http://www.trackpads.com/forum/ For any current or former soldiers of any Armed Forces. en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:08:21 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png http://www.trackpads.com/forum/ http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943623-u-s-army-gen-david-petraeus.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:11:41 GMT 08/17/2010 - From left, U.S. Army Gen. David... 08/17/2010 - From left, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, speaks with Sen. John Kerry and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry outside of the Afghan Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 17, 2010. Kerry, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, was ...more.

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Click to send Email image. ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943623-u-s-army-gen-david-petraeus.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943232-thank-troops-message-form.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:47:37 GMT Thank the Troops Message Form Send the Troops... Thank the Troops Message Form

Send the Troops a Message Read Messages of Support

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Thank you for contributing to America Supports You! We will make every effort to include your comments on our site. Due to a tremendous public response, however, it may not be possible to include all messages on our pages. We appreciate your support, and thanks again for visiting America Supports You!

NOTE: We are providing this service as an opportunity to send a message of support to servicemembers. It is not designed to be a letter writing service, instant-messaging service, e-mail service, bulletin board or general chat service. These messages are viewed individually and edited or deleted based on content. Profanity and violations of operational security, privacy, and propriety will not be posted.

Message Submit Form ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943232-thank-troops-message-form.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943231-troops-send-message-america-messages-troops.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:45:55 GMT Troops send a message to America Messages From... Troops send a message to America
Messages From The Troops
1 - 25 of 2,728 messages Next >
Thank you so much to the people of West Virginia for the messages of support. They are a real morale booster.
Master Chief Petty Officer Casey Forsch, US Navy, Wheeling, W.Va.


For all my family and friends who support me and all my fellow troops in this endeavor. To all those patriotic Americans who support the troops will heart and head.Thank you. You are the mainline support for all of us who are out there with boots on the ground in the heat of the desert, in the air, or on the sea. It is your support that gives us the drive to do what we do. And to all those who refuse to support this great country and those who protect it, enjoy the right to do so, because it is because of us that you can. God bless.
IT3 Dylan Simons, U.S. Navy, Bayfield, Colo.


There is no greater pleasure for me than serving my country. I was proud to serve in Afghanistan and I will gladly go back again when needed. Thank you all for your wonderful support. To all my brothers and sisters serving in every branch and on every continent, thank you. Air Power.
SrA Katie Gillette, USAF, Orlando, FL, N.C.


To all my fellow soldiers I would like to say thank you. Keep safe.
SFC Jerry Wolfenbarger, Milton, Vt.


Thank you for your support. God Bless.
A1C West USAF, Monroeville, Pa.


I wanted to say thank you so very much for all your time and assistance. The Marines are very grateful for everything that they are receiving. We cannot say thank you enough for all that you and your colleagues have done. I have a brother named alex miller and he will joining you guys soon he will help fight the war and support you guys all the way he is a great brother to me and he knows when right from wrong keep him safe and i love you guys. Dion Mexicotte p.s. KEEP MY BROTHER ALEX MILLER SAFE.
Dion Mexicotte, Monroe, Mich.


Sitting in SWA... Thanks for your support and Have a great holiday! CTARNG 1-169 AVN
Erik Newton SSG USA, Manchester, Conn.


I thank everybody for their support. I would also like to give a special thanks to my Wife, Cathy. I will see you over here soon. and to my father-in-law, Wayne. He is a true inspiration of what a Soldier should be. I love you all and hope to see you soon.
SGT Jeffery Leja, Milford, Mi / Hinesville, GA


Thank you for your support. It helps to know you care. V/R GM3 Olonia USS George Washington CVN-73
GM3 Michael Olonia/ U.S. Navy, Colorado Springs, Colo.


God Bless You!
Army, Whitefish, Mont.


Thank you for showing your support. It means a lot especially to those of us who are overseas right now. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. God bless America.
Charlene Leto/SPC/Army national guard, Palm Bay, Fla.


Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. We appreciate all you do for us. Thank you again.
PFC James Kasparek, Derby, Kan.


To all the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines that serve each and every day around the world I stand with you proudly to bear arms in support of freedom. I would like to thank everyone who supports what we do and please continue to show all that great support! We greatly appreciate it!
Joseph Williams/SPC/Active Army, Lansing, Mich.


To my brother and sister in arms, thank you for serving and risking your lives so that everyone can live a free and happy life unaware of the risks of war. You are all heroes and despite our uniforms don't match, regardless, we are all family! Keep it up and our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Come home safe!
Cpl/ Canadian Forces Army


Thank you all for your ongoing support for our troops across the world. God bless you all.
TSgt Charles Staley, USAF, Tampa, Fla.


I just wanted to tell everyone back home thank you.... Thank you for your support and for caring about me and my brothers and sisters out here. Everyday I see packages arrive for someone and I know that package is warmimg someone's heart and re-energizing them for whatever mission comes down to us. Thank you so much. Thank you again; and to my family, I love you and miss you so much!
SPC Jodie Gollihugh, Army, North East, Pa.


I want to thank all you young men and women who are serving our country so proudly. My heart goes out to you. I served for over 23 years until I became very ill and the Army said it was time for me to go. I know how you feel.
RET MSG USA, Inverness, Fla.


Thank you all for the outstanding messages/prayers/letters. It really helps us press on with the good work we are doing here in Afghanistan. The Afghan National Police Medical Embedded Transition Team members really appreciate it. Thanks again.
Maj Ted Cassin, USAF, MSC, Seabrook, N.H.


I would just like to thank each and every one one of you for your endless letter, care packages to all of us in the service. I will be heading over to Iraq for the 5th time. Right now, I'm stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Everytime I come back home from a deployment, as I walk through the airports and people clap and shake my hand, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I'm doing what I can to protect this great country and all of my fellow Americans. Again thank you all and God Bless!
Rock Conley, SrA, USAF, SLC


Thank you for all you do for us. You have become a strong soldier and you have made us very proud. We appreciate the sacrifice you have made to serve your country.
Timothy Cluckey /SPC/Army National Guard, Warren


Being deployed to Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, is made easlier with the help from the people back home. With you we could not do our jobs. From our kids to brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers and even grandparents, thank you very much from the bottom of our heart! THANK YOU!
PV2 Sinclair USA, Louisville, Ky.


Living in a military filled town really makes you appreciate how wonderful and important our service members all are when it comes to defending our freedoms. Thanks to all military members for your sacrifices. Once I'm out of high school, I'm thinking about joining myself. Thanks!
Tori G., Jacksonville, N.C.


Being a SrA in the AF currently serving in Kunsan AB, Korea, I would just like to personally thank you for bringing this website together. During the holidays, we had to work which helped us get through the days, but we made time each holiday to log on and read the messages left...what an amazing way to lift our spirits. So again, thank you from Kunsan AB! We are definitely proud to serve you! -SrA Jennifer Cook
Jennifer Cook


I would like to thank all those who pledge their support to service members and our great country. Your support will never go unnoticed. I would also like to thank all the vets. Your service to our country will always be remembered!
SSG, US Army, Hoover, Ala.


Just want to say that all the support that you give is great. It helps a lot to know we have the support of the country we fight for no matter the reason.
Robert Mullikin SGT U.S ARMY, Osawatomie, Kan.


1 - 25 of 2,728 messages Next > ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943231-troops-send-message-america-messages-troops.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943230-letters-hollywood-read-messages-troops.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:43:20 GMT Hello Troops
It's been my very good fortune to meet so many of you, the men and women in uniform serving our country. I've seen first hand the great work you do all around the world under dangerous and often very challenging conditions. I'm extremely grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make every day to keep America safe.

I've come across many other people in show business who also support you. Quietly appreciate the admirable reasons you volunteered and the ideals you uphold. And that's what Letters From Hollywood is all about. Giving some of these folks a way to reach you.

Every week, you're going to hear from a different person. Actors, writers, directors, technicians. Patriots. People who GET what you do. And want to say thanks. Because what you're doing deserves it.

Check back here every Wednesday for a new letter.

Kristy Swanson

A staunch supporter of the Troops, Kristy Swanson is best known as the title character in BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Her other films include 8 HEADS IN A DUFFLE BAG, DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR? and the upcoming WHAT IF?
To The Troops:
What a daunting task to even think that a few sentences could possibly describe the gratitude I feel for all the brave fighting men and women of the U.S. Military. Your courage and love of country continue to move, humble, and inspire me as I grow more and more aware of the personal sacrifices all of you make every day. Sacrifices which often go overlooked particularly in places like Hollywood. I can assure you that I am one of many Hollywood actors who truly appreciates your service and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will be going to Afghanistan on November 20th-27th to have Thanksgiving with you all. I cannot think of a better way to share our Thanks and our Giving than to be with our Soldiers. Thank You for allowing me the privilege.

xoxoxo Kristy Swanson

Home - Letters From Hollywood

Kristy Swanson - Letters From Hollywood ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943230-letters-hollywood-read-messages-troops.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943169-haitian-community-thanks-u-s-troops-new-school.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:30:19 GMT Haitian community thanks U.S. troops for new... Haitian community thanks U.S. troops for new school
Posted On: Aug 24 2010 8:44AM

Story By Spc. Jessica M. Lopez

MANDRIN, Haiti – “We are thanking you a lot for this nice school that you made for us,” read a sign held by a local Haitian boy during a celebration at the Mandrin school site Aug. 22.

The community gathered to celebrate a new school U.S. troops built in Mandrin as a part of New Horizons-Haiti 2010, a nearly four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission that is providing continued U.S. military help to the earthquake-devastated nation.

Task Force Kout Men is leading the New Horizons-Haiti effort that is providing three new schools, renovations to two other schools and medical care to those in need. New Horizons consists of the National Guard, Reserve, and active Army components, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force personnel.

The Mandrin school was completed and turned over to the community Aug. 20. Last school year, the students had two tents for classrooms. This school year, the students will have three classrooms, offices, and restrooms.

“The community said we have been great neighbors,” says Lt. Col John-Michael Wells, the task force's civil affairs officer. “They feel we have respected and mutually supported each other. We provided the community with a new school, medical treatment and jobs. They in turn provided us with labor, interpreters, advice and land they have leased to us.”

The Mandrin community enjoys the U.S. military presence, says Wells. The people want the them to stay.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS

“The people are so happy we are here they don’t want to see us leave,” says Capt. Wesly Leandre, a civil affairs officer supporting New Horizons.



It is military tradition for units to exchange plaques after working with one another for a long time. It is a Haitian tradition to sing and dance to show thanks.



“The people don’t have much but they wanted to give their thanks the best way they can – through dance and music,” says Leandre.



The children danced and sang while adults played horns and drums. They made signs that said “Long live America!” and “Welcome U.S. Army.”



“The celebration was not a plaque or a medal,” says Leandre. “It was a gift from the heart of the community.”



New Horizons is scheduled to end in late September. ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943169-haitian-community-thanks-u-s-troops-new-school.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943168-louisiana-national-guard-belize-defence-force-join-forces-help-haiti.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:27:00 GMT Louisiana National Guard, Belize Defence Force... Louisiana National Guard, Belize Defence Force join forces to help Haiti
Posted On: Aug 23 2010 12:21PM


Story by Spc. David C. Kirtland, Task Force Kout Men Public Affairs Office

MANDRIN, Haiti – Louisiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau and Belize Defence Force Commander Brig. Gen. Dario O. Tapia visited with Task Force Kout Men troops during a trip to Mandrin, Haiti August 19.

The task force is leading the New Horizons-Haiti, a humanitarian and civic assistance exercise in Haiti from June – September 2010. U.S. National Guard troops are providing free health care and construction projects in various communities during the mission.

Louisiana has a state partnership with Belize through the National Guard State Partnership Program, which links states with foreign countries in an effort to develop international affairs. The National Guard State Partnership Program, was created in 1993, has grown to include 37 states, two territories, and the District of Colombia partnering with 42 countries around the world.

“I’m very proud of the work that our guardsmen and BDF have accomplished here,” said Landreneau.

During their stay the TF Commander, Col. Michael Borrel led Tapia and Landreneau on tours of the four engineering projects that Belize Defence Force troops, U.S. Navy Seabee’s Battalion 25 and Louisiana National Guard’s engineers have been building for the past two and half months.

“I was amazed at how quickly the BDF and our soldiers were able to bond together as a team,” said Borrel. “They were able to jump into any job on the construction site with some sort of expertise or familiarity, whether it was new construction or renovation.”

Three of the engineer sites used NuForm Building Systems. These systems consist of solid concrete walls and a steel roof. They have been used in the Caribbean and South Pacific withstanding hurricane winds and typhoons.

In Mandrin where the estimated population of 1000 is almost half children, the only available school consisted of two tents. The task force engineers built a three room school with offices to house the estimated 350 school children.

The Lycee Louis Diaqoui engineering site, which is an all-girl school in the city of Gonaives, was one of the task force’s toughest challenges. Constant flooding issues made preparing the concrete foundation a slow process. None the less, the project was completed with three classrooms with offices. The Seabees also built a hand pump water well nearby and the BDF constructed a fence to add security for the students.

The K. Georges engineer site, which educates approximately 2000 students, task force Seabees constructed a two classroom school with offices. In addition, they built a soccer field for the students and people in the community.

The Desronvilles engineer site was severely burned during a fire in October of last year. Both the roof and walls were charred rendering the school unusable. Task Force Kout Men troops removed debris and pressure washed the building before installing a new roof and adding fresh paint.

“It’s remarkable how these buildings were transformed,” said Landreneau. “I saw these buildings before and now they look like brand new buildings.”

This was a great opportunity for Belize to help out a fellow Caribbean nation in their time of need, said Tapia.

New Horizons – Haiti 2010 is a collaborative effort with the government of Haiti to provide medical and engineering assistance in response to the January 12 earthquake which caused an estimated 222,570 deaths and displaced 1.5 million people into spontaneous settlements across the affected area.

“I believe this exercise has paved the way for future New Horizons exercises, encouraging our partner nations to make it a truly joint mission” said Borrel.

The partnership between Belize and Louisiana is very strong and he looks forward to working with the Louisiana National Guard on future projects, said Tapia.

New Horizons – Haiti 2010, which began in June, is scheduled to conclude late September. ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943168-louisiana-national-guard-belize-defence-force-join-forces-help-haiti.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943167-haiti-task-force-focuses-engineering-medical-missions.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:24:12 GMT Haiti task force focuses on engineering, medical... Haiti task force focuses on engineering, medical missions
Posted On: Jul 13 2010 9:58AM

By Sgt. Darron Salzer, National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. (July 12, 2010) -- Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force New Horizons have made major progress on their engineering and medical missions in Haiti, the task force commander said today.

Col. Michael Borrel told participants in the DoD Bloggers Roundtable that the task force is scheduled to complete the construction of four schools and 10 medical readiness and training exercises (MEDRETE) by Sept. 18.

"We have four project sites currently underway," said Maj. Chuck Hudson, the officer-in-charge of the engineering mission. "We anticipate completion of [two] of our project sites by the end of July, which include a roofing project and a school."

The two other school projects are scheduled to be complete by Aug. 15, he said.

"The system of construction that we're utilizing is the new-form system," said Hudson. "The system uses a reinforced concrete design with a steel framed and steel corrugated roof."

"It's a much stronger system and better technology than any of the other systems utilized in Haiti."

This new construction will be able to better withstand the elements during hurricane season.

On the medical side, Borrel, who is a member of the Louisiana National Guard, said four MEDRETE sites have been completed and that those sites have treated over 20,000 Haitian patients.

"Today we began another 10-day MEDRETE mission," said Air Force Col. Thomas Steinbrunner, the officer-in-charge of the medical readiness and training exercise. "Our team consists of medical providers in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, dentists and optometrists."

He added that the patients receive public health education as well as medications.

"We're a primary care site, so for patients who require more serious care we utilize the local Haitian system, such as the local hospital and the more advanced hospital in Gonaïves," Steinbrunner said. "So far we've seen a lot of skin diseases and parasitic-borne illnesses."

In addition to using stronger construction designs in the new buildings, the National Guard is also prepared to provide additional support should another major weather event, such as a hurricane, affect the people of Haiti.

"Hurricane season is upon us," said Borrel, "and in the event of any type of severe weather we could be directed by Southern Command and have a change of mission, which would require us to provide search-and-rescue, assessments of roads and provide limited medical assistance."

"We do have aircraft available to us and could put them into action once the weather passed," he said.

About 500 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen have conducted humanitarian operations for the past month in the Gonaïves area of Haiti.

"The U.S. forces here in Haiti are doing a tremendous job," said Borrel, "and even though we are only a small [task force], we are doing some very tangible things and truly helping the people of Haiti."

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS

(Click photo to view Hi-Resolution)
Louisiana National Guard Soldiers with the 1020th Engineer Company from Marksville, La., pour concrete for the foundation of the New Horizons – Haiti 2010 Mandrin school site, June 22. New Horizons provides an opportunity for the U.S. forces to train in a real-life environment by being the medical providers at the medical assistance sites and the engineers at the construction sites. Photo by Spc. Jessica M. Lopez

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943167-haiti-task-force-focuses-engineering-medical-missions.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943166-rear-adm-dullea-visits-new-horizons-haiti-2010-troops.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:22:24 GMT Rear Adm. Dullea visits New Horizons-Haiti 2010... Rear Adm. Dullea visits New Horizons-Haiti 2010 troops
Posted On: Jun 30 2010 2:42PM

Story and photos by Maj. Scott Bell, TF Kout Men PAO Rear Adm. Dullea visits New Horizons-Haiti 2010 troops

MANDRIN, Haiti – Rear Adm. Cynthia Dullea, the deputy commander for U.S. Navy Medicine, National Capital Area/deputy director U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, Reserve Component visited the 500 Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen of Task Force Kout Men at their New Horizons encampment in Mandrin, Haiti today.

Following a brief introduction of the New Horizons exercise sites by the task force’s commander Col. Michael Borrel, Dullea made it a point to shake the hand of every member of the New Horizons team she came in contact with, often pausing to share a humorous story or tell military personnel how much she appreciated their service.

Following her orientation to the New Horizons encampment, Dullea made her way to the medical readiness exercise site in Poteau where the U.S. Navy’s Operational Health Support Unit, Great Lakes, has been treating approximately 800 Haitian patients per day. Their New Horizons humanitarian exercise is one aspect of the on-going U.S. commitment to help the government of Haiti recover from the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake.

Since the earthquake, the U.S. has contributed nearly $1.1 billion towards relief and recovery efforts. Another $1.15 billion has been pledged over the coming year which represents roughly 22 percent of the total pledged by nearly 40 other countries.

“We’re all very honored to be here to help the people of Haiti during their recovery from the earthquake,” said Dullea.

The medical personnel assigned to Task Force Kout Men are part of an international program known as New Horizons, a U.S. Southern Command sponsored; U.S. Army South conducted joint foreign military interaction/humanitarian exercise. In the past three weeks, nearly 15,000 patients have been treated at medical readiness training exercise sites in Saint Marc, L’Estere, Poteau and Gonaives.

“These medical personnel are working very long hours to do a very good job of providing basic medical and dental care to the Haitian people,” said Dullea.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943166-rear-adm-dullea-visits-new-horizons-haiti-2010-troops.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943165-u-s-army-souths-new-horizons-haiti-2010-exercise-international-effort.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:20:47 GMT U.S. Army South's New Horizons-Haiti 2010 exercise an international effort
Posted On: Jun 30 2010 9:50AM


By Maj. Scott Bell, Task Force Kout Men PAO

MANDRIN, Haiti - From the moment they leave their encampment each morning on the outskirts of Gonaives, Haiti, to the moment they return each evening, the troops of Task Force Kout Men (Creole for Helping Hands), are demonstrating the United States' continued commitment to the people of Haiti.


Since the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the U.S. has contributed nearly $1.1 billion towards relief and recovery efforts. Another $1.15 billion has been pledged over the coming year which represents roughly 22 percent of the total pledged by nearly 40 other countries.


Currently, at the request of the Government of Haiti, there are 500 U.S. Army South, U.S. Army Reserve Component Forces, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force personnel conducting various medical, dental, and engineering missions focused on humanitarian assistance in Haiti. Commanding them is La. National Guard Col. Michael Borrel.


Borrel feels it's good to give back. "So many from the U.S. and the international community came to Louisiana's aid following hurricanes Katrina and Rita that it makes me proud as a U.S. military officer to come here to do something for the Haitian people," said Borrel.


Borrel's Task Force Kout Men troops are part of an international effort known as New Horizons, a U.S. Southern Command sponsored; U.S. Army South conducted joint foreign military interaction/humanitarian exercise. On almost a day-to-day basis, Borrel's personnel interact with foreign troops and the local Haitian population. In fact, a contingent of troops from Belize arrived at the New Horizons-Haiti 2010 encampment on Friday, June 25. For the next month, they will be living and working side by side with engineers from the La. National Guard and the U.S. Navy Seabees' Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25, out of Fort McCoy, Wis.


Some of the projects Belize troops will be working on began nearly two weeks ago when engineers from Task Force Kout Men's La. National Guard contingent began work on two new three-classroom buildings in Lycee Louis Diaquoi, the renovation of two schools in Desronvilles, and the new construction of a three-classroom school in Mandarin. All three of these projects will be completed by the La. National Guard. The task force's Seabees have also started work on a new, two-classroom school in Ecole National K. Georges, finished a water well renovation project at one school and conducting site surveys on two others.


Likewise, the task force's medical and dental teams from the U.S. Air Force's 319th Medical Group, Grand Forks, N.D., the U.S. Navy's Operational Health Support Unit (OHSU), Dallas and OHSU Great Lakes are doing much to provide medical assistance to the people of Haiti. In the past three weeks, over 12,000 patients have been treated during medical readiness training exercises in Saint Marc, L'Estere and Poteau.


U.S. Navy Seaman Apprentice Aydemir Sibel of Milwaukee, Wis., who is serving on her first New Horizons exercise, considers the opportunity to serve the people of Haiti as a member of Task Force Kout Men's medical readiness team a "great" one. "I volunteered to come when the earthquake first happened and am glad to finally be able to come here and help," said Sibel.


Providing much of the external security for the task force's engineer and medical humanitarian effort are members of the military from Argentina. They support the Mission of the United Nations for the stabilization of Haiti, or MINUSTAH. The MINUSTAH works closely with Haitian officials to ensure the safety and protection of personnel participating in the New Horizons training exercise.


Nevada National Guardsman Pfc. Patricia Arnold, a 485th Military Police Co. Soldier from Reno, Nev., considers the relationship between the MINUSTAH and her fellow Soldiers very supportive. "We usually have several hundred people show up for our medical readiness exercises so when we need a little extra back-up at the gate to keep folks moving safely through the line, we can always count on them," said Arnold.


The goal of the New Horizons mission is to provide tangible humanitarian engineer and medical assistance to the people of Haiti and support long-term U.S. recovery operations in Haiti while supporting the readiness of U.S. forces.


Borrel believes New Horizons readiness exercises such as the one his Task Force Kout Men troops are undertaking is paramount to properly training U.S. military personnel for deployments. "This experience can't be replicated and the lessons learned here will help our U.S. military personnel to be even better prepared and always there when our country needs us," said Borrel.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943165-u-s-army-souths-new-horizons-haiti-2010-exercise-international-effort.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943164-new-orleans-chef-feeds-new-horizons-troops-louisiana-style.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:19:13 GMT New Orleans chef feeds New Horizons troops... New Orleans chef feeds New Horizons troops Louisiana Style
Posted On: Jun 29 2010 7:51AM

Story and photos by Maj. Scott Bell, United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS

TF Kout Men PAO

MANDERIN, Haiti – Normally, a hot meal for service-members working in austere conditions means warming up a Meal-Ready-to-Eat (MRE), a self-contained package about six-inches wide, four-inches thick and a foot-long packed with a dinner, dessert and a snack.

However, for the 500 troops of Task Force Kout Men (Haitian Creole for helping hands) who are in Mandrin, Haiti for a New Horizons humanitarian exercise, chow-time is a treat. All thanks to New Orleans Chef and Sgt. 1st Class Mike Larey, a Louisiana National Guardsman and owner of Louisiana Cooking Services, New Orleans.

Larey, who trained for his third chef discipline, “Cajun and Creole,” at Dragos in New Orleans, has been treating over 500 troops a day to his Louisiana Style cooking out of a 24-foot by 20-foot kitchen trailer.

“I look forward to seeing all the troops smiling when they come in here each night,” said Larey, adding “my cooking staff takes great pride in the fact these Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen look forward to supper each night.”

Larey wasn’t always a cook in the Louisiana National Guard. He began his career in the military as an engineer and then became a truck driver. He says he knows what it’s like to run a shovel on a backhoe all day or drive a truck for long hours in the heat and humidity with no air-conditioning. “I also remember how nice it was to come in after a long day at work to a hot meal at night,” said Larey.

He feels those memories are what drives him to continue to serve in the La. National Guard and to do his best to make sure every military member he feeds knows they are appreciated.

“I’m sure not doing this for the money,” said Larey.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943164-new-orleans-chef-feeds-new-horizons-troops-louisiana-style.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943163-nevada-national-guard-trains-haiti.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:17:18 GMT Nevada National Guard trains in Haiti Posted On:... Nevada National Guard trains in Haiti
Posted On: Jun 28 2010 11:18AM


By Spc. Jessica Lopez

HAITI -- Nevada National Guard Soldiers of the 485th Military Police Company participated in the U.S. Army South New Horizons – Haiti 2010 Task Force Kout Men at several engineering and medical training exercise sites in the Gonaives area of Haiti from June 10 to June 26.

“Our mission is to provide security operations for the U.S. forces at the engineer construction, medical assistance and the New Horizons – Haiti encampment site,” said 1st Sgt. Steve T. Lawrence, first sergeant with the 485th MP Company.

New Horizons provides real-world training experience for service members of various branches.

“The same way the military police prepare for the mission here is going to be the same way they prepare for a mission in the battle field,” said Cpt. Bruce E. Billings, Provost Marshall of Task Force Kout Men. “The only difference is the threat level and the amount of ammo they carry.”

First Lt. Robert F. Kolvet, a platoon leader with the 485th MP Company feels the soldiers can train for a mission but not the environment or the culture. “Until you get on the ground and experience the reality you can’t understand the difference.”

Billings believes this experience teaches the soldiers interpersonal skills, how to deal with the host country police, the UN, and the domestic population.

Spc. Carolina Dealba, a MP officer, feels that everyone has learned their roles and how to work with one another. “The company definitely understands out to function operationally,” said Dealba.

This mission is also a learning experience for the company commander and first sergeant.

“The Soldiers can see how their leadership functions and takes care of them,” said Billings.

Kolvet feels the noncommissioned officers and young soldiers are ready to deploy. They have proven themselves in the way they operated during this mission.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943163-nevada-national-guard-trains-haiti.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943161-new-horizons-haiti-2010-school-renovation-project-desronvilles-taking-shape.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:11:40 GMT New Horizons-Haiti 2010 School Renovation Project... New Horizons-Haiti 2010 School Renovation Project in Desronvilles Taking Shape
Posted On: Jun 21 2010 10:43AM

Story and photos by Maj. Scott Bell, TF Kout Men PAO

MANDERIN, Haiti – In partnership with the Government of Haiti, a New Horizons-Haiti 2010 school renovation project in Desronvilles near Gonaives, Haiti began taking shape this week as students from the school began their summer break.

Troops from Task Force “Kout Men,” Creole for “Helping Hands” began leveling walls at the school in Desronvilles in preparation for installing a new roof. The engineering project is one of four currently taking place near Gonaives in the Artibonite Department from June through the end of September.

The goal of the New Horizons mission is to provide tangible humanitarian engineer and medical assistance to the people of Haiti and support long-term U.S. recovery operations in Haiti while supporting the readiness of U.S. forces.

Better government-to-government and people-to-people relations mean better responses to the challenges that face our partners in Haiti.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943161-new-horizons-haiti-2010-school-renovation-project-desronvilles-taking-shape.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943160-red-horse-port-team-equips-new-horizons-panama-mission-success.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:09:22 GMT RED HORSE port team equips New Horizons Panama... RED HORSE port team equips New Horizons Panama mission for success
Posted On: Jun 18 2010 8:20AM

By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
New Horizons Panama 2010 Public Affairs

6/17/2010 - PANAMA CITY, Panama -- A 12-person logistics support team moved more than 200 pieces of cargo 250 kilometers from the port in Panama City to Meteti for New Horizons Panama 2010.

The team, a division of the RED HORSE contingent deploying to Panama for New Horizons, arrived on May 11th, and worked furiously to get the cargo off the ship, through customs, and on trucks ready to depart.

The cargo included almost everything the New Horizons team will need to complete the 12-week, $8.5 million humanitarian assistance mission. Heavy machinery and construction equipment as well as a multitude of 20-foot containers carrying everything from food to concertina wire, was loaded onto flatbed trucks, and transported to the temporary encampment that will house more than 250 Airmen, Soldiers, and Marines during New Horizons.

This is the second New Horizons mission for Senior Master Sgt. Rosanne Keys, readiness superintendent for the 820th RED HORSE Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base. Sergeant Keys also supported New Horizons Peru in 2008.

"This is the type of deployment our squadron is built for," she said. "We got everything out of the port smoothly, and staged the cargo at the old Howard Air Force Base. From there, we loaded up the trucks, and contractors delivered them to Meteti."

New Horizons Panama 2010 includes six major construction projects at four schools and two clinics in the vicinity of Meteti, located in the Darien region of Panama. The exercise also includes five Medical Readiness Training Exercises in the area of David, Chitre, and Veraguas.

"This is a great mission," said 1st Lt. Brigette Pirrung, operations officer with the 315th Logistics Readiness Flight at Joint Base Charleston. "I'm excited to be a part of New Horizons. It definitely provides a well-rounded experience and on-the-job training, but more importantly, we get to see a positive end result. What we do to help the Panamanian people is a lasting legacy, one that I hope will be an example for others."

Now that the cargo is delivered, the port team will focus on camp sustainment within the tent city, including fuels, vehicle maintenance, and supply. After the mission ends in September, the team will redeploy all the cargo back to home station.

United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) - NEWS ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943160-red-horse-port-team-equips-new-horizons-panama-mission-success.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943159-lieutenant-general-p-k-ken-keen-military-deputy-commander-biographies.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:57:15 GMT Lieutenant General P. K. (Ken) Keen Military... Lieutenant General P. K. (Ken) Keen
Military Deputy Commander
USSOUTHCOM
Last Updated: May 27 2010 4:53PM

Hi-Res Photo Deputy Commander's Biography - U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

Lieutenant General P. K. (Ken) Keen serves as the Military Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida. He is second-in-command of one of ten unified commands under the Department of Defense. Southern Command conducts military operations and promotes security cooperation throughout the 16 million square mile area of Latin America and the Caribbean. Most recently, LTG Keen served as the Commander, Joint Task Force Haiti during Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE. As Commander of all U.S. forces in Haiti, he led the largest U.S. military operation in support of foreign natural disaster.

LTG Keen is a native of Hyden, Kentucky and graduated as a distinguished military graduate from Eastern Kentucky University in December 1974.

An Infantry Officer with 18 years on airborne status, LTG Keen has commanded Light Airborne Infantry, Ranger, Special Forces, Military Group and Army Component units. His commands include a Special Forces Detachment (SCUBA) in 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group; Company and Battalion Commands in the 82nd Airborne Division; Command of 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; Command of the 75th Ranger Regiment; Command of U.S. Military Group in Bogota, Colombia; and Command of U.S. Army South (USARSO).

LTG Keen participated in Operation JUST CAUSE as the Assistant S3 of the 75th Ranger Regiment and was Commander, Ranger Task Force during Operation DESERT STORM as part of a Joint Special Operations Command.

His experience in Latin America includes assignments as a Special Forces Officer in the Republic of Panama (1977-1980); Military Group Training Officer in Honduras (1980); Foreign Area Officer and Student at the Brazilian Command and General Staff College in Brazil (1987-88); Commander of U.S. Military Group in Colombia (2001-2003); and Commander of U.S. Army South (2005-2007).

From September 2007 to September 2009, he served as the Director of the U.S. European Command Plans and Operations Center and the EUCOM Chief of Staff.

LTG Keen’s education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics; a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida; the Brazilian Command and General Staff College; and the U.S. Army War College.

His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Combat SCUBA Diver, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and Master Parachutist Badge.


(Current as of May 2010)

Deputy Commander's Biography - U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) ]]> Army Jacklou59 http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943159-lieutenant-general-p-k-ken-keen-military-deputy-commander-biographies.html http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943158-fort-hood-memorial.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:53:23 GMT He did it again...... I see 3 salutes I see... He did it again......

I see 3 salutes

I see 1 hand over heart

I see 1 doing nothing

]]> Army Stick http://www.trackpads.com/forum/army/943158-fort-hood-memorial.html