Freedom Watch Update

Military members deploy when needed, but some members volunteer to stay deployed. Staff Sgt. Yoshi Shinzato tells us why one Soldier volunteered to be deployed for three years. Includes sound bite from Spc. Peter Latourette, HHB 101 Airborne Division. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Clayton Rogers.

This edition features stories on coalition soldiers providing aid to thousands of flood victims in the Shindand District of Herat province and a group from Laghman province performing store-to-store diplomacy. Provincial reconstruction teams are working hard to help promote development and stability in Afghanistan by making sure Afghans know their government is working for them. Hosted by Spc. Adam Dineen. Includes soundbites from Maj. John Scharrett – PRT Laghman Civil Affairs officer in charge.

This edition features a story on how helicopters are an essential part to the U.S. Mission in Afghanistan. Spc. Adam Dineen takes us to one unit who helps keep these birds flying. Sound bites include Spc. Justin Cook – Team Leader, 277th Aviation Support Battalion, Hometown: Oshkosh, Wis., and Spc. Ricardo Gutierrez De Pineres – 277th Aviation Support Battalion, Hometown: Miami, Fla. Produced by Spc. Adam Dineen. Hosted by Staff Sgt. George Maddon.

Securing Afghanistan's future means coalition forces have to train and develop Afghan forces. Master Sgt. Samantha Lowe visited a regional training center in Laghman province where coalition mentors have turned over the majority of operations to Afghan cadre. Includes sound bites from 1st Lt. Will Andrews, Methar Lam Regional Training Center OIC, and Cpl Emmanuel Ramos, Methar Lam Regional Training Center Mentor.

Coalition forces work hard everyday to ensure the stability of the Afghan people and government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. James Zannetti takes us to Kunar province where the Provincial Reconstruction Team provides this stability through bridge projects. Includes sound bites from Lt. David Pfaefflin, Junior Engineer, Kunar, PRT, Kunar province, Afghanistan

This edition features a story on agricultural development, necessary to the prosperity of Afghanistan, doesn’t always consist of soil, seed and dirty hands. Air force Master Sgt. Samantha Lowe met up with the Kansas Agribusiness Development Team as they got down to the business side of farming. Sound bite includes Master Sgt. Jorge Jacobs, Agriculture NCOIC and Lt. Col. Eric Blankenship, Agriculture OIC. Produced by Master Sgt. Samantha Lowe. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Clayton Rogers.

Army Sergeant Majors strive to do their best to provide Soldiers with what they need to complete the mission. Staff Sgt. Yoshi Shinzato tells us what a group of Sergeant Majors are doing to make a difference. Includes sound bites from Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Command Sgt. Maj., Staff Sgt. Mary Crawford, Bravo Company, 436, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault.

This edition features a story on how Coalition Forces drive the roads in Afghanistan every day working to provide security and safety for the Afghan people. Staff Sgt. James Zannetti takes us to Kunar Province, Afghanistan where route clearance vehicle maintenance is vital to mission success. Sound bite includes Spc. Burke Wayment, Vehicle Mechanic, Route Clearance Patrol 46. Produced by Staff Sgt. James Zannetti. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Jessica King.

This edition features a story on a African American History Month celebration at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Hosted by Petty Officer Santos Huante, Produced by Spc. Adam Dineen. Soundbites from Col. Charles Hamilton, Mr. Leonard Haines.

This edition features a story on how weeks from graduation, ANA recruits participate in Tactical Vehicle and Urban Terrain training at Camp Zafar in Herat Province, Afghanistan. Petty Officer 1st Class John Pearl shows us how U.S. Mentors are helping the Afghan Trainers prepare these recruits for military life. Sound bite includes Sgt. Jason Epstein, Mentor, NATO Training Mission, Hometown: Austin, Texas. Produced by Petty Officer 1st Class John Pearl. Hosted by Petty Officer 2nd Class Santos Huante.