Meanwhile, the number of U.S. troop fatalities in March reached 38, a higher figure than in February but continuing the general decline in American troop deaths through the last six months.

CNN: Iraqi deaths spike in March

Military commanders seemed to want troop levels to remain high through the end of next year.

NPR: President Bush Airs His Ideas About Iraq and Iran

Meanwhile, U.S. troop levels in Iraq will remain at about 160, 000 through early 2008, Lt Gen.

CNN: Female insurgent among 13 killed in battle on Baghdad outskirts

And through the static and crackle of their radios Alpha Troop heard that another unit was in trouble.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Bestows Presidential Unit Citation on the Blackhorse Regiment | The White House

Girls can participate in the Boy Scouts through its subsidiary group, Exploring, and a Girl Scout troop in Colorado allowed a 7-year-old transgender child into its ranks last year, although some later protested with cookie boycotts.

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Once a duty-free shop, it's now decorated with flags, unit patches, pins, photos and other items given to the Maine Troop Greeters as a show of appreciation from the many units that have passed through the airport.

CNN: Volunteer greeters offer hugs, applause for troops