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: 22 May 2007

I decided to post these four articles this way today, because blogger caught me for posting too many articles. Imagine that? lol.

Oil Initiatives, Funding Paying Off in Iraq.
The program’s goal, he said, is to repair and rebuild existing oil systems and components throughout the country and to restore oil production capacity to pre-war levels. ...

Bush, Scheffer Discuss NATO Issues in Texas Meeting.
NATO operations in Afghanistan, transformation of the alliance and missile defense in Europe topped the agenda as President Bush met with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Crawford, Texas, today.

Bush called Scheffer a strong advocate for fighting terror, spreading freedom, helping the oppressed and modernizing NATO. The two men held a joint news conference at the Bush ranch.

Improving Fallujah’s Quality of Life.
Maj. Angel Ortiz says he and his staff have the job of rebuilding Fallujah, despite the ongoing threats. He’s working in one of the most challenging areas in Iraq. ...

“Our hope is to do some good so that residents there see things are getting better,” said Ortiz. Ortiz is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division Fallujah Resident Office officer in charge and supervises a staff of 22 people including eight Iraqis. “Those local nationals are risking their lives every day going out and visiting the projects to ensure our contractors are providing quality construction in a safe manner,” he explained. ...

Engineering Department Keeps Shreveport Running.
In the main machinery rooms of USS Shreveport (LPD 12), an Austin-class amphibious docking ship, earplugs are mandatory. The spaces are loud and hot, and without the continued attention of the crew, the ship simply would not go anywhere.

The Sailors on the bridge may run the ship, but they perform their jobs thanks to their shipmates several decks below—the Sailors that make the ship run. ...

Decrease Unemployment, Decrease Insurgency

I am no one to second guess the big shots over in Iraq, and they seem to believe that increasing opportunities in Iraq for men to work will lessen their desire and the ability for al Qaida to recruit them. I am a little skeptical, however. I believe they are joining for (uneducated?) religious reasons. Most of these bastards have money already. That is one of my contentions.

Anyway, we are marching forward, if you'll forgive the pun. lol. It is a mighty effort they are exerting to re-open most of the 200 factories in the hope of offering young men jobs. You never know. It may just work. You can read about it in the links below. Have a great weekend!

Source: CENTCOM News.
If that link no longer works, try this one.