News from Afganistan, Iraq and..........

Women's Police in Afghanistan


NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan : The first exclusive Afghan National Police Women's Police Corps Training Center was established in the heart of Jalalabad here Dec. 5.

The opening ceremony for the center was held in honor of Lt. Col. Malalai Kakar of the Afghan National Police, who some say was a martyr for the Afghan women's rights movement when she was assassinated by the Taliban as she left her home to go to her job as Kandahar's deputy police commander.


The father and sister of assassinated Afghan National Police Lt. Col. Malalai Kakar, the first female deputy commander of the Kandahar Afghan National Police, listen as dignitaries from throughout Afghanistan applaud Kakar's bravery during opening ceremonies for the first female-exclusive Afghan National Police training center in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Dec. 5, 2009. The new facility was dedicated to Kakar, who was assassinated by the Taliban in 2008

The ceremony celebrated Kakar's bravery and applauded the women who answered the call to do more in rebuilding Afghanistan.

"She was our sister and a martyr in the police forces," said Margun, a new recruit at the center. "[Kakar] was the example for us all, and I hope to recruit as well as serve as honorably for the future of my people.".......Read full story  

Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet Serves in Iraq

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq : From the battle at Belleau Wood, where Marines earned the name "Devil Dog," to the iconic image of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima, Marine Corps history is embedded in every Marine from initial training at boot camp, and it continues to provide inspiration to those who serve.
Some veterans of past wars not only hold on to the memories of their service, but also are making new ones while they serve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Viriato B. Sena, first sergeant for Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 46, is one of the few Vietnam veterans still serving in the Marines....Read full story

Mullen Tours Bases, Outposts in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, : The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with U.S, NATO and Afghan forces based throughout Afghanistan's Regional Command East on Wednesday Dec. 15, 2009.

According to AFPS Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's first stop was with U.S. and French forces at Task Force Lafayette, outside Kabul. The chairman spoke with French soldiers and their U.S. liaisons during the visit. He thanked the French forces for their contributions to the Afghan people and the coalition....Read More