Iraq News 2

Video: Wounded Warriors Family Support High Five Tour

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 02:06:49 +0000

Over the next eight months, Wounded Warriors Family Support will be sending drivers across the nation in a patriotic vehicle to thank Americans for supporting military families. Today, the High Five Tour visited Butch Oustalet Ford in Gulfport. “I served in the Marine Corps for 30 years, deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Did my last combat deployment in Afghanistan in 2014.” It’s veterans like Martin Duarte who are volunteering their time to travel across the United States over the next eight months for the 2018 High Five Tour. “The High Five Tour is a fundraiser to bring awareness of what the organization does and one hundred percent of the proceeds go to support the programs that Wounded Warriors family support operates.” The organization raises funds throughout the tour by taking donations from community members on their stops throughout the tour. Anyone who donates is encouraged to sign a message of support onto the vehicle. Butch Oustalet Fleet Sales Manager Erich Anderson said, “Each year, Butch Oustalet decides to donate to this project. He really believes in it and believes in support the veterans in any way he can.” Once the tour comes to an end, the 2018 Ford F-150 will be donated to a veteran in need. “The vehicle will be donated to a double amputee. He will be selected from the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the vehicle will be presented to him on Veteran’s Day in New York City.” The vehicle is equipped with top of the line technology, making transportation easier for disabled veterans. “Any veteran who is an amputee can operate this vehicle." Before gifting the vehicle to a veteran, the tour will travel over 25,000 miles while visiting 45 states to raise awareness for veterans and their families.

Video: Video: Portland veteran who faced deportation released

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:36:05 +0000

An Iraq War veteran who was held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Tacoma for eight months has been released.

Video: What Veterans Day Means to our Hometown Heroes Pt 2

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 04:00:54 +0000

This week we spoke to veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, and Iraq War. They told us why they think it is important to honor our veterans.

Video: What Veterans Day Means to our Hometown Heroes Pt 1

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 03:01:29 +0000

This week we spoke to veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, and Iraq War. They told us why they think it is important to honor our veterans.

Video: Veteran who survived Iraq, hurricane receives free home

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 21:42:24 +0000

A veteran who survived the war in Iraq and Hurricane Maria has been given the gift of a lifetime.

Video: Reflections On The U.S Iraq War

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 17:16:52 +0000

News 25's Hank Davis interviews Dr. Heather Stur about the Reflections On The U.S Iraq War with General David H. Petraesus on Sept 26th at 7 p.m. at Historic Saenger Theatre in Hattieburg Mississippi.

Video: Seabees remembering 9/11

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 17:06:34 +0000

The Seabees’ also held a remembrance ceremony this morning on their base in Gulfport, gathering in honor of the American lives lost during 9/11. Prayers were said and a table was set for the victims and responders involved during the New York terror attacks. NMCB Chief Select Melanie Taylor said, “We as service members and the community in general need to look back on that day and there’s a lot of people, younger service members, coming into the military that are too young to remember, understand what they day meant and how it felt that day.” NMCB Fire Chief Mark Henson said, “It was a terrible day from a firefighter’s perspective in that we lost 343 brothers and sisters, but it’s very important that we remember them and be with them always.” The 9/11 attacks increased the need for more Seabees. All active and reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalions and Naval Construction regiments have been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Video: Congressman Palazzo’s service in question

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 22:32:30 +0000

Brian Rose, a candidate for the Fourth Congressional District running against incumbent Steven Palazzo, called a press conference today. The topic was once again putting Congressman Palazzo’s service with the National Guard into question. Bill Vallon is a National Guard veteran who was deployed with the 155th to Iraq back in 2004, a deployment he says Congressman Palazzo tried to avoid. Fourth Congressional District Candidate Brian Rose said, “His service records show that he has done everything that he could do to avoid that service. He did not go to Iraq despite claims that he did, that he did not serve with honor. In fact, he spent his entire time in 2004 trying to get out of the military.” This is not the first time questions about Palazzo’s time in the National Guard have been raised. In 2016, Democratic candidate and challenger Mark Gladney teamed up with Libertarian candidate Rick McCluskey during the congressional race and made similar claims. Rose says Thursday’s press conference is different, considering the paperwork he has provided supporting these claims. Rose says that according to the documents that he has obtained, the need to take care of a sick relative and the family cattle farm are some of the reasons that Palazzo asked to be discharged. “The National Guard then requested medical records and affidavits from family members of Palazzo’s stating that he was the only one capable of handling these affairs. Mr. Palazzo responded with a letter saying that he would not be providing what was requested. Ironically, we do have affidavits from Palazzo family members and these affidavits state that Mr. Palazzo played no role whatsoever in the care taking of this person or the cattle farm in question.” Congressman Palazzo sent News 25 a response to these accusations from his opponents which reads in part: “Not once have I ever denied that I requested this waiver more than a decade ago. I am a better person and a better soldier because I remained in the National Guard where I have and continue to serve to this day.”

Video: Fly fishing for vets

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 02:11:38 +0000

There’s a fly fishing program created specifically for an expanding number of disabled active military personnel. Project Healing Waters created the program in 2005 to those returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and now has expanded nationwide. The nonprofit organization is recognized as a leader in the field of therapeutic outdoor recreation for the disabled through the sport of fly fishing. Once a month meetings are held for these veterans and they teach them how to build a fishing rod and even tie flies for fish hooks. Gene Dufrene with Fly Fishing for Vets said, “This by far is the only thing that ever gave me, you know, a true piece of mind, you know, getting out meeting other people and you know just the good things this organization does with our nations heroes and I’m just fortunate to be a part of it.” If you would like to get involved and join Project Healing Water’s fly fishing program you can visit their website at projecthealingwaters.org.

Video: Hawaii Soldier Arrested for Alleged Ties to Terror Group

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 10:30:45 +0000

HONOLULU -- A U.S. Army soldier on active duty in Hawaii has been charged with providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the FBI said.

Video: Fireworks can trigger PTSD in some veterans

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 22:37:41 +0000

Beautiful colors and loud booms lighting up the sky are usually a symbol of the freedoms we have today thanks to those who fought for our freedom. For some of those veterans, the fireworks can be a harsh reminder of combat. One veteran News 25 spoke with has a powerful message about being cautious around vets this holiday. It’s a time to celebrate freedom with family and fun and fireworks, but for some veterans who fought for that freedom the fireworks spark something much deeper. U.S. Army Veteran Christopher Granger said, “It brings me back to a place that just emotionally is not good, mentally is not good.” Granger served in Iraq for 15 months about ten years ago and struggled to return to civilian life. “I’m always looking over my shoulder. I’m always thinking something’s behind me, something’s coming up, someone’s sneaking up on me. I’m very alert, constantly.” Granger suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He says the booming sounds of loud displays heard on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve trigger memories of war. “The first thought that crosses my mind honestly is hide for cover and lock and load. I mean, as bad as that sounds, that’s my mentality.” Not only do the loud booms sound similar to gunfire, but the high pitched sounds can also trigger severe migraines. “Any high pitched noise makes me have a migraine almost instantly. I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was also diagnosed with TBI so it makes my headaches that much more intense,” said Granger. Those who work closely with vets suffering from PTSD, like Kevin Cuttill of Crusaders for Veterans, say if you’re shooting fireworks around your house know your neighbors. If you have veterans living nearby, consider moving to a different location. “Any veteran, any war vet, you’ve got to worry about nearby and stuff, go to the beach, go somewhere, get away from them you know, enjoy your holiday, but respect theirs,” said Cuttill. “Sometimes it helps when we’re aware of it, but if you’re not aware of it, it makes it worse. It’s not good either way, but it makes it worse if you’re not aware of it. So, just talk to them, communicate. Be cautious of those around you,” said Granger.

Video: Red Cross Hero: Military

Mon, 08 May 2017 21:40:32 +0000

From one war veteran to another, it's a reminder of home. A Pennsylvania state flag has seen combat, flying in Vietnam and then Iraq, with one father and one son.

Video: Soldier Surprises Kids

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 23:05:00 +0000

A soldier came home from Iraq, surprising his kids at school.

Video: MOAB Bomb Killed Dozens of ISIS Fighters

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 11:08:04 +0000

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan officials say the attack on a tunnel complex in eastern Afghanistan with the largest non-nuclear weapon ever used in combat by the U.S. military left 36 Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters dead.

Video: First Responder Award

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 23:06:08 +0000

Oldest police cadet ever (42 years old at the time) in Chattanooga is an Iraq war veteran. Ric Engle reflects on his long career with the Chattanooga Police Dept.

Video: Iraq War Veterans Reunite to Honor Fallen Friend

Sat, 08 Apr 2017 03:19:42 +0000

Iraq War Veterans Reunite to Honor Fallen Friend

Video: Iraq War veteran rescues dog that fell through ice

Sat, 11 Mar 2017 02:50:38 +0000

Video: Hometown Hero: Greg Jumes

Sat, 11 Mar 2017 00:49:34 +0000

Iraq war veteran found it difficult to readjust to civilian life and even harder to find resources to help him. Now he's helping veterans find resources through a special app

Video: Veteran surprise

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 13:07:11 +0000

It's been a tough journey for an Iraq veterans who is a triple amputee, but he's overcome many obstacles over the years and was honored Saturday night with a big surprise.

Video: President Trump issues statement in response

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 07:06:22 +0000

The full statement, released by The White House, reads: "America is a proud nation of immigrants and we will continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression, but we will do so while protecting our own citizens and border. America has always been the land of the free and home of the brave. We will keep it free and keep it safe, as the media knows, but refuses to say. My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months. The seven countries named in the Executive Order are the same countries previously identified by the Obama administration as sources of terror. To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion - this is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order. We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days. I have tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria. My first priority will always be to protect and serve our country, but as President I will find ways to help all those who are suffering."

Video: More Being Learned About Ft. Lauderdale Airport Suspect

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 10:39:04 +0000

MIAMI-- Accused Fort Lauderdale airport shooter Esteban Santiago is set to be charged Monday in his first court appearance. The Iraq war veteran is accused of killing 5 people - and wounding 6 others.

Video: Welcome Home USS Ramage

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 23:38:20 +0000

A huge welcoming party celebrated the return of the USS Ramage at Point Park in Pascagoula. News 25’s Laurene Callander shows us the homecoming of the naval ship. Kids of all ages, adults, even man’s best friend, all waving the stars and stripes, welcomed the USS Ramage home from overseas. Three hundred sailors spent the last eight months fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria. South Mississippi honored their return with open arms Monday morning at Point Park. William Ladnier attended the welcoming party. He said, “I thought it was really important to get my kids out here and let them see kind of the big picture of how our country stays safe and how the troops are actually overseas fighting and what it takes to keep our country free. I wanted them to connect with that.” The USS Ramage is no stranger to Pascagoula. The ship was built and delivered here at Ingalls back in 1995. Dorothy Shaw with Ingalls Community Relations said, “These shipbuilders are delighted to welcome this ship back home so they can once again demonstrate their shipbuilding expertise, but more importantly so that this community can say welcome home to this crew.” Ingalls shipbuilders will spruce up the USS Ramage with overhaul and modernization work. While the workers main concern is improving the destroyer, locals made it a priority for sailors to know they are appreciated. “I know that it means the world to everyone on that ship that we care, that what they’re doing is recognized by all of us back here,” said Ladnier.

Video: Iraqi Forces Advance On Isis In Mosul

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 03:12:12 +0000

Iraqi troops continued their advance against Isis in Mosul this weekend

Video: Iraq War vet helps save Hauser shooting victim's life

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 02:11:08 +0000

Video: Iraq War vet helps save Hauser shooting victim's life

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 02:11:08 +0000

Video: Extreme Team gives back to Iraq War veteran

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 09:46:24 +0000

Video: Care Package Project sends gifts to troops

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 23:09:00 +0000

The LCpl. Eric A. Palmisano Care Package Project honors Eric Palmisano, a U.S. Marine who was killed in action in Iraq in 2006. Since then, the project has sent 3,200 care packages to soldiers overseas.

Video: Mother Remembers Fallen Soldier

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 22:31:27 +0000

veterans day clearfield county ansonville soldier killed in iraq

Video: Mosul fight changes

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:44:40 +0000

Mosul fight changes

Video: Major shift in the fight to retake Mosul

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 14:07:56 +0000

The operation is moving faster than expected.

Video: Closing in on ISIS

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 13:48:23 +0000

Iraq's Army is closing in on ISIS on the outskirts of the city of Mosul.

Video: U.S. Soldier's Remains Found Ten Years Later

Thu, 06 Oct 2016 23:02:58 +0000

U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot finally flown home after sacrificing his life in Iraq War.

Video: Coming up on Eyewitness News at Noon

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 18:05:51 +0000

Murder arrest, troop increase in Iraq

Video: Trump vs. Clinton on Iraq War vote

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:35:00 +0000

Video: LML: BRYAN HAYES I

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 14:20:26 +0000

WE ARE PROUD AND HONORED TO WELCOME OUR NEXT GUEST TO LOCAL MEMPHIS LIVE. MEMPHIS BASED SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND A VETERAN OF THE IRAQ WAR, BRYAN HAYES, THE FOUNDER OF TEAM I WANN RUN HAS RAISED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PORJECT--AND HE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN, BUT WANTS TO INVITED YOU TO JOIN HIM

Video: Missing Iraq War Veteran

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:33:36 +0000

Little Rock Police need your help finding an Iraq War Veteran. Fox 16's Victoria Price join us live from Little Rock Police Headquarters and explains why police have issued a state-wide alert.

Video: Homeless Iraq War Veteran Missing

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 11:47:41 +0000

Little Rock Police have issued a statewide alert to find Clint Langley.

Video: Homeless Iraq War Veteran Missing

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 04:07:15 +0000

Iraq War Veteran Missing

Video: Soldier Gets His Start in Farming

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 13:24:10 +0000

Learn about how one soldier went from Iraq to farming.

Video: Trump Under Fire for Comments About Khan Family

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:03:55 +0000

NEW YORK -- Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is facing new criticism for his so-called attacks on the parents of a Muslim American soldier who died in Iraq.

Video: Vet Helps Vets

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 13:55:00 +0000

(KARK) Iraq war veteran Eric Wells of Arkansas is making it his mission to help other veterans with their yards.

Video: Vet Offers Free Lawn Service For Disabled Veterans

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 02:36:01 +0000

Iraq War vet mows lawns and offers landscaping services for disabled veterans for free.

Video: Reading the names of heroes

Mon, 30 May 2016 23:10:48 +0000

It was expected to take close to 15 hours -- reading the name of each American killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. NewsChannel 21's Jennifer Wade reports on "Not Just a Number."

Video: 10 ISIS Militants Killed in Iraq Clash

Sat, 14 May 2016 15:02:00 +0000

Iraqi security forces and Sunni tribal fighters killed 10 ISIS militants in an hours-long clash Saturday, security sources said.

Video: 10 ISIS Militants Killed in Iraq Clash

Sat, 14 May 2016 15:02:00 +0000

Iraqi security forces and Sunni tribal fighters killed 10 ISIS militants in an hours-long clash Saturday, security sources said.

Video: Navy seal killed in Iraq identified

Wed, 04 May 2016 12:04:56 +0000

Charlie Keating IV was killed while driving an armored vehicle.

Video: Soldier Returns Home 5am

Tue, 03 May 2016 09:08:23 +0000

Soldier Returns Home 5am

Video: Fundraiser held for local vet with terminal cancer

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 11:18:34 +0000

Earlier this year we introduced you to Brian Cuyler. He’s a local Iraq war veteran and since 2015, he’s been battling stage-four brain cancer. An event this weekend can help make a big difference for the Cuyler family.

Video: U.S. to Send 200 More Troops to Beat ISIS in Iraq

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 22:20:21 +0000

U.S. to Send 200 More Troops to Beat ISIS in Iraq

Video: UN chief Ban Ki-moon in Baghdad for talks

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:09:58 +0000

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Baghdad Saturday for talks with senior officials on ways of assisting war-ravaged Iraq, meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.