U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William Medina walks through the desert during a census patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2009. Medina is a amphibious assault vehicle crewman assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Sanchez and fellow soldiers patrol an isolated mountain pass in Korengal valley in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2009. Sanchez, a combat medic, is assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller

U.S. and Afghan soldiers gather information from locals outside the Pul E Alum district during a quick reaction force mission in Logar province, Aug. 20, 2009. Afghan forces and International Security Assistance Forces provided security during the elections. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 10th Mountain Division’s 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Thompson