A publication of the Coalition fighting the Global War on TerrorismA publication of the Coalition fighting the Global War on TerrorismA publication of the Coalition fighting the Global War on TerrorismA publication of the Coalition fighting the Global War on TerrorismA publication of the Coalition fighting the Global War on Terrorism Volume #35 September, 2006 Volume #35 September, 2006 Volume #35 September, 2006 Volume #35 September, 2006 Volume #35 September, 2006

Coalition BulletinCoalition Bulletin

U.S. TOUR BRINGS KARZAITO U.S. CENTCOM

IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:

The views expressed in the Coalition Bulletin cannot be attributed to any one nation. They are itemsconsidered newsworthy by the volunteers from various nations that make up the Public AwarenessWorking Group (PAWG). Contributions from all Coalition countries are encouraged. All contributorsto the Coalition Bulletin are responsible for adhering to PAWG policy pertaining to the accuracy andcopyright laws in the content they provide.For questions concerning PAWG policy, contact the Coalition Bulletin editor at +1 (813) 827-1716,or write to us at oefpublicaffairs@yahoo.com. For an electronic copy of the Coalition Bulletin,visit: www.centcom.mil/Operations/Coalition/joint.htm

By the generous permission of our NATO partners, the Coalition Bulletin is pleased to bring youstories covering the activities of the International Security Assistance Force. As ISAF and the Coa-lition are separate entities, ISAF stories will be denoted by the NATO logo at the top of each page whenthey appear.

Editor’s NoteEditor’s NoteEditor’s NoteEditor’s NoteEditor’s Note

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COALITION BULLETIN STAFF:COALITION BULLETIN STAFF:COALITION BULLETIN STAFF:COALITION BULLETIN STAFF:COALITION BULLETIN STAFF:

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Brig. Gen. Ahsan Mahmood Pakistan

New Zealand

Chairman

Committee

Pakistan Lt. Col. Ehtisham Tirmizi Chief of Coalition Public Affairs Team

Cover photo:

Pakistan Col. Anwaar ul HaqCanada Lt. Col. Roy BoehlyFrance Lt. Col. Gilles Lauzier

Wing Com. Leslie MatthewsLt. Col. Alin Bodescu

USA Maj. Jocelyn Baker

ItalyKorea

Romania

Germany Lt. Col. Helmut FoagLt. Col. Choi Chull Whan

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Maj. Rashid Al-Mannai

Ukraine

Maj. Diana Gradinaru

Capt. Yuriy Kaliaiev

Capt. Manuel Matos1st Sgt. Marvin Baker

Senior Editor

Moldova

USA

Dominican Rep.

Qatar

Editorial Staff

U.S. Tour BringsU.S. Tour BringsU.S. Tour BringsU.S. Tour BringsU.S. Tour BringsKarzai toKarzai toKarzai toKarzai toKarzai toU.S. CENTCOM.....2U.S. CENTCOM.....2U.S. CENTCOM.....2U.S. CENTCOM.....2U.S. CENTCOM.....2

Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a news conference Photo by Spc. Patrick Ziegler, U.S. CENTCOM PAO

“We’re engaged in a global struggle against thefollowers of a murderous ideology that despises freedomand crushes all dissent, and has territorial ambitions andpursues totalitarian aims. … And against such an enemythere is only one effective response: We will never backdown, we will never give in and we will never acceptanything less than complete victory. … We will defeat theterrorists and their hateful ideology by spreading thehope of freedom across the world”. George W. Bush U.S. President

CDR(N) Maurizio Loi

CENTCOM ReflectsCENTCOM ReflectsCENTCOM ReflectsCENTCOM ReflectsCENTCOM ReflectsOn Recovery Role AOn Recovery Role AOn Recovery Role AOn Recovery Role AOn Recovery Role AYear After DeadlyYear After DeadlyYear After DeadlyYear After DeadlyYear After DeadlyPakistani Quake.....5Pakistani Quake.....5Pakistani Quake.....5Pakistani Quake.....5Pakistani Quake.....5

Spanish Military ToSpanish Military ToSpanish Military ToSpanish Military ToSpanish Military ToCarry Out AfghanCarry Out AfghanCarry Out AfghanCarry Out AfghanCarry Out AfghanReconstructionReconstructionReconstructionReconstructionReconstructionProjects..................9Projects..................9Projects..................9Projects..................9Projects..................9

Afghan Woman JoinsAfghan Woman JoinsAfghan Woman JoinsAfghan Woman JoinsAfghan Woman JoinsPolice Force..........12Police Force..........12Police Force..........12Police Force..........12Police Force..........12

Ahsan MahmoodBrigadier-General, PakistanChairman, Public Awareness Working Group

EditorialEditorialEditorialEditorialEditorial

Coalition Bulletin September 2006 1

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More than 90 Coalition members and Fijian friends werepresent for a memorial service Sept. 7 to demonstrate their respectand admiration for Warrant Officer Class 1 Nete KaloucavaNaiduki, who suddenly passed away Sept. 1.

The memorial service was held in the MacDill Air ForceBase Chapel.

Commander Vakatali, the Fijian Senior NationalRepresentative addressed Naiduki’s illustrious military career.Australia’s Commodore Cullin and New Zealand’s Brig. Gen.Wheeler spoke highly of his contribution to the Coalition andreminisced about his great rugby skills. Wheeler also remarkedthat the weather on the day of the memorial was very appropriate,the rain would hasten Nete’s spirit ascension.

A condolence letter, signed by Maj. Gen. Gerald P.Minetti, director of Coalition Coordination, was sent to Mrs.Naiduki. “On behalf of the men and women of United StatesCentral Command, please accept my heartfelt condolences toyou and your family on your husband’s death. We empathizewith your family and the entire Fijian nation during this time ofmourning,” the letter said.

“Please accept our deepest sympathy during this timeof mourning. Your husband will be sorely missed by all. As weoffer our prayers for the comfort of your family, please take pridein knowing that his contribution to the Global War on Terror willcontinue to make the world a better place.”

Naiduki was assigned to CENTCOM in 2006 where heserved as the liaison officer for Fiji.

Naiduki was born on May 23, 1958. He joined the ArmyEngineers on July 3, 1978.

Before his position to CENTCOM, Naiduki served inmany positions. Among those postings were Lebanon (1979),Sinai (1982, 1986, 1991 and 1998), Ready Reaction Force, Fiji(2000), Bouganville, Solomon Islands (2002) and as RegimentalSergeant Major of the Engineering Battalion (2004-2006).

THE LAST PHOTO...WO1 NETE NAIDUKI shakes hands with Lt.Col. StanislavStulrajter (Slovak Republic) on 31August 2006

In Memory ofWarrant Officer Class 1Nete Kaloucava Naiduki

t is with great sense ofhonour and privilege that I assumemy responsibilities as the Chairmanof Public Awareness Group andestablish my contact with all thereaders through this first editorial.But, before I do that, let meacknowledge the good work done bymy predecessors in making theCoalition Bulletin a true expressionof coalition activities. I would alsolike to make a specific mention of the outgoing Chairman, Brig GenIkram ul Haq, who gave his best to the Bulletin both in terms of qualityand insight. I would also like to acknowledge the commitment of themembers of Public Awareness Working Group and would urge them fora continued support both in terms of time and expertise for an improvedmagazine.

The Coalition Bulletin not only provides perspective tocoalition activities through provision of relevant information, it is alsoreflective of the unequivocal commitment the coalition members have tofight terrorism, while working towards achieving peace and stability atthe global level. At the same time, the magazine also endeavours to paytribute to many nations, who are sacrificing so bravely to improve thesecurity situation and recognise the rebuilding efforts, which are beingundertaken within the CENTCOM areas of responsibilities (AOR).

Assumption of command responsibility of all security andother military efforts in Afghanistan by NATO was a milestone event,which saw a major transformation of the command articulation in theCENTCOM AOR. The change has brought all US forces operating inAfghanistan under NATO’s command, less those employed on CT. Thenew command structure is projected to harmonise and bring together thesecurity and rebuilding efforts, duly integrating and empowering thelocal administration and law enforcement agencies.

As the coalition makes noteworthy progress in fightingterrorism, the military cooperation to defeat this curse continues toremain foremost; however, there is an increasing realisation that militaryoperations alone cannot achieve the lasting peace. These operations canat best shape the environment for other elements (political, social andeconomic) to work towards bringing social order and normalcy in wartorn regions. This is where; rebuilding infrastructure, recreating institutionsand making the administrations representative of their populace becomesso essential for any sustainable peace effort. The coalition rebuildingefforts; quite a few reflections of which, you will notice in the presentissue as well, address this requirement. There may however be a case ofwidening the base of the ongoing rebuilding efforts and injecting moreexpertise and resources in it.

As the war on terror goes on, it is opening new dimensions andnew forms of war fighting, with no parallels. While on one hand we canbe relatively satisfied with gains against Al Qaida, the means, intensityand mechanics of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are suggestive ofthe ever-changing application modes of 4th GenerationWarfare, which in all probability would demand a LONG WAR. Thereis, therefore, a case to deliberate more on the objectives and implicationsof such a war, as it may not only require a varying approach andadjustments in the strategy, but also redefined political and militarydemands. If nothing else, it would certainly demand commensurate resolve,determination and perseverance to make the world a better place for ourfuture generations.

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It was the Dec. 5, 2001 Bonn Agreement thatfirst brought Hamid Karzai to power in Afghanistan. Theagreement, an accord signed in Bonn, Germany byrepresentatives of militias fighting against the Taliban,named Karzai chairman of a 29-member committee onDec. 21, 2001 that began governing a post-TalibanAfghanistan.

Under provisions of the Bonn Agreement, anemergency grand council met in June, 2002, to pick atwo-year transitional government. At that meeting, Karzai

On Oct. 9, 2004, Karzai won the presidentialelection in 21 of 34 provinces throughout the land-lockedcountry. He defeated 22 opponents, receiving 55.4percent of the votes, which represented 4.3 million ofthe 8.1 million votes cast. Karzai held high namerecognition among voters, and was admired for hisleadership during an uncertain post-war period.

Karzai was officially sworn in as president onDec. 7, 2004 during a formal ceremony in Kabul, thecapital city. Many Afghans interpreted the ceremony asa symbolically important new start for the war-torn nation.

Born on Dec. 24, 1957 in Kandahar, Karzaitook a postgraduate course in political science in Indiafrom 1979-1983.He thereafter returned to work as afundraiser supporting anti-Soviet uprisings in Pakistanduring the Soviet intervention for the rest of the 1980s.After the fall of the Najibullah government in 1992,Karzai served as deputy foreign minister in the governmentof Burhanuddin Rabbani. In March, 2003, he receivedan honorary doctorate in literature from HimachalUniversity in India.

Karzai, who is 48 years old, is married to ZinatKarzai, who is an obstetrician by profession. They weremarried in 1998 and have no children. The president iswell-versed in Pushtu, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, English andFrench. He was made an honorary British Knight in 2003and has been lauded for his excellent personal dressingstyle, particularly his caps and fezzes.

President Hamid Karzai

U.S. Tour Brings Karzai toU.S. CENTCOM

Story By 1st Sgt. Marvin BakerPhotos By Capt. Manuel Matos and Spc. Patrick Ziegler

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was appointed first president of the Islamic Republic ofAfghanistan with a democratic election process tofollow in 2004.

On Sept. 27, Afghanistan’s President, HamidKarzai, spent several hours visiting U.S. CENTCOMHeadquarters.

The president addressed the Senior NationalRepresentatives of the Coalition and briefly spoketo the media and met with CENTCOM commanderGen. John Abizaid.

Speaking to the media pool at MacDill AirForce Base, Karzai reiterated his message that theAfghan people are grateful for the continuing support

that is gradually making his nation a better place tolive.

“I’m here at CENTCOM to thank you for thesacrifices made for my country’s security,” Karzaisaid. “I thank the Tampa community for the help ofCENTCOM and the Florida National Guard.”

While addressing the SNRs, Karzai spokeabout the efforts and sacrifices of Coalition partnersworking in Afghanistan to help bring a better securityenvironment to the war-torn country. The Afghan

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Gen. John P.Abizaid, Commander ofU.S. CENTCOM (right) and Lt. Gen. KarlEikenberry, the commanding general of

Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan (left), flanked Karzai during

the news conference.

Coalition Bulletin September 2006 3

people recognize the support and are grateful forthe Coalition efforts toward making Afghanistan abetter nation, he said. Infrastructure development,rebuilding, reconstruction and increased economicactivity are expected to improve the situation.

Marine Corps Col. David Greco, the deputycoalition coordinator, said Karzai’s visit withCoalition members was a short one but he reallywanted to spend some time with SNRs and recognizetheir efforts on the Global War on Terror.

“He really wanted to talk to the coalition,”Greco said. “His message was one of thanks, but itwasn’t just for the Afghan people, it was foreveryone.”

Greco added that while addressing the SNRs,Karzai noticed a service member with a Pakistanishoulder patch in the audience. “He said ‘I recognizeyou from across the room, brother,’” Greco said ofKarzai.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have had varyingapproaches on how to handle the war on terror along

the rugged, mountainous border between the twocountries. In a recent United Nations speech, Karzaicalled for the destruction of safe havens andelaborate networks operating in the region to recruit,train, finance, arm and deploy terrorists.

“I am not critical of Pakistan,” Karzai said.“I am seeking more coordinated and an intenseapproach to terror. Afghanistan has to do more,Pakistan has to do more, we all have to do more. It’snot criticism, it’s a request.”

Greco said Afghanistan and Pakistan have ashared vision of security. He said Karzai andPakistani President Pervez Musharraf have talkedabout agreements to stop cross-border activity.

Karzai’s trip to Tampa lasted less than 24hours and came at the end of nearly two weeks inNorth America. He spoke at the U.N., addressedCanadian Parliament and met with Prime MinisterStephen Harper and held high level talks inWashington, D.C.

Following his trip to Tampa, Karzai met withPresident George W. Bush and Musharref beforereturning to his homeland.

This was Karzai’s first trip to CENTCOMsince becoming interim President of

Afghanistan in 2002.

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Pakistan Navy Completes Term inCommand of Task Force 150

Story By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Hamilton

Photos By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bobby Northnagle and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicole Carter

MINA SALMAN, Bahrain - German Rear Adm. HeinrichLange relieved Pakistani Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal as Commander,Task Force (CTF) 150 during a change of command ceremonyaboard PNS Shahjahan (D 186) pierside at Mina Salman, Aug. 22.

The ceremony successfully concluded the Pakistannavy’s term as the firstNavy in the region tocommand CTF 150,which conductsmaritime securityoperations (MSO) inthe Gulf of Aden, Gulfof Oman, the ArabianSea, Red Sea, and theIndian Ocean. CTF 150, established atthe beginning ofOperation EnduringFreedom, is comprisedof naval ships fromnumerous coalitionnations, currentlyincluding Germany,Pakistan, France,United Kingdom andU.S.

The change of command marks the fourth time theGerman Navy has commanded CTF150.

“Germany is living up to it’s commitment in combatinginternational terrorism and I am more than happy and ready tobuild upon the basis established by my international and nationalpredecessors who have taken the duty of CTF 150,” said Lange. “I feelobliged toserve thecoalition tothe best ofmy abilitiesand to carefor theofficers andS a i l o r sunder mycommand.”Walsh saidthe changeof commandceremony was a momentous occasion for U.S. and coalition forces.“Today is an opportunity to highlight a defining moment andmission in all of our lives as we continue our work in conductingMSO in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Walsh.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stabilityin the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. Theseoperations deny international terrorists use of the maritimeenvironment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel,weapons or other material.

“The innocent who sail thewaters, people who live in theregion, and citizens of theworld rely on coalition patrolsto provide security at sea,” saidWalsh. “Your presence heretoday is reflective of the goalsof the internationalcommunity: regardless ofculture, religion, or languagepeople desire a world wherethere secure or free to pursuesocial economic, and their ownreligious growth - a world oftolerance that bonds us all.

“Through MSO, ourforces contribute vigilance,d e d i c a t i o n , a n d

professionalism,” said Walsh, “that builds a promising future.”

Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal (center)shakes hands with Vice Adm.Patrick Walsh, Commander,Combined Forces Maritime

Component Command (right)

“As I look back on my tenure in command, I have no hesitation tosay that it was the most rewarding and productive experience,”said Iqbal. “Having to conduct a diverse nature of operations ina large area of responsibility, every single day brought newchallenges.”

Guest speaker, Commander,Combined Forces Maritime ComponentCommand Vice Adm. Patrick Walsh praised thework of Rear Adm. Iqbal and his staff. “Yourpresence made a difference,” said Walsh. “The maritime environment and all those wholived and operated in it during your commandremained safe and secure. You and your staffhave every reason to be proud of yourcontributions, and the legacy that you leavebehind will be one for others to emulate.”

Iqbal expressed confidence that he’sturning over CTF 150 to very competenthands.

“I take great pleasure in handing overthe command of this fine force to Adm. Lange,”he said. “In him I find a thorough, professionaland an extremely capable commander. I’m surethat he and his team will continue with the finest traditions of thehighly qualified Navy to which they belong.”

German Rear Adm. Heinrich Lange (left)speaks during a change of command

ceremony, aboard Pakistani naval ship PNSShahjahan in Mina Salman, Bahrain.

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One year ago, the earth reshuffled the mountainouslandscape of Kashmir in northern Pakistan, killing more than73,000 people and leaving more than 3.4 million homeless.

Tragic as it was, the toll from the major earthquake couldhave been much worse had it not been for the quick responseand resources provided by a multinational team of disaster reliefcrews, led by the service people of U.S.CENTCOM.

Maj. Gen. Brian I. Geehan, director of logistics forCENTCOM, said military leaders keyed in on unfolding newsreports about the quake on that Saturday morning in October.”Bythat evening, we knew we hada sizable disaster of trulyhorrendous proportions,” hesaid.

Scientists pegged theminimum magnitude of theearthquake at 7.6 on the RichterScale, similar in intensity to theinfamous 1906 San Franciscoquake. When it was done, thedisaster lingered in the form ofaftershocks, avalanches andlandslides.Whole villages were wiped outor buried by rocks, includingMuzaffarabad, where 30,000people are thought to havedied. The disaster struck as theregion was preparing foranother unforgiving Himalayan winter.

“The biggest challenge was how to reach the affectedand save them from harsh weather,” said Pakistani Senior NationalRepresentative Brig. Gen. Mohammad Ahsan Mahmood, “Wepooled all our national resources to help the affected region butthe magnitude of the disaster demanded much more.”

Geehan said the go-ahead for CENTCOM to get involvedin a massive humanitarian relief effort came immediately from thetop of the command.

Gen. John P. Abizaid, Commander of CENTCOM , andLt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, Commanding general of CombinedForces Command-Afghanistan, essentially laid out a mission withtwo concrete goals: help people in need and sustain the positiverelationship between the United State and Pakistan, an importantcoalition partner in the Global War on Terror.

Both objectives would be achieved.The effort involvedunits from all services under the CENTCOM flag, beginning withthe Air Force and Army’s airlift assets, Navy ships and SEABEES,Marine expeditionary units and medical specialists. And accordingto Col. Glen E. Gulleckson, the senior ranking operations officerduring the effort, all performed proudly while at the same timefighting the war.

CENTCOM Reflects On Recovery RoleA Year After Deadly Pakistani Quake

Story By Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds

Leaders Say Command’s Presence In Region Greatly AidedDisaster Assistance, Recovery

Just hours after the quake, American CH-47 Chinooksand UH-60 Blackhawks, as well as Afghan helicopters, wereferrying more than 220 passengers and more than 32,000 poundsof supplies to supply centers where the Pakistani military wouldpush them farther to people in need. Pakistanis in the quake zonedubbed the Chinooks as “Angels of Mercy” because of the quickhelp they provided.

The choppers were joined by huge C-17 Globemasterand C-130 Hercules airlifters, delivering food, water, medicine and

blankets from Bagram Air Field innearby by Afghanistan.

Through it all, Americanmilitary aircraft flew nearly 4,000sorties and delivered about 10,500tons of relief supplies that helpedtreat 30,000 patients in three fieldhospitals. “The real advantagethat CENTCOM has is that wehave forces in theater that canrespond quickly,” Gullecksonsaid.

The U.S. military alsoturned over more than $6 millionworth of equipment to the peopleof Pakistan, including portablerefueling stations, dozers, dumptrucks and generators. A fully-equipped field hospital, with a

surgical unit, anesthesia supplies, ventilator and x-ray equipmentwas also part of the turnover.

“When we left, we didn’t just pull out and leave,”Gulleckson said.

The American military also left an impression on thePakistani people they helped.

“The response of USCENTCOM was extremelyforthcoming,” Mehmood said. “It facilitated rapid delivery ofessential aid from U.S. and Coalition counties.”

That sentiment also was apparent on the streets of quake-rattled cities and villages throughout Pakistan. A poll taken bythe Nielsen Group only two months after the relief effort got underway found that America’s approval rating among Pakistanis rosefrom 23 % to 46 %.

America’s not done helping either. According to a releasefrom the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, the United Stateshas pledged $206 million in earthquake reconstruction assistanceto Pakistan over the next four years.

“We’ve always had a great working relationship withthe Pakistani military, but I think the people of Pakistan got to seethe American military in a completely different light,” Geehan said.“It was an enormous human to human effort.”

“It was a mission put on top of the mission they werealready accomplishing,” Gulleckson said. “This is a clear exampleof CENTCOM’s ability to react to various crises that pop up inthe area.”We were in a race that went from zero to 100 miles anhour over 100 feet; there was a lot going on.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Barry Loo

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Coalition Bulletin September 2006 5

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U.S. Army Maj. James Mancuso from the 212th MobileArmy Surgical Hospital administers a vaccine to a

Pakistani child at Muzaffarabad, Pakistan

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Bagram PRT, Korean Engineers Give School a Second Chance

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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Korean engineersand the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended aceremony for the reopening of the Aroki School in the KapisaProvince and also provided students with humanitarian aidassistance.

With more than 60 students in each of the six classrooms,including grades 1 through 12; the school was originally built 43years ago with a small gap between the roof and the top of thewalls. In early June, a strong wind blew into the gap and createdenough pressure inside to literally blow the roof off. Fortunately,none of the students were present at the time.

Within 20 days, Korean engineers and the Bagram PRTevaluated the site and reconstructed a new, sturdier roof.

“The school was not permanently shut down during thereconstruction of the school’s roof,” said Abraham, Aroki SchoolHead Master. “Most of the children attended class in the school’scourtyard.”

The ceremony began with an Islamic prayer and theAfghan National Anthem which was followed by speeches fromthe PRT, Korean engineers, headmaster and the Kapisa governor.

“On behalf of the Coalition forces and the Bagram PRT,I would like to dedicate the new and improved Aroki School to allthe children of Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Donald R. Johnson,Bagram PRT director of civil-military operations from Williamsburg,Va. “I challenge the students to study hard with theunderstanding that the prosperity of Afghanistan is on theirshoulders.”

The Korean engineers used their own country as anexample that Afghanistan’s future can be a positive one despitenearly 30 years of war.

“About 60 years ago Korea was also suffering from warand poverty. However our craving for learning and working hardled us to become the 10th wealthiest democratic nation,” saidKorean Col. Soon Ku Kim, Republic of Korea Support Groupcommander.

On Photos: Korean engineers and the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony for thereopening of the Aroki School in the Kapisa Province and also provided students with humanitarian aid.

Photos and Story by Army Sgt. Nina J. Ramon

Kapisa Province Governor Mirad praised the hard workand dedication of all those involved with the rebuilding of theschool.

“By working as one under the primary objective ofnational reconstruction, I have high hopes for Afghanistan and itsfuture.”

“I would like to thank the elders and students as well asthe Coalition forces for rebuilding and refurbishing the ArokiSchool,” said Mirad.

Immediately after the ceremony, the Koreans distributedhumanitarian aid to the children. Donated by a Korean church, theaid included clothes, blankets, shoes, sports equipment, first aidkits and school supplies.

Ensuring Afghan children receive a formal education isjust one of the ways the government of Afghanistan and Coalitionforces are working together to provide a brighter future for thecountry and to prevent the re-emergence of terrorism.

The Aroki School’s rich history—including 19 alumni whocurrently hold positions within the Afghan government—willcontinue to pave the way to a safe and prosperous Afghanistan.

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Korean HospitalReaches 40,000

PatientsStory by Multi-National Division -Northeast PAO

Coalition Bulletin September 2006 7

On a recent hot morning, a 76-year-old woman from asmall village near Irbil was ushered into the hospital in a wheelchairpushed by her son. She was greeted with thunderous applause.Mariam Mhiadin had become the 40,000th patient admitted tothe Republic of Korea’s Zaytun Hospital since it opened Nov. 27,2004.

During the brief ceremony that followed, Republic ofKorea Lt. Col. Lee Hae-Seol, commander, ROK Division’s MedicalBattalion, handed flowers and gifts to Mhiadin and other Iraqipatients in front of a beaming hospital staff. ”The forty thousandth visitor is not really a cause forcelebration,” he said. “It is more of a chance to reflect on the painthe locals are going through, and to remind ourselves of thework that needs to be done for more devoted treatment.” After welcoming its 10,000th local visitor in thehospital’s first six months of operations, the Zaytun Hospitalhad treated 20,000 patients by the end of its first year. This year, it took only seven months to match theprevious year’s total. As word of the staff’s kindness and skillspread, more and more patients started coming, some travelingthree to four hours from Dahuk and Sulaymaniyah provinces. The 40,000th visitor brought both joy and temporaryrelief from a busy work load, as well as a chance to recall thepatients that have been treated, said ROK Capt. Kim Keun-Hwan,a surgeon in the hospital. ”I especially remember this little girl who suffered aserious burn all over her body. She was in great despair, but wecould treat her really well,” he said. “Giving life back andspreading love is really all medicine is about. Hopefully I cankeep doing that here for a long time.” Admission to the hospital requires a ticket given at localclinics operated by the Kurdish Regional Government Ministryof Health or the Zaytun Mobile Clinic, a traveling unit that visitsremote areas without access to KRG clinics. The tickets have become coveted items in the region,reflecting the hospital’s soaring popularity. But the Koreans’ work in promoting the medicalcondition in the region goes beyond the walls of Zaytun. Their division has provided the KRG and the regions’clinics with medical supplies, including eight ambulances and450 wheelchairs, at a cost of $3.6 million. The hospital also ran an intensive, eight-week internshipprogram starting in December 2004 for local doctors and nursesrecommended by the KRG as representatives of growing a poolof skilled, home-grown medical personnel.

In a letter to the hospital, the KRG’s Minister of Health,Mohammad Qadir Koshnow, thanked the staff for their role in sodevotedly assisting the population. ”Along with the (Korean) reconstruction projects, theZaytun Hospital’s work is playing a vital role in saving manylives in Sulaymaniyah and Irbil,” Koshnow said. CB

MANAS AIRBASE, KYRGYZSTAN. The President ofthe Kyrgyz Republic, Kurmanbek Bakiev, took part in a memorialservice at Manas Airbase devoted to the fifth anniversary of thetragic events that took place in the United States on Sept. 11,2001.

President Bakiev said that Kyrgyzstan is committed tocounteracting terrorism. He emphasized the important role of theairbase in ensuring security in the Central Asian region.

Leaders from the Coalition Airbase and U.S. Embassyexpressed gratitude to the people of the Kyrgyz Republic for theongoing assistance in fighting international terrorism and forallowing the coalition use of the Airbase. They underlined theimportant role of the Airbase in support of Operation EnduringFreedom in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Felix Kulov and Speaker of the JogorkuKenesh (Kyrgyz Republic Parliament) Marat Sultanov alsoattended the ceremony.

Mufti of Kyrgyzstan (National Spiritual Leader ofMuslims) Murataly ajy Jumanov offered up a prayer in memoryof the lost on Sept.11, 2001 in the USA.

KyrgyzstanRemembers

Story by Captain Nurgazy IsakovPhotos courtesy of the Kyrgyz RepublicPresidential Press Service

President Kurmanbek Bakiev, U.S. ambassador toKyrgyz Republic Ms. Iovanovich and Manas Air BaseCommander Col. Reese during the memorial service

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BAGHDAD, IRAQ— Bettering the lives of Iraqi youngstersis what Peter Debski says is the best part of his job.

He’s been involved in overseeing millions of dollars ofreconstruction work in and around Baghdad over the past 10months including new water and sewer networks, electricaldistribution projects, police and fire stations, and primaryhealthcare centers. But he says “renovating two youth centersand four schools were definitely the most personally rewardingprojects, seeing the joy on the children’s faces, knowing we’rebringing a little normalcy to their lives.”

Debski is a project engineer with U.S. Army Corps of EngineersGulf Region Central District. One day he’ll always remember waswhen they celebrated the re-opening of Al Huriya Youth CenterMarch 25 and U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad spoke. “TheUnited States stands with Iraqis as they attempt to improve theircommunity. The various sporting activities that Iraqi children will

engage in here offer several useful and timely lessons. This center will provide activities for youth of all sects and ethnic groups andteach them the benefit of teamwork. The sports that will be played here encourage children to compete but within an establishedsystem of rules. Finally, sports will allow us to succeed or fail – not based on who we are or where we come from – but rather on ourmerits as individuals.”

That $442,000 project, financed by the 10th Mountain Division through their CERP (Commander’s Emergency Relief Program)funds, included upgrading the plumbing and electrical systems, installing new air conditioners, repairing and replacing floors, as wellas replastering and painting both interior and exterior walls. In addition, a new basketball/volleyball court was built.

“The youth center project was selected because the community itself identified it as a top priority. They know how important it isto their community,” Debski said. “It’s a legacy we’re leaving behind as Al Huriya families will use that youth center for years tocome.” About 1500 young people are involved in various sporting activities there on a daily basis including wrestling, boxing,soccer, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball and judo.

Debski says he’s grateful to be part of USACE’s historic mission and for the opportunity to work alongside some incredible Iraqis.“I’m in awe of the courage our Iraqi project engineers demonstrate every day reporting to work and getting the job done. They’re

professional, highly educated, care about their work, and know they’re making a difference. I admire each and every one of them.”Debski is leaving Iraq this month and will be heading to Jordan to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers there. He and his

wife Teresa have two children, Julia and Matt.“This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a great experience. I’ve worked for contractors on construction projects in

Antarctica, Pacific Islands, and Europe, but nothing compares to what we’re doing here.”

Helping Iraqi Youth ‘Best Part of My Job’Story and Photo By Norris Jones

GRC Project Engineer Peter Debski makes afinal inspection at the Shu’la Youth Center

RIONGO, Kenya — Service members from CombinedJoint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) saved the lives ofthree village children Aug. 16 while conducting a veterinary civilaction program (VETCAP) during Exercise Natural Fire 2006.

The race for care started in the small village of Riongo,home to a tribe of herdsmen of the Great Rift Valley, when aphysician assisting the veterinary team was asked to treat ayoung girl suffering from a snakebite. “I treated the wound andassessed her condition when we first got there,” said U.S. AirForce Maj. (Dr.) Dai Tran. “After about two hours, the swelling inher foot had increased, and she had nausea. Her parentsrequested we take her to the nearest clinic.”

The nearest clinic was in the village of Nginyang, aboutone-hour drive away. The VETCAP team also took a young boywith severe dysentery and dehydration to the clinic.Once at the clinic, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Fausto, the non-

Task Force Evacuates Sick Children,Saves Lives

Story by Sgt. Sam Smith commissioned officer- in-charge of force protection for theVETCAP, a nurse there brought him a young boy who wasseriously ill from anemia caused by malaria. She requested theteam take the boy to the nearest hospital to get a blood transfusion.

Additionally, the two Riongo children were furtherassessed at the clinic, and it was determined that they requiredhospitalization as well.

Fausto and his team’s trip to the Nginyang clinic quicklyturned into a life-saving mission to the Kabarnet hospital, a drivethat would take over two hours. “It’s situations like this thatreally make the difference,” Fausto said.

The three children are expected to make a full recoveryand will return to their village soon.

Exercise Natural Fire 2006 was a multilateral trainingexercise where East African Community nations, U.S. and coalitionservice members provide medical, veterinary and engineering civilassistance to rural areas in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, thathelped thousands of people in need

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They will build eight schools in the province ofBadghis and will work on a canal that will irrigate the farmland and bring potable water to the residents.

With a global investment of more than 1.6 millionEuros, the Spanish Provincial Reconstruction Team in Qalai Naw, is expecting numerous new projects in thisAfghanistan province in the coming months.

But for now, the emphasis is on the eight schoolslocated in various areas of the province, as well as thecanal and severalretaining walls.

Located in thewestern part ofAfghanistan, Badghiscurrently lacks suitableinfrastructure, which isthe reason for theconstruction effort. It willnot only help the childrenin their education, but willimprove highways anddrinking water, as well asbring much-neededelectricity.

The base ofoperations for the Spanish military is in the provincial capitalcity, Badghis, with an outpost in the community of Herat.Thirty-six nations are represented in this area that is underNATO command and it is that organization that respondsto the commitment of the international community to rebuildthe province following years of conflict and socialdesolation.

In addition to the building the Spanish PRT willalso assist the Afghan government in creating anatmosphere of stability in their zone of responsibility. Butsupporting the reconstruction process remains the priority.

Projects Finished.The military component of the Spanish PRT has

completed 36 projects thus far with another nine currentlybeing executed. A total of 540,000 Euros were used toinstall electricity in public buildings and a lighting system inthe streets of Qala i Naw, as well as rehabilitate schools,

Spanish Military To Carry OutAfghan Reconstruction Projects

The funding has also improved the facilities of thelocal police station and airport; the city orphanage andmosques have been recovered; a school in Muqur has beenbuilt and pesticides have fumigated nearby farmland.

Additional projects have been completed in theValley of Gargheitu. Prison facilities, automobile parks, a

local police station andwater wells have all beenrepaired in the valleyvillages of Pada i Nokdari,Garchagay and Ghormach.

In The ComingMonths.

Projects that are still in theplanning stages include wellrepair and diverse buildingsin the communities of TagatIsmail, Qara Deh i Berenj,Palawan and additionalprojects in Qala i Naw.Several kilometers of river-

bank retaining wall sections are forthcoming in DahaneKoca, Muqur and Zaymat.

Also in the months ahead, control posts of theAfghan National Police on the Qadis, Muqur and SangAtesh highways will be completed. Tile roofs, ceilings andschool furniture repairs will be made in various places. Aclinical septic tank will be provided in Qadis and canalswill be constructed in Sange Kers, Sang Atesh, Muqur,Kundalan, Dahane Koca and Garchagay.

Smaller projects have been completed in most ofthe aforementioned villages, highlighted by a kilometer-longpark with green zones and recreation areas for children inQala i Naw.

In addition to the construction projects, the SpanishPRT offers medical assistance to the Afghan populationand teaches Spanish to local children. It also guaranteesthe security and work of the cooperators of the SpanishAgency of Cooperation International.

mosques, highways and stabilize the water supply. Aneighborhood childrens’ park and garbage dump have alsobeen built.

Courtesy of Spanish Ministry of Defense

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Task Force ZabulThe 2nd Infantry Battalion

“Calugareni” is one of the mostrepresentative Romanian Armed Forcesunits, due to its professional personnelwhich are well trained and prepared forNATO and Coalition forces missions.Since its creation, in 1993, the battalionwas established to conduct defensemissions within the national territory ofRomania and peacekeeping operationsentrusted by international organizationssuch as United Nations, European Unionand NATO, in Africa (UNAVEM III, 1995-1996), Albania – 1997, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo (between 2002and 2004, as a Strategic Reserve of NATOfor that theatre of operations), Iraq, withinANTICA BABILONIA Operation in 2005.

Since the middle of July 2006, the2nd Infantry Battalion, “CALUGARENI”,has been serving in Afghanistan withinthe province of Zabul to support theANSF (Afghan National Security Forces)in creating and maintaining a peaceful andsafe climate. The U.S. Army is servingalongside the Romanian military withCharlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry(Air Assault). Both militaries are a part ofthe NATO mission, and fall under the

command of ISAF, within Task ForceZABUL.

In this province, in Qalat , itscapital there is also one of the best

The Cooperation Between the Americanand Romanian Soldiers In Afghanistan Is

An Outstanding OneStory by Public Affairs Officer of the 2ndInfantry Battalion “Calugareni”Maj. Luigi-Mihail Cojocaru

P r o v i n c i a lRecons t ruc t ionTeams in theS o u t h e r nAfghanistan led byLt.Col. KevinMc Glaughlin thatcollaborates verywell with theRomanian andAmerican soldiersdeployed there.

From hisfirst public address,the Romanianb a t t a l i o n ’ scommander, Lt.Col. Daniel Petrescu, hasclearly stated his unit’s goals: “As a part ofNATO forces we are pleased with the warmwelcome provided by the provincialgovernor, Mr. Del Bar Jan Arman. We alsowish that all the local people understandthe purpose of our presence here. We aredetermined to help the peaceful people ofZABUL live a better life, in peace andsafety.”

Zabul TeamIn Zabul province, the Romanian

and American militaries have been sharingthe same battle space, being deployed in

four forwardo p e r a t i o nbases (FOBs),such as Qalat,M i z a n ,Baylough andShajoy.

T h eR o m a n i a nand Americansoldiers knowone anotherwell, sincethey weret r a i n i n gtogether forthis mission in

the mountain troop camp in Prislop,Romania or in American military bases inGermany.

Regarding the way the soldiers

of the 2nd Infantry Battalion “Calugareni”and Charlie1- 4 Company have been actingtogether to fight the Taliban andinsurgency in their area of responsibility,Maj. Glenn Nichols, stated: “Co-operationbetween us is outstanding. My peopleintegrated very well in the Romaniantactical operation center, and in themission outside FOBs, in terrain.”

In his turn, chief of PRT fromZabul, McGlaughlin, also added:“Together, Romanian and Americansoldiers deployed in Zabul are reallyforming a single and united team that wecalled it “ZABUL TEAM”. Ourdevelopment project initiated for thisprovince would not have been successfulif our American and Romanian soldiersdeployed here had not provided securityand peace in this area. They perform theirmission very well by keeping the Talibanand other hostile elements at distance,and the local people trust us because inthese conditions we can easily helpthem.”

A large range of missionsTaking into consideration the

risks and threats in the area, the battalion’smain missions are consisting in:-protection of forces;-conducting operations against the hostileforces in partnership with the AfghanNational Security Forces (ANSF);-forbidding the attempts of the hostileforces to infiltrate in Zabul province;

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-performing, in cooperation with the PSYOPS teams in the area, acampaign of informing the local people in order to gain theirsupport;-maintaining the dialogue with the local leaders and therepresentatives of the local authorities;-supporting the operations performed by the ProvincialCoordination Center;-supporting the Peace Plan of the Afghan authorities;-facilitating the development projects in the area initiated by ZabulPRT;-performing humanitarian missions according to the existingcapabilities;-patrol missions together with ANSF;-medical focused missions, according to the existing capabilities.

Operation “Combined Watch”.UkrainianPersonnel To Assist Iraqi Security Forces

Ukrainian militarypersonnel in Iraq took an activepart in developing andconducting joint operation“Combined Watch” togetherwith Iraqi security forces.

The main objective ofthe operation, which took placeat the Iraq-Iran border, was toprevent further illegal traffic ofweapons, drugs etc.

Trained by Ukrainianmilitary experts, the Iraqicustoms and police units of Wassit province were involved in“Combined Watch” operation.

This operation consisted of several phases. Forexample, during the preparation phase the servicemen from themilitary assistance section of the Ukrainian servicemen in Iraqconducted the general operation planning and practical trainingwith the commanding staff of Wassit province security forces.

The general commanding of the military assistancesection was carried out by Lt. Col. Andriy Tulin. During theoperation, Ukrainian officers and warrant officers observed themission and made necessary corrections to the servicemen ofIraqi security forces particularly during the organization of tacticalinteroperability with the Iraqi army, customs and police units.

The main focus was put on organizing and maintainingthe order of patrolling missions, checkpoints functioning and thecoherence with Coalition forces and intelligence.

Summarizing the outcome of the “Combined Watch”operation, the representatives of commanding staff ofMultinational division “Central South” and Multinational corps“Iraq” underlined the high level of preparation and conductingof the operation, which was commanded by Ukrainian personnel.

The objectives of Ukrainian servicemen in Iraq are asfollows:-to plan and implement the program for training Iraqi forces;-to train instructors and assist the coalition partners in

establishing military schools andtraining new Iraqi units;-to train experts for publicadministration institutes;-to assist Iraqi forces in handlingand maintenance of armament andequipment;-to train specialists in spheres ofaccounting and demolition ofammunition, communications andcontrol systems, as well as to trainexperts in human rights and lawenforcement. CB

Courtesy Of Ministry Of Defense Of Ukraine Press-Service

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The AfghanNational Police is currently conducting a recruitingcampaign where Afghan men and women are invited tojoin the force, and without hesitation, one young womanstepped up to become a police officer.

“When I was a young girl I used to watch copmovies and I always wanted to be one,” said Sakina, a24-year old police officer who works at the ANP traininga c a d e m y ’ sheadquarters inKandahar.

She joinedthe police academysix months ago andimpressed everyonethere with hershooting skills. Toher, this wasn’t just ajob, but a career anda dream come true.

“Train ingwasn’t too difficultfor an Afghanwoman, but I foundthe drills hard because all instructions were given in Pashtuand I speak Dari,” she said. Even though there are manysimilarities between the two languages, Sakina explainedthat distinguishing between some words like right and left,was a challenge.

“I just couldn’t remember one from the other,”she said.

With Sakina’s determination, she was able toreceive a badge and her first assignment as a weaponsinstructor at the academy where she currently teaches 32new trainees.”I enjoy teaching all these students at theacademy,” she said. “Other women can’t believe that Iwork here because 99 percent are male. They can’tbelieve that I actually teach men how to become police.They all treat me like I’m their daughter or sister.”

But Sakina is a police officer, just like any other.Her training schedule Sept. 14 was dedicated to

weapons qualification at the range. Prior to the range,students must attend all lectures regarding technique,posture, parts and function of the rifle.

Afghan Woman JoinsPolice Force

Story and Photo By Army Sgt. Mayra Kennedy

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The second portion of this training included goingto the range and using what they learned in a practicalexercise. Like any instructor, Sakina provides individualtraining to each of her students. The purpose is to havethem feel comfortable with their weapon and qualify at therange.

At the qualifying range, Sakina wears her uniform,burka and hearing protection. With her exceptional teaching

skills trainees are ableto meet therequirements withtheir weapons.

N a q e e bUllah is also aweapons instructorand police officer whoworks hand-in-handwith Sakina since shefirst joined the ANP.

“When shecame here for trainingshe had very highscores, so we decidedto hire her to be one

of the instructors,” said Ullah. “She is a hard workingpolice officer.”He said that the ANP needs more womenlike Sakina, to help them make a better police department.

“I’m going to be here permanently unless my bossgives me another assignment or if I’m needed somewhereelse,” said Sakina about her future in the police force.Many neighbors in her community are surprised to seeSakina wear a uniform every day to work, but they accepther and are very proud of her for getting a job outside thehouse.

The future of Afghanistan not only involves thegovernment, but also its residents, including Afghan women.Sakina is an example of how women can and are helpingshape this country.On Photo: Afghan Police Officer Sakina, sortsrifles by serial numbers after all her traineesqualified with their assigned weapons hereSept. 14. Sakina is one of three female policeofficers currently working at the police academyin Regional Command South.

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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan —The Bagram Provincial Reconstruction team officiallystarted a new road system Sept. 28 in the Kapisa provincethat will connect all districts and the provincial capitol.

“Today is a great day for the people of Kapisa, aswell as the people of Afghanistan,” said Canadian Brig.Gen. Daniel Pepin, deputy commanding general for allreconstruction effortsin Afghanistan, to alarge audience ofreligious, political andmilitary leaders.

The contract isthe first of its kind inAfghanistan and wasawarded to ShamsC o n s t r u c t i o nCompany of Kabul.

“This road issignificant,” said ArmyMajor DonaldJohnson, the director ofCivil MilitaryOperations for theBagram PRT. “This will be the first time that people willbe able to travel to all the districts across the province,bringing commerce, security and stability to the region.

The Kapisa Province, which is located close toBagram Airfield, is home to approximately 450,000residents and is one of two provinces that work hand-in-hand with the Bagram PRT. The other province is theParwan Province.

“This is your road, to be built by your people,”said Pepin to the large crowd. “Roads bring people andpeople bring business. Business improves life foreveryone.”

A mix of civilian, U.S. military and Coalitionforces, the PRT works to promote conditions for self-sufficiency, enduring prosperity, and a secure, stableenvironment.

The PRT genesis began with humanitarianoperations units created by the Army in 2002. From wellsto schools to hydro-electric projects, the teams are helpingto rebuild Afghanistan.

PRT Breaks Ground on$3 Million Road Project

Story and Photo By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos

On Photo: Canadian Brig. Gen. Daniel Pepin,deputy commanding general for reconstructionefforts in Afghanistan, cuts the ribbon on theKapisa road system project. The $3 millionproject is the highest construction project everawarded in the country. When completed, it willbe the only province to have all districts andthe capitol connected by roads. Pepinoversees all construction in the country.

Slowly, project-by-project, the teams workthroughout Afghanistan with the purpose of bringingstability and prosperity to the region. They do not do thework themselves, but work with local contractors whothen empower villagers in the area to do the work. Thecompleted projects then truly belong to the village insteadof just being given to them by coalition forces.

The roadopening was justone of the twogoodwill projectsthat the BagramPRT accomplishedthat day. Anotherwas a large fooddonation, part of the“Meals for Mullahs”program that theteam has taken on.

The goal is to givethe food to localreligious leaders fordistribution to thesurrounding villages.

The food donation this day will feed several hundred peoplein the province.

“All villages in the province have Mullahs, orreligious leaders,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. DerrilMcDonald, a structures journeyman from Vandenberg AirForce Base. “People follow the Mullahs. It’s the easiestway for us to get food to them.” CB

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