BAGHDAD – Since the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, assumed control of their operational area in November 2008, Soldiers of the “Dagger” brigade have performed a multitude of missions to secure the citizens of Baghdad and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

MOSUL, Iraq- I remember the first time I heard the call to prayer in the morning. I was living in Jerusalem, and just as if a symphony director had raised his baton and signaled the downbeat to his musicians, voices rang out of the various Mosques inside the “Old City” calling its citizens to pray. Though we are in the North of Iraq, the experience never changes. Ominous voices echo across an ancient landscape signaling the beginning of a new day.

WASHINGTON – The United States hopes to continue operations at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, but would use other means to support troops in Afghanistan if the Kyrgyz government goes through with plans to close it, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.

WASHINGTON – More than 100 Afghans and Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team members attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new $180,000 Bakshi Khiel Bridge in the Rokha district of Afghanistan’s Panjshir province Jan. 26.

WASHINGTON – Senior military officials congratulated the Iraqi people for holding provincial elections Jan. 31, praising the Iraqi and U.S. forces that helped make the elections safe.

U.S. Soldiers assisted the Iraqi forces with security, while Iraqis in Baghdad exercised their democratic right to vote Jan 31.

WIESBADEN, GERMANY — “It was an experience you don’t forget,” said Ernest Ingram about volunteering to deploy to Iraq to open a Post Exchange there for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.