Sunday, May 08, 2011

Guardsman Deployed to Afghanistan Publishes Leadership Book

Captain Corey D. Roberts, USA is the 1248th US Military Servicemember listed on Military-Writers.com.

1n 1993, Corey D. Roberts joined the Iowa Army National Guard at the age of 17 following his father’s footsteps. He began as an enlisted soldier and worked his way up to Non-Commissioned Officer. In 1998 Corey was selected for and attended the Officer Candidate School at the Iowa Military Academy and graduated in 1999. Corey chose to postpone his Commissioning and as a Sergeant, was deployed to Montana in 2000 to battle the wildfires in the western mountains of the state.

In 2001, Corey took his Congressional Commission as a 2nd Lt in the Armor Branch and joined a Cavalry Unit in the state of Iowa. Corey attended the Armor Officer Basic Course in Ft Knox KY in 2002 and graduated in early 2003. Following graduation from the school, Corey was deployed as a Platoon Leader of Reconnaissance Scouts to Kosovo in support of the NATO Peacekeeping Operation. During this time he and his troops were assigned to work with a Coalition of International Forces and Corey was a Forward US Commander under a Swedish Battalion.

Upon return, Corey held positions of Tank Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Squadron Logistics Officer, Brigade Plans Officer, and Brigade Liaison Officer. Corey was deployed in 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Corey currently serves as a Brigade Current Operations Officer in the 2nd Brigade, 34th Infantry Division.” Corey D. Roberts is the author of The Pack Mentality and the Leadership Lessons of Ike.

According to the book description of The Pack Mentality and the Leadership Lessons of Ike, “In the world of Law Enforcement we are the protectors, the defenders, the warriors against the evils of the world. We are the pack of Sheepdogs, searching out what goes bump in the night and confronting the wolf. We must identify with the Alpha Dog if we are to lead this group of dedicated warriors in the pure and honorable fight.

Corey D Roberts has dedicated his life to being a Sheepdog and has served in leadership roles in the US Army, in Law Enforcement, and in the private sector. Ike was a border collie, a constant presence during Corey’s formative years and a great example of leadership for us all. Ike was the Sheepdog, he was the Alpha Dog.

The Pack Mentality and the Leadership Lessons of Ike takes the lessons of the Border Collie and his dedicated pack of sheepdogs and applies them in a practical way to the leaders of our brave men and women in Law Enforcement. These practical and often hard learned lessons can direct you to the path of a true leader, an Alpha Dog.”

Korean War Novel

With the addition of Jeffrey Miller’s Korean War novel, War Remains, Military-Writers.com now lists 1247 US Military personnel and the 3956 books they have written.

Jeffrey Miller, USAF, is ”Originally from LaSalle, Illinois, he has been living and working in Asia since 1989. After serving in the United States Air Force from 1976-1980, attended Southern Illinois University, Illinois Valley Community College, Eureka College and Western Illinois University.

Jeffrey Miller is currently teaching at Woosong University in Daejeon, South Korea, he has also been a feature writer for the Korea Times (2000-2006); it was during this time that his interest in the Korean War led to his coverage of many Korean War Commemorative events in Korea. Eventually this would become the inspiration for his first novel, War Remains.”

According to the book description of War Remains, “Robert "Bobby" Washkowiak battles his way through the bitter first winter of the Korean War, longing for home, his wife, and newborn son. Fifty years later, his son and grandson come across his wartime letters and together, they try to find out what really happened to him on one of the battlefields of that "forgotten war.”

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, May 09, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Bethesda Facilities Certified LEED Gold

By Ensign Kat Smith, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- The Officer-in-Charge of Construction (OICC) Bethesda hosted a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ceremony at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) May 5, recognizing the LEED Gold certification of the new in-patient and out-patient facilities.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington commissioned OICC in 2008, to oversee Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) construction at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) Bethesda.

"It's a good time to reflect on what our mission is, particularly for NAVFAC," said Capt. Steve Hamer, OICC commanding officer. "I think that we see ourselves as good stewards of resources. I think that's what our Navy and our Department of Defense expect of us."

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the Gold certification for the newly built Arrowhead and America facilities, which were scored together as one project.

"Today, once again, the Navy is setting the example," said Jason Hartke, vice president of national policy, USGBC. "Today's achievement, the America building and the Arrowhead facility will be a shining example to us all; a beacon that inspires others to follow."

The America building, located to the left of the main tower, is designed as an outpatient facility providing services for cancer patients, amputees and other outpatient clinical needs. The Arrowhead building, located to the right of the tower, houses emergency in-patient services.

"This is the largest outpatient building in the military health system; right behind us," said Vice Adm. John Mateczun, Joint Task Force (JTF) Capital Medicine commanding officer. "When you add it and the parking garage, and the building that's on the other side, that's a million square feet of construction. So when we can achieve energy efficiencies there, it's a great thing."

The location of the project, promotes views to the main tower, open space and contributes to the overall healing environment for the wounded warriors. The proximity of the new facilities to mass transit impacts the congestion in the surrounding community and improves the accessibility of the facility.

Achieving LEED Gold certification for the New Construction facilities at NNMC was an exceptional feat as hospitals are inherently energy inefficient since they operate around the clock and use high-energy major medical equipment, said Andrew Gutberlet, supervisory project manager, OICC.

Two of the most significant contributions were site selection and energy efficiency. One of the most notable energy conservation systems is the use of a heat recovery system within the two facilities, which significantly decreases the energy cost of operating the buildings and allows for other enhancements that promote quality of care for wounded warriors.

The heat recovery wheels and other energy-efficient improvements result in a 32 percent reduction in energy usage. This corresponds to an energy savings of more than $580 per year. This savings exceeds the projected 50-year lifetime of this facility, which is a savings of more than $29 million in energy costs alone.

"As we accept the certification for LEED Gold, we recognize our responsibility to the nation, to the taxpayer and to the American people to be good stewards of the resources that have been provided us," said Col. Charles Callahan, deputy commander, NNMC. "But more importantly, we care for America's treasures when we take care of the warriors and their families. And we accept this plaque and these facilities on behalf of the men and women who will care for those warriors here in the next year, and for the next century as we become Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda."

Under a mandate from the Secretary of the Navy, all new construction must meet the USGBC LEED Silver Certification requirements. The design and construction team for these buildings, a collaboration between Clark and Balfour Beatty construction companies and their design subcontractors, structured their design with the intent to meet that standard. The project achieved 30 percent more points than is required to achieve a LEED Silver certification.

This achievement exceeds the requirements of the executive order and provides an outstanding level of environmental stewardship, energy efficiency and sustainability that directly supports the goals of the U.S. Navy and DOD.

All MIDPAC Ships Receive Green "H" Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNSG MIDPAC) announced that all 11 of its Hawaii-based Navy surface ships received the 2010 Force Health and Wellness Award, or the Green "H", May 6.

"The Green H Award is a milestone we all can take pride in as it encompasses everything from Safety/Operational Risk Management to Tobacco Cessation, all of which affect the lives of our most precious resource - our people," said Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis, the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC). "Without the professional oversight of SURFPAC's very own medical department, the awareness and execution of these programs would not have achieved this impressive milestone."

The purpose of this unit award is to recognize the Sailors aboard ships who demonstrate their dedication to helping Sailors make constructive changes in their life by conducting activities like cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, smoking cessation courses, regular health fairs, fitness sessions and education on healthy living.

"It has never happened before," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Timothy George, the independent duty corpsman program manager for CNSG MIDPAC. "This is the first time that we have attained a hundred percent of our ships getting Green H. It also tells that more focus is being placed on health and wellness programs on board these ships. It means these ships have realized that a healthier ship is a better ship to go out a fight with."

The ships under CNSG MIDPAC include USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Chosin (DDG 65), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Crommelin (FFG 37), USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Lake Erie (CG 70), USS Okane (DDG 77), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Reuben James (FFG 57) and USS Russell (DDG 59).

"My personal congratulations to all commands that made submission and special recognition is extended to this year's winners," Curtis said in an official message. "You have again demonstrated unfailing commitment to the health and wellness of our Sailors, our Navy's most valuable asset. Their welfare is absolutely essential to our readiness and to the success of our mission. Continue to provide tools and awareness to out Sailors so they may be successful."

The qualifying period for this award was from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. Ships that receive the COMNAVSURFOR Force Health and Wellness award can paint a Green "H" on the ship's bridge wing. Hash marks are painted below the "H" to indicate sequential awards. Commands awarded the Green "H" five consecutive times are authorized to paint a green star above the Green "H".

"It took a constant push to remind Sailors how important fitness, safety and mission readiness," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) William Triplett, the independent Corpsman assigned to Port Royal. "It was only accomplished through a collaborative effort from the drug and alcohol prevention advisor, command fitness leaders, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, safety officer and the food service officer. Without their help and drive, we would not have been able to pull this off."

Port Royal and Hopper received their 12th consecutive Green H award.

"For most, I think it shows that our decrease in alcohol related incidents, physical fitness assessment failures and reduction in overall mishaps has not gone unnoticed," said Triplett. "This ship has come a long way in a short time and her crew is finally reaping the rewards for getting her back in the game."

Operational Uncertainties Require Flexibility, Gates Says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C., May 6, 2011 – The lesson Americans should take from recent military operations is that we cannot predict where or how U.S. forces will be engaged, and having flexible capabilities is the best defense for the nation, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.

Since the Vietnam War, U.S. leaders have a “perfect” record in forecasting where America is going to use military power next: “We have never once gotten it right,” Gates said to about 450 airmen in a hangar at this F-15 Strike Eagle base.

“We just don’t know, and that’s why we have to be prepared,” he said.

Given that record, Gates said, the equipment the military buys and the capabilities it develops must be broad based. Especially in a time of budget constraints, he said, “we need to buy capabilities that have the maximum possible flexibility for the broadest possible range of conflict.”

Americans should be cautious about significant cuts in the defense budget, Gates said. Four times in the last century America has significantly reduced its military capabilities after a war – World War I, World War II, Vietnam and the Cold War. Each time it was because people thought the world had changed, that challenges had gone away.

“Human nature hasn’t changed,” he said. “There will always be despots out there, there will always be aggressors and tyrants.

“The United States must keep its military capabilities strong as it look to the future, because we can’t tell what the future will hold,” he said.

The federal debt crisis is dire, but that seems to be the only time a democracy will confront a problem, the secretary said. “All through our history, people will try and put off dealing with a crisis for as long as they can, until it cannot be put off any longer,” he said. “If there is a consensus in Washington on one thing, it is that we cannot put off dealing with this crisis any longer.”

A strong defense needs a strong economy, and the Defense Department has a role to play in cutting the deficit, Gates said. There are more savings to be made, particularly in infrastructure and medical coverage, which is eating away at the Defense budget, he said.

“What I have been trying to do – in dealing with the Congress and the White House – is say, ’Let’s not do this as math, as opposed to strategy,” he said. “Let’s take a look at our capabilities; let’s take a look at scenario-based force planning and see where we can take additional risk.”

The country needs a process that provides the president and Congress options that make sense, the secretary said. The options would be realistic and convey, “if you want to reduce Defense by this much, these are the changes in assumptions you have to make, and here is the added risk you face if you head in that direction,” he said.

If the country has the time to adopt this budget strategy, and plans for reductions, “and do it intelligently, we can do our part without weakening our national security,” he said.

Family Matters Blog: President Honors Military Spouses

By Carol L. Bowers
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2011 – Just as service members serve our nation every day, so, too, do their military spouses. In recognition of their significant daily contributions, President Barack Obama has proclaimed today Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

“On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we have an opportunity to not only honor the husbands and wives of our service members, but also thank them by actively expressing our gratitude in both word and deed,” Obama said in the proclamation. “We can show our appreciation in countless ways, from offering to help with household maintenance and childcare to encouraging the community involvement and career development of military spouses.”

Here at Family Matters, we encourage you to reach out to military spouses not just today, but every day. We also invite you to send us suggestions about ways to provide support and encouragement to military spouses throughout the year.

Meanwhile, be sure to read Obama’s full proclamation.  Also, check out the related AFPS Web special reports: “Strengthening Our Military Families” and “Joining Forces”

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, May 08, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Navy Medicine, FBI Share Initiatives During Denver Navy Week

By Valerie A. Kremer, Navy Medicine Public Affairs

DENVER (NNS) -- Navy Medicine and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Denver Division, examined shared initiatives in global partnerships, medical care, and the protection of the nation, as part of Denver Navy Week, May 4.

Rear Adm. William M. Roberts, fleet surgeon, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, met with leadership and staff and toured the facility during the visit.

"Everything is done in a joint environment," said James Yacone, special agent in charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver Division. "We must work to partner with the Department of Defense, law enforcement, and community leaders to protect our country. Developing a relationship with Navy Medicine further demonstrates how we can work together to protect our homeland."

During the visit, FBI Denver Division leadership and Roberts shared ideas and agreed on the importance of creating inter-agency and community partnerships to include humanitarian assistance/ disaster relief missions and homeland security operations around the globe.

"We are proud to have the opportunity to advance the relationship between the FBI and Navy Medicine," said Roberts. "The relationship between the FBI and other agencies is crucial in developing partnerships to protect our citizens and their freedom."

During his presentation to staff, Roberts shared how Navy medical humanitarian assistance missions are a critical piece of the Navy's maritime strategy. Along with traditional roles like deployments and projecting power abroad, Roberts discussed how international military medical partnerships and teaming with non-government organizations support the Navy's mission.

Roberts also met with FBI medical staff to discuss trauma care, lifesaving techniques, procedures currently used on the battlefield in Afghanistan, and advancements in Navy Medicine research and development.

"We are proud to know that if our special agents are in need of medical care overseas, they will receive world-class care from Navy Medicine," said Amy Hanks, FBI regional occupational and environmental program manager, FBI headquarters, Washington, D.C.

The FBI Denver Division covers the states of Colorado and Wyoming and has 10 satellite offices, or "resident agencies," located throughout both states.

Denver Navy Week is one of 21 Navy weeks across the country in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.