600 POLICE OFFICERS

Editor's Note: Two of the police officers are former military.

June 28, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. With the addition of police officers George Seibel, Robert Girod and Trent Ruble, Police-Writers.com now lists 600 state and local police officers who have written books.

George Seibel is a former Chicago Police Department homicide detective and the Director of the Morton College Institute for Cold Case Solutions (Cicero, Illinois). George Seibel is also the author of Insider's Guide to Policing: What You Need to Know About Becoming a Cop; Violent Crimes Investigation: Cases and Materials; Enlightened Police Questioning, Interviewing, Investigation, and Interrogation; and, Cold Case Investigation: Cases and Materials.

Dr. Robert J. Girod, Sr. earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminology and Public Administration from The Union Institute and University and a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership from Harvard University. Dr. Robert Girod is a supervisor in the Detective Bureau with the Fort Wayne Police Department (Indiana), a member of the FBI’s Federal Bank Robbery Task Force and a part-time “special deputy” for the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Dr. Robert J. Girod has served as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Indiana Guard Reserve. He is an adjunct professor and associate faculty member at seven universities. Dr. Robert J. Girod is the author of Profiling The Criminal Mind: Behavioral Science and Criminal Investigative Analysis.

According to the book description, “Profiling the Criminal Mind is, as the subtitle indicates, is a text and reference on behavioral science and criminal investigative analysis for investigators, forensic scientists, prosecutors, behavioral scientists, and academics. This compilation combines crime scene forensics and experience with behavioral science to get into the criminal's mind and interpret crime scenes.

A practical guide to applied criminology, the author brings together his years of experience as a detective/investigator and professor of criminology and criminal justice to outline an inter-disciplinary approach to analyzing crime scenes and crime scene behavior. Multi-discipline sleuths and researchers into the criminal mind will find this combined approach to analysis a valuable strategic approach to the study of violent criminal behavior.”

In 1985, Trent Ruble joined the Huntington Police Department (Indiana). He is also a member of the Huntington College Police Department. He is a former board member of the Huntington County Crime Stoppers and the Police Athletic League. Trent Ruble has been Republican Precinct Committeeman for his precinct and a member of the Jackson Township Board.

Trent Ruble is the author of the fictional novel Harrison Davis: Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt. According to the book description, “Harrison Davis, the Lakewood Police Department’s lone detective, is nearing the end of his police career. He is looking forward to a relaxing retirement with his wife, Julianne, and is even planning a surprise cruise for the two of them. However, his retirement planning is interrupted when he is faced with the most serious crimes he’s seen. While the people of Lakewood, as well as the media, question the qualifications of their detective, the investigations cause Harrison to question the very essence of life and death. He soon must make a decision that will change his life forever.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 600 police officers (representing 256 police departments) and their 1255 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Famous Chef Salutes the Military for July Fourth

American Forces Press Service

June 28, 2007 – Famous television Chef Emeril Lagasse will salute the military with two programs showcasing recipes created by the men and women who keep the troops fed and happy. "Emeril's Army-Navy Contest" will air on the Food Network tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. "Emeril's Military Contest" will air the following evening at the same time. The six winners, representing each of the five branches of the military, were selected from entries in "Emeril's Military Recipe Contest."

"These folks are the real heroes," Lagasse said of the servicemembers. "You just can't understate the importance of what they do day in and day out in terms of morale. As (you'll) see from the winning recipes, the food they're turning out is pretty extraordinary.

"What better way to head into the July 4th holiday than to take these opportunities to pay tribute to our (servicemembers) for all that they, and their families, are doing for us?" he added.

From their seats of honor at the chef's table, the winners will get to chat with Lagasse while he cooks their dishes, which of course, he'll "kick up a notch." He also takes the opportunity to share some of their culinary inspirations and personal stories with viewers at home.

"We had envisioned one special, but there were so many great recipes and stories that we expanded it so we could give them their due," said Karen Katz, executive producer of "Emeril Live."

"Emeril and the show have long had a special relationship with the military ... but even so, we were surprised at the response to the military recipe contest and delighted with the depth of talent we discovered."

"Emeril's Army-Navy Cook-off" features Lagasse cooking the winning recipes from both Army and Navy food specialists, and the U.S. Army Field Band Brass Quintet performs in the studio.

Featured in this episode with their winning recipes are:

-- Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Travis Smith, Headquarters 19th Expeditionary Sustained Command, South Korea, with his Fire Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Cilantro Cream and Grilled Cajun Catfish;

-- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Chiarelli, a culinary specialist aboard the USS Tarawa stationed in San Diego with his Cedar Plank Salmon Parmesan with Asian Reduction Sauce over Julienned Vegetables; and

-- Army National Guard Spc. Andrew Ruga, 222nd Transportation Company, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and his winning recipe for Pecan Crusted Chicken over Field Greens with Caramel Citrus Vinaigrette.

"Emeril's Military Contest," which premieres June 30, features Lagasse cooking the best recipes submitted by airmen, Coast Guard, and Marines. They are joined in the studio by the U.S. Army Blues Ensemble Swamp Romp for the hour-long special featuring the winning recipes of:

-- Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, dining facility manager at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., who won for his Rainbow Fruit Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Fried Cheddar Grits and a Blueberry Coulis;

-- Marine Col. Stewart Navarre, Marine Corps Installations West, Camp Pendleton, Calif., who won with his recipe for Combat Steak; and

-- Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Stacey Russell, stationed at Sector Long Island Sound, New Haven, Conn., who served up her recipe for pumpkin pie.

President Extends Praise, Thanks to Pace, Giambastiani

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

June 28, 2007 – As he nominated his picks for the nation's top two military posts, President Bush said today they will succeed "two of America's finest military officers," Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, vice chairman. Bush named Adm. Michael G. Mullen as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Marine Gen. James E. "Hoss" Cartwright as vice chairman, subject to Senate approval.

Flanked by Mullen, Cartwright and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in the White House Roosevelt Room, the president acknowledged that his nominees will be stepping into big shoes.

"Pete Pace has been at my side most of my presidency, serving first as the vice chairman and then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Bush said. He noted that Pace made history as the first Marine to hold both positions.

"We've been through a lot together," he said of Pace. "Pete was with me at the attacks of September the 11th. He played a key role in planning America's response to that brutal assault on the American homeland."

With Pace's leadership, the U.S. military brought down brutal dictatorships in Afghanistan and Iraq that liberated 50 million people from oppression, he said. "He helped lead our military through unprecedented campaigns, and as he's done so, Pete never took his eye off the horizon and the threats that still lie ahead," he said.

At the same time, Pace "played a critical role in transforming our military for challenges of a new century," the president said. "He made sure that ... future generations will benefit from the reforms that he has set in motion."

Bush extended thanks to Pace, his wife, Lynne, and his children for their service to the country. "I'm going to remember him simply as one of the best military officers and finest men I've been privileged to know," he said. Bush said he will always be "grateful for his friendship, his sense of humor and his character."

The president extended praise to Giambastiani, whom he calls simply "Admiral G," and thanked him for his outstanding leadership as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. "He's an officer of character and vision, and I appreciate his insights and his strong military advice," he said.

Bush noted that before serving in his current post, Giambastiani helped lead the military transformation as commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command. He also helped strengthen the NATO alliance as the first supreme allied commander for transformation.

The president thanked Giambastiani, his wife, Cindy, and their children for their contributions. "Ed has given 37 years of dedicated service to our country," he said. "His work will affect the security of our nation for decades to come."

"Pete Pace and Ed Giambastiani are hard acts to follow," Bush concluded. "I can think of none more qualified to follow them than the man whose nominations I am sending to the United States Senate today. I call on the Senate to quickly confirm Mike Mullen and Hoss Cartwright. I thank these fine officers and their families for continuing to serve our country."

Missouri Shows Generosity

American Forces Press Service

June 28, 2007 - When it comes to showing support for America's troops, Missouri is living up to its nickname as the "Show Me State" by sending nearly 4,000 base and post exchange gift certificates to soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines. So far this year, supporters from 45 states and the District of Columbia have contributed to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "Gifts From the Homefront" program, with Missouri far and away the most generous, sending an average of 778 military exchange gift certificates a month.

Missouri is home to Whiteman Air Force Base and the Army's Fort Leonard Wood. From January through May, the state's residents ordered 3,889 gift certificates worth $78,150. Connecticut came in second with 879 orders totaling $19,110. New York placed third, with Texas and California rounding out the top five.

"There are so many different ways to show support for the troops, but we found 'Gifts From the Homefront' to be the most practical and efficient," said Michelle Harthill, whose Missouri-based company, Harthill Marketing Services, purchased 50 gift certificates in February. "This way, troops can get exactly what they need, when they need it."

"Gifts From the Homefront" can be sent to deployed troops by logging on to www.aafes.org or calling 877-770-4438. From there, the gift certificates are sent to individual servicemembers designated by the purchaser or are distributed to "any servicemember" through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Operation Homefront, Operation Interdependence or the United Service Organizations.

"Gifts From the Homefront" gift certificates can be redeemed at exchange facilities worldwide. Recent reports indicate troops shopping their contingency exchanges are reaching for beauty items, soft drinks, snacks, military exchange global prepaid calling cards, magazines, movies and more.

As of May 31, 86,857 "Gifts from the Homefront" gift certificates have been sent since Defense Department officials approved the exchange support campaign in March 2003. More than 22,000 of these have been delivered to servicemembers and their families via the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's 10 charitable partners.

Medical System Fixes Involve 'Mammoth' Task, Panel Co-Chair Says

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

June 27, 2007 – Problems revealed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center indicate that similar issues exist at other military care facilities and highlight a complex situation the Defense Department can't solve alone, members of the Independent Review Group told members of a House subcommittee yesterday. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates established the review group in March by to identify rehabilitative care shortfalls and administrative snafus at Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and to recommend needed improvements. The panel presented its findings in a 129-page report delivered to Gates on April 19.

Former Army Secretary John O. Marsh Jr., one of the panel's co-chairs, told the military personnel subcommittee he believes the review panel's work involving matters at Walter Reed and Bethesda encompassed "just a piece of the pie" regarding military health care.

"I was of the view then, and am of the view now, that some of the things that we're discussing that apply to Walter Reed apply to other military hospitals in the United States," Marsh said.

"The other thing that we realize (is that) we're dealing here with some mammoth bureaucracies," Marsh continued. "We cannot solve this solely in the Department of Defense." For example, replacing military or government civilian employees at Walter Reed with contractors as part of the Office of Management and Budget's effort to outsource many federal jobs -- known as the A-76 process -- contributed to staffing shortages and personnel turbulence at the hospital, Marsh pointed out.

"If you're getting into A-76, you're getting into a whole different field; you're getting into OMB," Marsh said, adding that addressing that issue "is a mammoth sort of task that you're looking at."

Marsh saluted the Army for its efforts to improve operations at Walter Reed, but he also invited subcommittee members to inquire about the status of military hospitals "at Fort Bragg, S.C., Fort Gordon, Ga., and at other places."

The panel's other co-chair, former Army Secretary Togo West Jr., echoed Marsh's sentiments that the Defense Department and the Army have acted expeditiously to address concerns outlined in review group's report.

"Some of things that provoked this investigation have now been moved out on by the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army," West said. For example, Walter Reed staff shortages involving rehabilitative care and physical disability evaluations are being addressed.

However, much more work needs to be done, West said, especially with issues related to the treatment and long-term care for servicemembers who've experienced traumatic brain injury or developed post traumatic stress disorder.

Those issues, as well as the coming Base Realignment and Closure Act-mandated move of Walter Reed's assets to Bethesda and physical disability evaluation processes are the "big issues that need our attention right now," West said.

Foundation Stands Beside New Marines

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

June 27, 2007 – Finances are no longer a reason to keep a Marine's family from attending his or her basic training graduation, thanks to the Marine Graduation Foundation. "The men and women who choose to serve our country as a United States Marine endure more in one day of boot camp than most of us will ever experience in a lifetime," John Weant, the foundation's president said. "None of (them) should ever have to be alone on the day they can proudly say, 'I am a United States Marine.'"

Weant said it's "just not acceptable" for financial circumstances to stand in the way of families traveling to attend the ceremonies. Thanks to the Marine Graduation Foundation, families who want to attend a son or daughter's graduation at Camp Pendleton, Calif., or Parris Island, S.C., can request a grant from the Missouri-based organization through an online form.

The average grant is $250 and can be awarded to a grandparent, parent or spouse of the recruit, according to the foundation's Web site.

The nonprofit organization accepts donations to help fund the grants. Visit the foundation's Web site, usmcgrad.org, for more information on making tax-deductible donations.

"No donation is too small, and with your help, we can make the Emblem Ceremony, as well as the graduation, a proud, memorable day for a man or woman who has chosen to serve our country as a United States Marine," Weant said on the foundation's Web site.

The Marine Graduation Foundation is a new member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Foundation Offers Thanks to Veterans

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

June 25, 2007 – It only takes two simple words to express infinite gratitude and appreciation to the nation's veterans, past and present, according to The Thank You Foundation's mission statement. "We believe that a simple 'Thank You' can transcend political and religious differences to let those who have served know that they are appreciated," said John Guinn, president and founder of the Ohio-based organization.

The Thank You Foundation may offer a verbal "Thank You," but it works to make that gratitude a bit more tangible, as well.

"Our Thank You Card and Certificate program has really been the staple of everything we do," Guinn said. "Any time we can present a card, a certificate and a handshake or a hug, we do."

The Thank You Foundation operates a program called "Tickets for Troops." Through that program, the group recently presented more than 30 soldiers from Fort Drum, N.Y., with tickets to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. The servicemembers, who also received thank you cards from the foundation, were in the Cincinnati area to attend a memorial service for a fallen comrade.

The group also has planned an event with a regional restaurant chain to offer children a chance to sign cards thanking troops for their service. The cards, more than 3,000 of them, will be sent to servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan, Guinn said.

"I think both of these events are the essence of what we are about," he said.

The Thank You Foundation is also one of the America Supports You program's newest members. America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Already, the foundation has gained credibility because of its association with America Supports You, Guinn said. While that's essential, he's also hoping the benefits don't stop there. "I'm counting on (membership in America Supports You) to increase exposure and networking opportunities," he said.

Exposure and opportunity both will help the Thank You Foundation reach its goal of offering a simple expression of gratitude.

"We want the public to remember our heroes more than twice a year," Guinn said. "We encourage people to stop and say 'Thank You' to the World War II veteran one more time (and) to help change the name of the 'Forgotten War' and thank those who served in Korea."

Vietnam veterans, he added, need to hear the words "Thank You" - perhaps for the first time. "And of course our young men and women of today need to know they are appreciated," he added.

Defense Department Promotes 'Buzz' on Bases

By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service

June 26, 2007 – The buzz at the Pentagon today is all about the birds and the bees. To help kick off the first National Pollinator Week, Defense Department officials signed on to a collaborative effort to preserve pollinators nationwide. Alex A. Beehler, assistant deputy undersecretary of defense for environment, safety and occupational health, and Laurie Davies Adams, executive director of the Coevolution Institute, met today signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership to help preserve and promote pollinator-friendly environments on Defense Department installations.

"The thing about the military is that we have 30 million acres of land," said Beehler. "It has a great concentration of threatened and endangered species and continues to be an oasis for pollinators and birds."

U.S. military bases usually are large and protected from public access, allowing the lands to become rich in plants and animals native to the geographical region. This provides an excellent opportunity for the Defense Department to be an active contributor to the eco-friendly campaign, Beehler said.

During the signing ceremony, Beehler cited several military installations as exceptional examples where threatened and endangered species are able to live. For example, he said, Marine Corp Base Hawaii provides a great habitat for endangered birds such as the red-footed booby.

Beehler also spoke about a military base in San Diego, where snowy plovers hide in aircraft dugouts because they feel safe from predators.

Officials at Dyess Air Force Base in Abiliene, Texas, have conducted several studies in an effort to restore habitats and drive out invasive species - defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as any species that isn't native to the land or harms the land or its inhabitants.

Invasive species drive out the native inhabitants, one reason why some species of native animals and birds are on the endangered species list.

"Conserving biodiversity and protecting the integrity of military landscapes is essential to the Department of Defense's mission to provide a realistic, sustainable, and more easily maintained training environment," the memorandum asserts. "The Department of Defense recognizes the important role pollinators play in maintaining our natural landscapes and supports efforts to insure pollinator protection on the lands with which we have been entrusted."

Servicemembers work around the habitats of pollinators on a regular basis, including learning to share the air in which they fly. All over the world, servicemembers are taught the importance of migratory patterns of birds, and in some situations they are required to adjust training missions to help preserve the habitats of the creatures that share their bases.

"Protecting pollinators creates a win-win situation for everyone," Beehler said.
Protecting the birds and bees is not necessarily a huge effort that involves a ton of money; in fact, it can reduce costs of maintaining installations. Protecting the animals, birds and bees on military bases means less mowing and reduces water consumption.

A significant decrease in the number of bees and butterflies around the country since November underscores the need to protect the pollinator population, Adams said. It's possible people aren't as aware of that problem as they might be, she suggested, because they're not spending enough time outdoors.

"Get out and enjoy a little bit of nature every day," she said.

Teachers Learn How Kids Can Support Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

June 26, 2007 – Educators attending the Military Impacted Schools Association's summer meeting here today got a warm thank you from the Defense Department and a lesson on how students can express support for servicemembers. MISA is a national organization representing public school districts that serve high concentrations of military children.

"I do want to thank you, as an educator ... for what you do," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison and a former teacher.

"Many of you know that the morale of our troops is based on support that they feel from the home front. I bet you see that in their children in your schools," Barber said. "Their parents are doing something a little bit different. Those kids are watching the news too, and curious, 'Do (Americans) still support my Mom and Dad?'

Two and a half years ago, the Defense Department didn't have a good answer to that question being asked by both servicemembers and their families, Barber said.

"That wasn't acceptable, so we created the 'America Supports You' program to simply highlight what people across this wonderful country are doing to support our troops and their families back home," she said.

In creating the apolitical program, department officials looked to the Vietnam era, Barber said. It became evident that during that time, Americans weren't given the opportunity to debate policy and yet hold separate conversations regarding the people involved.

"Although a new program, (America Supports You) is our way of saying, 'Debate the policy ... but let's never debate - never debate - whether or not we support the people who serve our country,'" Barber said.

The Defense Department program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

More than 275 nonprofit groups have become members of America Supports You since the program began in November 2004. That's in addition to the corporations that have stepped up to help spread the word that America supports its servicemembers.

"What a powerful message that is for our troops and their families who serve in 177 countries," Barber said.

But until three years ago, the country was still looking for a way to appropriately observe Sept. 11.

"The first year after 9/11, we had a moment of silence in our country, another year we rang bells, another year we lit candles," Barber said. "Our country wasn't sure what to do to commemorate that terrible day and honor our veterans and still move forward."

In 2005, America Supports You held its first Freedom Walk in the nation's capital. More than 15,000 people participated in the walk from the Pentagon to the National Mall. And with that, a new national tradition was born, Barber said.

With the help of the home-front groups and the corporations, as well as individuals across the country, the Freedom Walk has grown tremendously.

Last year, America Supports You also worked with Weekly Reader to invite the country's students to express their support of the troops. Schools across the country were represented in the more than 130 walks across the country.

"The Freedom Walks are continuing (this year), and we want to invite all of you and your systems to be a part of helping create a new national tradition," Barber told the educators. "What we've learned, especially from educators, is that the Freedom Walk served as a great way to teach the history lesson of what happened in our country on 9/11."

One educator shared that during his school's Freedom Walk last year, the students had symbolically walked to Iraq and back. This year, they'll be walking to Afghanistan and back, he said.

When the Sept. 11 anniversary has passed again this year, students can continue showing their support by sending e-mails to the troops through the America Supports You Web site. They also can find a group in their area that supports the troops through the Web site, Barber said.

American Music Legend Praises U.S. Servicemembers

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

June 26, 2007 – Standing in the Pentagon briefing room here, preparing to record a video message to troops deployed abroad, 70-year-old Charlie Daniels' jaws, covered in tufts of white whiskers, work away at a wad of gum. As the camera starts rolling, he halts production. "Oh, wait, I almost forgot!" he says in a country drawl, spitting his gum into a tissue. "My wife keeps yelling at me for going on TV with gum in my mouth."

Daniels appeared here to accept the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. The musician, perhaps best known for his chart-topping single, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," describes himself a blue-collar kind of guy. Instead of his signature "bull rider" Stetson hat, Daniels' silvery-gray hair was covered by a baseball cap that featured a bald eagle poised before the American flag.

For more than 35 years, Daniels has entertained servicemembers with his unique blend of country, blues and rock music. The reason for his enduring support: Because men and women in uniform allow his family to sleep well at night.

"The people in our military are the best America has," he said. "Without them, we would have no country."

The Charlie Daniels Band has performed for troops at bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Korea and elsewhere. Daniels begins every show the same way, he says, telling the audience, "I bring you greetings from the United States of America!" and ends each show by signing autographs and posing for photos.

An encounter with one enlisted man had an especially profound impact on Daniels, providing inspiration for a song he titled "When I Get Back from Iraq." The first verse of the bluesy ballad, Daniels recalled, centers on the moment an Iraqi veteran returns home from duty.

"One of the toughest guys I ever saw walked into a (backstage) tent, and he looked like he could bite a railroad spike in two. I mean, he had the shaved head and the muscles - he looked like Rambo on steroids," Daniels remembered. "I didn't know what he wanted, but he just came back and started crying.

"This was one of the toughest guys I ever saw, and it was like (he said), 'You remind me of home, and there's something at home I miss,'" Daniels said. "It was special that this man felt enough at home with me that he would break down and cry, because he did not look the type."

In a voice husky with emotion, Daniels recalled the song's lyrics.

"When I get back from Iraq, I'm gonna go stormin' through my front door," he said. "I'm gonna grab a hold of my baby and love her like she ain't been loved before."

After decades of touring, the septuagenarian still has a hard time staying in any one place for very long. Daniels and the band regularly tour America, honoring troops as they go.

"Every night I pay homage to the military in our show, and I can tell by the reactions in the crowd that support for our military in United States of America is strong; I mean, very, very strong," he said. "I can't tell you what's going on in the halls of power, and the penthouses and the corporate offices of America, because I don't live in that world.

"I'm very much a blue-collar person; I come from a blue-collar background. And we play for a lot of people in a year's time, and I'm here to tell you, they support the military," he said.

Daniels said his lifelong sense of patriotism and support for U.S. troops was born during World War II. He remembers sitting around the radio and listening to reports that Japan had bombed the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

"We never ever thought we would lose," he recalled about the war. "We always had that feeling -- everybody, grown folks, kids, everybody -- knew we were going to win the Second World War. My brand of patriotism came during that time."

The musician said his perception of American culture isn't formed by today's mainstream media.

"We travel this country coast to coast and border to border every year," he said, "and I know that a lot of people get their impressions by watching commercial television or reading the newspaper, and I find that support for the military in this country is so much more solid and so much more loyal and widespread than you would ever get from watching TV or reading the newspaper.

"America supports the military, and it's important for me to know that the military knows that," he said.

The Charlie Daniels Band documented their last two visits to bases around Iraq and recorded a CD/DVD multimedia offering titled "Live From Iraq," which was released today.

Family Begins Life Together in Earnest After Deployment

By Megan Han
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 25, 2007 – Imagine being married for almost 18 months, but spending only one of those months together. That is exactly what Scott and Katie Horrigan experienced when Scott -- an Army captain who commands the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment's Alpha Company -- deployed with the 10th Mountain Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Scott and Katie wed on New Year's Eve 2005, one month before Scott was due to deploy to Afghanistan. He returned with his battalion on May 31, 2007, exactly 17 months after he and Katie got married.

Even without the impending deployment, the first month of the Horrigans' marriage was a lot to handle. They learned Katie had become pregnant on their honeymoon, and they quickly bought a home in Watertown, N.Y. With Katie in Denver completing her nursing degree, Scott sent Katie real estate listings online.

Katie went on to face several other challenges during Scott's deployment. She gave birth to their son, Mitchell, on Oct. 4, 2006, as Scott listened in on speakerphone from halfway around the world in Afghanistan. She welcomed Scott home for two weeks of leave in November and then learned two months later that Scott's deployment would be extended by 120 days.

Army families anxiously await their soldier's return from a deployment, but Scott and Katie were especially excited for their reunion - they'd finally have the opportunity to be together as newlyweds and as a family for the first time.

Homecomings are a time for preparation and excitement, and Katie did all she could to have things just right for Scott's return.

"I ate really healthy, I did a lot of work on the house to be sure things were done before Scott got here, and I tried to help Mitchell begin sleeping through the night," she said. Katie also was working against the clock to have their kitchen renovation complete so she could have fresh, homemade cookies waiting for Scott.

"My friends from home joked that I would have a plate of Oreos on the counter, but I made sure I found a way to bake cookies for Scott. I thought that would be a great way to say, 'Welcome home to our new house.'" she said.

After Katie and Scott learned that the deployment would be extended, preparation quickly turned into anticipation of being back together.

"I was extremely scared and nervous for the originally scheduled homecoming in January," Katie said. "Scott and I experienced so many changes, and I worried about being able to adjust together. But after the news of the extension, the homecoming became more about him being home safe and less about how our lives would be. ... I just wanted him home."

The separation wasn't easy for Scott. "The toughest part was not being at Mitchell's birth; I know that is something I will never be able to make up," he said. "Katie was always quick to take a picture or a video, and although a poor substitute for the real thing, it allowed me to experience special moments. ... but I was ready to be there experiencing them with her."

It's not easy to go from one environment to another; Scott reunited with his new family in a new house, and he did so after returning from a forward operating base that he commanded along a dangerous border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. But the adjustment has been pleasant.

"Just being with Katie and Mitchell has allowed me to decompress and be relieved of the stress of the deployment," he said. "It's been great."

Despite the delay, Katie is finding her new life rewarding. "I am so happy to have Scott home safe again," she said. "The best part about having him home is being able to enjoy the changes that have occurred in our life. ... It has been very rewarding to finally share the experiences of being newlyweds, new parents and new homeowners together."

The couple is facing a few challenges now that Scott is back, but Katie expressed her optimism with a laugh and a big smile.

"Well, considering we are both stubborn Germans with Irish tempers, I'm pretty sure there will always be challenges for us," she said. "But we always work through everything."

Scott acknowledged it has been difficult jumping into both the role of husband and father.

"My last experience here was as a single man with an apartment and really no other responsibilities than work," he said. "While I was gone, Katie managed to build a family, of which I was the final piece in the puzzle. The father role has been the most difficult. I had never been around babies before, but now I find myself alone with Mitchell trying to figure out solutions for problems. ... But along with Katie, I'm surviving."

Katie shared that all the new thrilling things in their life also can cause some stress for her. She said she realizes there will be an adjustment period.

"It's great having Scott home; however, I wouldn't say that things are less stressful," she said. "Yes, I no longer have to worry about him being at war, and that is a stress that I am very glad to be rid of. But, now, we have the stresses of being newly married and never living together, being new parents together, and being new homeowners all at once.

"My biggest challenge has been letting Scott do things the way he wants to do them," she continued. "I have gotten very used to doing things my way after being alone for 16 months, and it is hard for me to realize that it's OK to do things other ways."

Throughout the homecoming experience, Scott and Katie have realized the importance of working with each other to overcome challenges they face during the transition.

"Katie developed a routine that I am not used to, ... and it takes a lot of patience from both of us, a lot of understanding and just talking to each other," Scott said. "We both had our own way, and now it's time for us to develop our way of doing things."

Scott said he and Katie "know how to take things in stride, and when it becomes difficult, I just remind myself to be more patient."

(Megan Han is the wife of Army Capt. Pierre Hanof the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment.)

N.Y. Businessman Provides High-flying Gift

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

June 27, 2007 – A New York State-based business owner made a seven-figure donation in frequent-flyer miles to the Fisher House Foundation as part of a Memorial Day-weekend promotion sponsored by CNN, a Fisher House official reported. Advertising and public relations executive Eric Mower donated 1 million frequent flyer miles that he'd accumulated during business travel with Delta Airlines over the past few years, said Pam Lea-Maida, program manager for Fisher House's "Hero Miles" program at the organization's headquarters in Rockville, Md.

Air mileage donated as part of the program is used to provide transportation for family members when they visit hospitalized servicemembers recovering from injuries suffered in Afghanistan or Iraq, Lea-Maida said. The donated miles also are used to transport injured servicemembers from military medical centers when visiting relatives while on convalescent leave, she added.

Fisher House has administered its "Hero Miles" program in partnership with the Defense Department since 2003, Lea-Maida said. Since then, the organization has provided more than 10,000 cost-free airline tickets to servicemembers and their families, which translates to a savings of more than $12 million.

Fisher House asked to participate in CNN's Memorial Day promotion, Lea-Maida said.

"We do have partnerships with each of the major airlines," Lea-Maida said, noting Fisher House books travel worth between 3.5 and 4 million frequent flyer miles daily for servicemembers' relatives.

Mower's donation to Fisher House is "unbelievably generous" and much appreciated, Lea-Maida said, noting that Delta Airlines matched Mower's contribution.

"I saw the CNN promotional messages, and I decided that's a good idea," Mower said about his Fisher House donation today during a phone interview from his company's principal office in Syracuse, N.Y. "I was sitting on a lot of miles that I hadn't used."

Mower said he watches daily television coverage of U.S. servicemembers' efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"You have to be brain-dead not to want to think about what these people are sacrificing" for the United States, Mower said. "So, it's not an overstatement to say that I think about them every day."

Mower said he is just "one citizen, doing very little" to support the troops "in comparison to what they are doing."

Any organization like Fisher House that supports servicemembers and their families "is a good organization, as far as I'm concerned," Mower said.

Since 1990, the nonprofit Fisher House organization also has served the nation by providing no-cost accommodations at military bases for relatives visiting ill or injured servicemembers. The comfort homes are built by Fisher House and then provided as gifts to the military services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Fisher House is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which spotlights and facilitates citizens' support for servicemembers and their families and communicates that support to servicemembers at home and abroad.