Today

Abu Ghraib To Be Turned Into A Museum

Since 2006, the Abu Ghraib prison has not housed any prisoners. Currently it is undergoing a facelift and the plans are to turn it into a museum that will detail the many abuses perpetrated on the Iraqi people by Saddam Hussein and his regime. The goal is to completely refurbish the facitily which sets on 280 acres, turning part of it into a prison and part of it into a museum that will feature execution chamber exhibits and other displays of torture tools used by Saddam’s regime — including an iron chain used to tie prisoners together. According to the deputy justice minister of Iraq, Busho Ibrahim, nothing compares with the abuses of the Iraqi people by Saddam Hussein, even the tortures of prisoners by some American Soldiers, which was brought to light in 2004.

“There is evidence of the crimes (Saddam committed) such as the hooks used to dangle prisoners, tools used to beat and torture prisoners and … the execution chambers in which 50 or 100 people were killed at once,” he said.¹

Full details on the plans were not made public and it’s unknown at this point, if the museum will be open to the public. For the Iraqi people, Abu Ghraib has always been a gruesome place, throughout it’s 4 decades of existence. It’s stands out starkly against the landscape as one of the darkest examples of the horror and terror imposed on the Iraqi people by Saddam Hussein and his regime. It was a place where people were taken, who were only suspected of plotting against Hussein. Former prisoners have told of chemical and biological experiments conducted on them, as well as tiny isolation cells where political prisoners were held. During Saddam’s trial, several former prisoners spoke of the abuse and torture while they were captive there. To this day, it’s unknown how many prisoners were held there, how many lived to tell about it and how many never made it out alive.²

Like the museums that document the horror that was imposed upon the Jewish by Hitler, this museum should serve as an important reminder to future generations, of how corruption and evil can destroy so many innocent lives. I think it’s a fitting use for the prison. I’d be interested in hearing what everyone else thinks about this.

1. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq [↩]
2. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq [↩]

Warriors

A Dedication To Service

For the majority of our Troops, pride and dedication to our country is a motivating factor in their continuation to serve in our nations Armed Forces. Their commitment to their fellow service members and to our country is utmost in their mind. Even with the wars going on for the length of time that they have, most of our Service Members feel that it’s just part of the job, even though after several deployments, it tends to be emotionally and physically draining on them and their family members. Some, however, stand out from the sea of green camouflage in their dedication to the mission.

Army Cpl. Edward Helzer, a Laredo, Texas, native, mobilized for his second deployment to Iraq four days after he returned home from his first deployment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Carmen Guerrero, Multinational Division Baghdad

Meet Cpl. Edward Helzer from Laredo, Texas. Helzer has been deployed continuously since 2006 and he finds satisfaction in that fact. During his first deployment in 2006, Helzer deployed with the 130th Engineer Battalion out of Puerto Rico. Currently he is serving with the 836th Sapper Company from Kingsville, Texas, which is attached to the 890th Engineer Battalion in Gulfport, Ms.

Helzer initially deployed in 2006 and returned home from his first deployment on October 26, 2007. He was only home for 4 short days, before he deployed again. I know many of you are probably thinking, “How can the Army do this to him?” and “I thought they were supposed to have ‘dwell’ time between deployments?” Helzer, however, volunteered for both of the deployments. By training he’s a general construction equipment operator. He’s now serving as a Combat Engineer during this tour and learning on the job. He’s driving his “Husky” or towing and mine detection vehicle down the same routes he drove down on his first deployment. Routes that are very familiar to him.

“In your mind, you’re alone; it can be mentally draining,” Helzer said about life as a Husky driver. “Without situational awareness, you can run into wire, holes, etc. You’re very mentally drained when coming off a mission.” ¹

Despite the feeling of being alone, Helzer says that he feels safe when going on missions. He trusts his gunners to watch his back. Army Cpl Patrick Moore, also a member of 836th Sapper Company, said that Helzer is a team player and always concerned abou the safety and well being of his fellow Soldiers.

Helzer said that though things are very similar this deployment, there are some differences. He said that overall, the environment is cleaner and things are quieter now. He’s not encountering as many strikes and IED’s as he was on his previous mission in Baghdad.

Helzer is married and has been for three years. Often, deployments are very difficult for the family members left behind, especially the children. Helzer says that his wife and children are okay with his decision to deploy all of this time, because they receive a constant supply of support from family members and friends at home. He explains that his father in law is a pastor, so that with the support from family and friends in church, support for his spouse and his children is never ending. Despite missing is family, Helzer is very satisfied in his role as a Soldier.

“It’s nice at the end of the day,” he said. “There is a satisfaction in knowing you’ve done well for yourself and others. It’s rewarding.”²

This young man’s dedication and willingness to put his country before everything else is amazing. Our military is made up of many men and women such as this, who put their country before their families and before themselves. People such as this, make me damn proud to be an American citizen.

1. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51000 [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51000 [↩]

Politics

Alqaeda Leaving Iraq for Afghanistan???

Greetings,

  As some of you have already heard, Alqaeda has reportably left their fight in Iraq for the more rugged mountains of Afghanistan.  I am here today to tell you that this is a grave trap and a bold new tactic that the terrorists are trying on our troops. Do not believe this for any reason.

  The aim is to allow U.S. and coalition forces to “simmer down” for a while.  If they focus on Afghanistan, the hope is that we here in Iraq will lower our guard and ultimately leave ourselves open for a direct attack.  I want everyone to know this scheme and for all of our forces in both Iraqi and Afghani fronts, “Stay alert”.  This could be a very serious outcome if we let ourselves get complacent.

  I don’t believe the stories for one second about Alqaeda leaving Iraq.  The truth is, they are just waiting for the right moment to attack with swift and deadly accuracy.  I.E.D.s are becomming less likely here in Iraq, but don’t let the lull in fighting fool you,  as I have said before, this is a new tactic that Alqaeda is trying. 

  This is a warning to all friendly forces in O.E.F and O.I.F. theaters of operation, be prepared for a possible sneak attack by Alqaeda.  These people don’t just give up, something fishy is going on and I don’t like the feeling I have right now.  They are planning something really big, they wouldn’t just give up the fight, especially what? 5,6, 7 years later, that would be like taking over a country, then saying ok, we quit, we’re leaving.  Don’t buy this idea for a minute.  Head my warning, I think something is up. 

  Soldiers on ground, stay alert, stay alive.  Keep your heads up and report any suspicious activities to your local chain of command.  We hav to stay focused if we want to get out of here in one piece.  I want everyone to know this, my feelings on the war.  I’m here in the middle of it, and I know exactly what’s going on.  I assure you, things are not what they are being made out to be.  Alqaeda is planning something, I know it, and I can feel it.  Anyways, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up.  Don’t believe what is going on.  My gut instinct tells me otherwise. 

  Opsec is the key, do not divulge information that could be detrimental to our forces.  For those of you who are expecting troops home.  Do not, under any unceartain terms, ask them their location and how many troops are with them.  We must stop the enemy, before they can get us.  This is a game of cat and mouse, don’t let the cat win. 

  Remember our troops and pray that we can get out of this predicument and get home to our families soon.  I thank you all here on ASM for your support.  Without you, we have nothing.

Motivation

Wounded Warriors Aim For The “Top”

I’ve always said that anything you set your mind to, you can achieve, with a bit of determination and hard work. Every day, many of our Wounded Warriors are proving that correct, in the things they undertake. So many of them have injuries that have altered their lives, yet, they’ve not let those injuries stop them from living full and productive lives. In fact, for many of them, the challenges they face in regards to their injuries, are just the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to the things that they challenge themselves with.

In the state of Alaska, a team of wounded warriors are currently training to reach the “top.” You might wonder what I’m referring to, so I’ll tell you. The team of wounded warriors are currently training to reach the top of Mount McKinley. Their hopes are that next summer, they will spend a good portion of the time assaulting the mountain. The team, led by Army Major Marc Hoffmeister are planning the climb and currently training to climb the mountain, which is North America’s highest mountain peak. They’ve named the climb, “Operation Denali 2009.” There are 3 objectives that the service members have for the climb. Those are:

* To raise awareness for the needs of severely injured service men and women.
* To work together to overcome their physical limitations and achieve a common goal made to seem insurmountable by the impact of their injuries on their lives.
* To demonstrate by performance and example, that no obstacle is so great the human spirit cannot overcome it.¹

Hoffmeister was injured in Iraqi in April 2007, when he was serving with the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. The vehicle he was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb. Hoffmeister lost half the muscle mass and five inches of the ulnar nerve in his left arm. His arm is now titanium from the elbow to the wrist. He still faces more surgeries in the future.²

“My body is still intact, sort of. Not all of my men were so lucky,” he wrote in an online article forthe Web site dedicated to the McKinley mission.

“I don’t have feeling in my left arm, leg or several fingers and can’t fully control it’s use,” he said. “As time crawls by, I struggle to rediscover my own ability. Slowly, I am gaining strength.”³

Every member of the team is a military member who was severely wounded in the Global War on Terrorism. In a recent training mission, the team spent 12 days on Pika Glacier in an area of the Denali National Park that is known as Little Switzerland. There they trained on roped team movement on the glaciers, camping in winter conditions, self arresting, crevasse rescues and other skills that will be necessary for them to successful complete the high altitude mountaineering they’re planning for next summer.

Each team member is challenged by not only the difficult terrain they face and the dangers that go along with it, but the limitations that are created as a result of their injuries. Some of the Soldiers participating are amputees and must adapt the climbing techniques for use with their prosthetic.

I can honestly say that I was extremely amazed at what these service members will be doing next summer. As always, I’m humbled and proud of the courage, determination and dedication they show, in the face of their injuries. Please visit the team’s website and learn more about Operation Denali 2009.

Operation Denali 2009

1. http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/08/12/11612-wounded-warriors-train-to-climb-mount-mckinley/ [↩]
2. http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/08/12/11612-wounded-warriors-train-to-climb-mount-mckinley/ [↩]
3. http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/08/12/11612-wounded-warriors-train-to-climb-mount-mckinley/ [↩]

Rebuilding

Helping Iraqis Bring Their Country Into The 21st Century

One mission, besides security, that our Troops have spent a lot of time on Iraq and are very dedicated to, is helping to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and update facilities and equipment. Technologically speaking, Iraq is about 25 years behind the rest of the world, mostly in part, because of the fact that for 25 years, under the reign of Saddam Hussein’s regime, they weren’t allowed the technological advances that the rest of the world enjoyed. Hussein and his regime, kept the country in the “dark ages” so to speak, not allowing citizens access to modern conveniences, things that for us, are commonplace.

“You’re looking at a nation that has … suffered from 25 years of tyranny under Saddam Hussein and has not had the things that you and I take for granted,” Air force Col. Karlton Johnson, communications director for the Multinational Security Transition command in Iraq told online journalists and bloggers in a teleconference.¹

For instance, much of Iraq was without electricity for much of each day, before the 2004 invasion of the country, so the things that we enjoy, such as televisions, dvd players, computers, etc weren’t able to be used for much of the time. Modern sewer and water filtration systems are another thing that our Troops have been working on. As our Troops made their way into Iraq, the stench of sewage in the streets was often overpowering.

“What we intend to do over the next 500 days is to take the Iraqis from where they are to the next level,” he said.²

That process isn’t an easy one, as the entire backbone of the country, electrical services, water services, etc are so far behind, that those have to be updated prior to updating other things, such as computer networks. The initial plans are to upgrade the government security, communications systems, to support the country’s security functions. Experts in all fields are focusing on mentoring and building relationships with their Iraqi counterparts. Because their needs are different than those in the US and Europe, it’s imperative that those officials are involved in the process. The hopes are, that even though the focus at this point is on the technological capabilities of the government, that will eventually filter down to the citizens. Col. Johnson recalled an incident, where he wanted to loan a CD to an Iraqi friend, only to find out that his friend did not own a CD player.

“When I look at what we’re providing in terms of education, mentorship and training to senior Iraqi leadership,” he explained, “I always have in the back of my mind; ‘This is something that’s got to permeate down to those people who, like this one individual, don’t have things like computers, don’t have things like the Internet.³

Johnson did mention that he feels it will take many years to bring Iraqi up to date and into the 21st Century. However, the things our Troops are doing, will go along way towards helping them advance technologically. Without that help, they might have still remained 25 years behind, without the things that we as American see as necessities, things they never had the opportunity to have.

1. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50805 [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50805 [↩]
3. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50805 [↩]