Paratroopers pParatroopers patrolatrolAfghanistAfghanistanan - Page 13- Page 13

MaMay 21,y 21, 20072007 wwwwww.cfc-a.centcom.mil.cfc-a.centcom.mil

Freedom Watch Page 2 May 21, 2007

DoDDefense Department blocksInternet sites to protect grid WASHINGTON - The DefenseDepartment is blocking access to manypopular Internet sites from department-owned computers due to bandwidthissues, U.S. Strategic Command officialssaid today.

Joint Task Force Global NetworkOperations, which directs the operationand defense of the DefenseDepartment's global information grid toassure timely and secure capabilities insupport of the department's warfighting,intelligence, and business missions,blocked 12 popular sites on governmentcomputers today.

The sites are: youtube.com,pandora.com, photobucket.com,myspace.com, live365.com, hi5.com,metacafe.com, mtv.com, ifilm.com, black-planet.com, stupidvideos.com and file-cabi.com.

The popularity of the sites has notaffected operations yet, but blockingthem prevents them from causing such aproblem, officials said. "It is a proactive

measure: we do not want a problem withdemand for these sites clogging the net-works," a U.S. Strategic Command officialsaid.

The blocks affect only DefenseDepartment computers and local areanetworks that are part of the depart-ment's global information grid. Thedepartment has more than 15,000 localand regional networks and more than fivemillion computers in the grid.

Department officials stress they arenot making a judgment about the sites.Blocking the sites "is in no way a com-ment on the content, purpose or uses ofthe Web sites themselves," the officialsaid. "It is solely a bandwidth/networkmanagement issue."

Offices with a need to access thesesites from government computers canrequest exceptions to the policy. Globalnetwork operations officials will continueto assess the stresses and strains on theglobal information grid, and may add orsubtract sites as needed, officials said

For more infomation about Webrestrictions visit www.defenselink.mil.

Air Force, NavyMay 14 airpower summary:Airmen deliver supplies, peopleSOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition air-power supported Coalition ground forcesin Iraq and International SecurityAssistance Force troops in Afghanistan inthe following operations May 14, accord-

ing to Combined Air and SpaceOperations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15EStrike Eagles provided a show of pres-ence and armed overwatch for a convoynear Shindand. The pilots handed offoverwatch duties to Navy F/A-18Hornets. The Navy pilots showed theirpresence to deter attacks on the convoy.

Near Asmar, other F-15Es watchedover a medical evacuation after aCoalition convoy was struck by small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs also pro-vided overwatch for the evacuation.

In total, 68 close-air-support missionswere flown in support of ISAF andAfghan security forces, reconstructionactivities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force intelligence, surveil-lance and reconnaissance aircraft flewmissions in support of operations inAfghanistan. Additionally, four Navy andRoyal Air Force aircraft provided tacticalreconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft andC-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping tosustain operations throughoutAfghanistan, Iraq and the Horn ofAfrica. Approximately 155 airlift sortieswere flown; and more than 510 tons ofcargo was delivered, and about 3,625 pas-sengers were transported. This includedmore than 32,255 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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:

Tell us what you think!

PAGE 2

Defense DigestPAGE 4-5NBC News correspondent recalls 30 years of historicalevents PAGE 5The misadventures of Airman Snuffy McDufflebagPAGE 6-7Northeastern base dedicated to fallen ‘Spartan’ leaderPAGE 8-9Panjshir PRT helps Panjshir Valley stand on its ownPAGE 10

508th PIR provides medical assistance at local hospitalPAGE 11Freedom FocusPAGE 12USS Nimitz begins OEF missionsPAGE 13Operation Andar Fury exerts Task Force Fury’s presencePAGE 14Paratrooper ‘hitches’ spousal advice to new bookPAGE 15Entertainment Page

Freedom Watch Page 3

Contents

May 21, 2007

COVERArmy Spc. Lejon Hamann, a mortarman with Company B,2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, pullssecurity recently at a patrol base set up near the EbrahimKhel village in the Andar Province of Afghanistan. (Photoby Army Spc. Matthew Leary)

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.

1133Photo by Army Spc. Matthew Leary

Army Spc. Jared Littrell, an infantryman with Company C, 2ndBattalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, holds a photo ofhim and his wife taken before he deployed to Afghanistan with hisfellow Paratroopers from Task Force Fury. Littrell is spending hisfree time here writing a self-help book for military couples whoare facing the challenge of continuing a relationship during adeployment.

44--55

Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Brian Stives

Jim Maceda, from NBC News, discusses his views on the last 30years of covering historical events. He has covered events rangingfrom Lebanon to the wars in the former Yugoslavia.

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 21, 2007

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

AFN-Afghanistan had the opportunity tosit down with a media icon May 12. In acareer spanning more than 30 years, JimMaceda has covered more than 100 countriesand reported on many major conflicts, fromthe war in former Rhodesia, to Lebanon, toNorthern Ireland, to the wars in the formerYugoslavia, including the air strikes in Serbiaand Kosovo, to the conflict in Afghanistanand Iraq. He has been based in London since1999.

He covered a wide range of stories,including the Cambodian War, the BurmaRevolt, the drug war in Colombia and thePanama Invasion. In November 1988, hewon an Emmy for his coverage of theIntifada Palestinian Uprising in 1987-88. In1989 he won his second Emmy for his cover-age of the Tiananmen Square Massacre inBeijing.

Maceda was named NBC News'Germany correspondent in 1994, and fromthat post he covered Eastern Europe, theBosnia civil war and peacekeeping missions inthe former Yugoslavia and Haiti. In addition,he has covered breaking news in Iran, Iraq,Russia, China and the Middle East. He satdown and shared some of his vast experi-ences.

AFN-A: First, let me say thanks for sittingdown with us for this interview. It is truly anhonor.

JM: No problem. Thanks for having me.AFN-A: Tell us what led you to becoming

a news reporter? Did you make that decisionwhen you were studying at Stanford, (Macedagraduated from Stanford University in 1970with a Bachelor of Arts in English) or was itbefore that?

JM: Reporting has always been in myblood. My father worked for UPI and he wasa subeditor for the L.A. Times. I used towatch him and his hack friends talk aboutworld events when I was growing up. I actu-ally had a dream of making it as a musician. Iplayed the jazz trumpet. I moved to Paris andplayed in a few bands and then I decided toget a real job. I became a motorcycle driver

for CBS news for the Paris bureau. At thetime, all the modern day inventors of what wenow know as broadcast news worked there.They had covered everything from WorldWar I to the Korean War. They were a biginfluence on my decision to stick with it andbecome a news correspondent.

AFN-A: From your start as an associateproducer in Paris until now, what are some ofthe biggest changes you've seen with mediacoverage?

JM: Man, I have been doing this for 33years. When I first started in 1973, we shot onfilm and it was a three-week process to getthat film back to our head offices in NewYork. Then it was another three weeks beforewe would see that story on the air. Now, ittakes less than six hours to get it out to thepublic.

AFN-A: In your 30-plus years of mediaexperience, what are some of the most mem-orable stories you've covered?

JM: I remember covering the Marines inBeirut, Lebanon, in 1983. When I wasyounger, I was against the Vietnam War. Notbecause I was against the war itself, butbecause I didn't want my friends to go and diein a senseless war. Then there I was, in a warzone, in the midst of some of the most fan-tastic group of Marines I ever had the pleas-ure of covering. They were surrounded byenemies on all sides and taking on RPGs onan almost daily basis. Watching them take careof their duties in the middle of all that chaos

I realized that these are the smartest, coura-geous and most honorable people on theplanet. During my travels I was supposed tostay in a barracks with them, but they had noroom for me and they stuck me in a hotel. Iwas happy to get a hot shower and a comfort-able bed, but I was jolted out that bed by anexplosion early the next morning. (On Oct.23, 1983, around 6:20 am, a yellow Mercedes-Benz truck drove to Beirut InternationalAirport, where the 1st Battalion 8th Marines,under the U.S. 2nd Marine Division of theUnited States Marine Corps, had set up itslocal headquarters. The truck had been substi-tuted for a hijacked water delivery truck. Thatday, 302 French and U.S. troops were killed.) Iwas supposed to be staying where they were.I will never forget them.

AFN-A: You've covered everything fromthe Tiananmen Square Massacre to the fall ofthe Soviet Union. How do those world eventscompare to Operations Enduring Freedomand Iraqi Freedom?

JM: Although the individual circum-stances are different, they are all monumentalstories. They are all different phases of con-flict resolution. They have all been the mostimportant stories of my lifetime and I'm hon-ored to have covered them all.

AFN-A: How has the political and socialclimate changed in Afghanistan since thebeginning of OEF? And what are some ofthe examples of progress you've personallywitnessed?

JM: I remember what Kabul looked likewhen I first saw it. It was a total mess. Now itis a city with shopping malls, foreign cars andglass and steel buildings. There is a need forthat progress to reach beyond the capital city,but I've seen small things like bridges connecttwo towns. There is progress but more isneeded for this country to stand on its own.

AFN-A: What has impressed you mostabout the U.S. and Coalition forces serving inOEF?

JM: It seems all the attention goes to Iraq,but you guys have been doing a wonderful jobout here. I have seen huge strides sinceOperation Mountain Lion in April of 2006.The Taliban is still around, but their influenceis becoming less and less because of theresolve of the forces here. Before, people

NBC News correspondent recalls 30 years of historical events

Continued on Page 5

Photos by Air Force Senior Airman Brian Stives

Jim Maceda from NBC News

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

What a week it has been - stamps are41 cents now. I guess that's why grandmaisn't writing me out here, and at theseprices I fear she will even get a MySpacepage. There is a new 2007 hummingbirdcalled the Gorgeted Pufflegy that was dis-covered living in the cloud forests ofsouthwestern Colombia. Also, one ofyour uncles or cousins out there stole$250,000 worth of Skittles in Dallas. Tellhim to send some here, because I wouldpersonally like to taste the rainbow. Hey,how come they don't get the kind ofSkittles out here with the sour stuffaround it? Anyway, I digress. Mmmm, ifI had to choose, I guess that dining facili-ty food isn't all that bad.

With all that riveting news maybe peo-ple have not noticed that May is NationalPhysical Fitness and Sports Month.According to my good pal Master Sgt.Johnny Mentor, it seems that AirmanSnuffy McDufflebag has made it a pointto lose weight this month. For most peo-ple that would be a noble task, but for ahabitual line-stepper like Snuffy it canprove to be a difficult and potentially dan-gerous one.

Because of Snuffy's hectic schedule(Remember his duty hours are 10 a.m. to

2 p.m. at the G-14 ClassifiedInteroperability of AfghanistanOperations Office) he has no time to goto the gym. He also eats three meals a dayat the DFAC, plus a blizzard from DairyQueen as a reward for a hard day's work.As a result, Snuffy gained 36¼ poundssince his arrival at Bagram. Knowing heneeded to be fit to fight, Snuffy decidedto begin working out.

Snuffy decided he would become apart of the herd of people who run upand down Disney Drive every morning.He ran from Camp Blackjack all the wayto the North Post Exchange and back.He was extremely proud of himself.Along with Snuffy's new work out, hedecided to try a new diet of his owninvention. He read somewhere that thehuman body was made up of 75 percentwater. So he figured if he cut out liquidsand just ate regular food he would loseweight faster. Hey, I told you he was ahabitual line-stepper and an idiot.

Inevitably, Snuffy succumbed in lessthan two days to what we call dehydra-tion. Dehydration means your body doesnot have as much water and fluids as itshould. Dehydration can be caused bylosing too much fluid, not drinkingenough water or fluids, or both. Vomitingand diarrhea are common causes.

Dehydration is classified as mild, mod-erate, or severe based on how much ofthe body's fluid is lost or not replenished.When severe, dehydration is a life-threat-

ening emergency. Some symptomsinclude:

--Dry or sticky mouth--Low or no urine output; concentrat-

ed urine appears dark yellow--Not producing tears--Sunken eyes --Lethargic or comatose (with severe

dehydration)In addition to the symptoms of actual

dehydration, people may also have vomit-ing, diarrhea, or the feeling that you "can'tkeep anything down," all of which couldbe causing the dehydration

Drinking fluids is usually sufficienttreatment for mild dehydration. It is bet-ter to have frequent, small amounts offluid (using a teaspoon or syringe for aninfant or child) rather than trying to forcelarge amounts of fluid at one time.Drinking too much fluid at once canbring on more vomiting. Electrolyte solu-tions or freezer pops are especially effec-tive. Sport drinks contain a lot of sugarand can cause or worsen diarrhea.Intravenous fluids and hospitalizationmay be necessary for moderate to severedehydration. A doctor will try to identifyand then treat the cause of the dehydra-tion.

While getting in shape is important,people should remember to be smartabout it. I know I learned from Snuffy'smistake and hopefully you do too. But, asusual, Snuffy is a habitual line-stepper andI'm sure he will be crossing the line again.

COMMENTARYMay 21, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 5

The misadventures of Airman Snuffy McDufflebag

would hide behind doors and cower whenthey saw you, now they walk around and theyare sociable. The war is very winnable andyou guys are doing it.

AFN-A: You have been in Afghanistanfor five weeks covering different units.What are some of the things you will bereporting on?

JM: Actually, I am doing some followup stories from November of 2006. Sincemy last visit I feel Afghanistan is doingwell militarily, and less well economically

and politically.AFN-A: Well, Mr. Maceda thank you for

your time. Is there anything else you wouldlike to say to wrap things up?

JM: I went from an anti-war activist incollege to becoming a war guy. I have had theprivilege of covering the military from Haiti,to Somalia, to Kosovo to here, and it hasbeen my honor. You guys are the best in theworld at conflict resolution and I will spendthe rest of my life covering what you do foryour country.

AFN-A: Great, Mr. Maceda. Take care,sir, and thanks again for your time!

M: No, thank you for all you do!

Continued from Page 4

Jim Maceda

NEWSPage 6 Freedom Watch May 21, 2007

By Army Sgt. 1st ClassMichael Pintagro Task Force Spartan Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASEFENTY, Afghanistan - More than250 American, Afghan and Coalitionbrothers-in-arms converged onJalalabad Airfield May 5 to dedicatethe major regional air base to a fallenleader.

Key leaders and Soldiers from the3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10thMountain Division (Task ForceSpartan), dedicated the airfield atJalalabad to Army Lt. Col. Joseph J.Fenty on the anniversary of his deathin a helicopter crash during a flightwhich originated at the facility.

Fenty commanded the 3rdSquadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rdBCT, until the crash that took his lifeon May 5, 2006. The 41-year-oldsquadron commander flew the mis-sion in order to personally oversee theextraction of his troopers from theChowkay Valley of northeasternAfghanistan's Kunar Province.

Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai, the gover-nor of Nangarhar province; Army Lt.Gen. Lloyd Austin, the 10th Mtn. Div.commander when Fenty assumed hiscommand; Army Maj. Gen. DavidRodriguez, the commander ofCombined Joint Task Force-82;Afghan National Army Maj. Gen.Mangal, the 201st ANA Corps com-mander; and Army Brig. Gen. BernardChampoux of the InternationalSecurity Assistance Force joined otherkey allied military leaders and the"Spartan" family for the ceremony.

Army Col. John Nicholson, TaskForce Spartan commander, welcomed

event attendees and greeted the Fentyfamily, which will receive a videorecording of the ceremony. Nicholsonspoke reverently of his fallen subordi-nate commander and friend.

"There was no finer commanderand no finer man than Joe Fenty," theSpartan commander said. "As a com-mander, he was at the top of his game.There were none better."

"It was out of this gate and ontothat airfield that Joe walked a year agotoday, to board that Chinook to extracthis Soldiers from a dangerous spot inthe Chowkay Valley," Nicholsonnoted. "It's back to this place that ourfallen comrades are brought for theirtrip home. So this is an importantplace, a place of honor and respect, aplace worthy of being named after Lt.Col. Joseph J. Fenty."

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Delbert

Byers of 3-71 Cav. described the per-sonal side of his fallen commander."He represented everything that I loveabout being a Soldier," Byers said. "Henever asked another Soldier to do any-thing that he was not prepared to door had not done himself. As busy asour commanders are, he always foundtime to talk to every Soldier regardlessof rank or position."

Byers and subsequent speakersrecounted Fenty's excitement aboutthe birth of his only child, a daughterborn shortly before his death.Squadron leaders developed a plan toconnect the commander telephonical-ly with his wife upon the child's birth.

"I had never seen him so excitedand anxious waiting for that phonecall," Byers recalled. "I am truly thank-

Northeastern base dedicated to fallen 'Spartan' leader

Photo by Army Spc. Jon H. ArguelloArmy Command Sgt. Maj. Delbert Byers describes Army Lt. Col. JosephJ. Fenty's relentless efforts and dedication to his mission and hisSoldiers during the dedication of Forward Operating Base Fenty May 5.

Continued on Page 7

ful that the plan worked and he hadthe opportunity to talk with Kristin ashis daughter was being born. He alsohad the opportunity to view the pic-tures of his daughter that Kristin hadsent him and like all of us proudfathers he shared them with every-one."

Fenty developed close ties withAfghan leaders during the brief butintense time he spent fighting along-side them.

Army Capt. Ross Berkhoff, thesquadron intelligence officer, notedFenty's compassion upon learning ofthe death of four ANA colleagueskilled by an improvised explosivedevice during the early stages ofOperation Mountain Lion.

"I know he personally felt the griefthat went along with losing the firstmembers of our combined team," hesaid.

Army Lt. Col. Chris Cavoli, thecommander of 1st Battalion, 32ndInfantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, and oneof Fenty's closest personal friends,described the pain that lingered overhis colleague's death and recommend-

ed action as the "bandage" for"wounds" unlikely to ever fully heal.During an emotional tribute to his fall-en friend, Cavoli recounted treasuredmemories of the last year of Fenty'slife. The battalion commander recalledtheir mutual excitement upon seeing

eastern Afghanistan during a recon-naissance prior to Operation EnduringFreedom VII. Cavoli also recalled dis-cussing the baptism of Fenty's infantdaughter. He described seeing Fentyoff at the airfield prior to his fallenfriend's last mission and standing byhis grave at Arlington NationalCemetery.

Fenty's troopers played a key role inthe ceremony. Army Spc. E. DanielWitherspoon, the lead mechanic forthe commander's vehicle, served asnarrator. Army Spc. David Gonzalez,Fenty's driver, spoke from the podium.Army Sgt. Sean O'Brien and ArmySpc. Matthew Gomez, who served onthe fallen commander's securitydetachment, unveiled a new sign over-looking the airfield entrance to thebase and bearing their fallen comman-der's name.

The ceremony lasted less than anhour. A picture of Fenty taken shortlybefore his death stood adjacent thesign and podium during the event. TheLong Island, N.Y. native and Floridaresident served 20 years in the Army.A dynamic and innovative tacticianand leader, Fenty played a pioneeringrole in cavalry operations within atransformed brigade.

NEWSMay 21, 2007

Do you have...?DariShoorba dared...?(Sho-ma da-red...?)

PashtuTasi lari...?(Ta-so la-ray...?)

It was in Afghanistan that the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism began in the 6th century B.C. Later,Buddhism spread west from India to the Bamyan Valley, where it remained strong until the 10th centuryA.D. The eastward sweep of Islam reached Afghanistan in the 7th century A.D., and today the vast majorityof Afghans are Muslim.

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

Courtesy photo

Freedom Watch Page 7

Troopers from 3rd Squadron, 71stCavalry Regiment, 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, unveil the signnaming the base at Jalalabadafter Army Lt. Col. Joseph J. FentyMay 5.

Continued from Page 6

Story and photosBy Senior Airman Brian StivesAmerican Forces Network -Afghanistan

PANJSHIR VALLEY, Afghanistan -Many Coalition forces personnel maytake something as simple as electricityor even education for granted; howev-er, for some Afghans these are life-changing gifts.

With the help of the PanjshirProvincial Reconstruction Team fromBagram Airfield, villagers in the

Panjshir Valley will be able to enjoysome of life's simple pleasures.

With more than 20 constructionprojects currently underway in the val-ley, the Panjshir PRT is helping morethan 400,000 Afghans build a betterlife for themselves and future genera-tions.

"We are currently working on a 100-kilowatt micro hydrator for one of thevillages in the Panjshir district," saidAir Force 1st Lt. Lee Turkotte,Panjshir PRT civil engineer projectmanager. "This will allow them to cre-ate electricity from the river runningthrough the valley."

The contract for the micro hydratoris contracted out through local busi-ness owners, which serves two purpos-es.

"The people in the Panjshir districtare very reluctant to let outsiders in thedistrict, so they are not really willing tohelp them," said Turkotte. "We havefound out that if the people hereknow who is working on the project,they are more willing to help them.They also help us because they takemore ownership of the project; if theysee something they don't like, they willtalk to the contractor themselves.Basically, they are acting like an addi-

Page 8 Freedom Watch FEATURE

Panjshir PRT helps Panjshi

Three construction workers from the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan help build the foundation for a new ele-mentary school. The school will teach children in shifts and have about 400 students when it opens.

tional inspection team for us."The second thing having a local

does is it helps the Afghans becomeself-sufficient," said Turkotte. "Thepeople that are building the microhydrator will also be able to take careof the maintenance and basic upkeepof the facility - which is what we wantthem to do; we want them to be ableto see that their own people areresponsible for the upkeep. It showsthem that their government is workingfor them and allows us the opportuni-ty to leave them."

This project also allows the villagesto create revenue, which will also makethem more self-sufficient.

"One of the villages in the valleyhas actually started charging customersfor their electricity use," said Turkotte."They charge the customers $1 forevery light bulb in the house. Theythen take that money and pay theworkers at the micro hydrator to keepit running. This keeps the money inthe valley and also allows them toupgrade the system when they need to,

without worrying abouthow to pay for it in thefuture."

Another project thePanjshir PRT works onis building schoolsthroughout the valley.

"We just had the rib-bon cutting ceremonyfor a girls school with 16classrooms," said AirForce Senior Master Sgt.Roger Smith, PanjshirPRT engineer section."The school will holdabout 400 students inthree shifts, so they allcan get their educations.

"We have found outthat an education is real-ly important to the

Afghans. Many of the children will

walk for an hour or two just to get toschool," said Smith. "So, we are build-ing as many schools as we can, so thechildren don't have to walk so far. Theprovincial governor said the childrenhave it much easier now, because hewould walk almost four hours eachway to get to school."

While the Panjshir PRT has manyprojects working to improve the quali-ty of life for villagers in the PanjshirValley, they are also instilling in them away to be able to stand up on theirown without the help of Coalitionforces.

"Making life better for the peopleof Afghanistan is what the overall mis-sion of any PRT is - and making surethey can sustain that life afterCoalition forces leave the region iswhat we are doing in the PanjshirPRT," said Smith.

May 21, 2007 Page 9

ir Valley stand on its own

Air Force Capt. William Baker, PanjshirProvincial Reconstruction Team engineer, dis-cusses construction on the micro hydrator witha local contractor while an interpreter looks on.

The new girls school at Bazarak has 16 classrooms and will teach morethan 400 students. There are numerous schools being built in the valley tohelp educate the children in the Panjshir Valley.

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

FORWARD OPERATING BASEGHAZNI, Afghanistan - The longlines of patients waiting outside theMiri District Hospital are evidence thatthe four doctors there see and treatoverwhelming numbers of peopleeveryday.

However, without the proper equip-ment and training, they can only do somuch, which is why Paratroopers fromthe 82nd Airborne Division are step-ping in to help remedy the situation.

During a series of visits to the freeclinic, Paratroopers from 3rd Platoon,Company A, 2nd Battalion, 508thParachute Infantry Regiment, 4thBrigade Combat Team, based atFirebase Miri, worked on makingarrangements for a Medical EducationCivil Action Program to bring bettermedical supplies and training to theunderstaffed, under-equipped hospital.

At a recent district meeting, the localrepresentative from the Ministry ofHealth talked about how poor thehealth care system in the area was, saidArmy 1st Lt.Jonathan Lum,platoon leader for3rd Plt.

"We checked itout and recom-mended to ourchain of com-mand that we do amedical engage-ment there," hesaid.

On their sec-ond follow up visitto the hospital,Lum met with several of the hospitalstaff, and asked them about the chal-lenges they face, and what they needed

to help overcome those challengesthemselves.

"We see from 250 to 300 people aday," said Dr. Habib Ullah, a doctor atthe clinic.

People travel to the clinic from manymiles away, because it is free, heexplained.

Ullah and his staff are faced withmany different medical cases such asorthopedic injuries, birth complicationsand appendicitis, just to name a few. It'sa challenge to properly treat all of thepatients due to their lack of properlytrained nurses and adequate supplies.

"If someone needs training, theyhave to go to Kabul or Ghazni for amonth or two; we need the training forour staff, but we don't have the time tospare anyone to be gone that long," hesaid.

Many of the people here are alsoresistant to medicines such as penicillin,because the clinic only has low qualitydrugs, said Ullah.

Lum spoke with Ullah about theprogram to bring medical training andbetter medical supplies to the clinic.

"The program is going to help thedoctors get an education, as well asmedical supplies and training, so theycan be more self-sufficient," Lum said.

Preventativemedicine classes,how to give vac-cinations andfight malaria aresome of thetraining, whichcan be madeavailable to thedoctors of theclinic, he said.

The doctorsand staff will begiven additionaltraining in gener-

al surgery of orthopedics, said Army1st Lt. Jeremiah Walker, medical pla-toon leader for 2nd Bn., 508th PIR in

Ghazni. During a three day class, thestaff and nurses were given emergencymedical technician level training eitherat Ghazni or at the clinic.

"The nurses mainly need traumatraining," Walker said. "The Ministry ofHealth has been seeing a lot of physicaltrauma related injuries."

Through the program, there are alsoplans to provide future mentorship forthe surgeons, allowing Task Force Furymedical practitioners to work with thesurgeons at their clinics, he said.

By giving the doctors this knowl-edge, it gives them a chance to helptheir own people better, said Lum.

"The overall goal and intent is tomake sure the people can take care ofthemselves," he said. "We want to makesure the clinic can do these things, sopeople will want to come to their ownclinics."

May 21, 2007Page 10 Freedom Watch NEWS

508th PIR provides medical assistance at local hospital

A local doctor writes out a pre-scription for delivery at the Miridistrict hospital in Ghazniprovince, Afghanistan.

“The program is going tohelp the doctors get an

education, as well asmedical supplies and

training, so they can bemore self-sufficient.”

- Army 1st Lt. Jonathan Lum 3rd Platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 508thParachute Infantry Regiment platoon leader

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Josue Jaramillo

Unit and occupation: J6 information systemstechnician Time in the military: Six years, six monthsHome station: Naval War College, Newport,R.I.Hometown: North Bergen, R.I.What service do you provide on BagramAirfield? I ensure BAF personnel have a networkconnection for their NIPR accounts.Most memorable moment in Afghanistan: Finding outwe were qualified for the Enlisted Air Warfare pin and meet-ing two great Army personnel (Lt. Travis and Staff Sgt.Grace).What do you miss most about home? I miss my family,friends and my band (Scars of Grace).

Hobbies: I like music and outdoor activities.The first thing that you're going to do when you getback: I am going to spend time with my family.Interesting personal fact: I was born in Ecuador andbecame a naturalized citizen in 1999. I then joined the U.S.Navy in 2000 to thank Uncle Sam for my citizenship.

May 21, 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 Army Spc. Matthew Leary

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELDPHOTOS FROM THE FIELDArmy 1st Sgt. Steven J.Green, first sergeant forCompany B, 2nd Battalion,508th Parachute InfantryRegiment, keeps count tomake sure his Soldiersboard a CH-47 Chinook heli-copter taking them out ofthe field May 3 at the conclu-sion of Operation AndarFury. "The noise of a Chinook isthe greatest sound to aParatrooper’s ear when inthe field," said Army Spc.Matthew L. Steffen, a M-249squad automatic weapongunner with Co. B, 2nd Bn.,508th PIR.

Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Brian Stives

NEWS

By Nimitz Strike GroupPublic Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea - USSNimitz (CVN 68) andembarked Carrier Air Wing(CVW) 11 began conductingmissions in support ofOperation EnduringFreedom (OEF) May 11.

CVW-11 will provide closeairpower support and recon-naissance to InternationalSecurity Assistance Forcetroops on the ground inAfghanistan. ISAF comprisesmore than 35,000 troops, withcontributions from 37nations.

Carrier-based aircraft pro-vide close airpower supportand deliver ordnance onenemy positions designatedby ground forces.

The squadrons of CVW-11 include the Strike FighterSquadron (VFA) 14 "Tophatters," VFA-41 "Black Aces,"VFA-81 "Sunliners," the Airborne Early Warning Squadron(VAW) 117 "Wallbangers," Marine Corps Strike FighterSquadron (VMFA) 232 "Red Devils," Electronic WarfareSquadron (VAQ) 135 "Black Ravens," Carrier LogisticsSupport Squadron (VRC) 30 "Providers," the HelicopterAnti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6 "Indians."

Commanded by Capt. Mike Manazir, Nimitz left itshomeport of San Diego April 2 for a regularly-scheduleddeployment. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrived inthe U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AOO) May 8. Nimitzis the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11.

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, also

includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59);guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53),USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Chafee (DDG 90), and USSPinckney (DDG 91); Helicopter Anti-submarine SquadronLight (HSL) 49 "Scorpions," HSL-37 "Easy Riders," andExplosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 15.

While in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO, the ships of the NimitzCSG will also conduct Maritime Security Operations(MSO).

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability inthe maritime environment, as well as complement thecounter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime envi-ronment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel,weapons, or other materials.

Page 12 Freedom Watch May 21, 2007

USS Nimitz begins OEF missions

Photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice David L. Smart An F/A-18A/B Hornet, assigned to the "Red Devils" of Marine Fighter AttackSquadron (VMFA) 232, lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraftcarrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently deployedin support of Maritime Security Operations.

Story and photoBy Army Spc. Matthew LearyTask Force Fury

FORWARD OPERATING BASEWARRIOR, Afghanistan - Gustingwinds and a dust storm blowing in fromthe east prevented the CH-47 Chinookhelicopter from landing gracefully, its tailend swaying uneasily in the turbulentweather as it touched the ground secondsbefore the front end.

From their position less than a hun-dred meters away, the last two groups ofParatroopers from the 82nd AirborneDivision darted across the open desertterrain, the perimeter security waitinguntil the last moment to withdraw andjump on the bird with the rest of theirunit.

For the Soldiers of Task Force Furyaboard the helicopter, their exit from thefield was a welcomed relief after nearly aweek of dismounted patrols and opera-tions, walking over 25 miles with upwardsof 80 pounds of equipment, food andwater on their back.

Task Force 2 Fury, with the aid ofAfghan National Army soldiers, conduct-ed Operation Andar Fury, a large, com-plex, six-day operation inside the AndarProvince April 28 through May 3, bring-ing a dismounted, company-sized ele-ment into Ebrahim Khel, an area that hasnot previously had a large presence ofCoalition forces.

"That was one of the main goals ofthe missions, to exert Coalition presencein the area," said Army 1st Lt. Ernest J.Orlando, executive officer for CompanyB, 2nd Battalion, 508th ParachuteInfantry Regiment, 82nd AirborneDivision, which lead the main effort ofthe mission.

Company A, 2-508th PIR, ANAforces, and various other attachedSoldiers also participated in the mission.

The Paratroopers began their mission

late in the evening on April 28, dismount-ing from the safety of the armoredHumvees and walking nearly eight milesto the outskirts of Ebrahim Khel. Ontheir backs, the Paratroopers carried alltheir combat supplies plus a two day sup-ply of food and water. From then on theentire mission would be conducted with-out additional ground support, the onlymeans of re-supply would be from air-craft dropping it from the sky.

"It's the first time we've done a mis-sion in that way," said Orlando about thedecision to enter the town on foot and bere-supplied from the air. "This allowedthe unit to be mobile and rapid in theirmovements."

"I think we went back to the basics,"said Army Spc. Matthew L. Steffen, a M-249 squad automatic weapon gunner withCo. B. "Good old hardcore, light infantrytactics. No vehicles, just pursuing theenemy on foot. If we had gone in byvehicles [Taliban forces] would haveheard us coming and been prepared."

Over the proceeding days, theParatroopers entered the villages in thearea during the day, talking to the localAfghans and searching for a Taliban pres-ence. At night, the units moved one to

two miles and set up in a different area.With many elements moving around

in this manner, acting as separate units,the forces were able to establish a greaterpresence in the area.

"It definitely shows that we're willingto show our presence and continue tomove within an area," said Army 1st Lt.Brian M. Kitching, a platoon leader withCo. B. "The Taliban were not able to pre-dict what we would do next. We wantedto clear the area of operations in order todisrupt Taliban [activity], and, by ourpresence, we flushed them out."

Through the patrols with ANA, twoAK-47 rifles, one rocket propelledgrenade launcher, 3 anti-armor RPG's,two anti-personnel mines, and a medicalcache were recovered.

"I think it went extremely well," saidKitching. "And we're still processing allthe information."

By exerting a presence of Coalitionforces and ANA forces, the mission alsoallowed the leaders of both forces tomeet with the local populous and estab-lish a line of trust and cooperation.

"The villagers were initially wary of us,but after spending 48 hours there theywere very receptive," Orlando said.

NEWSMay 21, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 13

Army Spc. James D. Fetherson, takes a knee and pulls security with hisfellow platoon members during a pause in their mission. Fethersonand his fellow Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th ParachuteInfantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division,conducted a dismounted combat patrol in the Andar Province inAfghanistan.

Operation Andar Fury exerts Task Force Fury's presence

By Army Spc. Matthew LearyTask Force Fury

FORWARD OPERATING BASEWARRIOR, Afghanistan - The sacri-fices made by the men and women whoserve in the United States military areoften referred to as heroic and selfless.

However, when it comes to year-longdeployments, military spouses are forcedto make their own sacrifices and face thesame stressful reality of their loved onebeing away from them. One Paratrooperfrom the 82nd Airborne Division hasalready seen the effect a combat deploy-ment can have on a marriage or relation-ship, and has decided to use his free timeto try and do something to help othermarried servicemembers.

While serving with his unit inAfghanistan, Army Spc. Jared Littrell, aninfantryman with Company C, 2ndBattalion, 508th Parachute InfantryRegiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team,82nd Abn. Div., has taken it upon him-self to write a self-help book designed tohelp military couples survive the stress ofa deployment.

"You have to learn how to communi-cate in a totally different way," Littrell saidabout the reality of continuing a relation-ship during a deployment. "I wanted towrite this book so people who wanted toget married while in the military wouldknow what to expect during a deploy-ment."

For Littrell, giving advice on relation-ships is something he has been doing foryears, although he readily admits hisadvice is based on experience and notformal training.

"I've been through a divorce, and I amremarried now, so I know from my ownrelationships what is important," he said.

Upon graduation from One StationUnit Training at Fort Benning, Ga.,Littrell began assisting his fellow Soldierswith their relationships as they entered

U.S. Army Airborne School, Littrell said."We had just gotten cell phones com-

ing out of basic and guys were sendingtext messages to their girlfriends backhome," Littrell said.

At this point, Soldiers began askingLittrell for advice on what to say to theirgirlfriends they hadn't seen in months.Littrell stepped in and gave what advicehe could and in the process earned him-self a new nickname based on a popularmovie that had just been released about aman who gives relationship advice.

The Soldiers around him began to callhim "Hitch".

Littrell continuedto give advice to hisfellow Soldiers uponhis arrival at FortBragg, N.C., andafter the 4th BCTarrived here inAfghanistan twomonths ago. Henoticed an increasein the difficulties hisfellow Soldiers werehaving in their mar-riages and relation-ships after thedeployment and hetried to help out.

"He found out about my situationand helped me with it," said Spc.Antonio Ramirez*, a Soldier who did notwant his real name used due to the per-sonal nature of the subject.

Ramirez lied to his wife about a rela-tionship he had before they were mar-ried, a relationship his wife found outabout after he deployed.

"(Littrell) talked to me about it andreminded me that even though commu-nicating was hard to do, I had to keeptrying to talk to her," Ramirez said. "Ihad to remind her that just because Imessed up, doesn't mean I don't love heranymore."

Ramirez welcomed the advice and isstill trying to work things out with his

wife back home."It's getting better, but it's still tough,"

he said.Littrell is pooling together all his own

experiences and those of theParatroopers around him to form a listof things married servicemembers canexpect while deployed, he said. One ofthe biggest problems is internet andphone time will be limited or non-acces-sible for periods of time, and it's impor-tant for couples to remember what reallymatters in a relationship.

"My advice would be that it's impor-tant for both the Soldier and the spouse

to make sure theother knows thatthey still need themin their life, andthey are going to bethere for the otherwhen they needthem," he said.

He stressed per-ception is reality, soit's important mar-ried couples talk asfrequently as possi-ble and remindeach other howthey feel.

While the book is only in its fledglingstage, Littrell hopes that he can use histime in Afghanistan to finish it.

"It's going to be interesting to see howit develops, and what I learn," he said.

Whether he finishes the book or not,hopefully just focusing on the issue willallow him to maintain his own marriage,as well as help those around him.

"If I can help any one marriage, orany one couple get through a deploy-ment because of what I am going to putout there, that's good enough for me,"Littrell said. "And honestly, even if thisjust stays in a drawer somewhere, I'll beable to give it to my wife and say 'I didthis for us.'"

* Spc. Antonio Ramirez is a pseudonym toprotect the identity of the Soldier.

FEATUREPage 14 Freedom Watch May 21, 2007

Paratrooper 'hitches' spousal advice to new book

“I wanted to write thisbook so people who

wanted to get marriedwhile in the militarywould know what to

expect during a deploy-ment.”

- Army Spc. Jared Littrell82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper

ENTERTAINMENTMay 21, 2007 Freedom Watch Page 15

Fill in the grid so that every row,every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

SUDOKU

Last Week’s Solution

Difficulty: MediumPuzzle courtesy of Pappocom

By Air Force Capt.Tony WickmanAlaskan Command PA

ACROSS1. Pistol battle5. Tied up9. Name for USAF personnel11. Matrix13. Flight pioneer Octave;Wright Bros. advisor14. Flight pioneer R.F. ____;trophy namesake16. Author

17. Pay during a PCS19. Middle East country20. Gather23. Osan AB host country cur-rency24. Plank25. Wrote fables27. Capture28. Written semantics31. Russian space station32. Morning moisture35. Help36. Bother37. ___ a Wonderful Life

38. Pacific NW state39. Dirt40. USN equivalent to AFB41. Walked on43. Winter mon.

44. Oak starter45. Ford flop48. Former ACC boss/actingCSAF (1995)49. USAF pioneer Maj GenHugh ___; First GHQAF Chiefof Staff53. Hawaiian city54. Pub order55. Meadow56. Western Africa denizen59. Flight pioneer Samuel P.___; Wright Bros. competitor63. USAF pioneer Henry H.____; Only General of the AirForce64. Comedy duo ___ & Hardy65. Camera parts66. Perfect score (two words)

DOWN1. Roman goddess of hunting2. Vase3. Flightless bird4. Permit5. System or tourism lead-in6. Actor Kilmer7. WWI Air Force ace ___Springs8. Nigerian currency9. Attention getter

10. CBS, NBC, ABC, etc.11. Browse12. Admiral type13. Accountant title15. Mission for AFMC, in short18. Clip21. American "Uncle"22. Influential24. Raving26. Kitchen "wrap"27. Containing the univalentgroup NO228. Fuel29. ___ de Janeiro30. Compute31. USAF pioneer Maj. Gen.William ___; "Father of USAF"32. SECDEF's org.33. Before, poetically34. Married42. ___ Arbor43. Actress Tripplehorn44. Internet provider45. Heart monitor, in short46. Qatar capital47. Knot up48. Touch down, as in flight50. Actress DeGeneres51. Fishing need52. Baltimore Ravens star Lewis57. Charged particle58. USAF NCO PME60. Auto club61. Bolt counterpart62. Graduate student exam, inbrief

Air Force Pioneers

Got a joke,review or

top ten list?E-mail it to:

free-domwatch

@swa.army.mil

and youcould seethem print-ed here!

Am

embe

r of t

he A

fgha

n N

atio

nal P

olic

e pr

ovid

es s

ecur

ity d

urin

g a

Shur

a, o

r tow

n m

eetin

g, a

t the

Dey

Yak

dis

tric

t cen

ter.

Shur

as li

ke th

ese

are

mea

nt to

ext

end

the

reac

h of

the

Afg

han

gove

rnm

ent b

y sh

owin

g th

e pe

ople

that

thei

r dis

-tr

ict g

over

nors

wor

k fo

r the

m. (

Phot

o by

Arm

y Pf

c. M

icah

E. C

lare

)

Freedom Watch Freedom Watch May 21, 2007May 21, 2007