“Operation Iraqi Freedom is over,” Obama said, speaking just hours after the launch of Operation New Dawn in Iraq. “The Iraqi people now have the lead responsibility for the security of their country.”

Obama offered high praise for the men and women in uniform whose service and sacrifice led to this “historic moment” in time.

“The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given,” he said. “They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block-by-block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future.”

That effort came at tremendous cost, he said, noting more than 4,400 U.S. troops killed and thousands more wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest; it is in our own,” Obama said. “The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets home.

“We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people: a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization,” he continued.

“Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility,” he said. “Now, it is time to turn the page.”

Obama outlined the future role of the transitional force of U.S. troops to remain in Iraq through December 2011. They’ll advise and assist Iraqi security forces, support Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions and protect U.S. civilians.

“Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year,” he said.

And as the military draws down, civilian diplomats, aid workers and advisors will step up to help Iraq strengthen its government, institutions and ties with the region and the world. “This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq – one based upon mutual interests and mutual respect,” the president said.

Obama conceded that violence in Iraq will not stop with the end of the U.S. combat mission there, and that enemies of Iraq will keep up their attempts to derail progress. He expressed confidence, however, that the Iraqis have the will, and Iraqi security forces, the capability, to stand up to the extremists.

“Ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals,” the president said, offering assurance that the United States will continue to support Iraq as a friend and partner.

While building that long-term partnership, the United States will take the lessons learned in Iraq as it confronts what Obama called its most pressing security challenge: the fight against al-Qaida.

“As we speak, al-Qaida continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said. “We will disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists.

“And because of the drawdown in Iraq,” he said, “we are able to apply the resources necessary to go on the offense.”

The surge forces in Afghanistan will serve for a limited time to break the Taliban’s momentum and help the Afghans build their capacity and secure their future, Obama said.

As in Iraq, he said Afghanistan’s future ultimately will depend on its own government and security forces’ capabilities.

Toward that end, the United States will begin a transition to Afghan security responsibility next July, with the pace of troop reductions based on conditions on the ground.

Obama offered assurance of enduring U.S. support for Afghanistan as this transition takes shape.

“But make no mistake: this transition will begin,” he emphasized, “because open-ended war serves neither our interests nor the Afghan people’s.”

One of the lessons of Iraq, he said, is that “American influence around the world is not a function of military force alone.”

“We must use all the elements of our power, including our diplomacy, our economic strength and the power of America’s example, to secure our interests and stand by our allies,” he said.

Obama called the milestone achieved today in Iraq a reminder to all Americans that “the future is ours to shape, if we move forward with confidence and commitment.”

“It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States intends to strengthen our leadership in this young century,” he added.

Though it is not uncommon to think that law enforcement equipment refers to weaponry, in actuality, there are all different types of gear that is designed for various purposes that are not weapon related. For instance, there are items such as protective gloves that prevent hands from cuts, high quality holsters, flashlights, bullet-proof vests, handcuffs, etc.

In addition, another important piece of equipment that should be considered is helmets. Safe guarding one’s head is vital in a number of situations, and having the right head gear can make all the difference. An example of a great product is the Tactical Ballistic Helmet (TBH – II). This particular item has been specially created to be light and give the wearer better ballistic shell protection. Furthermore, it provides enhanced situational awareness and interface, as well as better comfort and stability due to its suspension and retention systems. This helmet was based on the U.S. Army Advanced Combat Helmet and the USMC Lightweight Helmet.

Thus, if you are in need of law enforcement equipment, it’s a good idea to find out what is available and take the time to investigate products, so you chose the best ones that will provide the most comfort and protection.

Did you know Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, a Guard soldier with the 617^th Military Police Company, Kentucky National Guard, became the first woman in the US Military since World War II to earn a silver Star Medal?

The Story:

Sgt. Hester’s squad was following a supply convoy on March 20, 2005, in Iraq when insurgents ambushed the convoy. Her squad quickly moved into position, cutting off the enemy’s escape route. Hester led her team directly into the line of fire into a flanking position, and then began an assault on a trench line. She and her squad leader cleared two trenches. When the attack was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured. In June 2005, Hester was the first woman soldier since World War II to be awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Here is a link to the full story from the Washington Post, Friday, June 17, 2005

“My dreams and ambitions didn’t end that day. It simply started a new chapter,” the Maryland National Guard soldier said.

And a new breakthrough.

Murnane, 28, of Salisbury, Md., entered Green Beret lore this month when he became the first Army National Guard Special Forces soldier with a prosthetic leg to jump out of an aircraft. Army doctors cleared him to jump in June.

While several Special Forces soldiers with prosthetics have completed airborne operations, Murnane is the first National Guardsman to do so.

Murnane admitted he felt nervous about the historic jump that took place here Aug. 1. And he was a bit worried about the prosthetic leg shifting from the opening shock of the parachute and how it would hold up when he landed.

“It held just fine with new prosthetic technology and some good old-fashioned duct tape,” he said. “Once I was under canopy, my thoughts shifted to the two runways that were on the drop zone. I barely cleared one of them by 15 or 20 meters. Just before landing, I wondered what it was going to feel like, but I just kept telling myself, ‘Feet and knees together, and relax.’”

In October, the communications sergeant from Bravo Company of 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, was on a combat operation on a mountain when a pressure-plate bomb detonated while his team was clearing an area after being ambushed. He was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he underwent several surgeries to repair his right foot and ankle. It was there where he realized the surgeries would never completely restore his leg. He has taken it all in stride, though.

“Life is a journey, and the journey is the destination,” he said. “You have to accept change in your life and continue to live it like you did before. It takes some extra work, but if you train hard and stay motivated, you can do anything you want to.”

Rohbock, of Park City, Utah, finished 1.78 seconds off the winning pace at the treacherous, 16-turn venue with a four-run time of 3 minutes, 34.06 seconds in USA 1. Canadians Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse broke the track record in their first three heats en route to winning the gold medal in 3:32.28. Helen Upperton and Shelly-Ann Brown took the silver aboard Canada 2 with a time of 3:33.13.

Erin Pac, 29, of Farmington, Conn., and Elana Meyers, 25, of Douglasville, Ga., claimed the bronze with a time of 3:33.40 in the USA 2 sled.
Sgt. Shauna Rohbock teamed with Michelle Rzepka to finish sixth in the Olympic women’s bobsled event.

“It wasn’t the Olympics that I dreamed of for four years, but the U.S. got a medal today, and that’s amazing,” said Rohbock, a silver medalist at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. “That’s awesome. That’s all I want to see is the U.S. on that medal stand. I didn’t drive the four runs to be on the medal stand and Erin did, so she deserves it. I didn’t put together the runs to be on the podium anyway.”

Read the complete story

Sgt. Jeremy Teela, a bi-athlete with the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, practices prone shooting Oct. 21, 2009 at Soldier Hollow, Utah, in preparation for the XXI Olympic Winter Games Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps

I like all the events but especially the individual events. With all the different camera angles available the crazy fast events like luge, 2 man bobsled and downhill (girls do that one too) are a real thrill ride. But one of the sport that you hardly ever get to see, unless the US has a vested interest, is the biathlon.  So when I heard that Army Sgt. Jeremy Teela a three-time Olympic athlete was returning with his sights set on becoming the first U.S. bi-athlete ever to win an Olympic medal I was stoked.

For those of you who don’t know, the biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, very boring to watch but super hard to compete, especially at a world class level. Sgt. Jeremy Teela is one of our Best.  I am going to let Tim Hipps who works for the Army’s Public Affairs office tell you the full story while I go check the schedule so I can set my TeVo. You can read the rest of this story by   following this link and book mark this page to read event updates during the week.

UPDATE 2/14: Army Sgt. Jeremy Teela finished ninth in the men’s 10-kilometer sprint on the first day of competition. Tella’s U.S. teammates include Tim Burke, who finished 47th today,  four-time Olympian Hakkinen, 32, of Kasilof, Alaska, who finished 54th today; Lowell Bailey, 28, of Lake Placid, N.Y., who was 36th today; and first-timer Wynn Roberts, 21, of Battle Creek, Mich.

UPDATE 2/16: Sgt. Jeremy Teela of the Vermont National Guard was penalized for starting early and finished 24th in the Olympic men’s 12.5-kilometer pursuit race today. Teela, was penalized 22 seconds for leaving the starting area two positions early, then nailed all 10 of his targets from the prone position, but missed four while standing. It is doubtful he would have meddled with the four penalty laps caused by the missed shots.

UPDATE 2/16: Sgt. Teela sat out the Olympic men’s 20-kilometer individual race yesterday because of illness.

UPDATE 1/23: Army World Class Athlete Program biathlete Sgt. Jeremy Teela of the Vermont National Guard battled illness to finish 29th in the Olympic men’s 15-kilometer mass start Feb. 21 at Whistler Olympic Park.

Army Capt. Scott M. Smiley salutes 1st Sgt. Deon E. Dabrio after returning the guidon during the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Unit change of command ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., Feb. 1, 2010.

Soldier, infantryman, Airborne Ranger, combat diver, mountain climber, skier, tri-athlete, surfer, husband and father are just a few words to describe Army Capt. Scott M. Smiley. Yesterday, the title of company commander was added to Smiley’s distinctive resume, as he became the first blind officer to lead a company.

Smiley was wounded and permanently lost his vision during his 2005 deployment to Iraq. He attributes his strength and drive during his recovery to his family, faith and friends.

“It was my wife, my family and friends who were in my hospital room singing songs and reading the Bible that gave me the strength during my recovery,” said Smiley, a member of the USMA Class of 2003.

“It was all of this which allowed me to put one foot in front of the other,” he continued, “and has allowed me to accomplish everything that I have done to get to where I am today.”

Read the rest of this inspiring story on the DOD Website

Before the ceremony, 1st Armored Division’s area of operations, as U.S. Division Center, encompassed Baghdad and its surrounded communities. Now, it extends the throughout Iraq’s Anbar province, a vast landscape spanning more than 53,000 square miles in western Iraq.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Iraq,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard T. Tryon, commander of 2nd MEF (Forward), the 2nd Marine Division, and U.S. Force West.

Marines have been at the heart of almost every major Iraq campaign period since February 2004, from the early battles in Najaf and Fallujah, along the western Euphrates River Valley from Qaim to Rawah, and continuing with the pivotal Sunni “Awakening” that many historians and diplomatic experts credit as the turning of the tide against al-Qaida in Iraq.

“Since early 2004, the U.S. Marines serving in Al Anbar have consistently exemplified their motto, ‘Semper Fi – Always Faithful,’” said Army Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., U.S. Forces Iraq deputy commanding general for operations and commander of the Army’s 1st Corps. “They have been especially faithful to the people of Al Anbar, the focal point of their mission in Iraq. Anbaris are resilient people who have sacrificed dearly but now emerge as stronger people.”

As the Marines say their goodbyes to the Anbar’s residents and tribal leaders, Iraqi soldiers and police officers will begin working closely with 1st Armored Division soldiers under the continued leadership of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade, who have been operating there in an “advise and assist” capacity for about six months. Division leaders said they are eager to build on 2nd MEF’s reputation, and Tryon expressed confidence in their ability to do so.

“Today’s ceremony is certainly an example of continued positive change as we transition and consolidate U.S. forces under the flag of USD-C,” he said. “Over the last several years, we have seen a logical and a desired progression in Anbar, moving from combat operations to counterinsurgency operations, and now to stability operations.”

Tryon praised the efforts of the Iraqis and tribal sheiks in Anbar for their courage in standing against tyranny and violence in their streets.

“These things have not been accomplished over the course of the past several years because of what U.S. forces have done alone,” the general said. “Rather, these achievements are a result of what we have done together in partnership with one another and with the leadership of the Iraqi civil sector.

“We see over and again that we are at our best when we partner together to achieve our mutual objectives and goals working side by side, hand in hand,” he continued, “learning from one another in accomplishing our mutual mission.”

The casing of the 2nd MEF colors signified completion of the Marine Corps mission in Iraq. As the Marine color guard marched the colors off the stage, the Army color guard replaced them. Army Maj. Gen. Terry A. Wolff, 1st Armored Division and U.S. Division Center commanding general, said the Marines’ accomplishments in the region will not be in vain.

“For many of us who have served with you on multiple tours across Iraq,” he said, “we’ll never forget your sacrifices and all that you have given on our behalf.”

Woolf emphasized that his division will match Anbar’s changing environment by assisting tribal sheiks and Iraqi security forces in ensuring all Iraqis in the region enjoy the security and peace they deserve.

“Today is one of those transition points in the evolution of military operations, as the 1st AD and USD-C takes over responsibility for partnering with Iraqi security forces and the provincial government of Al Anbar,” he said. “As we move forward, we understand the importance of this year in Iraq, and the USD-C team has dedicated ourselves to that mission and the tasks ahead.”

Story by Army Spc. Kayleigh Cannon