Marine killed in action in Ramadi

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Marine assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was killed in action when his vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against the enemy in ar Ramadi, Dec. 7.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

Semper Fi

E-Mail From John Murtha

Dear Carl,

America wants and deserves real answers on Iraq: What is the clear definition of success? Is there a plan? How much longer and how many more lives? In short, what is the end game?

Because we in Congress are charged with overseeing the safety of our sons and daughters when the president sends them into battle, it is our responsibility, our obligation to speak out for them. This obligation has not been met. That's why I am speaking out now.

I offered a concrete plan to get our troops out of harm's way, where they have become the target. I don't expect every member of Congress to agree with my specific proposal in this debate - but I do expect them to take part in that debate, not to squash it.

I am asking you to join me in demanding a real discussion of the war in Iraq from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tell Congress to Have an Honest Debate For the Safety of Our Troops.

For too long Congress has counted itself out of any real debate on Iraq policy. We didn't talk about troop levels, even after the White House fired General Shinseki because he complained the levels were too low. One problem we encountered was the lack of proper training for our troops; service members were placed to guard the prisons but weren't trained; consequently we had Abu Ghraib, and no action from Congress. And if you look at the casualties, they have doubled since then. It's time to change our course - we can't just sit back any longer.

I've taken a lot of trips to Iraq. When I came back from my last one, I had become convinced we were making no progress at all. This can't be Republican and Democrat. It can't be recrimination one way or the other. We have to work this thing out, and we can't let a real solution get caught in the crossfire of an understandably heated political fight.

It's time for a serious conversation, not more rhetoric.

Tell Congress to Have an Honest Debate For the Safety of Our Troops.

The past few weeks have had a lot of firsts for me. I have never sought out the spotlight, or even taken the lead in a House floor debate the way I did a few weeks ago. And I've never signed an email like this before. But I see the beginning of a debate that is long overdue, and we can't afford to let it get overtaken by talking points or the news cycle.

I'm offering this petition, which will be delivered to Speaker of the House in order to keep our Congress focused where it should have been all along. I hope you'll sign if you agree.

Tell Congress to Have an Honest Debate For the Safety of Our Troops.

Sincerely,

John Murtha
Pennsylvania's 12th District



It is very important to spread Rep. John Murtha's call for an honest debate on Iraq. Please take this opportunity to forward his message to your friends and family.

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Afghans welcome NATO expansion, Taliban threaten (Reuters)

KABUL (Reuters) -Afghanistan welcomed NATO's decision to expand its peacekeeping mission on Friday, saying it would boost security, while the Taliban said more alliance troops would only increase opportunities for guerillas to attack them.

NATO foreign ministers approved mission rules on Thursday for an expanded Afghan peacekeeping force next year, which Washington hopes will allow it to cut U.S. troop levels in the country.

The agreement leaves the most dangerous counter-insurgency work in the hands of the 20,000-strong U.S.-led force but gives NATO more scope to help Afghan forces with training and other tasks such as disarming illegal groups.

"The people of Afghanistan thank them for their contribution to security and reconstruction," President Hamid Karzai told reporters at his heavily fortified presidential palace.

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Tech. Sgt. Patrick L. Shannon

12/08/2005 - Air Force Sergeant MIA from Vietnam War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Tech. Sgt. Patrick L. Shannon of Owasso, Okla. Funeral arrangements are yet to be set by his family.

Shannon and 18 other servicemen operated a radar installation atop Pha Thi Mountain in Houaphan Province, Laos, approximately 13 miles south of the border with North Vietnam. The site, known at Lima Site 85, directed U.S. bombing missions toward key targets in North Vietnam.

In the early morning of March 11, 1968, the site came under attack by a force of North Vietnamese commandos. The enemy force had scaled the sheer mountainsides in the hours before the attack and overran the site. During the attack, some Americans made their way down to ledges, but survivors reported that several were killed.

Several hours later, U.S. aircraft attacked enemy positions around the site, enabling helicopters to rescue eight of the 19 Americans, although one of the survivors died en route to a base in Thailand. Later that day, and for four additional days, U.S. air strikes bombed the site to destroy technical equipment left behind.

Beginning in 1994, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command began interviewing witnesses in both Laos and Vietnam to gather information on the fates of the Americans. Some of those interviewed were villagers who lived near the site, while others were former enemy soldiers who carried out the attack. In 2002, one of the enemy soldiers stated that he helped throw the bodies of the Americans off the mountain after the attack, as they were unable to bury them on the rocky surface.

Between 1994 and 2004, 11 investigations were conducted by both JPAC as well as unilaterally by Lao and Vietnamese investigators on both sides of the border. During one of the investigations, several mountaineer-qualified JPAC specialists scaled down the cliffs where they recovered remains and personal gear on ledges. JPAC and Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory scientists used mitochondrial DNA and other forensic techniques to identify the remains as those of Shannon.

Of the 88,000 Americans unaccounted for from all conflicts, 1,812 are from the Vietnam War. Another 771 Americans have been accounted for in Southeast Asia since the end of the war. Of the Americans identified, 199 are from losses in Laos.

Semper Fi

Cpl. Jimmy L. Shelton

12/08/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Jimmy L. Shelton, 21, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., died in Bayji, Iraq on Dec. 3, when his forward operating base was attacked by enemy forces using mortars. Shelton was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

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Spc. Brian A. Wright, 19

12/08/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Brian A. Wright, 19, of Keensburg, Ill., died in Ramadi, Iraq on Dec. 6, when his HMMWV struck a mine during combat operations. Wright was assigned to the Army National Guard's 135th Engineer Company, Lawrenceville, Ill.

Semper Fi

Pfc. Thomas C. Siekert

12/08/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Thomas C. Siekert, 20, of Lovelock, Nev., died in Bayji, Iraq on Dec. 6, from non-combat related injuries. Siekert was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Semper Fi

And This from Think Progress

Iraq: The War To Start All Wars

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CENTCOM-II MEF SOLDIER KILLED NEAR HABBANIYAH

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Soldier assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was killed in action while conducting a combat patrol against the enemy when his vehicle hit a mine in the vicinity of Habbaniyah, Dec. 6.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

Several U.S. Army units are attached to II MEF (Fwd) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Semper Fi

The same people who brought you the war on Christmas are closed.

Some Megachurches Closing for Christmas (AP)

This Christmas, no prayers will be said in several megachurches around the country. Even though the holiday falls this year on a Sunday, when churches normally host thousands for worship, pastors are canceling services, anticipating low attendance on what they call a family day.

Critics within the evangelical community, more accustomed to doing battle with department stores and public schools over keeping religion in Christmas, are stunned by the shutdown.

It is almost unheard of for a Christian church to cancel services on a Sunday, and opponents of the closures are accusing these congregations of bowing to secular culture.

Semper Fi

Survivors to Mark Pearl Harbor Anniversary (AP)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor will join sailors, community leaders and guests on Wednesday for the 64th anniversary of the assault.

The crowd will observe a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. — the moment the attack began in 1941.

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Sgt. 1st Class Richard L. SchildStaff Sgt. Daniel M. Cuka

12/06/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 4, when improvised explosive devices detonated near their HMMWV during convoy operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery, Yankton, S.D.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Richard L. Schild, 40, of Tabor, S.D.

Staff Sgt. Daniel M. Cuka, 27, of Yankton, S.D.

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Staff Sgt. Philip L. TravisSgt. Philip A. DodsonSpc. Marcus S. Futrell

12/06/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, on Dec. 2, of injuries sustained earlier that day when their truck accidentally rolled over. The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 148th Forward Support Battalion, 48th Brigade Combat Team, Forsyth, Ga.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Philip L. Travis, 41, of Snellville, Ga.

Sgt. Philip A. Dodson, Jr., 42, of Forsyth, Ga.

Spc. Marcus S. Futrell, 20, of Macon, Ga.

Semper Fi

Sgt. Grzegorz Jakoniuk

12/05/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Grzegorz Jakoniuk, 25, of Schiller Park, Ill., died in Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 30, from non-combat related injuries. Jakoniuk was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Semper Fi

Cpl. William G. Taylor

12/05/2005 - DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. William G. Taylor, 26, of Macon, Ga., died Nov. 30 from small-arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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AP Shocker: Iraq VP Disputes Bush on Training of Forces

By Sally Buzbee, The Associated Press


DUBAI The training of Iraqi security forces has suffered a big "setback" in the last six months, with the army and other forces being increasingly used to settle scores and make other political gains, Iraqi Vice President Ghazi al-Yawer said Monday.

Al-Yawer disputed contentions by U.S. officials, including President Bush, that the training of security forces was gathering speed, resulting in more professional troops.

Snip

He said the army — also dominated by Shiites — is conducting raids against villages and towns in Sunni and mixed areas of Iraq, rather than targeting specific insurgents — a tactic he said reminded many Sunnis of Saddam Hussein-era raids.

"Saddam used to raid villages," using security forces, he said. "This is not the way to do it."

Al-Yawer also expressed grave concern that Iraqi army units might use intimidation to try to keep Sunni voters from the polls during the country's crucial Dec. 15 general election.

Semper Fi

10 Marines

12/03/2005 - DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

Department of Defense announced today the death of 10 Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay, 27, of Pensacola, Fla.

Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, 20, of Suprise, Ariz.

Lance Cpl. David A. Huhn, 24, of Portland, Mich.

Lance Cpl. Adam W. Kaiser, 19, of Naperville, Ill.

Lance Cpl. Robert A. Martinez, 20, of Splendora, Texas

Cpl. Anthony T. McElveen, 20, of Little Falls, Minn.

Lance Cpl. Scott T. Modeen, 24, of Hennepin, Minn.

Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, 19, of Byron, Ill.

Sgt. Andy A. Stevens, 29, of Tomah, Wis.

Lance Cpl. Craig N. Watson, 21, of Union City, Mich.

All 10 Marines died Dec. 1 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. All 10 Marines were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Semper Fi

Staff Sgt. William D. Richardson

12/02/2005 - DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. William D. Richardson, 30, of Houston, Texas, died Nov. 30 of wounds sustained from a non-hostile vehicle accident near Al Taqaddum, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-372, Marine Wing Support Group-37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Semper Fi

Sgt. 1st Class Brent A. Adams

12/02/2005 - DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Brent A. Adams, 40, of West View, Pa., died in Ramadi, Iraq on Dec. 1, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military five-ton truck during combat operations. Adams was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Washington, Pa.

Semper Fi

CENTCOM-U.S. SOLDIER DIES OF WOUNDS IN ROCKET ATTACK

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq –A Soldier assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), died of wounds received when the vehicle he was traveling in was attacked with a rocket while conducting combat operations against the enemy in ar Ramadi, Dec. 1.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

Several U.S. Army units are attached to II MEF (Fwd) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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CENTCOM-THREE 48TH BCT SOLDIERS DIE IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT

LSA ANACONDA, BALAD, Iraq – Three 48th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers were killed in a vehicular accident southeast of Ali Air Base at about 3:00 p.m. on December 2nd. The incident is currently under investigation. The names of the Soldiers are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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CENTCOM-10 MARINES KILLED IN FALLUJAH

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Ten Marines from Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) were killed in action by an improvised explosive device while conducting a foot patrol outside Fallujah Dec. 1.

The patrol was attacked with an IED fashioned from several large artillery shells. Eleven Marines were wounded in the incident. Of those, seven have returned to duty. Marines from RCT 8 continue to conduct counterinsurgency operations throughout Fallujah and the surrounding area to provide a secure environment for the national elections Dec. 15.

Names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

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CENTCOM-MARINE KILLED IN ACTION IN FALLUJAH

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was killed in action by small arms fire while conducting combat operations against the enemy in Fallujah, Nov. 30.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

Semper Fi

CENTCOM-II MEF MARINE DIES IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Marine assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), died in a non-hostile vehicle accident near Al Taqaddum, Iraq Nov. 30.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

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CENTCOM-II MEF MARINE DIES FROM SMALL-ARMS FIRE

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), died of wounds received from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against the enemy in Fallujah, Nov. 30.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

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CENTCOM-TASK FORCE BAGHDAD SOLDIER DIES FROM GUNSHOT WOUND

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Task Force Baghdad Soldier died as a result of a gunshot wound north of Baghdad Nov. 30.

The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

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