By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2007 - While Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, was here today meeting with senior Tongan military and government officials, his senior enlisted leader, who had accompanied the admiral, was noticeably absent. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy frequently joins Keating during overseas meetings to explain how the U.S. military trains, equips and develops its enlisted force as leaders.
But, Roy said, Tonga already has a keen appreciation of the value of a strong enlisted force and noncommissioned officer corps, and an effort is afoot to professionalize the country's NCO corps.
So rather than preaching to the choir in military headquarters buildings, Roy spent his time here out in the field, checking on Tonga's progress. He visited with Tongan soldiers, sailors and Marines, observed troops going through basic training, walked through the Marine Corps barracks, and checked out the hangar that houses Tonga's tiny air force fleet.
"I'm impressed by what I've seen in Tonga, that commanders are giving (enlisted members) the responsibilities and authorities they need to lead the force," he said.
Just two and a half months into the job as PACOM's top NCO, Roy said he sees an increasing recognition within the Asia-Pacific theater of just how much the enlisted corps can bring to the mission.
Some regional countries haven't let go of the old mindset that strong NCOs diminish the authority of the officer corps, Roy conceded. "It doesn't. It compounds that authority," he said. "And that's what more militaries are realizing."
Mongolia, for example, has left behind its old Soviet-style military structure, investing training funds to develop its enlisted troops into leaders, he said. The Philippines are going through "complete reform" in professionalizing their force. Japan has made "huge strides," Roy said.
The U.S. military works closely with these countries to offer assistance. Foreign troops attend U.S. military schools and NCO academies. American NCOs train foreign servicemembers who return home to train other troops. The United States and its allies train together through military exercises around the world.
When he visits with foreign militaries interested in strengthening their NCO corps, Roy emphasizes there's no one-size-fits-all formula. Even the United States, which stands alongside Australia and New Zealand on the leading edge of NCO professionalism, has no one system for developing NCOs, he said.
In August, when a group of Malaysian officers visited the PACOM headquarters to talk about their enlisted force, Roy pointed to differences in the four U.S. armed services' NCO academy programs. "I told them that when you go out and visit our services, you will see different ways of doing it, all very successful in what they are accomplishing," he said.
As the United States helps other nations work to achieve similar successes within their own militaries, Roy said, it's also helping to build stronger regional partners.
This effort, called "capacity building," is critical for these partners to be able to carry out missions ranging from peacekeeping to humanitarian responses together.
But it's particularly important, he said, in light of pressing threats they face, particularly in the global war on terror.
"This is something we as a nation can't do alone. It's beyond our capability," Roy said. "Succeeding will take many nations working together and contributing to the effort. And as we help strengthen our partners, we're building the capacity that's needed to confront the threat."
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Gates Reflects On 60 Years of Modern Military, DoD Effectiveness
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2007 - Six decades ago, the United States' armed forces were retrofitted to better face challenges that emerged after World War II, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today in a memorandum honoring servicemembers and civilians in support of U.S. missions through the years. The National Security Act of 1947 gave shape to the modern Defense Department. Sixty years ago yesterday, James V. Forrestal -- Gates' earliest predecessor -- was sworn in as the first secretary of defense.
"On this 60th anniversary it is fitting that we recognize our vital military establishment and the men and women of the Department, military and civilian, who have served us so well and are so deserving of the respect and gratitude of the nation," Gates wrote in the memorandum.
To strengthen bonds between service branches, the act placed the Army, Navy and the newly-created Air Force departments, plus the Joint Chiefs of Staff, under the defense secretary. Gates said increasing cooperation among branches remained a constant theme as the Defense Department has evolved to a present-day posture that relies heavily on joint operations.
Today, the Defense Department is the largest U.S. government institution and serves as the nation's "ultimate protector," Gates said. Able people working within a sound organizational structure are responsible for the department's effectiveness, he said.
"In answering the nation's call to duty, whether at home in response to natural disasters or abroad in the defense of freedom, the Department of Defense has always been a 'can do' institution that has risen to the many and varied challenges of its complex and indispensable mission," Gates said.
The secretary lauded the exemplary work of prior military members and Defense Department personnel.
"As we reflect on the past sixty years," he said, "let us resolve to honor the memory of those who came before us by recommitting ourselves to ever greater levels of military effectiveness and efficiency for this department in service to the nation."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2007 - Six decades ago, the United States' armed forces were retrofitted to better face challenges that emerged after World War II, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today in a memorandum honoring servicemembers and civilians in support of U.S. missions through the years. The National Security Act of 1947 gave shape to the modern Defense Department. Sixty years ago yesterday, James V. Forrestal -- Gates' earliest predecessor -- was sworn in as the first secretary of defense.
"On this 60th anniversary it is fitting that we recognize our vital military establishment and the men and women of the Department, military and civilian, who have served us so well and are so deserving of the respect and gratitude of the nation," Gates wrote in the memorandum.
To strengthen bonds between service branches, the act placed the Army, Navy and the newly-created Air Force departments, plus the Joint Chiefs of Staff, under the defense secretary. Gates said increasing cooperation among branches remained a constant theme as the Defense Department has evolved to a present-day posture that relies heavily on joint operations.
Today, the Defense Department is the largest U.S. government institution and serves as the nation's "ultimate protector," Gates said. Able people working within a sound organizational structure are responsible for the department's effectiveness, he said.
"In answering the nation's call to duty, whether at home in response to natural disasters or abroad in the defense of freedom, the Department of Defense has always been a 'can do' institution that has risen to the many and varied challenges of its complex and indispensable mission," Gates said.
The secretary lauded the exemplary work of prior military members and Defense Department personnel.
"As we reflect on the past sixty years," he said, "let us resolve to honor the memory of those who came before us by recommitting ourselves to ever greater levels of military effectiveness and efficiency for this department in service to the nation."
Dod Permanently Discontinues Procurement Of Global Positioning System Selective Availability
The Department of Defense announced today that it intends to stop procuring Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites with the capability to intentionally degrade the accuracy of civil signals.
This capability, known as Selective Availability (SA), will no longer be present in the next generation of GPS satellites. Although the United States stopped the intentional degradation of GPS satellite signals by setting SA levels to zero in May 2000, this action to permanently remove SA eliminates a source of uncertainty in GPS performance that has been of concern to civil GPS users worldwide for some time. While this action will not materially improve the performance of the system, it does reflect the United States' strong commitment to users by reinforcing that this global utility can be counted on to support peaceful civil applications around the globe.
The decision to remove the capability from the next generation GPS satellites was approved by the President after a recommendation from DoD. The move coincides with the U.S. Air Force's solicitation to purchase the next generation of GPS satellites known as GPS III.
GPS is a dual-use, satellite-based system that provides accurate positioning, navigation and timing information to users worldwide. Originally developed by the Department of Defense as a military system, GPS has become a global utility. It benefits users around the world in many different applications, including aviation, road, marine and rail navigation, telecommunications, emergency response, resource exploration, mining and construction, financial transactions and many more.
This capability, known as Selective Availability (SA), will no longer be present in the next generation of GPS satellites. Although the United States stopped the intentional degradation of GPS satellite signals by setting SA levels to zero in May 2000, this action to permanently remove SA eliminates a source of uncertainty in GPS performance that has been of concern to civil GPS users worldwide for some time. While this action will not materially improve the performance of the system, it does reflect the United States' strong commitment to users by reinforcing that this global utility can be counted on to support peaceful civil applications around the globe.
The decision to remove the capability from the next generation GPS satellites was approved by the President after a recommendation from DoD. The move coincides with the U.S. Air Force's solicitation to purchase the next generation of GPS satellites known as GPS III.
GPS is a dual-use, satellite-based system that provides accurate positioning, navigation and timing information to users worldwide. Originally developed by the Department of Defense as a military system, GPS has become a global utility. It benefits users around the world in many different applications, including aviation, road, marine and rail navigation, telecommunications, emergency response, resource exploration, mining and construction, financial transactions and many more.
60 Years Old Today, Air Force Is Nation's 'Sword and Shield,' Gates Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2007 - The nation has stood in awe of the U.S. Air Force's "bravery and endurance," dating from the Berlin Airlift during the Cold War's outset, through two wars in Asia and to today's global conflict, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. During a ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard, Gates, a former airman, spoke to hundreds who gathered to celebrate the U.S. Air Force's 60-year anniversary. Currently, the Air Force boasts a 700,000-strong force with roughly 25,000 members deployed in 120 locations around the world.
"It is the men and women of the Air Force who have for so many years made this institution what it is: the sword and shield of the nation, its sentry and its avenger," Gates said, addressing past and present airmen in the audience.
The secretary said the modern Air Force evolved from man's inherent desire to fly.
"Ever since the dawn of civilization, the idea of flight has held an unshakeable grip on the human imagination," he said. "The myths of ancient Greece, the musings of great philosophers, the charcoal sketches of Leonardo da Vinci -- all illustrated a dream that one day mankind would travel in the skies and maybe even among the stars."
Through history, flight by man alternately has been heralded by romantics as a vision of the future or panned by cynics as the wild musings of overactive minds, the secretary said. When human flight was first realized by Orville and Wilbur Wright on Dec. 17, 1903 -- albeit in primitive, yet seminal, form -- the seeds of today's U.S. Air Force were planted, Gates said.
"That first tentative and halting foray into the sky by a heavier-than-air flying machine -- a mere 10 feet above the sands of Kitty Hawk, 120 feet across the dunes -- marked more than just the dawn of the Age of Flight," he said. "It also marked the beginning of the incredible journey that brings us here today in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force."
The secretary noted that Army Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell -- often regarded as the father of the U.S. Air Force -- gained notoriety in the early 20th century for asserting the controversial proposal that aircraft be adopted by the U.S. military. "He did so with great fervor and little tact. Senior officers took to calling him the "Kookaburra," an Australian bird more commonly known as the "laughing jackass," Gates told the audience members, who broke into laughter.
Mitchell's protege Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold realized his mentor's vision years later, becoming the first and only five-star general of the Air Force in 1949. "People would often say Billy Mitchell was years ahead of his time, but many would forget how it was also true," Arnold was quoted as saying after Mitchell's death.
"Since then and throughout the 60-year history of the Air Force," Gates said, "the American people have stood in awe as airmen continued to push the limits of bravery and endurance, as they crashed through the sound barrier many times over, and extended the range, scope and nature of air missions beyond what anyone could have imagined."
The secretary thanked special guests in the audience. They included aviators who flew in Vietnam and Korea; representatives of the Tuskegee Airmen, a corps of African-American pilots who broke the color barrier before the Air Force broke the sound barrier; and female cadets who symbolized the service's gender parity. "Many had to defy personal fears. Others had to defy societal prejudice. All demonstrated unflagging devotion. They are examples for us all," the secretary said.
Gates expressed optimism for the Air Force's future and praised cadets for their service to the United States.
"As we look back on everything that has made this birthday possible, let us also look forward to many more birthdays as the Air Force continues its dominance of air, space and cyberspace," he said. "You represent the best our military, and our nation has to offer, a long and distinguished heritage of courage and endless horizons of innovation."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2007 - The nation has stood in awe of the U.S. Air Force's "bravery and endurance," dating from the Berlin Airlift during the Cold War's outset, through two wars in Asia and to today's global conflict, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. During a ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard, Gates, a former airman, spoke to hundreds who gathered to celebrate the U.S. Air Force's 60-year anniversary. Currently, the Air Force boasts a 700,000-strong force with roughly 25,000 members deployed in 120 locations around the world.
"It is the men and women of the Air Force who have for so many years made this institution what it is: the sword and shield of the nation, its sentry and its avenger," Gates said, addressing past and present airmen in the audience.
The secretary said the modern Air Force evolved from man's inherent desire to fly.
"Ever since the dawn of civilization, the idea of flight has held an unshakeable grip on the human imagination," he said. "The myths of ancient Greece, the musings of great philosophers, the charcoal sketches of Leonardo da Vinci -- all illustrated a dream that one day mankind would travel in the skies and maybe even among the stars."
Through history, flight by man alternately has been heralded by romantics as a vision of the future or panned by cynics as the wild musings of overactive minds, the secretary said. When human flight was first realized by Orville and Wilbur Wright on Dec. 17, 1903 -- albeit in primitive, yet seminal, form -- the seeds of today's U.S. Air Force were planted, Gates said.
"That first tentative and halting foray into the sky by a heavier-than-air flying machine -- a mere 10 feet above the sands of Kitty Hawk, 120 feet across the dunes -- marked more than just the dawn of the Age of Flight," he said. "It also marked the beginning of the incredible journey that brings us here today in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force."
The secretary noted that Army Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell -- often regarded as the father of the U.S. Air Force -- gained notoriety in the early 20th century for asserting the controversial proposal that aircraft be adopted by the U.S. military. "He did so with great fervor and little tact. Senior officers took to calling him the "Kookaburra," an Australian bird more commonly known as the "laughing jackass," Gates told the audience members, who broke into laughter.
Mitchell's protege Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold realized his mentor's vision years later, becoming the first and only five-star general of the Air Force in 1949. "People would often say Billy Mitchell was years ahead of his time, but many would forget how it was also true," Arnold was quoted as saying after Mitchell's death.
"Since then and throughout the 60-year history of the Air Force," Gates said, "the American people have stood in awe as airmen continued to push the limits of bravery and endurance, as they crashed through the sound barrier many times over, and extended the range, scope and nature of air missions beyond what anyone could have imagined."
The secretary thanked special guests in the audience. They included aviators who flew in Vietnam and Korea; representatives of the Tuskegee Airmen, a corps of African-American pilots who broke the color barrier before the Air Force broke the sound barrier; and female cadets who symbolized the service's gender parity. "Many had to defy personal fears. Others had to defy societal prejudice. All demonstrated unflagging devotion. They are examples for us all," the secretary said.
Gates expressed optimism for the Air Force's future and praised cadets for their service to the United States.
"As we look back on everything that has made this birthday possible, let us also look forward to many more birthdays as the Air Force continues its dominance of air, space and cyberspace," he said. "You represent the best our military, and our nation has to offer, a long and distinguished heritage of courage and endless horizons of innovation."
Department of Defense Garners Awards for Ozone Sustainment
The U.S. Department of Defense and individual military services are being honored with multiple awards from the United Nations Environmental Programme and by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for advancements in ozone sustainment. The awards come as part of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol, considered as one of the most successful environmental treaties of all time
The "Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer," is designed to protect the ozone layer by freezing the use and production of ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and halons, because these compounds significantly damage the stratospheric ozone layer. Today, 191 countries have signed the treaty.
The Defense Department made major contributions to the success of this treaty. Despite having some of the most demanding requirements for the use of CFC refrigerants and halon fire suppressants, DOD has spearheaded research, development, and testing efforts to identify suitable alternatives, and has one of the most aggressive and effective ozone-depleting substances phase-out programs in the world. As a result, since 1989, DOD has reduced usage of ozone damaging substances from over 12 million pounds down to less than half a million pounds, a 96 percent reduction.
The full list of United Nations awards that are being presented to the DOD and military services can be found at: http://ozone.unep.org/Public_Information/4C_PublicInfo_Awards.shtml.
The "Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer," is designed to protect the ozone layer by freezing the use and production of ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and halons, because these compounds significantly damage the stratospheric ozone layer. Today, 191 countries have signed the treaty.
The Defense Department made major contributions to the success of this treaty. Despite having some of the most demanding requirements for the use of CFC refrigerants and halon fire suppressants, DOD has spearheaded research, development, and testing efforts to identify suitable alternatives, and has one of the most aggressive and effective ozone-depleting substances phase-out programs in the world. As a result, since 1989, DOD has reduced usage of ozone damaging substances from over 12 million pounds down to less than half a million pounds, a 96 percent reduction.
The full list of United Nations awards that are being presented to the DOD and military services can be found at: http://ozone.unep.org/Public_Information/4C_PublicInfo_Awards.shtml.
Gates Presents 'Realist's View of Promoting Democracy Abroad'
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presented his "realist's view" of promoting democracy abroad during a speech delivered at the World Forum on the Future of Democracy here today. Gates said democratic reform takes time, and to abandon Iraq would be a setback for freedom and stability in the region, and it would not be in the United States' best interest.
"For America to leave Iraq and the Middle East in chaos would betray and demoralize our allies there and in the region, while emboldening our most dangerous adversaries," Gates said. "To abandon an Iraq where just two years ago 12 million people quite literally risked their lives to vote for a constitutional democracy would be an offense to our interests as well as our values, a setback for the cause of freedom as well as the goal of stability."
The secretary spoke to a group of international delegates, scholars and leaders gathered for the World Forum on the Future of Democracy. The final conference in a yearlong series, the World Forum brought together top leaders from 16 countries to examine the global advance of democracy, its challenges and prospects.
Gates told the group that the United States must balance its practical and ideological interests in its efforts to spread democracy.
While not specific about a timeline in Iraq, he said it could take "many years or decades" for democratic values to take hold across the globe. He added that Americans should look to the United States' early years when becoming impatient with progress in other regions.
"We would do well to be mindful of the turbulence of our own early history as we contemplate the challenges facing contemporary fledgling democracies struggling to find their footing," Gates said. "Four hundred years removed from those early days, it is all too easy to forget about these stormy beginnings."
And, Gates said, the United States cannot allow what may appear to be discouraging progress to dissuade its idealistic goals.
"Though achievement of the ideal may be limited by time, space, resources, or human nature, we must not allow ourselves to discard or disparage the ideal itself. It is vital that we speak out about what we believe and let the world know where we stand. It is vital that we give hope and aid to those who seek freedom," he said.
Gates called Afghanistan a litmus test of whether an alliance of advanced democracies can still make sacrifices and meet commitments to promote democracy. He said that America and its allies want stability in the region that was once home to al Qaeda and "one of the most oppressive governments in the world." But, some are now reluctant to dedicate the resources and forces to the region.
"For our friends and allies, as well as for our enemies and potential adversaries, our commitment to democratic values must be matched by actions," the secretary said. "It would be a mark of shame on all of us if an alliance built on the foundation of democratic values were to falter at the very moment that it tries to lay that foundation for democracy elsewhere, especially in a mission that is crucial to our own security."
During the 20-minute speech, Gates joked about his own self-described pessimism while serving in intelligence. And, today -- with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, an ambitious and fanatical theocracy in Iran, a nuclear North Korea and terrorism -- there would seem to be ample grounds for pessimism, Gates said.
But, from a wider perspective, there has been record growth in human freedom since 1989, he said.
"Hundreds of millions of people -- from Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, to South Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere -- have been liberated; they have left the darkness of despotism and walked into the bright sunshine of freedom," Gates said. "Many have seized the opportunity, and freedom has prospered and strengthened. Others liberated from the yoke of tyrannical ideologies or dictators continue to struggle to fully realize the dream. At no time in history, though, has freedom come to so many in so short a time."
In every case, the United States played a role in their liberation, he said.
Gates said the underlying theme of American history is that we are compelled to defend our security and our interests in ways that, in the long run, lead to the spread of democratic values and institutions.
"The spread of liberty both manifests our ideals and protects our interests. In making the world safe for democracy, we are also the champion and vindicator of our own," he said.
The secretary acknowledged the price America has paid for its own freedoms and those of others.
"It is our country's tragedy and our glory that the tender shoots of freedom around the world for so many decades have been so often nourished with American blood," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presented his "realist's view" of promoting democracy abroad during a speech delivered at the World Forum on the Future of Democracy here today. Gates said democratic reform takes time, and to abandon Iraq would be a setback for freedom and stability in the region, and it would not be in the United States' best interest.
"For America to leave Iraq and the Middle East in chaos would betray and demoralize our allies there and in the region, while emboldening our most dangerous adversaries," Gates said. "To abandon an Iraq where just two years ago 12 million people quite literally risked their lives to vote for a constitutional democracy would be an offense to our interests as well as our values, a setback for the cause of freedom as well as the goal of stability."
The secretary spoke to a group of international delegates, scholars and leaders gathered for the World Forum on the Future of Democracy. The final conference in a yearlong series, the World Forum brought together top leaders from 16 countries to examine the global advance of democracy, its challenges and prospects.
Gates told the group that the United States must balance its practical and ideological interests in its efforts to spread democracy.
While not specific about a timeline in Iraq, he said it could take "many years or decades" for democratic values to take hold across the globe. He added that Americans should look to the United States' early years when becoming impatient with progress in other regions.
"We would do well to be mindful of the turbulence of our own early history as we contemplate the challenges facing contemporary fledgling democracies struggling to find their footing," Gates said. "Four hundred years removed from those early days, it is all too easy to forget about these stormy beginnings."
And, Gates said, the United States cannot allow what may appear to be discouraging progress to dissuade its idealistic goals.
"Though achievement of the ideal may be limited by time, space, resources, or human nature, we must not allow ourselves to discard or disparage the ideal itself. It is vital that we speak out about what we believe and let the world know where we stand. It is vital that we give hope and aid to those who seek freedom," he said.
Gates called Afghanistan a litmus test of whether an alliance of advanced democracies can still make sacrifices and meet commitments to promote democracy. He said that America and its allies want stability in the region that was once home to al Qaeda and "one of the most oppressive governments in the world." But, some are now reluctant to dedicate the resources and forces to the region.
"For our friends and allies, as well as for our enemies and potential adversaries, our commitment to democratic values must be matched by actions," the secretary said. "It would be a mark of shame on all of us if an alliance built on the foundation of democratic values were to falter at the very moment that it tries to lay that foundation for democracy elsewhere, especially in a mission that is crucial to our own security."
During the 20-minute speech, Gates joked about his own self-described pessimism while serving in intelligence. And, today -- with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, an ambitious and fanatical theocracy in Iran, a nuclear North Korea and terrorism -- there would seem to be ample grounds for pessimism, Gates said.
But, from a wider perspective, there has been record growth in human freedom since 1989, he said.
"Hundreds of millions of people -- from Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, to South Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere -- have been liberated; they have left the darkness of despotism and walked into the bright sunshine of freedom," Gates said. "Many have seized the opportunity, and freedom has prospered and strengthened. Others liberated from the yoke of tyrannical ideologies or dictators continue to struggle to fully realize the dream. At no time in history, though, has freedom come to so many in so short a time."
In every case, the United States played a role in their liberation, he said.
Gates said the underlying theme of American history is that we are compelled to defend our security and our interests in ways that, in the long run, lead to the spread of democratic values and institutions.
"The spread of liberty both manifests our ideals and protects our interests. In making the world safe for democracy, we are also the champion and vindicator of our own," he said.
The secretary acknowledged the price America has paid for its own freedoms and those of others.
"It is our country's tragedy and our glory that the tender shoots of freedom around the world for so many decades have been so often nourished with American blood," he said.
Media Icon Sheds Light on 'Signature Wound'
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - On Jan. 29, 2006, a roadside-bomb explosion near Taji, Iraq, started one TV news personality on a journey from war correspondent to casualty of war, and finally to co-founder of a fund-raising organization to improve awareness about traumatic brain injury. Bob Woodruff, then co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," was reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, the tank he was riding in was hit. The blast left the reporter with a traumatic brain injury.
During his recovery, he gained personal insight into what many servicemembers injured in Iraq are enduring, which prompted him and his family to found the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.
"The (fund) assists servicemembers injured while serving in the United States armed forces," Rene Bardorf, the fund's executive director, said. "Bob Woodruff and his family have become the face of the injured with whom both military and civilian sectors can relate."
More importantly, servicemembers and their families have said Woodruff's role as a journalist gave a voice to servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, she added.
"We believe that the Bob Woodruff Family Fund has a unique opportunity to assist servicemembers and their families by increasing public awareness and educating the American public on the hidden injuries of war," Bardorf said.
Often referred to as "the signature wound of the Iraq war," traumatic brain injury can cause lingering problems with speech and concentration. It also can trigger mood difficulties, including violence and anger issues, according to the fund's Web site.
The fund works with private industry and government entities to develop public awareness and advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
"We are committed to partnerships with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and private industry to develop excellence in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured," Bardorf said. "We are truly hopeful that we will help to ensure that our young heroes and their families have access to a lifetime of state-of-the-art treatment options, education, employment opportunities, and other long-term support to help them reintegrate back into their communities."
After five months in a medically induced coma, Woodruff awoke on March 6, 2006. Through intensive speech and cognitive therapy and the relearning of what most would consider simple tasks, the reporter provided ABC with "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports" in February. The documentary detailed his recovery and looked closely at how traumatic brain injuries affect soldiers wounded in Iraq.
Since then, Woodruff has been making regular contributions to ABC news programming.
The Bob Woodruff Family Fund recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military members and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We're excited to collaborate with this DoD-sponsored nationwide program that recognizes the American public's support for our military men and women and communicates that support to servicemembers," Bardorf said. "It is our hope that this support will serve to improve the quality of life for our injured servicemembers, veterans and their families."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - On Jan. 29, 2006, a roadside-bomb explosion near Taji, Iraq, started one TV news personality on a journey from war correspondent to casualty of war, and finally to co-founder of a fund-raising organization to improve awareness about traumatic brain injury. Bob Woodruff, then co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," was reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, the tank he was riding in was hit. The blast left the reporter with a traumatic brain injury.
During his recovery, he gained personal insight into what many servicemembers injured in Iraq are enduring, which prompted him and his family to found the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.
"The (fund) assists servicemembers injured while serving in the United States armed forces," Rene Bardorf, the fund's executive director, said. "Bob Woodruff and his family have become the face of the injured with whom both military and civilian sectors can relate."
More importantly, servicemembers and their families have said Woodruff's role as a journalist gave a voice to servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, she added.
"We believe that the Bob Woodruff Family Fund has a unique opportunity to assist servicemembers and their families by increasing public awareness and educating the American public on the hidden injuries of war," Bardorf said.
Often referred to as "the signature wound of the Iraq war," traumatic brain injury can cause lingering problems with speech and concentration. It also can trigger mood difficulties, including violence and anger issues, according to the fund's Web site.
The fund works with private industry and government entities to develop public awareness and advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
"We are committed to partnerships with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and private industry to develop excellence in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured," Bardorf said. "We are truly hopeful that we will help to ensure that our young heroes and their families have access to a lifetime of state-of-the-art treatment options, education, employment opportunities, and other long-term support to help them reintegrate back into their communities."
After five months in a medically induced coma, Woodruff awoke on March 6, 2006. Through intensive speech and cognitive therapy and the relearning of what most would consider simple tasks, the reporter provided ABC with "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports" in February. The documentary detailed his recovery and looked closely at how traumatic brain injuries affect soldiers wounded in Iraq.
Since then, Woodruff has been making regular contributions to ABC news programming.
The Bob Woodruff Family Fund recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military members and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We're excited to collaborate with this DoD-sponsored nationwide program that recognizes the American public's support for our military men and women and communicates that support to servicemembers," Bardorf said. "It is our hope that this support will serve to improve the quality of life for our injured servicemembers, veterans and their families."
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