American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - About 100 Mississippi Army National Guard soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 155th Combined Arms Battalion, left yesterday for Gulfport, Miss., to assist local authorities as they deal with rising flood waters and additional flooding in Harrison and Hancock Counties. Using 10 high-wheeled vehicles and 20 Humvees, the soldiers will conduct search-and-rescue missions and presence patrols in low-lying areas that are still partially flooded following Hurricane Gustav earlier this month. They also will conduct checkpoints to secure neighborhoods and businesses until the flood waters recede.
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour authorized Army Maj. Gen. William L. Freeman Jr., the state's adjutant general, to activate soldiers of the Mississippi Army National Guard for flood support operations as Hurricane Ike moves through the Gulf of Mexico.
"I know we can always depend on the National Guard to safeguard our citizens during emergencies like these," Barbour said. "They did an excellent job just weeks ago during Hurricane Gustav, and I have full confidence they will again."
Freeman promised the guard troops will continue to deliver excellence in their hurricane response.
"Our soldiers are vigilant and can get to work right away assisting our fellow Mississippians," he said. "They know where to go and what to do, and they will be at the right place at the right time."
Nearly 2,000 soldiers were on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Hurricane Gustav, supporting local authorities with search and rescue, presence patrols, checkpoints, and by manning distribution points for ice, water and food. More than 19,000 citizens were given these life-sustaining items following Gustav.
The Mississippi National Guard has about 8,000 soldiers and airmen available for emergency operations if needed, officials said.
(From a Mississippi National Guard news release.)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 11, 2008
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $5,600,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for tactical and non-tactical wheeled vehicle fleet support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally 4 proposals solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This FASI-G contract is for a 4-year base period and includes three, two-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Sept. 8, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio, (SPM7LX-08-D-9021).
Freeman Holdings, LLC DBA Million Air Topeka, Topeka, Kan., is being awarded a maximum $14,476,090 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Forbes Field, Topeka, Kansas. Using service is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va.
Navy
East Miss., Electric Power Association, Meridian, Miss., is being awarded the conveyance of the electrical distribution system at Naval Air Station Meridian, and at its outlying field (OLF), OLF Joe Williams. They are also being awarded a $52,433,846 fixed-price with prospective price redetermination contract for distribution services to include maintenance and repair of the electrical distribution system. The work to be performed provides for initial system modifications required to bring the system up to industry standards, maintenance and repair of the system, as well as renewal and replacement of the various components over the term of the contract. Sale of Department of Defense utility systems under utility privatization procedures was authorized by 10 U.S.C. 2688 and will be conveyed to EMEPA via a bill-of-sale. Work will be performed in Meridian, Miss., and is expected to continue for 50 years-expected completion date Sept. 2058. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a synopsis in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) and letters sent to the local service providers inquiring about their interest in the project and directing them to the CBD notice. One proposal was received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-08-C-0053).
DCK Pacific, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii,is being awarded a $33,150,728 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a fitness center at Naval Base Guam. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new consolidated indoor fitness facility, an outdoor 50-meter 10-lane swimming pool with change house, a lighted outdoor synthetic playing field, and an outdoor running/jogging track. The fitness facility will include a lobby/reception area; basketball/volleyball courts with spectator seating; fitness equipment spaces/group exercise areas; locker rooms; support spaces to include laundry, storage, and bathrooms; administrative spaces; and activity spaces to include snack/vending machines and a multipurpose room. Work will be performed in Guam, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 41 offers solicited and four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-C-1308).
Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif., is being awarded $25,540,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0012 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1301) for the design and construction of Drydocks one and two, ship support services at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Ship support services include installation of a chilled water plant with chilled water pumps, air cooled chillers, high pressure air compressors, nitrogen tanks, air receivers, space for portable emergency generators, electrical switchgear and transformer equipment. Install piping distribution system for chilled water, high pressure air, nitrogen, oxygen and propane. Install exterior electrical and telecommunication/data services infrastructure. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $25,840,000. Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Robertson Aviation LLC, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded an $11,061,753 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0009) to exercise an option for the procurement of V-22 mission auxiliary tank systems and related hardware for the V-22 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force. Work will be performed in Tempe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $1,948,152 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense,* Simsbury, Conn., is being awarded a $5,507,750firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-1021) for 350 Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) units, and 50 Inert APOBS Trainers. APOBS are self-contained, one-shot, expendable linear demolition charge, transported by a two-person team, used to clear footpath through antipersonnel mines and wire obstacles. This contract involves foreign military sales to Israel (100 precent). Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with three proposals solicited and three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Army
General Electric Co., General Electric Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2008, a $96,193,715 five year firm fixed price contract. This requirement is for the procurement of the T700 series engines for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and foreign military sales, for the UH-60 aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile command (AMCOM), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-D-0037).
Northrop Grumman Guidance & Electronics, Apopka, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2008, a $122,976,600 firm fixed price contract. This contract is for the purchase of various different quantities of Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) components. Work will be performed in Apopka, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2008. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-05-D-0033).
Textron Marine & Land Systems Division of Textron Inc, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2008, a $56,864,730 firm fixed price contract. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC is exercising the option to purchase 78 each armored security vehicles (AVS) from Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470).
NDG Constructors, Golden Colo., was awarded on Mar. 25, 2010, a $5,506,425 firm fixed price contract for sewer utility upgrade at Fort Carson, Colo. Work will be performed in Fort Carson, Colo., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 25, 2010. Two bids were solicited and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-06-D-0012).
FN Manufacturing Inc, Columbia, S.C., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2008, a $16,228,500 firm fixed price contract for M16A4 rifles to support Iraq. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 22, 2010. Bids solicited were via web and two bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM-LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0121).
Koniag Services, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $6,518,643 firm fixed price contract for consulting services to create a culture of value for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) at Fort Knox, Ky., during a period of Sept. 10, 2008 through September 9, 2009. Work will be performed in Chantilly, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 9, 2009. One offer was solicited and one offer was received. Department of The Army, Mission and Installation Contracting Command Center, Fort Knox, Ky., is the contracting activity (W9124D-08-C-0050).
Air Force
The Boeing Co., Engineering, Operations and technology of Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. FRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3857 0001).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $5,600,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for tactical and non-tactical wheeled vehicle fleet support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally 4 proposals solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This FASI-G contract is for a 4-year base period and includes three, two-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Sept. 8, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio, (SPM7LX-08-D-9021).
Freeman Holdings, LLC DBA Million Air Topeka, Topeka, Kan., is being awarded a maximum $14,476,090 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Forbes Field, Topeka, Kansas. Using service is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va.
Navy
East Miss., Electric Power Association, Meridian, Miss., is being awarded the conveyance of the electrical distribution system at Naval Air Station Meridian, and at its outlying field (OLF), OLF Joe Williams. They are also being awarded a $52,433,846 fixed-price with prospective price redetermination contract for distribution services to include maintenance and repair of the electrical distribution system. The work to be performed provides for initial system modifications required to bring the system up to industry standards, maintenance and repair of the system, as well as renewal and replacement of the various components over the term of the contract. Sale of Department of Defense utility systems under utility privatization procedures was authorized by 10 U.S.C. 2688 and will be conveyed to EMEPA via a bill-of-sale. Work will be performed in Meridian, Miss., and is expected to continue for 50 years-expected completion date Sept. 2058. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a synopsis in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) and letters sent to the local service providers inquiring about their interest in the project and directing them to the CBD notice. One proposal was received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-08-C-0053).
DCK Pacific, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii,is being awarded a $33,150,728 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a fitness center at Naval Base Guam. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new consolidated indoor fitness facility, an outdoor 50-meter 10-lane swimming pool with change house, a lighted outdoor synthetic playing field, and an outdoor running/jogging track. The fitness facility will include a lobby/reception area; basketball/volleyball courts with spectator seating; fitness equipment spaces/group exercise areas; locker rooms; support spaces to include laundry, storage, and bathrooms; administrative spaces; and activity spaces to include snack/vending machines and a multipurpose room. Work will be performed in Guam, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 41 offers solicited and four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-C-1308).
Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif., is being awarded $25,540,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0012 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1301) for the design and construction of Drydocks one and two, ship support services at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Ship support services include installation of a chilled water plant with chilled water pumps, air cooled chillers, high pressure air compressors, nitrogen tanks, air receivers, space for portable emergency generators, electrical switchgear and transformer equipment. Install piping distribution system for chilled water, high pressure air, nitrogen, oxygen and propane. Install exterior electrical and telecommunication/data services infrastructure. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $25,840,000. Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Robertson Aviation LLC, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded an $11,061,753 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0009) to exercise an option for the procurement of V-22 mission auxiliary tank systems and related hardware for the V-22 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force. Work will be performed in Tempe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $1,948,152 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense,* Simsbury, Conn., is being awarded a $5,507,750firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-1021) for 350 Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) units, and 50 Inert APOBS Trainers. APOBS are self-contained, one-shot, expendable linear demolition charge, transported by a two-person team, used to clear footpath through antipersonnel mines and wire obstacles. This contract involves foreign military sales to Israel (100 precent). Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with three proposals solicited and three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Army
General Electric Co., General Electric Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2008, a $96,193,715 five year firm fixed price contract. This requirement is for the procurement of the T700 series engines for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and foreign military sales, for the UH-60 aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile command (AMCOM), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-D-0037).
Northrop Grumman Guidance & Electronics, Apopka, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2008, a $122,976,600 firm fixed price contract. This contract is for the purchase of various different quantities of Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) components. Work will be performed in Apopka, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2008. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-05-D-0033).
Textron Marine & Land Systems Division of Textron Inc, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2008, a $56,864,730 firm fixed price contract. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC is exercising the option to purchase 78 each armored security vehicles (AVS) from Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470).
NDG Constructors, Golden Colo., was awarded on Mar. 25, 2010, a $5,506,425 firm fixed price contract for sewer utility upgrade at Fort Carson, Colo. Work will be performed in Fort Carson, Colo., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 25, 2010. Two bids were solicited and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-06-D-0012).
FN Manufacturing Inc, Columbia, S.C., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2008, a $16,228,500 firm fixed price contract for M16A4 rifles to support Iraq. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 22, 2010. Bids solicited were via web and two bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM-LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0121).
Koniag Services, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $6,518,643 firm fixed price contract for consulting services to create a culture of value for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) at Fort Knox, Ky., during a period of Sept. 10, 2008 through September 9, 2009. Work will be performed in Chantilly, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 9, 2009. One offer was solicited and one offer was received. Department of The Army, Mission and Installation Contracting Command Center, Fort Knox, Ky., is the contracting activity (W9124D-08-C-0050).
Air Force
The Boeing Co., Engineering, Operations and technology of Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. FRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3857 0001).
Louisiana Guard Prepares for Hurricane Ike
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - With parts of Louisiana still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Gustav and National Guardsmen continuing to provide assistance, Gov. Bobby Jindal has directed troops to relocate, stage and prepare for possible landfall of Hurricane Ike at a moment's notice. "Our governor has called upon us once again, and our Guardsmen are prepared to help our communities," Army Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general, said. "Our Guardsmen are mobilized and ready to support the citizens of Southwest Louisiana."
About 3,000 troops are moving to staging areas outside of Hurricane Ike's potential impact area to conduct response efforts for Southwest Louisiana. These efforts include evacuations, security and preparations for possible search-and-rescue missions after landfall, officials said.
Calcasieu Parish authorities expect the arrival of 300 troops this morning to support evacuations, with 40 troops reporting to Cameron, La., and 40 troops to the Lake Charles Convention Center in Lake Charles, La. Fifty National Guard boat teams will be staged in the Calcasieu area. Liaison and satellite communication teams will be stationed in parish emergency operation centers.
A C-130 cargo plane, capable of moving 30 patients at a time and making as many trips as needed, will stage in Lake Charles to assist with the evacuation of medical patients.
At 8 a.m. EDT today, Ike was about 575 miles east of Brownsville, Texas, moving west-northwest at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds near the center of the storm are 100 mph. Movement is now toward the west-northwest at about 10 mph. Forecasters expect Ike to strengthen and become a major hurricane today or tomorrow.
The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch from Cameron, La., westward to Port Mansfield, Texas, with hurricane conditions possible in the watch area by late tomorrow. A tropical storm warning is in effect from the Mississippi-Alabama border westward to Cameron, La., with tropical storm conditions expected in the watch area into tomorrow.
Sept. 11, 2008 - With parts of Louisiana still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Gustav and National Guardsmen continuing to provide assistance, Gov. Bobby Jindal has directed troops to relocate, stage and prepare for possible landfall of Hurricane Ike at a moment's notice. "Our governor has called upon us once again, and our Guardsmen are prepared to help our communities," Army Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general, said. "Our Guardsmen are mobilized and ready to support the citizens of Southwest Louisiana."
About 3,000 troops are moving to staging areas outside of Hurricane Ike's potential impact area to conduct response efforts for Southwest Louisiana. These efforts include evacuations, security and preparations for possible search-and-rescue missions after landfall, officials said.
Calcasieu Parish authorities expect the arrival of 300 troops this morning to support evacuations, with 40 troops reporting to Cameron, La., and 40 troops to the Lake Charles Convention Center in Lake Charles, La. Fifty National Guard boat teams will be staged in the Calcasieu area. Liaison and satellite communication teams will be stationed in parish emergency operation centers.
A C-130 cargo plane, capable of moving 30 patients at a time and making as many trips as needed, will stage in Lake Charles to assist with the evacuation of medical patients.
At 8 a.m. EDT today, Ike was about 575 miles east of Brownsville, Texas, moving west-northwest at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds near the center of the storm are 100 mph. Movement is now toward the west-northwest at about 10 mph. Forecasters expect Ike to strengthen and become a major hurricane today or tomorrow.
The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch from Cameron, La., westward to Port Mansfield, Texas, with hurricane conditions possible in the watch area by late tomorrow. A tropical storm warning is in effect from the Mississippi-Alabama border westward to Cameron, La., with tropical storm conditions expected in the watch area into tomorrow.
USAA Takes Mound for Strikeouts For Troops
USAA to contribute $500 for every MLB strikeout on 9/11 to Barry Zito’s
Strikeouts For TroopsTM
USAA, a Fortune 200 company providing financial services to the military and their families, is joining major league pitcher Barry Zito of the San Francisco Giants on September 11 to raise funds to support war-wounded veterans through Zito’s Strikeouts For TroopsTM, a national nonprofit organization. It is the second year USAA and Strikeouts For Troops have joined together on Patriot Day. Zito’s personal pledge of $500 per strikeout will be matched by USAA for all strikeouts thrown across all of Major League Baseball on September 11.
“My family and I started Strikeouts For Troops to help our wounded service members with some comforts of home while they recover in military hospitals often far away from their loved ones," Zito said. “I am honored that the support from USAA on September 11, Patriot Day, will make such a significant difference in the lives of so many families in need. I am equally grateful to my fellow professional baseball players who have joined in this effort all season long to recognize and help our brave troops who represent our country with honor while fighting for our freedom."
Zito sees the impact of Strikeouts For Troops firsthand when he receives letters from service members like Staff Sgt Christopher Hill who wrote:
“When you meet people such as Barry who genuinely care for those who stand a post every day in defense of this nation, it’s like watching a single rose growing in the middle of a battlefield,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hill, a veteran of five combat tours and more than 20 years in the Marine Corps. “Thank you for being there for me. Because of you, I have reignited my passion for baseball and the will to go forward and know that the United States Marines has your back.”
USAA has continually served the military and their families for more than 85 years.
"Assisting programs like Strikeouts for Troops is one way USAA can show its appreciation and respect for the sacrifices our nations’ military and their families have made on behalf of all Americans,” explained retired Rear Admiral John Townes, senior vice president for USAA military Affairs.
A growing number of all-stars throughout professional baseball are joining Strikeouts For Troops, and are making donations that make a difference in the lives of war-wounded veterans.
“Strikeouts For Troops is simply about Americans helping our fellow Americans in need,” Zito said. “I never want an American service member to think that his or her sacrifice goes unnoticed or unappreciated. The real heroes in our country are the women and men in uniform who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and free."
About USAA
USAA, a diversified financial services company, is the leading provider of financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking products to members of the U.S. military and their families. Named by BusinessWeek as No. 1 Customer Service Champ in 2007 and 2008, USAA provides highly competitive financial products to its 6.4 million members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.
About Strikeouts For Troops™
Strikeouts For Troops is a national nonprofit dedicated to help our U.S. war wounded service members and their families with "comforts of home" during periods of treatment at military hospitals nationwide. Strikeouts For Troops was introduced on April 5, 2005 by current San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito following a visit with soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
With the support of over 50 professional baseball players including CC Sabathia (Milwaukee Brewers), Jake Peavy (San Diego Padres), Nick Swisher (Chicago White Sox), Alex Rodriguez ( New York Yankees), Curt Schilling ( Boston Red Sox), Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals) and Manny Ramirez (Los Angeles Dodgers), special events, fan support and corporate partnerships, Strikeouts For Troops has raised over $1 million with 100% of the funds raised being distributed to those in need. Strikeouts For Troops is a 501( c )(3) donor advised fund based at the Community Foundation For The National Capital Region.
Strikeouts For TroopsTM
USAA, a Fortune 200 company providing financial services to the military and their families, is joining major league pitcher Barry Zito of the San Francisco Giants on September 11 to raise funds to support war-wounded veterans through Zito’s Strikeouts For TroopsTM, a national nonprofit organization. It is the second year USAA and Strikeouts For Troops have joined together on Patriot Day. Zito’s personal pledge of $500 per strikeout will be matched by USAA for all strikeouts thrown across all of Major League Baseball on September 11.
“My family and I started Strikeouts For Troops to help our wounded service members with some comforts of home while they recover in military hospitals often far away from their loved ones," Zito said. “I am honored that the support from USAA on September 11, Patriot Day, will make such a significant difference in the lives of so many families in need. I am equally grateful to my fellow professional baseball players who have joined in this effort all season long to recognize and help our brave troops who represent our country with honor while fighting for our freedom."
Zito sees the impact of Strikeouts For Troops firsthand when he receives letters from service members like Staff Sgt Christopher Hill who wrote:
“When you meet people such as Barry who genuinely care for those who stand a post every day in defense of this nation, it’s like watching a single rose growing in the middle of a battlefield,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hill, a veteran of five combat tours and more than 20 years in the Marine Corps. “Thank you for being there for me. Because of you, I have reignited my passion for baseball and the will to go forward and know that the United States Marines has your back.”
USAA has continually served the military and their families for more than 85 years.
"Assisting programs like Strikeouts for Troops is one way USAA can show its appreciation and respect for the sacrifices our nations’ military and their families have made on behalf of all Americans,” explained retired Rear Admiral John Townes, senior vice president for USAA military Affairs.
A growing number of all-stars throughout professional baseball are joining Strikeouts For Troops, and are making donations that make a difference in the lives of war-wounded veterans.
“Strikeouts For Troops is simply about Americans helping our fellow Americans in need,” Zito said. “I never want an American service member to think that his or her sacrifice goes unnoticed or unappreciated. The real heroes in our country are the women and men in uniform who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and free."
About USAA
USAA, a diversified financial services company, is the leading provider of financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking products to members of the U.S. military and their families. Named by BusinessWeek as No. 1 Customer Service Champ in 2007 and 2008, USAA provides highly competitive financial products to its 6.4 million members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.
About Strikeouts For Troops™
Strikeouts For Troops is a national nonprofit dedicated to help our U.S. war wounded service members and their families with "comforts of home" during periods of treatment at military hospitals nationwide. Strikeouts For Troops was introduced on April 5, 2005 by current San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito following a visit with soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
With the support of over 50 professional baseball players including CC Sabathia (Milwaukee Brewers), Jake Peavy (San Diego Padres), Nick Swisher (Chicago White Sox), Alex Rodriguez ( New York Yankees), Curt Schilling ( Boston Red Sox), Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals) and Manny Ramirez (Los Angeles Dodgers), special events, fan support and corporate partnerships, Strikeouts For Troops has raised over $1 million with 100% of the funds raised being distributed to those in need. Strikeouts For Troops is a 501( c )(3) donor advised fund based at the Community Foundation For The National Capital Region.
USS Kearsarge Delivers International Aid in Haiti
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2008 - Aerial delivery of relief supplies to Haiti began from USS Kearsarge Sept. 8, as three helicopters launched from the flight deck to transport food and water to areas suffering from the after-effects of tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna and Hurricane Ike. U.S. Southern Command directed the U.S. 4th Fleet to divert the amphibious ship from its humanitarian and civic assistance mission in Colombia to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development in mitigating human suffering and loss of life, officials said.
Helicopter crews and ground support personnel directed distribution and loaded relief supplies. On the first day of operations, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 flew two relief missions to Jeremie, delivering 12 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program.
Kearsarge sailors went ashore at the distribution center and integrated with other agencies in Port au Prince to assist with the palletizing and loading of supplies on to the helicopters. Pilots also conducted site surveys for Gonavies, but severe weather conditions prevented surveys of Jacmel and Les Cayes for at least another day.
"The circumstances that bring us here are unfortunate, but it is fortunate we are here," Navy Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds said after taking an aerial tour and witnessing some of the devastation of the areas firsthand. "The unique capabilities that Kearsarge brings with it will ensure that help and aid reaches people quickly."
Three storms in three weeks have left hundreds of thousands in desperate need of food, clean water and shelter. The town of Gonaives was the hardest-hit by the tropical storms, leaving much of the city under water.
Three landing-craft vessels were sent to retrieve supplies from Port au Prince for early distribution the next day to Gonavies.
"Delivering the supplies from the World Food Program gave me a sense that we are restoring hope, that hopefully wasn't completely swept away by the storms," said Navy Ensign Chris Loper, who assisted with the delivery of supplies to Jeremie.
The objective of delivering emergency relief supplies, which included vegetable oil, beans and rice, much of which was provided by Canada to the World Food Program and USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, is to help local governments and relief organizations achieve self-sufficiency as they rebuild from the destruction, officials said.
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting Phase 2 of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes helping partner nations affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador, officials explained. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Defense Department for military assistance, if needed.
Sept. 10, 2008 - Aerial delivery of relief supplies to Haiti began from USS Kearsarge Sept. 8, as three helicopters launched from the flight deck to transport food and water to areas suffering from the after-effects of tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna and Hurricane Ike. U.S. Southern Command directed the U.S. 4th Fleet to divert the amphibious ship from its humanitarian and civic assistance mission in Colombia to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development in mitigating human suffering and loss of life, officials said.
Helicopter crews and ground support personnel directed distribution and loaded relief supplies. On the first day of operations, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 flew two relief missions to Jeremie, delivering 12 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program.
Kearsarge sailors went ashore at the distribution center and integrated with other agencies in Port au Prince to assist with the palletizing and loading of supplies on to the helicopters. Pilots also conducted site surveys for Gonavies, but severe weather conditions prevented surveys of Jacmel and Les Cayes for at least another day.
"The circumstances that bring us here are unfortunate, but it is fortunate we are here," Navy Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds said after taking an aerial tour and witnessing some of the devastation of the areas firsthand. "The unique capabilities that Kearsarge brings with it will ensure that help and aid reaches people quickly."
Three storms in three weeks have left hundreds of thousands in desperate need of food, clean water and shelter. The town of Gonaives was the hardest-hit by the tropical storms, leaving much of the city under water.
Three landing-craft vessels were sent to retrieve supplies from Port au Prince for early distribution the next day to Gonavies.
"Delivering the supplies from the World Food Program gave me a sense that we are restoring hope, that hopefully wasn't completely swept away by the storms," said Navy Ensign Chris Loper, who assisted with the delivery of supplies to Jeremie.
The objective of delivering emergency relief supplies, which included vegetable oil, beans and rice, much of which was provided by Canada to the World Food Program and USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, is to help local governments and relief organizations achieve self-sufficiency as they rebuild from the destruction, officials said.
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting Phase 2 of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes helping partner nations affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador, officials explained. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Defense Department for military assistance, if needed.
New Program Aims to Help With Adjustment After Redeployment
By William Bradner
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2008 - Earlier this year, a Fort Rucker, Ala., soldier died when he lost control of his new sport motorcycle in a curve, hit the culvert, was ejected off the bike, and slammed into a light pole. He was wearing a helmet, but had not attended the motorcycle safety course, and did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his license. Ten minutes prior to his accident, he had been pulled over by a local police officer for traveling 84 mph in a 55 mph zone.
While no one can definitively say why the soldier refused to slow down even after being warned by law enforcement, Army officials believe this accident and hundreds of similar accidents have a common link: soldiers returning to garrison life after extended combat deployments are having difficulty adjusting, and are seeking the adrenaline rush they've grown accustomed to in combat environments.
As of October 2007, 186 soldiers had died in accidents within one year of returning from combat, 168 of them within the first six months after they returned. Sixty percent of the accident fatalities are sergeants or below. The overwhelming majority of the accidents involve high speed, alcohol or both.
This weekend, the Army is testing a new program designed to help these soldiers adjust from the high-paced, high-adrenaline combat environment to garrison or "home" life.
Warrior Adventure Quest combines high-adventure outdoor recreation activities such as skydiving, paintball, ropes courses, rock climbing, mountain biking, stock car racing, skiing, and others, with Battlemind training to help soldiers re-adjust to a calmer paced lifestyle.
The high-adventure outdoor recreation activities are a hook to entice soldiers to participate as well as a release mechanism to give them the adrenaline boost they're craving in a safe, controlled environment, officials said.
Battlemind is an Army psychological resiliency-building program that helps soldiers recognize and respond to fear during combat, then mitigate the cumulative effects of a sustained combat environment and become mentally prepared to reintegrate during the redeployment, post-deployment and reset portions of the deployment cycle.
WAQ is centrally funded through the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, with oversight from the Installation Management Command and regional MWR recreation managers. The three pilot programs taking place this week are in Vicenza, Italy; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Leesburg, Va., and involve two active-duty and one reserve brigade combat teams.
Planning is under way to bring the program to an additional 24 Army garrisons over the next year, and the long-term goal is to have every BCT participate in WAQ within 90 days of their redeployment from a combat environment.
Officials will use survey and assessment tools to evaluate the program's effectiveness, including statistics from the Combat Readiness/Safety Center, the Reintegration Unit Risk Inventory, the Unit Behavioral Health Needs Assessment, and a new online survey, the Warrior Adventure Quest User Survey.
Training and Doctrine Command officials said it costs the Army $54,700 to train a basic combat arms soldier, and as much as $67,000 for other military occupational specialties, depending on the length of their advanced individual training.
Since there's no way to put a dollar value on a soldier's life, determining a return on investment for this project is difficult. However, the average cost per person to participate in WAQ is only $86 -- less than it costs to fill the fuel tank of a Humvee.
The Army plans to cycle nearly 80,000 soldiers through WAQ over the next year, at a cost of just under $7 million. If it cuts the fatality rate in half, it will have paid for itself, officials said, and if it saves just one soldier's life, it will be worth the effort.
(William Bradner works at the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2008 - Earlier this year, a Fort Rucker, Ala., soldier died when he lost control of his new sport motorcycle in a curve, hit the culvert, was ejected off the bike, and slammed into a light pole. He was wearing a helmet, but had not attended the motorcycle safety course, and did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his license. Ten minutes prior to his accident, he had been pulled over by a local police officer for traveling 84 mph in a 55 mph zone.
While no one can definitively say why the soldier refused to slow down even after being warned by law enforcement, Army officials believe this accident and hundreds of similar accidents have a common link: soldiers returning to garrison life after extended combat deployments are having difficulty adjusting, and are seeking the adrenaline rush they've grown accustomed to in combat environments.
As of October 2007, 186 soldiers had died in accidents within one year of returning from combat, 168 of them within the first six months after they returned. Sixty percent of the accident fatalities are sergeants or below. The overwhelming majority of the accidents involve high speed, alcohol or both.
This weekend, the Army is testing a new program designed to help these soldiers adjust from the high-paced, high-adrenaline combat environment to garrison or "home" life.
Warrior Adventure Quest combines high-adventure outdoor recreation activities such as skydiving, paintball, ropes courses, rock climbing, mountain biking, stock car racing, skiing, and others, with Battlemind training to help soldiers re-adjust to a calmer paced lifestyle.
The high-adventure outdoor recreation activities are a hook to entice soldiers to participate as well as a release mechanism to give them the adrenaline boost they're craving in a safe, controlled environment, officials said.
Battlemind is an Army psychological resiliency-building program that helps soldiers recognize and respond to fear during combat, then mitigate the cumulative effects of a sustained combat environment and become mentally prepared to reintegrate during the redeployment, post-deployment and reset portions of the deployment cycle.
WAQ is centrally funded through the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, with oversight from the Installation Management Command and regional MWR recreation managers. The three pilot programs taking place this week are in Vicenza, Italy; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Leesburg, Va., and involve two active-duty and one reserve brigade combat teams.
Planning is under way to bring the program to an additional 24 Army garrisons over the next year, and the long-term goal is to have every BCT participate in WAQ within 90 days of their redeployment from a combat environment.
Officials will use survey and assessment tools to evaluate the program's effectiveness, including statistics from the Combat Readiness/Safety Center, the Reintegration Unit Risk Inventory, the Unit Behavioral Health Needs Assessment, and a new online survey, the Warrior Adventure Quest User Survey.
Training and Doctrine Command officials said it costs the Army $54,700 to train a basic combat arms soldier, and as much as $67,000 for other military occupational specialties, depending on the length of their advanced individual training.
Since there's no way to put a dollar value on a soldier's life, determining a return on investment for this project is difficult. However, the average cost per person to participate in WAQ is only $86 -- less than it costs to fill the fuel tank of a Humvee.
The Army plans to cycle nearly 80,000 soldiers through WAQ over the next year, at a cost of just under $7 million. If it cuts the fatality rate in half, it will have paid for itself, officials said, and if it saves just one soldier's life, it will be worth the effort.
(William Bradner works at the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs Office.)
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