America's North Shore Journal

Specialist Joe Gibson

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:00:20 +0000

An amazing story of personal courage, hand-to-hand combat, and a fight for survival in the dark and the mud. The Silver Star was awarded.

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Our Best: Strike Eagle Weps Babe Edition

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:00:04 +0000

Photo: Capt. Vanessa Mahan pauses after returning from a mission Sept. 15 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

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Time to Think About Influenza

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:00:59 +0000

Take a look at my article.

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Zawra Park Bustles in the Heart of Baghdad

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:49 +0000

The reason behind the huge influx in numbers of visitors this year is evident in the faces of the people as they feel safer now which makes them more willing to get out with their families and enjoy an evening at the park. “We come to the park typically on holidays,” said Jameela, a Baghdad resident who was at the park with her children. “This time is much better than before [in terms of safety], better than last year or the year prior to that.” “Now security is very good. It is safe and I think people are coming here because of that,” said Ali.

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Abraham’s Well - Guarded by the United States Army

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:29 +0000

For most Soldiers serving here, it’s hard to imagine a small pond with lush green life around it in the middle of this sand-filled country. However, this oasis is located on the border of Camp Mejid on Al Asad Airbase, and is home to several species of wildlife.

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Schools Open in Sadr City This Week

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:00:53 +0000

After a complete assessment had been made, TF 1-6 initiated projects to completely overhaul the structures. Renegade Soldiers watched as all of the schools underwent a transformation. Government-hired Iraqis went to work and replaced wire and electric facilities, installed air-conditioning units, desks, dry erase boards, new playground equipment and repainted the inside and outside of the schools. “The rebuilding and transformation of the schools was like night and day. It really showed the neighborhood who was on their side, trying to make Jamilla a better place,” said Sgt. Mario Braxton, Co. A, TF 1-6.

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Someone’s Husband, Someone’s Son

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:08:22 +0000

Photo: Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Erika T. Espiritu clutches a rose and searches for her husband, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Allan Espiritu, on the Corpsman Memorial

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Terrorists Kill Themselves, Civilians

Chuck Simmins — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:19:30 +0000

A terrorist detonated a suicide vest Sunday in Mosul while Coalition forces were conducting an operation to capture a wanted man. As Coalition forces entered the building housing the terrorist, they began receiving small arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire once engaged. A terrorist detonated a suicide vest shortly thereafter in the house.

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Polish Army Completes Mission in Iraq

Chuck Simmins — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:00:19 +0000

The Polish army commanded Multi-National Division – Center South, which operated throughout the Qadasiyah Province. Polish forces completed 10 rotations in Iraq, which ended Oct. 1, and had 10 national contingents under its command including Armenia, Latvia, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Two U.S. Helicopters collide

Chuck Simmins — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:27:05 +0000

Two helicopters collide in Iraq.

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Security in Iraq Allows Ag Improvements

Chuck Simmins — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:10:11 +0000

This project and similar ones can now be completed due to the increased security in the Maysan province. The 38th Iraqi Army Brigade, partnered with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, is conducting counter- insurgency operations along the southeastern border of Iraq.

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Leaders Reopen Renovated School in E Baghdad

Chuck Simmins — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:06:32 +0000

Ali Al Abdilzahara, Zafaraniyah Essential Services president, and Sabah Alrobaiey, Diyala Neighborhood Council chairman, cut the ribbon to mark an important day for the children in Diyala. Approximately 1,000 students will walk through the gate of the renovated school when the school year begins Oct. 7. Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, who assisted in the project, joined in the celebration.

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al-Qaeda Big Shot Sent to Allah

Chuck Simmins — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:06:06 +0000

The legacy leader of one of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s Baghdad networks who was the mastermind behind some of the city’s recent bombings was killed by Coalition forces Friday. Mahir Ahmad Mahmud Judu’ al-Zubaydi, also known as Abu Assad or Abu Rami, is believed to be the AQI “emir” of the Rusafa neighborhood of Baghdad. He exercised a degree of control over terrorist operations in other districts as well.

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Our Best: Renegade Medic Edition

Chuck Simmins — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:02:52 +0000

Her family expected her to be the one to go straight to college in pursuit of a medical degree. Instead, she’s found a happy medium, providing medical coverage for more than 60 soldiers at Joint Security Station 5.

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A Hug Made Out of Yarn

Chuck Simmins — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:00:25 +0000

The shawls are being sent home to the families of fallen servicemembers and those heading home on emergency leave. The group and one or more military chaplains pray over each shawl before it’s sent, Jones said. “As my brother says, ‘These shawls are like a hug made out of yarn,’” said Yearicks, a native of Gwinn, Minn. “Just the thought behind them can help to cheer up a heavy heart.”

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