11/11/2004 :  Marine General: Fallujah Operations 'Ahead of Schedule'  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2004 -- Military operations to retake the insurgent-held Iraqi city of Fallujah are progressing "ahead of schedule," a top U.S. Marine commander there said today. Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski, commander of the 1st Marine Division, said U.S....

11/11/2004 :  Myers: Fallujah Insurgents Have Paid Heavy Price  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2004 – Insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq, have paid "a heavy price for their resistance," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, appearing on NBC's "Today" program, told host Matt...

11/11/2004 :  Provincial Governor Turns Forces Loose on Mosul Insurgents  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2004 -- Iraqi National Guard soldiers and soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division's Stryker Brigade Combat Team began offensive operations against known concentrations of insurgents in southeastern and southwestern Mosul, Iraq, today at the Ninevah province governor's request....

11/10/2004 :  Army Showcases Support Program for Disabled Terror War Vets  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 – The Army today hosted a Pentagon media roundtable to discuss a new support program aimed at helping disabled soldiers and their families through the rehabilitation and transition process. The Army began work on Disabled Soldier Support...

11/10/2004 :  Commanders Pleased with Fallujah Progress  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Iraqi and U.S. military commanders in Fallujah, Iraq, said today they are pleased with operations in the city, but more remains to be done. Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abdul Qadar Mohammed Jassem Mohan and U.S. Marine Corps...

11/10/2004 :  Retired Sailor Uses Veterans Day to Recall Life, Service  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 – "Veterans Day is a remembrance of all the veterans that made the supreme sacrifice – all the people who died making a contribution to the freedom of this country. It's also a day of remembrance of...

11/10/2004 :  Smithsonian Opens 'Price of Freedom' Exhibit  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 – Heroes of the past met the heroes of today during the dedication ceremony here for the Smithsonian Institution's exhibition "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War." Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers tells...

11/10/2004 :  Why I Serve: Arabic-Speaking Marine Looks Forward to Iraq Deployment  
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Nov. 10, 2004 -- "Because I am Middle Eastern and speak the language, it will be easy for me to gain the Iraqi peoples' trust," Marine Lance Cpl. Ahmad M. Ibrahim said. Marine Lance Cpl....

11/10/2004 :  Phoenix Award Winner Announced During Maintenance Symposium  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Combat Service Support Battalion 10, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, recently was announced as the 2004 Phoenix Award winner during the 2004 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Houston. Bradley Berkson, acting deputy undersecretary of...

11/10/2004 :  VA Secretary Thanks Troops on Veterans Day  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2004 -- Armistice Day was celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the silencing of the guns in the "war to end all wars." The day is also observed by...

11/10/2004 :  Insurgents Fighting From 'Protected Sites' in Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Some insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq, have been using mosques for fighting positions and weapons-storage sites, U.S. military officials said. During periods of armed conflict, religious sites are protected under international law. However, they lose their protected...

11/10/2004 :  Veterans Day: Reminder of All That's Gone Before  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 – America can learn "so much" from its veterans, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said. "These are people who have demonstrated their patriotism, their courage, their love of freedom, and they're a part of our history," he...

11/10/2004 :  New Veterans ID Cards Help Battle Identity Theft  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- The Department of Veterans Affairs has designed a new identity card for veterans that will safeguard confidential information while combating identity theft. "The new identification card ensures veterans' personal information is protected," Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony...

11/10/2004 :  Experience, Fresh Eyes Ensure Bagram Air Base Security  
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 10, 2004 – Air Force Airman Michael Roomsburg stopped the Humvee as Staff Sgt. Chad Marten called to notify the security forces command post that the Delta-5 external security response team was set to patrol the...

11/10/2004 :  World War II Vet Cited as Hero Four Times, But Never Wounded  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Not only is Walter R. Bieder, 83, a true American hero, he's one of the luckiest men alive. World War II D-Day veteran Walter R. Bieder, 83, poses with framed copies of his two Silver Star...

11/10/2004 :  President Extends Prayers, Praise to Troops in Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- The nation extends its prayers to the U.S. forces fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, as well as their loved ones as they carry out "the hard work necessary for a free Iraq to emerge," President Bush said...

11/10/2004 :  Bush Visits Wounded Troops, Issues Veterans Day Proclamation  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- President Bush visited wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here Nov. 9 and issued a proclamation urging all Americans "to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans" during National Veterans Awareness Week, Nov....

11/10/2004 :  Marine Corps' Core Values Remain Unchanged for 229 Years  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Two hundred twenty-nine years ago, Marines came ashore from sailing ships; today they come off large amphibious ships. But the service's core values have remained the same, the top Marine general said. "The young Marines today...

11/10/2004 :  Home Depot Offers Military Discount as Veterans Day Salute  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Active duty, reserve and retired U.S. military personnel and their family members will receive 10 percent off their purchases in recognition of Veterans Day at The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, company officials...

11/10/2004 :  Marine Boot Camp Teaches Recruits to 'Do the Right Thing'  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Marines who routinely practice self-discipline are the desired result of 12 weeks of arduous training, explained a Marine drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. A drill instructor welcomes a new batch of...

11/10/2004 :  2004 Veterans Day Message From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  
This Veterans Day we pause to honor and thank our veterans, past and present – those who have served and those who are serving today around the world advancing freedom and the cause of liberty. Since the colonial Minutemen first stood...

11/10/2004 :  2004 Veterans Day Message from the Secretary of Defense  
In 1834, the American patriot, Daniel Webster, told the United States Senate: "God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it." Fortunately for America, for more than 200 years our nation always...

11/09/2004 :  Franks Helps Kick Off Salute to America's Heroes  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 - With the help of retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks, Roger Chapin kicked off the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes here today. Retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks was the keynote speaker for the Coalition to Salute America's...

11/09/2004 :  Nonprofit Agency Assists Arizona National Guard Families  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- An Arizona nonprofit organization is forwarding food donations to assist National Guard families in the state. And thanks to its efforts, 100 turkey dinners are targeted to go to servicemembers' families for Thanksgiving. St. Mary's Food...

11/09/2004 :  Memorial Tree Honors Child Victims of Sept. 11  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- A newly planted weeping cherry tree on the grounds of the Pentagon will serve as a living memorial to the children killed or who lost parents during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the building....

11/09/2004 :  Sears Supports Deployed Troops, Families  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- Sears, Roebuck and Co. is proving to be a friend of military families -- from making up lost pay for its employees called to active duty in the National Guard and reserve, to donating $2 million...

11/09/2004 :  2004 Marine Corps Birthday Message from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  
The Marine Corps' warrior spirit and leadership excellence are its hallmarks. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to visit Marines who exemplify these honorable traits while bravely serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, the Western Pacific...

11/09/2004 :  Battle Continues 'With Speed, Not Haste' in Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 – The hunt for insurgents and terrorists in Fallujah continues "with speed, not haste," a top U.S. commander in Iraq said today. Army Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz met with the Pentagon press corps through a video...

11/09/2004 :  'Every Marine's a Rifleman,' Says Parris Island Instructor  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- "Every Marine's a rifleman," Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Soignet remarked Nov. 2 amid the pop and crack of scores of M-16 rifles firing at Chosin Range at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. "Every Marine's...

11/09/2004 :  Starbucks, Red Cross 'Bring a Bit of Home' to Overseas Troops  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 – The coffee giant Starbucks and the American Red Cross are teaming up to deliver hot java to U.S. servicemembers serving overseas in the war against global terrorism. Starbucks Chief Executive Officer Jim Donald said during a...

11/09/2004 :  Rumsfeld, Myers Attend SOUTHCOM Change of Command  
MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2004 – Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock assumed command of U.S. Southern Command from Army Gen. James T. Hill during a ceremony at command headquarters here today. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld attended the ceremony. He said that...

11/09/2004 :  Unmanned Aircraft Gain Starring Role in Terror War  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 — Unmanned aerial vehicles are earning star status in the global war on terror, becoming the most-requested capability among combatant commanders in Southwest Asia and increasing fourfold in that theater during the last year alone, according to...

11/09/2004 :  Military, Iraqi Government Ready to Help Displaced Iraqis  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- Despite the conflict inside Fallujah and instability in other Iraqi cities, Iraqi government and Multinational Force Iraq leaders say they are ready to take the necessary measures if a humanitarian crisis arises. In Fallujah, some reports...

11/09/2004 :  Multinational Forces Continue to Push Through Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 – Artillery rounds pounded insurgent positions in Fallujah, Iraq, through much of the night, and multinational forces have pushed their way through a third of the city, officials reported. "Compared to last week, we see very, very...

11/09/2004 :  Government to Appeal Ruling That Halts Guantanamo Proceeding  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- The government is appealing a Nov. 8 federal judge's ruling that brought a halt to a military commission hearing in a war- crimes trial against an enemy combatant being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Government officials...

11/09/2004 :  Network Supports Families of Marines in Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2004 -- With offensive operations under way in Fallujah, Iraq, the families of the Marines involved in the effort are relying on their base's extensive family-support network and each other as they watch news events unfold thousands of...

11/09/2004 :  Why I Serve: Recruit Joined Marines for Challenge, Opportunity  
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., Nov. 9, 2004 -- "I wanted something more" out of life, Marine Corps Recruit Nina N. Garcia said a few days before she was to graduate from recruit training here. Marine Recruit Nina N....

11/08/2004 :  Elections in Iraq Key to Stability, Rumsfeld Says  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 – Time will tell, but 18 months before Oct. 9, no one gave the Afghan elections much of a chance, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld during an American Forces Press Service interview today. Rumsfeld said the Iraqi...

11/08/2004 :  Rumsfeld: Fallujah Offensive 'Will Deal a Blow' to Terrorists  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 -- The Defense Department's top civilian today predicted victory for U.S., coalition and Iraqi forces as they launched large- scale attacks on insurgent positions in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld noted at...

11/08/2004 :  Spouses Receive Special Pins for Contributions to Air Force  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 -- Air Force leaders unveiled a new pin at the Pentagon today to recognize the contributions of military spouses. The pins are part of the Air Force's Your Guardian of Freedom program that aims to create awareness...

11/08/2004 :  Two South Baghdad Churches Targets of Suspected Car Bombs  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 -- Two suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices detonated within minutes of each other today, targeting two Christian churches in southern Baghdad, Iraq. The first blast exploded near the St. George Church in southern Baghdad at about 6:25...

11/08/2004 :  AAFES Rolls Out Tastes of Home for Deployed Troops  
DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2004 -- Convenience food is a familiar part of Americans' daily lives. And for American troops in Iraq who want a change from meals ready to eat, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service continues its tradition of...

11/08/2004 :  'Operation Al Fajr' Begins to Retake Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 -- American and Iraqi forces are in combat against terrorists and insurgents in the rebel Iraqi city of Fallujah, Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said today. Casey, speaking from Baghdad, is commander of multinational forces in...

11/08/2004 :  Parris Island Recruits, Trainers Have Family Support Programs  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 -- Marines have families, too, and family programs are in place for both recruits and training cadre at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C. For example, the Red Cross typically notifies base authorities when...

11/08/2004 :  Marines Do Heavy Lifting for Coalition in Afghanistan  
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 8, 2004 –– With coalition forces stationed throughout Afghanistan, logistical support is one of the most important factors in supporting the fight against terrorism. While there is more than one way to push the necessary supplies...

11/08/2004 :  Why I Serve: Marine Recruit Learns Discipline, Leadership Lessons  
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., Nov. 8, 2004 – "I wasn't disciplined enough for college," said Marine Corps recruit Joseph E. Solinger. Marine Recruit Joseph E. Solinger, 19, said Marine training has taught him discipline and valuable leadership skills....

11/08/2004 :  Iraqi, U.S. Troops Begin 'Al Fajr' Operation in Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 -- Iraqi and U.S. forces began their long-awaited assault today against insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq, in an operation dubbed "Al Fajr," the Iraqi word for dawn. According to various news reports, thousands of soldiers and Marines have...

11/08/2004 :  Army Issues Updated Combat Gear to Deployed Soldiers  
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ORGUN-E, Afghanistan, Nov. 8, 2004 -- As the battlefield of the 21st century evolves, so does the equipment that keeps soldiers in the fight. And so do the methods for getting that equipment to the soldiers. Luis Samuel,...

11/08/2004 :  Weekend Warriors No More  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004 – The term "weekend warriors" no longer applies to today's National Guardsmen and reservists, the Defense Department's top reserve affairs official said. In many cases, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas Hall said in an...

11/08/2004 :  Active-Duty, Reserve Troops Combine Air Power in Afghanistan  
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 8, 2004 –– In Afghanistan, Air Force Reserve and active-duty pilots have teamed together to protect U.S. and coalition forces from attackers whose aim is to disrupt national stability and to prevent infrastructure improvements, including the...

11/07/2004 :  Parris Island Instructors Mold Recruits Into Marines  
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., Nov. 8, 2004 – Marine recruits headed for Parris know they won't be seeing the Eiffel Tower or experience romantic strolls along the Seine River. Drill Instructor Walquiria Tamm asks recruits to recite their...

11/07/2004 :  Two Soldiers Killed in Attacks; Marine Aircraft Destroy Weapons Caches  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2004 -- Two American soldiers were killed today and several others wounded during two separate attacks on convoys in and near Baghdad. At around 11 a.m. today, a soldier with 81st Brigade Combat Team was killed and another...

11/07/2004 :  Focus in Eastern Baghdad Shifts from Fighting to Reconstruction  
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 7. 2004 -- As fighting between militiamen loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and multinational forces has subsided, the focus for Task Force Baghdad soldiers has shifted from combat operations to reconstruction, military officials here said. In the Thawra...

11/07/2004 :  Iraqi Prime Minister Issues State of Emergency Throughout Country  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2004 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi issued a statement today declaring a state of emergency throughout Iraq, except for the Kurdish region in the north. Iraqi spokesman Asan Alib said the order is for 60 days and...

11/06/2004 :  Keating Becomes NORAD, NORTHCOM Commander  
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Nov. 6, 2004 -- Before a full house, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating assumed command of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command from Air Force Gen. Ed Eberhart in ceremonies here Nov. 5....

11/06/2004 :  Coalition Forces in Afghanistan Monitor Situation of Detention of U.N. Workers  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2004 -- Coalition officials in Kabul, Afghanistan, today said that the coalition continues to monitor the situation involving the detention of three U.N. election workers: Shiqipe Habibi, Angelilto Nayan, and Anetta Flanigan. The three workers have been missing...

11/06/2004 :  Military Details Operations In Fallujah; Anti-Iraqi Forces Detained  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2004 -- U.S. military operations in Iraq are becoming more fluid as Iraqi security forces and elements from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force press forward with efforts to disrupt anti-Iraq forces in Fallujah and Ramadi. In a press...

11/06/2004 :  National Naval Medical Center Holds Iftar Dinner to Honor Muslims  
WASHINGTION, Nov. 6, 2004 -- The meal is called Iftar, meaning to "break the day's fast." It is meal enjoyed by Muslims all over the world to end a day of fasting during Ramadan, which ends this month. Deputy Defense Secretary...

11/05/2004 :  Biometrics Helping Identify Foes in War on Terror  
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2004 -- You can change your name and appearance. You can get phony documents that back up your alias. But it's nearly impossible to escape the personal signature left by your fingerprints. The same science that's been helping...

11/05/2004 :  CENTCOM Launches Weekly Electronic Newsletter  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 -- At 10 a.m. today, U.S. Central Command launched its new electronic newsletter. Within minutes, the product had about 100 subscribers. "The concept was easy an easy one to create," said CENTCOM public affairs officer Maj. Kevin...

11/05/2004 :  Troops Deliver Medical Supplies to Baghdad Neighborhood  
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 5, 2004 -- U.S. soldiers on a civil affairs mission this week distributed medical and dental supplies to several Baghdad neighborhoods. During a mission on the streets of Baghdad, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry, 81st Brigade...

11/05/2004 :  Project to Rekindle Singing of National Anthem  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 – They may not see much by the dawn's early light, but apparently well over half of all Americans are completely in the dark when it comes to the words of the national anthem, according to a...

11/05/2004 :  Why I Serve: Trucker, Gunner Jobs Both Good Fit  
LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, BALAD, Iraq, Nov. 5, 2004 – "I wanted to join the Army since I was young," said Sgt. Lisa Phillips, 630th Transportation Company, from Washington, Pa. When she isn't pulling duty on a .50-caliber machine gun, Army...

11/05/2004 :  Soldiers Killed in Separate Incidents, Aircraft Pound Fallujah  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 -- Two U.S. soldiers died in separate incidents in Iraq Nov. 4 and today. A 13th Corps Support Command soldier was killed and five others were injured today in an attack on a Multinational Force Iraq base...

11/05/2004 :  Armed Forces Inaugural Support Begins  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 - The Joint Task Force Armed Forces Inaugural Committee announced Nov. 3, the day after the elections, that it's open for business. The unit is providing military ceremonial support to the 2005 presidential inaugural. The committee is...

11/05/2004 :  Bonuses, Education Benefits Increased for Reserve, Guard  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 -- Increased education benefits and more flexibility in awarding bonuses are among the quality-of-life improvements targeting National Guard and Reserve servicemembers in the 2005 National Defense Authorization Act. The act, signed by President Bush Oct. 28, also...

11/05/2004 :  Marine Corps Birthday Service Scheduled Nov. 7  
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 – As part of celebrating 229 years of service on Nov. 10, the Marine Corps is preparing for its annual worship service Nov. 7 at Washington National Cathedral here. Since most Marines can't be there in person,...

11/05/2004 :  Apache Pilots Save Comrades in Daring Rescue  
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Nov. 5, 2004 -- For two AH-64D Apache Longbow pilots, the night of Oct. 16 was just a regular night flying a reconnaissance mission around southern Baghdad. Army Capt Ryan Welch, an AH-64D Apache Longbow pilot, sits strapped...