By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2007 – An Army mom in Malone, N.Y., is asking Americans to show their compassion and make life a little more pleasant for troops serving overseas through her Have a Heart/Adopt a Soldier program. Have a Heart/Adopt a Soldier is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Gladys Walker started the organization in December 2002, when the popularity of her care packages spread beyond her son's unit.
"He called and said there were others ... that weren't getting any mail and they weren't getting any supplies, so we sponsored them," she said. "We deal with every branch of the military, plus we've even (helped) civilians that are stationed over there."
Her son, Army Sgt. Robert Collins, is serving his third tour in Iraq.
Each week, she and five of her 18 regular volunteers pack and ship 100 to 200 boxes of comfort, hygiene and entertainment items for troops from her list of nearly 1,000 servicemembers, Walker said.
"The most requested (item), believe it or not, is still those little tuna and cracker packets," she said, adding that needed items are sent when requested, as well.
While care packages are her main focus, Walker also works to help families with financial difficulties, she said. One instance found her helping to cover unexpected expenses of soldier's funeral that the family couldn't afford at the time. "We've done big things and little things," she said.
But it all comes with a price tag, and she sometimes has multiple fundraisers going at once. Yet there are bright spots.
Inclusion on the America Supports You site has given Walker's group visibility, drawing both requests and offers of assistance, she said.
A local group has agreed to adopt four soldiers for a year, a $10-per-month commitment, Walker said. Another group is sponsoring 50 servicemembers through the group's 2X program, which, at $20 per month, covers both the care package items and postage.
She also said America Supports You membership lends her group credibility. "(Potential donors) see that larger organizations are supportive of us little guys," Walker said. "That helps."
Visit Have a Heart/Adopt a Soldier
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Acquisitions Chief Outlines Streamlined Processes
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2007 – As the Defense Department works to simplify its acquisitions processes, it can borrow best practices from business, but also must factor in variables businesses simply don't have to deal with, the Pentagon's acquisitions chief told reporters here yesterday. Ken Kreig, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters people often ask him, "Why don't you run this like a company?"
"First of all, no company would be this large (and) complex and try to structure this way," Kreig said. DoD is the largest, most complex organization in the world, owning more than 600,000 buildings in 146 countries, and with assets and liabilities that exceed those of WalMart, Exxon, Ford and IBM combined, defense officials noted.
But the differences go beyond mere scale, Kreig said. "No company would try to manage this level of risk. No company would try to surge and reduce like the Defense Department tries to do. And so managing it just like a company is hard," he said.
For-profit companies also have a concrete way to measure their efforts, based on the bottom line, Kreig said. That's not as simple within DoD, he noted, where effectiveness is measured not by numbers on a spread sheet, but by capability.
"At the end of the day, what we do in the Defense Department is provide capability to warfighters. ... Whether they're engaged in war or whether they're engaged in peacetime operations, like the tsunami, we provide them capability," Kreig said. "They take all the capability and they do amazing things with it."
Another big difference between how DoD and the private sector do business boils down to their ability to get across-the-board agreement to an initiative and sticking with it to ensure it succeeds, he said.
"In the private sector, if you make a decision to invest capital, particularly a sizeable decision to invest capital, that goes all the way to the chairman and probably to the board if it's a reasonable amount," he said. Everyone within the company - directors of the manufacturing, marketing, sales, finance and other departments - agrees to the decision and commits to making it work.
Not so in the government, he said, where a tremendous number of stakeholders often work toward contradictory goals, and year-to-year budget fluctuations can derail an initiative before it's able to bear fruit.
Despite these challenges, Kreig said he's confident efforts under way to improve DoD's acquisition processes are having a direct impact on warfighters while making more effective use of taxpayer dollars.
These initiatives, detailed in the newly released Defense Acquisition Transformation Report to Congress, aim to make acquisition systems more effective, efficient and responsive to warfighter needs, he said.
The report, sent to Congress last month, describes the departmentwide drive to transform enterprisewide acquisition processes, systems and management structures. It notes the basic strategic choice it boils down to: How DoD determines which assets and investments will best provide warfighter capability.
Kreig outlined seven basic goals DoD's acquisition transformation initiatives aim to achieve:
-- A top-quality work force that's critical to disciplined, accountable and ethical acquisition process;
-- DoD's core values, policy objectives, joint capability needs and resources, all focused together to reducing risk and provide predictable schedules and cost;
-- An acquisition system that's able to respond to combat commanders with product-ready capabilities, on time and on cost;
-- Realistic, cost-effective plans and programs essential to preserving flexible and responsive options;
-- An environment within DoD that encourages industry to create and sustain reliable and cost-effective industrial capabilities sufficient to meet the department's strategic objectives; and
-- Efficient and effective acquisition performance, achieved through effective structure and integration of efforts within the department and fewer layers of authority.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate during his confirmation hearing in December he will continue to champion acquisition reforms under way within DoD. "I will seek to balance the acquisition and operational testing processes between reducing costs and accelerating schedules," he told the panel.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2007 – As the Defense Department works to simplify its acquisitions processes, it can borrow best practices from business, but also must factor in variables businesses simply don't have to deal with, the Pentagon's acquisitions chief told reporters here yesterday. Ken Kreig, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters people often ask him, "Why don't you run this like a company?"
"First of all, no company would be this large (and) complex and try to structure this way," Kreig said. DoD is the largest, most complex organization in the world, owning more than 600,000 buildings in 146 countries, and with assets and liabilities that exceed those of WalMart, Exxon, Ford and IBM combined, defense officials noted.
But the differences go beyond mere scale, Kreig said. "No company would try to manage this level of risk. No company would try to surge and reduce like the Defense Department tries to do. And so managing it just like a company is hard," he said.
For-profit companies also have a concrete way to measure their efforts, based on the bottom line, Kreig said. That's not as simple within DoD, he noted, where effectiveness is measured not by numbers on a spread sheet, but by capability.
"At the end of the day, what we do in the Defense Department is provide capability to warfighters. ... Whether they're engaged in war or whether they're engaged in peacetime operations, like the tsunami, we provide them capability," Kreig said. "They take all the capability and they do amazing things with it."
Another big difference between how DoD and the private sector do business boils down to their ability to get across-the-board agreement to an initiative and sticking with it to ensure it succeeds, he said.
"In the private sector, if you make a decision to invest capital, particularly a sizeable decision to invest capital, that goes all the way to the chairman and probably to the board if it's a reasonable amount," he said. Everyone within the company - directors of the manufacturing, marketing, sales, finance and other departments - agrees to the decision and commits to making it work.
Not so in the government, he said, where a tremendous number of stakeholders often work toward contradictory goals, and year-to-year budget fluctuations can derail an initiative before it's able to bear fruit.
Despite these challenges, Kreig said he's confident efforts under way to improve DoD's acquisition processes are having a direct impact on warfighters while making more effective use of taxpayer dollars.
These initiatives, detailed in the newly released Defense Acquisition Transformation Report to Congress, aim to make acquisition systems more effective, efficient and responsive to warfighter needs, he said.
The report, sent to Congress last month, describes the departmentwide drive to transform enterprisewide acquisition processes, systems and management structures. It notes the basic strategic choice it boils down to: How DoD determines which assets and investments will best provide warfighter capability.
Kreig outlined seven basic goals DoD's acquisition transformation initiatives aim to achieve:
-- A top-quality work force that's critical to disciplined, accountable and ethical acquisition process;
-- DoD's core values, policy objectives, joint capability needs and resources, all focused together to reducing risk and provide predictable schedules and cost;
-- An acquisition system that's able to respond to combat commanders with product-ready capabilities, on time and on cost;
-- Realistic, cost-effective plans and programs essential to preserving flexible and responsive options;
-- An environment within DoD that encourages industry to create and sustain reliable and cost-effective industrial capabilities sufficient to meet the department's strategic objectives; and
-- Efficient and effective acquisition performance, achieved through effective structure and integration of efforts within the department and fewer layers of authority.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate during his confirmation hearing in December he will continue to champion acquisition reforms under way within DoD. "I will seek to balance the acquisition and operational testing processes between reducing costs and accelerating schedules," he told the panel.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Top Enlisted Servicemember Gets Special Delivery
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2007 – The military's top enlisted servicemember received a very special care package at his Pentagon office this morning. Jeanette Cram, founder of troop-support group Treat the Troops, personally delivered a box of chocolate chip cookies to Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Treat the Troops is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program that highlights and facilitates support for the nation's men and women in uniform.
Cram has been shipping cookies to deployed servicemembers around the world for 17 years with the help of her volunteers, or "crumbs" in 38 states. "I do this for all of them," Cram said. "I can't imagine not doing it for the soldiers.
"There's a lot of us out here that love you, and we want you to come home safely, but we know you want to do the job," she added, directing her comment directly to the servicemembers.
When Cram began her effort in 1990, her first box of cookies went to an Army staff sergeant based out of Fort Stewart, Ga. Valeria Smith wrote to thank Cram for her kindness, but that was the last contact she had with the "Cookie Lady" as Cram has come to be known. "I've never found her," Cram said.
Cram acknowledges that after nearly two decades and more than 430,000 cookies, it's more complicated to send packages than it was when she sent Smith that first box in 1990. Now, her shipments typically require a servicemember's name and mailing address, and Cram said she understands why it's necessary.
"Back in 1990 ... when you would send a box, you could just send it to 'Any Soldier,'" she said. "I can understand they need that paperwork. They need to know who these cookies are coming from."
Gainey said Cram's long-term efforts, which send a message of total commitment, are even more important today than when she began. They prove to the troops that the people back home are behind them, and that's where the biggest risk of losing the war lies - with the American public, he said.
"We've got to stay strong at home," Gainey said, acknowledging that Cram is doing her part to make that happen. "She's building up the morale of all the troops that bite into one of those chocolate chip cookies.
"She's doing more for her country than she'll ever realize," he added.
What Cram does realize is that, while every cookie may bring a smile, perhaps not every servicemember wants a cookie. "America Supports You has a lot of organizations," she said. "There's a lot of things you might need, (and) we're going to connect you with the right people."
Treat the Troops was fortunate to be connected with the right people last year.
DuPont Teflon organized "The Great American Cookie Swap," which encouraged friends and family to come together and send homemade cookies to deployed troops. For each of the more than 17,000 cookie swap parties registered through the DuPont Teflon Web site, the company is making a donation to help offset Treat the Troops' cost of baking and shipping cookies.
"It's an honor and we're deeply appreciative to show our support for our combined efforts, and to made donations and provide support to groups like America Supports You and Treat the Troops," Dan Turner, a DuPont Teflon spokesman, said. "We're glad to be able to be a part of that effort."
Cram and Turner presented each other gifts of appreciation after meeting with Gainey.
As for the box of cookies Cram brought Gainey, he said he'd sample a couple and run some extra miles to work them off. The rest of the five dozen cookies will brighten the days of some of the injured servicemembers recovering at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., he said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 15, 2007 – The military's top enlisted servicemember received a very special care package at his Pentagon office this morning. Jeanette Cram, founder of troop-support group Treat the Troops, personally delivered a box of chocolate chip cookies to Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Treat the Troops is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program that highlights and facilitates support for the nation's men and women in uniform.
Cram has been shipping cookies to deployed servicemembers around the world for 17 years with the help of her volunteers, or "crumbs" in 38 states. "I do this for all of them," Cram said. "I can't imagine not doing it for the soldiers.
"There's a lot of us out here that love you, and we want you to come home safely, but we know you want to do the job," she added, directing her comment directly to the servicemembers.
When Cram began her effort in 1990, her first box of cookies went to an Army staff sergeant based out of Fort Stewart, Ga. Valeria Smith wrote to thank Cram for her kindness, but that was the last contact she had with the "Cookie Lady" as Cram has come to be known. "I've never found her," Cram said.
Cram acknowledges that after nearly two decades and more than 430,000 cookies, it's more complicated to send packages than it was when she sent Smith that first box in 1990. Now, her shipments typically require a servicemember's name and mailing address, and Cram said she understands why it's necessary.
"Back in 1990 ... when you would send a box, you could just send it to 'Any Soldier,'" she said. "I can understand they need that paperwork. They need to know who these cookies are coming from."
Gainey said Cram's long-term efforts, which send a message of total commitment, are even more important today than when she began. They prove to the troops that the people back home are behind them, and that's where the biggest risk of losing the war lies - with the American public, he said.
"We've got to stay strong at home," Gainey said, acknowledging that Cram is doing her part to make that happen. "She's building up the morale of all the troops that bite into one of those chocolate chip cookies.
"She's doing more for her country than she'll ever realize," he added.
What Cram does realize is that, while every cookie may bring a smile, perhaps not every servicemember wants a cookie. "America Supports You has a lot of organizations," she said. "There's a lot of things you might need, (and) we're going to connect you with the right people."
Treat the Troops was fortunate to be connected with the right people last year.
DuPont Teflon organized "The Great American Cookie Swap," which encouraged friends and family to come together and send homemade cookies to deployed troops. For each of the more than 17,000 cookie swap parties registered through the DuPont Teflon Web site, the company is making a donation to help offset Treat the Troops' cost of baking and shipping cookies.
"It's an honor and we're deeply appreciative to show our support for our combined efforts, and to made donations and provide support to groups like America Supports You and Treat the Troops," Dan Turner, a DuPont Teflon spokesman, said. "We're glad to be able to be a part of that effort."
Cram and Turner presented each other gifts of appreciation after meeting with Gainey.
As for the box of cookies Cram brought Gainey, he said he'd sample a couple and run some extra miles to work them off. The rest of the five dozen cookies will brighten the days of some of the injured servicemembers recovering at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., he said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Independent Review Group Hosts First Public Meeting
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – An independent review group charged by the defense secretary with identifying shortcomings and making recommendations for improvements in care for injured troops held its first public meeting at Walter Reed Army Medical Center yesterday. The group heard emotional testimony ranging from praise and support to tearful pleas for help and change.
"What we really want from you is as much as you have to tell us," Togo West, a former Veterans Affairs and Army secretary, told those who had come to be heard.
Anyone wanting to speak was allowed five minutes at the microphone, but no one was stopped if they went over their allotment. The panel promised individual meetings and follow-ups. Hearing the stories, panel members said, was their priority, and there would be no repercussions for anyone testifying.
For nearly three hours, one by one, servicemembers, family members and veterans took turns at the microphone in a town-hall like session, delivering the details of their experiences -- good and bad -- at the facility that has been thrust into the national spotlight in recent weeks after reports of poor outpatient soldier care and bureaucratic medical board processes.
The sometimes emotional testimony took roller-coaster-like turns, with some passionately defending the quality of care and the staff at the center, and others opening crying and pleading to the panel for help.
While most proclaimed that the doctors and medical staff at Walter Reed provided exceptional care, even the staunchest defenders of the hospital conceded that changes are needed in the administration of its outpatient services and the medical and physical board processes.
"You know, what's failed to have been said in all this bad press ... is that Walter Reed is not as bad as (what's) being portrayed in the media," said one of the first speakers, an Army specialist injured in Afghanistan. "Yes, there's issues with the (medical) board process -- there are issues -- but that's been ongoing for years. It's not exclusive to Walter Reed."
He said that for five days he was bedridden with pain from his injuries, and that everyone in his chain of command, including his social worker and case manager, volunteered to deliver meals to his room.
He's only lived in Walter Reed's outpatient quarters for five months - a relative newcomer, considering some servicemembers spend two years or more in outpatient care. But still, he said, he is not daunted by the impending board process that promises mountains of paperwork, numerous appointments and certain frustration.
"They have helped me get supporting documents. Well, that eases me a little bit. Whenever I get ready to start my med board, I'm not as scared as what you might think, because I've got a good social worker. I have an excellent chain of command, and I do not feel that it's as big of an issue (as it's been made out to be)," he said.
The panel followed up by asking the soldier if he was coached prior to the meeting, to which he responded "No."
"I'm doing this on my own accord," he said. "This is my home right now. I'm sticking up for my home."
Other testimony included a veteran who asked the panel to visit the Armed Forces Retirement Home and survey what he called "significant medical, health and welfare" issues there.
Two Army National Guard soldiers testified to problems in the medical and physical board process. Doctors categorized their injuries as pre-existing, even though they had been cleared for duty and had no prior record of the injuries, they said.
The wife of an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel said no one from the hospital met him when her husband arrived at the airport here last year. Her children drove from West Virginia to pick him up. He was forced to stay in a local motel for weeks because there was no room at the center, and still has not been reimbursed for the room.
Near tears, she said she is tired of fighting the system.
"Sometimes you just feel like giving up, you know? I've got other things I need to take care of. I've got to take care of my husband and my children, and I don't really have the time or the energy or the strength left in me to deal with all of this here," she said.
The family is again staying in a motel, she said, for which she is not sure they will be reimbursed.
One father of a soldier injured in Ramadi, Iraq, said the center is the best facility a servicemember could ask for. He cited several changes there that were made even prior to the media attention at the center.
He said escorts now meet soldiers and families at the airport. Also, the Malogne House -- a temporary lodging facility on the Walter Reed grounds -- now accepts soldiers' meal cards. If soldiers are too ill to leave their rooms, meals will be delivered.
"My son has received the best care," he said.
A woman caring for her injured Army National Guard stepson said she is bothered by what others are surmising from recent media reports.
"I get phone calls and letters from family and friends daily who think that my son is living in squalid conditions here. He's not," she said.
Still, she said, holding up her calendar, her life is inundated with appointment-making, to the point that she cannot manage it by herself. She said that a central appointment system is needed so that all departments can schedule using a single servicemember appointment calendar.
"This is out of hand. I can't do this any more. My son was in the hospital again for four days last week, so all of his appointments scheduled (were) completely cancelled. We had to start over," she said.
She also cited several other family members she knew who were muddling through the benefits process unaware of benefits to which they are entitled and unsure of the claims process.
The nine-member panel made up of doctors, lawyers, congressmen and former senior military members was formed about two weeks ago, and since then has been visiting medical facilities. The group is working as a subcommittee of the Department of Defense Health Board and will report its findings through the board to the secretaries of the Army and Navy by April 16. They travel to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., today for another such public meeting.
The review group may hold additional meetings for patients and families.
The group has established a Web site at www.ha.osd.mil/dhb/irg. There, anyone can submit comments. Click on "How You Can Help" in the left column of the review group Web site to provide comments.
The group also has opened a toll-free hotline at 1-866-268-2285.
Submissions will be recorded. All persons submitting comments can remain anonymous.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – An independent review group charged by the defense secretary with identifying shortcomings and making recommendations for improvements in care for injured troops held its first public meeting at Walter Reed Army Medical Center yesterday. The group heard emotional testimony ranging from praise and support to tearful pleas for help and change.
"What we really want from you is as much as you have to tell us," Togo West, a former Veterans Affairs and Army secretary, told those who had come to be heard.
Anyone wanting to speak was allowed five minutes at the microphone, but no one was stopped if they went over their allotment. The panel promised individual meetings and follow-ups. Hearing the stories, panel members said, was their priority, and there would be no repercussions for anyone testifying.
For nearly three hours, one by one, servicemembers, family members and veterans took turns at the microphone in a town-hall like session, delivering the details of their experiences -- good and bad -- at the facility that has been thrust into the national spotlight in recent weeks after reports of poor outpatient soldier care and bureaucratic medical board processes.
The sometimes emotional testimony took roller-coaster-like turns, with some passionately defending the quality of care and the staff at the center, and others opening crying and pleading to the panel for help.
While most proclaimed that the doctors and medical staff at Walter Reed provided exceptional care, even the staunchest defenders of the hospital conceded that changes are needed in the administration of its outpatient services and the medical and physical board processes.
"You know, what's failed to have been said in all this bad press ... is that Walter Reed is not as bad as (what's) being portrayed in the media," said one of the first speakers, an Army specialist injured in Afghanistan. "Yes, there's issues with the (medical) board process -- there are issues -- but that's been ongoing for years. It's not exclusive to Walter Reed."
He said that for five days he was bedridden with pain from his injuries, and that everyone in his chain of command, including his social worker and case manager, volunteered to deliver meals to his room.
He's only lived in Walter Reed's outpatient quarters for five months - a relative newcomer, considering some servicemembers spend two years or more in outpatient care. But still, he said, he is not daunted by the impending board process that promises mountains of paperwork, numerous appointments and certain frustration.
"They have helped me get supporting documents. Well, that eases me a little bit. Whenever I get ready to start my med board, I'm not as scared as what you might think, because I've got a good social worker. I have an excellent chain of command, and I do not feel that it's as big of an issue (as it's been made out to be)," he said.
The panel followed up by asking the soldier if he was coached prior to the meeting, to which he responded "No."
"I'm doing this on my own accord," he said. "This is my home right now. I'm sticking up for my home."
Other testimony included a veteran who asked the panel to visit the Armed Forces Retirement Home and survey what he called "significant medical, health and welfare" issues there.
Two Army National Guard soldiers testified to problems in the medical and physical board process. Doctors categorized their injuries as pre-existing, even though they had been cleared for duty and had no prior record of the injuries, they said.
The wife of an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel said no one from the hospital met him when her husband arrived at the airport here last year. Her children drove from West Virginia to pick him up. He was forced to stay in a local motel for weeks because there was no room at the center, and still has not been reimbursed for the room.
Near tears, she said she is tired of fighting the system.
"Sometimes you just feel like giving up, you know? I've got other things I need to take care of. I've got to take care of my husband and my children, and I don't really have the time or the energy or the strength left in me to deal with all of this here," she said.
The family is again staying in a motel, she said, for which she is not sure they will be reimbursed.
One father of a soldier injured in Ramadi, Iraq, said the center is the best facility a servicemember could ask for. He cited several changes there that were made even prior to the media attention at the center.
He said escorts now meet soldiers and families at the airport. Also, the Malogne House -- a temporary lodging facility on the Walter Reed grounds -- now accepts soldiers' meal cards. If soldiers are too ill to leave their rooms, meals will be delivered.
"My son has received the best care," he said.
A woman caring for her injured Army National Guard stepson said she is bothered by what others are surmising from recent media reports.
"I get phone calls and letters from family and friends daily who think that my son is living in squalid conditions here. He's not," she said.
Still, she said, holding up her calendar, her life is inundated with appointment-making, to the point that she cannot manage it by herself. She said that a central appointment system is needed so that all departments can schedule using a single servicemember appointment calendar.
"This is out of hand. I can't do this any more. My son was in the hospital again for four days last week, so all of his appointments scheduled (were) completely cancelled. We had to start over," she said.
She also cited several other family members she knew who were muddling through the benefits process unaware of benefits to which they are entitled and unsure of the claims process.
The nine-member panel made up of doctors, lawyers, congressmen and former senior military members was formed about two weeks ago, and since then has been visiting medical facilities. The group is working as a subcommittee of the Department of Defense Health Board and will report its findings through the board to the secretaries of the Army and Navy by April 16. They travel to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., today for another such public meeting.
The review group may hold additional meetings for patients and families.
The group has established a Web site at www.ha.osd.mil/dhb/irg. There, anyone can submit comments. Click on "How You Can Help" in the left column of the review group Web site to provide comments.
The group also has opened a toll-free hotline at 1-866-268-2285.
Submissions will be recorded. All persons submitting comments can remain anonymous.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Test Center Focuses on Warfighters While Advancing Innovations
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – As the Defense Department hurries to get the latest weapons systems and protective equipment to deployed troops, the Aberdeen Test Center here is operating at what its commander calls a "fast and furious rate" to ensure effectiveness and safety remain top priorities. The center, on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, is the most diverse of seven DoD test facilities and is a critical partner in the Army's Rapid Fielding Initiative, Army Col. John Rooney, center commander, told American Forces Press Service.
During the past two years, the center's scientists, technicians and engineers have tested about 30 rapid fielding initiatives a week, with more than 1,400 tests conducted last year alone. There's been an 87 percent increase in range activity here since fiscal 2001.
"That's all being driven by technologies to support the warfighter in the global war on terror," Rooney said.
Technology undergoing testing here range from enhancements to improve the way vehicles operate in combat to protective gear that helps troops survive enemy attacks.
"Our focus is on identifying the best technology available now, getting that capability to the warfighter today, and then improving on it," Rooney said.
This concept, referred to as "spiral development," turns the military's traditional fielding method on its head. Rather than developing, testing, then fine-tuning systems before sending them to the field, the priority now is to get new technologies to the troops quickly as possible, while continuing to improve on them, Rooney explained.
"We're inserting them into the war without the breadth and depth of testing that we would go through in peacetime," he said. "There's a whole different dynamic of supporting an Army at war that's different that in peacetime. You have to make sure you do an adequate job (of testing), but not at the expense of withholding capabilities."
Even with the big push to get new systems to deployed forces, Rooney said the military holds the line when it comes to safety. "We always do safety testing up front," he said. "But once we've done that, the big question becomes, 'What's enough testing to understand how (the system is) going to work (in combat)?'"
Evidence of this balancing act is prevalent throughout the combat theater. The Aberdeen Test Center staff tested for electromagnetic interference in Blue Force Tracker, a satellite-based Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below communications system, as well as for additional radios placed on M1A1 Abrams command vehicles.
They tested new software for the M1A2 tank's nuclear, biological and chemical protective system, and a variety of bridging systems so deployed forces could cross gullies and low spots throughout the Iraqi desert.
But few examples demonstrate the emphasis on expedient fielding more clearly than how the military gets new vehicle protection to deployed troops.
As DoD's primary ground-vehicle tester, the Aberdeen Test Center started exploring ways to protect troops against roadside bombs in August 2003, as soon as these weapons began appearing in Iraq.
Rooney described the motivation that drove testers here to move quickly to evaluate the first add-on armor prototypes. "We knew that every day we didn't get the test finished was another day that we weren't getting these kits to the field, and that it could have a direct impact on someone's life," he said.
The earliest add-on armor kits sent to the combat theater had limitations, he acknowledged, but still offered far more protection than no additional armor. Even as these kits were being sent to the field, the Aberdeen Test Center staff continued to look into new systems to improve on them.
Since the start of the terror war, the center staff has subjected more than 500 potential solutions to the rigorous testing that takes place here every day, Rooney said. These prototypes have been fired at to test their ballistic protection and run through simulators, computer models and outdoor tracks to see how they stand up to real-world road conditions like they'll encounter in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A drive around the test ranges here -- nine miles of interconnecting roads and 25 permanently constructed courses -- shows some of the armor enhancements undergoing testing now. They range from a new add-on armor kit for Humvees that includes 450 pounds of armor to the front door alone and extra baseboard armor to a one-piece door assembly for the 5-ton M977 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck to an improved slat armor kit for the Stryker light armored vehicle.
The staff here developed the initial prototype for the Stryker's slat armor-a cage-like apparatus bolted to the Stryker to protect it from rocket-propelled grenades - and Rooney calls it one of the staff's proudest achievements. Although the first users didn't necessarily like the slat armor's looks, they quickly grew to love its protective qualities, he said.
While continuing to seek out newer, more effective ballistic protections, the staff here recognizes the impact of these improvements on overall vehicle performance, Rooney said. Putting additional armor on vehicles affects everything from the way they handle, to their tip-over point, to the life cycle of their shocks and suspension systems to their overall reliability.
"Every time something gets added or placed on a vehicle, you have to look at the whole range of effects," Rooney said. "When you evaluate protective armors, you have to work hand-in-glove with the automotive side, because even if a vehicle stops everything (in terms of ballistics), if it can't drive, it's of no value."
So evaluators here put vehicles through the paces in both outdoor courses and indoor simulations to replicate the worst of real-world conditions. Vehicles get exposed to bumps, ditches, slopes, mud and sand courses, fording basins and other difficult conditions similar to what deployed troops experience regularly.
"We're trying to create the circumstances that might cause failures so we can learn from it and address those issues here," Rooney said. "The whole intent is to fully understand the vehicle's capability."
Once a vehicle passes through the rigors imposed here, Rooney said he's confident they'll be ready for the demands warfighters will subject them to.
That's the mindset at the Aberdeen Test Center that Rooney said has continued to turn ideas into solutions for combat troops. "Our end product is a better equipped, better protected warfighter," he said.
As the Aberdeen Test Center supports today's warfighters, it's carrying on a tradition that began in 1917, when it helped prepare the military for World War I.
Today, the center continues testing a broad spectrum of military weapons systems and equipment: vehicles, weapon systems, ammunition, portable bridges, generators, night-vision devices, individual equipment ranging from boots and uniforms to helmets, and even surface and underwater naval systems.
As it conducts this testing, Rooney said the staff here never loses sight of the men and women on the front lines whose lives are at stake.
"We are a very busy, very diverse and very relevant test center, doing things that people know matters," he said. "We are helping the warfighter tremendously. And because people here recognize the direct impact of what they're contributing, job satisfaction is pretty easy to come by here."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – As the Defense Department hurries to get the latest weapons systems and protective equipment to deployed troops, the Aberdeen Test Center here is operating at what its commander calls a "fast and furious rate" to ensure effectiveness and safety remain top priorities. The center, on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, is the most diverse of seven DoD test facilities and is a critical partner in the Army's Rapid Fielding Initiative, Army Col. John Rooney, center commander, told American Forces Press Service.
During the past two years, the center's scientists, technicians and engineers have tested about 30 rapid fielding initiatives a week, with more than 1,400 tests conducted last year alone. There's been an 87 percent increase in range activity here since fiscal 2001.
"That's all being driven by technologies to support the warfighter in the global war on terror," Rooney said.
Technology undergoing testing here range from enhancements to improve the way vehicles operate in combat to protective gear that helps troops survive enemy attacks.
"Our focus is on identifying the best technology available now, getting that capability to the warfighter today, and then improving on it," Rooney said.
This concept, referred to as "spiral development," turns the military's traditional fielding method on its head. Rather than developing, testing, then fine-tuning systems before sending them to the field, the priority now is to get new technologies to the troops quickly as possible, while continuing to improve on them, Rooney explained.
"We're inserting them into the war without the breadth and depth of testing that we would go through in peacetime," he said. "There's a whole different dynamic of supporting an Army at war that's different that in peacetime. You have to make sure you do an adequate job (of testing), but not at the expense of withholding capabilities."
Even with the big push to get new systems to deployed forces, Rooney said the military holds the line when it comes to safety. "We always do safety testing up front," he said. "But once we've done that, the big question becomes, 'What's enough testing to understand how (the system is) going to work (in combat)?'"
Evidence of this balancing act is prevalent throughout the combat theater. The Aberdeen Test Center staff tested for electromagnetic interference in Blue Force Tracker, a satellite-based Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below communications system, as well as for additional radios placed on M1A1 Abrams command vehicles.
They tested new software for the M1A2 tank's nuclear, biological and chemical protective system, and a variety of bridging systems so deployed forces could cross gullies and low spots throughout the Iraqi desert.
But few examples demonstrate the emphasis on expedient fielding more clearly than how the military gets new vehicle protection to deployed troops.
As DoD's primary ground-vehicle tester, the Aberdeen Test Center started exploring ways to protect troops against roadside bombs in August 2003, as soon as these weapons began appearing in Iraq.
Rooney described the motivation that drove testers here to move quickly to evaluate the first add-on armor prototypes. "We knew that every day we didn't get the test finished was another day that we weren't getting these kits to the field, and that it could have a direct impact on someone's life," he said.
The earliest add-on armor kits sent to the combat theater had limitations, he acknowledged, but still offered far more protection than no additional armor. Even as these kits were being sent to the field, the Aberdeen Test Center staff continued to look into new systems to improve on them.
Since the start of the terror war, the center staff has subjected more than 500 potential solutions to the rigorous testing that takes place here every day, Rooney said. These prototypes have been fired at to test their ballistic protection and run through simulators, computer models and outdoor tracks to see how they stand up to real-world road conditions like they'll encounter in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A drive around the test ranges here -- nine miles of interconnecting roads and 25 permanently constructed courses -- shows some of the armor enhancements undergoing testing now. They range from a new add-on armor kit for Humvees that includes 450 pounds of armor to the front door alone and extra baseboard armor to a one-piece door assembly for the 5-ton M977 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck to an improved slat armor kit for the Stryker light armored vehicle.
The staff here developed the initial prototype for the Stryker's slat armor-a cage-like apparatus bolted to the Stryker to protect it from rocket-propelled grenades - and Rooney calls it one of the staff's proudest achievements. Although the first users didn't necessarily like the slat armor's looks, they quickly grew to love its protective qualities, he said.
While continuing to seek out newer, more effective ballistic protections, the staff here recognizes the impact of these improvements on overall vehicle performance, Rooney said. Putting additional armor on vehicles affects everything from the way they handle, to their tip-over point, to the life cycle of their shocks and suspension systems to their overall reliability.
"Every time something gets added or placed on a vehicle, you have to look at the whole range of effects," Rooney said. "When you evaluate protective armors, you have to work hand-in-glove with the automotive side, because even if a vehicle stops everything (in terms of ballistics), if it can't drive, it's of no value."
So evaluators here put vehicles through the paces in both outdoor courses and indoor simulations to replicate the worst of real-world conditions. Vehicles get exposed to bumps, ditches, slopes, mud and sand courses, fording basins and other difficult conditions similar to what deployed troops experience regularly.
"We're trying to create the circumstances that might cause failures so we can learn from it and address those issues here," Rooney said. "The whole intent is to fully understand the vehicle's capability."
Once a vehicle passes through the rigors imposed here, Rooney said he's confident they'll be ready for the demands warfighters will subject them to.
That's the mindset at the Aberdeen Test Center that Rooney said has continued to turn ideas into solutions for combat troops. "Our end product is a better equipped, better protected warfighter," he said.
As the Aberdeen Test Center supports today's warfighters, it's carrying on a tradition that began in 1917, when it helped prepare the military for World War I.
Today, the center continues testing a broad spectrum of military weapons systems and equipment: vehicles, weapon systems, ammunition, portable bridges, generators, night-vision devices, individual equipment ranging from boots and uniforms to helmets, and even surface and underwater naval systems.
As it conducts this testing, Rooney said the staff here never loses sight of the men and women on the front lines whose lives are at stake.
"We are a very busy, very diverse and very relevant test center, doing things that people know matters," he said. "We are helping the warfighter tremendously. And because people here recognize the direct impact of what they're contributing, job satisfaction is pretty easy to come by here."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Coalition Servicemembers Reach Out to America via YouTube
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – Coalition military officials in Iraq are hoping to reach out to younger, broader audiences by posting clips of servicemembers in action on a popular video-sharing Web site. Clips of combat and support operations have been posted to the YouTube Web site in an effort to inform Americans of the successes of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in Iraq, Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said during a phone interview today.
"How do we reach out to those in mid-town America who don't know someone serving here? How do they find out what's going on?" Caldwell asked. "One thing people don't know is what's really going on over here on a daily basis."
The initiative first came about when soldiers began brainstorming about how to reach out and share stories of what's happening in Iraq with a greater number of people. The group determined that the user-generated Web site would be a perfect venue for the more visually oriented, younger American audience.
"We want the American public, from an unfiltered vantage point, to be able to see what coalition forces and Iraqi security forces are doing here in Iraq," he said.
Mechanisms are in place so video clips can quickly and accurately be posted to the Web site, while still adhering to operational security requirements, Caldwell said.
Since the multi-national force began the initiative on March 7, six videos have been posted, resulting in thousands of viewings.
The most popular, with more than 2,000 views, is a Jan. 24 clip from Operation Tomahawk Strike 11. The video shows U.S. Army soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division alongside soldiers from the 6th Iraqi Army Division engaging insurgents from a high-rise building during a series of targeted raids.
Clips also have been posted showing footage from an unmanned aerial vehicle and a documentary-like essay on the discovery and destruction of a factory making vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
In addition to posting videos on the YouTube site, a "Share our Story" tab has been established on the Multinational Force Iraq Web site, www.mnf-iraq.com, filled with videos, still photos and narratives of the men and women in uniform stationed there.
"(The link tells) what they're doing over here to serve our country, support the government of Iraq and support the Iraqi people as we try to bring greater security and stability and self-governance to this nation," the general said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – Coalition military officials in Iraq are hoping to reach out to younger, broader audiences by posting clips of servicemembers in action on a popular video-sharing Web site. Clips of combat and support operations have been posted to the YouTube Web site in an effort to inform Americans of the successes of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in Iraq, Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said during a phone interview today.
"How do we reach out to those in mid-town America who don't know someone serving here? How do they find out what's going on?" Caldwell asked. "One thing people don't know is what's really going on over here on a daily basis."
The initiative first came about when soldiers began brainstorming about how to reach out and share stories of what's happening in Iraq with a greater number of people. The group determined that the user-generated Web site would be a perfect venue for the more visually oriented, younger American audience.
"We want the American public, from an unfiltered vantage point, to be able to see what coalition forces and Iraqi security forces are doing here in Iraq," he said.
Mechanisms are in place so video clips can quickly and accurately be posted to the Web site, while still adhering to operational security requirements, Caldwell said.
Since the multi-national force began the initiative on March 7, six videos have been posted, resulting in thousands of viewings.
The most popular, with more than 2,000 views, is a Jan. 24 clip from Operation Tomahawk Strike 11. The video shows U.S. Army soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division alongside soldiers from the 6th Iraqi Army Division engaging insurgents from a high-rise building during a series of targeted raids.
Clips also have been posted showing footage from an unmanned aerial vehicle and a documentary-like essay on the discovery and destruction of a factory making vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
In addition to posting videos on the YouTube site, a "Share our Story" tab has been established on the Multinational Force Iraq Web site, www.mnf-iraq.com, filled with videos, still photos and narratives of the men and women in uniform stationed there.
"(The link tells) what they're doing over here to serve our country, support the government of Iraq and support the Iraqi people as we try to bring greater security and stability and self-governance to this nation," the general said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Military Leaders Discuss Readiness at Capitol Hill Hearing
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – The armed services' four vice chiefs of staff discussed challenges that affect military readiness at a U.S. House of Representatives' subcommittee hearing held here yesterday. "The fundamental challenge impacting Army readiness and strategic depth is the need to establish a proper balance between strategy and resources," Gen. Richard A. Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, stated in prepared remarks given to the House Armed Services Committee's Readiness Subcommittee.
America's soldiers "are the best trained, best equipped, and best led we have ever sent into combat," Cody said, noting that more than 240,000 U.S. soldiers are deployed overseas.
Congressional funding will enable the fielding of 76 brigade combat teams, of which 20 to 21 will be made ready and available to meet global commitments, Cody said.
However, the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in $100 billion in underfunding of Army investment accounts during the 1990s, Cody noted, which in turn created a nearly $56 billion equipment shortage across the Army.
And now, force needs dictated by the global war against terrorism have compelled the Army to transfer equipment from non-deployed elements to units preparing to deploy overseas, Cody explained.
"This practice, which we are continuing today, increases risk for our next-to-deploy units, and limits our ability to respond to emerging strategic contingencies," Cody said.
Army leaders, however, "are greatly encouraged" by the recent actions of Congress, the president and the secretary of defense to provide more money so the Army can rectify its equipment shortage, Cody said.
The Air Force's primary missions are to assist in the winning of the global war against terrorism and to prepare for possible future conflicts, said Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Force vice chief of staff.
However, "each day, the readiness of both our airmen and our equipment is eroding," Corley stated. Increased flying hours are stressing airframes, he said, while the cost of doing the Air Force's business is going up. The cost of aircraft spare parts has increased 6 percent this year, Corley noted, while each $10 increase in the price of a barrel of fuel costs the Air Force another $600 million annually.
"The added wear and tear (on aircraft) is fueling the increased demand for spare parts, creating a vicious cycle, providing a further mandate to recapitalize the force," the four-star Air Force general stated.
The Air Force appreciates current congressional funding assistance to reconstitute its air fleet, Corley said, but more money is urgently needed "so we can execute a synchronized plan for aircraft retirement, replacement and modernization," he stated.
The Marine Corps' priority is to support those Marines deployed worldwide who are fighting the war against terrorism, stated Gen. Robert Magnus, the Corps' assistant commandant.
However, "to meet the demands of the Long War, we must reset the force in order to simultaneously fight, train, and sustain our Corps," Magnus said. Like the Army, the Marines, too, have transferred equipment from non-deployed units to combat units slated for overseas deployment, he said.
Marine equipment stocks "need to be replenished to remain responsive to emerging threats," Magnus said, noting that repeated deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq have caused Marine ground and aviation equipment to take a pounding.
Magnus thanked Congress for its fiscal support, noting that funding legislation has enabled the Marine Corps to achieve equipment reset goals through increased depot repair activities and new purchasing. Congressional money, he noted, will provide for an expanded active force of more than 200,000 Marines in the future.
"I promise you that the Corps understands the value of each dollar provided and will continue to provide maximum return for every dollar spent," Magnus said.
Last year, the U.S. Navy continued to answer the nation's call to duty, while remaining a good steward of U.S. taxpayer dollars, Adm. Robert F. Willard, vice chief of naval operations, stated.
Today, the "Navy's current readiness remains excellent," Willard said, noting congressional monetary support has been key in this regard. Navy units and sailors, he said, continue to "deploy combat-ready, properly trained and properly equipped."
In early March the Navy had 36 percent of its fleet on deployment in every theater of operation, with 138 ships en route to global assignments, Willard noted. Those include six aircraft carriers and four of the Navy's large-deck amphibious ships, he said.
The Navy's fiscal 2006 budget request funds a deployable battle force of 286 ships, Willard said, including 11 aircraft carriers and 32 amphibious ships.
Past congressional supplemental funding has enabled the Navy to mitigate some of the costs of wartime operations, the admiral said. However, he noted, those funds were used to offset war-incurred costs rather than resetting the force. About $2.1 billion has been earmarked in the Navy's fiscal 2008 budget request for Navy equipment reset requirements.
"While overall Navy current readiness remains excellent, one challenge we face today is to sustain our present capability and enhance our ability to conduct non-traditional missions in order to ensure continuity in the projection of naval power and influence," the admiral said.
Also, higher operational tempo experienced by the Navy during the global war on terrorism has incurred increased operating costs, Willard said.
"Longer-term impacts are under close evaluation, but ships, aircraft and ground equipment returning from the war will require depot-level attention to remain responsive to emerging threats," Willard stated.
The Navy provides great bang for each dollar, the admiral stated, noting it costs taxpayers less than 1 percent of the nation's gross national product to support.
Yet, although today's Navy is ship-shape, "we must maintain our resolve to sustain a strong Navy now and ensure future successes after they return home," Willard stated.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2007 – The armed services' four vice chiefs of staff discussed challenges that affect military readiness at a U.S. House of Representatives' subcommittee hearing held here yesterday. "The fundamental challenge impacting Army readiness and strategic depth is the need to establish a proper balance between strategy and resources," Gen. Richard A. Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, stated in prepared remarks given to the House Armed Services Committee's Readiness Subcommittee.
America's soldiers "are the best trained, best equipped, and best led we have ever sent into combat," Cody said, noting that more than 240,000 U.S. soldiers are deployed overseas.
Congressional funding will enable the fielding of 76 brigade combat teams, of which 20 to 21 will be made ready and available to meet global commitments, Cody said.
However, the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in $100 billion in underfunding of Army investment accounts during the 1990s, Cody noted, which in turn created a nearly $56 billion equipment shortage across the Army.
And now, force needs dictated by the global war against terrorism have compelled the Army to transfer equipment from non-deployed elements to units preparing to deploy overseas, Cody explained.
"This practice, which we are continuing today, increases risk for our next-to-deploy units, and limits our ability to respond to emerging strategic contingencies," Cody said.
Army leaders, however, "are greatly encouraged" by the recent actions of Congress, the president and the secretary of defense to provide more money so the Army can rectify its equipment shortage, Cody said.
The Air Force's primary missions are to assist in the winning of the global war against terrorism and to prepare for possible future conflicts, said Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Force vice chief of staff.
However, "each day, the readiness of both our airmen and our equipment is eroding," Corley stated. Increased flying hours are stressing airframes, he said, while the cost of doing the Air Force's business is going up. The cost of aircraft spare parts has increased 6 percent this year, Corley noted, while each $10 increase in the price of a barrel of fuel costs the Air Force another $600 million annually.
"The added wear and tear (on aircraft) is fueling the increased demand for spare parts, creating a vicious cycle, providing a further mandate to recapitalize the force," the four-star Air Force general stated.
The Air Force appreciates current congressional funding assistance to reconstitute its air fleet, Corley said, but more money is urgently needed "so we can execute a synchronized plan for aircraft retirement, replacement and modernization," he stated.
The Marine Corps' priority is to support those Marines deployed worldwide who are fighting the war against terrorism, stated Gen. Robert Magnus, the Corps' assistant commandant.
However, "to meet the demands of the Long War, we must reset the force in order to simultaneously fight, train, and sustain our Corps," Magnus said. Like the Army, the Marines, too, have transferred equipment from non-deployed units to combat units slated for overseas deployment, he said.
Marine equipment stocks "need to be replenished to remain responsive to emerging threats," Magnus said, noting that repeated deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq have caused Marine ground and aviation equipment to take a pounding.
Magnus thanked Congress for its fiscal support, noting that funding legislation has enabled the Marine Corps to achieve equipment reset goals through increased depot repair activities and new purchasing. Congressional money, he noted, will provide for an expanded active force of more than 200,000 Marines in the future.
"I promise you that the Corps understands the value of each dollar provided and will continue to provide maximum return for every dollar spent," Magnus said.
Last year, the U.S. Navy continued to answer the nation's call to duty, while remaining a good steward of U.S. taxpayer dollars, Adm. Robert F. Willard, vice chief of naval operations, stated.
Today, the "Navy's current readiness remains excellent," Willard said, noting congressional monetary support has been key in this regard. Navy units and sailors, he said, continue to "deploy combat-ready, properly trained and properly equipped."
In early March the Navy had 36 percent of its fleet on deployment in every theater of operation, with 138 ships en route to global assignments, Willard noted. Those include six aircraft carriers and four of the Navy's large-deck amphibious ships, he said.
The Navy's fiscal 2006 budget request funds a deployable battle force of 286 ships, Willard said, including 11 aircraft carriers and 32 amphibious ships.
Past congressional supplemental funding has enabled the Navy to mitigate some of the costs of wartime operations, the admiral said. However, he noted, those funds were used to offset war-incurred costs rather than resetting the force. About $2.1 billion has been earmarked in the Navy's fiscal 2008 budget request for Navy equipment reset requirements.
"While overall Navy current readiness remains excellent, one challenge we face today is to sustain our present capability and enhance our ability to conduct non-traditional missions in order to ensure continuity in the projection of naval power and influence," the admiral said.
Also, higher operational tempo experienced by the Navy during the global war on terrorism has incurred increased operating costs, Willard said.
"Longer-term impacts are under close evaluation, but ships, aircraft and ground equipment returning from the war will require depot-level attention to remain responsive to emerging threats," Willard stated.
The Navy provides great bang for each dollar, the admiral stated, noting it costs taxpayers less than 1 percent of the nation's gross national product to support.
Yet, although today's Navy is ship-shape, "we must maintain our resolve to sustain a strong Navy now and ensure future successes after they return home," Willard stated.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wounded Troops Become Citizens at Walter Reed Ceremony
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – Better job and educational opportunities or family reasons may have led them from the lands of their birth to the United States, but serving in the armed forces made it possible for four servicemembers to become citizens yesterday. Three soldiers and a Marine took the oath of citizenship in a naturalization ceremony at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center hosted by the Defense and Homeland Security departments.
"By your willingness to become citizens, you keep alive the dream of countless immigrant soldiers who have come before you and will surely follow in your footsteps," Emilio Gonzalez, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director, said.
After he administered the oath, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the new citizens that immigrants have long been a benefit to the United States by boosting the economy, strengthening the culture, and blessing communities.
"You four who became citizens today have done something more," he said. "You have already done what you just swore to do."
Not only did the four sign up to defend their adopted home, they all were injured when serving the nation while deployed in Iraq.
"Even before you took the oath, you put duty, honor and country ahead of yourselves," Chertoff said. "You put your lives on the line for Americans you haven't even met. I thank you deeply for your sacrifice.
"For those who just became citizens," he continued, "we're honored you have joined us in carrying out this sacred mission. I am grateful for your service, moved by your sacrifice, inspired by your courage and humbled by your devotion to your adopted home."
Army Spcs. Angel Regalado-Contreras and Eduardo Garcia-Gonzalez and Pfc. Dwishnicka Randolph, and Marine Lance Cpl. Carlos Lopes became citizens in the fifth such ceremony hosted at Walter Reed since President Bush signed an executive order in 2002 expediting naturalization for servicemembers.
To date, USCIS has naturalized more than 26,000 servicemembers, with 1,006 of those becoming citizens while serving outside the United States. About 40,000 members of the armed forces are eligible to apply for naturalization.
Recent changes of the Immigration and Nationality Act have streamlined the naturalization process for military personnel serving on active duty or those who have recently been discharged. Since October 2004, servicemembers no longer have to pay a fee when filing for citizenship.
Randolph, who was born in Haiti, said that although her fellow soldiers were very open to her serving in the Army without being a citizen, she now has an even greater sense of belonging since taking the oath.
"It feels great to be a citizen," Randolph said. "It's a blessing to be in the military. I think it's a great honor to wear the military uniform."
The 26-year-old soldier said the first thing she's going to do as a citizen is to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles so she can register to vote.
For soldiers like Garcia-Gonzalez, being a citizen will make life better once out of the military. Originally from Mexico, he is awaiting medical discharge following a tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq.
"I feel relieved," he said. "Now I have better job opportunities when I get out of the Army."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – Better job and educational opportunities or family reasons may have led them from the lands of their birth to the United States, but serving in the armed forces made it possible for four servicemembers to become citizens yesterday. Three soldiers and a Marine took the oath of citizenship in a naturalization ceremony at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center hosted by the Defense and Homeland Security departments.
"By your willingness to become citizens, you keep alive the dream of countless immigrant soldiers who have come before you and will surely follow in your footsteps," Emilio Gonzalez, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director, said.
After he administered the oath, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the new citizens that immigrants have long been a benefit to the United States by boosting the economy, strengthening the culture, and blessing communities.
"You four who became citizens today have done something more," he said. "You have already done what you just swore to do."
Not only did the four sign up to defend their adopted home, they all were injured when serving the nation while deployed in Iraq.
"Even before you took the oath, you put duty, honor and country ahead of yourselves," Chertoff said. "You put your lives on the line for Americans you haven't even met. I thank you deeply for your sacrifice.
"For those who just became citizens," he continued, "we're honored you have joined us in carrying out this sacred mission. I am grateful for your service, moved by your sacrifice, inspired by your courage and humbled by your devotion to your adopted home."
Army Spcs. Angel Regalado-Contreras and Eduardo Garcia-Gonzalez and Pfc. Dwishnicka Randolph, and Marine Lance Cpl. Carlos Lopes became citizens in the fifth such ceremony hosted at Walter Reed since President Bush signed an executive order in 2002 expediting naturalization for servicemembers.
To date, USCIS has naturalized more than 26,000 servicemembers, with 1,006 of those becoming citizens while serving outside the United States. About 40,000 members of the armed forces are eligible to apply for naturalization.
Recent changes of the Immigration and Nationality Act have streamlined the naturalization process for military personnel serving on active duty or those who have recently been discharged. Since October 2004, servicemembers no longer have to pay a fee when filing for citizenship.
Randolph, who was born in Haiti, said that although her fellow soldiers were very open to her serving in the Army without being a citizen, she now has an even greater sense of belonging since taking the oath.
"It feels great to be a citizen," Randolph said. "It's a blessing to be in the military. I think it's a great honor to wear the military uniform."
The 26-year-old soldier said the first thing she's going to do as a citizen is to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles so she can register to vote.
For soldiers like Garcia-Gonzalez, being a citizen will make life better once out of the military. Originally from Mexico, he is awaiting medical discharge following a tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq.
"I feel relieved," he said. "Now I have better job opportunities when I get out of the Army."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Military Organization Honors Supporters
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – The Military Officers Association of America announced it will present its highest award to an actor and a corporation for their strong support of military servicemembers. Gary Sinise and the DuPont Company, with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., will receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award for 2007.
MOAA looks for indicators of strong support for military employees when considering organizations for this award, retired Air Force Col. Steve Strobridge, MOAA's director of government relations, said.
"(That includes) making up the pay between military pay and their old salary, continuation of benefits, support for the families, (and) recognition when they return," he said.
The criteria are a little different for an individual to receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award. "Selfless service, achievement of results and reflections of credit on the military community" are key the elements, Strobridge said.
"DuPont and Sinise clearly demonstrated a great deal of caring and personal involvement involving the military," he said.
Sinise stars in CBS's "CSI: NY." As one of the founders of the "Lt. Dan Band," named after his "Forrest Gump" character, the actor has toured the world playing concerts for military personnel and their families.
DuPont earned MOAA's recognition for its strong support of military personnel, in general, and specifically for its employees who are military reservists.
The Military Officers Association of America is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
DuPont also helps "Treat the Troops," an America Supports You organization that sends cookies to deployed servicemembers, with shipping costs.
MOAA also will recognize five members of Congress and two congressional staffers. Sens. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, as well as Reps. Chet Edwards of Texas, and Walter Jones of North Carolina, will receive the Col. Arthur T. Marix Congressional Achievement Award for championing legislation to protect retired military families against health fee increases.
Virginia Sen. John Warner is being recognized with a special achievement award for his eight years leading the Senate Armed Service Committee. The two staffers, John Chapla and John Conger, also are being recognized for their broad support of military personnel.
The awards bring awareness to those offering strong support to the military, Strobridge said. They also let servicemembers know they're not forgotten.
"It is important to show the men and women who are serving and have served that the American people do care about them and recognize and appreciate them for their service," he said.
The awards will be presented in a ceremony on Capitol Hill on April 17.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – The Military Officers Association of America announced it will present its highest award to an actor and a corporation for their strong support of military servicemembers. Gary Sinise and the DuPont Company, with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., will receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award for 2007.
MOAA looks for indicators of strong support for military employees when considering organizations for this award, retired Air Force Col. Steve Strobridge, MOAA's director of government relations, said.
"(That includes) making up the pay between military pay and their old salary, continuation of benefits, support for the families, (and) recognition when they return," he said.
The criteria are a little different for an individual to receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award. "Selfless service, achievement of results and reflections of credit on the military community" are key the elements, Strobridge said.
"DuPont and Sinise clearly demonstrated a great deal of caring and personal involvement involving the military," he said.
Sinise stars in CBS's "CSI: NY." As one of the founders of the "Lt. Dan Band," named after his "Forrest Gump" character, the actor has toured the world playing concerts for military personnel and their families.
DuPont earned MOAA's recognition for its strong support of military personnel, in general, and specifically for its employees who are military reservists.
The Military Officers Association of America is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
DuPont also helps "Treat the Troops," an America Supports You organization that sends cookies to deployed servicemembers, with shipping costs.
MOAA also will recognize five members of Congress and two congressional staffers. Sens. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, as well as Reps. Chet Edwards of Texas, and Walter Jones of North Carolina, will receive the Col. Arthur T. Marix Congressional Achievement Award for championing legislation to protect retired military families against health fee increases.
Virginia Sen. John Warner is being recognized with a special achievement award for his eight years leading the Senate Armed Service Committee. The two staffers, John Chapla and John Conger, also are being recognized for their broad support of military personnel.
The awards bring awareness to those offering strong support to the military, Strobridge said. They also let servicemembers know they're not forgotten.
"It is important to show the men and women who are serving and have served that the American people do care about them and recognize and appreciate them for their service," he said.
The awards will be presented in a ceremony on Capitol Hill on April 17.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Reflects on Leadership, Troop Support
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – Beyond making budget and administrative decisions, leadership is about setting a tone of integrity and caring, and working for lasting change, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. In an interview with the Pentagon Channel, Gates, who took office in December, said he brought his leadership style from the Central Intelligence Agency and Texas A&M University to the Defense Department, focusing on including established professionals in the organization in decision-making processes.
"It seems to me it's up to the leader to set the goal, but then to include as broad a group of people as possible in the decision making about how do we get from where we are to achieve that goal, and that kind of an inclusive decision-making process, I think, ensures that change is actually lasting because those who are left behind after the leader departs have embraced it and it's their change," he said.
To keep in touch with the professionals he manages, Gates said he has started having lunch with the senior enlisted advisors from each service, and when he visits installations, he is hosted by the senior enlisted servicemembers.
When President Bush asked Gates to take over as defense secretary after Donald Rumsfeld's resignation in November, Gates recognized it would be a challenge, he said, but he couldn't deny his sense of duty.
"When we have soldiers, when we have young people fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan and we face challenges from Iran, North Korea, all the other challenges that we face around the world, there are so many servicemen and servicewomen making sacrifices and their families are making sacrifices, and when the president came to me and said he thought I could help, I don't know how you say no under those circumstances," Gates said.
An important aspect of honest, accountable leadership is ensuring the needs of servicemembers and their families are met, Gates said. When reports first surfaced in February about shoddy conditions and poor outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, DoD leaders acted quickly to evaluate the situation and improve conditions for wounded soldiers, he said.
"I haven't heard a single complaint anywhere about the acute care at Walter Reed and the doctors and the nurses and the staff are just terrific," Gates said. "They are the best in the world. There is just no doubt about that, but the outpatient care, clearly, had some problems and it was evident from the news articles, and I felt it was important to take it very seriously from the very beginning."
The president's bipartisan panel and the independent review group established by Gates are working now to assess the situations at military medical facilities and come up with solutions, Gates noted, but no one is waiting for these findings before making improvements. The Army already has created an action plan for Walter Reed and has repaired many facilities on post, and as the commissions report their findings, they will be implemented immediately, he said.
"We have action in place, and we will see a continuing series of actions down the way, and what I have told people is that after the war itself, I think, this department has no higher priority than taking the best care in the world of our wounded troops, and I am prepared to allocate whatever resources we need to make that happen," he said.
While at his last post as president of a huge university, Gates said he felt a sense of personal responsibility for every young person under his leadership. Now, with millions of troops following his lead, he feels the same way, he said.
"I feel personally responsible for each and every one of them, and I care about what happens to them," he said of the troops. "I care about their safety. I care about their families. I'm mindful of the sacrifices, not only the troops make, but their families make, and anything we can do to make their lives better and to make sure that they know how much they're appreciated, I'm prepared to do, but I take it as a very personal responsibility."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – Beyond making budget and administrative decisions, leadership is about setting a tone of integrity and caring, and working for lasting change, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. In an interview with the Pentagon Channel, Gates, who took office in December, said he brought his leadership style from the Central Intelligence Agency and Texas A&M University to the Defense Department, focusing on including established professionals in the organization in decision-making processes.
"It seems to me it's up to the leader to set the goal, but then to include as broad a group of people as possible in the decision making about how do we get from where we are to achieve that goal, and that kind of an inclusive decision-making process, I think, ensures that change is actually lasting because those who are left behind after the leader departs have embraced it and it's their change," he said.
To keep in touch with the professionals he manages, Gates said he has started having lunch with the senior enlisted advisors from each service, and when he visits installations, he is hosted by the senior enlisted servicemembers.
When President Bush asked Gates to take over as defense secretary after Donald Rumsfeld's resignation in November, Gates recognized it would be a challenge, he said, but he couldn't deny his sense of duty.
"When we have soldiers, when we have young people fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan and we face challenges from Iran, North Korea, all the other challenges that we face around the world, there are so many servicemen and servicewomen making sacrifices and their families are making sacrifices, and when the president came to me and said he thought I could help, I don't know how you say no under those circumstances," Gates said.
An important aspect of honest, accountable leadership is ensuring the needs of servicemembers and their families are met, Gates said. When reports first surfaced in February about shoddy conditions and poor outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, DoD leaders acted quickly to evaluate the situation and improve conditions for wounded soldiers, he said.
"I haven't heard a single complaint anywhere about the acute care at Walter Reed and the doctors and the nurses and the staff are just terrific," Gates said. "They are the best in the world. There is just no doubt about that, but the outpatient care, clearly, had some problems and it was evident from the news articles, and I felt it was important to take it very seriously from the very beginning."
The president's bipartisan panel and the independent review group established by Gates are working now to assess the situations at military medical facilities and come up with solutions, Gates noted, but no one is waiting for these findings before making improvements. The Army already has created an action plan for Walter Reed and has repaired many facilities on post, and as the commissions report their findings, they will be implemented immediately, he said.
"We have action in place, and we will see a continuing series of actions down the way, and what I have told people is that after the war itself, I think, this department has no higher priority than taking the best care in the world of our wounded troops, and I am prepared to allocate whatever resources we need to make that happen," he said.
While at his last post as president of a huge university, Gates said he felt a sense of personal responsibility for every young person under his leadership. Now, with millions of troops following his lead, he feels the same way, he said.
"I feel personally responsible for each and every one of them, and I care about what happens to them," he said of the troops. "I care about their safety. I care about their families. I'm mindful of the sacrifices, not only the troops make, but their families make, and anything we can do to make their lives better and to make sure that they know how much they're appreciated, I'm prepared to do, but I take it as a very personal responsibility."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
WWE Stars Come Out for Wounded Troops
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – Army Spc. Timothy Lott gripped his walking cane as he prepared to meet some of his lifelong heroes. "I've been a wrestling fan for 27 years," he said at the Verizon Center's posh Coach's Club here yesterday evening.
Lott was one of about 40 injured veterans Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Wounded Warrior Project brought here for a reception and the Monday Night Raw event hosted by World Wrestling Entertainment.
WWE and the Wounded Warrior Project are members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights the public's support for the nation's troops and their families.
Lott was injured traveling in a convoy in Afghanistan. To avoid an accident with an errant civilian car, the driver of Lott's vehicle hit the brakes.
"It threw me forward, slammed me back," he said, "and caused a severed disc in my back and extensive nerve damage in my right leg."
The invitation to see his wrestling heroes wage war was a thrill for Lott.
"It's a way we can be shown that they care about -- Oh my God, it's Jimmy Hart!" Lott said, interrupting himself as wrestling promoter Jimmy "The Mouth of South" Hart burst through the Coach's Club doors like a sonic boom.
Decked out in sunglasses, bouffant hairdo and sequined jacket, Hart wielded his signature bullhorn -- its speaker painted a fleshy pink with teeth around the rim -- a prop that has amplified "The Mouth of the South's" career since 1985.
Lott, wide-eyed and star-struck, leaned on his cane to steady himself.
"May I have your attention, please?" Hart boomed into his bullhorn with a Memphis twang. "Hey, good to see you guys!"
Cranking up the decibels, Hart told the gathering he has a special affinity for servicemembers.
"I gotta tell you, my son's in the 101st Airborne (Division)," Hart told the crowd, which replied with an emphatic "Whup, Whup!" "He's about to get sent over there for the second time," the wrestling promoter continued. "I just want to say, 'Thank you all!'"
Gazing at Hart, Lott finished his earlier thought. "It's great that they would do this," he said, "because it's a way to say thank you."
In December, WWE stars will return to Iraq for the organization's fifth tour to visit deployed troops there.
Art Myers, director of Air Force Services, said that when WWE wrestlers visit troops abroad, "it's a huge morale booster."
"A person was going to re-enlist, and he had the WWE (wrestlers) present while he took the oath of re-enlistment," Myers said. "It's happened several times."
WWE plans to continue to work with Armed Forces Entertainment and America Supports You to undertake visits to troops abroad, and to continue its popular annual Tribute to the Troops visits to war zones during the holidays, said Gary Davis, WWE's vice president of corporate communications.
Davis said that because of differences in venue and ticketing protocols, WWE no longer is able to offer free tickets to people serving at military bases overseas, but its commitment to support the troops won't waver.
"WWE continues to offer complimentary tickets to the men and women of the U.S. military for all WWE shows, excluding WrestleMania, that take place in United States," he said. "WWE's commitment to our armed forces remains steadfast."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 13, 2007 – Army Spc. Timothy Lott gripped his walking cane as he prepared to meet some of his lifelong heroes. "I've been a wrestling fan for 27 years," he said at the Verizon Center's posh Coach's Club here yesterday evening.
Lott was one of about 40 injured veterans Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Wounded Warrior Project brought here for a reception and the Monday Night Raw event hosted by World Wrestling Entertainment.
WWE and the Wounded Warrior Project are members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights the public's support for the nation's troops and their families.
Lott was injured traveling in a convoy in Afghanistan. To avoid an accident with an errant civilian car, the driver of Lott's vehicle hit the brakes.
"It threw me forward, slammed me back," he said, "and caused a severed disc in my back and extensive nerve damage in my right leg."
The invitation to see his wrestling heroes wage war was a thrill for Lott.
"It's a way we can be shown that they care about -- Oh my God, it's Jimmy Hart!" Lott said, interrupting himself as wrestling promoter Jimmy "The Mouth of South" Hart burst through the Coach's Club doors like a sonic boom.
Decked out in sunglasses, bouffant hairdo and sequined jacket, Hart wielded his signature bullhorn -- its speaker painted a fleshy pink with teeth around the rim -- a prop that has amplified "The Mouth of the South's" career since 1985.
Lott, wide-eyed and star-struck, leaned on his cane to steady himself.
"May I have your attention, please?" Hart boomed into his bullhorn with a Memphis twang. "Hey, good to see you guys!"
Cranking up the decibels, Hart told the gathering he has a special affinity for servicemembers.
"I gotta tell you, my son's in the 101st Airborne (Division)," Hart told the crowd, which replied with an emphatic "Whup, Whup!" "He's about to get sent over there for the second time," the wrestling promoter continued. "I just want to say, 'Thank you all!'"
Gazing at Hart, Lott finished his earlier thought. "It's great that they would do this," he said, "because it's a way to say thank you."
In December, WWE stars will return to Iraq for the organization's fifth tour to visit deployed troops there.
Art Myers, director of Air Force Services, said that when WWE wrestlers visit troops abroad, "it's a huge morale booster."
"A person was going to re-enlist, and he had the WWE (wrestlers) present while he took the oath of re-enlistment," Myers said. "It's happened several times."
WWE plans to continue to work with Armed Forces Entertainment and America Supports You to undertake visits to troops abroad, and to continue its popular annual Tribute to the Troops visits to war zones during the holidays, said Gary Davis, WWE's vice president of corporate communications.
Davis said that because of differences in venue and ticketing protocols, WWE no longer is able to offer free tickets to people serving at military bases overseas, but its commitment to support the troops won't waver.
"WWE continues to offer complimentary tickets to the men and women of the U.S. military for all WWE shows, excluding WrestleMania, that take place in United States," he said. "WWE's commitment to our armed forces remains steadfast."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
A Police and Military Writer
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added a writer who has served in both the military and domestic law enforcement.
Robert S. Stering served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. He enlisted again, in the USAF(R) in 1982. He served as a Special Agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigation; and, was honorably discharged as an E-5 in 1985. In addition to his military service, Robert S. Stering was a police officer for the Waltham Police Department (Massachusetts) for 25 years.
Robert S. Stering has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice and is a certified criminal intelligence analyst. In addition to his writing, Rob Stering is an adjunct professor for several colleges teaching Profiling Serial Offenders, Crime Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Introduction to Terrorism and other courses. He is also a consultant to the Municipal Police Training Committee (Massachusetts) as the state coordinator for patrol procedures.
His first book, a Police Officer's Handbook “provides you with an understanding of the situations, problems, and conflicts that police officers face daily. This is an indispensable resource for law enforcement students and professionals. The Police Officer's Handbook is divided into two parts. Part One discusses what police officers do and how they accomplish their tasks. It also takes a closer look at the role of the police officer today. Part Two offers you an opportunity to put yourself into the role of the police officer. Through scenarios you will examine some of the day-to-day incidents that police officers face on the street. After reading this text, you will gain practical knowledge and understand how to resolve a variety of conflicts.”
Robert S. Stering’s second book, Imagen: A Serial Killer Leaves Puzzling Clues, is a fictional work that takes the reader inside the mind of both the killer and the victim. According to the book description, “A serial killer is stalking the community. He leaves subtle clues. Or are they? The murders are perfect, the clues and evidence left, break all traditional investigative formalities. The book is unique in the way you interpret the emotions. With a clever switching of tenses, the author allows you the reader to be the victim and the killer. You feel the pain, and emotions of the victim. You experience the excitement, the thoughts and the reasoning of the Killer. Both visions bring you to the point of death. With the author’s experiences and knowledge of the field, the book offers a close-up and front seat realistic view of the investigative process.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 401 police officers (representing 171 police departments) and their 864 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. Military-Writers.com now lists 20 active, retired and former military personnel who have authored 20 books.
Robert S. Stering served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. He enlisted again, in the USAF(R) in 1982. He served as a Special Agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigation; and, was honorably discharged as an E-5 in 1985. In addition to his military service, Robert S. Stering was a police officer for the Waltham Police Department (Massachusetts) for 25 years.
Robert S. Stering has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice and is a certified criminal intelligence analyst. In addition to his writing, Rob Stering is an adjunct professor for several colleges teaching Profiling Serial Offenders, Crime Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Introduction to Terrorism and other courses. He is also a consultant to the Municipal Police Training Committee (Massachusetts) as the state coordinator for patrol procedures.
His first book, a Police Officer's Handbook “provides you with an understanding of the situations, problems, and conflicts that police officers face daily. This is an indispensable resource for law enforcement students and professionals. The Police Officer's Handbook is divided into two parts. Part One discusses what police officers do and how they accomplish their tasks. It also takes a closer look at the role of the police officer today. Part Two offers you an opportunity to put yourself into the role of the police officer. Through scenarios you will examine some of the day-to-day incidents that police officers face on the street. After reading this text, you will gain practical knowledge and understand how to resolve a variety of conflicts.”
Robert S. Stering’s second book, Imagen: A Serial Killer Leaves Puzzling Clues, is a fictional work that takes the reader inside the mind of both the killer and the victim. According to the book description, “A serial killer is stalking the community. He leaves subtle clues. Or are they? The murders are perfect, the clues and evidence left, break all traditional investigative formalities. The book is unique in the way you interpret the emotions. With a clever switching of tenses, the author allows you the reader to be the victim and the killer. You feel the pain, and emotions of the victim. You experience the excitement, the thoughts and the reasoning of the Killer. Both visions bring you to the point of death. With the author’s experiences and knowledge of the field, the book offers a close-up and front seat realistic view of the investigative process.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 401 police officers (representing 171 police departments) and their 864 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. Military-Writers.com now lists 20 active, retired and former military personnel who have authored 20 books.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Pentagon Channel Lauded for Public Service Programming
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2007 – An unconventional public service announcement produced by the Pentagon Channel reminding military members to vote has been awarded first place in a nationwide competition sponsored by Cable World Magazine. An emotional Pentagon Channel documentary on post-traumatic stress disorder also earned an honorable mention. Other competitors included cable giants such as Discovery and National Geographic, Pentagon Channel officials noted.
"The judges made their choices based on whether or not an entry clearly presented an important public affairs issue," said Seth Arenstein, the magazine's editorial director and assistant vice president. "In addition, the mix of education and entertainment was considered, as were production values."
The winning spot is "a clever piece of work from the Pentagon Channel taking the audio and black-and-white video from a cartoon PSA about military absentee voting privileges from television's early days and enhancing subtly with touches of color, including adding a female (character) into the all-male cartoon," Arenstein said. "It also added Web site info in the style of the times."
The Pentagon Channel's documentary "The Wounds Within," which focused on servicemembers returning from combat to face emotional struggles received an honorable mention.
"The judges were surprised by the openness and emotional nature of the Pentagon Channel's special on post-traumatic stress disorder, Arenstein said. "They were also impressed by the breadth of the special, which notes that some 7.7 million Americans get PTSD yearly, but most never receive treatment."
Awards will be presented here today during the Cable Television Public Affairs Association Forum 2007.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2007 – An unconventional public service announcement produced by the Pentagon Channel reminding military members to vote has been awarded first place in a nationwide competition sponsored by Cable World Magazine. An emotional Pentagon Channel documentary on post-traumatic stress disorder also earned an honorable mention. Other competitors included cable giants such as Discovery and National Geographic, Pentagon Channel officials noted.
"The judges made their choices based on whether or not an entry clearly presented an important public affairs issue," said Seth Arenstein, the magazine's editorial director and assistant vice president. "In addition, the mix of education and entertainment was considered, as were production values."
The winning spot is "a clever piece of work from the Pentagon Channel taking the audio and black-and-white video from a cartoon PSA about military absentee voting privileges from television's early days and enhancing subtly with touches of color, including adding a female (character) into the all-male cartoon," Arenstein said. "It also added Web site info in the style of the times."
The Pentagon Channel's documentary "The Wounds Within," which focused on servicemembers returning from combat to face emotional struggles received an honorable mention.
"The judges were surprised by the openness and emotional nature of the Pentagon Channel's special on post-traumatic stress disorder, Arenstein said. "They were also impressed by the breadth of the special, which notes that some 7.7 million Americans get PTSD yearly, but most never receive treatment."
Awards will be presented here today during the Cable Television Public Affairs Association Forum 2007.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Firefighters Give Back to Injured Veterans
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2007 – Vail firefighters opened their house here yesterday evening for the fourth year in a row to thank the 25 participants of the Vail Veterans Program for their service to the nation. The firefighters treated the veterans and their guests to a homemade lasagna dinner. "It's kind of a way for us to give back to our heroes and recognize ... what they've done for us," Vail Fire Chief John Gulick said. "They've made some supreme sacrifices."
Emergency workers feel a special kinship with servicemembers because of the work they do -- both groups work to protect lives, he said.
"We have a lot in common with them, except the kind of fire we take is just fires in buildings. It's not quite as intense as theirs," Gulick said. "Every time they go out it's a life and death situation.
"They are really strong," he said. "It's very special to have the men and women of the military here in Vail. They need to relax and realize that we really care about them."
The veterans, all either past or current patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, had spent the past four days participating in the Vail Veterans Program's winter sports clinic. They said they appreciated the firefighters' gesture and the chance to relax.
Army Sgt. Brian Fountaine, who lost both legs below the knee while serving in Iraq, said he especially feels the connection with the firefighters and appreciated the dinner. Three generations of his family were Boston firefighters.
"I think it's great," Fountaine said. "To me, smoke is in the blood. I think it's just really appropriate for (servicemembers) and firefighters and the police officers to share a common bond, not so much because of the experiences we go through but because of the jobs we do."
The group enjoyed their lasagna at linen-covered tables in the fire truck bays as a slide show of photos of the veterans and their guests skiing and snowboarding played. As dinner concluded, Cheryl Jenson, director of the Vail Veterans Program, and Army Maj. David Rozelle, administrator for Walter Reed's Amputee Care Center, drew names for door prizes.
Army Sgt. Anthony Larson, who lost his right leg below the knee in Iraq, agreed that the firefighters' efforts were special.
"I really thank them for putting this on for us and the support that they've given us through all of this," he said. "It's phenomenal, the support and gratitude, the hospitality that (the Vail community) put into everything that we've had here this week."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2007 – Vail firefighters opened their house here yesterday evening for the fourth year in a row to thank the 25 participants of the Vail Veterans Program for their service to the nation. The firefighters treated the veterans and their guests to a homemade lasagna dinner. "It's kind of a way for us to give back to our heroes and recognize ... what they've done for us," Vail Fire Chief John Gulick said. "They've made some supreme sacrifices."
Emergency workers feel a special kinship with servicemembers because of the work they do -- both groups work to protect lives, he said.
"We have a lot in common with them, except the kind of fire we take is just fires in buildings. It's not quite as intense as theirs," Gulick said. "Every time they go out it's a life and death situation.
"They are really strong," he said. "It's very special to have the men and women of the military here in Vail. They need to relax and realize that we really care about them."
The veterans, all either past or current patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, had spent the past four days participating in the Vail Veterans Program's winter sports clinic. They said they appreciated the firefighters' gesture and the chance to relax.
Army Sgt. Brian Fountaine, who lost both legs below the knee while serving in Iraq, said he especially feels the connection with the firefighters and appreciated the dinner. Three generations of his family were Boston firefighters.
"I think it's great," Fountaine said. "To me, smoke is in the blood. I think it's just really appropriate for (servicemembers) and firefighters and the police officers to share a common bond, not so much because of the experiences we go through but because of the jobs we do."
The group enjoyed their lasagna at linen-covered tables in the fire truck bays as a slide show of photos of the veterans and their guests skiing and snowboarding played. As dinner concluded, Cheryl Jenson, director of the Vail Veterans Program, and Army Maj. David Rozelle, administrator for Walter Reed's Amputee Care Center, drew names for door prizes.
Army Sgt. Anthony Larson, who lost his right leg below the knee in Iraq, agreed that the firefighters' efforts were special.
"I really thank them for putting this on for us and the support that they've given us through all of this," he said. "It's phenomenal, the support and gratitude, the hospitality that (the Vail community) put into everything that we've had here this week."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Army Surgeon General Kiley Submits Retirement Request
American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2007 – Army Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, the service's surgeon general who has been under fire for shortcomings in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, submitted his request to retire from the Army yesterday. Army Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, current deputy surgeon general, immediately assumed the surgeon general's duties, Army officials announced today.
Published reports in February shed light on shortcomings in outpatient care for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey resigned March 2 over the same matters, and Walter Reed Commander Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman was relieved March 1.
Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren yesterday directed the immediate convening of the required advisory board to recommend a slate of candidates for consideration as the next surgeon general. The board will convene in April.
"We must move quickly to fill this position; this leader will have a key role in moving the way forward in meeting the needs of our wounded warriors," Geren said today. "We have an Army action plan under way under the leadership of the vice chief of staff, Army General (Richard) Cody, and the surgeon general has a critical role in the execution of that plan. I am confident Major General Pollock will ably lead the Army Medical Department during this transition period."
Kiley said yesterday that he submitted his retirement because he felt it was in the best interest of the Army. "I want to allow Acting Secretary Geren, (Chief of Staff) General (Peter) Schoomaker, and the leaders of the Army Medical Command to focus completely on the way ahead and the Army action plan to improve all aspects of soldier care," he said. "We are an Army Medical Department at war, supporting an Army at war. It shouldn't be and it isn't about one doctor."
Kiley has been Army surgeon general and commander of U.S. Army Medical Command since Sept. 30, 2004. He served nearly 31 years in the Army.
"It has been my honor and my privilege to serve this nation and her soldiers for over 30 years," Kiley said. "I have the greatest respect for former Secretary Harvey, Acting Secretary Geren, and the senior Army leadership under General Schoomaker and General Cody. And I could not be prouder of the incredible Americans in the Army Medical Command who care for the warriors who have volunteered and sacrificed so much to defend our country and our way of life. I was blessed to have walked among them."
Pollock became deputy surgeon general in October 2006 and is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She received her master of business administration degree from Boston University; a master's in health care administration from Baylor University, a master's in national security and strategy from the National Defense University, and an honorary doctorate of public service from the University of Maryland.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
March 12, 2007 – Army Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, the service's surgeon general who has been under fire for shortcomings in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, submitted his request to retire from the Army yesterday. Army Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, current deputy surgeon general, immediately assumed the surgeon general's duties, Army officials announced today.
Published reports in February shed light on shortcomings in outpatient care for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey resigned March 2 over the same matters, and Walter Reed Commander Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman was relieved March 1.
Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren yesterday directed the immediate convening of the required advisory board to recommend a slate of candidates for consideration as the next surgeon general. The board will convene in April.
"We must move quickly to fill this position; this leader will have a key role in moving the way forward in meeting the needs of our wounded warriors," Geren said today. "We have an Army action plan under way under the leadership of the vice chief of staff, Army General (Richard) Cody, and the surgeon general has a critical role in the execution of that plan. I am confident Major General Pollock will ably lead the Army Medical Department during this transition period."
Kiley said yesterday that he submitted his retirement because he felt it was in the best interest of the Army. "I want to allow Acting Secretary Geren, (Chief of Staff) General (Peter) Schoomaker, and the leaders of the Army Medical Command to focus completely on the way ahead and the Army action plan to improve all aspects of soldier care," he said. "We are an Army Medical Department at war, supporting an Army at war. It shouldn't be and it isn't about one doctor."
Kiley has been Army surgeon general and commander of U.S. Army Medical Command since Sept. 30, 2004. He served nearly 31 years in the Army.
"It has been my honor and my privilege to serve this nation and her soldiers for over 30 years," Kiley said. "I have the greatest respect for former Secretary Harvey, Acting Secretary Geren, and the senior Army leadership under General Schoomaker and General Cody. And I could not be prouder of the incredible Americans in the Army Medical Command who care for the warriors who have volunteered and sacrificed so much to defend our country and our way of life. I was blessed to have walked among them."
Pollock became deputy surgeon general in October 2006 and is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She received her master of business administration degree from Boston University; a master's in health care administration from Baylor University, a master's in national security and strategy from the National Defense University, and an honorary doctorate of public service from the University of Maryland.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Army, DoD Reacting 'With Urgency' to Fix Medical System
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2007 – Motivated by its commitment to those who fight for freedom, the Army is acting quickly to fix problems with the medical system that have come to light since reports surfaced in February of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, the Army's top civilian leader said today. The reports in February highlighted shoddy facilities and failures of leadership at Walter Reed, but the scrutiny has revealed the larger problem of a disability system that is often complex and confusing, Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren said in an address to the staff of Walter Reed.
The system has become overly bureaucratic and often stymies the best efforts of public servants trying to give wounded soldiers the care they need, he said.
"A soldier who fights the battle should not have to come home and fight the battle of bureaucracy," he said. "Motivated by this simple truth, our president, our Army and our nation are reacting with urgency and conviction, born of our profound gratitude to those who defend our freedom."
President Bush has appointed a bipartisan presidential commission to review servicemembers' health care, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates established an independent review group to assess outpatient treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., Geren noted. The final solution will take time and interagency effort to fully implement, he said, but the Army is not waiting to make positive changes.
Yesterday, Army Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley resigned from his post as surgeon general of the Army, and Geren said he has directed an advisory board to begin looking for the new surgeon general immediately. In addition, a new commander and sergeant major took over at Walter Reed, and two combat-arms leaders are heading up the new Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade, to fight bureaucracy and ensure soldiers are taken care of.
Army leaders have started improvements on facilities at Walter Reed, and have implemented a 24-hour hotline and one-stop assistance center for soldiers and families, Geren said. Today, the Army released an inspector general report on the disability system, and leaders at all Army medical facilities will implement those findings, he added.
"We've made a good start, but much remains to be done," Geren said. "I share in your conviction that we will do whatever it takes to get it right."
Geren noted that although these recent problems have tarnished the reputation of the Army medical system, Army medical professionals still perform miracles every day and are known for the excellence of their work. Many of the soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan would have died if not for advances in medical science and quality of care that the Army medical system has helped develop, he said.
"Every one of you could receive more compensation elsewhere, work shorter hours, ... but you've chosen the Army; you've chosen to care for soldiers and their families, and I thank you for that," Geren said to the staff members. "In a time when much of modern medicine has become all about business, Army medicine and those who practice it are all about people serving people."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2007 – Motivated by its commitment to those who fight for freedom, the Army is acting quickly to fix problems with the medical system that have come to light since reports surfaced in February of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, the Army's top civilian leader said today. The reports in February highlighted shoddy facilities and failures of leadership at Walter Reed, but the scrutiny has revealed the larger problem of a disability system that is often complex and confusing, Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren said in an address to the staff of Walter Reed.
The system has become overly bureaucratic and often stymies the best efforts of public servants trying to give wounded soldiers the care they need, he said.
"A soldier who fights the battle should not have to come home and fight the battle of bureaucracy," he said. "Motivated by this simple truth, our president, our Army and our nation are reacting with urgency and conviction, born of our profound gratitude to those who defend our freedom."
President Bush has appointed a bipartisan presidential commission to review servicemembers' health care, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates established an independent review group to assess outpatient treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., Geren noted. The final solution will take time and interagency effort to fully implement, he said, but the Army is not waiting to make positive changes.
Yesterday, Army Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley resigned from his post as surgeon general of the Army, and Geren said he has directed an advisory board to begin looking for the new surgeon general immediately. In addition, a new commander and sergeant major took over at Walter Reed, and two combat-arms leaders are heading up the new Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade, to fight bureaucracy and ensure soldiers are taken care of.
Army leaders have started improvements on facilities at Walter Reed, and have implemented a 24-hour hotline and one-stop assistance center for soldiers and families, Geren said. Today, the Army released an inspector general report on the disability system, and leaders at all Army medical facilities will implement those findings, he added.
"We've made a good start, but much remains to be done," Geren said. "I share in your conviction that we will do whatever it takes to get it right."
Geren noted that although these recent problems have tarnished the reputation of the Army medical system, Army medical professionals still perform miracles every day and are known for the excellence of their work. Many of the soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan would have died if not for advances in medical science and quality of care that the Army medical system has helped develop, he said.
"Every one of you could receive more compensation elsewhere, work shorter hours, ... but you've chosen the Army; you've chosen to care for soldiers and their families, and I thank you for that," Geren said to the staff members. "In a time when much of modern medicine has become all about business, Army medicine and those who practice it are all about people serving people."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Voice-to-Voice Device Provides Successful Combat Language Translation Capability
The Voice Response Translator (VRT) has provided important voice-to-voice language translation capabilities for US military personnel engaged in direct action combat operations, according to reports provided by military personnel. The 11-ounce VRT was developed over the past 12 years with National Institute of Justice and Defense Department funding and is the only eyes-free, hands-free voice-to-voice translator in existence. This unique capability enables users to maintain weapon readiness and situational awareness while providing instructions, information and asking short questions of foreign nationals in hostile and potentially hostile situations.Voice Response Translators “contributed immeasurably to the success of more than twenty direct action raids in Iraq in support of national level objectives,” according an after-action report by a Ranger Captain. “In addition to sparing precious time on the objective, they reduced collateral damage by bridging a tremendous language barrier therein resulting in the detention of more than fifteen members of the local insurgent network. The VRT proved invaluable in multiple roles as not only a tactical questioning tool but also as a force protection multiplier used both on objectives and from blocking positions.”
Users speak short commands into the VRT, and translated instructions and questions are produced by it. The system has been deployed with US Army, Special Forces, Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy personnel. The current version translates limited spoken Iraqi responses into English as part of advanced research funded by the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The VRT is highly miniaturized (it fits in a standard M4 single ammo pouch) and can be integrated fully with MICH tactical headsets without interfering with communications or fast roping operations.
The system is produced by IWT, Inc. and Laguna Industries, Inc. IWT, Inc., a Fremont, CA-based company, specializes in the development and production of miniaturized speech recognition devices that work in high noise environments. IWT was founded in 1992 by Silicon Valley pioneer John H. Hall, who developed the first successful electronic watch, the first computerized heart pacemaker, the first radiation-hardened computer and other civilian and defense electronics systems. For more information visit their website: http://www.i-w-t.com/
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Soldier, Cop and Author
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books and Military-Writers.com, a website dedicated to military personnel who have written books, added a prolific author who has served our country both as a soldier and police officer.
After completing military service in Viet Nam, Cherokee Paul McDonald joined the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1970. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he left the department in 1980, becoming a full-time writer. In addition to his fiction novels, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written two books about his life experiences. One reader comments on Paul’s In Blue Truth: Walking the Thin Blue Line-One Cop's Story of Life in the Streets, “I was about sixteen years old when I first read this book. Twelve years later, I am a cop myself, and have read and re-read this book at least twenty times since then. This book is the real deal...it doesn't glorify our job like other books have done...just the real and the raw. It gets to the bottom of what cops have to put up with every day.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald explores his military service in, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire. In 1968, he arrived in Vietnam a U.S. Army second lieutenant, assigned as an artillery forward observer. After a year service, he fell victim to malaria and was evacuated. According to the Library Journal, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire, “speaks volumes about the stress and terror of war while also reminding the reader of the touching humanity of the erstwhile civilians called upon for military service. In place of an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the war, McDonald introduces Vietnam through a series of vignettes on life in and out of the firing line. This is Vietnam as it has rarely been described, and each short narrative offers an eloquent testimonial to the conflict.”
In addition to his autobiographical accounts, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written one true crime novel, Under Contract: The True Account of a Cop Hired to Kill. This work is the tale of Al Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Police Department detective who posed as a hit man. According to Kirkus reviews, “What terrifies here is the repeated verification of the old saw about the banality of evil. In one memorable case, a sweet, petite, under-20 blond, answering an ad placed in the personals by a love-hungry bachelor, makes a request for the murder of her husband; short of cash, she wants to finance the crime on the installment plan.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald’s fictional works include Summer’s Reason, Gulf Stream and The Patch.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 390 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 844 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. Military-Writers.com lists 10 former, active or retired military personnel and their 18 books.
After completing military service in Viet Nam, Cherokee Paul McDonald joined the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1970. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he left the department in 1980, becoming a full-time writer. In addition to his fiction novels, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written two books about his life experiences. One reader comments on Paul’s In Blue Truth: Walking the Thin Blue Line-One Cop's Story of Life in the Streets, “I was about sixteen years old when I first read this book. Twelve years later, I am a cop myself, and have read and re-read this book at least twenty times since then. This book is the real deal...it doesn't glorify our job like other books have done...just the real and the raw. It gets to the bottom of what cops have to put up with every day.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald explores his military service in, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire. In 1968, he arrived in Vietnam a U.S. Army second lieutenant, assigned as an artillery forward observer. After a year service, he fell victim to malaria and was evacuated. According to the Library Journal, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire, “speaks volumes about the stress and terror of war while also reminding the reader of the touching humanity of the erstwhile civilians called upon for military service. In place of an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the war, McDonald introduces Vietnam through a series of vignettes on life in and out of the firing line. This is Vietnam as it has rarely been described, and each short narrative offers an eloquent testimonial to the conflict.”
In addition to his autobiographical accounts, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written one true crime novel, Under Contract: The True Account of a Cop Hired to Kill. This work is the tale of Al Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Police Department detective who posed as a hit man. According to Kirkus reviews, “What terrifies here is the repeated verification of the old saw about the banality of evil. In one memorable case, a sweet, petite, under-20 blond, answering an ad placed in the personals by a love-hungry bachelor, makes a request for the murder of her husband; short of cash, she wants to finance the crime on the installment plan.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald’s fictional works include Summer’s Reason, Gulf Stream and The Patch.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 390 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 844 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. Military-Writers.com lists 10 former, active or retired military personnel and their 18 books.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Veterans Spend Down Time Tubing with Spouses, Guests
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2007 – After two days of skiing and snowboarding, last night was all about fun for the 25 injured veterans participating in the Vail Veterans Program here and their guests. The group headed to Vail Mountain's Adventure Ridge for some snow tubing, ski biking, dinner and bonding. The activity was designed as a way for them to relax and have fun as a group, Cheryl Jensen, director of the Vail Veterans Program, said.
"This is a time where they can all be together because they're so separated on the mountain doing their individual activities," Jensen said, adding that it was an opportunity for a few who hadn't been to the top of the mountain yet to take in the vistas. "It's just fun and relaxation, and it's so much fun to see them all interacting with each other."
Activities like this also allow the spouses to bond, which they have very little time for while they're at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, with their loved ones, Josie Salzman said. Her husband, Army Sgt. J.R. Salzman, lost his right arm below the elbow in Iraq on Dec. 19.
"You see (the other spouses) at Walter Reed," Josie said. "But you're so focused on him and taking care of him and making sure he's at his appointments and getting the right meds, that you talk to the spouses but you don't get to go out for the day and just hang out and relax."
This, however provide that time and, she said, it was just plain fun. "I'm not stopping 'til they make me," Josie said. "I want to hug the person that created this and never, ever, ever let them go! Ever!"
"Definitely a huge, huge thank you to whoever put this together for us so we had the opportunity to do this stuff," Sgt. Salzman said. "I'm one of the new guys. Two -and -a half months ago I got blown up in Iraq and lost my arm, and now I'm here in Vail tubing."
The whoops and hollers as groups came screaming down the trails were evidence of the fun the veterans and their guests were having.
"When you go skiing and snowboarding you're just kind of out there with your instructor," Marine Lance Cpl. Kade Hinkhouse said. "This is like a group thing where we can all hang out together."
Hinkhouse lost his right leg above the knee and suffered a traumatic brain injury Oct. 8, 2005, in Iraq.
After the group photo this morning, it's back to work learning to ski or snowboard before attending their farewell dinner at the Vail Firehouse.
This article is sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2007 – After two days of skiing and snowboarding, last night was all about fun for the 25 injured veterans participating in the Vail Veterans Program here and their guests. The group headed to Vail Mountain's Adventure Ridge for some snow tubing, ski biking, dinner and bonding. The activity was designed as a way for them to relax and have fun as a group, Cheryl Jensen, director of the Vail Veterans Program, said.
"This is a time where they can all be together because they're so separated on the mountain doing their individual activities," Jensen said, adding that it was an opportunity for a few who hadn't been to the top of the mountain yet to take in the vistas. "It's just fun and relaxation, and it's so much fun to see them all interacting with each other."
Activities like this also allow the spouses to bond, which they have very little time for while they're at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, with their loved ones, Josie Salzman said. Her husband, Army Sgt. J.R. Salzman, lost his right arm below the elbow in Iraq on Dec. 19.
"You see (the other spouses) at Walter Reed," Josie said. "But you're so focused on him and taking care of him and making sure he's at his appointments and getting the right meds, that you talk to the spouses but you don't get to go out for the day and just hang out and relax."
This, however provide that time and, she said, it was just plain fun. "I'm not stopping 'til they make me," Josie said. "I want to hug the person that created this and never, ever, ever let them go! Ever!"
"Definitely a huge, huge thank you to whoever put this together for us so we had the opportunity to do this stuff," Sgt. Salzman said. "I'm one of the new guys. Two -and -a half months ago I got blown up in Iraq and lost my arm, and now I'm here in Vail tubing."
The whoops and hollers as groups came screaming down the trails were evidence of the fun the veterans and their guests were having.
"When you go skiing and snowboarding you're just kind of out there with your instructor," Marine Lance Cpl. Kade Hinkhouse said. "This is like a group thing where we can all hang out together."
Hinkhouse lost his right leg above the knee and suffered a traumatic brain injury Oct. 8, 2005, in Iraq.
After the group photo this morning, it's back to work learning to ski or snowboard before attending their farewell dinner at the Vail Firehouse.
This article is sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Wounded Veterans Ski Vail's Slopes
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2007 – Walter Reed Army Medical Center patients participating in the Vail Veterans Program's winter sports clinic took their newfound skiing skills to the next level here yesterday. As Army Sgt. Dennis Cline finished his last run on the "bunny hill," he reflected on the progress he'd made from his first private lesson the day before.
"I thought I was going to be a little bit off-whack," Cline, who lost his left arm below the elbow Sept. 11, 2006, while serving in Afghanistan, said. "When I got here, my instructor taught me to ski without a pole and use your balance and use your body more to do stuff."
The self-proclaimed "outdoor freak" has gained a lot of confidence with the lessons. "We're going to try to get up on ... top of the mountain," Cline said.
Dave Callahan, an adaptive ski instructor who has worked with the Vail Veterans Program since the beginning, said progress doesn't always come as quickly as the veterans would like. He was working with Army Staff Sgt. Bryan Gansner, who was a skier before a July 28 bomb blast in Iraq shattered both of Gansner's heels as well as damaging the knee cap and both bones in his lower right leg.
"I think that he wasn't sure how much learning would be involved in mono-skiing," Callahan said. "Because he was a skier before, he figured he'd just take off."
A lot of the movements are similar, but a lot of them are different enough that it's like starting over, Callahan added. "Once he starts getting his turns down, he'll start to make comparisons to stand-up skiing," he said.
Gansner said he's lucky to not have lost any limbs but that he still has a lot of pain. Having been a skier for most of his life, he said he's excited about the prospect of skiing again, despite the pain.
"That was one of my concerns, actually, when I was in the hospital was that I wouldn't be able to (ski) again," he said. "I was very excited to get out here and I was excited to mono-ski, too."
Though he can still stand and walk, Gansner chose to use a mono-ski to spare his joints some of the jarring experienced with regular skis. "It's going good," Gansner said. "I'm just not as good on it yet as I was on my skis."
Once Gansner had mastered turns and speed control on the mono-ski, Callahan planned to take the veteran further up the mountain where he could put his newly honed skills to use on more difficult terrain.
Cline said he was amazed at the outpouring of support from the community.
"It's amazing," he said. "Whether the people really support the reason or the cause (of the war), ... 99 percent of the time they support the soldiers, (and) I'd rather them support us and not care about the reason."
The Vail community has embraced the veterans, providing free lodging, meals, equipments, lift tickets and lessons. Cheryl Jenson, director of the Vail Veterans Program, said that 90 percent of the airfare was donated as well.
This article is sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2007 – Walter Reed Army Medical Center patients participating in the Vail Veterans Program's winter sports clinic took their newfound skiing skills to the next level here yesterday. As Army Sgt. Dennis Cline finished his last run on the "bunny hill," he reflected on the progress he'd made from his first private lesson the day before.
"I thought I was going to be a little bit off-whack," Cline, who lost his left arm below the elbow Sept. 11, 2006, while serving in Afghanistan, said. "When I got here, my instructor taught me to ski without a pole and use your balance and use your body more to do stuff."
The self-proclaimed "outdoor freak" has gained a lot of confidence with the lessons. "We're going to try to get up on ... top of the mountain," Cline said.
Dave Callahan, an adaptive ski instructor who has worked with the Vail Veterans Program since the beginning, said progress doesn't always come as quickly as the veterans would like. He was working with Army Staff Sgt. Bryan Gansner, who was a skier before a July 28 bomb blast in Iraq shattered both of Gansner's heels as well as damaging the knee cap and both bones in his lower right leg.
"I think that he wasn't sure how much learning would be involved in mono-skiing," Callahan said. "Because he was a skier before, he figured he'd just take off."
A lot of the movements are similar, but a lot of them are different enough that it's like starting over, Callahan added. "Once he starts getting his turns down, he'll start to make comparisons to stand-up skiing," he said.
Gansner said he's lucky to not have lost any limbs but that he still has a lot of pain. Having been a skier for most of his life, he said he's excited about the prospect of skiing again, despite the pain.
"That was one of my concerns, actually, when I was in the hospital was that I wouldn't be able to (ski) again," he said. "I was very excited to get out here and I was excited to mono-ski, too."
Though he can still stand and walk, Gansner chose to use a mono-ski to spare his joints some of the jarring experienced with regular skis. "It's going good," Gansner said. "I'm just not as good on it yet as I was on my skis."
Once Gansner had mastered turns and speed control on the mono-ski, Callahan planned to take the veteran further up the mountain where he could put his newly honed skills to use on more difficult terrain.
Cline said he was amazed at the outpouring of support from the community.
"It's amazing," he said. "Whether the people really support the reason or the cause (of the war), ... 99 percent of the time they support the soldiers, (and) I'd rather them support us and not care about the reason."
The Vail community has embraced the veterans, providing free lodging, meals, equipments, lift tickets and lessons. Cheryl Jenson, director of the Vail Veterans Program, said that 90 percent of the airfare was donated as well.
This article is sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
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