War on Terror: US using more than bombs

Despite the rhetoric being tossed around in liberal/progressive circles of dissent, the war on terror is being fought on multiple fronts and we are accomplishing a great deal. There's so much more to what our sailors, soldiers, airmen, and marines are doing in this global conflict than what's being reported in the main stream media.

Case in point: The US Central Command (USCENTCOM), headed up by General John Abizaid, has the motto, 'Defending, Protecting, Training, and Rebuilding for a Better Tomorrow' which they have embraced wholeheartedly and it is making a difference in our war on terror and the pursuit for peace.

USCENTCOM is responsible for all US Forces in the Middle Eastern Theater. According to Jay E. Hines, the Command Historian,

"(USCENTCOM) is responsible for planning and conducting United States (U.S.) military activity in a region consisting of 27 countries in Northeast Africa, Southwest and Central Asia, and the island nation of the Seychelles."

But rather than focus on the History of CENTCOM, which is rich with accomplishments ranging from the Liberation of Kuwait and the toppling of the Baathist regime in Baghdad, to the humanitarian relief in Somalia that staved off a famine that was reaching Biblical proportions. I wanted to note the work being done today to advance America's goal for peace and the dismantling of global terror networks like Al Qaeda and the environment in which the spawn.

I received my weekly news letter from the US Central Command and the leading stories spoke volumes to the work being done to improve the lives of those we have liberated from oppression and tyranny and also for those we are helping to maintain a free society in an ever changing world.

The following reports are on actions that you will not read about in the Editorials of our large news papers nor will you see in an Expose from the leading cable and broadcast media forums. They find the time to give you the latest report on the Duke Rape Scandal and/or the missing person report from Aruba but they just can't seem to squeeze in time to report on the accomplishments of our troops; our US Ambassadors to the world:

Iraq commissions their first female police officers

Women Join Iraqi Police
By Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone, Multi-National Security Transition
Command - Iraq

Although women throughout Iraq have been given the right to vote and are accepted in the army and police academies, the city of Irbil was the first city to allow women to hold positions of power.
“We knew that like so many successful and stable nations around the world, our views on women had to change,” - Iraqi Police Lt. Col. Aswar, the Khabat station commander

“We are equals, so we must work together,” says 2nd Lt. Lana Abdulwahad “No longer are there barriers for women.”

For the complete text click here.

US Medical Clinic doing more than handing band-aids

Airmen Pitch in for Worthy Cause in Iraq
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan Bouchard, U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

“I think there’s a humanitarian in all of us who voluntarily pursued a career in medicine and dentistry,” says Col. (Dr.) Mark McHenry. “I like knowing I’m able to alleviate at least a little pain and suffering in a population that has experienced so much already. Perhaps someday the people I treated can look back and realize the Americans are an honorable people who are really here to help.”

“Seeing these kids laugh and smile, despite the fact there’s a war going on, that’s just amazing,” says Airman 1st Class Jesse Theophilopoulos. “We’re trying to give them a future.”

For the complete text click here.

Middle School Students in the Horn of Africa receive new digs courtesy of the US Navy SeaBees

Seabees ahead of schedule on school dormitory in Djibouti
Story by U.S. Navy PH2 (AW/NAC) Scott Taylor

The Seabees began construction on two school dormitories April 18 in order to provide shelter for (150) students attending Dikhil Middle School.

“Working on this project is very rewarding, especially when you see the kids’ faces,” said Utilitiesman 1st Class James Penny, project manager. “With morale being as high as it is, the project should be finished ahead of schedule.”

For the complete text click here.

Afghan students carry torch of tradition and excellence to new facility

From Ashes and Rubble Rises a School by Master Sgt. Orville F. Desjarlais Jr.
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

“You can judge by the smiles of our children how important it was to open this new school,” said Jabar Taqwa, the governor of the Parwan Province. “Although the old school had a rich tradition, this new school will be good for our future and I hope all our students study hard.”

For the complete text click here.

The work being done in the CENTCOM area of operations is but a small picture of the work being done by our service men and women around the world. It's unfortunate that the main stream press is unable or unwilling to report on the work being done by our military forces. I am grateful to the US Central Command Weekly News letter staff for sharing this news and for keeping those who are interested and supportive of our work abroad, informed and connected.

by Mike DiBartolo
The Working Patriot