New Year’s Eve Terror Report - 2006

Hello everyone...

I’ll be enjoying this New Year’s Eve Night playing on the Playstation II Game Console with my two Grandsons... eating all the junk food I shouldn’t be eating... and every now and then checking my news sources for any Bombings and such we might have around the world tonight. I’ll post as needed...
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With that said... I hope everyone out there has a very safe New Year’s Eve Night and may I wish you all a very...

HAPPY New Year!
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Sadly the terrorists are at it already...
>>> Bombs Rock Bangkok this New Year’s Eve killing at least 2
Nine bombs exploded across Bangkok as the Thai Capital celebrated the New Year, killing two people... injuring more than 20 more and driving thousands of revelers home as the city canceled its countdown festivities...
Read the story at CHRON.com

Monday, January 1, 2007 *** Well... Thank god this is all to report...

... POST END ...

Vice President's Remarks at the State Funeral of Former President Gerald R. Ford

About the Photo: Vice President Dick Cheney holds the hand of former first lady Betty Ford as they stand before the casket of former President Gerald R. Ford during the State Funeral ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Capitol Hill, Saturday, December 30, 2006.
Info by The White House - White House photo by David Bohrer
Read the story HERE

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1336-06 December 31, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer, 23, of Mont Alto, Pa., died December 27th at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of injuries sustained on November 13th in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated nearby. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.
For more information on this soldier, contact the 1st Armored Division Public Affairs Office at 011-49-611-705-4859.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1335-06 December 31, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died December 27th in Baghdad of wounds received from an improvised explosive device that detonated near them while on dismounted patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:
Sgt. Christopher P. Messer, 28, of Petersburg, Michigan.
Pfc. Nathaniel A. Given, 21, of Dickinson, Texas.

For more information on these soldiers, contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1334-06 December 31, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Dustin R. Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas, died December 28th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds received from small arms fire while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For more information on this soldier, contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 389-6666.

Update: British Remove Infiltrated Police Unit

About photo: An explosion destroys the Al Jameat Police Station in Basrah December 25th.

Ministry of Defence photo

Update:

British Remove Infiltrated Police Unit
Sunday, December 31, 2006

On Christmas Day, British Forces in Basrah carried out a major operation in Basrah to curtail the activities of a police unit, known as the Serious Crimes Unit (SCU).

The unit, some 400 strong, was known to have been heavily infiltrated by anti-Coalition elements and was responsible for the detention of two British servicemen in September 2005.

After removing some of the high ranking members of the unit in the past week, British troops from 19 Light Brigade, supported by Iraqi Army soldiers began the action, named Operation Thyme, at 2 a.m.

Royal Engineers breached the outer wall of the compound with their combat engineer tractor which was followed by Warrior fighting vehicles from the Staffordshire Regiment. They were backed up by more dismounted infantry who stormed the three buildings on the site. Some 1000 British troops were involved altogether, including those manning an extensive cordon, set up top ensure a robust response if those criminals targeted attempted a counter strike.

Once the compound was secure, Royal Military Police entered the house to detain the errant police; they had all fled before the British arrived. What they did find was over 70 prisoners, many of whom are likely to have been falsely imprisoned in a building which was a symbol of oppression for many of the people of Basrah.

They also supervised the collection of hundreds of files and computer terminals which will be examined in detail back at the coalition’s main base at Basrah airport.

Royal Engineers from 38 Engineer Regiment laid bar mines and plastic explosive against the major supports of the building. After taking away the prisoners for processing and having removed all the necessary evidence, the Engineers detonated the charges.

The Jameat police station erupted in a tower of debris and dust, removing a powerful symbol of oppression and corruption from the Basrah skyline.
(Taken from a story at MNF-Iraq.com)

Saddam Hussein Buried in same Cemetery as Sons Uday and Qusay

About 100 mourners, including the governor of Salaheddin, clerics, tribal leaders and relatives gathered at the flag-draped grave of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein who was buried Sunday in Awja, near Tikrit. Saddam's relatives, including his sons Uday and Qusay, are also buried in the same cemetery...
Read the rest of the story at CNN.com

File photo courtesy of MNF-I

The Entire Hanging Video of the Butcher of Baghdad, Saddam Hussein

This video has been removed by AubreyJ......... It was a little toooo strong for my Google ad folks and understandably too... Sorry!!! AJ August,2012

Nearing 3,000 U.S. Forces Killed in Iraq

Get ready...

The death total of U.S. Forces killed in Iraq is fixing go over the 3,000 mark. And the left of left... the left of left MSM will be near celebrating this number for their political agendas over the next week or so..

These brave men and women who have given their lives for their country in Iraq are people... not numbers. The MSM and way too many others seem to forget this little bit of information.

They seem to forget these are real people with Moms and Dads... Grandmothers and Grandfathers... Brothers and Sisters... Aunts, Uncles and Cousins... Friends... Girlfriends and many with Wives/Husbands and Children.

Get ready to get real mad on how so many Americans will treat our very own Fallen Heroes in the days to come.

All I can say is god bless each and every one of our Fallen Heroes...

I love them all for what they were willing to do for all of us. And be assured... I’m not along.

AubreyJ.........
December 30, 2006

Somalia Government Forces nearing final Showdown with Islamic Militia

Thousands of Somalian and Ethiopian troops closed in Saturday on the last remaining stronghold of a militant Islamic movement in southern Somalia...
Read the story at CANADA.com

Saddam Hussein: The Hanging of... and moments after

This post removed by AubreyJ...

Saddam Hussein DEAD

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Friday, December 29, 2006

.

9:09pm CST

The Butcher of Baghdad
*** Saddam Hussein DEAD ***
by Hanging
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Hope your sons have a warm place in hell for ya!
AubreyJ.........

Update: Saddam Hussein to Be Hanged 'Without Delay,' Iraqi PM Nuri al-Maliki Says

Saddam Hussein's execution will be carried out without delay, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was quoted as saying Friday... "There will be no review [of the sentence] or delay in carrying out the execution against the criminal Saddam," said a statement from al-Maliki's office, reported by Iraqi state television... "Whoever rejects Saddam's execution would be insulting the martyrs," he said in the statement, referring to Iraqi victims of the former dictator's...
Read the rest at CNSNEWS.com

Update: Friday, December 29, 2006
10:45am CST
Fox News just reported... The American Military has just handed over Saddam to Iraqi custody.

12:10pm CST
Fox now reports... The White House says... No-- He is NOT handed over as of yet.
(We’ll work this one out as more news comes in... AJ)

1:45pm CST
The State Department said... an hour or so back... that Saddam is definitely STILL in US Military Custody.
Just a minute ago... An Iraqi official said Saddam has now (at last, for sure,) been handed over to the Iraqi Authorities. Fox reports the same and... all Papers and Documents on Saddam’s death have been finalized and execution will now be soon.
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4:10pm CST
Fox News is now saying... AP is reporting that a top Iraqi Official has said Saddam will be put to death before 6am Baghdad time Saturday morning. That would be tonight at 9:00pm CST our time.

7:30pm CST
Everyone is now reporting... Saddam’s Date with the Rope should go down just after 8:30pm CST.
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8:28pm CST
Witnesses should now be in place... Saddam should be hanging dead any minute now.........
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>>> 9:09pm CST
The Butcher of Baghdad
*** Saddam Hussein DEAD ***

>>> 9:25 pm CST
Iraqi television stations reporting Saddam Hussein was executed just before 6am Baghdad time, Saturday. Fox News is reporting celebrations have already broken out in many streets around Iraq... still very quiet in Baghdad though.

**************************************

What my Blog friends are saying:
>>> Beth at Blue Star Chronicles...
This will not be the end of the Global War on Terror. It will be the end of Saddam Hussein’s reign of terror...

..

>>> Mohammed at Iraq The Model
The situation in Baghdad is tense now and US and Iraqi forces are heavily deployed on the streets... We're hearing and reading more confirmations that US military has already turned Saddam in to the Iraqi authorities and I don't think the government is willing, or able, to keep him in custody for too long...

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>>> Gina at GINA COBB...
The tug of war over Saddam Hussein's execution continues today. Now the latest rabbit pulled out of a hat by forces attempting to keep the tyrant alive is a claim by Hussein's lawyer......

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>>> Pamela at Atlas Shrugs
Ding Dong, the prick is dead...

..

>>> Fred at TEXAS FREDS
... the ONLY American influence in this whole trial was on Saddam’s behalf, and that was done by an American traitor, former A.G. Ramsey Clark, and he rolled ‘craps’…

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>>> Amy at Bottom Line Up Front

(Has Video showing some of Saddam’s crimes - Note: Not for the weak of heart)
Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq nicknamed the "Butcher of Baghdad", has been executed for his crimes against humanity during his 24 year reign...

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10:35pm CST
Statement By President Bush

Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime.

Fair trials were unimaginable under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule. It is a testament to the Iraqi people's resolve to move forward after decades of oppression that, despite his terrible crimes against his own people, Saddam Hussein received a fair trial. This would not have been possible without the Iraqi people's determination to create a society governed by the rule of law.

Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops. Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the War on Terror.

We are reminded today of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of Saddam Hussein's rule - and that the progress they have made would not have been possible without the continued service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq's young democracy continues to progress.
(Taken from a Press release by the White House - Office of the Press Secretary - December 29, 2006)

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10:45pm CST
Whenever the videos and still photos of Saddam’s hanging come out... you can bet I’ll get them posted for you ASP.

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That’s it for me.... Good night everyone.

End of Post
and Saddam Hussein

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AubreyJ.........

Somalia's Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi promises Peace and Stability

Somalia's Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi promised thousands of cheering Somalis peace and stability Friday as he formally took control of the battle-scarred capital for the first time since his government was formed two years ago. "Today is the beginning of a new life, new stabilization and a new future for Somalia," Gedi told residents...
Read the rest of the story at CHRON.com

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 1333-06 December 29, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Killed were:
Cpl. Christopher E. Esckelson, 22, of Vassar, Mich.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas A. Miller, 20, of Silverwood, Mich.
Lance Cpl. William D. Spencer, 20, of Paris, Tenn.

All three died on December 28th while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Esckelson and Miller were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division... Lansing, Mich. Spencer was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Nashville, Tenn.
For further information in regard to these Marines the media can contact the Marine Forces Reserve public affairs office at (504) 678-4177.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1332-06 December 29, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla., died December 27th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. McCormick was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420.

Photo for the Day – December 29, 2006

** SNIPER POSITION **
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sam Fulton, squad leader, 1st Squad, 128th Military Police Company out of Huntsville, Ala., and a native of Athens, Ala., hides behind sand bags on the roof of a building at the Joint Coordination Cell in Muqdadiya, Iraq, Dec. 21. Fulton was searching for sniper positions in the buildings across the street.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando L. Monroig

Saddam Likely to Be Hanged Before New Year

Fox News is reporting a U.S. military official has told them American forces are now in the process of finalizing the former Iraqi dictator's transfer to Iraqi custody and to the location where he would be executed. Several other U.S. officials said they are not ruling out the possibility that Saddam will be put to death as early as Friday.
Read this startling news at FOXNEWS.com

Ford’s Past Comments on Rumsfeld, Cheney, Bush and the Iraq War Hit The MSM

Well... The MSM is at it again. They couldn’t wait until after we got President Ford buried to come out anti-war swinging...

Headlines today...
>>> USATODAY.com: Report: Ford 'very strongly' against Iraq war justification
>>> KARE11.com: Ford strongly disagreed with Iraq war
>>> WFMZ.com: Gerald Ford on the Record as Iraq War Critic
>>> LSJ.com: Washington Post: Ford said Iraq war not justified
>>> CapitalHillBlue.com: Ford: Bush's invasion of Iraq a 'big mistake'
>>> ConcordMonitor.com: 'Rumsfeld, Cheney and the president made a big mistake'

A lot of cut and pasting of the facts and comments by former President Ford will be the norm in the days to come.
AubreyJ.........

Photo for the Day - December 28, 2006

A U.S. Army soldier stands outside a fence to provide security as Salman Pak Iraqi police officers conduct a cordon and search operation for insurgents in the Al Jara area of East Baghdad, Iraq, on December 22, 2006.
DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Bronco Suzuki, USA

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1330-06 December 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. Hayes Clayton, 29, of Georgia, died December 25th in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting combat operations. Clayton was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-2253.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1327-06 December 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Michael J. Crutchfield, 21, of Stockton, Calif., died December 23rd in Balad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury. Crutchfield was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C. Crutchfield's death is under investigation.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Bragg public affairs office at (910) 303-0617.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1326-06 December 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Dexter E. Wheelous, 37, of Winder, Ga., died December 25th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Wheelous was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-2253.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 1329-06 December 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Killed were:
Cpl. Joshua M. Schmitz, 21, of Spencer, Wis.
Lance Cpl. William C. Koprince Jr., 24, of Lenoir City, Tenn.

Schmitz died December 26 and Koprince on December 27 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For further information in regard to these Marines the media can contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1328-06 December 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries suffered when the vehicle they were in was involved in a rollover incident on December 26th in Baghdad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Killed were:
Spc. Joseph A. Strong, 21, of Lebanon, Ind.
Spc. Douglas L. Tinsley, 21, of Chester, S.C.
The incident is under investigation.

For further information on these soldiers the media can contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at (907) 389-6666.

IA Captures Al Qaeda Terrorist Cell Leader

Special Iraqi Army Forces, with coalition advisors, captured an Al Qaeda in Iraqi terror cell leader during operations Dec. 26 in Al Yousifiyah, south of Baghdad. The terrorist is believed responsible for kidnapping two US Soldiers from a checkpoint in Yousifiyah in June, 2006. The Soldiers were later found tortured and murdered.

Recently, the terrorist was commenting on the kidnapping during the showing of a video CD at a Yousifiyah mosque. The CD reportedly showed the kidnapping of the US Soldiers. The terrorist is also suspected of perpetrating numerous kidnappings, murders and other violent crimes within the Yousifiyah area.

Iraqi forces conducted an air-assault operation and quickly captured the terrorist without incident.

One other person detained was later released.

There was minimal damage done to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.
(Taken from Press Release #20061228-10 by Multi-National Corps-Iraq - Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory)

Israeli High-Ranking Officer From Northern Command Says Hizbullah Almost At Full Strength

Syria, the officer said, had used the past four months since the end of the war to transfer, (sometimes on a daily basis,) truckloads of advanced rockets and weaponry to Hizbullah in Lebanon. The weapon transfers, he said, were not even executed covertly, but were conducted "out in the open" for the entire world to see...
Read the rest of the story at LebaneseLobby.org

Islamist Forces Desert Somali Capital Mogadishu as Somali Government Takes over

Troops loyal to Somalia's weak transitional government were today poised to retake Mogadishu after Islamist movement fighters abandoned the city... Clan militiamen poured into the streets to take control of the capital as government troops, backed by Ethiopian forces, prepared to follow from their bridgehead outside the city. "We will capture Mogadishu any time within the coming hours," government spokesman, Abdirahman Dinari, said...
Read more of the story at...
>>> guardian.co.uk
>>> aawsat.com

Iran’s Collapsing Fuel Exports...

Iran produces 3.76m barrels of oil a day, 4.5pc of world supply. It needs $50bn of fresh investment over the next decade to rejuvenate the sector but has instead frightened away foreign oil companies.
Good read... Click it out at Telegraph.co.uk

John Kerry gets the Cold Shoulder During Visit to Iraq

A True Story...
Check out this story and take a good long look at the photo taken at the mess hall at the US Embassy in Iraq... Poor old Senator John Kerry found himself all alone while he was over there!!!

I agree with Scott... "GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!"

Be sure to click this one out at areavoices.com
(Follow the links too)
AubreyJ.........

Oil Prices Fall Due to Milder Weather

Oil prices fell Wednesday, extending losses of more than a dollar the previous session, as mild weather in major consuming nations slashed demand for heating fuel... U.S. crude fell 50 cents to $60.60 a barrel, while Brent dropped 27 cents to $60.83...
Read this story at CNNMoney.com

Israeli Prime Minister Olmert Orders Army to Resume Operations against Palestinians Launching Rockets into Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the army today to resume operations against Palestinians launching rockets into Israel... “During last several days the number of Qassam rocket attacks by terror groups on Israeli population centers from the Gaza Strip has increased despite the fact that Israel agreed to cease-fire,” a spokesman for Olmert's office said today...
Read more on this story at Bloomberg.com

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1324-06 December 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Jae S. Moon, 21, of Levittown, Pa., died December 25th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol December 14th in Baghdad. Moon was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information in regard to this soldier the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-1264 or (719) 526-5500.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1323-06 December 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Elias, 27, of Glendora, Calif., died December 23rd in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Elias was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For further information in regard to this soldier the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-1264 or (719) 526-5500.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1321-06 December 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations December 25th in Baghdad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:
Sgt. John T. Bubeck, 25, of Collegeville, Pa. He later died Dec. 26.
Spc. Aaron L. Preston, 29, of Dallas.
Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of Saint Johns, Mich.

For further information on these soldiers the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1319-06 December 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Stephen L. Morris, 21, of Lake Jackson, Texas, died December 24th while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Morris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Marine Corps Base Hawaii public affairs office at (808) 257-8870.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1317-06 December 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Myles C. Sebastien, 21, of Opelousas, La., died December 20th from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Sebastien was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1316-06 December 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died December 23rd in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, Big Rapids, Mich.

Killed were:
Spc. Chad J. Vollmer, 24, of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Pfc. Wilson A. Algrim, 21, of Howell, Mich.
Pvt. Bobby Mejia II, Saginaw, Mich.

For further information on these soldiers the media can contact the Michigan National Guard public affairs office at (517) 481-8140.

Saddam Hussein’s Baath Party Threatens U.S. Targets If Saddam Is Executed

"The Baath and the resistance are determined to respond through all possible means and everywhere in a way that will injure America and its interests in case it commits such a crime," Hussein’s Baath Party said in a Website statement today.
Read this story at NEWS.com.au

Saddam Hussein Letter Urges Iraqis Not To Hate U.S.-Led Forces

Saddam Hussein called on Iraqis not to hate the U.S.-led forces that invaded Iraq in 2003 in a farewell letter posted on a Web site Wednesday... One of Saddam's attorneys... confirmed to The Associated Press in Jordan that the letter was authentic, saying it was written by Saddam on November 5th...
Read the rest of the story at CHRON.com

President Bush Extends Condolences, Mourns Loss of Gerald R. Ford

About Photo: President George W. Bush delivers a statement on the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford from Crawford, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006. "As a congressman from Michigan, and then as Vice President, he commanded the respect and earned the good will of all who had the privilege of knowing him," said President Bush. "On August 9, 1974, he stepped into the presidency without ever having sought the office. He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most."
White House photo by Paul Morse
Read the story HERE
(I’m sure they will have the video up shortly)

Former President Gerald Ford has Passed Away

Former President Gerald Ford has passed away at the age of 93. President Ford was our nation’s 38th President (1974-1977) and was also the longest living president.
(Note: Former President Ronald Reagan was also 93 when he died.)
(Portrait of Gerald Ford courtesy of The White House)

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In memory of............
AubreyJ.........

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Read Biography of Gerald R. Ford HERE

U.S. Military Detain Possible Senior Iranian Military Officials In Iraq

The American military was holding at least four Iranians in Iraq, including men the Bush administration called senior military officials, who were seized in two raids late last week aimed at people suspected of conducting attacks on Iraqi security forces, according to senior Iraqi and American officials in Baghdad and Washington...
Read the story at IHT.com
(More to come on this as the investigation moves forward)

Funny how the MSM plays down this part of the story... but they have been pumping up the part about Iraqi President Jalal Talabani complaining/protesting that two other Iranians, (both Iranian diplomats,) had also been detained... That just happened to have been in Iraq at his invitation.

America just might have screwed up... that’s what I think most of the left of left MSM is trying to report. That’s way more news worthy... from their political agenda view... than Top Iranian Military in Iraq helping to plan to KILL Iraqi security forces and I wouldn’t doubt to kill innocent Iraqis and our own men and women over there too...

I don’t think we are losing the war in Iraq... But we sure the hell are losing it to the Terrorist in the MSM Media!!!
AubreyJ.........

Iraqi Appeals Court Upholds Saddam’s Death Sentence – Saddam Should be hanged to death within 30 Days

An Iraqi Appeals Court on Tuesday upheld Saddam Hussein’s death sentence for crimes against humanity and said he should hang within 30 days...
Read the story at MEDIAFAX.ro

1000 British Troops Launch Christmas Raid on the 'Station of Death'

Under cover of darkness, facing machine-gun fire and grenades, a thousand British soldiers captured and destroyed a rogue Iraqi police unit’s torture HQ on Christmas Day... The feared Serious Crimes Unit of Basra police, whose members were notorious for collaborating with criminal militias to murder and kidnap local people and troops, is no more...
Read more of this good news at TimesOnline.co.uk

Hats off to our British friends for another job well done...
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1315-06 December 26, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Jason C. Denfrund, 24, of Cattaraugus, N.Y., died December 25th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol. Denfrund was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information on this soldier the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1314-06 December 26, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Killed were:
Spc. Joshua D. Sheppard, 22, of Quinton, Okla., died December 22nd in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire. Sheppard was assigned to the 642nd Engineer Support Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461.

Sgt. Curtis L. Norris, 28, of Dansville, Mich., died December 23th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Norris was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461.

Spc. John Barta, 25, of Corpus Christi, Texas, died December 23rd in Buhritz, Iraq, of wounds suffered from indirect enemy fire during combat operations. Barta was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993.

Pvt. Evan A. Bixler, 21, of Racine, Wis., died December 24th in Hit, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire during security operations. Bixler was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Baumholder, Germany. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.

Pfc. Eric R. Wilkus, 20, of Hamilton, N.J., died December 25th at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of a non-combat related injury Dec. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq. Wilkus was assigned to the 57th Military Police Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The incident is under investigation. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at (808) 655-4815 or (808) 655-8729.

In Memory of our Fallen Heroes

Taking a moment to remember our Fallen
God bless each and every one of them

AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1313-06 December 26, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jacob G. McMillan, 25, of Lafayette, La., died December 20th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle and was followed by enemy small arms fire. McMillan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For further information related to this release the media can contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at (907) 384-6666.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1312-06 December 26, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Fernando S. Tamayo, 19, of Fontana, Calif., died December 21st while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Tamayo was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Twentynine Palms public affairs office at (760) 830-3760.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

No. 1311-06 December 26, 2006
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Hospitalman Kyle A. Nolen, 21, of Ennis, Texas, died December 21st in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as a result of enemy action. Nolen was assigned to H Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, 29 Palms, Calif.
For further information related to this release the media can contact the Navy public affairs office at (703) 697-5342.

Avgani Police find cache in truck near Syrian border

AVGANI, Iraq
Tuesday, 26 December 2006

Iraqi Police from the Ninewa city of Avgani discovered a cache of weapons and explosives in a white four door pickup truck near the Iraq/Syria border Saturday.

Soldiers from Company C, 3rd Battalion, 4th Cavalry Regiment and the Joint Coordination Center reported that the cache contained a machine gun, more than a dozen rocket-propelled grenades, several assault rifles, hand grenades, several sticks of TNT and an unknown amount of homemade explosive powder.

The explosives and truck were removed from the scene for further investigation.
(Taken from Press Release #20061226-20 by Multi-National Corps-Iraq - Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory)

Photo for the Day – December 26, 2006

Proud Father

A proud father and sailor from the destroyer USS Halsey holds his child for the first time following his return to Naval Base San Diego, December 24, 2006. During the ship's maiden deployment, the Halsey conducted sustained Maritime Interdiction Operations in the Sulu and Celebes Seas in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
USN photo by Cdr. Jane Campbell - Courtesy of DoD

* MERRY CHRISTMAS *

Merry Christmas Everyone

(About photo: That’s my Grandson Chase Aubrey - Christmas Day 2003)
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A Special Message
God bless all of you overseas and away from your homes and loved ones...
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From the bottom of my heart... a very-- very special Merry Christmas goes out to each and every one of you.
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To all my family and friends out there... may you too have a very wonderful... a very Merry Christmas.
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I’ll end with something I wrote a few years back...

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Holiday Wishes
No matter where you may be this coming Christmas… Remember all the loved ones we have with us this day and all the loved ones that have gone before us. Make glad the heart of our childhood, that our loved ones made possible in each of their own way.

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Watch the children through their eyes this season as they run about and play. I think you will see a little bit of each and every one of us in them. That's how our next generation of memories get started in this way.

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Make sure to let them know how it use to be and the true meaning that this Christmas does bring. The beauty and glory of the season
and all of those other very special things........
...

Aubrey J. Fawcett
December 2002

For more stories... kid games... and a few of those Barney Bush videos
Click on... AubreyJ's Holidays 2006

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
(Note: This post will stay on top until the day after Christmas)

Photo for the Day – December 24, 2006

President George W. Bush makes Christmas Eve telephone calls to members of the Armed Forces at Camp David, Sunday, December 24, 2006.
White House photo by Eric Draper
Read more HERE

Iraqi Army in the Lead

(Click on MAP to put it in Motion)

*** Iraqi Army in the Lead ***

The goal of U.S. security strategy in Iraq is to develop the Iraqis’ capacity to secure their country while carrying out a campaign to defeat the terrorists and neutralize the insurgency.

1) Coalition Forces Continue To Transfer Responsibility For Security In Provinces To Iraqis. On December 20, responsibility for maintaining the security of An Najaf Province in southern Iraq was officially transferred to Iraqi authorities. It is the third (of eighteen) Iraqi provinces where security control is now principally in the hands of Iraqis, with Coalition forces standing ready to provide assistance if needed. Iraqi authorities assumed responsibility for security in Al Muthanna Province on July 14, 2006, and Dhi Qar Province on September 21, 2006. (See included maps). Several other provinces are close to meeting the criteria necessary for security independence.

2) Iraqi Forces Are Increasingly In The Lead. In June 2004, no Iraqi Army units were in the lead, capable of coordinating, planning and executing security operations independent of coalition forces in their own areas of responsibility. By September 2005, eleven Iraqi battalions participated in Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar, controlling their own battle space, and outnumbering Coalition forces for the first time in a major offensive operation. As of December 2006, 92 Iraqi Army battalions were in the lead in more than half of Iraq’s territory, with Coalition forces providing assistance in certain key roles such as logistical support. As shown in the included maps, the growth of the Iraqi Army in 2006 has been significant.

3) Iraqi Forces Continue To Grow In Number. In September 2004, there were only 96,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces. By November 2005, there were more than 212,000. As of December 2006 there are approximately 323,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces.

As noted in by the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq: “These indicators have more strategic significance than the metrics that the terrorists and insurgents want the world to use as a measure of progress or failure: number of bombings.”

In August General Casey said: “Only Iraqis can achieve enduring strategic success in Iraq. And area by area, province by province, Iraqis are assuming responsibility for securing their country. Much has been achieved and much remains to be accomplished.” He also said that “despite the efforts of those who would wrest newfound freedom from their grasp, the Iraqi people and their security forces continue to press inexorably forward.”

** Transfer Criteria **

Threat Level: U.S. and Iraqi commands examine the threats to the security of a province. If Iraqi Provincial authorities can ensure security and domestic order through the normal use of local police, the province is ready for transfer.

Iraqi Security Forces: The Iraqi Security Forces in the province are studied to determine if their training, equipment and capability are capable of protecting Iraqi citizens.

Governance: The governor must be capable of overseeing security operations. A Joint Operations Room must be capable of coordinating activities. An Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Iraqi Ministry of the Interior intelligence structure must support the Iraqi Police.

Multi National Force - Iraq: MNF-I must be capable of reinforcing Iraqi Security Forces if necessary. Coalition Forces will continue to help coordinate civil reconstruction projects. MNF-I will conduct activities in conjunction with the policies of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
(Above courtesy of DoD)

Iran Condemns a U.N. Sanctions Resolution as "a piece of torn paper"

"Give up this Muppet game. You (the backers of the resolution) cannot send secret friendly messages to us and at the same time show your teeth and claws. End this dual game," Ahmadinejad was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as saying in a speech Sunday at the former U.S. embassy in Tehran...
Read the story at Iranian.ws

Let’s see now... Send secret friendly messages to us... Now I just wonder who could possibly be doing such a thing. Couldn’t be the ones fixing to hold the House and Senate could it!!!?????? Just couldn’t be the ones just over there visiting without the White House’s blessing... could it!!!??????
AubreyJ.........

Photo for the Day - December 23, 2006

Soldier-Powered Sleigh
Santa, played by Ken Rice, a civilian contractor with AAI Corp., and his six reindeer, Soldiers from Company E, 615th Aviation Support Battalion, prepare for launch on an unmanned aerial vehicle launcher at Camp Taji, Iraq Dec. 18.

U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Winston Churchill

Coalition Forces Kill Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Osmani, a Senior Taliban Leader and Close Associate of Osama bin Laden

Afghanistan
Saturday, December 23, 2006

A coalition air strike Dec. 19 in Afghanistan’s Helmand province killed a senior member of the Taliban’s inner circle, military officials reported today.

Credible intelligence led coalition forces to Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Osmani’s location near the border with Pakistan, officials said. His vehicle, traveling in a deserted area, was destroyed by the air strike, instantly killing him and two unidentified associates.

"Osmani was in the top ring of the Taliban leadership and he was also a close associate of Osama bin Laden and Gulbuddin Hekmatyr," said Army Col. Tom Collins, a coalition spokesman. "His death is a major achievement in the fight against extremists and their terrorist networks."

Osmani was the Taliban’s chief of military operations in the provinces of Uruzgan, Nimroz, Kandahar, Farah, Herat and Helmand. He played a central role in facilitating terrorist operations involving Taliban, al Qaeda and the Haqqani network, including roadside bomb and suicide attacks, kidnappings, numerous atrocities against innocent civilians, and direct attacks on coalition, NATO and Afghan forces, Collins said.

In other news from Afghanistan, Afghan security forces with coalition forces captured five suspected terrorists today during an operation in Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, east of the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Credible information led to the capture of the primary suspect, a known roadside bomb facilitator with ties to al Qaeda and other militant groups operating against the Afghan government and international forces, officials said.

There were no reported injuries to civilians, Afghan or coalition forces.
(Taken from a news article by DoD - American Forces Press Service)

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay - Allahu Akbar...

Panel says U.S. Must Tighten Port Security

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A panel of government and business leaders, acting on behalf of the country's 361 commercial ports, called for new federal laws to ensure all cargo is inspected and said every regulated port should implement a risk-management plan... Security officials fear any of the millions of shipping containers that arrive in U.S. ports each year could be used to conceal weapons such as a nuclear bomb...
Read the rest of the story at MonstersAndCritics.com

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Now... I understand the need to want to inspect all those containers coming into our ports from overseas. And I really think we need to find a way to make sure they are checked long before they get to the shores of our great country.
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I did a post on this many months back and I still get the heebie-jeebies thinking about it. Here’s the way I vision a nuke going off in this country.
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I visualize a high-level terrorist... sitting on the dock of a bay somewhere in the USA... waiting on his ship to come in. When his ship moves in to port... he starts chanting Allahu Akbar... Allahu Akbar... Allahu Akbar... Allahu Akbar... Allahu Akbar–- then he stands up... pumping his fist into the air and shouts at the top of his lungs one more time... Allahu Akbar. Then he pushes a button......

BOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(CLICK on Video)

And our beloved country goes into shock and mourning like never before.

AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 1309-06 December 22, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Killed were:
Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Burgess, 21, of Sanford, Mich.
Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan, 25, of Hawthorne, Calif.

Burgess and Mayhan died December 21st while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
For further information about these Marines, please call the Twentynine Palms public affairs office at (760) 830-3760.

Space Shuttle Discovery Should Be Landing Today

Landing day has arrived for the Space Shuttle Discovery and its seven astronauts. Seven opportunities are available today, with the first at 3:56 p.m. EST at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. All three shuttle landing sites will be activated today due to unfavorable weather forecasts at Kennedy and Edwards Air Force Base in California. Weather is forecast to be favorable at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

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The last opportunity at Kennedy is at 5:32 p.m. Three exist at Edwards – 5:27 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:36 p.m. Two are available at White Sands – 5:27 p.m. and 7:02 p.m. Landing opportunities also are available Saturday at all three sites.
(Info taken from NASA.gov)
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Read the latest updates on Flight and Landing HERE

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If you have time to do so...
Watch the Landing LIVE

at NASA TELEVISION

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Click HERE to find your preferred Video Player
(It will be under... “Watch NASA TV NOW”)

I like watching it in Windows Full Screen...

ENJOY!!!
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Update:
STS-116 Space Shuttle Discovery landed safely at 5:32 p.m. EST at Kennedy Space Center, bringing another successful mission to the International Space Station to an end.

Welcome home and Job well done!!!

AubryeJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1308-06 December 22, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Scott D. Dykman, 27, of Helena, Mont., died December 20th in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For further information related to this release, contact the Alaska U.S. Army public affairs office at (907) 384-6666.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1307-06 December 22, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Robert J. Volker, 21, of Big Spring, Texas, died December 20th in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.For further information related to this release, contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 289-3883.

Soldiers Missing in Action from Vietnam War are Identified

No. 1306-06 December 22, 2006
Soldiers Missing in Action from Vietnam War are Identified

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

They are:
Maj. Frederick J. Ransbottom of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Staff Sgt. William E. Skivington Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev.
... Both U.S. Army.

Ransbottom will be buried in Edmond, Okla. on Jan. 13, and Skivington will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23.

Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

On May 12, 1968, North Vietnamese forces overran the Kham Duc Special Forces camp and its surrounding observation posts in Quang Nam-Da Nang Province (formerly Quang Tin Province), South Vietnam. Ransbottom and Skivington were two of the 17 U.S. servicemen unaccounted-for after the survivors evacuated the camp. Search and recovery efforts at the site in 1970 succeeded in recovering remains of five of the 17 men. A sixth man was returned alive during Operation Homecoming in 1973 after having been captured and held prisoner of war by the North Vietnamese.

Between 1993 and 2006, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted eight investigations and four excavations in the vicinity of the camp site. The team interviewed former North Vietnamese officers and soldiers who participated in the battle. Some recalled seeing the bodies of U.S. servicemen near one of the observation posts, and U.S. eyewitness accounts placed Ransbottom and Skivington near the post.

During an excavation conducted in 1998, two U.S. servicemen who survived the battle accompanied JPAC to help locate the observation posts, but found no evidence of human remains. Later excavations conducted in the area yielded human remains, identification media and personal effects for Ransbottom, Skivington and several other soldiers.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

Interview by Tom McLaughlin with Captain Charlie Benbow USMC

Here’s a little taste of how the interview went...

Tom:
How is the morale of the Marines you serve with? Do they feel the support of their country?

Captain Benbow:

“The morale is very high, but the Marines are starting to wonder what the changes in Congress and the Secretary of Defense will mean for the war effort. Most of us feel the support of the average American, but are very skeptical of the media and the political leadership. There is almost a sense that the latter two are working against us.”
Read the interview in full at Tom McLaughlin

Very good interview, Tom... but most of all I’d like to thank Captain Benbow for his service to this great country of ours. Merry Christmas to both...
AubreyJ.........

(Special thanks to our friends at U.S. Central Command, Public Affairs - Capt. Anthony Deiss - Sgt. Eric Jensen - Spc. Chris Erickson for the heads-up)