[GI JANE]

This is a GOOD NEWS thread. GOOD NEWS ONLY! It would be great for this thread to be kept in a completely positive and supportive nature.

If anyone sees anything here they feel they must bitch about, go start a thread somewhere else, please.

Add any and all GOOD NEWS stories, pictures, music, links, and comments you come across.

Let's show the WORLD our support and love for our TROOPS, politicians, fellow friendly nations, and individuals one and all, who help the cause of FREEDOM across the globe.

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by Spc. Blair Larson
December 29, 2004
Spc. Darren McCrae (right) of Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Capt. Keith Walters, Troop B commander, hand out backpacks to Iraqi school children in Tal Banat. This photo appeared on www.army.mil.

Click to Enlarge


by Pfc. Al Barrus
December 27, 2004
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Army Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division, serve Christmas Eve food to Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division in Iraq. This photo appeared on www.army.mil.

Click to Enlarge


by Staff Sgt. Susan German
December 16, 2004
Iraqi police officers fire their AK-47 rifles at the Camp Independence rifle range in Baghdad, Iraq. They are coached by Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. This photo appeared on www.army.mil.

Click to Enlarge


by Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Aker
December 7, 2004
A fall snowstorm at Fort Drum, N.Y., does not cancel Staff Sgt. Juan Aponte’s alfresco reenlistment ceremony in front of the 10th Mountain Division monument. Aponte, an intelligence analyst, will transfer from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment to a much warmer clime: MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Aponte’s company commander, Capt. Toby Moore, reenlists him. This photo appeared on www.army.mil.

Click to Enlarge


by Lee Harshman
December 17, 2004
A Soldier from Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, visits children and delivers school supplies at Al Nidhal Public School in Amel Shabi, Iraq. This photo appeared on www.army.mil.

Click to Enlarge


by Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Collins Jr
September 21, 2004
Staff Sgt. Jen Brooks of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team offers candy to a student from Abdul Ahad Karzai Middle School in Kahdahar City, Afghanistan. This photo appeared on www.army.mil.

Click to Enlarge

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SOLDIER STORIES

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`Amber Waves’ giving wheat seed to Iraqi farmers

Wolfhounds patrol Paktina, hand out blankets

Chaplains, mullahs meet

Election Tops Year's Accomplishments in Afghanistan

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AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU
Musical Tributes
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The United States Navy on the World Wide Web
A service of the Navy Office of Information, Washington DC

Gearhart: You spoke out briefly on technology. Can
you talk about some of the technologies that we might
be seeing in the future?

CNO: Well first we start with ships. In '05 we will
let the contract for a brand new ship called the
Littoral Combatant Ship. You talk about high-tech
and different than anything we've ever done in our
history. Roll on, roll off, combat systems modules.
Built from the ground up to Sea Swap. Built, it's
probably going to have about 50 people on it, I'm not
exactly sure in development it will become more
clear. Focused on mission warfare areas, mine
warfare, antisurface warfare, antisubmarine warfare.
A ship that is going to be able to go in the
shallows, it's going to be a shallow draft ship but
also a ship that is going to nearly fly. We're
designing it to, our target is to go 50 knots and the
plans that we are seeing looks like it's going to be
45 to 47 knots, something like that. This is going
to be some kind of a ship. DD(X) is on the horizon.
The all-electric ship that will - the most
sophisticated and advanced platform we've ever built.
Virginia class submarine, the first one we
commissioned just a few weeks ago. We'll start to
see those populate the force. We're training more
people to go to the first submarine designed for the
21st Century, post-Cold War. LPD 17, CVN 21, let's
talk about airplanes. We are now fielding F-18 E/F
in numbers. The new helicopter is starting to roll
out. The first 60 Sierra and the Romeo, we've got a
number of those in the budget. And Joint Strike
Fighter is on the horizon. Joint Strike Fighter is
going to have twice the combat range, almost twice
the combat range of anything that we have. There are
all kinds of new technology things coming and on the
horizon. And we're going to need great people to be
able to operate this force.
Rest of Interview


more.........


MSC Ships Join U.S. Tsunami Relief Effort



Airmen from the 613th Contingency Response Group at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa arrived at this Sri Lankan military base to identify requirements to support the local U.S. Embassy and humanitarian relief efforts.
Link

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Air Force News Delivered To You

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AFN-Iraq tells 'the rest of the story'
by Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Connor
447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- American Forces Network-Iraq broadcasters surpassed the 700-story-mark as their station, located in the heart of Baghdad, turned a year old Dec. 10.

Unlike their civilian counterparts who continually report on the death and destruction side of what’s going on in Iraq, the 32 servicemembers who make up the AFN-Iraq team tell the rest of the story through TV and radio broadcasts.

Our primary mission is to keep people informed and entertained,” said Lt. Col. Michael Halbig, AFN-Iraq network commander.

Link
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NCIS has distinct mission in Iraq's Al Anbar province
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2004122812245
Story by Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri

AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 28, 2004) -- Marines and Sailors deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom have a guardian angel: the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

In charge of law enforcement and counterintelligence for the Navy & Marine Corps, NCIS's mission is to, "prevent and solve crimes that threaten the warfighting capability of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps."

NCIS agents in Al Anbar work hand-in-hand with the I Marine Expeditionary Force, protecting the service members from crimes such as terrorism, homicide, theft and more, making sure that threats against the military are eliminated and criminals are brought to justice.

Rest of Story

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES

We are who we are and have all that we have because of God's good graces upon our great country and your service.

THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart.




Spelling edit.

Starting at 11:00 pm tonight on FOX News is their New Years Eve program.

Be there.

Thank you, FOX NEWS!

M_M, on Jan 1 2005, 09:55 PM, said:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/05/01/...arrier.landing/
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok....and your point is??? President Bush ( a former Air National Guard pilot) landed a jet fighter on an aircraft carrier. Much better than Klintoon, ( a former anti-war protester, draft dodger, and military loather) who had the audacity to pose on the deck of the USS Roosevelt.

[M_M]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/05/01/...arrier.landing/

[GI JANE]

Quote

Unlike their civilian counterparts who continually report on the death and destruction side of what’s going on in Iraq, the 32 servicemembers who make up the AFN-Iraq team tell the rest of the story through TV and radio broadcasts.

How true! I think at least some of the local MSM gets the hint...I actually witnessed a "good news" report on a local DC station. I about fell out of my chair!



I have something wonderful (from a fellow RN member) for everyone.

Thank you, Vulcan, for sharing this story with me and allowing me to share it with the world. I am truly honored to be your friend, and in some small way, help to show the heart and soul of our military service members. Past and present.

I'm sure you all remember during Iraqi Freedom when several of our troops were missing. I'll only explain the rest to say, that this is one of the most heart warming gestures of faith and love that I have ever seen.

First is the letter that Rob (Vulcan) sent to Ron Young's family. One of the missing service members.

What follows is what he, the Young family, and all of us really, received in return. Hope and love and faith and a true miracle.
________________________________________________

Quote

Dear Mr. Young;

I hope this package has found the correct family. I am attempting to send this to P.O.W. Chief Warrant Officer Ronald D. Young’s wife or parents.
If this is not the family of this soldier please return it or if you know the family, please forward it to them.

To the Young Family;

My name is Rob Hollowell and I live in Springville, Al. with my wife and two sons, Josh and Aaron, ages 12 and 13. I am writing this letter with sadness in my heart, for you and for Ronald Jr. Not knowing his status other than him being a P.O.W. has got to be the heaviest burden you have ever carried. I don’t know Ronald personally, but I know in my heart that I DO know ALL that I need to know about him. He was fighting for my freedom and the freedom that my sons will be able to cherish and enjoy as they grow older and live out their lives. And that is something that I will never be able to repay him for. So I have enclosed something that I cherish in my life second only to my family. And I would like you to have it until Ronald comes home, then I would like you to give it to him. It is the Distinguished Flying Cross. My father, Irwin T. (Bud) Hollowell, was a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot in the European Theater in WWII. He flew 58 missions and was lucky enough to survive the War and return to his family. I am thankful he did return or I would not be here today. My father was VERY proud of his Country and proud of his service to it. God, Country, Family…THAT was my dad. He passed away a few years ago and left me the medals he so cherished.

Over the past 10-15 days I have had this overwhelming feeling that there was/is something I was suppose to be doing. And I couldn’t figure out what it was. It was very troubling to me. I prayed for God to open the eyes of my heart and let me know what it was that I was suppose to be doing. And so the last week or so I kept seeing Ronald Jr.’s name in the TV news over and over and on the internet and in the paper. His name just kept popping up in front of me constantly. Then it seemed like every night when I went to bed my attention was drawn to the frame on the bedroom wall that holds my fathers’ medals for WWII service. I felt like my dad was telling me to make sure that this medal made it to you. I have this strange sense that God has appointed my father to watch over Ronald. Don’t ask me why, as I have never felt anything like this in my life.

Anyway, I researched and found this address on the Internet and decided that this is what I was supposed to do. Please don’t question this, as it has all been strange to me too.  All I know is that every time I look at that frame on the wall from now on and see the empty spot where Dad’s DFC medal was, I will always think of CWO Ronald D. Young.

Please accept this as a token of my eternal and humble gratitude and appreciation to you and your son. I feel like my Father has been inside me telling me to give this to someone deserving like Ronald.

One other thing before I close… Please know that Ronald is being prayed for every single day. He is also on the prayer list at the small church I attend…Pleasant Hill United Methodist and I know that there are many others who are praying for his safe return and the safe return of all of the P.O.W.’s and Soldiers who are fighting for us.

Thank you for listening to my ramblings.
And Thank You, Mr. Young, for Raising Such a Fine Son and American!

My deepest regards and most humble appreciation for his service for me,

Rob Hollowell

________________________________________________


A most wonderful tribute to your dad, Vulcan and a testament to the power of faith in God. I am proud to know you.

________________________________________________

Please search the National WWII Memorial Registry for:

Irwin T. Hollowell Henderson, KY U.S. Army Air Forces




Eric Orsini joined the Army for a one-year stint in 1941, then kept finding reasons to stay with the government. Later this month, he'll retire with 64 years of service under his belt: 30 years of it in uniform, and 34 as an Army civilian.
Rest of Story

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Troops Opt to Extend Tours As Iraqi Elections Near
U.S. soldiers of 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, salute as the National Anthem is played during the battalion's farewell ceremony held on the 4th Brigade Combat Team’s Warrior Pad at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 3, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Benjamin Cossel

When I talked to [1st Battalion (Attack), 25th Aviation Regiment commander, Lt. Col.] Mike Lundy about keeping some of you here with us, he told me that there were so many volunteers to stay that he had to make the hard decision of who among you to send home! U.S. Army Col. James McConville

Rest of Story

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS!
Elvis.com


__________________________________

Say Thank You, show your support, and that you care!

Operation USO Care Package

Link

The Salvation Army
Link

THANK YOU, US ARMED FORCES and FAMILIES and ALL who HELP!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[M_M]

AFbrat, on Jan 2 2005, 12:30 PM, said:

GI JANE:

Thanks! Hopefully people who would never visit a military site might be inclined to do so.

I'll gather more, also. 

Yes, this M_M person (Micheal Moore?)... I checked his posts last night. Looked like a troll to me. Mostly stupid one liners geared to illicit or provoke a fight. IMO.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Provoke a fight? Sir.. I resent that comment and accusation.

I am a libertarian with conservative values. However.. I have issues with phoney conservatives as much I have with lefty communistic socialists who hate this country like Gephart.

Why do you have a problem with that Bush landing on that carrier with that sign "Mission accimplished"?

I didn't say anything negative...now did I? So..what gives?

[Extreme Dude]

Hey AFBrat,
Rockin work on the good news thread. Here's a little something on the Spirit of Giving to add to your collection.Stars and Stripes

The negative stuff gets to be so depressing, doesn't it? Look forward to your next finds.

[M_M]

Extreme Dude, on Jan 5 2005, 10:10 AM, said:

Hey AFBrat,
Rockin work on the good news thread. Here's a little something on the Spirit of Giving to add to your collection.Stars and Stripes

The negative stuff gets to be so depressing, doesn't it? Look forward to your next finds.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We were having all good news when we were in Afghanistan... and then when it was turned into a personal war in Iraq..against all the outrage.... the good news turned South.

[Rich T]

AFbrat, on Jan 2 2005, 03:30 PM, said:

GI JANE:

Thanks! Hopefully people who would never visit a military site might be inclined to do so.

I'll gather more, also. 

Yes, this M_M person (Micheal Moore?)... I checked his posts last night. Looked like a troll to me. Mostly stupid one liners geared to illicit or provoke a fight. IMO.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You can resent it all you want.

These folks know your number M_M.

You are more transparent than a polished plate glass window.

But you are fun to watch.

[M_M]

ThaSickness, on Jan 6 2005, 09:31 PM, said:

Your right... if you mean by the liberal Dems who lost the 2000 and 2002 elections were still mad at Bush for "stealing" it and decided to turn against our nation who (at the time) were still rallying behind Bush and supported the War on Terror in hopes of gaining political support for their candidates in '04 (didn't work.. did it f**kers!! ).

If you mean "Revenge for Daddy".. well, then you're dead wrong, and also a leftists loser spouting DU manical talking points.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Golly!... you sure have conservative values and the language to go with it.

[Rich T]

ThaSickness, on Jan 7 2005, 12:45 AM, said:

I'll give ya "conservative values", turd sniffer! 
Believe me.. I'd say a HELL of a lot more if I didn't want to get warned, but lemme explain something to you...  Not all conservative thinking people are your stereotypical white shoed, country club Republicans.. and not all of us are big ol' Southerners with pickup trucks blasting Toby Keith. If you saw me on the streets, with my long hair (yes people.. growing it out again), tattoos, piercings, and all that.. you'd think I was a big ass lib, but I am VERY conservative (and I love using my appearance to my advantage too) but don't necessarily follow the Robertson/Falwell line. But then, I am speaking to a close-minded leftist troglodyte here, so..... screw it.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

M_M likes to troll. But I supsect you already know that by now.

[Gungerassa]

AFbrat, on Dec 31 2004, 10:32 PM, said:

This is a GOOD NEWS thread. GOOD NEWS ONLY! It would be great for this thread to be kept in a completely positive and supportive nature.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good idea, Brat.

A lot of times no news is good news. I know someone in the military who won't tell me much because of the nature of his duties, but I can tell you, from talking with him, that a lot of behind the scenes stuff is going on to expedite Iraq's freedom.

Setting that aside, the morale is good and our soldiers know first-hand what their very own accomplishments are. The best thing we can do is
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

(Color red intentional)

[Bluish]

M_M, on Jan 6 2005, 09:24 PM, said:

We were having all good news when we were in Afghanistan... and then when it was turned into a personal war in Iraq..against all the outrage.... the good news turned South.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

MM
If the good news turned south, you wouldn't know it by looking at these Iraqi kids,
Story Time
Coloring Books
The purpose of this thread is to support the troops and the positive work they and others are carrying out in Iraq. There are other threads on this site for you to make your point. Don't take away from the work your fellow Americans and coalition partners are doing.

[M_M]

DD from the North, on Jan 7 2005, 08:58 AM, said:

MM
If the good news turned south, you wouldn't know it by looking at these Iraqi kids,
Story Time
Coloring Books
The purpose of this thread is to support the troops and the positive work they and others are carrying out in Iraq. There are other threads on this site for you to make your point. Don't take away from the work your fellow Americans and coalition partners are doing.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fair enough.

[M_M]

AFbrat, on Jan 7 2005, 02:30 PM, said:

Thank you, M_M. 
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're Welcome SIR.

[Bluish]

2005-01-05: 14 Countries around the World to let Iraqis vote in National Assembly Elections

Press Release


Amman, Jordan: Expatriate Iraqis living in fourteen countries around the world will now be able to vote in Iraq’s Transitional National Assembly Election in January 2005, after the final three agreements were concluded between the governments of Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IOM, on 11 November, authorising it to conduct an Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) Program in fourteen countries with large expatriate Iraqi communities. The governments in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Jordan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States have all now concluded agreements with IOM to host the Iraq OCV Program.

"We are very pleased that all of the countries identified by the IECI have now agreed to support Iraq OCV, allowing as many Iraqis as possible to vote," said IOM Iraq OCV Director, Peter Erben.

In consultation with local Iraqis and government officials, offices are being set up in each of these countries and local staff trained as registration and polling station officials. To participate in the election, Iraqis must prove their eligibility and register in one of these centres over a one week period, from 17 to 23 January. Polling will take place from 28 to 30 January, with the last day of polling coinciding with Election Day in Iraq. Iraqis must return to the same location at which they registered in order to cast their vote. An extensive information campaign is also underway to inform potential voters in all 14 countries about eligibility, registration and voting locations.

Registration and polling will be conducted in the following locations:

Australia: Melbourne and Sydney
Canada: Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto
Denmark: Copenhagen
France: Paris
Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Mannheim and Munich
Iran: Ahvaz, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Orumiyeh, Qom and Tehran
Jordan: Amman
The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zwolle
Sweden: Gothenburg and Stockholm
Syria: Damascus
Turkey: Ankara, Istanbul
United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai
United Kingdom: Glasgow, London and Manchester
The United States: Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington (DC)

Please visit Iraq Out of Country Voting for regular press releases, contact information, and downloadable photos and audio/video files. For more information, please e-mail media@iraqocv.org or call:

Monique De Groot
IOM OCV Iraq Spokesperson
+962 (0)79 640 0436


Voter Education in Copenhagen - Head of Country Christian Christensen, Field Coordinator Sabah Mustafa and Iraqi Advisor Nahda Jaber Jassem inform an audience of approximately 500 potential voters about the coming election.

[Vulcan]

DD from the North, on Jan 17 2005, 07:07 PM, said:

2005-01-05: 14 Countries around the World to let Iraqis vote in National Assembly Elections

Press Release
Amman, Jordan: Expatriate Iraqis living in fourteen countries around the world will now be able to vote in Iraq’s Transitional National Assembly Election in January 2005, after the final three agreements were concluded between the governments of Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IOM, on 11 November, authorising it to conduct an Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) Program in fourteen countries with large expatriate Iraqi communities. The governments in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Jordan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States have all now concluded agreements with IOM to host the Iraq OCV Program.

"We are very pleased that all of the countries identified by the IECI have now agreed to support Iraq OCV, allowing as many Iraqis as possible to vote," said IOM Iraq OCV Director, Peter Erben.

In consultation with local Iraqis and government officials, offices are being set up in each of these countries and local staff trained as registration and polling station officials. To participate in the election, Iraqis must prove their eligibility and register in one of these centres over a one week period, from 17 to 23 January. Polling will take place from 28 to 30 January, with the last day of polling coinciding with Election Day in Iraq. Iraqis must return to the same location at which they registered in order to cast their vote. An extensive information campaign is also underway to inform potential voters in all 14 countries about eligibility, registration and voting locations.

Registration and polling will be conducted in the following locations:

Australia: Melbourne and Sydney
Canada: Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto
Denmark: Copenhagen
France: Paris
Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Mannheim and Munich
Iran: Ahvaz, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Orumiyeh, Qom and Tehran
Jordan: Amman
The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zwolle
Sweden: Gothenburg and Stockholm
Syria: Damascus
Turkey: Ankara, Istanbul
United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai
United Kingdom: Glasgow, London and Manchester
The United States: Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington (DC)

Please visit Iraq Out of Country Voting for regular press releases, contact information, and downloadable photos and audio/video files. For more information, please e-mail media@iraqocv.org or call:

Monique De Groot
IOM OCV Iraq Spokesperson
+962 (0)79 640 0436


Voter Education in Copenhagen  - Head of Country Christian Christensen, Field Coordinator Sabah Mustafa and Iraqi Advisor Nahda Jaber Jassem inform an audience of approximately 500 potential voters about the coming election.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is a wonderful sight to see! It's good to know that the sacrifice our soldiers and the coalition have made is letting that country move toward freedom.
Thanks for the post DD from the north!

[Lo Bastido]

Apologies if this has been posted already, but here's the latestissue of OpinionJournal's fortnightly good news from Iraq roundup:

http://www.opinionjo...a/?id=110006166

(found via Instapundit.com)



Atheer Almudhafer, from Falls Church, Va., gives the Iraqi sign of victory after casting his absentee ballot at the New Carrollton, Md., voting station, Jan. 28, 2005. His finger is marked with indelible blue ink, intended to prevent double voting. "I give the sign of peace and voting. Together it is victory," Almudhafer said. Defense Dept. photo by Tech. Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby, U.S. Air Force.

More Pictures
____________________________________________

I just heard on Fox and Friends that 25,000 people per hour voting in southern Iraq.

[Lo Bastido]

AFbrat, on Jan 30 2005, 05:22 AM, said:

Atheer Almudhafer, from Falls Church, Va., gives the Iraqi sign of victory after casting his absentee ballot at the New Carrollton, Md., voting station, Jan. 28, 2005. His finger is marked with indelible blue ink, intended to prevent double voting. "I give the sign of peace and voting. Together it is victory," Almudhafer said. Defense Dept. photo by Tech. Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby, U.S. Air Force.

More Pictures
____________________________________________

I just heard on Fox and Friends that 25,000 people per hour voting in southern Iraq.

   
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All of you who supported the democratization of Iraq, please take this moment to appreciate that you're on the winning side, and that you stayed on the winning side despite all the depressing and discouraging news heaped on you these past two years.