Most Recent Top Stories

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Solders, IP provide pens, smiles to local childrenSaturday, 07 June 2008After being asked by Family members what he or his fellow Soldiers of the 230th Military Police Company needed for their deployment, one Soldier felt the unit didn’t need anything, but local Iraqi children could use some assistance.

South Baghdad economy booming againFriday, 06 June 2008When Capt. Shawn Carbone first took a good look at the south Baghdad area economy, he found it similar to his studies of America during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

IA Soldiers complete maintenance training courseThursday, 05 June 2008Ten 8th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers graduated from the Unit-Level Maintenance Certification Course Class 01-08 May 29 at FOB Kalsu, 60 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Rakkasans help mothers meet children’s needsWednesday, 04 June 2008More than 100 Iraqi families showed up to receive diapers, formula and cereal at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center, about seven kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 31.

10th Mountain Division assumes MND-C missionTuesday, 03 June 2008A bright red and white flag with the words “Climb to Glory” now flies above Multi-National Division - Center headquarters, symbolizing the transfer of authority from the 3rd Infantry Division to the 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2nd BCT plants seeds of successMonday, 02 June 2008After nearly a year in Iraq as the last of the “surge brigades,” the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has seen the south Baghdad area transformed from insurgent stronghold to model of peace and security. The gains made in security may not hold, however, unless citizens of this area are able to successfully continue their way of life. In the 2nd BCT’s area of operations, that mostly means agriculture.

Aviation Soldiers remember the fallenSunday, 01 June 2008Soldiers of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, took the opportunity to remember fallen comrades during a Memorial Day Remembrance May 26 at the CAB flight line dining facility in Baghdad.

Iron Brigade Soldiers earn combat patchSaturday, 31 May 2008Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, officially marked their combat deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom by receiving their shoulder sleeve insignia for wartime service during a ceremony here May 26.

Soldiers help Iraqis with drinking water, irrigationFriday, 30 May 2008Iraqi farmers near Patrol Base Copper received new means to irrigate their fields and provide clean water for their families through Coalition assistance May 25.

School gets help from Soldiers, U.S. childrenThursday, 29 May 2008As if the last day of school wasn’t enough to put smiles on Kutimiyah children’s faces, they also received a special surprise courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers.

Vanguard Soldiers pay respect to fallen heroesWednesday, 28 May 2008Task Force Vanguard Soldiers honored their fallen brothers during a Memorial Day service May 26 at FOB Kalsu, 60 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Spartan Soldier earns battlefield promotionTuesday, 27 May 2008Christian Stephenson has bided his time as a finance noncommissioned officer. Stephenson, who has been in the Army for eight years, was promoted to sergeant four years ago and became promotable to staff sergeant three years ago.

Memorial plaque dedication honors MND-C fallen comradesSunday, 25 May 2008Memorial plaque dedication to honor MND-C fallen comrades

Government officials, U.S. work to heal, uniteSaturday, 24 May 2008For the first time in recent history, the Government of Iraq came to the aid of local residents requiring medical care in al-Betra and Owesat, about 25 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 20.

Rakkasans distribute supplies to Iraqi schoolsFriday, 23 May 2008Rakkasan Soldiers distributed school supplies to the Saad and al-Zuwaiti Schools, about 11 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 21.

Cavalry unit prepares for move following Iraq deploymentThursday, 22 May 2008The Army is constantly changing and restructuring to best meet mission requirements. At times, missions may require the movement of entire units to new locations.

Coalition forces provide aid in ZuwarijatWednesday, 21 May 2008Coalition forces provided medical care and supplies to more than 200 people during a medical assistance visit in the Zuwarijat district of al-Kut, Iraq, May 19.

Soldiers send special Happy Birthday wishesTuesday, 20 May 2008For one young man’s 24th birthday, this year’s celebration will be very hard to top.

Soldiers distribute donated school suppliesMonday, 19 May 2008Coalition forces and Iraqi Army Soldiers distributed school supplies to students and faculty May 14 at the al-Qunaitirah Primary School in Jundil, approximately 55 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Gauntlet transfers authority to SpartansSunday, 18 May 2008Soldiers from the 720th Military Police Battalion transferred authority over to the 793rd Military Police Battalion during a ceremony held May 14 on Camp Stryker.

Bridge linking Busayefi to Hawr Rajab opened Saturday, 17 May 2008Brightly painted flowers, hearts and polka-dots color the new bridge with cheery symbols. Most importantly, the bridge’s construction between the communities of Busayefi and Hawr Rajab paints a symbol of unity.

US troops work together with Georgian soldiersFriday, 16 May 2008Soldiers stationed at Combat Outpost Cleary have been working closely with soldiers from Georgia as part of Task Force Petro.

Soldier and NCO of the year announcedThursday, 15 May 2008The U.S. Army is a time-honored organization rich in tradition and history. Long considered members of the best military in the world, Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division carry out these traditions and play a part in writing its history.

Salvadoran forces celebrate 184th birthdayWednesday, 14 May 2008The Salvadoran Cuscatlán Battalion, X rotation, celebrated the “Day of the Salvadoran Soldier,” here May 7.

Ceremony marks completion of school constructionTuesday, 13 May 2008Iraqi citizens celebrated the completion of construction at the Omah Moktar School for Girls in the Qadisiyah Apartment Complex in Mahmudiyah, about 20 kilometers south of Baghdad, May 8.

Soldier spends another Mother’s Day away from daughterMonday, 12 May 2008This Mother’s Day is nothing new for Staff Sgt. Lasheaka Lee. She had the same type of Mother’s Day three times before: away from her 12-year-old daughter, Kristen.

200 students graduate from Iskandariyah vo-techMonday, 12 May 2008Approximately 200 students from the Vocational-Technical School in the Iskandariyah Industrial Complex (IIC) graduated May 4 amongst friends and family members.

Vanguard Brigade receives Valorous Unit AwardSunday, 11 May 2008The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was presented with the Valorous Unit Award and streamer during a presentation ceremony here May 7 for their accomplishments throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

Aviation welder is one-of-a-kindSaturday, 10 May 2008Sergeant Stephen Hammontree exemplifies both the current Army motto, “Army Strong,” and its former slogan, “Army of One.”

First Iraqi comedy in Wasit since Saddam’s eraFriday, 09 May 2008Fifteen hundred people filled the Municipality Hall in al-Kut to see the play, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in coordination with the 214th Fires Brigade and the Iraqi Police.

Women’s committee reps meet in MahmudiyahThursday, 08 May 2008Representatives from four local women’s committees in the Rasheed Nahia met in Mahmudiyah 20 miles south of Baghdad, May 5.

TST platoon follows tipWednesday, 07 May 2008Members of the time sensitive target platoon, an element of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, conducted a search mission May 1 in Jisr Diyala to verify information on a potential weapons cache.

Coalition forces bring aid to villageTuesday, 06 May 2008Coalition forces conducted a medical assistance mission in Byda Village, near al-Kut, Iraq, May 2.

Wholesale farmers’ market reopens in YusifiyahMonday, 05 May 2008The Yusifiyah Wholesale Farmers’ Market had a grand reopening April 29 after closing four years ago.

Coalition forces, IA work together to clear out insurgents, detain 29Sunday, 04 May 2008In an effort to clear out criminals in the area, Iraqi Army Soldiers raided several houses in the city of Jabella, Iraq, May 2.

ePRT facilitates Mada’in Ag ExpoSaturday, 03 May 2008More than 1500 Iraqi farmers attended the Mada’in Agricultural Technology Exposition in al-Wahida, Iraq, April 26 - 27.

Iron Brigade Soldiers – boots on the groundFriday, 02 May 2008When Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, arrived here at the beginning of April, they had a good idea what they were getting into.

Success not just a big-fish taleThursday, 01 May 2008Members of the Baghdad-7 embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team visited a fish farm south of Baghdad April 26, to assess progress in its development.

Refurbished school opens in Salman PakWednesday, 30 April 2008The only secondary school for girls in the Salman Pak area opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 24.

Hatching an industryTuesday, 29 April 2008This week, chicken farmers in Mahmudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad, received the jumpstart their industry needed – the arrival of 45,000 eggs, each ready for hatching.

Internet initiative connects Iraqi students with worldMonday, 28 April 2008An initiative to connect Iraqi students and teachers with the rest of the world via Internet is underway in Wasit Province.

IA lieutenant gets prosthetic limb from Coalition forcesSunday, 27 April 2008At approximately 12:46 p.m., Jan. 10, everything changed for one Iraqi Army Special Forces platoon leader.

Soldiers hand out clothes, shoes to Iraqi childrenSaturday, 26 April 2008Coalition forces handed out clothing and shoes to approximately 100 local Iraqi children in the small village of Tamin in Hor Hussein April 18.

Iraqi students enhance skills at English DayFriday, 25 April 2008An English Day Program at the Regional Embassy Office in al-Hillah gave 25 students and 15 staff and faculty members from Babil Province a chance to hone their English skills April 19.

Soldiers work to repair Arab Jabour schoolsThursday, 24 April 2008After months of fighting, Coalition forces in Arab Jabour have rid the area of al-Qaeda in Iraq and turned their attention to rebuilding the community.

Fish farms make a comeback in BabilWednesday, 23 April 2008In Babil Province, fish farms have begun to thrive as Task Force Marne Soldiers take on a critical role in rebuilding this vital industry.

New wing to be added to Saedi SchoolTuesday, 22 April 2008The Saedi School in the Mahmudiyah Qada officially received the funding to add a new wing with six classrooms and a pump to produce fresh water on the school grounds during a small ceremony April 20.

Cuscatlán Battalion delivers wheelchairs, gives hopeMonday, 21 April 2008The El Salvador Cuscatlán Battalion X rotation distributed 125 wheelchairs to disabled children and adults at the al-Rhama Disabled Association in al-Kut, Iraq, April 18.

Soldiers distribute school suppliesSaturday, 19 April 2008A convoy rolls up to a small school in the Monsouri area of Iraq, just outside FOB Kalsu, and at first glance the school looks abandoned. Then small faces start appearing and heads lean out the windows.

Town Hall opens in Jurf as SahkrFriday, 18 April 2008Approximately 500 people gathered to commemorate the grand opening of the Jurf as Sahkr Town Hall April 15 in Jurf as Sahkr, Iraq.

MND-C launches major capacity-building operationThursday, 17 April 2008Multi-National Division – Center kicked off the main phase of its first major operation devoted primarily to capacity building – expanding governance, economics and infrastructure – April 15 in communities south of Baghdad in the Baghdad Province.

CAB medics support combat surgical hospital Wednesday, 16 April 2008When the 25th Combat Surgical Hospital in Baghdad redeployed after their tour, they turned their hospital over to the incoming unit, the 86th CSH. Needing more manpower, the CSH looked to medics of the 3rd Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade to help relieve pressure on the understaffed hospital.

Soldier re-enlists 340 feet off the groundTuesday, 15 April 2008U.S. Soldiers opt to stay Army on a daily basis. In an office among peers or outside a headquarters building are frequent spots for re-enlistment ceremonies.

Nine Rakkasans become U.S. citizensSunday, 13 April 2008Nine Rakkasans were among 259 Soldiers from 71 different countries who became U.S. citizens during a mass naturalization ceremony at al-Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Iraq, April 12.

3rd HBCT leaders go live on local radio showSaturday, 12 April 2008Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and Richard Hawkins, 3rd HBCT’s embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team leader, talked to residents of the Mada’in Qada during a live radio show on FM 107.1, “Voice of the Mada’in,” April 8 in al Wahida.

Fitness center named in honor of fallen heroFriday, 11 April 2008A newly-built fitness center on Victory Base Complex was dedicated April 10 in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Paul. R. Smith, a man his peers and seniors said demanded perfection.

Coalition forces visit water company in KutWednesday, 09 April 2008Coalition forces conducted an assessment of the al Kut Water Company April 6.

ISF find largest EFP cache to date in MND-CSaturday, 05 April 2008A tip led Iraqi Security Forces to the largest explosively-formed penetrator cache found to date in Multi-National Division – Center’s area of operation, April 2. The munitions were discovered in a 6-ton truck in a garage in al Qasim.

Bravery under fire: Remembering Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith 5 years after earning the Medal of Honor Friday, 04 April 2008He was a husband, father, Soldier and leader, but on April 4 here, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, the 3rd Infantry Division’s 51st Medal of Honor recipient was remembered simply as a hero.

Abu Amer residents receive medical treatmentWednesday, 02 April 2008Residents of Abu Amer, a small village in the Wasit province of Iraq, received medical assistance March 28 from Coalition forces during a medical civil action program designed to provide basic primary care.

6-8 Cav. Regt. holds first CME in Busayefi Tuesday, 01 April 2008Working with Iraqi civilian and U.S. military medical personnel, Coalition forces in Busayefi hosted a combined medical engagement (CME) March 29.

Sight to the blindMonday, 31 March 2008Her hands run across his hand, her fingers explore his features. She asks her father: Is he fat or skinny? Tall or short? She is trying to learn about the man she cannot see, the one who strives to end the mystery surrounding him and the world around her.

U.S. Soldiers restore honor to Old GlorySaturday, 29 March 2008U.S. Soldiers restore honor to Old Glory

Water purification station opens in Arab JabourWednesday, 26 March 2008A new well-water purification station opened in Al Buaytha March 25, north of Combat Outpost Murray.

Citizens line up at Tameem recruiting driveMonday, 24 March 2008One hundred and seventy-five Iraqi men waited for their opportunity to join the police force during a recruiting drive at the 3rd Battalion, 1st National Police Brigade headquarters in Tameem, a town southeast of Baghdad, March 22.

Iraq: The real storySunday, 23 March 2008Iraq: The Real Story

Aiming is equalFriday, 21 March 2008At a petite 5 feet 2 inches, 114 pounds, with green eyes and a youthful, slender face framed by shoulder-length black hair, Spc. Barbara Benedict doesn’t look like a typical gunner. But as her fellow company mates will tell you, she is one hard-core trooper and a fine gunner.

PB Summers takes shapeThursday, 20 March 2008In a bid to establish a formidable U.S. security presence near Suwayrah, Iraq, Soldiers began construction of Patrol Base Summers amid the ruins of a former Iraqi Air Force Base March 15.

U.S. Senators walk the streets of IskandariyahWednesday, 19 March 2008A congressional delegation consisting of Senators John McCain, of Arizona; Joseph Lieberman, of Connecticut; and Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, visited Iskandariyah, Iraq, March 17 where they discussed the security, governance and economic progress of the city with Coalition forces.

New pontoon bridge spans TigrisTuesday, 18 March 2008A new pontoon bridge linking the al Dura’iya and Diwaniya banks of the Tigris River officially opened in a ceremony March 15.

All in a day’s work: Soldiers meet with sheikhs, chase insurgentsMonday, 17 March 2008“It seems quiet out there, but there’s always a calm before the storm,” said the burly platoon sergeant as he tightened the straps on his helmet. “We have to take care of the people and get the bad guys.”

Rashid District, 1-30th Inf. Regt. host first-ever IP recruitment drive in Arab JabourSunday, 16 March 2008Iraqi Police from the Rashid District and Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, hosted an IP recruitment drive March 10-13 at Patrol Base Hawks, Iraq.

Marne Rugged to eliminate remaining extremists, build capacitySaturday, 15 March 2008Marne Rugged to eliminate remaining extremists, build capacity

Girls’ school gets computers, Internet serviceFriday, 14 March 2008Girls’ school gets computers, Internet service

Torture-house-leveledTuesday, 11 March 2008Torture house leveled

Village of Hope aims to boost Hawr Rajab economySunday, 09 March 2008Village of Hope aims to boost Hawr Rajab economy

Coalition Forces discuss security with Mada’in Qada leadersSaturday, 08 March 2008Coalition leaders from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team met with leaders of the Iraqi Security Forces in the Mada’in Qada March 5 at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Iskandariyah vocational school benefits residentsFriday, 07 March 2008More than a dozen representatives from the Mahmudiyah Qada toured the Iskandariyah Vocational School March 2, to see how local residents may benefit from it.

3rd HBCT leader meets with head of dentistryThursday, 06 March 2008Col. Ryan Kuhn, deputy commanding officer of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with Hussein Gazi Zaydan, head of dentistry for the Mada’in Qada, March 4 in a hospital in Jisr Diyala.

CERP funded windmills to bring clean water to villagesWednesday, 05 March 2008To assess the water production of two windmill-powered ground water pumps in Narhwan, leaders from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Multi-National Corps – Iraq visited two villages Mar. 1.

Citizens of Salman Pak, al Lej celebrate reopening of al Lej road, Checkpoint 600Tuesday, 04 March 2008Residents of Salman Pak and al Lej breathed a collective sigh of relief Feb. 29 as more than 150 Sons of Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces leaders met to celebrate the reopening of the al Lej road, the main thoroughfare connecting Salman Pak and al Lej.

Hawr Rajab sees significant improvements Monday, 03 March 2008Hawr Rajab sees significant improvements

ISF safely usher nine million Arba’een pilgrims while Coalition Forces support from the wingsSunday, 02 March 2008ISF safely usher nine million Arba’een pilgrims while Coalition Forces support from the wings

Coalition veterinarian visits Iraqi vetsSaturday, 01 March 2008Coalition veterinarian visits Iraqi vets

1-10 FA Soldiers hydrate villageFriday, 29 February 20081-10 FA Soldiers hydrate village

Local council bridges the gapThursday, 28 February 2008Local council bridges the gap

1-15 Inf. Regt. Soldiers make presence in KhanassaWednesday, 27 February 20081-15 Inf. Regt. Soldiers make presence in Khanassa

948th FST begin lifesaving procedures on Iraqi babyMonday, 25 February 2008U.S. military doctors began the process of repairing a potentially life-threatening condition for baby Noor, an 8-month-old Iraqi infant, Feb. 8.

On the road againSunday, 24 February 2008When the Humvee arrived on Forward Operating Base Kalsu Oct. 8, it was on its last wheels. Damaged in an accident during combat operations, the Iraqi Army vehicle had sustained severe damage to its front end, making it almost inoperable.

IA, Iron Rakkasans discover four caches, unearth spider holeFriday, 22 February 2008Iraqi Army and Iron Rakkasan Soldiers discovered four weapon caches in Yusufiyah, Iraq, Feb. 18.

MoE reconstructs high-tension power line towers in SayafiyahThursday, 21 February 2008With assistance from Coalition troops and Iraqi Security Forces, Ministry of Electricity workers are rapidly reconstructing three high-tension power line towers in Sayafiyah, 25 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Tip leads to weapon cache in Jurf as SakhrWednesday, 20 February 2008Based on a tip from an informant, Soldiers found a large weapon cache containing more than 200 munitions Feb. 14 in Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq.

13th Georgian Battalion takes command of COP ClearyTuesday, 19 February 2008Rakkasan Soldiers hosted a meeting with Iraqi women to evaluate their needs and talk about topics of interest to them Feb. 16 at the Mahmudiyah Civil Military Operations Center.

Combined Forces Working Together to Improve Iraqi RegionSunday, 17 February 2008Coalition forces, Iraqi troops, and “Sons of Iraq” security volunteers are working together to rebuild areas south of Arab Jabour, Iraq, a senior military official in Baghdad said this morning.

3-1 Cav. Regt. seizes second EFP cache in three daysFriday, 15 February 20083-1 Cav. Regt. seizes second EFP cache in three days

Company D keeps the peace in Jisr DiyalaThursday, 14 February 2008Company D keeps the peace in Jisr Diyala

Women’s group holds inaugural meetingTuesday, 12 February 2008Women’s group holds inaugural meeting

Radio station opens in WehidaMonday, 11 February 2008Radio station opens in Wehida

Sunrise missions lead to improvements in al BawiSunday, 10 February 2008Top Story - Sunrise missions lead to improvements in al Bawi

Salman Pak leaders work to revitalize hospitalFriday, 08 February 2008Work is underway in Salman Pak to revitalize a hospital which has not been fully operational for approximately five years.

Battery A, 1-10 FA Regt. holds clinic in FursanThursday, 07 February 2008Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery and the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, a reserve unit from Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, held a coordinated medical engagement at a school in Fursan, a small village east of Baghdad, Feb. 4.

Rock of the Marne working with ‘Sons of Iraq’ during Marne ThunderboltWednesday, 06 February 2008In efforts to secure their own neighborhoods, the Sons of Iraq (SoI) are assisting Coalition Forces by removing threats posed by improvised explosive devices and weapons caches during Operation Marne Thunderbolt.

State Department representatives examine power station in Al Ma’amil Tuesday, 05 February 2008Representatives from the State Department toured an electric substation in Al Ma’amil, the primary source of electricity for residents of Narhwan, Jan. 29.

Families returning to Zambraniyah after security gainsSunday, 03 February 2008About 1,000 residents returned to Zambraniyah throughout the last week of January after learning the area had been secured by Coalition and Iraqi forces.

5-7th Cav. Regt. watches community transformFriday, 01 February 2008After just six days of operations out of Patrol Base Meade, Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division began to see results of their cooperation with community leaders in Sayafiyah, south of Baghdad, Jan 27.

Test class graduates NCO AcademyThursday, 31 January 2008Test class graduates NCO Academy

Operation Iron Boston targets al-Qaeda hideoutWednesday, 30 January 2008Operation Iron Boston targets al-Qaeda hideout

Falcon FARP keeps the Kiowas goingMonday, 28 January 2008Falcon FARP keeps the Kiowas going

1-30th Inf. Regt. completes Operation BrowningSunday, 27 January 20081-30th Inf. Regt. completes Operation Browning, prepares for next big launch into enemy territory

Insurgents out, combat outpost in; With al-Qaeda cleared from Zambraniyah, base construction now under wayFriday, 25 January 2008Just days after a major precision air strike in southern Arab Jabour to root out al-Qaeda in Iraq, combat engineers traversed the battlefield, arriving in the area to construct Multi-National Division – Center’s newest combat outpost.

3-1 Cav. Regt. medics help heal communitiesThursday, 24 January 2008Ahmed’s whole body shook as Capt. Sayed Ali, from Long Island, N.Y., the surgeon assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, examined him. Ahmed, a 24-year-old cab driver, was driving his cab when an insurgent roadside bomb destroyed his vehicle and left him injured, forcing his father to bring him to Patrol Base Assassin for help.

MEDEVAC crews brave enemy fire to save SoldiersWednesday, 23 January 2008Aero-medical evacuation crews from Task Force Marne faced down enemy gunfire to deliver five injured Soldiers to safety Jan. 18.

Storm before the calm in Arab JabourMonday, 21 January 2008Thousands of pounds of bombs once again rained down in southern Arab Jabour Jan. 20 as Coalition Forces continued their relentless pursuit of al-Qaeda.

Night air raid destroys 35 targets in Arab Jabour, drops 19,000 pounds of bombsSunday, 20 January 2008More than 30 targets were hit Jan. 20 during a nighttime air raid on suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq safe havens in Arab Jabour. Thirty-five bombs were dropped, with a total weight of 19,000 pounds.

Army G6 visits MND-C brigadesSaturday, 19 January 2008Army Chief Information Officer G6 Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson paid a visit to three of Multi-National Division – Center’s brigade- and company-level communication operations sections Jan. 19 to get a feel for the way communications are being run throughout the Task Force Marne area of operations.

Marne Thunderbolt denies enemy sanctuaryThursday, 17 January 2008Two weeks into Operation Marne Thunderbolt, al-Qaeda in Iraq extremists are on the run. The operation is targeting AQI sanctuaries and weapons stockpiles in southern Arab Jabour.

Leaders’ course welcomes first class of Iraqi NCOsThursday, 17 January 2008As the midday sun warmed the ground at FOB Kalsu Jan. 15, 56 Iraqi soldiers stood beside 18 U.S. noncommissioned officers, in front of two countries’ flags, with one common purpose and made history.

Young girl continues recovery one step at a timeThursday, 17 January 2008A young woman from Khargulia, a village southeast of Baghdad, is recovering one step at a time. Soham lost both her legs in an insurgent rocket attack last July.

Iraqis continue to move forward, general saysWednesday, 16 January 2008With more than 31,000 citizens now providing security assistance to coalition forces in southern belts of Baghdad and the southern provinces of Iraq, the Iraqi people continue to move forward, a U.S. commander said Jan. 14.

Coordinated medical engagement a success in Abu FarrisTuesday, 15 January 2008Gloomy weather did not deter Iraqi doctors, Iraqi Army medics and Coalition Forces from holding a coordinated medical engagement in Abu Farris, Iraq, Jan. 12.

Rakkasans uncover VBIED factoryTuesday, 15 January 2008A routine gathering with local leaders resulted in the discovery of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device factory near Hamid Shaban Jan. 13.

1-15 Inf. Regt. mortar platoon patrols the streets of KassipaSunday, 13 January 2008The National Policeman ran towards the Soldiers as they approached the pump station outside Kassipa, near Salman Pak, Dec. 21. Bent over with weapon clutched tightly, he appeared worried.

‘Warpaint’ joins ‘Spartan’ teamSunday, 13 January 2008Multi-National Division – Center’s Operation Marne Thunderbolt gained additional firepower with the arrival of a cavalry unit from western Iraq.

3HBCT Soldiers take a swing at new driving rangeSunday, 13 January 2008Two dozen Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team endured cold weather to take a few swings at the Hammer Links driving range which opened at FOB Hammer Jan.12.

Air strikes hit more than 40 targets in Arab JabourFriday, 11 January 2008More than 40 targets were hit Jan. 10 after precision air strikes destroyed reported al-Qaeda safehavens in Arab Jabour. Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first 10 minutes, with a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds.

Micro-grants help rebuild Iraq’s economyFriday, 11 January 2008Small grants to help businesses in Iraq get back on their feet are paying dividends, as the improved security situation has benefited economic recovery, a U.S. official aiding that effort south of Baghdad said.

Bush praises reconstruction teams for building on Iraqi progressFriday, 11 January 2008President Bush on Jan. 8 hailed provincial reconstruction teams operating in Iraq as vital partners in the strategy that has improved security and helped to create conditions for the Iraqi government to succeed.

Butcher’s business booms with micrograntThursday, 10 January 2008Hussen Jowd is a butcher and enterprising businessman.

All in a day’s workWednesday, 09 January 2008Overnight rainfall and high winds boded ominously for the morning’s mission but as the sun rose, clear skies greeted Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Sheik meeting leads to info on al-Qaeda in IraqTuesday, 08 January 2008In a vital and encouraging boost to the efforts against al-Qaeda in Iraq, local sheiks met with Coalition Forces to discuss cooperation and future Concerned Local Citizen programs Jan. 4.

Sabbah Nissan CLC Group opens headquartersTuesday, 08 January 2008Leaders of the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery attended a meeting with community and government leaders and enjoyed a traditional Iraqi meal Jan. 4 to open the new Concerned Local Citizens headquarters in Sabbah Nissan.

Sheik Sadoon, Rakkasan commander strategize economic growthTuesday, 08 January 2008Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), met with the chairman of a sheik council in the Mahmudiyah Qada Jan. 3 to discuss ways to increase economic development.

Maderiyah health clinic opensTuesday, 08 January 2008Residents of Maderiyah are the latest Iraqi citizens to see progress in their community. On Jan. 3, a medical clinic opened in an area that had not seen a doctor since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003.

Tunis residents, Coalition Forces work together to provide health careFriday, 04 January 2008Tunis is an example that Iraqis are not only ready to secure their towns, but take care of the physical needs of their own people.

TF Marne NCOs team up to build IA’s ‘backbone’Friday, 04 January 2008“No one is more professional than I,” states the U.S. Army’s NCO Creed, and noncommissioned officers at Forward Operating Base Kalsu are gearing up to instill the same pride and professionalism in their Iraq Army counterparts.

Rakkasans help improve Mahmudiyah justice systemTuesday, 01 January 2008Few things have remained constant for Iraqi citizens throughout the transition from Saddam’s regime to a democratic society. One thing that has been slower to transition has been the Iraqi justice system.

Street lights restore sense of safetyTuesday, 01 January 2008With small additions like street lights, a sense of safety is returning to the streets of Arab Jabour and Al Buaytha.

CG visits troops, sheik at PB Warrior’s KeepMonday, 31 December 2007The commanding general of Multi-National Division Center greeted troops and met with a local sheik at Patrol Base Warrior’s Keep Dec. 26.

Canines, more than best friends, become familyMonday, 31 December 2007With their strong sense of smell and their immeasurable loyalty, the highly trained military working dogs in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are proving to be essential in the fight against terrorism.

1-15 Inf. Regt. holds Iraqi Conservation Corps sign-upsMonday, 31 December 2007Soldiers and leaders of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, held an Iraqi Conservation Corps sign-up Dec. 27 for citizens of Al Huda.

Iraqis increasingly side with Coalition, colonel saysFriday, 28 December 2007The Iraqi people increasingly are siding with the coalition against extremists in their country, a unit commander there said.

Rakkasans cultivate ‘trickle-down economics’Friday, 28 December 2007Taking control of their battle space has been an easy task for the Leader Rakkasans of 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, who have had boots on the ground since October, said Lt. Col. R. J. Lillibridge, battalion commander.

Coalition Forces save two Iraqi girlsFriday, 28 December 2007Two sisters – Hajer Amir Al Jabouri, 4, and Nora Nasser Al Jabouri, 10 – were playing together in their backyard while their mother sat nearby milking the family’s cow Dec. 11.

Iraqi double amputee walks out of hospitalThursday, 27 December 2007Standing upright and walking on her own is something 20-year-old Soham Hassan Ka-Naan, a young woman from Khargulia, never thought she would be able to do again.

One Mother’s LoveTuesday, 25 December 2007All My Love - A poem written by Heather Jennings for her son in Iraq

Stay strong during joyous holiday season Sunday, 23 December 2007Stay strong during joyous holiday season - Message from Chap. Jay Hearn

If we can’t have a merry Christmas, something’s wrongSaturday, 22 December 2007If we can’t have a merry Christmas, something’s wrong - Commentary by SPC Emily J. Wilsoncroft

3rd Inf. Div. Soldiers seize ground for new patrol base in former al-Qaeda strongholdFriday, 21 December 2007Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces recently took ground in North Babil previously occupied by al-Qaeda in Iraq and began establishing a new patrol base there Dec. 16.

Extremists in Iraq 'Getting Desperate,' Army Colonel SaysThursday, 20 December 2007Extremists are intimidating Iraqi citizens less and less, thanks to security improvements in the country, a brigade commander there said Dec. 18.

Soldiers open well, facilitate water distributionWednesday, 19 December 2007Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment joined local leaders and Iraqi Security Forces at a well opening in Al Wardiya Dec. 14.