Salem-News.com - News with Video Page 254

Alessandro’s Premieres Salem Downtown DVD in Global Gallery (VIDEO)

The downtown of our State Capitol is returning to it’s own grandeur, becoming the pulse of our city, and identifying itself as an integral piece of Salem’s future

(Salem) - “Creative, Artistic Global Destination" was the emphasis for Tuesday night’s event at Alessandro’s Restaurant showcasing a DVD on downtown Salem’s increasing role as an art and entertainment “Mecca.”

This culmination of efforts demonstrated that Salem is awakening to a new dawn, one of becoming an entertainment and arts city.

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

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
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)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
"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.

First Snow of the Season is Salem`s own Winter Wonderland (VIDEO)

Though driving was at times a hazard, playing in the snow was a lot of fun for area kids

(SALEM) - It's always exciting when the first snowflakes fall. Even more exciting when the prospect of a "snow day" exists for local school kids, which is exactly what they got early this week.

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."

Santa Claus Arrives at the Salem Riverfront Carousel (VIDEO)

The holiday season was put in motion Friday at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel.

(SALEM) - This is the third year that Santa and Mrs. Claus have arrived in Salem by train. Between rainstorms, at least 250 people gathered to watch for the Portland Western Railroad pull in, Santa and his entourage waving from the caboose.

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)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
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.