VETCAPVETCAP helphelps keeps keepanimals healthyanimals healthy - Pages 8-9- Pages 8-9

MaMay 28,y 28, 20072007 wwwwww.cfc-a.centcom.mil.cfc-a.centcom.mil

Freedom Watch Page 2 May 28, 2007

ArmyArmy leaders defend bodyarmor quality WASHINGTON - U.S. troops oper-ating in Iraq and Afghanistan have thebest body armor in the world, and theArmy is constantly looking for waysto improve force protection, the gen-eral in charge of the program toldreporters here May 22.

"Force protection is the No. 1 pri-ority of the U.S. Army. We value ourSoldiers very highly, and we do every-thing we can do to ensure that theyhave the finest in force protection asthey go into the battle," Army Brig.Gen. R. Mark Brown, ProgramExecutive Officer Soldier, said at aPentagon news conference.

In response to a May 17 NBCNews report challenging the Army'suse of Interceptor Body Armor vs.the newer "Dragon Skin" armordeveloped by Pinnacle Armor Inc.,Brown released information about thetesting that ruled out Dragon Skin ayear ago.

Brown stressed that the Army has

more than one set of body armor forevery Soldier in the combat theater,and that he has all the money and sup-port he needs to make improvementsto force protection.

For more on this story visitwww.army.mil.

Air ForceAirman's Roll Call focuses on101 Critical Days of Summer SAN ANTONIO - This week's RollCall focuses on a critical time for allAirmen - the 101 Critical Days ofSummer.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day,the Air Force has an increased numberof off-duty injuries and fatalities. It isduring this time Air Force leaders wantAirmen to be more aware of safety.

Over the past five years, 146 Airmenhave lost their lives in mishaps duringthose 101 day-periods. Men betweenthe ages of 18 and 25 are most at riskfor injury or death, but Air Force lead-ers are urging all Airmen and theirfamilies to remain extra vigilant aboutsafety this summer.

Since its origin in 1970, the 101Critical Days of Summer safety cam-paign has tried to increase safetyawareness and help save lives. To learnmore about the 101 Critical Days ofSummer, read this week's Airman'sRoll Call.

Roll Call is one of 30 featured AirForce products that can be received by

servicemembers and civilians alike viae-mail.

For more on this story visitwww.af.mil

NAVYStennis, Nimitz, BonhommeRichard Enter the PersianGulfUSS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea(NNS) - The USS John C. Stennis andUSS Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups andUSS Bonhomme Richard ExpeditionaryStrike Group entered the Persian GulfMay 23.

While operating in the Persian Gulf,the carriers and amphibious strikegroups and their associated forces willconduct missions in direct support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom and will alsoperform Expeditionary Strike Forcetraining.

This marks the first time the Stennis,Nimitz and Bonhomme Richard strikegroups have operated together in com-bined training while deployed to theU.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. In March, Stennisand the USS Eisenhower Carrier StrikeGroup conducted a dual-carrier exer-cise in the Persian Gulf.

The ESF training demonstrates theimportance of the strike groups’ abilityto plan and conduct multi-task forceoperations as part of the U.S.’s long-standing commitment to maintainingmaritime security and stability in theregion.

Freedom Watch magazine is conducting a readership surveythrough June 4. American Forces Network - Afghanistan invites allCoalition forces members to participate in the questionaire in a con-tinuing effort to provide its audience with the best up-to-date news,information and upcoming events.

"We encourage everyone to read the survey and e-mail us yourthoughts and comments," said Maj. John Bryan, AFN - Afghanistancommander. "We want to make the Freedom Watch the best it can be!"

Send answers to the following questions tofreedomwatch@swa.army.mil.

1. How often do you read Freedom Watch magazine? ___Weekly ___Sometimes ___Never2. How would you rate the stories featured in Freedom Watch maga-zine?

___Excellent ___Very Good ___Satisfactory ___BelowSatisfactory ___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 available ona 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 one source forinformation?10. How would you prefer to receive information?___Email ___Newspaper/Magazine ___Web site ___Other peo-ple11. Additional comments:

This is your last chance!

PAGE 2

Defense DigestPAGE 4Toby Keith performs in AfghanistanPAGE 5Military celebrates Asian-Pacific Heritage MonthPAGE 6-7Reconciliation paves way to Afghanistan's futurePAGE 8-9Panjshir PRT conducts VETCAPPAGE 10

Soldiers gain rapid citizenship while deployedPAGE 11Freedom FocusPAGE 12U.S. Marine Corps honors the 'Lion of Panjshir'PAGE 13TF Kodiak route clearing mission vital to successPAGE 14Air Force maintainers help Army structural shopPAGE 15Entertainment Page

Freedom Watch Page 3

Contents

May 28, 2007

COVERAir Force Tech. Sgt. Jenina Rose, Panjshir ProvincialReconstruction Team veterinary technician, deployed fromMountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, tries to calm arooster down before administering vaccinations to it.(Photo by Air Force 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 noon local 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 Sgt. Jim WiltThe U.S. Marine Corps honored the "Lion of Panjshir" May17 at the tomb that guards his body in the Panjshir Valleywith a tablet inscribed in Dari, Pashto and English, during aceremony in the tomb.

44

Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Brian StivesCountry-music singer Toby Keith and his band perform at BagramAirfield, Afghanistan, May 18. This was the first time Keithbrought a five-member band this far out on a combat tour.

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 Jefferson

Visit the CJTF-82 Web site atwww.cfc-a.centcom.mil

NEWSPage 4 Freedom Watch May 28, 2007

Story and photos By Army Pfc. Micah E. ClareTask Force Fury Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASESALERNO, Afghanistan - Country-west-ern singer Toby Keith performed here May19 treating servicemembers to some well-earned entertainment and something evenmore valuable, a rousing display of homelandsupport.

Hundreds of servicemembers started lin-ing up two hours before the concert to seeKeith's performance.

"I've wanted to see this guy since I was13," said Army Pfc. Tristan P. Winter, a for-ward observer in Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 4th Brigade CombatTeam, 82nd Airborne Division. "He's myfavorite country music singer, and I'm soexcited to finally be able to see him."

When the concert finally started, the largetent was packed with fans, some wavingAmerican flags and wearing cowboy hats.

As he came on stage, Keith was met withthunderous applause and cheers.

"This is to all of you, when you're rollingout at night watching each other's back," hesaid, starting out the night's entertainment.

Keith, whose father was an Army veteran,said he grew up with respect for the militaryingrained in him and tries to show his appre-ciation any chance he gets.

"I've got a lot of admiration for these guysand girls out on these bases who are gettingout in the mud," he said.

His multiple tours with United ServicesOrganizations show his commitment.

"This is his fifth combat tour," said RachelM. Tischler, USO director of entertainment."He's been all over, not only in Iraq andAfghanistan, but in Cuba, Kosovo, Africa,Italy, Germany and Belgium."

Despite his many performances, this par-ticular tour brought something extra to hisfans.

"This is the furthest I've ever brought afive or six [member] band," Keith said. "Theywanted to take a little run, so I brought themout here."

"The fact that he came all the way to FOBSalerno is just really awesome," said Army

Staff Sgt. Matt Langseth, a tactical operationscenter noncommissioned officer in charge inthe 1st Battalion, 285th Infantry Brigade,Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. "It's goodto know we're supported by people back inthe States, by Keith and by country music."

Other servicemembers also appreciateKeith's patriotism and pride in the sacrificesmade by our nation's military.

"He's not afraid to say what he thinks,"said Army Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Boyce, an AirHammer operator in the 513th MilitaryIntelligence Brigade. "He really showed hisanger after 9/11, and he didn't try being polit-ically correct about it. I really respect that."

Keith saluted the military audience withhis hit songs "American Soldier," and"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,"songs reflecting his feelings on fighting theenemies of freedom.

After the closing song and amid a standingovation, the command team of the 82ndAirborne Division's Task Force Fury present-ed Keith with a parting gift: an 82nd AirborneDivision plaque and a United States flag thatwas flown over Afghanistan.

"Here's a small token of appreciation forbringing some American freedom to us hereat FOB Salerno," said TF Fury commanderArmy Col. Martin Schweitzer.

The evening's show did much to lift thespirits of the troops who attended.

"Sometimes you wonder how much sup-port you have back home," said Army Sgt.

Jeremy Vandenburg, a Battle NCO inHeadquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2ndBattalion, 321st Airborne Field ArtilleryRegiment. "This really shows me that whatI'm doing out here is appreciated, that peopleback home really do care."

Toby Keith performs for troops in Afghanistan

Country-music singer Toby Keithperforms for troops stationed atForward Operating Base Salerno,Afghanistan, May 19. Keith hasbeen touring bases since thebeginning of Operation EnduringFreedom.

“Hello Taliban! Love, Toby Keith," the country-music singer signed on aHellfire missile while visiting Forward Operating Base Salerno,Afghanistan, May 19. This was his fifth combat concert tour in five years.

By Air Force Special AgentJoseph Laville Air Force Office of Special Investigations

An area studies professor asked ourclass to describe the "Asian/Pacific cul-ture." As we tried, we had to account forthe largest land mass and ocean area inthe world. We also had to keep in mindthis area is inhabited by individuals fromnearly 30 different countries and count-less islands, each with a unique historicaland cultural heritage.

Some used descriptions such as familycentric, studious, hard working, moneysavers, and mainly, oriental. However, themore we discussed, the more we realizedthat it is an amazingly large area withgreat diversity. So, how is it possible towrite a short article about a very diversegroup in recognition of the Asian/PacificAmerican Heritage Month?

Let's start with the official celebrationof Asian/Pacific American heritage. TheUnited States Congress, by Public Law102-450, and the President of the UnitedStates proclaimed May 2007 as theAsian/Pacific American Heritage Month"to honor the achievements and contri-butions of Asian/Pacific Americans."This celebration began in 1978, but was

only for one week in May. TheAsian/Pacific American Heritage Monthwas enacted by Public Law on October28, 1992. The month of May was select-ed because two significant events in histo-ry took place that month: Japanese immi-grants first arrived in the U.S. May 7,1843, and the transcontinental railroadwas completed May 10, 1869 (GoldenSpike Day). Chinese immigrants helpedbuild the railroad. The Department ofDefense's theme for the observance thisyear is "Pursuing Excellence throughLeadership, Diversity, and Unity."

It is a celebration of howAsian/Pacific Americans have added tothe American mosaic. The Chinese werethe first Asians to arrive in large numbersin the 1800s, with a boom during theCalifornia Gold Rush. Another largegroup was the Japanese, but mainly inHawaii and California. At the beginningof the 1900s, Philippinos began to immi-grate in significant numbers after thePhilippines came under U.S. control fol-lowing the Spanish-American War.Asian/Pacific immigration continues inlarge numbers from just about everycountry. Today, there are more than 15million Americans who can trace their lin-eage to Asia or the Pacific Islands.

Asia and the Pacific have even influ-enced our military development. There

are very few students of military strategywho have not studied the Chinese teach-ings of Sun Tsu or read his book "Art ofWar". About three percent of our AirForce lists their heritage as Asian/Pacific.A memorable event occurred in 1985,when Air Force Col. Ellison Onizuka, aJapanese American, launched into spaceon the first Space Shuttle DoD mission(STS 51-C). He was tragically killed oneyear later in the Orbiter Challenger explo-sion. He was posthumously awarded theCongressional Space Medal of Honor.

At most military bases, the AsianPacific Heritage Association is a non-profit organization with a goal of provid-ing insight into the many cultures it repre-sents. One of the best ways they allowothers to experience this diversity is attheir APHA pot-luck meetings. At theseget-togethers various dishes are served.Each dish usually carries the character ofthe culture and country from which itoriginates. Dishes include Korean kim-chee, Japanese sushi, Philippino lumpia,Chinese egg rolls, Thai curry chicken,Hawaiian puu puu and even Guamianchicken kelaguen.

One article cannot cover all theaspects of a diverse group like theAsian/Pacific Americans. The month ofMay is your chance to learn about theirheritage.

COMMENTARYMay 28, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 5

Military celebrates Asian-Pacific Heritage Month

Asian-American Firsts: GovernmentU.S. representative: Dalip Singh Saund, 1956, representative

from California.Asian-American Firsts: Aviation

Female aviator: Katherine Sui Fun Cheung, licensed in 1932.Astronaut (in space): Ellison Onizuka, first spaceflight in

1985. Died in the 1986 Challenger disaster.Asian-American Firsts: Science and Medicine

Isolated epinephrine (adrenaline) from the suprarenal gland:Jokichi Takamine, 1901.

Cloned the AIDS virus: Flossie Wong-Staal, 1984.Asian-American Firsts: Film and Television

Academy Award winner: Haing Ngor, Best Supporting

Famous firsts by Asian AmericansFirst network news reporters: Ken Kashiwahara and Connie

Chung, 1974. In 1993, Chung became the first AsianAmerican to be a nightly news anchor for a major network(CBS).

First anchor of a national radio program: Emil Guillermo, 1989,host of NPR's All Things Considered.Asian-American Firsts: Other

First to command a combat battalion: Young Oak Kim, of the100th Infantry Battalion, 1943.

First selected in the first round of NFL draft: Eugene Chung,1992, selected by New England.

For more information on Asian-American first visithttp://www.infoplease.com/spot/apahmfirsts.html.

NEWSPage 6 Freedom Watch May 28, 2007

Story and photos by Army Pfc. Daniel M. Rangel22nd Mobile Public AffairsDetachment

PARUNS, Afghanistan - Much ofNuristan province consists of snow-capped peaks like those found inYosemite National Park or theColorado Rockies. These mountain-ous regions have lush, tree coveredfoothills with roaring rapids that cutthrough the valleys.

Most of the people in the townshere do not have electricity or indoorplumbing. The rural areas are in evenmore dire need of what Americanswould consider household basics. Toaddress these needs, the servicemem-bers conducting Operation Ice Axerecently determined how best to assistthe local government develop a moremodern infrastructure in the ParunsValley in Afghanistan.

"When they come they say, 'Ourvillage has these needs. YouAmericans are trying to make friends.Please help us.' I always stress tothem that the governor has a plan togovern and to reconstructAfghanistan in this province. Thenthe elders start moving toward thegovernor and tell him what theirproblems are," said Navy Cmdr.Samuel Paparo, Nuristan ProvincialReconstruction Team commander.

One of the goals of the operationwas to determine how to connect thelocal population with the rest of thecountry.

"Many of the elders just think thePRT is here because we just want tomake friends. Making friends isn'treally why we're here. We're here tohelp the legitimate government ofAfghanistan help itself," said Paparo,a naval aviator who destroyed a sur-face-to-air missile site during the ini-tial attack of Operation Enduring

Freedom in 2001.Coalition leaders are teaching the

local elders to be responsible for thesecurity of their own villages. They'reasked to use their relationships withextremist sympathizers and to reachout to them and tell the governorwho they are. The governor thenattempts to reconcile them to theIslamic Republic of Afghanistan.

"It's not just the Taliban either,"Paparo said. "There are numerousextremist groups that have varyingamounts of influence throughout theprovince. The village elders knowwho the Taliban are, they know whothe Taliban sympathizers are and theydo have relationships with them."

It's still uncertain if these relation-ships will be effective in reconcilingthe various extremist groups.

"If they can't be reconciled andthey want to continue to fight us thenthe maneuver commanders will do

their part, and we know what thatmeans," Paparo said.

The locals know what that meansas well.

"We tell them we don't want to gothat route, but if we must we defi-nitely will. We have the will to do it,"Paparo said.

Any aggressive action wouldn't bedone without the cooperation of theIslamic Republic of Afghanistan.

"We do most of the things we doin conjunction with [the AfghanNational Army and the AfghanNational Police], so it's a team effort,"Paparo said.

The villagers in Paruns may haverelationships with different extremistgroups but they are loyal to their vil-lage elders and to Afghan Pres.Hamid Karzai. Connecting the vil-lagers with the government in

Reconciliation paves way to Afghanistan's future

Afghan National Army and Afghan civilians meet at a construction sitein the Paruns Valley, Afghanistan.

Continued on Page 7

between to develop a more moderninfrastructure is one of the challengesof the PRT.

"Our job is to try to hook up allthe main population centers by road.It develops an economic base so thatpeople don't grow poppies and itgives [a means of] transportation forpolice and ambulances. It [also]brings economic stability to theregion," said Army Staff Sgt. DavidL. Floyd, 413th Civil Affairs, humani-tarian assistance projects specialist.

Road construction contactors mustbe approved by the PRT whichmakes its' decision based off a bid-der's work experience, the size oftheir company and how much equip-ment they have. Once approved, acontractor submits a bid.

Along with their bid, a contractorsubmits a scope of work documentscomplete with diagrams and a breakdown of the project by cost. ThePRT can then eliminate work that'snot vital.

In an effort to provide jobs for thelocal Afghans, Coalition forces havefunded the Temporary Work forAfghans Program which uses local

laborers to build new roads."'Temporary Work for Afghans'

roads are really good … They have aforeman with an engineer to ensurethey do it right," Floyd said.

The PRT doesn't give all the work

to only one contractor either."You've got to spread the wealth,"

Floyd said. "If we give one guy all themoney, it puts all the other contrac-tors out of business. We want tomake sure that each contractor gets alittle bit. We also work it in their con-tracts that they have to hire locals.And if the locals are working with usthey're not working against us."

"The rural town with 300 peoplein it will probably get a gravel road atfirst. Maybe 15 years down the roadthey'll pay to widen it and if theyhave enough money because they hadgood crops they'll pay to go toasphalt," Floyd said.

There isn't enough money avail-able to build large asphalt roads toevery town at this time, but the PRTis doing its best to make sure theParuns Valley has some sort of eco-nomic stability.

The process of building roads forAfghanistan will be lengthy. The peo-ple here are working with a limitedamount of resources just like anyoneelse, but the roads are also an invest-ment that pays dividends for every-one.

"If there's economic stabilitythere's no insurgents," Floyd said.

NEWSMay 28, 2007

You are a good friend.DariShuma yak doste khoob hasted.(Shoo-ma yak doe-stay khoobhaus-ted)

PashtuTasoo yow khu malgeray yaste.(Tah-soo yow knoo mal-gah-rayyaws-tay)

The two main languages spoken in Afghanistan are Dari and Pashtu. Dari, derived from “dar-bari,” meaning the language of the court of kings, is spoken in central, northern and westernprovinces of Afghanistan. Pashtu is spoken in eastern, southern and southeastern provinces.

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

Courtesy photo

Freedom Watch Page 7

Continued from Page 6

Navy Cmdr. Samuel Paparo,commander of the Nuristan PRT,arrives at the governor’s com-pound May 3 in the ParunsValley, Afghanistan.

May 28, 2007 Page 9Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE

Panjshir Valley animals get treatments at VETCAP

Photos by Air Force Senior Airman Brian StivesArmy Lt. Col. David Ferris (middle), Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team plans and operations offi-cer, currently deployed from Fort Bragg, N.C., and Army Spc. Kassandra Ketteler, Panjshir PRT veterinarytechnician, deployed from Round Rock, Texas, prepare de-worming vaccinations for the Veterinarian CivilAction Program in the Panjshir Valley May 15.

Rabies vaccinations are prepared for morethan 2,000 animals during a day-long VET-CAP.

V i l l a g e r sbrought ani-mals up anyway theycould to theVETCAP. Thisteenager useda donkey totransport fourbaby goats toget their vac-cinations fromthe PRT.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Griffith, PanjshirProvincial Reconstruction Team, holds a newborncalf while its mother gets her Anthrax vaccinationand de-wormed. The calf was born six hours beforethe PRT showed up for the VETCAP.

Army Spc. Kassandra Ketteler, Panjshir PRT veteri-nary technician, deployed from Round Rock, Texas,de-worms a donkey as the owner holds the donkeyin place.

(left) This cow and her calf were two ofmore than 2,000 animals treated at theVETCAP in the Panjshir Valley ofAfghanistan May 15. "We are out here to win the hearts andminds of the Afghan people," said ArmyStaff Sgt. Lucas Mouton, Panjshir PRT vet-erinarian technician. "These animals aremaybe 75 to 90 percent of the revenue forsome of these families. By taking care ofthe animals, we are essentially taking careof the people."

Story and photoBy Army Spc. Matthew LearyTask Force Fury Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASEWARRIOR, Afghanistan - As ser-vicemembers depart the U.S. for Iraq orAfghanistan, it is often said these bravemen and women are leaving to servetheir country.

Simplistic as it may sound, that state-ment casts a shadow on the fact thatthere are servicemembers deployed tocombat zones and risking their lives onthe battlefield who cannot technicallycall the U.S. "their" country, becausethey are not American citizens.

This is the case for Spc. Juan J.Medel, an infantryman with CompanyC, 2nd Battalion, 508th ParachuteInfantry Regiment, 4th Brigade CombatTeam, 82nd Airborne Division, whohas lived in the U.S. for more than adecade, served in the Army for almostthree years and is now deployed toAfghanistan. Although he is a proudmember of the Army, he is not a legalcitizen.

"I heard the process of becoming acitizen was easier if you were in themilitary, and as soon as the first oppor-tunity came up, I jumped on it," Medelsaid about his decision to finally pursuehis citizenship after 14 years of living inthe U.S. as a legal, permanent resident.

Like Medel, many foreign nationalslive in the U.S. as permanent residents,a designation that allows them to liveand work in the country but withoutcertain rights and privileges given tolegal citizens, such as the right to votein national elections.

In order to gain these rights, individ-uals must apply for naturalization tobecome a citizen of the U.S.

For deployed Soldiers, the naturaliza-tion process is indeed simplified andexpedited, said Army Cpl. James E.

Marcum, paralegal noncommissionedofficer, Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 782nd Brigade SupportBattalion, 4th BCT.

"There's normally a permanent resi-dency requirement that is waivedbecause of your military service,"Marcum explained. "Also, while youare deployed, your packet is put to thefront of the line."

This means the normal naturaliza-tion procedure, which may take years,can be completed in as little as fourmonths. Interested Soldiers shouldknow the process does involve paper-work and several legal documents,Marcum said.

Since it is unlikely deployed Soldierswill have these essential documents,Marcum recommends having familyand friends send copies. Unit legal rep-resentatives are able to provide require-ments as to the exact information need-ed for each individual Soldier.

Handling the paperwork is not com-plicated, and leaders at all levels shouldencourage interested non-citizen troop-ers to go forward with the process, saidArmy 1st Lt. Alan M. LeFebvre, a pla-toon leader with Co. C, 2-508th PIR,who helped Medel in his efforts tobecome a citizen. Even those whohave never dealt with the issue beforewill be able to successfully complete thesteps due to the simplicity of the natu-ralization process for deployed Soldiers.

"I didn't know a lot about it either,but other leaders stressed its impor-tance to me," he said.

The Army provides workshops incombat zones where units can sendSoldiers to fill out the required paper-work free of charge. In fact, the entireprocess can be completed without asingle financial cost to the trooper,Medel said.

Medel hopes to become an officialcitizen by November of this year. Hehas completed the paperwork but stillneeds to pass a citizenship examination

that will test his knowledge ofAmerican history and government.

Soldiers should realize there is nodrawback to taking the time to applyfor naturalization, while the increasedrights given to citizens are notable,Medel said.

By becoming a citizen, doors areopened inside and outside the military,in terms of jobs, benefits and opportu-nities. Medel hopes to parlay his citi-zenship into a career in aviation, acareer field that often has a prerequisiteof being a U.S. citizen.

"He's a good Soldier, risking his lifeand doing more for [the U.S.] than a lotof people do day-to-day," LeFebrvresaid. "He should be given the opportu-nity to be a citizen."

May 28, 2007Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS

Soldiers gain rapid citizenship while deployed

Spc. Juan J. Medel, an infantry-man with Company C, 2ndBattalion, 508th ParachuteInfantry Regiment, 4th BrigadeCombat Team, 82nd AirborneDivision, stands in the ruins of acastle, at Forward OperatingBase Warrior, Afghanistan.Medel recently took advantageof the legal services offered bythe Army allowing him to get hisU.S. citizenship while deployed.

Army 1st Lt. Scott Pastor

Unit and occupation: 23rd ChemicalBattalion, emergency relief program projectpurchase officer Time in the military: Two yearsHome station: Fort Lewis, Wash.Hometown: Grosse Pointe, Mich.What service do you provide on BagramAirfield? I am in charge of my commander’semergency relief program, I am also, the project purchaseofficer for the Bamyan Provincial Reconstruction Team.Most memorable moment in Afghanistan: Taking aSTOL (short take-off and landing) flight from Bagram toBamyan PRT. Also, getting my first sight of Kiwi Base,Afghanistan.What do you miss most about home? I miss my wife.

Hobbies: I like shooting, amateur radio and going to thebar.The first thing that you're going to do when you getback: I am going to spend time with my wife.Interesting personal fact: I lived in England for four years,and I have a deep personal interest in chemical, biological,radiological and nuclear warfare.

May 28, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 11FREEDOM FOCUS

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 Air Force Senior Airman Brian Stives

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELDPHOTOS FROM THE FIELDAir Force Tech. Sgt. JeninaRose (front), PanjshirProvincial ReconstructionTeam currently deployedfrom Mountain Home AirForce Base, Idaho, and AirForce Senior Airman AliciaWoods, Panjshir PRT cur-rently deployed fromLackland Air Force Base,Texas, clean the leg of six-year-old Afghan girl. Thegirl's father brought her upto the doctors while theywere conducting aVeterinarian Civil ActionProgram in the PanjshirValley, Afghanistan, May 15.The doctors treated the girlwith the medicine they hadavailable and gave the girl'sfather medicine to keeptreating the wound.

Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Andrea Wright

NEWS

Story and photo by Army Sgt. Jim Wilt Combined Joint Task Force-82

PANJSHIR, Afghanistan - The U.S. Marine Corps hon-ored the "Lion of Panjshir" May 17 at the tomb thatguards his body in the Panjshir Valley.

The "Lion of Panjshir," Ahmad Shah Massoud, washonored by Marine Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, the com-manding general of U.S. Marine Forces Central Commandand the commanding general of I Marine ExpeditionaryForce with a tablet inscribed in three languages during aceremony in the tomb.

"We Americans stand beside you today as guestsbrought together by fate and history," said Mattis.

He went on to say Americans fighting in Afghanistanare here as part of Massoud's vision for Afghanistan.

Mussoud's vision was a place where the Afghan peoplecould live in peace, said Wali Massoud, the son of the"Lion of Panjshir."

The people of Afghanistan will "do the utmost to pre-vail in his vision," he added.

The tablet presented by the Marines reads as follows inDari, Pashto and English; "The enemies thought that bykilling my father, the hero Ahmad Shah Massoud, theycould kill his dreams. They did not know that Massoudwas more than just a mortal. He was an idea, a vision."

According to Mattis, "(Massoud was) a leader who couldfight like a lion and keep compassion for his people."

The Lion was a resistance fighter born in the PanjshirValley. He was part of the Mujahedeen, which foughtagainst the Soviet Union in the 1980s, and was a leader inthe "Northern Alliance," which fought against the Talibanin the 1990's. He was also an ally of the U.S.

On the field of battle, neither the Soviets nor theTaliban could kill the "Lion of Panjshir." A deceptive plotby Al-Qaeda killed the "Hero of Afghanistan."

Two days before the attacks on the World Trade Centerin New York, the Lion was killed by two suicide bombersposing as journalists.

"Massoud made the ultimate sacrifice for his people[days] before thousands of people…lost their lives in NewYork City," Mattis noted.

Massoud "died at the hand of terror," said Wali."(However), his thoughts and ideas are with us."

The tomb, which houses the fallen leader, is located ona plateau in the Panjshir Valley overlooking a river. It isstill under construction by the Afghan people.

Page 12 Freedom Watch May 28, 2007

U.S. Marine Corps honors the 'Lion of Panjshir'

A picture of Massoud, the Lion of Panjshir, stands infront of his tomb. A ceremony honoring him with aninscribed tablet was held by the U.S. Marine Corps,May 17 in Panjshir province, Afghanistan.

Story by Army 1st Lt. Patrick Murray Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASEORGUN-E, Afghanistan - Army Brig.Gen. Joseph Votel, the Combined JointTask Force-82 deputy commander ofoperations, visited the 70th EngineerBattalion here.

The 70th Eng. Bn. Kodiaks areresponsible for conducting route clear-ance throughout Afghanistan.

Kodiak Sappers can be found at thevery edge of civil influence, from thePech River valley in the North to theKandahar Province in the South. Theroute clearance patrols have the responsi-bility of "hunting" for improvised explo-sive devices along Afghan roads anddestroying them, making travel safe forthe Afghan people and Coalition forces.

Kodiaks pierce through IED-ladenareas, ultimately allowing maneuver unitsto pursue and destroy extremist forces.

Votel accompanied a Kodiak RCP ona route clearancemission. The day'smission was to cleara route in supportof follow-onforces. The narrowtrail trudgedthrough mountainpasses, high desertforests, 100 footcliffs and dry riverbeds.

The day prior tothis mission, theKodiaks of 2ndPlatoon, CompanyA, (Roughnecks) showed Votel the detailsof the RCP equipment during their stan-dard pre-mission activities.

Kodiaks familiarized the deputy com-mander with the vast tools of the trade,from remote controlled unmanned aerialvehicles used for scouting ambush points

to mine detection vehicles designed toencounter an IED. Votel had the oppor-tunity to crawl inside two of the U.S.Army Engineer Corps' latest combatmine clearance vehicles.

The walkthrough allowed Army Sgt1st Class Steven Vinson, the Roughneck's

platoon sergeantfrom Portland,Ore., to conducthis pre-combatinspections. Thetedious processensures everyoneis ready and thevehicles pre-pared. An equallyin-depth rehears-al was conductedby Army 2nd Lt.John Deal, theRoughneck's pla-toon leader from

Cornbury, Texas, ensuring everyoneknew what to do and when to do it.

Before dawn, Spc. William Allan fromPortland, Ore., led the RCP and theCoalition advance using a mine detectionvehicle called a Husky.

Following the RCP's slow and deliber-

ate movement, infantry and constructionelements were able to quickly surmountthe passes and begin their mission, theoccupation and construction of a criticalcombat outpost.

Village elders proudly pointed out thatthis was one of the few villages able tokeep the Russians out during the occupa-tion in the 1980s. The Roughnecks werein town for only a couple of hours beforea local member led them to a spot adja-cent to a heavily-trafficked road. In alush, well kept pasture, lay an IED neatlysurrounded by razor wire.

The EOD team accompanied byArmy Sgt. Brian Robertson, the patrol'sEOD clearance agent from Kansas City,Mo., secured and identified the IED as amodified, Italian-made, TC-6 antitankmine.

"Its 13kg of explosives is designed todefeat armored vehicles and vaporize itscontents," described Robertson as hewaved is arms emulating an explosion. "Itis a typical insurgent tactic to use indis-criminate violence on civilians as well."

"(This unit is) very sound, with well-executed drills and processes," Votel said."It is a great unit that is doing superbwork for CJTF-82."

NEWSMay 28, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 13

U.S. Army courtesy photoArmy 2nd Lt. John Deal, 2nd Platoon, Company A, (Roughnecks) pla-toon leader, explains mission details using a sand table, under thewatch of Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Votel, Combined Joint Task Force-82deputy commander of operations.

This is a common view from therear of the convoy to the RouteClearance Platoons operatingthroughout this rugged terrain.

TF Kodiak route clearing mission vital to success

Story and photoBy Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Tomko455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan- Joint operations between the Armyand Air Force are happening in manyfacets of the military --including someyou might not expect.

Airmen from the 455thExpeditionary Maintenance Squadronaircraft structural maintenance shopand metals tech shop have pitched in tohelp the Army with maintenance proj-ects on some of its helicopters.

The EMXS shops both use materialsalso used in the Army's helicopters.

"First, there were personnel fromthe Army's structural shop coming overhere to borrow some of our materials,"said Tech. Sgt. John Deegan, 455thEMXS aircraft structural maintenancecraftsman. "Then it came up in conver-sation that they could use some extraman power."

Normal wear and tear and somemishaps with the Chinook CH-47shave created a manpower shortage forthe Army's structural maintenance crew.

One example was when a CH-47'srear cargo door was severely damaged.

"They got something caught in therear door while it was closing and theentire structureof the door hadto be cut awayand replaced,"said Deegan."We had to fabri-cate new parts."

Army StaffSgt. Gary Milton,a structural tech-nical inspector,said he was gladto get the helpfrom the AirForce.

"Air structure is air structure," said

Milton. "We work out of the samebook."

Milton said theArmy also neededhelp when a few oftheir helicoptersrequired inspection."We had twoBlackhawks, oneApache and aChinook all in a phaseinspection at the sametime," he said.

Milton said theAir Force was instru-mental in assisting

the Army's structural shop with the

completion of the increased workload.In addition to the Army, the aircraft

structural maintenance shop is alsohelping the Navy. Deegan said his shopbends all the tubing for the Navy's air-craft.

"The Navy currently has no capabili-ty to bend its hydraulic tubing lines, sowe take care of it for them," he said."Our shop has become kind of a fix-it-all for everybody. We even repaired ashoulder brace for a violin for a Tops inBlue band member."

Keeping aircraft, whether it is fixed-wing or rotary, in the air is the top pri-ority of the EMXS shops, regardless ofthe branch of service.

FEATUREPage 14 Freedom Watch May 28, 2007

AF maintainers facilitate joint-service environment

“Our shop has becomekind of a fix-it all foreverybody. We evenrepaired a shoulder

brace for a violin for aTops in Blue band

member.”-Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Deegan

455th Expeditionary Mantenance Squadron

Airman 1st Class Dale Faria (left), 455th Expeditionary MaintenanceSquadron aircraft structural maintenance journeyman, uses a pneumat-ic riveter to apply rivets to the coaming of a Chinook CH-47 while TechSgt. John Deegan, 455 EMXS aircraft structural mainenance craftsman,holds the metal in place.

ENTERTAINMENTMay 28, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 15

Fill in thegrid so thatevery row,every col-umn, andevery 3x3

box contains the

digits 1through 9.

SUDOKULast Week’s Solutions: Difficulty: Hard

Puzzle courtesy of Pappocom

By Air Force Capt. TonyWickman

Alaskan Command Public Affairs

ACROSS1. Former Undersecretary of theAir Force Dr. Ronald M. ___(SAF/US)5. Hold up9. 2005 McConaughey movie11. New York city section13. Suspended chemical

14. Printing error16. Scottish hillside17. Active, energetic person19. Monopoly purchases, in short20. USA unit of differing MOSs21. Elbow or head follower23. Tepid24. NY Giant Manning26. Southern Asia peninsula27. USAF aerial mission28. Blue jeans30. Former Vice Chief of StaffGen. John D.W. ___ (AF/CV)

32. Kitchen measurement, inshort33. Ump34. Dishonest37. Stopwatches

40. Director Howard41. Actresses Kudrow and Bonet43. Fishing technique44. Otherwise45. Billy Ray Cyrus song ___Breaky Heart46. Taxing org.48. Bumble or honey49. Assist51. Superhero comic52. Northern Ireland capital56. Breakfast food58. Proverbial haystack item59. Decorative ribbon60. Votes in favor61. Final

DOWN1. Marketable2. 2000 Tony Award best actress3. Investigative arm of Congress,in short4. Dry5. Prohibit6. Mistake7. Pie __ mode8. Cover the steps, again9. Separated10. Decorates11. Brave12. Former Chief Master

Sergeant of the AF CMSgtGerald R._ (CMSAF)13. NBC rival15. USAF decoration18. USAF org. concerned withbomb removal22. New Zealand people23. Ate greedily25. Articulate26. African antelope29. USAF mission of UAVs31. Sleep type34. American soprano Augér35. Former Air Force Chief ofStaff Gen. T. Michael __(AF/CC)36. Former Asst. Vice Chief ofStaff Lt. Gen. Arthur J. __(AF/CVA)37. Former Air Force SurgeonGen. Lt. Gen. George ___, Jr.(AF/SG)38. Apparel39. Branch out42. Wayne movie ___ Wore aYellow Ribbon44. Fade away47. Lorne Michaels' NBC sitcom50. Beach item51. Dec. holiday53. Surcharge54. Oklahoma town55. Patrick AFB's 1st or 5thsquadron, in short57. Scheduling abbrev.

In The Lead

Got a joke,review or

top ten list?E-mail it to:

free-domwatch

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and youcould seethem print-ed here!

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Freedom Watch Freedom Watch May 28, 2007May 28, 2007