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ON★PATROL: UNTIL EVERY ONE COMES HOME | THE MAGAZINE OF THE USO

ONstar symbolPATROL Spring 2010

On The Cover

Cover of Winter 2009-2010 Edition U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Mark Oravsky, with 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, provides security at Suri Elementary School in the Suri Bazaar, Zabul Province, Afghanistan, November 14, 2009. Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. soldiers are meeting with the school’s teachers to identify and discuss potential improvement opportunities. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Efren Lopez. View Cover.

Features

Perspectives on Afghanistan

Four perspectives. Four service members. Four missions.
Mission: Understanding COIN

By Technical Sergeant Nathan Gallahan, U.S. Air Force
Culture: Living in Kabul
By Lieutenant Commander Sergio Rodruigera, Jr., U.S. Navy
Security: Securing the Road Ahead
By Lance Corporal Walter Marino, U.S. Marine Corps
People: 24 Hours and It All Begins Again
By Captain Adam Weece, U.S. Army

Comfort in Haiti

In January, when a devastating earthquake struck the island country of Haiti, U.S. Armed Forces raced to Port-au-Prince to help in the rescue effort. The USNS Comfort, with her onboard medical services, dropped anchor in the city’s harbor and tended to hundreds of victims in the aftermath. This was a mission to save lives.

By Jim Garamone
No Buddy Left Behind

Service members never leave a buddy behind. For some troops, the furry, four-legged variety is no exception. These special animals provide troops stationed far from home with love, friendship, and even motivation. As payment-in-kind, these Iraqi strays are getting their Green Cards thanks to Operation Baghdad Pups.

By Samantha L. Quigley
Walt Disney’s Wonderful World

From celluloid to the sleeves of GIs, Walt Disney and his team of legendary artists supported the war effort by creating an indelible reminder of home for those in the field. Not only did the creator of Mickey Mouse boost home front confidence, but also generated thousands of memories that lasted well beyond the war.

By Jeremy Borden

Departments + Columns

Command Update
Our Greatest Ambassadors
By Sloan Gibson
Mail Call
Recon
Eye-to-Eye

Photography by Specialist Michael J. MacLeod

Uniform Sierra Oscar AOR
Mission Essential
Listen, Show Up, and Say, “Thank You”
By Chely Wright
Home Front
Fatherly Love
By Trevor Romain
Picking Up the Slack
By Meredith Leyva
Down Range
A Family Tradition: 130 Years of Active Duty
By Elaine Wilson
All Volunteer Force
Then and Now
By Sergeant Neil Gussman
Gold Star
Sacrifice
Q&A With General George W. Casey, Jr.
Duty ★ Honor ★ Country
Defining Words
By AST2 Tye Conklin
Heroes
Optimism
By General Richard B. Myers (Ret.), USAF
Thanks for the Memories
1988: Ain’t She Sweet
USO Archives
Service + Salute
Grand Slam
By Anna Kournikova