Salem-News.com - News with Video Page 231

Wheeling in Help From U.S. Families to Iraqi People (VIDEO)

Soldiers go the extra mile to make a difference in Iraq.

(BALAD, Iraq) - On this day, U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Iraq made a big difference for the life of one Iraqi citizen. People in this faraway land of war and hardship have few alternatives when it comes to things like wheelchairs.

To help change that, one soldier's family in Minnesota decided to take matters into their own hands and they have been sending a number of these into Iraq to help the local people here.

Sgt. Jonathan Fondow is the man who spearheaded this mission.

"Iraq has one of the highest percentages of handicapped people in the world. They just don't have the facilities or the medical doctors to take care of these people. So we're just doing whatever we can to help them."

Iraq`s July 14th Bridge: Baghdad Divided (VIDEO)

It is almost a tale of two cities; Baghdad's International Zone continues to see relative peace while the unsecured Red Zone is another story.

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - Soldiers stationed in the Green or 'International Zone' of Baghdad, like Andrew Hanselman, a Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Army, say there is a relative state of calm that is not the case on the other side of the Tigris River, in what is known as the 'Red Zone'.

Baghdad's International Zone is a relatively safe place for both Americans and Iraqi people today. The other side of the bridge however, is a different story. The bridge itself is of historical significance to the people of Iraq.

Rat Patrol in Iraq: Air Wing Marines Fill Infantry Role (VIDEO)

Salem-News.com's Tim King rejoins his former Marine Corps aviation group to see Marines in Iraq performing a role normally filled by infantry units.

(Al Asad, IRAQ) - Marines at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq are on a constant vigil, with combat patrols in their area of operation going around the clock.

Balls Forward: On Patrol in Iraq With the Army`s 101st Airborne (VIDEO)

"Overall what we're doing is trying to accomplish a mission and return home safe."

(Albu Siker, IRAQ) - My first day on patrol in Iraq. These soldiers from the Army's 101st Airborne are from the 2nd Batallion, 320th Artillery. Their group is known as the Balls of the Eagle. It sounds boastful, but after a few hours in the countryside of Iraq, the name made sense.

The soldiers form a cohesive group that takes their role in this war very seriously. Sgt Major Robert Levis is a career soldier who directs the operations here.

"You know these young Americans that sign up for the military today, they already know they're going to war, they know they are going to be separated from their family, it just amazes me."

Crossed Swords of Baghdad, Iraq: a Window into History (VIDEO)

The crossed swords over Baghdad, one of Iraq's most recognizable sites, are a story of previous war with Iran and a failed dictatorship.

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - It is still an active war, but the International Zone of Baghdad is calmer than at any other point in Iraq's recent history. One place most Americans would recognize from news clips and photos is Saddam Hussein's parade area where troops passed under massive crossed swords.

They are, quite literally, a direct reminder of the former dictator.

Andrew Hanselman is a Public Affairs specialist with the U.S. Army in Baghdad. He says the swords are a painful reminder of the late Saddam Hussein, and that they are actually molded after Saddam Hussein's wrist or hands.

One Day in Baghdad: Part 1 (VIDEO)

Iraqi Special Forces kill terrorists at Dora and record the aftermath on a cell phone camera.

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - An embedded reporter in Iraq can travel through the country a couple of different ways. The top choice is to catch a ride aboard military aircraft. On this particular day, I needed to reach the Combined Press Information Center in Baghdad to receive reporter's credentials. My day started at 4:30 AM by boarding a twin engine Army plane for the flight to Iraq's capitol.

Arriving at Baghdad International Airport, another photographer and I found a group of Iraqi soldiers in HUMVEE's that have been provided to their Army by the U.S. government. The soldiers were extremely proud of the armored vehicles and it is easy to understand why. While this is my first time visiting Iraq, I did spend the winter of 2006/2007 in Afghanistan.

Vietnam Veterans Burn Candle Late to Show Support for Iraq Soldiers (VIDEO)

Soldiers are reminded by Vietnam Veterans that they are supported and loved by their country, regardless of the politics involved.

(CAMP BEURING, Kuwait) - Boarding a giant aircraft bound for Kuwait with a number of U.S. Army units this week, I moved one step closer to Iraq, and the combat theater where I will be embedded with an Oregon Guard aviation unit sent in country for a six-month tour of duty.

Salem-News Follows Oregon Soldiers Departure For Iraq (VIDEO)

Tim King is embedded with the 2-641 Aviation group; watch for his ongoing series from the Iraq war zone

(FORT BENNING, Georgia) - Oregon Guard soldiers from 2-641 Aviation on their way to a deployment in Balad, Iraq have spent the last week at Fort Benning, Georgia preparing for their deployment in the war theater. The weather has been warm and humid but they say the training is essential toward their preparation.

Staff Sergeant Chris Fisher with the Oregon Guard says it’s a change from Northwest living.

"It’s hot and muggy here, that’s for sure, it is quite a culture shock and a weather change from being on the west coast."

Oregon Body Repair Shop`s Green Approach Reflects Environmental Awareness (VIDEO)

Kadel's Auto Collision Repair Service has been serving Oregon for over half a century.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Kadel's Auto Body is among the Northwest businesses that are seeing life through green colored shades. And like others they have learned that going the extra mile for environmental integrity brings serious business in return from a public keen and aware of the need to be stewards of the earth especially when working with paint and potentially toxic materials.

Kerry Glass with Kadel's Auto Body says they have a 97% customer satisfaction rate, based on an independent study. "We get a hold of those three percent and find out what we can do better to meet their real needs," Glass said.

Salem-News.com Will Go to Iraq With Mobilizing Oregon Guard Unit (VIDEO)

Salem-News.com reporter/photojournalist Tim King covers the mobilization ceremony of a military group that he will deploy to Iraq with to cover in-country for the next several weeks.

(SALEM, Ore.) - We are happy to announce that I will have the honor of joining a group of Oregon Guard soldiers from 2-641 Aviation who are deploying to Iraq to work in the aviation sector at Balad. The soldiers were officially mobilized this week.

This will be my second opportunity to be embedded with an Oregon Guard unit at war. I spent the winter of 2006/2007 embedded with the Oregon Guard in Afghanistan.