Military News

Army Pfc. Joshua H. Haynes has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal for supporting the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

In Iraq, the soldier serves as a member of the Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) headquartered at Camp Liberty. Soldiers from Fort Hood's 4th Infantry Division assigned to various special troops battalions, companies and batteries perform duties at several camps and forward operating bases in Iraq.

The soldiers' actions, dedication, professionalism and selfless service contribute to the successful accomplishment of combat missions assigned to the Fires Brigade. Upon completing the deployment to Iraq, the solders will return to their regular units at Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Haynes is a radio and communications security repairer with more than a year of military service.

He is the grandson of Christene Stone of Chandler. The private is a 2004 graduate of Van High School.