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	Dec. 29, 2008

LATEST PHOTOS

VICE CHAIRMAN IN MONTANA - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talks to tactical response force airmen at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Dec. 24, 2008. Cartwright traveled to Malmstrom and a nearby missile alert facility to view operations and express holiday best wishes. DoD photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump

Hi-Res | Lead Photo Archive

HOLIDAY MESSAGES

Bush Thanks Troops for Making Country Safer

President George W. Bush sent his best wishes for the holiday season and those of first lady Laura Bush to servicemembers around the world in a message broadcast on the Pentagon Channel. Story | Video

Chairman Honors Sacrifices of Troops, Families

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff evoked the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Trenton in the annual holiday message he issued to U.S. servicemembers and their families. Story

MILITARY NEWS

Army Chief of Staff Visits Troops, Notes Goals

As part of a week-long tour to visit soldiers around the world in Korea, Japan, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey made a stop in Baghdad, Dec. 22, 2008, to assess the current situation in country and speak with troops. Story

• Army Chief Visits Soldiers in Aghanistan

Program Brings Surgeon to Bedside of Wounded

A civilian orthopedic surgeon who has seen servicemembers’ sacrifices firsthand said he believes the nation owes them a debt of gratitude, and that he’ll bring techniques he saw in the military health system to his own practice. Story

• Officials Update National Guard, Reserve Activation Status

AROUND THE SERVICES

• Arkansas Welcomes 3,200 Soldiers Home for Holidays

• III MEF Commander Visits Afghanistan Marines

• Navy Chiefs Visit Deployed Sailors

• Air Force Leaders Visit Deployed Airmen

TOP NEWS

For Reservists, Deployments Mean Sacrifice, Opportunity

A transformation in the role of the Reserve and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan make frequent deployments a reality for those once dubbed "weekend warriors," and many reservists are looking at their part-time service more as a second career. Story

• Reserve Chief Visits Deployed Reservists

2,000 Iraqis Return to Eastern Baghdad, Reclaim Homes in Safer Environment

Iraqi officials recently reported that more than 2,000 Iraqi families have returned to their homes in eastern Baghdad this year. Story

IRAQ NEWS

Deployed NCO Gets Call From President

An Army soldier serving in Iraq received a special phone call Dec. 24, 2008, and on the other end of the line was the commander-in-chief. Story

Strikers Christen New Chapel in Baghdad

After nearly seven months of holding religious services in conference rooms, the Army Strikers at Forward Operating Base War Eagle in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad christened their new chapel with a Christmas Eve candlelight service Dec. 24, 2008. Story

Iraqi Forces Discover Smuggled Treasure

Iraqi Security Forces recently uncovered hundreds of historical artifacts during two raids in northern Basra. The 228 ancient artifacts included Sumerian and Babylonian sculpture, gold jewelry and other items from ancient Mesopotamia. Story

Citizens Turn Over Weapons Cache

Residents of Farhitiyah, Iraq, turned over the contents of a weapons cache to a detachment of Iraqi soldiers yesterday, military officials said. Story

• U.S., Iraqis Seize Rocket Delivery System

• Soldiers Celebrate Holidays With Cookies

• General Notes Progress With Security

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

Troops Spend Christmas Eve Donating Supplies to Afghan Village School

While people around the world made their final Christmas preparations, members of the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Chaparhar Police Mentor Team visited a village school to distribute clothes and school supplies. Story