Monday, May 05, 2008

1000 Police Officers

Editor's Note: The author is a former servicemember.

May 4, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local
police officers who have written books. The website welcomed its 1000th police officer: Chief Arnold A. Gibbs.

Chief
Arnold Gibbs was born in the Bahamas and raised in Miami. Chief Arnold Gibbs has a BA from Barry University as well as a Master’s in Management from St. Thomas University. Chief Arnold Gibbs is a decorated US Army veteran, having served three years including a one-year tour in Vietnam. At the age of 22, he joined the Miami Police Department. During his law enforcement career with the Miami Police Department he earned the Miami Police Department Medal of Honor and rose to the rank of assistant chief. In 1994, he retired from the Miami Police Department and became the Chief of Police for the Cape Coral Police Department (Florida). He retired from the Cape Coral Police Department after ten years of service. Chief Arnold Gibbs is the author of The Ties That Blind and Where Are the Champions: A Simple Approach to Effective Criminal Justice and Social Reform.

According to the book description of The Ties That Blind, it “is quite appropriate to the time in consideration of the present growth of interest in religious and spiritual matters. Additionally, much of the story’s prophetic content is extremely relevant to the events of September 11, 2001, although the book was completed prior to that date. The author skillfully depicts the realities of racial prejudice; much of the violence being recounted from his experience, while driving home the point that love always conquers hate. It is a true inspiration to people of faith,
criminal justice practitioners, and those who fight for racial equality and brotherly love.”

According to a reader of The Ties That Blind, “Arnold's portrayal of the pains of prejudice inflicted on the innocent broke my heart, but with each turn of the page he showed how love, honor and loyalty to one's beliefs can overcome even the most deeply imbedded hatred. A truly inspiring story you won't want to put down!”

Another reader said, “This was one of the most interesting and saddening depictions of race and prejudice in America. Nowhere has the truth been portrayed in a more realistic and sobering fashion.
Arnold Gibbs captures the essence of the era, and reveals the truth about the hurt and pain of injustice. I would highly recommend this to student of justice, and American History.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 1000
police officers (representing 419 police departments) and their 2112 police books in 32 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Gates: Purple Heart for PTSD 'Needs to Be Looked At'

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

May 5, 2008 - With growing recognition of the toll
post-traumatic stress disorder has taken on U.S. forces, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the Defense Department may consider awarding Purple Heart medals to combat veterans afflicted with it. "It's an interesting idea," Gates said when asked about the concept during a May 2 media availability at Red River Army Depot, Texas. "I think it is clearly something that needs to be looked at."

Gates' comment followed his visit the previous day to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he toured the post's Recovery and Resilience Center, which is using a holistic approach to treating troops with PTSD.

John E. Fortunato, who conceived of and runs the center, told reporters that awarding the Purple Heart to PTSD sufferers would go a long way toward chipping away at prejudices surrounding the disease. Because PTSD affects structures in the brain, it's a physical disorder, "no different from shrapnel," Fortunato said. "This is an injury."

The
Army classifies PTSD as an illness, not an injury, so troops with PTSD don't qualify for the Purple Heart. That distinction is limited to troops killed or wounded in a conflict.

"I would love to see that changed, because these guys have paid at least as high a price, some of them, as anybody with a traumatic brain injury, as anybody with a shrapnel wound," Fortunato said.

Not recognizing those with PTSD with a Purple Heart "says that this is the wound that isn't worthy," Fortunato said. "And it is."

Fortunato said he'd also like to see a regulation prohibiting harassment of troops with PTSD, similar to regulations banning racial or sexual harassment. "Until there are sanctions that make a superior pay a price for harassing a soldier with mental health problems, I don't know that it will change that much."

Soldiers still get laughed at for seeking mental-health services or told that it will ruin their careers, he said. Some in the force view people with PTSD as weak, believing that if those with the disease "just sucked it up and soldiered on, [they would] could get over this," Fortunato said.

"The
Army is making a lot of strides toward changing that, but it's a slow go, because it has to happen at the grassroots level," he said. "Like any other prejudice, it's hard to die."

During his visit to Fort Bliss, Gates announced a new policy in which combat veterans no longer have to acknowledge on their federal
security clearance forms that they have received mental health care for combat stress. Gates said he hoped the policy would eliminate troops' concerns that seeking mentalhealth care can cause them to be denied a security clearance and threaten their careers. He also expressed hope it would take the stigma away from seeking treatment.

Gates called on senior noncommissioned officers to encourage their soldiers who need it to get care, and to let them know that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness.

"All of you have a special role in encouraging troops to seek help for the unseen scars of war -- to let them know that doing so is a sign of strength and maturity," Gates told soldiers attending the
Army Sergeants Major Academy, at Fort Bliss. "I urge you all to talk with those below you to find out where we can continue to improve.

"Those who have sacrificed for our nation deserve the best care they can get," he continued. "As I have said before, there is no higher priority for the Department of Defense, after the war itself, than caring for our wounded warriors."

MILITARY CONTRACTS May 5, 2008

ARMY

General Dynamics Lands Systems Division, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Apr. 30, 3008, an $116,148,304 firm-fixed price contract for the conversion of the long lead material contract for the 204 RESET M1A1 program. Work will be performed primarily in Lima, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Sept. 25, 2007. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich. is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Raytheon – Integrated Defense Systems, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2008, a $68,591,012 firm-fixed price and cost-plus-fixed fee contract for PATRIOT
tactical assets. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 20, 2006. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).

Stewart & Stevenson
Tactical Vehicle Systems Limited Partnership, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on May 1, 2008, a $54,312,842 firm-fixed price and cost-reimbursement contract for adding supplemental family of medium tactical vehicle variants to the contract. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas and is expected to be complete by Nov. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two bids were solicited on Aug. 15, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-C-S023).

Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co., LLC, Independence, Mo., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2008, a $17,000,000 firm-fixed price contract for assistance in modernizing and enhancing manufacturing capability for the production of 5.56 mm green ammunition. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. U.S.
Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016).

AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2008, a $14,507,790 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for contractor logistics support on one system remote video terminal and mobile directional antenna system. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jan. 2008. U.S.
Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0190).

Alutiq International Solutions, LLC, Aurora, Calif., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2008, a $13,687,345 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a new dining facility and supporting facilities. Work will be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 7, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 26, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128G-08-C-0006).

Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co., LLC, Independence, Mo., was awarded on Apr. 29, 2008, an $11,875,972 firm-fixed price contract for small caliber ammunition items. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jan. 2, 2008. U.S.
Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016).

Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Apr. 30, 2008, a $24,416,000 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for mission support and system sustainment for configurations of rapid aerostat initial deployment tower systems. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 1, 2009. One bid was solicited on Apr. 1, 2008. U.S.
Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-08-C-0153).

Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems, Reston, Va., was awarded on May 2, 2008, a $11,742,327 firm-fixed price contract for the production and delivery of global broadcast service suites and associated spares. Work will be performed primarily in
Virginia and is expected to be completed by Jun. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Apr. 16, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-K406).

Trend Construction, Inc.,
Orlando, Fla., was awarded on May 1, 2008, a $6,631,786 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a training support center. Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 18, 2008, and eight bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-08-C-2003).

ECM-GEC JV, Metairie, La., was awarded on May 1, 2008, a $5,658,924 firm-fixed price contract for quality assurance services in support of the U.S.
Army Corp of Engineers Hurricane Protection Office construction project. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Apr. 16, 2008. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-07-D-0031).

NAVY

CAS Inc.,
Huntsville, Ala., and Madison Research Corp., Huntsville, Ala., are being awarded a $49,900,000 cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, logistics, research and development, incidentals, and program support for a variety of customer programs and projects to include air and missile defense systems, missile systems, command and control systems, and sensor systems. This contract combines purchases for the Department of Defense (90 percent) and the governments of Egypt (five percent), United Arab Emirates (UAE)(three percent), and Turkey, (two percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in but will not be limited to, Huntsville, Ala., (70 percent); Crane, Ind., (25 percent); and Texarkana, Texas, (five percent), and work is expected to be completed by Nov. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $5,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured with one proposal solicited and two offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane solicitation website. These two contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the contracts. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-GP15 (CAS Inc), N00164-08-D-GP18 (MRC)).

The Haskell Co.,
Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $24,686,000 design build firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Research, Development & Acquisition and Testing & Evaluation Consolidation Facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren. This multi-story structure facility will support the consolidation of three activities that will be relocating to NSWC in FY10. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-08-C-0154).

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $17,113,045 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) delivery order #0005 for the purchase of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle integrated logistic support sustainment parts and OCONUS field service representatives. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed Oct. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The
Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Alion Science &
Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $10,180,211 cost plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0003 under previously awarded contract (N00014-07-D-0200) to develop detailed designs of the transformable craft (T-Craft). The goal of the program is to design and build a prototype demonstrator of a T-Craft which can deploy in an unloaded condition (range of 2,500 nm) from the intermediate support base to the sea base and then be used as a sea base connector, transporting wheeled and tracked vehicles through the surf zone and on the beach. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va., and work is expected to be completed Apr. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcement 05-020. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $9,647,687 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the research and development of a counter-sniper system, including the fabrication of three prototype systems. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $4,992,700 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement; with six offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0033).

UMOE Mandal (USA) Inc., Washington, D.C., is being awarded a $9,433,754 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0003 under previously awarded contract (N00014-07-D-0336) to develop detailed designs of the transformable craft (T-Craft). The goal of the program is to design and build a prototype demonstrator of a T-Craft which can deploy in an unloaded condition (range of 2,500 nm) from the intermediate support base to the sea base and then be used as a sea base connector, transporting wheeled and tracked vehicles through the surf zone and on the beach. Work will be performed in Mandal, Norway, and work is expected to be completed May 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,946,659 will expire at end of current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcement 05-023. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.

Textron Marine & Land,
New Orleans, La., is being awarded an $8,728,893 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0003 under previously awarded contract (N00014-07-D-0049) to develop detailed designs of the transformable craft (T-Craft). The goal of the program is to design and build a prototype demonstrator of a T-Craft which can deploy in an unloaded condition (range of 2,500 nm) from the intermediate support base to the sea base and then be used as a sea base connector, transporting wheeled and tracked vehicles through the surf zone and on the beach. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and work is expected to be completed April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at end of current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcement 05-020. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

L-3 Service, Inc. of Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a contract for $24,900,000. This action will provide for survivable communications for active duty and Air National Guard aircrafts, the Joint range Extension (JRE) must be maintained and upgraded, and the specified set of JRE systems and the Joint range Extension Transparent Multi Platform Gateway Equipment Package (JTEP) systems must be covered through ICS in order to support communications via the Link 16 and Situational Awareness Data Link networks in support of worldwide
Air Force operations. These operations are critical to the warfighters situational awareness and essential to the mission. At this time $3,838,170 has been obligated. Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-08-0007).

America Supports You: Chrysler Kicks Off Military Appreciation Month

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

May 5, 2008 - Patriotism was in full gear at the Chrysler headquarters today, as hundreds gathered inside the star-spangled atrium of the automaker's main hub to honor America's men and women in uniform. On the tiered floors of the glass-enclosed plaza here, employees hung over railings to watch while their chief executive kicked off
Military Appreciation Month by signing an agreement strengthening Chrysler's ties to Reserve and National Guard troops, and recognizing past and present servicemembers on the automaker's roster.

"I just want to thank all the men and women who give of themselves, who are apart from their families, who are enduring tremendous hardship to maintain the freedom the democracy on which this country was founded," said Robert Nardelli, Chrysler's chairman and chief executive officer. "We are truly blessed."

As an expression of Chrysler's gratitude to servicemembers' sacrifice, Nardelli today signed a 5-Star
Military Support Agreement. The document promises Chrysler's commitment to continue supporting employees who are called into active military service.

"A lot of times people ask, 'Gee Bob, isn't that an expense?'" Nardelli said of the pledge. "But I think it's an investment. People say, 'Well, isn't this a burden?' I say, 'It's a responsibility.'

"So today," he continued, "it is really demonstrating that personal commitment to our men and women in uniform."

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee agreement signed today follows Chrysler's recent decision to partner with America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with
military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"Today was above and beyond any corporate event I've seen to honor our men and women in the
military," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, and the architect of America Supports You. "Chrysler is a terrific America Supports You partner and a great example to other corporations that tell the full story."

In an event that included remarks from Defense Department and
military officials, local radio personality Paul W. Smith, the master of ceremonies, listed the names of more than 40 Chrysler employees currently deployed to U.S. operations abroad.

With each name Smith read, a camo-clad servicemember on the second story of the circular plaza draped a flag with a blue star over the railing. A tradition since World War I, the blue flag is a symbol displayed by family members in remembrance of their loved ones serving in harm's way.

In a somber postscript to the presentation, the family of
Army Master Sgt. William Balinski accepted a flag embroidered with a gold star.

After being employed at Chrysler for nine years as a sheet metal worker, Balinski -- an
Army reservist -- was called to active duty. While stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., in 2005, Balinski was involved in an automobile accident that took his life.

"The Gold Star flag will always be a reminder of Master Sergeant Balinski's service and patriotic support of this country," Nardelli said, before announcing that Balinski's Gold Star flag and the Blue Star flags would become permanent fixtures here.

Later, Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs and signatory to the 5-star agreement, told the audience that during his six-year tenure in his current position, he has addressed more than 200,000 people at more than 300 events. "And I have never seen a ceremony equal this," he said.

"Employer support is so important for [servicemembers] when they come home," he said. "It's so important for their families. So I thank Chrysler and all the supporting corporations."

Honoring its home-state servicemembers, Chrysler donated $50,000 today to members of Michigan's National Guard.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Cutler, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, called Chrysler "a great corporate citizen," and said the donation will allow the Guard's family fund to continuing providing financial support to the loved ones of those called up to active duty.

"Citizens across the country -- and here in
Michigan certainly -- appreciate the service of all their soldiers and sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guard members," he said. "They do deeply appreciate, and I think today was just a day to celebrate their service."

President's Proclamation Honors Troops' Spouses

American Forces Press Service

May 5, 2008 -
Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace. The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and
justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.

On
Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as
Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

Face of Defense: Mom Remains 'Army Strong' Through Deployments

By Army Spc. Philip Klein
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 5, 2008 - The daily stresses of being a mother can make it a difficult, full-time job. Factor in the burdens of serving multiple deployments to a combat zone, and "
Army Strong" takes on a new meaning for many military mothers. Army Spc. Ocie Terry, an administration specialist serving in Multinational Division Baghdad and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company B, Special Troops Battalion, is a single mother of three girls. Her children -- Samantha, 6, Amari, 4, and Sunnieday, 2 -- are living with her mother in Jacksonville, Texas, during her deployment.

Terry, now serving in her scond deployment, has been in the
Army for seven years and has called the Ivy Division home for her entire career. Army Lt. Col. Kerk Brown, officer in charge of the personnel section in the division headquarters, where Terry works, said he appreciates her work.

"She is an outstanding soldier, a superb combat multiplier that enables [this section] to take our work to the next level," Brown said. "Terry makes a real difference in the office with her attitude and work ethic. I can always count on her whenever we need something accomplished in and around the office.

"She is an asset to this
team and is also a great mother to her three daughters," Brown continued. "I know being over here away from her young family is a difficult task -- it is for anyone -- but she handles everything with a positive attitude. I never see her without a smile on her face."

Terry, however, said she would not be able to handle the stress as well if it weren't for her No. 1 hero, her mother.

"It's great to have the support of my mom while I am deployed," Terry said. "I sent her flowers for this Mother's Day just to let her know I am grateful for her help while I am over here completing our mission."

Though Terry said that although she would love to be with her daughters, she knows she has an important role in helping the division acomplish its mission.

"It would be nice to be home with my kids this Mother's Day, but it is also important to be here protecting our way of life so that other Americans can enjoy this Mother's Day and many Mother's Days to come."

For this Mother's Day, Terry plans to have dinner with her girls over the Internet via a Web camera.

"This is just something I can do with my kids that helps shrink the distance between them and their mom," she said. "It's the next best thing to being there with them, and at least we can spend some time together and we can see each other."

Terry said she's proud of her service, but her favorite duty title is "mom."

"Being a mom is the best thing ever, and I would love to be home with my kids; but if being here in Baghdad means my kids and other American and Iraqi children can be safe, it's worth it," she said.

(
Army Spc. Philip Klein serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)