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Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2012 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan strongly condemned today’s explosion in Kabul, which reportedly killed at least one Afghan civilian and injured more than a dozen others, military officials said.
"Like many of the insurgents' attacks, this morning's explosion in Kabul served only to kill and injure innocent Afghan civilians," Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen said in a statement. "I condemn this act, and all indiscriminate insurgent attacks that harm Afghan civilians.
"I offer condolences to the family and friends of those killed and injured in Kabul this morning,” Allen continued. “I also extend my continued thanks and admiration to the Afghan National Security Forces, who immediately secured the scene and rendered assistance to the innocent civilians harmed in this attack. The ISAF community of nations stands with these brave protectors of the Afghan people."
In Afghanistan operations today:
-- An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Nad ‘Ali district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The arrested Taliban leader had emplaced improvised explosive devices and coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the Nad ‘Ali district. The security force also detained one other suspected insurgent.
-- A combined force arrested two insurgents during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The sought-after insurgent leader coordinates and plans attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- In the Jaghatu district of Wardak province, a combined force arrested two insurgents and seized several weapons during a search for Taliban suicide attack planners. The planners are believed to have been preparing for an attack against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- A combined force arrested a Haqqani leader, detained four other suspects and seized several weapons and ammunition in the Sabari district of Khost province. The arrested Haqqani leader conducted rocket-propelled grenade attacks against Afghan and coalition troops. He also acquired and transferred grenade launchers, rockets and other weapons for Haqqani insurgents operating in the district.
And in an operation yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. The facilitator had provided direct support to the insurgents who conducted the Dec. 2 attack on Jalalabad Airfield.
In a Dec. 15 operation, an Afghan-led, coalition-supported force arrested a Taliban leader and detained two other suspects in the Kandahar district of Kandahar province. The Taliban leader supplied insurgents with weapons and ammunition, coordinated attacks and oversaw the transfer of homemade explosives and IED-making materials.
And on Dec. 14, a combined force discovered an IED cache in the Washir district of Helmand province. The cache contained seven IEDs, weapons and IED-making materials. All the items found in the cache were destroyed.
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Chairman's USO Tour Show Entertains Troops in Afghanistan
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By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff greeted and praised troops at two U.S. bases in Afghanistan during his annual USO holiday tour show.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, along with his senior enlisted advisor, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, and their spouses visited Bagram Airfield here, followed by a visit to Kandahar Airfield the following day, entertaining troops with what the general called “some extraordinarily talented people.”
“They're great Americans, and they're patriots,” Dempsey told troops at Bagram. “And they really care about you. They've given up their holidays. I'm actually very privileged to be traveling with them, and bringing them here to you tonight.”
Battaglia, who spoke after the chairman and before the start of the entertainment portion of the show, had a similar message for service members at both bases.
“As our 18th chairman said, it is, indeed, a privilege and honor to spend part of Christmas and the holiday season with you all,” he said. “We'd love to stay here with you through Christmas, through New Years, you know we would.”
The sergeant major said while it's unfortunate that most of the troops are unable to be home with their families for the holidays, they are certainly not alone.
“While you're not at home or not able to be home with your biological family to spend the holiday season, you're here, by God, with your uniformed military family to spend it,” Battaglia said. “And it doesn't get much better than that, right?”
Both senior leaders used different, but effective methods, to energize the crowds. Battaglia led service members in a raucous chant of “U-S-A,” while Dempsey highlighted the troops’ individual pride of their units and branches of service.
“Those folks that the chairman are going to introduce you to, in just a minute here, are from a country that you love, they're from a country that you protect, and from a country in which you live,” Battaglia said. “It's the USA, and that would be the most motivating force right now. Those three letters -- all in unison.”
Dempsey introduced each USO celebrity to kick off both shows. Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; and country music singer Kellie Pickler and her band performed on behalf of the USO.
Additionally, the chairman recognized USO President Sloan D. Gibson, and Shane Hudella of “Defending the Blue Line,” an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.
Following both shows, Dempsey showcased his own talent, serenading the packed venues with his rendition of singer Bing Crosby's “A White Christmas.”
“It is Christmas and I hope that you had a few moments to remember that and to forget about everything else in your life right now,” the chairman said.
Dempsey also praised the troops for their service to the nation.
“I hope you know how proud we are of what you do every day for the country,” he said. “We're proud of your service. You're all volunteers -- that includes the civilians out there that have come over here to help support the men and women in uniform. And we're really proud of you.”
American Forces Press Service
BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff greeted and praised troops at two U.S. bases in Afghanistan during his annual USO holiday tour show.
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“They're great Americans, and they're patriots,” Dempsey told troops at Bagram. “And they really care about you. They've given up their holidays. I'm actually very privileged to be traveling with them, and bringing them here to you tonight.”
Battaglia, who spoke after the chairman and before the start of the entertainment portion of the show, had a similar message for service members at both bases.
“As our 18th chairman said, it is, indeed, a privilege and honor to spend part of Christmas and the holiday season with you all,” he said. “We'd love to stay here with you through Christmas, through New Years, you know we would.”
The sergeant major said while it's unfortunate that most of the troops are unable to be home with their families for the holidays, they are certainly not alone.
“While you're not at home or not able to be home with your biological family to spend the holiday season, you're here, by God, with your uniformed military family to spend it,” Battaglia said. “And it doesn't get much better than that, right?”
Both senior leaders used different, but effective methods, to energize the crowds. Battaglia led service members in a raucous chant of “U-S-A,” while Dempsey highlighted the troops’ individual pride of their units and branches of service.
“Those folks that the chairman are going to introduce you to, in just a minute here, are from a country that you love, they're from a country that you protect, and from a country in which you live,” Battaglia said. “It's the USA, and that would be the most motivating force right now. Those three letters -- all in unison.”
Dempsey introduced each USO celebrity to kick off both shows. Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; and country music singer Kellie Pickler and her band performed on behalf of the USO.
Additionally, the chairman recognized USO President Sloan D. Gibson, and Shane Hudella of “Defending the Blue Line,” an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.
Following both shows, Dempsey showcased his own talent, serenading the packed venues with his rendition of singer Bing Crosby's “A White Christmas.”
“It is Christmas and I hope that you had a few moments to remember that and to forget about everything else in your life right now,” the chairman said.
Dempsey also praised the troops for their service to the nation.
“I hope you know how proud we are of what you do every day for the country,” he said. “We're proud of your service. You're all volunteers -- that includes the civilians out there that have come over here to help support the men and women in uniform. And we're really proud of you.”
Panetta Thanks Norwegian Minister for Support in Afghanistan
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American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – In a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart yesterday, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta thanked Norway for its support in Afghanistan and its “steadfast commitment” to the NATO alliance, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
During his meeting with Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen, the secretary underscored the importance of Norway's involvement in alliance operations and praised Norway for expediting its acquisition of the F-35 joint strike fighter, Little said.
“The secretary highlighted the importance of defense spending and developing future alliance interoperability through the NATO Response Force,” the press secretary said. “Having both recently returned from visiting Turkey, the leaders discussed the upcoming NATO deployment of Patriot batteries and strong support for our ally,” he added. “They also discussed the strategic importance of access to the Arctic."
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – In a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart yesterday, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta thanked Norway for its support in Afghanistan and its “steadfast commitment” to the NATO alliance, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
During his meeting with Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen, the secretary underscored the importance of Norway's involvement in alliance operations and praised Norway for expediting its acquisition of the F-35 joint strike fighter, Little said.
“The secretary highlighted the importance of defense spending and developing future alliance interoperability through the NATO Response Force,” the press secretary said. “Having both recently returned from visiting Turkey, the leaders discussed the upcoming NATO deployment of Patriot batteries and strong support for our ally,” he added. “They also discussed the strategic importance of access to the Arctic."
Through Airmen's Eyes: High school reunion ... above Afghanistan
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by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.
This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.
The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.
"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."
Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.
"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."
As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.
It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.
"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."
Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.
"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."
Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.
"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."
Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.
"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."
In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.
Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.
"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."
Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."
Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."
And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.
"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."
That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.
"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.
"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."
by Staff Sgt. Eric BurksU.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.
This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.
The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.
"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."
Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.
"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."
As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.
It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.
"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."
Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.
"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."
Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.
"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."
Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.
"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."
In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.
Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.
"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."
Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."
Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."
And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.
"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."
That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.
"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.
"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."
Security Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province
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From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 3, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader during an operation in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.
The arrested Taliban leader was responsible for the planning and execution of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He also oversaw the transfer and delivery of IEDs to insurgents operating throughout the district.
Also today, a combined force arrested three insurgents during a search for a Haqqani facilitator in the Khost district of Khost province. The sought-after Haqqani facilitator coordinates the movement and transfer of weapons, explosives and IED components to insurgents within the district.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- Taliban leader Mubariz Jaan was killed by a combined force in the Andar district of Ghazni province. Mubariz Jaan was responsible for gathering intelligence and directing attacks against Afghan civilians and government officials. Prior to his death, Mubariz Jaan was coordinating attacks against Afghan police in the province.
-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader and killed one other insurgent in the Pul-e Khumri district of Baghlan province. The arrested Taliban leader financed IEDs, other weapons and ammunition for insurgent attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Prior to his detention, he was facilitating the movement of IEDs and suicide bombers for attacks in the province.
-- In the Hisarak district of Nangarhar province, a combined force killed Taliban leader Abdullah and four other insurgents. Abdullah was responsible for directing and participating in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Prior to his death, Abdullah was reporting the movement of Afghan and coalition forces to insurgent leaders.
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 3, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader during an operation in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.
The arrested Taliban leader was responsible for the planning and execution of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He also oversaw the transfer and delivery of IEDs to insurgents operating throughout the district.
Also today, a combined force arrested three insurgents during a search for a Haqqani facilitator in the Khost district of Khost province. The sought-after Haqqani facilitator coordinates the movement and transfer of weapons, explosives and IED components to insurgents within the district.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- Taliban leader Mubariz Jaan was killed by a combined force in the Andar district of Ghazni province. Mubariz Jaan was responsible for gathering intelligence and directing attacks against Afghan civilians and government officials. Prior to his death, Mubariz Jaan was coordinating attacks against Afghan police in the province.
-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader and killed one other insurgent in the Pul-e Khumri district of Baghlan province. The arrested Taliban leader financed IEDs, other weapons and ammunition for insurgent attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Prior to his detention, he was facilitating the movement of IEDs and suicide bombers for attacks in the province.
-- In the Hisarak district of Nangarhar province, a combined force killed Taliban leader Abdullah and four other insurgents. Abdullah was responsible for directing and participating in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Prior to his death, Abdullah was reporting the movement of Afghan and coalition forces to insurgent leaders.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
Face of Defense: ‘North Pole’ Marine Serves in Afghanistan
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By Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
Regional Command Southwest
COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2012 – Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, a Marine whose hometown’s name is most commonly associated with elves, Santa Claus, reindeer and snow, has heard all the jokes since he joined the Corps.
Broderick hails from North Pole, Alaska, a small town near Fairbanks featuring candy cane-themed street lights, a Santa Claus Lane and a place where thousands of children’s letters arrive for Santa each year.
A machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, Broderick is now surrounded by Afghanistan’s sand and dirt, a long way from his hometown’s wintry snow and ice.
Broderick moved to North Pole when he was in the third grade.
“When I tell people I am from North Pole, they think I’m joking,” Broderick said. “I usually have to show them my driver’s license to get them to believe me.”
Broderick said he’s sometimes the butt of good-natured jokes.
Lance Cpl. Carl Adams, a mortar man with the company, said he asks Broderick questions about living in the North Pole and working with elves.
Broderick takes the humor in stride. He understands there is no ill will behind the Marines’ comments.
“They’ll ask me if my dad is Santa Claus, things like that,” he said.
Today, Broderick finds himself thousands of miles from home and in a country that reaches temperatures of more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
“I’m really glad I am not out here during the summer,” he said.
Broderick said he has had to adjust to Afghanistan’s temperatures as well as the country’s wintertime sunrise and sunset.
“During the winters in North Pole we get about 18 hours of darkness,” he said. “During the summer the sun almost never goes below the horizon. Now [in Afghanistan] at 7 a.m., the sun is rising and by 7 p.m. it has set.”
Broderick said he joined the Marines because he wanted to fight for his country.
“I remember it was 2001 when we moved to North Pole,” he recalled. “I remember because of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Ever since then, I thought I’d join the military when I got older. I wanted to be in the Marine Corps and fight in this war before it was over.”
Weapons Company functions as a quick-reaction force and the explosive ordnance disposal unit for the Afghan National Security Forces in the area. The Afghans are in the security lead, with the Marines supporting their efforts. The Marines are no longer clearing areas and going house-to-house but that does not stop Broderick from working hard.
“I’ve known him for about two-and-a-half months,” Adams said of his relationship with Broderick. “He tries to help out and make the best out of everything. He’s a good Marine.”
Broderick stands the guard post almost daily, helping to keep the area secure. Back home in Alaska, the snow has already started, with temperatures reaching minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Broderick has traded Alaska’s snow for Afghanistan’s sand and his small town of mom and pop shops for an outpost of tents and security barriers. Yet for Broderick, it’s the fulfillment of his life’s dream.
Regional Command Southwest
COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2012 – Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, a Marine whose hometown’s name is most commonly associated with elves, Santa Claus, reindeer and snow, has heard all the jokes since he joined the Corps.
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A machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, Broderick is now surrounded by Afghanistan’s sand and dirt, a long way from his hometown’s wintry snow and ice.
Broderick moved to North Pole when he was in the third grade.
“When I tell people I am from North Pole, they think I’m joking,” Broderick said. “I usually have to show them my driver’s license to get them to believe me.”
Broderick said he’s sometimes the butt of good-natured jokes.
Lance Cpl. Carl Adams, a mortar man with the company, said he asks Broderick questions about living in the North Pole and working with elves.
Broderick takes the humor in stride. He understands there is no ill will behind the Marines’ comments.
“They’ll ask me if my dad is Santa Claus, things like that,” he said.
Today, Broderick finds himself thousands of miles from home and in a country that reaches temperatures of more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
“I’m really glad I am not out here during the summer,” he said.
Broderick said he has had to adjust to Afghanistan’s temperatures as well as the country’s wintertime sunrise and sunset.
“During the winters in North Pole we get about 18 hours of darkness,” he said. “During the summer the sun almost never goes below the horizon. Now [in Afghanistan] at 7 a.m., the sun is rising and by 7 p.m. it has set.”
Broderick said he joined the Marines because he wanted to fight for his country.
“I remember it was 2001 when we moved to North Pole,” he recalled. “I remember because of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Ever since then, I thought I’d join the military when I got older. I wanted to be in the Marine Corps and fight in this war before it was over.”
Weapons Company functions as a quick-reaction force and the explosive ordnance disposal unit for the Afghan National Security Forces in the area. The Afghans are in the security lead, with the Marines supporting their efforts. The Marines are no longer clearing areas and going house-to-house but that does not stop Broderick from working hard.
“I’ve known him for about two-and-a-half months,” Adams said of his relationship with Broderick. “He tries to help out and make the best out of everything. He’s a good Marine.”
Broderick stands the guard post almost daily, helping to keep the area secure. Back home in Alaska, the snow has already started, with temperatures reaching minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Broderick has traded Alaska’s snow for Afghanistan’s sand and his small town of mom and pop shops for an outpost of tents and security barriers. Yet for Broderick, it’s the fulfillment of his life’s dream.
Dempsey Discusses Fiscal Tightening, Progress in Afghanistan
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By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – U.S. Africa Command’s ability to adapt to having fewer resources than its commander would like is an example of the thinking the entire military will need in an era of fiscal restraint, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told service members yesterday during a town hall meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey acknowledged that Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of the Stuttgart-based command, would prefer to have more maritime support, as well as more aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.
“But you are getting it done,” Dempsey said. “Africom is forced to network differently -- conventional, special operations forces, other agencies of government -- because of the limited resources.” This, he said, means the service members and civilians assigned to the combatant command have to be creative.
The chairman emphasized that all segments of the military are going to have to perform their missions with less resources. The U.S. fiscal condition is changing, he said, and DOD must adapt.
“We don’t have to be the solution, but we have to be part of the solution,” he said. “We’re going to have to think about how we take this wonderful instrument of military power and its most decisive instrument, which is human capital … to use that capital to influence security around the world.”
Just back from a trip to Afghanistan as well as other stops in the Middle East and Europe, the chairman told troops in Stuttgart that progress in Afghanistan has not always been easy to recognize.
“Afghanistan just happens to be one of the most-complex places on the face of the Earth,” Dempsey said, noting Afghanistan likely will experience security challenges in the years ahead.
However, he added, Afghanistan also demonstrates signs of progress.
For example, in 2002 “approximately 800,000 boys were going to school in Afghanistan and zero women,” the chairman said.
“Today the number is 8 million [Afghan students] and 35 percent of them are women,” Dempsey said. “That’s got to make a difference over time.”
Also in 2002, 15 percent of Afghans had access to medical care, and today that number is 60 percent, he said.
“Child mortality rates are [now] on par with most nations of the world, which is incredible compared with what they were,” Dempsey said.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – U.S. Africa Command’s ability to adapt to having fewer resources than its commander would like is an example of the thinking the entire military will need in an era of fiscal restraint, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told service members yesterday during a town hall meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey acknowledged that Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of the Stuttgart-based command, would prefer to have more maritime support, as well as more aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.
“But you are getting it done,” Dempsey said. “Africom is forced to network differently -- conventional, special operations forces, other agencies of government -- because of the limited resources.” This, he said, means the service members and civilians assigned to the combatant command have to be creative.
The chairman emphasized that all segments of the military are going to have to perform their missions with less resources. The U.S. fiscal condition is changing, he said, and DOD must adapt.
“We don’t have to be the solution, but we have to be part of the solution,” he said. “We’re going to have to think about how we take this wonderful instrument of military power and its most decisive instrument, which is human capital … to use that capital to influence security around the world.”
Just back from a trip to Afghanistan as well as other stops in the Middle East and Europe, the chairman told troops in Stuttgart that progress in Afghanistan has not always been easy to recognize.
“Afghanistan just happens to be one of the most-complex places on the face of the Earth,” Dempsey said, noting Afghanistan likely will experience security challenges in the years ahead.
However, he added, Afghanistan also demonstrates signs of progress.
For example, in 2002 “approximately 800,000 boys were going to school in Afghanistan and zero women,” the chairman said.
“Today the number is 8 million [Afghan students] and 35 percent of them are women,” Dempsey said. “That’s got to make a difference over time.”
Also in 2002, 15 percent of Afghans had access to medical care, and today that number is 60 percent, he said.
“Child mortality rates are [now] on par with most nations of the world, which is incredible compared with what they were,” Dempsey said.
Through Airmen's Eyes: High school reunion ... above Afghanistan
To contact us Click HERE
by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.
This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.
The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.
"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."
Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.
"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."
As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.
It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.
"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."
Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.
"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."
Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.
"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."
Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.
"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."
In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.
Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.
"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."
Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."
Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."
And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.
"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."
That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.
"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.
"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."
by Staff Sgt. Eric BurksU.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.
This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.
The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.
"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."
Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.
"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."
As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.
It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.
"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."
Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.
"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."
Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.
"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."
Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.
"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."
In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.
Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.
"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."
Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."
Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."
And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.
"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."
That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.
"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.
"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."
Reserve Generation brings taste of home to troops in Afghanistan
To contact us Click HERE
by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
1/2/2013 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Editor's Note: The U.S. Air Forces Central Band is a Total Force unit comprised of deployed Airmen from the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and U.S. Army band.)
As the group of musicians took to the stage in front of a large audience at Kandahar Airfield's popular boardwalk area on a cold December night, there was something distinctly different about the band.
With all members dressed in the same combat fatigues, it wasn't something that could be easily spotted by a casual observer. But there was a clue if one listened carefully to the music ... has a cover of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" ever featured a trombone?
Audiences in Afghanistan now have heard one, courtesy of three Army bandsmen currently performing with the AFCENT band "Total Force." The Soldiers' wind instruments - trombone, saxophone, and trumpet - were a welcome complement to the Air Force musicians' guitars, drums, bass, keyboards and vocals.
The joint endeavor is a first of its kind in the deployed environment, according to U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Rafael Toro-Quinones, AFCENT Band officer in charge, and Army Maj. Derrick Shaw, U.S. Army Central Bands liaison officer.
The officers, who worked together prior to their deployments, envisioned a holiday tour as the right time and place for a joint musical effort.
"With Air Force and Army band assets in theater, we started conversing about what they were doing," Toro-Quinones said. "We wanted to plan a special event, and the holiday season seemed like a perfect opportunity."
The goal was integrate components of deployed Army division bands into the AFCENT band for a special holiday tour of bases in Afghanistan, performing for deployed U.S. service members and their coalition partners.
The Airman and Soldier band partnership reflects the reality of today's joint operational environment.
"It mirrors what we're already doing as warfighters in the area of responsibility," Shaw said. "It's a musical extension of the 'guy on the ground needs the guy in the air.' It sends a good message, especially when you have all branches working together away from their families during the holidays."
Toro-Quinones agreed.
"It makes sense, and it's the right time of year to do it," he said. "'Total Force' has no horn capability and the Army has provided that - even from a strictly musical standpoint, adding horns really enhances holiday music."
Army Staff Sgt. Brad Leja, U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus trombone player, said he was thrilled at the prospect of playing his instrument in a different capacity.
"I got so excited when I found out I would be playing with a rock band," he said. "It was also my first opportunity to play in a deployed environment facing adverse conditions. It's been very eye-opening and not at all what I expected."
After the arrangements were made for the Army musicians to perform with the Air Force band, there were still a number of challenges, even after the Soldiers linked up with the Airmen to begin the holiday tour.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Byrd, "Total Force" music director, said there were a few challenges to pulling off the joint shows.
"As a music director, part of my job is to add in their parts and make our songs sound even better. We use different computer systems, so I had to write their sheet music on one system, convert it to a different file format, then email it to them to access on their system."
Finally, he said, the musicians had very little time to meet and practice before it was time to travel to Afghanistan and begin the holiday tour.
"The time from our first meeting to our first integrated performance was a matter of days, whereas the rest of 'Total Force' has been playing together for months or even years."
But as the tour began, it became obvious that these particular Soldiers and Airmen were a good match - and an effective touring band.
"I think it's worked very well," Shaw said. "It's interesting watching how quickly they've gelled together as a team.
"It was very unique," Toro-Quinones said. "The personalities just clicked and they worked very well together."
The band members said one reason for their success was their a shared goal: giving their best effort to boost the morale of deployed servicemembers at each and every performance.
"Deployers really deserve our best," Leja said. "I feel like we've done some good out here and it's been even more rewarding than I was expecting."
"We all take entertaining the troops very seriously," Byrd said. "It's more than just earning a paycheck to us. We're all aiming for the same goal, so bringing it together is amazing to see."
Judging from the cheers and applause after each performance, the band has certainly succeeded at raising a few holiday spirits, even if most audience members don't even realize they've witnessed a true "Total Force" effort.
"The show was outstanding, and a great break from the routine," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Bobbitt, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing command post, after the boardwalk performance at Kandahar Airfield. "It was entertaining and the band played very well together."
As the holiday tour wraps up, these Army and Air Force bandsmen hope to be involved in more total force efforts in the future.
"This tour has been even better than I expected it to be," Bryd said. "We've improved with each performance and will really miss playing with them."
"It's been groundbreaking," Leja said. "I hope it leads to more opportunities where we can work together to make awesome things happen. I'd love to do it again."
To learn more about "Total Force" and the band's holiday tour, visit: https://www.facebook.com/AFCENTBand.
by Staff Sgt. Eric BurksU.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
1/2/2013 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- (Editor's Note: The U.S. Air Forces Central Band is a Total Force unit comprised of deployed Airmen from the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and U.S. Army band.)
As the group of musicians took to the stage in front of a large audience at Kandahar Airfield's popular boardwalk area on a cold December night, there was something distinctly different about the band.
With all members dressed in the same combat fatigues, it wasn't something that could be easily spotted by a casual observer. But there was a clue if one listened carefully to the music ... has a cover of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" ever featured a trombone?
Audiences in Afghanistan now have heard one, courtesy of three Army bandsmen currently performing with the AFCENT band "Total Force." The Soldiers' wind instruments - trombone, saxophone, and trumpet - were a welcome complement to the Air Force musicians' guitars, drums, bass, keyboards and vocals.
The joint endeavor is a first of its kind in the deployed environment, according to U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Rafael Toro-Quinones, AFCENT Band officer in charge, and Army Maj. Derrick Shaw, U.S. Army Central Bands liaison officer.
The officers, who worked together prior to their deployments, envisioned a holiday tour as the right time and place for a joint musical effort.
"With Air Force and Army band assets in theater, we started conversing about what they were doing," Toro-Quinones said. "We wanted to plan a special event, and the holiday season seemed like a perfect opportunity."
The goal was integrate components of deployed Army division bands into the AFCENT band for a special holiday tour of bases in Afghanistan, performing for deployed U.S. service members and their coalition partners.
The Airman and Soldier band partnership reflects the reality of today's joint operational environment.
"It mirrors what we're already doing as warfighters in the area of responsibility," Shaw said. "It's a musical extension of the 'guy on the ground needs the guy in the air.' It sends a good message, especially when you have all branches working together away from their families during the holidays."
Toro-Quinones agreed.
"It makes sense, and it's the right time of year to do it," he said. "'Total Force' has no horn capability and the Army has provided that - even from a strictly musical standpoint, adding horns really enhances holiday music."
Army Staff Sgt. Brad Leja, U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus trombone player, said he was thrilled at the prospect of playing his instrument in a different capacity.
"I got so excited when I found out I would be playing with a rock band," he said. "It was also my first opportunity to play in a deployed environment facing adverse conditions. It's been very eye-opening and not at all what I expected."
After the arrangements were made for the Army musicians to perform with the Air Force band, there were still a number of challenges, even after the Soldiers linked up with the Airmen to begin the holiday tour.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Byrd, "Total Force" music director, said there were a few challenges to pulling off the joint shows.
"As a music director, part of my job is to add in their parts and make our songs sound even better. We use different computer systems, so I had to write their sheet music on one system, convert it to a different file format, then email it to them to access on their system."
Finally, he said, the musicians had very little time to meet and practice before it was time to travel to Afghanistan and begin the holiday tour.
"The time from our first meeting to our first integrated performance was a matter of days, whereas the rest of 'Total Force' has been playing together for months or even years."
But as the tour began, it became obvious that these particular Soldiers and Airmen were a good match - and an effective touring band.
"I think it's worked very well," Shaw said. "It's interesting watching how quickly they've gelled together as a team.
"It was very unique," Toro-Quinones said. "The personalities just clicked and they worked very well together."
The band members said one reason for their success was their a shared goal: giving their best effort to boost the morale of deployed servicemembers at each and every performance.
"Deployers really deserve our best," Leja said. "I feel like we've done some good out here and it's been even more rewarding than I was expecting."
"We all take entertaining the troops very seriously," Byrd said. "It's more than just earning a paycheck to us. We're all aiming for the same goal, so bringing it together is amazing to see."
Judging from the cheers and applause after each performance, the band has certainly succeeded at raising a few holiday spirits, even if most audience members don't even realize they've witnessed a true "Total Force" effort.
"The show was outstanding, and a great break from the routine," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Bobbitt, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing command post, after the boardwalk performance at Kandahar Airfield. "It was entertaining and the band played very well together."
As the holiday tour wraps up, these Army and Air Force bandsmen hope to be involved in more total force efforts in the future.
"This tour has been even better than I expected it to be," Bryd said. "We've improved with each performance and will really miss playing with them."
"It's been groundbreaking," Leja said. "I hope it leads to more opportunities where we can work together to make awesome things happen. I'd love to do it again."
To learn more about "Total Force" and the band's holiday tour, visit: https://www.facebook.com/AFCENTBand.
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader, Seizes IED Materials
To contact us Click HERE
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.
The arrested Taliban leader provided weapons and ammunition to insurgent fighters in the central Arghandab and southwest Shah Wali Kot districts, officials said. He also planned and coordinated improvised explosive device attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces.
The security force also seized IED-making materials during the operation, officials said.
Also today, a combined force arrested a member of the Haqqani network in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani insurgent planned and executed attacks against Afghan government officials as well as Afghan and coalition forces. He was also responsible for the movement of weapons and provided funds to Haqqani fighters operating in the Pul-e ‘Alam district.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province. The arrested Taliban leader directed IED operations in the Zharay and Panjwa’i districts. He also provided supplies, weapons and ammunition to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kandahar province.
-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Khanabad district of Kunduz province. The arrested Taliban leader organized insurgents and procured IEDs and other weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force arrested a local Haqqani leader, detained several other suspects, and seized multiple weapons. The Haqqani leader planned and executed direct-fire and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and oversaw IED emplacements in the district.
In Dec. 31, 2012, operations:
-- In the Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province, a combined force killed the Taliban leader, Nurullah Khan, and one other insurgent. Nurullah Khan, also known as Shaker, transported and distributed weapons for insurgents in Kunduz province. At the time of his death, Nurullah Khan was coordinating the movement of explosives for use in a future IED attack.
-- In the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a local Taliban leader and detained three other suspects. The arrested Taliban leader coordinated IED attacks and distributed IEDs and IED-making components to insurgents.
-- In the Khost district of Khost province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader and killed one other insurgent. The arrested Haqqani leader planned the Dec. 26, 2012, vehicle-borne IED suicide attack against Forward Operating Base Chapman.
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.
The arrested Taliban leader provided weapons and ammunition to insurgent fighters in the central Arghandab and southwest Shah Wali Kot districts, officials said. He also planned and coordinated improvised explosive device attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces.
The security force also seized IED-making materials during the operation, officials said.
Also today, a combined force arrested a member of the Haqqani network in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani insurgent planned and executed attacks against Afghan government officials as well as Afghan and coalition forces. He was also responsible for the movement of weapons and provided funds to Haqqani fighters operating in the Pul-e ‘Alam district.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province. The arrested Taliban leader directed IED operations in the Zharay and Panjwa’i districts. He also provided supplies, weapons and ammunition to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kandahar province.
-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Khanabad district of Kunduz province. The arrested Taliban leader organized insurgents and procured IEDs and other weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force arrested a local Haqqani leader, detained several other suspects, and seized multiple weapons. The Haqqani leader planned and executed direct-fire and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and oversaw IED emplacements in the district.
In Dec. 31, 2012, operations:
-- In the Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province, a combined force killed the Taliban leader, Nurullah Khan, and one other insurgent. Nurullah Khan, also known as Shaker, transported and distributed weapons for insurgents in Kunduz province. At the time of his death, Nurullah Khan was coordinating the movement of explosives for use in a future IED attack.
-- In the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a local Taliban leader and detained three other suspects. The arrested Taliban leader coordinated IED attacks and distributed IEDs and IED-making components to insurgents.
-- In the Khost district of Khost province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader and killed one other insurgent. The arrested Haqqani leader planned the Dec. 26, 2012, vehicle-borne IED suicide attack against Forward Operating Base Chapman.
1 Ocak 2013 Salı
PACAF band visits Okinawa, carols for community
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by Staff Sgt. Alesia D. Goosic
18th Wing Public Affairs
12/19/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia from Yokota Air Base, Japan, visited Okinawa and performed Christmas carols for members of Kadena Air Base and the local community, Dec. 13-14.
The five-Airman ensemble, known as Pacific Clave, is just one part of the USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia that specializes in "world music." Their sound varies between popular genres including salsa, jazz, Latin jazz, pop, ballads, ethnic and more.
Pacific Clave brought the sounds of Christmas to hundreds of people of all ages. They visited two elementary schools, the military personnel section and the medical clinic on Kadena Air Base. Off base, they performed for an elderly home, a pediatric development center and a popular entertainment and shopping complex in the local community known as American Village.
Air Force bands provide the power of music to bridge language, cultural, societal and socio-economic differences and inspire immediate, positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States in the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.
18th Wing Public Affairs
12/19/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia from Yokota Air Base, Japan, visited Okinawa and performed Christmas carols for members of Kadena Air Base and the local community, Dec. 13-14.
The five-Airman ensemble, known as Pacific Clave, is just one part of the USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia that specializes in "world music." Their sound varies between popular genres including salsa, jazz, Latin jazz, pop, ballads, ethnic and more.
Pacific Clave brought the sounds of Christmas to hundreds of people of all ages. They visited two elementary schools, the military personnel section and the medical clinic on Kadena Air Base. Off base, they performed for an elderly home, a pediatric development center and a popular entertainment and shopping complex in the local community known as American Village.
Air Force bands provide the power of music to bridge language, cultural, societal and socio-economic differences and inspire immediate, positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States in the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.
Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan
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From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 20, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested 15 insurgents in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province during a search for a Taliban facilitator today, military officials reported.
Officials said the sought-after facilitator is responsible for manufacturing and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout Nangarhar province.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed the Taliban leader, Mahjur, along with one other insurgent in the Nari district of Kunar province. Mahjur was responsible for planning attacks against Afghanistan government officials and coalition forces. He also acquired and facilitated the movement of IED-making components, other weapons and ammunition used in attacks.
-- In the Alingar district of Laghman province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader. The sought-after Taliban leader is responsible for attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces.
Also, a Haqqani leader was arrested Dec. 17 in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani leader purchased weapons and ammunition for insurgents and was directly involved in planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 20, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested 15 insurgents in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province during a search for a Taliban facilitator today, military officials reported.
Officials said the sought-after facilitator is responsible for manufacturing and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout Nangarhar province.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed the Taliban leader, Mahjur, along with one other insurgent in the Nari district of Kunar province. Mahjur was responsible for planning attacks against Afghanistan government officials and coalition forces. He also acquired and facilitated the movement of IED-making components, other weapons and ammunition used in attacks.
-- In the Alingar district of Laghman province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader. The sought-after Taliban leader is responsible for attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces.
Also, a Haqqani leader was arrested Dec. 17 in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani leader purchased weapons and ammunition for insurgents and was directly involved in planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
It is Now Time to Leave Afghanistan
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Commentaryby Lt. Colonel John Lewis Cook, USA (ret.)
Ifanyone out there needed more proof thatall is lost in Afghanistan, it now appears that a smoking gun has finally beenlocated at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, the birthplace of the counterinsurgencystrategy being used there, the samestrategy that is proving to be a complete and total failure. While the Pentagon refuses to say much, a newhandbook is being produced at Ft. Leavenworth that places much of the blame forthe recent surge in insider attacks against our forces there on……our forces. Yes, you read that correctly. The major thrust of this handbook is toexplain to the troops on the ground that “cultural insensitivity” on their partis a major factor in these coldblooded murders and if the troops fully graspthis clash of cultures and refrain from any criticism of Afghan culture, thisshould greatly reduce coalition casualties at the hands of the very people theyare trying so desperately to help. Itshould be noted at this point that 63 Americans have died so far in 2012 as aresult of these attacks.
Infact, they have been going on for a number of years and coalition forces havebeen dying as a result. No one knows forsure how many soldiers have been killed in this manner since, for obviousreasons, the coalition did want to shine a bright light into this very darkplace. When they increased dramaticallytwo years ago, each attack was explained as an “isolated incident” and, while“tragic,” there was no reason for alarm. That excuse has now worn thin and the truth is it can no longer beignored: the Afghan security forces are now at war with the coalition forces.
Asa result, a new explanation had to be hastily prepared and rolled out, onewhich demonstrates that the leadership is taking this crisisseriously, but not serious enough to place the blame where it actually belongs. The handbook, which runs about 75 pages,instructs the troops to avoid any topic or subject that has the potential tooffend the Afghans. Naturally, such a list has to be extensive since theAfghans are easily offended. Topics onthe banned list include the Taliban, abuse of women, homosexuality, bestialityand pedophilia. These topics areconsidered “taboo” and discussing them is considered insensitive. If fact, any topic that has the potential tooffend the sacred tenets of Islam must be avoided at all costs. In short, the troops must pretend that theyhave no values of their own worth defending, certainly not there. Standing up and speaking out for basic humanrights concerning the brutal treatment of women and the rape of children is offthe table. The risks of running afoul ofcultural insensitivity is simply too great. Saying anything negative concerning the Taliban runs the risk ofoffending Islam since the Taliban practice a pure form of this religion and anysuch discussion could be viewed as disrespectful to Islam.
Allof this brings up serious intellectual and philosophical questions that thePentagon would rather not address. Ifexplaining to the Afghans that abuse of women and children, practices that areuniversally condemned, is somehowoffensive, then why are we still there? If we remain silent on such practices, then we are condoning them. If we refuse to speak out against the Taliban for fear of offending Islam, whatmessage are we sending? That the Talibanand Islam are Siamese twins, sharing a single heart? If we go this far, we are dangerously closeto admitting that the real enemy is Islam, since Islam condones all of thesethings. Treating women as property and abusing children is deeply ingrained inthe Afghan culture, as well as widespread homosexuality. While not discussed openly, these practicesare widely accepted. In fact, they makeup a large part of Afghan culture.
Facedwith the choice of blaming either a 7th century religion that recognizes noother belief system, and the forces working to make life better for all Afghansfor these attacks, the American government made the politically correctdecision; the troops were thrown under the bus.
Aftereleven years of war and over 2,100 Americans killed, it this what it has cometo? Political correctness wrappingitself in the mantle of cultural sensitivity? The war in Afghanistan lost any relevance to America when we gave up on winninglong ago. Now, having refused to clearlyidentify the enemy, we are placing the blame on our troops for their owndeaths. What little morale they haveleft will disappear when this latest policy hits them. Aside from being intellectually dishonest, itis morally bankrupt. The blame for thistravesty must be shared. It’s not enoughto lay it all at the feet of this administration which has proven, over andover again, that any criticism of Islam will not be tolerated. While absolutely true, the real blame goesdeeper than that. In the end, if thishandbook actually sees the light of day and is issued to the troops, it’s ourfault, all of us, because we have let it happen. Slowly, over time, we simply lost our way,with one failed policy morphing into another failed policy in a desperateattempt to make Afghanistan into something it has never been and never will be;a free, democratic and prosperous nation, all the while ignoring the fact thatthe iron grip of Islam will keep Afghanistan forever chained to the 7thcentury. Lacking the moral courage andintestinal fortitude to face this, it is now time to simply leave. Forget aboutthe Afghans taking responsibility for their own security and forget all thehype about nation building. Put all thatin the back of the bus and turn the lights out; it’s over.
Aboutthe AuthorLieutenantColonel John Lewis Cook, United States Army (Retired), “served as the SeniorAdvisor to the Ministry of Interior in Kabul, Afghanistan, with responsibilityfor developing the force structure for the entire Afghan National Police. As of 2012, this force totals 157,000. From March 2008 until August 2012, his accessand intimate associations with all levels of the Afghan government andcoalition forces have provided him with an unprecedented insight into thepolicies which will determine the outcome of the war. It is this insight, coupled with his contactsand associations throughout Afghanistan that form the basis of Afghanistan: ThePerfect Failure.
Clickto read more about Lt. Colonel John Lewis Cook
Commentaryby Lt. Colonel John Lewis Cook, USA (ret.)
Ifanyone out there needed more proof thatall is lost in Afghanistan, it now appears that a smoking gun has finally beenlocated at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, the birthplace of the counterinsurgencystrategy being used there, the samestrategy that is proving to be a complete and total failure. While the Pentagon refuses to say much, a newhandbook is being produced at Ft. Leavenworth that places much of the blame forthe recent surge in insider attacks against our forces there on……our forces. Yes, you read that correctly. The major thrust of this handbook is toexplain to the troops on the ground that “cultural insensitivity” on their partis a major factor in these coldblooded murders and if the troops fully graspthis clash of cultures and refrain from any criticism of Afghan culture, thisshould greatly reduce coalition casualties at the hands of the very people theyare trying so desperately to help. Itshould be noted at this point that 63 Americans have died so far in 2012 as aresult of these attacks.
Infact, they have been going on for a number of years and coalition forces havebeen dying as a result. No one knows forsure how many soldiers have been killed in this manner since, for obviousreasons, the coalition did want to shine a bright light into this very darkplace. When they increased dramaticallytwo years ago, each attack was explained as an “isolated incident” and, while“tragic,” there was no reason for alarm. That excuse has now worn thin and the truth is it can no longer beignored: the Afghan security forces are now at war with the coalition forces.
Asa result, a new explanation had to be hastily prepared and rolled out, onewhich demonstrates that the leadership is taking this crisisseriously, but not serious enough to place the blame where it actually belongs. The handbook, which runs about 75 pages,instructs the troops to avoid any topic or subject that has the potential tooffend the Afghans. Naturally, such a list has to be extensive since theAfghans are easily offended. Topics onthe banned list include the Taliban, abuse of women, homosexuality, bestialityand pedophilia. These topics areconsidered “taboo” and discussing them is considered insensitive. If fact, any topic that has the potential tooffend the sacred tenets of Islam must be avoided at all costs. In short, the troops must pretend that theyhave no values of their own worth defending, certainly not there. Standing up and speaking out for basic humanrights concerning the brutal treatment of women and the rape of children is offthe table. The risks of running afoul ofcultural insensitivity is simply too great. Saying anything negative concerning the Taliban runs the risk ofoffending Islam since the Taliban practice a pure form of this religion and anysuch discussion could be viewed as disrespectful to Islam.
Allof this brings up serious intellectual and philosophical questions that thePentagon would rather not address. Ifexplaining to the Afghans that abuse of women and children, practices that areuniversally condemned, is somehowoffensive, then why are we still there? If we remain silent on such practices, then we are condoning them. If we refuse to speak out against the Taliban for fear of offending Islam, whatmessage are we sending? That the Talibanand Islam are Siamese twins, sharing a single heart? If we go this far, we are dangerously closeto admitting that the real enemy is Islam, since Islam condones all of thesethings. Treating women as property and abusing children is deeply ingrained inthe Afghan culture, as well as widespread homosexuality. While not discussed openly, these practicesare widely accepted. In fact, they makeup a large part of Afghan culture.
Facedwith the choice of blaming either a 7th century religion that recognizes noother belief system, and the forces working to make life better for all Afghansfor these attacks, the American government made the politically correctdecision; the troops were thrown under the bus.
Aftereleven years of war and over 2,100 Americans killed, it this what it has cometo? Political correctness wrappingitself in the mantle of cultural sensitivity? The war in Afghanistan lost any relevance to America when we gave up on winninglong ago. Now, having refused to clearlyidentify the enemy, we are placing the blame on our troops for their owndeaths. What little morale they haveleft will disappear when this latest policy hits them. Aside from being intellectually dishonest, itis morally bankrupt. The blame for thistravesty must be shared. It’s not enoughto lay it all at the feet of this administration which has proven, over andover again, that any criticism of Islam will not be tolerated. While absolutely true, the real blame goesdeeper than that. In the end, if thishandbook actually sees the light of day and is issued to the troops, it’s ourfault, all of us, because we have let it happen. Slowly, over time, we simply lost our way,with one failed policy morphing into another failed policy in a desperateattempt to make Afghanistan into something it has never been and never will be;a free, democratic and prosperous nation, all the while ignoring the fact thatthe iron grip of Islam will keep Afghanistan forever chained to the 7thcentury. Lacking the moral courage andintestinal fortitude to face this, it is now time to simply leave. Forget aboutthe Afghans taking responsibility for their own security and forget all thehype about nation building. Put all thatin the back of the bus and turn the lights out; it’s over.
Aboutthe AuthorLieutenantColonel John Lewis Cook, United States Army (Retired), “served as the SeniorAdvisor to the Ministry of Interior in Kabul, Afghanistan, with responsibilityfor developing the force structure for the entire Afghan National Police. As of 2012, this force totals 157,000. From March 2008 until August 2012, his accessand intimate associations with all levels of the Afghan government andcoalition forces have provided him with an unprecedented insight into thepolicies which will determine the outcome of the war. It is this insight, coupled with his contactsand associations throughout Afghanistan that form the basis of Afghanistan: ThePerfect Failure.
Clickto read more about Lt. Colonel John Lewis Cook
Through Airmen's Eyes: High school reunion ... above Afghanistan
To contact us Click HERE
by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.
This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.
The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.
"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."
Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.
"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."
As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.
It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.
"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."
Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.
"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."
Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.
"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."
Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.
"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."
In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.
Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.
"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."
Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."
Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."
And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.
"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."
That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.
"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.
"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."
by Staff Sgt. Eric BurksU.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
12/21/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.
This month, those former students had a unique hometown reunion, stepping aboard a C-130J Super Hercules as Airmen on an airlift mission to transport cargo and passengers from Kandahar Airfield to other bases in Afghanistan.
The three Airmen are from different career fields and home duty stations, but their overlapping deployments provided an opportunity for the unique flight.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder, an Air Force Central Command Combat Camera photojournalist, had stayed in touch with 1st Lt. John Fugate, a 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot and long-time friend.
"Communicating through Facebook, we realized we would be deployed at roughly the same time," Snyder said. "My combat camera team travels all over Afghanistan, so I was hoping we'd have a chance to fly with (Fugate)."
Before that happened, Snyder would meet another DAHS graduate -- Tech. Sgt. Dave Hoffer, a 772nd EAS loadmaster -- during a flight out of a small forward operating base in October.
"When I first saw John (Snyder), he looked familiar, but I didn't know who he was," Hoffer said. "We started talking about the weather ... after I said how I missed the weather in central Pennsylvania where I'm from, he said, 'Me too!' Then we learned not only had we gone to the same high school, but were from the same small town."
As it turned out, Snyder and Hoffer grew up just one mile apart in Rockton, Pa., population 889, according to the 2010 census.
It was another coincidence that Hoffer and Fugate were members of the same squadron -- Hoffer typically worked the opposite shift as Fugate as part of a different aircrew.
"Ironically enough, I just found out a couple days ago," Fugate said. "I knew he was part of the loadmaster community through his sister, who I graduated high school with, but I never put two and two together that he was actually part of our unit. The different crews, we don't see each other that much, all of us being on different schedules, so it's difficult sometimes to interact with each other."
Before they were Airmen, Hoffer was the first of the trio to graduate from DAHS, in the summer of 2001. Fugate was completing his first year there, and Snyder would be an entering freshman that fall ... just as Hoffer's Air Force career was beginning.
"I enlisted in the Air Force a month after graduation," Hoffer said. "I didn't have a college plan, and both my grandparents had served in the military around the Korean War time frame. They're still alive today and I grew up looking at them as my role models. The sense of duty that they had, I wanted part of me also. It just seemed natural for me to join the military."
Hoffer initially wanted to be an air traffic controller, but ultimately became a loadmaster.
"The life of a loadmaster is great," he said. "We're challenged with many different tasks, and different aspects of our job change all the time. There's a lot of problem-solving involved, and I really enjoy that."
Meanwhile, Fugate, who had always wanted to be a pilot, applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received an appointment to the Academy's Preparatory School and began his own career as a cadet candidate in 2004.
"I was inspired by my cousin, a graduate from West Point, and a C-130 pilot from an airshow that I remember going to and being awed by all the aircraft," Fugate said. "The pilot told me 'You can do anything you want.' At that point I decided I wanted to be a pilot."
In 2005, Fugate earned an appointment to the Academy, and was soon a college freshman of the Class of 2009. At the same time, Snyder graduated from DAHS, and began basic training in October after a short wait in the Air Force's Delayed Entry Program.
Although their active-duty careers began around the samte time, it would be years before they would meet again.
"For me, there's a sense of irony," Fugate said. "I left DuBois right after high school, went to Colorado for five years of college, then spent three years going through pilot and C-130 training. During that entire time, I never ran into a single soul from DuBois. Then I come out to Afghanistan, and suddenly I'm surrounded by people that I remember from high school and growing up."
Hoffer moved briefly from his usual night shift to a day shift to make the flight a possibility.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal to fly with guys that grew up in the same place as me," he said. "It's pretty cool and I'll definitely remember it."
Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, 772nd EAS commander, said, "One of the strengths of the Air Force is our diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life to accomplish our mission. In this case, however, having three home-town heroes all graduated from the same high school come together and perform different jobs on an airlift mission to an austere dirt landing strip in Afghanistan -- that's an unbelievable coincidence. DuBois Area High School and the central Pennsylvania community should be very proud."
And that's certainly the case, according to Sam Bundy, an English teacher at the high school.
"As an Air Force veteran, I spoke with all three of these students about serving and am really glad to see how well they are doing," he said. "DuBois High has a proud tradition of students serving in the military, and these graduates are a great example of that."
That Pennsylvania pride runs deep -- not just from within the community, but between its Airmen who serve.
"Having a chance to fly with this crew definitely makes me proud of the town I'm from and proud of the people around me," Hoffer said.
"I really think that the country as a whole develops quality servicemembers," Fugate added. "But I think that the mentality in DuBois, especially at the high school, does foster a sense of ownership for your country -- that you want to step up and defend it."
Panetta Praises Security Transition Progress in Afghanistan
To contact us Click HERE
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta lauded Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s announcement that Afghanistan has entered the second to last stage of the transition of security responsibility from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force to Afghan security forces.
"It is another sign of steady progress that the Government of Afghanistan has announced the fourth tranche of the transition process,” Panetta said in a statement issued today.
Afghanistan's security transition is designed to take place in five tranches, or stages. The transition is in line with the plan set forth at the Lisbon summit, ISAF officials said in a news release issued today.
“I congratulate President Karzai, his national security team, and the Afghan National Security Forces for their commitment to taking even more of a lead role for the security of the Afghan people,” Panetta said.
As part of the fourth tranche, 12 Afghan provinces entered the security transition process, ISAF officials said. Afghanistan now has 23 of its 34 provinces entirely in the transition process. The provinces added in tranche four are primarily in the north and interior of the country, said officials, noting that one district in Helmand province is also included in the announcement.
“This step demonstrates the success of our strategy and the progress that the men and women of ISAF, working closely with our Afghan partners, are achieving every day in Afghanistan,” Panetta said.
"President Karzai's announcement of the fourth group of provinces to enter transition is another historic step for Afghanistan as it gets closer to taking full responsibility for security of the entire country," said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of ISAF and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.
"With the addition of these 12 full provinces to the transition process, Afghan National Security Forces are now taking the security lead in areas where 87 percent of the Afghan people live," Allen said.
This is a strong indicator that Afghanistan is on the path to full self-governance, Panetta said.
“Going forward, our efforts in Afghanistan will continue to ensure that the Afghan people can secure and govern themselves, and to deny safe haven to al-Qaida. Today's announcement marks another major advance toward those goals," he said.
It is expected that all parts of Afghanistan will have begun transition by the summer of 2013, ISAF officials said, putting the Afghan forces in the lead for security nationwide.
Ambassador Maurits R. Jochems, NATO’s senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, recognized that the progress made in professionalism and confidence by the Afghan National Security Forces has enabled the transition strategy to succeed.
Speaking about NATO and ISAF's commitment to Afghanistan, Jochems said, "ISAF will continue to support the Afghan National Security Forces until the end of 2014, and after that NATO and its partners remain committed to Afghanistan's future stability through a new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces."
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta lauded Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s announcement that Afghanistan has entered the second to last stage of the transition of security responsibility from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force to Afghan security forces.
"It is another sign of steady progress that the Government of Afghanistan has announced the fourth tranche of the transition process,” Panetta said in a statement issued today.
Afghanistan's security transition is designed to take place in five tranches, or stages. The transition is in line with the plan set forth at the Lisbon summit, ISAF officials said in a news release issued today.
“I congratulate President Karzai, his national security team, and the Afghan National Security Forces for their commitment to taking even more of a lead role for the security of the Afghan people,” Panetta said.
As part of the fourth tranche, 12 Afghan provinces entered the security transition process, ISAF officials said. Afghanistan now has 23 of its 34 provinces entirely in the transition process. The provinces added in tranche four are primarily in the north and interior of the country, said officials, noting that one district in Helmand province is also included in the announcement.
“This step demonstrates the success of our strategy and the progress that the men and women of ISAF, working closely with our Afghan partners, are achieving every day in Afghanistan,” Panetta said.
"President Karzai's announcement of the fourth group of provinces to enter transition is another historic step for Afghanistan as it gets closer to taking full responsibility for security of the entire country," said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of ISAF and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.
"With the addition of these 12 full provinces to the transition process, Afghan National Security Forces are now taking the security lead in areas where 87 percent of the Afghan people live," Allen said.
This is a strong indicator that Afghanistan is on the path to full self-governance, Panetta said.
“Going forward, our efforts in Afghanistan will continue to ensure that the Afghan people can secure and govern themselves, and to deny safe haven to al-Qaida. Today's announcement marks another major advance toward those goals," he said.
It is expected that all parts of Afghanistan will have begun transition by the summer of 2013, ISAF officials said, putting the Afghan forces in the lead for security nationwide.
Ambassador Maurits R. Jochems, NATO’s senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, recognized that the progress made in professionalism and confidence by the Afghan National Security Forces has enabled the transition strategy to succeed.
Speaking about NATO and ISAF's commitment to Afghanistan, Jochems said, "ISAF will continue to support the Afghan National Security Forces until the end of 2014, and after that NATO and its partners remain committed to Afghanistan's future stability through a new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces."
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