Organization Reaches Out to Wounded Warriors

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 – In what started out as a small pilot program, members of Disabled American Veterans, working with the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, began visiting wounded warriors at Fort Bragg, N.C., to talk about benefits and services available to them after they leave active duty.

Now 40 DAV transition service officers have become regulars at 144 military installations participating in the joint VA-DOD Benefits Delivery and Discharge Program, which provides transition assistance to separating service members who incurred disabilities related to their military service.

DAV National Commander Wallace E. “Wally” Tyson called DAV’s contribution a vital link to the newest generation of disabled veterans.

“We want to get to those veterans before they are released from active duty so we can help get them on a path toward reinstituting a life for themselves and making sure they know what benefits are available to them and their families,” he told American Forces Press Service.

As partners in military transition assistance programs and disability transition assistance programs, DAV transition service officers conduct or participate in pre-discharge briefings, review wounded warriors’ treatment records on request and confer with Defense and Labor Department officials and other participants in the discharge process.

The program, Tyson said, enables DAV to help service members through the process of developing evidence, completing applications and prosecuting claims for veterans benefits administered under federal, state and local laws. But one of the biggest benefits of the effort, he added, is ensuring that separating service members don’t find themselves in a situation where their military benefits are discontinued and VA benefits have not yet started.

“I can’t overemphasize the value of the complete package,” agreed Ron Minter, DAV’s national service officer supervisor for Maryland. “When [transition assistance officers] have that opportunity, it allows more prompt service and a smoother transition and, to a greater degree, a seamless transition” from military to civilian life.

And even if transitioning service members may not feel the need for DAV support now, Tyson said, that initial contact lays important groundwork for future help, when and if it is needed. DAV’s outreach to wounded warriors about to make this transition is a natural extension of its historic mission to serve veterans with service-connected disabilities and their families, he said.

Robert S. Marx, a captain who had been wounded in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France in November 1918, is credited with founding DAV to serve disabled World War I veterans who returned home to little government support. Congress, impressed with its effectiveness, chartered DAV in 1932 as the primary advocate for disabled veterans.

Ninety-one years since its founding, Tyson said, DAV is as relevant today as it’s been at any time in its history. He noted the growing number of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who have joined its 1.2 million-member ranks, benefiting from its claims and benefits assistance and its voluntary services program.

DAV offers a broad range of services to disabled veterans, all at no charge, thanks in large part to an army of more than 14,000 volunteers. Some drive a fleet of more than 1,400 vans, transporting veterans to VA medical centers, supermarkets or even barber shops. Others volunteer their services at VA medical facilities and regional clinics.

In addition, a cadre of highly trained national service officers, all with wartime-service-connected disabilities, reviews veterans’ claims and ensures veterans know what benefits and services they’re entitled to.

During 2010 alone, they interviewed almost 185,000 veterans and their families, Tyson reported. As a result, they filed more than 250,000 new claims for benefits, obtaining $5.1 billion in new and retroactive benefits for the disabled veterans they represented.

In addition, DAV employs nine national appeals officers who represent disabled veterans before the VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Last year, these national appeals officers represented appellants in about 5,000 cases. Of those cases, Tyson reported, almost three-quarters resulted in the original decisions being overturned or remanded to regional office rating boards for additional development and re-adjudication.

In an effort to better support disabled veterans, DAV is increasing its outreach into rural areas and other areas where veterans traditionally have been underserved. During 2010, DAV’s 10 new mobile service offices traveled almost 115,000 miles and visited 815 cities and towns to interview more than 20,000 veterans and other potential claimants, Tyson reported.

“This outreach effort generates a considerable amount of claims work from those veterans who may not otherwise have the opportunity to seek assistance at DAV national service offices,” he said.

One of the more popular outreach efforts, the “Harley’s Heroes” project, involves setting up DAV booths at local Harley-Davidson Motor Co. dealerships that underwrite the cost of the project. Mobile service offices visited 183 Harley-Davidson dealerships last year. In addition to serving up refreshments and distributing information, DAV national service officers offered to review veterans’ paperwork to help in determining whether they’re eligible for benefits or services.

“We want them to bring any evidence they have, if they never filed a claim or want to reopen a claim,” Tyson said. “And they’re getting the best of both worlds. They don’t have to travel [to a VA facility], and they are going to get an expert working on their claim. Our national service officers are the best-trained out there.”

With most of its current members from the Vietnam War era, Tyson said, it’s time for the organization to throw its support to the nation’s youngest disabled veterans and welcome them into the fold.

“We don’t want a repeat [of the Vietnam homecoming experience],” Tyson said. “We hope we have learned from those mistakes, and to a great degree, I believe we as a nation have. Now we want to incorporate the younger veterans. It’s our turn to mentor them and let them take some of the leadership roles” within DAV.

“I believe, personally, that we are the best advocates for disabled veterans, their wives, their widows, their children and their survivors,” Tyson said. “That is because we have one and only one mission: to build better lives for disabled American veterans and their families. We have struck to that since this organization was founded, and I believe that is the reason the organization is so successful.”

Continuing Promise Doctors Hold Ultrasound Exchange with Kingston Staff

By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson USAF, Continuing Promise 2011 Public Affairs

KINGSTON, Jamaica (NNS) -- Medical personnel embarked aboard Military Sealift Command USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) facilitated a subject matter expert exchange with Jamaican medical personnel from the Kingston Public Hospital in support of Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11), April 18.

During the exchange, the group focused on different ways to get the most effective and efficient use out of ultrasound machines. They also practiced identifying various probes, proper probe positions and how to identify fluid within the body.

"This training will basically help others realize that ultrasound machines are really versatile," said Lt. Kylie Wainer, emergency medicine physician from Trego, Wis.

During the class, Wainer covered the four different types of probes, their use, their placement and how to adjust each machine to display the desired image based on location.

Wainer said ultrasound machines save time, money and radiation exposure, coupled with providing patient convenience.

"It is so much easier to determine if there is fluid where there shouldn't be if you use the machine," said Wainer. "You don't have to send down the request, wait for confirmation, send the patient down and wait for three hours to get the results."

According to Wainer, ultrasound machines provide immediate sight into the body cavity and they take less than three minutes to perform. She also said ultrasounds are also non-invasive, versatile, portable and produce no radiation.

"Familiarization is key," said Wainer. "Once you get that down, everything will be so much easier.

Many of the participants expressed their feelings about the training after completing the hands-on portion.

"This training has opened my eyes to ultrasounds," said Karen Foster, registered nurse and midwife from Kingston, Jamaica. "Now, when a doctor tells me to send the patient to radiology, I will encourage them to use the machine first."

COMUSANAVSO/COMFOURTHFLT support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined full-spectrum military operations. The units provide principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space to enhance regional security and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Carribean, Central and South American regions.

Family Matters Blog: Show Seeks Military Families for Home Makeover

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 – I’m excited to share new information about an amazing opportunity for deserving military families.

The producers of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” are seeking people involved in the military whose home deserves an extreme makeover.

The producers and celebrity hosts are looking for people with “amazing strength of character and who put their own needs aside to help others,” a press release said. “Whether it’s a soldier, a mom, a teacher or a fireman, we think deserving families are families who inspire those around them.”

Additionally, the show’s producers are seeking families whose houses need major alterations or repair – “homes that present serious problems for the family and affect the family’s quality of life.”

To be eligible, families must own their single family home and be able to demonstrate how a makeover will make a difference in their lives.

Interested military families or people who wish to nominate a military family should e-mail a short description of the family’s story to emheusa@gmail.com. The e-mail should include the names and ages of household members, a description of the family’s challenges, an explanation of why the family is deserving of a makeover or is a positive role model in the community, photos of the family and their home, and contact numbers.

The deadline for nominations is May 30, but people should send submissions early, the release said. Only up to 25 families are selected each season.

For more information on the application process, visit

http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=apply.

Please pass this information on to deserving military families. I hope to see a few on “Home Edition” next season.

For more on Family Matters, visit the blog or check out Family Matters on Facebook or Twitter.

Disclaimer: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of this website or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DOD website.

High School Athletes Compete in Navy SEAL Invitational

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Lamb, Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Athletes from eight California high school teams tested their physical limits and mental toughness during the first ever Navy SEAL Invitational Tournament, April 16, at the Naval Special Warfare Center.

The tournament included physical and mental challenges that pushed the athletes to succeed beyond their expectations. The event consisted of both water and land challenges that required individual persistence, determination, athleticism, strength, endurance and enthusiasm.

Athletes swam and conducted underwater retrieval exercises in the Navy SEAL training pool. Then they climbed ropes, ran relays, flipped tires, negotiated the SEAL Obstacle course and ended the contest with a timed mile run on the sandy beach.

"When someone comes here to become a Navy SEAL we push them beyond what they thought were there limits and they find out who they really are," said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Rob Stella. "Today, each athlete found himself stretched at some point and got past it. It's inspiring to watch them, and the support from their coaches and families was clearly evident."

The high schools, including Del Norte, Central Catholic, Mira Mesa, East Lake, University City, St. Augustine, Hueneme and Irvine, were each represented by a team of five student athletes.

The title of "Toughest Team" was awarded to the Nighthawks of Del Norte High School, and teammate Alan Rogers was recognized for his top individual performance.

Irvine High School placed second as a team and team members Bradley Buzby and Ryan Paul won individual honors in the 300-meter swim and pool-based Frogman Challenge, respectively.

"Competition is always great when it's fresh," said Scott Hinman, Irvine High School water polo coach. "We have a lot of specialty sport athletes and this allows them to use their skills in a different setting against other people with a fresh perspective on competition. You just have to get in, do it, and just go for it."

Central Catholic High School placed third, and water polo coach Buddy Westin was impressed with the level of the competition and how his athletes rose to the occasion.

"We selected some of the best athletes we have to compete in this invitational," he said. "To bring them closer together and see them compete with these other athletes and have these physical constraints put on them strengthens their bodies and their minds."

For one student athlete the tournament was a preview of a future career.

"I'm trying to get into the Naval Academy and work my way to a SEAL team," said Jake Ramonas of University City High School. "The highlight of today was that I didn't do just the minimum on the obstacle course. I pushed myself to complete every obstacle."

Mira Mesa High School water polo player Kyle Hanson said the best part of his day was seeing the finish line and pushing to run as fast as he could to get to the end.

"This is one of the biggest challenges I've done so why not come out here and push myself," he said. "The toughest thing was the rope swing because my arms just wanted to give out, but I had to push through to get across to the next rope."

Jake, Kyle and the rest of the athletes examined SEAL weapons and gear, including an armored Hummer patrol vehicle and a high-speed boat. Ultimately, it was the friendly competition that made the biggest impression.

"The Navy SEAL Invitational is a great way to promote physical fitness in a competitive environment," said Bob Rohrbach, operations officer for the Navy SEAL and SWCC Scout Team. "It's also an exciting event that offers a rare peek inside Naval Special Warfare training while providing these athletes with an awareness of opportunities available in the Naval Special Warfare community."

Navy SEALs are elite maritime special operators who take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. They work quietly to carry out the nation's most important missions without being detected by enemies. There are fewer than 2,500 active duty SEALs.

USS George Washington to Return to Yokosuka

From a U.S. 7th Fleet News Release

YOKOSUKA, Japan, April 19, 2011 – The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington will return here tomorrow, nearly a month after it left its port following the earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was completing routine maintenance March 11 when the earthquake and tsunami struck northern Honshu. The ship departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka on March 21 with 466 civilian contractors and shipyard workers embarked, who continued to conduct scheduled maintenance while the ship operated in waters near the Japanese islands of Shikoku and Kyushu.

USS George Washington departed Yokosuka to ensure that the ship could maintain readiness, and workers could continue work required to support the U.S.-Japan alliance, officials said.

The carrier made two visits to Sasebo while it was away from Yokosuka to exchange shipyard personnel and take on equipment to support the routine maintenance. Throughout this time, officials said, the Navy has maintained a strong desire and every intention to return to George Washington to its homeport at Yokosuka.

While George Washington was at sea continuing its routine maintenance, more than 20 U.S. 7th Fleet ships, including the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group, supported disaster relief operations off the coast of northern Honshu.

Upon returning to Yokosuka, George Washington will continue its maintenance while maintaining a heightened state of readiness to return to sea if necessary, officials said.

Lynn Opens Countertrafficking Command Center

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla., April 19, 2011 – A new, high-tech command center here will move the fight against illicit traffickers to a new level, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said yesterday.

Just before cutting a ribbon to the Joint Operations Command Center alongside William F. Wechsler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics and global threats, Lynn said the threat that plagues the region has evolved beyond drugs alone.

“Transnational criminal organizations are posing a not-very-well-understood, but growing, threat to the United States,” he told the task force staff. “It’s something I know you are on the front lines of addressing and, ultimately, preventing.”

The new command center serves Joint Interagency Task Force South, a subordinate command to the Miami-based U.S. Southern Command that integrates military, interagency and international capabilities to combat illicit trafficking.

Lynn traveled to Miami a day earlier to meet with Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, Southcom commander, and his leadership team. In testimony last month before the House Armed Services Committee, Fraser called the task force “the center of U.S. maritime interdiction efforts in the Caribbean basin and eastern Pacific.”

Using information from law enforcement agencies, the general added, the task force detects and monitors suspect aircraft and maritime vessels and then provides this information to international and interagency partners who have the authority to interdict illicit shipments and arrest members of transnational criminal organizations.

Task force members represent each U.S. military service and most federal law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Other members from the U.S. intelligence community represent the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office and the National Security Agency.

The task force staff includes liaison officers from 13 nations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Spain and the United Kingdom.

“We made the decision in April 2008 to apply our collective wisdom and knowledge across the interagency, our international partners and the joint team here,” Coast Guard Rear Adm. Daniel Lloyd, commander of Joint Interagency Task Force South, said during the ceremony opening the new operations center.

The aim, he said, was “to come up with a better way to be even more effective in countering the illicit traffickers.”

The new command center, Lloyd added, “is the first of its kind anywhere, and represents the very best way we know how to conduct the fight against illicit traffickers.”

In the center, intelligence and operations functions come together in a state-of-the-art command, control, communications and intelligence facility, officials said, where the task force coordinates the use of Navy and Coast Guard ships and aircraft, Air Force and Customs and Border Protection aircraft, and aircraft and ships from allied nations and law enforcement agencies.

“I think it’s important at this moment to recognize how far we’ve come,” Wechsler said. “Back in the 1980s, the mission set against which [the task force] was deployed was considered to be an unsolvable problem. There was a never-ending stream of air and maritime vessels headed right for our coast. It was a direct threat to U.S. sovereignty.”

Today, he added, the problem has evolved, and so has the task force. “[It] is really, in my mind, a model -- perhaps one of the best models of coordination that exists in the U.S. government,” he said.

Secretary of the Navy Visits Seoul, Korea

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge, Commander, Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), visited Commander, Naval Forces Korea to meet with the command's senior leadership and talk with Sailors and Marines April 19.

The Honorable Ray Mabus, the 75th Secretary of the Navy, visited Korea during his tour of the Pacific area of responsibility (AOR).

Mabus held an all-hands call where he answered questions from Sailors and Marines on Perform-to-Serve quotas; Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal training, and future manning issues.

During that session, Mabus stressed the importance of leadership and military service.

"We have great leadership in the Navy and Marine Corps today," said Mabus. "You are light years ahead in training and capability of the Navy of 40 years ago."

The SECNAV also assured service members that they were appreciated and supported by the people back in the United States.

"He seems to have faith in the Sailors," said Information Technician 2nd Class Shannon Garner. "He wanted to let us know that we serving here in Korea are not forgotten."

Mabus took the opportunity to thank Sailors for their hard work and dedication to the nation. "The work that you are doing in Korea is crucial," Mabus said. "Thank you and God Bless you for all that you do for your country."

Mabus also recognized the contribution of service members and their families in the Korean peninsula. "Military service requires a lot of sacrifice. Sacrifices of both you and your families," said Mabus.

While Mabus spoke of the future of the Navy and where it stands today, he also had an opportunity to tell the service members how proud he is of the current military force.

"We do it all. We are able to use the same force and platforms for humanitarian assistance, war fighting, and in joint environments," Mabus said. "The Navy and Marine Corps team is the most flexible and efficient force in the United States arsenal."

In addition to meeting with service members Mabus visited the Republic of Korea navy's Cheonan ship memorial and met with Republic of Korea naval leadership.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

This Day in Naval History - April 18

From the Navy News Service

1848 - A Navy expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan, commanded by Lt. William F. Lynch, reaches the Dead Sea.

1906 - The Navy assists in relief operations during the San Francisco earthquake and fire.

1942 - USS Hornet (CV 8) launches Doolittle's Army bombers for the first attack on Japan.

1988 - Navy destroys two Iranian drilling platforms and a frigate in retaliation for attack on USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).

Obama Salutes Air Force Academy’s Football Team

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011 – President Barack Obama today presented the prestigious Commander-in-Chief trophy to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s football team, marking the first time since 2002 that the trophy will return to Colorado Springs, Colo.

Obama joked with the team, accompanied by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould, about the honor of outperforming the U.S. Military Academy and breaking the U.S. Naval Academy’s seven-year winning streak.

“Until this year, no one on this team knew what it felt like to beat Army, to beat Navy, to visit the White House, and to earn football bragging rights over the other branches,” Obama told the Falcons during the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. “Now you know the feeling.”

Obama praised the Air Force as not just a good service academy team, but “a good team -- period.” He recognized its 350 rushing yards against the University of Oklahoma, its bowl game win against Georgia Tech and its 9-4 finish in what Coach Troy Calhoun called the toughest schedule a service academy ever played.

“Of course, I hear the victory that was sweetest of all was finally beating that Navy team,” the president said. “I’m told that as soon as the final whistle blew, the loudspeakers started blasting Etta James singing ‘At Last,’” drawing laughter from the group. “The entire cadet wing -- usually some of the most disciplined young men and women you’ll ever see -- just rushed the field and sang the alma mater with the team.”

While the Air Force’s football team has much to be proud of, Obama said what truly sets them apart is that its members aren’t defined just by being football players.

“They’re airmen first,” he said. “And more important than any bowl game or trophy is the commitment they’ve made to serve this country.”

That’s why, the president said, while nearly every other Division I team was working out and running through practice drills, “these players were scattered around the world learning the skills they needed long after they take off their jerseys and hang up their helmets.”

Quarterback Tim Jefferson was at Dover Air Force Base, Del. learning about C-17 aircraft, Obama noted. Tight end Josh Freeman was training in Japan. Cornerback Reggie Rembert was getting up every morning at 3 to take summer classes, command a squadron of 127 freshman cadets and organize practices for players who were still in town.

Being away from their teammates meant players had to come up with creative ways to stay in shape, the president said. “The conditions weren’t always ideal,” he said. “But as Coach [Troy] Calhoun, a former Falcon himself, said, ‘The good ones will find a way.’”

“This team found a way,” Obama said. “And now that the season is over, these seniors will have to adjust to a very different life as they become part of the finest military that the world has ever known. It won’t always be easy… But cadets know that what’s expected of them is to do whatever it takes.”

As they begin their military careers, Obama told the players he knows they’ll draw on the camaraderie, work ethic and brotherhood they built as members of the Air Force football team and students at the Air Force Academy.

“As president, I have no greater honor, no greater responsibility, than serving as your commander in-chief,” Obama told the cadets. “And as all of you begin your service to our nation, I want you to know that we are going to do everything in our power to help you succeed and help you come home safe. You all make us incredibly proud.”

Calhoun echoed Obama’s praise for the team’s accomplishments, noting its senior-year players are preparing to graduate about a month from now.

That day, as they graduate from the Air Force Academy, the players “will have an opportunity to be a part of the finest team there is -- and that is to lead, to be an [Air Force] officer for the United States of America,” Calhoun said.

Second Fleet Sailors Walk to Combat Drunk Driving, Underage Drinking

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rafael Martie, Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs

Virginia Beach, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Commander, U.S. Second Fleet (C2F) participated in the 'Walk Like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)' event April 16 to raise awareness of driving under the influence (DUI) and underage drinking.

'Walk Like MADD' a 5K walking event, is MADD's signature walking event.

The C2F team contributed more than $500 while demonstrating that the Navy cares about the safety of its community and the importance of showing others that it is not ok to drink and drive.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes this year; that is one every 50 minutes. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) latest data notes that the state had 316 fatal alcohol related crashes, 6,256 people were injured in alcohol related accidents, and 31,434 were convicted of DUI.

"The DMV statistics are scary when it comes to how many were convicted, and that means there are [probably] thousands more that are not caught," said Master-At-Arms (SW/AW) Jeremy Centeno Second Fleet Walk Like MADD team captain. "I worry for my Sailors who work the mid-shift and go home during those last call hours where there are too many drivers under the influence on the road."

"We hold various safety events within our own command regarding alcohol awareness to educate our Sailors," said Legalman First Class (SW) Patrice Washington. "C2F's Chiefs' Mess sponsors free ride cards to all the Sailors at the command in the event they are in a situation where they need a free ride home with no questions asked."

The Sailors who participated were pleased with how the event turned out and will pass along the knowledge they learned from the walk to the command.

"We got some great information out of this event that we can incorporate in our training and pass it along to our Sailors back at C2F," said Intelligence Specialist First Class (SW/AW) Tiffany Johnson. "I also have a family of my own that I worry for because I never realized just how many convictions there were in the state and just how many dangerous drivers under the influence are on the road as we speak."

C2F Staff Command Master Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Yvonne Kitchen was pleased with C2F participation at the event and how well everyone worked on the team to achieve their goals for the walk.

"I am proud of my Sailors at C2F for taking a little time out of their hard earned weekend to come out and educate our community regarding drunk driving and the impact it has on the command and military as a whole," said Kitchen. "I find it outstanding that our Sailors continue to demonstrate unity within our command as well as with our civilian counterparts and that they do understand the importance of giving back."

North Carolina Bases Mostly OK After Severe Weather

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011 – Operations on Fort Bragg, N.C., are “pretty fluid” today after severe weather damaged buildings and cut off power to the installation and surrounding communities over the weekend, Fort Bragg officials said.

A tornado touched down in Fayetteville, N.C., April 17, ripping through several neighborhoods and roads near Fort Bragg.

Benjamin Abel, a spokesman for Fort Bragg, said the storm had little impact on the post’s residents and facilities. Base officials ordered a two-hour work call delay for civilian employees today, while troops are expected to report for duty at 1 p.m., he explained.

Abel said he expects normal operations to resume very soon.

“We had some damage to maintenance facilities and on our airfields,” he said. “Nothing major, though; no housing areas have been affected, no barracks have been affected -- child care centers [and] all the things that deal with the day-to-day health and safety of the post -- have not been affected.”

Fort Bragg had “lost power for about 24 hours, but we had no deaths or significant injuries to post residents,” Abel added.

However, the damage in surrounding Cumberland and Hoke County communities was much worse. A Cumberland County news report stated that at least 167 homes were destroyed, while another 144 were damaged. As of 7 a.m. this morning 11,000 homes in Cumberland County, which includes the city of Fayetteville, were without power.

The tornado formed over the Wayside area of Hoke County and hit ground on North Reilly Road, destroying homes for more than a mile to Yadkin Road, according to reports. Both roads feed into Fort Bragg access control point gates. Portions of both roads are closed to vehicle traffic, including the Fort Bragg gates. The Butner Road and All American Express Way gates onto Fort Bragg remain open.

Fort Bragg officials do not know yet exactly how many Fort Bragg families who lived along the tornado’s path lost their homes. Individual units are supporting displaced families, Abel said, which are estimated to be very few.

“There’s no estimates on how many Fort Bragg families are displaced,” Abel said. “It’s something we’re trying to figure out right now, but some areas had some pretty significant damage, so we have to assume there are some Fort Bragg families affected.”

Fort Bragg officials’ priority now is working to establish a one-stop shop for soldiers and their families to access legal services, insurance claims services, Army Community Services and Army Emergency Relief, Abel said.

“We want to make sure we get them all to one central location on post shortly to assist families in need,” he added.

At the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, N.C., located about 90 miles east of Fort Bragg, Marine Corps Lt. Nicole Fiedler, a base spokesperson, said troops and civilians are reporting for duty as normal after a separate tornado touched down in the Tarawa Terrace housing community there April 17.

There are some displaced families, according to a Camp Lejeune press release, which reported that 40 to 60 homes sustained significant structural damage, while another 40 to 60 homes sustained minor damages, such as broken windows and torn siding.

Power has been fully restored on Camp Lejeune and services such as the post exchange and commissary are up and running, Fiedler said. All access control points are open, she added.

Naval Hospital Bremerton Recognized for Dedication in Fight Against Autism

By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Military Special Needs Network representatives thanked Naval Hospital Bremerton staff April 15, for their dedication to helping families affected with autism.

"We wanted to thank everyone at NHB for their continued hard work, dedication and support in the lifelong journey of autism," said Wendy Kruse, Military Special Needs Network spokesperson.

According to complied statistics by Department of Defense, there are currently over 22,000 family members and dependents of active duty and retired service members with autism diagnoses.

One out of 88 military family members is diagnosed with autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact socially.

"NHB has always had strong ties with our EMFP families," said Capt. Mark E. Brouker, commanding officer, NHB. "It's an honor to be recognized and we also thank them for their passion in caring for family members with autism and other disorders."

Kruse noted that the Military Special Needs Network group is comprised of approximately 200 families, with 48 percent having an child with autism.

"We know our children are a little different, but they don't have to live in a bubble. With the help of the NHB staff, we are enabling them to come out and experience what it is like to be a kid," said Kruse.

Symptoms of autism involve three major areas of development – social, communication and behavioral.

A person with autism may have difficulty in social interaction with others; not communicate in developmentally appropriate ways; exhibit self-injurious or repetitive behaviors and/or focus interest on a single topic or activity, or fixate on objects. Among people with autism, no two individuals are the same.

For Krista Barosh, the support from NHB has been a positive, life-altering experience for her family and especially Jonah, her son, who is autistic.

"It was unexpected. But we had been told before it was something else and was undetected," Barosh said. "Now that we know, Jonah has had great care. Staff at NHB 'get it' and have been very helpful and always quick to assist us."

The Military Special Needs Network for the greater Kitsap/Navy Region Northwest area meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. An average of 75 people, along with their children, attend.

"We provide activities and really show that our support group is 24 hours, seven days a week," said Kruse. "We're also linked to other similar groups around the country in such places as New Jersey, Arizona and southern California."

Guantanamo Bay Strives to Raise Funds, Awareness for Sailors and Marines

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leona Mynes

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The Guantanamo Bay Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) has achieved 15.2 percent of its monetary fundraising goal as of April 18, while attempting to raise awareness of Sailors and Marines that they have financial services available to them.

With just under one month left to raise funds, NMCRS is planning a 'radio-a-thon' event which will give the Guantanamo community an opportunity to pledge money to NMCRS while hearing their favorite songs played on-air.

"NMCRS is a charity, and we work off of all non-appropriated funds," said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Murray, a volunteer case worker for NMCRS on Guantanamo. "All of our funding comes from other service members and civilians who donate their money."

When he was a junior Sailor, Murray did not understand NMCRS's impact on Sailors and Marines, however, now that he is an active volunteer, he said he understands the benefit of the program to eligible participants.

"Sailors and Marines should come see us before they go see any external lender," said Murray. "We're here for the service members and offer interest-free loans, whereas the external lenders are there to make a profit, sometimes with a 100 to 200 percent interest rate."

Murray added that NMCRS involvement does not negatively affect a Sailor or Marine's career and is a wonderful tool for Sailors and Marines.

During the past three months, Murray said he worked with several Sailors and Marines requesting financial support for emergency leave.

"We do everything for that person," said Murray. "We book their flight, pay for it, and set up an allotment for them to help them pay NMCRS back, taking the stress out of an already stressful situation."

In addition to helping financially with unexpected hardship, like emergency leave, errors in pay, natural disasters, and possible government shutdowns, NMCRS can help Sailors and Marines pay for utilities and bills they may otherwise be unable to pay.

"We also offer budgeting services for a member before giving them money so that they won't find themselves in that situation again," said Murray. "I want Sailors and Marines to use NMCRS's programs for an interest-free loan."

National Guard Responds to Texas Wildfires

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., April 18, 2011 – National Guard members from four states today are supporting firefighters and civil authorities in Texas as they battle more than 30 wildfires threatening lives and property.

Drought conditions have caused a reported 32 wildfires in Texas, National Guard officials reported.

Under the direction of the Joint Forces Air Component Commander for Air Forces Northern based at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., four C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with firefighting capabilities are responding to the Texas wildfires.

Texas National Guard members are supporting civilian authorities with personnel and four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters using buckets to drop water in multiple counties, officials reported.

The C-130s are basing operations at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas.

Two of the four aircraft are from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, a third is from the Wyoming National Guard’s 153rd AW and a fourth is from North Carolina’s 145th AW.

California and North Carolina are providing additional support aircraft, officials reported.

All are expected to arrive today to begin firefighting operations.

The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, is a self-contained, reusable aerial firefighting system loaded into the cargo bay of a C-130 aircraft, which effectively turns the airplanes into aerial firefighting tankers.

Officials said the system can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 60 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.

Typically, the aircraft will spray along the leading edge of a fire in order to check its advance. The fire retardant has fertilizer mixed in to promote re-growth in a burned area.

If needed, MAFFS aircraft can spray water directly onto a fire.

Four Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve units operate MAFFS.

To help prevent the spread of fires, two additional MAFFS currently flying missions from Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, to Coahuila, Mexico, also are releasing fire retardant in Texas until the four relief C-130s arrive.

The MAFFS is owned by the U.S. Forest Service, one of several federal and state government agencies and organizations with roles and responsibilities in fire-suppression operations that comprise the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

The Defense Department is flying at the request of the fire center, officials said. The center requests MAFFS assistance only after committing all other aerial firefighting resources to a fire emergency.

Texas has been under a state emergency declaration since Dec. 21, 2010, because of extremely dry weather and wildfires, officials reported. The declaration makes all state resources available to the Texas Emergency Management Agency.

The Texas wildfire support is one of numerous current National Guard domestic and overseas operations, officials reported. Currently, Guard members are providing flood support in Minnesota and North Dakota, protecting critical infrastructure in New York, supporting the Deepwater Horizon oil spill recovery in Louisiana and fulfilling other domestic missions.

In addition to local responses, the Guard is involved in counterdrug operations and ongoing Southwest border operations in support of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Meanwhile, more than 45,000 Guard members are currently serving in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, the Sinai Desert and elsewhere.

American Embassy to Jamaica Hosts Continuing Promise 2011 Opening Ceremony

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Alesia Goosic, Continuing Promise 2011 Public Affairs

KINGSTON, Jamaica (NNS) -- The American Embassy hosted an opening ceremony for Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11) at the Bank of Jamaica, April 15.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the Continuing Promise mission in Jamaica, which will provide medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support to the local population through April 23.

"CP11 marks the sixth Continuing Promise mission since 2007, and our very first visit to Jamaica," Commodore Capt. Brian Nickerson, mission commander, said. "Our visit provides great opportunities to share common interests and building bonds that will undoubtedly create new and lasting friendships."

CP11 is a collaborative effort among the United States, partner nation governments and non-government organizations in providing humanitarian assistance.

CP11 provides an opportunity for U.S. military and U.S. Public Health Services to work with NGOs, international organizations and partner nations so that strong partnerships are in place and can be called upon in the event of a regional crisis.

During the ceremony, Minister of Health Rudyard Spencer, Deputy Prime Minister Kenneth Baugh and Honorable Pamela Bridgewater, United States Ambassador to Jamaica, spoke of the significance of the partnership during the CP11 mission and their appreciation for USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) and its crew coming to Jamaica.

"This hospital ship symbolizes the commitment of the United States of America toward Jamaica and all her people, and toward regional cooperation," said Bridgewater.

Bridgewater said it is important to note that CP11 is a team effort with health professionals aboard Comfort from Jamaica, Canada, Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico and the United States working together during this project.

"Please know that the U.S. ambassador to Jamaica salutes America's ambassador, which is the U.S. Naval ship Comfort," Bridgewater said. "And we look forward and know it's going to be a wonderfully productive mission in Jamaica."

COMUSNAVSO/COMFOURTHFLT supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Family Matters Blog: First Lady, Dr. Biden Kick Off Sesame, USO Tour

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011 – Last week I traveled to Ohio to attend a “Joining Forces” event for local military families and community members in the Columbus area.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, hosted the concert-style event to thank military families as well as to encourage community members to support and honor them as part of the White House’s Joining Forces family support initiative. The event also helped to kick off a new installment of the Sesame Street and USO Experience for Military Families, a free traveling tour exclusively for military families.

Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster and friends offered a preview of the traveling show, which features a new theme and a new character named Katie, a military child about to move. During the musical show, Katie opens up to her Muppet friends about her fears, and excitement, over her upcoming move. With the help of a few songs, Elmo and other Sesame pals reassure her that she’ll make new friends while still remaining close with old ones.

The show was a blast, although my ears are still ringing from the screaming fans, particularly after singer Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers made a special appearance.

The traveling show will begin its around-the-world tour with a stop in Alaska later this month, and will continue with stops in Hawaii, Guam, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Spain.

For up-to-date tour information, people can visit the USO website.