By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - President Barack Obama today held up Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as an example for America to follow toward energy independence. The air base – a huge facility outside Las Vegas best known as the "Home of the Fighter Pilot" – also is the site of the largest solar electric plant of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, and the president would like to see more such facilities around the country.
The array has more than 72,000 solar panels built on part of an old landfill. The facility provides about a quarter of the electricity for the 12,000 people who live and work at the base. "That's the equivalent of powering about 13,200 homes during the day," Obama said. "It's a project that took about half a year to complete, created 200 jobs, and will save the U.S. Air Force, which is the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, nearly $1 million a year."
The Nellis facility reduces harmful carbon pollution by 24,000 tons a year – the equivalent of removing 4,000 cars from the roads, Obama noted. "Most importantly, this base serves as a shining example of what's possible when we harness the power of clean, renewable energy to build a new, firmer foundation for economic growth," he said.
Nellis' system covers 140 acres of land, including 33 acres of capped landfill. The array comprises more than 72,000 solar panels that track the sun to maximize renewable solar energy.
Obama said he would like to see this technology – and others that harness wind and geothermal energy – duplicated around the United States "because in this case, what happens in Vegas should not stay in Vegas."
"We'll invest in the development and deployment of solar technology wherever it can thrive," he said, "and we'll find the best way to integrate solar power into our electric grid."
The Nellis solar power system is a joint venture among the Air Force, Renewable Ventures, SunPower Corp. and N.V. Energy.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Biden Calls on Air Force Academy Graduates to Shape History
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden today called upon the newest graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy to shape a new history for the country as they said goodbye to academia and welcomed their new challenges as second lieutenants in an ever-changing U.S. military and world. Biden delivered the academy's commencement address at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"Today marks the end of one chapter and [begins] what for many of you will be a long and proud career of service to the United States of America," he said. "You take your place as leaders in the premier military not only in the world, but in the history of the world."
Biden thanked the 1,046 graduates for surviving the rigors of higher learning while simultaneously enduring the physical and mental stresses of becoming Air Force officers.
"While your friends across the country were heading to campus bars, you were [conducting military training]," he said. "We want to express our gratitude for the service you've yet to perform, the risks you've offered to take and the many sacrifices that will be asked of you in the coming years."
The class of 2009 is graduating into a moment in history where the state of the world is constantly changing, Biden said, setting a course for a future that past generations didn't have to act upon. The vice president cited the global financial crisis and food, water and energy scarcities. He talked about the proliferation of nuclear weapons by "unstable" countries and called the world a planet in peril "set in a direction that must be altered." Today's challenges are daunting, he acknowledged, but they present immense opportunities.
"This is a moment that requires us to act or face the consequences of our inaction," Biden said to the class. "Other generations have had the luxury of not acting, knowing that the status quo would not in any fundamental way be altered. You don't have that choice.
"This is your moment to bend history towards a service of a better day," he continued. "It's a moment that will be defined by you and your civilian counterparts – by a generation that I'm convinced has the intellect, the character and the judgment to ensure that America will lead the 21st century as it has the 20th century."
Biden said he envies today's generation for its opportunity to rewrite history. Each graduating class and every cadet has had unique challenges, Biden said, and every class enters history which, up to that point, was written for them. But the opportunities to rewrite history and make the world a better place are far greater today than ever before, he added.
"It's not going to be easy," the vice president said. "The history that you can write is monumental, and I'm absolutely confident that you can do it."
Biden stressed that it's not just a time for the newest generation of college graduates. It's America's time too, he said, as the country strives to invest in education opportunities for lesser fortunate children and make health care more affordable and available for its citizens.
On a day when President Barack Obama held up Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as an example for the nation to follow in the pursuit of solar energy, Biden said America has a responsibility to make the planet greener by developing ways to improve the environment. Americans also should support improving the quality of life for Third World countries, which Biden said will greatly reduce the recruiting pool for terrorists and extremists.
"All this while you, the future military leaders of America, are guaranteeing our security and promoting peace and stability the world over," Biden told the Air Force Academy graduates. "We have learned that peace without military strength is an illusion, but military strength without wisdom is insufficient."
Biden urged the graduates not to listen to those who doubt the relevance of today's Air Force and those who may not believe their generation is up for the many challenges ahead of them. Superiority in the air, in space and in cyberspace can't happen without the Air Force and the technological intellect of today's generation of military leaders, he said.
"How can you protect my son and all the sons and daughters of Americans who are on the ground in the theaters of combat without you flying the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq?" he asked. "All other nations combined in the world do not have the capacities that our Air Force alone possesses."
Without the United States Air Force, he asked, who could be trusted with nuclear stewardship, and who would be there at a moment's notice to deliver humanitarian aid to countries in need?
"There's no security in the United States without a strong, robust, vibrant [and] growing United States Air Force," he said.
The only way the United States can make good on its many promises to nations around the world is because of its Air Force and strategic military capabilities, he said.
"You are relevant," he told the graduates. "You are the essential element in fulfilling America's leadership in the world. You have the character, the training and the motivation unlike any other generation before you to fulfill your missions. And while you do, ... you will change the course of history."
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden today called upon the newest graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy to shape a new history for the country as they said goodbye to academia and welcomed their new challenges as second lieutenants in an ever-changing U.S. military and world. Biden delivered the academy's commencement address at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"Today marks the end of one chapter and [begins] what for many of you will be a long and proud career of service to the United States of America," he said. "You take your place as leaders in the premier military not only in the world, but in the history of the world."
Biden thanked the 1,046 graduates for surviving the rigors of higher learning while simultaneously enduring the physical and mental stresses of becoming Air Force officers.
"While your friends across the country were heading to campus bars, you were [conducting military training]," he said. "We want to express our gratitude for the service you've yet to perform, the risks you've offered to take and the many sacrifices that will be asked of you in the coming years."
The class of 2009 is graduating into a moment in history where the state of the world is constantly changing, Biden said, setting a course for a future that past generations didn't have to act upon. The vice president cited the global financial crisis and food, water and energy scarcities. He talked about the proliferation of nuclear weapons by "unstable" countries and called the world a planet in peril "set in a direction that must be altered." Today's challenges are daunting, he acknowledged, but they present immense opportunities.
"This is a moment that requires us to act or face the consequences of our inaction," Biden said to the class. "Other generations have had the luxury of not acting, knowing that the status quo would not in any fundamental way be altered. You don't have that choice.
"This is your moment to bend history towards a service of a better day," he continued. "It's a moment that will be defined by you and your civilian counterparts – by a generation that I'm convinced has the intellect, the character and the judgment to ensure that America will lead the 21st century as it has the 20th century."
Biden said he envies today's generation for its opportunity to rewrite history. Each graduating class and every cadet has had unique challenges, Biden said, and every class enters history which, up to that point, was written for them. But the opportunities to rewrite history and make the world a better place are far greater today than ever before, he added.
"It's not going to be easy," the vice president said. "The history that you can write is monumental, and I'm absolutely confident that you can do it."
Biden stressed that it's not just a time for the newest generation of college graduates. It's America's time too, he said, as the country strives to invest in education opportunities for lesser fortunate children and make health care more affordable and available for its citizens.
On a day when President Barack Obama held up Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as an example for the nation to follow in the pursuit of solar energy, Biden said America has a responsibility to make the planet greener by developing ways to improve the environment. Americans also should support improving the quality of life for Third World countries, which Biden said will greatly reduce the recruiting pool for terrorists and extremists.
"All this while you, the future military leaders of America, are guaranteeing our security and promoting peace and stability the world over," Biden told the Air Force Academy graduates. "We have learned that peace without military strength is an illusion, but military strength without wisdom is insufficient."
Biden urged the graduates not to listen to those who doubt the relevance of today's Air Force and those who may not believe their generation is up for the many challenges ahead of them. Superiority in the air, in space and in cyberspace can't happen without the Air Force and the technological intellect of today's generation of military leaders, he said.
"How can you protect my son and all the sons and daughters of Americans who are on the ground in the theaters of combat without you flying the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq?" he asked. "All other nations combined in the world do not have the capacities that our Air Force alone possesses."
Without the United States Air Force, he asked, who could be trusted with nuclear stewardship, and who would be there at a moment's notice to deliver humanitarian aid to countries in need?
"There's no security in the United States without a strong, robust, vibrant [and] growing United States Air Force," he said.
The only way the United States can make good on its many promises to nations around the world is because of its Air Force and strategic military capabilities, he said.
"You are relevant," he told the graduates. "You are the essential element in fulfilling America's leadership in the world. You have the character, the training and the motivation unlike any other generation before you to fulfill your missions. And while you do, ... you will change the course of history."
VA Studies Advanced Prosthetic Arm
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a three-year study of an advanced artificial arm that easily allows those with severe limb loss to pick up a key or hold a pencil. "This arm is a high-tech example of how VA researchers are continually modernizing the materials, design and clinical use of artificial limbs to meet veterans' lifestyle and medical needs," said Dr. Joel Kupersmith, VA's physician and chief research and development officer.
In collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the study marks the first large-scale testing of the arm, which allows those who have lost a limb up to their shoulder to perform movements while reaching over their head, a previously impossible maneuver for people with a prosthetic arm.
The study is under the direction of Dr. Linda Resnik at the VA Medical Center in Providence, R.I. Veterans fitted with the arm will provide feedback to guide engineers in refining the prototype before it is commercialized and also made available through the VA health care system, VA officials said.
A unique feature of the advanced arm is its control system, which works almost like a foot-operated joystick. An array of sensors embedded in a shoe allows users to maneuver the arm by putting pressure on different parts of the foot. The current version uses wires to relay the signals to the arm, but future versions will be wireless.
The arm also can be adapted to work with other control systems, including myoelectric switches, which are wired to residual nerves and muscles in the upper body and respond to movement impulses from the brain, shoulder joysticks or other conventional inputs.
Frederick Downs Jr., director of VA's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service lost his left arm during combat in Vietnam. He said he was "brought to tears" recently when the prosthetic arm allowed him to smoothly bring a water bottle to his mouth and drink.
"Learning to use the controls is not difficult," he said, due in part to a sensor in the artificial hand that sends a vibration signal that tells how strong the grip is. A stronger grip causes more vibration.
VA prosthetics research also includes vision and hearing aids, wheelchairs and propulsion aids, devices to help people with brain injuries to become mobile, and adaptive equipment for automobiles and homes -- "everything that's necessary to help veterans regain their mobility and independence," Downs said.
(From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)
May 27, 2009 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a three-year study of an advanced artificial arm that easily allows those with severe limb loss to pick up a key or hold a pencil. "This arm is a high-tech example of how VA researchers are continually modernizing the materials, design and clinical use of artificial limbs to meet veterans' lifestyle and medical needs," said Dr. Joel Kupersmith, VA's physician and chief research and development officer.
In collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the study marks the first large-scale testing of the arm, which allows those who have lost a limb up to their shoulder to perform movements while reaching over their head, a previously impossible maneuver for people with a prosthetic arm.
The study is under the direction of Dr. Linda Resnik at the VA Medical Center in Providence, R.I. Veterans fitted with the arm will provide feedback to guide engineers in refining the prototype before it is commercialized and also made available through the VA health care system, VA officials said.
A unique feature of the advanced arm is its control system, which works almost like a foot-operated joystick. An array of sensors embedded in a shoe allows users to maneuver the arm by putting pressure on different parts of the foot. The current version uses wires to relay the signals to the arm, but future versions will be wireless.
The arm also can be adapted to work with other control systems, including myoelectric switches, which are wired to residual nerves and muscles in the upper body and respond to movement impulses from the brain, shoulder joysticks or other conventional inputs.
Frederick Downs Jr., director of VA's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service lost his left arm during combat in Vietnam. He said he was "brought to tears" recently when the prosthetic arm allowed him to smoothly bring a water bottle to his mouth and drink.
"Learning to use the controls is not difficult," he said, due in part to a sensor in the artificial hand that sends a vibration signal that tells how strong the grip is. A stronger grip causes more vibration.
VA prosthetics research also includes vision and hearing aids, wheelchairs and propulsion aids, devices to help people with brain injuries to become mobile, and adaptive equipment for automobiles and homes -- "everything that's necessary to help veterans regain their mobility and independence," Downs said.
(From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)
Gates Leaves for Asia Security Talks
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates left here today for two days of security talks with defense counterparts and other senior officials from across Asia. The Asia Security Summit, known as the "Shangri-La Dialogue" for the Singapore hotel at which it's held annually, is sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. It opens May 30, and comes on the heels of a week of provocative acts by North Korea, including reported nuclear and missile tests and rumors of threats to attack U.S. and South Korean warships.
Senior U.S. officials have denounced the acts, calling them "provocative and belligerent," and senior defense officials say that while the talks in Singapore will not focus entirely on North Korea, it is likely the subject will occupy much of both the formal and aside conversations.
"It's obviously got to be addressed," a senior defense official, speaking on background, said. "It's a potential game-changer. ... I think it's fair to say that our approach is going to be that it's hard to affect North Korea directly, but we can certainly shore up and reinforce and deepen our relationships with our allies and our friends out there."
For the first time, Gates will sit down with the defense ministers from both South Korea and Japan. He also will meet briefly with a senior military official from China. All three countries have expressed alarm at North Korea's recent actions.
"We're looking to have a dialogue with our allies and our friends and work jointly together on what the proper responses should be," the defense official said. "We want to work with Asia on Asia's problems."
As he did last year, Gates will open the conference's first session. He will discuss a broad set of security issues and will promise continued support from the new U.S. administration, the official said. This underscores Gate's intent behind the trip, the official added, which is to reaffirm commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.
About 250,000 servicemembers, or nearly one-fifth of total U.S. military strength, serve in the region, with Navy and Marine forces making up the largest elements.
"We're committed to the region, even though there is a lot of other stuff going on," the defense official said. "The United States is going to continue to be focused on Asia."
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates left here today for two days of security talks with defense counterparts and other senior officials from across Asia. The Asia Security Summit, known as the "Shangri-La Dialogue" for the Singapore hotel at which it's held annually, is sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. It opens May 30, and comes on the heels of a week of provocative acts by North Korea, including reported nuclear and missile tests and rumors of threats to attack U.S. and South Korean warships.
Senior U.S. officials have denounced the acts, calling them "provocative and belligerent," and senior defense officials say that while the talks in Singapore will not focus entirely on North Korea, it is likely the subject will occupy much of both the formal and aside conversations.
"It's obviously got to be addressed," a senior defense official, speaking on background, said. "It's a potential game-changer. ... I think it's fair to say that our approach is going to be that it's hard to affect North Korea directly, but we can certainly shore up and reinforce and deepen our relationships with our allies and our friends out there."
For the first time, Gates will sit down with the defense ministers from both South Korea and Japan. He also will meet briefly with a senior military official from China. All three countries have expressed alarm at North Korea's recent actions.
"We're looking to have a dialogue with our allies and our friends and work jointly together on what the proper responses should be," the defense official said. "We want to work with Asia on Asia's problems."
As he did last year, Gates will open the conference's first session. He will discuss a broad set of security issues and will promise continued support from the new U.S. administration, the official said. This underscores Gate's intent behind the trip, the official added, which is to reaffirm commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.
About 250,000 servicemembers, or nearly one-fifth of total U.S. military strength, serve in the region, with Navy and Marine forces making up the largest elements.
"We're committed to the region, even though there is a lot of other stuff going on," the defense official said. "The United States is going to continue to be focused on Asia."
VA Web Site Helps College Counselors Aid Veterans
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new Web site to strengthen the connection between college and university mental health professionals and veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts studying on their campuses. "Many of our newest veterans are beginning their post-service lives by furthering their educations," said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA's acting undersecretary for health. "This initiative is designed to ensure that colleges and universities are able to assist with any special mental health needs they may have."
The Web site, http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/College, features recommended training for college and university counselors, with online modules including "Operation SAVE" for suicide prevention, "PTSD 101" and "Helping Students Who Drink Too Much." It also will feature a resource list that will be updated regularly.
Although the Web site is designed primarily for counselors, it also serves as a resource for veteran-students who wish to learn more about the challenges they may face in adjusting to their lives after leaving the military.
"We hope counselors and our returning veterans find this site helpful and easy to use," Cross said. "As the site grows, we expect it will become an increasingly valuable resource."
The new site is one of several Web-based tools VA has developed to assist veterans in dealing with mental health issues. Others include a guide for families of military members returning from deployment and information about a suicide prevention hotline for veterans.
(From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)
May 27, 2009 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new Web site to strengthen the connection between college and university mental health professionals and veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts studying on their campuses. "Many of our newest veterans are beginning their post-service lives by furthering their educations," said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA's acting undersecretary for health. "This initiative is designed to ensure that colleges and universities are able to assist with any special mental health needs they may have."
The Web site, http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/College, features recommended training for college and university counselors, with online modules including "Operation SAVE" for suicide prevention, "PTSD 101" and "Helping Students Who Drink Too Much." It also will feature a resource list that will be updated regularly.
Although the Web site is designed primarily for counselors, it also serves as a resource for veteran-students who wish to learn more about the challenges they may face in adjusting to their lives after leaving the military.
"We hope counselors and our returning veterans find this site helpful and easy to use," Cross said. "As the site grows, we expect it will become an increasingly valuable resource."
The new site is one of several Web-based tools VA has developed to assist veterans in dealing with mental health issues. Others include a guide for families of military members returning from deployment and information about a suicide prevention hotline for veterans.
(From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)
Gates Urges High School Alma Mater's Graduates to Lead, Serve
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Service, leadership and goals were the main themes of a graduation speech Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates delivered today to students of his alma mater, Wichita East High School in Wichita, Kan. "A Kansas upbringing imparts qualities that have been a source of strength for me over the years: an enduring optimism and idealism, a love of country and dedication to citizenship and service," Gates told the graduates. "In many ways, for all the places I have gone, and all the jobs I have held, and all the notable people I have worked with and met, I will always consider myself first and foremost just a kid from Kansas who got lucky."
The secretary said he is gratified by the number of graduates in the audience who will attend the service academies or have earned an ROTC scholarship. "Some of you will enlist right away in our armed forces," he said. "I admire and thank you all, on behalf of the American people."
Gates admitted he can't remember who spoke at his own graduation from East High, but he said he clearly remembers six teachers at the school who played great roles in his life.
"They opened my eyes to the world and to the life of the mind, and they were role models of decency and character," he said. "I only hope that half a century from now you will look back on your time at East High with such fond memories and, above all, remember amazing teachers who played a similarly major role in shaping your life."
The secretary told the students he got a "D" in calculus when he attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia. "Years later, as president of Texas A&M, I would tell university freshmen that I learned two lessons from that 'D,'" he said. "First, even if you're fairly smart, you will not succeed if you don't work hard. Second, I am standing proof that you can survive a 'D' as a freshman and still go on to make something of yourself."
He also told the graduates that it is all right to change majors in college, and that all should be "prepared to take your lives in directions you hadn't necessarily planned for," he said.
The secretary also spoke about his CIA intelligence training. "My efforts were less James Bond and more Austin Powers – and I don't mean that in a good way," he said. "One of my first training assignments was to practice secret surveillance with a team following a woman CIA officer around downtown Richmond, Va.
"Our team wasn't very stealthy," he continued, "and someone reported to the Richmond police that some disreputable-looking men – that would be me and my fellow CIA trainees – were stalking this poor woman. "My two colleagues were picked up by the Richmond police, and the only reason I didn't get arrested was because I had lost sight of her so quickly."
So instead of being a spy, the secretary became an analyst. "That led me into a career that allowed me to witness amazing moments in American history," he said. "So it may take you a few missteps and even embarrassments before you find the thing you're really good at, whether you go to college or not. But, keep at it."
Gates spoke about being a good leader and cited integrity as the core of good leadership. Good leaders have the courage to do what is right, not what is popular, the secretary said.
"You may be called to stand alone, and say 'I disagree with all of you and, because I have the responsibility, this is what we will do,'" he said. "Don't kid yourself – that takes courage."
The secretary also said real leaders treat other people with common decency and respect. "Too often, those who are in charge demonstrate their power by making life miserable for their subordinates, just to show they can," he said. "President Truman had it right when he said, 'Always be nice to all the people who can't talk back to you.'"
America needs leaders, and it needs people to step up and be of service to their communities and their country, Gates said. "No life is complete without such service," he told the graduates. "There are many ways to do this. Some of you do this already at school, in your community, through your church or elsewhere."
As secretary of defense, Gates said, he leads an organization in which "dedication, patriotism, and sacrifice are on display every day – by people who in many cases are your age or not much older," he said. "It is their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of so many others in every generation, that has made it possible for you and for me to live free and secure – to be able to make the choices about our own lives that I've been talking about.
"Our democracy is not just about our rights," he said. "It's also about our responsibilities and obligations."
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Service, leadership and goals were the main themes of a graduation speech Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates delivered today to students of his alma mater, Wichita East High School in Wichita, Kan. "A Kansas upbringing imparts qualities that have been a source of strength for me over the years: an enduring optimism and idealism, a love of country and dedication to citizenship and service," Gates told the graduates. "In many ways, for all the places I have gone, and all the jobs I have held, and all the notable people I have worked with and met, I will always consider myself first and foremost just a kid from Kansas who got lucky."
The secretary said he is gratified by the number of graduates in the audience who will attend the service academies or have earned an ROTC scholarship. "Some of you will enlist right away in our armed forces," he said. "I admire and thank you all, on behalf of the American people."
Gates admitted he can't remember who spoke at his own graduation from East High, but he said he clearly remembers six teachers at the school who played great roles in his life.
"They opened my eyes to the world and to the life of the mind, and they were role models of decency and character," he said. "I only hope that half a century from now you will look back on your time at East High with such fond memories and, above all, remember amazing teachers who played a similarly major role in shaping your life."
The secretary told the students he got a "D" in calculus when he attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia. "Years later, as president of Texas A&M, I would tell university freshmen that I learned two lessons from that 'D,'" he said. "First, even if you're fairly smart, you will not succeed if you don't work hard. Second, I am standing proof that you can survive a 'D' as a freshman and still go on to make something of yourself."
He also told the graduates that it is all right to change majors in college, and that all should be "prepared to take your lives in directions you hadn't necessarily planned for," he said.
The secretary also spoke about his CIA intelligence training. "My efforts were less James Bond and more Austin Powers – and I don't mean that in a good way," he said. "One of my first training assignments was to practice secret surveillance with a team following a woman CIA officer around downtown Richmond, Va.
"Our team wasn't very stealthy," he continued, "and someone reported to the Richmond police that some disreputable-looking men – that would be me and my fellow CIA trainees – were stalking this poor woman. "My two colleagues were picked up by the Richmond police, and the only reason I didn't get arrested was because I had lost sight of her so quickly."
So instead of being a spy, the secretary became an analyst. "That led me into a career that allowed me to witness amazing moments in American history," he said. "So it may take you a few missteps and even embarrassments before you find the thing you're really good at, whether you go to college or not. But, keep at it."
Gates spoke about being a good leader and cited integrity as the core of good leadership. Good leaders have the courage to do what is right, not what is popular, the secretary said.
"You may be called to stand alone, and say 'I disagree with all of you and, because I have the responsibility, this is what we will do,'" he said. "Don't kid yourself – that takes courage."
The secretary also said real leaders treat other people with common decency and respect. "Too often, those who are in charge demonstrate their power by making life miserable for their subordinates, just to show they can," he said. "President Truman had it right when he said, 'Always be nice to all the people who can't talk back to you.'"
America needs leaders, and it needs people to step up and be of service to their communities and their country, Gates said. "No life is complete without such service," he told the graduates. "There are many ways to do this. Some of you do this already at school, in your community, through your church or elsewhere."
As secretary of defense, Gates said, he leads an organization in which "dedication, patriotism, and sacrifice are on display every day – by people who in many cases are your age or not much older," he said. "It is their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of so many others in every generation, that has made it possible for you and for me to live free and secure – to be able to make the choices about our own lives that I've been talking about.
"Our democracy is not just about our rights," he said. "It's also about our responsibilities and obligations."
Clinton Condemns 'Provocative' North Korean Activities, Rhetoric
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today reiterated U.S. commitment to South Korea's and Japan's security in light of what she called North Korea's "provocative and belligerent" activities and rhetoric. "The United States has and intends always to honor ... the defense of South Korea and Japan," she said. "That is part of our alliance obligation, which we take very seriously."
While not discussing details of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests conducted this week in violation of a United Nations resolution, Clinton noted that the international community is coming together to condemn them.
"North Korea has made a choice," she said. "It has chosen to violate the specific language of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718. It has ignored the international community. It has abrogated the obligations it entered into through the Six-Party Talks. And it continues to act in a provocative and belligerent manner toward its neighbors.
"There are consequences to such actions," Clinton said, noting that the U.N. is weighing possible options.
"I'm very pleased that we have a unified international community, including China and Russia, in setting forth a very specific condemnation of North Korea and then working with us for a firm resolution going forward," she said.
Whatever response is adopted, Clinton said, it will be imposed "with the intent to try to rein in the North Koreans and get them back into a framework where they are once again fulfilling their obligations and moving toward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."
The secretary of state reiterated hope that North Korea will return to the stalled process aimed at a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. Working with North Korea toward denuclearization, "will benefit, we believe, the people of North Korea, the region and the world," she said.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs noted that North Korea's actions are further isolating it from the international community. Gibbs did not specifically discuss North Korea's reported threats against South Korean ships supporting the Proliferation Security Initiative, or North Korean allegations that in joining the PSI, South Korea had nullified the armistice agreement that's been in effect since 1953. South Korea yesterday joined the 90 countries working together through the PSI to stem the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
"We are certainly concerned and take any threat seriously," Gibbs told White House reporters today. "But my sense is that they are trying to get renewed attention through saber-rattling and blustering and threats."
These threats won't get North Korea the attention it wants, he said. "Their actions are continuing to further deepen their own isolation from the international community and from the rights and obligations that they themselves have agreed to live up to."
Based on what he acknowledged to be a "rough count," Gibbs called the latest threat "the fifth time in 15 years that they have sought to nullify the armistice governing the Korean war."
American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today reiterated U.S. commitment to South Korea's and Japan's security in light of what she called North Korea's "provocative and belligerent" activities and rhetoric. "The United States has and intends always to honor ... the defense of South Korea and Japan," she said. "That is part of our alliance obligation, which we take very seriously."
While not discussing details of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests conducted this week in violation of a United Nations resolution, Clinton noted that the international community is coming together to condemn them.
"North Korea has made a choice," she said. "It has chosen to violate the specific language of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718. It has ignored the international community. It has abrogated the obligations it entered into through the Six-Party Talks. And it continues to act in a provocative and belligerent manner toward its neighbors.
"There are consequences to such actions," Clinton said, noting that the U.N. is weighing possible options.
"I'm very pleased that we have a unified international community, including China and Russia, in setting forth a very specific condemnation of North Korea and then working with us for a firm resolution going forward," she said.
Whatever response is adopted, Clinton said, it will be imposed "with the intent to try to rein in the North Koreans and get them back into a framework where they are once again fulfilling their obligations and moving toward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."
The secretary of state reiterated hope that North Korea will return to the stalled process aimed at a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. Working with North Korea toward denuclearization, "will benefit, we believe, the people of North Korea, the region and the world," she said.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs noted that North Korea's actions are further isolating it from the international community. Gibbs did not specifically discuss North Korea's reported threats against South Korean ships supporting the Proliferation Security Initiative, or North Korean allegations that in joining the PSI, South Korea had nullified the armistice agreement that's been in effect since 1953. South Korea yesterday joined the 90 countries working together through the PSI to stem the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
"We are certainly concerned and take any threat seriously," Gibbs told White House reporters today. "But my sense is that they are trying to get renewed attention through saber-rattling and blustering and threats."
These threats won't get North Korea the attention it wants, he said. "Their actions are continuing to further deepen their own isolation from the international community and from the rights and obligations that they themselves have agreed to live up to."
Based on what he acknowledged to be a "rough count," Gibbs called the latest threat "the fifth time in 15 years that they have sought to nullify the armistice governing the Korean war."
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 27, 2009
NAVY
Sound & Sea Technology, Inc.*, Lynnwood, Wash., (N62583-09-D-0064); PCCI, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., (N62583-09-D-0065); Truston Technologies, Inc.*, Annapolis, Md., (N62583-09-D-0066); GPA Technologies, Inc.*, Ventura, Calif., (N62583-09-D-0067); and MAR, Inc.*, Rockville, Md., (N62583-09-D-0068), are each being awarded a cost-plus fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract in support of the Naval Ocean Facilities Engineering Program (NOFP) at Navy and Marine Corps Installations worldwide. The work to be performed provides for support of the NOFP requirements managed by the Engineering Service Center, Port Hueneme. Projects may involve incidental construction work or equipment fabrication and primarily include: ocean cable systems, ocean work systems, waterfront facilities, hyperbaric facilities, offshore structures, moorings, and ocean construction equipment. This work will be performed in environmental conditions ranging from arctic to tropic and at all water depths where equipment installation or removal, maintenance, inspection, repair, and salvage operations may be required. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all five contracts combined is $250,000,000. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities worldwide, and the expected completion date is May 2014. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These con! tracts w ere competitively procured as a 100 percent small business set-aside via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Acquisitions, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Sauer, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $12,322,300 firm-fixed price construction contract for the design and construction of a 575-person enlisted dining facility at the Marine Corps Air Base, New River. This project will include demolition of building AS4012 and an existing parking area. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase the cumulative contract value to $12,947,300. Work will be performed in the Jacksonville, N.C., area, and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 27 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3208).
Rolls Royce, Bristol, England, is being awarded $10,587,795 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 5085 under an existing basic ordering agreement (N00383-08-G-003M) for turbine blades used in support of the F-402 engine. Work will be performed at Bristol, England, and work is to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will expire before the end of the contract ordering period. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Broadmoor Limited Liability Corp., Metairie, La., is being awarded $5,950,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62467-05-D-0096) for design and construction of a jet engine maintenance shop addition and an aircraft test cell foundation at Naval Air Station - Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. The jet engine maintenance shop addition will contain service work bays for engine repair, parts and tool room, shop circulation and delivery areas, offices, communications room, mechanical and electrical room, and covered exterior secure storage, restrooms, showers, and locker room areas. The aircraft test cell foundation project shall provide water supply connection, electrical service, industrial waste piping, communications conduit, and taxiway. Work will be performed in Belle Chase, La., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Walbridge Aldinger Co., Inc Detroit, Mich., was awarded on May 22, 2009 a $149,669,000 firm-fixed price contract for a project that includes the design and construction of three (3) small and three(3) medium tactical vehicle equipment maintenance facilities (total 159,870 square foot) with accompanied tactical/ organizational vehicle parking hardstand (155.511 square foot); and six(6) standard design company operations facilities (364,777 square foot) consisting of administrative modules, supply (readiness modules) and covered hardstand area (66,555 square foot) to support an Infantry Brigade Combat Team stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. The project also includes all necessary construction of the infrastructure and utilities to include access roads, electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services, water storage tank and well, security perimeter fencing with gates, security lighting, exterior lighting, parking, walks, and gutter, storm water and drainage, signage, information systems, lightning protection systems, site improvements, and landscaping. Work is to be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., with an estimated date of Mar. 15, 2011. Four proposals solicited with three proposals received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0054).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas was awarded on May 21, 2009 a $20,230,149 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for requirement is for performance of the following: 1) eliminate obsolete parts affection PAC-3 Seeker, minus the Exciter, through a block redesign ; and 2) perform the development, integration, qualification, and transition to production tasks necessary to produce the seeker block redesign. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas with an estimated date of Apr. 30, 2011. One proposal solicited with one bid relieved.
U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-G-0001).
Rockford Corp., Anchorage, Ark., was awarded on May 22, 2009, a $14,832,351 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a hydrant fuel system in Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Work is to be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight (8) bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-09-C-0010).
Far East Construction Corp., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on May 22, 2009 a $13,750,756 firm-fixed-price contract will require construction of parking lots and infrastructure. The infrastructure includes electrical and communication distribution, water distribution and wastewater collection. Buildings to be constructed included the group support battalion (GSB) logistics, GBS tactical equipment maintenance facility, GSB organization equipment storage facility, GSB oil storage facility, GSB hazardous materials storage facility and rack/platform. Work is to be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 22, 2010. Corps of Engineers Mobile Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala.m is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0027).
Venegas Engineering Management & Construction Inc. El Paso, Texas was awarded on May 20, 2009 an $8,612,200 firm-fixed-price construction contract to construct of a training support center (TSC) at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The primary facility included as approximately 84,550 square foot TSC facility and storage shed. Supporting facilities included utilities, electric service, fire protection, storm drainage, information system, and landscaping and site improvement. The TSC will support tactical units being stationed at Fort Bliss and is required to support increases in virtual live training devices. The building is being designed to allow for future expansion access for individuals with disabilities will also be provided. Work is to be performed in El Paso, Texas with an estimated completion date of Jul. 31, 201. Two Hundred (200) bids were solicited with six (6) bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-C-0040).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 20, 2009 a $6,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for System Technical Support for the Abrams tank program to continue the M1A1 parts obsolescence resolution. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-WARREN, AMSTA-QA-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
BAE Systems, Tactical Vehicle Systems LP, Sealy, Texas was awarded on May 20, 2009 a $5,803,631 firm-fixed-price contract for 60 vehicles will be reset and any damage repaired. Work is to be completed in Texarkana, Texas, (60 percent) and Sealy, Texas, (40 percent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 18, 2009. TACOM Contracting Center-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-ATBB, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-D-0138).
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2013 a $5,620,000 cost-labor-hours contract to perform advanced technology design, development, and testing to provide countermine roller wheel suspension and power solution, countermeasure maturation, simulated instrumented mines and simulated improvised explosive devices, production-ready push roller designs, and demonstration hardware. Work is to be performed in Houghton, Mich., with an estimated date of Jun. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-ASGB, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0525).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $50,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations of supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the forth option year period. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-04-D-BP06).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $15,124,055 firm fixed price, sole source contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia., (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., (N00383-06-D-004H-THA3).
General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $14,428,393 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for combustion chamber frames. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one response to the original proposed solicitation. The date of performance completion is August 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., (SPRTA1-09-G-0004-0001).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Georgia Technical Applied Research Corp., of Atlanta, Ga., for a maximum of $9 million. This contract action will provide for improvement of the modeling and simulation capabilities within the product manager Infrared CounterMeasures Office for Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System. At this time, $2,898,551 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4000).
Sound & Sea Technology, Inc.*, Lynnwood, Wash., (N62583-09-D-0064); PCCI, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., (N62583-09-D-0065); Truston Technologies, Inc.*, Annapolis, Md., (N62583-09-D-0066); GPA Technologies, Inc.*, Ventura, Calif., (N62583-09-D-0067); and MAR, Inc.*, Rockville, Md., (N62583-09-D-0068), are each being awarded a cost-plus fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract in support of the Naval Ocean Facilities Engineering Program (NOFP) at Navy and Marine Corps Installations worldwide. The work to be performed provides for support of the NOFP requirements managed by the Engineering Service Center, Port Hueneme. Projects may involve incidental construction work or equipment fabrication and primarily include: ocean cable systems, ocean work systems, waterfront facilities, hyperbaric facilities, offshore structures, moorings, and ocean construction equipment. This work will be performed in environmental conditions ranging from arctic to tropic and at all water depths where equipment installation or removal, maintenance, inspection, repair, and salvage operations may be required. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all five contracts combined is $250,000,000. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities worldwide, and the expected completion date is May 2014. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These con! tracts w ere competitively procured as a 100 percent small business set-aside via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Acquisitions, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Sauer, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $12,322,300 firm-fixed price construction contract for the design and construction of a 575-person enlisted dining facility at the Marine Corps Air Base, New River. This project will include demolition of building AS4012 and an existing parking area. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase the cumulative contract value to $12,947,300. Work will be performed in the Jacksonville, N.C., area, and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 27 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3208).
Rolls Royce, Bristol, England, is being awarded $10,587,795 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 5085 under an existing basic ordering agreement (N00383-08-G-003M) for turbine blades used in support of the F-402 engine. Work will be performed at Bristol, England, and work is to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will expire before the end of the contract ordering period. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Broadmoor Limited Liability Corp., Metairie, La., is being awarded $5,950,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62467-05-D-0096) for design and construction of a jet engine maintenance shop addition and an aircraft test cell foundation at Naval Air Station - Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. The jet engine maintenance shop addition will contain service work bays for engine repair, parts and tool room, shop circulation and delivery areas, offices, communications room, mechanical and electrical room, and covered exterior secure storage, restrooms, showers, and locker room areas. The aircraft test cell foundation project shall provide water supply connection, electrical service, industrial waste piping, communications conduit, and taxiway. Work will be performed in Belle Chase, La., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Walbridge Aldinger Co., Inc Detroit, Mich., was awarded on May 22, 2009 a $149,669,000 firm-fixed price contract for a project that includes the design and construction of three (3) small and three(3) medium tactical vehicle equipment maintenance facilities (total 159,870 square foot) with accompanied tactical/ organizational vehicle parking hardstand (155.511 square foot); and six(6) standard design company operations facilities (364,777 square foot) consisting of administrative modules, supply (readiness modules) and covered hardstand area (66,555 square foot) to support an Infantry Brigade Combat Team stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. The project also includes all necessary construction of the infrastructure and utilities to include access roads, electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services, water storage tank and well, security perimeter fencing with gates, security lighting, exterior lighting, parking, walks, and gutter, storm water and drainage, signage, information systems, lightning protection systems, site improvements, and landscaping. Work is to be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., with an estimated date of Mar. 15, 2011. Four proposals solicited with three proposals received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0054).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas was awarded on May 21, 2009 a $20,230,149 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for requirement is for performance of the following: 1) eliminate obsolete parts affection PAC-3 Seeker, minus the Exciter, through a block redesign ; and 2) perform the development, integration, qualification, and transition to production tasks necessary to produce the seeker block redesign. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas with an estimated date of Apr. 30, 2011. One proposal solicited with one bid relieved.
U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-G-0001).
Rockford Corp., Anchorage, Ark., was awarded on May 22, 2009, a $14,832,351 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a hydrant fuel system in Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Work is to be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight (8) bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-09-C-0010).
Far East Construction Corp., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on May 22, 2009 a $13,750,756 firm-fixed-price contract will require construction of parking lots and infrastructure. The infrastructure includes electrical and communication distribution, water distribution and wastewater collection. Buildings to be constructed included the group support battalion (GSB) logistics, GBS tactical equipment maintenance facility, GSB organization equipment storage facility, GSB oil storage facility, GSB hazardous materials storage facility and rack/platform. Work is to be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 22, 2010. Corps of Engineers Mobile Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala.m is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0027).
Venegas Engineering Management & Construction Inc. El Paso, Texas was awarded on May 20, 2009 an $8,612,200 firm-fixed-price construction contract to construct of a training support center (TSC) at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The primary facility included as approximately 84,550 square foot TSC facility and storage shed. Supporting facilities included utilities, electric service, fire protection, storm drainage, information system, and landscaping and site improvement. The TSC will support tactical units being stationed at Fort Bliss and is required to support increases in virtual live training devices. The building is being designed to allow for future expansion access for individuals with disabilities will also be provided. Work is to be performed in El Paso, Texas with an estimated completion date of Jul. 31, 201. Two Hundred (200) bids were solicited with six (6) bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-C-0040).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 20, 2009 a $6,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for System Technical Support for the Abrams tank program to continue the M1A1 parts obsolescence resolution. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-WARREN, AMSTA-QA-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
BAE Systems, Tactical Vehicle Systems LP, Sealy, Texas was awarded on May 20, 2009 a $5,803,631 firm-fixed-price contract for 60 vehicles will be reset and any damage repaired. Work is to be completed in Texarkana, Texas, (60 percent) and Sealy, Texas, (40 percent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 18, 2009. TACOM Contracting Center-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-ATBB, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-D-0138).
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2013 a $5,620,000 cost-labor-hours contract to perform advanced technology design, development, and testing to provide countermine roller wheel suspension and power solution, countermeasure maturation, simulated instrumented mines and simulated improvised explosive devices, production-ready push roller designs, and demonstration hardware. Work is to be performed in Houghton, Mich., with an estimated date of Jun. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-ASGB, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0525).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $50,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations of supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the forth option year period. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-04-D-BP06).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $15,124,055 firm fixed price, sole source contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia., (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., (N00383-06-D-004H-THA3).
General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $14,428,393 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for combustion chamber frames. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one response to the original proposed solicitation. The date of performance completion is August 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., (SPRTA1-09-G-0004-0001).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Georgia Technical Applied Research Corp., of Atlanta, Ga., for a maximum of $9 million. This contract action will provide for improvement of the modeling and simulation capabilities within the product manager Infrared CounterMeasures Office for Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System. At this time, $2,898,551 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4000).
World War II Fighter Pilot
On June 5, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with World War II Army Air Corps fighter pilot Captain Jerry Yellin.
Program Date: June 5, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: World War II Fighter Pilot
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/06/06/World-War-II-Fighter-Pilot
About the Guest
Captain Jerry Yellin, USA “enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Feb. 15, 1942, his 18th birthday and graduated from Luke Field in August, 1943 as a fighter pilot. He was in combat in the Pacific Theater and Iwo Jima with the 78th Fighter Squadron and participated in the first land based fighter mission over Japan on April 7, 1945 and the last mission of the war on August 14, 1945. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf cluster and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf clusters. He was discharged a Captain in December 1945.” Captain Jerry Yellin is the author of Of War & Weddings: A Legacy of Two Fathers and The Blackened Canteen.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Law Enforcement Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/06/06/World-War-II-Fighter-Pilot
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: June 5, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: World War II Fighter Pilot
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/06/06/World-War-II-Fighter-Pilot
About the Guest
Captain Jerry Yellin, USA “enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Feb. 15, 1942, his 18th birthday and graduated from Luke Field in August, 1943 as a fighter pilot. He was in combat in the Pacific Theater and Iwo Jima with the 78th Fighter Squadron and participated in the first land based fighter mission over Japan on April 7, 1945 and the last mission of the war on August 14, 1945. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf cluster and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf clusters. He was discharged a Captain in December 1945.” Captain Jerry Yellin is the author of Of War & Weddings: A Legacy of Two Fathers and The Blackened Canteen.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Law Enforcement Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/06/06/World-War-II-Fighter-Pilot
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Florida Guard Trains to Keep Communications in Hurricane Season
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas KielbasaSpecial to American Forces Press Service
May 27, 2009 - Torrential rains gave a realistic backdrop to National Guard training here last week, as soldiers and airmen prepared their emergency response efforts for the hurricane season, which begins June 1. More than 100 members of the Florida National Guard completed three week-long courses this month, learning how to operate mobile Regional Emergency Response Network systems.
The systems are capable of providing high-speed Internet connectivity for computers and signal strength for hand-held radios. The RERNs use a variety of frequencies to provide defense support to civilian authorities in emergencies, helping them assist in disaster recovery.
This is the fourth year the RERN classes have been held here. Despite the soggy weather, the trainees studied all aspects of the systems, including troubleshooting, basic repair, and responding to the communications needs of their customers in the field. The course even included a "night operation" in which the soldiers and airmen set up and operated the systems in the dark.
The Florida National Guard has 17 RERN systems available for emergency response missions. They have been used by Florida National Guard members in disaster recovery operations in Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Kentucky, and even during the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Air Force Lt. Col. Loretta Lombard, 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron commander, said nearly 90 percent of her squadron has attended the training and about half of her airmen have operated the systems during missions.
"It's a mission they enjoy, and we're very happy to help Florida and other states," Lombard said. "We're hoping for a quiet [hurricane] season, but we're very prepared for whatever it might bring."
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa serves in the Florida National Guard public affairs office.)
Healing Stories by a WW 2 P-51 pilot
I flew P-51's in the invasion of Iwo Jima and over Japan. I am an author, my books are available through amazon.com on the retail side and through Ingram on the wholesale side should you wish to carry them in your book store. My first book, Of War and Weddings, a memoir of my life as a P-51 fighter pilot in combat over Japan and the impact my youngest son’s marriage to a Japanese woman, the daughter of a member of the Japanese Imperial Air Force during the war, had on my life. My second book, The Blackened Canteen is written as historical fiction that tells the story of 5 Americans, 4 who perished in a mid-air collision of their B-29’s on a night raid over Shizuoka, Japan and Richard Fiske, who was the bugler on the battleship West Virginia when it was sunk at Pearl Harbor and 3 Japanese men. Fukumatsu Itoh, Takeshi Maeda and Hiroya Sugano. Sugano was 12 years old on the night of the raid, Maeda was a torpedo man who dropped a torpedo that sunk the West Virginia and Fukumatsu Itoh who as a 49 year old city councilman of Shizuoka, buried the 23 American crewmen who were killed in a grave next to the 2000 Japanese who were killed in the raid on June 20, 1945.
Maeda and Fiske met at the Arizona Memorial in 1991 and became friends, Itoh erected a monument to the Americans on top of Mt. Shizuhata near Shizuoka and began an annual ceremony to honor the American dead and Sugano at the age of 40 returned to Shizuoka as a doctor, discovered the monument and has conducted the ceremony every year since. I attended in 2006, wrote the book and returned in 2008 with a marble slab with the names of the 23 Americans.
You can view a 3 minute video of the 2008 ceremony at my website, www.jerryyellin.com
In this troubled world we live in stories of healing and connections between former enemies are important. I do hope you agree with me on that point and will make my books available in your book store. Further, I can arrange for price reductions of on volume purchases and you can use the book as a fund raiser at functions you might sponsor or know of. Also, while I am 85 I still have the ability to walk and talk and I can make myself available should you need a speaker.
Jerry Yellin
Maeda and Fiske met at the Arizona Memorial in 1991 and became friends, Itoh erected a monument to the Americans on top of Mt. Shizuhata near Shizuoka and began an annual ceremony to honor the American dead and Sugano at the age of 40 returned to Shizuoka as a doctor, discovered the monument and has conducted the ceremony every year since. I attended in 2006, wrote the book and returned in 2008 with a marble slab with the names of the 23 Americans.
You can view a 3 minute video of the 2008 ceremony at my website, www.jerryyellin.com
In this troubled world we live in stories of healing and connections between former enemies are important. I do hope you agree with me on that point and will make my books available in your book store. Further, I can arrange for price reductions of on volume purchases and you can use the book as a fund raiser at functions you might sponsor or know of. Also, while I am 85 I still have the ability to walk and talk and I can make myself available should you need a speaker.
Jerry Yellin
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