Salem-News.com War Coverage articles Page 6

On Foot Patrol Around Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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They say it's all in a day's work around here. Maintaining security, building inroads and keeping the peace is plenty to keep these foot soldiers moving.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - "Let's roll!" Vigilance is maintained around the clock at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan. The soldiers in this story are on one of the day's foot patrols that sweep the areas around the base.

These Army and National Guard soldiers will deal with any number of things during the next two hours, educating people and helping citizens maintain their safety and security.

Western Forces and Afghanistan Army Share Historic British Base (VIDEO)

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Part of the old British base at Kabul is used as a manufacturing facility, owned by an Afghan woman

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Afghanistan is one of the most historic places in the world, and examples of the country's historical significance are seemingly everywhere. One place Western forces are now spending time an old British military base shared with the Afghan National Army, and as Tim King reports, they are harboring both old world equipment and work ethics.

Historical sights are not uncommon in Kabul, Afghanistan, places like this 140-year old British military base in Kabul.

Soldiers serving here are working among some of the oldest and most historical artifacts and functioning equipment in recent history. One of the most interesting relics on site is an early British steam powered tank.

Oregon Governor on the Ground in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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"They understand their future lies with America, in giving them an opportunity to give them a stable society."

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is no stranger to the military, and troops in Afghanistan were not surprised to see him on base at Camp Phoenix where the Oregon National Guard is based with the 41st Combat Brigade. As Tim King shows us in this next report, Oregon's top dog got a good feel for the local culture and the progress of the military mission known as Enduring Freedom.

Oregon's Commander in Chief visited Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan this week to inspect the operation and congratulate Oregon troops who are deployed here with the 41st Combat Brigade. He says the road ahead is not a short one, but expressed confidence in the abilities of Oregon's soldiers.

Weapons of Former Enemies Revitalized for Afghanistan`s Army (VIDEO)

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The mission is to prepare 80 of the 250 field artillery guns left behind by the Russians in the 1980's.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - As Oregon troops in Afghanistan continue to train the Afghan National Army and raise their level of preparedness, they are learning that help can come from unexpected places.
Preparing the Afghan National Army to eventually take charge of their own nation's future is a primary objective, and in a nation as poor as this one, recycling older military equipment is of paramount importance.

Independence Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan Opens with Many Needs (VIDEO)

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"We're finally getting to fruition on this project which is making a 450-bed hospital usable again." This story was originally published by this agency November 30th, 2006. Salem-News was the first local agency to send a reporter to Afghanistan.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - A shipment of 300 gallons of Miller paint from the U.S. marked the beginning of a hospital restoration project in Kabul, Afghanistan this year. The project is already starting to reopen parts of the facility, and as Tim King reports, the time donated by U.S. troops is without question, winning the hearts and minds of the people in this war-torn city.

Oregon General Rees Credits Soldiers for Improvements in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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Generals visit Forward Operating Base near Uzbekestan to acknowledge efforts of troops

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - My senses were assaulted by the most amazing scenes in Afghanistan this week, when I had an opportunity to visit a forward operating base in the northern part of the country.

The purpose was a visit from a number of National Guard generals from different states including Oregon's General Raymond Rees.

The trip from Camp Phoenix in Kabul involved rides in an armored Suburban, a KC-130 aircraft and a fully up armored Humvee combat vehicle.
General Rees says the U.S. mission is gaining ground.

"Soldiers are doing a fantastic job, I've seen a real improvement in everything that is going on. I was here ten months ago in the January timeframe and clearly things are much improved over what I saw then."

Coalition Forces Widely Accepted in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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"The most important thing is that our country is getting better, it is getting positive steps toward democracy.” -Mohammad Bashure

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Weather conditions in Afghanistan include plenty of rain, that's something Oregon soldiers relate to, but they're also relating to people from many nations, like these Romanian troops. One British officer visiting Camp Phoenix today says the Oregon yanks are a good bunch, and this isn't the first time he's served with Americans.

"I have, I've served in Iraq twice with them,” says Captain Nick Diamond of the British Forces. “Interesting bunch, we get along quite well, a good bit of bantering between the two sides, not too bad at all."

Oregon Officers Join the JAG Corps at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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Paulson said, “It may take another 25 years to rebuild, but we have to start somewhere, and if we can help them, I just think it is a real worthwhile effort."

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - The military base at Kabul, Afghanistan, Camp Phoenix, will be a central area during my time here and for many members of the Oregon National Guard, a permanent duty station.

Driving in Afghanistan- The Most Dangerous Job of All (VIDEO)

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Stay with Salem-News.com for Tim King's continuing series, from Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - For centuries, the most dangerous job in war is typically that of the infantry soldier.
In Afghanistan however, many say driving trucks and military vehicles in convoys is the most hazardous duty, with IED's and other enemy traps consistently injuring and killing U.S. soldiers.

“They’re planning to target DOD convoys. So keep your eyes peeled for IED’s. You need to look for vehicles with one person in them, who’s clean-shaven, driving erratically, and the vehicles off center, off balance,” was advice given before the drive ensued.

Tim King`s First Hours in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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Tim King arrived in Afghanistan Thursday to report stories on Oregon troops. This story chronicles his first few hours “in country”, in his own words.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - On the ground in Bagram, Afghanistan, I was fortunate to catch a ride to Camp Phoenix in Kabul, about 70 minutes away.

This was my initial destination, the home of the 41st Combat Brigade of the U.S. Army, and home for now to many soldiers from The Oregon National Guard.

These soldiers were a mix of new arrivals and returning troops. Some had been on leave, others were showing up for their second tour in Afghanistan. The trip to Camp Phoenix in Kabul is over an extremely rough road, one considered to be among the better routes in this Islamic country.