Black belt examtests students’skills

- Pages 8-9

MarMarcch 19,h 19, 20072007 wwwwww.cfc-a.centcom.mil.cfc-a.centcom.mil

Freedom Watch Page 2 March 19, 2007

Air ForceOfficials announce selectionsto senior master sergeant

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE,Texas - Air Force officials have select-ed 1,282 master sergeants for promo-tion to senior master sergeant.

The promotion list was releasedpublicly at 9 a.m. CDT March 14, andthe complete list is available on the AirForce Personnel Center web site.

The board, which convened hereFeb. 5 to 23, considered 14,626 mastersergeants, for an 8.77 percent selectrate. Last year's selection rate was 8.63percent.

The average score for those select-ed was 663.89, with an average time ingrade and time in service of 4.50 and20.53 years respectively. The averagescore was based on the following pointaverages:

-- 134.99 for enlisted performancereports;

-- 32.88 for time in grade;-- 21.52 for time in service;-- 21.12 for decorations;-- 65.42 for Air Force supervisory

examination;-- 387.97 for board score.Score notices are available on the

virtual military personnel flight, orvMPF, and Air Force Portal. Thoseselected will be promoted to seniormaster sergeant beginning in April.

What's on the Chief's Scope?WASHINGTON - Air Force Chief

of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseleylaunched a new Web feature March 14to tell Airmen what is of special inter-est to them.

Known as "The Chief's Scope," it is

designed to briefly highlight currenttopics General Moseley feels areimportant to America's Airmen.

"The issues on my scope are onesthat keep me up at night," saidMoseley. "(These are) ones your seniorleaders are working to make sure ourAirmen are the best organized, trainedand equipped military force in theworld."

The Chief's Scope, available on AirForce Link's homepage, www.af.mil,will feature a consistently updated list-ing of topics General Moseley wantsto highlight to Airmen.

Army

NFL players visit Victorytroops

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - Troopshere packed the MWR facility com-monly known as "Area 51" to meetsome of their favorite NFL playersMarch 6.

Tight ends Alge Crumpler of theAtlanta Falcons and Benjamin Watsonof the New England Patriots, line-backer Shelton Quarles of the TampaBay Buccaneers, and guard WillShields of the Kansas City Chiefssigned autographs and took photo-

graphs with fans.The NFL is continuing this off-sea-

son its legacy of more than 40 years ofsending players overseas to visittroops. This year's trip is a 12-day tourof several bases in Iraq andAfghanistan.

Navy

Sailors, Marines honor IwoJima veterans in visit

IWO JIMA, Japan - Sailors andMarines from Sasebo-based USSHarpers Ferry (LSD 49) and embarkedOkinawa-based 1st Marine AircraftWing (MAW) got a rare chance to seefirsthand the island of the historicWorld War II battle during a visit hereMarch 13-14.

They came here to provide directsupport for the 62nd Commemorationof the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The commemoration was held tohonor the veterans of both nationsand celebrate the unity that currentlyexists between the United States andJapan. About 20 veterans from eachcountry and their family membersshared in what was a day of reverence-minded speeches, wreath laying and a21-gun salute. Unity of the nationswas further displayed in the joint cere-monial color guard and ceremonialmilitary band.

Photo by Army Spc. Laura M. BigenhoSgt. 1st Class James Deal, 3rdInfantry Regiment (The OldGuard) chats with Kansas CityChiefs' guard Will Shields.Shields joined Alge Crumpler,Shelton Quarles and Ben Watsonon a 12-day trek through theMiddle East, made possible byUSO.

Photo by Navy Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class Adam R. Cole

Dock landing ship USS HarpersFerry (LSD 49) is the backdropof a Japanese shrine honoringservice members lost in theBattle of Iwo Jima.

PAGE 2

Defense DigestPAGE 4Airmen of COMM go above and beyondPAGE 573rd EACS helps keep an eye on the skiesPAGE 6

Postal team links deployed Soldiers to homePAGE 7

Coalition forces make roads saferPAGE 8-9

Taekwondo shouts ring across Bagram AirfieldPAGE 10ANG director visits deployed ‘Citizen Soldiers’PAGE 1282nd Airborne Division, ANA launch ‘Operation Achilles’in Southern AfghanistanPAGE 13Panjshir PRT turns best practice into Afghan favoritePAGE 14Combat engineers rescue bulldozer in distressPAGE 15ANA, Coalition plans course ahead

Freedom Watch Page 3

Contents

March 19, 2007

U.S. Army combatengineers from ACompany, 27thEngineering Battalion,20th EngineeringBrigade (Airborne)devise a plan to keepan armored bulldozerfrom falling off a cliffinto the Pech River inEastern Afghanistan.

COVERRepublic of Korea marine Cpl. Ji-Sang Park, KoreanMedical Group, breaks 10 boards with his head during theROK marine demonstration exercise during the 2nd TaeKwon Do Promotion Examination held at the EnduringFaith Chapel on Bagram Airfield March 13. (Photo bySenior Airman Brian Stives)

Freedom Watch is a weekly publication of Combined Joint Task Force-82.

CJTF-82 Commander Maj. Gen. David M. RodriguezRC East Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. David A. Accetta

Freedom Watch, a Department of Defense publication, is published eachMonday by the American Forces Network - Afghanistan Print Section atBagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Printed circulation is 5,000 copies per week.

In accordance with DoD Instruction 5120.4, this DoD newspaper is anauthorized publication for members of the U.S. military overseas.

Contents of the Freedom Watch are not necessarily the official view of, orendorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of Defense.

Deadline for submissions is 0730 Zulu each Friday. All submissions aresubject to editing by the AFN-A Print Section, located in Bldg. 415, Room205, Bagram Airfield. We can be reached at DSN 318-231-3338.

55

Photo by Senior Airman Andrea WrightAirman 1st Class Michelle Scott,73rd Expeditionary Air ControlSquadron, monitors the "kill box"in an operations module.

44

Photo by Senior Airman Andrea WrightSenior Airman David

Gipson, 451st AirExpeditionary Group

Communications Squadron,punches down a telephoneline in a 110 block, setting

up service for someone.

1133

Photo by Air Force Capt. Chris White

Villagers in theKhenj districthelp unloadbags of ready-to-mix cement.The cement wasused to repair aretaining wallthat protects amosque.

Freedom Watch StaffCommander - Air Force Maj.

John BryanSuperintendent - Air Force Senior Master Sgt.

Richard SimonsenNCOIC - Air Force Staff Sgt.

Matt LichtenbergEditor/Print Chief - Air Force Senior Airman

Brian StivesStaff Writer - Air Force Senior Airman

Andrea Wright

Visit the CJTF-82 website atwww.cfc-a.centcom.mil

1144Photo by Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello

NEWSPage 4 Freedom Watch March 19, 2007

Story and photoBy Senior Airman

Andrea WrightAmerican Forces Network -

Afghanistan

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD,Afghanistan - The CommunicationsAirmen stationed at KandaharAirfield, Afghanistan, were originallyassigned there to serve the 73rdExpeditionary Air Control Squadronby providing them with "data, voice,wireless and information managementservices" said Air Force Maj. GordonRichards, 451st Air ExpeditionaryGroup Communications flight com-mander.

However, their area of responsibil-ity has expanded exponentially.

"Our mission has grown beyondthat considerably. We provide all ofthe communications support for theAir Force personnel here onKandahar Airfield," said Richards, aPittsburgh native.

Considering the U.S. Air Force onlymakes up four percent of the basepopulace, this may not seem like sucha big feat. But thatfour percent occu-pied by Airmenmakes up a hugepiece of the opera-tional pie onKandahar Airfield.From Predatorsand Desert Hawksto air control andcombat search andrescue, these com-m u n i c a t i o n sAirmen have itcovered.

"We supportthe predator oper-ations with their data and voice serv-ices, we provide the same type ofservices to the combat search and res-cue team, and all of the support func-

tions that are part of the 451st AEG,"said Richards.

With all of their additional duties, atypical day for one of the 18 commu-nications Airman is between 14 and

15 hours long. Butthey never losesight of their pri-mary mission.

"Without theservices we pro-vide to the 73rdEACS they would-n't be able todeliver the air-borne assets to thewar fighter on theground to supportthem," saidRichards.

The roughenvironment of

Afghanistan sometimes gets in theway, making their job even more diffi-cult. From fiber getting dirty andeffecting data transmission to stand-

ing water getting into the lines, theseAirmen have a lot to keep up on daily.

"The environment in this area isvery, very hard on equipment," saidRichards.

A work order can be as simple as atwo minute check on a circuit orextend for a week or more at a time.

"By us taking that burden off theArmy, we're able to provide a betterservice to the Air Force personnel andthe Army is able to divert its resourcestoward the Army personnel. So it's anice balancing act," said Richards.

Even though the mission is hecticand the work day is long, Richards andhis team of Airmen feel a great senseof accomplishment at the end of theday.

"There's a different sense ofurgency and a stronger feeling of con-tribution. It's pretty easy to put yourfinger on the importance and value ofwhat we're doing here in providing thesupport directly to the war fighters,"he said.

Airmen of COMM go above and beyond

“Without the serviceswe provide to the 73rd

EACS they wouldn’t beable to deliver the air-borne assets to the war

fighter on the ground tosupport them.”

- Air Force Maj. Gordon Richards 451st Air Expeditionary Group

Communications flight commander

Senior Airman David Gipson, 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadroncommunications satellite maintainer, performs routine maintenanceon a portable emergency maintenance notification system atKandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

FEATUREMarch 19, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 5

Story and photoBy Senior Airman

Andrea WrightAmerican Forces Network -

Afghanistan

When aircraft take off or land atKandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, theAirmen from the 73rd ExpeditionaryAir Control Squadron are the first andlast voice the crew hears.

"Our primary goal is to make surethe aircraft take off, go do their mis-sion, and get home safely," said AirForce Lt. Col. Randy Morris, 73rdEACS commander.

In order to get all of that accom-plished, it takes many different person-nel.

"To support a full operational aircontrol squadron, there are 24 AirForce Specialty Codes required," saidMorris, as he named off all his Airmenfrom the ground radio troops andcomputer specialists to the squadron'sown personnelist and medic.

In all, there are 87 Airmen deployedfrom Aviano Air Base, Italy, who nowfall under the 73rd EACS and they areall vital to keeping the mission afloat.

"The mission of the air controlsquadron is to provide air superiorityover the country of Afghanistan soour aircraft can fight unopposed andsupport the troops on the ground,"said Morris. Their area of responsibil-ity is "all of southern Afghanistan,including Bagram, and that's a lot ofarea to cover."

And they aren't just talking toAmerican Forces aircraft; KandaharAirfield supports all kinds of aircraftfrom the Dutch Air Force's F-16's andBritish GR-7's to the F-15E's atBagram Airfield and the commercialaircraft going through KandaharInternational Airport.

"We're basically tracking and identi-fying all the aircraft in our current air-space," said Airman 1st Class MichelleScott, 73rd EACS surveillance techni-cian, and San Diego native.

While the idea of tracking aircraftin the airspace is nothing new to the73rd EACS, being in Afghanistan doespose some interesting challenges forits Airmen.

"Normally we train for an air-to-airwar, which means our aircraft aregoing against the opposing army's air-

craft. In Afghanistan there is noopposing air threat," said Morris. "So,the main thing we do to support theArmy is to provide aircraft and directsupport. Basically, if the Army needs abomb dropped someplace we provide[the] aircraft to drop that bomb forthem."

According to Airman Scott, herteam is essential in helping the aircraftget its bombs on target.

"We talk to the aircraft," she said."And make sure that they don't runinto each other while they are upthere."

With so much going on day to day,Scott says her job can be hectic.

"I like it when it's busy," she said."But I wouldn't have it any other way -if we help get a bomb dropped on thebad guys, that's an accomplishment."

73rd EACS helps keep an eye on the skies

Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Michael, 73rd Expeditionary Air ControlSquadron, performs routine maintenance in an operations module.

NEWSPage 6 Freedom Watch March 19, 2007

Story and photoBy Army Pfc.

Melissa M. Escobar22nd Mobile Public Affairs

Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan-istan - One of the best groups ofSoldiers for any troop to know whiledownrange is the postal team.

For Soldiers serving at JalalabadAirfield and throughout the north-eastern section of RegionalCommand-East, that team of Soldiersis the 458th Adjutant GeneralCompany (Postal).

Army Staff Sgt. Brian R. Boss ofValiant, Okla., the noncommissionedofficer in charge of the team, operatesthe post office along with his crew ofpostal clerks, Army Pfc. Livet Diaz, ofChicago, and Army Pfc. Cynthia Y.Isais, from El Paso, Texas. They areresponsible for ensuring that troopsstationed at bases like JalalabadAirfield, Jalalabad ProvincialReconstruction Team, Asadabad,Camp Blessing, Naray, Kala Gush,Mehtar Lam andTorquam not onlyreceive their mailbut get their out-going mail sent.

Through basepostal facilities,Soldiers receiveletters and carepackages, sendletters and pack-ages to lovedones and evenmail their ownbelongings tothemselves.

Army 1st Sgt. Daniel Hall, a nativeof Ahoskie, N.C., who serves asHeadquarters Company, 3rd BrigadeCombat Team first sergeant, hasbecome an expert on sending mail. He

has sent numerous packages to histwo children for special occasions

including theirbirthdays andChristmas. Hedoesn't forget tosend packages toone of his fellowSoldiers, his ownwife, who is alsoserving inAfghanistan.

"Postal ise x t r e m e l yimportant," Hallsaid. "It's amorale boosterfor me and for

the troops. I'm pretty confident in themail system."

Isais realizes the importance of herjob and said she gets satisfaction fromknowing that she plays a vital role in

supporting the troops."We make Soldiers happy by mail-

ing stuff out to their loved ones allover," Isais said.

For Soldiers serving downrange,receiving mail from loved ones backhome is especially important. In fact,it's the most important thing as far asmorale goes, according to ArmyMaster Sgt. Patrick J. Muir, a native ofHolland, Mich., assigned to HHC, 3rdBCT.

Before Soldiers receive mail fromthe U.S., it makes its way to New York.From there, everything is sent toBagram Airfield, the initial arrivalpoint of all incoming mail. Then themail is sorted out and sent to postoffices like the one the 458th crewruns.

If it seems like mail isn't reachingits destination quick enough, that faultdoesn't necessarily lay with the postalteam. It cannot control all aspects ofthe mail system.

"Neither rain nor snow," unfortu-nately, is not always an appropriatemotto for theater mail. Weather is ahuge factor. In fact, there is a backlogof mail stuck at Bagram that accumu-lated in the winter due to the cold,rainy and snowy weather.

But not to worry; Boss said he'lluse any means of transportation nec-essary to get the mail to its final desti-nation.

Soldiers can expect their mail toarrive by convoy or aboard a chopper.Even if there's a single package head-ed in the same direction as a convoy,he'll do what he must to get that pack-age delivered.

Either way, when you receive yourpackage or a notice that your packagehas reached its final destination, thankyour loved ones for the odds and endsthey have sent you - but don't forgetto show a little gratitude to your localpostal workers.

Postal team links deployed Soldiers to home

Army Pfc. Cynthia Y. Isais placesthe final documentation requiredto a Soldier's package headedback to the states.

“It’s a morale booster forme and for the troops....We make Soldiers

happy by mailing stuffout to their loved ones

all over.”

- Army 1st Sgt. Daniel HallHeadquarters Company, 3rd Brigade

Combat Team first sergeant

By Air Force Capt. David O. Calkins

755th Expeditionary Mission SupportSquadron

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan-istan - On his sixth deployment, AirForce Staff Sgt. Ryan Bolen is nostranger to the Global War on Terror.Deployed to the 755th ExpeditionaryMission Support Group ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal Team from hishome station at McConnell Air ForceBase, Kan., blowing up caches is justanother day in EOD.

It was a good news story - a muni-tions cache was identified by locals andturned over to Afghan soldiers, whonotified Coalition forces. Getting ridof explosives that could otherwise findtheir way into the hands of terrorists isalmost always a team effort.

The operation will destroy 122mmrockets, RPG rounds, projectiles,weapon fuses and small-arm ammuni-tion.

"We've seen these weapons usedagainst Coalition forces in Afghanistan- fired from improvised launchers or

incorporated into IEDs," said AirForce Staff Sgt. Harold Horton, EODteam member.

The Airmen traveled to the cachewith Army Military Policemen, andmet with Afghan National Army con-tacts. After some discussion withlocals familiar with the area and withsome judicious use of mine detectingequipment, the team cleared a safepath to the munitions cache. Theprocess was slow- made more difficultby language barriers and buried metal,but there was no hurry. The teamknew a wrong step could take away lifeor limb in the blink of an eye.

Once the path was deemed safe,they began the process of assessingthe cache itself. Each item was identi-fied, inspected and catalogued.

"We take these missions very seri-ously," Bolen said. "There's always thedanger of booby traps and ordnancethat has been exposed to the elementsfor years can become dangerouslyunstable."

After assessing each item in thecache, the team determined whatcould be transported and what needed

to be disposed of in place. The cacheis in a remote enough area that theteam can dispose of the weapons on-site without danger to Afghan peopleor buildings. A location was carefullyselected to consolidate the cache, andthe Airmen began building their shot.Proper build-up is important.

"It ensures everything is eliminatedand prevents fragmentation or scatter-ing of the ordnance," said Air ForceMaster Sgt. Keith Raver, team leader.

After ensuring the area was clear ofpeople, the team fired the shot. Aresounding crack bounced off thehills, accompanied by a toweringplume of smoke and dust. After wait-ing for any stray fragmentation to fallto earth, the team moved in to inspectits work. It found a hole and not muchelse- mission accomplished and timeto head home.

The MPs and EOD thanked theAfghan Police for its help and startedback to Bagram.

"It's a satisfying day when you cango out, make the country safer andblow something up to boot," Bolenreflected.

NEWSMarch 19, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 7

A “Sal-i Now Mubarek” or“Nowrouz Mubarek”

(Happy New Year) wish isappropriate to be extend-

ed to your Afghan col-leagues in person, on the

phone or in an e-mail.

Nowrouz (New Year's Day): Nau Roz, March 21, is the first day of spring and of the Afghansolar calendar. During celebrations, lavish meals are prepared in Afghan homes. Twodishes, samanak, a dessert made of wheat and sugar, and haft-mehwah, a dish of fruitsand nuts, are cooked especially for the occasion.

Dari/Pashtu phrase of the weekDari/Pashtu phrase of the week

Courtesy photo

Coalition forces make roads safer

for fear and darkness."Through this promotion test, all

the skills you've learned and effortsyou've put in the past six months willbe tested," said In Lee. "What is moreimportant than the promotion is themental attitude you gain from the test.And in this aspect, you'll discover thetrue Soldier in you."

After the examination, nine of the10 red belts earned their black belts,while 22 first-degree black belts earnedtheir second-degree black belts.

"Watching all of you participatingin the test, I was able to envision allthe efforts and endeavour you putinto the last six months to learn taek-wondo," said In Lee to the studentsafter the examination. "I will neverforget the precious moments yoursweat and tears have poured into thismoment. I hope you keep in mind thespirit of taekwondo throughout yourlife whenever and wherever you are."

March 19, 2007 Page 9Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE

Story and photos By Senior Airman Brian Stives

American Forces Network -Afghanistan

The Korean army SupportGroup, one of the manymembers making up

Coalition Forces participating inOperation Enduring Freedom, hasplayed a pivotal role in promotingtaekwondo throughout BagramAirfield, Afghanistan, and held its sec-

ond Black Belt PromotionExamination on behalf of the KoreanTaekwondo Association March 13 atEnduring Faith Chapel.

The test took place with the sup-port of more than 200 Coalitionmembers and was monitored underthe watchful eyes of the judges,Republic of Korea army Maj. KyoungGook Ko and ROK army Capt. DukJin Jeon, both fourth-degree blackbelts in taekwondo. ROK army Col.Lee In Hee, ROK army SupportGroup commander, supervised thetesting.

"I hope all those who are here totake the test show the best of whatyou've learned and trained so far andwin the honor of this promotion,"said In Hee in his opening statement.

The ROK SG has held the taek-wondo class on BAF since Octoberand the number of participants hasreached more than 200, with morethan 150 coming from CoalitionForces - a number that far exceedsthose of any general class offered inKorea. Among those taking the class,66 were geared up to take the blackbelt promotion test and 26 of themwere Coalition Forces.

"I've dramatically matured myselfboth physically and mentally throughlearning taekwondo, and am proudthat I've learned it," said Billy Sanders,who has attended the taekwondo classevery night. "I believe today's promo-tion test is one of the most importantmoments of my life, and I'll give it mybest."

During the test, the students wereasked to perform certain moves toshow that they learned the necessaryskills to wear the black belt. Wearingthe black belt means the student hasreached maturity in the art and is alsoan indication of being impenetrable

Taekwondo shouts ring across Bagram Airfield

Successfullaunching of

taekwondo pro-motion testtakes place

Army Spc. Zulfikar Keskin, 377thMilitary Intelligence Battalion,prepares to begin his examina-tion for black belt during the 2ndTae Kwon Do PromotionExamination.

Republic of Korea army Sgt. Sung-Soo Lee, Korean Medical Group, doesa front kick during his examination for black belt during the 2ndTaekwondo Promotion Examination held at the Enduring Faith Chapelon Bagram Airfield March 13.

Republic of Korea army Capt. Jae-Sik Cho, Bagram ProvincialReconstruction Team, performs asummersault board break duringthe demonstration exercise atEnduring Faith Chapel on BagramAirfield March 13.

As in all Martial Arts, ethics are ofgreat importance. One can look at indi-vidual ethics, treat a fellow-man right, orone can look at social ethics, as part of awhole.

Ethics basically all comes down toone point, the difference between 'good'and 'evil'. We practise taekwondo, oftenseen as an aggressive sport, but does thismean we can be aggressive? Do we wantto be aggressive? The answer is no.

We wear protection, because wedon't want someone else injured, nor dowe want to get hurt ourselves.Taekwondo is not a destructive andaggressive sport, but a sportive one.Taking part in a competition is not tohurt your opponent, but to test yourstrength, in both physical and mentalways.

Taekwondo students can improvethemselves physically and mentally bytraining. The final goal is to achieve har-

mony with nature and oneself. Balance isgained by controlling both evil and goodforces (Yin vs. Yang): A true Taekwondostudent knows how to behave in all situ-ations.

Taekwondo is not only a way toimprove skills of self defence, but it's away of life. Practicing Taekwondo givesthe student more self-confidence, butthis should not result in a false sense ofsuperiority.

HwaRang code of honorBecause of the military background,

there is a general code. These codes arereflected in the "Commandments ofmodern Taekwondo" and is stronglyinfluenced by Buddhism. These com-mandments are influenced by theHwaRang Do code of honor:Serve your lord with loyalty Serve your parents with filial piety Trust your friends

Never retreat from a battle When taking life, be selective

The commandments of Taekwondoare used as a guide for the moral devel-opment of students and art. No studentwho doesn't fully understand thesetenets can ever hope to master the trueessence of the art.

The Tenets of TaekwondoCourtesy (Ye Ui). To be thoughtful

and considerate ofothers. Taekwondopractisers (both stu-dents and instructors)

should be polite, and show considera-tion for others.

Integrity (Yom Chi). Integritydescribes how youshould interact withothers. To be honest

and good, earn respect and trust.

Perseverance (In Nae). This basi-cally stands for your internal drive.

Challenges allow us toimprove ourselves andshould therefore not

be avoided.

Self-control (Guk Ki). To havecontrol of your body and mind. A

Taekwondo studentshould practice con-trolling his actions and

reactions.

Indomitable spirit (BaekjoolBoolgool). To have courage in the face

of adversity. ATa e k wo n d ostudent shouldnever be dom-

inated by, or have his spirit broken byanother.

Taekwondo ethics

Source: International Taekwondo Federation

March 19, 2007Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS

Story and photoBy Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain

22nd Mobile Public AffairsDetachment

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Af-ghanistan - The highest ranking offi-cer of the United States ArmyNational Guard met with deployedGuardsmen here March 4.

Army National Guard Lt. Gen.Clyde A. Vaughn, Army NationalGuard director, received a warm wel-come from fellow Guardsmen at theKandahar Airfield main dining facility.More than 40 guardsmen, deployedfrom across the U.S., serving at KAFcrowded into the dining facility for theopportunity to meet, shake hands withand listen to Vaughn address some ofthe issues facing the National Guard.

"It is a privilege to be here with you,and I am proud of your service," saidVaughn.

Vaughn said the American peopleare also proud of the National Guard'sservice.

"The people in your communitiesare proud of you and are followingwhat you are doing here very closely,"he said.

Pfc. Dominic Abramson, a two-year member of the Oregon ArmyNational Guard and on his firstdeployment to Afghanistan, said hewas glad to hear about the supportfrom the home front.

"I think it is good to hear peopleback home are still following what weare doing because at times you don'thear about it as much," he said. "It justhelps to reassure you that people arethinking and they know what is goingon over here."

Some key issues addressed by thethree-star general included recruitingand retention in the National Guard.Vaughn noted that 18 months ago theGuard was wondering how they weregoing to meet the demands placed on

it. The Guard was 20,000 troopsunderstaffed and stretched thin due todeployments. Today the Guard isalmost at its 350,000 Soldier limit.

"Our recruiting and our retentionare really good. Our younger Soldiersnow out number the older ones, andwe have been able to retain experi-enced Soldiers and keep that experi-ence in the units," said Vaughn.

Spc. Jesse Thompson, a three-yearmember of the Oregon ArmyNational Guard, was pleased thatretention has improved.

"I like to hear that they are makingefforts in the right direction to keepretention within the units so that theexperience stays along with the youth,"said Thompson, a forward observerwho volunteered to deploy toAfghanistan.

Vaughn also attested to the unique-ness of the National Guard Soldier,describing them as "Citizen Soldiers"with a heritage dating back to colonialtimes. The National Guard held itsfirst formation in the MassachusettsBay colonies on Dec. 13, 1636. Thisdate is recognized as the birthday ofthe National Guard, and there havebeen "Citizen Soldiers" in formationever since.

"We are the largest community-based defense force in the world, and

we are the most powerful community-based defense force in the world," saidVaughn.

Vaughn further elaborated on whata "Citizen Soldier" is. He said mostNational Guard Soldiers hold jobs intheir communities with numeroustitles ranging from farmers, teachersand law enforcement agents serving ina variety of different kinds of units.

"The 'Citizen Soldier' shows every-thing that is right about America. It'ssomeone who is a patriot that will puttheir families and job on hold to servetheir nation when called to duty," saidVaughn.

Vaughn also spoke to theGuardsmen of the importance of thefight.

"We must win this thing inAfghanistan; it is a big piece of thepuzzle in the war. Iraq is importanttoo, but this is the global war on ter-ror," said Vaughn.

As the director of the NationalGuard, Vaughn guides the formula-tion, development and implementa-tion of all programs and policiesaffecting nearly 350,000 Soldiers in all50 states, territories and the District ofColumbia.

There are approximately 700National Guard Soldiers currentlyserving at KAF.

ANG director visits deployed 'Citizen Soldiers'

Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, Army National Guard director, speaks todeployed Guardsmen at the Kandahar Airfield main dining facility Mar.4. Vaughn is the highest ranking officer of the U.S. Army National Guard.

March 19, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 11NEWS

If you have high-quality photos of servicemembers supporting the Coalition mission or enjoying well-deserved off-duty time, please e-mail them to freedomwatch@swa.army.mil. Please include full identification and caption informa-tion, including who is in the photo and what action is taking place.

Photo by Army Reserve Maj. Cliff White

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELDPHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

By Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The leaders ofRegional Command-East and United States AgencyInternational Development met here March 6 in order tobridge the information gap between the two groups.

"USAID is an independent agency within the structure ofthe state department," said Leon Waskin, mission director,USAID in Afghanistan. "We create a sustainable environ-ment for development and reconstruction for develop-ment."

Waskin said they accomplish this mission by followingseveral strategic objectives including economic growth,democracy, governance, education and health.

"We could not do our work without the full support andcooperation we've enjoyed from the military," he said.

USAID has been in Afghanistan since 2001, and hasworked along-side and in close collaboration with the mili-tary during that time.

"Our president has made it clear that reconstruction anddevelopment in Afghanistan is one of the keys to long-termsuccess, and likewise it is a priority of ISAF," said ArmyBrig. Gen. Rodney Anderson, deputy commanding general,RC-East.

"We are partnering with the USAID and other elements

that have a role in construction and development to advanceall our goals here in Afghanistan," Anderson said.

"Previous rotations have been more focused solely ondefeating the enemy," said Army Lt. Col. John Strandberg,civil military operations, RC-East. "Bullets aren't going towin the war for us."

RC-East is much more committed to the non-lethalefforts involved in a counter-insurgency fight like we're inhere, Strandberg said.

"We can't achieve what we want to achieve here inAfghanistan without the collaboration of RC-East and I'mvery grateful to General Anderson for helping launch thatprocess," Waskin said.

"The experience of USAID in reconstruction and devel-opment is essential for us to make wise choices in how wecommit our resources, and today's conference has donemuch to advance the communication, coordination and col-laboration of our various programs, projects and policies,"Anderson said.

"I think we've put in place today, thanks to GeneralAnderson and his team, a process of collaboration that'sgoing to continue to progress in the months to come,"Waskin said .

This commitment, after less than two months in com-mand, is just another example of RC-East's dedication togoing above and beyond the expectations of the Army.

RC-East, USAID leaders plan future Afghanistan development

Members of the PanjshirProvincial ReconstructionTeam conducted a firstresponder course for 14members of the AfghanNational Police at PanjshirProvince, Afghanistan,March 4 and 5. The courseincluded basic anatomyand treatment of bleeding,shock, hyperthermia,hypothermia, burn care andscene safety. Air ForceTech. Sgt. CharlesCampbell, Army ReserveMaster Sgt. Thomas Daly,Air Force Senior AirmanConan Broyles and teaminterpreter Zakria Hamidi,taught the two-day course.Panjshir Deputy GovernorAbdul Rahman Kabiri andAir Force Lt. Col. NealKringel, Panjshir PRT com-mander, presented stu-dents certificates and firstaid kits upon completion ofthe course.

NEWSPage 12 Freedom Watch March 19, 2007

By Army Sgt. Tony J. Spain22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KHANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - At therequest of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's govern-ment, soldiers from NATO's International SecurityAssistance Force and the Afghan National Security Forcelaunched a major operation targetingTaliban and drug traffickers in south-ern Afghanistan March 6.

"Operations will focus on improv-ing security in areas where Talibanextremist, foreign terrorists and [nar-cotics] traffickers are trying to destabi-lize the government of Afghanistan,"said Dutch Maj. Gen. Ton Van Loon,commander, Regional Command-South.

"We also intend to empower villageelders to take charge of their commu-nities as they have been doing so inother parts of southern Afghanistan,without the influence of Talibanextremists," he said.

Code named "Operation Achilles,"the multi-national force operating inthe northern region of the HelmandProvince involves 5,500 soldiers,including 1,000 soldiers from theAfghan National Security Force andup to 1,000 Paratroopers from FortBragg's 82nd Airborne Division.

The first elements of the operationreached their positions early March 6 said Van Loon.

Paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 508th ParachuteInfantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82ndAirborne Division, is playing a key roll in "OperationAchilles."

"Our Paratroopers coordinated a convoy and night airassault in the Ghorak Valley of the Helmand Province,"said Army 1st Lt. Mathew Catalono, 1-508th PIR.

"The main effort is actually the British; we are a sup-porting effort to help isolate and prevent Taliban fromescaping," said Army Capt. Tom Reinner, 1-508th PIR.

"This is the largest multi-national combined ANSF andISAF operation launched to date, and it signifies thebeginning of a planned offensive to bring security tonorthern Helmand and set the conditions for meaningfuldevelopment that will fundamentally improve the qualityof life for Afghans in the area," Van Loon said.

Although "Operation Achilles" focuses on improvingsecurity conditions, its overreaching purpose is to assistthe government of Afghanistan in improving its ability tobegin reconstruction and economic development in thearea.

"Strategically, our goal is to enablethe Afghan government to begin theKajaki Project," Van Loon said.

Van Loon noted the project,which centers around the Kajakimulti-purpose dam and powerhouse, will improve the water supplyfor local communities, rehabilitateirrigation systems for farmlands, aswell as provide sufficient electricalpower for residents, industries andcommerce.

Soldiers from the AfghanNational Security Force captured ahigh-ranking Taliban commanderand suicide bomb attack facilitatorduring the second day of "OperationAchilles" March 7.

Mullah Mahmood was arrested atan ANSF check point as he tried toescape dressed in a burka, a veilworn by Islamic women here.

"The capture of this seniorTaliban extremist is another indica-tor that a more normal life is return-

ing to the Zahre and Panjwaii districts, and is a testamentto the great work the ANA is achieving," Van Loon said.

"Yesterday's security crackdown in Panjwaii is an exam-ple of the ultimate goals of "Operation Achilles." Withstability provided by the ANA, much needed reconstruc-tion will commence for the people of southernAfghanistan," he added.

82nd Airborne Division, ANA launch'Operation Achilles' in Southern Afghanistan

“This is the largest multi-national combined ANSF

and ISAF operationlaunched to date, and it

signifies the beginning ofa planned offensive to

bring security to northernHelmand and set the con-

ditions for meaningfuldevelopment that will

fundamentally improvethe quality of life forAfghans in the area.”

- Dutch Maj. Gen. Ton Van LoonRegional Command-South commander

Taliban commander captured by Afghan

National Army

By Air Force Capt. Joe Campbell

Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Af-ghanistan - A best practice programdeveloped by the Panjshir ProvincialReconstruction Team has become acommunity favorite here. The pro-gram provides construction materialsto Afghan's to complete or repairtheir own projects.

Initially started as a way to encour-age villagers to take a more active rolein community development, the freebags of ready-to-mix cement plan hasexpanded to include gabions - wirecages designed to hold rocks or otherriprap material to form foundationsor erosion control structures.

"Villagers pick up bags of cementfrom the PRT themselves, do thework themselves, then our engineersinspect the work to ensure the cementwas used properly," said ArmyReserve Capt. Nick Ashbaugh,Panjshir PRT Civil Affairs teamleader.

The 49th and 50th do-it-yourselfprojects were undertaken recentlyafter cement projects in the Khenjand Dara districtswere approved.

Villagers fromSafachi received150 bags of cementto repair a mosquewhile Bari Ali citi-zens were given 100bags of cement tofix a canal wall fortheir micro-hydropower plant.

"We always keepcement on hand tosupport these typesof projects," saidAshbaugh. "We'vegiven out more than 6,500 bags ofcement since May 2006."

Not all proj-ects areapproved. Eachrequest meets astringent reviewprocess by therequesting vil-lage's provincialcouncil membersand then the needis verified by PRTmembers beforea project is sup-ported.

"The successof the cement

program led us to add gabions to ourdo-it-yourself efforts and we expect

this addition to be met with enthusi-asm throughout Panjshir," said AirForce Lt. Col. Neal Kringel, PanjshirPRT commander.

The program allows locals toaccomplish projects benefiting theirvillages and it is a cost-effective wayfor the PRT to make a difference inmore reconstruction projects whilewatching costs.

"Captain Ashbaugh has negotiatedthe delivered price of good-qualitycement from our supplier to $5 perbag; so a 150-bag project costs a mere$750," said Kringel. "More impor-tantly, it fosters partnership, sweatequity and fast-track responsiveness."

Photo by Air Force Capt. Chris WhiteA best practice program developed by the Panjshir ProvincialReconstruction Team has become a community favorite here. The pro-gram provides construction materials to Afghan's to complete theirown projects. Not all projects are approved and each request meets astringent review process by the requesting village's provincial councilmembers and the PRT. Villagers pick up bags of cement from thePanjshir PRT headquarters. They complete the project and then engi-neers inspect the work to ensure the cement was used properly.

NEWSMarch 19, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 13

“Captain Ashbaugh hasnegotiated the deliv-ered price of good-

quality cement fromour supplier to $5 perbag; so a 150-bag proj-ect costs a mere $750.”

- Air Force Lt. Col. Neal KringelPanjshir PRT commander

Panjshir PRT turns best practice into Afghan favorite

NEWSPage 14 Freedom Watch March 19, 2007

Story and photoBy Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello

22nd Mobile Public AffairsDetachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan-istan - A 30-ton armored bulldozerhanging off a cliff may have seemed atest and task daunting enough to breakthe will of even the toughestParatroopers, but not even the laws ofgravity would deny the veteran engi-neers of A Company's Road ClearingPlatoon, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20thEngineer Brigade (Airborne), anothersuccessful mission.

"While transporting the dozer on alowboy trailer the truck ran up onsome rocks on the side of the road,"explained Army Sgt. 1st Class RichardFredrickson, the Road ClearingPlatoon sergeant from Salt Lake City,Utah. "Once the bulldozer was at theright angle it tipped over."

Only a quick response by the LightEquipment Platoon, which anchoredthe bulldozer to the side of the moun-tain with chains, saved the piece ofArmy equipment from going over,Fredrickson said.

"Once they had the dozer anchoredthey pulled the trailer out and that's whatwe have now, a 30-ton piece of equip-ment hanging off a cliff," Fredricksonsaid at the time of the event.

The combat engineers immediatelywent to work to recover the equip-ment, but there were many obstacles,including the location. The bulldozerwas hanging off a cliff which had beenweakened by its enormous weight.Between the cliff and mountain sidewas a road barely large enough for onevehicle to drive on.

Another obstacle was the lack ofequipment the engineers had on hand.Without heavy enough equipment, theengineers quickly contacted localnational contractors, who were build-ing a road in the area.

Easing the equipment drivers oftheir fear of being dragged over thecliff once they began to pull on thebulldozer was a dilemma. The engi-neers had to find a way of rocking theequipment back on its tracks withoutdestabilizing it to the point of fallingover. The plan was to use a pulley sys-tem to decrease the weight of thedozer, but as soon as the work started

another challenge rose.As the cables from a Jinga truck's

winch tightened around the cab of thedozer, the stakes anchoring the pullingsystem began to bend.

"The stakes we were using were notdeep enough into the rocks to supportthe weight so they kept bending," saidArmy Sgt. Joshua King of Baltimore,Md. "And the contractors didn't havedrill bits large enough to get the stakesdeeper into the rock. We had to findanother way."

"We had to convince an excavatoroperator to help pull on the bulldozerwhile another excavator pushed on itwith its bucket," Fredrickson said."He had already left the scene scaredthat he would ruin his equipment butwe convinced him to give it a try."

After about an hour of the excava-tor tearing away a portion of themountain side to make room for hisequipment to get into position, theParatroopers gave the order.

Once the mechanical beasts beganthe synchronized pushing and pullingon the enormous armored bulldozerwith their hydraulic arms, the hugeearthmover began to tremble, rock,and shake up dust before its center ofgravity brought its massive 30-tonframe crashing to the ground, raisingan enormous cloud of dust and pul-verized rock underneath both of itssafely planted tracks.

"When I first saw that bulldozerleaning over the cliff, I wasn't sure ifwe were going to be able to recover it,"said Army Staff Sgt. Michael Huff, aRoad Clearing Platoon squad leaderfrom Orlando, Fla. "But with theseguys I'm never surprised."

After a year successfully clearingmines, improvised explosive devicesand paving a safer path for otherSoldiers, the combat engineers haveproven even physics can't keep theseParatroopers from accomplishing theirmission.

Combat engineers rescue bulldozer in distress

U.S. Army combat engineers from A Company, 27th EngineeringBattalion, 20th Engineering Brigade (Airborne), devise a plan to keepan armored bulldozer from falling off a cliff into the Pech River in east-ern Afghanistan. After several hours the combat engineers successful-ly recovered the vehicle.

NEWSMarch 19, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 15

Story and photoBy Army Spc. Jon H.

Arguello22nd Mobile Public Affairs

Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD,Afghanistan - The command ser-geants major of the 173rd InfantryBrigade (Airborne) and the 3rdBrigade Combat Team, Task ForceSpartan met with senior AfghanNational Army leaders March 11 at anANA base in Jalalabad.

"Sky Soldiers" were in town for apre-deployment reconnaissance withTF Spartan to assure a smooth transi-tion.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. IsaiaVimoto, 173rd Inf. Brig., was intro-duced to ANA "CommandoBrigade's" Command Sgt. Maj. Shoibjust before a briefing describing thecurrent capabilities and recent accom-plishments of the area's ANA to

Vimoto and other sergeants major ofTF Spartan.

The steady stream of mentionedmilestones included a good level ofmorale, increased coordination andproficiency in handling the communi-cations and logistics, and improvedmedical care, including a new militaryhospital located on the base. Thebriefing also covered the area ofoperations of the units present andconcerns of the senior non-commis-sioned officers at the briefing.

TF Spartan Command Sgt. Maj.James Redmore addressed the roomof senior enlisted Soldiers, thankingthem for the briefing and praised thededication and commitment of theANA.

"You have to have three character-istics to be a warrior," Redmore said."You have to be tactically and techni-cally proficient; you have to be men-tally and physically tough; but mostimportantly, you have to have the willto fight. The ANA has displayed all ofthese traits."

Redmore also reiterated the long-term goals of the mission.

"You're maturing as an army and anation, and the goal is to not need us

anymore," said Redmore. "We aremoving beyond the kinetic phases ofthis war. We are building Afghanistanto the point of having and being ableto enjoy the freedoms we enjoy in ourcountry."

Vimoto also thanked the ANA forthe briefing, which he intended totake back to Vicenza, Italy, to helpprepare his "Sky Soldiers" for theirreturn to Afghanistan. Their firstdeployment, during which the brigadewas based at Kandahar, was hailed ashugely successful in flushing theTaliban out of Zabul province androbbing them of safe haven through-out the south.

"I'm impressed by your accom-plishments," Vimoto told the Afghansergeants major. "I pledge to supportyou and I hope, together, we canaccomplish as much as you have overthis past year."

Redmore affirmed that the area ofoperations would be in good hands asthe airborne brigade moved in.

"The brigade that is replacing us isa brigade of Paratroopers," he said."These are the Army's best and I'msure they'll do just as good of a job, ifnot better than we have."

ANA, Coalition plan course ahead

Army Command Sergeants Major Isaiah Vimoto (left) and JamesRedmore (right) watch an Afghan National Army briefing regardingthe personnel issues.

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Freedom WatchMarch 19, 2007