Afghan: One mission at a time and a new dam

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

I know many people think the only thing Marines, Army persons, Navy personnel, the National Guard, the Air Force crew and the such are only capable of killing. Trash things and kill people. That's all there is to it, right? Hold on! Not so fast here. Here are two articles that could at least pierce your hearts, if only you would read them.

The first article is aboout changing the lives of these destitute people, one mission at a time.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The C-130 is one of many different types of aircraft stationed here, but could easily be called one of the most versatile.

The members of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron put that versatility to the test every day. The three primary missions of the C-130s here are airdrop, air-land and aeromedical evacuation.

"Our airdrop missions can be anything from dropping pamphlets to the locals to humanitarian drops such as water, blankets, food and firewood in the winter, ammunition and troop re-supplies," said Senior Airman Patrick Keefe, 774th EAS loadmaster. "Air-land missions consist of troop movements or hauling cargo." [Continue reading.]

They are being modest. They also provide food to people who are so idolated that they cannot feed themselves. These people are just trying to stay alive after years and years of war.

The next article is about the necessity of water and the huge impact dams and irrigation will have not only on their crops but also on their economy. Just take one paragraph:

In a country held back by more than 30 years of war, ineffective water use has made life even more difficult in this already-barren country. Managing water is life or death for farmers like Haji Mazdigar Gul, 56, who explained that without a diversion dam, flooding often causes him to lose his fields, jeopardizing his family’s survival. His village of Koza Bokhana is one of 30 that will benefit from dams, which will redirect water from rivers to the fields of more than 80,000 farmers and families. [Continue reading.]

This is a very good thing they are doing, and they are not doing it alone. The Afghan people are actually working side-by-side with them. They are all great and while we empower them, we also are helping ourselves here at home. Read and find out why. I am very proud of you guys and gals! :)

Military News: 29 May 2007

There are five articles of interest today. As we know, there was a Cedar Revolution after PM Hariri was assassinated. It was a peaceful, for the most part, revolution. The only problem being that once Syria was finally out of there, Hizbullah stepped in to take their place. Now al Qaida has joined in the vacuum. This article will address some things we are doing to help the government: Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military.

This next article involves two countries trying to become friends; USA and Qatar. The US Navy will visit Qatar for a two day 'friendship' visit: USS Underwood visits Doha, Qatar. This will do well in maritime relations.

This article is one we could have, if not should have, expected. Wherever the fighting is not, the economy is thriving. This attracts many businesses whom want to participate, if only for their own benefit. But isn't that what motivates most businesses? I know it would motivate me! lol. This particular area is northern Iraq: Security in northern Iraq aids economic opportunities.

Here we have another Army paratrooper sharing his thoughts about the surge and how it working or not: Army paratroopers share thoughts on surge.

I have no comment, because I am not sure of my facts. I will just introduce this: Pace Says Iraqis Must Step Up to Governance Challenge.

Everyone have a great day, and stay safe.

Military News: 27 May 2007

I have several article today, but the most bothersome is the one where I report that one of the three missing in action Soldiers has been found killed in action. I don't want to imagine how those animals murdered him. Can we take the gloves off NOW? I know. I doubt it, too. Then what are we doing? They aren't afraid of us, and we won't win like that. We need to make them afraid of their own shadow. May God put that fear in the hearts, even though our politicians won't.

Here are the titles of the articles:

Exposing the Enemy: 27 May 2007.
Iraqis taking the lead at Al Suleikh.
C-17 employs 'screamer' in combat airdrop.
Al Qaim detachment plays role in Iraq transition.
Soldiers help legitimize Iraq’s legal system.
German Navy Detachment Donates Vehicles.
School Receives Supplies, Toys and Medical Attention.
Paratroopers Take Stock of Success in Sha'ab.

They are all quite good. I'm just not up to writing right now. Please forgive me. Have a very nice Memorial Day. Remember them sometime during the day, today and everyday.