With the help of U.S. troops, Iraqi security forces launched a major offensive July 12 against al-Qaeda in Kirkuk, Iraq.

The pro-troop group Move America Forward has revealed that spokesperson Debbie Lee and a team of MAF representatives is in Iraq observing and collecting interviews and film for a full report on the progress and success of our troops in Iraq.

Debbie Lee is the mother of the first US Navy SEAL to be killed in the war in Iraq. Her son Marc Alan Lee was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for valor. Debbie Lee visited Baghdad and Ramadi in 2007 with Move America Forward and became the first known Gold-Star parent to travel to the battle zone where their son or daughter made the ultimate sacrifice.

“In Marc’s last letter home he said ‘It will take longer than most think but we will get Iraq to stand on it’s own two feet.’ Success anywhere has a cost but to know the personal cost our family has paid and see firsthand that it is giving Iraqis freedoms and ridding this world of terrorism brings me great comfort.” said Debbie Lee, in an e-mail later posted to the group’s blog on their homepage ( www.moveamericaforward.org).

The delegation sent to Iraq consists of Debbie Lee, Gold Star mom and Move America Forward spokesperson, Mary Pearson official tour photographer for MAF and other groups, and Christian Hartsock, cameraman. Also traveling with the group is special guest Matt Sanchez, who has visited Iraq several times before as a blogger and Fox News correspondent. Matt is helping the team navigate the ropes in Iraq and assisting in the reporting and filming of all materials and is a welcomed addition to the team.

The MAF delegation is now three days into its visit to Iraq and should be returning soon to report their findings. Daily reports of their travels are available on the MAF homepage as they become available.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen visits Fort Bragg, NC, and meets with troops preparing to deploy.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ADM Michael Mullen is in Afghanistan for another first hand look at the conflict. There will soon be more U.S. troops in Afghanistan than Iraq.

Hundreds of National Guard troops have been mobilized in Massachusetts ahead of what officials say could be dangerous flooding Tuesday across the Northeast.

250 members of the Nevada Army National Guard returned home Monday after more than a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

During Women’s History Month, we recognize women who are achieving more at the Defense Department.

Nearly four decades after his plane was shot down over Laos, the remains of Major Curtis Daniel Miller were laid to rest Monday in his home state of Texas.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ADM Mike Mullen spoke to officers at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Thursday. He said the military alone can’t solve the world’s conflicts.

Admiral Michael Mullen says U.S. and NATO troops will shift their focus to southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province following their current offensive against the Taliban in Marjah.

Commander of U.S. Central Command GEN David Petraeus says it is vital for coalition troops to avoid civilian deaths whenever possible.

As more soldiers head from Iraq to Afghanistan, proper training for different circumstances becomes vital for their success.

Keeping the border safe and secure, U.S. troops are working with Afghans to protect border cities to Pakistan.

A female suicide bomber killed 41 people in Iraq Monday when she detonated an explosive vest in a crowd of religious pilgrims.

The National Guard in seven states has been activated to assist with winter storm support.

One of the main focuses for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan in 2010 is the training of Afghan security forces.