Kentucky Army National Guard's 202nd Army Band takes on band duties with TRADOC, Fort Eustis

By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Baker

Kentucky National Guard

FORT EUSTIS, Va. - The mission of Army bands is to provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and to promote our national interests at home and abroad.

The 202nd Army Band did just that this summer during a mission at Fort Eustis, Va., backfilling for the Training and Doctrine Command Band while Soldiers from that unit were on block leave.

 “Our Soldiers performed every mission required in an exemplary manner and excelled in their Mobilization Readiness Evaluation,” said Army 1st Sgt. James Wallace, first sergeant of the 202nd Army Band. “Great training. Great troops."

Soldiers from the unit took part in lunchtime "Bach's lunch" performances, performances for a command reception and a concert series held in a local park. Additionally, the 202nd Army Band provided marching performances for two Change of Command ceremonies with inspections of the troops.

For Sgt. Jennifer Bowling, a trumpet and bugle player with the band who performed during numerous ceremonies, it was the chance to perform taps during military funerals that had a special significance for her.

"Taps honors members of the armed forces in a way words can't express,” said Bowling. “As the great granddaughter of an Army trumpet player, performing taps for military funerals holds special meaning for me because it allows me to give honors to the men and women who served as he did."

Filling in at Fort Eustis also gave the Soldiers another opportunity to not only showcase their talents and continue to excel as a group but also for individual members to grow as musicians and as Soldiers, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Greg Stepp, commander of the 202nd Army Band.

"As the 202nd moves through personnel transitions, the opportunity to develop new leaders in a real world environment was invaluable,” he said.  “New challenges were provided for Soldiers to develop their leadership abilities and musical abilities while providing musical support for Fort Eustis and TRADOC."

And providing that musical support is something of great importance.

"The opportunity to support TRADOC in their public outreach mission is of great significance, said Stepp, adding that the band proved themselves again as mission capable during their time at Fort Eustis.

Face of Defense: Soldier Helps Save Virginia Trooper’s Life

By Jessica Maxwell

20th Support Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., June 21, 2012 – “I knew something wasn’t right when I saw his hat on the ground.”

That was the moment late last year, Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Kinzie recalled, when his instincts kicked into action to help save the life of Virginia State Police Senior Trooper Mike Hamer.

Kinzie, a 20th Support Command soldier here, was driving on Interstate 95 with his mother and brother on Dec. 8, 2011, heading to his wife’s graduation in Savannah, Ga., when he noticed flashing lights on an unmarked police car off to the side of the road. At the same time, his mother and brother heard a “pop, pop, pop,” and were unsure of the cause the sound.

At first glance, Kinzie believed the trooper was tugging on his seatbelt and then he noticed the trooper’s hat was on the ground.

“It seemed odd because it reminded me of a drill sergeant’s hat -- drill sergeants never put their hats on the ground,” he said.

As Kinzie looked again, it became clear that Hamer was struggling to get out of his car.

Hamer gave his version of the incident, which started out, in his words, seemingly fine. Hamer, who was working in the Fredericksburg, Va., area at the time, said he was responding to a call regarding a pedestrian on Interstate 95. Hamer found the suspect on the interstate and as they talked in Hamer’s patrol car, the man appeared to be coherent.

Suddenly, Hamer said, the suspect lunged over the patrol car’s front seat and attempted to grab his gun.

“While I was fighting back, he succeeded in getting the safety measure off the gun,” Hamer said. “That’s when the gun discharged into my leg.”

Hamer was able to reach his backup weapon and shot the suspect, who later died. He then got out of his car and managed to call for help before feeling lightheaded from the blood loss. It was then that Kinzie passed by the scene. Unable to stop due to traffic, Kinzie placed an emergency call, continued driving to the next exit, got off and turned around. During that time, two other people stopped to administer first aid to Hamer.

Because of the incident, traffic was already stopped on Interstate 95 but Kinzie said he was able to get through in order to give his statement to the officers on scene. Hamer credits Kinzie, as well as the other two Good Samaritans with saving his life.

“Because of his actions, Emergency Medical Services was able to get to the scene quickly,” said Hamer, who has fully recovered from his injuries.

For his actions, Kinzie was later awarded the Certificate of Merit from the Virginia State Troopers. In a letter written to Kinzie, the president of the Virginia State Police Association, E.J. Kelly, commended Kinzie’s unselfish actions and expressed gratitude for his service. During the award ceremony, James De Ford, the northern Virginia field lieutenant, told Kinzie the troopers were glad he happened to be driving by at that time.

“Because of you and the two other people, Trooper Hamer is alive,” De Ford said.

After accepting the certificate, Kinzie attributed his actions to his upbringing and thanked his parents for teaching him the value of helping others.

“I’m thankful I was able to do something,” Kinzie said. “I always try to put myself in the position to help others.”

NAVSUP GLS Adopts Services of NAVSUP Logistics Operations Center

By H. Sam Samuelson, NAVSUP GLS Director, Corporate Communication

NORFOLK (NNS) -- San Diego-based NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS) absorbed the transportation and distribution, ammunition handling, and logistics coordinating services of the NAVSUP Logistics Operations Center (LOC) during an official command disestablishment ceremony May 7.

While NAVSUP LOC is no longer a formal command, the services, service locations, and a majority of the experts of the former NAVSUP LOC remain unchanged. The integration with NAVSUP GLS helps consolidate NAVSUP GLS's role providing a "single face to the fleet," said NAVSUP GLS Vice Commander Bill Bickert.

"This is a vital and evolutionary next step in integrated logistics management that enhances our goal to present a single face to the customer," Bickert said. "Today's transition recognizes the speed and the agility with which we in Navy logistics management will react to a rapidly changing global security and naval operational environment."

The disestablishment ceremony was held at the former NAVSUP LOC offices in Norfolk. In a nod to operational flexibility, the Commander, NAVSUP GLS, Rear Adm. Jon Yuen, attended the ceremony via video teleconference (VTC) while he continues to serve a temporary assignment as director of the U.S. Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (CDDOC) in Kuwait.

Local keynote speaker was Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and Chief of Supply Corps, Rear Admiral Mark F. Heinrich.

"For NAVSUP, this relationship aligns all of our operational logistics functions and the tactical delivery of logistics services performed by NAVSUP under a single Echelon III command for the purpose of creating a single entity, command structure, and face to the customer," Heinrich said. "I am confident this consolidation will result in greater service to the fleet by maximizing NAVSUP Global Logistics Support command's agility and responsiveness. At the same time, we will see greater efficiency through consolidated efforts, all supporting the CNO's Sailing Directions, 'Warfighting First, Operate Forward, and Be Ready!'"

NAVSUP LOC's former commanding officer, Capt. James L. Shields III, lauded employees for their devoted service to the command and said he looked forward to their continued work joining the next generation of logistics management integration as members of NAVSUP GLS.

"You have performed admirably and can all be justifiably proud of your accomplishments," Shields said to assembled employees, including many from various satellite locations listening in via VTC. "You can also be proud to join the NAVSUP GLS team; I am confident the NAVSUP GLS team will be proud to welcome you."

Bickert echoed Shields' comments and said he looked forward to working with the staff.

"I want to recognize the historic value of this transition and the pride all of us at NAVSUP GLS share bringing onboard such a superb and pedigreed group of professionals, nothing less than an all-American group of patriots whose global achievements precede them, and whose tremendous experience will be most welcome at NAVSUP GLS," Bickert said.

As the ceremony wrapped, Bickert reminded attendees that the integration sends a vital message to the fleet.

"What we accomplished today demonstrates to our operational partners in the fleet that we are ready and able to meet their total logistics demands swiftly, efficiently and without fail. Our integration is one more key element in our Navy's overall capabilities to react immediately to an asymmetric security environment."

Navy Commander Provides Statement on F-18 Crash

From a Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic News Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.  – A senior Navy officer expressed his concern for the community and thanked emergency responders following today’s crash here of a two-seater F/A-18D Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106.

Both aircrew safely ejected from the aircraft, officials said. The crew’s squadron is based at nearby Naval Air Station Oceana.

The Navy is coordinating with local authorities, officials said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with our citizens and families who have been impacted by the tragic crash today in Virginia Beach by an aircraft from NAS Oceana,” Navy Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command based at Norfolk, Va., said in a statement issued today.

"I deeply regret that some in our community have lost their homes, and I, like many, pray for the well-being of all,” Harvey added.

Initial reports indicate that at approximately 12:05 p.m., the jet crashed just after takeoff at a location just off of the base. News reports also say the stricken jet struck some apartment buildings located near the base. Reports say several civilians were being treated at a local medical center.

In his statement, Harvey expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Virginia Beach and the Mayfair Mews Apartments, as well as Virginia Beach's first responders “for their immediate and heroic response to take care of our aircrew after they ejected and all at the scene of the mishap.”

Harvey said all resources “are being made available to the City of Virginia Beach as we all deal with the impacts and recovery from this terrible mishap.”

"We will continue to work directly with the City of Virginia Beach and continue to provide all possible assistance,” the admiral added.

Harvey said a complete investigation into the cause of the crash will be made. He also pledged to “share all information we have as soon as we are able to do so."

VFA-106 serves as the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron. The unit’s mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and weapon systems officers to support fleet commitments.

Navy Jet Crashes in Virginia Beach

From a Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic News Release

NORFOLK, Va., April 6, 2012 – An F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 at Naval Air Station Oceana crashed today in Virginia Beach, Va.

Initial reports indicate that the jet crashed just off the base shortly after takeoff at about 12:05 p.m. EDT.

Both crew members safely ejected from the aircraft.

Strike Fighter Squadron 106 serves as the Navy’s East Coast fleet replacement squadron. Its mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and weapon systems officers to support fleet commitments.

The Navy is coordinating with local authorities.

MILITARY CONTRACTS November 18, 2008

AIR FORCE

Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a firm fixed commercial contract for $171,511,482. This action will provide 23 Beechcraft King Air 350ER's with an option for 6 additional aircraft. At this point, the entire amount has been obligated. 645 AESG/SYK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-09-C-3020).

ITT Corp., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a fixed price incentive fee contract for $59.4 million. This action will provide for acquisition of base operating services for Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. At this point, $31,226,720 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-09-C-0001).

Applied Research Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $10,883,932. This action will develop an advanced system that will give each member of a dispersed unit the actionable combat information needed to increase awareness and enable dismounted units to be more effective in a distributed battle space. At this point, $8,645,412 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDP, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-7909).

Lockheed Martin Corp., King of Prussia, Penn., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $7,051,021. This action will develop an advanced system that will give each member of a dispersed unit the actionable combat information needed to increase awareness and enable dismounted units to be more efficient in a distributed battle space. At this point, $5,190,375 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDB, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-7908).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $7,302,291 firm fixed price contract for electrical services. Other location of performance is Maryland. Using services are Army and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 81 proposals solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-05-G-8030 D.O. 0004).

Lion Vallen Limited Partnership, dba Lion Vallen Industries, Dayton, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $22,100,000 service contract for warehousing, storage, logistics and distribution function. Other locations of performance are in Virginia and Kentucky. Using service is federal civilian agencies. There were originally 50 proposals solicited with 7 responses. Contract funds will not expie at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 15, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-99-C-0333).

Tennesse Apparel, Tullahoma, Tenn.,* is being awarded a maximum $20,599,675 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for Navy uniform parkas. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. This proposal was originally Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 19, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1017).

Navy

Sauer, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $15,519,602 firm fixed price task order #0007 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0036) for airfield repairs at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and Webster Field. The work to be performed provides for airfield pavement maintenance and construction and consists of asphalt overlays and concrete construction and repairs, and various isolated repairs to pavements, including runways, taxiways, aprons and blast pavements; installation of airfield runway and taxiway guidance/distance marking signs and taxiway edge and runway threshold lighting; pavement markings; removal and replacement of storm sewer piping and structures; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., (65 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md., (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Canadian Commercial Corp., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded an $8,335,171 firm fixed price contract for GRC-45 radios in support of the AN/MRC 142 upgrade program. Work will be performed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contractfunds in the amount of$8,335,171 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-09-C-3504).

Missile Defense Agency Contract Award

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., of Canoga Park, Calif., is being awarded a $12,214,532 cost plus fixed fee contract to develop, fabricate, and test a liquid propellant Divert and Attitude Control System. Award is in response to the Broad Agency Announcement HQ0006-06-MP-BAA. Work will be performed at Canoga Park, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 2009. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (HQ0006-08-C-0044). The contract will be incrementally funded by $2,000,000 using Fiscal Year 2008 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation funds

Army

Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp., San Bernardino, Calif., was awarded on Nov. 14, 2008, a $10,159,791 cost plus fixed fee price contract. This contract provides for the design, fabrication, integration and test of the Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) Battle Element (BE) prototype hardware. Work will be performed in San Bernardino, Calif., Huntsville, Ala., Redondo Beach, Calif., and Linthicum Heights, Md., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. Bids solicited were via the Web and four bids were received. U.S. Army Contracting Command Aviation and missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-D-0017).