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In the Heart of the Taliban, Freedom Still Lives

Chuck Simmins | June 13, 2009 |

Hundreds of years ago about 3,000 Kalash people made their home in the Birir, Rumbur and Bumburet valleys among the Hindu Kush mountains of Chitral.

Generally speaking, the people of Chitral, Muslim or Kalash, are liberal when it comes to religion.

But the Taliban threat has now jeopardised all that, with the neighbouring district of Upper Dir firmly under their control.

“Chitral is one of the most peaceful regions in Pakistan,” Abdul Wali, a local lawyer says.

“All communities here have brotherly relations with each other.

“People here believe culture has precedence over religion.”

Category: Islam, Little Sects, Religion, Society | No Comments »
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Preparing for the Modern Army Combatives Competition in Kuwait

Chuck Simmins | May 7, 2009 |

One of the most crucial events before any fight competition is the weigh-in. This moment can make or break competitors, either allowing them to be stronger than the competition or dooming them to face a much larger opponent.

That day came all too soon for the more than 150 competitors throughout Kuwait who came to Camp Arifjan to sign up to participate in the Wrangler Rumble, the first Modern Army Combatives Competition in Kuwait sponsored by the 4th Sustainment Brigade.

Category: Military, Sports | No Comments »
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From Field to Nuptials During Training

Chuck Simmins | April 24, 2009 |

The couple kissed each other and shook hands with all of the attendees, but the honeymoon would have to wait. Woodsmall was due back in the field. The first marriage in the chapel since the facility was turned over to the National Guard was a success.

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Spinning for Afghan Children

Chuck Simmins | April 24, 2009 |

“We raised over 9,700 dollars today,” stated a pleased Derksen. “It was more money than we ever expected. The best part is, for every 20 dollars we get, War Child can support a child for a whole year.”

Category: Afghanistan, Charity, Rebuilding, Sports, War on Terror | No Comments »
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The Art of Knife-making in Iraq

Chuck Simmins | April 21, 2009 |

Despite what parents have been telling their children for decades, the 20-year-veteran and his fellow Soldiers continue to play with fire and have fun with sharp objects in hopes of “making something out of nothing.”

Category: Military, Society, Tech | No Comments »
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Building the Rule of Law in Afghanistan

Chuck Simmins | March 24, 2009 |

Today’s Bloggers’ Roundtable was with Lt. Col. Pam McArthur, the Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-South Command Judge Advocate. We discussed the status and progress of both the military and police training regarding Constitutional rights and justice in Southern Afghanistan.

Category: Afghanistan, Government, Military, Original writing, Rebuilding, Reporting, Society, War on Terror | No Comments »
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Tribal Warfare in Rural Ethiopia

Chuck Simmins | March 20, 2009 |

Some 70,000 people have fled their homes in a remote part of southern Ethiopia, after a deadly conflict broke out between rival groups - apparently triggered by the construction of a new borehole.

Category: Society, War on Terror | No Comments »
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Do-Rah Tournament Draws Afghan Crowd

Chuck Simmins | March 1, 2009 |

The game is called Do-Rah. For some, it was the chance to see a familiar game played against other villagers from across Deh Rawod. For others, it was the opportunity of a lifetime to watch a sport rarely seen by foreigners. For everyone involved, it was the opportunity to bring communities together in a way only a sports tournament can.

Category: Afghanistan, Rebuilding, Sports, War on Terror | No Comments »
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Sisters Run Fort Bragg

Chuck Simmins | January 15, 2009 |

As daughters of Col. Brian P. Stephenson, XVIII Airborne Corps rear detachment operations officer, and Vicki Stephenson, the girls have running in their blood. Stephenson ran cross-country in high school and college, a path both Lauren and Kristen say could be a possibility for them.

Category: Society, Sports | No Comments »
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Dating Men: For Women By a Man

Chuck Simmins | January 5, 2009 |

That said, YOU cannot change a man. He may learn based upon experience but he will never change his innate nature. He will always be selfish, lazy, drunken, abusive if that is the way he is when you meet him. Charles Manson will always be Charles Manson.

Category: Commentary, Original writing, Sex, Society | 2 Comments »
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Al-Adel Sports Club Opens in Baghdad

Chuck Simmins | December 8, 2008 |

A renovated sports club reopened in Baghdad’s Hai Al-Adel community Dec. 3.

A few months ago, the Al-Adel Sports Club was an old run-down building with only one functional weight room. Coalition forces and local contractors decided to reconstruct the gym using the Commanders Emergency Relief Fund.

Category: Iraq, Rebuilding, Sports, War on Terror | No Comments »
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College Coed Freakshow

Chuck Simmins | November 21, 2008 |

Video of coeds freaking, really special.

Category: Society | No Comments »
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Rashid Olympic Soccer Games Underway in Iraq

Chuck Simmins | August 2, 2008 |

Saif, a member of Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq), said he is very happy to see the two teams play in Masafee.

“Things have changed in the last year,” Saif said. “Last year, no one could play. Everyone had to stay in their house, but now we can come together and be together.”

The SoI provided security for the soccer match, which members of the Rashid District Council and the Director of Masafee attended, he said.

“I help to ensure security in the area,” Saif said. “I help to make this event possible for the Iraqis to come together and play soccer together.”

Category: Iraq, Rebuilding, Sports, War on Terror | Comments Off
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