Freedom Watch Update

Several U-S senators met with special operations forces members in Mangwel village, Konar province, Afghanistan, Senators included John McCain, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham. They visited the village to discuss Afghan local police and village stability operations with special

operations forces team members and village elders. The photos are by Sgt. Lizette Hart and the newscast was produced by Marine Cpl. Kevin Beebe.

Learning to speak the language of the country you are in can be daunting and rewarding. Petty Officer Santos Huante introduces us to one Army officer taking the challenge and opening doors. There are sound bites from Capt. James Proctor - HHC Commander, 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas National Guard, Lafayette, La. Produced by PO2 Santos Huante.

Agricultural development teams help local Afghan farmers improve their crop growth. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chad Usher met with one ADT member that is practicing what he preaches. Includes soundbites from Maj. Wesley Massaro - hydrologist and part time gardener, Kansas ADT, Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Laghman province, Afghanistan.

When service members fall during combat, medevac teams rise up to the challenge of saving their lives. Marine Cpl. Kevin Beebe meets up with a unit that patches up war fighters. Sound bites from CW3 Richard Ernst, Medevac Pilot, TF Six Shooters Dustoff, Capt. Travis Bonney, Medevac Pilot, TF Six Shooters Dustoff, Sgt. 1st Class Jon Jordan, Flight Medic, TF Six Shooters Dustoff.

This edition features a story on a military working dog celebrating a birthday and receiving a promotion. Birthday parties are not usually a high priority for service members in Afghanistan. Airman 1st Class Marshall Hunsaker attended a rare celebration for a unique contributor to the war. Includes soundbites from Capt. Theresa Schillreff - outgoing handler and Capt. Christine Beck - occupational therapist and incoming handler.

This edition features a story about how Afghan agriculture professionals are educating local farmers over the airwaves. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chad Usher tuned into one of the broadcasts at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam. Soundbite includes Staff Sgt. Greg Zuercher - Radio Show Liaison, Kansas ADT, Wichita, Kan and Mohammaud Sharif - Agriculture Professional. Produced by Staff Sgt. Chad Usher.

This edition features a story about how troops assigned to combat outposts usually don't have too many luxuries. Marine Sgt. Todd Crowell discovered one group that decided to take matters into their own hands to help better enjoy their time off. Soundbites include Capt. Joshua Wiles - Delta Co. Commander, 126th Infantry, COP Narizah, Afghanistan, Bandington, Fla. and Pfc. Adam Cimbanin - Infantryman, Delta Co., 126th Infantry Pinehurst, N.C. Produced by Sgt. Todd Crowell and Petty Officer 2nd Class Santos Huante.

This edition features a story about how when twp people get married they make a vow to each other, Marine Cpl. Kevin Beebe met up with some couples that are keeping a vow they made to their country together. Soundbites include Cpl. Kam Gerohimos - Deployed spouse, TF Six Shooters, Harrison, Ariz., Sgt. Alix Ortiz Rosa - Deployed Spouse, Vega Alto, Puerto Rico and Sgt. Kellye Ortiz - Deployed Spouse, San Bernadino, Calif. Produced by Petty Officer 2nd Class Santos Huante and Marine Cpl. Kevin Beebe.

This edition features a story about how Monday, Gen. Petreaus relinquishes command of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and United States Forces, Afghanistan. The man some call "king David" has spent much of the last decade commanding troops in the Central Command Theater of Operations. Tech Sgt. Trevor Pedro takes us on a journey with the man behind the stars. Soundbite includes Gen. David Petreaus - USFOR-A/ISAF Commanding Officer. Produced by Tech Sgt. Trevor Pedro.

Traumatic brain injury affects twelve percent of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. That is 320,00o service members and is a major health concern. Petty Officer Santos Huante reports on a recent trip to Afghanistan from Vice Chief of Staff of the Army addressing the issue. There is a sound bite from Gen Peter W. Chiarelli. Produced by MC2 Santos Huante.