Lance Cpl. Enrique Diaz, a native of Fresno, Calif., interacts with Iraqi children in Hit, Iraq during a halt in a security patrol Dec. 7. As the time for democratic elections draws nearer, local citizens are adjusting to and becoming more comfortable with the heavy Coalition presence in the city. Diaz's unit, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, are currently serving as the Ground Combat Element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), which is currently serving on a Western Pacific deployment that began in mid-July.
Photo by: Cpl. Andy Hurt

Saluting a World War II Veteran...

Wayne Newman from Christopher, IL

He served from Nov. 30, 1942 to Sept. 23, 1945 with the US Army and earned the rank of Sergeant and Squad Leader (7745). He was in Co. E 507th Parachute Infantry and the 82nd Airborne, Division 45, G098 . . . He saw action in Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart (wounded in Italy).

He passed away in 1975 in an accident while living in Florida.

Submitted by his daughter, Marcia Newman Peacock

An injured Sailor speaks with a Los Angeles Police Department officer during a visit to Naval Medical Center San Diego, Calif., Dec. 6, 2005.

Approximately 150 LAPD officers drove in squad cars, motorcycles and were flown in by helicopter to handout the truckloads of presents to NMCSD patients and family members staying at the Fisher House.

U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class S. C. Irwin

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Hutchinson helps Pakistanis disembark a CH-47D Chinook helicopter at Shinkiari, Pakistan, Nov. 29, 2005. The United States government is participating in a multinational humanitarian assistance and support effort led by the Pakistani government to bring aid to victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the region Oct. 8, 2005.

U.S. Air Force photo by
Airman 1st Class Barry Loo