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    American Forces Network-Iraq Changes Hands

    American Forces Network-Iraq Changes Hands

    Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | In this image released by the California Army Reserves, the 222nd Broadcast Operations...... read more read more

    BAGHDAD - The award winning 222nd Broadcast Operations Detachment from Bell, California passed the torch to the 209th BOD from Rome, Ga., during a transfer of authority ceremony, March 11, further enhancing the great legacy behind the Armed Forces Radio and Television Services in Iraq.

    The 209th BOD will take over the operations of the AFN-Iraq station and provide command information, news and entertainment to the US Forces in Iraq and Kuwait, keeping the forces informed on key issues affecting the command, while providing a boost in morale and feeling of home to the troops.

    "Our major accomplishments are communicating the key concerns of the commanding general to all US forces, keeping the morale of the troops high and expanding the listening audience of Freedom Radio," said Lt. Col. F. Lee Reynolds, commander of the outgoing 222nd BOD.

    "I refer to us as a "morale force multiplier" and through our deployment we have really lived up to this by providing an increase in live radio programming and showcasing the lifestyles of service members deployed in a war zone with our new award winning TV program called "Freestyle Iraq."

    In the ten months that the 222nd BOD operated AFN-I, they produced 100 public service announcements, 200 Iraqi Freedom Minute segments, more than 250 television news and feature stories, 4,300 hours of live on-air radio production, maintained 6.5 million dollars of audiovisual equipment.

    All this was done to complete their mission to entertain and inform the thousands of Soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen and women across Iraq.

    The professionalism and excellence of the members of the 222nd was publicly acknowledged through the receipt of several of the Brumfield Excellence in Journalism awards for 2009; given to those who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the highest professional standards in a variety of categories.

    Among the winners for television were Sgt. Thomas Bramble, Broadcast Journalist of the Year, Spc. Jordan Maltezo, Best Television News Break, and Spc. Christopher Tobey for "Rising Star".

    In the live radio broadcast category, Staff Sgt. Stanley "Stan the Man" Maszczak and Sgt. Karina "Karina the Latina" Kabalan were recognized for their live broadcasts and production talent.

    Keeping the torch flame lit and bright for all to see, the 209th will continue the proud traditions going and the brave servicemen and women who serve informed and entertained

    "I want to remind the American people and others that the US Soldier is still here, working hard side by side with their Iraqi counterparts," said Maj. Jeffrey Weir, incoming AFN-Iraq commander.

    "This opportunity is not possible without the work, camaraderie and sacrifice displayed over seven years by hundreds of thousands of American soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and coasties."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.16.2010
    Date Posted: 03.16.2010 10:37
    Story ID: 46746
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 564
    Downloads: 333

    PUBLIC DOMAIN