Former Chairman Praises USO for Supporting Troops

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the United Service Organizations yesterday for the support the group gives men and women in uniform. Retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, a new USO board member, represented the organization in accepting a check for $325,000 from S&K Sales. The company does business with the Defense Commissary Agency and raised the money through its annual fundraising effort. S&K has donated more than $2 million to the USO over the past 10 years, Mark Phillips, a USO spokesman, said.

During yesterday's check-presentation ceremony here, Myers held up the USO, and all who support its work, as an example of unique partnerships around the country that support the U.S. military. It's a concept he said is uniquely American and sometimes draws surprise from other countries' military leaders.

"Here we see America in action," Myers said. "We see people turning to support the troops, and I would tell you it's never been more important."

After almost six years at war, many servicemembers have multiple deployments under their belts and need the kind of support the USO provides more than ever, he said.

He remembered his own experiences with the USO and how grateful he was for the support it gave him and his family. "But today's environment, it is even, I think, even more stressing on our people," he said. "The USO is such a critical piece of helping reduce some of that stress."

Myers cited the hospitality the USO provides at airports for troops returning home from deployments or for rest and recuperation, but more importantly, for those deploying. In addition to refreshments, TV, Internet access and other services at USO centers, USO volunteers offer something more: caring, he said. "These volunteers make you feel like this is home, and they want to make sure that everything is taken care of before you get on that airplane and wing your way to the Middle East," he said.

In combat theaters, the USO follows up on this service, bringing world-class entertainment to deployed troops and, along with it, a piece of home, Myers said.

"I don't think you can calculate" the value of this support, he said. "All we know is that our troops need this kind of love from home. And partnerships like this that make it possible, to me, are just essential if we're going to be successful in this struggle we have with violent extremism."

Myers thanked the USO and all who make its work possible. "This is a very important organization that we've got to keep vibrant, and you've helped do that," he said. "All of us have to keep the USO charging along. It's a very important piece of taking care of those who take care of us."

Group Takes Action For Servicemembers

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - Volunteers in San Jose, Calif., are providing some of the niceties of home to troops serving in hostile and remote areas of the world. Members of the group, "Operation: Action Packed!" believe they can "all do something to make a difference in the world," the group's president, Daniella Magnano, said. "We strive to move beyond personal beliefs about politics and war and help our troops know they are cared for and have not been forgotten on a human level."

The group sends boxes of letters, snacks, phone cards and other small items to make servicemembers' lives a little more comfortable. Packages are personalized to match individual requests, Magnano said.

Servicemembers interested in receiving packages from Operation: Action Packed! can register on the group's Web site. A form allows them to provide general information about living conditions and make special requests.

Individuals receive packages from the group once a month throughout their deployments, Magnano said. Between goodie bags for whole units and individual care packages, Operation: Action Packed! is reaching more than 180 troops a month.

"I believe our servicemembers have one of the toughest jobs this nation offers, and they deserve our heartfelt thanks and support," Magnano said. "If Operation: Action Packed! has taught me anything, it's that each and every action counts and makes a difference."

The group recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Magnano said the affiliation has given her group even more credibility, and she appreciates the camaraderie with other supporting groups. Perhaps most important is the exposure and networking opportunities the affiliation has already offered.

"Being a nonprofit means we rely solely on the generosity of our donors and volunteers," she said. "Already we have had great people help us along the way. By joining our efforts, each and every one of them does something to express gratitude and support for our servicemen and women."

Defense Coordinating Element Provides Assistance in Minneapolis

American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - The Department of Defense has deployed a Defense Coordinating Element to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to assist with last week's 35W bridge collapse. The six-person Region 5 Defense Coordinating Element, based in Chicago, prepares for civil support missions by working daily with federal and state emergency planners and consequence managers in the six-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Army Col. Michael Chesney, defense coordinating officer, is DoD's on-scene representative to provide command and control of responding active-duty forces and will facilitate requests for any additional DoD support.

"We are here at the request of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and Department of Transportation," Chesney said. "Sheriff Rich Stanek is the incident commander, so we are here to provide support to him and residents affected by this unfortunate disaster."

Chesney and the team are assigned to U.S. Army North, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Army North provides defense support to civil authorities as the Army component of U.S. Northern Command, the unified command on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., that is responsible for homeland defense and civil support.

The Defense Department brings additional capabilities as part of a larger federal response when requested by states and approved by the secretary of defense. Currently, DoD is providing two dive teams and support personnel from Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., to assist with recovery efforts after the bridge collapse.

"The Navy has some specialized skills on this type of operation where we're capable of entering into a confined space with high currents to recover the remains that the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is using as part of their investigation of the incident," said Navy Capt. Rich Hooper, director of ocean engineering and supervisor of salvage and diving at Naval Sea Systems Command.

"They need that specialized expertise the (unit) has to get into cramped, confined spaces that are heavily damaged and that are very high-risk situations for divers," Hooper said. "That specialized skill is not something you can commonly get out on the commercial market."

Seventeen divers and a five-person command-and-control element from the unit are on site in Minneapolis.

The dive team was able to enter the confined space under the collapsed bridge, an area that was previously inaccessible to local and FBI recovery attempts. "The team will conduct a hand-over-hand search of the entire area, which will take some time," Hooper said. "There is no room for error."

(From a U.S. Northern Command news release.)

Services Meet or Exceed July Recruiting Goals

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - All active-duty components made their recruiting goals for July, Defense Department officials announced today. After missing recruiting goals for May and June, the Army made 102 percent of its goal for July.

For the reserve components, all but the Air National Guard made their goals.

The Army's goal for July was 9,750 recruits. The service enlisted 9,972, for 102 percent. The Marine Corps also exceeded its enlistment goal with 104 percent. The goal was 4,613, with 4,793 enlisting in the Corps. The Navy and Air Force made 100 percent of their goals, with 4,173 and 2,078 recruits respectively.

The Air Guard missed its July goal by 120 recruits, but officials at the National Guard Bureau said they are not worried about making the yearly goal. The Air Guard had a goal of 907 recruits and enlisted 787, for 87 percent.

The Army Reserve made 114 percent of its goal of 4,012, enlisting 4,589. The Army National Guard made 100 percent of its goal. The component needed 4,900 recruits and enlisted 4,908. The Navy Reserve made 108 percent of its goal of 1,027 sailors, enlisting 1,110. The Marine Corps Reserve also made 108 percent of its goal. The component needed 997 Marines and enlisted 1,081. The Air Force Reserve made 100 percent of its goal of 648 airmen.

Retention remains a bright spot for the services, with all services meeting or exceeding their year-to-date targets, defense officials said.

The Army is the largest service and has the largest recruiting operation.

"We're putting everything we have into the recruiting effort over the next two months to make our goals," said Douglas Smith, public affairs officer for Army Recruiting Command, based at Fort Knox, Ky.

The Army is sending recent basic training and advanced individual training graduates back to their home towns to assist recruiters and tell their stories. The service is also calling on soldiers who recently served as recruiters to work alongside current recruiters. Smith said the $20,000 bonus for individuals who enlist and ship within a month did not factor in the July numbers, as the program went into effect July 25.

Overall, the propensity to enlist of young men and women between 18 and 24 has dropped, defense officials said. Recruiters are spending more time working with the parents and "influencers" -- teachers, coaches, city and county leaders who serve as role models -- of potential recruits than in the past.

Troop-Support Organizations Receive Grants

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - During the eighth annual Newman's Own Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon today, 10 groups that support troops and their families received a total of $75,000 in grants to continue their work. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined representatives from Newman's Own, the Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times Media Group during the ceremony. The three companies sponsored the event and the grants.

"Every time I go someplace to visit our troops, somebody asks me the question, 'Do the American people still support us?'" Pace told the audience at the ceremony.

He said he is soon leaving on a trip to visit troops around the world and will use this ceremony "as one more living example of the fact that, yes, the American people are with you, do care about you."

The 10 organizations received different levels of grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation of Denver, Colo., received the top award of $15,000. The program connects permanently disabled servicemembers with caring communities that assist them with housing, transportation, employment, mentoring and other support.

Mike Conklin, who represented Sentinels of Freedom, called winning the award a "tremendous honor." He said the grant will help the group put more wounded troops through their program, which is essentially a four-year scholarship program that includes housing, furniture, a vehicle and employment at a major corporation. The group has put 10 troops in the program so far, has another 20 ready to go, and is looking to begin putting about 100 in each year, he said.

The other groups that were awarded grants were:

-- The specialized equipment program of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The program purchases equipment to help improve the quality of life of injured servicemembers, including "visual-enhancement devices," orthopedic mattress, and specialized computer hardware.

-- "A Warrior's Wish" of Hope for the Warriors, Camp Lejeune, N.C. A Warrior's Wish grants wishes to severely injured servicemembers. Beyond meeting immediate physical and emotional needs, the program fulfills a desire for quality of life beyond recovery and a quest for life-gratifying endeavors, whether it is to go hunting, ride a bike again, or own a home adapted to special needs.

-- "Wheels for Warriors" of Operation Support Our Troops, North Kingstown, R.I. The program purchases and customizes vans to the specific needs of disabled servicemembers who otherwise would not be able to afford a specialized vehicle.

-- The Family Support Program of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The program provides financial assistance to Marines who are injured in combat and training and to their families to help defray the expenses incurred during hospitalization, rehabilitation and recovery.

-- "Operation VALOUR IT" of Soldiers' Angels, San Antonio, Texas. Operation VALOUR IT, which stands for Voice-Activated Laptops for Our Injured Troops, at Brooke Army Medical Center works with the Defense Department Computer Assistance Program to provide specialized wireless laptops and training to the severely injured servicemembers at the hospital.

-- Wounded Family Assistance Program of Operation First Response, Inc., Culpeper, Va. The program supports families with one-time grants of up to $750 to alleviate immediate financial crises for families of seriously injured servicemembers.

-- "Operation Vet Tech"of the Volunteer Center of RI Capitol Region RSVP, Providence, R.I. The center supports a self-sustaining computer lab at the Providence VA Medical Center to offer technical training to active-duty military members, veterans and their families, and to restore the capabilities of injured servicemembers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom.

-- "Life Transformed," Life Harker Heights, Texas. Life Transformed provides credited training and education, classes, small-business opportunities, educational materials, computers, and mentors for caregivers of war-wounded servicemembers.

-- "Wounded Warrior Wives" of Operation Homefront, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The program supports the needs of wounded military personnel returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Supported by the local chapter of Operation Homefront, a nationally recognized military-support non-profit group, the program will offer military families funds for day care, meals, transportation, and professional facilitators to build the morale of spouses of seriously wounded and injured servicemembers.

Tom Indoe, president of Newman's Own, thanked all the organizations for their work. About 99 organizations submitted entries for the grants, and the winners were determined by a panel of judges based on the group's impact to the community, creativity and innovation.

"My experience working with charities is that the backbone of these charities are the volunteers," Indoe said. "They are the threads that hold the fabric of these charities together. It is these volunteers that bring good value and goodness to this country."

Mary Kay Salomone, of the Wheels for Warriors program, said receiving the grant validates the work the volunteers have done over the last five and a half years that Operation Support Our Troops has been active. "We are only as good as the people that work with us, and we're all volunteer," she said. "I'm always just so taken aback, to the point of tears, at the goodness. ... It's the goodness of the American people that support all of these organizations today."

All 99 organizations that submitted entries for the grants are proof of the American people's love for the troops, Pace said.

"That's an incredible number of ideas that folks want to put into action to support military members and their families," he said. "It's humbling to be able to stand in front of you and, on behalf of all of them, to say thank you to you for your desire to do that and your putting into action what has been in your heart for a period of time."

Several of the groups honored today are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The America Supports You program supporters honored today are: the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, Hope for the Warriors, Operation Support Our Troops, Soldiers' Angels, Operation First Response, and Operation Homefront.

War II Navajo Code Talkers Visit Pentagon, Meet With Pace

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today met here with a group of Marine veterans who used their native Navajo language to baffle the Japanese during World War II. "You all are legends of our corps and Marines who demonstrated the resilience and capacity that made an enormous difference during the course of the war," Marine Gen. Peter Pace told five "Navajo code talkers" and their families during a morning meeting in his Pentagon office.

Pace presented the code talkers with personalized pens, while the general received a multicolored blanket bearing Navajo symbols.

"This is a priceless gift," said Pace, as the blanket was draped across his four-starred shoulders. "I'm going to sleep with it tonight."

Imperial Japan's bombing of the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941, brought America into World War II. As part of the U.S. "island-hopping" strategy to push the Japanese back across the Pacific, the Marines in 1942 began training troops of Navajo Indian descent to use their language as part of a code to communicate troop movements and other important battle information over telephones and radios.

More than 400 Navajo code talkers were trained in 1942-45 to take part in Marine operations in the Pacific Theater. The code was so successful that it wasn't declassified until 1968. A Navajo code talkers' exhibit was dedicated at the Pentagon in 1992.

Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to the original 29 code talkers by President Bush in July 2001 in the Capitol Rotunda.

The code talkers who visited the Pentagon today are among 225 who received Silver Congressional Medals in November 2001 at Window Rock, Ariz. They are:

- Cpl. Alfred Peaches, 82, of Winslow, Ariz.;

- Cpl. Joe Morris Sr., 82, Daggett, Calif.;

- Pvt. Arthur J. Hubbard Sr., 95, Ganado, Ariz.;

- Pvt. George Willie, 81, Leupp, Ariz.; and

- Pfc. Samuel Smith, 82, Gallup, N.M.

Morris enlisted in the Marines at age 17 and completed four months of code training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in 1944. The first group of about 29 code talkers had preceded his class, he said.

The Japanese "couldn't read our code," Morris said. Use of the Navajo-coded messages, he said, assisted U.S. forces in ejecting Japanese troops from their captured territories.

"We started pushing them back," Morris said.

After the war ended, Morris left the Marines in August 1946.

"They're all heroes." said Morris' 73-year-old wife, Charlotte.

Marine Lance Cpl. Osiris Azar, 19, who hails from Benton Harbor, Mich., talked with Morris about his World War II exploits in the Pacific, which, like many of the other code talkers, included duty at the battles for Guadalcanal, Guam, Saipan, and Okinawa.

Azar is an administrative specialist with U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters' Consolidated Administration Office at Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Va., and he was among five modern-day Marines who met with the World War II veterans during lunch prior to a group tour of the Pentagon.

"I actually like history a lot, and there aren't too many chances to speak to legends," Azar said of Morris and his fellow code talkers. "I'm real proud to say I've been able to meet someone who did so much for our country."

Samuel Smith's son, Michael Smith, 45, hails from Window Rock, Ariz., the capital of the Navajo Nation. The younger Smith also is a member of the Navajo Code Talkers Association.

Less than 70 Navajo code talkers survive today, said Smith, who was a Marine like his father, having served during the early 1980s.

"If you'd ask my Dad about the code and how it was for him in battle, he will tell you that he was a Marine first. That was his job: to be a Marine," the younger Smith said.

"The code was one of the weapons that he'd had to fight the battle," he continued. "My whole family is very proud of my dad."

Samuel Smith said he has tried to serve a larger cause than himself throughout his life.

"It was not just the (Navajo) code," Smith said of his World War II service. "It was defending your country."

Sailor Trades Sea for Sand

By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 10, 2007 - While working as a nuclear repair mechanic for the Navy, Caleb Duke traded sea for sand when he volunteered to take on an Army position that took him to Afghanistan. "I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself," he said. "I was motivated by the lure of being part of an elite organization, the nuclear submarine community. I was impressed by the level of knowledge required and the discipline it takes to be a submariner. I have stayed because the opportunities and benefits are endless. I have found a home, a brotherhood and a community in the United States Navy."

Duke was later given the opportunity take on an individual augmentation assignment supporting the Army, transforming Duke into a "sand sailor."

During his deployment to Afghanistan, Duke served on a civil affairs team.

"My four-man direct-support team paved the way for future long-term successes in Afghanistan," he said. "It was a privilege to serve in an all-Navy team under special operations conditions. As a nuclear mechanic qualified in submarines, it was such a rare opportunity to be challenged and explore new uncharted waters."

While in Afghanistan, Duke's team conducted village assessments and worked to integrate indoor plumbing into schools. They also helped design roads and build solar lighting projects to help the community with electricity.

In addition, they did a great deal of community work. They spent time handing out small stuffed toys and pens to local children, while one of the team members put together a kite festival, handing out kites to locals.

Duke is one of eight servicemembers who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa who have been selected to share their individual stories to Americans across the nation, in support of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program

The Why We Serve program was initially the idea of Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program began in fall 2006. Groups include two military servicemembers from each branch selected to participate in the program for about 90 days.

Duke said he wants to emphasize his belief in job satisfaction through adventure, purpose and community to the Americans he comes in contact with.

"You have to keep it going," Duke said, when talking about job satisfaction. "If you get stagnant, you'll get bored."

Job satisfaction is only one of two points Duke stressed. He also wants people to feel the sense of belonging and community he has found through joining the military.

"I want to tell people that I like it, I love it, and I want to continue to do this," Duke said. "I want people to know that we aren't narrow-minded, we aren't absolutists, and we aren't robots, we are effective, highly educated individuals. That the military allows for good decision-making processes."

After completing the 90-day Why We Serve program, Duke is planning to return to work in the nuclear field. He also is working to be commissioned as a Navy officer, saying he feels that the world needs more leaders.

JTF Bravo Plays Vital Role in Navy Humanitarian Mission

By Senior Airman Shaun Emery, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

Honduras, Aug. 10, 2007 - Members of Joint Task Force Bravo, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, assisted the Navy with ground and air support for the worldwide humanitarian mission Project Handclasp earlier this week. Project Handclasp, which was conducted Aug. 6-8, is a partnership with corporations, public service organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals throughout the United States. Project Handclasp's humanitarian, educational and goodwill materials are donated by America's private sector and distributed by sailors and Marines to those in need overseas.

During their mission to Honduras, members of the USS Pearl Harbor requested the aid of aircrew, medical personnel and Headquarters Support Company personnel from Joint Task Force Bravo to accomplish their mission. Members of JTF-Bravo helped move 2 tons worth of supplies during the three-day mission.

"A project of this magnitude takes coordination and cooperation from everyone involved," said Navy Chaplain (Lt.) Dennis Wheeler. "We normally would have to rent vehicles to distribute materials to the villages. JTF Bravo went above and beyond with their ground and air support."

Members of 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, touched down in the town of Coyolito, where local children helped load a UH-60 Black Hawk with food and personal hygiene items. The crew airlifted the items to four villages in the surrounding area. Army Chief Warrant Officer Richard Payton, a UH-60 pilot, said he was glad the battalion could lend a hand.

"It's always a good feeling when you can do a humanitarian mission," he said. "We train all the time here at Soto Cano. To actually take that training and put it to use for this type of mission is outstanding."

In total, Project Handclasp delivered humanitarian relief to nine villages in southern Honduras. Medical liaisons from JTF Bravo worked with the Honduran Ministry of Health to identify sites with high rates of malnutrition.

"Project Handclasp was a great opportunity to provide relief to those in need," said Army Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Zarzabal, deputy commander of JTF Bravo's Medical Element. "This effort goes a long way in our continuing focus on partnership with the Americas."

As the helicopters flew overhead, members of the support platoon took to the road to deliver goods to the remaining villages. When they arrived at their destination, they were greeted by local children, eyes wide in anticipation.

"I don't think they were expecting to receive all the things we had for them," said Army Staff Sgt. Alma Jennings, a platoon sergeant in Headquarters Support Company. "They were really happy to see us. It was a wonderful feeling."

(Air Force Senior Airman Shaun Emery is assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo.)

Law Enforcement Technology

Editor's Note: The forward was written by a former servicemember.

August 10, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 700 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added Captain Robert L. Snow’s latest book on law enforcement technology.

Captain Robert L. Snow is a 30 year veteran of the Indianapolis Police Department. He has served throughout the ranks as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. As a police executive, he has been the Indianapolis Police Department’s Commander of Planning and Research, the Chief’s Administrative Assistant, Executive Officer and Captain of Detectives. His current assignment is as the Commander of the Homicide.

Robert Snow graduated from Indiana University summa cum laude with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology. He has been a publishing writer for well over 20 years, with dozens of articles and short stories in such national magazines as Playboy, Reader’s Digest, LAW & ORDER, Action Digest, Police, and the National Enquirer.

Captain Robert Snow has written ten books including his newest, Technology and Law Enforcement: From Gumshoe to Gamma Rays. According to the description of Technology and Law Enforcement: From Gumshoe to Gamma Rays, “Beginning with the Night Stalker case, the Robert Snow illustrates how the use and reliance on new technologies in solving crimes has made policing and detective work more accurate and efficient in capturing and convicting criminals (and courts more recently in releasing innocents convicted of crimes). Capitalizing on the interest in all things forensic, this book illuminates the behind the scenes technologies that go into solving crimes and keeping dangerous criminals off the street. Robert Snow covers DNA and fingerprint technologies, vehicle technologies, undercover work, bomb detection, and other methods. Using many real life examples and first hand anecdotes, he shows how technology has become part and parcel of criminal justice efforts to solve crimes.”

The forward to Robert Snow’s book was written by Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA, the author of Police Technology. Police Technology is used in over 100 colleges and universities. According to one college professor, “I recently taught a police technology course at a local community college using Raymond Foster's Police Technology book as the base reference for the course and then punctuated the book will information and exercises from the accompanying website. Outstanding! The website is very informative, current and relevant. Several of the practicing law enforcement personnel including senior supervisors and managers had their eyes opened to the technology available to them now and the future potential for the technology to improve the service they provide their communities, understand contemporary issues in law enforcement and may compelling arguments to their respective governing counsels for funding and technology initiatives. Great book - understood and applied by students at all levels of experience.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 699 police officers (representing 321 police departments) and their 1502 police 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.

Air Force's Newest Fighter Makes Alaska Home

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 9, 2007 - The Air Force's newest fighter officially made its home here yesterday, as six F-22A Raptors landed during a ceremony marking their official arrival to the state. The Air Force is standing up a fighter squadron here with jets fresh off the assembly line and some pilots fresh from training.

A total of 183 production Raptors are now on contract, and 106 aircraft have finished final assembly, according to Lockheed Martin officials. Ninety-nine F-22s have been delivered. The aircraft has been in operational service with the U.S. Air Force since December 2005.

Raptors are currently assigned to five U.S. bases. Operational Raptors are assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, and the 3rd Wing, which is based here. Flight testing takes place at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Operational tactics are developed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Pilots and crew chief are trained at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Raptors also will be based at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Combined with the June arrival of the Air Force's newest cargo aircraft, the C-17 Globemaster III, the arrival of the top fighter underscores both the strategic importance of Alaska, as well as its training significance, officials said.

"I firmly believe that this is the Pacific arena for the next 100 years," said Air Force Gen. Paul V. Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces and air component commander for U.S. Pacific Command. "Alaska is an important place for us to be."

Hester said Alaska's training capabilities matched with its location make the state a smart choice for getting the jets into the fight faster when needed. "When you don't know where the fight is going to be, then you need to balance all of the pieces: being ready to deploy, being trained to deploy and front-line capability. Alaska is the place," he said.

The U.S. military's top officer in Alaska echoed Hester's comments.

"Here in Alaska we have probably the best training space in the United States," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Fraser, commander of PACOM's Alaskan Command. "Then you take the strategic location of Alaska, which allows us to reach any part of the northern hemisphere in roughly the same time, it is a perfect match.

"The position in Alaska allows us to get wherever ... our nation needs us quicker than from any other location," Fraser said.

When fully manned, the base will house two active-duty Raptor squadrons with 20 jets each, 60 pilots and more than 500 maintainers. About two aircraft with crews will be added to the base per month until manned.

The unit will spend until next summer manning and training its fresh force and then assume a limited number of operations deploying up to six jets at a time.

The Air Force Reserve also plans to stand up its first Raptor fighter unit at the base. The unit will serve alongside its active-duty counterpart, falling in on its aircraft. More than 400 airmen will serve in the unit once it's fully manned. One of the F-22 pilots who flew into the base today is a reserve pilot.

The F-22 is the 13th fighter to base in Alaska since 1941. The fighters will fall into the 90th Fighter Squadron, a former F-15E unit with roots back to World War I.

One of the pilots, Air Force Maj. Dave Elliott, said he is excited about the training opportunities Alaska offers. "This is awesome. This is one of the best places to be," he said.

Top Enlisted Leader Visits Armed Forces Retirement Home

By Petty Officer 1st Class Derrick Ingle, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service

Aug. 9, 2007 - The U.S. military's most senior enlisted member locked up his office yesterday in pursuit of other seniors – senior citizens living in the Armed Forces Retirement Home here. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his travel crew of two soldiers, a sailor, an airman and a Marine spent their workday visiting military veterans and retirees at the home.
The Armed Forces Retirement Home is funded by 50 cents deducted from all military enlisted members' pay each month, and only former enlisted servicemembers may reside here. Whether the residents once wore green fatigues or blue dungarees, Gainey and his staff gave the retirees something a half dollar just can't buy: their time.

"How are you doing, ma'am? So I hear you were in the Army, but you were married to a sailor. Well I won't hold that against you," Gainey jokingly said to a 76-year-old World War II veteran. "I thank you and your husband for giving me my freedom.

"It's not about the Navy, the Marines Corps, the Air Force or even the Army. It's just about us, yesterday and today," Gainey said. "You cover up the branch name on everybody's uniform and what's left? The initials U.S. I thank you for your service."

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is a true home to more than 1,000 former U.S. military members. The 272-acre college-like campus keeps residents busy and entertained with an indoor movie theater, a bowling alley, a fitness center, two fishing ponds and a nine-hole golf course. Yet for many veterans, no commodity can compare to the joy of sharing war stories with today's servicemembers.

"(Gainey) was telling me about how nice it is over in Okinawa, Japan. I was laughing at how much it has changed. Back in World War II, we got bombed nearly every day over there," 85-year-old veteran Charles K. Wallace said. "I'd hardly call it nice. The bombs used to explode so hard that it would knock me out of my rack while I was sleeping. I can't complain. At least I was able to get up. Not everyone was so lucky back then."

Nine-year Army Air Corps veteran Edna K. Ast celebrated her 97th birthday during the Gainey's surprise visit. "I'm just happy to have made it this long," she said. "I was shocked to have so many new visitors for my birthday. I enjoyed today's visit so much. Sergeant Major Gainey and his staff really made my day."

Whether visiting with smiling veterans with walkers or talkative retirees in wheelchairs, Gainey and his joint team enjoyed their time spent with those who once wore the uniform they wear today.

"The trip was good. It brings you back down to earth," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Kohles, who provides security for Gainey. "It made their day to see us in our new uniforms. They were surprised with how much the services have changed. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting stories with them.

"Fifty cents just isn't enough for what they've done. I would gladly pay more money in to the AFRH," Kohles said. "One day that could be me. There were people there that had two years in service, and some were retired 25-year veterans. The AFRH is a good deal. It's too bad more don't come out to visit."

Officials here noted the Armed Forces Retirement Home is always looking for military and civilian volunteers to help out in their fish ponds, flower beds, and dining areas. Many take for granted the residential "house of heroes" located near the White House and the Capitol and once home to four U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. Yet the Defense Department's top enlisted leader realizes that future trips here are just a hop, skip and a jump away from his office at the Pentagon.

"I would encourage everyone one in uniform to find time to visit the AFRH," Gainey said. "The minute you enter the door, you will feel the warmth. You'll actually be reliving history with every veteran you talk with. I plan on coming back at least once a month."

(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Derrick Ingle is assigned to the Joint Staff.)