Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Ohio Guard Continues to Support Food Bank

 Aug. 19, 2020 | BY ARMY SGT. 1ST CLASS THOMAS VEGA

Since mid-March, hundreds of service members from the Ohio National Guard have been serving in response to Gov. Mike DeWine's request for support in the state's fight against COVID-19.

Soldiers wearing face masks load food into waiting vehicles.

Recently, funding to extend the mission through Dec. 31 was approved to support the different aspects of the response. One of the more familiar missions is assisting food bank partners to address food insecurity across the state.

"I've been on the food bank support mission for about four weeks now, and morale is high here," Army 1st Sgt. Warren Barrett of the Ohio Army National Guard's 371st Sustainment Brigade, said. "Everyone wants to be here helping the community for as long as it takes."

As relief efforts continue across the state, service members assisting food banks continue to build strong relationships with the communities they serve.

Soldiers wearing face masks load food into waiting vehicles.

"Right now, we are serving hundreds of families a day," Army Spc. Levi Brown of the Ohio Army National Guard's 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said. "My favorite thing here is the kids' lunch program. I really enjoy getting to meet the kids and serve them lunch."

As the food bank mission continues, Ohio Guard leaders are constantly analyzing where, when and how the Guard's assets are critically needed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

(Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Vega is assigned to the 371st Sustainment Brigade.)

Close Contact Tracing Team Fights on Front Lines of COVID-19 Care

 Aug. 19, 2020 | BY Riley Eversull

For more than six months, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic. While epidemiologists work around the clock to better understand the coronavirus, the medical center's laboratory technicians, pharmacists, nurses and paramedics must translate information quickly for their patients and the public.

A sailor wearing a face mask teaches a course.

"We pay close attention to lessons learned and best practices outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense health experts," Navy Lt. Eric Green said, addressing a recent contact tracing course at Camp Lejeune. "Our contact tracing has revealed some local trends that we immediately act upon to educate our forces and beneficiaries, as well as develop our own local best practices."

Green serves as the medical center's preventive medicine department head and as assistant public health emergency officer for Marine Corps Installations East. As COVID-19 took just a matter of weeks to permeate eastern North Carolina, Green and the preventive medicine department quickly determined the undeniable need for a team dedicated to tracing close contacts of COVID-19-positive patients.

"Our team of close contact tracers are working shifts seven-days a week, 12 or more hours a day, to track down possible close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 patients," Green said. "Because of the contact tracing team's hard work, there is an impressive synergy between Marine Corps operational units [ in Marine Corps Installations East] and local and state health department officials to thoroughly investigate each case."

Preventive medicine has hosted a series of contact tracing courses over the past five months. The most recent course, held on Aug. 5, brought together medical professionals from Navy and Marine Corps units, Marine Corps Community Services, child development centers and Department of Defense Education Activity schools. The class breaks down what preventive medicine has learned about COVID-19 and the novel, yet effective, process for tracking close contacts. Class participants can then take these methods back to their units or organizations to apply to their daily COVID-19 prevention routines.

"What we are learning is that if you have COVID-19, you could potentially infect an average of two people, then those two people could infect four people, and so on," Green said. "People assume because they aren't showing symptoms right away, they don't have it. However, we are seeing that the incubation period for COVID is two to 14 days, and by Day 6 or 7 after exposure – boom. That's often when those symptoms are hitting, or the symptoms are so mild the person may believe it is just allergies or the common cold."

To keep close contact tracing operational each week, a team of Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was trained to aid the contact tracing team. Each morning, shifts begin in the same manner: dozens upon dozens of phone calls.

"We have six or seven sailors and Marines working each shift, and these are the guidelines and questions we use when calling possible close contacts," explains Navy Seaman Demetria Garvin, a hospital corpsman, as she pulled up a collage of colorful charts and lists on her computer screen. "We speak directly with the patient, and then we start contacting individuals that the patient tells us about. We inform them that they have been identified as a close contact and to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms."

Garvin explained that identified close contacts are then called every 24 to 48 hours for symptom checks. When asked what defines a close contact, Garvin immediately pulled up the most current information on COVID-19 epidemiology.

"Were you within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes or longer of someone who has COVID-19?" Garvin said, communicating a couple of the questions asked of potential close contacts. "Have you had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19?"

A sailor wearing a face mask talks on a phone.

If a person is identified as a close contact, contact tracers then convey the symptoms to monitor. The individual will be advised to remain home for 14 days to watch for current or possible development of symptoms. Close contacts are given information on the medical center's COVID-19 phone help line, the active-duty COVID-19 screening site and the medical center’s acute respiratory clinic. Contact who notice symptoms can confer with a medical professional about further testing, if necessary.

"We want to surround positive cases, isolate them and quarantine their close contacts," Green said. "The quicker we can do this, the more effective we can be in stopping an outbreak. What we are seeing is that we can't necessarily control cases from happening, but we can control the cluster that comes from cases."

Green described contact tracing as a sort of "box it in" process. In four steps, personnel are surrounding a COVID-19 case by testing a patient, isolating the sick, finding close contacts and having patients quarantine 14 days from the date of exposure.

"So far, we have been effective at controlling the explosive spread of the virus that we have seen occur throughout other parts of the world and nation," Green said. "We attribute part of that success to early and effective contact tracing and getting close contacts into quarantine quickly before they themselves become infected and subsequently infect others. It is a tedious and often an imperfect process, but we have undoubtedly seen these efforts slow the spread of the virus locally."

After more than 100 days spent contact tracing and refining methods, the contact tracing team has identified what they call avoidable traits, or the "Big Four," in not contracting COVID-19:

  • If you are sick, stay home.
  • Avoid large gatherings, especially with people you know to have or possibly have COVID-19.
  • If you were a known close contact of someone with COVID-19, self-quarantine for 14 days from the last exposure date.
  • If you have a COVID-19 test taken and are waiting for results, isolate at home until you get the results.

Each day, the team reports numbers of positive cases and other pertinent information to local health departments. While COVID-19 will not likely disappear soon, Green said, the contact tracing team is not only helping to "box in" cases, but also is expanding knowledge of how to prevent falling ill with COVID-19.

"By having this contact tracing process that works, this rapid response is mitigating further propagation of the disease," he said. "By doing well at contact tracing, we can flatten our local curve and keep more people from becoming sick."

What counts as a close contact? Check out these points from the medical center's contact tracing team:

  • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
  • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
  • You had direct physical contact with that person (touched, kissed or hugged).
  • You shared eating or drinking utensils.
  • The person sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.

(Riley Eversull is assigned to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune.)

Defense Personnel Among First to Deliver Aid to Lebanon

 Aug. 19, 2020 | BY Jim Garamone , DOD News

When almost 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Beirut, it caused a humanitarian catastrophe that killed more than 200 people and wounded tens of thousands. 

In less than two days, American airmen were on the ground in Lebanon, delivering critical supplies. The swift reaction undoubtedly saved lives, said Stephanie Hammond, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for stability and humanitarian affairs.Stability and humanitarian affairs personnel began working on the situation as the smoke from the explosion in Beirut was dissipating.

Supplies loading onto back of giant aircraft.

"Minutes after the explosion happened, actually, we swung into action, working really closely with [U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command]," Hammond said during an interview in her Pentagon office.

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper followed developments in the stricken Mediterranean city and "really reiterated to the department that we needed to support the Lebanese people in this desperate time of need," she said.

The American airmen were among the first to arrive. They brought food, water and critically needed medical supplies. The medical supplies were especially important, as many medical centers and providers were affected by the blast, which leveled Beirut's port. Tens of thousands of people were wounded, and Lebanese health care providers were running out of supplies.

Airmen unload C-17 at Beirut International Airport.

The supplies went immediately to the hospitals. "We've heard extremely positive feedback from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the Lebanese government, from the Lebanese armed forces, about how significant the medical supplies have been," Hammond said.

"The Department of Defense is home to the greatest fighting force in the world, but there is another side to what we do," said James Anderson, the acting undersecretary of defense for policy. "Our dedicated group of civilian and military experts in the Office of Stability and Humanitarian Affairs ensures the department's ability to respond to crises caused by natural disasters, pandemics and conflicts overseas."

The DOD effort is part of the larger U.S. mission to aid Beirut led by the U.S. Agency for International Development, she said, noting that the stability and humanitarian affairs office has an excellent relationship with USAID and the State Department. 

In a disaster of this type, speed is critical. The Defense Department can move quickly, and DOD shouldered the mission to get the first critical U.S. aid into Beirut. Now, USAID disaster assistance response teams are in place and working with local officials and nongovernmental organizations to funnel in aid and supplies.

DOD stands ready to assist if called upon, Hammond said.

U.S., Lebanese officers speak.

The aid effort is further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. News reports out of Lebanon point to a higher infection rate there since the explosion. The blast leveled the country's main port. The docks, the equipment to load and unload cargo, and the channels were destroyed by the powerful blast, said Joe Catalino, a senior advisor in DOD’s policy office. "Now we will see the second- and third-order effects of this over time," he said. 

Normally, distributing the supplies or capabilities would end active U.S. efforts in a foreign country, but this is not a normal situation. "Once there is some form of stability, we would step back, normally," Catalino said. "But here, you still have a few hundred thousand displaced. The transportation infrastructure is destroyed and the health system impacted." 

Also, he noted, the Lebanese government has resigned, the Syrian civil war is going on next door, and there are a lot of concerns for the United States in the region. The DOD humanitarian assistance mission will shift to a transitional phase of U.S. government effort to support the people of Lebanon.

Keeping Watch

 

Seaman Daniel Campos stands optical sighting system watch in the combat information center as the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin conducts routine operations in the Taiwan Strait, Aug. 18, 2020.

Aerial Training

 

F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35 Lightning IIs, and a B-1B Lancer conduct a large-scale joint and bilateral integration training exercise above the Indo-Pacific, Aug.18. 2020.

Flag Tradition

 

Indiana Guardsmen, donned in masks, came together to hold up a football field sized flag at the Shelbyville Aviation Flight Facility, Ind., Aug. 13, 2020. In the past, this tradition is performed live for the national anthem during Indianapolis Colts pregame ceremonies. However this year, guardsmen participated in a prerecorded version to keep the tradition alive but in a safe, responsible manner.

K-9 Class

 

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Taylor and military working dog, Ben, train at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 18, 2020.

Marine Makeup

 

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew D. Tyler applies camouflage paint during training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 18, 2020.

Seahawk Sailors

 

Sailors load missiles onto a Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck of the USS America in preparation for a live-fire exercise in the Phillipine Sea, Aug. 16, 2020.

DOD Continues Sexual Assault Support Services Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

 Aug. 19, 2020


The Department of Defense (DOD) announced that help for sexual assault survivors has not diminished during the National Emergency declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once DOD put Force Health Protection measures in place, victim assistance professionals quickly shifted to telephone support, ensuring survivors received uninterrupted timely, professional, and quality assistance.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of our lives. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to helping our warriors and their families who may be seeking assistance with an experience of sexual assault,” said Dr. Nate Galbreath, acting director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO). “We want to assure everyone in the DOD community that we are still here to support them on their healing journey.” 

Continued Support
First Responders
Service members and adult dependents who have been victims of sexual assault still have access to the services of a sexual assault response coordinator (SARC) or sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) victim advocates who can help them report the assault, and hold their alleged offenders appropriately accountable. 

When any Service member or adult dependent reports a sexual assault, the SARC addresses the victim’s immediate safety needs, connects the victim to recovery-oriented resources, and assigns a SAPR victim advocate.

The SAPR victim advocate provides advocacy and assistance throughout the medical, investigative, and legal processes, as appropriate. Upon determining eligibility, SAPR victim advocates will inform the victim of his or her option to make a Restricted or Unrestricted report.  Those making a Restricted Report may also consider providing information to the Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) program.

Special Victims Counsel (Army and Air Force) and Victims Legal Counsel (Navy and Marine Corps), chaplains, and healthcare providers also continue to be available. To find out how to connect with these providers, contact your local SARC and SAPR victim advocates through the DOD Safe Helpline at https://www.safehelpline.org/nearme or 877-995-5247. 

DOD Safe Helpline
The DOD Safe Helpline is a hotline dedicated to members of the DOD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline offers completely anonymous, confidential, 24/7 support available online at www.safehelpline.org or by calling 877-995-5247. In addition, the Safe Helpline Mobile App provides access to one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, information, resources and access to self-care exercises 24/7, worldwide, on a mobile device. Safe Helpline personnel can provide crisis intervention support and – with their robust and verified database of resources across the nation -- refer members to care resources within their local community or to the closest SARC or SAPR victim advocate.

What is New
Electronic Forms
If SAPR personnel are unable to meet with a Service member in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, the SARC of SAPR victim advocate can explain the DD Form 2910, or “Victim Preference Statement,” and get the member’s verbal approval over the phone, as well as accept electronic signatures. 

Up-to-Date Knowledge of SAFE Possibilities
In an effort to mitigate to any impacts the pandemic has had on the administration of  Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations (SAFEs), SARC and SAPR victim advocates worked with their SAFE providers to update response procedures. Individuals seeking a SAFE should telephone their installation SARC/SAPR victim advocate in advance for instructions on where and how to present for medical care. Service members experiencing injury, requiring immediate medical attention, should not delay in seeking assistance at an emergency room.

More Frequent Check-Ins
Travel Restrictions and Stay at Home Orders necessary to limit the spread of the pandemic may exacerbate stress for some, including Service members who now may be unable to move to their new duty stations. SARCs and SAPR victim advocates can check in with members more frequently (particularly if the member requests) or reinitiate contact with them (as circumstances indicate) to identify any safety issues or concerns. 

Up-to-Date Info on Resource Access Amid COVID
As travel restrictions and Stay at Home orders begin to ease, installation commanders will have the authority to adjust restrictions based on local Health Protection Condition Levels. It is important to contact a local SARC/SAPR victim advocate to obtain the most current information. To find out how to connect with your local SARC and SAPR victim advocates, please contact the DOD Safe Helpline at https://www.safehelpline.org/nearme or 877-995-5247. 

Target Training

 

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Logan Andre fires an M27 infantry automatic rifle at a target during training at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 14, 2020.

Replenishment Trio

 

The USNS John Ericsson and the USS Ronald Reagan sail in formation with the Japanese destroyer JS Ikazuchi during a replenishment in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 16, 2020.

Florida Formation

The Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, fly with the team’s new C-130J Super Hercules over Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Aug. 17, 2020. The Blue Angels’ previous C-130 “T” model served the team fo

Fierce Fire

 

A Marine fires an M72 light anti-tank weapon during training at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2020.

Strip Explosive

 

Marines use an interior training strip explosive during training at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 12, 2020.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting with Minister of Defense of the Republic of Iraq Jumaah Saadoon

 Aug. 19, 2020


Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman provided the following readout: 

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper hosted an enhanced Honor Cordon and Bilateral Meeting in Honor of His Excellency Jumaah Saadoon, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Iraq, today.  The two leaders discussed the bilateral security partnership and the importance of continuing to build the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces, such that they are able to prevent the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from ever re-emerging and threatening Iraq, the region or the broader international community.  Both leaders reaffirmed the continued cooperation between the Iraqi Security Forces and the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and their commitment to the ultimate objective of a secure, stable and prosperous Iraq.

Secretary Esper Travels to Colorado Springs, Nevada and the Indo-Pacific Region

 Aug. 19, 2020


Tomorrow, Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper will travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he will attend the change of command ceremonies for United States Northern Command and United States Space Command. The next day, he will travel to Nevada to visit the Nellis Air Force Base test and training range and meet with U.S. Air Force personnel.

The following week, Secretary Esper will travel to the Indo-Pacific region, visiting Hawaii, Palau and Guam. On this trip he will conduct meetings with military leaders, local officials and foreign partners; visit with our forces deployed through the region; and participate in commemorative events marking the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II. During this trip he will reinforce the United States’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific comprised of nations that adhere to the international rules-based order that was established 75 years ago in the wake of the allied victory in World War II.

Former Fort Riley Soldier Sentenced For Distributing Info on Napalm, IEDs

 TOPEKA, KAN. – A former Army soldier stationed at Fort Riley was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for distributing instructions for making explosives, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. After his prison time, the defendant will serve three years on supervised release.

Jarrett William Smith, 24, formerly of Ft. Riley, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction.

Smith joined the Army June 12, 2017. He served as an infantry soldier and was trained in combat and tactical operations. He was transferred to Fort Riley in Kansas July 8, 2019.

The FBI received information that Smith used social media to give out guidance to others on how to construct improvised explosive devices. He spoke to others on social media about wanting to travel to Ukraine to fight with a violent, far-right military group.

On September 20, 2019, from Fort Riley Smith sent a person working undercover for the FBI specific instructions for making an explosive device. Smith also provided a recipe for creating improvised napalm.

McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.