Comedians visitComedians visitBagram Bagram AirfieldAirfield

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April 9, 2007 www.cfc-a.centcom.mil

Freedom Watch Page 2 April 9, 2007

BagramU.S Citizenship, Naturaliz-ation Workshop available

The Client Services Legal Office isholding a "U.S. Citizenship andNaturalization Workshop" April 18 atEnduring Faith Chapel. The workshopbegins at 7 a.m., and will consist of tak-ing each servicemember's picture andfingerprints and then assisting with theUSCIS Naturalization Application.Servicemembers must bring their alienregistration or permanent resident card(or a copy of both sides) and informa-tion on their five-year history of previ-ous employment and resident data -include the "to" and "from" dates. Theservicemember also needs evidence ofmilitary service, such as the form 4-1 or4-2 enlistment contract, DD214, mobi-lization orders, or a recent leave andearning statement.

Army Army to field improved bodyarmor

FORT BELVOIR, Va. - The Armycontinues to upgrade body armor toincrease protection from bullets andfragments, and soon will field theImproved Outer Tactical Vest toSoldiers deploying to Iraq andAfghanistan.

The IOTV meets ProgramExecutive Office Soldier's goals ofproviding Soldiers with the mostadvanced protective gear availablewhile also improving comfort and mis-sion effectiveness.

"The IOTV is more than threepounds lighter than the current OTV,but provides an equal level of protec-tion over an increased area," saidArmy Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown,Program Executive Officer Soldier."This vest epitomizes our continuousefforts to seek the next improvementand to provide our Soldiers the bestbody armor available, bar none. It islive-fire tested - we know it will proveitself in combat."

"The weight of the IOTV wasreduced by eliminating overlap," said

Army Maj. Carl Fulmore, assistantproduct manager for SoldierSurvivability. "With the IOTV, wewere able to streamline previousimprovements."

DoDTroops embark on 'Why WeServe' public outreach mission

WASHINGTON - Eight service-members with duty experience in Iraq,Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa,who have been selected to tell the mil-itary's story to the American public,met with Deputy Defense SecretaryGordon England here March 30.

"It's important and it's vital, partic-ularly now," England told the group oftheir mission to relate their experi-ences to the American public. "This isthe time to be out with the message ofthe importance of what you do everyday, and all those who serve."

The eight enlisted and commis-sioned Army, Navy, Air Force andMarine Corps members are participat-ing in the Defense Department's"Why We Serve" public outreach pro-gram.

Freedom Watch magazine is conducting a readership surveyfrom today until April 30. American Forces Network -Afghanistan invites all coalition forces members to participatein the questionaire in a continuing effort to provide its audiencewith the best up-to-date news, information and upcomingevents.

"We encourage everyone to read the survey and e-mail usyour thoughts and comments," said Maj. John Byran, AFN -Afghanistan commander. "We want to make the FreedomWatch the best it can be!"

Send answers to the following questions to free-domwatch@afghan.swa.army.mil.

1. How often do you read Freedom Watch magazine? ___Weekly ___Sometimes ___Never2. How would you rate the stories featured in Freedom Watchmagazine?___Excellent ___Very Good ___Satisfactory ___Below

Satisfactory ___Poor3. Is the Freedom Watch delivered to your location?4. What do you like most about Freedom Watch magazine?Why?5. What would you change about Freedom Watch magazine?Why?6. How often would you read feature stories if they were avail-able on a Freedom Watch Web site?___Daily ___Weekly ___Monthly ___Almost Never___Never7. What would you like most about a Freedom Watch Web site?Why?8. What would you like to see on a Freedom Watch Web site?9. How do you get information? What is your number onesource for information?10. How would you prefer to receive information?___Email ___Newspaper/Magazine ___Web site___Other people11. Additional comments:

Tell us what you think!

PAGE 2

Defense DigestPAGE 4USO tour brings comedians to Bagram Airfield PAGE 5Mobile parts hospital keeps mission movingPAGE 6

Three night revival rocks Bagram AirfieldPAGE 7'Operation Enduring Education' kicks off in KandaharPAGE 8-9

Mechanics serve as backbone of PRTPAGE 10First day of school celebrated in Paktika PAGE 11CJTF-82 commander talks with leaders in JalalabadPAGE 12Getting pumped up for OEFPAGE 13Panjshir Province serves as model for Afghan successPAGE 15Entertainment Page

Freedom Watch Page 3

Contents

April 9, 2007

Air Force Staff Sgt.Kevin Imel (right) andSenior Airman EricHarris affix a gunner'sprotection kit to aHumvee for the QalatPRT.

COVERComedians Tom Arnold (right) and Dax Shepard conductan interview on Freedom Radio March 31. (U.S. Air Forcephoto by Senior Airman Brian Stives)

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

CJTF-82 Commander Army Maj. Gen. David M. RodriguezRC East Public Affairs Officer Army 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.

1122

Photo by Army Spc. Nathan HutchinsonArmy Spc. Prentice Martin-Bowen concentrates on specific mus-cle groups in order to gain maximum results at the gym.

55Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson

J a m e sWhitfield, FieldS u p p o r tBattalion MobileParts Hospitalsite coordinator,reverse engi-neers a part.

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 Staff Sgt.

Oshawn JeffersonStaff Writer - Air Force Senior Airman

Andrea WrightVisit the CJTF-82 website at

www.cfc-a.centcom.mil

88 --99Photo by Air Force Capt. Kevin G. Tuttle

NEWSPage 4 Freedom Watch April 9, 2007

Story and photosBy Senior Airman Brian StivesAmerican Forces Network -Afghanistan

Comedians Tom Arnold and DaxShepard and actress Nora Zehetner per-formed for more than 200 Coalitionforce members March 30 at the BagramAirfield Morale, Welfare and Recreationclamshell.

The trio met with servicemembersand stayed around to sign autographsand take pictures after Arnold andShepard performed their stand-up com-edy routine during the visit.

Most recently serving as co-host ofFox Sports Net's "Best Damn SportsShow Period," Arnold has long been astaple of the movie and televisionindustry. His most recent credits includeroles in "Happy Endings" and "Pride,"which was previewed for the crowdbefore the comedy routine. Past moviecredits include "True Lies," "NineMonths" and "Austin Powers:International Man of Mystery."

After starring as Ashton Kutcher'ssidekick in MTV's television hit"Punk'd," Shepard has gone on to thebig screen, starring in "Employee of the

Month," "Idiocracy" and "Without aPaddle." In addition, he will star in"Let's Go to Prison."

Best known for her role as EdenMcCain on NBC's "Heroes," Zehetnerhas been acting since she was 18. Herrecent credits include films such as"Brick," "Conversations with OtherWomen" and "50 Pills."

"It was great to be able to get offwork and go see a comedy show," saidSenior Airman Joseph Hernandez,455th Expeditionary AircraftMaintenance Squadron. "This is my firstdeployment and to see these guys outhere to show their support for us is agreat morale booster."

While some of the troops may havebeen timid about seeing stars up close,one wanted to get face-to-face withthem.

"I just went up there and told TomArnold I wanted to 'tap him out,'" saidArmy Sgt. Jessica Shaffer, A. Co.,Division Special Troops Battalion, 82ndAirborne Division, about the wrestlingmatch she had with Arnold on stage. "Ihad him tapped out and then he rolledover and I was gone. He is kind of a bigboy."

Even though the comedians were thestars of the evening, they didn't feel likeit.

"Everyone keeps coming up to usand saying, 'thank you,'" said Arnold."But, we are the ones who are thankful.Without you doing what you do every-day, we wouldn't be able to do what wedo. I think we should be the ones thank-ing you, not the other way around.

"You guys are the ones out therehelping this country rebuild itself. Youare the heroes in my eyes," he added.

"I thought we were heading to thebeach when Tom picked me up," saidShepard. "No, really we just wanted tocome out here and help everyone relax.We wanted to say that we know whatyou are doing and we really appreciateit."

And helping everyone take theirminds off what was going on is exactlywhat they did.

"They made jokes about the food atthe dining facility and how close thebathrooms were to where they werestaying. It was all something we couldrelate to, it was great," said Hernandez.

"It was really fun and I think we needmore stuff like this," said Shaffer.

USO tour brings comedians to Bagram Airfield

Army Sgt. Jessica Shaffer, A. Co.,Division Special TroopsBattalion, 82nd AirborneDivision, challenged Tom Arnoldto wrestle.

Comedians Tom Arnold (left) and Dax Shepard performs a stand-upcomedy routine for more than 200 Coalition forces members March 30at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Story and photo By Air Force Staff Sgt.Oshawn JeffersonAmerican Forces Network -Afghanistan

If human body parts break, peoplego to the hospital to get those partsfixed. But where do people go whenthey need mobile parts? They take atrip to the Field Support Battalion'sMobile Parts Hospital.

"If you break it, we can fix it," saidKevin Green, MPH technician. "Weare here to keep Coalition forces inAfghanistan mission ready."

The three-man shop's three mainareas of focus are vehicles, weaponsmounted systems and special tools forCoalition forces throughoutAfghanistan.

"For example we designed a griprail for the Romanian Army so theycould attach American accessories totheir weapons systems," said KevinCaska, MPH technician who has alsoserved in a MPH in Iraq. "We mademounts so Polish Army weaponscould be fabricated to AmericanHumvees and recently we made 80swing-arm mounts so the Army coulduse M240B or M249 weapons systemson Humvees."

Since their arrival in March of2005, the MPH has made about20,000 mission-critical components.The 6,000 parts they make annuallykeep Coalition forces one step aheadof the enemy in the Global War onTerrorism, especially when it comes tokeeping military vehicles on the road.

"Before we got here, if a militaryvehicle broke down because it wasmissing a critical part, the vehicle wasred-lined because it would take weeksfor the supply line to get a part here,"said Green. "With us here we can fab-ricate a part for a vehicle and get thatvehicle back in the fight."

Using their multi-tasking machinetool, the MPH can get parts toCoalition partners in one to two days,by either engineering (duplicating a

part) or reverse engineering (making anew part). About 40 percent of thejobs the MPH receives require themto reverse engineer a part.

"This is a good, experienced team,"said James Whitfield, MPH site coor-dinator. "They have more than 15years of engineering expertise. Theyare the best at what they do and I con-sider them the best kept secret in thewar on terrorism."

NEWSApril 9, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 5

Mobile parts hospital keeps mission moving

Kevin Caska, Field Support Battalion Mobile Parts Hospital technician,conducts a spot inspection on a part in the multi-tasking machine tool.

NEWSPage 6 Freedom Watch April 9, 2007

Story and photosBy Army Sgt. 1st ClassKrishna GambleTask Force Pegasus PAO

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghan-istan - Members of Bagram Airfieldgathered for three nights in theMorale, Welfare and Recreationclamshell to revive their faith and cele-brate the beginning of the spring sea-son.

Enduring Faith Chapel Gospelservices hosted the first Spring Revivalat BAF March 21-23.

The theme for the services,"Having faith that pleases God," wastaken from the concept pointed out inHebrews 11:6 of the King James ver-sion of the Holy Bible, which reads,"… without faith, it is impossible toplease God."

"Faith is what you believe in and it

affects everything around you," saidChap. (Maj.) Terry Simmons, EnduringFaith Chapel Gospel services chaplain."I believe God had great impact on ourBAF community. I believe God hasmore plans to influence and movethrough us in BAF and Afghanistan."

The services were open to all mem-bers of the BAF community to comeand worship. Each night, two ministersfrom the gospel service brought fortha message of hope, faith and encour-agement. The gospel choir and danceteam also contributed to the servicesthrough various performances,demonstrating their faith.

"In order to obtain faith, we have tobe obedient to God's commandmentsthat are given to us," said Sgt. 1st ClassKadesha Thompson, 82nd CombatAviation Brigade. "[We as Christianscannot] allow our faith to be waveredby anything."

"Faith is developed by the word ofGod, by trials and past experiences,"Simmons said. "Faith is only devel-oped in your relationship with God."

Revival services can be traced backto before the 18th century whenpreachers and teachers would gather incommunities to spread the message ofa particular doctrine, according toinformation gleaned from theChristian World Ministries website.The teachings may have differed in

presentation and denomination, butthe central theme was the belief that inrevival, the Spirit of God moves inand grips men and women in such away that suddenly the communitybecomes God-conscious.

In those days, revivals were preced-ed by corporate prayer and had strongleaders who preached the message in anew and powerful manner. Theserevivalists preached at non-traditionaltimes in non-traditional places, andmusic was an important part of theservices. Revival leaders often facedfierce opposition, but word of mouthhelped spread revival servicesthroughout communities and atten-dance would always increase.

Today, many churches and religiousgroups host revival services at thechanging of the seasons - spring andfall.

"I enjoyed the services and the mes-sage was comforting, especially beingaway from home under these circum-stances," said Sgt. 1st Class TerranceWilliams, 82nd Combat AviationBrigade.

"It is time to take a stand. A standfor faithfulness, a stand for under-standing, a stand for guidance, a standfor love, a stand for learning and doingGod's will," Thompson said. "Nolonger is it our will, but allow His willto be done."

Three night revival rocks Bagram Airfield

Bagram Airfield servicemembers worship together at the first SpringRevival held March 21 through 23 at the Morale, Welfare andRecreation clamshell.

Army Chaplain (Maj.) TerrySimmons anoints Army 2nd Lt.Rosilyn Woodard as part of theEnduring Faith Prayer Ministryduring Spring Revival services.

By Army Sgt. LeeAnn Lloyd 22nd Mobile Public AffairsDetachment

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Imaginewanting to study art and never seeing asingle Picasso, or being able to formyour own opinion of the reason forMona Lisa's smile. Imagine trying tobecome a doctor without the knowledgeof Gray's Anatomy. How would youestablish a relationship within the globalcommunity without ever seeing a map?

These are some challenges childrenin Afghanistan face as they attempt topursue an education with a system thatdoesn't even have books to use for ref-erence. These challenges are also whatinspired Air Force Maj. Trent Maly, ofthe Force Protection Office atKandahar Airfield, to launch OperationEnduring Education, a local effort to fillthe shelves of schools with necessarytools to build the foundation of a solideducation.

"I was working with a couple of localtranslators doing some different opera-tions, and I learned about the atrocitiesof the education system in Afghanistan.

All of the women and school teacherswere executed. The books were orderedto have all images and pictures removed.They [The Taliban] did that. And theyeventually got to the point where theyburned all the books," Maly noted."There are still schools and libraries inAfghanistan that don't have any text-books today. That just blew me away.These things happened in the past, butthey're actually still affecting right now,"Maly said.

Maly is working with a local schoolteacher to build a library, the first one inthe Kandahar region since the fall ofthe Taliban.

"I met with one of the local schoolteachers, and he was working with thelocals to actually get a library built, tostart over. That was his big goal; that'swhat he works toward everyday, is giv-ing Afghanistan a new start," Maly said.

"He's basically been telling everyoneof what happened so he can educate hiskids to actually see that there's more inthe world than what they see here inAfghanistan and in this KandaharRegion. This guy has dedicated his lifeto that; not only helping the Coalition,but also running and building schools,"Maly said.

It is that type of dedication Maly saidstruck a nerve and inspired him to dosomething to help. Thus beganOperation Enduring Education.

Maly hopes to receive a variety oftextbooks, particularly medical bookswith drawings and pictures to help edu-cate about the anatomy and structure ofthe human body.

"There are none [Medical books],because there were pictures of thehuman body, and all of the pictures ofhuman bodies were destroyed andbanned by the Taliban," Maly noted.

Maly is reaching out to not only peo-ple in the U.S. for assistance, but to theinternational community as well.

"I hope that the other nations willvolunteer their assistance because of theneed for the different types of text-books, the different languages. Not onlythe Pashto, but the French, the English,the German, every different language.They also want those types of books toshow these kids that there is more to lifethan what they see around them inAfghanistan, which the Taliban hasbasically attempted to squash so thatthey have no hope. This is a means toshow the kids what their future couldbe," Maly said.

NEWSApril 9, 2007

Is it safe here?

DariAinja mason ast?(In-jamaf- soozast)

PashtuDelta aman dae?(Del-ta a-ma da)

Afghanistan has never been inhabited by only one ethnic group. The modern country’sboundaries were determined by the inetersts of foreign powers, and on every side theycut arbitrarily through land traditionally occupied by one ethnic group or another. Itscitizens naturally identify with those who speak their language and share their culture.

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

Courtesy photo

'Operation Enduring Education' kicks off in KandaharFreedom Watch Page 7

been resolved now and we're the mainsource of supply for FOB Apache andFOB Mizan," Imel said, who is sta-tioned at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

After his promotion to staff sergeantin July, Imel became the non-commis-sioned officer-in-charge due to the thirdmember of the team being sent homebecause of medical reasons. That pre-sented another challenge that Imel sub-sequently overcame.

"I had to be able to schedule all themaintenance, order all the parts, learnand do all the reports. I think thebiggest challenge was learning how touse the Army's way of ordering parts,"he said.

Perhaps part of the reason the shopfunctions so smoothly now is becauseof the camaraderie and familiarity ofImel and Harris, as they were previouslydeployed together at Talil, Iraq, fromJanuary - May 2005. This year-long PRTmission, however, has been wroughtwith overcoming obstacles together.

"The biggest challenge is no extralifting capabilities. Back home you havea 30,000-lb wench on hydraulic wheelsthat you can use to pick stuff up. Wedon't have that here. We use a cherrypicker, or engine hoist instead," saidHarris while reflecting on the last year."We didn't have heat for a while and wedidn't have air for a while. It would getreally hot in the shop in the summer.We finally got air conditioning a coupleof months into our tour. When the coldweather started coming in, we had toget a heater put in there. It would get socold in the shop that everything wasfreezing in there."

With five years of experience in theAir Force, Harris said this is basicallythe first time he's worked on Humvees,except a couple times while at Talil. Hismechanical skills started at age 14 grow-ing up on a farm in Neosho, Mo.Working on a diverse array of vehicles

on the farm has helped him adjust toworking on Humvees.

"You never know what you're goingto work on - what is going to break.You don't know what type of vehicle iscoming in or what your next repair willbe," Harris said.

Furthermore, another type of repairhas drawn Harris' interest recently.

"Being able to do the Combat LifeSaver training at Fort Bragg, N.C.before we deployed was really an enjoy-ment for me. I am interested in themedical field. I'm trying to get into theEmergency Medical Technician field orworking for Life Skills," he said.

The team has been a delight for thePRT's first sergeant, Air Force MasterSgt. Thomas Carroll from McGuire AirForce Base, N.J., who said their workand innovations have been top-notch.

"I think the key thing is they've beenshorthanded almost this entire tour,"Carroll said. "If there's one thing we'redoing it's giving the trucks to the newteam in working condition, which is acredit to them. They've also improviseda fire truck from a water buffalo and an

old Humvee, which is another exampleof their initiative and how good theyare."

He praised Imel's professionalism fordoing a job that usually a master ser-geant or technical sergeant would do;while mentioning what everyone on theFOB knows about Harris: he has aninfectious positive attitude.

"Whenever you see Harris, he alwayshas a smile on his face and that justrubs off on you," Carroll said.

Being away from home is the worstpart of the deployment for Imelbecause he says he misses seeing histwo children, an 8-year-old daughterand 3-year-old son, grow up. He creditshis new friends on the FOB for gettinghim through this year.

Now that their year is nearly com-plete, the two mechanics have a senseof pride and accomplishment for a jobwell-done.

"When guys say we're the bestmechanics in Afghanistan-that reallymakes us proud. We hold our own andwe keep up the best we can," Imel said

April 9, 2007 Page 9Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE

Story and photosBy Air Force Capt. Kevin G. TuttleQalat Provincial Reconstruction Team

QALAT, Afghanistan - Things tendto be unpredictable at best aroundForward Operating Base Laghman,Zabul Province. Improvised explosivedevices, ambushes, fire fights, flooding,snow, ice-cold wind, oppressive heat -have all been encountered over the lastyear for the members of the QalatProvincial Reconstruction Team. Theone thing the team could depend onwas the fact that their vehicles would beready for missions because of itsmechanics.

The two-man shop has been respon-sible for keeping the PRT vehicles oper-ational, while also willingly servicing

other units on the FOB. Since May2006, Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Imeland Senior Airman Eric Harris havedone more than 600 semi-major tomajor repairs on PRT Humvees. Thatnumber does not reflect the extra workthey've done for other units. Theyachieved all this while not always beingproperly equipped with the right toolsfor the repairs they've had to render.

"Basically, you have a tool for everytype of job back home," said Harris,from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo."Here you have to make tools or dowith what you got. For example, wemade a tool for an injection pump. Wehad to take a wrench, heat it up andbend it at a 45- and 90-degree angle."

Such challenges are what keep themechanics on their toes because they arenever sure what problems they will faceevery time a vehicle comes into their

shop. But at this juncture there are stillmany challenges. They face far lessproblems than when they first arrived.

"The shop was a disaster when wefirst got here," said Imel, a husband andfather of two from Albany, Ore. "Thevehicles were in bad shape and it seemslike we've basically had to rebuild themall. There were four or five shelves fullof parts for vehicles that we didn't evenhave. It would have been nice to havethe right parts - it would have made thejob a little easier, but we did everythingwe could to make sure that no missionswere cancelled due to maintenance."

They have also completely overcomethe supply issues they faced because oftheir diligence and perseverance uponarrival becoming the go-to place for sur-rounding FOBs.

"There wasn't much of a supply sys-tem when we first got here. But that's

Mechanics serve as backbone of PRT

Senior Airman Eric Harris prepares to remove an engine from a Humvee. Harris is one of two mechanics for theQalat PRT on a one-year deployment.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Imel, left, and Senior Airman Eric Harris get readyto remove an engine from a Humvee with an engine hoist. This is their sec-ond deployment together after being stationed at Talil, Iraq in 2005.

Courtesy International SecurityAssistance Force - Afghanistan

PAKTIKA, Afghanistan - The gover-nor of Paktika, Dr. Mohammed AkramKhpalwak, other Paktika GovernmentOfficials, ISAF members from theProvincial Reconstruction Team andTask Force Fury attended a celebrationmarking the first day of school inAfghanistan March 22.

Upon arrival at Ali Babba HighSchool in Sharan, the school was alreadyfull of children eager for the new schoolyear. Members of the school's soccerteam played a scrimmage to entertainthe people starting to gather. There wasan air of excitement for the spring thatwill bring education, more constructionand continued progress in the ruralprovince of Paktika.

The Governor arrived by walkingthrough the bazaar to a school yardlined with children waving Afghan flags.He spoke to themabout allowingchildren to attendschool.

"Parents needto send their chil-dren to school,both males andfemales, so theycan have a future,"he said. "I was astudent once, andwe didn't evenhave chairs. TodayI am a governor. Iask that you letyour kids be the governors, teachers,doctors and engineers of tomorrow."

Other speakers continued on thesame themes. Paktika Director ofEducation Saied Ahmed discussed thefuture.

"For this school year we will be pro-

viding more supplies and building moreschools," Ahmed said. "I already havefunding to build three more schools."

The Paktika provincial police chief,Afghan Brig. Gen. Sadar MohammedZazay, discussed keeping schools safe.

"It is impossible to keep ANP inevery school, buttogether we canwork to keepthem safe frombeing burnt bythe Taliban andallow your chil-dren to becomedoctors, teachers,engineers andeven president,"he said.

The ceremonywas marked bymultiple sessionsof children

singing about the spring, which bringsthe new school year and that theirweapon is the pen. Their last song wasone of national pride for Afghanistan.

The celebration is a tradition mark-ing the start of the school year. Thisyear is very promising. The Paktika gov-

ernment held a number of training sem-inars for teachers during winter andenrollment across Paktika continues toincrease every year.

April 9, 2007Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS

First day of school celebrated in Paktika

Photos by Navy Lt. j.g. Nick DaunerStudents from the Ali Babba High School in Paktika, Afghanistan, pre-pare to greet Dr. Mohammed Akram Khpalwak, Paktika governor, ontheir first day of school.

�I was a student once,and we didn’t even have

chairs. Today I am a gov-ernor. I ask that you letyour kids be the gover-nors, teachers, doctors

and engineers of tomor-row.�

- Dr. Mohammed Akram KhpalwakPaktika governor

Students from Ali Babba HighSchool entertain people beforethe ceremony by participating ina soccer scrimmage.

Story and photoBy Army Sgt. Amber RobinsonTask Force Spartan PAO

JALALABAD AIRFIELD,Afghanistan - The commanderof Combined Joint Task Force-82 took a firsthand look atactivities in the northeast during a visit to Jalalabad April 1.

Army Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez met with key leaders,including the commanders of Task Force Spartan and theJalalabad Provincial Reconstruction Team during his trip to theNangarhar provincial capital.

Army Col. John Nicholson, TF Spartan commander, andhis staff briefed the general on regional operations andreviewed the array of allied and enemy forces in the northeastand the regional Spartan mission. The Spartan commanderdescribed regional goals, challenges and accomplishments aswell as the outlook for various areas within the northeast.Spartan staff officers reported the latest intelligence and dis-cussed current regional operations.

Rodriguez asked staff members about the local populace,government, terrain, logistics, projects and security. He askedabout the Spartan approach to security, development and col-laboration with Afghan authorities. The CJTF-82 head empha-sized the importance of communication and coordination ofallied efforts during his comments to the Spartan leaders.

The general surveyed the progress of construction anddevelopment efforts at the airfield, a major regional hub andtask force headquarters. He also received briefings on sched-uled base expansion plans.

Later that day, Rodriguez received briefings from Army Lt.

Col. Richard Kaiser, commander of the 3rd Brigade SpecialTroops Battalion, TF Spartan, and other key "Vanguard" lead-ers at the Jalalabad PRT compound. The general also heardvaluable input from Air Force Lt. Col. David Naisbitt, com-mander of the PRT, as well as other key current and incomingPRT leaders.

The leaders discussed operations in Nangarhar Province,regional development and the way ahead in NortheasternAfghanistan. They also discussed allied border operations andcollaborative security efforts among Afghan National SecurityForces, the Pakistani military and Coalition personnel.

April 9, 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 Marine Cpl. Nick DiOrio

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELDPHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

CJTF-82 commander talks with leaders in Jalalabad

Coalition forces survey thearea around the Parwanprovince to check on theflood damage after therecent rain storms. TheAfghan National Army AirCorps evacuated flood vic-tims in the Ghorban districtof Parwan province.Elsewhere in the Parwanprovince, Afghan soldierssafely evacuated 350 fami-lies from the Sayed Kheldistrict when swollen riversforced their evacuation,while another 33 familieswere given assistance inthe Shin Wari district. Thehomes of these 383 familieswere destroyed and thefamilies are staying with rel-atives and friends.

Army Col. John Nicholson (left), Task Force Spartancommander, briefs Army Maj. Gen. DavidRodriguez, Combined Joint Task Force-82 com-mander, on Coalition operations in northeasternAfghanistan as Army Command Sgt. Maj. LonnieBochette, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, lookson April 1 at Jalalabad Airfield.

Story and photoBy Army Spc. Nathan W.Hutchison22nd Mobile PublicAffairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -Deployment is a time for focus, hard workand for many servicemembers it is a time tohit the gym.

Each day the multiple gyms are packedwith troops determined to return home atougher, stronger person.

"I try to make it a goal to work out asmuch as possible," said Spc. John Sheck, a 25-year-old military intelligence analysist forCombined Joint Task Force-82 JointOperations Center and an avid visitor to thegym.

"It's a lot easier to have my lieutenant andsergeant right there to motivate me and makesure I don't fall off the schedule," Sheck said.

Sheck, a Philadelphia, Pa. native, said thathe tries to go to work out at least five times aweek and his leaders give him time to runduring the work day.

Working out is also a healthy release to astressful day at work and in this environmentthe stress levels can get pretty high.

"The stress kicks in and I take it out here as opposed tothe people I work with," Sheck said. "It's better for me andbetter for everyone else."

Some people are a little more motivated to add size andstrength than to relieve stress.

Spc. Prentice "MB" Martin-Bowen, from Mobile, Ala., isa former Armed Forces bodybuilding competitor and planson competing again when he returns to Fort Carson, Colo.,with the rest of the Headquarters, Headquarters Company,43rd Area Support Group.

"At Fort Carson I used to work the whole body just tomaintain my health," said the 34-year-old multi-media illus-trator. "I was playing it safe," said Martin-Bowen, "It wasn'treally that intense. I wasn't going for strength."

"I competed back in 1999. Now that I'm back in theArmy I'm determined to get back on that stage again," saidMartin-Bowen. "My workouts have been two hours longand different days I work different body parts."

Getting big enough to be a bodybuilding competitor can

affect other parts of your fitness."For me to bulk up my cardio has to decrease a little and

my eating habits have to increase," said Martin-Bowen. "Ihave to eat more meals a day; about five to six meals a day."

Martin-Bowen said that he takes minimal amounts ofsupplements, only vitamins and protein, but the main ingre-dient in a good workout is lots of water and plenty ofstretching.

"The main thing is you have to be motivated. If you'renot motivated and you don't have a goal it's not going towork for you," Martin-Bowen said.

"As far as overdoing it; I never overdo it," Sheck said. "Ifthe other guys are lifting more than me they have no prob-lem taking weight off for me."

"My workout here is more rigorous than at Fort Bragg,but I know my limits," Sheck said.

Bagram Airfield offers multiple gyms including theClamshell and the smaller camps - and building-specificgyms. Many are open 24 hours-a-day to accommodate thedifferent constantly changing schedules of the servicemem-bers and civilians here.

FEATUREPage 12 Freedom Watch April 9, 2007

Getting pumped up for OEF

Spc. Prentice Martin-Bowen concentrates on specific musclegroups in order to gain maximum results at the gym. There aremany gyms in Afghanistan to help servicemembers stay in shape.

Story and photoBy Army Sgt. Timothy DinneenRegional Command-East PublicAffairs

PANJSHIR, Afghanistan - Thetomb of Shaeed Ahmad Shah Masood,"The Lion of Panjshir," stands on ahilltop overlooking the mountainousriver valley he dedicated his life pro-tecting against Soviet invasions andTaliban assaults. Although assassinatedby Al Qaeda days prior to the Sept. 11,2001, terrorist attacks, his legacy ofpeace and progress for free Afghansendures through progress byPanjsheeris. This progress serves as amodel for the whole of Afghanistan.

Panjshir Province is a model of suc-cess because of the strength shown bythe people living within the valley.Panjsheeris are providing the musclebehind security, cultivating a fertileenvironment for construction projectsand humanitarian-aid assistance,according to Army Maj. CliffordWhite, deputy provincial reconstruc-tion team commander, Panjshir PRT.

"We live in one of the best neigh-borhood watches on the planet," saidWhite. "They do more than guardhouses. When we go on missions, theycome with us. The security details arefrom all six districts so they know thepeople and the terrain. When we haveproblems, they handle it Afghanagainst Afghan."

Panjshir has only been recognized asa province since 2004, and they havecompleted a micro hydro plant forelectricity generation, new roads forcommerce, bridges, wells, schools anda radio station to connect the remotevalley to the rest of the country.

Furthermore, Army Brig. Gen.Joseph Votel, deputy commanding gen-eral of Combined Joint Task Force-82,arrived March 27 for the groundbreak-ing of a new public works building.

"The [Afghan] New Year provides agreat opportunity to focus on thefuture of reconstruction and not afuture of war," said Votel. "Publicworks will play a key part in the futureof Panjshir sustaining a self-sufficientprovince. Education and agricultureare also important, but without publicworks children cannot attend school,adults can't get to work and producewon't reach the market."

Votel acknowledged the positivesecurity situation in Panjshir has madereconstruction possible.

"Cooperative security here is amodel for the rest of Afghanistan andhopefully the reconstruction will alsoserve as a model," Votel said. "It is astep-by-step process and today is a bigstep."

The public works building will helpwith road clearing, water purification,landscaping and waste management;many of the small things a community

needs in order for the bigger projectsto get underway.

"This is a nice, secure provincebecause the people won't allow theTaliban here," said Saddeem, a localstudent. "People are generally happywith the American presence becausethey recognize they are helping."

White did concede there are somesecurity issues within the Panjshir com-munity, but at the end of the day theyall recognize they must work togetherpeacefully to succeed.

"There are a number of factionsthat disagree, however, as GovernorBalu said, 'Panjshir is like an open handwith it's fingers arguing, however whenoutside forces try and take somethingfrom the valley or impose its will thehand closes and becomes a fist,'" Whitesaid.

According to the latest PanjshirPRT census, Panjshir Province hasmore than 300,000 inhabitants withnew villages being discovered whenexploring around the mountainousbends. It is a mono-ethnic area domi-nated by the Tajik tribe that is predom-inately Sunni.

White said even though society isconservative, education for both girlsand boys are important to Panjsheeris.

"There are 55,000 school age chil-dren and 80 percent attend schooleveryday," White said. "Of those 80percent, 35 percent are female."

Panjshir Province Deputy Gov.Kabini said the people of his provinceare growing more optimistic from theway their eyes and faces look and hesaid the people are becoming moreinformed and connected to their gov-ernment through their new radio sta-tion.

"We will not accept Al Qaeda in anyform of this government because theykilled our national hero and attackedthe U.S.," said Kabini. "These tragediesbind us together against Al Qaeda."

FEATUREApril 9, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 13

Panjshir Province serves as model for Afghan success

The "Lion of Panjshir," ShaeedAhmud Shah Masood, restsinside the monument dedicatedin his honor atop a hill overlook-ing the Panjshir Valley. Theleader of the Northern Allianceplayed a major role in defeatingthe Soviets and blocked Talibaninfluence. He was assassinatedby Al Qaeda operatives daysbefore the Sept. 11 attacks onthe U.S.

Courtesy Combined Joint Task Force - 82 Public Affairs

JALALABAD AIRFIELD,Afghanistan - Troopers from 3rdSquadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment,Task Force Spartan teamed up withlocal leaders in the Barg E MatalDistrict of Nuristan Province to bringclothing, food and educational sup-plies to impoverished Afghans March29.

The troopers delivered the aid itemsvia sling-load to local government offi-cials who in turn distributed thehumanitarian assistance materials tolocal leaders.

Local leaders delivered the aid itemsdirectly to the people of the rural iso-lated district located in the eastern-most reaches of Nuristan. Theremote, mountainous area containssome of the highest peaks in eastern

Afghanistan.Food items distributed include

flour, oil, sugar and baby formula. TheIslamic Republic of Afghanistan andCoalition military team also handedout clothing items, including shoes,coats, gloves, scarves and hats. Prayerrugs, tarps and educational materialswere also distributed.

Squadron leaders described the mis-sion as a demonstration of unity andcooperation among Coalition forcesand the Afghan government as well asa worthy humanitarian effort. Theoperation also reflected allied solidari-ty with the people.

"This shows just how far and howhigh we'll go to help the Afghan peo-ple," said Army Maj. Eric P. Zenk, aTask Force Spartan spokesman. "Thegovernment of Afghanistan, AfghanNational Security Forces and Coalitionforces are bringing valuable assistanceto the people no matter how isolatedthe location or difficult the terrain. It's

pretty obvious who cares about thewelfare of the people of NuristanProvince and northeast Afghanistanand who doesn't."

NEWSPage 14 Freedom Watch April 9, 2007

3-71 troopers, district sub-governor deliver'sling load' of care to remote region

Photo by Air Force Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez

Laghman Gov. Gulab Mangalspeaks with Army Capt. PaulMcCarthy, Mehtar Lam ProvincialReconstruction Team CivilAffairs officer, about assistancefor three flooded villages inQhargahe District April 1.

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. DoscherRegional Command-East Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Combined JointTask Force-82 has a new deputy commander, but he didn'tcome from Fort Bragg, N.C. Think further east … much fur-ther.

Polish Brig. Gen. Marek Tomaszycki assumed a dual role ascommander of the Polish military contingent in Afghanistanand as one of CJTF-82's deputy commanders March 22.

The Bydgoszcz, Poland native commands the 400-troopPolish contingent in Afghanistan, a contingent expected togrow to 1,200 within a month.

Tomaszycki said Poland's role in Afghanistan is to bring sta-bility to the war-torn region.

"We are here to stabilize the situation," he said. "To givesecurity for the local population and improve the condition oftheir lives. We have the same goal as the Americans and ISAF;

to stabilize the situation and create a democracy according tothe wish and will of the people who live here."

Tomaszycki said working in a combined environment will bea good learning experience for him and his men, especiallysince one Polish battle group will fall directly under the 4thBrigade Combat Team, Task Force Fury.

"It is a very good situation for the Polish military and the82nd Airborne Division to familiarize with different cultures,different hobbies and different people while working together,"he said. "They [the Polish contingent] really want to cooperateand be together with the Americans."

For the general, the assignment gives him an opportunity toobserve the way a U.S. Army headquarters functions from theinside.

"It's the best situation to be part of the 82nd headquarters,"he said. "I'll get knowledge on how a U.S. division headquartersworks, get to know everything about operational proceduresand get to know excellent Soldiers."

Polish general assumes deputy commander post at CJTF-82

“When a computer simulated fight pre-dicts Rocky knocking out the currentchamp, Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon, Rockyhas to dust off the gloves to see if he'sstill got it what it takes to be the champ.If you're looking for a good boxingmovie, than this isn't for you. The lastRocky film deals more with family val-ues, than right hooks and upper cuts. I'llstill buy it so I can complete my Rocky collection though.”

Movie Goof: In the montage for Mason before the fight,you can see "Tarver" on his trunks in at least one of theclips. Antonio Tarver is the name of the boxer who playsMason "The Line" Dixon.

ENTERTAINMENTApril 9, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 15

Fill in the grid sothat every row, every

column, and every3x3 box

contains the digits 1through 9.

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Medium

Reviews You Can UseRocky Balboa (PG)Starring Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Tarver

Puzzle courtesy of www.sudoku.com

Weekly Top Ten List

10. Asks everyone to call him "Jimbo"

9. Villain's private "lair" is the corner booth at PizzeriaUno

8. It's set backstage at "Saturday Night Live"

7. The Aston Martin won't start, so Bond drives a '95Ford Focus

6. It's about Dr. No's even more evil brother, Dr. Phil

5. Most impressive gadget? A clock that's also a radio

4. Bond's new catchphrase: "Git R Done"

3. Goodbye license to kill, hello license to inspect meat

2. Soundtrack by Kevin Federline

1. Bond misses a bad guy when he has to empty all gelsand liquids at airport security

Top Ten Signs You're Watching a BadJames Bond Movie

Great moments in reflectiveGreat moments in reflectivebelt historybelt history

Got a joke, review, or top ten list? Email it to:freedomwatch@swa.army.mil

and you could see them printed here! w w w. c b s . c o m / l a t e n i g h t

Review by: Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg

The Confederacymight very wellhave won the

American CivilWar if Gen. T.J.

"Stonewall"Jackson had beenwearing his reflec-tive belt on that

fateful evening inMay of 1863.

Unfortunately, hewas not … andwas shot by his

own men.

Last weeks solution

Courtesy www.armylawyer.blogsome.com

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FFrr eedom Weedom WatchatchAApril 9, 2007pril 9, 2007