By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2007 – The 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team here is the first unit to employ the Army's new "reset" process to rapidly refurbish everything from M-16 rifles to state-of-the-art Stryker combat vehicles. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came here yesterday to check out the new process. Accompanied by Maj. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of U.S. Army Alaska, Pace toured a huge maintenance facility where work is under way.
The 3,000 troops and 200 contractors employed in the effort "are dedicated to getting these machines cleaned up and turned faster than normal -- in this case, probably in four months instead of six," Pace said.
"That doesn't mean they're going to go back into combat in four months," he stressed. "But it means they'll be ready quicker than normal, thanks to the terrific energy on the part of the workers here and being able to buy the spare parts to get things fixed."
Jacoby said the reset mission is all about transformation. "Alaska is on the leading edge of supporting the war by providing modular forces for combatant commanders," he said.
"This is not business as usual for Fort Wainwright," he said. "What you see here is not business as usual for the United States Army.
"We're proud to be a part of this," Jacoby continued. "I'm privileged to have the chairman up here and to get a chance to show him great soldiers, family members and civilians who are putting their nose to the grind stone and holding up our end of the bargain."
Army Col. Burt Thompson, commander of the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said his people are focused on getting equipment coming out of Kuwait "ready to get back into the fight."
In the past, he said, when units needed to refurbish equipment, they sent it off to maintenance depots and the process took about six months. The new reset process aims to cut two months off that timeline by doing the majority of the work at home station.
"Can it be done? I think we're proving that it can," he said. "The priority here is to get this brigade reset in 120 days. The (Army) chief of staff made this a priority, and we're not going to let him down."
The brigade commander pointed out that the reset process involves more than just getting unit equipment ready for deployment. It also involves receiving and training new personnel. "It's about the ability to marry people with equipment (in order) to execute a realistic, collective training strategy, which will begin for us in about June," he said. "We'll carry on with that until we're told to get ourselves on a fast chart to prepare for deployment."
In December, the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team was officially redesignated the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. While most of the troops in the brigade today are newly assigned, about a third carried over from the old brigade, Thompson said.
"We're getting about 1,000 more soldiers by June, on top of about 1,200 we've already got," he said. "There's a lot of new folks, new leadership. It's a brand new team."
The 1,200 soldiers who served with the 172nd spent 16 months in Iraq. The newcomers will learn as much as they can from the combat veterans, Thompson said. "They're enjoying it because they're seeing this thing develop before their eyes," he said. "They're going to get lots of new and refit equipment. They're excited about it."
Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes, who joined the unit a week ago, agreed. "Our soldiers are motivated," he said. "They are up for the task. It's all about attitude, and their attitude is great."
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Sunday, February 25, 2007
Chairman Thanks Spouses, Listens to Their Concerns in Alaska
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2007 – About 60 military spouses here had a chance yesterday to share some of their concerns with the military's top ranking officer. "Spouses and families serve this country as well as anybody that's ever worn the uniform," the chairman said. In some ways, he said, it's harder for the folks back home than it is for the troops deployed in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.
"When we go overseas into combat, we know when we're in trouble," he told the spouses. "We're surrounded by Marines and soldiers, which isn't a bad place to be. For the guys and gals overseas, we're in an environment we're trained for.
"You don't have that luxury," he said. "You think we're in trouble all the time. You sit home and worry."
When military men and women receive awards and citations for their service, Pace said noted, spouses pretend they had nothing to do with it, when in fact they had everything to do with it. "Somehow," he said, "we have to find better ways to provide recognition for spouses' and families' sacrifices."
The chairman briefed the spouses about some of the efforts the services are working on to relieve stress on military families, such as maintaining set tour lengths, providing cash bonuses for extended tours, and lengthening the time between deployments.
When Pace opened the floor for questions, several wives focused on the need for counseling for their mates before and after they came home from combat.
"Obviously, we're more aware of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and we're doing the best that we can," one woman said. "But I don't think we're doing enough. We're not only failing our soldiers, but we're failing our families because we don't really know what we're looking for."
Often, servicemembers don't want to deal with it, she said, and while there are programs out there to help, there is a stigma attached to seeking help. In some cases, they're told to "just suck it up."
She asked if it would be possible to have the troops meet periodically with their peers before they come home so that they have a chance to vent.
"When my husband talks to me, I don't even know how to respond to some of the things he says," she said. "If they can talk among themselves, without fear of repercussion, maybe that would help."
The chairman said military leaders have told his the troops do receive periodic evaluations. The wives indicated that this is true for the active duty troops. One woman said the active duty troops in her husband's unit are given an assessment 30 days prior to coming home. Once they are home, there are 30 and 90 day follow-ups.
Other wives indicated that National Guard and Reserve troops may not be getting the same assessments. The same is true for servicemembers who deploy individually rather than as part of a unit.
Based on the spouses input, Pace said, the military needs a system to require every soldier to go and talk to somebody. Pace used himself as an example of a servicemember who probably wouldn't want to go to counseling.
"Somehow, we need a way, so that guys like me -- who naturally know we don't need any help with anything -- get the chance to sit down and answer questions we really don't want to answer.
"If you give me the chance to volunteer to go see somebody, or not go see somebody, and I'm thinking I'm OK, why would I waste my time," he said. "Especially, if I think everybody's going to wonder if there's something wrong with me. It has to be a required system for everybody."
Another woman suggested helping servicemembers understand and prepare for the transition they'll be making between being in a combat zone and being back with their families.
"My husband came home in January for his two-week, mid-tour leave, and we took the four kids to Disneyland in Orlando," she said. "This man who came home was so military, he began executing a plan of attack on Disneyland. I told him this is a vacation, please sit by the pool. He did, and slowly began to relax.
"The few days we were at home he said, 'I've got to sweep the snow; I know the car needs to be fixed'. So I know when he comes home, he's going to look around the house at all the things I needed to do and he's going to execute his plan of attack on the honey-do list," the woman continued. "I would love to have the time for him to really come back and really relax."
Another woman said it seems the spouse network that traditionally provided family support while their mates are deployed is no longer as strong as it once was. She suggested the spouses need more communication and more knowledge of available support assets.
Another woman said she runs a Family Support Group for her husband's National Guard unit, but when she emails the 300 wives on her list, she only gets about 20 responses. She said they are not helping themselves reach out for the information about programs that will help them.
Lynne Pace pitched in to tell the wives about the Defense Department's America Supports You Program that highlights more than 200 nonprofit homefront groups around the country that provide support. She advised the spouses to check out the Web site: www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
"There's a lot of information and a lot of groups listed on the web site that truly do support the troops," Lynne said.
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2007 – About 60 military spouses here had a chance yesterday to share some of their concerns with the military's top ranking officer. "Spouses and families serve this country as well as anybody that's ever worn the uniform," the chairman said. In some ways, he said, it's harder for the folks back home than it is for the troops deployed in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.
"When we go overseas into combat, we know when we're in trouble," he told the spouses. "We're surrounded by Marines and soldiers, which isn't a bad place to be. For the guys and gals overseas, we're in an environment we're trained for.
"You don't have that luxury," he said. "You think we're in trouble all the time. You sit home and worry."
When military men and women receive awards and citations for their service, Pace said noted, spouses pretend they had nothing to do with it, when in fact they had everything to do with it. "Somehow," he said, "we have to find better ways to provide recognition for spouses' and families' sacrifices."
The chairman briefed the spouses about some of the efforts the services are working on to relieve stress on military families, such as maintaining set tour lengths, providing cash bonuses for extended tours, and lengthening the time between deployments.
When Pace opened the floor for questions, several wives focused on the need for counseling for their mates before and after they came home from combat.
"Obviously, we're more aware of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and we're doing the best that we can," one woman said. "But I don't think we're doing enough. We're not only failing our soldiers, but we're failing our families because we don't really know what we're looking for."
Often, servicemembers don't want to deal with it, she said, and while there are programs out there to help, there is a stigma attached to seeking help. In some cases, they're told to "just suck it up."
She asked if it would be possible to have the troops meet periodically with their peers before they come home so that they have a chance to vent.
"When my husband talks to me, I don't even know how to respond to some of the things he says," she said. "If they can talk among themselves, without fear of repercussion, maybe that would help."
The chairman said military leaders have told his the troops do receive periodic evaluations. The wives indicated that this is true for the active duty troops. One woman said the active duty troops in her husband's unit are given an assessment 30 days prior to coming home. Once they are home, there are 30 and 90 day follow-ups.
Other wives indicated that National Guard and Reserve troops may not be getting the same assessments. The same is true for servicemembers who deploy individually rather than as part of a unit.
Based on the spouses input, Pace said, the military needs a system to require every soldier to go and talk to somebody. Pace used himself as an example of a servicemember who probably wouldn't want to go to counseling.
"Somehow, we need a way, so that guys like me -- who naturally know we don't need any help with anything -- get the chance to sit down and answer questions we really don't want to answer.
"If you give me the chance to volunteer to go see somebody, or not go see somebody, and I'm thinking I'm OK, why would I waste my time," he said. "Especially, if I think everybody's going to wonder if there's something wrong with me. It has to be a required system for everybody."
Another woman suggested helping servicemembers understand and prepare for the transition they'll be making between being in a combat zone and being back with their families.
"My husband came home in January for his two-week, mid-tour leave, and we took the four kids to Disneyland in Orlando," she said. "This man who came home was so military, he began executing a plan of attack on Disneyland. I told him this is a vacation, please sit by the pool. He did, and slowly began to relax.
"The few days we were at home he said, 'I've got to sweep the snow; I know the car needs to be fixed'. So I know when he comes home, he's going to look around the house at all the things I needed to do and he's going to execute his plan of attack on the honey-do list," the woman continued. "I would love to have the time for him to really come back and really relax."
Another woman said it seems the spouse network that traditionally provided family support while their mates are deployed is no longer as strong as it once was. She suggested the spouses need more communication and more knowledge of available support assets.
Another woman said she runs a Family Support Group for her husband's National Guard unit, but when she emails the 300 wives on her list, she only gets about 20 responses. She said they are not helping themselves reach out for the information about programs that will help them.
Lynne Pace pitched in to tell the wives about the Defense Department's America Supports You Program that highlights more than 200 nonprofit homefront groups around the country that provide support. She advised the spouses to check out the Web site: www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
"There's a lot of information and a lot of groups listed on the web site that truly do support the troops," Lynne said.
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Chairman Presents Awards for Heroism in Iraq
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Alaska, Feb. 23, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace presented a Distinguished Service Cross and two Silver Stars here yesterday to three soldiers for heroism displayed in Iraq on Nov. 19, 2005. Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it was an emotional moment for him to properly recognize the soldiers' heroism, and "to say thank you for their incredible valor in the face of a very, very dangerous enemy."
Pace awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to Army Pvt. Stephen C. Sanford of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, for displaying extraordinary courage during the evacuation of casualties from a home in Mosul while under intense enemy fire, according to Army officials.
Although shot in the leg during his squad's initial assault attempt, he still accompanied his squad during its second assault. Once inside the house, Sanford provided a heavy volume of suppressive fire while the casualties were evacuated. He continued to engage the enemy while escorting wounded soldiers from the house, according to the award citation.
Sanford returned to the house a second time to provide covering fire for the final withdrawal of casualties. When the last soldier leaving the house was shot in the neck, Sanford began performing CPR. Sanford was shot twice more in the back while trying to revive the other soldier. He returned fire and killed an insurgent while receiving two more potentially fatal gunshot wounds, the citation stated. He continued returning fire while helping his wounded comrade until he was incapacitated by his own loss of blood.
The chairman awarded a Silver Star to Staff Sgt. Michael L. Barrera Jr., and to Pfc. Joshua V. Joseph, both of 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Brigade Combat Team, for heroism and selfless service. Army officials said their courage and disregard for their own welfare resulted in saving the lives of comrades who were severely wounded.
After pinning on the three medals, Pace called the three soldiers back to stand by him in front of a "wall of heroes," displaying photos of the 30 soldiers in their unit who have died in Iraq.
"I have had the distinct honor of participating in many award ceremonies," Pace told the audience of family, friends and fellow soldiers. "This is the first time I have ever had the honor of awarding a Distinguished Service Cross. It's certainly the first time I've ever had in one ceremony the honor of putting two Silver Star Medals on two very deserving soldiers."
The chairman said each of the soldiers would probably say they don't think they deserve the awards. "If you asked them, they'd say they were doing their jobs," he said. "But if you asked their fellow soldiers, they'd say they went above and beyond the call of duty.
"The soldiers on the wall behind me know what you have done," Pace told the award recipients. "Your courage in combat made a difference. You deserve these awards."
When read in a citation, Pace said, words like "extraordinary heroism" and "gallantry in action" don't capture what really happened that day. "But you know what happened, and so do your fellow soldiers in the unit," he said.
"Thank you for doing what soldiers have always done in combat -- to serve, to serve well and to serve above and beyond what any of our fellow citizens would ask you to serve," he concluded.
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
Alaska, Feb. 23, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace presented a Distinguished Service Cross and two Silver Stars here yesterday to three soldiers for heroism displayed in Iraq on Nov. 19, 2005. Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it was an emotional moment for him to properly recognize the soldiers' heroism, and "to say thank you for their incredible valor in the face of a very, very dangerous enemy."
Pace awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to Army Pvt. Stephen C. Sanford of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, for displaying extraordinary courage during the evacuation of casualties from a home in Mosul while under intense enemy fire, according to Army officials.
Although shot in the leg during his squad's initial assault attempt, he still accompanied his squad during its second assault. Once inside the house, Sanford provided a heavy volume of suppressive fire while the casualties were evacuated. He continued to engage the enemy while escorting wounded soldiers from the house, according to the award citation.
Sanford returned to the house a second time to provide covering fire for the final withdrawal of casualties. When the last soldier leaving the house was shot in the neck, Sanford began performing CPR. Sanford was shot twice more in the back while trying to revive the other soldier. He returned fire and killed an insurgent while receiving two more potentially fatal gunshot wounds, the citation stated. He continued returning fire while helping his wounded comrade until he was incapacitated by his own loss of blood.
The chairman awarded a Silver Star to Staff Sgt. Michael L. Barrera Jr., and to Pfc. Joshua V. Joseph, both of 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Brigade Combat Team, for heroism and selfless service. Army officials said their courage and disregard for their own welfare resulted in saving the lives of comrades who were severely wounded.
After pinning on the three medals, Pace called the three soldiers back to stand by him in front of a "wall of heroes," displaying photos of the 30 soldiers in their unit who have died in Iraq.
"I have had the distinct honor of participating in many award ceremonies," Pace told the audience of family, friends and fellow soldiers. "This is the first time I have ever had the honor of awarding a Distinguished Service Cross. It's certainly the first time I've ever had in one ceremony the honor of putting two Silver Star Medals on two very deserving soldiers."
The chairman said each of the soldiers would probably say they don't think they deserve the awards. "If you asked them, they'd say they were doing their jobs," he said. "But if you asked their fellow soldiers, they'd say they went above and beyond the call of duty.
"The soldiers on the wall behind me know what you have done," Pace told the award recipients. "Your courage in combat made a difference. You deserve these awards."
When read in a citation, Pace said, words like "extraordinary heroism" and "gallantry in action" don't capture what really happened that day. "But you know what happened, and so do your fellow soldiers in the unit," he said.
"Thank you for doing what soldiers have always done in combat -- to serve, to serve well and to serve above and beyond what any of our fellow citizens would ask you to serve," he concluded.
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Anchorage Community Pays Tribute to Military
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2007 – Anchorage 's community spirit was in fine form last night as about 1,000 people came out in evening dress and black tie to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens introduced the military's top ranking officer as the event's guest speaker. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Lynne, traveled from Washington , D.C., for the 30th Annual Salute to the Military hosted by the Armed Services WMCA of Alaska.
The gala's guest list included all of the city's movers and shakers - the mayor, former and retired military members, veteran's organizations, a host of corporation presidents and business leaders as well as legislators, senators, representatives and assembly members.
Anchorage City Manager Denis C. LeBlanc said the 275,000 people who make up the community "embrace the military."
"This is the biggest gathering I've seen in my ten years here," he told American Forces Press Service. "If you are anyone here in Alaska, particularly in Anchorage, you are here tonight."
LeBlanc said the military is a significant part of the Anchorage family. About 15,000 troops and family members are stationed "on the city's doorstep," he said, on Elmendorf AFB, Fort Richardson and Kulis Air National Guard Base.
Driving out of one of Elmendorf AFB's gates, for example, a sign indicates it's only 1.5 miles to downtown Anchorage. The close physical proximity, LeBlanc said, promotes community spirit and close ties between military leaders and state and city leaders.
"Having lived in other cities, there was a separation between the community and the military base. Here it's the next street," LeBlanc said. "There is no differentiation between them and us. That's why I think a lot of the military that come to Alaska retire here because they feel so accepted, so embraced by the community that they just want to be part of it."
Although there were many mid-level and senior officers among the chattering guests, the packed gala wasn't only for the high ranking. About 130 or so enlisted service members from every branch of the active duty, Reserve and National Guard also decked out for the gala. They were special guests of the Armed Services YMCA and the Anchorage Community.
"The Armed Services YMCA is a treasure of the community," LeBlanc said. "They reach out to these young people and they try to provide whatever they need. We know they're away from home. We know they're stressed - but they're all smiling, because they know they're in Anchorage, Alaska ."
As the gala got underway, the emcee recognized an outstanding member from each of the services as well as every service member who carried the colors and the service flags into the room. Guests were invited to stand, hoot and holler when the Air Force Band of the Pacific - Alaska Brass played each service song.
When the chairman took the podium to give his keynote address, he said he'd come a long way to say two simple words - thank you -- to anyone who would listen.
"To the men and women in this room tonight who wear the cloth of our armed forces, thank you for who you are and what you do," he said.
Pace said it is an incredible honor for him to represent the 2.4 men and women of the active duty military, National Guard and Reserves who have each solemnly sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.
"I'm here to tell you and to remind all of us, that the families of the service men and women serve this country as well as anyone who has ever worn the uniform," the chairman said, drawing applause.
Pace also acknowledged the veterans in the room, which included several World War II veterans. "To all who have served before, thank you, not only for your service, but for the legacy you have given us. You have shown us how to properly serve this nation," Pace said.
"It's an interesting fact that in combat, it is not that our servicemen and women do not know fear. We certainly do," Pace said. "There have been times that I could have crawled up inside my helmet and waited for my Mother to call me home.
"What overrides the fear of physical harm," he said, "is the fear that those of us who now have the honor of serving this nation, would let down those who went before us. Or, that we would somehow let down the soldier, Marine, airman, sailor or coast guardsman on our left or our right.
"It is the fear of not performing to the standard set by our veterans that spurs us on to serve this nation the way we do. So you veterans in this room tonight, thank you, for not only defending this nation during your time in uniform, but in showing us how to do it properly for the decades to come."
The chairman then turned to thank the Anchorage community for their "incredible outpouring of support and love."
"What a delight it has been to be here with you," he said. "This community, this state, your contributions to the security of our nation, this gathering tonight where you are showing those of us in uniform how much you appreciate us, it makes a difference. Thank you for your support."
During the gala, the Anchorage community recognized the following outstanding servicemembers:
- Army NCO of the Year Sgt. Shanna D. Foremny, 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska
- Alaskan Reserve Soldier of the Year Sgt. Anthony E. Rivas, 1102d Garrison Support Unit, Ft. Richardson, Alaska
- Active Duty Marine of the Year Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Huebscher, Company D, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
-Alaskan Reserve Marine of the Year Cpl. Travis C. Kauffman, Company D, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Alaska Sailor of the Year Petty Officer 1st Class Robert D. Evans, Alaskan Command, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Naval Reservist of the Year Master at Arms Petty Officer First Class Victor O. DeMoss, Naval Magazine Indian Island Det. C, Fort Richardson , Alaska
- Elmendorf Airman of the Year Staff Sgt. Jaclyn Rutan, 3rd Communications Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Air Force Reservist of the Year Tech. Sgt. Jerry A. Hedstrom, 804th Civil Engineer Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Alaska Coast Guard of the Year Food Specialist 1st Class Andrea L. Bisignani, USCG SAR, Kodiak , Alaska
- Alaskan Reserve Person of the Year Port Security Specialist 1st Class Michael W. McClure, U.S. Coast Guard Sector, Juneau, Alaska
- Alaska Air National Guard Airman of the Year Senior Airman Daniel r. Krueger, 176th Maintenance Squadron, Kulis Air Guard Base, Alaska
- Alaska Army National Guard Soldier of the Year Spc. Brian V. Norris, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry, Fort Richardson , Alaska
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2007 – Anchorage 's community spirit was in fine form last night as about 1,000 people came out in evening dress and black tie to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens introduced the military's top ranking officer as the event's guest speaker. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Lynne, traveled from Washington , D.C., for the 30th Annual Salute to the Military hosted by the Armed Services WMCA of Alaska.
The gala's guest list included all of the city's movers and shakers - the mayor, former and retired military members, veteran's organizations, a host of corporation presidents and business leaders as well as legislators, senators, representatives and assembly members.
Anchorage City Manager Denis C. LeBlanc said the 275,000 people who make up the community "embrace the military."
"This is the biggest gathering I've seen in my ten years here," he told American Forces Press Service. "If you are anyone here in Alaska, particularly in Anchorage, you are here tonight."
LeBlanc said the military is a significant part of the Anchorage family. About 15,000 troops and family members are stationed "on the city's doorstep," he said, on Elmendorf AFB, Fort Richardson and Kulis Air National Guard Base.
Driving out of one of Elmendorf AFB's gates, for example, a sign indicates it's only 1.5 miles to downtown Anchorage. The close physical proximity, LeBlanc said, promotes community spirit and close ties between military leaders and state and city leaders.
"Having lived in other cities, there was a separation between the community and the military base. Here it's the next street," LeBlanc said. "There is no differentiation between them and us. That's why I think a lot of the military that come to Alaska retire here because they feel so accepted, so embraced by the community that they just want to be part of it."
Although there were many mid-level and senior officers among the chattering guests, the packed gala wasn't only for the high ranking. About 130 or so enlisted service members from every branch of the active duty, Reserve and National Guard also decked out for the gala. They were special guests of the Armed Services YMCA and the Anchorage Community.
"The Armed Services YMCA is a treasure of the community," LeBlanc said. "They reach out to these young people and they try to provide whatever they need. We know they're away from home. We know they're stressed - but they're all smiling, because they know they're in Anchorage, Alaska ."
As the gala got underway, the emcee recognized an outstanding member from each of the services as well as every service member who carried the colors and the service flags into the room. Guests were invited to stand, hoot and holler when the Air Force Band of the Pacific - Alaska Brass played each service song.
When the chairman took the podium to give his keynote address, he said he'd come a long way to say two simple words - thank you -- to anyone who would listen.
"To the men and women in this room tonight who wear the cloth of our armed forces, thank you for who you are and what you do," he said.
Pace said it is an incredible honor for him to represent the 2.4 men and women of the active duty military, National Guard and Reserves who have each solemnly sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.
"I'm here to tell you and to remind all of us, that the families of the service men and women serve this country as well as anyone who has ever worn the uniform," the chairman said, drawing applause.
Pace also acknowledged the veterans in the room, which included several World War II veterans. "To all who have served before, thank you, not only for your service, but for the legacy you have given us. You have shown us how to properly serve this nation," Pace said.
"It's an interesting fact that in combat, it is not that our servicemen and women do not know fear. We certainly do," Pace said. "There have been times that I could have crawled up inside my helmet and waited for my Mother to call me home.
"What overrides the fear of physical harm," he said, "is the fear that those of us who now have the honor of serving this nation, would let down those who went before us. Or, that we would somehow let down the soldier, Marine, airman, sailor or coast guardsman on our left or our right.
"It is the fear of not performing to the standard set by our veterans that spurs us on to serve this nation the way we do. So you veterans in this room tonight, thank you, for not only defending this nation during your time in uniform, but in showing us how to do it properly for the decades to come."
The chairman then turned to thank the Anchorage community for their "incredible outpouring of support and love."
"What a delight it has been to be here with you," he said. "This community, this state, your contributions to the security of our nation, this gathering tonight where you are showing those of us in uniform how much you appreciate us, it makes a difference. Thank you for your support."
During the gala, the Anchorage community recognized the following outstanding servicemembers:
- Army NCO of the Year Sgt. Shanna D. Foremny, 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska
- Alaskan Reserve Soldier of the Year Sgt. Anthony E. Rivas, 1102d Garrison Support Unit, Ft. Richardson, Alaska
- Active Duty Marine of the Year Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Huebscher, Company D, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
-Alaskan Reserve Marine of the Year Cpl. Travis C. Kauffman, Company D, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Alaska Sailor of the Year Petty Officer 1st Class Robert D. Evans, Alaskan Command, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Naval Reservist of the Year Master at Arms Petty Officer First Class Victor O. DeMoss, Naval Magazine Indian Island Det. C, Fort Richardson , Alaska
- Elmendorf Airman of the Year Staff Sgt. Jaclyn Rutan, 3rd Communications Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Air Force Reservist of the Year Tech. Sgt. Jerry A. Hedstrom, 804th Civil Engineer Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
- Alaska Coast Guard of the Year Food Specialist 1st Class Andrea L. Bisignani, USCG SAR, Kodiak , Alaska
- Alaskan Reserve Person of the Year Port Security Specialist 1st Class Michael W. McClure, U.S. Coast Guard Sector, Juneau, Alaska
- Alaska Air National Guard Airman of the Year Senior Airman Daniel r. Krueger, 176th Maintenance Squadron, Kulis Air Guard Base, Alaska
- Alaska Army National Guard Soldier of the Year Spc. Brian V. Norris, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry, Fort Richardson , Alaska
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Parents' Love Leads to Troop-Support Group
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2007 – When Army Sgt. Brian Horn deployed to Iraq in 2003, his unit was spearheading the war effort. He and his men were ahead of supply lines, and after seven months in country, they were still sleeping on the ground. When mail and care packages started coming from loved ones at home, it had a huge impact on morale. But not all troops received the small tokens that did so much to boost the spirits of others. Brian, looking out for the welfare of his comrades, asked his parents to send packages that he could distribute to those who hadn't received anything. From that request, Any Soldier Inc. was born.
The Horns began a Web site in August 2003 as a way to let friends and neighbors in LaPlata, Md., participate in showing their support to Brian's unit. News of the effort spread, and a year later more military units had been adopted, with more than 1,000 troops volunteering to distribute care packages to their fellow servicemembers.
The family's site became so popular that, by August 2005, it had broadened to cover all the services with domain names and specific versions of the Web site for each. Since its inception, the organization has helped more than 700,000 servicemembers.
Any Soldier Inc. became a team member of America Supports You in May 2006. America Supports You is a Department of Defense program highlighting home front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families.
"Being an America Supports You member has had a positive impact on our organization," Brian said. "Even if there are only a handful of people who are directed to the site, then it is successful. The relationship with America Supports You is priceless."
The Web site provides statistics tracking the number of contacts they have from each service in addition to ranks and gender. A message board is also provided so recipients can make special requests, post photos and messages or express appreciation to those who send items.
"Please let it be known that we thank you for all your wonderful support, gifts and words of encouragement," said Marine Staff Sgt. L.A. Hayes on the site.
Since his unit's deployment, he has periodically posted messages updating readers on his troops. "Most of the Marines on our team are 'kids' to you and I," Hayes said. "But, God bless them, they are doing great work in a mature and forthright manner. They would all make you proud; ... they sure make me proud."
"This has become my life," said Marty Horn, the organization's president. "It's wonderful to know that we're helping so many people."
Even though Brian has left the Army to further his education, Marty said that he will continue to dedicate himself to the support of troops.
"Morale -- without it we will lose," he said. "There's no way you can complete a mission without it. It helps with survival. Let's give our troops a reason to come home."
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2007 – When Army Sgt. Brian Horn deployed to Iraq in 2003, his unit was spearheading the war effort. He and his men were ahead of supply lines, and after seven months in country, they were still sleeping on the ground. When mail and care packages started coming from loved ones at home, it had a huge impact on morale. But not all troops received the small tokens that did so much to boost the spirits of others. Brian, looking out for the welfare of his comrades, asked his parents to send packages that he could distribute to those who hadn't received anything. From that request, Any Soldier Inc. was born.
The Horns began a Web site in August 2003 as a way to let friends and neighbors in LaPlata, Md., participate in showing their support to Brian's unit. News of the effort spread, and a year later more military units had been adopted, with more than 1,000 troops volunteering to distribute care packages to their fellow servicemembers.
The family's site became so popular that, by August 2005, it had broadened to cover all the services with domain names and specific versions of the Web site for each. Since its inception, the organization has helped more than 700,000 servicemembers.
Any Soldier Inc. became a team member of America Supports You in May 2006. America Supports You is a Department of Defense program highlighting home front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families.
"Being an America Supports You member has had a positive impact on our organization," Brian said. "Even if there are only a handful of people who are directed to the site, then it is successful. The relationship with America Supports You is priceless."
The Web site provides statistics tracking the number of contacts they have from each service in addition to ranks and gender. A message board is also provided so recipients can make special requests, post photos and messages or express appreciation to those who send items.
"Please let it be known that we thank you for all your wonderful support, gifts and words of encouragement," said Marine Staff Sgt. L.A. Hayes on the site.
Since his unit's deployment, he has periodically posted messages updating readers on his troops. "Most of the Marines on our team are 'kids' to you and I," Hayes said. "But, God bless them, they are doing great work in a mature and forthright manner. They would all make you proud; ... they sure make me proud."
"This has become my life," said Marty Horn, the organization's president. "It's wonderful to know that we're helping so many people."
Even though Brian has left the Army to further his education, Marty said that he will continue to dedicate himself to the support of troops.
"Morale -- without it we will lose," he said. "There's no way you can complete a mission without it. It helps with survival. Let's give our troops a reason to come home."
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Kids Learn About U.S. to Aid Military Families
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2007 – Rachel and Kelsi Okun kicked off their organization's second treasure hunt today to raise scholarship funds for military children and spouses with the help of their classmates at Haycock Elementary School here. Treasure Hunt Aiding Needs of Kids and Spouses of those serving the United States of America," or ThanksUSA, is a member of America Supports You. The Defense Department program highlights the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Rachel and Kelsi, 11 and 8, respectively, founded the organization in August 2005 after being inspired by two documents. The first was a letter from troops in response to care packages Rachel's Brownie troop had sent. The second piece of inspiration came from Michael Stadther's book, "A Treasure Trove."
"(The troops) gave us a letter and it said, 'The thing that keeps us going through the dirt and dust is that we have a free country, and that's what we're fighting for,'" Kelsi said. "We said, 'OK. We can put these two together. So why don't we make a treasure hunt that gives out scholarships for the troops?'"
The girls also encouraged the students, teachers and parents gathered in the school's gym to participate in the hunt for answers to American history and trivia by enticing them with sample questions. Student who answered the questions correctly received small prizes.
Last year's hunt, which also centered on facts about the country, was expected to be a one-time event, Jeri Thomson, the organization's president said after the assembly.
"It started out to be a one-time family project, but last summer everybody sort of realized that there is a real need here," she said. "It's a very carefully defined niche now; scholarships for spouses and kids of active duty troops, defined so it includes Guard and reserves."
So this year the girls, who spent about a year creating their first treasure hunt with friends, family and teachers, decided to create another, and they had even more help. In addition to parents, teachers and friends, Rachel's Junior Girl Scout Troop and Kelsi's third-grade class got involved, each creating a chapter for the clue book.
"Treasure hunts, they take a lot of work," Rachel told those assembled in the gym. "But they're so rewarding."
Even the girls' puppy pal, Miles, played his part. "He's just a really good 'pound hound,'" Kelsi said. "So we decided, 'Why don't we make him the star of one of our chapters? He can hunt clues."
The contest is free to anyone who wants to participate, but the girls are hoping for generous donations to fund their scholarships. Last year, donations from the treasure hunt totaled more than $500,000, which helped fund more than 100 scholarships, Kelsi said, adding that they hope that amount will be even greater this year.
Just as great as the donations received are the thank you notes from scholarship recipients, Jeri Thomson, the organization's president, said. One military spouse who received a scholarship wrote: "(I) just wanted to let you know that your scholarship has helped so, so much. When I get my degree, I promise I will return the favor in donating back to ThanksUSA to give other students."
Her mother, Deanna Okun, said there are suggestions for fund-raisers on the ThanksUSA Web site if classes should want to make a donation to the scholarship fund.
The focus of this year's treasure hunt is still on America, Rachel said. "Our country is so special. So this year our treasure hunt is about the pillars of democracy ... like the Bill of Rights (and) the Declaration of Independence," she said. "We wanted to focus on what makes our country so great."
But because the girls are trying to engage school children, the Okuns added a new element to the hunt, which should make teachers happy too, Deanna said.
"This year we've made it consistent with standards of learning for social studies and history," Deanna said said. "Sixty percent of the questions in each chapter are consistent with those standards."
This is a huge plus for teachers, because it helps them develop the skills their students need to be working on anyway, Danylchuk said. "I need to get them to cite references and also (improve) their research skills," she said. "So it kind of killed two birds with one stone."
The assembly, which had begun with the Pledge of Allegiance, also included the airing of a ThanksUSA public service announcement. That announcement encourages doing more than presenting returning servicemembers with a medal and a pat on the back. "If you think our troops deserve more than that, make a donation to our scholarship fund," the announcement said.
To find out how to participate in the second ThanksUSA Treasure Hunt, visit the ThanksUSA Web site. The contest is broken into three phases, with Phase 1 open to any kindergarten through 12th-grade class. Phases 2 and 3 are open to individuals. Prizes will be awarded for correct answers in accordance with official rules.
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2007 – Rachel and Kelsi Okun kicked off their organization's second treasure hunt today to raise scholarship funds for military children and spouses with the help of their classmates at Haycock Elementary School here. Treasure Hunt Aiding Needs of Kids and Spouses of those serving the United States of America," or ThanksUSA, is a member of America Supports You. The Defense Department program highlights the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Rachel and Kelsi, 11 and 8, respectively, founded the organization in August 2005 after being inspired by two documents. The first was a letter from troops in response to care packages Rachel's Brownie troop had sent. The second piece of inspiration came from Michael Stadther's book, "A Treasure Trove."
"(The troops) gave us a letter and it said, 'The thing that keeps us going through the dirt and dust is that we have a free country, and that's what we're fighting for,'" Kelsi said. "We said, 'OK. We can put these two together. So why don't we make a treasure hunt that gives out scholarships for the troops?'"
The girls also encouraged the students, teachers and parents gathered in the school's gym to participate in the hunt for answers to American history and trivia by enticing them with sample questions. Student who answered the questions correctly received small prizes.
Last year's hunt, which also centered on facts about the country, was expected to be a one-time event, Jeri Thomson, the organization's president said after the assembly.
"It started out to be a one-time family project, but last summer everybody sort of realized that there is a real need here," she said. "It's a very carefully defined niche now; scholarships for spouses and kids of active duty troops, defined so it includes Guard and reserves."
So this year the girls, who spent about a year creating their first treasure hunt with friends, family and teachers, decided to create another, and they had even more help. In addition to parents, teachers and friends, Rachel's Junior Girl Scout Troop and Kelsi's third-grade class got involved, each creating a chapter for the clue book.
"Treasure hunts, they take a lot of work," Rachel told those assembled in the gym. "But they're so rewarding."
Even the girls' puppy pal, Miles, played his part. "He's just a really good 'pound hound,'" Kelsi said. "So we decided, 'Why don't we make him the star of one of our chapters? He can hunt clues."
The contest is free to anyone who wants to participate, but the girls are hoping for generous donations to fund their scholarships. Last year, donations from the treasure hunt totaled more than $500,000, which helped fund more than 100 scholarships, Kelsi said, adding that they hope that amount will be even greater this year.
Just as great as the donations received are the thank you notes from scholarship recipients, Jeri Thomson, the organization's president, said. One military spouse who received a scholarship wrote: "(I) just wanted to let you know that your scholarship has helped so, so much. When I get my degree, I promise I will return the favor in donating back to ThanksUSA to give other students."
Her mother, Deanna Okun, said there are suggestions for fund-raisers on the ThanksUSA Web site if classes should want to make a donation to the scholarship fund.
The focus of this year's treasure hunt is still on America, Rachel said. "Our country is so special. So this year our treasure hunt is about the pillars of democracy ... like the Bill of Rights (and) the Declaration of Independence," she said. "We wanted to focus on what makes our country so great."
But because the girls are trying to engage school children, the Okuns added a new element to the hunt, which should make teachers happy too, Deanna said.
"This year we've made it consistent with standards of learning for social studies and history," Deanna said said. "Sixty percent of the questions in each chapter are consistent with those standards."
This is a huge plus for teachers, because it helps them develop the skills their students need to be working on anyway, Danylchuk said. "I need to get them to cite references and also (improve) their research skills," she said. "So it kind of killed two birds with one stone."
The assembly, which had begun with the Pledge of Allegiance, also included the airing of a ThanksUSA public service announcement. That announcement encourages doing more than presenting returning servicemembers with a medal and a pat on the back. "If you think our troops deserve more than that, make a donation to our scholarship fund," the announcement said.
To find out how to participate in the second ThanksUSA Treasure Hunt, visit the ThanksUSA Web site. The contest is broken into three phases, with Phase 1 open to any kindergarten through 12th-grade class. Phases 2 and 3 are open to individuals. Prizes will be awarded for correct answers in accordance with official rules.
Articles sponsored by criminal justice leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Army Upgrades Its Electronic Warfare Training
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 22, 2007 – U.S. Army soldiers and insurgents have something in common: They share a single electromagnetic spectrum to communicate and launch attacks. "The spectrum is that invisible world inhabited by television transmissions, by all sorts of radios, by cell phones, by satellite links, by GPS links," Army Col. Lauri Moe Buckhout, electronic warfare division chief, told reporters at the Pentagon yesterday.
"In Baghdad you might have American soldiers, coalition soldiers ... an Iraqi friendly forces mother and father talking to each other to coordinate a taxi to pick up their sick son and take him to the hospital," she said. "They are all legitimate users of the spectrum."
Buckhout said the U.S. forces' enemies haven't historically used electronics to wage warfare, but things are changing and the spectrum is wide open.
"In the middle of it, there's a bad guy using a cell phone to make something bad happen," she said. "So we have to get good at finding that one hostile spectrum user and take him out.
"Electronic warfare is defined as using the spectrum to attack an enemy, to deny, degrade, defeat the capabilities of an enemy," Buckhout said. "We need to dominate the spectrum."
The Army's fight to dominate electronic warfare is hampered by its lack of experience, she said. The last time the army wielded electronic warfare as a major tactic, soldiers used "barrage jammers" to prevent enemies from using the spectrum. But these former methods are now ineffective, Buckhout said.
"It was a big box that would radiate electronic death and put out a heavy frequency across a wide spectrum," she said. "You can't do that any more, because think of all the collateral damage you would have."
In response to a changing electronic battlefield, Gen. Richard A. Cody, army vice chief of staff, launched two U.S. Army training courses in October, aimed at giving soldiers an edge.
The "Tactical Course," a three-week session at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., trains soldiers at the battalion level and below. Electronic warfare operators at the brigade level and higher take the "Operational Course," receiving six weeks of training at the Fort Sill, Okla.
One of Cody's directives is to make the Army equally competent in electronic warfare as the other services, Buckhout said.
"(Other branches) have electronic warfare professionals who are PhDs in what they do, and we're just starting out," she said. "We didn't have any (electronic warfare) folks, so the Navy stepped up and said, 'We can help you.'"
These Navy advisors "have been fully integrated, absolutely embraced, and they have taught the Army a whole lot about how to fight this fight," she said.
The Army plans to replace a majority of those advisors with soldiers by March 2008, she added.
Another goal Cody outlined is to make electronic warfare an Army core competency, meaning every soldier will receive training, she said.
The Army will base its approach in part on the Navy model. "Everyone's got to touch it now, which is a huge sea change," Buckhout said. "Each soldier has to understand some basics of electronic warfare - jammers, the threats on the spectrum electronic system that reside in both air and on ground."
Soldiers, ranging from privates engaged in initial training to the chief of staff of the Army, will receive some level of electronic warfare training, she said.
"The Army needs to get smart in electronic warfare so we can handle ourselves in this environment and take control of it rather than having it take control of us," she said.
Article sponsored by online criminal justice leadership; and, police personnel and military personnel who have become authors.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 22, 2007 – U.S. Army soldiers and insurgents have something in common: They share a single electromagnetic spectrum to communicate and launch attacks. "The spectrum is that invisible world inhabited by television transmissions, by all sorts of radios, by cell phones, by satellite links, by GPS links," Army Col. Lauri Moe Buckhout, electronic warfare division chief, told reporters at the Pentagon yesterday.
"In Baghdad you might have American soldiers, coalition soldiers ... an Iraqi friendly forces mother and father talking to each other to coordinate a taxi to pick up their sick son and take him to the hospital," she said. "They are all legitimate users of the spectrum."
Buckhout said the U.S. forces' enemies haven't historically used electronics to wage warfare, but things are changing and the spectrum is wide open.
"In the middle of it, there's a bad guy using a cell phone to make something bad happen," she said. "So we have to get good at finding that one hostile spectrum user and take him out.
"Electronic warfare is defined as using the spectrum to attack an enemy, to deny, degrade, defeat the capabilities of an enemy," Buckhout said. "We need to dominate the spectrum."
The Army's fight to dominate electronic warfare is hampered by its lack of experience, she said. The last time the army wielded electronic warfare as a major tactic, soldiers used "barrage jammers" to prevent enemies from using the spectrum. But these former methods are now ineffective, Buckhout said.
"It was a big box that would radiate electronic death and put out a heavy frequency across a wide spectrum," she said. "You can't do that any more, because think of all the collateral damage you would have."
In response to a changing electronic battlefield, Gen. Richard A. Cody, army vice chief of staff, launched two U.S. Army training courses in October, aimed at giving soldiers an edge.
The "Tactical Course," a three-week session at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., trains soldiers at the battalion level and below. Electronic warfare operators at the brigade level and higher take the "Operational Course," receiving six weeks of training at the Fort Sill, Okla.
One of Cody's directives is to make the Army equally competent in electronic warfare as the other services, Buckhout said.
"(Other branches) have electronic warfare professionals who are PhDs in what they do, and we're just starting out," she said. "We didn't have any (electronic warfare) folks, so the Navy stepped up and said, 'We can help you.'"
These Navy advisors "have been fully integrated, absolutely embraced, and they have taught the Army a whole lot about how to fight this fight," she said.
The Army plans to replace a majority of those advisors with soldiers by March 2008, she added.
Another goal Cody outlined is to make electronic warfare an Army core competency, meaning every soldier will receive training, she said.
The Army will base its approach in part on the Navy model. "Everyone's got to touch it now, which is a huge sea change," Buckhout said. "Each soldier has to understand some basics of electronic warfare - jammers, the threats on the spectrum electronic system that reside in both air and on ground."
Soldiers, ranging from privates engaged in initial training to the chief of staff of the Army, will receive some level of electronic warfare training, she said.
"The Army needs to get smart in electronic warfare so we can handle ourselves in this environment and take control of it rather than having it take control of us," she said.
Article sponsored by online criminal justice leadership; and, police personnel and military personnel who have become authors.
Diversity, Equality Programs Strengthen America's Military
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 22, 2007 – Defense Department policies that promote diversity and equal treatment for all servicemembers and civilians, regardless of race, have helped to make the U.S. military a force to be reckoned with, a senior DoD official said here today. The U.S. military is smaller than the force that existed 15 years ago, but it's also the most lethal military ever, Clarence A. Johnson, principal director and director for civilian equal employment opportunity within the department's office of diversity management and equal opportunity, said at a DoD-sponsored African-American History Month symposium held at a local hotel.
"I think that is true, at least in part, because the Defense Department has put in place policies and programs to ensure that military and civilian members are treated fairly, equably and with respect, thus maximizing the production capacity of each of our members," Johnson said to senior educational leaders representing 15 historically black colleges and universities.
African-Americans traditionally have looked at military service as a way to serve their country and to get ahead, Joyce M. Jarrett, provost for Hampton University, said. And, through the years "the armed forces took the lead and convinced the nation to be inclusive," Jarrett said.
To support diversity, "we really have to lean forward," said Dr. Joseph Guzman, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for strategic diversity initiatives. While the Air Force has achieved increased diversity over the years, Guzman noted, it still needs more African-Americans to fill senior military officer and civilian leadership positions.
The Army, too, has a plethora of professional positions to offer young college graduates, Maj. Gen. John R. Hawkins III, the Army's deputy chief of staff for mobility and reserve affairs, said. And ROTC, he noted, remains a strong program for commissioning junior officers as they graduate from a college or university.
"We want to make those opportunities available, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that you are aware of those opportunities," Hawkins told the senior education leaders.
In addition to seeking a climate of personnel diversity, the department also sponsors programs that seek out minority-owned firms to do business with DoD.
Paul Bowes, a Hampton University graduate, businessman and Vietnam-era Army veteran, attended the symposium to press his proposal for a pilot program that would have non-tactical military vehicles use non-foreign-oil sources of fuel, such as biomass products like ethanol.
"Me being here, communicating and setting up relationships with historically black colleges and universities, is part of it," Bowes said.
Article sponsored by online criminal justice leadership; and, police personnel and military personnel who have become authors.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 22, 2007 – Defense Department policies that promote diversity and equal treatment for all servicemembers and civilians, regardless of race, have helped to make the U.S. military a force to be reckoned with, a senior DoD official said here today. The U.S. military is smaller than the force that existed 15 years ago, but it's also the most lethal military ever, Clarence A. Johnson, principal director and director for civilian equal employment opportunity within the department's office of diversity management and equal opportunity, said at a DoD-sponsored African-American History Month symposium held at a local hotel.
"I think that is true, at least in part, because the Defense Department has put in place policies and programs to ensure that military and civilian members are treated fairly, equably and with respect, thus maximizing the production capacity of each of our members," Johnson said to senior educational leaders representing 15 historically black colleges and universities.
African-Americans traditionally have looked at military service as a way to serve their country and to get ahead, Joyce M. Jarrett, provost for Hampton University, said. And, through the years "the armed forces took the lead and convinced the nation to be inclusive," Jarrett said.
To support diversity, "we really have to lean forward," said Dr. Joseph Guzman, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for strategic diversity initiatives. While the Air Force has achieved increased diversity over the years, Guzman noted, it still needs more African-Americans to fill senior military officer and civilian leadership positions.
The Army, too, has a plethora of professional positions to offer young college graduates, Maj. Gen. John R. Hawkins III, the Army's deputy chief of staff for mobility and reserve affairs, said. And ROTC, he noted, remains a strong program for commissioning junior officers as they graduate from a college or university.
"We want to make those opportunities available, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that you are aware of those opportunities," Hawkins told the senior education leaders.
In addition to seeking a climate of personnel diversity, the department also sponsors programs that seek out minority-owned firms to do business with DoD.
Paul Bowes, a Hampton University graduate, businessman and Vietnam-era Army veteran, attended the symposium to press his proposal for a pilot program that would have non-tactical military vehicles use non-foreign-oil sources of fuel, such as biomass products like ethanol.
"Me being here, communicating and setting up relationships with historically black colleges and universities, is part of it," Bowes said.
Article sponsored by online criminal justice leadership; and, police personnel and military personnel who have become authors.
Walter Reed Puts 'Full-Court Press' on Fixing Building 18
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 22, 2007 – The Army surgeon general's staff is putting a "full-court press" on fixing the backed-up repairs needed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's outpatient Building 18, the service's top medical officer said here today. Flanked by a host of staff officers and facing a small army of media, Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Kevin C. Kiley said most of the reported maintenance issues that brought the center into the national spotlight will be fixed by the end of this week.
Kiley also said a major renovation is planned for the building -- a former hotel used to house outpatients and their families -- that will overhaul it entirely, including its heating and air conditioning system and plumbing. Because the soldiers there will have to move, the timing has not been set. Planners want to cause minimal disruption to the soldiers, Kiley said.
Officials allowed media to tour the building, as well as another building that houses outpatient soldiers, the Mologne house. Soldiers milled around Building 18 shooting pool and playing video games as reporters and photographers flocked around them.
The halls throughout the 54-room building smelled of bleach and plaster. Contractors went about repairing plumbing and painting walls. Finished rooms were on display.
The same soldier pictured in newspaper reports standing next to a moldy wall was now being photographed standing with the Army's surgeon general in a freshly cleaned and painted room.
Another soldier, Army Spc. Ruben Villalpando, said he is happy he can get a warm shower now. For the past several months, his water has varied from extremely hot to cold, he said.
"Now it will be a lot better," he said. "You fix my shower and I'm good."
Within walking distance of the hospital's Georgia Avenue entrance, Building 18 was bought by the Army in 1989.
In 2005 the Army spent more than $260,000 replacing the carpet in all of the rooms and fixing up the lobby and game room. New mattresses and tables were placed in each room. The game room got a new pool table, games and a plasma television. Security cameras also were installed.
The rooms are apartment-style, with two bedrooms sharing a common kitchen area and bath. Each has a microwave and a small refrigerator.
There are 76 soldiers living in the building. It can house 106.
Kiley said his staff also is looking into reported problems with the bureaucracy of the medical process and personnel system. He admitted that the outpatient process can, at times, be bureaucratic, and that it needs to be streamlined.
"We want to be responsive to their concerns, both medical and quality of life, and we're going to move out smartly on that," he said. "We worry when soldiers think we are ignoring them. We want to correct that."
Kiley said officials are looking at adding more case managers. At one time, one case manager was responsible for 120 soldiers, Kiley said. Now the ratio is about 1 to 30 soldiers, and officials will look at lowering the ratio even further, he said.
Some of the problems are systemic across the Army and the Defense Department, Kiley acknowledged, but he said he would call on service officials, and Congress if needed, to fix the problems. Primarily, he said, he hopes to streamline the medical and physical board process that determines the administrative disposition of soldiers' cases that is lengthy and bureaucratic.
Kiley said that, while there is no excuse for the problems cited in news reports, those problems not indicative of the care all of the servicemembers and their families receive at the center.
The hospital has a staff of 4,200 and has treated more than 6,000 wounded soldiers in the past five years. The population of outpatients at Walter Reed increased from pre-war levels of about 120 to a peak of more than 874 soldiers in 2005.
Over the next few weeks, the hospital staff will review about 30 outstanding work orders, according to a Walter Reed news release. The hospital already has completed more than 200 maintenance projects in the past year, the release reported.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books; and, criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 22, 2007 – The Army surgeon general's staff is putting a "full-court press" on fixing the backed-up repairs needed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's outpatient Building 18, the service's top medical officer said here today. Flanked by a host of staff officers and facing a small army of media, Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Kevin C. Kiley said most of the reported maintenance issues that brought the center into the national spotlight will be fixed by the end of this week.
Kiley also said a major renovation is planned for the building -- a former hotel used to house outpatients and their families -- that will overhaul it entirely, including its heating and air conditioning system and plumbing. Because the soldiers there will have to move, the timing has not been set. Planners want to cause minimal disruption to the soldiers, Kiley said.
Officials allowed media to tour the building, as well as another building that houses outpatient soldiers, the Mologne house. Soldiers milled around Building 18 shooting pool and playing video games as reporters and photographers flocked around them.
The halls throughout the 54-room building smelled of bleach and plaster. Contractors went about repairing plumbing and painting walls. Finished rooms were on display.
The same soldier pictured in newspaper reports standing next to a moldy wall was now being photographed standing with the Army's surgeon general in a freshly cleaned and painted room.
Another soldier, Army Spc. Ruben Villalpando, said he is happy he can get a warm shower now. For the past several months, his water has varied from extremely hot to cold, he said.
"Now it will be a lot better," he said. "You fix my shower and I'm good."
Within walking distance of the hospital's Georgia Avenue entrance, Building 18 was bought by the Army in 1989.
In 2005 the Army spent more than $260,000 replacing the carpet in all of the rooms and fixing up the lobby and game room. New mattresses and tables were placed in each room. The game room got a new pool table, games and a plasma television. Security cameras also were installed.
The rooms are apartment-style, with two bedrooms sharing a common kitchen area and bath. Each has a microwave and a small refrigerator.
There are 76 soldiers living in the building. It can house 106.
Kiley said his staff also is looking into reported problems with the bureaucracy of the medical process and personnel system. He admitted that the outpatient process can, at times, be bureaucratic, and that it needs to be streamlined.
"We want to be responsive to their concerns, both medical and quality of life, and we're going to move out smartly on that," he said. "We worry when soldiers think we are ignoring them. We want to correct that."
Kiley said officials are looking at adding more case managers. At one time, one case manager was responsible for 120 soldiers, Kiley said. Now the ratio is about 1 to 30 soldiers, and officials will look at lowering the ratio even further, he said.
Some of the problems are systemic across the Army and the Defense Department, Kiley acknowledged, but he said he would call on service officials, and Congress if needed, to fix the problems. Primarily, he said, he hopes to streamline the medical and physical board process that determines the administrative disposition of soldiers' cases that is lengthy and bureaucratic.
Kiley said that, while there is no excuse for the problems cited in news reports, those problems not indicative of the care all of the servicemembers and their families receive at the center.
The hospital has a staff of 4,200 and has treated more than 6,000 wounded soldiers in the past five years. The population of outpatients at Walter Reed increased from pre-war levels of about 120 to a peak of more than 874 soldiers in 2005.
Over the next few weeks, the hospital staff will review about 30 outstanding work orders, according to a Walter Reed news release. The hospital already has completed more than 200 maintenance projects in the past year, the release reported.
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books; and, criminal justice online leadership.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Breaking America's Will as Road to Victory
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – Terrorists know they can't defeat the United States militarily, so they seek instead to break the nation's will, Vice President Dick Cheney told the crew of the USS Kitty Hawk today. Cheney spoke aboard the aircraft carrier in Japan, one stop on a swing through the Pacific. "The only way (terrorists) can win is if we lose our nerve and abandon our mission," Cheney said. "So they continue committing acts of random horror, believing they can intimidate the civilized world and break the will of the American people."
Terrorists have made Iraq the central front of the struggle, Cheney told the Kitty Hawk's crew, and are well aware of the stakes there.
"If the terrorists were to succeed, they would return Iraq to the rule of tyrants, make it a source of instability in the Middle East, and use it as a staging area for even more attacks," he said. "The terrorists also know that as freedom takes hold, the ideologies of hatred and resentment will lose their appeal, and the advance of liberty and self government in the broader Middle East will lead to a much safer world for our children and our grandchildren.
"This nation has learned the lessons of history," Cheney continued. "We know that terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength; they are invited by the perception of weakness."
The war on terror, the vice president said, is unlike any war the nation had fought previously.
"This war is not a matter of finding an opposing army and engaging it, or finding a navy and sinking it," he said. "The terrorist enemies are hidden and dispersed, and they view the entire world as a battlefield. They are determined to commit indiscriminate murder against innocent, unsuspecting men, women, and children. They serve an ideology that rejects tolerance and demands total obedience.
"It's an extreme and a hateful ideology -- and it's what drove 19 men to get on airplanes and come kill 3,000 Americans," he continued. "These enemies want to seize control of a country in the Middle East so they can acquire a base for launching attacks, and oil wealth to finance their ambitions. They want to target and overthrow other governments in the region, and eventually to establish a totalitarian empire that encompasses the region from Spain, across North Africa, through the Middle East and South Asia, all the way to Indonesia. And it would not stop there."
Cheney cited terrorists' stated goals and their history of attacking U.S. interests whenever possible as reasons to keep taking the fight to them in Iraq.
"We know that if we leave Iraq before the mission is completed, the enemy is going to come after us," he said. "Having seen our interests attacked repeatedly over the years, and knowing the ambitions of the terrorists, this nation has made a decision: We will engage these enemies. We will face them far from home, so we do not have to face them on the streets of our own cities.
"Every member of our military can be certain that America will stay on the offensive in the war on terror," he continued. "The president of the United States and his national security team understand the threat -- the enemy's changing tactics and its unchanging nature. We are not dealing with adversaries that will ever surrender or come to their senses."
Under the leadership of Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Cheney said, U.S. forces are helping Iraqis to clear and secure Baghdad to protect the local population, and are ensuring that Iraqi forces will be capable of providing the security necessary in their capital city on their own. But it won't happen overnight or without a price, the vice president noted.
Petraeus, he said, is aware of the challenge of engaging what the general called "a determined, adaptable, barbaric enemy" in a battle of wills that holds no guarantees. But he said U.S. strategy in Iraq recognizes that the enemy won't stand pat.
"We will be flexible. We'll do all we can to adapt to conditions on the ground. We'll make every change necessary to do the job," he said. "And I want you to know that the American people will not support a policy of retreat. We want to complete the mission, we want to get it done right, and then we want to return with honor."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – Terrorists know they can't defeat the United States militarily, so they seek instead to break the nation's will, Vice President Dick Cheney told the crew of the USS Kitty Hawk today. Cheney spoke aboard the aircraft carrier in Japan, one stop on a swing through the Pacific. "The only way (terrorists) can win is if we lose our nerve and abandon our mission," Cheney said. "So they continue committing acts of random horror, believing they can intimidate the civilized world and break the will of the American people."
Terrorists have made Iraq the central front of the struggle, Cheney told the Kitty Hawk's crew, and are well aware of the stakes there.
"If the terrorists were to succeed, they would return Iraq to the rule of tyrants, make it a source of instability in the Middle East, and use it as a staging area for even more attacks," he said. "The terrorists also know that as freedom takes hold, the ideologies of hatred and resentment will lose their appeal, and the advance of liberty and self government in the broader Middle East will lead to a much safer world for our children and our grandchildren.
"This nation has learned the lessons of history," Cheney continued. "We know that terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength; they are invited by the perception of weakness."
The war on terror, the vice president said, is unlike any war the nation had fought previously.
"This war is not a matter of finding an opposing army and engaging it, or finding a navy and sinking it," he said. "The terrorist enemies are hidden and dispersed, and they view the entire world as a battlefield. They are determined to commit indiscriminate murder against innocent, unsuspecting men, women, and children. They serve an ideology that rejects tolerance and demands total obedience.
"It's an extreme and a hateful ideology -- and it's what drove 19 men to get on airplanes and come kill 3,000 Americans," he continued. "These enemies want to seize control of a country in the Middle East so they can acquire a base for launching attacks, and oil wealth to finance their ambitions. They want to target and overthrow other governments in the region, and eventually to establish a totalitarian empire that encompasses the region from Spain, across North Africa, through the Middle East and South Asia, all the way to Indonesia. And it would not stop there."
Cheney cited terrorists' stated goals and their history of attacking U.S. interests whenever possible as reasons to keep taking the fight to them in Iraq.
"We know that if we leave Iraq before the mission is completed, the enemy is going to come after us," he said. "Having seen our interests attacked repeatedly over the years, and knowing the ambitions of the terrorists, this nation has made a decision: We will engage these enemies. We will face them far from home, so we do not have to face them on the streets of our own cities.
"Every member of our military can be certain that America will stay on the offensive in the war on terror," he continued. "The president of the United States and his national security team understand the threat -- the enemy's changing tactics and its unchanging nature. We are not dealing with adversaries that will ever surrender or come to their senses."
Under the leadership of Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Cheney said, U.S. forces are helping Iraqis to clear and secure Baghdad to protect the local population, and are ensuring that Iraqi forces will be capable of providing the security necessary in their capital city on their own. But it won't happen overnight or without a price, the vice president noted.
Petraeus, he said, is aware of the challenge of engaging what the general called "a determined, adaptable, barbaric enemy" in a battle of wills that holds no guarantees. But he said U.S. strategy in Iraq recognizes that the enemy won't stand pat.
"We will be flexible. We'll do all we can to adapt to conditions on the ground. We'll make every change necessary to do the job," he said. "And I want you to know that the American people will not support a policy of retreat. We want to complete the mission, we want to get it done right, and then we want to return with honor."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
Officials Offer No Excuses, Only Changes at Walter Reed
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – Senior defense officials today said they take full responsibility for the recently reported poor-quality outpatient housing and bureaucratic hassles some servicemembers have experienced at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and offered up a "no excuses" approach to fixing the problems. "Several matters reported ... are serious matters. They deserve immediate attention, and they are getting immediate attention," Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant defense secretary for health affairs, said at a Pentagon briefing.
"They are problems that need (to be) fixed and fixed immediately," he said.
Officials are putting together an independent review group that will report back with recommendations to the offices of the secretaries of the Army and Navy, as well as Winkenwerder's office, he said. Meanwhile necessary repairs and leadership changes are being made.
Winkenwerder emphasized that none of the reported complaints cited the medical care of the wounded servicemembers or the treatment of their families by the medical staff at Walter Reed. The concerns lay solely with caring for the "whole person" as the servicemembers and their families worked through the outpatient care process, Winkenwerder said.
Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey and Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard Cody yesterday visited Building 18, a former hotel near the medical center that houses some Walter Reed outpatients and their families.
Cody said they were "absolutely disappointed" in the living conditions there and that there had been a breakdown in leadership. He called the delays in the repairs to the building "inexcusable."
Cody said he is a frequent visitor to the medical center facilities and has regular conversations with the staff, servicemembers and families there. Even so, he said, he was caught off guard by the reports.
"I am disappointed that I had to learn about the conditions of that building through media reports," Cody said.
Winkenwerder and Cody both said they had received no complaints about Building 18.
"That is not an excuse. ... Clearly, we've had a breakdown in leadership, and a bureaucratic medical and contractual process bogged down a speedy solution to these problems," Cody said. "I can assure you the appropriate vigor and leadership is being applied to this issue, and we will correct any problems immediately."
Cody said he personally will oversee the plan to upgrade Building 18.
"I'll take responsibility. I am the vice chief of staff of the Army," Cody said. "I'll take responsibility for this, and I'll make sure it's fixed."
Building 18 is located on Georgia Avenue. It has 54 double rooms, with 76 servicemembers living there. Each room has a private bath, a sink and a refrigerator.
Cody said he found that the conditions at the building ranged from good to "not very good." But, said he said, the conditions at the home are not indicative of the facilities most wounded servicemembers enjoy at the medical facility.
"This is an anomaly that is going to be fixed," Cody said.
Cody also addressed reported complaints of patients unable to make or meet appointments and of other scheduling problems. He said officials will open a one-stop family assistance center at Walter Reed.
"The Army leadership is committed and dedicated to ensuring that (servicemembers') quality of life and the quality of their medical care is equal to their quality of service and sacrifice," Cody said.
Winkenwerder acknowledged that because of the problems, officials will have to work to rebuild the trust that has been lost.
"The trust has clearly taken a hit here," he said. "I think it's our job to repair that trust, to re-earn that trust, and that's what we intend to do."
Both Winkenwerder and Cody said funds are available for all needed repairs.
The Walter Reed Health Care system includes 10 major treatment facilities in three states. The system boasts a staff of 6,000 that includes more than 600 Army physicians. It provides care for more than 150,000 soldiers, other servicemembers, family members and retirees in the National Capital Area.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – Senior defense officials today said they take full responsibility for the recently reported poor-quality outpatient housing and bureaucratic hassles some servicemembers have experienced at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and offered up a "no excuses" approach to fixing the problems. "Several matters reported ... are serious matters. They deserve immediate attention, and they are getting immediate attention," Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant defense secretary for health affairs, said at a Pentagon briefing.
"They are problems that need (to be) fixed and fixed immediately," he said.
Officials are putting together an independent review group that will report back with recommendations to the offices of the secretaries of the Army and Navy, as well as Winkenwerder's office, he said. Meanwhile necessary repairs and leadership changes are being made.
Winkenwerder emphasized that none of the reported complaints cited the medical care of the wounded servicemembers or the treatment of their families by the medical staff at Walter Reed. The concerns lay solely with caring for the "whole person" as the servicemembers and their families worked through the outpatient care process, Winkenwerder said.
Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey and Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard Cody yesterday visited Building 18, a former hotel near the medical center that houses some Walter Reed outpatients and their families.
Cody said they were "absolutely disappointed" in the living conditions there and that there had been a breakdown in leadership. He called the delays in the repairs to the building "inexcusable."
Cody said he is a frequent visitor to the medical center facilities and has regular conversations with the staff, servicemembers and families there. Even so, he said, he was caught off guard by the reports.
"I am disappointed that I had to learn about the conditions of that building through media reports," Cody said.
Winkenwerder and Cody both said they had received no complaints about Building 18.
"That is not an excuse. ... Clearly, we've had a breakdown in leadership, and a bureaucratic medical and contractual process bogged down a speedy solution to these problems," Cody said. "I can assure you the appropriate vigor and leadership is being applied to this issue, and we will correct any problems immediately."
Cody said he personally will oversee the plan to upgrade Building 18.
"I'll take responsibility. I am the vice chief of staff of the Army," Cody said. "I'll take responsibility for this, and I'll make sure it's fixed."
Building 18 is located on Georgia Avenue. It has 54 double rooms, with 76 servicemembers living there. Each room has a private bath, a sink and a refrigerator.
Cody said he found that the conditions at the building ranged from good to "not very good." But, said he said, the conditions at the home are not indicative of the facilities most wounded servicemembers enjoy at the medical facility.
"This is an anomaly that is going to be fixed," Cody said.
Cody also addressed reported complaints of patients unable to make or meet appointments and of other scheduling problems. He said officials will open a one-stop family assistance center at Walter Reed.
"The Army leadership is committed and dedicated to ensuring that (servicemembers') quality of life and the quality of their medical care is equal to their quality of service and sacrifice," Cody said.
Winkenwerder acknowledged that because of the problems, officials will have to work to rebuild the trust that has been lost.
"The trust has clearly taken a hit here," he said. "I think it's our job to repair that trust, to re-earn that trust, and that's what we intend to do."
Both Winkenwerder and Cody said funds are available for all needed repairs.
The Walter Reed Health Care system includes 10 major treatment facilities in three states. The system boasts a staff of 6,000 that includes more than 600 Army physicians. It provides care for more than 150,000 soldiers, other servicemembers, family members and retirees in the National Capital Area.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
By Looking Back, African-American NFL Players Help Army See Future
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – Past and present members of the National Football League joined the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command's observance of African-American History Month here today. In a panel discussion, former professional players Bill Willis, Brig Owens, Darrell Green, Rick "Doc" Walker and current Washington Redskins player Kedric Golston talked about how early African-American players paved the way for today's African-American athletes.
"It's about living the American dream," said Maj. Gen. James Myles, ATEC commanding general, as he opened the program. "In our (regular ethnic observances) we have to remember it wasn't always the way it is now. If we don't remember the past, there's a good chance to slide backwards."
The panel members represented each decade in which the NFL has allowed African-American players.
Willis was the first African-American player who signed on to play professional football, a full year before Jackie Robinson broke the racial barriers in professional baseball. When Willis began playing for the Cleveland Browns in the 1940s, he said, he was subject to discrimination both on and off the field.
Walker, who served as the event's moderator, pointed out that Willis didn't succumb to discrimination, and opened the door for other athletes.
"Because he didn't fight back, become belligerent or quit, the rest of us had an opportunity to follow him," Walker said.
Willis attributed his successes, both on the football field and in life, to mentors he had along the way.
"When one gets ahead in anything, it means that someone has helped them," Willis said. He shared that the person who encouraged him was Ohio State football coach Paul Brown who looked past his ethnicity to see that he was a talented player who deserved to play college ball.
"It took someone to give me the opportunity," he said. "There were times things were pretty rough. All players didn't accept that I should play on the same field, but I made the best out of the situation."
As a former Redskins player and assistant executive director of the NFL Players Association, Owens shared that his successes in life have come from being prepared for the unanticipated.
"I know you have dreams and aspirations," he told a handful of local high school football players in the audience. "All those dreams can come true if you believe enough and base everything on a strong foundation of education - the end of your football career is only one play away."
Repeatedly, the panelists emphasized that by making the best of a situation and following the footsteps of others one can succeed in life.
"We all come to a fork in the road where we have to make important decisions," said Golston, who represented the youngest generation of NFL players, "but we should seek out those who can help us and who we can learn from."
"I'm only 23," he said. "But I'm going to take advantage of my situation so I can make an impact on others."
These players are really trailblazers, said Brig. Gen. Belinda Pinckney, following the event. She said they are making a difference for others by making the most of life's opportunities.
Pinckney, commanding general for the Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, is also making the most of her opportunities - she and her sister are the first two African-American women to become general officers in the Army.
"I think everyone is put in places for a reason," she said. "The military has offered a wonderful opportunity for me to also make a difference."
Concluding the observance, Myles thanked the participants. "You have paved the way for these men to go forward and live their dreams," he told the panelists. "You have broken the path for others."
"This is about opportunity, but the journey is not over. Ours is the same journey," Myles said. "This is another demonstration that we are the most powerful country in the world because we give people the opportunity."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – Past and present members of the National Football League joined the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command's observance of African-American History Month here today. In a panel discussion, former professional players Bill Willis, Brig Owens, Darrell Green, Rick "Doc" Walker and current Washington Redskins player Kedric Golston talked about how early African-American players paved the way for today's African-American athletes.
"It's about living the American dream," said Maj. Gen. James Myles, ATEC commanding general, as he opened the program. "In our (regular ethnic observances) we have to remember it wasn't always the way it is now. If we don't remember the past, there's a good chance to slide backwards."
The panel members represented each decade in which the NFL has allowed African-American players.
Willis was the first African-American player who signed on to play professional football, a full year before Jackie Robinson broke the racial barriers in professional baseball. When Willis began playing for the Cleveland Browns in the 1940s, he said, he was subject to discrimination both on and off the field.
Walker, who served as the event's moderator, pointed out that Willis didn't succumb to discrimination, and opened the door for other athletes.
"Because he didn't fight back, become belligerent or quit, the rest of us had an opportunity to follow him," Walker said.
Willis attributed his successes, both on the football field and in life, to mentors he had along the way.
"When one gets ahead in anything, it means that someone has helped them," Willis said. He shared that the person who encouraged him was Ohio State football coach Paul Brown who looked past his ethnicity to see that he was a talented player who deserved to play college ball.
"It took someone to give me the opportunity," he said. "There were times things were pretty rough. All players didn't accept that I should play on the same field, but I made the best out of the situation."
As a former Redskins player and assistant executive director of the NFL Players Association, Owens shared that his successes in life have come from being prepared for the unanticipated.
"I know you have dreams and aspirations," he told a handful of local high school football players in the audience. "All those dreams can come true if you believe enough and base everything on a strong foundation of education - the end of your football career is only one play away."
Repeatedly, the panelists emphasized that by making the best of a situation and following the footsteps of others one can succeed in life.
"We all come to a fork in the road where we have to make important decisions," said Golston, who represented the youngest generation of NFL players, "but we should seek out those who can help us and who we can learn from."
"I'm only 23," he said. "But I'm going to take advantage of my situation so I can make an impact on others."
These players are really trailblazers, said Brig. Gen. Belinda Pinckney, following the event. She said they are making a difference for others by making the most of life's opportunities.
Pinckney, commanding general for the Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, is also making the most of her opportunities - she and her sister are the first two African-American women to become general officers in the Army.
"I think everyone is put in places for a reason," she said. "The military has offered a wonderful opportunity for me to also make a difference."
Concluding the observance, Myles thanked the participants. "You have paved the way for these men to go forward and live their dreams," he told the panelists. "You have broken the path for others."
"This is about opportunity, but the journey is not over. Ours is the same journey," Myles said. "This is another demonstration that we are the most powerful country in the world because we give people the opportunity."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
'Quad-A' Offers Families Assistance
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – An organization that has distributed more than $3 million in scholarships and interest-free education loans has entered its second half-century of service to the extended Army Aviation family. The Army Aviation Association of America, or "Quad A," was organized 50 years ago at Fort Rucker, Ala., to support U.S. Army aviation soldiers and their families, the group's national president said.
The group's AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, furthers that purpose by offering financial assistance for educational pursuits. America Supports You highlights the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Tom Konitzer, Quad A's national president, said the organization received 148 scholarship applications in 2006 and awarded $239,000.
Some 1,788 qualified applicants have received more than $3 million in scholarships and interest-free loans since the program began in 1963, according to the scholarship foundation's Web site. Only members of the Army Aviation Association of America and their families are eligible to apply, but membership is easy enough to attain, Konitzer said.
"Anybody can join," Konitzer said, adding that the children of a member, their spouses, and the individuals themselves are eligible for the financial assistance.
Full guidelines and application procedures are available on the scholarship foundation's Web site.
The foundation's membership in the America Supports You program has provided great networking opportunities that have allowed his group to understand what other organizations are doing for the servicemen and women, Konitzer said.
Through that association, he said, he became aware of an event that Operation Gratitude's Carolyn Blashek was planning in California.
"So I asked our (California) chapter president to go over and represent us at the event to demonstrate the support for her initiative," Konitzer said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2007 – An organization that has distributed more than $3 million in scholarships and interest-free education loans has entered its second half-century of service to the extended Army Aviation family. The Army Aviation Association of America, or "Quad A," was organized 50 years ago at Fort Rucker, Ala., to support U.S. Army aviation soldiers and their families, the group's national president said.
The group's AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, furthers that purpose by offering financial assistance for educational pursuits. America Supports You highlights the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Tom Konitzer, Quad A's national president, said the organization received 148 scholarship applications in 2006 and awarded $239,000.
Some 1,788 qualified applicants have received more than $3 million in scholarships and interest-free loans since the program began in 1963, according to the scholarship foundation's Web site. Only members of the Army Aviation Association of America and their families are eligible to apply, but membership is easy enough to attain, Konitzer said.
"Anybody can join," Konitzer said, adding that the children of a member, their spouses, and the individuals themselves are eligible for the financial assistance.
Full guidelines and application procedures are available on the scholarship foundation's Web site.
The foundation's membership in the America Supports You program has provided great networking opportunities that have allowed his group to understand what other organizations are doing for the servicemen and women, Konitzer said.
Through that association, he said, he became aware of an event that Operation Gratitude's Carolyn Blashek was planning in California.
"So I asked our (California) chapter president to go over and represent us at the event to demonstrate the support for her initiative," Konitzer said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Courage, Snipers and Riots
Editors Note: At least one of the authors is former military.
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added five police officers and one civilian police employee to the growing list of police officers turned authors.
Captain Thomas G. Dempsey of the San Francisco Police Department researched the deaths of the 92 San Francisco police officers killed in the line of duty between 1878 and 1994, and authored the book Men of Courage: San Francisco Police Officers.
Curt Nelson has been a San Francisco Police Department police officer, a member of the Screen Actor's Guild and a negotiator for Rockefeller Center, Inc. in New York City. Curt has authored Darkstar and Heart of the Hunter. According to the book description, Darkstar “is a novel of sex, violence, murder and revenge, set in San Francisco and Hawaii, spanning a time period of twenty years before coming full circle.”
Peter E. Laksbergs was born in Wisconsin. While in the U.S. military, he received law enforcement training, ground defense tactics, and special weapons training. He is currently a police officer with the San Antonio Police Department (Texas). Laksbergs first novel is Scope of Lie: A Sniper’s Diary, is the story of a young man who enters the military, “learns quickly and respects authority, and is a great shot.” According to the book description, “these attributes do not go unnoticed.” And, the main character ultimately learns to “hit the target, confirm the kill and get home” for the "The Agency." Years, missions and lies pile up until there is one “lie in particular that Pete (the main character) cannot ignore-that what he is doing is in the name of national security. But the next mission targets Pete and his family. This time, Pete has to make sure that this mission does not succeed.”
Inspector Victor L. Short (retired) of the San Francisco Police Department explores his 32 year career in Only the Facts Ma’am.
Tom Owens, a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer wrote Lying Eyes: The Truth Behind the Corruption and Brutality of the Lapd and the Beating of Rodney King. According to Kirkus reviews, the book is “an inside look at the Rodney King case, the ensuing trials, and the L.A. riots that followed, by the private detective hired by King's attorney to investigate the police officers' conduct and provide security for the beleaguered beating victim. A former L.A. policeman, Owens does not claim to tell ``the Rodney King story,'' but rather, with the help of Hollywood writer Browning, to give ``the factual version.'' In reviewing his own 12 years on the LAPD (he's oddly vague as to dates, when he resigned and why, what he did prior to opening his agency, etc.), he contends that the violence demonstrated by the officers that night in March 1991 is systemic, and that there is a ``code of silence'' that helps ``explain the attitudes of some of the officers'' caught in the act on George Holliday's now famous videotape.”
As a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer, Tom Owens was also added to the list at LAPDauthors.com.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 340 police officers (representing 143 police departments) and their 765 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added five police officers and one civilian police employee to the growing list of police officers turned authors.
Captain Thomas G. Dempsey of the San Francisco Police Department researched the deaths of the 92 San Francisco police officers killed in the line of duty between 1878 and 1994, and authored the book Men of Courage: San Francisco Police Officers.
Curt Nelson has been a San Francisco Police Department police officer, a member of the Screen Actor's Guild and a negotiator for Rockefeller Center, Inc. in New York City. Curt has authored Darkstar and Heart of the Hunter. According to the book description, Darkstar “is a novel of sex, violence, murder and revenge, set in San Francisco and Hawaii, spanning a time period of twenty years before coming full circle.”
Peter E. Laksbergs was born in Wisconsin. While in the U.S. military, he received law enforcement training, ground defense tactics, and special weapons training. He is currently a police officer with the San Antonio Police Department (Texas). Laksbergs first novel is Scope of Lie: A Sniper’s Diary, is the story of a young man who enters the military, “learns quickly and respects authority, and is a great shot.” According to the book description, “these attributes do not go unnoticed.” And, the main character ultimately learns to “hit the target, confirm the kill and get home” for the "The Agency." Years, missions and lies pile up until there is one “lie in particular that Pete (the main character) cannot ignore-that what he is doing is in the name of national security. But the next mission targets Pete and his family. This time, Pete has to make sure that this mission does not succeed.”
Inspector Victor L. Short (retired) of the San Francisco Police Department explores his 32 year career in Only the Facts Ma’am.
Tom Owens, a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer wrote Lying Eyes: The Truth Behind the Corruption and Brutality of the Lapd and the Beating of Rodney King. According to Kirkus reviews, the book is “an inside look at the Rodney King case, the ensuing trials, and the L.A. riots that followed, by the private detective hired by King's attorney to investigate the police officers' conduct and provide security for the beleaguered beating victim. A former L.A. policeman, Owens does not claim to tell ``the Rodney King story,'' but rather, with the help of Hollywood writer Browning, to give ``the factual version.'' In reviewing his own 12 years on the LAPD (he's oddly vague as to dates, when he resigned and why, what he did prior to opening his agency, etc.), he contends that the violence demonstrated by the officers that night in March 1991 is systemic, and that there is a ``code of silence'' that helps ``explain the attitudes of some of the officers'' caught in the act on George Holliday's now famous videotape.”
As a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer, Tom Owens was also added to the list at LAPDauthors.com.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 340 police officers (representing 143 police departments) and their 765 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
DoD Working on Patient-Care Issues
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – The Defense Department is working to address patient-care problems recently identified at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the department's flagship medical facility, a DoD spokesman said today. Wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed still receive the best medical care available, but they do face some administrative and personnel problems that need to be fixed, Bryan Whitman told reporters.
"Taking care of our wounded servicemembers is about taking care of the entire person, and taking care of the entire person is making sure that their administrative needs are taken care of, that when they're outpatients that their housing needs are taken care of, and there are some shortcomings there," Whitman said.
A recent Washington Post series of articles detailed housing problems, a lack of assistance and bureaucratic frustrations for Walter Reed outpatients, who live in buildings on post or in nearby houses, apartments and hotels while continuing treatment or awaiting decisions about their duty status.
The Army has known about these issues for some time and has been working on them, Whitman said, but DoD leaders have just been made aware of them. Top leaders, including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, are discussing the issues and how best to address them, he said.
"The department takes these issues very seriously; they're being looked into," Whitman said. "Our servicemembers that are wounded deserve the kind of holistic care that goes beyond just the medical treatment that they receive in our facilities, which is unquestionably outstanding."
Whitman added that Winkenwerder is looking into whether similar problems may exist in other DoD medical facilities. No formal review has been announced, however.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – The Defense Department is working to address patient-care problems recently identified at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the department's flagship medical facility, a DoD spokesman said today. Wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed still receive the best medical care available, but they do face some administrative and personnel problems that need to be fixed, Bryan Whitman told reporters.
"Taking care of our wounded servicemembers is about taking care of the entire person, and taking care of the entire person is making sure that their administrative needs are taken care of, that when they're outpatients that their housing needs are taken care of, and there are some shortcomings there," Whitman said.
A recent Washington Post series of articles detailed housing problems, a lack of assistance and bureaucratic frustrations for Walter Reed outpatients, who live in buildings on post or in nearby houses, apartments and hotels while continuing treatment or awaiting decisions about their duty status.
The Army has known about these issues for some time and has been working on them, Whitman said, but DoD leaders have just been made aware of them. Top leaders, including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, are discussing the issues and how best to address them, he said.
"The department takes these issues very seriously; they're being looked into," Whitman said. "Our servicemembers that are wounded deserve the kind of holistic care that goes beyond just the medical treatment that they receive in our facilities, which is unquestionably outstanding."
Whitman added that Winkenwerder is looking into whether similar problems may exist in other DoD medical facilities. No formal review has been announced, however.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Troops to Teachers Adds Advance Hiring Feature
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – Military members with a desire to mentor and shape young minds now may not have to face the anxiety of an uncertain future when retiring or separating from the military. In a new twist on Troops to Teachers, a program that has long been producing teachers out of the ranks of the military, qualified servicemembers can now be hired in advance to work as teachers in certain school districts.
The Hire in Advance Program, which has launched in Las Vegas, Denver, and Newark, N.J., guarantees teaching jobs for eligible military up to three years before they retire or separate from active duty, Wayne Rees, of Mt. West Troops to Teachers in Las Vegas, said in an interview.
Troops who qualify for the Hire in Advance program can send in applications and interview with school officials, who can officially hire them up to three years before they leave active duty, Rees explained. During that time, military members can finish the necessary schooling and teaching requirements, creating a seamless transition between active duty and the start of their new careers, he said.
The program was unveiled in Las Vegas in June, and the first two Hire in Advance Program agreements were awarded. Since then, Troops to Teachers has been working with states, especially those with high-needs areas, to expand the program, Rees said.
"We absolutely are offering it to every state and every school district, with the hopes that we can help our military personnel have a seamless transition from the military into teaching kindergarten through 12th grade public schools," he said.
To qualify for the Hire in Advance Program, servicemembers must have a bachelor's degree and meet other Troops to Teachers requirements, such as having served six or more years in the military honorably. The program offers counseling and referral services for each state, as well as a $5,000 stipend to help pay certification costs. Servicemembers may also qualify for an extra $5,000 if they are hired at a high-needs school.
Air Force Maj. Dayton Rogalski, chief information officer for the Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., hospital, was one of the first servicemembers awarded a hire in advance agreement. His 23-year military career ends in about three months, and he hopes to become a business education teacher at the high school level, he said.
Rogalski, who has teaching experience from his time in the military, said he wants to become a teacher because he believes youth are the future of America. "The Troops to Teachers program has enabled me to pursue teaching through their support and funding," he said. "They have delivered on all the points they presented."
Rogalski said he believes servicemembers make good teachers because they bring military values, patriotism and cultural experiences to the classroom. Rees agreed, noting that teaching fits a need many servicemembers have to give back to the community.
"Because they have been dealing with and leading young men and teaching them, it's a natural transition," Rees said. "This is a program that has a variety of skill sets that will translate from the military into civilian life."
Troops to Teachers and the Hire in Advance Program are both open to military spouses as well, Rees said. Spouses are not eligible for the two $5,000 stipends, but can receive up to $600 to help with certification, he said. Teaching is a convenient career for military spouses, he pointed out, because the demand for teachers ensures employment, even with frequent moves.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – Military members with a desire to mentor and shape young minds now may not have to face the anxiety of an uncertain future when retiring or separating from the military. In a new twist on Troops to Teachers, a program that has long been producing teachers out of the ranks of the military, qualified servicemembers can now be hired in advance to work as teachers in certain school districts.
The Hire in Advance Program, which has launched in Las Vegas, Denver, and Newark, N.J., guarantees teaching jobs for eligible military up to three years before they retire or separate from active duty, Wayne Rees, of Mt. West Troops to Teachers in Las Vegas, said in an interview.
Troops who qualify for the Hire in Advance program can send in applications and interview with school officials, who can officially hire them up to three years before they leave active duty, Rees explained. During that time, military members can finish the necessary schooling and teaching requirements, creating a seamless transition between active duty and the start of their new careers, he said.
The program was unveiled in Las Vegas in June, and the first two Hire in Advance Program agreements were awarded. Since then, Troops to Teachers has been working with states, especially those with high-needs areas, to expand the program, Rees said.
"We absolutely are offering it to every state and every school district, with the hopes that we can help our military personnel have a seamless transition from the military into teaching kindergarten through 12th grade public schools," he said.
To qualify for the Hire in Advance Program, servicemembers must have a bachelor's degree and meet other Troops to Teachers requirements, such as having served six or more years in the military honorably. The program offers counseling and referral services for each state, as well as a $5,000 stipend to help pay certification costs. Servicemembers may also qualify for an extra $5,000 if they are hired at a high-needs school.
Air Force Maj. Dayton Rogalski, chief information officer for the Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., hospital, was one of the first servicemembers awarded a hire in advance agreement. His 23-year military career ends in about three months, and he hopes to become a business education teacher at the high school level, he said.
Rogalski, who has teaching experience from his time in the military, said he wants to become a teacher because he believes youth are the future of America. "The Troops to Teachers program has enabled me to pursue teaching through their support and funding," he said. "They have delivered on all the points they presented."
Rogalski said he believes servicemembers make good teachers because they bring military values, patriotism and cultural experiences to the classroom. Rees agreed, noting that teaching fits a need many servicemembers have to give back to the community.
"Because they have been dealing with and leading young men and teaching them, it's a natural transition," Rees said. "This is a program that has a variety of skill sets that will translate from the military into civilian life."
Troops to Teachers and the Hire in Advance Program are both open to military spouses as well, Rees said. Spouses are not eligible for the two $5,000 stipends, but can receive up to $600 to help with certification, he said. Teaching is a convenient career for military spouses, he pointed out, because the demand for teachers ensures employment, even with frequent moves.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
PBS Documentary 'The Marines' Captures Corps' Values
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – "The Marines," a PBS documentary highlighting the history and heart of the smallest branch of the U.S. armed services, airs tomorrow on PBS stations nationwide at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Filmmakers given access to Marine Corps training facilities in Parris Island, S.C.; Quantico, Va.; and Twentynine Palms, Calif., aimed to capture how a warrior culture and ethos is instilled at the Marine Corps the moment a recruit arrives at boot camp.
"How the warrior culture is engrained and how it sets the Marines apart from other armed services branches are critical aspects of Marine development and understanding," John Grant, producer of the WNED documentary, said.
At Twentynine Palms, the country's largest Marine base, filmmakers got a close-up look at a battalion training in mock Iraqi villages as it prepared for deployment. For roughly one-third of the Marines in the featured battalion, it would be their first combat deployment.
"We interviewed a Marine sergeant who had been to Iraq twice," Grant said. "It was interesting that the people who had been to Iraq were most concerned about sharing their knowledge with people who were going over there for the first time to give them a better chance of surviving the experience."
Other segments of the program focus on the Wounded Warrior Barracks in Camp Lejeune, N.C.; the new Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Va.; and women's role in the Marines.
During interviews, more than 30 present and former Marines of all ranks, plus authors and military correspondents describe the rich history, tradition and continuing importance of the Marine Corps.
Retired Marine Col. Thomas Shreeve, who is not featured in the film, said the Corps offered him a unique challenge.
"I learned the value of self-discipline, and I learned that I was capable of a great deal more than I thought I had been, in terms of meeting and overcoming physical adversity," he said. "I wanted from the Marine Corps a challenge that was outside (academic institutions), and I got it."
Part of the education he learned in the Corps is the "warrior ethos," Shreeve said. "It refers to the ethics that pervades an elite structure like the Marine Corps," he said. "It is self-discipline and self-sacrifice while working together to overcome an objective under extremely stressful and adverse circumstances."
For people who aren't familiar with the Marines, the program provides real insights into the Corps, Grant said.
"I think ("The Marines") is important because it exposes young people to the idea that there is a body of men and women who embrace values to which one can aspire," Shreeve said.
One Marine who embodied such values in Iraq is Cpl. Jason L. Dunham. Dunham was killed in action when he used his helmet to cover a grenade, then covered it with his body to shield his fellow Marines.
The 22-year-old Marine was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action, and the PBS documentary has been dedicated to his memory.
"The documentary offers an in-depth look at the rigorous physical and psychological training that create this tenaciously loyal, highly skilled breed of combatant ready to defend country and comrade at any cost," Grant said. "It focuses both on how one becomes a Marine and also what it means to be a Marine."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – "The Marines," a PBS documentary highlighting the history and heart of the smallest branch of the U.S. armed services, airs tomorrow on PBS stations nationwide at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Filmmakers given access to Marine Corps training facilities in Parris Island, S.C.; Quantico, Va.; and Twentynine Palms, Calif., aimed to capture how a warrior culture and ethos is instilled at the Marine Corps the moment a recruit arrives at boot camp.
"How the warrior culture is engrained and how it sets the Marines apart from other armed services branches are critical aspects of Marine development and understanding," John Grant, producer of the WNED documentary, said.
At Twentynine Palms, the country's largest Marine base, filmmakers got a close-up look at a battalion training in mock Iraqi villages as it prepared for deployment. For roughly one-third of the Marines in the featured battalion, it would be their first combat deployment.
"We interviewed a Marine sergeant who had been to Iraq twice," Grant said. "It was interesting that the people who had been to Iraq were most concerned about sharing their knowledge with people who were going over there for the first time to give them a better chance of surviving the experience."
Other segments of the program focus on the Wounded Warrior Barracks in Camp Lejeune, N.C.; the new Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Va.; and women's role in the Marines.
During interviews, more than 30 present and former Marines of all ranks, plus authors and military correspondents describe the rich history, tradition and continuing importance of the Marine Corps.
Retired Marine Col. Thomas Shreeve, who is not featured in the film, said the Corps offered him a unique challenge.
"I learned the value of self-discipline, and I learned that I was capable of a great deal more than I thought I had been, in terms of meeting and overcoming physical adversity," he said. "I wanted from the Marine Corps a challenge that was outside (academic institutions), and I got it."
Part of the education he learned in the Corps is the "warrior ethos," Shreeve said. "It refers to the ethics that pervades an elite structure like the Marine Corps," he said. "It is self-discipline and self-sacrifice while working together to overcome an objective under extremely stressful and adverse circumstances."
For people who aren't familiar with the Marines, the program provides real insights into the Corps, Grant said.
"I think ("The Marines") is important because it exposes young people to the idea that there is a body of men and women who embrace values to which one can aspire," Shreeve said.
One Marine who embodied such values in Iraq is Cpl. Jason L. Dunham. Dunham was killed in action when he used his helmet to cover a grenade, then covered it with his body to shield his fellow Marines.
The 22-year-old Marine was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action, and the PBS documentary has been dedicated to his memory.
"The documentary offers an in-depth look at the rigorous physical and psychological training that create this tenaciously loyal, highly skilled breed of combatant ready to defend country and comrade at any cost," Grant said. "It focuses both on how one becomes a Marine and also what it means to be a Marine."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Business Leaders Work to Hire Military Vets
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – More than 300 business leaders will visit a southern California military base tomorrow to observe Marine Corps training as part of their support of the military. The business leaders belong to the Entrepreneurs' Organization, a 20-year-old global group that has more than 6,000 members across 120 chapters in 40 countries. They plan to hire U.S. military veterans through the "Hire A Hero" program, which assists former active-duty, National Guard, and reserve members and their families in finding careers after military service, according to a Hire A Hero official.
"The unemployment rate among young veterans, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is twice the national average," Hire A Hero Executive Director Dan Caulfield, said. "With the current environment of the global war on terror, it is essential that we connect with our community's employment base to provide a stable financial environment for those who have served our country."
One of the best ways to support returning veterans is to help them find good jobs after they've completed their military service, Caulfield said. The EO group has contributed almost $50,000 to the Hire A Hero program.
Members of EO Chapters of San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles will participate in the day-long Camp Pendleton event, which will provide members first-hand experiences in a day in the life of a U.S. Marine. The day concludes with Marine Maj. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., commanding general of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Division, presenting a keynote address.
San Diego EO member Shaun Alger Marines said his organization looks forward to offering civilian job opportunities to transitioning servicemembers through the Hire A Hero program.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Feb. 20, 2007 – More than 300 business leaders will visit a southern California military base tomorrow to observe Marine Corps training as part of their support of the military. The business leaders belong to the Entrepreneurs' Organization, a 20-year-old global group that has more than 6,000 members across 120 chapters in 40 countries. They plan to hire U.S. military veterans through the "Hire A Hero" program, which assists former active-duty, National Guard, and reserve members and their families in finding careers after military service, according to a Hire A Hero official.
"The unemployment rate among young veterans, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is twice the national average," Hire A Hero Executive Director Dan Caulfield, said. "With the current environment of the global war on terror, it is essential that we connect with our community's employment base to provide a stable financial environment for those who have served our country."
One of the best ways to support returning veterans is to help them find good jobs after they've completed their military service, Caulfield said. The EO group has contributed almost $50,000 to the Hire A Hero program.
Members of EO Chapters of San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles will participate in the day-long Camp Pendleton event, which will provide members first-hand experiences in a day in the life of a U.S. Marine. The day concludes with Marine Maj. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., commanding general of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Division, presenting a keynote address.
San Diego EO member Shaun Alger Marines said his organization looks forward to offering civilian job opportunities to transitioning servicemembers through the Hire A Hero program.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Volunteer Blazes New Path With Passion for Troops
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – When it comes to connecting troops and their families with services they deserve, Pat Kerr is in a league of her own -- literally. As the only paid state veterans ombudsman in the nation, Kerr spends her time battling bureaucracies, raising money and advocating for servicemembers, their families and veterans in Missouri.
But folks shouldn't let the salary fool them; Kerr's passion for taking care of troops began long before her tenure at the Missouri State Veteran's Commission.
It started at home, right after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kerr's daughter, an Army Reserve officer, was deployed two weeks after the war in Iraq started in March 2003. The care for the soldier's 13-month-old son fell to Kerr. This came as Kerr was also caring for her husband, who was dealing with serious medical issues.
Even though Kerr and her family members thought they was ready, Kerr said, they quickly realized they were not.
"She kind of looked like a deer in the headlights with her notice," Kerr said of her daughter. "Even though after 9/11 we sat as a family and made a plan. We knew she would get deployed.
"We were shocked," Kerr said.
Kerr's husband is a pastor and a licensed professional counselor. Her daughter is educated and working on her doctorate degree. Kerr was trained on coping skills while dealing with her husband's near fatal injuries following a serious accident. With all of the education and training in her family, Kerr said, she realized that if she had difficulties, so would many others.
"We decided that if we, who had trained coping skills, ... are a little overwhelmed by what's coming down the pike, what's going to happen to our Guard and reserve (members) who don't have our professional background," Kerr said.
So, two weeks after her daughter left, Kerr began organizing events like "Support Your Troops" at the state Capitol. Working nights as a secretary and dipping into savings from her court reporting business, Kerr paid for many of the expenses herself. The events drew thousands, and state officials began looking to Kerr to help set up similar events and soliciting her input on the development of troop-related programs.
Kerr also started advocating on behalf of troops who were stuck in the gaps between the local, state and federal systems. At that time most of problems troops were facing were not well known, she said.
"We started talking about the gaps in the system. And people would say 'What gaps?' So I would use real examples," Kerr said.
"What about the guy who lost his eye in Ramadi?" she asked. "The soldier has three children, and his wife wants to come back to Walter Reed (Army Medical Center here) with him.
"Who's going to pay for his child care seven days a week, 24 hours a day? Even if they have it in savings, why should they have to pay for it?" Kerr said.
Eventually Kerr was brought on board the state-run Missouri Veterans Commission with the mission to raise awareness of the commission and to identify gaps in the systems.
That led to the Missouri legislature, the governor, the Missouri Veterans Commission, and the Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations formalizing her position as state veterans ombudsman.
Since taking the post, Kerr has coordinated more than $600,000 for servicemembers, families and veterans through private citizens, corporations or veterans service organizations. Her efforts have kept 16 homes from being foreclosed on.
Kerr has helped a brain-injured soldier who was stuck in a hospital bed for three months without his family. A clerical error made it impossible for officials to locate his family, and his brain injury kept him from helping. Kerr reunited him with his family, who was only 30 miles away. She worked with the family members to get the soldier's disability rating raised.
Kerr arranged services for a mother of four children -- three in diapers -- who broke both of her arms while her husband was deployed-. Kerr arranged for 24-hour care helping the mother with cooking, cleaning, diaper changing and getting the children to school while she healed.
There was also the Korean War prisoner of war who hadn't received a penny of the benefits coming to him. He didn't even know he was eligible until she began her outreach program and a family member asked about his health care.
Kerr's service has even rubbed off on her grandson, Abraham, 3.
While caring for her grandson as his mother served in Iraq, Abraham regularly accompanied Kerr to visit injured troops.
One day when planning to attend a movie, Abraham had 11 cents in his hand. Kerr told him to put the money in his pocket, but instead he offered it up as a donation. "He said, 'No Grandma - you give this to your injured troops,'" Kerr said.
"I was overwhelmed," she added.
Kerr took the idea to the Missouri Veterans Commission and the lieutenant governor and parlayed it into a school education campaign. Dubbed "The Power of 11 Cents," the program focuses on educating children on patriotism and America. Kerr said she wanted to allow the children to help support the troops but not focus the campaign on the war.
Originally started on Veterans Day, the program encourages younger children to donate 11 cents and older students donate $1.11. Abraham's act of selflessness led to the creation of a statewide school outreach program that Kerr hopes will raise $50,000 for the state military family relief fund. Guard and reserve troops can apply for $1,000 grants from the fund.
Kerr's daughter is now on her second tour to Iraq, and Kerr is again caring for Abraham. Her personal experiences help Kerr empathize with those she helps.
"I know these issues. I've lived these issues. I know what these families are talking about," Kerr said.
Kerr's daughter will have served two rotations in Iraq before her son turns 5 years old. She has missed many of the firsts in a child's life that most mothers cherish. But, in spite of the sacrifices and the inherent dangers, Kerr said she supports her daughter's decision to serve.
"I am extremely proud of her. I am extremely supportive of what her commitment is to our country, and I am forever grateful," Kerr said. "Because I am not a brave person to go out and do what she is doing, I can only do what I am doing."
As the list of those she helps gets longer, Kerr is quickly becoming in demand across the nation. Even though her primary focus is on those with residence in Missouri, Kerr said she fields calls from all over the nation asking for help.
It's a job Kerr describes as "way cool" and one she has no plans to quit, even after her daughter comes home or the war is over.
"I am probably going to do this forever. This is not going to go away. We are going to be dealing (with veterans issues) for my lifetime," Kerr said.
"I'm going to support our troops. I'm going to teach our veterans and reach out to the families of those who have injuries," she said.
It is a higher calling that everyone and every community must answer if Americans are to live free, Kerr said.
"By relying on our citizen soldiers, ... (supporting them) becomes a great onus on the state and employers and schools and civic organizations and churches," Kerr said. "We have to work together as the United States of America. We truly have to be united in order to accomplish protecting the borders of America."
Editors Note: While Kerr is the only state veterans ombudsman with a state veterans commission, servicemembers and veterans can contact veterans commissions in their home states to inquire about state benefits by going to the Web site of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs at http://www.nasdva.com/.
Military families can also avail themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights home front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families. A listing of these groups and information about their efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2007 – When it comes to connecting troops and their families with services they deserve, Pat Kerr is in a league of her own -- literally. As the only paid state veterans ombudsman in the nation, Kerr spends her time battling bureaucracies, raising money and advocating for servicemembers, their families and veterans in Missouri.
But folks shouldn't let the salary fool them; Kerr's passion for taking care of troops began long before her tenure at the Missouri State Veteran's Commission.
It started at home, right after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kerr's daughter, an Army Reserve officer, was deployed two weeks after the war in Iraq started in March 2003. The care for the soldier's 13-month-old son fell to Kerr. This came as Kerr was also caring for her husband, who was dealing with serious medical issues.
Even though Kerr and her family members thought they was ready, Kerr said, they quickly realized they were not.
"She kind of looked like a deer in the headlights with her notice," Kerr said of her daughter. "Even though after 9/11 we sat as a family and made a plan. We knew she would get deployed.
"We were shocked," Kerr said.
Kerr's husband is a pastor and a licensed professional counselor. Her daughter is educated and working on her doctorate degree. Kerr was trained on coping skills while dealing with her husband's near fatal injuries following a serious accident. With all of the education and training in her family, Kerr said, she realized that if she had difficulties, so would many others.
"We decided that if we, who had trained coping skills, ... are a little overwhelmed by what's coming down the pike, what's going to happen to our Guard and reserve (members) who don't have our professional background," Kerr said.
So, two weeks after her daughter left, Kerr began organizing events like "Support Your Troops" at the state Capitol. Working nights as a secretary and dipping into savings from her court reporting business, Kerr paid for many of the expenses herself. The events drew thousands, and state officials began looking to Kerr to help set up similar events and soliciting her input on the development of troop-related programs.
Kerr also started advocating on behalf of troops who were stuck in the gaps between the local, state and federal systems. At that time most of problems troops were facing were not well known, she said.
"We started talking about the gaps in the system. And people would say 'What gaps?' So I would use real examples," Kerr said.
"What about the guy who lost his eye in Ramadi?" she asked. "The soldier has three children, and his wife wants to come back to Walter Reed (Army Medical Center here) with him.
"Who's going to pay for his child care seven days a week, 24 hours a day? Even if they have it in savings, why should they have to pay for it?" Kerr said.
Eventually Kerr was brought on board the state-run Missouri Veterans Commission with the mission to raise awareness of the commission and to identify gaps in the systems.
That led to the Missouri legislature, the governor, the Missouri Veterans Commission, and the Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations formalizing her position as state veterans ombudsman.
Since taking the post, Kerr has coordinated more than $600,000 for servicemembers, families and veterans through private citizens, corporations or veterans service organizations. Her efforts have kept 16 homes from being foreclosed on.
Kerr has helped a brain-injured soldier who was stuck in a hospital bed for three months without his family. A clerical error made it impossible for officials to locate his family, and his brain injury kept him from helping. Kerr reunited him with his family, who was only 30 miles away. She worked with the family members to get the soldier's disability rating raised.
Kerr arranged services for a mother of four children -- three in diapers -- who broke both of her arms while her husband was deployed-. Kerr arranged for 24-hour care helping the mother with cooking, cleaning, diaper changing and getting the children to school while she healed.
There was also the Korean War prisoner of war who hadn't received a penny of the benefits coming to him. He didn't even know he was eligible until she began her outreach program and a family member asked about his health care.
Kerr's service has even rubbed off on her grandson, Abraham, 3.
While caring for her grandson as his mother served in Iraq, Abraham regularly accompanied Kerr to visit injured troops.
One day when planning to attend a movie, Abraham had 11 cents in his hand. Kerr told him to put the money in his pocket, but instead he offered it up as a donation. "He said, 'No Grandma - you give this to your injured troops,'" Kerr said.
"I was overwhelmed," she added.
Kerr took the idea to the Missouri Veterans Commission and the lieutenant governor and parlayed it into a school education campaign. Dubbed "The Power of 11 Cents," the program focuses on educating children on patriotism and America. Kerr said she wanted to allow the children to help support the troops but not focus the campaign on the war.
Originally started on Veterans Day, the program encourages younger children to donate 11 cents and older students donate $1.11. Abraham's act of selflessness led to the creation of a statewide school outreach program that Kerr hopes will raise $50,000 for the state military family relief fund. Guard and reserve troops can apply for $1,000 grants from the fund.
Kerr's daughter is now on her second tour to Iraq, and Kerr is again caring for Abraham. Her personal experiences help Kerr empathize with those she helps.
"I know these issues. I've lived these issues. I know what these families are talking about," Kerr said.
Kerr's daughter will have served two rotations in Iraq before her son turns 5 years old. She has missed many of the firsts in a child's life that most mothers cherish. But, in spite of the sacrifices and the inherent dangers, Kerr said she supports her daughter's decision to serve.
"I am extremely proud of her. I am extremely supportive of what her commitment is to our country, and I am forever grateful," Kerr said. "Because I am not a brave person to go out and do what she is doing, I can only do what I am doing."
As the list of those she helps gets longer, Kerr is quickly becoming in demand across the nation. Even though her primary focus is on those with residence in Missouri, Kerr said she fields calls from all over the nation asking for help.
It's a job Kerr describes as "way cool" and one she has no plans to quit, even after her daughter comes home or the war is over.
"I am probably going to do this forever. This is not going to go away. We are going to be dealing (with veterans issues) for my lifetime," Kerr said.
"I'm going to support our troops. I'm going to teach our veterans and reach out to the families of those who have injuries," she said.
It is a higher calling that everyone and every community must answer if Americans are to live free, Kerr said.
"By relying on our citizen soldiers, ... (supporting them) becomes a great onus on the state and employers and schools and civic organizations and churches," Kerr said. "We have to work together as the United States of America. We truly have to be united in order to accomplish protecting the borders of America."
Editors Note: While Kerr is the only state veterans ombudsman with a state veterans commission, servicemembers and veterans can contact veterans commissions in their home states to inquire about state benefits by going to the Web site of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs at http://www.nasdva.com/.
Military families can also avail themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights home front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families. A listing of these groups and information about their efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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