Gates: U.S. Committed to Security in South Korea

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 7, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates placed a wreath at a South Korean national cemetery for war dead today and met with South Korean defense leaders to discuss the strong U.S.-Korean alliance. The Republic of Korea National Cemetery is a somber reminder of the cost of the Korean War. The cemetery, near the Han River in the heart of this city of 20 million, honors the more than 2 million Korean people who died in the Korean War, from 1950 to 1953.

Gates said his visit to the cemetery reminded him that the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance was "an alliance formed in blood and shared sacrifice."

Gates is in South Korea to participate in the 39th Security Consultative Meeting between leaders of the two countries. He met with Minister of National Defense Kim Jang-soo, at the country's Ministry of National Security.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen; Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command; and Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command, accompanied the secretary.

During his statement opening the meeting, Minister Kim thanked Gates for recent U.S. help, including in ending a Korean hostage situation in Afghanistan and resolving the piracy of a Korean ship off Somalia.

During the past year, the alliance has resolved many long-standing issues, including the timing of the transition of wartime operational control of Korean forces to Korea and the return of U.S. Forces Korea installations.

During a news conference after the meeting, Gates was unequivocal in U.S. support to South Korea.

"The United States remains committed to the security of the Republic of Korea, in keeping with our alliance that is now more than 50 years old," he said. "The level of our troops will depend on the security situation and on our joint appraisal with the Republic of Korea on the need for those troops.

"It is my expectation that we will continue to play a role in the security of the peninsula for a long time, including past 2012, in accordance with agreements with the Republic of Korea," the secretary continued.

North Korea is cooperating in dismantling its nuclear programs, but it is too early to let down the alliance's guard, Kim said. "Although it is true that North Korea has begun the process of dismantling its nuclear program, we cannot say that the threat from North Korea has reduced tangibly or discernibly," Kim said.

There is no intelligence to indicate that North Korea is less of a threat, he said. "In order for us to change our view of the situation, we would need very real and very tangible military intelligence to that effect," Kim said. "What is certain is that North Korea is continuing to pursue acquisition of asymmetrical weapons. We cannot conclude the threat from North Korea has been reduced."

Gates welcomed the beginning of the disablement process. "The next step is the declaration of all nuclear facilities and activities," he said. "So there are several steps in this process, and the objective is the denuclearization of North Korea. So we are started on the path, but we are far from reaching our destination."

Korea's deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and other areas of the world demonstrate the U.S.-Korean alliance's global role, Gates said.

"This continues the long-standing security relationship that we have had since the early days of this alliance," the secretary said. "We are deeply grateful to Korea for its contributions to make a safer world."

Gates and Kim discussed the recent Inter-Korean Summit and plans for Inter-Korean defense ministerial talks later this month.

The two men shared assessments of the security situation on the peninsula "and discussed ways in which our combined defense posture on the peninsula could be strengthened and enhanced," Kim said.

Both agreed that the U.S.-South Korean alliance must retain a solid defense posture to maintain peace on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

"Our discussions touched on transformation and realignment of U.S. Forces Korea, measures to increase defense preparedness, and South Korean plans to increase its defense capabilities," Gates said. "In particular, we had a good discussion and review of how we plan to transition wartime operational control of Republic of Korea forces by 2012."

Both sides are dedicated to meeting the transition commitment and the 2012 deadline, Gates said. "This historic change will strengthen our combined deterrence and defense capabilities and strengthen the alliance as a whole," the secretary said.

A communiqué issued following the meeting gave more details.

"Secretary Gates offered firm assurances that the transition of wartime operational control will be carried out in a manner that strengthens deterrence and maintains a fully capable ROK-U.S. combined defense posture on the peninsula," the communiqué states. "The secretary reaffirmed that the U.S. will continue to provide significant bridging capabilities until the ROK obtains full self-defense capabilities.

"Secretary Gates further noted that the U.S. will continue to contribute U.S. unique capabilities to the combined defense for the life of the alliance."

Gates also used the occasion to speak to U.S. servicemembers serving on the peninsula. "I'd also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the men and women stationed here as part of the U.S. Forces Korea for the important work they do every day," he said.

Pentagon Honors Supporters of Disabled-Veteran-Owned Firms
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 6, 2007 - A group of entrepreneurs and department acquisition officials earned praise from Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England at a Pentagon award ceremony yesterday for their support of disabled-veteran-led businesses. Nineteen organizations and individuals were honored at the first Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Awards ceremony for their support of Presidential Executive Order 13360, which calls for the department to increase contracts and subcontracts for service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.

"The military cannot perform their mission without great civilians and great companies behind the lines," England told the award recipients, who each received a framed certificate signed by Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology James I. Finley.

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Office was established at the Pentagon by an October 2004 presidential executive order and previous legislation, Anthony R. Martoccia, the Defense Department's director of small business programs, told reporters during an earlier roundtable meeting at the Pentagon.

Nearly 11,000 companies are registered in the SDVOSB program today, Martoccia said. Last year, disabled-veteran-owned small businesses accounted for $1.7 billion in government contracts, he added.

The SDVOSB program is geared toward helping disabled veterans establish second careers as entrepreneurs who do business with the Defense Department, Martoccia explained. The program, he noted, is open to disabled veterans from all the nation's wars and all branches of the military service.

Recipients of the "Golden Talon" award are acquisition officials who worked to increase the number of disabled-veteran-led firms that do business with the Defense Department, England explained at the ceremony.

Prime Subcontracting Award recipients are recognized for their work in hiring firms headed by injured military veterans.

Small, disabled-veteran-led businesses honored at the event provide expertise, products and services in the realms of biometrics, information technology, intelligence, counterinsurgency, counter-improvised-explosive-devices and other areas, England said.

"Their performance has been superb and their companies continue to grow," the deputy defense secretary said.

The disabled veterans who run small companies "have conquered not just the risky business world, but they did it despite the added burden of their service-related disabilities," England pointed out.

The award categories and individual awardees include:

Service-Disabled Veterans Owned Small Business
-- HMS Technologies Inc., Martinsburg, W.Va.;
-- J.M. Waller Associates Inc., Burke, Va.;
-- Landmark Technology Inc., Fairfax, Va.;
-- M1 Support Services, Denton, Texas;
-- New World Solutions Inc., Chantilly, Va.;
-- Oak Grove Technologies, Raleigh, N.C.;
-- Oberon Associates Inc., Manassas, Va.; and
-- Quality Support Inc., Landover, Md.;

"Golden Talon" Awards
-- Jack Beecher, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
-- Defense Contract Management Agency Procurement Center;
-- LaVerne Johnson, Defense Logistics Agency;
-- Kathleen Lockhart, Department of the Navy;
-- Carol Ann Reichling, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and
-- Reggie Selby, Department of the Air Force.

Prime Subcontracting Awards
-- Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Va.;
-- CACI International Inc., Arlington, Va.;
-- Electronic Data Systems Corporation, Herndon, Va.;
-- Environmental Chemical Corporation, Burlingame, Calif.; and
-- L3 Communications Titan Group, Reston, Va.

Retired Air Force Col. Charles W. Scott, the president and chairman of the board of SDVOSB award recipient J.M. Waller Associates Inc. based in Burke, Va., said military veterans bring a lot to the table when doing business with the Defense Department.

"You understand the (military) culture, you understand the 'language' and you understand how to do business," Scott pointed out. "And, you usually bring a skill set that's needed by the Department of Defense, or you wouldn't have been a part of it to start with."

Talon Award recipient Air Force civilian employee Reggie E. Selby is a small business specialist at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Enlisting small companies owned by service-disabled veterans to work with the Defense Department is good business and the right thing to do, Selby said.

"Those are the companies that are owned by the members of our society that really put their lives on the line and some have suffered the consequences of that," Selby said. "My goal is to support the program to the utmost of my ability."

Supporting small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans "is a real passion for us," said Paul M. Cofoni, president and chief executive officer of CACI International Inc. based in Arlington, Va. About 70 percent of CACI's business, Cofoni said, is with the Defense Department.

"We have great respect for veterans, and especially, disabled veterans," Cofoni, a former Army officer said. CACI actively seeks to hire disabled military veterans, Cofoni said, and sponsors a program that signs on veteran-owned small businesses subcontracting work.

"It's the least we can do to give back to the people who protect our freedom," Cofoni said.

Another military veteran who attended the award ceremony as a guest is Charles M. Baker, the president and chief executive officer of a Maryland-based electrical contracting company.

Baker is a service-disabled Air Force retiree whose company was nominated for, but didn't receive, a SDVOSB award this year. Nonetheless, he remains intensely supportive of programs that support disabled-veteran-owned small businesses.

The SDVOSB program helps small businesses grow and become sustainable, Baker said. This is good for the nation, he pointed out, because small businesses constitute "the backbone of our economy."

Established in 1999 under Public Law 106-50, the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program sets a three percent annual goal for all federal prime contracting and subcontracting. In 2003, the program was amended through Public Law 108-183 to include contract set-aside and sole-source authority under certain applicable conditions.

Defense Department, VA to Share Electronic Health Records

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 6, 2007 - The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are building a system to allow the inter-department sharing of servicemembers' electronic health information. The departments, which in 2001 began efforts to combine their data resources, are the world's leaders in crafting a system to streamline electronic health information on such a large scale, Dr. Stephen L. Jones, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said in an interview today.

"Traditionally we've had this sort of long-standing relationship," he said. "As a result of the wounded warrior issues that came about in February, ... we've really enhanced and increased our efforts between VA and DoD."

In response to reports that troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here were receiving sub-par treatment, President Bush created a nine-member panel in March, citing a "moral obligation" to provide the best possible care to men and women in uniform. Co-chairing the bipartisan commission are former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole and Donna Shalala, former secretary of health and human services.

As of last month, the joint DoD-VA effort already is improving wounded warrior care at Walter Reed, where health care practitioners can access information about the care a servicemember has received since leaving the battlefield, Jones said.

"I've seen that demonstrated where an individual can pull that data up right by the bedside," he said. "The Dole- Shalala commission said we should have all categories of health care data viewable by next year, so that's our goal."

Smith said the departments have hired a private business to examine the requirements for building a single inpatient record for VA and DoD. Results from that study are expected early next year, he said.

"If that comes to fruition, we would be using the inpatient system so that all those providers in VA and all those providers in DoD would be utilizing the same information technology," he added.

Building a streamlined electronic health information system is a difficult undertaking, given the fragmented composition of a health care system made up of thousands of small health-care providers scattered across the country, Jones said. But such challenges are not discouraging the departments from achieving success.

"We're trying to assist in those business processes and make sure that when that physician needs that information – what treatment has been provided to that individual or what tests have been run – that that information is available," he said. "So when that individual is treating or diagnosing, they can do it on current information that's right at their fingertips. That's the goal."

Jones said his is impressed by the joint DoD-VA effort to integrate their health care tracking systems.

"This has been the some of the greatest cooperation that I've seen between two agencies, between two groups of individuals – not only the leadership of VA and DoD," he said, "but also those individuals who are working the (information technology) solutions between both agencies."

Military, VA Boost Mental Health Care Access, Capabilities

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 8, 2007 - The departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs have teamed up to improve access to mental health care services to better assist servicemembers, veterans and families, a senior U.S. military officer said here today. The two departments are addressing concerns surfaced by some servicemembers about lengthy waiting times for mental health care appointments, said Air Force Col. Joyce Adkins, a psychologist with the Force Health Protection and Readiness directorate at the Defense Department's Health Affairs office.

"We are clarifying the access time or the wait time that people have for appointments, and this is something that we're doing working with the Defense Department and the VA," she said.

The military services also provide 24-hour mental health care hotlines, Adkins said, adding that virtually all military health care treatment facilities offer same-day and walk-in appointments.

VA is now offering 24-hour phone contact for mental health appointments, she said.

Servicemembers can access routine mental health appointments within seven days or less, Adkins said, whether those services are accessed at military treatment facilities or through Tricare, the military's health maintenance organization.

The military health care system and Veterans Affairs' clinics and hospitals are treating cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among servicemembers and veterans who have served in the global war on terrorism, Adkins said.

Military members who think they may be experiencing psychological issues shouldn't minimize or ignore their concerns or put off seeking treatment, Adkins said.

"We are doing our best to educate people that it is important to identify and to treat these conditions early," she said. "That way, you can recover and get back to your unit or get back to duty much more quickly."

Military leaders are receiving training on how to identify and help servicemembers who may be experiencing mental health issues, Adkins said.

Care providers and military leaders should be advocates in assisting servicemembers and families to understand and navigate the process to obtain needed care, she said.

"It is important, because people have enough to worry about," Adkins emphasized. "They don't need to have to deal with trying to figure out where to go to get help."

Military leaders want "to make it as easy as possible for an individual who wants to seek care to get that care as quickly and easily as possible," she said.

The military also is centralizing some of its mental health care assets as part of ongoing transformation, Adkins reported. For example, the Center of Excellence for Psychological Help and Traumatic Brain Injury is slated to begin initial operations Nov. 30 and should become fully operational over the next six months, she said. The center is to be located at the new National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md.

The center will be Defense Department funded, but it also will include liaisons from the VA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Adkins said.

"I want to assure our military personnel and our veterans that we are doing everything we can to make sure that the psychological health and fitness of every member or our military is taken care of," Adkins said.

Face of Defense: Fourth Deployment Brings Reflection to Marine

By Gunnery Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 7, 2007 - Marine Sgt. David Smith III said he believes joining the Marine Corps for action was the right decision. He has been a part of many conflicts in his four years in the Marine Corps and would have it no other way. Smith, a squad leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, joined the Marine Corps with the desire to see what was outside Port Huron, Mich., where he grew up, while helping others experience the freedom he enjoyed in his younger years.

"I definitely got what I was looking for," the Port Huron High School graduate said.

Smith has played a role in the Marine Corps' recent history, beginning with his first deployment with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, which deployed to Haiti during 2004 after severe flooding and mudslides hit the country, throwing it into civil unrest. The United States sent a task force to provide much-needed assistance.

"We played a multifaceted role in Haiti," Smith said. "On one hand, we provided humanitarian assistance; on the other hand, we were trying to quell the civil unrest. It was everything I thought the Marines would be."

After returning from Haiti, Smith turned around and left for what would be his most challenging duty: Fallujah, Iraq.

"We got there in time for Operation Al Fajr," he said. "The Battle of Fallujah was a long-awaited one, and it was more intense than I ever would have thought. But, I can say that I have experienced true war and really learned the importance of relying on the man to your right and left."

Upon returning to the United States, Smith was not destined for a break. He was transferred to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, and deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. While with the MEU, Smith again had the chance to learn what a force in readiness really means. "We were enjoying our cruise around the Mediterranean when we found out what we had in store for us," Smith said. "I started thinking, 'Am I bad luck, or am I really just getting what I wished?'"

Smith became a part of the team that evacuated nearly 15,000 U.S. citizens from Lebanon after fighting broke out between Israel and Hezbollah during August 2006. He said that after all he had seen already, it was nice to be on a mission that hit a little closer to home.

"You can know you are defending your country," he said. "But, when you are saving Americans from harm's way elsewhere, well, there is a feeling of importance there."

The MEU deployment also gave Smith something else he was looking for and didn't know, a future fiancee. During his deployment, he started communicating with Michelle Marion through the Internet. He had met her through a friend and figured it would give him someone to talk to. After he returned, they both were going to be in Raleigh at the same time and decided to meet up.

"I took one look at her and that was it, history had been written," Smith said. "We are going to get married after I get back."

When Smith said "get back," he meant from his current deployment to Ramadi, Iraq. "It is different here than last time," he said. "It is so peaceful here, especially compared to the last time. But, it is good to have a chance to see the people happy and how far the country has come. I would consider my last time combat, this time, security."

Although he just returned to Iraq, Smith said he is undoubtedly pleased with the opportunity to mingle with the Iraqi population and work with the Iraqi police and army. Now, he said, his biggest job is calming his two sets of parents residing in Port Huron, including his mother and stepfather, Theresa and Troy Warsheski, and his father and stepmother, Sandy and David Smith II.

"Last time I was here, I kept telling them, 'It's not that bad,'" Smith said. "Now I keep telling my parents, 'No, really, this time it is calm.' But, you don't want anyone to worry about you, and now there really is no need."

Smith is unclear about what the Marine Corps holds for him next, but said he is excited because, just when he thought he had done it all, he realizes he hasn't.

(Marine Gunnery Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore is assigned to 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.)

Air Force Team Builds Hangar at Bagram Air Base

By Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 7, 2007 - A nine-person team deployed from 49th Material Maintenance Group at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., recently completed the largest deployable aircraft shelter in the Air Force. The team began construction on the 225-by-70-foot aircraft hangar Oct. 22 and completed it Nov. 5. The hangar, which is intended to simultaneously house three of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing's HH-60 Pave Hawk combat search-and-rescue helicopters, dwarfs the Air Force's 150-by-70-foot "standard model" hangar.

"Normally, these shelters are designed to hold one aircraft. This is basically two and half shelters grafted together, and is the largest one like it in the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Samuel Tran, of Salem, Mo., who leads the team.

Tran's team, which deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in August, is the only one of its kind in the region. As such, it stays in high demand. Because of their busy operations tempo, Tran said accomplishments like the hangar are "just part of the job."

Prior to its arrival here, the team had already tackled several large projects, including erecting three 6,000-square-foot shelters and one 4,000-square-foot shelter and dismantling one 4,000- and one 8,000-square-foot shelter.

"It's very exciting, especially being part of a unique team that goes out and does stuff like this," said team member Staff Sgt. Adam Boubede, of New Orleans. "We go out and get the job done as fast as we can, then move on and do it again. Everywhere we go, it's something new, whether it's repairing, reconstitution or building the biggest (deployable aircraft hangar) in Air Force history."

The four-month deployment is a first for several of the team members, but many are satisfied to put home-station training to use in support of expeditionary missions. "It's a good feeling," said Senior Airman Brad Hellberg, of Lancaster, Pa. "Without us, they wouldn't have the shelter. Back at home we train for this, then we come out here and do the work."

Tran said the team members have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback for their work, but added that their motivation is something that comes from within the team itself.

"We look at each job as a challenge and see if we can beat our own record. Our motivation is internal; it's not something that comes from the outside. We don't compromise safety for speed; it has to be a marriage between the two," Tran said.

(Air Force Capt. Michael Meridith is assigned to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)

Civilian Conference Participant Connects with Troops

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 7, 2007 - Wearing a protective vest and Kevlar helmet and carrying an M-16 rifle, Fassil Gabremariam struggled to climb into the turret of an armored Humvee. It was hot, and he was sweaty and tired. But as he poked his head through the gunner's access hole in the top of the military vehicle, Gabremariam was taken from a training exercise in the jungles of Guam to the streets of Baghdad and, in an instant, he saw with fresh perspective some of the realities of those serving in the war.

"It ... brought me in touch with those Humvees that I see on television in Iraq and these young kids ... out there sacrificing themselves in the line of fire. And I was sort of visualizing. My mind was focusing on that Humvee on the streets of Baghdad," he said.

"When I was ... standing there, I was really connected. I was connected with the military. I was not a soldier. I was not in the military, but I was connected psychologically," Gabremariam said.

The retired telecommunications senior executive is part of the nearly 40 civilians who traveled to this remote U.S. territory island as part of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference on the first stop of a week-long expedition to U.S. Pacific Command. The JCOC is a defense secretary sponsored program for U.S. civic and business leaders who want to broaden their knowledge of the military and national defense.

Yesterday the group toured the island's Air Force efforts, headed by the 36th Wing. The wing provides day-to-day mission support to more than 8,500 military, civilian and retired personnel and their families and 15 associate units on the base.

During the day, the group helped evacuate "casualties" in a mock airplane crash exercise, assembled bombs at a munitions depot and got behind the controls of a back-hoe at the construction site for a new home for a unit of Air Force combat engineers.

They also were able to crawl into the boom operator's bubble on a KC-135 Stratotanker air refueler, and the finale was an up-close and personal look at the high-tech, stealthy B-2 bomber. The bomber was the only thing during the day that the participants were not allowed to touch.

At the start, participants were faced with "victims" screaming and frantic with mock burns, gashes and other injuries. They were taken through the triage process, helped evacuate the injured from the site, and provided convoy security to the medical-evacuation site and even loaded victims onto the helicopter.

At the construction site, conference participants tried their hands at using heavy equipment to lift a softball off of an orange-colored cone marker and dropping it into a bucket. At the munitions depot, they toured bunkers and then donned gloves and steel-toed boots to attach tail fins to bombs.

Organizers of the conference ensured that each stage was as hands-on as possible and kept briefings to a minimum. The goal was to give the group as much face-to-face time as possible with airmen and to let them experience the training first-hand.

For Gabremariam, this approach helped him connect with what servicemembers go through to perform their missions. "I was struggling; just putting the helmet on and having that vest on, it was demanding," he said. "I could not feel everything they feel, because I was not in a live-fire situation, but I can relate to how difficult it is, how tough it is, to operate in that type of environment, and these young men and women are doing a formidable job doing it."

Gabremariam is a naturalized citizen from Ethiopia. His father was a life-long public servant there and taught him to respect service, he said. At 24 Gabremariam came to America to go to college and went on to make a career here. He never served in the military, nor did any of his immediate family, but he said he has always had admiration for those serving, Gabremariam said.

"The American military, I think, is probably one of the most respected institutions in the world. It gives opportunities to young people to shape their lives, to grow, to change, to aspire and achieve their dreams," he said.

"It lifts them up to a challenge that's bigger than themselves," he said. "That's service."

Gabremariam said he admires U.S. military servicemembers for their discipline and integrity. While conference participants are briefed on impressive military operations and strategic plans and see high-tech military equipment, getting to talk to, and work and train with troops is the true value of the conference, he said.

"That is one of the most important elements, because the military is not made up of concrete and metal and bombs and airplanes. It takes people -- human beings -- to operate and run it. They are the ones who make it happen," Gabremariam said. "So for me, this trip is about connecting and knowing more about the military -- not only what they have, what type of equipment they have, but the morale and the attitudes and the aspirations of the young people."

The retired executive from Florida said so far this trip has reaffirmed his confidence in the young fighting men and women of the U.S. military, and he said he is impressed at their willingness to sacrifice for their service. "They love their job; they are very loyal, and they are very committed, and these young people elevate my spirit," he said.

He said the visit has helped him connect with servicemembers like he never could have otherwise. "I have never thought that I had that strong of a feeling about (military service) until today, and I never felt that connection until I was inside that Humvee, and someone said, 'Go up the turret.' And when I went there, I felt like I was one of them."

Gabremariam was nominated for the conference by senior military officials. He said he feels that the program should be expanded so others can gain the same insights into military service.

"What it does is take out the fluff. It takes out the noise, and puts you right there in front of the troops with the troops, doing the things they do with them," he said. "It takes all of the political garbage out of it, and you say, 'That's why we need to support these guys.'"

Conference Participant Will Be More Active in Military Support

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 7, 2007 - Ann Brown gripped the handle of a .50-caliber machine gun that appeared to be larger than her slight frame. Peering down the sights, she squeezed off a five-round burst in less than a second.

Taken aback by the sudden burst, Brown, president of a graphic design company in Colorado, looked up as if shocked and then laughed, almost embarrassed. She said she didn't realize it would fire that many rounds so fast. Her companions in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference quickly, and jokingly, dubbed her "Machine Gun Annie."

"There's a jolt from it, but more than that, I was amazed at how quickly I could shoot out five shots. That really shocked me. Plus, when I realized that each shot can go 3,000 feet, ... that's really scary," Brown said.

Brown is one of nearly 40 civilians who traveled here as part of the JCOC on the first stop of a week-long expedition to U.S. Pacific Command. Today is their second day on the island, and it has been packed with hands-on, adrenaline-pumping activities that would make many civilians envious.

The day started with an overview of U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, which oversees the Navy's largest island base in the Western Pacific. The island is home to more than 160,000 residents and 12,000 servicemembers and families.

The brief was the only "static" part of the day. Afterward, participants were treated to machine-gun firing, a security demonstration complete with a mock would-be suicide bomber, an explosives demonstration using a high-tech robot, and a boat ride zipping across the bay.

The group climbed high onto the captain's deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen and descended into the depths of the nuclear attack submarine USS Buffalo. They also lunched with sailors.

Brown, president of New Vista Image in Golden, Colo., said she was in awe of the activities and the sailors. "I love all of the adventure and excitement. And then, every once in a while, I have to stop and think about the seriousness of why all of this exists," she said.

She said the dedication and loyalty of the servicemembers made the biggest impression on her. Brown also said she was surprised by the number of servicemembers with families.

"Every single person I've asked has small children. It just tells you that it's more than just the servicemen and women, it's their families as well, who are involved in this," she said.

Because she serves on the board of the U.S. Army War College Foundation, a nonprofit group that works to enrich programs and research activities of the War College, in Carlisle, Pa., Brown said, she is familiar with the Army. She came to the conference to become more familiar with the other branches of service and how they interact. She was nominated to come by a former conference attendee. Before she was nominated, Brown said, she'd never even heard of the conference.

"I had no idea what it is. Most people I talk to have no idea what it is. So I was just excited beyond belief when I heard about it," she said.

Now she is gaining a broader understanding of the Defense Department and its servicemembers. "I didn't know that we had so much ammunition here (in Guam). I didn't realize the strategic importance like I should have," Brown said. "Something that I didn't know I will take back will probably be our scope of operations and how many different ways we protect ourselves with how many different devices and branches and groups (there are)."

In her encounters with the Army, Brown is used to dealing with older officers, because students and faculty at the War College are all lieutenant colonels and above. Here, she was surprised by how young the majority of the servicemembers are. "There is so much responsibility and authority for people in their 20s. That surprised me," she said.

Because of her experiences so far in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, Brown said, she will go home with a renewed sense of military support and become more active in creating an awareness of the military, its role and those who serve.

"I think I'm going to be more active than I have been. I've been a little bit low-key about it. But now I have more to say, ... and I belong to some groups where I want to get some military speakers in," she said. "I will be more active when I go back, because I really believe in this."

Communities Embrace Texas Family After Tragedy

By Toni Maltagliati
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 6, 2007 - Troops in Iraq know too well how quickly life can take a wrong turn. An outpouring of goodwill and support from the public is helping one wounded soldier and his wife cope with a tragic loss. For Army Spc. John A. Johnson, the fifth improvised-explosive-device blast he experienced in Iraq, in August, was the one that caused traumatic brain injury that landed him at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for treatment.

Two months later, when he was being discharged, his wife and three children left El Paso and headed east to meet him. Then fate took a deadly turn.

Driving in the Dallas area Oct. 13, the Johnson family vehicle crashed and rolled. Two-year-old Logan and 5-year-old Ashley perished in the wreck. Tyler, age 9, was critically injured with brain injuries that left him comatose at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, where he later died. Johnson's wife, Monalisa, was in the intensive-care unit of an adjacent facility, Parkland Hospital, with back injuries.

With electric speed, the military and civilian communities pulled together to carry the soldier and his family through their losses.

The Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, part of the military's wounded warrior transition network, worked to get Johnson to his family in Dallas quickly. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, the Brooke Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Battalion was doing all it could to help Johnson. Calls were made to community groups, including groups that support the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

The Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program, an ASY supporter, provided an airline ticket for Johnson to fly to Dallas within hours of the accident. Army Staff Sgt. Eugene Schmidt, a platoon sergeant with Company C of the Warrior Transition Battalion, accompanied the Army cavalry scout. The two men stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, near the two hospitals.

"His wife was in the hospital for two days," Schmidt said. "So we went back and forth between the two hospitals."

The Army sent Wounded Transition Battalion Chaplain (Capt.) Bryan VanPelt to join the family.

Operation Homefront has chapters in many states and is a supporter of America Supports You. "The case manager at the hospital (in Dallas) contacted our Arkansas chapter," said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront Texas interim chief executive, and executive vice president of operations and development, referring to Operation Homefront Arkansas. The Johnson family is from Benton, Ark.

"First we set up a fund for the family and put a notice on the Texas chapter Web site," Palmer said. "We're one of the charities of the PGA Tour. They got the information and distributed it through their contacts. Within 24 hours they had raised $45,000."

Soldiers' Angels, also an ASY supporter, provided hotel stays as needed for the Johnson family, including the soldier's mother and grandmother, in Dallas, according to a Brooke Army Medical Center official. Soldiers' Angels officials went to the hotel to give the family funding for food and other necessities. Another group, Operation Comfort, paid for gas the family needed for a rental car.

The Dallas Veteran Service Organization and the Veterans of Foreign Wars prepared meals for the family.

Monalisa Johnson recovered and was discharged. The Johnsons buried their two youngest children in Benton, Ark., Oct. 23, then returned to their son, Tyler's, bedside.

As doctors reduced the boy's circulation to prevent brain swelling, his limbs were cut off from oxygen and it looked like he would require several amputations. Johnson was able to spend time with Tyler as he lay in the hospital bed.

"He was at the hospital with him, talking to him," Schmidt said. "Every day the doctors said, 'He won't make it through the night; he has only a 2 percent chance of making it.' After a while they accepted it."

On Nov. 3, three weeks after the crash, Tyler died.

The cavalry scout and his wife are determined to prevail over this tragedy, Operation Homefront's Palmer said. "They're amazing," she said. "To see them holding hands and comforting each other is amazing. I'm really impressed."

The outpouring of support has been extremely helpful, Schmidt said.

Nobody takes care of wounded American soldiers better than Fort Sam Houston, he said, adding that corporations and the troop-support organizations have spared no expense to ease the Johnsons' burden.

"PGA Tour has raised $95,000," Schmidt said. Some of the money raised was donated to Operation Homefront Texas, which in turn bought the Johnsons a car. Another car company donated a second vehicle, Schmidt said.

American Airlines gave them tickets; Hertz and National provided rental cars, Schmidt said. Another nonprofit group, Hope for the Warriors, paid for the hotel room in Dallas, he said.

Many in the extended military family are reaching out to the Johnsons, he said. "The first lady called, then the vice president's office," Schmidt said. "They have been checking on them. People at the Pentagon are checking on them."

Though Johnson has been discharged from Brooke Army Medical Center, it's not clear if he will rejoin his unit, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

"He'll be re-evaluated," Schmidt said, "because of everything that's happened."

America Supports You was launched three years ago this month with a handful of home front groups and corporations willing to reach out to the extended military family.

"If this tragedy had happened before we had the America Supports You program in place, we wouldn't have been able to energize the community to provide the support required," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison. Barber is also the architect of America Supports You. "Now, even though we can't make everything right for the family, at least we can help connect them to as much assistance as humanly possible."

A permanent memorial is planned at the school where the Johnson children were students, at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Palmer, of Operation Homefront Texas, said.

Popularity and Expansion of Online Criminal Justice Programs and Degrees

Let’s not fool ourselves here. Earning an online college degree is quite an achievement in itself. It is an acknowledgement by the student, that at some point in their work career, they made a choice to rise to the sound of their inner voice and seek a greater purpose.

For those who have chosen the path of public service, that inner voice could not be greater. Literally, that vocation can take shape in many forms. In recent years, the world of online education has seen a surge of interest in the field of Criminal Justice. There are many factors involved in this increase. On one end of the spectrum, the political state of the United States civil policies has helped to increase the hiring needs of this field. On the other end, television media and the public fascination with dramas set in and around the fields of Law, Criminal Justice, Forensics and crime in general can also be a significant catalyst.
Online criminal justice degrees are now available to online students in every state and these online degree programs are accredited by their regional accrediting boards. These online degrees are afforded the same respect by police and sheriff departments and correctional facilities. Many police departments encourage their employees in the field, to pursue advanced degrees in criminal justice, thus increasing their potential for advancement as well as their income.

Student at the beginning of their work career may see an online criminal justice degree as the beginning step to a secure career in law enforcement, at a correctional facility or as the first step in a journey to obtaining a masters in criminal justice. Some online programs are so highly regarded at providing such quality education in the field that these institutions have sought and gained the honor of granting a doctorate in criminal justice.

Yes, it is possible in this day and age to progress from bachelors, to masters, to a doctorate degree in criminal justice all in an online learning environment.The fields of study available to the online learner are increasing day by day as online colleges see new areas of growth and develop curriculum to meet these needs.

Pilot Missing From the Vietnam War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Maj. John L. Carroll, U.S. Air Force, of Decatur, Ga. He will be buried on Nov. 13 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On Nov. 7, 1972, Carroll was flying a Forward Air Controller mission over Xiangkhoang Province, Laos, when his O-1G Bird Dog aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and forced to land. Once on the ground, he radioed the Search-and-Rescue (SAR) helicopters on his intent to stay in the aircraft. Two SAR helicopters attempted a recovery, but intense enemy fire forced them to depart the area. A second pickup attempt was made later, but the pilot of that helicopter saw that Carroll had been fatally wounded. The recovery attempt was unsuccessful due to nearby enemy forces that opened fire on the helicopter.

In 1993, a joint U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and surveyed the crash site. During the site survey, the team found small fragments of aircraft wreckage.

Between 1996 and 2007, joint U.S./L.P.D.R./Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by JPAC, conducted several interviews concerning the incident. One witness provided the team with identification media which belonged to Carroll. In another interview, a former People's Army of North Vietnam officer turned over some of Carroll's personal effects and told the team that local residents had buried Carroll. Another witness later led a team to the burial site.

In 2007, a joint team excavated the burial site and found his remains.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.

Face of Defense: Army Recruiter Offers Formula for Success

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 6, 2007 - Every time he meets someone -- be it the newsboy, the bagger at the local grocery or the spectator at the high school football game -- Army Sgt. Charles "Rob" Myers mentally puts them into one of two categories: those he can recruit into the Army and those who can help him recruit someone else. "When I go out and talk to people, if they're between the ages 17 and 41, I automatically assume that they're somebody who could join the Army," he said. "If they're outside that age group, I consider them somebody who can help me find somebody to join the Army."

That mindset, along with an affinity for straight talk, has proven to be Myers' key to success as an Army recruiter. Now 27 months into a 36-month assignment at the Martinsburg, W. Va., recruiting station, Myers is the Baltimore Recruiting Battalion's No. 1 recruiter.

Despite operating in one of the toughest recruiting environments in decades, he enlisted 36 soldiers during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 -- 50 percent above his personal mission of two recruits per month.

This fiscal year is looking positive, too, with all signs pointing to Myers doubling his personal mission. Two weeks into the year's first recruiting month, which runs mid-October to mid-November, he'd already signed up three soldiers. Another prospect had agreed to enlist and taken all the initial steps, but Myers isn't one to count his chickens before they hatch.

Every recruiter knows the heartbreak of something going awry before a potential recruit leaves the Military Entrance Processing Station with a signed contract in hand, he said. "I never count on it until they're in," he said, hesitantly adding, "but I should have four by the end of the month."

Despite his success, Myers had a lot of learn when he arrived in Martinsville for his first recruiting assignment. He credits Army Staff Sgt. Devin Duckworth, his station manager, and others with taking him under their wings and teaching him the ropes. "When I came here, I knew only the very basics, and I was trained along the way," he said.

With solid mentoring behind him, Myers attributes his recruiting successes to hard work, straight talk and an ability to show people that they stand to benefit from serving in the Army.

Admitting he doesn't like "to be second in anything," Myers said the only way to succeed as a recruiter "is never to stop." He pulls long hours, typically 8:30 in the morning until about 7 at night.

"There are a lot of myths about recruiting, that you never see your family and all you do is work," he said. "The flip side of that is that if you do your job well and you do what you're supposed to do on a daily basis, you don't have to work 13 hours a day, seven days a week. You can actually set time in for your family."

Myers spends most of his family time in the mornings, when he helps get his 10-month-old baby dressed, gets his other two kids off to school, and eats breakfast with his wife before heading to the office. Once a week, on his designated "family day," he leaves work at 5 p.m. sharp to have dinner with his family.

Myers has become something of a fixture in Berkley, Morgan and Jefferson counties, which make up his recruiting station's territory. He's frequently seen setting up a table at Martinsburg High School to distribute fliers and key chains and talk to the students. He and his fellow recruiters often go to Friday night football games to throw Army footballs into the stands. They get to know people at the area unemployment office and local employers who pass along referrals.

"I know many people in the community, and they have my business card. They know my number," he said. "And if they're willing to help me, they will hand (a potential recruit) my business card or call me and tell me they've got somebody."

When he talks to prospects, or the parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who may influence their decisions about the military, Myers knows he has to overcome two big hurdles: concerns about the war and Washington politics.

Myers concedes he's lucky to be stationed in an area that's open to recruiting. Community members tend to support the military and see it as an opportunity for advancement. "Overall, I say we are in a decent area where people are receptive to us. For the most part, they'll let us into their homes to talk to their sons or daughters," he said. "But we also have parents who say, 'There is no way in hell I will let my son or daughter join the Army with the climate in the world right now.'"

Anyone looking for assurances that they won't go to Iraq won't get it from Myers. "CNN is out there. You can't hide the fact that someone joining the Army has a chance of going to Iraq," he said.

On the other hand, he said, some potential recruits want nothing more than to deploy to Iraq right away so they can take part in exciting missions like those they see on TV. He tells them they've got a good shot at going to Iraq, but again, offers no promises.

The official philosophy at Myers' recruiting station matches his own. "You be up front. You tell the truth completely. You don't sugarcoat it," he said. "And if they join, they join. And if not, you haven't dented your credibility in the community."

Myers is quick to correct anyone who insinuates that he's "selling" the Army. He sees himself as an advisor who helps people focus on their future and explains how the Army can help them reach their long-term goals. "You're sort of a counselor more than a salesman," he said.

When he talks to potential recruits, Myers recognizes that patriotism or family tradition drives some to military service. But rarely does he try to spark their interest by telling them they're doing something great for their country.

The biggest motivator, he said, is showing them how the Army can benefit them personally. "We say, 'Here is what the Army is going to do for you: They're going to give you this much college money. They're going to let you pick your own job, and it's guaranteed. They're going to give you this much of a cash bonus.'"

Myers called the Army's generous options and benefits plans "everything for recruiting" that helps overcome reluctance to duty that could include a combat deployment.

Much of Myers' success boils down to his deep-seated belief that he's offering potential recruits a great opportunity. "For whatever someone's goal is, the Army has an option or benefit to help them reach their goal," he said.

He said he understands his recruiting base and remembers when he enlisted in the Army while living in West Virginia, a few hours away from Martinsburg. Like many of his typical recruits, Myers went to college for a year. He soon found himself working as an assistant warehouse manager at a home-improvement store in Charles Town, W.Va., until the local economy took a nosedive and he got laid off.

When Myers started looking around for options, the Army offered him an opportunity to build a career, work toward a retirement, go to college with all expenses paid, and see places many of his recruits have only dreamed of. "The Army opens the door to the world," he said.

After spending most of his career in finance and accounting, Myers said he believes he's found his calling as a recruiter. He submitted paperwork to become a permanent recruiter and hopes to extend his assignment at the Martinsburg recruiting station another 18 months to serve as its next station commander.

In that role, he'll help train other new recruiters as they take to the schools and streets and neighborhoods of West Virginia to recruit the next wave of military recruits.

Myers said he's confident that, with solid mentoring, the recruiters he leads will experience the same successes he's had. "For me, there wasn't any magic. I wasn't born a recruiter. It just took a lot of encouragement and mentoring," he said. "And for whatever reason, I've really taken to this recruiting thing."

Gates Discusses Steps to Deepen Military Exchanges With China

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 5, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Cao Gangchuan discussed ways to broaden and deepen U.S.-Chinese defense relations during meetings here today. During a joint news conference, Gates called the U.S. relationship with China "candid, constructive and cooperative." The two leaders discussed ways to build on the momentum.

China's economic growth has made the country a leader not only regionally but around the world, Gates said.

"China's increasing political and economic stature calls for this country to take on a greater share of responsibility for the health and success of the international system," the secretary said.

The two men announced an agreement to implement a direct telephone link between the Pentagon and the Ba Yi building where the meetings today were held.

"We discussed the need to move forward and deepen our military-to-military dialogue including on nuclear policy, strategy and doctrine," Gates said. "We agreed to enhance military exchanges at all levels."

U.S. defense officials have been calling for more transparency in Chinese military policy. "I raised with Minister Cao the uncertainty over China military modernization, and the need for greater transparency to allay international concerns," Gates said.

Gates and Cao discussed the Chinese role in international issues such as Iran. "We discussed the importance of Iran not having nuclear weapons and there not being a proliferation problem," Gates said.

"We agreed that it is important to pursue efforts to persuade the Iranian government to change their behavior and policies peacefully, through diplomatic means," Gates said. "And I would say I added the importance of continuing the increased economic pressures as a way of persuading the Iranian government to make different choices."

Gates said progress in defense exchanges will largely depend on the choices the two countries make.

"I look forward to working with the minister of defense and other Chinese leaders to continue building mutual trust and confidence between our two countries," he said.

The Chinese believe it is important that the two nations expand the military exchange program "to all fields and to all levels," Cao said. "It is important that we exchange ideas and notes on issues that we are both interested in so as to enhance our consensus on those issues."

The Chinese also agreed that the two navies conduct a joint exercise with a relatively more complex scenario "at the proper time," Cao said.

"We also agreed to have better cooperation in military archives so we could render help in the accounting for U.S. prisoner of war/missing in action before, during and after the Korean War," Cao said.

"Dr. Gates' visit is an important program of the military-to-military exchanges between the armed forces of China and the United States," Cao said through a translator. "The Chinese government and the Chinese armed forces have placed great importance in Dr. Gates visit."

"I think our dialogue has been pragmatic, candid and productive, and it is my belief that Mr. Gates' visit will, over time, enhance mutual understanding and deepen our friendship and cooperation," Cao said.

U.S. Postpones Defense Meetings With Pakistan

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 5, 2007 - The United States is watching the developing situation in Pakistan closely and will review all assistance programs to the country, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. "Pakistan is a country of great strategic importance to the United States and a key partner in the war on terror," the secretary said during a news conference at the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. Gates spoke after meeting with Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Cao Gangchuan.

Gates said the United States urges Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to return his country to "law-based, constitutional and democratic rule as soon as possible."

The review of defense assistance will be "mindful to not undermine on-going counterterrorism efforts."

The United States will postpone bilateral defense consultative meeting with Pakistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here today.

"In light of President Musharraf's declaration it was thought wise to postpone this meeting until such time that all parties can focus on the very important issues at hand that they have to discuss," Morrell said.

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman was set to head the U.S. delegation to the meetings in Islamabad, which were scheduled for Nov. 6-7. Morrell emphasized that the consultative talks were postponed and not canceled.

Morrell said that no military operations in Afghanistan have been affected by Musharraf's declaration in Pakistan. NATO and Afghan soldiers routinely cooperate with Pakistan's army to stop al Qaeda and Taliban fighters from infiltrating into eastern Afghanistan.

The talks between Pakistan and the United States are annual talks and cover the range of U.S.-Pakistani shared interests.

"These are important bilateral meetings that require an atmosphere where the issues can be addressed with the full attention of all participants," Morrell said to reporters traveling with Gates. "We hope to reschedule these meetings as soon as conditions are more conducive to the important objectives at hand."

The message to President Musharraf is uniform throughout the U.S. government, Morrell said. "There is a degree of disappointment that General Musharraf has taken the steps that he has taken, and we would urge him to return to a law-based, constitutional democratic government as early as possible," Morrell said.

Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan Nov. 2. U.S. response was quick in coming. "The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that Pakistani President Musharraf has taken extra-constitutional actions and has imposed a state of emergency," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a release.

McCormack said the state of emergency would be a sharp setback for Pakistani democracy.

"President Musharraf has stated repeatedly that he will step down as Chief of Army Staff before re-taking the presidential oath of office and has promised to hold elections by January 15th," McCormack said. "We expect him to uphold these commitments and urge him to do so immediately."

Bases, Roads Contribute to Security in Afghanistan

By Capt. Ashley Dellavalle, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 6, 2007 - U.S. Army engineers are building forward operating bases and roads in support of forces providing security to the people of Afghanistan. Despite harsh conditions due to "moon-dust" -- very fine silt that permeates every crevice at Forward Operating Base Kushamond -- the soldiers of Company A, 864th Engineer Battalion, from Fort Lewis, Wash., are building 24 B-Huts and a C-Hut to allow units from the Polish Battle Group, a battalion-size infantry element, to move into a comfortable "winterized" base before the cold season.

B-huts are semi-permanent wooden structures designed to last three to four years; each houses eight to 10 soldiers. C-Huts are similar, but larger.

These engineer soldiers are used to living and working in tents, temporary facilities and the worst of conditions to provide support to other coalition forces protecting the Afghan people. The engineers stay at one base only long enough to construct adequate facilities and quality roads for incoming forces.

After completing a road that connected hundreds of Afghans in the villages of Mest and Kher Khot Castle, the A Company soldiers relocated from Kher Khot Castle to continue work on a base at Kushamond, as well as the road they are constructing from the village of Jhani Khel to Kushamond. Roads are a significant part of reconstructing Afghanistan. They link key district centers and the Afghan people, allowing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to expand its influence, secure its people and promote economic development, U.S. officials said.

Since March, the 864th Engineer Battalion has completed nearly 160 miles of road, connecting hundreds of Afghans to district centers, Army Maj. James DeLapp, the unit's executive officer, said.

"With a combination of security provided by the Polish Battle Group soldiers and a quality road network provided by these engineer soldiers, the Afghan people will be able to safely travel to many district centers," Army Capt. Jorge Mendozacasillas, Company A commander, said.

(Army Capt. Ashley Dellavalle is assigned to Task Force Rugged Public Affairs.)