Freedom Watch Update

Mail call can be the highlight for many deployed service members, especially when one is expecting mail from home or essential supplies. Petty Officer Santos Huante reports on one forward operating base's mail call in Paktya province.

Doctors in Afghanistan provide critical aid to war fighters on a daily basis; saving lives or providing relief for those in pain. But even doctors fall victim to circumstance. Air Force Staff Sgt. Yoshi Shinzato tells us about a doctor's fight against cancer, thousands of miles away from home. Includes sound bites from Maj. Michael Stanu, Gynecologist, 101st Airborne Division and Sgt. 1st Class Armando Astello, Participant, HSB 1-17th Field Artillery Unit. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Harris.

More and more areas of Afghanistan are transitioning to Afghan security control in preparation of the start of the coalition drawdown in July. Petty Officer Santos Huante shows us another step of the process in Paktya province. Includes sound bites from Juma Khan Hamdard, Paktya Govenor, Nazar Shah Safi, National Directorate of Security and Lt. Col. Marchal Magee, Commander, Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team.

It's been said that you'll never know a person unless you've walked a mile in their shoes... But what if they have no shoes? Air Force Staff Sgt. Yoshi Shinzato tells us what a group of Soldiers and Airmen are doing to lend a helping hand. Includes sound bites from Staff Sgt. David Robbins, Biomedical Equipment Technician, 766th Med ETT, Capt. Kenneth Stewart, Commander, 17th Public Affairs Detachment. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Harris.

This edition features a stories about Marine Gen. Richard Mills change of command ceremony and how winning hearts and minds in Afghanistan also means inspiring the people. Air Force Staff Sgt. Yoshi Shinzato tells us what one unit is doing to spark excitement for a better future. Sound bite includes Patrick McKellipe - Director Keysa Kawel Project. Produced by Staff Sgt. Yoshi Shinzato. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Harris.

This edition feature a story on coalition forces in Afghanistan working hard to fight the information war in Laghman province where Afghan journalists of all ages are learning to be first with the truth. Produced by Air Force Staff Sgt. James Zannetti. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Harris. Includes soundbites from Maj. Michael Wunn, Task Force Red Bulls public affairs officer, from Clive, Iowa.

This edition features a story about the reopening of 29 schools in Ghazni province, Afghanistan which were shut down by the Taliban. Produced by Marine Cpl. Benjamin Harris. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Clayton Rogers. Includes soundbites from Maj. Mike Tucker - civil affairs team leader.

Organized firefighting has a proud history that dates back to ancient Egypt. Spc. Janelle Sennert introduces us to a Soldier who has his own history in fighting fires.

This edition features a story about as Afghan Forces take more control of security in areas throughout the country, a need to organize and communicate during national and local crises becomes crucial. Petty Officer Santos Huante introduces the operational coordination center in Paktya Province, Afghanistan. Sound bite includes Lt. Col. Michael Kelley, Senior Mentor OCCR East, FOB Lightning and ANA Brig Gen. Muhammad Daood, Commander OCCR East. Produced by Petty Officer 2nd Class Santos Huante. Hosted by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Hitson.

This edition features a story on how rule of law is essential for any society and within the Afghan National Army, progress is being made in the efficiency of prosecuting cases in Afghanistan. Petty Officer Santos Huante gives us a glimpse into an ANA military trial. Sound bite includes Capt. Eric Buriss - Legal Mentor, ANA 203rd Thunder Corps and ANA Col. Hashem Mohammad - Senior Judge, ANA 203rd Thunder Corps. Produced by Petty Officer 2nd Class Santos Huante. Hosted by Cpl. Benjamin Harris.