A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get from home. Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we can use them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the center of every tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: "Why do we have so much support?"
In my opinion, it came down to one thing: Vietnam. I think we learned a lesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who are on the line, who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then. When they returned was even worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors were subjected to. It is a national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us
After Vietnam, it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness grew. It shamed us. However, we learned from our mistake.
Somewhere during the late 1970's and into the 80's, we realized that we can’t treat our warriors that way. So, starting during the Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did. We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we also did it to right the wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treated our troops like the heroes they were, acknowledged and celebrated their sacrifice, and rejoiced at their homecoming instead of spitting on them.
And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq. Our country knows that it must support us and it does. The lesson was learned in Vietnam and we are better because of it.
Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country in the late 1770's to those I serve with here in Iraq. They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom.
But when I get back, I'm going to make it a personal mission to specifically thank every Vietnam Vet I encounter for their sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lesson learned on how we treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now treat our warriors as heroes, as we should.
I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars, ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis,
Major Brian P. Bresnahan
United States Marine Corps
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Tankers enable mission accomplishment
By Airman 1st Class David Dobrydney
379th Air Expeditionary Wing
(12/5/09) -- Even the most advanced military aircraft needs fuel in order to be of use. For the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here in Southwest Asia, its mission is to support other aircraft so they can fulfill their mission of supporting troops on the ground.
"We supply most all the refueling capability in [Operation Iraqi Freedom] and about a third of the capability in [Operation Enduring Freedom]" Lt. Col. Bret Frymire, 340 EARS commander, said. "We refuel every unit operating in the field right now, to include our Coalition partners."
To maintain its 24/7 support, the 340 EARS' operations tempo is very fast paced, with more than 20 sorties daily.
"We have a [KC-]135 taking off or landing every hour of the day," said Lt. Col. Bill Stowe, 340 EARS director of operations. As the DO, Stowe is charged with scheduling the missions to meet that tempo.
"We have so many taskings with only so many crews; it's sometimes like putting together a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle," he said. To solve that puzzle, Stowe will periodically pilot a mission to see where the scheduling process can be improved.
While Stowe is deployed here from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., the rest of the crews come from several different places. "We have guard, reserve and active-duty, not just from [Air Mobility Command] but also [Pacific Air Forces], [U.S. Air Force in Europe], etc.," he said. Frymire is deployed from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, and said the majority of flying squadrons deploy as units. "As far as flying squadrons, we are unique in that regard," he said.
Regardless of where they deploy from, the 340 EARS Airmen coalesce into a single unit in pursuit of mission accomplishment. "The plane flies the same no matter what, so everyone works together and the mission goes off without a hitch," Stowe said.
The mission is accomplished even though the KC-135 aircraft here have been plying their trade now for decades. The newest KC-135 currently on the ramp was built in 1963. "We are flying a classic airframe," Stowe said. "Trying to keep them airborne is always a challenge but the maintainers do an outstanding job. We couldn't support the mission without the support we get from the maintainers."
With that support underneath them, the tankers continue to fly eight to 10 hour sorties, providing 50,000 to 120,000 pounds of fuel on a typical mission. Master Sgt. Jeff Van Nortwick, an in flight air refueling boom operator deployed from the Nebraska Air National Guard, is the one who monitors the release of that fuel.
When performing refueling maneuvers, such as 'yo-yo' operations where one aircraft will come up for fuel while another provides support for ground troops and then rotating, Van Nortwick's job is made just a little easier by the experience of the pilots. "What I've noticed in my time here is that the receivers are very stable," he said, meaning he is able to smoothly connect the boom to the receiving aircraft. "They have the experience and it shows," Van Nortwick said.
For Van Nortwick, the pace of missions obligates crew members to remain flexible. "You're not necessarily always flying from 8 to 5 -- it rotates as the taskings come," he said. "Sometimes it just happens where you're flying daytime missions and your day starts later and later until eventually you're flying at night."
However, Van Nortwick considers his job very rewarding. "It's extremely gratifying to know when you give gas to a fighter who's covering a troop convoy, that [convoy] will make it from A to B," he said. "We're directly supporting troops on the ground, which makes their job a lot easier when they have an aircraft overhead providing top cover."
379th Air Expeditionary Wing
(12/5/09) -- Even the most advanced military aircraft needs fuel in order to be of use. For the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here in Southwest Asia, its mission is to support other aircraft so they can fulfill their mission of supporting troops on the ground.
"We supply most all the refueling capability in [Operation Iraqi Freedom] and about a third of the capability in [Operation Enduring Freedom]" Lt. Col. Bret Frymire, 340 EARS commander, said. "We refuel every unit operating in the field right now, to include our Coalition partners."
To maintain its 24/7 support, the 340 EARS' operations tempo is very fast paced, with more than 20 sorties daily.
"We have a [KC-]135 taking off or landing every hour of the day," said Lt. Col. Bill Stowe, 340 EARS director of operations. As the DO, Stowe is charged with scheduling the missions to meet that tempo.
"We have so many taskings with only so many crews; it's sometimes like putting together a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle," he said. To solve that puzzle, Stowe will periodically pilot a mission to see where the scheduling process can be improved.
While Stowe is deployed here from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., the rest of the crews come from several different places. "We have guard, reserve and active-duty, not just from [Air Mobility Command] but also [Pacific Air Forces], [U.S. Air Force in Europe], etc.," he said. Frymire is deployed from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, and said the majority of flying squadrons deploy as units. "As far as flying squadrons, we are unique in that regard," he said.
Regardless of where they deploy from, the 340 EARS Airmen coalesce into a single unit in pursuit of mission accomplishment. "The plane flies the same no matter what, so everyone works together and the mission goes off without a hitch," Stowe said.
The mission is accomplished even though the KC-135 aircraft here have been plying their trade now for decades. The newest KC-135 currently on the ramp was built in 1963. "We are flying a classic airframe," Stowe said. "Trying to keep them airborne is always a challenge but the maintainers do an outstanding job. We couldn't support the mission without the support we get from the maintainers."
With that support underneath them, the tankers continue to fly eight to 10 hour sorties, providing 50,000 to 120,000 pounds of fuel on a typical mission. Master Sgt. Jeff Van Nortwick, an in flight air refueling boom operator deployed from the Nebraska Air National Guard, is the one who monitors the release of that fuel.
When performing refueling maneuvers, such as 'yo-yo' operations where one aircraft will come up for fuel while another provides support for ground troops and then rotating, Van Nortwick's job is made just a little easier by the experience of the pilots. "What I've noticed in my time here is that the receivers are very stable," he said, meaning he is able to smoothly connect the boom to the receiving aircraft. "They have the experience and it shows," Van Nortwick said.
For Van Nortwick, the pace of missions obligates crew members to remain flexible. "You're not necessarily always flying from 8 to 5 -- it rotates as the taskings come," he said. "Sometimes it just happens where you're flying daytime missions and your day starts later and later until eventually you're flying at night."
However, Van Nortwick considers his job very rewarding. "It's extremely gratifying to know when you give gas to a fighter who's covering a troop convoy, that [convoy] will make it from A to B," he said. "We're directly supporting troops on the ground, which makes their job a lot easier when they have an aircraft overhead providing top cover."
Air Force, ANG chaplains reflect on milestones
By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
(12/4/09) -- More than 100 chaplains and chaplain assistants from throughout the Air Force attended the Chaplain Corps Summit here recently, in part to celebrate 60th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps and the 100th anniversary of the chaplain assistant career field. The summit began with an interfaith worship service, included a review of Chaplain Corps history and concluded with a Heritage banquet.
"We reminisced over years of service and fellowship in our past and looked ahead to the role of the chaplain corps in meeting current and future mission needs," said Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, chief of chaplains.
Richardson related the chaplain corps' rich and storied history. Chaplain Charles I. Carpenter, the Army Air Corps' "Air Chaplain," emphasized the need for pastoral identity of chaplains with the people they served.
After successfully persuading senior leaders that the Air Force should have its own chaplaincy, Chaplain Carpenter helped ensure the drafting of the transfer order on May 10, 1949.
Predating the Air Force Chaplain Corps, the "chaplain assistant" position was established 40 years earlier on Dec. 28, 1909. Paragraph 1 of the General Order by the War Department stated, "One enlisted man will be detailed on special duty, by the commanding officer of any organization to which a chaplain is assigned for duty, for the purpose of assisting the chaplain in the performance of his official duties."
"Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants continue to support our Airmen in today's fight as we walk where they walk and go where they go," Richardson said.
"By providing or arranging for religious observances, pastoral care, and advice to leadership, Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants ensure the free exercise of religion for Airmen and their families at every Air Force base," he added.
The general cited the Chaplain Corps' recent achievements that he said demonstrate the organization's commitment to the total force.
"In 2008, the Air Force Chaplain Corps performed more than 147,000 counselings, provided more than 50,000 worship observances and conducted more than 28,000 religious rites and observances for Airmen and their families," Richardson said.
The general added that warrior care is the Chaplain Corps' top priority and will remain so throughout the duration of the war.
"The summit was a wonderful experience and celebration for the Air Force Family," said Maj. Gen. John B. Ellington, the director of the National Guard Chaplaincy, who also participated in the event. "We have deployed and served together over the years and that has resulted in building strong lifetime relationships."
Currently the Air Force has more than 1,100 active duty, Guard and Reserve chaplains and more than 800 total force chaplain assistants, who live and work around the world in service to their fellow Airmen.
Ellington added that about 25 percent of the air expeditionary force positions are filled with Air National Guard chaplains and assistants.
"Our mandate is clear, our hearts are united, our mission is exciting and our passion for ministry to the men and women of the United States Air Force has never been stronger," Richardson said.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
(12/4/09) -- More than 100 chaplains and chaplain assistants from throughout the Air Force attended the Chaplain Corps Summit here recently, in part to celebrate 60th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps and the 100th anniversary of the chaplain assistant career field. The summit began with an interfaith worship service, included a review of Chaplain Corps history and concluded with a Heritage banquet.
"We reminisced over years of service and fellowship in our past and looked ahead to the role of the chaplain corps in meeting current and future mission needs," said Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, chief of chaplains.
Richardson related the chaplain corps' rich and storied history. Chaplain Charles I. Carpenter, the Army Air Corps' "Air Chaplain," emphasized the need for pastoral identity of chaplains with the people they served.
After successfully persuading senior leaders that the Air Force should have its own chaplaincy, Chaplain Carpenter helped ensure the drafting of the transfer order on May 10, 1949.
Predating the Air Force Chaplain Corps, the "chaplain assistant" position was established 40 years earlier on Dec. 28, 1909. Paragraph 1 of the General Order by the War Department stated, "One enlisted man will be detailed on special duty, by the commanding officer of any organization to which a chaplain is assigned for duty, for the purpose of assisting the chaplain in the performance of his official duties."
"Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants continue to support our Airmen in today's fight as we walk where they walk and go where they go," Richardson said.
"By providing or arranging for religious observances, pastoral care, and advice to leadership, Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants ensure the free exercise of religion for Airmen and their families at every Air Force base," he added.
The general cited the Chaplain Corps' recent achievements that he said demonstrate the organization's commitment to the total force.
"In 2008, the Air Force Chaplain Corps performed more than 147,000 counselings, provided more than 50,000 worship observances and conducted more than 28,000 religious rites and observances for Airmen and their families," Richardson said.
The general added that warrior care is the Chaplain Corps' top priority and will remain so throughout the duration of the war.
"The summit was a wonderful experience and celebration for the Air Force Family," said Maj. Gen. John B. Ellington, the director of the National Guard Chaplaincy, who also participated in the event. "We have deployed and served together over the years and that has resulted in building strong lifetime relationships."
Currently the Air Force has more than 1,100 active duty, Guard and Reserve chaplains and more than 800 total force chaplain assistants, who live and work around the world in service to their fellow Airmen.
Ellington added that about 25 percent of the air expeditionary force positions are filled with Air National Guard chaplains and assistants.
"Our mandate is clear, our hearts are united, our mission is exciting and our passion for ministry to the men and women of the United States Air Force has never been stronger," Richardson said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 8, 2009
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a modification for $159,500,065 under its cost-plus-award-fee contract (HQ0276-08-C-0001), contract line item number (CLIN) 0003. Under this contract modification, Raytheon will continue the Block IIA Standard Missile 3 cooperative development technology development. The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. This award extends the existing CLIN 0003 performance period for an additional 10 months to Aug. 31, 2010. The amount obligated on this action is $4,200,000 using fiscal year 2010 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
ARMY
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2009, a $17,607,407 firm-fixed-price contract for 1 lot of common and long lead components to support the conversion of 15 M1A2 tanks to M1A2S tanks for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work is to be performed at the Lima Army Tank Plant, Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0002).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2009, a $14,317,682 cost-no-fee contract for material for the Iraq program to purchase 140 M1A1 Abrams vehicles. Work is to be performed at Lima, Ohio (70 percent); Scranton, Pa. (14 percent); Anniston, Ala. (10 percent); and Tallahassee, Fla. (6 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command, Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0006).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., is being awarded a $14,592,978 firm-fixed-price contract for air terminal ground handling services at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. This contract contains one seven-month base period and five one year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $124,866,662. Work will be performed in Sigonella, Italy (70 percent), and Naples, Italy, (30 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with five proposals solicited and three offers received. The Naval Regional Contracting Detachment Naples, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Sigonella, Italy, is the contracting activity (N68171-10-C-0004).
BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair, San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a $9,882,035 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul and dry docking of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Work performed will include dry docking the ship, ballast-tank preservation, rudder and propeller inspections, underwater hull preservation and undocking the ship. The ship provides an afloat, mobile, acute-surgical medical facility in support of U.S. deployed forces and also supports U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $11,222,382. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with one offer received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, Norfolk, Va., a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-10-C-5000).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $6,988,148 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity delivery order contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the VH-60N executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework aircraft induction. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $6,988,148 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.,is the contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,600,000 not-to-exceed order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for F/A-18 A-D Service Life Extension Program Phase B+ engineering support services. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (55 percent), and El Segundo, Calif. (45 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 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.
Cascade General, Inc.*, Portland, Ore., is being awarded a $6,181,068 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul of Military Sealift Command's USNS Guadalupe. Work performed will include preservation of ballast tanks; ultrasonic gauging; overhaul of a ship's service diesel generator; dry-docking and undocking of the ship; underwater hull preservation; freeboard preservation; and propeller-system maintenance. The ship's primary mission is to deliver petroleum to the Navy's carrier strike groups and other naval forces at sea. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,516,743. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and work is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities web pages, with three offers received. The solicitation was set aside for small business. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, Norfolk, Va., a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-10-C-1003).
AIR FORCE
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $10,492,100 contract which will provide for architecture baseline products to support the launch and test range systems. The contract will also provide a risk reduction and capability maturation program to develop and maintain the current and future architectures. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8811-09-C-0006).
Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a modification for $159,500,065 under its cost-plus-award-fee contract (HQ0276-08-C-0001), contract line item number (CLIN) 0003. Under this contract modification, Raytheon will continue the Block IIA Standard Missile 3 cooperative development technology development. The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. This award extends the existing CLIN 0003 performance period for an additional 10 months to Aug. 31, 2010. The amount obligated on this action is $4,200,000 using fiscal year 2010 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
ARMY
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2009, a $17,607,407 firm-fixed-price contract for 1 lot of common and long lead components to support the conversion of 15 M1A2 tanks to M1A2S tanks for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work is to be performed at the Lima Army Tank Plant, Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0002).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2009, a $14,317,682 cost-no-fee contract for material for the Iraq program to purchase 140 M1A1 Abrams vehicles. Work is to be performed at Lima, Ohio (70 percent); Scranton, Pa. (14 percent); Anniston, Ala. (10 percent); and Tallahassee, Fla. (6 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command, Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0006).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., is being awarded a $14,592,978 firm-fixed-price contract for air terminal ground handling services at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. This contract contains one seven-month base period and five one year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $124,866,662. Work will be performed in Sigonella, Italy (70 percent), and Naples, Italy, (30 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with five proposals solicited and three offers received. The Naval Regional Contracting Detachment Naples, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Sigonella, Italy, is the contracting activity (N68171-10-C-0004).
BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair, San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a $9,882,035 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul and dry docking of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Work performed will include dry docking the ship, ballast-tank preservation, rudder and propeller inspections, underwater hull preservation and undocking the ship. The ship provides an afloat, mobile, acute-surgical medical facility in support of U.S. deployed forces and also supports U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $11,222,382. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with one offer received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, Norfolk, Va., a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-10-C-5000).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $6,988,148 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity delivery order contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the VH-60N executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework aircraft induction. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $6,988,148 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.,is the contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,600,000 not-to-exceed order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for F/A-18 A-D Service Life Extension Program Phase B+ engineering support services. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (55 percent), and El Segundo, Calif. (45 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 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.
Cascade General, Inc.*, Portland, Ore., is being awarded a $6,181,068 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul of Military Sealift Command's USNS Guadalupe. Work performed will include preservation of ballast tanks; ultrasonic gauging; overhaul of a ship's service diesel generator; dry-docking and undocking of the ship; underwater hull preservation; freeboard preservation; and propeller-system maintenance. The ship's primary mission is to deliver petroleum to the Navy's carrier strike groups and other naval forces at sea. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,516,743. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and work is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities web pages, with three offers received. The solicitation was set aside for small business. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, Norfolk, Va., a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-10-C-1003).
AIR FORCE
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $10,492,100 contract which will provide for architecture baseline products to support the launch and test range systems. The contract will also provide a risk reduction and capability maturation program to develop and maintain the current and future architectures. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8811-09-C-0006).
Annual Review of the United States Coast Guard's Mission Performance (FY 2008)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established by the Homeland Security Act of2002 (Public Law 107-296) by amendment to the Inspector General Act of1978. This is one of a series of audit, inspection, and special reports prepared as part of our oversight responsibilities to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within the department. This report addresses the annual review of the U.S. Coast Guard's mission performance, as required by the Homeland Security Act of2002. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions and a review of applicable documents.
READ THE REPORT
http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_10-17_Nov09.pdf
READ THE REPORT
http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_10-17_Nov09.pdf
DoD Hosts Annual Disability Awards Ceremony And Forum
The 29th Department of Defense (DoD) Disability Awards ceremony and 22nd DoD Disability Forum was hosted today by Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Plans, Clarence Johnson, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md. This annual event provides an overview of DoD disability policy and initiatives, recognizes DoD organizations with outstanding affirmative action programs for people with disabilities, and highlights the accomplishments of DoD employees with disabilities.
"We are very proud of the outstanding achievements by our employees with disabilities," said Johnson, "and the department remains committed to increasing opportunities for their success."
The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Matthew A. Staton, direct advisor and staff assistant to the secretary of the Army on wounded soldier matters. Staton medically retired from the Army in 2007, following two deployments to Iraq with the 8th Infantry Regiment.
The following 14 DoD employees with disabilities received secretary of defense awards for their outstanding contributions to national security:
Noreen S. Ames, Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Julia E. Becker, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Richard F. Chatfield II, Defense Information Systems Agency
Howard G. Drake Jr., National Guard Bureau
Phillip W. Gregg, Defense Commissary Agency
Greg Hare, Department of the Air Force
Michele E. Hill, Defense Contract Audit Agency
Brooke A. Larrabee, Department of the Army
Anthony L. Parish, Defense Contract Management Agency
Margaret R. Posa, Office of the DoD Inspector General
Adam G. Post, Army Air Force Exchange Service
William J. Russell, Department of the Navy
George H. Stevens Jr., Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Delfina D. Zeigler, Defense Logistics Agency
In addition, three DoD components, the Department of the Navy, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and the Defense Contract Management Agency, received secretary of defense trophies for accomplishments in their affirmative actions programs for people with disabilities during 2009.
"We are very proud of the outstanding achievements by our employees with disabilities," said Johnson, "and the department remains committed to increasing opportunities for their success."
The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Matthew A. Staton, direct advisor and staff assistant to the secretary of the Army on wounded soldier matters. Staton medically retired from the Army in 2007, following two deployments to Iraq with the 8th Infantry Regiment.
The following 14 DoD employees with disabilities received secretary of defense awards for their outstanding contributions to national security:
Noreen S. Ames, Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Julia E. Becker, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Richard F. Chatfield II, Defense Information Systems Agency
Howard G. Drake Jr., National Guard Bureau
Phillip W. Gregg, Defense Commissary Agency
Greg Hare, Department of the Air Force
Michele E. Hill, Defense Contract Audit Agency
Brooke A. Larrabee, Department of the Army
Anthony L. Parish, Defense Contract Management Agency
Margaret R. Posa, Office of the DoD Inspector General
Adam G. Post, Army Air Force Exchange Service
William J. Russell, Department of the Navy
George H. Stevens Jr., Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Delfina D. Zeigler, Defense Logistics Agency
In addition, three DoD components, the Department of the Navy, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and the Defense Contract Management Agency, received secretary of defense trophies for accomplishments in their affirmative actions programs for people with disabilities during 2009.
NIH, DoD and VA Hold Conference Examining Impact of Military Service on Families and Caregivers
The Second Annual Trauma Spectrum Disorders Conference: A Scientific Conference on the Impact of Military Service on Families and Caregivers will focus on the impact of trauma spectrum disorders on military and veteran families and caregivers across deployment, homecoming, and reintegration. The term, trauma spectrum disorders, refers to any injury or illness that occurs as a result of combat or an unexpected traumatic event, and covers a broad range of psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues.
The conference is presented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other Federal Partners led by the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), several NIH institutes and centers, and HHS agencies.
What: A Scientific Conference on the Impact of Military Service on Families and Caregivers
When: Thursday, December 10, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Conference
Where: Natcher Conference Center (Building 45), NIH campus, Bethesda, Md.
The conference will examine the needs of families and caregivers in support of military and veterans with TSD, factors related to family functioning and reintegration, and effective approaches that facilitate treatment of trauma disorders and services to families and caregivers. In addition, the conference will focus on gender and health disparities.
Patricia K. Shinseki, wife of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, and a former board member of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), will give the keynote address at the conference. She will discuss MCEC's initiative called Living in the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive During Good and Challenging Times.
Participating NIH institutes, centers and offices include: The Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Library of Medicine, and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Visit: http://www.nih.gov/.
In addition, other HHS agencies and offices include: The Office of the Secretary, Administration for Children and Families and Administration on Aging; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Health Resources and Services Administration; Indian Health Service; and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Visit: http://www.hhs.gov/.
For registration and agenda information, visit: http://www.dcoe.health.mil/Training/UpcomingConferences.aspx.
The Department of Veterans Affairs VA Research and Development program is able to foster the development of patient-centered evidence for clinical care decision-making and serves as a model for conducting superior bench-to-bedside research. Research advances and solutions are applied to patient care as rapidly as possible and benefits not only Veterans, but their family members and caregivers. For additional information about the VA Research Program, please visit www.research.va.gov.
The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) mission is to assess, validate, oversee, and facilitate prevention, resilience, identification, treatment, outreach, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for psychological health and traumatic brain injury to ensure the Department of Defense meets the needs of the nation's military communities, warriors and families. For more information on the DCoE, please visit http://dcoe.health.mil/.
The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH), Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH) serves as a focal point for women's health research at the NIH. For more information about NIH's Office of Research on Women's Health, visit: http://orwh.od.nih.gov/.
The Office of the Director, the central office at NIH, is responsible for setting policy for NIH, which includes 27 Institutes and Centers. This involves planning, managing, and coordinating the programs and activities of all NIH components. The Office of the Director also includes program offices which are responsible for stimulating specific areas of research throughout NIH. Additional information is available at http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
The conference is presented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other Federal Partners led by the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), several NIH institutes and centers, and HHS agencies.
What: A Scientific Conference on the Impact of Military Service on Families and Caregivers
When: Thursday, December 10, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Conference
Where: Natcher Conference Center (Building 45), NIH campus, Bethesda, Md.
The conference will examine the needs of families and caregivers in support of military and veterans with TSD, factors related to family functioning and reintegration, and effective approaches that facilitate treatment of trauma disorders and services to families and caregivers. In addition, the conference will focus on gender and health disparities.
Patricia K. Shinseki, wife of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, and a former board member of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), will give the keynote address at the conference. She will discuss MCEC's initiative called Living in the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive During Good and Challenging Times.
Participating NIH institutes, centers and offices include: The Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Library of Medicine, and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Visit: http://www.nih.gov/.
In addition, other HHS agencies and offices include: The Office of the Secretary, Administration for Children and Families and Administration on Aging; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Health Resources and Services Administration; Indian Health Service; and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Visit: http://www.hhs.gov/.
For registration and agenda information, visit: http://www.dcoe.health.mil/Training/UpcomingConferences.aspx.
The Department of Veterans Affairs VA Research and Development program is able to foster the development of patient-centered evidence for clinical care decision-making and serves as a model for conducting superior bench-to-bedside research. Research advances and solutions are applied to patient care as rapidly as possible and benefits not only Veterans, but their family members and caregivers. For additional information about the VA Research Program, please visit www.research.va.gov.
The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) mission is to assess, validate, oversee, and facilitate prevention, resilience, identification, treatment, outreach, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for psychological health and traumatic brain injury to ensure the Department of Defense meets the needs of the nation's military communities, warriors and families. For more information on the DCoE, please visit http://dcoe.health.mil/.
The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH), Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH) serves as a focal point for women's health research at the NIH. For more information about NIH's Office of Research on Women's Health, visit: http://orwh.od.nih.gov/.
The Office of the Director, the central office at NIH, is responsible for setting policy for NIH, which includes 27 Institutes and Centers. This involves planning, managing, and coordinating the programs and activities of all NIH components. The Office of the Director also includes program offices which are responsible for stimulating specific areas of research throughout NIH. Additional information is available at http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
Soldier Seeks to Reclaim Boxing Title
By Army Spc. Michael J. MacLeodSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 8, 2009 - For the woman he loved, he became a paratrooper in the vaunted 82nd Airborne Division and eventually a U.S. citizen. With his enlistment nearly up, 6-foot, 5-inch, 230-pound Army Spc. Wenderson Jangada is ready to return to his home country of Brazil to reclaim the title of heavyweight boxing champion. Jangada deployed to Iraq's Anbar province in August as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, a unit whose battle campaign streamers from World War II read like a Stephen Spielberg movie script: Sicily, Anzio, Normandy, and the Ardennes.
It is a fitting unit for a former boxing champion who has fought and trained with boxers from Argentina, Russia, and most of Europe.
"I learn from them all -- some good, some bad. The Russians just want to kill you," he said with a laugh.
Though Jangada's enlistment expires in early 2010, he expects to be extended through late autumn, allowing him to complete the current deployment.
"I will take a couple months off, then I will train to fight again," said the 2001/2002 Transcontinental heavyweight champ. "Perhaps I will take my titles back."
At 34 in the sport of boxing, Jangada is a mature practitioner, though he has friends who have boxed professionally into their 40s. "If the boxing doesn't work out, I will open a gym with my friend Daniel Silva," he said. Jangada is considering Chicago, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Ind., as possible locations.
"I am a better trainer than a boxer," he said. "Training a boxer is a puzzle. It's like building a house. Everyone starts too fast. I started too fast, but I learned."
Jangada began his career as a muay thai fighter in the same Brazilian gym that spawned mixed martial-arts greats Wanderlei and Anderson Silva. But that's not for him, Jangada said.
"Boxing is a noble art. It's a classic. Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali are classics. Besides, I have heavy hands," he said, referring to his 38 knockouts.
Recently promoted from private first class to specialist, Jangada is stationed here, 10 miles from the Syrian border, where paratroopers are partnered with Iraqi border enforcement troops.
In his time off, Jangada coaches his battle buddies in the art of boxing. "They have heart here in the Army, much more than civilians," he said.
Army 1st Lt. Christopher Hollingsworth, Jangada's platoon leader from Ennis, Texas, takes advantage of Jangada's boxing mentorship whenever he can. The former Special Forces operator and medic from 3rd Special Forces Group said he would be stupid not to take advantage of such world-class talent.
"The training he did with such a wide range of top boxers makes him a great instructor," Hollingsworth said. "We are constantly trying to pick his brain."
Noting the great progress Iraqi security forces have made in Anbar province, Jangada said the deployment is quieter than he had expected.
"Infantry is like boxing. We are fighters. We are the war dogs. We expected to find more action, but this is not the case. But then, I am glad to see nobody hurt," he said.
His wife, Susan, a former professional volleyball player, moved back to Indiana to be near family until her husband returns from Iraq.
On the night of Oct. 24, Jangada was manning a guard tower. It was dark and cold, and the pouring rain had turned the "moondust" on the base into deep, sticky gumbo. A soldier brought him a note from the Red Cross. The details: Fergeson Jangada, born Oct. 24 in Bluffington, Ind., 8 pounds, 12.3 ounces, 21 inches, mother and baby doing fine.
Susan likes the Army for the stability and health benefits, said Jangada, who is still considering re-enlistment.
"His top end is unlimited," Hollingsworth said. "If he chooses to stay in the Army, he can do whatever he wants." In the meantime, he has eight months left in the deployment to be the best paratrooper he can be, he said.
"Sometimes we love it; sometimes we hate it, but we can never forget it," Jangada said. "No matter what I do when I get out, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division is something I'm going to bring with me forever."
(Army Spc. Michael J. MacLeod serves in the Multinational Force West public affairs office.)
Monday, December 07, 2009
Yama Sakura 57 Guardsmen experience Japanese culture
By Sgt. 1st Class Jason Shepherd, United States Army,Pacific Sgt. Gerardo DeAvila, Georgia National Guard
(12/6/09) - Tea ceremonies, paper folding and sword demonstrations aren't usually the first things to come to mind when you think of a command post exercise with one of the U.S. strongest military allies.
Yet, the more than 1,500 troops participating in Yama Sakura 57 had the opportunity to visit Japanese children with special needs and practice the art of calligraphy and origami before the start of this year's exercise.
These events were part of a series of cultural exchanges designed to foster a better understanding of Japanese culture and traditions.
The Northern Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the U.S. military's bilateral partner for this year's exercise, planned and executed the cultural series. Each day featured a different event, hosted on the Northern Army's camp on the island of Hokkaido, Japan's most northern island).
One of the first cultural activity offered was a Japanese home visit, which was designed to let U.S. participants experience Japanese home life first hand.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Knight of the Colorado National Guard's 169th Fires Brigade, helped prepare a northern Japanese staple, mochi gome, or sticky rice, during his home visit.
"One of the neater things we got to do was take steamed rice and put it in this big bowl and started pounding on it with a hammer," he said. "Later, (our host's wife) came back with soup and the rice was in it. It was absolutely delicious."
Knight also added that experiencing the home life of an average Japanese family was something he has always wanted to do.
"I've always been intrigued by (East-Asian) culture," he said. "So many ancient traditions that we as Americans don't get to see too often. It was very eye opening to be able to see this in person and actually visit with a Japanese family and see how they live and how they view America."
"I was humbled by this experience and I love the respect and honor I felt being at my host's home," said Spc. Latangia Oliver, 40th Special Troops Battalion, California National Guard. "This is my first trip to Japan and did not know what to expect and felt a little apprehensive, but after tonight I feel right at home."
First Lt. Kyosuke Moriguchi, Northern Army, JGSDF, served as an interpreter during the home visit. He said that he was happy to experience the interaction between the U.S and the family.
"The U.S. military and the host family made a good connection," he added. "I hope the JGSDF and U.S. military make as good a connection (during Yama Sakura)."
Capt. Ryan Mundy, Utah National Guard, learned how to write his name in Japanese during the calligraphy class.
"I am amazed at the beauty and difficulty of writing Japanese," he said. "It's a beautiful language."
Sgt. Lizeth Reyes, of the California National Guard's 40th Infantry Division, participated in a tea ceremony and enjoyed the attention to detail placed on such an important part of Japanese life.
"This has given me a great appreciation in working with my counterparts and I'm glad they made an effort to share their world with me," she said.
Other classes during the week included the Japanese art of flower arranging or kado and the proper wear of a kimono.
For many, the best part of the cultural exchange was the joint U.S.-JGSDF visit to children with special needs. The 29 U.S. and 29 JGSDF troops played wheel chair soccer and had a great time, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Alveno Hodge, command sergeant major, United States Army, Pacific Special Troops Battalion.
"When you come to different countries, you usually only get to see what's on that particular installation during that military operation," he said. "But here, our host, the JGSDF, has done so much for us. They have gone out of their way to make us feel comfortable in their country."
"I saw lots of smiling," said Command Sgt. Maj. Hisanoria Honda, command sergeant major of the Northern Army, JGSDF . "I believe that the U.S. participates will have some good memories to bring home.
More than 1,500 U.S. military personnel and nearly 3,500 members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are conducting the exercise here Dec. 7-13. Yama Sakura, which means "mountain cherry blossom," is an annual, bilateral exercise designed to strengthen military operations and ties between the U.S. Army and the JGSDF.
New York Guardsmen ready for exercise With Japanese counterparts
(12/4/09) - About 120 New York Army National Guard Soldiers arrived here between Dec. 1-4 for Yama Sakura 57, the bilateral command post training exercise with members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces.The Soldiers will now establish the division headquarters command post and communications infrastructure to support the full spectrum battle simulation exercise next week. The troops acclimated quickly to Northern Japan\'s cold climate. With temperatures and a wind chill reaching down to the lower teens, most of the New York Army National Guard Soldiers left autumn at home much warmer than the environment on Hokkaido.
They will conduct a joint exercise with the Japanese Northern Army's 2nd Division.
Ten of the division's Soldiers already received a warm welcome as part of the cultural exchange program for Yama Sakura.
The New York Soldiers were received at the homes of Japanese army troops volunteering to open their homes, their families and their culture to the New York Army National Guardsmen.
Yama Sakura 57 involves a military-to-military exchange to better prepare both forces for full spectrum conflict and train Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces for their homeland defense mission.
The command post exercise, scheduled for Dec. 8-13, involves a notional battle to defend Japanese sovereignty. It is one of the U.S. Army's largest such training events for high intensity, or full spectrum, conflict.
"About 60 percent of our effort here is just the military to military relationships and cultural exchange with our Japanese partners," Command Sgt. Major John Willsey said.
Willsey, from the 42d Special Troops Battalion, supervises the Soldier care and life support issues for the deployed troops. "The other forty percent of our effort is the exercise itself," he said. "Training with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces is an exchange of techniques and lessons learned that make both our forces better at what we do."
This is the second time this year that New York Army National Guard Soldiers have trained in Japan with the Japan Ground Self Defense Defense Force. In October, 200 Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard, most from the famed "Fighting 69th" the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, took part in Operation Orient Shield. Those Soldiers trained with Japanese infantrymen at Camp Imazu, Japan.
Virginia Guard Soldiers part of new Kosovo task force
The battalion is responsible for conducting scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on U.S. aircraft in the country during KFOR 12, said Capt. Michael H. Gregory, commander of the unit.“The elections just took place which not only was a milestone for the people of Kosovo but set the stage for further stabilization in the region,” Gregory said. “Our mission is to assist in the implementation of UNSCR 1244 pending a final settlement in Kosovo and I think that we are starting to see more signs of that.”
"This is a very beautiful country and the local populace is very supportive of our mission," said Staff Sgt. Danny J. Conwell.
"The Kosovars have immediately befriended us and made every effort to show their gratefulness for our service with kindness and warmth," said Sgt. 1st Class Jorge L. RiveraDiaz.
"The journey here was easy and the transition from KFOR 11 to KFOR 12 was smooth," said Spc. Robert V. Burkhead. “Task Force Arctic Eagle, the KFOR 11 Aviation Task Force, was from Alaska and gave us a quality mission hand off setting us up for success.”
Many of the Soldiers from Virginia, Kentucky and South Carolina that now make up Det. 2, Co. B, 777th ASB (AVUM) have made friends with Soldiers from other parts of the United States, Gregory said.
Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the North Dakota National Guard and the Soldiers who make up his task force, accepted responsibility of MNTF-E from Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones, 40th Infantry Division (Forward), of the California National Guard, and the Soldiers under his command.
"We've trained very hard for this mission, really, for more than 18 months now," Dohrmann said. We're all ready for the mission; I know the Soldiers are excited to get things started with the mission, and I'm very excited to get things started too."
More than 1,300 Soldiers comprise Task Force Falcon, the U.S. contingent of MNTF-E. Though its headquarters is based out of North Dakota, units that make up the task force come from 14 states and territories: Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Hawaii, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Michigan, Utah, and the Virgin Islands. In all, 37 states have Soldiers represented.
Nearly 2,200 Soldiers from several NATO countries, including the U.S., make up the total MNTF-E force.
Stretching along Kosovo's eastern Administrative Boundary Line, MNTF-E is one of five sectors, where NATO peacekeeping forces conduct patrols and engage with people and institutions.
The incoming KFOR 12 Soldiers started arriving in Kosovo in late October.
Louisiana Guardsmen take on undefeated Saints
By Sgt. Michael L. Owens
Louisiana National Guard
The Guardsmen and players were part of the "Pros vs. G.I. Joes" event, playing each other in games, such as "Call of Duty" and "Guitar Hero."
"We know that the troops work hard to protect us and our country, so we have events like this to say thank you and show our appreciation," said Addie Zinone, co-founder of the event and member of the Army Reserve.
The Saints were happy to be there and show their off-the-field skills to the Guardsmen after showcasing their on-the-field talents in a win against the New England Patriots the night before.
"It is always fun to do events like this," said cornerback Mike McKenzie. "Supporting and appreciating our Troops is what it's all about."
The Guardsmen were excited to get the chance to meet the players, especially during this historic season.
"I have been a Saints fan all my life," said Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Bonin of the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment. "To be here is very special for me. It's just unbelievable!"
Louisiana National Guard
The Guardsmen and players were part of the "Pros vs. G.I. Joes" event, playing each other in games, such as "Call of Duty" and "Guitar Hero."
"We know that the troops work hard to protect us and our country, so we have events like this to say thank you and show our appreciation," said Addie Zinone, co-founder of the event and member of the Army Reserve.
The Saints were happy to be there and show their off-the-field skills to the Guardsmen after showcasing their on-the-field talents in a win against the New England Patriots the night before.
"It is always fun to do events like this," said cornerback Mike McKenzie. "Supporting and appreciating our Troops is what it's all about."
The Guardsmen were excited to get the chance to meet the players, especially during this historic season.
"I have been a Saints fan all my life," said Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Bonin of the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment. "To be here is very special for me. It's just unbelievable!"
NGB graduates first CPI black belt class
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon SoucyNational Guard Bureau
About 30 students from 11 states completed the program, which combines the Army’s Lean Six Sigma and the Air Force’s Smart Operations for the 21st Century efficiency programs.
“It’s the first time … that we actually have a class that was designed to be truly joint,” said Air Force Col. B.J. Marshall, CPI director at the National Guard Bureau. “We took the best of the OSD (Office of the Secretary of Defense) curriculum, the Army’s black belt curriculum and the Air Force curriculum and built our own curriculum that meets the learning objectives of both the Army and the Air Force.”
The course runs four weeks and covers a variety of ways and means to evaluate and improve upon processes and procedures within the Guard, such as preparing for deployment, said Marshall.
“This course actually teaches them or provides them with a tool box of techniques to use to improve effectiveness and efficiencies,” said Marshall. “So, if you’re working on improving the efficiency of a project, you would use a lot of lean tools to remove the waste; but if you’re looking at the effectiveness of a process, you would be looking at removing errors that happen repetitively in [it].”
Those who are trained in CPI are rated on three levels – green belt, black belt and master black belt. Currently, the NGB training program is geared toward those working in the black belt capacity. However, a course for green belt certification is scheduled to start in March and a master black belt program is being planned for 2011, said Marshall.
Currently, those seeking green or master black belt training are certified through the Army’s training program. The difference in the three levels of certification is the scope of the projects those individuals would work on to increase efficiency.
“Master black belts traditionally would work mostly enterprise level – very large, very complex projects,” said Marshall. “They also teach the black belt course and coach and mentor black belts. Black belts then coach and mentor green belts.”
Recent graduates of the course have already seen its benefits.
“A lot of times you’ll go to meetings and people will assume they know what the problem is already,” said 2nd Lt. James Domenico of the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard.” He added that the training has taught him how to collect statistical data during meetings, which helps to determine what the problem is.
The path to improving efficiency really starts prior to the attending the course.
“Our whole initiative starts with the strategic alignment workshop for the senior leaders,” said Marshall. “We go in and we take their strategic plan, align it to their core processes, identify the gaps and build a project library.”
Black belt students are assigned a project from that list of prioritized projects and they start working those projects, said Marshall. She added that improving readiness or streamlining the deployment process is among the projects worked on most often.
The push for a joint training program came in part from issues raised by many adjutants general who felt that having two separate programs – one for the Air Guard and one for the Army Guard – was often repetitive and cumbersome, said Marshall.
Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, who visited with the class on graduation day, also expressed an interest in having a joint program.
“Bottom line is, I’m all in, in terms of commitment to the program,” he said. “I spoke at length during the (Joint Senior Leaders Conference) to my belief that if we don’t adopt or adapt to this new way of doing business, we will fail.
“As good as we are in the Guard – and we celebrate our 373rd birthday on Dec. 13 – we may not make 400, because we will have lost our relevance and value. I say that tongue-in-cheek as I think we are adaptable enough to get through this.”
Part of that adaptation will include the Guard becoming a data-driven organization, said Marshall. “And one of the key things that this does is that it actually provides the data so that you can actually show the data and then the leadership can make a data-driven decision.”
In the end, it comes down to using the CPI tools to better manage finite resources. “By working through and using the continuous process improvement tools, we are able to free up resources to apply them in other areas,” she said. “And that can be both people and money.”
NGB currently has seven iterations of the course planned for 2010, said Marshall, with the next scheduled to start in February.
Guardsmen first to demonstrate digitally aided personnel recovery
By Capt. Alyson TeeterCalifornia National Guard
The 129th Rescue Wing sent 23 Guardsmen and an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft equipped with a prototype situation awareness system to BQ09 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. The exercise featured a series of demonstrations to assess technical and procedural solutions to improve the combat effectiveness of coalition forces, according to the JFCOM Web site.
In the past, rescuers were constrained to voice only communications in their life saving mission. Air Guard rescue forces responding to Hurricane Ike last year identified the data link capability as being the highest priority improvement for homeland emergency response operations on a large scale.
"Voice communications have always been an Achilles heel in the coordination of time-sensitive rescue operations,” said Lt. Col. Steve Butow, deputy director of the 129th Operations Group and deployed commander during BQ09. “The voice communications frequencies rapidly become saturated during disasters because of the volume of information being passed.”
The 129th RQW's operational experience provided momentum for generating a data link solution that underwent an operational utility evaluation in April at the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center, or AATC, in Tucson, Ariz.
"The Air Guard has taken a lead role in the test and evaluation of situational awareness capabilities, enabling personnel recovery for the warfighter and for homeland emergency response operations," Butow said.
Testing the Air Guard’s situational awareness capabilities in digitally aided personnel recovery, or DaPR, BQ09 was an opportunity to integrate data link-enabled air and ground forces from joint and coalition components in a simulated battlespace, Colonel Butow said. The architecture, forces and concept of operations were representative of Afghanistan, and scenarios involved austere, woodland and urban environments.
The 129th RQW rescue MC-130P crews flew eight missions as Airborne Mission Commander, or AMC, supporting more than 20 personnel recovery events. AMC duties were performed by Combat Rescue Officers who coordinated recovery efforts with Joint Terminal Area Controllers on the ground.
“The crews were developing new tactics, techniques and procedures pretty much every time they flew,” said Maj. Jose Agredano, 129th Operations Group chief of tactics and deployed director of operations during BQ09. “The system is new to rescue so we were literally discovering different ways to utilize SADL every event.”
The personnel recovery events involved the employment of a variety of aircraft and forces, including U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, Air National Guard F-16C Fight Falcons, Canadian Air Force F-18CF Hornets, and Quick Reaction Forces from the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division.
Butow said the DaPR events produced the following achievements: Data link minimized voice communications, allowing more effective coordination of recovery tasks. The rescue MC-130P maintained superior situational awareness in the terminal area and coordinated critical support requirement with the Air Support Operations Center. The rescue MC-130P streamed secure video to the JTAC during recoveries, increasing the ground force commander's situational awareness and relieving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets that would normally perform this function.
Precise position information and identification was digitally distributed over land and air data link networks enabling the rescue MC-130P to coordinate recovery as the AMC.
A personnel recovery coordination cell located within the ASOC provided real-time intelligence and command and control information to the AMC.
NASA COSPAS Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking was utilized to collect beacon activations and provide GEO coordinate information to the BQ09 C2 network.
Because of these accomplishments, all members of the personnel recovery task force shared a common operating picture enabling unity of effort, Butow said. "The Bold Quest experience has proven invaluable in assessing current capabilities and defining requirements for the rescue H/MC-130 role in digitally aided personnel recovery.”
“The spin-off benefit is that we have gained a new capability for wide area catastrophic events such as hurricanes or earthquakes,” he added.
DoD Revamps Playgrounds to Meet Needs
By Elaine WilsonSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 7, 2009 - Timothy Donovan sits in his wheelchair on the sidelines of the playground here, wishing he could swing on the swings or slide down the slides with his friends. But Timothy is unable to roll his wheelchair over the mulch, and the playgrounds lack the ramps and other special equipment he needs to play there. "I would go to the school and he would be sitting by himself, because he couldn't get close," said Timothy's mother, Paula Donovan, wife of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Timothy Donovan. "It would break my heart."
But in a few weeks, Timothy's sideline days will be over.
The Defense Department's Office of Military Community and Family Policy has funded playground construction here and at 39 other military installations – both stateside and overseas -- that will enable special-needs children like Timothy to join their friends at play.
"We're very pleased to be able to fund these playgrounds," said Rebecca Posante, the office's director of communications. The $10 million project will equip the bases with handicap-accessible playgrounds as well as pool lifts. The program also has provided about $5 million to the Department of Defense Education Activity to revamp some school playgrounds for special-needs children.
Timothy's school here received some of those funds and will unveil its new playground in the upcoming weeks.
While it was the Office of Military Community and Family Policy that supplied the money, it was a mother's love that provided the impetus for the project. Paula Donovan said she had been growing frustrated by the lack of accessibility for her son.
"I was surprised the playgrounds weren't accessible, because this is a Category 4 base," she said, referring to the fact that Quantico is one of the locations where families with special needs are sent. "I felt that Timothy and other children like him deserved better."
Born with a group of birth defects called VACTERL, 7-year-old Timothy has experienced health issues ranging from cardiac problems to limb abnormalities, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 1. He already has undergone 21 surgeries.
Posante caught wind of the problem when the Donovans came to the Pentagon for a visit.
"Paula mentioned that Timothy couldn't play on the playground," Posante said. "Quantico is a location where the Marines send families with disabilities because of the hospitals there. That stuck in our minds."
When funds came available at the end of the year, there was no hesitation about where they would go. "We knew we wanted to put the money into the playgrounds," Posante said. "It was just a matter of where."
With sites selected, many playground projects already are under way, with others slated to begin soon. At Quantico, Timothy will have to wait only a few more weeks before he's joining his friends at recess on the monkey bars.
Timothy said he's "very excited" about the new playgrounds.
Paula Donovan said she's grateful for the upgrades.
"I really believe it will benefit a lot of people, not just the children, but also wounded warriors who want to come to the playground and play with their children," she said. "Unless people speak up, our leaders won't know what our children need. I'm glad I spoke up, and I'm glad there were people caring enough to listen."
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 7, 2009
ARMY
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 2, 2009, a $168,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract for H-60 supplies and technical, engineering and logistical support services for a period of 12 months in support of overhaul, repair and recapitalization of the H-60 weapon system at Corpus Christi Army Depot. Work is to be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, AMSCC-AVM-AL-D, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-D-0029).
Telford Aviation, Inc., Bangor, Maine, was awarded on Nov. 25, 2009, a $12,268,639 firm-fixed-price contract for a medium altitude reconnaissance surveillance system - Canada Systems integration and logistics support for two King Air 300 commercial aircraft provided by Canada. This effort is currently funded at 49 precent of the not-to-exceed price until definitization takes place. Work is to be performed in Hagerstown, Md. (75 percent), and Afghanistan (25 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 15, 2011. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W12P7T-07-C-W009).
Better Built Construction Services, Inc., Middletown, Ohio, was awarded on Nov. 24, 2009, a $7,310,703 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a human performance wing swing space - modular, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Work is to be performed in Greene County, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2010. 46 bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0009).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 1, 2009, a $7,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for modification P00133 exercising an option for system technical support for the Abrams tank program. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
Bristol Environmental Remediation Services, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Nov. 30, 2009, a $7,208,494 firm-fixed-price contract for hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste remediation services, Northeast Cape, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Work is to be performed in St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-10-C-0002).
AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Newark, Ohio, was awarded a $11,603,410 contract which will provide for Minuteman III guidance repair. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-99-D-0006).
Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $6,000,000 contract which will provide for C-32A and C-40B on-board communications equipment. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 655 AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-0013).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 2, 2009, a $168,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract for H-60 supplies and technical, engineering and logistical support services for a period of 12 months in support of overhaul, repair and recapitalization of the H-60 weapon system at Corpus Christi Army Depot. Work is to be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, AMSCC-AVM-AL-D, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-D-0029).
Telford Aviation, Inc., Bangor, Maine, was awarded on Nov. 25, 2009, a $12,268,639 firm-fixed-price contract for a medium altitude reconnaissance surveillance system - Canada Systems integration and logistics support for two King Air 300 commercial aircraft provided by Canada. This effort is currently funded at 49 precent of the not-to-exceed price until definitization takes place. Work is to be performed in Hagerstown, Md. (75 percent), and Afghanistan (25 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 15, 2011. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W12P7T-07-C-W009).
Better Built Construction Services, Inc., Middletown, Ohio, was awarded on Nov. 24, 2009, a $7,310,703 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a human performance wing swing space - modular, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Work is to be performed in Greene County, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2010. 46 bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0009).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 1, 2009, a $7,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for modification P00133 exercising an option for system technical support for the Abrams tank program. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
Bristol Environmental Remediation Services, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Nov. 30, 2009, a $7,208,494 firm-fixed-price contract for hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste remediation services, Northeast Cape, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Work is to be performed in St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-10-C-0002).
AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Newark, Ohio, was awarded a $11,603,410 contract which will provide for Minuteman III guidance repair. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-99-D-0006).
Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $6,000,000 contract which will provide for C-32A and C-40B on-board communications equipment. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 655 AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-0013).
Clock Ticking on Iran's Nuclear Stance, Jones Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 7, 2009 - The United States and its allies are still open to negotiations with the Iranian government to resolve international concerns about its nuclear program, National Security Advisor James L. Jones said yesterday. However, the "clock's ticking," Jones said, regarding Iran's continued refusal to accede to International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities.
The international community is concerned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium used for its nuclear power plants. The Iranian government has denied such claims and insists its nuclear program is used only to generate electric power.
The IAEA, based in Geneva, is a U.N.-sponsored organization that cooperates with its member states and partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.
Jones, who was interviewed on CNN's "State of the Union" program yesterday, also told host John King that Iran is welcome to again come to the negotiation table to resolve concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
In September, it was revealed that Iran was building a secret uranium enrichment plant near the town of Qom.
Negotiations held in Geneva in early October between Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany came to naught after Iran reneged on an agreement to send its uranium to France and Russia for further enrichment processing. After the IAEA rebuked Iran for its covert uranium enrichment in Qom, the Iranian government announced it would build 10 additional uranium enrichment plants.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs noted in a statement issued Nov. 29 that "time is running out for Iran to address the international community's growing concerns about its nuclear program."
The Iranian government has so far declined to attend another meeting about its nuclear program. Despite the impasse, Jones said, the United States and its allies still are open to negotiations with Iran.
"The IAEA is still working feverishly to try to bring this about," Jones said of efforts to restart negotiations with Iran. Meanwhile, Jones described what has been presented to Iran at the negotiating table as logical, fair and reasonable.
"And if Iran wanted to signal to the world that it wishes to participate more fully in the family of nations, this is a very, very good way for them to do this," Jones said.
But Iran's behavior regarding its nuclear ambitions has "caused enormous worry and concern" among countries in the western Persian Gulf region, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, told "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace yesterday.
It also is causing serious concern, Petraeus said, that Iran continues "activities to arm, train, fund, and direct extremists in Iraq, southern Lebanon, Gaza, and to a degree, western Afghanistan."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 7, 2009 - The United States and its allies are still open to negotiations with the Iranian government to resolve international concerns about its nuclear program, National Security Advisor James L. Jones said yesterday. However, the "clock's ticking," Jones said, regarding Iran's continued refusal to accede to International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities.
The international community is concerned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium used for its nuclear power plants. The Iranian government has denied such claims and insists its nuclear program is used only to generate electric power.
The IAEA, based in Geneva, is a U.N.-sponsored organization that cooperates with its member states and partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.
Jones, who was interviewed on CNN's "State of the Union" program yesterday, also told host John King that Iran is welcome to again come to the negotiation table to resolve concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
In September, it was revealed that Iran was building a secret uranium enrichment plant near the town of Qom.
Negotiations held in Geneva in early October between Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany came to naught after Iran reneged on an agreement to send its uranium to France and Russia for further enrichment processing. After the IAEA rebuked Iran for its covert uranium enrichment in Qom, the Iranian government announced it would build 10 additional uranium enrichment plants.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs noted in a statement issued Nov. 29 that "time is running out for Iran to address the international community's growing concerns about its nuclear program."
The Iranian government has so far declined to attend another meeting about its nuclear program. Despite the impasse, Jones said, the United States and its allies still are open to negotiations with Iran.
"The IAEA is still working feverishly to try to bring this about," Jones said of efforts to restart negotiations with Iran. Meanwhile, Jones described what has been presented to Iran at the negotiating table as logical, fair and reasonable.
"And if Iran wanted to signal to the world that it wishes to participate more fully in the family of nations, this is a very, very good way for them to do this," Jones said.
But Iran's behavior regarding its nuclear ambitions has "caused enormous worry and concern" among countries in the western Persian Gulf region, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, told "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace yesterday.
It also is causing serious concern, Petraeus said, that Iran continues "activities to arm, train, fund, and direct extremists in Iraq, southern Lebanon, Gaza, and to a degree, western Afghanistan."
Support Improves for Families With Special Needs
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 7, 2009 - Officials are working to boost the resources and support the Defense Department's Exceptional Family Member Program provides to military families with special needs. "Most people are aware of EFMP as a mandatory enrollment program, but we're working to raise awareness of the family support we can provide," said Rebecca Posante, communications director for the Pentagon's Office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Military families with special needs are asked to enroll in the program so their requirements can be taken into consideration for future assignments. Parents with a child with major medical needs, for instance, are stationed at an installation near a hospital that can accommodate those needs.
"The program is to prevent you from getting in a situation where your family can't get appropriate care," Posante said. "Your asthma may be controlled here, but not at a place overseas. You might not know that and unknowingly be put in a life-threatening situation. The goal is to protect the family."
While the assignment component is standard throughout the services, each branch offers a varying level of family support, and the resultant family services are inconsistent at best, Posante acknowledged. For instance, some bases have one program specialist and others have up to seven.
"The Marine Corps and Army have plussed up their programs, but it really depends on the passion and the staffing at the installations," Posante said.
On a positive note, she said, changes are on the horizon.
The fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Barack Obama in October, mandates a standard program to support military families with special needs, establishes a Defense Department Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs and requires a comprehensive policy on support to families.
While changes lie ahead, Posante said, she is working in the meantime to put the resources in place to ensure success.
Last month, the department sponsored its first joint exceptional family member support conference in Jacksonville, Fla. Posante said the conference was a definite success, and that she equipped family support personnel with tools they "could take back and use on Monday."
Posante noted these same tools also are offered online for families.
A Parent ToolKit, available on the Military OneSource site, offers information and resources to aid parents of special-needs children, taking them from birth to 21 years old. It includes a list of support organizations, sample forms and letters, and other resources.
To supplement the toolkit, Military Homefront offers hundreds of resources online, listed by state, that parents can use to pinpoint a local program.
The Special Care Organizational Record for Children With Special Health Care Needs, also available on Military OneSource, is a binder where parents can store all health care-related information pertaining to their child, from medications and allergies to doctors' business cards and receipts. It also can be used for special-needs adults.
"Imagine if you were a parent and one day you couldn't take care of your child, [and] someone would have to step in and care for that child," said Isabel Hodge, family support program manager for the Pentagon's Office of Military Community and Family Policy. "This gives them what they need to know. It's a set of instructions."
"It's not your official medical record," Posante added. "But it's something you can take with you as you move [or go] to different appointments. You can take it with you and share with doctors to aid in care."
Posante also urges parents of special-needs family members to take advantage of Military OneSource's specialty consultations for adult and special needs children by calling 1-800-342-9647.
With the program's new legislation and resources, Posante said, she hopes families will remember to associate the Exceptional Family Member Program with more than just assignments. She wants them to equate the program with family support.
"Enrollment is for your protection. This is a big benefit to our families," she said. "But we also can help support your family. Seek out your EFMP coordinator at your family center; that person knows the area; they can get you the right information. We want our families to know [that] we know the system, and we can help."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 7, 2009 - Officials are working to boost the resources and support the Defense Department's Exceptional Family Member Program provides to military families with special needs. "Most people are aware of EFMP as a mandatory enrollment program, but we're working to raise awareness of the family support we can provide," said Rebecca Posante, communications director for the Pentagon's Office of Military Community and Family Policy.
Military families with special needs are asked to enroll in the program so their requirements can be taken into consideration for future assignments. Parents with a child with major medical needs, for instance, are stationed at an installation near a hospital that can accommodate those needs.
"The program is to prevent you from getting in a situation where your family can't get appropriate care," Posante said. "Your asthma may be controlled here, but not at a place overseas. You might not know that and unknowingly be put in a life-threatening situation. The goal is to protect the family."
While the assignment component is standard throughout the services, each branch offers a varying level of family support, and the resultant family services are inconsistent at best, Posante acknowledged. For instance, some bases have one program specialist and others have up to seven.
"The Marine Corps and Army have plussed up their programs, but it really depends on the passion and the staffing at the installations," Posante said.
On a positive note, she said, changes are on the horizon.
The fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Barack Obama in October, mandates a standard program to support military families with special needs, establishes a Defense Department Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs and requires a comprehensive policy on support to families.
While changes lie ahead, Posante said, she is working in the meantime to put the resources in place to ensure success.
Last month, the department sponsored its first joint exceptional family member support conference in Jacksonville, Fla. Posante said the conference was a definite success, and that she equipped family support personnel with tools they "could take back and use on Monday."
Posante noted these same tools also are offered online for families.
A Parent ToolKit, available on the Military OneSource site, offers information and resources to aid parents of special-needs children, taking them from birth to 21 years old. It includes a list of support organizations, sample forms and letters, and other resources.
To supplement the toolkit, Military Homefront offers hundreds of resources online, listed by state, that parents can use to pinpoint a local program.
The Special Care Organizational Record for Children With Special Health Care Needs, also available on Military OneSource, is a binder where parents can store all health care-related information pertaining to their child, from medications and allergies to doctors' business cards and receipts. It also can be used for special-needs adults.
"Imagine if you were a parent and one day you couldn't take care of your child, [and] someone would have to step in and care for that child," said Isabel Hodge, family support program manager for the Pentagon's Office of Military Community and Family Policy. "This gives them what they need to know. It's a set of instructions."
"It's not your official medical record," Posante added. "But it's something you can take with you as you move [or go] to different appointments. You can take it with you and share with doctors to aid in care."
Posante also urges parents of special-needs family members to take advantage of Military OneSource's specialty consultations for adult and special needs children by calling 1-800-342-9647.
With the program's new legislation and resources, Posante said, she hopes families will remember to associate the Exceptional Family Member Program with more than just assignments. She wants them to equate the program with family support.
"Enrollment is for your protection. This is a big benefit to our families," she said. "But we also can help support your family. Seek out your EFMP coordinator at your family center; that person knows the area; they can get you the right information. We want our families to know [that] we know the system, and we can help."
Landstuhl Gets Congressional Kudos
By: Health.mil Staff
For Skelton, this visit to Landstuhl carries a bit of personal meaning as well. Skelton was injured in a motor vehicle accident during his visit to Iraq in 2005 and spent several days recovering in Landstuhl’s intensive care unit. Commander Col. John Cho presented LRMC with a framed Congressional statement and described the colonel’s work as “critical…in caring for our warriors wounded in combat.”
Roughly 2,800 personnel at LRMC treat more than 58,000 service members and civilians for injury and illness sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq. They also provide specialized care to roughly 245,000 American military personnel and their families throughout the European theater. The facility averages over 1,000 inpatients per month, with a daily average of about 20 surgical cases.
Skelton closed his visit with a huge kudos to LRMC. “I am proud to know that we have such an immensely capable group of people looking after the health and well-being of service members and their families,” he said. “As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee and as a former patient, I pay great tribute to the excellence and sacrifice of all who serve at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. They all deserve our thanks and support.”
For Skelton, this visit to Landstuhl carries a bit of personal meaning as well. Skelton was injured in a motor vehicle accident during his visit to Iraq in 2005 and spent several days recovering in Landstuhl’s intensive care unit. Commander Col. John Cho presented LRMC with a framed Congressional statement and described the colonel’s work as “critical…in caring for our warriors wounded in combat.”
Roughly 2,800 personnel at LRMC treat more than 58,000 service members and civilians for injury and illness sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq. They also provide specialized care to roughly 245,000 American military personnel and their families throughout the European theater. The facility averages over 1,000 inpatients per month, with a daily average of about 20 surgical cases.
Skelton closed his visit with a huge kudos to LRMC. “I am proud to know that we have such an immensely capable group of people looking after the health and well-being of service members and their families,” he said. “As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee and as a former patient, I pay great tribute to the excellence and sacrifice of all who serve at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. They all deserve our thanks and support.”
Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton
Monday, December 07, 2009
Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton
Sixty-eight years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked. The following day President Franklin Roosevelt addressed Congress at 12:30 p.m., for six and a half minutes, and within one hour America entered World War II — “a date which will live in infamy.”
Killing in combat, losing beloved buddies, coming home to a strained or even fractured marriage, experiencing “survivors guilt,” witnessing the death of innocent civilians are timeless challenges known to warriors of all ages — past, present and future.
Psychological health concerns are not new to our warriors who have seen combat. Looking back through history, 27 centuries ago in "The Iliad," Homer describes the mental stress that occurs as a result of continuous combat as the “betrayal of what is right.” During the American Civil War post traumatic stress was referred to as “soldier’s heart”; in World War I it was known as “shell shock”; and in World War II “battle fatigue.”
Our journey has gained considerable traction and momentum in helping our warriors and veterans receive care for psychological health concerns across the resiliency, recovery and reintegration continuum of care. However, the stigma associated with seeking help for the invisible wounds of war is still present and all too often blocks our warriors from seeking care. Today, reaching out is an act of courage and strength. This is progress, however, total success will be achieved when warriors and their families will give no more thought to seeking help for brain injuries than they would for a broken leg. We still have a long way to travel but, make no mistake, we will get there — sooner is better.
History and literature point to the human need to find meaning, purpose and value in life’s harshest experiences. Consider Hamlet on his deathbed, making his final request to Horatio: “If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, absent thee from felicity awhile and enter my harsh world and draw my breath in pain to tell my story.”
Withdraw yourself from your comforts to see through my eyes, says Hamlet. Tell the world my story….
Indeed, the experience of sharing one’s story remains as powerful today. This power resides at the heart of our Real Warriors campaign to eliminate stigma. Please check out www.RealWarriors.net and keep in touch — maybe you or someone you know has a story that is ripe for sharing.
Thanks as always for your support — together let’s redouble our efforts to make a positive difference for the greater good!
Yours in service ~
Loree K. Sutton, M.D.
Brigadier General, MC, USA
Director, DCoE
Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton
Sixty-eight years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked. The following day President Franklin Roosevelt addressed Congress at 12:30 p.m., for six and a half minutes, and within one hour America entered World War II — “a date which will live in infamy.”
Killing in combat, losing beloved buddies, coming home to a strained or even fractured marriage, experiencing “survivors guilt,” witnessing the death of innocent civilians are timeless challenges known to warriors of all ages — past, present and future.
Psychological health concerns are not new to our warriors who have seen combat. Looking back through history, 27 centuries ago in "The Iliad," Homer describes the mental stress that occurs as a result of continuous combat as the “betrayal of what is right.” During the American Civil War post traumatic stress was referred to as “soldier’s heart”; in World War I it was known as “shell shock”; and in World War II “battle fatigue.”
Our journey has gained considerable traction and momentum in helping our warriors and veterans receive care for psychological health concerns across the resiliency, recovery and reintegration continuum of care. However, the stigma associated with seeking help for the invisible wounds of war is still present and all too often blocks our warriors from seeking care. Today, reaching out is an act of courage and strength. This is progress, however, total success will be achieved when warriors and their families will give no more thought to seeking help for brain injuries than they would for a broken leg. We still have a long way to travel but, make no mistake, we will get there — sooner is better.
History and literature point to the human need to find meaning, purpose and value in life’s harshest experiences. Consider Hamlet on his deathbed, making his final request to Horatio: “If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, absent thee from felicity awhile and enter my harsh world and draw my breath in pain to tell my story.”
Withdraw yourself from your comforts to see through my eyes, says Hamlet. Tell the world my story….
Indeed, the experience of sharing one’s story remains as powerful today. This power resides at the heart of our Real Warriors campaign to eliminate stigma. Please check out www.RealWarriors.net and keep in touch — maybe you or someone you know has a story that is ripe for sharing.
Thanks as always for your support — together let’s redouble our efforts to make a positive difference for the greater good!
Yours in service ~
Loree K. Sutton, M.D.
Brigadier General, MC, USA
Director, DCoE
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