwether, executed

Reported Missing in Action
1965
Mongilardi, Peter, Jr., USN (NJ); A4C shot down, remains returned 1994

1966
Marik, Charles W., USN (MO); A6A shot down, presumed KIA

1972
Shumway, Geofrey Raymond, USN (NY); A7E shot down

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