NAVY
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $39,987,905 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-07-C-0041) for the procurement of three Low Rate Initial Production Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle units, including support. In addition this modification provides for three Ground Control Stations, three Light Harpoon Grids, three UCARS systems and six Portable Electronic Display devices. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
GSE Dynamics, Inc., Hauppage, N.Y., is being awarded a $33,482,043 time and material, indefinite-quantity contract for machining, welding, assembly, test, refurbish and restoration services of naval submarine antenna, periscope and communication systems/components, as well as various submarine and surface craft hull, mechanical and electrical systems components. Work will be performed in Hauppage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $90,253 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0011).
General Electric Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $27,030,876 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0088) for engineering and integrated logistics services in support of the F/A-18E/F F414-GE-400 Engine Component Improvement Program. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., (78 percent); Evendale, Ohio, (13 percent); Lemoore, Calif., (5 percent), and Jacksonville, Fla., (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $905,353 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Allard Nazarian Group, Inc. dba Granite State Manufacturing Inc., Manchester, N.H., is being awarded a $26,753,130 time and material, indefinite quantity contract for machining, welding, assembly, test, refurbish and restoration services of naval submarine antenna, periscope and communication systems/components, as well as various submarine and surface craft hull, mechanical and electrical systems components. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md., (90 percent), and Manchester, N.H., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $102,117 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0009).
Universal Steel Fabrication, Inc., National City, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $24,000,000 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to prepare for and accomplish structural ship repairs aboard U.S. naval vessels and other Government vessels under the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center's Commercial Industrial Services program. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $3000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with 15 proposals solicited and 6 offers received. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N55236-09-D-0002).
Garvey Precision Machine, Inc., Willingboro, N.J., is being awarded a $23,819,768 time and material, indefinite quantity contract for machining, welding, assembly, test, refurbish and restoration services of naval submarine antenna, periscope and communication systems/components, as well as various submarine and surface craft hull, mechanical and electrical systems components. Work will be performed in Willingboro, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $92,103 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0010).
A.K.O., Inc., Torque Specialties*, Enfield, Conn., is being awarded a $14,730,000 ceiling-priced, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the procurement of the Torque Force Calibration System. The system, which calibrates various torque and force equipment and tools, will be used by the Naval Air Systems Command Metrology and Calibration Program in support of Fleet and depot calibration workload for shore-based, shipboard, and mobile calibration laboratories. This contract includes maximum quantities as follows: 125 motorized loaders with accessories; 200 transducers and indicator exchange kits; 200 force arm and test cable kits, and 15 torque calibration support standards. Work will be performed in Enfield, Conn., and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic Request for Proposal and one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-D-0091).
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $10,250,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-4005) for non-nuclear maintenance and repair support at the Naval Submarine Support Facility, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn. Under the terms of the contract, Electric Boat will continue to provide services required to support planned and emergent non-nuclear maintenance and repair for operational nuclear submarines, floating dry-docks, support and service craft, and other platforms and equipment. Work will be performed in New London, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $10,250,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Strategic Technology Institute Inc., Rockville, Md.; Accenture National Security Services LCC, Reston, Va.; General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va.; Information Based Technology, Foothill Ranch, Calif.; and Science Applications International Corporation, San Diego, Calif., are each being awarded cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity multiple award contracts to provide professional support services to Commander, Naval Reserve Forces Command, New Orleans, La. Strategic Technology Institute Inc. is being awarded $9,744,806, and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $51,479,310. Accenture National Security Services is being awarded $9,291,669 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $48,593,399. General Dynamics Information Technology is being awarded $9,682,714 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $51,888,395. Information Based Technology is being awarded $8,931,069 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $47,513,389. Science Applications International Corp. is being awarded $9,411,176 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $49,909,921. Work is to be performed in New Orleans, La., (60 percent) and various other sites (40 percent), and work is expected to be complete Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This requirement was awarded through full and open competition, with 12 offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadephia Office is the contracting activity. (Strategic Technology Institute Inc., N00189-09-D-Z025; Accenture National Security Services, N00189-09-D-Z026; General Dynamics Information Technology, N00189-09-D-Z024; Information Based Technology, N00189-09-D-Z022; Science Applications International Corp., N00189-09-D-Z023).
ARMY
DTC Engineers & Constructors, LLC, North Haven, Conn., was awarded on Jan. 22, 2009, a $12,413,062 firm fixed price contract for a project consisting of design and construction of Armed Forces Reserve Center, Arkadelphia, Ark. Primary facilities include an Armed Forces Reserve Center with an organizational maintenance shop, unheated storage building and organizational parking. Work will be performed at Arkadelphia, Ark., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2010. Bids were solicited by FedTeds with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0011).
Taos Industries, Madison, Ala., was awarded on Jan. 22, 2009, a $5,607,468 firm fixed price w/200 precent option contract for Non Standard Ammunition – PG-7VM 70.5mm, 12.7 x 108mm Links, and 12.7 x 108mm PPL (the PPL round is a squib cartridge used to generate gas pressure to forward the chamber one round). Rounds are for the Government of Afghanistan. Work will be performed at Madison, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2009. Two bids were solicited and one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-C-0049).
Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded on Jan. 21, 2009, a $6,915,600 Construction contract for construction dredging, Mississippi River SWP, Hopper Dredge Rental No. 02-2009, Plaquemines Parish, La. Work will be performed at Plaquemines Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 12, 2009. Bids were solicited on the Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-C-0022).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery requirements contract to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Virginia for $12,615,192. This contract provides analysis to the Joint Staff Security Office. At this time, $2,145,400 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
The Air Force is exercising an option with Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah for $8,760,261. This contact will incorporate changes into the Environmental Control System on the Prime Integrated Contract to support the Minuteman Weapon System. At this time, $3,994,072 has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
The Air Force is modifying a Cost Plus Award Fee contract to General Dynamics Advance Information Systems, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif., for $8,704,762. This contract will provide the spiral II technical upgrade to the Joint Execution and Tasking Systems for Space. At this time $450,381 has been obligated. SMC/SYSW/PK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-08-C-0050, P00003).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $10,680,580 firm fixed price, fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for modern digital electronic control units. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla (FA8122-09-G-0001-UN02).
Friday, January 23, 2009
Fire Chiefs Association Signs Employer Support Statement
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - The International Association of Fire Chiefs joined thousands of other American employers of National Guardsmen and reservists today when its president and executive director signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve statement of support. "The first-responder employer segment is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and reservists in the country," said Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs. "Police chiefs, fire chiefs [and] emergency medical technicians are sort of a natural fit with the military, and many of them are with the Guard and reserve.
"So when they deploy and our employers support them, it means so much to the families," he added
Established in 1873, the association is a network of nearly 13,000 chief fire and emergency service officers.
Association President Larry J. Grorud also signed a statement.
"We understand the solemn duty of serving our communities and nation, and we support National Guardsmen and reservists," the Janesville, Wis., fire chief, said. "As employers we have the responsibility to support their service to their country."
He also challenged all the International Association of Fire Chiefs' member fire chiefs and emergency medical service managers to join him in signing statements of support to publicly honor their employees.
"I call on all fire chiefs to join me in publicly expressing [their] support for the brave men and women who have chosen [to serve in] the National Guard and reserves," Grorud said.
The 18 board members here for the association's annual board meeting met that challenge immediately, singing statements of support on behalf of their fire departments.
"I think the secretary said it best. The fire service and the military are so similar. The fire service really is a paramilitary organization," said Grorud, who served three years in the Army, including one in Vietnam. "I think there's a common thread there that bonds, and I think that's probably why you saw the entire board get up and sign that statement for their departments. I'm really proud of them."
The statement of support is a pledge to:
-- Fully recognize, honor and enforce military employment law;
-- Provide managers and supervisors with tools to manage employees who serve in the National Guard and reserves; and
-- Continually recognize and support the country's servicemembers and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Defense Department agency established in 1972. Its mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts between employers and military employees through mediation.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - The International Association of Fire Chiefs joined thousands of other American employers of National Guardsmen and reservists today when its president and executive director signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve statement of support. "The first-responder employer segment is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and reservists in the country," said Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs. "Police chiefs, fire chiefs [and] emergency medical technicians are sort of a natural fit with the military, and many of them are with the Guard and reserve.
"So when they deploy and our employers support them, it means so much to the families," he added
Established in 1873, the association is a network of nearly 13,000 chief fire and emergency service officers.
Association President Larry J. Grorud also signed a statement.
"We understand the solemn duty of serving our communities and nation, and we support National Guardsmen and reservists," the Janesville, Wis., fire chief, said. "As employers we have the responsibility to support their service to their country."
He also challenged all the International Association of Fire Chiefs' member fire chiefs and emergency medical service managers to join him in signing statements of support to publicly honor their employees.
"I call on all fire chiefs to join me in publicly expressing [their] support for the brave men and women who have chosen [to serve in] the National Guard and reserves," Grorud said.
The 18 board members here for the association's annual board meeting met that challenge immediately, singing statements of support on behalf of their fire departments.
"I think the secretary said it best. The fire service and the military are so similar. The fire service really is a paramilitary organization," said Grorud, who served three years in the Army, including one in Vietnam. "I think there's a common thread there that bonds, and I think that's probably why you saw the entire board get up and sign that statement for their departments. I'm really proud of them."
The statement of support is a pledge to:
-- Fully recognize, honor and enforce military employment law;
-- Provide managers and supervisors with tools to manage employees who serve in the National Guard and reserves; and
-- Continually recognize and support the country's servicemembers and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Defense Department agency established in 1972. Its mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts between employers and military employees through mediation.
Air Force Works Aggressively to Reduce Bird Strikes
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - As an ongoing investigation continues on a bird strike that caused a passenger jet's engines to fail last week after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, Air Force safety officials said they're well-versed on the dangers of bird strikes and aggressively are working to prevent them. National Transportation Safety Board officials confirmed initial indications that U.S. Airways flight 1549 struck a flock of birds, which were sucked into the engines and caused them to fail. The pilot, former Air Force pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III, successfully landed the plane in New York's Hudson River and is credited with saving all 155 people on board.
The incident brought public focus to a problem the Air Force, along with the airline industry, has long struggled to overcome.
Last year alone, the Air Force experienced more than 4,000 bird strikes, Eugene LeBoeuf, chief of the Air Force's Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, program at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., told American Forces Press Service.
Fortunately, none of those bird strikes was classified as a "Class A" accident, one that results in a death or more than $1 million in damages, LeBoeuf said. But collectively, they cost the Air Force an estimated $35 million.
Bird strikes are on the rise, he said, and present a serious safety issue. The crash of an E-3B Airborne Warning and Control System plane in 1995 after takeoff from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, painfully drove that point home. All 24 crew members died when the plane struck a flock of Canada geese just after takeoff.
"When you have a bird strike, it's like throwing a rock into the engine," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Paul White, airfield operations supervisor at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. "It stops the turbine from spinning, and that can be catastrophic."
The BASH program works to avert accidents like the one at Elmendorf and last week's incident in New York. Based on a system of "integrated pest management," it aims to keep air bases, airfields and the air space and ground in and around them free of birds and wildlife that can hamper aircraft operations, LeBoeuf explained.
That's a challenge, he said, with more Canada geese taking up permanent residence in the United States, a burgeoning snow goose population and a comeback for the pelican population after DDT and other insecticides were banned.
But birds aren't the only problem, LeBoeuf said. He's seen it all: deer, coyotes, wild pigs and even alligators finding their way onto Air Force flightlines. "They're mobile speed bumps, and aircraft don't take kindly to them," he said.
Step one in the BASH program is "habitat alteration," which LeBoeuf defined as making airfields as uninviting as possible. Anything that might serve as a perch is removed, denying birds an elevated place to roost. Potential perches that can't be removed get spikes driven into them.
Meanwhile, low spots in the land where birds can hide or seek water that collects are filled in.
Dan Vredenburgh, a contractor who oversees Andrews Air Force Base's BASH program, follows the Air Force protocol of ensuring grass around the airfield is maintained between 7 and 14 inches. That's too short for ground birds to nest in, but too long for them to feel safe feeding in, he explained.
"These are the benign approaches, but if they don't work, we turn to more active techniques," LeBoeuf said. In a word, he defined that as "harassment."
Vredenburgh, for example, has a whole list of tricks to make Andrews unwelcoming to seagulls, blackbirds, starlings, turkey vultures, cowbirds, ducks and geese that frequent the region.
He fires off pyrotechnics and propane cannons as needed to scare birds from the 4,320-acre base. One of his most effective tools is Bree, a two-tone border collie that chases away birds or other wildlife that might be tempted to take up residence. Vrendenburg and Bree patrol the base regularly, and he sets her loose when he discovers birds roosting.
"When she takes off, they leave in a hurry," Vrendenburgh said. "After a couple of times, they probably won't come back."
Other bases use different techniques. The Royal Air Force base at Mildenhall in England, for example, relies on a Moroccan lanner hawk named Goldie to ward off unwanted birds. At Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, a luger falcon named Mustang helps to keep unwanted birds at bay.
But no preventive measure will keep birds and other wildlife away indefinitely, LeBoeuf said. So as a last resort, BASH officials get the permits required to shoot, trap or otherwise remove them from the area.
At Andrews -- home of the 316th Wing as well as the 89th Airlift Wing that flies Air Force One and other aircraft in support of the president, vice president and senior U.S. leaders -- these measures are helping to reduce bird strikes.
Andrews reported 20 bird strikes last year, down from 30 in fiscal 2007 and an average of about 34 a year in past years, Vredenburgh said. Nearly all involved small birds, and none inflicted major aircraft damage or forced an emergency landing.
"We understand the importance of what we do, and believe we're helping reduce the problem through our efforts," he said.
"There's no question that the BASH program is making a difference," LeBoeuf said. "It saves lives and aircraft and allows us to maintain our mission. It's a very important program."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - As an ongoing investigation continues on a bird strike that caused a passenger jet's engines to fail last week after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, Air Force safety officials said they're well-versed on the dangers of bird strikes and aggressively are working to prevent them. National Transportation Safety Board officials confirmed initial indications that U.S. Airways flight 1549 struck a flock of birds, which were sucked into the engines and caused them to fail. The pilot, former Air Force pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III, successfully landed the plane in New York's Hudson River and is credited with saving all 155 people on board.
The incident brought public focus to a problem the Air Force, along with the airline industry, has long struggled to overcome.
Last year alone, the Air Force experienced more than 4,000 bird strikes, Eugene LeBoeuf, chief of the Air Force's Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, program at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., told American Forces Press Service.
Fortunately, none of those bird strikes was classified as a "Class A" accident, one that results in a death or more than $1 million in damages, LeBoeuf said. But collectively, they cost the Air Force an estimated $35 million.
Bird strikes are on the rise, he said, and present a serious safety issue. The crash of an E-3B Airborne Warning and Control System plane in 1995 after takeoff from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, painfully drove that point home. All 24 crew members died when the plane struck a flock of Canada geese just after takeoff.
"When you have a bird strike, it's like throwing a rock into the engine," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Paul White, airfield operations supervisor at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. "It stops the turbine from spinning, and that can be catastrophic."
The BASH program works to avert accidents like the one at Elmendorf and last week's incident in New York. Based on a system of "integrated pest management," it aims to keep air bases, airfields and the air space and ground in and around them free of birds and wildlife that can hamper aircraft operations, LeBoeuf explained.
That's a challenge, he said, with more Canada geese taking up permanent residence in the United States, a burgeoning snow goose population and a comeback for the pelican population after DDT and other insecticides were banned.
But birds aren't the only problem, LeBoeuf said. He's seen it all: deer, coyotes, wild pigs and even alligators finding their way onto Air Force flightlines. "They're mobile speed bumps, and aircraft don't take kindly to them," he said.
Step one in the BASH program is "habitat alteration," which LeBoeuf defined as making airfields as uninviting as possible. Anything that might serve as a perch is removed, denying birds an elevated place to roost. Potential perches that can't be removed get spikes driven into them.
Meanwhile, low spots in the land where birds can hide or seek water that collects are filled in.
Dan Vredenburgh, a contractor who oversees Andrews Air Force Base's BASH program, follows the Air Force protocol of ensuring grass around the airfield is maintained between 7 and 14 inches. That's too short for ground birds to nest in, but too long for them to feel safe feeding in, he explained.
"These are the benign approaches, but if they don't work, we turn to more active techniques," LeBoeuf said. In a word, he defined that as "harassment."
Vredenburgh, for example, has a whole list of tricks to make Andrews unwelcoming to seagulls, blackbirds, starlings, turkey vultures, cowbirds, ducks and geese that frequent the region.
He fires off pyrotechnics and propane cannons as needed to scare birds from the 4,320-acre base. One of his most effective tools is Bree, a two-tone border collie that chases away birds or other wildlife that might be tempted to take up residence. Vrendenburg and Bree patrol the base regularly, and he sets her loose when he discovers birds roosting.
"When she takes off, they leave in a hurry," Vrendenburgh said. "After a couple of times, they probably won't come back."
Other bases use different techniques. The Royal Air Force base at Mildenhall in England, for example, relies on a Moroccan lanner hawk named Goldie to ward off unwanted birds. At Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, a luger falcon named Mustang helps to keep unwanted birds at bay.
But no preventive measure will keep birds and other wildlife away indefinitely, LeBoeuf said. So as a last resort, BASH officials get the permits required to shoot, trap or otherwise remove them from the area.
At Andrews -- home of the 316th Wing as well as the 89th Airlift Wing that flies Air Force One and other aircraft in support of the president, vice president and senior U.S. leaders -- these measures are helping to reduce bird strikes.
Andrews reported 20 bird strikes last year, down from 30 in fiscal 2007 and an average of about 34 a year in past years, Vredenburgh said. Nearly all involved small birds, and none inflicted major aircraft damage or forced an emergency landing.
"We understand the importance of what we do, and believe we're helping reduce the problem through our efforts," he said.
"There's no question that the BASH program is making a difference," LeBoeuf said. "It saves lives and aircraft and allows us to maintain our mission. It's a very important program."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Father, Son Share Insights On Service-related Stress
By Linda Hosek
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - Rich Glasgow and his son, Robert, served in different military services at different times, but they know what it's like to deal with the same psychological enemy. And both have recommendations for the military. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rich Glasgow directed search and recovery operations out of New York in the 1990s, overseeing boating accidents, airplane crashes and even Fourth of July events. But the post he really wanted was commanding officer of Station Golden Gate in San Francisco – not for its beauty, but for a grim reality.
"It was known throughout the Coast Guard as the station where you pick up bodies," he said, referring to people who commit suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. "I was going to figure out the trend."
Glasgow got that job in 2000. But as he immersed himself in efforts to lessen the number of suicides and ease the burden on his Coast Guard crew, he began his own psychological struggle against post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
"I thought I was prepared," Glasgow said, but the vivid sights and sounds of people falling and hitting the water replayed over and over in his mind and affected his behavior.
Glasgow, now a civilian, came to see that his son, Robert, a high school graduate who enlisted in the Marines before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, also was afflicted with PTSD.
"This was a kid, just a loving kid who'd do anything to please people," Glasgow said.
Cpl. Robert Glasgow was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division's 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, serving as a rifleman in the infantry. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and fought in Fallujah in Operation Phantom Fury, a U.S.-Iraqi military offensive that involved intense urban combat.
"It was up-front and in-your-face action," he said of the operation that lasted for weeks.
Based on his own experiences, Rich Glasgow said he saw numerous signs of PTSD in his son when he was out on leave and after he left the Marines in 2005.
"There was sleeplessness, active aggression and zero tolerance for the Arab community," he said.
Defense Department officials estimate that as many as 20 percent of today's troops may suffer from the disorder, and officials have renewed commitments to treat it. The military also has implemented better reporting mechanisms for those potentially affected and launched efforts to reduce the stigma attached to military members who receive mental health services.
In recent interviews, Rich and Robert Glasgow described their experiences that led to their diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, their treatment and their progress in reclaiming their lives.
"I think I'm beyond it," said Rich Glasgow, who now directs a county emergency dispatch center based in Newport, Ore. "I know how to deal with it now."
"I feel like I'm a lost soul with no direction," Robert Glasgow said.
'I'm a Tough Guy'
When Rich Glasgow arrived at Station Golden Gate in July 2000, he had served more than two decades with the Coast Guard, starting with taking care of a lighthouse. Other duties focused on intelligence collection, inspections, narcotics and search and rescue operations in which he recovered bodies from boating accidents and commercial airline crashes.
He said he remembers thinking: 'I'm a tough guy – I've seen death before."
The new commanding officer was tested the first day on the job in the middle of his welcoming ceremony.
"Somebody jumped from the bridge, and the crews took off," he said.
In his efforts to understand the problem first-hand and reduce the number of missions for his crew, Glasgow went out on dozens of recovery missions. He said he remembers the sights, sounds and look of the bodies after the fall from more than 250 feet.
"I used to tell my crew: 'Don't watch,'" he said. "But it's almost hypnotic."
On one occasion, he said, he watched a jumper tumble head over heels until he hit the water.
"I shouldn't have been able to hear his voice, but I could hear it – and can still hear it to this day," he said. "It's in my imagination."
Based on recommendations from a medical officer, Glasgow sought help through counseling and was diagnosed with PTSD.
"I would keep replaying an event," he said "The tape would just get stuck on replay."
Glasgow likened PTSD to a wound that isn't allowed to heal or a bad memory that isn't allowed to fade. In his case, he said, each new suicide reinforced the sights and sounds already embedded deep in his memory.
Glasgow said he resolved to "get this fixed." He said he learned talking about his experiences helped him diminish their effect and flush them out. He also said he realized he had to address the potential PTSD problem for his crew. He estimated at least 90 percent of the 72 members in his command would see suicide jumpers.
"I couldn't stop someone from jumping," he said. "But I could impact the effect it had on the crew. I think I really did a good job."
Glasgow established new procedures for his command. He required new members to take training about what they would see and how to handle it before they went on recovery missions. He also proposed ways to segment the missions to minimize the amount of time crew members spent with recovered bodies.
"In the military, you're supposed to be a macho guy," he said. "Publicly we are, but privately, we need help."
All this training helped him recognize that his son also needed help. "I could tell he was in shock," he said.
'You're All Going to Die'
Robert Glasgow said he knew from childhood that he wanted to join the military, inspired by "Heartbreak Ridge," a film about the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada. He chose the Marines, saying he thought it would be the hardest of the services, and joined after high school.
"It was peacetime," he said. "I figured I'd be in the Mediterranean floating around in a boat, getting drunk."
But the 9/11 attack happened while he was in boot camp. His drill sergeant, he said, offered a sobering perspective: "You're all going to die."
He said he didn't see much action during his initial deployments to Norway, Liberia and Iraq before returning home for more training.
By June 2004, he was back in Iraq, assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Five month later, he was in the thick of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, launched Nov. 7, 2004 to clear the city of insurgents.
The young Glasgow was in charge of the mortar section, giving indirect fire support for his company.
"We pushed into the city," he said. "Everywhere you'd look there were bad guys -- bad guys behind bad guys behind bad guys. My guys fired every which way."
The fight lasted eight hours, and Glasgow has spent years reliving scene after scene of urban combat, of watching people get shot, of rocket-propelled grenades exploding, of holding people with bullets in them, of blood everywhere.
He recalls thinking, "Oh, God. This is so horrible, seeing Marines wounded, crawling."
But he said he also has memories of killing enemies with machine gun fire, of cutting them in half.
All seven men in Glasgow's section survived and were praised for hitting their targets, he said. He also described his response to the battle: "I felt like my body was on auto pilot and my mind thought: 'Do what you need to do to get the job done.' I had become so hardened."
Over the next few months, Glasgow said, he was "trying to act out" and left the Marines in May 2005, with an honorable discharge.
Since then, Glasgow said, he has struggled to hold down jobs, get an education and get treatment for the same psychological condition that afflicted his father.
At first, he stayed with an uncle in Northern Virginia and found work for $13 an hour. He said he spent his money on drinking and would scream in his sleep, waking his uncle two floors away. He said he also gained "an enormous amount of weight," ballooning from 215 to 275 pounds.
After going through several jobs, either getting fired or quitting, Glasgow took his uncle's advice and sought treatment. Counselors at a nearby vet center diagnosed him with PTSD.
"It took a year to find out what I had," he said, adding that it was his "loving family" who continuously urged him to seek help.
Like his father, he resolved to face his anxieties, saying, "I'm above this."
Glasgow spent seven months in an in-patient unit at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., where he said most patients were about 30 years older than him.
"I was branded as a troublemaker, young and loud," he said.
But, he said, he learned skills to help him cope with his problems, with the shadows he would see in the dark, with screams in his head, with flashes of war fighting that could engulf him for hours.
"I'm trying not to hide behind the mask of PTSD," he said. "I'm trying to work through it. But there is no end to it. I have to constantly deal with it."
Now 25, Glasgow is attending Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., and is on track to graduate with an associate of arts degree this spring. He lives on a $1,100 per month disability check in his own apartment, he says, and barely has enough to get by.
On good days, he said, he envisions teaching in schools throughout the world. Other days, he said, he is stressed and feels lost. And some days, he said, another part of him would like to "go to Indonesia and fight on the high seas."
He now realizes how much he and his father have in common: "It's very soothing to know he's gone through some of the same stuff I have."
"I'm still proud of him," Rich Glasgow said of his son.
Both father and son have recommendations for the government to minimize post-traumatic stress disorder and to improve treatment.
"The military needs to do a better job preparing them," Rich Glasgow said. "We tell them how to shoot, but we don't prepare them for what happens when they do pull the trigger."
Servicemembers should learn what they likely will be dealing with before they go to a conflict and be armed with tools to address their emotions, the elder Glasgow said. He also would like to see counseling sessions for everyone upon their return.
Robert Glasgow said he appreciated the efforts by counselors – but wanted to see an increase in staff.
"I've seen them burn the midnight oil," he said. "I wish there were more people to help them help us."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - Rich Glasgow and his son, Robert, served in different military services at different times, but they know what it's like to deal with the same psychological enemy. And both have recommendations for the military. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rich Glasgow directed search and recovery operations out of New York in the 1990s, overseeing boating accidents, airplane crashes and even Fourth of July events. But the post he really wanted was commanding officer of Station Golden Gate in San Francisco – not for its beauty, but for a grim reality.
"It was known throughout the Coast Guard as the station where you pick up bodies," he said, referring to people who commit suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. "I was going to figure out the trend."
Glasgow got that job in 2000. But as he immersed himself in efforts to lessen the number of suicides and ease the burden on his Coast Guard crew, he began his own psychological struggle against post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
"I thought I was prepared," Glasgow said, but the vivid sights and sounds of people falling and hitting the water replayed over and over in his mind and affected his behavior.
Glasgow, now a civilian, came to see that his son, Robert, a high school graduate who enlisted in the Marines before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, also was afflicted with PTSD.
"This was a kid, just a loving kid who'd do anything to please people," Glasgow said.
Cpl. Robert Glasgow was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division's 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, serving as a rifleman in the infantry. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and fought in Fallujah in Operation Phantom Fury, a U.S.-Iraqi military offensive that involved intense urban combat.
"It was up-front and in-your-face action," he said of the operation that lasted for weeks.
Based on his own experiences, Rich Glasgow said he saw numerous signs of PTSD in his son when he was out on leave and after he left the Marines in 2005.
"There was sleeplessness, active aggression and zero tolerance for the Arab community," he said.
Defense Department officials estimate that as many as 20 percent of today's troops may suffer from the disorder, and officials have renewed commitments to treat it. The military also has implemented better reporting mechanisms for those potentially affected and launched efforts to reduce the stigma attached to military members who receive mental health services.
In recent interviews, Rich and Robert Glasgow described their experiences that led to their diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, their treatment and their progress in reclaiming their lives.
"I think I'm beyond it," said Rich Glasgow, who now directs a county emergency dispatch center based in Newport, Ore. "I know how to deal with it now."
"I feel like I'm a lost soul with no direction," Robert Glasgow said.
'I'm a Tough Guy'
When Rich Glasgow arrived at Station Golden Gate in July 2000, he had served more than two decades with the Coast Guard, starting with taking care of a lighthouse. Other duties focused on intelligence collection, inspections, narcotics and search and rescue operations in which he recovered bodies from boating accidents and commercial airline crashes.
He said he remembers thinking: 'I'm a tough guy – I've seen death before."
The new commanding officer was tested the first day on the job in the middle of his welcoming ceremony.
"Somebody jumped from the bridge, and the crews took off," he said.
In his efforts to understand the problem first-hand and reduce the number of missions for his crew, Glasgow went out on dozens of recovery missions. He said he remembers the sights, sounds and look of the bodies after the fall from more than 250 feet.
"I used to tell my crew: 'Don't watch,'" he said. "But it's almost hypnotic."
On one occasion, he said, he watched a jumper tumble head over heels until he hit the water.
"I shouldn't have been able to hear his voice, but I could hear it – and can still hear it to this day," he said. "It's in my imagination."
Based on recommendations from a medical officer, Glasgow sought help through counseling and was diagnosed with PTSD.
"I would keep replaying an event," he said "The tape would just get stuck on replay."
Glasgow likened PTSD to a wound that isn't allowed to heal or a bad memory that isn't allowed to fade. In his case, he said, each new suicide reinforced the sights and sounds already embedded deep in his memory.
Glasgow said he resolved to "get this fixed." He said he learned talking about his experiences helped him diminish their effect and flush them out. He also said he realized he had to address the potential PTSD problem for his crew. He estimated at least 90 percent of the 72 members in his command would see suicide jumpers.
"I couldn't stop someone from jumping," he said. "But I could impact the effect it had on the crew. I think I really did a good job."
Glasgow established new procedures for his command. He required new members to take training about what they would see and how to handle it before they went on recovery missions. He also proposed ways to segment the missions to minimize the amount of time crew members spent with recovered bodies.
"In the military, you're supposed to be a macho guy," he said. "Publicly we are, but privately, we need help."
All this training helped him recognize that his son also needed help. "I could tell he was in shock," he said.
'You're All Going to Die'
Robert Glasgow said he knew from childhood that he wanted to join the military, inspired by "Heartbreak Ridge," a film about the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada. He chose the Marines, saying he thought it would be the hardest of the services, and joined after high school.
"It was peacetime," he said. "I figured I'd be in the Mediterranean floating around in a boat, getting drunk."
But the 9/11 attack happened while he was in boot camp. His drill sergeant, he said, offered a sobering perspective: "You're all going to die."
He said he didn't see much action during his initial deployments to Norway, Liberia and Iraq before returning home for more training.
By June 2004, he was back in Iraq, assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Five month later, he was in the thick of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, launched Nov. 7, 2004 to clear the city of insurgents.
The young Glasgow was in charge of the mortar section, giving indirect fire support for his company.
"We pushed into the city," he said. "Everywhere you'd look there were bad guys -- bad guys behind bad guys behind bad guys. My guys fired every which way."
The fight lasted eight hours, and Glasgow has spent years reliving scene after scene of urban combat, of watching people get shot, of rocket-propelled grenades exploding, of holding people with bullets in them, of blood everywhere.
He recalls thinking, "Oh, God. This is so horrible, seeing Marines wounded, crawling."
But he said he also has memories of killing enemies with machine gun fire, of cutting them in half.
All seven men in Glasgow's section survived and were praised for hitting their targets, he said. He also described his response to the battle: "I felt like my body was on auto pilot and my mind thought: 'Do what you need to do to get the job done.' I had become so hardened."
Over the next few months, Glasgow said, he was "trying to act out" and left the Marines in May 2005, with an honorable discharge.
Since then, Glasgow said, he has struggled to hold down jobs, get an education and get treatment for the same psychological condition that afflicted his father.
At first, he stayed with an uncle in Northern Virginia and found work for $13 an hour. He said he spent his money on drinking and would scream in his sleep, waking his uncle two floors away. He said he also gained "an enormous amount of weight," ballooning from 215 to 275 pounds.
After going through several jobs, either getting fired or quitting, Glasgow took his uncle's advice and sought treatment. Counselors at a nearby vet center diagnosed him with PTSD.
"It took a year to find out what I had," he said, adding that it was his "loving family" who continuously urged him to seek help.
Like his father, he resolved to face his anxieties, saying, "I'm above this."
Glasgow spent seven months in an in-patient unit at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., where he said most patients were about 30 years older than him.
"I was branded as a troublemaker, young and loud," he said.
But, he said, he learned skills to help him cope with his problems, with the shadows he would see in the dark, with screams in his head, with flashes of war fighting that could engulf him for hours.
"I'm trying not to hide behind the mask of PTSD," he said. "I'm trying to work through it. But there is no end to it. I have to constantly deal with it."
Now 25, Glasgow is attending Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., and is on track to graduate with an associate of arts degree this spring. He lives on a $1,100 per month disability check in his own apartment, he says, and barely has enough to get by.
On good days, he said, he envisions teaching in schools throughout the world. Other days, he said, he is stressed and feels lost. And some days, he said, another part of him would like to "go to Indonesia and fight on the high seas."
He now realizes how much he and his father have in common: "It's very soothing to know he's gone through some of the same stuff I have."
"I'm still proud of him," Rich Glasgow said of his son.
Both father and son have recommendations for the government to minimize post-traumatic stress disorder and to improve treatment.
"The military needs to do a better job preparing them," Rich Glasgow said. "We tell them how to shoot, but we don't prepare them for what happens when they do pull the trigger."
Servicemembers should learn what they likely will be dealing with before they go to a conflict and be armed with tools to address their emotions, the elder Glasgow said. He also would like to see counseling sessions for everyone upon their return.
Robert Glasgow said he appreciated the efforts by counselors – but wanted to see an increase in staff.
"I've seen them burn the midnight oil," he said. "I wish there were more people to help them help us."
Obama Appoints Special Envoys, Underscores Importance of Diplomacy
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - President Barack Obama traveled to the State Department today to announce the appointment of two special envoys: former Maine Sen. George Mitchell as special envoy for Middle East peace and Richard Holbrooke as special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The president thanked the men for taking on the tasks; both are seasoned diplomats with Mitchell negotiating in Northern Ireland and Holbrooke responsible for the Dayton Accords that brought peace to Bosnia.
The president spoke to the assembled foreign service and civil service audience about the importance of democracy to his administration, echoing themes from his inaugural speech.
"We must recognize that America's strength comes not just from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from our enduring values," he said. "And for the sake of our national security and the common aspirations of people around the globe, this era has to begin now."
Diplomacy will lead U.S. efforts throughout the world, Obama said.
"It will be the policy of my administration to actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as Israel and its Arab neighbors," the president said.
Mitchell "will be fully empowered at the negotiating table," Obama said.
The president reiterated U.S. support and commitment to Israeli security. "We will always support Israel's right to defend itself against legitimate threats," he said. "For years, Hamas has launched thousands of rockets at innocent Israeli citizens. No democracy can tolerate such danger to its people, nor should the international community and neither should the Palestinian people themselves, whose interests are only set back by acts of terror."
While Hamas rockets are unacceptable, so is a future without hope for Palestinians, Obama said. "I was deeply concerned by the loss of Palestinian and Israeli life in recent days, and by the substantial suffering and humanitarian needs in Gaza," he said. "Now we must extend a hand of opportunity to those who seek peace."
Obama called Afghanistan and Pakistan the central front in the enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism.
"We must understand that we cannot deal with our problem in isolation," he said. "There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the al-Qaida and Taliban bases along the border. And there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Any progress in the region will take time, Obama said. Violence in Afghanistan has risen, insurgents fielded and the opium trade has grown. Outside Kabul, the Afghan government is unable to deliver basic services.
"While we have yet to see another attack on our soil since 9/11, al-Qaida terrorists remain at large and remain plotting," Obama said.
The United States aims to strengthen partnerships with regional governments and sustain cooperation with NATO allies.
"We will provide the strategic guidance to meet our objectives," the president said. "And we pledge to support the extraordinary Americans serving in Afghanistan, both military and civilian, with the resources that they need."
The president also spoke on the executive orders he signed earlier today. The orders call for all U.S. interrogations to abide by rules articulated in the Army Field Manual 2-22.3; the closure of the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba; and a comprehensive review to determine how to hold and try terrorism suspects.
"The world needs to understand that America will be unyielding in defense of its security and relentless in its pursuit of those who would carry out terrorism or threaten the United States," he said.
These orders send the signal to the world that the United States will uphold its fundamental values even when threatened, he said.
"Once again America's moral example must be the bedrock and the beacon of our global leadership," Obama said. "We are confronted by extraordinary, complex and interconnected global challenges: war on terror, sectarian division and the spread of deadly technology. We did not ask for the burden that history has asked us to bear, but Americans will bear it. We must bear it."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - President Barack Obama traveled to the State Department today to announce the appointment of two special envoys: former Maine Sen. George Mitchell as special envoy for Middle East peace and Richard Holbrooke as special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The president thanked the men for taking on the tasks; both are seasoned diplomats with Mitchell negotiating in Northern Ireland and Holbrooke responsible for the Dayton Accords that brought peace to Bosnia.
The president spoke to the assembled foreign service and civil service audience about the importance of democracy to his administration, echoing themes from his inaugural speech.
"We must recognize that America's strength comes not just from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from our enduring values," he said. "And for the sake of our national security and the common aspirations of people around the globe, this era has to begin now."
Diplomacy will lead U.S. efforts throughout the world, Obama said.
"It will be the policy of my administration to actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as Israel and its Arab neighbors," the president said.
Mitchell "will be fully empowered at the negotiating table," Obama said.
The president reiterated U.S. support and commitment to Israeli security. "We will always support Israel's right to defend itself against legitimate threats," he said. "For years, Hamas has launched thousands of rockets at innocent Israeli citizens. No democracy can tolerate such danger to its people, nor should the international community and neither should the Palestinian people themselves, whose interests are only set back by acts of terror."
While Hamas rockets are unacceptable, so is a future without hope for Palestinians, Obama said. "I was deeply concerned by the loss of Palestinian and Israeli life in recent days, and by the substantial suffering and humanitarian needs in Gaza," he said. "Now we must extend a hand of opportunity to those who seek peace."
Obama called Afghanistan and Pakistan the central front in the enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism.
"We must understand that we cannot deal with our problem in isolation," he said. "There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the al-Qaida and Taliban bases along the border. And there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Any progress in the region will take time, Obama said. Violence in Afghanistan has risen, insurgents fielded and the opium trade has grown. Outside Kabul, the Afghan government is unable to deliver basic services.
"While we have yet to see another attack on our soil since 9/11, al-Qaida terrorists remain at large and remain plotting," Obama said.
The United States aims to strengthen partnerships with regional governments and sustain cooperation with NATO allies.
"We will provide the strategic guidance to meet our objectives," the president said. "And we pledge to support the extraordinary Americans serving in Afghanistan, both military and civilian, with the resources that they need."
The president also spoke on the executive orders he signed earlier today. The orders call for all U.S. interrogations to abide by rules articulated in the Army Field Manual 2-22.3; the closure of the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba; and a comprehensive review to determine how to hold and try terrorism suspects.
"The world needs to understand that America will be unyielding in defense of its security and relentless in its pursuit of those who would carry out terrorism or threaten the United States," he said.
These orders send the signal to the world that the United States will uphold its fundamental values even when threatened, he said.
"Once again America's moral example must be the bedrock and the beacon of our global leadership," Obama said. "We are confronted by extraordinary, complex and interconnected global challenges: war on terror, sectarian division and the spread of deadly technology. We did not ask for the burden that history has asked us to bear, but Americans will bear it. We must bear it."
Africom Commander Strengthens U.S. Relationship With Madagascar
By Kenneth Fidler
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Africa Command reaffirmed his commitment to a security partnership with Madagascar during his first official visit to the island nation Jan. 20. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward met with Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana and other top government officials to discuss potential security assistance programs in this region.
"I am very, very grateful you are here," Ravalomanana told Ward. "Madagascar is a very important country. I need your help. I need your support."
Emphasizing the importance of Africa Command's relationship with Madagascar, Ward told the president, "I want to assure you that we will do our best [to work] with you."
Madagascar, with a population of about 20 million, gained independence from France in 1960. It is the world's fourth-largest island, located in the Indian Ocean about 250 miles east of southeastern Africa.
In a news conference with about 20 Malagasy reporters, Ward fielded questions on the Defense Department's newest geographic unified command and its mission in Africa.
Africom, from its headquarters in Germany, works to assist the militaries of dozens of African nations to increase their security capacity. Until the creation of Africom, U.S. military relations with Madagascar were coordinated by U.S. Pacific Command.
"I am here today to listen and to learn -- to listen to your leaders [and] learn of your ideas, so I can do my best to work in partnership with you as you work to increase your capacity to provide for your security," Ward told reporters here.
During the one-day visit, Ward met separately with Prime Minister Charles Rabemananjara, Foreign Affairs Minister Marcel Ranjeva and Defense Minister Cecile Manorohanta. He also met with U.S. Ambassador Neils Marquardt and the U.S. Embassy country team.
Past military-to-military engagements between the United States and Madagascar, though few, have focused mainly on maritime safety and security. Africom officials plan to coordinate a visit by a U.S. Navy ship to Madagascar in July, during which U.S. servicemembers will work with the Malagasy Defense Force to enhance maritime skills such as small-boat operations and the protection of territorial waters from illegal fishing.
"Security takes many forms," Ward said. "In the case of Madagascar, I'm here to understand from you what security means to you. By listening to your leaders, I can gain a better understanding of what those requirements are."
Ward was scheduled to meet yesterday with leaders of the neighboring island-nation of Comoros.
(Kenneth Fidler works in the U.S. Africa Command public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Africa Command reaffirmed his commitment to a security partnership with Madagascar during his first official visit to the island nation Jan. 20. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward met with Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana and other top government officials to discuss potential security assistance programs in this region.
"I am very, very grateful you are here," Ravalomanana told Ward. "Madagascar is a very important country. I need your help. I need your support."
Emphasizing the importance of Africa Command's relationship with Madagascar, Ward told the president, "I want to assure you that we will do our best [to work] with you."
Madagascar, with a population of about 20 million, gained independence from France in 1960. It is the world's fourth-largest island, located in the Indian Ocean about 250 miles east of southeastern Africa.
In a news conference with about 20 Malagasy reporters, Ward fielded questions on the Defense Department's newest geographic unified command and its mission in Africa.
Africom, from its headquarters in Germany, works to assist the militaries of dozens of African nations to increase their security capacity. Until the creation of Africom, U.S. military relations with Madagascar were coordinated by U.S. Pacific Command.
"I am here today to listen and to learn -- to listen to your leaders [and] learn of your ideas, so I can do my best to work in partnership with you as you work to increase your capacity to provide for your security," Ward told reporters here.
During the one-day visit, Ward met separately with Prime Minister Charles Rabemananjara, Foreign Affairs Minister Marcel Ranjeva and Defense Minister Cecile Manorohanta. He also met with U.S. Ambassador Neils Marquardt and the U.S. Embassy country team.
Past military-to-military engagements between the United States and Madagascar, though few, have focused mainly on maritime safety and security. Africom officials plan to coordinate a visit by a U.S. Navy ship to Madagascar in July, during which U.S. servicemembers will work with the Malagasy Defense Force to enhance maritime skills such as small-boat operations and the protection of territorial waters from illegal fishing.
"Security takes many forms," Ward said. "In the case of Madagascar, I'm here to understand from you what security means to you. By listening to your leaders, I can gain a better understanding of what those requirements are."
Ward was scheduled to meet yesterday with leaders of the neighboring island-nation of Comoros.
(Kenneth Fidler works in the U.S. Africa Command public affairs office.)
Defense Department Announces Expedited Disability Evaluation System Process For Combat Wounded
The Department of Defense announced today, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a process designed to expedite a service member seriously injured in combat from military to veteran status, by waiving the standard Disability Evaluation System (DES), resulting in receipt of benefits in three to four months, compared to a recovery and standard DES process that would normally take much longer.
"This new policy should allow service members and their families to focus on the essentials of recovery, reintegration, employment and independent living, with the combined assistance from DoD and VA," said Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Michael L. Dominguez. "The policy supports our belief that there must be a distinction for those who incur devastating disabilities in combat."
The expedited process applies to service members whose conditions are designated as "catastrophic" and whose injuries were incurred in the line of duty as a direct result of armed conflict. A catastrophic injury or illness is a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that a service member or veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.
Service members who participate in the expedited process will be rated by DoD at a combined rating of 100 percent, and the VA will identify the full range of benefits, compensation and specialty care offered by the VA. Dominguez emphasized that the new process is optional for qualifying service members.
"Service members and their families will be empowered to decide, after counseling on the options and potential concerns and benefits, the most appropriate choice for their situation," said Dominguez.
The policy provides special consideration and exception for members who retire under the expedited DES process to reenter the service with a waiver, should they subsequently request reentry to the service after recovery and rehabilitation.
The expedited policy differs from the DES pilot program, currently underway to test a new process design eliminating the duplicative and time consuming elements of the current standard disability processes at DoD and VA. Key features of the DES pilot include one medical examination and a single-sourced disability rating. To date, more than 1,000 service members have participated in the pilot during the last 14 months.
"This new policy should allow service members and their families to focus on the essentials of recovery, reintegration, employment and independent living, with the combined assistance from DoD and VA," said Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Michael L. Dominguez. "The policy supports our belief that there must be a distinction for those who incur devastating disabilities in combat."
The expedited process applies to service members whose conditions are designated as "catastrophic" and whose injuries were incurred in the line of duty as a direct result of armed conflict. A catastrophic injury or illness is a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that a service member or veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.
Service members who participate in the expedited process will be rated by DoD at a combined rating of 100 percent, and the VA will identify the full range of benefits, compensation and specialty care offered by the VA. Dominguez emphasized that the new process is optional for qualifying service members.
"Service members and their families will be empowered to decide, after counseling on the options and potential concerns and benefits, the most appropriate choice for their situation," said Dominguez.
The policy provides special consideration and exception for members who retire under the expedited DES process to reenter the service with a waiver, should they subsequently request reentry to the service after recovery and rehabilitation.
The expedited policy differs from the DES pilot program, currently underway to test a new process design eliminating the duplicative and time consuming elements of the current standard disability processes at DoD and VA. Key features of the DES pilot include one medical examination and a single-sourced disability rating. To date, more than 1,000 service members have participated in the pilot during the last 14 months.
Mullen Releases Concept for Future Joint Operations
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has signed off on the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations, a document the military will use to help determine future capability development for the joint force in 2016 through 2028. U.S. military planners worldwide will use the Capstone concept to drive "future joint solutions and guide future joint force development work," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said.
U.S. Joint Forces Command led the concept's development, with input from the military services, combatant commands and the Joint Staff. This is the concept's first update since August 2005, when then-Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers signed the document.
The capstone concept details the main security challenges facing the joint force: winning the nation's wars, deterring adversaries, developing cooperative security, defending the homeland and responding to civil crises.
U.S. joint forces "will need to be able to apply combat power in more varied, measured and discriminate ways than ever before," the document states.
The concept incorporates lessons learned in current operations and describes in broad terms how the joint force will operate in the complex, changing and uncertain environments of the future. It also looks beyond purely military solutions, addressing the fact that conflict today may not be solved solely with military assets.
"Today's challenges and threats are not strictly military in nature, solved or countered by military means alone," Mullen said. "We owe future generations a longer-term view of security. The concept is designed to help military and other national security leaders think about challenges and opportunities."
Training allied militaries may be as important as employing U.S. combat power, according to the concept. The document also emphasizes that the American military must be ready to handle a wide range of challenges, from humanitarian missions to all-out war.
The concept is a template planners can use as they look at specific situations. It also calls on planners to assess operations continually and adjust and adapt as needed.
Joint Forces Command will test the concept in a series of experiments this year, officials said. Planners will use the results of these experiments to inform the next Quadrennial Defense Review.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has signed off on the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations, a document the military will use to help determine future capability development for the joint force in 2016 through 2028. U.S. military planners worldwide will use the Capstone concept to drive "future joint solutions and guide future joint force development work," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said.
U.S. Joint Forces Command led the concept's development, with input from the military services, combatant commands and the Joint Staff. This is the concept's first update since August 2005, when then-Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers signed the document.
The capstone concept details the main security challenges facing the joint force: winning the nation's wars, deterring adversaries, developing cooperative security, defending the homeland and responding to civil crises.
U.S. joint forces "will need to be able to apply combat power in more varied, measured and discriminate ways than ever before," the document states.
The concept incorporates lessons learned in current operations and describes in broad terms how the joint force will operate in the complex, changing and uncertain environments of the future. It also looks beyond purely military solutions, addressing the fact that conflict today may not be solved solely with military assets.
"Today's challenges and threats are not strictly military in nature, solved or countered by military means alone," Mullen said. "We owe future generations a longer-term view of security. The concept is designed to help military and other national security leaders think about challenges and opportunities."
Training allied militaries may be as important as employing U.S. combat power, according to the concept. The document also emphasizes that the American military must be ready to handle a wide range of challenges, from humanitarian missions to all-out war.
The concept is a template planners can use as they look at specific situations. It also calls on planners to assess operations continually and adjust and adapt as needed.
Joint Forces Command will test the concept in a series of experiments this year, officials said. Planners will use the results of these experiments to inform the next Quadrennial Defense Review.
Peanut Butter-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Causes Care Package Concerns
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - A long holiday weekend usually means a new flood of care packages to troops serving overseas, and traditionally those boxes include snack foods such as peanut butter crackers or candy. In light of the growing salmonella outbreak linked to products containing peanut butter, servicemembers are being urged to use caution should they receive these types of snacks.
"The ongoing commitment and efforts of citizens to remind the troops that America supports them is phenomenal," a Defense Department community relations spokeswoman said. "Based on my knowledge of the nonprofit groups that send care packages, I'm sure they will be vigilant and avoid shipping items that are being recalled.
"As an extra precaution, I would encourage servicemembers to discard any peanut butter products that may have been shipped," she added.
Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are suggesting that products produced since July 1 be avoided. To date, the outbreak has sickened about 500 people and caused six deaths since first being reported in early September, officials said.
The source has been traced to a Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely, Ga. The company manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste that are distributed to food manufacturers for use in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream, according to the Food and Drug Administration's Web site. Its products reportedly are distributed to manufacturers in Canada, South Korea and Haiti, as well.
"In addition, FDA and CDC are advising consumers to postpone eating all foods that include peanut butter such as cookies, crackers, candy and ice cream until more definitive information and comprehensive recall lists are available," Lola Russell, CDC spokeswoman, said. "Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers."
Those infected typically experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
To lessen the possibility of infection, the CDC recommends people throw away recalled products in a manner that prevents others from eating them. These recalled products include Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter crackers and King Nut brand peanut butter produced since July 1. The company also sells peanut butter under the name Parnell's Pride.
The growing list of recalled items is available at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm.
As a precaution for pet owners, some brands of pet treats that include peanut butter or paste also have been voluntarily recalled.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - A long holiday weekend usually means a new flood of care packages to troops serving overseas, and traditionally those boxes include snack foods such as peanut butter crackers or candy. In light of the growing salmonella outbreak linked to products containing peanut butter, servicemembers are being urged to use caution should they receive these types of snacks.
"The ongoing commitment and efforts of citizens to remind the troops that America supports them is phenomenal," a Defense Department community relations spokeswoman said. "Based on my knowledge of the nonprofit groups that send care packages, I'm sure they will be vigilant and avoid shipping items that are being recalled.
"As an extra precaution, I would encourage servicemembers to discard any peanut butter products that may have been shipped," she added.
Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are suggesting that products produced since July 1 be avoided. To date, the outbreak has sickened about 500 people and caused six deaths since first being reported in early September, officials said.
The source has been traced to a Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely, Ga. The company manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste that are distributed to food manufacturers for use in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream, according to the Food and Drug Administration's Web site. Its products reportedly are distributed to manufacturers in Canada, South Korea and Haiti, as well.
"In addition, FDA and CDC are advising consumers to postpone eating all foods that include peanut butter such as cookies, crackers, candy and ice cream until more definitive information and comprehensive recall lists are available," Lola Russell, CDC spokeswoman, said. "Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers."
Those infected typically experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
To lessen the possibility of infection, the CDC recommends people throw away recalled products in a manner that prevents others from eating them. These recalled products include Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter crackers and King Nut brand peanut butter produced since July 1. The company also sells peanut butter under the name Parnell's Pride.
The growing list of recalled items is available at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm.
As a precaution for pet owners, some brands of pet treats that include peanut butter or paste also have been voluntarily recalled.
MILITARY CONTRACTS January 22, 2009
NAVY
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a cost-plus-incentive fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract with an estimated value of $581,446,845 to provide Joint Performance Based Logistics (JPBL) support for the Marine Corps (MV-22), Air Force, and Special Forces Operations Command (CV-22) aircraft during the production and deployment phase of the V-22 Program. Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas (46.6 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (41.4 percent); Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (6.1 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (4.3 percent); and St. Louis, Mo. (1.6 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $84,807,065 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-D-0008).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $49,088,731 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 160 BQM-74E Aerial Targets and associated technical data for the U.S. Navy (153) and the Government of Canada (7). The BQM-74E is a subsonic, subscale, jet-powered aerial target capable of being air launched or surface launched (land or shipboard). The BQM-74E supports Fleet training requirements for gunnery, surface-to-air and air-to-air missile exercises from fixed sites and during open ocean and deployed remote site operations, both land and sea. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (31%); Walled Lake, Mich. (26%); Elmira, N.Y. (17%); Los Angeles, Calif. (12%); Palmdale, Calif. (9%); and Mandaree, N.D. (5%), and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($46,838,125; 96%) and the Government of Canada ($2,250,606; 4%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-05-C-0040).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $30,866,129 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to exercise an option for the procurement of 30 center barrels and loose and miscellaneous parts for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0052).
Harris Corp. Government Communications Systems Div., Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded an $8,752,757 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed priced contract to exercise and option for the full rate production of 183 Fibre Channel Network Switches (FCNS), a component of the Advanced Mission Computer and Display (AMC&D). This modification provides 162 FCNS for U.S. Navy Lot 33 F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, and E-2D aircraft, F/A-18F and EA-18G supplemental aircraft, and the retrofit of F/A-18E/F Lots 26-28 aircraft for the U.S. Navy. In addition this modification provides 21 FCNS for the Australian F/A-18F aircraft. Work will be conducted in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($7,664,576; 87.6%) and the Government of Australia ($1,088,181; 12.4%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-06-C-0087).
ARMY
AeroVironment, Incorporated, Simi Valley, Ca., was awarded on Jan 20, 2009, a $17,060,507.76 firm fixed price and cost plus fixed fee contract to procure a digital data link upgrade for the Raven RQ-11B Unmanned Aircraft System and FY 09 engineering services and accounting for contract services. Work will be performed at Simi Valley, Ca. with an estimated completion date of Oct 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338).
C-2 Construction, Mountain Home, Idaho, was awarded on Jan 16, 2009, a $12,365,000 firm fixed price contract for (1) Railhead Phase 1 & One (1) Railhead Phase 2. Work will be performed at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, with an estimated completion date of Feb 25, 2011. Twenty-five bids were solicited with nine bids received. National Guard Bureau, United States Property & Fiscal Office for Idaho, Boise, Idaho, is the contracting activity (W912J7-09-C-0002).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a cost-plus-incentive fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract with an estimated value of $581,446,845 to provide Joint Performance Based Logistics (JPBL) support for the Marine Corps (MV-22), Air Force, and Special Forces Operations Command (CV-22) aircraft during the production and deployment phase of the V-22 Program. Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas (46.6 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (41.4 percent); Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (6.1 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (4.3 percent); and St. Louis, Mo. (1.6 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $84,807,065 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-D-0008).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $49,088,731 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 160 BQM-74E Aerial Targets and associated technical data for the U.S. Navy (153) and the Government of Canada (7). The BQM-74E is a subsonic, subscale, jet-powered aerial target capable of being air launched or surface launched (land or shipboard). The BQM-74E supports Fleet training requirements for gunnery, surface-to-air and air-to-air missile exercises from fixed sites and during open ocean and deployed remote site operations, both land and sea. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (31%); Walled Lake, Mich. (26%); Elmira, N.Y. (17%); Los Angeles, Calif. (12%); Palmdale, Calif. (9%); and Mandaree, N.D. (5%), and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($46,838,125; 96%) and the Government of Canada ($2,250,606; 4%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-05-C-0040).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $30,866,129 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to exercise an option for the procurement of 30 center barrels and loose and miscellaneous parts for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0052).
Harris Corp. Government Communications Systems Div., Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded an $8,752,757 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed priced contract to exercise and option for the full rate production of 183 Fibre Channel Network Switches (FCNS), a component of the Advanced Mission Computer and Display (AMC&D). This modification provides 162 FCNS for U.S. Navy Lot 33 F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, and E-2D aircraft, F/A-18F and EA-18G supplemental aircraft, and the retrofit of F/A-18E/F Lots 26-28 aircraft for the U.S. Navy. In addition this modification provides 21 FCNS for the Australian F/A-18F aircraft. Work will be conducted in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($7,664,576; 87.6%) and the Government of Australia ($1,088,181; 12.4%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-06-C-0087).
ARMY
AeroVironment, Incorporated, Simi Valley, Ca., was awarded on Jan 20, 2009, a $17,060,507.76 firm fixed price and cost plus fixed fee contract to procure a digital data link upgrade for the Raven RQ-11B Unmanned Aircraft System and FY 09 engineering services and accounting for contract services. Work will be performed at Simi Valley, Ca. with an estimated completion date of Oct 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338).
C-2 Construction, Mountain Home, Idaho, was awarded on Jan 16, 2009, a $12,365,000 firm fixed price contract for (1) Railhead Phase 1 & One (1) Railhead Phase 2. Work will be performed at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, with an estimated completion date of Feb 25, 2011. Twenty-five bids were solicited with nine bids received. National Guard Bureau, United States Property & Fiscal Office for Idaho, Boise, Idaho, is the contracting activity (W912J7-09-C-0002).
Defense Department, VA Smooth Path to Benefits for Severely Wounded
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - Severely wounded troops returning home now have fewer bureaucratic barriers between them and their veterans' benefits. The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments today announced a new, faster means for handling troops with "catastrophic" injuries who seek the veterans' status that allows them access to VA medical and other entitlements.
"This new policy should allow servicemembers and their families to focus on the essentials of recovery, reintegration, employment and independent living, with the combined assistance from [the Defense Department] and VA," Michael L. Dominguez, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said.
In the past, injured troops were subject to lengthy reviews under the standard Disability Evaluation System, or DES, before being transferred from Defense Department to VA status. Today's announcement waives this requirement for those with catastrophic injuries -- severe, permanent impairments resulting from combat -- and reduces their processing time.
Troops who participate in this optional, expedited process will be given a Defense Department disability rating of 100 percent, and the VA then will identify the applicable range of benefits, compensation and specialty care.
"Servicemembers and their families will be empowered to decide, after counseling on the options and potential concerns and benefits, the most appropriate choice for their situation," Dominguez said.
The policy allows members who retire under the expedited DES process to re-enter the service with a waiver if they are capable following their rehabilitation, according to a Defense Department news release.
The release notes that the expedited policy differs from the DES pilot program, a new process designed to reduce the amount of time required by the current standard disability processes at the Defense Department and VA, which is administered to troops without catastrophic injury. More than 1,000 troops over the past 14 months have participated in the pilot, which requires one medical examination that yields a single-sourced disability rating.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 22, 2009 - Severely wounded troops returning home now have fewer bureaucratic barriers between them and their veterans' benefits. The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments today announced a new, faster means for handling troops with "catastrophic" injuries who seek the veterans' status that allows them access to VA medical and other entitlements.
"This new policy should allow servicemembers and their families to focus on the essentials of recovery, reintegration, employment and independent living, with the combined assistance from [the Defense Department] and VA," Michael L. Dominguez, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said.
In the past, injured troops were subject to lengthy reviews under the standard Disability Evaluation System, or DES, before being transferred from Defense Department to VA status. Today's announcement waives this requirement for those with catastrophic injuries -- severe, permanent impairments resulting from combat -- and reduces their processing time.
Troops who participate in this optional, expedited process will be given a Defense Department disability rating of 100 percent, and the VA then will identify the applicable range of benefits, compensation and specialty care.
"Servicemembers and their families will be empowered to decide, after counseling on the options and potential concerns and benefits, the most appropriate choice for their situation," Dominguez said.
The policy allows members who retire under the expedited DES process to re-enter the service with a waiver if they are capable following their rehabilitation, according to a Defense Department news release.
The release notes that the expedited policy differs from the DES pilot program, a new process designed to reduce the amount of time required by the current standard disability processes at the Defense Department and VA, which is administered to troops without catastrophic injury. More than 1,000 troops over the past 14 months have participated in the pilot, which requires one medical examination that yields a single-sourced disability rating.
Navy Commissions Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Green Bay
The Navy will commission the newest San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship Green Bay during a 10 a.m. PSTceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in Long Beach, Calif.
The ship is named Green Bay to honor the nation's Midwest "city by the bay." The city of about 100,000 residents was founded in 1634 by French explorer Jean Nicolet, and is the oldest community in Wisconsin.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Rose Magnus, wife of the former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Magnus (ret.), is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Designated as LPD 20, Green Bay is the fourth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.
Cmdr. Joseph Olson, a native of Madison, Wis., will be the first commanding officer of the ship. Olson graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1991 and received his commission from the Naval Reserve Office Training Corps. He will lead a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel and three Marines. Upon commissioning, the ship will be homeported in San Diego.
Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, Green Bay is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet, displaces about 24,900 tons and is capable of embarking a landing force of about 800 Marines. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.
For more information about this class of ship, please visit the Navy Fact File: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4.
The ship is named Green Bay to honor the nation's Midwest "city by the bay." The city of about 100,000 residents was founded in 1634 by French explorer Jean Nicolet, and is the oldest community in Wisconsin.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Rose Magnus, wife of the former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Magnus (ret.), is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Designated as LPD 20, Green Bay is the fourth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.
Cmdr. Joseph Olson, a native of Madison, Wis., will be the first commanding officer of the ship. Olson graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1991 and received his commission from the Naval Reserve Office Training Corps. He will lead a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel and three Marines. Upon commissioning, the ship will be homeported in San Diego.
Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, Green Bay is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet, displaces about 24,900 tons and is capable of embarking a landing force of about 800 Marines. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.
For more information about this class of ship, please visit the Navy Fact File: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4.
Administration Sets Agenda for Veteran Care
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama has promised to deliver the care and benefits the nation's military veterans deserve while transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs into a 21st century organization, according to an administration agenda posted on the White House Web site. "Keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism," Obama said during a speech April 2007 in Kansas City, Mo. "Because America's commitment to its servicemen and women begins at enlistment, and it must never end."
Obama, who served on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, plans to reverse the 2003 ban on enrolling modest-income veterans into the VA system, allowing all veterans the opportunity for care, according to the agenda on veterans. The administration also plans to continue the fight to end employment discrimination for Guardsmen and Reservists.
Additionally, the administration aims to improve the process of transitioning from active duty to civilian life for military members leaving the service or returning from deployment. To improve the benefit decision system, the administration will look at hiring additional claims workers with an improved accountability and training criteria, according to the agenda.
Also, the administration plans to launch new programs and expand proven programs to prevent homelessness among veterans, as well as to explore the possibility of a national "zero tolerance" policy to ensure no veterans end up on the streets.
As they works to make VA a national leader in health care reform, the agenda says, administration officials will explore ways to improve mental health studies, polytrauma care, prosthetics development, spinal cord injury treatment and women's health.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama has promised to deliver the care and benefits the nation's military veterans deserve while transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs into a 21st century organization, according to an administration agenda posted on the White House Web site. "Keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism," Obama said during a speech April 2007 in Kansas City, Mo. "Because America's commitment to its servicemen and women begins at enlistment, and it must never end."
Obama, who served on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, plans to reverse the 2003 ban on enrolling modest-income veterans into the VA system, allowing all veterans the opportunity for care, according to the agenda on veterans. The administration also plans to continue the fight to end employment discrimination for Guardsmen and Reservists.
Additionally, the administration aims to improve the process of transitioning from active duty to civilian life for military members leaving the service or returning from deployment. To improve the benefit decision system, the administration will look at hiring additional claims workers with an improved accountability and training criteria, according to the agenda.
Also, the administration plans to launch new programs and expand proven programs to prevent homelessness among veterans, as well as to explore the possibility of a national "zero tolerance" policy to ensure no veterans end up on the streets.
As they works to make VA a national leader in health care reform, the agenda says, administration officials will explore ways to improve mental health studies, polytrauma care, prosthetics development, spinal cord injury treatment and women's health.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Obama Hails Troops, Families at Commander in Chief's Ball
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama saluted U.S. troops and their families, paying special tribute to wounded warriors and families of the fallen, during an inaugural ball last night that included a live videoconference with deployed Illinois National Guardsmen. "Tonight isn't simply about the inauguration of an American president," Obama told the audience at the Commander in Chief's Inaugural Ball. "It's a celebration of our military and our military families, so going forward you will have our support and our respect."
The ball, co-hosted by the senior enlisted advisors of the five branches of the armed forces, and attended by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the service chiefs, was among 10 official inaugural balls the president and first lady Michelle Obama attended last night.
Obama pledged that he, along with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, would work tirelessly to serve thoise who have served the nation in uniform.
"Every single day that I am in the White House, I will try to serve you as well as you are serving the United States of America," Obama told the group, which included about 300 wounded warriors, families of fallen servicemembers and military families.
"It is wonderful to be surrounded by some of the very best and bravest Americans," Obama said. "Your courage, grace and your patriotism inspire us all. To you, and to all those watching around the world, know that as president, I will have no greater honor or responsibility than serving as your commander in chief."
Obama said the celebration was made somber by the knowledge that many U.S. troops are serving in harm's way.
He spoke to some of those troops -- members of the Illinois National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team -- during a live video feed from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Brown, the top enlisted soldier in Task Force Phoenix, rendered the new commander in chief his first presidential "hooah" and introduced his fellow soldiers, many from the Chicago area.
Bowman invited Obama to return to Kabul to "sit down with some of the great Afghans we work with."
"As we develop their security forces," he continued, "come on back when you get a chance, sir."
Obama bantered with the troops about Chicago neighborhoods and baseball teams, then turned serious as he thanked them for their service and pledged his support.
"No matter where you are from, we are all grateful to you for your outstanding service," he said. "You make us proud, and we are going to do everything we can to make your work go smoother."
Obama told the troops they need to know that "every single American, regardless of party, regardless of what their politics are, support you, and will always support you."
As the United States fights two wars and faces dangerous threats to its security, "we depend on the men and women of our armed forces to keep us safe," he said.
Obama noted that service and sacrifice extend to the families that stand behind the men and women in uniform.
"Every time a serviceman [deploys], there is an empty seat at the table back home, and a family that has to bear an extra burden," he said. "And that's why tonight we don't just salute our troops, we salute the military families who have earned the respect of a grateful nation."
The president reiterated the call he made during his inaugural speech for the United States to embrace the deeply held values upon which the nation's foundation was built. "While the tests we face are new, and the ways in which we meet them may be new, the values on which our success depends are old," he said.
"Those values -- like hard work and honesty, courage and tolerance, loyalty and patriotism -- those are values that are embodied in our armed forces," the president said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama saluted U.S. troops and their families, paying special tribute to wounded warriors and families of the fallen, during an inaugural ball last night that included a live videoconference with deployed Illinois National Guardsmen. "Tonight isn't simply about the inauguration of an American president," Obama told the audience at the Commander in Chief's Inaugural Ball. "It's a celebration of our military and our military families, so going forward you will have our support and our respect."
The ball, co-hosted by the senior enlisted advisors of the five branches of the armed forces, and attended by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the service chiefs, was among 10 official inaugural balls the president and first lady Michelle Obama attended last night.
Obama pledged that he, along with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, would work tirelessly to serve thoise who have served the nation in uniform.
"Every single day that I am in the White House, I will try to serve you as well as you are serving the United States of America," Obama told the group, which included about 300 wounded warriors, families of fallen servicemembers and military families.
"It is wonderful to be surrounded by some of the very best and bravest Americans," Obama said. "Your courage, grace and your patriotism inspire us all. To you, and to all those watching around the world, know that as president, I will have no greater honor or responsibility than serving as your commander in chief."
Obama said the celebration was made somber by the knowledge that many U.S. troops are serving in harm's way.
He spoke to some of those troops -- members of the Illinois National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team -- during a live video feed from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Brown, the top enlisted soldier in Task Force Phoenix, rendered the new commander in chief his first presidential "hooah" and introduced his fellow soldiers, many from the Chicago area.
Bowman invited Obama to return to Kabul to "sit down with some of the great Afghans we work with."
"As we develop their security forces," he continued, "come on back when you get a chance, sir."
Obama bantered with the troops about Chicago neighborhoods and baseball teams, then turned serious as he thanked them for their service and pledged his support.
"No matter where you are from, we are all grateful to you for your outstanding service," he said. "You make us proud, and we are going to do everything we can to make your work go smoother."
Obama told the troops they need to know that "every single American, regardless of party, regardless of what their politics are, support you, and will always support you."
As the United States fights two wars and faces dangerous threats to its security, "we depend on the men and women of our armed forces to keep us safe," he said.
Obama noted that service and sacrifice extend to the families that stand behind the men and women in uniform.
"Every time a serviceman [deploys], there is an empty seat at the table back home, and a family that has to bear an extra burden," he said. "And that's why tonight we don't just salute our troops, we salute the military families who have earned the respect of a grateful nation."
The president reiterated the call he made during his inaugural speech for the United States to embrace the deeply held values upon which the nation's foundation was built. "While the tests we face are new, and the ways in which we meet them may be new, the values on which our success depends are old," he said.
"Those values -- like hard work and honesty, courage and tolerance, loyalty and patriotism -- those are values that are embodied in our armed forces," the president said.
Student Leader Attends Inauguration, Soaks Up History
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - When the invitation to attend the inauguration of then-President-elect Barack Obama arrived in Candace Water's mailbox in the Netherlands around Thanksgiving, it was nearly classified with the rest of the junk mail. "At first my mom was like, 'I don't think you're going to be able to go,'" Waters, the daughter of Air Force Lt. Col. Esau and Venetia Waters, said. "Well, she said no, but I knew she meant yes, because that's just how she is. Then my dad said no, but I knew she would persuade him to say yes.
"I wasn't really worried ... I knew I was going to go," the 17-year-old senior at Allied Forces North International High School in Brunssum said.
True to her prediction, Waters, accompanied by her mom, accepted the invitation to participate in the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by LeadAmerica. The program exists to inspire and empower the world's youth to achieve their full potential, according to its Web site.
Waters' accomplishments led to her inaugural invitation. She participated in the 2008 Global Leadership Summit, a college-accredited invitational leadership program. At the end of the summit, she was chosen as one of four recipients of the Kofi Anan Secretary General's Award for outstanding leadership, which earned her a place in the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference and led to the coveted invitation.
The excitement she felt before arriving in the nation's capital did nothing but grow as the LeadAmerica delegation of 600-plus students attended several events tied to the inauguration, Waters said. The inauguration itself was the intended highlight of the events the students attended, and Waters said being a close to the stage was fantastic, despite the cold.
A few fortunate conference members scored seats at the ceremony. "There were 22 tickets for 22 students picked randomly from my conference," she said. "I wasn't one of those 22 students [with a seat at the inauguration, but where I was standing was really, really, really close. I could see everything.
"It was just ... ridiculously cold," she said.
But the memory she said she is most eager to share with her friends was the Jan. 18 "We Are One" concert at the Lincoln Memorial. The concert included musical performances by U2, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and will.i.am, as well as appearances by actors Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx, to name a few. It also included a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., a day ahead of the national observance of the civil rights leader's birthday.
"The inauguration in itself was exciting," Waters said. "The concert tops the whole entire inauguration, because it was so nice."
With all the excitement, including a LeadAmerica inaugural ball, over, Waters headed for home today, having seen the first African-American president of the United States sworn into office, something her mother never thought she'd witness.
"It's something you can live to tell your grandkids and your kids about," her mother said. "I thought it was really, really amazing."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - When the invitation to attend the inauguration of then-President-elect Barack Obama arrived in Candace Water's mailbox in the Netherlands around Thanksgiving, it was nearly classified with the rest of the junk mail. "At first my mom was like, 'I don't think you're going to be able to go,'" Waters, the daughter of Air Force Lt. Col. Esau and Venetia Waters, said. "Well, she said no, but I knew she meant yes, because that's just how she is. Then my dad said no, but I knew she would persuade him to say yes.
"I wasn't really worried ... I knew I was going to go," the 17-year-old senior at Allied Forces North International High School in Brunssum said.
True to her prediction, Waters, accompanied by her mom, accepted the invitation to participate in the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by LeadAmerica. The program exists to inspire and empower the world's youth to achieve their full potential, according to its Web site.
Waters' accomplishments led to her inaugural invitation. She participated in the 2008 Global Leadership Summit, a college-accredited invitational leadership program. At the end of the summit, she was chosen as one of four recipients of the Kofi Anan Secretary General's Award for outstanding leadership, which earned her a place in the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference and led to the coveted invitation.
The excitement she felt before arriving in the nation's capital did nothing but grow as the LeadAmerica delegation of 600-plus students attended several events tied to the inauguration, Waters said. The inauguration itself was the intended highlight of the events the students attended, and Waters said being a close to the stage was fantastic, despite the cold.
A few fortunate conference members scored seats at the ceremony. "There were 22 tickets for 22 students picked randomly from my conference," she said. "I wasn't one of those 22 students [with a seat at the inauguration, but where I was standing was really, really, really close. I could see everything.
"It was just ... ridiculously cold," she said.
But the memory she said she is most eager to share with her friends was the Jan. 18 "We Are One" concert at the Lincoln Memorial. The concert included musical performances by U2, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and will.i.am, as well as appearances by actors Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx, to name a few. It also included a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., a day ahead of the national observance of the civil rights leader's birthday.
"The inauguration in itself was exciting," Waters said. "The concert tops the whole entire inauguration, because it was so nice."
With all the excitement, including a LeadAmerica inaugural ball, over, Waters headed for home today, having seen the first African-American president of the United States sworn into office, something her mother never thought she'd witness.
"It's something you can live to tell your grandkids and your kids about," her mother said. "I thought it was really, really amazing."
MILITARY CONTRACTS January 21, 2009
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
United Technologies, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a minimum $120,526,032 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, sole source contract for engines. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Navy and Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification is exercising the fifth option period of a ten-year contract with a three-year base period and provisions for seven one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Feb. 14, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center, Richmond (DSCR, Richmond, Va., (SPM400-01-D-9405).
ARMY
L-3 Services, Inc., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on Jan. 16, 2009, a $34,591,288 IDIQ/LH firm fixed price contract for Office Chief of Public Affairs strategic communications support services. Work will be performed at Washington, D.C., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the Web with three bids received. Contracting Center of Excellence, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C., is the contracting agency (W91WAW-09-D-0006).
AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Jan. 16, 2009, a $12,162,558 firm fixed price Definitization of Letter Contract Modification (P00012) for the purchase of 25 Laser Designator Retrofit Kits for the SHADOW Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Shadow UAS provides flexible and responsive near real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, battle damage assessment, and battle management support to Army Ground Maneuver Commanders. Work will be performed at Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0023).
TEXTRON MARINE & LAND SYSEMS, DIVISION OF TEXTRON INC., New Orleans, La., was awarded on Jan. 15, 2009, a $43,747,620 firm fixed price contract so U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command Contracting Center may exercise the option to purchase 60 each armored security vehicles from Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work will be performed at New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470).
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Jan. 15, 2009, a $25,588,548 firm fixed price contract for funding of the Army's Light Utility Helicopter contract for five (5) Light Utility Helicopters (UH-72A), two (2) MEDEVAC B-Kits, two (2) Hoist B-Kits, two (2) Environmental Control Units, and two (2) MEDEVAC Mission Equipment Packages. Work will be performed at Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 1, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
NAVY
First RF Corporation, Boulder, Colo., is being awarded a ceiling $75,000,000 firm fixed priced, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the FRF-115H, High Power Directional Antenna. Work will be performed in Boulder, Colo., and work is expected to be completed will be Jan. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was solicited through a Request for Proposal, No., M67854-08-R-7049. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity M67854-09-D-7049.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $28,291,742 cost plus incentive fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for non-recurring engineering for the design, integration, test, validation and verification of two flight-worthy synthetic radar Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS) retrofit kits for the U.S. Navy T-45C trainer aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (83 percent) an d Haifa, Israel (17 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,509,598 cost plus fix fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to provide three System Interrogator/Transponder Set RT1645 Weapon Replaceable Assemblies and five Shop Replaceable Assemblies for the Japanese Foreign Military Sales (FMS) E-2C aircraft program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc., McLean, Virginia was awarded a $11,204,437 firm fixed price performance-based task order. This task order is for operations and network defense personnel to support the Joint Task F43-09orce – Global Network Operations. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region, is the contracting activity (HC1028-08-D-2023-VC04).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Dixie Chemical Co., Incorporated, Houston, Texas,* is being awarded a minimum $10,355,053 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for production, storage and distribution of fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Navy, Air Force, Federal Civilian Agencies and Defense Contractors. This proposal was originally Web solicited on FedBizOps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 19, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, San Antonio, Texas (SP0600-09-D-1518).
The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded a minimum $6,421,074 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, sole source contract for military unique items with AMC code of 3. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Air Force. There was originally 1 proposal solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4AG-08-D-9002).
United Technologies, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a minimum $120,526,032 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, sole source contract for engines. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Navy and Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification is exercising the fifth option period of a ten-year contract with a three-year base period and provisions for seven one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Feb. 14, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center, Richmond (DSCR, Richmond, Va., (SPM400-01-D-9405).
ARMY
L-3 Services, Inc., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on Jan. 16, 2009, a $34,591,288 IDIQ/LH firm fixed price contract for Office Chief of Public Affairs strategic communications support services. Work will be performed at Washington, D.C., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the Web with three bids received. Contracting Center of Excellence, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C., is the contracting agency (W91WAW-09-D-0006).
AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Jan. 16, 2009, a $12,162,558 firm fixed price Definitization of Letter Contract Modification (P00012) for the purchase of 25 Laser Designator Retrofit Kits for the SHADOW Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Shadow UAS provides flexible and responsive near real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, battle damage assessment, and battle management support to Army Ground Maneuver Commanders. Work will be performed at Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0023).
TEXTRON MARINE & LAND SYSEMS, DIVISION OF TEXTRON INC., New Orleans, La., was awarded on Jan. 15, 2009, a $43,747,620 firm fixed price contract so U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command Contracting Center may exercise the option to purchase 60 each armored security vehicles from Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work will be performed at New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470).
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Jan. 15, 2009, a $25,588,548 firm fixed price contract for funding of the Army's Light Utility Helicopter contract for five (5) Light Utility Helicopters (UH-72A), two (2) MEDEVAC B-Kits, two (2) Hoist B-Kits, two (2) Environmental Control Units, and two (2) MEDEVAC Mission Equipment Packages. Work will be performed at Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 1, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
NAVY
First RF Corporation, Boulder, Colo., is being awarded a ceiling $75,000,000 firm fixed priced, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the FRF-115H, High Power Directional Antenna. Work will be performed in Boulder, Colo., and work is expected to be completed will be Jan. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was solicited through a Request for Proposal, No., M67854-08-R-7049. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity M67854-09-D-7049.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $28,291,742 cost plus incentive fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for non-recurring engineering for the design, integration, test, validation and verification of two flight-worthy synthetic radar Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS) retrofit kits for the U.S. Navy T-45C trainer aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (83 percent) an d Haifa, Israel (17 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,509,598 cost plus fix fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to provide three System Interrogator/Transponder Set RT1645 Weapon Replaceable Assemblies and five Shop Replaceable Assemblies for the Japanese Foreign Military Sales (FMS) E-2C aircraft program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc., McLean, Virginia was awarded a $11,204,437 firm fixed price performance-based task order. This task order is for operations and network defense personnel to support the Joint Task F43-09orce – Global Network Operations. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region, is the contracting activity (HC1028-08-D-2023-VC04).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Dixie Chemical Co., Incorporated, Houston, Texas,* is being awarded a minimum $10,355,053 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for production, storage and distribution of fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Navy, Air Force, Federal Civilian Agencies and Defense Contractors. This proposal was originally Web solicited on FedBizOps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 19, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, San Antonio, Texas (SP0600-09-D-1518).
The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded a minimum $6,421,074 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, sole source contract for military unique items with AMC code of 3. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Air Force. There was originally 1 proposal solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4AG-08-D-9002).
Senate Confirms Clinton as Secretary of State
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - The Senate voted overwhelmingly this afternoon to confirm Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state and as a member of President Barack Obama's national security team. The Senate confirmed Clinton's nomination by a 94-to-2 vote.
Clinton has represented New York since her election in 2000 and has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee. She supported military action in Afghanistan, but opposed recent actions in Iraq. In the Senate, she sponsored legislation to increase the size of the Army and has consistently worked to help military families.
Clinton told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at her confirmation hearing she looks forward to working with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. She noted Gates' distinguished record of service to the country and belief in a strong partnership between the Defense and State departments.
As it works to take on more responsibility in foreign policy, she added, the State Department will have to work to disprove the presumption that the military can move more quickly and work more effectively.
"I'm working with Secretary Gates," the senator said. "He's very open to cooperative efforts. But we have to prove that we can shoulder this responsibility." She cited the need to prove the State Department can handle stabilization, reconstruction and other "outcomes-oriented development aid" quickly and without enormous bureaucracy.
Clinton emphasized during her confirmation hearing the importance of diplomacy in promoting national security.
"Diplomacy is hard work, but when we work hard, diplomacy can work -- not just to diffuse tensions, but achieve results that advance our security, interests and values," she said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2009 - The Senate voted overwhelmingly this afternoon to confirm Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state and as a member of President Barack Obama's national security team. The Senate confirmed Clinton's nomination by a 94-to-2 vote.
Clinton has represented New York since her election in 2000 and has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee. She supported military action in Afghanistan, but opposed recent actions in Iraq. In the Senate, she sponsored legislation to increase the size of the Army and has consistently worked to help military families.
Clinton told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at her confirmation hearing she looks forward to working with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. She noted Gates' distinguished record of service to the country and belief in a strong partnership between the Defense and State departments.
As it works to take on more responsibility in foreign policy, she added, the State Department will have to work to disprove the presumption that the military can move more quickly and work more effectively.
"I'm working with Secretary Gates," the senator said. "He's very open to cooperative efforts. But we have to prove that we can shoulder this responsibility." She cited the need to prove the State Department can handle stabilization, reconstruction and other "outcomes-oriented development aid" quickly and without enormous bureaucracy.
Clinton emphasized during her confirmation hearing the importance of diplomacy in promoting national security.
"Diplomacy is hard work, but when we work hard, diplomacy can work -- not just to diffuse tensions, but achieve results that advance our security, interests and values," she said.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
National Guard Supports Historic Inaugural Mission
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - About 9,300 National Guard soldiers and airmen joined thousands of active-duty and reserve military members from all services today to support President Barack Obama's inauguration. "We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's Today show, said from the parade staging area outside the Pentagon here.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, "Suddenly, the National Guard took on a whole new meaning," Roker said. "So, it's only fitting that at one of the most secure inaugurals, the National Guard would be involved.
"When it comes down to our security, both domestically and internationally, the National Guard is obviously an integral part of that," he said.
Today's inauguration marked the Guard's largest contribution to a presidential inauguration since Minutemen gathered for the First Muster in Massachusetts more than 372 years ago.
"This is a historic first," Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, said. "The National Guard is contributing not only to the federal response overseas, but we're also working very closely with our states and our governors. The inauguration is another example of how all our states, territories and the District of Columbia are performing their jobs."
While National Guard members from a dozen different states and D.C. provided communication, transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support to civilian authorities staging the inauguration, others marched in the inaugural parade.
"This is a historic moment, and I wanted to be a part of history," said parade participant Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gardner, of the District of Columbia National Guard's recruiting and retention command. "The National Guard is the oldest military organization in the country. It's fitting that the National Guard is represented."
The day began as early as 2 a.m. for participating military members, and their duties were scheduled to run into the evening. But troops said they would not trade the opportunity, and many said they were proud to be a part of the inauguration on both a personal and professional level.
Air Force Senior Airman Jodi Leininger traveled here at the start of the year for a two-month mission to document the military's contribution to the inauguration for historical purposes.
As a result, this self-proclaimed "small-town girl," who serves with the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, was able to photograph the president-elect during the run-up to the inauguration.
"That was, to me ... the biggest opportunity of my life," Leininger said. "Having the opportunity to take a picture of our first African-American president -- my new commander in chief -- was exciting."
It was 20 degrees and windy outside the Pentagon when parade participants gathered today before dawn. Army Spc. Angela Harper, of the District of Columbia National Guard's 276th Military Police Company, called it "bone chilling."
Despite the cold, "This is a wonderful moment in time, and I'm privileged to have this opportunity," Harper said. "I would do it again, and again, and again."
Army Lt. Col. Xavier Brunson, from the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, brought about 100 soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., to represent the Army in the parade.
"The opportunity we have to participate in this transfer of government is exciting to myself and my paratroopers," Brunson said.
Leininger said the National Guard made a huge contribution before and during the inauguration, but what struck her most was how military members from the active and reserve components pulled together as a team. "It was just one big group," she said.
Navy Cmdr. Craig Kujawa led part of that group as the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee's parade division chief.
He called the assembly of more than 200 horses and 300 busloads of marchers a logistical miracle. "Every service is represented," he said. "It's a wonderful experience."
Both the Army and the Air National Guard were represented in the parade, Kujawa said, and both contributed to the preparation and execution of the event.
Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Mark Stallworth said he will never forget marching in the inaugural parade.
"I can tell my son, my grandchildren, great-grands," Stallworth said. "This is something that you can always say that you were a part of, pass it down the line. Call home to your mother and father, 'Hey, mom, look at me!' "
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves in the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - About 9,300 National Guard soldiers and airmen joined thousands of active-duty and reserve military members from all services today to support President Barack Obama's inauguration. "We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's Today show, said from the parade staging area outside the Pentagon here.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, "Suddenly, the National Guard took on a whole new meaning," Roker said. "So, it's only fitting that at one of the most secure inaugurals, the National Guard would be involved.
"When it comes down to our security, both domestically and internationally, the National Guard is obviously an integral part of that," he said.
Today's inauguration marked the Guard's largest contribution to a presidential inauguration since Minutemen gathered for the First Muster in Massachusetts more than 372 years ago.
"This is a historic first," Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, said. "The National Guard is contributing not only to the federal response overseas, but we're also working very closely with our states and our governors. The inauguration is another example of how all our states, territories and the District of Columbia are performing their jobs."
While National Guard members from a dozen different states and D.C. provided communication, transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support to civilian authorities staging the inauguration, others marched in the inaugural parade.
"This is a historic moment, and I wanted to be a part of history," said parade participant Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gardner, of the District of Columbia National Guard's recruiting and retention command. "The National Guard is the oldest military organization in the country. It's fitting that the National Guard is represented."
The day began as early as 2 a.m. for participating military members, and their duties were scheduled to run into the evening. But troops said they would not trade the opportunity, and many said they were proud to be a part of the inauguration on both a personal and professional level.
Air Force Senior Airman Jodi Leininger traveled here at the start of the year for a two-month mission to document the military's contribution to the inauguration for historical purposes.
As a result, this self-proclaimed "small-town girl," who serves with the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, was able to photograph the president-elect during the run-up to the inauguration.
"That was, to me ... the biggest opportunity of my life," Leininger said. "Having the opportunity to take a picture of our first African-American president -- my new commander in chief -- was exciting."
It was 20 degrees and windy outside the Pentagon when parade participants gathered today before dawn. Army Spc. Angela Harper, of the District of Columbia National Guard's 276th Military Police Company, called it "bone chilling."
Despite the cold, "This is a wonderful moment in time, and I'm privileged to have this opportunity," Harper said. "I would do it again, and again, and again."
Army Lt. Col. Xavier Brunson, from the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, brought about 100 soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., to represent the Army in the parade.
"The opportunity we have to participate in this transfer of government is exciting to myself and my paratroopers," Brunson said.
Leininger said the National Guard made a huge contribution before and during the inauguration, but what struck her most was how military members from the active and reserve components pulled together as a team. "It was just one big group," she said.
Navy Cmdr. Craig Kujawa led part of that group as the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee's parade division chief.
He called the assembly of more than 200 horses and 300 busloads of marchers a logistical miracle. "Every service is represented," he said. "It's a wonderful experience."
Both the Army and the Air National Guard were represented in the parade, Kujawa said, and both contributed to the preparation and execution of the event.
Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Mark Stallworth said he will never forget marching in the inaugural parade.
"I can tell my son, my grandchildren, great-grands," Stallworth said. "This is something that you can always say that you were a part of, pass it down the line. Call home to your mother and father, 'Hey, mom, look at me!' "
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves in the National Guard Bureau.)
Airmen Kick Off Inauguration Day Preparing for Parade
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - Air Force Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle his morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th Medical Group waited here at the base club for another bus – this one transporting her and other active-duty airmen to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade.
"I knew that this would happen in my lifetime, but I thought it would be when I was 90 or 100 years old," she said of the inauguration of the nation's first African-American president. "And now that I have the privilege to be a part of it, I still don't believe it. I just want to be there in the moment."
Excitement and anticipation filled the Andrews club as Holmes-Barnett and about 70 other airmen gathered at 6 a.m. to prepare for the march. They'll travel to nearby Bolling Air Force Base to pick up additional Air Force marchers, then head out to a staging area at the Pentagon.
Air Force Capt. Christopher Karins, officer in charge of the 316th Wing contingency, estimated that the airmen will begin the 1.5-mile march from the Capitol to the White House at about 4 p.m.
"It's going to be a while because we're toward the back half of the parade," he said. "But that's okay. At least it's warmer today than it was for the rehearsal. And being a little cold is a small price to pay for the opportunity to be here to see history as it occurs."
Air Force Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodic, commander of the Air Force District of Washington, reflected on the magnitude of the day as he circulated through the room, shaking hands and wishing the airmen well.
"This is a great opportunity for everybody. It's a historical event, a monumental event," he said. "And it's happening at a crucial time in our nation, with a lot of problems to confront.
"We in the military are here to support the president," he continued. "We've been doing that since 1789."
Jodic, who will lead the parade along with his counterparts from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, called it an honor for him and his airmen to participate. "We're representing all the military, no matter what uniform," he said.
"But we're also representing all those men and women who are deployed. Because without them and what they are doing, we wouldn't be here doing this today."
As Jodic moved through the room, the airmen readied their uniforms for their departure. Most wore long underwear under their service blue uniforms and had liners in their coats and all had gloves and scarves to shield them from the cold.
Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Mikkelsen from the 844th Communications Squadron showed the airmen a trick to keep their wool scarves in perfect form. He stretched strips of duct tape out on a counter, overlapping them slightly, then transferred the mass of tape to the back of a scarf. "It's an honor guard thing," he said.
The airmen followed Mikkelsen's lead, expressed excitement about the day ahead as they duct-taped their scarves.
"It's an awesome feeling, and a real privilege," said Airman 1st Class Alyssa Super, a medical lab technician with the 779th Medical Squadron. "It's one of those things you never thought you'd be able to do, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure."
Airman 1st Class Kai Hall, a weather maintenance apprentice with the 744th Communications Squadron, said he's thrilled about the opportunity to march.
"But I'm really here marching for my grandmother," he said. "Yesterday was her birthday, she's been though it all – the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King. So this means a whole lot to her.
"And I'm just grateful to be a part of it," Hall said. "It's something not that many people ever get a chance to do."
For Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Williams, marching in the Inaugural parade is the perfect conclusion to a tour of duty in Washington that ends tomorrow with a move to Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.
"I've been here for two and a half years, and I've gotten to do the [President Gerald] Ford funeral and this," said Williams, a vehicle maintainer with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It's one of those unique things you get to do when you're stationed in Washington. And everybody is pretty excited about it."
The 316th Wing, under the Air Force District of Washington, has provided myriad support to the Inauguration.
It provided lodging for hundreds of Air National Guardsmen assigned to Federal Emergency Management Agency District 3, provided hot meals to 1,500 military members to make up the honor cordon during the parade route, and stocked each bus headed to the Inauguration with water, coffee, cocoa, hot broth and box lunches.
Later today, Andrews Air Force Base will host the departure ceremony for President George W. Bush.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - Air Force Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle his morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th Medical Group waited here at the base club for another bus – this one transporting her and other active-duty airmen to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade.
"I knew that this would happen in my lifetime, but I thought it would be when I was 90 or 100 years old," she said of the inauguration of the nation's first African-American president. "And now that I have the privilege to be a part of it, I still don't believe it. I just want to be there in the moment."
Excitement and anticipation filled the Andrews club as Holmes-Barnett and about 70 other airmen gathered at 6 a.m. to prepare for the march. They'll travel to nearby Bolling Air Force Base to pick up additional Air Force marchers, then head out to a staging area at the Pentagon.
Air Force Capt. Christopher Karins, officer in charge of the 316th Wing contingency, estimated that the airmen will begin the 1.5-mile march from the Capitol to the White House at about 4 p.m.
"It's going to be a while because we're toward the back half of the parade," he said. "But that's okay. At least it's warmer today than it was for the rehearsal. And being a little cold is a small price to pay for the opportunity to be here to see history as it occurs."
Air Force Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodic, commander of the Air Force District of Washington, reflected on the magnitude of the day as he circulated through the room, shaking hands and wishing the airmen well.
"This is a great opportunity for everybody. It's a historical event, a monumental event," he said. "And it's happening at a crucial time in our nation, with a lot of problems to confront.
"We in the military are here to support the president," he continued. "We've been doing that since 1789."
Jodic, who will lead the parade along with his counterparts from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, called it an honor for him and his airmen to participate. "We're representing all the military, no matter what uniform," he said.
"But we're also representing all those men and women who are deployed. Because without them and what they are doing, we wouldn't be here doing this today."
As Jodic moved through the room, the airmen readied their uniforms for their departure. Most wore long underwear under their service blue uniforms and had liners in their coats and all had gloves and scarves to shield them from the cold.
Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Mikkelsen from the 844th Communications Squadron showed the airmen a trick to keep their wool scarves in perfect form. He stretched strips of duct tape out on a counter, overlapping them slightly, then transferred the mass of tape to the back of a scarf. "It's an honor guard thing," he said.
The airmen followed Mikkelsen's lead, expressed excitement about the day ahead as they duct-taped their scarves.
"It's an awesome feeling, and a real privilege," said Airman 1st Class Alyssa Super, a medical lab technician with the 779th Medical Squadron. "It's one of those things you never thought you'd be able to do, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure."
Airman 1st Class Kai Hall, a weather maintenance apprentice with the 744th Communications Squadron, said he's thrilled about the opportunity to march.
"But I'm really here marching for my grandmother," he said. "Yesterday was her birthday, she's been though it all – the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King. So this means a whole lot to her.
"And I'm just grateful to be a part of it," Hall said. "It's something not that many people ever get a chance to do."
For Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Williams, marching in the Inaugural parade is the perfect conclusion to a tour of duty in Washington that ends tomorrow with a move to Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.
"I've been here for two and a half years, and I've gotten to do the [President Gerald] Ford funeral and this," said Williams, a vehicle maintainer with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It's one of those unique things you get to do when you're stationed in Washington. And everybody is pretty excited about it."
The 316th Wing, under the Air Force District of Washington, has provided myriad support to the Inauguration.
It provided lodging for hundreds of Air National Guardsmen assigned to Federal Emergency Management Agency District 3, provided hot meals to 1,500 military members to make up the honor cordon during the parade route, and stocked each bus headed to the Inauguration with water, coffee, cocoa, hot broth and box lunches.
Later today, Andrews Air Force Base will host the departure ceremony for President George W. Bush.
Troops Bid Bush Farewell at Andrews Air Force Base
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - The U.S. military bid farewell today to the outgoing commander in chief during a stirring and emotional departure ceremony in which he called leading men and women in uniform the highlight of his presidency. A joint service honor guard, military band and about 4,000 cheering, flag-waving fans greeted former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush as they arrived here from what's been called "the ultimate change of command ceremony."
The participants -- former staffers, invited guests and servicemembers and their families -- waited inside the 316th Airlift Wing's Hangar Six to hail the president and former Vice President Dick Cheney. They watched the inaugural ceremonies on a jumbotron screen suspended from the hangar ceiling, then waited with anticipation as Bush lifted off from the Capitol grounds aboard the Marine Corps VH-60 helicopter referred to as "Executive One."
The crowd roared as the former president and vice president made their dramatic entrance into the hangar. The rousing sounds of the "Air Force One" movie theme rung out as the huge hangar slowly opened, revealing the huge blue-and-white presidential aircraft glistening in the sunlight.
Children climbed onto their parents' shoulders to catch a better glimpse, and spectators hoisted cameras high to capture the moment in history.
Bush admitted that he wasn't sure how he would feel passing the presidency to the next administration, but declared, "I am thankful, I am grateful and I am joyful!"
"I've had a lot of great experiences," as president, he told the group, but said none has been better than leading military members who have volunteered to serve the country in a time of danger. Bush said he'll miss being commander in chief and being able to stand in front of the troops to tell them "how much we respect you and how much we admire you."
Bush said he'll leave the presidency with his "head held high," confident that he took the right course in difficult times. Historians will sort out his time in office, he said, expressing belief that they'll note "we did not shirk our duty, we did not shy away" from difficult decisions and that "we served with conviction."
Cheney praised Bush for taking on "the big jobs that needed doing" after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks launched some of the greatest challenges to ever confront the United States. "George W. Bush protected America," he said. "History remembers such leaders and marks them well."
Bush shook hands with many in the crowd, then turned toward the VC-25 aircraft that would take him home to Texas. The flight was designated Special Air Mission 28000 rather than Air Force One, which belongs only to the airplane carrying the sitting president.
On the tarmac, Air Force Brig. Gen. Maggie Woodward, the 89th Airlift Wing commander, escorted the Bushes to a red carpet stretching to the aircraft. A 42-piece joint honor guard flanked both sides of the carpet.
At the end of the carpet, Air Force Col. Steven Shepro, commander of the 316th Wing, and Col. Eric Snadecki, his vice commander, said their final goodbyes before Bush climbed the steps to the plane.
Shepro said he felt honored for him and his airmen to bid a personal goodbye to the departing former president. "It's like saying goodbye to an old friend," he said. He credited his elite team that regularly serves the president -- with the Air Force's only flightline protocol office and a second-to-none security detachment, among them -- with bringing honor to the Air Force.
"This is another moment in history that they share," he said. "We're giving him a fitting sendoff just like we always do."
Command Chief James Davis, Andrews' top noncommissioned officer, relished his base's role in the inauguration and presidential departure ceremony. "We are a part of history, from the person working the logistics to the ones in the cordon to the ones marching in the parade," he said.
"We're all here to honor our former honor in chief as he departs," said Army Sgt. Tyler Murray, one of six members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" to serve in the joint service honor guard. "President Bush has looked out for his troops, and we're here to honor him."
"I've been involved in a lot of high-priority missions," said Army Pfc. Jared Robison, a fellow "Old Guard" soldier. "But this one is the highest on my list, personally."
"It's wonderful being a part of it, especially as a military member," agreed Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Hawkens, from the 316th Security Forces. "It's breathtaking, it's exciting, it's wonderful to see these things going on."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - The U.S. military bid farewell today to the outgoing commander in chief during a stirring and emotional departure ceremony in which he called leading men and women in uniform the highlight of his presidency. A joint service honor guard, military band and about 4,000 cheering, flag-waving fans greeted former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush as they arrived here from what's been called "the ultimate change of command ceremony."
The participants -- former staffers, invited guests and servicemembers and their families -- waited inside the 316th Airlift Wing's Hangar Six to hail the president and former Vice President Dick Cheney. They watched the inaugural ceremonies on a jumbotron screen suspended from the hangar ceiling, then waited with anticipation as Bush lifted off from the Capitol grounds aboard the Marine Corps VH-60 helicopter referred to as "Executive One."
The crowd roared as the former president and vice president made their dramatic entrance into the hangar. The rousing sounds of the "Air Force One" movie theme rung out as the huge hangar slowly opened, revealing the huge blue-and-white presidential aircraft glistening in the sunlight.
Children climbed onto their parents' shoulders to catch a better glimpse, and spectators hoisted cameras high to capture the moment in history.
Bush admitted that he wasn't sure how he would feel passing the presidency to the next administration, but declared, "I am thankful, I am grateful and I am joyful!"
"I've had a lot of great experiences," as president, he told the group, but said none has been better than leading military members who have volunteered to serve the country in a time of danger. Bush said he'll miss being commander in chief and being able to stand in front of the troops to tell them "how much we respect you and how much we admire you."
Bush said he'll leave the presidency with his "head held high," confident that he took the right course in difficult times. Historians will sort out his time in office, he said, expressing belief that they'll note "we did not shirk our duty, we did not shy away" from difficult decisions and that "we served with conviction."
Cheney praised Bush for taking on "the big jobs that needed doing" after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks launched some of the greatest challenges to ever confront the United States. "George W. Bush protected America," he said. "History remembers such leaders and marks them well."
Bush shook hands with many in the crowd, then turned toward the VC-25 aircraft that would take him home to Texas. The flight was designated Special Air Mission 28000 rather than Air Force One, which belongs only to the airplane carrying the sitting president.
On the tarmac, Air Force Brig. Gen. Maggie Woodward, the 89th Airlift Wing commander, escorted the Bushes to a red carpet stretching to the aircraft. A 42-piece joint honor guard flanked both sides of the carpet.
At the end of the carpet, Air Force Col. Steven Shepro, commander of the 316th Wing, and Col. Eric Snadecki, his vice commander, said their final goodbyes before Bush climbed the steps to the plane.
Shepro said he felt honored for him and his airmen to bid a personal goodbye to the departing former president. "It's like saying goodbye to an old friend," he said. He credited his elite team that regularly serves the president -- with the Air Force's only flightline protocol office and a second-to-none security detachment, among them -- with bringing honor to the Air Force.
"This is another moment in history that they share," he said. "We're giving him a fitting sendoff just like we always do."
Command Chief James Davis, Andrews' top noncommissioned officer, relished his base's role in the inauguration and presidential departure ceremony. "We are a part of history, from the person working the logistics to the ones in the cordon to the ones marching in the parade," he said.
"We're all here to honor our former honor in chief as he departs," said Army Sgt. Tyler Murray, one of six members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" to serve in the joint service honor guard. "President Bush has looked out for his troops, and we're here to honor him."
"I've been involved in a lot of high-priority missions," said Army Pfc. Jared Robison, a fellow "Old Guard" soldier. "But this one is the highest on my list, personally."
"It's wonderful being a part of it, especially as a military member," agreed Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Hawkens, from the 316th Security Forces. "It's breathtaking, it's exciting, it's wonderful to see these things going on."
National Guard Provides Unprecedented Support for Inauguration
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - During the nation's 56th presidential inauguration today, some 9,300 members of the National Guard will be working to provide transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support, as well as performing in the parade. It is the Guard's largest contribution of manpower to an inauguration in its 372-year history.
"The scope is incredible," said Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during an interview the day before the inauguration.
McKinley visited Guardmembers on duty around the nation's capital on the eve of the inauguration.
"My takeaways today are the professionalism, the breadth and depth of our organization, the fact that we have multiple states involved," McKinley said. "It gives me great hope and promise that [the inauguration] will be both successful and safe."
Guardsmen from Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have joined those from the District of Columbia to form Joint Task Force-District of Columbia to support the inauguration. It is the first time the Iowa National Guard is supporting an inauguration, providing 1,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.
Additional Guard support is as follows:
• Members of the 257th Army National Guard Band are among 250 troops on duty from the District of Columbia. The band is providing ceremonial and inaugural ball support.
• More than 2,000 National Guardsmen and women from Maryland and Virginia are working in support of their states' lead law enforcement and transportation agencies to assist with traffic flow into and out of the District of Columbia.
• For the first time Iowa is supporting an inauguration: The Iowa National Guard is sending about 1,000 Soldiers from
• More than 200 members of the New York National Guard are helping with communications and traffic control.
• In addition to providing 400 soldiers and airmen, the West Virginia National Guard is providing specialized homeland defense and security units, fixed wing and rotary aircraft and mobile satellite communications equipment in support of federal and local agencies to help manage the large crowds expected at the event.
• Tennessee's contribution includes Airmen from the 228th Combat Communications Squadron and the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Soldiers from the 117th Military Police Battalion.
The National Guard Bureau participates in Armed Forces Inaugural Committee efforts while coordinating the support provided by the National Guard with federal and state civil authorities. A joint coordination center at the Bureau in Crystal City, Va., is being staffed around the clock through the inauguration.
The Guard has a long history of supporting presidential inaugurations. Local militia units marched with George Washington as he proceeded to his first inauguration on April 30, 1789, according to Guard historians. (Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill is a member of the National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - During the nation's 56th presidential inauguration today, some 9,300 members of the National Guard will be working to provide transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support, as well as performing in the parade. It is the Guard's largest contribution of manpower to an inauguration in its 372-year history.
"The scope is incredible," said Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during an interview the day before the inauguration.
McKinley visited Guardmembers on duty around the nation's capital on the eve of the inauguration.
"My takeaways today are the professionalism, the breadth and depth of our organization, the fact that we have multiple states involved," McKinley said. "It gives me great hope and promise that [the inauguration] will be both successful and safe."
Guardsmen from Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have joined those from the District of Columbia to form Joint Task Force-District of Columbia to support the inauguration. It is the first time the Iowa National Guard is supporting an inauguration, providing 1,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.
Additional Guard support is as follows:
• Members of the 257th Army National Guard Band are among 250 troops on duty from the District of Columbia. The band is providing ceremonial and inaugural ball support.
• More than 2,000 National Guardsmen and women from Maryland and Virginia are working in support of their states' lead law enforcement and transportation agencies to assist with traffic flow into and out of the District of Columbia.
• For the first time Iowa is supporting an inauguration: The Iowa National Guard is sending about 1,000 Soldiers from
• More than 200 members of the New York National Guard are helping with communications and traffic control.
• In addition to providing 400 soldiers and airmen, the West Virginia National Guard is providing specialized homeland defense and security units, fixed wing and rotary aircraft and mobile satellite communications equipment in support of federal and local agencies to help manage the large crowds expected at the event.
• Tennessee's contribution includes Airmen from the 228th Combat Communications Squadron and the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Soldiers from the 117th Military Police Battalion.
The National Guard Bureau participates in Armed Forces Inaugural Committee efforts while coordinating the support provided by the National Guard with federal and state civil authorities. A joint coordination center at the Bureau in Crystal City, Va., is being staffed around the clock through the inauguration.
The Guard has a long history of supporting presidential inaugurations. Local militia units marched with George Washington as he proceeded to his first inauguration on April 30, 1789, according to Guard historians. (Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill is a member of the National Guard.)
Guard Nerve Centers Prove Key to Inaugural, National Missions
By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - When National Guard soldiers and airmen show up for the thousands of missions they perform, they know they're part of the right unit, in the right place, at the right moment. But, getting them to a mission does not happen by chance. That's partly because the joint staff at the National Guard Bureau, along with the Army and Air Guard's readiness centers work behind the scenes with the states and territories to put the Guard's best foot forward.
The National Guard's support to the current presidential inauguration is no different, but its footprint is nearly four times larger than any in previous inaugurations.
"The last 30 days have been pretty intense," said Air Force Maj. Gen. William Etter, director of Domestic Operations at the Bureau, referring to the coordination and deployment of some 9,300 Guardsmen. "The last time I checked, 33 states were involved."
Just before the Guard's Inauguration Day support, soldiers and airmen at the National Guard Bureau Joint Coordination Center, the Army Guard Readiness Center and the Air Guard Readiness Center were busy fine tuning last-minute details.
Although their work and cooperation was not as readily visible as the thousands of Guardmembers providing ceremonial and security support, Etter said JoCC Guardmembers' participation is equally vital.
The Guard Bureau JoCC
The JoCC is the Bureau's nerve center for the presidential inauguration and for all its current operations. Its members, located in Crystal City, Va., are working 24/7 operations for both missions.
The center should not be confused with the states' and territories' Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) operations centers. Each state's JFHQ provides the command and control of Guard forces for its governor.
"The Bureau and the readiness centers do not command, but we synchronize," said Etter. He explained that their missions help coordinate use of Guard assets between the Army Guard, the Air Guard and the states.
"I think that we have a very well coordinated effort for the inauguration," said Etter, who added the inaugural is one of their largest non-emergency missions to date.
As a mission comes in, the JoCC finds what assets the states' Army and Air Guards can best support it. This includes personnel and equipment.
Helping with those support requests was Army Sgt. Christopher Pyle, message center NCO, who is working his first inauguration.
"We get all the e-mails coming from the states. Then we sort through them and send them where they need to go," said Pyle. On a busy day, that can add up to nearly 200 messages.
Pyle sat before a wall of televisions and computer screens. He combed through a flurry of messages. He looked through personnel rosters.
An automated message system - called the Joint Information Exchange Environment - helps manage requests to the JoCC. The JIEE provides special codes used to push requests to officials as well as to Army and Air Guard liaisons. The liaisons help communicate those requests to their respective readiness centers.
"It's a good process," said Etter. "We have taken past procedures from events and formalized them. This is the first chance we had to slow down and capture those best procedures."
For the inauguration, the extreme volume of messages had so many JoCC members busy that some chose to sleep on cots at the Bureau. But the experience was welcome, they said.
"We see how everyone is tied together," said Pyle. "I heard that before Hurricane Katrina, no one really talked to each other, but now I see the government agencies coordinating."
Much cross-agency talk is held via video teleconferences hosted by the Multi-agency Coordination Center. The MACC coordinated a vast array of government agencies for the inauguration.
"You can't think of a single agency not represented," said Etter after Sunday's MACC VTC. He added "it's heartwarming and encouraging" to see everyone cooperating for the same goal: the protection of U.S. citizens and visitors who have arrived in Washington, D.C., to see the inauguration.
"When all is said and done for this inaugural, any success can be attributed to a combination of everyone working together and to the great leadership of Maj. Gen. [Errol] Schwartz, the commanding general of the D.C. Guard," he said.
The Army Guard Watch
Army Maj. Leafay Jones, the JoCC's Army Guard liaison officer, sat in the JoCC and monitored messages.
As the Guard's soldiers meet demands brought by the nation's domestic callouts and the war fight, thousands are supporting the inauguration with ceremonial units and military police, among many other missions. Soldiers in both Maryland and Virginia are supporting law enforcement and transportation agencies. Still others are supporting communications and traffic control. Nearly 13,000 also are prepared to support civil authorities on short notice, in case of an emergency.
Jones helped organize that record number of inaugural support Soldiers with the JoCC and Army "Watch" relationship.
The Watch is a 24-hour crisis response team located at the ARNGRC in Arlington, Va.
"Once a request is assigned to an Army asset, I will determine if we can source it through the people at the Watch," Jones said.
The Watch is made up of a battle captain, a shift officer-in-charge and several NCOs. The soldiers maintain communications with the states' JFHQs as well as with deployed Guard Soldiers and units.
"When they pass a request over to us, we look and see if there are forces available to provide the capability, and we also look at the resources necessary," said Army Col. Hank Amato, chief of the ARNGRC operations division.
Amato said the ARNGRC has increased its manning for the inauguration by bringing in soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard to augment their Watch and Crisis Action Team.
"We're a dynamic organization that expands and contracts based on the missions," said Amato.
Amato said the Watch and CAT are just one piece of the expanding ARNGRC, where the Guard Bureau's JoCC and its staff plan to relocate to by 2011.
The Air Guard Crisis Action Center
In the Bureau's JoCC, Air Guard liaison officers sit across from their Army Guard counterparts. The entire JoCC staff surrounds both.
"We work between the Army and the Air Force right here, real time, to figure out what each service can provide [for a mission]," said Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Beckman, Air Guard branch chief for aviation planning.
Much like the Army Watch, the Air Guard Crisis Action Team at the ANGRC on Andrews Air Force Base, Md., coordinates between their liaison officers and the JFHQs to provide Air Guard assets for missions.
For the presidential inauguration, their efforts have helped bring a large amount of Air Guard support for inaugural ceremonies and security.
Among other Air Guard support, the District's entire 113th Wing is helping with transportation, security, in-processing, ceremonial marching and other missions. From other states, a large contingent of medical airlift specialists is working with federal agencies. Services personnel are providing hot meals. Still, others are helping at traffic and pedestrian stations.
Nearly 50 airmen also are manning the ANGRC CAT 24/7 for inauguration support, said Air Force Lt. Col. Allen Minick, its director.
"I consider it a major effort on the part of our CAT, the Center and the states' airmen," said Minick.
First staffed in 2005, the ANG CAT's high-security room includes television screens that relay VTCs as well as live newscasts. The CAT's technical capabilities include secure network communications and data links that receive, manage and communicate JIEE messages and other communications.
"We have functional managers here who know the status of Air Guard equipment and airmen," said Minick.
During a crisis, Minick said the CAT can have as many as 140 Airmen operating around the clock to support the states, federal agencies and civilian responders.
When all is said and done, the states and territories will have sent their modern day minutemen and women to the nation's Capital to help usher in a new President and Commander and Chief in the ultimate change of command ceremony.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 20, 2009 - When National Guard soldiers and airmen show up for the thousands of missions they perform, they know they're part of the right unit, in the right place, at the right moment. But, getting them to a mission does not happen by chance. That's partly because the joint staff at the National Guard Bureau, along with the Army and Air Guard's readiness centers work behind the scenes with the states and territories to put the Guard's best foot forward.
The National Guard's support to the current presidential inauguration is no different, but its footprint is nearly four times larger than any in previous inaugurations.
"The last 30 days have been pretty intense," said Air Force Maj. Gen. William Etter, director of Domestic Operations at the Bureau, referring to the coordination and deployment of some 9,300 Guardsmen. "The last time I checked, 33 states were involved."
Just before the Guard's Inauguration Day support, soldiers and airmen at the National Guard Bureau Joint Coordination Center, the Army Guard Readiness Center and the Air Guard Readiness Center were busy fine tuning last-minute details.
Although their work and cooperation was not as readily visible as the thousands of Guardmembers providing ceremonial and security support, Etter said JoCC Guardmembers' participation is equally vital.
The Guard Bureau JoCC
The JoCC is the Bureau's nerve center for the presidential inauguration and for all its current operations. Its members, located in Crystal City, Va., are working 24/7 operations for both missions.
The center should not be confused with the states' and territories' Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) operations centers. Each state's JFHQ provides the command and control of Guard forces for its governor.
"The Bureau and the readiness centers do not command, but we synchronize," said Etter. He explained that their missions help coordinate use of Guard assets between the Army Guard, the Air Guard and the states.
"I think that we have a very well coordinated effort for the inauguration," said Etter, who added the inaugural is one of their largest non-emergency missions to date.
As a mission comes in, the JoCC finds what assets the states' Army and Air Guards can best support it. This includes personnel and equipment.
Helping with those support requests was Army Sgt. Christopher Pyle, message center NCO, who is working his first inauguration.
"We get all the e-mails coming from the states. Then we sort through them and send them where they need to go," said Pyle. On a busy day, that can add up to nearly 200 messages.
Pyle sat before a wall of televisions and computer screens. He combed through a flurry of messages. He looked through personnel rosters.
An automated message system - called the Joint Information Exchange Environment - helps manage requests to the JoCC. The JIEE provides special codes used to push requests to officials as well as to Army and Air Guard liaisons. The liaisons help communicate those requests to their respective readiness centers.
"It's a good process," said Etter. "We have taken past procedures from events and formalized them. This is the first chance we had to slow down and capture those best procedures."
For the inauguration, the extreme volume of messages had so many JoCC members busy that some chose to sleep on cots at the Bureau. But the experience was welcome, they said.
"We see how everyone is tied together," said Pyle. "I heard that before Hurricane Katrina, no one really talked to each other, but now I see the government agencies coordinating."
Much cross-agency talk is held via video teleconferences hosted by the Multi-agency Coordination Center. The MACC coordinated a vast array of government agencies for the inauguration.
"You can't think of a single agency not represented," said Etter after Sunday's MACC VTC. He added "it's heartwarming and encouraging" to see everyone cooperating for the same goal: the protection of U.S. citizens and visitors who have arrived in Washington, D.C., to see the inauguration.
"When all is said and done for this inaugural, any success can be attributed to a combination of everyone working together and to the great leadership of Maj. Gen. [Errol] Schwartz, the commanding general of the D.C. Guard," he said.
The Army Guard Watch
Army Maj. Leafay Jones, the JoCC's Army Guard liaison officer, sat in the JoCC and monitored messages.
As the Guard's soldiers meet demands brought by the nation's domestic callouts and the war fight, thousands are supporting the inauguration with ceremonial units and military police, among many other missions. Soldiers in both Maryland and Virginia are supporting law enforcement and transportation agencies. Still others are supporting communications and traffic control. Nearly 13,000 also are prepared to support civil authorities on short notice, in case of an emergency.
Jones helped organize that record number of inaugural support Soldiers with the JoCC and Army "Watch" relationship.
The Watch is a 24-hour crisis response team located at the ARNGRC in Arlington, Va.
"Once a request is assigned to an Army asset, I will determine if we can source it through the people at the Watch," Jones said.
The Watch is made up of a battle captain, a shift officer-in-charge and several NCOs. The soldiers maintain communications with the states' JFHQs as well as with deployed Guard Soldiers and units.
"When they pass a request over to us, we look and see if there are forces available to provide the capability, and we also look at the resources necessary," said Army Col. Hank Amato, chief of the ARNGRC operations division.
Amato said the ARNGRC has increased its manning for the inauguration by bringing in soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard to augment their Watch and Crisis Action Team.
"We're a dynamic organization that expands and contracts based on the missions," said Amato.
Amato said the Watch and CAT are just one piece of the expanding ARNGRC, where the Guard Bureau's JoCC and its staff plan to relocate to by 2011.
The Air Guard Crisis Action Center
In the Bureau's JoCC, Air Guard liaison officers sit across from their Army Guard counterparts. The entire JoCC staff surrounds both.
"We work between the Army and the Air Force right here, real time, to figure out what each service can provide [for a mission]," said Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Beckman, Air Guard branch chief for aviation planning.
Much like the Army Watch, the Air Guard Crisis Action Team at the ANGRC on Andrews Air Force Base, Md., coordinates between their liaison officers and the JFHQs to provide Air Guard assets for missions.
For the presidential inauguration, their efforts have helped bring a large amount of Air Guard support for inaugural ceremonies and security.
Among other Air Guard support, the District's entire 113th Wing is helping with transportation, security, in-processing, ceremonial marching and other missions. From other states, a large contingent of medical airlift specialists is working with federal agencies. Services personnel are providing hot meals. Still, others are helping at traffic and pedestrian stations.
Nearly 50 airmen also are manning the ANGRC CAT 24/7 for inauguration support, said Air Force Lt. Col. Allen Minick, its director.
"I consider it a major effort on the part of our CAT, the Center and the states' airmen," said Minick.
First staffed in 2005, the ANG CAT's high-security room includes television screens that relay VTCs as well as live newscasts. The CAT's technical capabilities include secure network communications and data links that receive, manage and communicate JIEE messages and other communications.
"We have functional managers here who know the status of Air Guard equipment and airmen," said Minick.
During a crisis, Minick said the CAT can have as many as 140 Airmen operating around the clock to support the states, federal agencies and civilian responders.
When all is said and done, the states and territories will have sent their modern day minutemen and women to the nation's Capital to help usher in a new President and Commander and Chief in the ultimate change of command ceremony.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is pleased to announce the addition of these servicemembers to the website:
General Jacob E. Smart, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Donald M. Buchwald, USA (ret.)
Colonel George W. Garrington, USMC (ret.)
Colonel Ed Garretson, USA (ret.)
Colonel Fletcher Ware, USA (ret.)
Colonel Conrad W. Walker, USA (ret.)
Captain Gene Thomas Gomulka, Navy (ret.)
Captain Bernie L. Calaway, USN (ret.)
Captain Eric H. Swenson, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel R. Max Bowser, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Carl Berryman, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Dominik George Nargele, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Joseph P. Dulany, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Robert P. Sables, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Frank Hurst Wilcox, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Larry Haworth, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Richard M. Ransom, USAF (ret.)
Captain Jason Conroy, USA
Lieutenant Earl Tunison, USN (ret.)
Chief Warrant Officer Albert Petty, USN (ret.)
The Website now lists 822 servicemembers and their 2617 books.
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
This information was sponsored by law enforcement books information online.
General Jacob E. Smart, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Donald M. Buchwald, USA (ret.)
Colonel George W. Garrington, USMC (ret.)
Colonel Ed Garretson, USA (ret.)
Colonel Fletcher Ware, USA (ret.)
Colonel Conrad W. Walker, USA (ret.)
Captain Gene Thomas Gomulka, Navy (ret.)
Captain Bernie L. Calaway, USN (ret.)
Captain Eric H. Swenson, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel R. Max Bowser, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Carl Berryman, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Dominik George Nargele, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Joseph P. Dulany, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Robert P. Sables, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Frank Hurst Wilcox, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Larry Haworth, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Richard M. Ransom, USAF (ret.)
Captain Jason Conroy, USA
Lieutenant Earl Tunison, USN (ret.)
Chief Warrant Officer Albert Petty, USN (ret.)
The Website now lists 822 servicemembers and their 2617 books.
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
This information was sponsored by law enforcement books information online.
Defense Leaders Host Luncheon for Medal of Honor Heroes
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 19, 2009 - America's most senior defense leaders honored 43 men who risked their lives with unmatched heroism in service to their country during a luncheon here today.
The men honored had all earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, and they will attend the presidential inauguration as honored guests tomorrow.
"More than 1,500 Medals of Honor were awarded in the Civil War," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the men. "In the century-and-a-half since, whenever the United States has been forced into action on the battlefield, wherever we have been forced to defend and re-consecrate our values with blood, our men and women in uniform have answered the call."
Since President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the award in 1861, there have been 3,448 recipients.
Americans have fought and bled from the killing fields of Antietam, to the trenches of France. Their valor has been seen from the beaches of Iwo Jima, to the hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, and the streets of Mogadishu. Today, Americans are fighting in a war on terrorism during which five Americans have received the Medal of Honor – all posthumously.
"Of the countless stories of bravery that ring through our country's history, yours are the greatest and most gallant," Gates said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the character of the men being honored.
"These heroes have some amazing stories," Mullen said. "To a man, they would tell you they were just doing their duty. They are as humble as they are brave."
Mullen said the contributions of the Medal of Honor recipients cannot be measured just in acts of heroism, but must include the futures that all enjoy because of their sacrifices.
An example was that of the most recent medal recipient, Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, who threw himself on a hand grenade in Iraq to save his fellow soldiers. The men that McGinnis died to save have their tomorrows because of his action, Mullen said.
"We are surrounded by people who have given more than they or we could imagine," he said. "They are not just names on a wall. Each has provided us with far more than inspiring profiles, more than just accounts of incredible courage. They have given us simple things, meaningful things, things too often taken for granted."
Mullen said the heritage that the men in the room, and soldiers like McGinnis represent will continue.
"In the decades to come there will likely be more, not just because the horrors of combat demand heroic action, but because we are and always will be surrounded by heroes: special individuals who, in their minds, will only be doing their duty and who will do the right things at the right time," he said.
"It's the soldier on patrol. The Marine on point. The airman overhead. The sailor on watch. The Coast Guardsman protecting our shores. And out there among them lies the spirit of sacrifice that goes above and beyond the call of duty," he said.
These individuals do not perform these deeds for glory, he said. Rather it's "because everyday courage and battlefield circumstance will collide," he said. "We can't teach this sacrifice, we can't predict it, but we can – and we must always – honor it."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 19, 2009 - America's most senior defense leaders honored 43 men who risked their lives with unmatched heroism in service to their country during a luncheon here today.
The men honored had all earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, and they will attend the presidential inauguration as honored guests tomorrow.
"More than 1,500 Medals of Honor were awarded in the Civil War," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the men. "In the century-and-a-half since, whenever the United States has been forced into action on the battlefield, wherever we have been forced to defend and re-consecrate our values with blood, our men and women in uniform have answered the call."
Since President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the award in 1861, there have been 3,448 recipients.
Americans have fought and bled from the killing fields of Antietam, to the trenches of France. Their valor has been seen from the beaches of Iwo Jima, to the hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, and the streets of Mogadishu. Today, Americans are fighting in a war on terrorism during which five Americans have received the Medal of Honor – all posthumously.
"Of the countless stories of bravery that ring through our country's history, yours are the greatest and most gallant," Gates said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the character of the men being honored.
"These heroes have some amazing stories," Mullen said. "To a man, they would tell you they were just doing their duty. They are as humble as they are brave."
Mullen said the contributions of the Medal of Honor recipients cannot be measured just in acts of heroism, but must include the futures that all enjoy because of their sacrifices.
An example was that of the most recent medal recipient, Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, who threw himself on a hand grenade in Iraq to save his fellow soldiers. The men that McGinnis died to save have their tomorrows because of his action, Mullen said.
"We are surrounded by people who have given more than they or we could imagine," he said. "They are not just names on a wall. Each has provided us with far more than inspiring profiles, more than just accounts of incredible courage. They have given us simple things, meaningful things, things too often taken for granted."
Mullen said the heritage that the men in the room, and soldiers like McGinnis represent will continue.
"In the decades to come there will likely be more, not just because the horrors of combat demand heroic action, but because we are and always will be surrounded by heroes: special individuals who, in their minds, will only be doing their duty and who will do the right things at the right time," he said.
"It's the soldier on patrol. The Marine on point. The airman overhead. The sailor on watch. The Coast Guardsman protecting our shores. And out there among them lies the spirit of sacrifice that goes above and beyond the call of duty," he said.
These individuals do not perform these deeds for glory, he said. Rather it's "because everyday courage and battlefield circumstance will collide," he said. "We can't teach this sacrifice, we can't predict it, but we can – and we must always – honor it."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Maryland National Guard Supports President-elect's 'Whistle-stop' Tour
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 18, 2009 - About 100 Maryland National Guard members provided support alongside the U.S. Secret Service in Baltimore yesterday during President-elect Barack Obama's "whistle-stop" train trip, Maryland Guard officials said. The Baltimore stop was Obama's last stop before reaching Washington, D.C. The president-elect took the train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., to retrace part of the route taken by Abraham Lincoln to his inauguration in 1861.
The Guardsmen were among the more than 40 federal, state and city agencies that helped ensure the president-elect's safety as his train pulled into Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station, officials said.
"This type of mission reflects just how adaptable the Maryland National Guard is, particularly where it involves support to civilian authorities right here at home," Army Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general for Maryland, said.
"Immediately following the November election, we began planning for what we anticipated would be a support role during the inauguration," Adkins continued. "The Guard has been involved in each and every presidential inauguration, and we're extremely proud to continue this rich tradition."
Jan. 18, 2009 - About 100 Maryland National Guard members provided support alongside the U.S. Secret Service in Baltimore yesterday during President-elect Barack Obama's "whistle-stop" train trip, Maryland Guard officials said. The Baltimore stop was Obama's last stop before reaching Washington, D.C. The president-elect took the train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., to retrace part of the route taken by Abraham Lincoln to his inauguration in 1861.
The Guardsmen were among the more than 40 federal, state and city agencies that helped ensure the president-elect's safety as his train pulled into Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station, officials said.
"This type of mission reflects just how adaptable the Maryland National Guard is, particularly where it involves support to civilian authorities right here at home," Army Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general for Maryland, said.
"Immediately following the November election, we began planning for what we anticipated would be a support role during the inauguration," Adkins continued. "The Guard has been involved in each and every presidential inauguration, and we're extremely proud to continue this rich tradition."
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