American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – Two Afghan citizens prevented a terrorist attack this morning when a vehicle loaded with explosives attempted to crash through the front gate of Camp Phoenix, a U.S. base here. "Without any regard for their personal safety, a local Afghan security officer and an interpreter immediately recognized that this was a terrorist attack," said 1st Lt. Cathrin Fraker, a spokeswoman for Task Force Phoenix.
"Together, the two prevented the driver from detonating his explosives after they failed to explode during the crash. With the assistance of the U.S. security forces, they dragged the terrorist from the vehicle, where U.S. security force soldiers then detained him," she explained.
The area was immediately evacuated, and an explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the scene.
Afghan security force soldiers, with assistance from the Afghan National Police and U.S. soldiers, immediately cordoned off the area and waited for the EOD team to disarm the bomb.
"If it wasn't for the quick actions of the local nationals working for the U.S. forces, several lives would have been lost," Army Col. David B. Enyeart, the deputy task force commander, said.
During an attempt to disarm the explosives, the device detonated, but no U.S. or coalition soldiers were injured, Fraker said.
"We are grateful for the bravery and the continued diligence of our Afghan partners and the security force soldiers and who protect this base," Enyeart said.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Operation Homelink Marks Milestone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – Marking a milestone, Operation Homelink, in collaboration with Dell, presented 250 refurbished computers to families of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force on Jan. 9 at Camp Lejeune, N.C. "With this donation, Operation Homelink has now connected over 2,000 military families," Dan Shannon, founder and president of Operation Homelink, said.
Operation Homelink is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans support the nation's servicemembers.
While most servicemembers have access to e-mail while deployed at remote outposts, the families of many junior enlisted members are often not able to afford computers and must rely on conventional mail or expensive phone calls to stay in touch, Shannon said.
Operation Homelink strives to link American servicemembers deployed overseas with their families through e-mail communication. To achieve that goal the organization distributes refurbished computers donated by sponsors such as Dell, Inc.
"We so appreciate Dell's continuing support of our efforts to connect military families with their loved ones serving overseas," Shannon said.
Operation Homelink's technology partner, NewMarketIT of Austin, Texas, provides professional refurbishment services including testing, registration, loading of a new operating system, software and links to military support Web sites. Computers are shipped in bulk to specific military units or geographic areas as designated by the donating corporation.
The families of the 2nd MEF were very appreciative to have an easy, inexpensive way to communicate with their deployed loved ones.
"This means a lot to us," Jamie Lopez, whose husband, Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Richard Lopez Jr., recently left for his fourth deployment with the 6th Marine Regiment, said. "Before, we had to go to the library to e-mail my husband. Now we can do so from home. This will make a huge difference."
Unit officials agreed that the donation would, indeed, make a huge difference.
"The Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force appreciate the efforts of Operation Homelink in supporting our families, especially during this time of war," Lt. Col. Curtis L. Hill, public affairs officer for 2nd MEF, said. "The computers being provided will greatly facilitate our families' contact with their deployed loved ones."
In the past year, Dell has joined with Operation Homelink to successfully connect more than 800 military families through the donations of refurbished computers. Those computers were presented to families at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Campbell, Ky. Additional distributions are planned for later this year.
Spouses or parents of deployed servicemembers in the junior-level pay grades of E-1 through E-5 are eligible, Shannon said. Specific families to receive computers are identified by family readiness group leaders.
Recent success for the program has enabled the expansion to include donations of laptops to wounded soldiers receiving treatment at military hospitals throughout the United States.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Jan. 16, 2007 – Marking a milestone, Operation Homelink, in collaboration with Dell, presented 250 refurbished computers to families of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force on Jan. 9 at Camp Lejeune, N.C. "With this donation, Operation Homelink has now connected over 2,000 military families," Dan Shannon, founder and president of Operation Homelink, said.
Operation Homelink is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans support the nation's servicemembers.
While most servicemembers have access to e-mail while deployed at remote outposts, the families of many junior enlisted members are often not able to afford computers and must rely on conventional mail or expensive phone calls to stay in touch, Shannon said.
Operation Homelink strives to link American servicemembers deployed overseas with their families through e-mail communication. To achieve that goal the organization distributes refurbished computers donated by sponsors such as Dell, Inc.
"We so appreciate Dell's continuing support of our efforts to connect military families with their loved ones serving overseas," Shannon said.
Operation Homelink's technology partner, NewMarketIT of Austin, Texas, provides professional refurbishment services including testing, registration, loading of a new operating system, software and links to military support Web sites. Computers are shipped in bulk to specific military units or geographic areas as designated by the donating corporation.
The families of the 2nd MEF were very appreciative to have an easy, inexpensive way to communicate with their deployed loved ones.
"This means a lot to us," Jamie Lopez, whose husband, Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Richard Lopez Jr., recently left for his fourth deployment with the 6th Marine Regiment, said. "Before, we had to go to the library to e-mail my husband. Now we can do so from home. This will make a huge difference."
Unit officials agreed that the donation would, indeed, make a huge difference.
"The Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force appreciate the efforts of Operation Homelink in supporting our families, especially during this time of war," Lt. Col. Curtis L. Hill, public affairs officer for 2nd MEF, said. "The computers being provided will greatly facilitate our families' contact with their deployed loved ones."
In the past year, Dell has joined with Operation Homelink to successfully connect more than 800 military families through the donations of refurbished computers. Those computers were presented to families at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Campbell, Ky. Additional distributions are planned for later this year.
Spouses or parents of deployed servicemembers in the junior-level pay grades of E-1 through E-5 are eligible, Shannon said. Specific families to receive computers are identified by family readiness group leaders.
Recent success for the program has enabled the expansion to include donations of laptops to wounded soldiers receiving treatment at military hospitals throughout the United States.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
New Policies to Relieve Stress, Promote Unit Cohesion
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – The new Defense Department policy limiting the duration of call-ups to 12 months is already in effect for National Guard and reserve members being ordered to active duty, the senior DoD reserve affairs official reported. The new mobilization limits, announced Jan. 11, are designed to reduce stress on the force and keep Guardsmen and reservists from leaving the military, Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said during a joint interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel.
Hall said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' policy recognizes that the 18- to 24-month mobilizations many Guard and reserve members faced were creating too heavy a burden.
Servicemembers, as well as their families and employers, spoke, and Hall said the Defense Department listened. "We have come to the conclusion that based on numerous inputs, that 18- to 21-months over a long war, over a career, is just too much," he said. "It is over and above what employers and families and individuals will accept and still remain in the Guard and reserve."
Hall reported that while shortening mobilization times, the military is also working to stretch out the time between involuntary reserve-component call-ups.
DoD's goal is to give reserve-component members five years at home between one-year-deployments. For active-duty troops, the goal is two years at home station after each one-year deployment.
Hall acknowledged that turnaround times for both active- and reserve-component troops have frequently been far shorter -- and that this needs to change. "We recognize that we're getting to a situation where we needed to make sure we adequately spread the burden between the active, Guard and reserve (force)," he said.
But in cases in which troops must deploy early or have their deployments expended -- a situation Hall acknowledged will sometimes happen -- he said he's all for a new plan to compensate the affected troops. "We think it is quite reasonable that you should receive additional compensation, and that will soon be in place," Hall said.
Gates ordered DoD and the services to come up with a compensation plan for active, Guard and reserve troops who face these circumstances.
Another new policy change -- that Guard and Reserve troops will deploy as units rather than individuals -- also is drawing wide approval, Hall said. The plan also calls for eliminating "cross-leveling," a practice used to fill manpower slots in deploying units.
Hall described the problem with cross-leveling. When a reserve unit is identified for deployment but doesn't have all its positions filled, those gaps get filled by smaller units or individuals from other units. But when those other units get deployed, they now have gaps, too, because their troops are either deployed or just returned from a deployment. "This just creates a ripple effect," Hall said.
The problem is particularly troublesome in the Army and Marine Corps, which tend to deploy their combat and combat-service-support elements as units, he said. The Air Force and Navy are more likely to mobilize individuals.
Under Gates' new policy, Army and Marine units will deploy as a whole. "So, when your unit is called, if you are serving in that unit, you will go, even if you might have mobilized before," Hall said. "This will promote cohesion and will be a better planning factor."
Hall said the new policy measures already were under discussion before Gates took over the top Pentagon post, but that he quickly agreed they were needed to help reduce stress on the force. The new policy will go a long way toward that goal, Hall said.
As these policies take effect, Hall said he's convinced Guard and reserve troops will continue to "step up" when the country needs them. "They will answer the call, just like our forefathers did, and we will fight and win this battle against the forces of international terror," he said. "And it will be because of our people and their commitment; and I want to personally thank each and every one of them in the active, Guard and reserve for what they are doing for our country."
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – The new Defense Department policy limiting the duration of call-ups to 12 months is already in effect for National Guard and reserve members being ordered to active duty, the senior DoD reserve affairs official reported. The new mobilization limits, announced Jan. 11, are designed to reduce stress on the force and keep Guardsmen and reservists from leaving the military, Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said during a joint interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel.
Hall said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' policy recognizes that the 18- to 24-month mobilizations many Guard and reserve members faced were creating too heavy a burden.
Servicemembers, as well as their families and employers, spoke, and Hall said the Defense Department listened. "We have come to the conclusion that based on numerous inputs, that 18- to 21-months over a long war, over a career, is just too much," he said. "It is over and above what employers and families and individuals will accept and still remain in the Guard and reserve."
Hall reported that while shortening mobilization times, the military is also working to stretch out the time between involuntary reserve-component call-ups.
DoD's goal is to give reserve-component members five years at home between one-year-deployments. For active-duty troops, the goal is two years at home station after each one-year deployment.
Hall acknowledged that turnaround times for both active- and reserve-component troops have frequently been far shorter -- and that this needs to change. "We recognize that we're getting to a situation where we needed to make sure we adequately spread the burden between the active, Guard and reserve (force)," he said.
But in cases in which troops must deploy early or have their deployments expended -- a situation Hall acknowledged will sometimes happen -- he said he's all for a new plan to compensate the affected troops. "We think it is quite reasonable that you should receive additional compensation, and that will soon be in place," Hall said.
Gates ordered DoD and the services to come up with a compensation plan for active, Guard and reserve troops who face these circumstances.
Another new policy change -- that Guard and Reserve troops will deploy as units rather than individuals -- also is drawing wide approval, Hall said. The plan also calls for eliminating "cross-leveling," a practice used to fill manpower slots in deploying units.
Hall described the problem with cross-leveling. When a reserve unit is identified for deployment but doesn't have all its positions filled, those gaps get filled by smaller units or individuals from other units. But when those other units get deployed, they now have gaps, too, because their troops are either deployed or just returned from a deployment. "This just creates a ripple effect," Hall said.
The problem is particularly troublesome in the Army and Marine Corps, which tend to deploy their combat and combat-service-support elements as units, he said. The Air Force and Navy are more likely to mobilize individuals.
Under Gates' new policy, Army and Marine units will deploy as a whole. "So, when your unit is called, if you are serving in that unit, you will go, even if you might have mobilized before," Hall said. "This will promote cohesion and will be a better planning factor."
Hall said the new policy measures already were under discussion before Gates took over the top Pentagon post, but that he quickly agreed they were needed to help reduce stress on the force. The new policy will go a long way toward that goal, Hall said.
As these policies take effect, Hall said he's convinced Guard and reserve troops will continue to "step up" when the country needs them. "They will answer the call, just like our forefathers did, and we will fight and win this battle against the forces of international terror," he said. "And it will be because of our people and their commitment; and I want to personally thank each and every one of them in the active, Guard and reserve for what they are doing for our country."
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Defense News, Information Now Customized for Mobile Devices
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 17, 2007 – Defense Department news releases, articles and other information are now available in a new format that's customized for easier viewing on BlackBerries and other mobile devices, officials said. The new, mobile-device-friendly format can be accessed at www.dod.mil/mobile, officials affiliated with the project said.
"Having the ability to access the most current Defense Department information while you are on the go is especially important in the fast-paced communications world in which we live," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said.
Offering a mobile-device-friendly format to disseminate defense information "is another way we are trying to better serve our globally based audiences, providing them the most up-to-date news and information on the war on terror and other related activity," Barber said.
The new format is specifically condensed to better fit onto the tiny viewing screens featured by most mobile devices, said Tom Dorsz, Web production supervisor at American Forces Information Service.
Mobile device usage is increasing worldwide, Dorsz said, noting that BlackBerries and similar devices enable access to Internet-sourced information anywhere at anytime.
Maximizing and integrating new technology is the mission of the new media team, said Roxie Merritt, director of DoD's new media unit.
"On your mobile device Web browser, simply type in www.dod.mil/mobile to view the top news and press releases that are customized to fit your screen," Merritt said.
Customers will see much of the same information and many of the photos and graphics that appear on the regular Defenselink Web page, available at www.dod.mil, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brook DeWalt, AFIS's new media operations manager, said.
The new mobile system enhances DoD's mission to inform the public of its policies, as well as to communicate with servicemembers, defense civilians, retirees, and their families, Dorsz said.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 17, 2007 – Defense Department news releases, articles and other information are now available in a new format that's customized for easier viewing on BlackBerries and other mobile devices, officials said. The new, mobile-device-friendly format can be accessed at www.dod.mil/mobile, officials affiliated with the project said.
"Having the ability to access the most current Defense Department information while you are on the go is especially important in the fast-paced communications world in which we live," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said.
Offering a mobile-device-friendly format to disseminate defense information "is another way we are trying to better serve our globally based audiences, providing them the most up-to-date news and information on the war on terror and other related activity," Barber said.
The new format is specifically condensed to better fit onto the tiny viewing screens featured by most mobile devices, said Tom Dorsz, Web production supervisor at American Forces Information Service.
Mobile device usage is increasing worldwide, Dorsz said, noting that BlackBerries and similar devices enable access to Internet-sourced information anywhere at anytime.
Maximizing and integrating new technology is the mission of the new media team, said Roxie Merritt, director of DoD's new media unit.
"On your mobile device Web browser, simply type in www.dod.mil/mobile to view the top news and press releases that are customized to fit your screen," Merritt said.
Customers will see much of the same information and many of the photos and graphics that appear on the regular Defenselink Web page, available at www.dod.mil, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brook DeWalt, AFIS's new media operations manager, said.
The new mobile system enhances DoD's mission to inform the public of its policies, as well as to communicate with servicemembers, defense civilians, retirees, and their families, Dorsz said.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Continued Engagement Will Prevent Future Conflicts, General Says
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – One of the most important missions the U.S. military has is forming relationships with allies and building the foundations for peace in regions around the world, the former commander of U.S. European Command said here today. The United States is still a model of freedom and leadership for the world, and if its forces stay engaged in areas of the world that are at risk for instability, they can prevent future conflicts and save valuable resources, Marine Gen. James L. Jones, who headed up European Command for four years while serving as NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, said in an interview.
"It's clear that if you can prevent conflicts and you can shape the environment that you're in and you can engage with friends and allies and do this proactively, but in advance of any critical mass being reached in a particular area, then you can save an awful lot of resources down the road," Jones said. "These countries need help, and they need our assistance and our leadership. (It) doesn't have to be a lot of money, but it has to be consistent."
Jones pointed to EUCOM's work with Liberia and Northern Africa, where U.S. forces have been conducting humanitarian missions and training local militaries. In areas like these, just the U.S. presence is important, he said.
"We can't underestimate what building a road can do, what digging a well can do, what building a school can do, what training a country's military can do, and how our men and women in uniform are such powerful ambassadors of good things," he said.
The U.S. military's role as worldwide ambassadors was established by those who fought in past conflicts and established the U.S. as a superpower that wanted to make the world a better place, Jones said. He pointed to his own experiences working with NATO, European countries and Africa as a case of how the U.S. military is still an example to the world, standing for doing what is right.
"The United States still stands almost uniquely capable to shape the environment in such a way that people can enjoy freedom and democracy and a better way of life," he said. "That, to me, is the model that we've tried to subscribe to for many years and one that will work very well for us in the future."
As U.S. combatant commanders work to promote stability in their respective regions, it is important they involve all their partner agencies of the U.S. government, Jones said. In EUCOM, the military commanders work with many different organizations, including the U.S. State Department, Department of Commerce, FBI, CIA, and other Defense Department agencies, to coordinate operations. This cooperation gives the military a better understanding of the overall national strategy for the area and ensures efforts do not overlap, he explained.
During his time at EUCOM, Jones said, transformation went well and created a more agile force. The cohesion of all four military services smoothed the transition and helped create a more proactive force that focuses on preventing future conflicts and helping emerging democracies, he said.
"The ability to use our forces for good, for relations with allies and friends, to help the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to deter and prevent future conflicts -- that's what the great value is," he said. "We should, one of these days, get back to our old ethos that if you have to fight, you better be able to fight and win, but that's not the only thing you should be able to do."
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – One of the most important missions the U.S. military has is forming relationships with allies and building the foundations for peace in regions around the world, the former commander of U.S. European Command said here today. The United States is still a model of freedom and leadership for the world, and if its forces stay engaged in areas of the world that are at risk for instability, they can prevent future conflicts and save valuable resources, Marine Gen. James L. Jones, who headed up European Command for four years while serving as NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, said in an interview.
"It's clear that if you can prevent conflicts and you can shape the environment that you're in and you can engage with friends and allies and do this proactively, but in advance of any critical mass being reached in a particular area, then you can save an awful lot of resources down the road," Jones said. "These countries need help, and they need our assistance and our leadership. (It) doesn't have to be a lot of money, but it has to be consistent."
Jones pointed to EUCOM's work with Liberia and Northern Africa, where U.S. forces have been conducting humanitarian missions and training local militaries. In areas like these, just the U.S. presence is important, he said.
"We can't underestimate what building a road can do, what digging a well can do, what building a school can do, what training a country's military can do, and how our men and women in uniform are such powerful ambassadors of good things," he said.
The U.S. military's role as worldwide ambassadors was established by those who fought in past conflicts and established the U.S. as a superpower that wanted to make the world a better place, Jones said. He pointed to his own experiences working with NATO, European countries and Africa as a case of how the U.S. military is still an example to the world, standing for doing what is right.
"The United States still stands almost uniquely capable to shape the environment in such a way that people can enjoy freedom and democracy and a better way of life," he said. "That, to me, is the model that we've tried to subscribe to for many years and one that will work very well for us in the future."
As U.S. combatant commanders work to promote stability in their respective regions, it is important they involve all their partner agencies of the U.S. government, Jones said. In EUCOM, the military commanders work with many different organizations, including the U.S. State Department, Department of Commerce, FBI, CIA, and other Defense Department agencies, to coordinate operations. This cooperation gives the military a better understanding of the overall national strategy for the area and ensures efforts do not overlap, he explained.
During his time at EUCOM, Jones said, transformation went well and created a more agile force. The cohesion of all four military services smoothed the transition and helped create a more proactive force that focuses on preventing future conflicts and helping emerging democracies, he said.
"The ability to use our forces for good, for relations with allies and friends, to help the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to deter and prevent future conflicts -- that's what the great value is," he said. "We should, one of these days, get back to our old ethos that if you have to fight, you better be able to fight and win, but that's not the only thing you should be able to do."
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Kentucky Guard Unit Checks Air Quality at Derailment Site
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – A special team of National Guardsmen is conducting an environmental survey at the site of a train derailment that occurred this morning in Brooks, Ky. The derailment occurred south of Louisville, spilling a flammable liquid that ignited and caused a fire along the track and among the tanker cars, according to a report from the National Guard Bureau's joint operations center here.
Fifteen members of the Kentucky National Guards' 41st Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) have been deployed to the derailment site to assist local emergency responders, a Kentucky National Guard official said.
"They're assisting the fire chief from Bullitt County, conducting air quality studies and monitoring the air to make sure it's safe," said David Altom, a Kentucky National Guard spokesman.
There's no official word yet on what type of liquid or liquids were spilled, Altom said.
The state's joint incident site communications capability team is also at the derailment site providing communications back up for the emergency responders, Altom said. In addition, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Kentucky Guards' 63rd Aviation Group is providing overhead site monitoring and transport duties, he said.
Local fire and emergency responders are on site, while other National Guard aviation and fire fighting assets are on standby, National Guard Bureau officials said.
The Kentucky Guard civil support team is among 42 across the nation that have been established since 1999 to supplement local authorities and provide specialized emergency response capacities in the event of major contingencies.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 16, 2007 – A special team of National Guardsmen is conducting an environmental survey at the site of a train derailment that occurred this morning in Brooks, Ky. The derailment occurred south of Louisville, spilling a flammable liquid that ignited and caused a fire along the track and among the tanker cars, according to a report from the National Guard Bureau's joint operations center here.
Fifteen members of the Kentucky National Guards' 41st Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) have been deployed to the derailment site to assist local emergency responders, a Kentucky National Guard official said.
"They're assisting the fire chief from Bullitt County, conducting air quality studies and monitoring the air to make sure it's safe," said David Altom, a Kentucky National Guard spokesman.
There's no official word yet on what type of liquid or liquids were spilled, Altom said.
The state's joint incident site communications capability team is also at the derailment site providing communications back up for the emergency responders, Altom said. In addition, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Kentucky Guards' 63rd Aviation Group is providing overhead site monitoring and transport duties, he said.
Local fire and emergency responders are on site, while other National Guard aviation and fire fighting assets are on standby, National Guard Bureau officials said.
The Kentucky Guard civil support team is among 42 across the nation that have been established since 1999 to supplement local authorities and provide specialized emergency response capacities in the event of major contingencies.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Navy Names New Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford
Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced today the selection of USS Gerald R. Ford as the name of the first aircraft carrier in what will be the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers.
This selection honors the 38th President of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. "President Gerald R. Ford provided the United States great leadership at a time of constitutional crisis," said Winter. "I am honored to have the opportunity to name the first ship in the new class of aircraft carriers after this great sailor, this great leader, this great man."
Born in Omaha, Neb., in 1913, he grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. He starred on the University of Michigan football team where he was a center and team most valuable player in 1934. After graduation he attended Yale Law School, where he served as assistant football coach while earning his law degree. During World War II he attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, and served on the light carrier, the USS Monterey. After the war he returned to Grand Rapids, where he began the practice of law, and entered political life.
Ford was the first Vice President chosen under the terms of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, succeeded the first President ever to resign; serving as the 37th Vice President (1973-1974) and the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977). Prior to becoming Vice President, he served for more than eight years as the Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives as a representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district. The USS Gerald R. Ford will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. The carrier and the carrier strike group will provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and multi-mission capability.
The USS Gerald R. Ford and subsequent Ford class carriers will provide improved war fighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
This selection honors the 38th President of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. "President Gerald R. Ford provided the United States great leadership at a time of constitutional crisis," said Winter. "I am honored to have the opportunity to name the first ship in the new class of aircraft carriers after this great sailor, this great leader, this great man."
Born in Omaha, Neb., in 1913, he grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. He starred on the University of Michigan football team where he was a center and team most valuable player in 1934. After graduation he attended Yale Law School, where he served as assistant football coach while earning his law degree. During World War II he attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, and served on the light carrier, the USS Monterey. After the war he returned to Grand Rapids, where he began the practice of law, and entered political life.
Ford was the first Vice President chosen under the terms of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, succeeded the first President ever to resign; serving as the 37th Vice President (1973-1974) and the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977). Prior to becoming Vice President, he served for more than eight years as the Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives as a representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district. The USS Gerald R. Ford will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. The carrier and the carrier strike group will provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and multi-mission capability.
The USS Gerald R. Ford and subsequent Ford class carriers will provide improved war fighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Robust Support for Military Families On-Going
Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Michael L. Dominguez stated at a meeting Thursday with military and community support organizations, "As additional forces deploy in support of the new strategies in Iraq, programs and policies at home will immediately respond to the needs of families. These families will need grassroots support as many are National Guard and Reserve and are distributed across many states rather than on or near military installations."
Dominguez made these comments as twenty-two of America's most prestigious military and community support organizations were here to discuss how to help military families impacted by the President's new strategy for the war in Iraq.
"We all know the important role military families play in national security," Dominguez told key leaders. "You (the support organizations) deliver services so essential and capture information about what needs to be done, I asked you to attend today to hear your ideas."
The Department of Defense has a strong bond with all of these grassroots organizations nationwide. A separate section of the Military OneSource Web-site now includes a page where community and military support organizations can post sponsored events to help connect families in their communities.
"Military families also serve. They have a patriotic and noble spirit," Dominguez said, "but their sacrifices are greater than ever with change in deployments. We appreciate your steadfast support."
Key activities under way in the Department of Defense to support military units impacted by the policy change will address families' needs, Dominguez said. Initial efforts will specifically target the needs of the units in the Minnesota National Guard, the first heavily impacted state.
A team of military family assistance counselors, requested by Minnesota's adjutant general, will provide on-going support to families in the months to come, Dominguez said. They will help coordinate local resources, identify needed services, conduct face-to-face counseling, teach classes and help families and children develop coping strategies.
These programs are based on recent experiences with similar changes in rotations. Other family issues will address financial stability and emotional challenges. Particular attention will be paid to respite child-care and children's emotional well-being.
Similar plans to support servicemembers and families of other affected units are under way by each of the military services; they are aggressively engaged. The Defense Department's robust Military OneSourcecentral location for assistance is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. The Web site http://www.militaryonesource.com and toll-free telephone number at (800) 342-9647 provide immediate access to a consultant for help with problem solving - no issue is too small.
"If ever there was a time to show that we care for our troops, it's now," one attendee said.
Organizations present at the meeting were: Air Force Association, American Red Cross, American Legion, Armed Services YMCA, Army Emergency Relief, Association of the United States Army, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association of America, National Association for Uniformed Services, National Enlisted Reserve Association, National Guard Association of America, National Military Family Association, Navy League of the United States, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Non-Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America, Reserve Officers Association, United Services Organization, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Dominguez made these comments as twenty-two of America's most prestigious military and community support organizations were here to discuss how to help military families impacted by the President's new strategy for the war in Iraq.
"We all know the important role military families play in national security," Dominguez told key leaders. "You (the support organizations) deliver services so essential and capture information about what needs to be done, I asked you to attend today to hear your ideas."
The Department of Defense has a strong bond with all of these grassroots organizations nationwide. A separate section of the Military OneSource Web-site now includes a page where community and military support organizations can post sponsored events to help connect families in their communities.
"Military families also serve. They have a patriotic and noble spirit," Dominguez said, "but their sacrifices are greater than ever with change in deployments. We appreciate your steadfast support."
Key activities under way in the Department of Defense to support military units impacted by the policy change will address families' needs, Dominguez said. Initial efforts will specifically target the needs of the units in the Minnesota National Guard, the first heavily impacted state.
A team of military family assistance counselors, requested by Minnesota's adjutant general, will provide on-going support to families in the months to come, Dominguez said. They will help coordinate local resources, identify needed services, conduct face-to-face counseling, teach classes and help families and children develop coping strategies.
These programs are based on recent experiences with similar changes in rotations. Other family issues will address financial stability and emotional challenges. Particular attention will be paid to respite child-care and children's emotional well-being.
Similar plans to support servicemembers and families of other affected units are under way by each of the military services; they are aggressively engaged. The Defense Department's robust Military OneSourcecentral location for assistance is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. The Web site http://www.militaryonesource.com and toll-free telephone number at (800) 342-9647 provide immediate access to a consultant for help with problem solving - no issue is too small.
"If ever there was a time to show that we care for our troops, it's now," one attendee said.
Organizations present at the meeting were: Air Force Association, American Red Cross, American Legion, Armed Services YMCA, Army Emergency Relief, Association of the United States Army, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association of America, National Association for Uniformed Services, National Enlisted Reserve Association, National Guard Association of America, National Military Family Association, Navy League of the United States, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Non-Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America, Reserve Officers Association, United Services Organization, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
General Officer Nominations
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President made the following nominations:
Marine Corps Col. David C. Garza has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Garza is currently serving as the director, MAGTF Staff Training Program, Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Col. Ronald J. Johnson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Johnson is currently serving as the commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC), Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Murray has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Murray is currently serving as the chief, JROC Section, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Col. Lawrence D. Nicholson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Nicholson is currently serving as the commanding officer, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Marine Corps Col. Andrew W. O'Donnell Jr., has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. O'Donnell is currently serving as the commanding officer, HMX-1, Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Col. Mark A. Brilakis has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Brilakis is currently serving as the chief, European Liaison Office, U. S. European Command, Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Col. Robert R. Ruark has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Ruark is currently serving as the commanding officer, 3d Material Readiness Battalion, Okinawa, Japan.
Marine Corps Col. Charles L. Hudson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hudson is currently serving as the chief, Automation Transformation Division, J-4, U. S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Marine Corps Col. William D. Beydler has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Beydler is currently serving as the commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group - 31, Beaufort, S.C.
Marine Corps Col. David H. Berger has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Berger is currently serving as the commanding officer, 8th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Marine Corps Col. Mark A. Clark has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Clark is currently serving as the commanding officer, VMMT-204, Marine Aircraft Group - 26, Jacksonville, N.C
Marine Corps Col. David C. Garza has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Garza is currently serving as the director, MAGTF Staff Training Program, Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Col. Ronald J. Johnson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Johnson is currently serving as the commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC), Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Murray has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Murray is currently serving as the chief, JROC Section, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Col. Lawrence D. Nicholson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Nicholson is currently serving as the commanding officer, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Marine Corps Col. Andrew W. O'Donnell Jr., has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. O'Donnell is currently serving as the commanding officer, HMX-1, Quantico, Va.
Marine Corps Col. Mark A. Brilakis has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Brilakis is currently serving as the chief, European Liaison Office, U. S. European Command, Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Col. Robert R. Ruark has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Ruark is currently serving as the commanding officer, 3d Material Readiness Battalion, Okinawa, Japan.
Marine Corps Col. Charles L. Hudson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hudson is currently serving as the chief, Automation Transformation Division, J-4, U. S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Marine Corps Col. William D. Beydler has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Beydler is currently serving as the commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group - 31, Beaufort, S.C.
Marine Corps Col. David H. Berger has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Berger is currently serving as the commanding officer, 8th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Marine Corps Col. Mark A. Clark has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Clark is currently serving as the commanding officer, VMMT-204, Marine Aircraft Group - 26, Jacksonville, N.C
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
