Violence in Iraq is down, just ask EMEDS

KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Joseph Jenkins, 321st Expeditionary Medical Squadron medical lab technician, prepares a blood sample for analysis May 11. The 321st EMEDS is the principal surgical unit for American forces in all of northern Iraq, treating military and civilian patients alike. Sergeant Jenkins, originally from Bloomington, Minn., is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. photo by Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman)

Violence in Iraq is down, just ask EMEDS

KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq – Tech. Sgt. Eric Person, 321st Expeditionary Medical Squadron radiology technician, uses a portable X-ray machine on a patient May 11. The 321st EMEDS is the principal surgical unit for American forces in all of northern Iraq, treating military and civilian patients alike. Sergeant Person, originally from Phenix City, Ala., is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. photo by Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman)

Airman prepares for mountain marathon in dusty desert

Staff Sgt. Joseph Ritter, 22nd Expeditionary Weather Squadron Detachment 3, runs sprints May 11, 2010, at Forward Operating Base Diamondback, Iraq, in preparation for a 13.1 mile race. The Plattsburg, Mo., native is training to run a half-marathon in Missoula, Mont. Sergeant Ritter is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria)

End of day

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy (middle left) and members of the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron, salute the flag during retreat May 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The chief toured the squadron’s training facilities and experienced hands-on demonstrations like firing weapons and driving a humvee in a village with simulated improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Gearing up

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy dons his helmet before taking a ride in the humvee roll-over simulator during his tour of the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron’s training area at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., May 6. During the simulation, the chief flipped three times before the vehicle stopped. Then he and his team had to climb out while the vehicle was still upside down. The chief also received other hands-on “Brave Defender” experience with the 96th GCTS, firing weapons, watching demonstrations and driving a humvee through a village with simulated improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

The village

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy exits one of the houses in a simulated village during his tour of the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron’s training area at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., May 6. The chief received a hands-on “Brave Defender” experience with the 96th GCTS, firing weapons, watching demonstrations and driving a humvee through a village with simulated improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)