Cheney Lauds Ford's Service During Ceremony at U.S. Capitol

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 31, 2006 – With military members standing a solemn guard over the flag-draped casket in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Vice President Richard B. Cheney yesterday evening eulogized former President Gerald R. Ford. By his pardon of Richard M. Nixon, Ford prevented Americans from experiencing more political turmoil from Watergate, Cheney said in his eulogy to the fallen former chief executive.

"It was this man, Gerald R. Ford, who'd led our republic safely through a crisis that could have turned to catastrophe," Cheney said. "We will never know what further unraveling, what greater malevolence, might have come in that time of furies turned loose and hearts turned cold."

America was spared further angst, Cheney said, through Ford's pardoning of Nixon, which occurred not long after Ford had become president in August 1974 after Nixon resigned. Ford was president from 1974 to 1977.

Cheney had served as Ford's chief of staff. Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld performed his first stint as the Defense Department's top civilian in the Ford administration.

Ford was an astute and honest man who likely sacrificed his chance for election as president in his own right in order to bind the nation's scars, Cheney said. Ford lost to Jimmy Carter during the 1976 presidential election.

"For all the grief that never came, for all the wounds that were never inflicted, the people of the United States will forever stand in debt to the good man and faithful servant we mourn tonight," Cheney said.

Senior military officers including Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Vice Chairman Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani, and other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff listened to Cheney's eulogy and looked on as other servicemembers posted in and around the Rotunda stood guard around Ford's casket. Members of the Navy Band's Sea Chanters chorus sang hymns at the ceremony's opening.

Cheney also praised Betty Ford, the fallen president's widow and former first lady. It was obvious to friends, Cheney said, that Betty Ford was the source of her husband's happiness and sunny outlook.

"All the good that you shared, Betty, all the good that you did together has not gone away. All of that is forever," Cheney said.

Ford healed America during his time in the Oval Office, Cheney said, noting it was now the time to say goodbye to his former boss.

"And so, for now Mr. President, farewell. We will always be thankful for your good life," Cheney said.

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Ford's Body Arrives in Washington for Official Honors

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 30, 2006 – The body of President Gerald R. Ford received a welcoming 21-gun salute at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., early this evening as part of final goodbyes that'll be made here to the nation's 38th chief executive. Ford died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his residence in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The fallen commander-in-chief grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will be buried on the grounds of his presidential museum there Jan. 3, after being honored here.

The president's remains and members of his family, including his widow and former first lady Betty Ford, were flown here today from California aboard a blue-and-white painted military VC-25, a 747-model jet like those used to transport President Bush.

Vice President Richard B. Cheney headed a delegation of distinguished officials, which included retired Sen. Bob Dole, as well as other senior civilian and military leaders, that met Ford's plane as it taxied to a stop on Andrews' tarmac.

A joint military honor guard carried Ford's flag-draped casket from the jet to an awaiting black Cadillac hearse. Members of the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) fired off the traditional 21-shot salute in Ford's honor with a group of ceremonial howitzers. The U.S. Air Force Band played "Hail to the Chief" and followed up with "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

Mrs. Ford was a model of composure as she occasionally dabbed at tears with a handkerchief.

The plane carrying Ford's remains touched down at Andrews just after 5 p.m., and the arrival ceremony was completed within the hour. The funereal motorcade, including the hearse carrying Ford's remains and a black ribbon of trailing limousines and sport utility vehicles, departed the airbase en route to the U.S. Capitol.

On its way to the U.S. Capitol, the motorcade passed through Alexandria, Va., where Ford had lived for many years when he was a member of Congress. After leaving Virginia and entering Washington, the motorcade paused at the World War II Memorial. Upon reaching the Capitol, Ford's casket was ceremonially carried up the east steps of the House of Representatives and into the building. Ford's casket was placed at the open House doors honoring his time in Congress.

Afterward, Ford's remains will lie in state at the Capitol's Rotunda until the morning of Jan. 2, when they will be transported to the National Cathedral for a state funeral service. President Bush will speak at the service.

After the funeral service here, Ford's body will be flown to Grand Rapids, where it'll be buried Jan. 3.

Ford served as a U.S. Navy officer in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II. After the war, Ford was elected as a Republican member of Congress, where he represented Michigan for 24 years in the House of Representatives. In 1973, Ford became vice president in the administration of President Richard M. Nixon. Ford assumed the presidency when Nixon resigned in August 1974.

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Field Artillery Marines Salute Ford With 21-Gun Salute

By Lance Cpl. Chris T. Mann, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 30, 2006 – Field artillery Marines from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., conducted a 21-gun salute today as part of the departure ceremony for the California portion of the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford. Ford, 93, died Dec. 26 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

"The president sacrificed a tremendous amount on our behalf, and the ceremony was a way for us to honor him," said Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Y. Booker, a field artillery scout observer with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment.

More than 20 members from the artillery battery marched in unison on the tarmac of Palm Springs International Airport before taking their firing positions behind five 105 mm Howitzer cannons. The Marines grouped in teams of four behind each cannon. Each firing team consisted of a chief, a cannonier, an ammo technician, and a gunner.

Twenty-one cannon shots were fired with a five-second pause between each round while the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, played "Hail to the Chief."

Marines from the artillery regiment volunteered to participate in the ceremony. "The Marines under me are proud to be here and when asked (to come). They raised their hands and said, 'Pick me,'" said Gunnery Sgt. Donovan C. Thomas, a 33-year-old field artilleryman from Bronx, N.Y.

The artillery Marines arrived early this morningto prepare for the ceremony. Pfc. Jordan B. Yager helped prepare the cannons for firing in the ceremony.
"Lots of rehearsal and hard work went into this," said Yager, a motor transportation operator.

"I'm proud to be part of something larger than myself," added the 20 year old from Modesto, Calif.

The ceremony closed out the California portion of the state funeral. Ford's remains were flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to begin the nation's capital phase of the state funeral.

The 21-gun salute is an honor given to heads of state worldwide and is said to have originated during the 17th century, when fighting would be ceased in order to allow removal of the fallen from the battlefield.

Traditionally, the 21-gun salute is fired over a servicemember's grave in three rifle volleys. This was done during battle to signal the fight may continue.

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Military Members Support Ford Funeral in California

By Seaman Damien E. Horvath, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 30, 2006 – More than 500 military members are supporting the California portion of the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford here yesterday and today. The military is providing ceremonial service, security and logistical support to honor and pay tribute to the 38th commander-in-chief and the Ford family. Personnel from the Armed Forces Honor Guard, based in Washington D.C., served as members of the guard of honor and as body bearers during the arrival ceremony at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church yesterday.

"This is very somber time for all of us in the color guard," said Marine Pfc. Trae Shelton, of the Armed Forces Honor Guard. "We conduct ourselves with the highest reverence, professionalism, and honor to pay our respects to former President Ford and his family."

Air Force Airman 1st Class Lyle S. Carter, also from the Armed Forces Honor Guard, added, "It was a way for me to salute the former president and his legacy."

Participation in the state funeral impacted all branches of the Armed Services at many levels.

"As part of the Old Guard, we are proud to represent the Army as a whole," said Spc. John S. Tilley, of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as the The Old Guard, from Fort Myer, Va. "This is our chance to show our respect for the passing of the former president."

The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band from Twentynine Palms, Calif., provided musical honors and hymns for the ceremony.

"I am honored to be here paying homage and tribute to President Ford," said Master Sgt. Grady May, bandmaster for the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band at Twentynine Palms. "Every time the casket is moved, we render presidential honors, as well as play various hymns selected by the Ford family."

Nearly 350 Marines from Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force Training Command Twentynine Palms are providing security and host support for this phase of the state funeral. The Marine contingent is augmented with nearly 200 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Defense Department civilians.

"The team of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have done a phenomenal job of organizing and executing this phase of the state funeral," said Navy Capt. Mike Tillotson, deputy commander of Joint Task Force National Capital Region. "Their professionalism and pride is evident in every phase of honoring the 38th president and former commander-in-chief."

Former President Ford died in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Dec. 26 at the age of 93. After a departure ceremony at Palm Springs International Airport today, the remains of President Ford will be flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., for the Washington portion of the state funeral.

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Six Terrorists Killed, 32 Captured; Insurgents Kill Iraqi Civilian

American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2006 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed six terrorists and captured 32 suspected terrorists today, military officials reported. Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained two others during a raid against al Qaeda terrorists today in Baghdad. While moving toward the targeted building, coalition forces encountered two armed men who had exited nearby buildings. Coalition forces assessed the two armed men as an immediate threat and engaged them. Both men were wounded.

Coalition forces immediately rendered first aid and transported the two men to a nearby medical facility. Upon further investigation, coalition forces determined the men were local nationals. The men are in stable condition.

Additional forces performing security outside the targeted building were confronted by two armed terrorists during the raid. The terrorists began maneuvering toward coalition forces despite the ground troops' repeated attempts to halt the men. The terrorists were noncompliant and continued to maneuver toward the coalition forces who engaged, killing the two armed terrorists.

Ground forces entered the targeted building and found a weapons cache consisting of AK-47s, which was seized. Two suspected terrorists were also detained during the raid.

Elsewhere, coalition forces killed four terrorists and destroyed two buildings along with nearby cache sites containing improvised explosive device equipment during a raid today in Thar Thar.

Intelligence reports indicated roadside bombs were being produced in the targeted buildings. Upon entering the first building, coalition forces were engaged by armed terrorists. Coalition forces returned fire, killing four terrorists.

While searching the targeted buildings and surrounding area, ground forces found a significant cache consisting a large amount of IED-making material, including 16 pounds of homemade explosives, one 60-pound and one 80-pound bomb.

Also found on the site were multiple batteries, blasting caps, a rocket-propelled grenade,100 feet of detonation cord, suicide vests, grenades and machine guns.

Coalition forces coordinated an air strike that destroyed the buildings containing the weapons cache.

In another operation, special Iraqi police forces, with coalition advisers, captured two suspected insurgent cell leaders during operations today in Bahbahani, near Iskandariyah. The suspected insurgents are allegedly responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians in the area.

The insurgent cell leaders, who are tied to al Qaeda in Iraq, are also implicated in numerous roadside bomb attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Babil and Karbala provinces.

In other developments, coalition forces detained two suspects during operations today in the Ad Dawrah area of southern Baghdad to capture a suspected member of al Qaeda in Iraq who allegedly plans and participates in the kidnapping of Iraqi civilians. He is also alleged to advise on and facilitates violent activities, kidnappings and murders perpetuated by other insurgents.

Additionally, special Iraqi army forces detained 13 suspects during operations today in Salman Pak, southeast of Baghdad, to capture the alleged commander of illegal armed group elements responsible for sectarian violence and attacks against Iraqi civilians in the area.

The Iraqi-led operation, with coalition advisers, involved entry into the Salman Pak mosque. The mosque was reportedly used as a base of operations for planning and conducting attacks, kidnappings and murder. Credible intelligence also indicated the mosque was being used by illegal armed groups as a place to store and traffic weapons.

Iraqi forces entered the mosque and confiscated a large weapons cache consisting of 21 armored vests, two rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, three heavy machine guns, 10 assault rifles and 12 grenades.

Twenty RPG rounds were also found, but destroyed near the objective after explosive ordnance disposal personnel determined their condition prevented transport. The rounds were destroyed in a location that minimized any damage to the mosque.

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National Guard Responds to Second Colorado Storm

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 29, 2006 – About 165 members of the Colorado National Guard have been activated since yesterday in the wake of the state's second blizzard in 10 days, the state adjutant general said today. This latest storm dumped up to 28 inches of snow in some parts of the state, and Guard troops are ready to perform many of the same missions they did when the first blizzard. So far, they only had one mission -- to re-supply two Red Cross shelters this morning, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Mason C. Whitney.

"There's a lot of ice, a lot of snow pack, so it's still dangerous out here, but we haven't seen the requirement for the National Guard to be called out in the numbers we had last week," Whitney said.

During the first storm, which hit Dec. 20, Army National Guardsmen rescued stranded motorists, cleared roadways for emergency vehicles and delivered American Red Cross supplies to emergency shelters.

The Guard has been preparing for the past two days for this second storm, and about 70 vehicles are ready to respond if they are needed for relief operations, Whitney said.

The storm last week kept the Guard much busier, because it hit quickly in the middle of the work week, and in the middle of rush hour, stranding many motorists. This week's blizzard is slower-moving and has less wind, which has made it easier for snow plows to clear the roads, Whitney said.

Whitney said the Guard today is going to reduce the number of activated soldiers to 105, but will be ready to provide additional troops if the storm worsens over the weekend, Whitney said. The storm is expected to last through tomorrow and into the morning of Dec. 31.

"Right now, we're just kind of standing by," he said. "We're kind of in an insurance policy this time."

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Michigan Guard Members Prepare for President Ford's Burial

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 29, 2006 – Hundreds of Michigan National Guardsmen are preparing to welcome home President Gerald R. Ford, who died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his residence in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will be buried on the grounds of his presidential museum there Jan. 3, after being honored in Washington.

Between 400 and 500 Michigan Army National Guard and Air Guard members are getting ready to man information desks, escort VIPs and reporters, chauffer visitors and officials, provide medical support, augment security, and perform other duties associated with providing a final farewell to the fallen president, said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Penny Carroll, spokeswoman for the military's Joint Information Bureau set up in Grand Rapids for Ford's funeral events.

The 126th Band, made up of Army National Guard musicians, will perform in the Ford Museum as Ford's body lies in repose there prior to a private funeral service to be held at a local church before his burial.

"It's very interesting and an honor to us, because this is the first time that the Guard has gotten to participate and really take a lead in an event like this," said Carroll, who normally serves as a public affairs officer for the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mount Clemens, Mich.

"Most of the time it's active duty that gets to do that," she said.

Michigan state and military authorities have trained and prepared to honor Ford for some time, Carroll said, noting the Michigan National Guard is proud to participate in the final goodbyes to a fallen commander in chief.

"We're honored to do it, and we're working hard," she said.

Ford served as a U.S. Navy officer in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. After the war, he was elected to Congress as a Republican and he represented Michigan for 24 years in the House of Representatives. In 1973, Ford became vice president in the administration of President Richard M. Nixon, and he assumed the presidency when Nixon resigned in August 1974.

A national day of mourning will be observed Jan. 2. Most federal offices will be closed.

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Elite Air Force Unit Transports Former President's Body

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 29, 2006 – The U.S. Air Force 89th Airlift Wing, based on Andrews Air Force Base, Md., will transport the body of former President Gerald R. Ford, a U.S. Navy veteran, as his remains are flown between points in California, Washington and Michigan, Air Force military officers based here said. Ford, the nation's 38th president, died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his residence in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will be buried on the grounds of his presidential museum there Jan. 3, after being honored in California and Washington.

A blue-and-white painted military VC-25, a 747-model jet like those used to transport President Bush, will fly Ford's casket from California to various honor ceremonies, said Air Force Capt. Herbert McConnell, spokesman for the 89th Airlift Wing.

Activated in 1951 and located at Andrews since 1966, the 89th is a special Air Force unit that supports the president, vice president and other senior civilian and military leaders, according to the organization's Web page.

"The 89th Airlift Wing has a long and well-established reputation for professional excellence in support of our nation's senior leaders," Air Force Brig. Gen. John I. Pray Jr., the 89th's commander, said in a statement provided to American Forces Press Service.

"We take great pride in being able to be part of the team that has been called upon to represent the U.S. military and help care for our 38th president and his family during this difficult time," Pray wrote.

Ford's body is to be flown tomorrow from California to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., arriving there in the afternoon. He will be taken to the U.S. Capitol's Rotunda, where he'll lie in state until the morning of Jan. 2, when he will be transported to the National Cathedral for a state funeral service. President Bush will speak at the service.

After the funeral service here, Ford's body will be flown to Grand Rapids for burial Jan. 3.

"The passing of a former president provides all Americans, not just the military, an opportunity to reflect upon how that individual served us all and the tremendous impact they had on our growth as a nation, our way of life and the freedoms we hold dear," Pray said in his statement.

Ford served as a U.S. Navy officer in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II. After the war, Ford was elected as a Republican member of Congress where he represented Michigan for 24 years in the House of Representatives. In 1973, Ford became vice president in the administration of President Richard M. Nixon. Ford assumed the presidency when Nixon resigned in August 1974.

"While President Ford's passing is a loss for our nation, the celebration of his life should serve to inspire current generations as we continue, 'To support and defend the Constitution of the United States." Pray wrote.

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Marines Support California Ford Funeral Activities

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 29, 2006 – More than 500 servicemembers are on the ground in California supporting the funeral activities for former president Gerald R. Ford today. Ford's remains will be received with military ceremony at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif., this afternoon.

After the arrival ceremony and a private family prayer service and visitation, the remains will lie in repose with a military Guard of Honor at the church until tomorrow morning. At that time they will be flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., for the Washington, D.C., portion of the state funeral.

The support troops for the California funeral activities include more than 400 Marines from nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., and surrounding bases, along with augmentees from the other military services, said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Cox, public affairs officer for Twentynine Palms.

"In spite of the hard work -- and everyone's working as hard as you would expect -- we're all really proud and really happy to offer this salute to a great man and a great president," Cox said.

The troops are handling every support aspect for the ceremony, including public affairs, food service, transportation, medical care and logistics, he said.

Two Marine Corps bands are playing at the ceremony, and an artillery salute battery from the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, will provide the salute when Ford's body leaves California tomorrow, Cox said.

The ceremonial units actually involved in the funeral are from the Military District of Washington, and the rest of the Marines on the ground are supporting them, he said.

About 100 members of a joint service honor guard from throughout the National Capital arrived Dec. 27 in Palm Desert, Calif., where Ford will lie in repose today and tomorrow morning. A military honor guard will accompany Ford's remains as they are flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., tomorrow. There, a joint service honor cordon and color guard will meet them for a 5:30 p.m. arrival ceremony.

Ford's remains will be taken in a motorcade through Washington, D.C., en route to the U.S. Capitol. The motorcade will pause in front of the World War II Memorial, a tribute to Ford's service in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Ford will lie in state in the chambers of the House and Senate until Jan. 2, when his remains will be taken to the Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral.

Following the state funeral, Ford's body will be flown to Grand Rapids, Mich., for burial on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in the former president's hometown. There, he will lie in repose before being moved at 1 p.m. Jan. 3 for a private funeral service at Grace Episcopal Church. Following the ceremony, the casket will be returned to the presidential museum for burial.

The nation will observe a day of mourning Jan. 2. Most federal offices will be closed.

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U.S., Afghan NCOs Exchange Ideas, Strengthen Ties With Pakistani Troops

By Tech Sgt. Christopher DeWitt, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service


Dec. 29, 2006 – U.S. and Afghan noncommissioned officers toured the Pakistan Army's Junior Leader Academy in Shinkiari, Pakistan, Dec. 28 during the second day of an exchange program tour. Pakistan officers and NCOs briefed the team on training procedures and processes in an effort to strengthen the ties between the Afghan National Army and the Pakistan military.

"We came to learn," said Sgt. Maj. Mahmodi Shamsudine, the command sergeant major of the ANA's 201st Corps, after asking several questions about the training curriculum and format.

He was one of three Afghan senior NCOs who traveled to Pakistan hoping to take back information that will help them develop their four-year-old army.

"This was very good for (the Afghans) because they discussed training strategies, schools, doctrines, techniques and procedures that can be shared between the two armies," said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Wood, command sergeant major for Combined Forces Command Afghanistan.

Staff members from the JLA took the team to a field training area and watched students conduct mission planning. They were also shown classrooms and sat in on a class discussing tactics.

"This visit was very good for our countries," said Sgt. Usman, JLA instructor. "Our door is open, and we want to help the Afghan army because we want peace in Afghanistan."

Wood called the meeting a "very successful engagement with the military of Pakistan." He contributed the success to the "non-threatening and non-political environment" among the NCOs.

"The (Afghans) are very excited about the information they heard," Wood added. "They are excited to hear about the focus on counterterrorism and the amount of effort and attention that they are putting on training. They want to go back and try to put more of a counterterrorism focus in their own training."

The visit also gave the U.S. and Afghan NCOs an opportunity to share information about the progress and accomplishments of the ANA.

"People from the Pakistan military and Frontier Corps did not realize how far ahead the ANA were. They were very surprised, and it made them feel more secure," Wood said.

During a meeting with Col. Rehman, the JLA deputy commandant, he explained that Pakistani soldiers were "giving (their) life to help Afghanistan."

"The world is a global village, and the sooner we have peace, the better it is for the world," he said.

Sgt. Maj. Ahmad Fazel, the command sergeant major for the ANA's 203rd Corps, agreed. "If we work together we will be successful because we have the same goal and the same enemy," he said.

Plans are under way for the next program to take place at Fort Benning, Ga.

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Military Tradition to Be Evident in Ford Funeral Events

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 28, 2006 – Military tradition will be evident throughout the events associated with the Dec. 26 death of former President Gerald R. Ford, as the services join the nation in bidding farewell to their former commander in chief.

Ford's three-stage state funeral will begin tomorrow with the former president's remains lying in repose at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif. He will then be honored in the nation's capital, and finally in his home state of Michigan, where he will be buried.

Ford's casket will arrive Dec. 30 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. A motorcade will travel through Alexandria, Va., where Ford resided while serving as a congressman and vice president. After a pause at the World War II Memorial -- Ford served in the Navy during the war -- the motorcade will proceed to the U.S. Capitol, where the former president will lie in state.

Ford's coffin will be draped in a U.S. flag, with the blue field over his left shoulder. The custom began in the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when a flag was used to cover the dead as they were taken from the battlefield on a caisson.

Graveside military honors in Michigan will include the firing of three volleys each by seven servicemembers. This commonly is confused with an entirely separate honor, the 21-gun salute. But the number of individual gun firings in both honors evolved the same way.

The three volleys came from an old battlefield custom. The two warring sides would cease hostilities to clear their dead from the battlefield, and the firing of three volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and the side was ready to resume the battle.

The 21-gun salute traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon empire, when seven guns constituted a recognized naval salute, as most naval vessels had seven guns. Because gunpowder in those days could be more easily stored on land than at sea, guns on land could fire three rounds for every one that could be fired by a ship at sea.

Later, as gunpowder and storage methods improved, salutes at sea also began using 21 guns. The United States at first used one round for each state, attaining the 21-gun salute by 1818. The nation reduced its salute to 21 guns in 1841, and formally adopted the 21-gun salute at the suggestion of the British in 1875.

An "order of arms" protocol determines the number of guns to be used in a salute. A president, ex-president or foreign head of state is saluted with 21 guns. A vice president, prime minister, secretary of defense or secretary of the Army receives a 19-gun salute. Flag officers receive salutes of 11 to 17 guns, depending on their rank. The rounds are fired one at a time.

A U.S. presidential death also involves other ceremonial gun salutes and military traditions. On the day after the death of the president, a former president or president-elect -- unless this day falls on a Sunday or holiday, in which case the honor will rendered the following day -- the commanders of Army installations with the necessary personnel and material traditionally order that one gun be fired every half hour, beginning at reveille and ending at retreat.

On the day of burial, a 21-minute gun salute traditionally is fired starting at noon at all military installations with the necessary personnel and material. Guns will be fired at one-minute intervals. Also on the day of burial, those installations will fire a 50-gun salute -- one round for each state -- at five- second intervals immediately following lowering of the flag.

The playing of "Ruffles and Flourishes" announces the arrival of a flag officer or other dignitary of honor. Drums play the ruffles, and bugles play the flourishes - one flourish for each star of the flag officer's rank or as appropriate for the honoree's position or title. Four flourishes is the highest honor.

When played for a president, "Ruffles and Flourishes" is followed by "Hail to the Chief," which is believed to have been written in England in 1810 or 1811 by James Sanderson for a play by Sir Walter Scott called "The Lady of the Lake." The play began to be performed in the United States in 1812, the song became popular, and it became a favorite of bands at festive events. It evolved to be used as a greeting for important visitors, and eventually for the president, though no record exists of when it was first put to that use.

The bugle call "Taps" originated in the Civil War with the Army of the Potomac. Union Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield didn't like the bugle call that signaled soldiers in the camp to put out the lights and go to sleep, and worked out the melody of "Taps" with his brigade bugler, Pvt. Oliver Wilcox Norton. The call later came into another use as a figurative call to the sleep of death for soldiers.

Ford will be buried with full military honors at his presidential museum in Grand Rapids, Mich., Jan. 3.

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Nearly 4,000 Troops to Participate in Ford Funeral Activities

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 28, 2006 – Almost 4,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members are gearing up to support the national farewell to former President Gerald R. Ford that will span a seven-day period with events in California, Maryland, the nation's capital and Michigan. "This is DoD's way of showing respect and honor to a former commander in chief and president, so it's very important to us," said Army Col. Jim Yonts, public affairs officer for the Military District of Washington.

Yonts told American Forces Press Service the military's experience in planning, attention to detail and execution makes it ideally suited to conducting state funerals honoring former presidents.

"It ensures the synchronization of many, many moving parts, with ground assets, air assets, intelligence assets and all kinds of other assets coming together to ensure a safe and secure state funeral that properly honors a former commander in chief and president," he said.

MDW, operating as the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, will serve as the Defense Department's command and control headquarters for the funeral activities, and is coordinating military support that ranges from color guards and honorary pallbearers to airlift and other transportation to logistics, Yonts said.

About 100 members of a joint service honor guard from throughout the National Capital arrived yesterday in Palm Desert, Calif., where Ford will lie in repose tomorrow through Saturday, he said.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., will coordinate events in California, and the Michigan National Guard will coordinate events in Michigan, he said.

The U.S. Marine Corps Twentynine Palms Band will play a military arrival ceremony and private family prayer service at 4 p.m. tomorrow at Palm Desert's St. Margaret's Episcopal Church.

After the service, Ford's remains will lie in repose through early Dec. 30. Members of the Washington-based 3rd U.S. Army Infantry Regiment, "the Old Guard"; the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company; the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard; the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard will attend the casket, Yonts said.

A military honor guard will accompany Ford's remains as they are flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Dec. 30.

There, a joint service honor cordon and color guard will meet them for a 5:30 p.m. arrival ceremony. The U.S. Air Force Band will provide music, and The Old Guard's Presidential Salute Battery will render a 21-gun salute, Yonts said.

Joint-service pallbearers will carry the casket to a hearse, which will lead a motorcade through Washington, D.C., en route to the U.S. Capitol. The motorcade will pause in front of the World War II Memorial, a tribute to Ford's service in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Once at the east side of the Capitol, the pallbearers will carry Ford's casket into the House chambers, where he will lie in state to commemorate his many years as a U.S. congressman. From there, the pallbearers will carry the casket to the rotunda to lie in state, before moving it again to the Senate chambers to honor Ford's time as vice president, and therefore, president of the Senate.

On Jan. 2, the pallbearers will carry the casket down the Senate steps to the awaiting hearse. His motorcade will proceed to a 10:30 a.m. state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Bush will speak.

Following the state funeral, Ford's body will be flown to Grand Rapids, Mich., for burial on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in the former president's hometown.

There, he will lie in repose before being moved at 1 p.m. Jan. 3 for a private funeral service at Grace Episcopal Church, Yonts said. Following the ceremony, the casket will be returned to the presidential museum for burial.

Throughout the funeral events, every branch of the armed forces and the U.S. Coast Guard will provide personnel, support and ceremonial units to the Joint Task Force National Capital Region, Yonts said. These ceremonial units have participated in state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Reagan.

President Ronald Reagan was the last former president to receive a state funeral, in June 2004.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.

Screaming Eagle Poker Raised over $180,000 for America’s wounded Veterans

Screaming Eagle Poker has a saying, “you have to be willing to die in order to live.” For America’s service members and members of the Screaming Eagle Poker (SEP) Association, is not just a saying, but a reality. These veterans, in addition to their daily commitment to America, are committed to helping their fellow Americans and veterans by sponsoring poker tournaments. According to the Army Soldier and president of SEP, Felix Gutierrez, “In 2006, in addition to the morale boosting competitions, Screaming Eagle Poker raised $180,000 for wounded veterans.”

During 2006, SEP sponsored poker tournaments throughout Iraq. As an example, SEP sponsored has sponsored tournaments in Contingency Operating Base (COB) Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq. According to SEP, “The events build Esprit De Corp and help soldiers get a mental escape from the anguish of living in a combat zone.” The growing popularity of SEP tournaments is reflected in the growth and direction of the organization. SEP envisions building a tournament pitting the various branches of service into an all out poker slugfest to find out which branch has the best poker players.

Taking a step toward the ultimate slugfest, in partnership with OffTheRail, the Screaming Eagle Poker Association is providing online poker events for all current and former Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Fire personnel as well as their friends and family members. You can visit their website at http://www.screamingeaglepoker.com/ for more information.

Ford Helped U.S. Recover from Watergate

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service


Dec. 27, 2006 – Americans will remember former President Gerald R. Ford as a man with the courage to heal a nation. Ford, who died at his California home last night at age 93, assumed the presidency at a grim time in American history.

In the midst of a distinguished career in the House of Representatives, the Michigan Republican was President Richard M. Nixon's choice to succeed Spiro T. Agnew as vice president. Agnew resigned in disgrace on Oct. 10, 1973, after pleading no contest to corruption charges, and Nixon himself was facing impeachment.

Nixon's difficulty started with a break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters in the Watergate building here during the 1972 presidential campaign and evolved into a cover-up that involved many figures in the administration up to the president.

By August 1974, the prevailing mood in the country had turned against Nixon. Nixon had been re-elected in a landslide in November 1972, but revelations about the Watergate cover-up kept surfacing. A Senate select committee led by Sens. Sam Ervin and Howard Baker investigated, and Americans began realizing how far the corruption had crept into the administration. In July 1974, Congress voted to begin impeachment proceedings against the president. Nixon weighed what lay ahead for him, and on Aug. 9, 1974, became the first president of the United States to resign from office.

The resignation was effective at noon. At 12:05 p.m., Gerald Ford began the healing process in a speech to America and the world. "My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over," Ford said. "Our Constitution works; our great republic is a government of laws, and not of men. Here, the people rule."

A year before becoming president, Ford was not even in line for the job. He was the House minority leader, and his fondest wish was for the Republicans to gain control of the legislative body so he could become speaker of the House. After Agnew's resignation, Nixon nominated Ford for the vice presidency. The Senate confirmed Ford, and he took that office on Dec. 6, 1973.

Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Neb. His parents divorced, and his mother took him to Grand Rapids, Mich., to live with her parents. In 1916, she married Gerald R. Ford, and Leslie King became Gerald R. Ford Jr.

Ford excelled in school and in sports. He became an Eagle Scout in 1927 and was an all-state football player. He attended the University of Michigan, where he studied political science and economics and starred on the football team. When he finished college, the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions approached Ford to play for them, but he opted to become a boxing coach at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., where he received his law degree in 1941.

During World War II, Ford joined the Naval Reserve and was commissioned as an ensign. At first, he was a physical fitness instructor at a pre-flight school at Chapel Hill, N.C., but in 1943, he reported to the aircraft carrier USS Monterrey and participated in operations in the Pacific Theater. He ended the war as a lieutenant commander and returned to Grand Rapids.

The future president joined a local law firm, and in 1948, challenged the isolationist Republican legislator. He won by a wide margin and took office on Jan. 3, 1949. At the height of the election campaign, Ford married Elizabeth Ann Bloomer Warren, known as "Betty."

Ford built a reputation in the House of Representatives as an effective legislator. He rose in the ranks and served as the ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Ford as one of the members of the Warren Commission looking into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

In 1965, Ford ran for and was elected as minority leader in the House. He held that position until he became vice president.

During his term as president, Ford faced many challenges. The Soviet Union was still a power, and Ford continued Nixon's policy of working to thaw relations with the Soviet Union. The Ford administration began negotiations of strategic arms limits and negotiated the Helsinki agreements on human rights.

In the Middle East, the Ford administration launched "shuttle diplomacy" in an effort to carve out a peace.

In Asia, the war in Vietnam continued as Ford took office. North Vietnamese regulars took the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon in April 1975, and the war was effectively over. But on May 12, Khmer Rouge forces seized the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez miles off the Cambodian coast. Ford ordered U.S. forces to retake the ship and free the 39 crewmembers. U.S. forces freed the vessel and the crewmen, but 41 Americans died in the operation.

Ford's most controversial position was one taken a month after taking office. He believed that prosecuting Nixon would keep the United States mired in the Watergate scandal. He granted Nixon a pardon before the filing of any criminal charges against him. Many said the decision was the result of a deal, but Ford always maintained it simply was the right thing to do.

In 1976, Ford faced down a challenge from Ronald Reagan and received the Republican nomination for president. At the beginning of the campaign, he was far behind the Democratic candidate, former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter. Ford campaigned well and closed the gap, but lost one of the closest presidential elections in history.

Ford retired to California and was much in demand as a speaker and lecturer. In August 1999, then-President Bill Clinton awarded Ford the Medal of Freedom - the country's highest civilian award. Clinton, a Democrat, did it in recognition of Ford's role in guiding the United States through the turbulent post-Watergate era.

Upon learning of Ford's death last night, President Bush issued a written statement praising the former chief executive. "With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency," Bush's statement said. In a televised statement this morning, Bush called Ford "a true gentleman who reflected the best of America's character."

In 1979, Ford published his autobiography, titled "A Time to Heal."

U.S. flags will fly at half-staff for 30 days in Ford's honor. The former president is survived by his wife and four children. An announcement on funeral arrangements is expected later today.

Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Rumsfeld Remembers Ford as Patriot Who Restored Confidence

By Donna Miles

Dec. 27, 2006 – Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld remembered Ford as a patriot who led the United States through difficult days and helped restore confidence in its government. "President Ford was a man of great decency and towering integrity," Rumsfeld said in a written statement released today.

Ford died last night in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at age 93. Rumsfeld served in Ford's Cabinet, as chief of staff from 1974 to 1975, then as the youngest U.S. defense secretary from 1975 to 1977.

Rumsfeld called Ford a patriot who left a budding law career to join the Navy in World War II, then demonstrated a deep pride in the country and respect for its government while serving in the U.S. Congress.

Rumsfeld's long association with the former president dates back to the 1960s, when both served in the U.S. House of Representatives. While serving as U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1974, Rumsfeld was called back to Washington to serve as chairman of Ford's presidential transition team.

"Our nation has a way of finding leaders that are needed in tough times," Rumsfeld said.

Rumsfeld called Ford "just the president our country needed back in 1974." He remembered the former president as a serious, effective legislator who never sought the presidency but was ready to serve as vice president, then president, when the country needed him.

"He became president in a time of widespread distrust of government and those who governed," Rumsfeld said. "As president, his personal character helped restore the reservoir of trust in the government and its leaders that is needed for our system to function effectively."

Ford did so, Rumsfeld said, "by being who he was and always doing what he believed was in the best interest of our country and the American people."

Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Deputy Defense Secretary Named Great American Patriot

By Annette Crawford

Dec. 24, 2006 – Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England received the first Great American Patriot Award here last night at a halftime ceremony during the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium. England, a Fort Worth resident, said he was very humbled by the award.

"Also in a way it's a little bit embarrassing," he said. "There should really be 1.2 million patriot awards. Patriot awards should be for all our magnificent men and women who serve our nation, so I accept this award on behalf of all of them, because they are the true patriots who protect and defend this country every day."

England spoke of the importance of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that showcases and facilitates American support for members of the armed forces. The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl is one of many events that has grown from partnering with America Supports You.

The program gives America an opportunity to support our military in their community, England said. "So often people ask me, 'What can I do to help our military?' I tell them, 'Go to AmericaSupportsYou.com.' It's a way of connecting the military with the American people, and therefore it's extraordinarily important," he said.

England said he wanted to the troops to know how much he appreciated their unwavering commitment.

"I want to thank them for their great, great service to America, and what they do every day to protect our freedom and liberties," he said. "If we did not have the United States military, Americans could not live the life they live every day.

"All our citizens owe our people in uniform. We owe them more than just a great deal. We owe them the life we live," he said.

"I also want to wish them a very merry holiday, to them and their families," England added.

After England received the award, more than 100 recruits from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines marched onto the field and he conducted their oath of enlistment.

The award was presented by Military Alliance and Associates LLC, known as MA3 LLC, as selected by the Military Affairs Committee of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. MA3 LLC is a military recruiting firm specializing in placing former military officers and NCOs into leadership positions in the private sector.

"Secretary England has displayed remarkable leadership in serving our country in three major defense-related departments the past five years," said Tom Starr, executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. "We are honored to give our first Great American Patriot Award to him."

Starr added the bowl game was all about honoring servicemembers.

"This game is for them. We can't thank them enough. Hopefully, in some small way, this game will do that," he said.

Starr said Bell Helicopter's sponsorship of the game has been extraordinary.

"Bell Helicopter stepped forward when we changed the name to the Armed Forces Bowl," Starr said. "They have made a huge difference. They have been more than a partner.

"I've been in the bowl business 30 years," Starr continued, "and I've never been so proud, seeing all these men and women in uniform. I was in Vietnam, so this touches my heart as well."

The deputy defense secretary served in a variety of positions at Lockheed and General Dynamics before taking office as the 72nd secretary of the Navy in May 2001.

He then became the first deputy secretary of Homeland Security when that department was established in January 2003, integrating 22 agencies with a common mission of protecting the American people. He returned to his post and was confirmed as the 73rd secretary of the Navy in September 2003 - only the second person in history to serve twice as chief of the Navy-Marine Corps team and the first to serve in back-to-back terms. He assumed the Pentagon's No. 2 post in an acting capacity in May 2005, and received a recess appointment to the position in January 2006. The Senate confirmed him in April 2006.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Medics Clear Rats From Saddam Hussein's Bunker

By Maj. Bobby Hart, USA

Dec. 26, 2006 – It was a scene straight from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," or maybe "Willard." American soldiers walking through a dimly lit, underground command bunker once used by a brutal dictator, now filled with hundreds of rats. Throw in a snake or two, and you have the perfect setting for a horror movie.

But it was not a movie.

Soldiers of the 3rd Medical Command, Fort Gillem, Ga., found themselves in just such an environment when they went to investigate a potential rat infestation.

Civilians on a forward operating base near Baghdad reported they had seen increasing numbers of rodents in the area surrounding what was known locally as Saddam Hussein's presidential bunker - a massive, two-level, network of tunnels and rooms estimated to be able to support upwards of 100 people for several months.

The bunker included meeting rooms, a kitchen, huge underground generators, restrooms, showers, private living quarters and rats. Lots and lots of rats.

Army Lt. Col. Van Sherwood, a 3rd MEDCOM preventive medicine specialist, said he had seen rat infestations before, but nothing compared to what he saw when he pulled open the doors and entered Saddam's bunker.

"We saw some rats around the entrance when we walked up with our lights," said Sherwood, a Gainesville, Fla., native and graduate of the University of Florida, who currently works at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C. "Once we opened the doors and walked in, it was like rat heaven."

Sherwood said American Special Forces troops had taken over the bunker and used them for operations and storage until January 2006. When they left, they left behind pallets of military food rations and water.

"I really had no preconceived idea of what to expect when I heard they had a rat problem," Sherwood said. "I've been called out on these types of cases before, and most of the time, they are pretty mundane. For most people, one or two rats can be an infestation. As soon as we opened the doors, you could see rats scurrying down the corridors and could smell the rat urine. I knew then there were a lot of rats there."

The rats had moved in to take over the bunker when the American soldiers left and the limited access hindered the entry of predators. The rats had a secure nesting area with a high-calorie, high-protein food source and water. A healthy female rat is capable of producing a brood of around a dozen offspring monthly. It didn't take long for the rat population to reach epidemic proportions.

Until Sherwood and his rat patrol arrived, about the only thing the rats had to worry about was the snakes - one which was tentatively identified as a sand boa estimated to be at least five to six feet long.

"We knew we had to get rid of the rats some way, but it wasn't as easy as it might seem," he said. "There were so many cracks and crevices that they could easily escape the bunker and go to ground level, where there were hundreds of rodent burrows that would provide them harborage."

Sherwood said the last thing he wanted to do was to take away the food supply and water or do anything that would drive the rats out of the bunker to the base camps to forage for their next meal.

The rats had devoured most of the military rations -- they ate everything but the salt and pepper and Tabasco sauce -- and shredded everything else except the spoons to use for nesting material. The cases looked intact, except for one or two small holes in each.

"I think that was the most surprising thing," Sherwood said. "The boxes looked fine, but when you picked them up they were empty except for the ones that had nests built in them."

Another surprising thing was the consistency with which the rats emptied the water bottles, which were almost all chewed through at the same height on the bottle with the holes all being very similar in size.

Sherwood decided to place poison near the now-empty pallets, which still contained ample food for the thriving rodent population, to rid the area of the problem. He said after placing the poison, his team returned and picked up dead adult rats by the hundreds and estimated many more may have died in their nests or in underground burrows.

The body count of the dead rats did lead Sherwood to believe the problem had been solved and shouldn't happen again.

"Absolutely," he said. "Once we got rid of the population and cleaned out the food and water, there was nothing down there that would make a rat want to go there."

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Pentagon Channel Documentary Focuses on Storied 'Old Guard'

By David Mays

Dec. 26, 2006 – They are the very public face of ultimate military discipline. They wow stadiums packed with football fans with complex rifle drills. They honor fallen comrades with solemn processions. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock at Arlington National Cemetery; and on Dec. 15, they gave outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld a full-honors farewell ceremony on the Pentagon parade field. Despite their high-profile mission, many people, even those who serve in the military, have little idea what goes into becoming a member of this elite unit. That's why the Pentagon Channel is devoting its latest half-hour "Recon" documentary to the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment -- the Army's "Old Guard."

The show will debut Dec. 29 at noon Eastern Time and will be repeated throughout January. It will also be available via podcast, vodcast and video on demand.

"We're a very unique organization," said Col. Robert Pricone, the 3rd Guard's commanding officer. "We've got a very diverse mission set, and we operate in the very sensitive environment of the National Capital Region."

The unit is one of the Army's most challenging assignments to secure. "I tried three times to get in," said Pentagon Channel News anchor Staff Sgt. Jake Newman, who once served with the Old Guard as one of the unit's few broadcasters. Applicants must meet rigorous requirements. Men must be at least 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and women must be at least 5 feet, 8 inches. High scores on both general technical and physical training tests are also mandated. Once candidates are chosen for an Old Guard assignment, they must undergo a month of intensive regimental training.

"I've heard about it my whole life," said Spc. John Ball, a watchman on the Old Guard's Presidential Salute Battery. "It's a prestigious unit, and I just wanted to be part of the best."

The Pentagon Channel takes viewers inside the Old Guard's headquarters at Fort Myer, Va., adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, where the Regiment's Caisson Unit ceremoniously transports caskets of fallen servicemembers to their final resting place.

"It's just so much an honor, being the person to present that flag to that family," said Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Robertson. "Knowing that that soldier that you are laying to rest has served this country well and gave so much for this nation, and to be part of that is so much an honor."

The documentary exposes viewers to little-known facts about the Old Guard, such as that it is the only Army unit allowed to march with fixed bayonets. This Recon program also explores the regiment's specialty platoons, who perform painstakingly meticulous missions and wear unconventional uniforms such as those originally designed by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War era.

Pentagon Channel crews also were invited to tape sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknowns after cemetery visiting hours, when rules for keeping watch are much different from those in place when tourists are there during the day. Viewers will learn fascinating details about the stunningly precise rules Old Guard soldiers must follow as they perform their various duties.

The Pentagon Channel had the rare opportunity to videotape Old Guard service members as they practiced maneuvers under the extraordinarily demanding eyes of drill masters.

"Typically, we lose more than half the soldiers coming through the training cycle," said Sgt. 1st Class Brent Thompson. "Every once in a while, you have soldiers that have the ability to pick it up pretty quickly and pick up on what we do, and some just will never get it."

Pvt. Christopher Boovier, who is training to join the Old Guard, hopes he's among that first group of soldiers. "I mean all the guys are cool, but if you can't cut it, you can't cut it," he said. "I'm hoping that I get on. ... Stuff happens sometimes, but I'm pretty confident."

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Bush Touts 'America Supports You' Program in Radio Address

By Melinda L. Larson

Dec. 23, 2006 – Using his weekly radio address to highlight the sacrifices servicemembers and their families make, President Bush today urged Americans to visit the Defense Department's "America Supports You" Web site for ideas on how to support them. The America Supports You program spotlights and facilitates support for the nation's servicemembers and their families.

Bush cited Jim Wareing -- founder of an America Supports You member organization called New England Caring for Our Military -- as an example of how Americans are supporting servicemembers.

"This year, Jim helped organize a gift drive by thousands of students from Massachusetts and New Hampshire," the president said. "Students from kindergarten to high school collected more than 20,000 gifts for our troops abroad."

Urging listeners to visit the America Supports You site at www.americasupportsyou.mil, the president lauded the example set by Wareing.

"Citizens like Jim Wareing represent the true strength of our country, and they make America proud," Bush said. "I urge every American to find some way to thank our military this Christmas season. If you see a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or a member of the Coast Guard, take a moment to stop and say, 'Thanks for your service.'"

Christmas reminds Americans of their duty to others, and that sense of duty is fulfilled by the men and women who wear the nation's uniform, Bush said.

"America is blessed to have fine citizens who volunteer to defend us in distant lands," he said. "For many of them, this Christmas will be spent far from home, and on Christmas our nation honors their sacrifice and thanks them for all they do to defend our freedom."

Bush also pointed out the sacrifices of the nation's military families, and thanked them for their support. "Staying behind when a family member goes to war is a heavy burden, and it is particularly hard during the holidays," he said. "To all our military families listening today, Laura and I thank you."

While thousands of military families spend the holiday apart, Bush noted this season ushers in a time of change for the nation. With a review of Iraq war strategy under way, a new secretary of defense in office, and changes in Congress, Bush said those serving on the front lines can be assured of continued support.

"I want our troops to know that while the coming year will bring change, one thing will not change, and that is our nation's support for you and the vital work you do to achieve victory in Iraq," the president said.

Millions of Americans are proving their support of deployed troops, wounded warriors, and the children of those serving abroad, Bush noted.

"Patriotic groups and charities all across America are sending gifts and care packages to our servicemen and women, visiting our troops recovering at military hospitals, reaching out to children whose moms and dads are serving abroad, and going to airports to welcome our troops home and to let them know they are appreciated by a grateful nation," he said.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Pep Rally Heightens Excitement for Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

By Annette Crawford

Dec. 23, 2006 – Team spirit was evident last night all over the streets of the downtown area here known as Sundance Square. Whether it was wearing the school colors of two teams ready to take each other on in a gridiron challenge, or the uniform pride of armed forces members, there was no doubt this is an all-American event. The University of Tulsa and the University of Utah go head to head in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl tonight at Texas Christian University's Amon G. Carter Stadium. But before the teams take to the field, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned pep rally the night before the game.

But this pep rally had an added element. Like most such gatherings, there were the typical marching bands and cheerleaders working the crowd, urging the fans to root for their team. But on the other side of the square, there was an impressive array of military recruiting displays - after all, this is the Armed Forces Bowl.

In addition to getting up close to a tank, Humvee, flight simulator and mini Raptor, fans of all ages were quick to grab promotional items such as T-shirts, hats, pens and posters.

The sponsor of the event, Bell Helicopter, teamed up in its display booth with Give 2 to the Troops, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical, spiritual and morale well-being of servicemembers in combat. They do this by raising money and gathering donations to make care packages to send to deployed servicemembers.

When Andrea Harmon of Give 2 to the Troops was contacted by Bell Helicopter and asked if she wanted her organization sponsored by Bell at the bowl game, she said it was an awesome offer.

"Who wouldn't?" she asked.

Bell's Brad Wanek said the reason his company is sponsoring the bowl game is a way to give back to the troops. But in addition to those who will be able to enjoy the game in person, he said there are many more servicemembers out there they would like to help.

"We started to brainstorm on how we could reach out to the troops who could not be at the stadium, and one of the ways we came up with was by partnering with Give 2 to the Troops," Wanek said.

"By taking collections here at the pep rally and at the game, we hope to immediately generate care packages. We're also hoping that those who weren't aware before the game, become aware, and there would be a whole cascade of benefits following the game," Wanek said.

Dee Bash, dressed in 1940s-era garb and sitting in a World War II jeep, said her group, the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, is a living history group that honors veterans.

"We ride in veterans parades and go to swing dances and have the vehicles on display. They absolutely love to see us participate," Bash said. "We try to honor them in any way we can."

One of the Air Force recruiters at the event, Master Sgt. Greg Baker of the 344th Recruiting Squadron, said events like this pep rally are great for generating interest.

"We're planting seeds, so to speak," said Baker, a 20-year veteran. "We're looking for people who are motivated, responsible and want to serve their country."

Army Sgt. Chris Taylor said the service's presence at the event went beyond simple recruiting.

"More of the interest that we hope to generate here is not only that we're seeking new recruits, but that we want to be involved in the community," Taylor said. "We're here to support them."

Taylor said he thinks the Armed Forces Bowl is a great event for the nation as a whole.

"Look at all the veterans over the years, and it's a way to pay respect to those who got us this far," said Taylor, who has been in the Army 10 years and a recruiter for one.

"I want to thank the American public for their support," Taylor said. "It's a hard time in the world right now."

The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl is an event in partnership with America Supports You, a Department of Defense program that showcases American support for members of the armed forces. Since its inception in November 2004 by DOD, America Supports You has welcomed nearly 250 grassroots organizations and more than 33 corporate sponsors to its team.

This is Bell Helicopter's first year as title sponsor for the Armed Forces Bowl. The game airs at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN television and ESPN Radio to more than 200 stations in 44 states. One of the highlights of the game will be the presentation of the "Great American Patriot Award" at halftime to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

Gainey, Veterans Gather for Tree Ceremony at Vietnam Wall

By John J. Kruzel

Dec. 21, 2006 – A ten-foot tall fir tree, ornamented with pictures of fallen U.S. war veterans and notes of support for today's troops, now stands proudly at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined about 50 veterans and family members on the Wall's east knoll today.

"Less than one-percent of the total population of the United States serves in the Armed Forces. You are all part of that one-percent club," Gainey told the veterans.

"Ninety-nine percent of Americans get their freedom from people like you veterans, the folks who are still serving, (and) the young men and women that are on this Wall," he said.

Gainey, along with his son, U.S. Army Capt. Ryan J. Gainey, and representatives of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., the American Red Cross, HBO Video, and Target Corp. attended the ninth annual Christmas Tree Ceremony.

On behalf of wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, Gainey accepted 1,000 DVD sets of several popular HBO series donated by HBO and 100 portable DVD players donated by Target .

Working side by side with veterans and family members, the officials helped hang more than 6,000 notes on the tree. The elm trees surrounding the Wall created a leafless canopy under which they kneeled and climbed ladders to decorate the tree's hard-to-reach branches.

"Look behind me and you know why I'm here," Gainey said. "It's these young men and women, not only the ones putting the stuff on these trees, but the names of over 58,000 that did not ask to die for their country. They died because they knew (fighting for their country) was the right thing to do.

"From 1775 until the present, we have had veterans," Gainey said. "We have people who are willing to sacrifice their lives to give us something called freedom. Something a lot of people take for granted."

Gainey and his son, Army Capt. Ryan J. Gainey, and Vietnam veterans like Paul Stancliff reached into one of the seven stuffed boxes and selected note-ornaments to read aloud.

Sporting a USS Boston hat with American flag and Navy insignia pins, Stancliff, a former U.S. Navy sailor approached the east knoll's podium to read a note from Dennis Marseller.

"I don't know what relation he has to anyone on the wall," Stancliff said, looking at the note-ornament in his hand. "So many of these notes are from normal people across the country who send a message to current and past troops to let us know we are being remembered."

He then read the note.

"You are at rest my brothers and sisters," he read. "We will always remember the joys you gave to us, and forever mourn you being taken away from us all too soon. Until we meet again, may God give you peace."

As the seven boxes stuffed with the ornament notes began to empty, Jan Scruggs, the Wall's founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, shifted his thoughts to those servicemembers deployed overseas.

"This morning we take time out to remember our friends who are on the Memorial Wall and all who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War," Scruggs said. "But we also remember and pray for the many thousands of Americans serving our country all over the world right now."

"The empty space at the table is especially difficult during the holidays," he noted.

After each veteran had read and hung an ornament, Gainey, Stancliff and two other veterans slid two metal rods through the branches and wheeled the tree slowly down the east knoll ramp next to the marble wall engraved with the names of 58,249 troops killed in Vietnam.

Like pallbearers, the four men directed the fir as the wheels of the tree's base rolled next to freshly laid wreaths and flower bouquets. The procession of silent veterans made its way to the bottom of the ramp where the two marble walls meet. They set the tree in place. It will remain there through the holiday season.

Ceremonies like today's show that the community remembers "what we had to go through for freedom," said retired Army Master Sergeant Matt Daley.

Daley said Vietnam veterans share a very close kinship with today's active duty servicemembers. "It's all the same," he said. "They say it's a different war, but you're still laying your life on the line."

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.

WWII Veteran Kicks Up His Heels for USO

By Samantha L. Quigley

Dec. 21, 2006 – For a few hours Tuesday night, the Sequoia restaurant here was transported back to the golden era of the 1940s. Dance legend 92-year-old Frankie Manning was the special guest as the Glenn Miller Orchestra played swinging tunes and 300 dancers hit the floor during a "Home for the Holidays" event to benefit the United Services Organization. A creator of the dance now know as "the Lindy Hop," Manning showed the crowd that he's still got what earned him the moniker "legend." But he didn't fly all the way from his New York home just to show off his fancy footwork, he also was supporting the USO.

"I just thought it would be a good thing to do," Manning said. "That's the good part ... when you can bring laughter to the other guys when there's so much fear and tension in their minds."

Manning said that, even in this age of iPods and the Internet, he still thinks the kind of live entertainment he enjoyed while serving in World War II is important for the morale of today's servicemembers.

"Because of this technology ... it's one form of entertainment and it's something you can listen to all the time," Manning said. "When you actually see a person performing, it's fantastic. It's much more entertaining the just listening to it on the iPod."

Melanie Carson, communications manager for USO-Metro, was pleased that Manning traveled from New York to support her organization.

"It's generous for him to make an appearance for this type of event for no personal gain, just to support the programs and services of the USO," she said.

Both Manning's appearance fee and the net proceeds of the event will benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington.

Tom Koerner, an area dance instructor and one of the event organizers, said that he and Manning "both have abiding respect for the work they do. Anybody who grew up in the 70s, Vietnam, knows that (the country) treated the military pretty shabbily. I really think that (servicemembers make) unbelievable sacrifices, the least we can do is give them a few bucks."

Manning, a Florida native who moved to Harlem when he was 3 years old, is more than a dance legend, however. He's also a movie star, appearing in several films, including the 1937 "A Day at the Races" with the Marx Brothers.

He also has toured with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway, and from 1936 to 1941, he was a member of the professional dance group known as "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers."

With the onset of World War II, however, the dance group disbanded. Manning kept performing and, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1942, Manning was working in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"I got my draft papers while I was down there but couldn't get back to the United States for about 10 months after that," Manning said. "We went down by boat and we had return ticket by boat, but because of the situation - passenger ships or any other ships going from South America to America were being sunk by the Germans."

The alternative was to return by plane. That, however, was a slow process as everyone else wanting to return to the United States was in the same situation.

When he finally was able to report to join the Army, he saw combat in New Guinea.

Finding opportunities to dance during his service wasn't always easy, so Manning organized performances to entertain the men with whom he served. He had one golden opportunity to dance on stage with one of the era's best-loved starlets, as well, he said.
"When it became safe enough for (entertainers) to come down that way, then ... Jack Benny with his troupe, they came down and did a show," Manning said, a grin stretching into a wide smile as he remembered the show. "Fortunate enough, I got to dance with Betty Grable.

"It was quite a thrill," he added.

Having entertainers visit them while they were so far from home did wonders for the men, Manning said.

He was discharged from the Army in 1947 and formed his own dance group, The Congaroos, which performed for about seven years. Then rock-and-roll music grew in popularity and Manning started another profession as a civil servant working for the U.S. Post Office. He said he expected that to last no more than a year, until his style of dance regained its popularity.

"That year turned into about 30 years," Manning said. "I was getting ready to retire in '87 and the resurgence (of big band music and the Lindy Hop) came back and here I go again and I'm and I'm still at it.

"It was quite a surprise," he said, adding he'd never dreamed that it would come back after so many years. "And I can have some weird dreams."

He's been teaching his beloved dances all over the world to anyone who cares to learn since them.

"I love to go the dances and see these young kids out there dancing," Manning. "It's just a joy to watch other dancers doing the dance that I love so much."

And they love watching him, especially when he observes his annual birthday tradition that started when he was 75. Each year he dances with one woman for every year of his life.

"This next year, I've got to dance with 93 women," he laughed.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and police and military personnel who have become writers.