Chuck Simmins | June 24, 2009 |
This operation has been achieved in many ways due to the arrival of extra US troops into the south of Helmand. The increase has provided ISAF with a massive boost in capability which we believe will significantly change the balance in the province.
Chuck Simmins | June 24, 2009 |
Francey presented Col. Cornel Pavel, FOB Delta Romanian contingent commander, with a Rail Gunner Certificate of Appreciation. Certificates were given to the entire contingent.
The Romanians have provided intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicle support to FOB Delta since 2003. They are scheduled to depart in late July.
Chuck Simmins | April 21, 2009 |
Photos: Coalition troops deliver desks and other supplies to the Iman Abbas School in Basra, Iraq.
Chuck Simmins | April 17, 2009 |
Prior to the renovation, the old dam and reservoir lacked maintenance and regular cleaning. Up until few months ago, the basin was full of sediment more than eight meters deep, up to two thirds of its depth.
The Czech PRT excavated the mud in order to revitalize the dam and to restore its original capacity.
Chuck Simmins | April 10, 2009 |
This is a truly unique story of American assistance to a friendly nation.
Chuck Simmins | April 8, 2009 |
The team is helping establish the 6th Kandak, a battalion sized unit covering some of Afghanistan’s most remote and hostile areas along the border with Pakistan. It not only mentors the ANA Soldiers on combat skills, but also administrative tasks, such as establishing supply and training programs.
“We are here to support the ANA in their development, so that one day they can take over all security for their country,” said Latvian army Maj. Juris Abolins, leading Latvian officer in the OMLT. Once they [accomplish this], then I am done, and I can go home.”
Chuck Simmins | March 26, 2009 |
Forty years ago on a barebones basketball court in the small village of Debeljak, Croatia, a 7-year-old boy named Ivica could always be found.
He honed his hook shot, strengthened his spin move, and became well known with the local population for being an up-and-coming basketball star.
Today that same outdoor basketball court is the focal point [...]
Chuck Simmins | February 14, 2009 |
January 11, a company of Afghan Warriors (the Afghan term used to describe their riflemen), advanced towards a crucial road junction, supported by Danish infantry, mortars and Leopard 2 tanks from The Jutland Dragoons, British counter-IED specialists from 59th Commando Royal Engineers and the British Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLT). The engineers discovered seven IEDs that day, and an additional five were discovered in the area by the end of the operation.
Chuck Simmins | February 10, 2009 |
“We recognize and honor what you gave Iraq,” said Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim, Minister of Defense, Republic of Iraq. “What you gave is security. Last elections there were 300 attacks with 150 of those being effective. This election, there were only 11 and of those only two were effective. We will always remember the sacrifices the Estonians made for us.”
Chuck Simmins | February 8, 2009 |
“The well is very important to us because the water that we use is not mineral water and it is very bad for us and the children,” he said. “We are very glad to have ISAF here and they are truly trying to help my people, and this water supply is very important to us, we appreciate it.”
Chuck Simmins | February 6, 2009 |
The General cited the New York Army National Guard for providing a battalion of troops, the 2nd of the 108th, as the Army ground force. He also pointed out that a platoon of Strykers from the 2nd of the 23rd in Ft. Lewis, Washington, were also involved. There is also an A Team of Special Forces troops deployed to train the Thais.
Chuck Simmins | January 23, 2009 |
El Salvador has been a staunch ally in the War on Terror. Its troops have served alongside ours in Iraq sine 2003. Now they get to go home a winner.
Chuck Simmins | January 8, 2009 |
This tour wasn’t the first time Ruiz had seen Iraq. In 2003, he arrived with some of the first Coalition troops as a part of El Salvador’s Cuzcatlan Battalion in Al Kut. During this tour, he kept in touch with his old battalion and was able to visit them occasionally to share critical mission information and participate in official ceremonies.
