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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Soldiers Help Create Public Park from Abandoned Carnival

From Multi-National Force - Iraq:



A father pushes his son on a swing as other children play at the grand opening of Dover Park in the Qahira neighborhood in the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad, Oct. 28, 2008. Photo by Sgt. Jerry Saslav, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.



Thursday, 30 October 2008

BAGHDAD — “As I drove by the Army canal every day, I saw this park, and I said this is something we can do to help the citizens,” said Col. John Hort, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Dover Park, as it is known by Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, sat abandoned for years; located in the Qahira neighborhood of the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad, its carnival rides were unusable and the land was overgrown with weeds.

“It was your typical abandoned park here in Iraq,” said 1st Lt. Rosita Rodriguez, a civil affairs team chief with Company C, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B.

Thus, the mission to rehabilitate the park became Rodriguez’s mission. Two months later, the refurbished park was completed and handed over to the local neighborhood council, Oct. 28, 2008.

“This is our first park in Qahira. We never had one before,” said Mohamed Madaloom, the Qahira Neighborhood Assistance Council chairman.

The park has a small pond with a generator-run fountain with a flock of geese as well as benches, solar lights, several swings, slides and seesaws. There is also a tiled path lined with flowers and new grass has been planted. A gardener and a security guard, he added, will be hired.

The park is intended to be self-sufficient, and seven small kiosks will be rented to vendors. The rent will provide an income stream to buy fuel for the generator, pay the salaries of the staff and any other expenses.

“Everybody admires the park. I know the families are so excited to get here,” said Madaloom, who, along with fellow local officials and Coalition leaders, gathered for the official hand over. Iraqi officials and Col. Hort raised the Iraqi flag to symbolize the opening of the park as doves were released. Some families and their children couldn’t wait – they were already on the rides.

“I’m so pleased; our kids aren’t able to go many places because of the security situation. I am so pleased that we have such a park in our neighborhood,” said Aum Achmed, who was there with her daughter and a niece. “It’s important for every kid to have a place to go to.”

“It’s good. It used to be awful before. I wouldn’t even look at it before,” said Mostfa, a 3-year-old Iraqi child, before running off to a nearby slide.

(By Sgt. Jerry Saslav, 4th Infantry Division)

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OMAN HORIZON - The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt conducts a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 24, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder.

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In Today's News - Thursday, October 30, 2008

Quote of the Day
The goal of socialism is communism.

- Vladimir Lenin

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Auditors: Private security in Iraq costs over $6B
Iraq wants guaranteed US departure after 2011
Meetings key to success in Ramadi
Engineers keep power flowing in Baghdad
Security Responsibility Returns to Iraqis in Wasit Province
Iranian-Backed Terrorism Suspects Captured

Operation Enduring Freedom
Marines Bring Clean Water to Afghan Village

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
FBI Warns of 'Anthrax' Letters Sent to Media Outlets
Blast at Spanish University Injures at Least 15 - PHOTOS
Wave of India Bombings Kill at Least 56 - PHOTOS

Wounded Warriors
Five-Year Research Program Begins Suicide Study
More Eligible for Army's Wounded Care

Supporting Our Heroes
Deadline Nears to Help Fulfill Troops' Holiday Wishes

Other Military News
Vessel Crews Thwart Pirate Attacks

Politics / Government
Did Obama-Mercial Sell? - PHOTOS
YOU DECIDE: Did Obama Close the Deal With His Ad?
Obama's Aunt Found in Run-Down Boston Neighborhood
ELECTION NIGHT PRIMER: Guide to Congressional Races
Double Standard? (McCain on LAT video)
FOX FORUM: Death Is Top Issue in 2008 Race
Pop Tarts: McCain-Lovin' Heidi Montag Buys 'Obama' Themed Portrait Mocking Her Breasts
Factbox: Candidates react to data
Recession shadows next president
Are the polls accurate? - Video
Obama takes 7-point lead
Recession shadows next president
Finance chiefs prefer McCain: survey
All eyes on undecided voters
Explosion reported at ADM Louisiana grain elevator
U.S. colleges punished by financial crisis
McCain's master of mirth, Lindsey Graham
McCain hits Obama on experience, economy- Video
Video: Obama's big ad buy
Reuters Full Coverage: Election 2008
McCain says racism will barely affect election
Palin suggests she's now GOP political fixture
Skinheads accused in Obama plot to remain jailed (Hopefully for a long, long time)
If Obama Wins, Turn Those Clocks Back 91 Years!
Bono: World has a stake in upcoming US election
Rice to visit Middle East next week

Illegal Immigration / Border Control
Ed-plant manager arrested on immigration charges

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment / Law and Order
Police: Husband of Murdered Long Island Teacher Choked Her to Death, Staged Broken-Down Car Scene - PHOTOS
Report: Wife-Killer Scott Peterson Writing Casey Anthony in Jail
Austrian Horror Dad: I Locked My Mom Up Until She Died
Man Admits Killing at Least 10 Women Along Border
Report: Wife-Killer Scott Peterson Writing Casey Anthony
Spector killed actress in fit of rage: prosecutor - Video
AP source: Hudson suspect refused polygraph test
Hudson deaths add to South Side Chicago's violence
Thousands to douse annual Detroit arson tradition

Media in the Media / Bloggers in the News / Watching the Web
Police: Huffington Post Writer Stabbed Ex-Lover 220 Times With Screwdriver
Netflix, TiVo Hook Up to Stream Movies Over Internet
Principles for a better Web

Science / Medicine and Health / Technology
Ancient Text May Prove King David Was Real - PHOTOS
Heart attack risk shifted by daylight saving time
Red meat, milk lovers more susceptible to E. Coli
Mercury was once alive with volcanoes
Space shuttle crew practices for next launch
Mega-tsunami hit southeast Asia 700 years ago
Tyrannosaurus rex noses out dinosaur competition
Touchscreens heat up enthusiasm for gadgets
Looking for a Halloween scare? Try the newest videogames
Banks, telcos to decide on wallet-phones
Diabetes rate doubles over 10 years, US says
Messenger Spacecraft Reveals More Hidden Territory on Mercury

Mother Nature
Lost Dog Found 1,200 Miles Away in Chicago
Death Toll From Pakistan Quake Rises to 215
Pakistani helicopters search for quake survivors
"Carbon army" hopes to grab slice of New Deal cash
Financial crisis has lessons for climate fight:expert
Climate-warming methane levels rose fast in 2007
Canada keeps asbestos off trade blacklist: MP
Carbon market could supply cheap debt - bankers
Fatalities on the rise in vehicle-animal crashes

Oddities
Hawaiian Girl Returns $1000 Found in Richard Simmons Videotape
On a Whim, Woman Buys Foreclosed Home and Gives It Back to Owner
Man Jailed After 2 Ate From 1 Plate at Buffet
Jail-for-adultery law upheld
Hover chair hopes to rise above economic woes
Hundreds flock to toilet to see art
Tough new alcohol laws to stop Sydney violence
Pub row erupts after feces found in ice cream
Video: And Finally... Halloween Politics
The Color Red: The Unconscious Affect on Males

Other News of Note
Consumers Tighten Belts
FOXBusiness: Exxon Breaks Another Profit Record
FOXBusiness: American Express Cutting 7,000 Jobs
Vatican Issues New Screening to Weed Out Pedophiles
Return a long way off for many Georgian refugees

Fox News
WORLD SERIES: Phillies' First Since 1980 - PHOTOS
2 Illinois Toddlers Drown in Submerged Pickup Truck

Reuters
Families brace for holidays without a home
Congo's Goma calm but nervous after rebel ceasefire - Video
Economy shrinks
Jobless claims unchanged last week
The Verdict: Trouble ahead
Cushioning the blow
Europe's banks show frailty
China open to bigger role in crisis
Taiwan joins global rate cut move
Credit crisis to spur more regulation
Cashing in on Bond - Video
Daniel Craig hits the small screen
Bond premiere graced by royalty
Factbox: James Bond is back
World Series champs
Philly fans cheer reversed "curse"
Phillies "winners for life"
Rays hold their heads high in defeat
Slideshow: Phillies fury
Exxon, Shell profits soar, but oil dip hits shares
Japan, Germany to spend billions to avoid recession - Video
Stocks lose ground on recession angst
White House aide: 2nd stimulus is wrong approach
Oil falls below $65 as U.S. economy shrinks
Shop ... and save
Tidings of a bear market rally
The death knell for bling?
Poised for a makeover?
Economy shrank in third quarter as consumers retreat - Video
Carlyle seen bidding for Lehman money management
Credit crisis to spur futures market oversight
Ex-Fannie Mae chief wishes he said "no" more often: report
Life insurers tweak businesses amid market tumult
Motorola sees more phone weakness, delays spinoff
Delta buys Northwest to create biggest airline
Blackstone, pension fund to invest $4 billion in S.Korea
GM and Chrysler clear major deal issues: sources - Video
Sienna Miller acts over paparazzi "harassment"
Neil Young cancels picketed L.A. concert
Janet Jackson cuts racy segment from Detroit show
MTV strikes deal to use Beatles songs in video game
Working women hold key to world prosperity
Paris Chocolate Show a sweet way to forget crunch
Just A Minute With: Kevin Smith on "Zack and Miri"
Video: Indian is the best at chess
Roddick snatches Masters Cup spot
Dane Kjeldsen's 65 earns early Volvo Masters lead
New lease of life for Lakers and fan favorite Bryant
Blazers centre Oden out for up to month with foot injury

Associated Press
Fans stream into streets to celebrate Phillies win
World markets extend gains
Bucks spoil Thunder's Oklahoma City debut
Model loses NY lawsuit but claims personal victory

NewsBlaze
Ironhorse Tracker Radio Newscast Available
ISF, CF leaders meet to discuss SoI pay plan
Soldiers' Angels and Patriot Guard
Iraq News
Operations in Iraq
FOB Warhorse Memorial Photos
Videos

CENTCOM
Security improvements spur resettlement, reconstruction
I-BIZ program bolsters Iraqi economy
U.S., Iraqi leaders discuss Sadr City rehab

USJFCOM
Joint fires team, Army's BCTP team prepare corps headquarters for deployment
Joint fires team supports joint training integration event
More about JFIIT
Free Salute to Veterans 2008 tickets - Click here
USJFCOM working to prepare forces for deployment
Command moves C2Pedia to unclassified network - podcast

Multi-National Force - Iraq
Deputy Prime Minister Brings Support to Mosul and Ninewa Province
291 complete Central Bank of Iraq FPS training course
Anbar Justice Center - the province model for justice
Coalition forces capture four wanted men, detain four more suspects
Amarah SWAT detains criminal leader in Maysan
ISF captures 2 suspected terrorists in northern Iraq

DefenseLink
TOP NEWS
Gates Credits Airmen With Nuclear Program Progress
U.S., Iraqi Officials Work on Agreement
Leaders Focus on Forces Agreement - Video
Chairman Cites Culture of Change - Photos - Video

AFGHANISTAN NEWS
U.S. Will Support Afghan Reconciliation Efforts, Official Says
Elders Work to Resolve Security Issues

AROUND THE SERVICES
Airmen Help Minimize Suicide Bombing Threat
USS Shiloh Hones Search, Rescue Skills

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF

USS Kearsarge Exhibits 'Soft Power' Capabilities - Special

MILITARY NEWS
Navy Maintenance Group Saves Money, Manpower
Commissaries to Promote Warrior Care Month
Marine Corps Marathon Runners Show Support

FACE OF DEFENSE
Company Commander Exemplifies Warrior Ethos

Weather
Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Germany
Ansbach Aschaffenburg Berlin Berlin-Tempelhof Berlin/Schonefeld Bremerhaven
Darmstadt Frankfurt Frankfurt/Main Freiburg/Breisgau Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Geilenkirchen Gelnhausen Giessen Kitzingen
Hanau Am Main Heidelberg Mainz Mannheim Nurnberg Stuttgart Trier
Wiesbaden Wurzburg

Gitmo

Guam
Agana Agana Heights Agat Andersen AFB Asan Barrigada

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

Japan
Kadena Air Base Okinawa Tokyo Yokohama

National Hurricane Center

Today in History
1270 - The 8th - and final - Crusade is launched.
1888 - The first ballpoint pen is patented.
1905 - With the "October Manifesto," Russian Tsar Nicholas II grants civil liberties.
1918 - Slovakia asks for the creation of a Czechoslovakian state.
1919 - Baseball league presidents call for the abolishment of the spitball.
1922 - In Italy, Mussolini forms his cabinet.
1930 - Turkey and Greece sign a treaty of friendship.
1938 - Orson Welles panics a nation with the broadcast of "War of the Worlds."
1939 - The U.S.S.R. and Germany agree on partitioning Poland.
1941 - The Germans torpedo the USS Reuben James, despite the fact that the U.S. is not involved in the war.
1944 - Anne Frank is deported from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen.
1945 - The U.S. government announces the end of shoe rationing.
1948 - In Donora, Pennsylvania, smog kills 20 and sickens 6,000.
1953 - Dr. Albert Schweitzer and General George C. Marshall win the Nobel Peace Prize.
1954 - The Defense Department announces the elimination of all segregated regiments.
1956 - Israel captures the Egyptian militay post at El-Thamad.
1961 - The Soviet Party Congress unanimously approves a resolution removing Josef Stalin's body from Lenin's tomb in Red Square.
1961 - The Soviet Union tests a 58-megaton hydrogen bomb.
1965 - Fireworks explosions kill 50 in Cartagena, Colombia.
1967 - The U.S.S.R.'s Kosmos 186 and 188 make the first automatic docking & Venmera 13 launch.
1975 - Juan Carlos assumes power in Spain; the NY Daily News runs the headline "Ford to City: Drop Dead."
1976 - Jane Pauley becomes the news co-anchor of the Today show.
1979 - NASA launches the space vehicle S-203.
1980 - Honduras and El Salvador settle their boundary dispute; NASA launches Satcom-4.
1985 - The 22nd Space Shuttle Mission (61-A; Challenger 9) is launched.
1991 - A Middle East peace conference begins in Madrid, Spain.

Birthdays
1735
- John Adams, Declaration of Independence signer, second U.S. President (1797-1801)
1821 - Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoevski, Russian novelist / short-story writer
1830 - Confederate Major-General John S. Bowen
1873 - Francisco Madero, Mexican revolutionary, president (1911-13)
1893 - Charles Atlas, body builder
1918 - Ted Williams, Baseball great (Red Sox - AL MVP '46, '49; Triple Crown '42, '47)
1939 - Grace Slick, rock vocalist (Jefferson Airplane-White Rabbit)
1946 - Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson, USN/astronaut (STS 41B, 61C, 27)
1969 - Brittany Gae Thompson, Miss Oregon-America (1991)

Passings
1893
- Sir John Abbott, PM of Canada (1891-92)
1991 - William Shea (Shea Stadium namesake)

Reported Missing in Action
1965
Page, Jasper N., USAF (MS); first to escape out of SVN, November, 1965 - alive and well as of 1998

1973
Sakamoto, Hideako (Japan); released January, 1974

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