By Sgt. Laura M. Bigenho, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 3, 2008 - Civilians and servicemembers gathered at Al Faw Palace here Feb. 1 to reflect on the cost of war and pay their last respects to fallen warriors during a Multinational Corps Iraq end-of-tour memorial ceremony. The ceremony honored those killed and wounded while the U.S. Army's 3rd Corps was the maneuver command element from December 2006 to February 2008.
Multinational Corps Iraq Commander Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said the ceremony was a time to reflect on the bravery and selfless service of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. "These individuals are no ordinary people," Odierno said. "They had strong convictions, strength of character and compassion."
The general said those who died were unified by the willingness to sacrifice their life for their comrades and mission. "Their sacrifice and volunteerism allowed us to achieve progress in Iraq that many thought impossible just a few months ago," he said. "We are here to honor their memory and never forget their sacrifices."
The ceremony opened with a video excerpt from Gen. Douglas MacArthur's 1962 farewell speech to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy. "Duty, honor, country," MacArthur said. "Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be and what you will be."
Multinational Corps Iraq's senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, spoke about the commitment of troops currently serving in Iraq and the commitment of those who fell doing their duty. "The men and women we honor here this night have done their job," he said. "They have committed themselves on countless occasions simply because it was their job."
Ciotola said what set that what set those troops apart was the price they paid in doing so. "They have sacrificed the best years of their lives and ultimately the rest of their lives," he said. "They gave their word, they kept their word, and ultimately they gave their lives."
Col. Michael Tarvin, the Multinational Corps Iraq chaplain, said each servicemember left behind a legacy that others should emulate. "Part of their legacy is the embracing of life and their willingness and commitment in serving others," he said. "The legacy of courage, selflessness, loyalty, sacrifice and honor demonstrated by them were traits that run through the stories of all these men and women."
During the ceremony, a video calendar displayed the number of troops wounded and killed each month. The video paused briefly to show the faces of each fatality and the date they were killed. Images and video clips taken from Operation Iraqi Freedom depicting both the gentle and harsh sides of the war filled the space between each month. As the video homage came to an end, a collage of fallen heroes' faces gradually disappeared to reveal the rotation's total cost to date: 1,027 killed and 7,152 wounded.
The video ended with the image of a silhouette saluting a memorial display, accompanied by spoken words from Odierno.
"We will never forget those that gave their lives fighting for the ideals of freedom, nor the loved ones they left behind," he said. "Their sacrifices are not in vain, and it's because of them that we enjoy justice and liberty."
(Army Sgt. Laura M. Bigenho is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of Multinational Corps Iraq.)
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Cubbler, Sovino and Acklin
Editor's Note: Two of the authors are former servicemembers.
February 3, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three authors: Mathew Cubbler; John Savino; and, Bobby Acklin.
Matthew Cubbler joined the Collegeville Police Department (Pennsylvania) in June 2006. His law enforcement career began in 1994 when he joined the Royersford Borough Police Department. In 1996, he moved to the West Pottsgrove Township Police Department, and then in 2002, after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 he became a Federal Air Marshal. As a member of the Collegeville Police Department, Matthew Cubbler was one of the original members of the regional Chester-Montgomery Emergency Response Team. He has served as the Team's training and firearms instructor as well as an assistant team leader. Additionally, he is a United States Army Gulf War Veteran; having served as an intelligence analyst from 1989 to 1993. Matthew Cubbler is the author of A Brother's Love: A Memoir.
According to the description of A Brother's Love: A Memoir, “One’s role models in life are often found in the unexpected. The person who is our confidant and hero, or role model, may well be a teacher, parent, sibling, or friend who is appreciated too late. For me, my role model was my brother, Andy, who died too soon, at the age of twenty-one. Andy’s story and my own as it unfolds will tell the tale of two brothers who were each others’ best friend. We had a childhood filled with love, joy, laughter, and sadness. Unfortunately for me, I was so busy being my “brother’s keeper” that I never realized the phenomenal human being my brother, had become.
John Savino has been a member of the New York City Police Department since 1982. His career has spanned all aspects of law enforcement, beginning with a short assignment as a uniformed police officer and quick advancement to the Narcotics Division. His investigative skills began developing while assigned to the Manhattan North Narcotics Division. This assignment also helped develop his ability to talk with people from all walks of life, as he worked in an “undercover” capacity buying narcotics in Manhattan.
For the last 15 years he has been assigned to the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, where he investigates reports of Child Abuse and any Sexual Assault occurring in the Borough of Manhattan. While assigned to the Special Victims Squad, he has risen to the prestigious rank of 1st Grade Detective. Detective John Savino has been involved in thousands of investigations of rape and sexual assault, and has been the lead investigator in many successful serial rape and pattern investigations. John O. Savino is the co-author of the Rape Investigations Handbook.
According to the description of the Rape Investigation Handbook, This work addresses specific investigative and forensic processes related to sex crimes for those who work in law enforcement, the defense community, or in the private sector. It is an unprecedented collaborative work -- the first working manual for sex crime investigators, written by sex crime investigators and forensic scientists. The key feature of this work is a thorough overview of the investigative and forensic processes related to sex crime investigation. It takes the reader through investigative and forensic processes in a logical sequence, showing how investigations of rape and sexual assault can and should be conducted from start to finish.”
A nine year veteran of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Former Police Officer Bobby Acklin II authored Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers under the pseudonym “Kodiack.” According to Kodiak’s bio, he earned “multiple honors of valor for saving the lives of others in need. Kodiack was very outspoken against African Americans who perpetuate inner-city racial stereo types, and turned his 9 years with the police force into a critical analysis of police ethics and inner city crime. Prior service in the military, and graduation from college shaped Kodiack's world into a logical, serious, but humorous event, thus publishing an auto-biography titled Ass Backwards.”
According to the book description of Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers, “Much like a hibernating bear, author "Kodiack" awakens after thirty-five years to accept his role as the underdog and heed his calling to condemn irresponsible black leaders who encourage the slave mentality in black communities.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 839 police officers (representing 382 police departments) and their 1772 law enforcement books in 32 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.
February 3, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three authors: Mathew Cubbler; John Savino; and, Bobby Acklin.
Matthew Cubbler joined the Collegeville Police Department (Pennsylvania) in June 2006. His law enforcement career began in 1994 when he joined the Royersford Borough Police Department. In 1996, he moved to the West Pottsgrove Township Police Department, and then in 2002, after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 he became a Federal Air Marshal. As a member of the Collegeville Police Department, Matthew Cubbler was one of the original members of the regional Chester-Montgomery Emergency Response Team. He has served as the Team's training and firearms instructor as well as an assistant team leader. Additionally, he is a United States Army Gulf War Veteran; having served as an intelligence analyst from 1989 to 1993. Matthew Cubbler is the author of A Brother's Love: A Memoir.
According to the description of A Brother's Love: A Memoir, “One’s role models in life are often found in the unexpected. The person who is our confidant and hero, or role model, may well be a teacher, parent, sibling, or friend who is appreciated too late. For me, my role model was my brother, Andy, who died too soon, at the age of twenty-one. Andy’s story and my own as it unfolds will tell the tale of two brothers who were each others’ best friend. We had a childhood filled with love, joy, laughter, and sadness. Unfortunately for me, I was so busy being my “brother’s keeper” that I never realized the phenomenal human being my brother, had become.
John Savino has been a member of the New York City Police Department since 1982. His career has spanned all aspects of law enforcement, beginning with a short assignment as a uniformed police officer and quick advancement to the Narcotics Division. His investigative skills began developing while assigned to the Manhattan North Narcotics Division. This assignment also helped develop his ability to talk with people from all walks of life, as he worked in an “undercover” capacity buying narcotics in Manhattan.
For the last 15 years he has been assigned to the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, where he investigates reports of Child Abuse and any Sexual Assault occurring in the Borough of Manhattan. While assigned to the Special Victims Squad, he has risen to the prestigious rank of 1st Grade Detective. Detective John Savino has been involved in thousands of investigations of rape and sexual assault, and has been the lead investigator in many successful serial rape and pattern investigations. John O. Savino is the co-author of the Rape Investigations Handbook.
According to the description of the Rape Investigation Handbook, This work addresses specific investigative and forensic processes related to sex crimes for those who work in law enforcement, the defense community, or in the private sector. It is an unprecedented collaborative work -- the first working manual for sex crime investigators, written by sex crime investigators and forensic scientists. The key feature of this work is a thorough overview of the investigative and forensic processes related to sex crime investigation. It takes the reader through investigative and forensic processes in a logical sequence, showing how investigations of rape and sexual assault can and should be conducted from start to finish.”
A nine year veteran of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Former Police Officer Bobby Acklin II authored Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers under the pseudonym “Kodiack.” According to Kodiak’s bio, he earned “multiple honors of valor for saving the lives of others in need. Kodiack was very outspoken against African Americans who perpetuate inner-city racial stereo types, and turned his 9 years with the police force into a critical analysis of police ethics and inner city crime. Prior service in the military, and graduation from college shaped Kodiack's world into a logical, serious, but humorous event, thus publishing an auto-biography titled Ass Backwards.”
According to the book description of Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers, “Much like a hibernating bear, author "Kodiack" awakens after thirty-five years to accept his role as the underdog and heed his calling to condemn irresponsible black leaders who encourage the slave mentality in black communities.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 839 police officers (representing 382 police departments) and their 1772 law enforcement books in 32 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.
Gates Listens to Fort Campbell Soldiers', Spouses' Concerns
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 2, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met with a number of soldiers who are getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, and he visited with a group of Army spouses during his first official visit here Feb. 1. The secretary held closed-door meetings with both groups, where he listened to concerns such as the current length of overseas deployments, medical and child day care, housing allowances and other issues.
Gates told reporters after the meetings that he was prepared to do some "bureaucracy busting" to resolve some of the issues raised by the soldiers and spouses.
The length of overseas deployments, he noted, was a key issue cited by the spouses.
"There is no question that 15-month deployments are a real strain; not only on the soldiers, but (also) on the families they leave behind," Gates said.
"Our hope is that we can move back to 12-month deployments as soon as possible," the secretary continued. "A lot depends upon how quickly we can grow the Army and also in terms of the drawdowns that we'll have in Iraq over the next months."
Emily Bhatta, one of the 11 Army spouses that met with Gates, was pleased with the secretary's visit. She said one of the key issues the spouses they discussed was the length of military deployments.
"He really listened to our issues and he took notes and it seemed like he really wanted to help make change," said Bhatta, whose husband, 1st Lt. David Bhatta, is currently deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, an element of Fort Campbell's 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Tasha Buchanen's husband, Army Pfc. Theodore Buchanen, is a helicopter mechanic with the 101st Division who deployed to Afghanistan on Dec. 20.
"Health care was a really big issue" during the spouses' meeting with Gates, Buchanen said.
"He really came here wanting to know how we are doing," Buchanen said.
Army Sgt. Tyler R. Fernlund, a 4th Brigade, Special Troops Battalion noncommissioned officer who is getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, said he was impressed after meeting with the secretary.
Gates "was really sincere and took our questions seriously," Fernlund recalled, noting the availability of child daycare was among the topics discussed.
"He said he appreciates what we do and he was real concerned about the welfare of our families," Fernlund said.
Army Staff Sgt. Nathan S. Hammarsten, another Special Troops Battalion NCO, said he was thankful that Gates "took the time" to visit with the soldiers and to listen to their concerns.
"The 101st is really good at taking care of spouses," Hammarsten, who is married, pointed out. The division's family support networks, he added, ensure that information and other forms of support are provided to the spouses of deployed soldiers.
Gates routinely seeks input and ideas from servicemembers and spouses during his visits to military installations, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell, who accompanied the secretary to Fort Campbell, told reporters.
"Whatever base we go to, he insists that we carve out time to speak with troops, and if possible, spouses, to hear what is on their minds," Morrell said. "It is a totally-open conversation. He has no agenda. He just wants to make himself available to answer any questions they may have and to receive any advice they care to share with him."
Such feedback is reflected in education and jobs program proposals for military spouses that President Bush cited in his Jan. 28 State of the Union speech, Morrell said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 2, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met with a number of soldiers who are getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, and he visited with a group of Army spouses during his first official visit here Feb. 1. The secretary held closed-door meetings with both groups, where he listened to concerns such as the current length of overseas deployments, medical and child day care, housing allowances and other issues.
Gates told reporters after the meetings that he was prepared to do some "bureaucracy busting" to resolve some of the issues raised by the soldiers and spouses.
The length of overseas deployments, he noted, was a key issue cited by the spouses.
"There is no question that 15-month deployments are a real strain; not only on the soldiers, but (also) on the families they leave behind," Gates said.
"Our hope is that we can move back to 12-month deployments as soon as possible," the secretary continued. "A lot depends upon how quickly we can grow the Army and also in terms of the drawdowns that we'll have in Iraq over the next months."
Emily Bhatta, one of the 11 Army spouses that met with Gates, was pleased with the secretary's visit. She said one of the key issues the spouses they discussed was the length of military deployments.
"He really listened to our issues and he took notes and it seemed like he really wanted to help make change," said Bhatta, whose husband, 1st Lt. David Bhatta, is currently deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, an element of Fort Campbell's 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Tasha Buchanen's husband, Army Pfc. Theodore Buchanen, is a helicopter mechanic with the 101st Division who deployed to Afghanistan on Dec. 20.
"Health care was a really big issue" during the spouses' meeting with Gates, Buchanen said.
"He really came here wanting to know how we are doing," Buchanen said.
Army Sgt. Tyler R. Fernlund, a 4th Brigade, Special Troops Battalion noncommissioned officer who is getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, said he was impressed after meeting with the secretary.
Gates "was really sincere and took our questions seriously," Fernlund recalled, noting the availability of child daycare was among the topics discussed.
"He said he appreciates what we do and he was real concerned about the welfare of our families," Fernlund said.
Army Staff Sgt. Nathan S. Hammarsten, another Special Troops Battalion NCO, said he was thankful that Gates "took the time" to visit with the soldiers and to listen to their concerns.
"The 101st is really good at taking care of spouses," Hammarsten, who is married, pointed out. The division's family support networks, he added, ensure that information and other forms of support are provided to the spouses of deployed soldiers.
Gates routinely seeks input and ideas from servicemembers and spouses during his visits to military installations, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell, who accompanied the secretary to Fort Campbell, told reporters.
"Whatever base we go to, he insists that we carve out time to speak with troops, and if possible, spouses, to hear what is on their minds," Morrell said. "It is a totally-open conversation. He has no agenda. He just wants to make himself available to answer any questions they may have and to receive any advice they care to share with him."
Such feedback is reflected in education and jobs program proposals for military spouses that President Bush cited in his Jan. 28 State of the Union speech, Morrell said.
Award Recognizes Troops' Morale Efforts
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - People in uniform who go out of their way to boost the morale of fellow troops could be rewarded for their positive attitude and hard work, thanks to a group dedicated to keeping members of the armed forces connected and entertained. "The SemperComm Award is designed to recognize and honor those servicemembers who are making personal contributions to boost the morale of their fellow men and women," organization officials said in a recent news release.
Up to three awardees will be chosen from all nominations received by Feb. 29. Any servicemember, including those serving in the Coast Guard, combatant commands and field commands, can nominate someone.
The judges, four retired military officers, will base their decisions on actions the nominees took to boost the morale of fellow servicemembers, the remoteness and size of the base where the nominee is stationed, and their desire to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Winners will be honored at the SemperComm Foundation's annual gala May 22 in Arlington, Va.
SemperComm is dedicated to supplying morale-boosting communications and entertainment equipment, software and services to small, remote U.S. military bases overseas.
It's also a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
For more information on the SemperComm Award, contact Alix Anne Hornig at 703-923-7610 or at ahornig@sempercomm.org.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - People in uniform who go out of their way to boost the morale of fellow troops could be rewarded for their positive attitude and hard work, thanks to a group dedicated to keeping members of the armed forces connected and entertained. "The SemperComm Award is designed to recognize and honor those servicemembers who are making personal contributions to boost the morale of their fellow men and women," organization officials said in a recent news release.
Up to three awardees will be chosen from all nominations received by Feb. 29. Any servicemember, including those serving in the Coast Guard, combatant commands and field commands, can nominate someone.
The judges, four retired military officers, will base their decisions on actions the nominees took to boost the morale of fellow servicemembers, the remoteness and size of the base where the nominee is stationed, and their desire to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Winners will be honored at the SemperComm Foundation's annual gala May 22 in Arlington, Va.
SemperComm is dedicated to supplying morale-boosting communications and entertainment equipment, software and services to small, remote U.S. military bases overseas.
It's also a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
For more information on the SemperComm Award, contact Alix Anne Hornig at 703-923-7610 or at ahornig@sempercomm.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
