Fort Bragg Shooting Suspect Dies

Fort Bragg Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Army Spc. Ricky G. Elder, the subject of a criminal investigation surrounding the June 28 shooting here of two soldiers with the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, has died.

Elder, an infantryman from Hutchinson, Kan., died of self-inflicted injuries on June 29 after receiving treatment at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C.

Elder, who was 27 years old at the time of his death, allegedly shot Army Lt. Col. Roy L. Tisdale, commander of the 525th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, during a June 28 safety briefing near the unit’s headquarters in the historic district of Fort Bragg around 3:30 p.m., according to installation officials.

Tisdale, 42, of Alvin, Texas, was killed immediately, officials said. Elder reportedly turned the weapon upon himself, causing life-threatening injuries.

Army Spc. Michael E. Latham, 22, a signal support system specialist assigned to the Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, had received a minor, non-life threatening wound during the June 28 shooting. Latham, a native of Vacaville, Calif., who joined the Army in October 2009, was released from Fort Bragg’s Womack Army Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.

Special agents from the Army Criminal Investigation Command are conducting an investigation of the shooting, officials said.

Elder had been charged with larceny of a toolkit valued at $1,700 and was pending court martial for that charge. Charges had been referred but his trial had not been scheduled.

Elder enlisted in the Army in 2004 and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska; and 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga., before being assigned to the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade in June 2010.

Elder deployed to Iraq from October 2006 to November 2007 and to Afghanistan from September 2010 to July 2011.

More Aircraft Arrive to Combat Western Wildfires

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Eight Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems now are assisting in multi-agency efforts to control wildfires in Colorado and other western states, according to a U.S. Northern Command news release update issued today.

Four of these MAFFS-equipped aircraft arrived yesterday at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., joining four other aircraft there that have been flying wildfire suppression missions in the Rocky Mountain region, the Northcom release said.

The National Interagency Fire Center based in Boise, Idaho, requested the aircraft support from the Defense Department, according to the release.

The eight aircraft are under Northcom command and control and all, at present, are being based at Peterson, which is in Colorado Springs, according to the release.

Northcom, based at Peterson, partners with other agencies to conduct homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.

Military units now supporting C-130 aircraft wildfire suppression missions flown from Peterson are: the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing, based at Peterson; the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing, from Cheyenne; the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing, from Charlotte; and the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, from Channel Islands.

As of early today, DOD aircraft have conducted 73 air drops and discharged more than 190,000 gallons of flame retardant during wildfire suppression missions in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, the Northcom release said.

Navy Weeds Out Users of Designer Drugs

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Navy's implementation of synthetic drug testing for synthetic chemical compounds like "Spice" and "Bath Salts" is helping the service close ranks on Sailors who use these prohibited and dangerous substances, officials said July 2.

"Navy has zero tolerance for drug abuse. Drug abuse, including use of designer drugs and synthetic compounds, by members of the Navy is incompatible with high standards of performance, military discipline, and readiness as embodied by of 21st Century Sailors and Marines," said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, director, military personnel plans and policy.

Navy reviews its testing of synthetic compounds continuously, and also continually responds to production of new controlled and synthetic compounds, changing testing procedures and pacing the changes being made by producers.

Navy has analyzed more than 3,300 urine samples for synthetic chemical compounds since testing began in March, with 101 samples testing positive. Authorized testing under the synthetic drug testing program is conducted under member consent, command directed, unit and/or subunit sweep.

NCIS will be notified of every positive sample for possible further investigation with a view towards potential disciplinary or adverse administrative action by the service member's command.

Spice is a synthetic chemical compound that is sold as herbal incense and mimics the effects of the drug marijuana. A ban was placed on five synthetic cannabis compounds commonly found in the designer drug Spice, but also sold under different names.

Some of the short-term effects include auditory and visual hallucinations, painless head pressure, panic attacks, time distortion and delirium. Long-term effects from the designer drug can include permanent physical impairment, mental illness or death.

Another synthetic chemical compound, bath salts are sold under the common names: Vanilla Sky, Ivory Wave, Pure Ivory, Purple Wave, Charge+, Ocean Burst, and Sextacy. Bath salts are a potentially addictive powdered substance that is snorted, smoked or injected. They can have an adverse effect on the heart, circulation, nervous system, similar to ecstasy or cocaine, and result in lethal overdose.

The unlawful possession or use by Department of the Navy personnel of controlled substance analogues (designer drugs), natural substances, chemicals wrongfully used as inhalants, propellants, prescribed or over-the-counter medication or pharmaceutical compound with the intent to induce intoxication, excitement or stupefaction of the central nervous system is prohibited via SECNAVINST 5300.28D. Violators are subject to punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92.

Navy's Synthetic Drug Testing Operating Guide is posted on the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Office (NADAP) website and contains procedures for commands to request synthetic drug testing and synthetic drug testing information.

The Navy's zero-tolerance policy towards drug use is a key contributor to the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine. To view the guide or for more news from NADAP, visit www.nadap.navy.mil.

Soldier Killed in Fort Bragg Shooting Identified

Fort Bragg Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The soldier who was shot and killed here June 28 has been identified as Army Lt. Col. Roy L. Tisdale, commander of the 525th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, according to installation officials.

Tisdale, 42, of Alvin, Texas, was allegedly shot by a member of his battalion during a safety briefing near the unit’s headquarters in the historic district of Fort Bragg around 3:30 p.m., officials said.

Tisdale was killed immediately, officials said, and the alleged assailant reportedly turned the weapon upon himself, causing life-threatening injuries.

Special agents from the Army Criminal Investigation Command are conducting an investigation of the shooting, officials said.

Tisdale graduated from Texas A&M University in 1993 and was commissioned as an infantry officer. He took command of the battalion in January 2012 when the battalion was activated.

Tisdale’s previous assignments include 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Brigade and 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Brigade, Fort Benning, Ga.; 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment and the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La.; and 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, and the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Military Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Air Assault, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and Senior Parachutist Badge.

Obama: Employ All Resources to Fight Colorado Wildfires

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – As President Barack Obama thanked firefighters and volunteers, and met with impacted families in wildfire-devastated areas in and around Colorado Springs, Colo., yesterday, he also vowed to marshal all federal resources -- including military -- to combat the fires.

“We're going to continue to make sure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Forest Service, our military and National Guard and all the resources that we have available at the federal level are brought to bear in fighting this fire,” Obama said today in his weekly video address to the nation. He recorded this week’s address during his Colorado visit.

The federal government has marshaled thousands of firefighters, hundreds of fire engines, and more than 100 aircraft, including 19 air tankers, to support firefighting efforts in a number of Western states including Colorado, White House officials noted.

Meanwhile, four Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting in the efforts to control fires in the Rocky Mountain region at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, according to a Northcom news release issued today.

Northcom, based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., partners with other agencies to conduct homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.

Four additional MAFFS-equipped aircraft will be arriving later today to assist with firefighting efforts within the Rocky Mountain region, the Northcom release said.

As of early today, DOD aircraft have flown the following wildfire fighting missions in Colorado:

-- Waldo Canyon Fire, near Colorado Springs, : Fifty air drops, employing approximately 133,500 gallons of flame retardant;

-- Flagstaff Fire, near Boulder, : Five air drops, employing about 13,200 gallons of flame retardant; and

-- Arapahoe National Forest Fire, : Six air drops, employing approximately 13,250 gallons of flame retardant.

Military units that conducted those missions are the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing based in Cheyenne. Both units are currently flying missions out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, from Channel Islands, and the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing, from Charlotte, will soon join the 153rd and the 302nd, military officials said.

This is the first time since 2008 that all eight military aircraft have been activated at one time, said Air Force Col. Jerry Champlin, 153rd Air Expeditionary Group commander. In that year, the aircraft were stationed at McClellan Airpark in Sacramento, Calif., to fight fires in that state.

Champlin, a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard, has tactical control over the MAFFS aircraft.

Although all eight C-130s will operate from Peterson Air Force Base for now, where they will drop fire retardant depends on the daily situation in the region, officials said. The Forest Service also may choose to base one or more aircraft in other operating areas.

NRA and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Announce the NRA American Warrior 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Get a FREE Ticket by signing up for a FREE subscription for the NRA American Warrior magazine!

Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association (NRA), in partnership with Speedway Motorsports, Inc. is pleased to announce the NRA American Warrior 300 to be held on September 1, 2012, of Labor Day Weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This event will celebrate and honor America’s bravest and most respected fighting men and women. Sign up for a FREE subscription for the full NRA American Warrior magazine and the NRA will give you a FREE race ticket to the NRA American Warrior 300.

“As Americans gather in back yard BBQ’s this Labor Day and celebrate the upcoming school year, the return of hunting season, and the work ethic which makes America great, we wanted one race that focuses entirely on the life’s work of the American Warrior,” said Wayne LaPierre, NRA executive vice president.  “This is a labor of patriotism and gratitude. As a tribute to these wonderful people, the NRA and Speedway Motorsports came together to make possible the NRA American Warrior race.”

The details of the event are as follows:

NRA American Warrior 300

September 1, 2012
Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Place
Hampton, GA 30228

Shooting sports and motor sports represent our American heritage and naturally complement each other in celebrating the American Warrior. The motor sports are as uniquely American as the Second Amendment, and the NRA is proud to stand alongside Speedway Motorsports in serving our combined community of gun-owners and NASCAR fans.  Representative of this large community is legendary NASCAR team owner and current NRA board member, Richard Childress. In addition to being one of NASCAR’s most successful team owners, Childress is also an accomplished hunter and dedicated conservationist. Childress was elected to his first term on the NRA Board of Directors in 2009. The NRA is honored to have the support of Richard Childress for the NRA American Warrior 300.

Also supporting the event is NRA Board Member and Fox News “War Stories” host, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.). LtCol North reports on American heroes for NRA Life of Duty. These reports and the NRA American Warrior magazine are components of a new class of sponsored NRA membership, called “NRA Life of Duty.” This membership program includes a state-of-the-art online network (NRALifeofDuty.TV, presented by Brownells) designed for those men and women who make their living defending the American way of life.

The NRA American Warrior magazine is the NRA’s bi-monthly salute to all who serve, from the armed forces to law enforcement to first responders. Each issue of the NRA American Warrior provides interactive media, videos and articles detailing the latest tactics and technology. It is for those who live and breathe the coolest guns, gear, gadgets and for those who ask questions such as what gear does a Navy SEAL carry on a mission? The first 25,000 who sign up online at www.NRA.org/warrior or text “Warrior” to 64274 will receive a free subscription for the full NRA American Warrior magazine and the NRA will give you a free race ticket to the NRA American Warrior 300.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and on Twitter @NRA.

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. The Company provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary. The Company also equally-owns Motorsports Authentics, a joint venture formed with International Speedway Corporation to produce, market and sell licensed motorsports merchandise. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.speedwaymotorsports.com.