Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter has announced the names for the U.S. Navy's two newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyers to honor two American heroes famous for their naval service.
DDG hull number 110 will be named the USS William P. Lawrence to honor Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, who served nearly six years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam and later as superintendent of the Naval Academy.
Lawrence was born Jan. 13, 1930, in Nashville, Tenn. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951. At the Naval Academy, he played three varsity sports and was president and brigade commander, in which capacity he helped establish the Brigade Honor concept. He graduated from the Naval Air Test Center as an honor graduate and in 1958 was the first naval aviator to fly twice the speed of sound.
During the Vietnam War, as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 143, Lawrence earned the Silver Star for a strike against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. He completed his mission, but was captured after his aircraft went down and he remained a POW until March 1973. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership to fellow POWs. Along with fellow prisoner and naval aviator, Vice Adm. James Stockdale, Lawrence became noted for resistance to his captors. Stockdale remarked that Lawrence, "repeatedly paid the price for being perceived by the enemy as a source of their troubles through his high crime of leadership. He could not be intimidated and never gave up the ship.
In August 1978, he became superintendent of the Naval Academy and subsequently served as commander Third Fleet and chief of naval personnel. Following promotion to rear admiral in 1974, he served as: commander, Light Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet; director Aviation Programs Division on the staff of the chief of naval operations; assistant deputy chief of naval operations (air warfare); superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy; commander, U. S. Third Fleet in the Pacific; and chief of naval personnel, retiring in 1986.
DDG hull number 111 will be named the USS Spruance to honor Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership in command of Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway contributed to the pivotal American victory.
Spruance was born in Baltimore, on July 3, 1886. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906.. His career was extensive, including command of five destroyers and the battleship Mississippi.
In the first months of World War II in the Pacific,. Spruance commanded a cruiser division. He led Task Force 16, with two aircraft carriers, during the Battle of Midway. Spruance's disposition of forces and management of available aircraft proved to be brilliant. His decisions during that action were important to its outcome, which changed the course of the war with Japan.
After the Battle of Midway, he became chief of staff to the commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and later was deputy commander in chief. In mid-1943, he was given command of the Central Pacific Force, which became the Fifth Fleet in April 1944. While holding that command in 1943-45, with the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as his usual flagship, Spruance directed the campaigns that captured the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa and defeated the Japanese fleet in the June 1944 Battle of Philippine Sea.
Spruance held command of the Pacific Fleet in late 1945 and early 1946. He then served as president of the Naval War College until retiring from the Navy in July 1948. In 1952-55, he was ambassador to the Philippines. Spruance died at Pebble Beach, Calif., on Dec. 13, 1969.
The USS William P. Lawrence and the USS Spruance will provide dynamic multi-mission platforms to lead the Navy into the future. Using a gas turbine propulsion system the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups. Combat systems center around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-lD, multi-function phased array radar. The combination of Aegis, the Vertical Launching System, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea.
For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Department Takes Steps to Ensure DoD Computer Networks Available for Operations
To ensure DoD networks are available for combat operations and critical support activities, the Department issued a directive May 14 that prohibits DoD computers from accessing specific recreational web sites. The measure preserves military bandwidth for operational missions and enhances DoD computer network security.
The selection of these particular sites was based on the volume of traffic moving from official DoD networks to the Internet. The sites include: YouTube; 1.fm; Pandora; MySpace; PhotoBucket; Live365; hi5; Metacafe; MTV; ifilm.com; Blackplanet; stupidvideos; and filecabi. Additional sites may be added in the future as part of ongoing efforts to ensure DoD networks have sufficient throughput available to conduct operational and supporting missions as well as enhance DoD network security.
This directive does not prohibit any individual, including DoD personnel or their families, from posting to or accessing these sites from personal or commercial network providers; it only restricts the use of DoD computer network resources to access these sites.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, many of these sites as well as others have been blocked by DoD for more than two years, some for as long as four years. Consequently, this directive does not prevent deployed DoD personnel from communicating with family members or loved ones. There are a wide variety of commercial communication services such as e-mail, telephone calls and video teleconferencing at many locations in Southwest Asia. In addition, the Army Knowledge Online/Defense Knowledge Online network is available to military members and their families providing a rich information sharing environment, including email, file sharing (pictures, videos, and documents), discussion forums (blogging), instant messaging chatrooms, and video messaging.
Commercial Internet services are also provided by DoD Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities, which are widely available throughout Iraq and Afghanistan and are not affected by this directive. Deployed personnel can access recreational Internet web sites from Internet cafes and other facilities in many locations around the world. These alternative sites do not rely on military bandwidth.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
The selection of these particular sites was based on the volume of traffic moving from official DoD networks to the Internet. The sites include: YouTube; 1.fm; Pandora; MySpace; PhotoBucket; Live365; hi5; Metacafe; MTV; ifilm.com; Blackplanet; stupidvideos; and filecabi. Additional sites may be added in the future as part of ongoing efforts to ensure DoD networks have sufficient throughput available to conduct operational and supporting missions as well as enhance DoD network security.
This directive does not prohibit any individual, including DoD personnel or their families, from posting to or accessing these sites from personal or commercial network providers; it only restricts the use of DoD computer network resources to access these sites.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, many of these sites as well as others have been blocked by DoD for more than two years, some for as long as four years. Consequently, this directive does not prevent deployed DoD personnel from communicating with family members or loved ones. There are a wide variety of commercial communication services such as e-mail, telephone calls and video teleconferencing at many locations in Southwest Asia. In addition, the Army Knowledge Online/Defense Knowledge Online network is available to military members and their families providing a rich information sharing environment, including email, file sharing (pictures, videos, and documents), discussion forums (blogging), instant messaging chatrooms, and video messaging.
Commercial Internet services are also provided by DoD Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities, which are widely available throughout Iraq and Afghanistan and are not affected by this directive. Deployed personnel can access recreational Internet web sites from Internet cafes and other facilities in many locations around the world. These alternative sites do not rely on military bandwidth.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Exercise Tests NORAD, NORTHCOM Cooperation, Communication
By Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – The commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command said he is "very pleased" with the federal agency interoperability displayed in Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge '07, an emergency-response training exercise that began April 30 and will continue through tomorrow. "Because we had good participation from all of the federal agencies, it allowed us to not only stress them -- to put them in a position where they had to evaluate and make decisions based on a fluid scenario and a fairly catastrophic one -- but also to see how all of us interface," Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart said in an interview today.
The exercise helps NORAD and NORTHCOM identify any seams and gaps in their relationships with their agency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and to then make any necessary improvements, Renuart said.
"It's also allowed us to validate the incredible amount of planning that has gone on since (Hurricane) Katrina, not only to respond to things like a hurricane, but also to ensure that the agencies responsible for homeland security and homeland defense really can work together under a series of demanding scenarios," he said.
The exercise began two weeks ago with a simulated Category 3 hurricane devastating the northeastern coast of the United States. At the request of the secretary of defense, NORTHCOM provided support to civil authorities in search-and-rescue and humanitarian-relief efforts in the area.
"We transitioned to a series of intelligence injects that had us think about things like terrorist infiltration across our borders, terrorist attacks against some of the national infrastructure in Alaska -- the pipelines and other things -- and tracking vessels at sea," Renuart said. "(The exercise) really does span the entire scope of the missions that we train for every day at U.S. NORTHCOM and that we execute every day, as well."
Exercise participants currently are dealing with the aftermath of a simulated nuclear explosion in Indianapolis. Each of the several Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge '07 scenarios is designed to improve interagency cooperation and strengthen existing relationships among the agencies and leaders who respond to actual crises in the homeland.
"It is certainly important to U.S. NORTHCOM to be able to test ourselves and really stress ourselves against not just one scenario, but multiple scenarios," Renuart said. "It allowed us to really, not just simulate, but to exercise the participation of senior officials responsible for homeland security and homeland defense in realistic scenarios."
All agencies with roles in the exercise will participate in a comprehensive review immediately after the exercise ends to determine what went well and what could be improved.
"Many of the lessons will be technical," Renuart said, "in that we've got to figure how to get local responders, the National Guard first responders and the federal forces connected more easily, more quickly, and in a way that is responsive to the governors of whatever state might be affected."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to the Public Affairs Office for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – The commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command said he is "very pleased" with the federal agency interoperability displayed in Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge '07, an emergency-response training exercise that began April 30 and will continue through tomorrow. "Because we had good participation from all of the federal agencies, it allowed us to not only stress them -- to put them in a position where they had to evaluate and make decisions based on a fluid scenario and a fairly catastrophic one -- but also to see how all of us interface," Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart said in an interview today.
The exercise helps NORAD and NORTHCOM identify any seams and gaps in their relationships with their agency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and to then make any necessary improvements, Renuart said.
"It's also allowed us to validate the incredible amount of planning that has gone on since (Hurricane) Katrina, not only to respond to things like a hurricane, but also to ensure that the agencies responsible for homeland security and homeland defense really can work together under a series of demanding scenarios," he said.
The exercise began two weeks ago with a simulated Category 3 hurricane devastating the northeastern coast of the United States. At the request of the secretary of defense, NORTHCOM provided support to civil authorities in search-and-rescue and humanitarian-relief efforts in the area.
"We transitioned to a series of intelligence injects that had us think about things like terrorist infiltration across our borders, terrorist attacks against some of the national infrastructure in Alaska -- the pipelines and other things -- and tracking vessels at sea," Renuart said. "(The exercise) really does span the entire scope of the missions that we train for every day at U.S. NORTHCOM and that we execute every day, as well."
Exercise participants currently are dealing with the aftermath of a simulated nuclear explosion in Indianapolis. Each of the several Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge '07 scenarios is designed to improve interagency cooperation and strengthen existing relationships among the agencies and leaders who respond to actual crises in the homeland.
"It is certainly important to U.S. NORTHCOM to be able to test ourselves and really stress ourselves against not just one scenario, but multiple scenarios," Renuart said. "It allowed us to really, not just simulate, but to exercise the participation of senior officials responsible for homeland security and homeland defense in realistic scenarios."
All agencies with roles in the exercise will participate in a comprehensive review immediately after the exercise ends to determine what went well and what could be improved.
"Many of the lessons will be technical," Renuart said, "in that we've got to figure how to get local responders, the National Guard first responders and the federal forces connected more easily, more quickly, and in a way that is responsive to the governors of whatever state might be affected."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to the Public Affairs Office for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Oklahoma Guard Arrives in Azerbaijan for Humanitarian Mission
By 1st Lt. Crystal Stiltner, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – Oklahoma Air National Guard members arrived here May 14 to participate in Operation Cherokee Angel, a medical humanitarian mission aimed at improving the health and welfare of the local population while training and working alongside Azeri medical personnel. Col. Samandar Mammadov, Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense General Staff's Chief of Operations, welcomed the Air Guard team to the Qaraheybat Training Center, where their eight days of training began.
"The purpose of this training is treatment and rescue," Mammadov said. "This training exercise will accelerate our relations between the countries of Azerbaijan and the United States."
Training by the Oklahoma and Tulsa medical team includes classroom instruction on hospital site selection, field sanitation, shelter assembly, pre-hospital trauma care, patient assessment, and airway management. Classroom instruction will continue and then be practiced in the field by treating local Azeri displaced persons.
"This experience in humanitarian missions and global medicine is critical for future operations," explained Air Force Lt. Col James Davis, a flight surgeon with the 137th Airlift Squadron at Will Rogers Air Guard Base. "We look forward to sharing our medical knowledge with the Azeri forces."
Operation Cherokee Angel is meeting mandatory training objectives for the Oklahoma Air Guard personnel and providing valuable training to the Azerbaijan military, U.S. officials said.
The Oklahoma-Azerbaijan partnership was established in 2002 under the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program, which aligns selected states with nations around the world in an effort to promote stability.
Created in 1993, the State Partnership Program currently includes 54 partnerships worldwide. Twenty-six of those are in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, including five in Africa and 21 in Europe.
(Air Force 1st Lt. Crystal Stiltner is assigned to the 137th Airlift Wing.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – Oklahoma Air National Guard members arrived here May 14 to participate in Operation Cherokee Angel, a medical humanitarian mission aimed at improving the health and welfare of the local population while training and working alongside Azeri medical personnel. Col. Samandar Mammadov, Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense General Staff's Chief of Operations, welcomed the Air Guard team to the Qaraheybat Training Center, where their eight days of training began.
"The purpose of this training is treatment and rescue," Mammadov said. "This training exercise will accelerate our relations between the countries of Azerbaijan and the United States."
Training by the Oklahoma and Tulsa medical team includes classroom instruction on hospital site selection, field sanitation, shelter assembly, pre-hospital trauma care, patient assessment, and airway management. Classroom instruction will continue and then be practiced in the field by treating local Azeri displaced persons.
"This experience in humanitarian missions and global medicine is critical for future operations," explained Air Force Lt. Col James Davis, a flight surgeon with the 137th Airlift Squadron at Will Rogers Air Guard Base. "We look forward to sharing our medical knowledge with the Azeri forces."
Operation Cherokee Angel is meeting mandatory training objectives for the Oklahoma Air Guard personnel and providing valuable training to the Azerbaijan military, U.S. officials said.
The Oklahoma-Azerbaijan partnership was established in 2002 under the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program, which aligns selected states with nations around the world in an effort to promote stability.
Created in 1993, the State Partnership Program currently includes 54 partnerships worldwide. Twenty-six of those are in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, including five in Africa and 21 in Europe.
(Air Force 1st Lt. Crystal Stiltner is assigned to the 137th Airlift Wing.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
'American Idol' Contestant Returns to Navy Base
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Elizabeth Williams, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – Yesterday marked Phil Stacey's first full day back to duty since his "deployment" to "American Idol." Petty Officer 2nd Class Stacey departed the base Jan. 22. The Navy musician made it into the top six finalists on Fox's "American Idol" before being voted off the show on May 2.
"It feels good to be back. I've had a lot of support and love from Jacksonville, especially the military community. I wanted to represent the Navy and Jacksonville, but I also want to be an example for people who are set on accomplishing something they dreamed about doing," Stacey said.
Although he was voted off, former contestants return for a finale episode that takes place after the next American Idol has been selected. Stacey will return to Los Angeles today.
About his time on "Idol," Stacey admitted that he didn't expect to get as far as he did.
"Even the fact that I got to go out there was pretty amazing. I've had a lot of support from my command," he said.
Stacey said he hopes to go on the "American Idol" tour this summer, but that is still up to the military and his leaders haven't made a decision yet.
He said the idea of auditioning on "American Idol" initially came about after he missed his friend's wedding because of a Navy band commitment. The friend jokingly said that the only way he would forgive Stacey was if he tried out for "American Idol."
Stacey said he made lifelong friendships and had some incredible experiences during his time on the show.
"I met some amazing people: Quincy Jones, Bono from U2. I even got to meet Tom Cruise at a party, and we talked about our kids," he said. "However, my favorite part of being there was being part of ... 'Idol Gives Back,'" a two-night special charity fundraiser on April 24 and 25.
"We raised almost 70 million dollars to fight poverty," he said.
The contestants all lived in a hotel together for a month before the show even started. Once they entered into the top 12, they were moved into apartments. Stacey resided with Blake Lewis, who is still in the contest, and Chris Richardson, who was voted out with Stacey on May 2.
"I made some really great friends; the contestants in the top 12 are all like family to me," Stacey said.
"I feel blessed for all the support from the Navy community. I especially appreciate my shipmates standing in for me while I was gone," he added. "I am very grateful."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – Yesterday marked Phil Stacey's first full day back to duty since his "deployment" to "American Idol." Petty Officer 2nd Class Stacey departed the base Jan. 22. The Navy musician made it into the top six finalists on Fox's "American Idol" before being voted off the show on May 2.
"It feels good to be back. I've had a lot of support and love from Jacksonville, especially the military community. I wanted to represent the Navy and Jacksonville, but I also want to be an example for people who are set on accomplishing something they dreamed about doing," Stacey said.
Although he was voted off, former contestants return for a finale episode that takes place after the next American Idol has been selected. Stacey will return to Los Angeles today.
About his time on "Idol," Stacey admitted that he didn't expect to get as far as he did.
"Even the fact that I got to go out there was pretty amazing. I've had a lot of support from my command," he said.
Stacey said he hopes to go on the "American Idol" tour this summer, but that is still up to the military and his leaders haven't made a decision yet.
He said the idea of auditioning on "American Idol" initially came about after he missed his friend's wedding because of a Navy band commitment. The friend jokingly said that the only way he would forgive Stacey was if he tried out for "American Idol."
Stacey said he made lifelong friendships and had some incredible experiences during his time on the show.
"I met some amazing people: Quincy Jones, Bono from U2. I even got to meet Tom Cruise at a party, and we talked about our kids," he said. "However, my favorite part of being there was being part of ... 'Idol Gives Back,'" a two-night special charity fundraiser on April 24 and 25.
"We raised almost 70 million dollars to fight poverty," he said.
The contestants all lived in a hotel together for a month before the show even started. Once they entered into the top 12, they were moved into apartments. Stacey resided with Blake Lewis, who is still in the contest, and Chris Richardson, who was voted out with Stacey on May 2.
"I made some really great friends; the contestants in the top 12 are all like family to me," Stacey said.
"I feel blessed for all the support from the Navy community. I especially appreciate my shipmates standing in for me while I was gone," he added. "I am very grateful."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
National Guardsmen Help Battle Wildfires in Four States
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – National guardsmen in four states are helping to battle wildfires that have burned more than 300,000 acres, Defense Department officials said today.
All of the guardsmen are working under command of state authorities.
In New Jersey, a training mission started a fire at the Warren Grove Training Range in the Pine Barrens. An Air Guard F-16 conducting a close air support training mission dispensed flares that started a fire in the scrub pine forest. While range safety personnel were on the site immediately, the fire jumped a county road and a state road and has burned roughly 13,500 acres, New Jersey Guard officials said.
Conditions on the ground are perfect for fires: low humidity, high wind and no rain for 20 days. New Jersey guardsmen in Blackhawk helicopters are cooperating with state forest officials and dropping water on the blaze, which has damaged about four dozen homes, officials said.
In Florida, 110 National Guardsmen are supporting firefighting efforts in Flagler County. This includes guardsmen from South Carolina, and Georgia. In Southeast Georgia, 41 guardsmen are supporting operations, officials said.
Georgia National Guard aircraft have flown 289.4 hours, delivering more than 2,500 buckets, each filled with 2,000 gallons of water onto hotspots. Guardsmen have also dumped more than 200 buckets, each filled with 700 gallons, on the flames. In Georgia, two CH-47 helicopters and a UH-60 helicopter are supporting the effort, officials said, adding that guardsmen are also providing some ground support.
In Minnesota, two Air National Guard servicemembers are supporting firefighting efforts in Grand Marais, officials said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
May 16, 2007 – National guardsmen in four states are helping to battle wildfires that have burned more than 300,000 acres, Defense Department officials said today.
All of the guardsmen are working under command of state authorities.
In New Jersey, a training mission started a fire at the Warren Grove Training Range in the Pine Barrens. An Air Guard F-16 conducting a close air support training mission dispensed flares that started a fire in the scrub pine forest. While range safety personnel were on the site immediately, the fire jumped a county road and a state road and has burned roughly 13,500 acres, New Jersey Guard officials said.
Conditions on the ground are perfect for fires: low humidity, high wind and no rain for 20 days. New Jersey guardsmen in Blackhawk helicopters are cooperating with state forest officials and dropping water on the blaze, which has damaged about four dozen homes, officials said.
In Florida, 110 National Guardsmen are supporting firefighting efforts in Flagler County. This includes guardsmen from South Carolina, and Georgia. In Southeast Georgia, 41 guardsmen are supporting operations, officials said.
Georgia National Guard aircraft have flown 289.4 hours, delivering more than 2,500 buckets, each filled with 2,000 gallons of water onto hotspots. Guardsmen have also dumped more than 200 buckets, each filled with 700 gallons, on the flames. In Georgia, two CH-47 helicopters and a UH-60 helicopter are supporting the effort, officials said, adding that guardsmen are also providing some ground support.
In Minnesota, two Air National Guard servicemembers are supporting firefighting efforts in Grand Marais, officials said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Active Shooter Workshop
Active Shooter Workshop for
Law Enforcement and School Administrators
Date: June 5, 2007
Location: The campus of Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.
The International Tactical Officers Training Association and Indiana State University will co-host a workshop to help prepare police and school administrators to deal with shooting incidents like the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. The one-day workshop on June 5, "Active Shooters on Campus: Critical Strategies for Law Enforcement Officers & School Administrators," will feature experts in active-shooter encounters, high-stress scenarios, school security and violence, emergency management and close-quarters.
The workshop is geared toward law enforcement; school security officers, state, city and campus law enforcement, as well as administrators and counselors at junior and high schools, colleges and universities; from throughout the region.
"No one ever expects a situation like what happened at Virginia Tech, but what we can do is be prepared to the best of our ability, and that is what this workshop is about," said workshop coordinator Jason Winkle, president of the International Tactical Officers Training Association.
Former director of combatives for the United States Military Academy at West Point and current president of the ITOTA, Jason Winkle is an international presenter in the areas of tactical operations, leadership in high-stress/high-fear environments, counter-terrorism tactics and ethical decision-making.
"School administrators can be a hindrance when they don't know the protocol for dealing with an active shooter. If they understand what's happening and what their role is, it lessens the fear and increases their ability to respond," Winkle said. "Our goal is to get everyone on the same page and train them so they are as prepared as possible for these worst-case scenarios."
Presenting with Winkle will be Louis Rapoli, a police sergeant in the School Safety Division of a major metropolitan police department on the East Coast, and a school security consultant; Dr. Dorene Hojnicki, director of the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency, and public health coordinator of the Vigo County Health Department; and Jeffrey Edwards, exercise physiologist, and chairperson and professor of Indiana State University's physical education department.
Workshop agenda for June 5, 2007:
8:00-8:30
Registration, ISU's Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede I
8:30-9:50
Debrief of Virginia Tech Shooting & Update on School Violence in U.S. (Louis Rapoli)
10:00-10:50
The Mindset for Combating Active Shooters (Jason Winkle)
11:00-11:55
Understanding the Physiology of High-Fear & High-Stress Scenarios (Jeffrey Edwards)
12:00-1:00
Lunch
1:00-1:55
Emergency Management Agency's Role in Active-Shooter Encounters (Dorene Hojnicki)
2:00-4:00
Active-Shooter Doctrine: Why We Must All Understand This Process (Jason Winkle)
Speakers:
- Louis Rapoli is a police sergeant in the School Safety Division of a major metropolitan police department on the East Coast, and a school security consultant. His primary assignment is to conduct preliminary investigations on all threats that come in to the metropolitan area's public school system, assess them and handle them accordingly. Sgt. Rapoli has been to Virginia to be debriefed on the Virginia Tech shooting, and will share what happened and how we can learn from this tragedy.
- Jason Winkle, recognized as a top international consultant and presenter in both military and law enforcement communities, is an assistant professor of physical education at Indiana State University, and president of the International Tactical Officers Training Association. Former director of combatives for the United States Military Academy at West Point, Winkle has more than 12 years of experience training members of the U.S. elite special operations community. His combat-readiness regimens have revolutionized the training approach utilized by numerous tactical teams and military special operators. He has a Ph.D. in education, leadership, administration & foundations from Indiana State University; a master's in kinesiology and a bachelor's in philosophy, both from Indiana University.
- Dr. Dorene Hojnicki is the director of the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency, and public health coordinator of the Vigo County Health Department. Dr. Hojnicki has more than 30 years of experience in emergency medicine, working with first responders, law enforcement and EMS personnel. She is a board-certified emergency physician and serves as medical director for numerous volunteer fire departments in the Wabash Valley. As an emergency room registered nurse, she did her trauma training at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She is the former medical director of student health services and team physician for Indiana State University.
- Jeffrey Edwards is an exercise physiologist, and chairperson and professor of Indiana State University's physical education department, and interim chairperson of athletic training. He received his Ph.D. in human performance with an emphasis in physiology from Indiana University. Edwards was a member of the Big Red Scientific expedition high-altitude research team that climbed Mt. McKinley in Alaska; he served as research director for the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in Indianapolis, and was instrumental in starting its research laboratories; and is the inventor of the GPAC
(Global Positioning Activity Counter), a small, computerized device for measuring both physical activity and geographic location.
FOR more information on attending contact the itota at info@itota.net or call (812) 878-7928.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Law Enforcement and School Administrators
Date: June 5, 2007
Location: The campus of Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.
The International Tactical Officers Training Association and Indiana State University will co-host a workshop to help prepare police and school administrators to deal with shooting incidents like the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. The one-day workshop on June 5, "Active Shooters on Campus: Critical Strategies for Law Enforcement Officers & School Administrators," will feature experts in active-shooter encounters, high-stress scenarios, school security and violence, emergency management and close-quarters.
The workshop is geared toward law enforcement; school security officers, state, city and campus law enforcement, as well as administrators and counselors at junior and high schools, colleges and universities; from throughout the region.
"No one ever expects a situation like what happened at Virginia Tech, but what we can do is be prepared to the best of our ability, and that is what this workshop is about," said workshop coordinator Jason Winkle, president of the International Tactical Officers Training Association.
Former director of combatives for the United States Military Academy at West Point and current president of the ITOTA, Jason Winkle is an international presenter in the areas of tactical operations, leadership in high-stress/high-fear environments, counter-terrorism tactics and ethical decision-making.
"School administrators can be a hindrance when they don't know the protocol for dealing with an active shooter. If they understand what's happening and what their role is, it lessens the fear and increases their ability to respond," Winkle said. "Our goal is to get everyone on the same page and train them so they are as prepared as possible for these worst-case scenarios."
Presenting with Winkle will be Louis Rapoli, a police sergeant in the School Safety Division of a major metropolitan police department on the East Coast, and a school security consultant; Dr. Dorene Hojnicki, director of the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency, and public health coordinator of the Vigo County Health Department; and Jeffrey Edwards, exercise physiologist, and chairperson and professor of Indiana State University's physical education department.
Workshop agenda for June 5, 2007:
8:00-8:30
Registration, ISU's Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede I
8:30-9:50
Debrief of Virginia Tech Shooting & Update on School Violence in U.S. (Louis Rapoli)
10:00-10:50
The Mindset for Combating Active Shooters (Jason Winkle)
11:00-11:55
Understanding the Physiology of High-Fear & High-Stress Scenarios (Jeffrey Edwards)
12:00-1:00
Lunch
1:00-1:55
Emergency Management Agency's Role in Active-Shooter Encounters (Dorene Hojnicki)
2:00-4:00
Active-Shooter Doctrine: Why We Must All Understand This Process (Jason Winkle)
Speakers:
- Louis Rapoli is a police sergeant in the School Safety Division of a major metropolitan police department on the East Coast, and a school security consultant. His primary assignment is to conduct preliminary investigations on all threats that come in to the metropolitan area's public school system, assess them and handle them accordingly. Sgt. Rapoli has been to Virginia to be debriefed on the Virginia Tech shooting, and will share what happened and how we can learn from this tragedy.
- Jason Winkle, recognized as a top international consultant and presenter in both military and law enforcement communities, is an assistant professor of physical education at Indiana State University, and president of the International Tactical Officers Training Association. Former director of combatives for the United States Military Academy at West Point, Winkle has more than 12 years of experience training members of the U.S. elite special operations community. His combat-readiness regimens have revolutionized the training approach utilized by numerous tactical teams and military special operators. He has a Ph.D. in education, leadership, administration & foundations from Indiana State University; a master's in kinesiology and a bachelor's in philosophy, both from Indiana University.
- Dr. Dorene Hojnicki is the director of the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency, and public health coordinator of the Vigo County Health Department. Dr. Hojnicki has more than 30 years of experience in emergency medicine, working with first responders, law enforcement and EMS personnel. She is a board-certified emergency physician and serves as medical director for numerous volunteer fire departments in the Wabash Valley. As an emergency room registered nurse, she did her trauma training at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She is the former medical director of student health services and team physician for Indiana State University.
- Jeffrey Edwards is an exercise physiologist, and chairperson and professor of Indiana State University's physical education department, and interim chairperson of athletic training. He received his Ph.D. in human performance with an emphasis in physiology from Indiana University. Edwards was a member of the Big Red Scientific expedition high-altitude research team that climbed Mt. McKinley in Alaska; he served as research director for the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in Indianapolis, and was instrumental in starting its research laboratories; and is the inventor of the GPAC
(Global Positioning Activity Counter), a small, computerized device for measuring both physical activity and geographic location.
FOR more information on attending contact the itota at info@itota.net or call (812) 878-7928.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Marines Give Chef His Marching Orders
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 15, 2007 – When Chef Robert Irvine discovered his "mission" was to feed 850 Marines after they'd completed 30 days of desert warfare training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., his reaction was what one might expect. "Shock and, gasp, horror," Irvine, host of Food Network's "Dinner Impossible," and a former chief petty officer cook in the British Royal Navy, said.
Part of the shock came from the fact that Irvine, who also spent 10 years cooking for the royal family, didn't really realize where he was or why he was there.
"The reason I don't know is because they don't tell me anything. The premise of this show is so secretive," he said. "I didn't even know what the challenge was until I literally met the master gunnery sergeant and then he actually gave me the mission, which was to cook the warrior dinner for 850 Marines."
Irvine accepted the challenge, which gave him seven hours to prepare a meal for the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, which was preparing to deploy to the Middle East. He was provided a field kitchen with an oven he was told had the power of a jet fighter's engine. He quickly discovered that Marines have a sense of humor.
"Let me tell you this, if any Marine or air service person is flying a jet with that on it, they're not going very far," Irvine said. "It took me 45 minutes to saute an onion!"
The meal he prepared required 104 pounds of onions.
The ill-equipped kitchen was just part of the challenge, however. He was provided no food, and had six Marines trained in combat, but not in cuisine, as assistants.
"I had three things stacked against me: No food, terrible equipment and no trained staff," Irvine said. "I had two of my guys, one of which went shopping to the local commissary, which was on another base."
The only alternative to the commissary was two hours away, and not an option with so many to cook for and so little time.
To work around the less-than-professional kitchen equipment, Irvine had to fire up a grill. As for the help, he put their skills to good use, as well.
"They showed me what they normally had (for) their steaks. (They) were nine-ounce strip steaks that were good enough to put on the bottom of your shoe and walk for three weeks," he said. "I had these two Marines, a young lady and a young man, beating the (steaks) with cans to tenderize them.
"It was funny and ridiculous at the same time," he said with a chuckle.
Finally, the clock ticked off the last seconds of the challenge, and Irvine stepped out of the kitchen to address the Marines, who were still decked out in full "battle rattle." As he offered his greetings to the battalion and asked if they were hungry, he said he got an overwhelming response.
"Of course all I heard was this tremendous, 'Ooh Rah!'" he said. "I said, 'First of all, as a non-American service guy, I want to tell you how proud I am of what you do every day for the country.'"
Then it was time to dig in, and just for comparison, Irvine made two of the Marines' typical "warrior dinners" and gave the Marines a choice between his and theirs. There was no hesitation as they passed up the usual and went for the fresh fare.
"It's very hard to put into words, but I was so proud of being there to give them their meal, and it was so personal to me," he said. "When you're a serviceman -- I don't care what branch you're in, what navy, what army, what Marine Corps, whatever it is -- there's a brotherhood. It just resonates."
The experience resonated so strongly with Irvine that he's promised to cook the battalion a welcome home dinner when it returns from its overseas tour.
The episode, which is the "Dinner Impossible" season finale, will premiere tomorrow at 10:30 p.m. EDT on Food Network.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
May 15, 2007 – When Chef Robert Irvine discovered his "mission" was to feed 850 Marines after they'd completed 30 days of desert warfare training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., his reaction was what one might expect. "Shock and, gasp, horror," Irvine, host of Food Network's "Dinner Impossible," and a former chief petty officer cook in the British Royal Navy, said.
Part of the shock came from the fact that Irvine, who also spent 10 years cooking for the royal family, didn't really realize where he was or why he was there.
"The reason I don't know is because they don't tell me anything. The premise of this show is so secretive," he said. "I didn't even know what the challenge was until I literally met the master gunnery sergeant and then he actually gave me the mission, which was to cook the warrior dinner for 850 Marines."
Irvine accepted the challenge, which gave him seven hours to prepare a meal for the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, which was preparing to deploy to the Middle East. He was provided a field kitchen with an oven he was told had the power of a jet fighter's engine. He quickly discovered that Marines have a sense of humor.
"Let me tell you this, if any Marine or air service person is flying a jet with that on it, they're not going very far," Irvine said. "It took me 45 minutes to saute an onion!"
The meal he prepared required 104 pounds of onions.
The ill-equipped kitchen was just part of the challenge, however. He was provided no food, and had six Marines trained in combat, but not in cuisine, as assistants.
"I had three things stacked against me: No food, terrible equipment and no trained staff," Irvine said. "I had two of my guys, one of which went shopping to the local commissary, which was on another base."
The only alternative to the commissary was two hours away, and not an option with so many to cook for and so little time.
To work around the less-than-professional kitchen equipment, Irvine had to fire up a grill. As for the help, he put their skills to good use, as well.
"They showed me what they normally had (for) their steaks. (They) were nine-ounce strip steaks that were good enough to put on the bottom of your shoe and walk for three weeks," he said. "I had these two Marines, a young lady and a young man, beating the (steaks) with cans to tenderize them.
"It was funny and ridiculous at the same time," he said with a chuckle.
Finally, the clock ticked off the last seconds of the challenge, and Irvine stepped out of the kitchen to address the Marines, who were still decked out in full "battle rattle." As he offered his greetings to the battalion and asked if they were hungry, he said he got an overwhelming response.
"Of course all I heard was this tremendous, 'Ooh Rah!'" he said. "I said, 'First of all, as a non-American service guy, I want to tell you how proud I am of what you do every day for the country.'"
Then it was time to dig in, and just for comparison, Irvine made two of the Marines' typical "warrior dinners" and gave the Marines a choice between his and theirs. There was no hesitation as they passed up the usual and went for the fresh fare.
"It's very hard to put into words, but I was so proud of being there to give them their meal, and it was so personal to me," he said. "When you're a serviceman -- I don't care what branch you're in, what navy, what army, what Marine Corps, whatever it is -- there's a brotherhood. It just resonates."
The experience resonated so strongly with Irvine that he's promised to cook the battalion a welcome home dinner when it returns from its overseas tour.
The episode, which is the "Dinner Impossible" season finale, will premiere tomorrow at 10:30 p.m. EDT on Food Network.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Eagle Cane Project Honors Combat-Wounded Troops
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 15, 2007 – Two local woodworking groups followed a Civil War custom today by presenting a ceremonial cane to a soldier who lost his leg in Iraq. The groups seek to extend the ritual to all combat veterans who have suffered traumatic leg, foot or hip injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Northern Virginia Carvers and Capital Area Woodturners, Inc., presented an "eagle cane" to retired Army Lt. Col. Dennis Walburn, now deputy chief of operations for the Army's Rapid Equipping Force.
The REF, based here, partners with industry, academia and military leaders to get developmental as well as off-the-shelf technologies to deployed troops as quickly as possible.
Walburn was a Florida National Guard soldier deployed to Iraq to evaluate soldiers' equipment needs for the REF when he lost his leg to an improvised explosive device. He had volunteered for the 179-day deployment and was on a patrol with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team when the incident occurred near Mosul on May 28, 2005.
Nine people, including a U.S. soldier, died in the attack. Walburn lost his leg but credited quick action by combat lifesavers and the Mosul-based combat support hospital with saving his life.
Today, the Northern Virginia Carvers honored Walburn's sacrifice and his continued service with the REF by presenting him a cane inscribed with his name and topped with an intricately carved bald eagle.
Jack Nitz, a member of the Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarver's Association and former Navy chief petty officer, initiated the Eagle Cane Project to honor wounded heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington.
The project has spread to woodcarving and woodturning clubs in 13 states. Woodturning is the process of shaping wood into forms on a lathe.
Henri "Hank" Cloutier, an Air Force retiree who coordinates the Eagle Cane Project here, noted that cane-presentation ceremonies date back to the Civil War as a sign of respect and honor for wounded troops.
The eagle carved into the cane is symbolic, as well, Cloutier explained. Native Americans believed that warriors wounded on the battlefield returned as eagles.
"This cane is not to be seen as any sign of weakness," Cloutier told Walburn. "It is a sign of respect and honor and thanks for your personal sacrifice."
Walburn said during today's ceremony that he was proud to accept his cane, not for himself, but for all wounded warriors.
He offered a word of encouragement for those undergoing the long, difficult rehabilitation process. "Life is going to hold a lot of promise still," he said. "And you will be back on your feet, doing great things for our country. There is a path ahead, and it is going to be good."
Army Sgt. John Keith, another Operation Iraqi Freedom amputee serving with the Rapid Equipping Force who attended today's ceremony, called it an emotional crescendo to the long healing process he and Walburn underwent together.
Keith lost his leg to an IED in southern Baghdad on Nov. 9, 2004, selected his own eagle cane today. The woodcutters will inscribe it with his name and date and place of injury, then present it at a future ceremony.
"He is a true symbol of a warrior," Keith said of Walburn. "We all had bad days (during rehabilitation), but he always had a smile on his face and was never down. He was an inspiration to us all."
Walburn said efforts like the Eagle Cane Project go a long way in demonstrating the American people's support for men and women in uniform. "It's a great morale boost that helps them go forward with their lives," he said.
The Eagle Cane Project is an example of the myriad projects individual Americans, schools, church groups, companies and other organizations are taking on to show support for the troops. The Defense Department's America Supports You program showcases these activities while helping people involved in them network with each other and attract other volunteers seeking ways to show their support.
Despite any public debate about the conflict itself, Walburn said, the country remains unified behind its troops. He cautioned against "compassion fatigue" from giving so much for so long. "We all have to continue," he said.
Cloutier said his and other woodworking groups participating in the Eagle Cane Project hope to expand their effort to honor all combat-wounded troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The problem, he said, is that privacy laws make it difficult to contact those troops. He encouraged wounded troops or their families to contact him at hankusaf@verizon.net or call 703-430-1222 to arrange to receive a cane.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
May 15, 2007 – Two local woodworking groups followed a Civil War custom today by presenting a ceremonial cane to a soldier who lost his leg in Iraq. The groups seek to extend the ritual to all combat veterans who have suffered traumatic leg, foot or hip injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Northern Virginia Carvers and Capital Area Woodturners, Inc., presented an "eagle cane" to retired Army Lt. Col. Dennis Walburn, now deputy chief of operations for the Army's Rapid Equipping Force.
The REF, based here, partners with industry, academia and military leaders to get developmental as well as off-the-shelf technologies to deployed troops as quickly as possible.
Walburn was a Florida National Guard soldier deployed to Iraq to evaluate soldiers' equipment needs for the REF when he lost his leg to an improvised explosive device. He had volunteered for the 179-day deployment and was on a patrol with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team when the incident occurred near Mosul on May 28, 2005.
Nine people, including a U.S. soldier, died in the attack. Walburn lost his leg but credited quick action by combat lifesavers and the Mosul-based combat support hospital with saving his life.
Today, the Northern Virginia Carvers honored Walburn's sacrifice and his continued service with the REF by presenting him a cane inscribed with his name and topped with an intricately carved bald eagle.
Jack Nitz, a member of the Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarver's Association and former Navy chief petty officer, initiated the Eagle Cane Project to honor wounded heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington.
The project has spread to woodcarving and woodturning clubs in 13 states. Woodturning is the process of shaping wood into forms on a lathe.
Henri "Hank" Cloutier, an Air Force retiree who coordinates the Eagle Cane Project here, noted that cane-presentation ceremonies date back to the Civil War as a sign of respect and honor for wounded troops.
The eagle carved into the cane is symbolic, as well, Cloutier explained. Native Americans believed that warriors wounded on the battlefield returned as eagles.
"This cane is not to be seen as any sign of weakness," Cloutier told Walburn. "It is a sign of respect and honor and thanks for your personal sacrifice."
Walburn said during today's ceremony that he was proud to accept his cane, not for himself, but for all wounded warriors.
He offered a word of encouragement for those undergoing the long, difficult rehabilitation process. "Life is going to hold a lot of promise still," he said. "And you will be back on your feet, doing great things for our country. There is a path ahead, and it is going to be good."
Army Sgt. John Keith, another Operation Iraqi Freedom amputee serving with the Rapid Equipping Force who attended today's ceremony, called it an emotional crescendo to the long healing process he and Walburn underwent together.
Keith lost his leg to an IED in southern Baghdad on Nov. 9, 2004, selected his own eagle cane today. The woodcutters will inscribe it with his name and date and place of injury, then present it at a future ceremony.
"He is a true symbol of a warrior," Keith said of Walburn. "We all had bad days (during rehabilitation), but he always had a smile on his face and was never down. He was an inspiration to us all."
Walburn said efforts like the Eagle Cane Project go a long way in demonstrating the American people's support for men and women in uniform. "It's a great morale boost that helps them go forward with their lives," he said.
The Eagle Cane Project is an example of the myriad projects individual Americans, schools, church groups, companies and other organizations are taking on to show support for the troops. The Defense Department's America Supports You program showcases these activities while helping people involved in them network with each other and attract other volunteers seeking ways to show their support.
Despite any public debate about the conflict itself, Walburn said, the country remains unified behind its troops. He cautioned against "compassion fatigue" from giving so much for so long. "We all have to continue," he said.
Cloutier said his and other woodworking groups participating in the Eagle Cane Project hope to expand their effort to honor all combat-wounded troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The problem, he said, is that privacy laws make it difficult to contact those troops. He encouraged wounded troops or their families to contact him at hankusaf@verizon.net or call 703-430-1222 to arrange to receive a cane.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
New Systems Test Military, Civilian Communications During Exercise
By 1st Lt. Erika Yepsen, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 15, 2007 – Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, a two-week national-level exercise involving local, state and federal government agencies, is proving the capabilities of the Incident Command System. The system is designed to provide effective communication and organization between different emergency responders, which could include civilian authorities as well as military.
The Incident Command System is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Incident Management System, which is being implemented nationwide. It's a unified command-and-control system driven by a presidential directive that covers the Department of Defense and civilian federal government agencies, explained Air Force Maj. Darren Deroos, 3rd Wing chief of inspections and exercises.
"The Air Force took the National Incident Management System and customized it, which is how we came up with ... the Air Force Incident Management System, which the Air Force implemented across the service in February," Deroos said.
The 3rd Wing has been using the Air Force Incident Management System and the Incident Command System since January 2006.
The Incident Command System is a combination of facilities, equipment, operators, procedures and communications designed to aid in domestic incident-management activities. It can be used for a broad spectrum of emergencies, according to FEMA's National Incident Management System Web site.
"It really clarifies lines of communication and who has command of what in an emergency," Deroos said. "This exercise is our biggest full-scale test of ICS including civilian counterparts."
The system is finding wide use during this year's Alaska Shield/Northern Edge exercise, which is specifically designed to test communication and streamline response efforts between government agencies at all levels. Throughout the exercise, military and civilian first responders work together as they react to crisis scenarios, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other emergency situations.
On May 8 and 9, military, civilian and federal authorities partnered to respond to two incidents: a simulated train collision involving hazardous materials and mass casualties here, and a simulated terrorist attack on the North Pole Refinery Complex, in nearby North Pole, Alaska.
During both incidents, emergency responders used ICS to coordinate their efforts.
"This exercise is the perfect opportunity to test the capabilities of AFIMS and ICS and the ability of the Air Force to integrate with its civilian counterparts during an emergency," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Fraser, Alaska Command commander. "Alaska is uniquely equipped to put this system through its paces because the state is leading the country in implementing the National Incident Management System."
Civilian organizations are already finding ICS to be exceptional in its use, creating more effective communication and improving response efforts.
"The fire department and emergency medical service have been using the system for a long time, but it's new to law enforcement, and we needed this opportunity to train with it," said Brad Johnson, Fairbanks deputy police chief. "We want to be able to work a small or large scale incident with ICS."
In addition, the Alaska Railroad Corporation has been using the system for years, said Ernest Piper, the Alaska Railroad Corporation assistant vice president of operations.
"At first, people were skeptical about it, but now we have the smoothest ICS process in the state," said Piper, who participated in the May 8 train collision exercise. "We use it for everything. It's perfect because you can use it for almost any kind of short-term emergency management situation."
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. David Hudson, 3rd Wing Inspector General's superintendent of readiness and emergency management, echoed Piper's praise for the system.
"It's been a slow implementation, but I think it was the right thing to do," Hudson said. "It streamlined a process and made a better process for the Air Force that we were able to meld with our civilian counterparts."
While Elmendorf has been operating under the AFIMS and ICS systems since last year, the rest of the Air Force is scheduled to achieve initial capability by December and final capability by December 2009, according to the AFIMS Senior Leader Guide to Implementation and Sustainment.
(Air Force 1st Lt. Erika Yepsen is assigned to Joint Task Force Alaska Public Affairs.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 15, 2007 – Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, a two-week national-level exercise involving local, state and federal government agencies, is proving the capabilities of the Incident Command System. The system is designed to provide effective communication and organization between different emergency responders, which could include civilian authorities as well as military.
The Incident Command System is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Incident Management System, which is being implemented nationwide. It's a unified command-and-control system driven by a presidential directive that covers the Department of Defense and civilian federal government agencies, explained Air Force Maj. Darren Deroos, 3rd Wing chief of inspections and exercises.
"The Air Force took the National Incident Management System and customized it, which is how we came up with ... the Air Force Incident Management System, which the Air Force implemented across the service in February," Deroos said.
The 3rd Wing has been using the Air Force Incident Management System and the Incident Command System since January 2006.
The Incident Command System is a combination of facilities, equipment, operators, procedures and communications designed to aid in domestic incident-management activities. It can be used for a broad spectrum of emergencies, according to FEMA's National Incident Management System Web site.
"It really clarifies lines of communication and who has command of what in an emergency," Deroos said. "This exercise is our biggest full-scale test of ICS including civilian counterparts."
The system is finding wide use during this year's Alaska Shield/Northern Edge exercise, which is specifically designed to test communication and streamline response efforts between government agencies at all levels. Throughout the exercise, military and civilian first responders work together as they react to crisis scenarios, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other emergency situations.
On May 8 and 9, military, civilian and federal authorities partnered to respond to two incidents: a simulated train collision involving hazardous materials and mass casualties here, and a simulated terrorist attack on the North Pole Refinery Complex, in nearby North Pole, Alaska.
During both incidents, emergency responders used ICS to coordinate their efforts.
"This exercise is the perfect opportunity to test the capabilities of AFIMS and ICS and the ability of the Air Force to integrate with its civilian counterparts during an emergency," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Fraser, Alaska Command commander. "Alaska is uniquely equipped to put this system through its paces because the state is leading the country in implementing the National Incident Management System."
Civilian organizations are already finding ICS to be exceptional in its use, creating more effective communication and improving response efforts.
"The fire department and emergency medical service have been using the system for a long time, but it's new to law enforcement, and we needed this opportunity to train with it," said Brad Johnson, Fairbanks deputy police chief. "We want to be able to work a small or large scale incident with ICS."
In addition, the Alaska Railroad Corporation has been using the system for years, said Ernest Piper, the Alaska Railroad Corporation assistant vice president of operations.
"At first, people were skeptical about it, but now we have the smoothest ICS process in the state," said Piper, who participated in the May 8 train collision exercise. "We use it for everything. It's perfect because you can use it for almost any kind of short-term emergency management situation."
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. David Hudson, 3rd Wing Inspector General's superintendent of readiness and emergency management, echoed Piper's praise for the system.
"It's been a slow implementation, but I think it was the right thing to do," Hudson said. "It streamlined a process and made a better process for the Air Force that we were able to meld with our civilian counterparts."
While Elmendorf has been operating under the AFIMS and ICS systems since last year, the rest of the Air Force is scheduled to achieve initial capability by December and final capability by December 2009, according to the AFIMS Senior Leader Guide to Implementation and Sustainment.
(Air Force 1st Lt. Erika Yepsen is assigned to Joint Task Force Alaska Public Affairs.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Three Police Officers Added
Editor's Note: Two of the police officer authors are former U.S. Army.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Police-Writers.com added Alan Caddell, Ralph Landre and Francis Connelly.
Alan Caddell is a Commander with the Santa Ana Police Department. He holds a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University and is a graduate of the POST Master Instructor Development Program. A trainer for over 15 years, Alan has extensive experience and expertise in the area of instruction design and technology. Alan has taught advanced PowerPoint and on-line training for POST and other law enforcement presenters and is currently teaching a variety of programs.
Alan Caddell is the Co-author of Crime Scene Investigation. According to the book description, “Focusing on the basics of crime scene investigation as it should be done by professionals, this book shows how to do a perfect job; its emphasis is on proven evidence, collection, and analysis. It provides a high level of relevant and realistic information needed to process crime scenes in today's environment. Generously illustrated with photographs, the book clearly demonstrates techniques used by field and lab personnel to preserve, process, and analyze a wide variety of evidence. Career profiles of working professionals in the field and actual case histories document how crime scene investigation is successfully used to solve crimes. For professionals in a variety of forensic science fields, including firearms examiners, fingerprint examiners, serologists, toxicologists, photographers, journalists, crime scene investigators, and others in the field of law and law enforcement.”
According to one reader/reviewer, “As a former police reserve officer, I spent years requesting CSI with little understanding of just what they do. This book goes well beyond lifting fingerprints and other routine tasks that police officers are typically limited to. I now have a better awareness of the capabilities of CSI and considerations about how to protect a scene and how CSI can be used to investigate certain crimes. I also have a greater appreciation for CSI personnel and the difficult job they have. I liked the book and believe it would be helpful to anyone in law enforcement.”
Ralph W. Landre, Jr., has published several articles in The California Highway Patrolman magazine, including: “The Day Fresno Burned,” “Motorcycle Theft Rings,” “Training Pays Off.” The U.S. Army has published his police training bulletins at training centers in Santa Cruz, San Jose and during Annual Active Duty training with the Military Police at Camp Roberts and Fort Ord, California. The bulletins focused on preservation of evidence at crime scenes and interrogations and interviews of suspects and witnesses. He served as temporary Chief of Police for the new city of Capitola and at the same time was deputized by the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office due to the police district the newly formed city was geographically located in. He then served as patrolman for the Santa Cruz PD before serving on the California Highway Patrol for over 29 years, retiring as a sergeant.
Ralph Landre is the author of The Broken Center-Line. Ralph Landre’s book is a memoir of the “incidents occurring to a California Highway Patrol officer during approximately 30 years of traffic law enforcement while following The Broken Center-line around and over highways and freeways in different parts of our great state of California. This is somewhat like following the yellow brick road through the Land of OZ.”
In 1955, after serving in Korea with the U.S. Army, Francis J Connelly joined the New York Police Department. He worked a variety of assignment on NYPD and retired in 1975 as a lieutenant. He is the author of two books: By Reason of Childhood; and, the sequel, Beyond By Reason of Childhood.
According to the book description, “Beyond by Reason of Childhood begins with Connelly en route to the U.S. Army induction center on Whitehall Street. From there, it’s merely a series of hops, skips, and jumps to Fort Dix, New Jersey, for basic training; Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, for Morse Code Intercept Operator training; and on to the mountains, valleys, and rice paddies of South Korea. Fourteen months later, after an honorable discharge from the military, Frank meets Anne Marie Fleming. The couple marries, and, as time slips away, they find themselves being compared to a five-and-dime (for their five children and ten grandchildren).
Along the way, Francis Connelly works at various jobs: hauling cable for Western Electric, growing hair for Wybrandt Hair and Scalp Specialists, and spending twenty years on the New York Police Department. Near the end of his career in law enforcement, mental and physical difficulties and the debilitating effects of hypoglycemia take their toll on Connelly. Will his story have a happy ending?”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 539 police officers (representing 220 police departments) and their 1147 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Police-Writers.com added Alan Caddell, Ralph Landre and Francis Connelly.
Alan Caddell is a Commander with the Santa Ana Police Department. He holds a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University and is a graduate of the POST Master Instructor Development Program. A trainer for over 15 years, Alan has extensive experience and expertise in the area of instruction design and technology. Alan has taught advanced PowerPoint and on-line training for POST and other law enforcement presenters and is currently teaching a variety of programs.
Alan Caddell is the Co-author of Crime Scene Investigation. According to the book description, “Focusing on the basics of crime scene investigation as it should be done by professionals, this book shows how to do a perfect job; its emphasis is on proven evidence, collection, and analysis. It provides a high level of relevant and realistic information needed to process crime scenes in today's environment. Generously illustrated with photographs, the book clearly demonstrates techniques used by field and lab personnel to preserve, process, and analyze a wide variety of evidence. Career profiles of working professionals in the field and actual case histories document how crime scene investigation is successfully used to solve crimes. For professionals in a variety of forensic science fields, including firearms examiners, fingerprint examiners, serologists, toxicologists, photographers, journalists, crime scene investigators, and others in the field of law and law enforcement.”
According to one reader/reviewer, “As a former police reserve officer, I spent years requesting CSI with little understanding of just what they do. This book goes well beyond lifting fingerprints and other routine tasks that police officers are typically limited to. I now have a better awareness of the capabilities of CSI and considerations about how to protect a scene and how CSI can be used to investigate certain crimes. I also have a greater appreciation for CSI personnel and the difficult job they have. I liked the book and believe it would be helpful to anyone in law enforcement.”
Ralph W. Landre, Jr., has published several articles in The California Highway Patrolman magazine, including: “The Day Fresno Burned,” “Motorcycle Theft Rings,” “Training Pays Off.” The U.S. Army has published his police training bulletins at training centers in Santa Cruz, San Jose and during Annual Active Duty training with the Military Police at Camp Roberts and Fort Ord, California. The bulletins focused on preservation of evidence at crime scenes and interrogations and interviews of suspects and witnesses. He served as temporary Chief of Police for the new city of Capitola and at the same time was deputized by the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office due to the police district the newly formed city was geographically located in. He then served as patrolman for the Santa Cruz PD before serving on the California Highway Patrol for over 29 years, retiring as a sergeant.
Ralph Landre is the author of The Broken Center-Line. Ralph Landre’s book is a memoir of the “incidents occurring to a California Highway Patrol officer during approximately 30 years of traffic law enforcement while following The Broken Center-line around and over highways and freeways in different parts of our great state of California. This is somewhat like following the yellow brick road through the Land of OZ.”
In 1955, after serving in Korea with the U.S. Army, Francis J Connelly joined the New York Police Department. He worked a variety of assignment on NYPD and retired in 1975 as a lieutenant. He is the author of two books: By Reason of Childhood; and, the sequel, Beyond By Reason of Childhood.
According to the book description, “Beyond by Reason of Childhood begins with Connelly en route to the U.S. Army induction center on Whitehall Street. From there, it’s merely a series of hops, skips, and jumps to Fort Dix, New Jersey, for basic training; Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, for Morse Code Intercept Operator training; and on to the mountains, valleys, and rice paddies of South Korea. Fourteen months later, after an honorable discharge from the military, Frank meets Anne Marie Fleming. The couple marries, and, as time slips away, they find themselves being compared to a five-and-dime (for their five children and ten grandchildren).
Along the way, Francis Connelly works at various jobs: hauling cable for Western Electric, growing hair for Wybrandt Hair and Scalp Specialists, and spending twenty years on the New York Police Department. Near the end of his career in law enforcement, mental and physical difficulties and the debilitating effects of hypoglycemia take their toll on Connelly. Will his story have a happy ending?”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 539 police officers (representing 220 police departments) and their 1147 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.
Navy to Christen USNS Richard E. Byrd
The Navy will christen the USNS Richard E. Byrd at 7:30 p.m. PDT on May 15. The launching ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships will be held at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego.
The ship honors Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957), an explorer famous for his Antarctic expeditions and for leading the first expedition to fly over the North Pole. Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship of the class was named, Byrd bravely volunteered to explore one of the most remote and harshest places on earth. Due to his unquenchable thirst for exploration, he provided substantial contributions to the world's understanding of the Antarctic.
Following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912, Byrd became a naval aviator and pioneered many techniques for navigating airplanes over the open ocean including drift indicators and bubble sextants. His expertise in this area resulted in his appointment to plan the flight path for the U.S. Navy's 1919 transatlantic crossing.
On May 9, 1926, Byrd and naval aviator Floyd Bennett attempted to fly over the North Pole. For this extraordinary heroic achievement, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by a special act of Congress.
Byrd departed the United States on Aug. 28, 1928, on his first Antarctic expedition. After World War II, he continued his exploration and led the largest Antarctic Expedition to date, Operation Highjump. This expedition involved 13 ships and 4,700 men who explored much of the little-known continent. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Byrd as officer-in-charge of U.S. Antarctic programs to command Operation Deep Freeze.
Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., commander of Military Sealift Command, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Bolling Byrd Clark will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. The launching ceremony will be highlighted in the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "Richard E. Byrd."
The USNS Richard E. Byrd is the fourth ship in the Navy's new 11-ship T-AKE 1 class. T-AKE is a combat logistics force vessel that will replace the current capability of the T-AE 26 Kilauea class ammunition ships, T-AFS 1 Mars class and T-AFS 8 Sirius class combat stores ships, and when operating with T-AO 187 Henry J. Kaiser class oiler ships, the T-AKE will replace the AOE 1 Sacramento class fast combat support ships. To conduct vertical replenishment, the ship can carry and support two helicopters.
Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S., NATO and allied ships, the USNS Richard E. Byrd will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Ships such as the USNS Richard E. Byrd provide logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. The ship will transfer cargo, such as ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material, to ships and other naval warfare forces at sea.
The USNS Richard E. Byrd is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 106 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet and displaces about 42,000 tons with a full load. Powered by a single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots. As part of the Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the ship will be designated as a U.S. naval ship and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners. The ship will also have a military detachment of 11 sailors to provide operational support and supply coordination, and when needed, the ship will carry a helicopter detachment of 39 military personnel.
Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.
For additional information about the commissioning ceremony, contact Navy public affairs at (703) 697-5342.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
The ship honors Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957), an explorer famous for his Antarctic expeditions and for leading the first expedition to fly over the North Pole. Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship of the class was named, Byrd bravely volunteered to explore one of the most remote and harshest places on earth. Due to his unquenchable thirst for exploration, he provided substantial contributions to the world's understanding of the Antarctic.
Following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912, Byrd became a naval aviator and pioneered many techniques for navigating airplanes over the open ocean including drift indicators and bubble sextants. His expertise in this area resulted in his appointment to plan the flight path for the U.S. Navy's 1919 transatlantic crossing.
On May 9, 1926, Byrd and naval aviator Floyd Bennett attempted to fly over the North Pole. For this extraordinary heroic achievement, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by a special act of Congress.
Byrd departed the United States on Aug. 28, 1928, on his first Antarctic expedition. After World War II, he continued his exploration and led the largest Antarctic Expedition to date, Operation Highjump. This expedition involved 13 ships and 4,700 men who explored much of the little-known continent. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Byrd as officer-in-charge of U.S. Antarctic programs to command Operation Deep Freeze.
Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., commander of Military Sealift Command, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Bolling Byrd Clark will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. The launching ceremony will be highlighted in the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "Richard E. Byrd."
The USNS Richard E. Byrd is the fourth ship in the Navy's new 11-ship T-AKE 1 class. T-AKE is a combat logistics force vessel that will replace the current capability of the T-AE 26 Kilauea class ammunition ships, T-AFS 1 Mars class and T-AFS 8 Sirius class combat stores ships, and when operating with T-AO 187 Henry J. Kaiser class oiler ships, the T-AKE will replace the AOE 1 Sacramento class fast combat support ships. To conduct vertical replenishment, the ship can carry and support two helicopters.
Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S., NATO and allied ships, the USNS Richard E. Byrd will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Ships such as the USNS Richard E. Byrd provide logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. The ship will transfer cargo, such as ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material, to ships and other naval warfare forces at sea.
The USNS Richard E. Byrd is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 106 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet and displaces about 42,000 tons with a full load. Powered by a single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots. As part of the Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the ship will be designated as a U.S. naval ship and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners. The ship will also have a military detachment of 11 sailors to provide operational support and supply coordination, and when needed, the ship will carry a helicopter detachment of 39 military personnel.
Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.
For additional information about the commissioning ceremony, contact Navy public affairs at (703) 697-5342.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Group Works To Grant Troops' Wishes
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 14, 2007 – Servicemembers receiving care packages from A Soldier's Wish List or one of its thousands of "adopters" know that good things really do come in small packages. "Our goal is to fulfill the wishes of our troops to the best of our abilities," Julieann Najar, the group's founder, said.
A Soldier's Wish List was founded in 2003 when Najar went to see her son off on his tour to the Middle East. When she arrived at Fort Riley, Kan., she met a young soldier who had no family there to say good-bye. She asked if she could "adopt" him, and A Soldier's Wish List was born.
The group's goal is simple: Match up those wanting to "adopt" a servicemember with a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who'd like a little piece of home. The adopters then do their best to send that piece of home to their new "family member."
"To date, we have over 10,000 troops and over 12,000 adopters from all over the U.S., Germany, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Jamaica, South Africa and Puerto Rico who have sent items to their 'adopted' troops," Najar said.
The adopted troops are serving in hot spots around the globe including Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Kuwait, Qatar and South Korea. Their wishes are just as varied as their locales. They've requested everything from new desert boots and DVD players to movies, snacks and phone cards, and their adopters do their best to come through.
Many of the group's adopters have found A Soldier's Wish List through America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
A Soldier's Wish List is a member of America Supports You.
"A lot of adopters have gotten the contact information from the (America Supports You) Web site," Najar said about those interested in A Soldier's Wish List.
In many cases, the families of adopted servicemembers keep in touch with the adopters and arrange a meeting with them when the servicemembers arrive home.
For Najar, however, it's the letters her group receives thanking her, the group and the adopters for all they do for the servicemembers that mean so much.
"The letters and e-mails received by (A Soldier's Wish List) are overwhelming," she said. "Being able to be the contact between a lonely 'trooper' and (an adopter who can) send exactly what they miss from home is the best experience."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
May 14, 2007 – Servicemembers receiving care packages from A Soldier's Wish List or one of its thousands of "adopters" know that good things really do come in small packages. "Our goal is to fulfill the wishes of our troops to the best of our abilities," Julieann Najar, the group's founder, said.
A Soldier's Wish List was founded in 2003 when Najar went to see her son off on his tour to the Middle East. When she arrived at Fort Riley, Kan., she met a young soldier who had no family there to say good-bye. She asked if she could "adopt" him, and A Soldier's Wish List was born.
The group's goal is simple: Match up those wanting to "adopt" a servicemember with a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who'd like a little piece of home. The adopters then do their best to send that piece of home to their new "family member."
"To date, we have over 10,000 troops and over 12,000 adopters from all over the U.S., Germany, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Jamaica, South Africa and Puerto Rico who have sent items to their 'adopted' troops," Najar said.
The adopted troops are serving in hot spots around the globe including Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Kuwait, Qatar and South Korea. Their wishes are just as varied as their locales. They've requested everything from new desert boots and DVD players to movies, snacks and phone cards, and their adopters do their best to come through.
Many of the group's adopters have found A Soldier's Wish List through America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
A Soldier's Wish List is a member of America Supports You.
"A lot of adopters have gotten the contact information from the (America Supports You) Web site," Najar said about those interested in A Soldier's Wish List.
In many cases, the families of adopted servicemembers keep in touch with the adopters and arrange a meeting with them when the servicemembers arrive home.
For Najar, however, it's the letters her group receives thanking her, the group and the adopters for all they do for the servicemembers that mean so much.
"The letters and e-mails received by (A Soldier's Wish List) are overwhelming," she said. "Being able to be the contact between a lonely 'trooper' and (an adopter who can) send exactly what they miss from home is the best experience."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Attaches Survey U.S. Disaster-Response Capabilities
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
May 14, 2007 – A handful of attaches got a first-hand look at U.S. military and civilian first responders' ability to respond to a catastrophe at the National Guard's Vigilant Guard exercise in Indiana on May 12. The group was flown to the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center at the invitation of National Guard chief Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum. The Guard exercise scenario played out on this sprawling, 1,000-acre rural training area just outside of Indianapolis. More than 2,000 National Guard troops and hundreds of state and federal emergency response agencies worked through the disaster scenario of a 10-kiloton nuclear explosion in Indianapolis.
Attaches from Serbia, Jordan, Kenya, Tunisia, Bolivia and Hungary, walked through the stages of the exercise receiving briefs and asking questions of those participating.
The group was invited as part of an effort to strengthen the Guard's State Partnership Program, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Bill Etter, director of strategic plans and policy for the National Guard Bureau.
"I think it was fantastic. They were able to see some cases where the military was responding, some cases where the civilians were responding, and some cases where they were working together hand in hand," Etter said. "The only way they would have had access (to this exercise) is through the National Guard."
Etter said the opportunity to view the exercise provides a real-world perspective of the Guard's abilities for the attaches.
"We can stand in front of someone and give them a slide, ... but until they see the capabilities of the National Guard live, it just doesn't make as much sense," Etter said.
The Guard now has 56 state partnerships throughout the world, in all four major Army military commands outside the United States. The bureau matches states with countries wanting to participate in the program, which partners key leaders for training events. There are three categories of exchange: military-to-military, military-to-civilian and civilian-to-civilian.
Etter said that many leaders from both sides of the program progress through the ranks simultaneously, building relationships that last throughout their military careers.
"It is a significant contribution to stability in a region," Etter said.
He also said encouraging other countries to participate in joint training increases interoperability.
The Guard is looking to grow the program, especially in Africa, but also within U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command. "There are regions of the world that are under-represented," Etter said.
Kenyan Army Col. Leonard Owambo said the networking between civil and military organizations at the site impressed him. "By virtue of the fact that we are sharing the same world community, ... sharing the same challenges and threats, ... it is beneficial because we see we know what the U.S. can do to take care of such here. And whenever something like this happens where we come from, we know how to get assistance," Owambo said.
He said his country has similar capabilities, but they are at the "toddler" stage in development. "The concept is there. The intent is there, and I think, with our relationships, we are building towards that," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
May 14, 2007 – A handful of attaches got a first-hand look at U.S. military and civilian first responders' ability to respond to a catastrophe at the National Guard's Vigilant Guard exercise in Indiana on May 12. The group was flown to the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center at the invitation of National Guard chief Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum. The Guard exercise scenario played out on this sprawling, 1,000-acre rural training area just outside of Indianapolis. More than 2,000 National Guard troops and hundreds of state and federal emergency response agencies worked through the disaster scenario of a 10-kiloton nuclear explosion in Indianapolis.
Attaches from Serbia, Jordan, Kenya, Tunisia, Bolivia and Hungary, walked through the stages of the exercise receiving briefs and asking questions of those participating.
The group was invited as part of an effort to strengthen the Guard's State Partnership Program, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Bill Etter, director of strategic plans and policy for the National Guard Bureau.
"I think it was fantastic. They were able to see some cases where the military was responding, some cases where the civilians were responding, and some cases where they were working together hand in hand," Etter said. "The only way they would have had access (to this exercise) is through the National Guard."
Etter said the opportunity to view the exercise provides a real-world perspective of the Guard's abilities for the attaches.
"We can stand in front of someone and give them a slide, ... but until they see the capabilities of the National Guard live, it just doesn't make as much sense," Etter said.
The Guard now has 56 state partnerships throughout the world, in all four major Army military commands outside the United States. The bureau matches states with countries wanting to participate in the program, which partners key leaders for training events. There are three categories of exchange: military-to-military, military-to-civilian and civilian-to-civilian.
Etter said that many leaders from both sides of the program progress through the ranks simultaneously, building relationships that last throughout their military careers.
"It is a significant contribution to stability in a region," Etter said.
He also said encouraging other countries to participate in joint training increases interoperability.
The Guard is looking to grow the program, especially in Africa, but also within U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command. "There are regions of the world that are under-represented," Etter said.
Kenyan Army Col. Leonard Owambo said the networking between civil and military organizations at the site impressed him. "By virtue of the fact that we are sharing the same world community, ... sharing the same challenges and threats, ... it is beneficial because we see we know what the U.S. can do to take care of such here. And whenever something like this happens where we come from, we know how to get assistance," Owambo said.
He said his country has similar capabilities, but they are at the "toddler" stage in development. "The concept is there. The intent is there, and I think, with our relationships, we are building towards that," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
National Guard Responding to U.S. Wildfires
American Forces Press Service
May 14, 2007 – National Guard troops are responding to wildfires in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota and California, using air assets to deliver water and providing logistics and communication support. In Florida, 84 Army National Guard troops are currently activated in response to fires in Flagler County, according to information from the National Guard Bureau. Since May 5, Florida National Guard assets have flown 67 hours, 445 sorties, and dropped 379,360 gallons of water. A 32-personnel ground force is conducting mop-up training, and three helicopters are assisting with the Dairy Road Fire, in Bradford County.
The Georgia National Guard is providing 42 troops in response to fires in the southeastern part of the state. As of May 11, Georgia National Guard assets, including two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, have flown 302 hours, delivering more than 5 million gallons of water. Twelve Army National Guard personnel with two Humvees, three 2.5-ton trucks, and one water buffalo are assisting with logistics support. In addition, three Air National Guard troops with one pickup truck are providing communication support.
In Minnesota, the National Guard has deployed two UH-60s along with crews, and two fuel trucks with drivers and fuel handlers. The troops are dropping water to prevent continued flare-ups of a previously contained fire.
The California National Guard provided eight troops in response to a fire on Catalina Island. Between May 9 and 13, two CH-47s with eight personnel on annual training status were used fly 103 civilian firefighters to the island, and two CH-47s are on standby to deploy again if needed.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
May 14, 2007 – National Guard troops are responding to wildfires in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota and California, using air assets to deliver water and providing logistics and communication support. In Florida, 84 Army National Guard troops are currently activated in response to fires in Flagler County, according to information from the National Guard Bureau. Since May 5, Florida National Guard assets have flown 67 hours, 445 sorties, and dropped 379,360 gallons of water. A 32-personnel ground force is conducting mop-up training, and three helicopters are assisting with the Dairy Road Fire, in Bradford County.
The Georgia National Guard is providing 42 troops in response to fires in the southeastern part of the state. As of May 11, Georgia National Guard assets, including two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, have flown 302 hours, delivering more than 5 million gallons of water. Twelve Army National Guard personnel with two Humvees, three 2.5-ton trucks, and one water buffalo are assisting with logistics support. In addition, three Air National Guard troops with one pickup truck are providing communication support.
In Minnesota, the National Guard has deployed two UH-60s along with crews, and two fuel trucks with drivers and fuel handlers. The troops are dropping water to prevent continued flare-ups of a previously contained fire.
The California National Guard provided eight troops in response to a fire on Catalina Island. Between May 9 and 13, two CH-47s with eight personnel on annual training status were used fly 103 civilian firefighters to the island, and two CH-47s are on standby to deploy again if needed.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, law enforcement personnel who have written books.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Newest Cops are Searchable by State
Note: One of the writers is prior military.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. For the first nine months of the website, it was searchable by police officer, department and subject. Today, the website is also searchable by state. With 220 police departments listed, visitors can “click” on their state and browse the departments in their state that have produced police authors; and ,find their way to the over 536 police officers and their 1143 books. Additionally, new authors Richard A. Smith, C.C. “Bud” Daniels and Jane Huffman were added to the website.
Richard A. Smith spent nearly 18 years in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, jailer, patrol deputy, vice investigator, Public Safety Officer (police and fireman combined) Airport Police Officer, uniform patrol police officer, and an investigator in Criminal Investigations Division.
Richard Smith has an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, the highest level to achieve in this field in North Carolina. He has over a thousand hours of training from various law enforcement schools. He attended Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University where he majored in Criminal Justice.
Richard Smith belongs to Durham Masonic Lodge #352, Raleigh Scottish Rite Bodies, Amran Shrine Temple, American Legion, The 40 & 8th La Socie’te, and The Fraternal Order of Police. He served with the U.S. Army (Reserve) in the field artillery. He is currently medically retired from the Durham Police Department (North Carolina).
According to the description of his book, One Stands Alone, “This book is for those important people in our lives that we take for granted, and everyone that ever thought about joining the ranks and becoming one–the law enforcement officers! Take a trip through the experiences of going to murders those happened just moments earlier. Find out the tenseness of car chases over 100mph along with the moments of making a drug deal.
This book will take you through many episodes of what the “inside life” is of a law enforcement officer from the streets to the divorce courts, to dignitary protection. He writes of the strain of the equipment the officers wear to coming to work with long hair and a beard.”
C. C. “Bud” Daniels was born February 12, 1912. At the age of 20, he arrived in Wichita Falls (Texas), in 1932. He became the director of the Wichita Falls State Hospital, but eventually joined the Wichita Falls Police Department. He started in the Police Department at the bottom rung, writing tickets. In 1949, after the dismissal of a corrupt chief of police, Daniels’ name was submitted as a “corruption free” alternative to the chief. Indeed, on August 20, 1949 he became the chief of police, Wichita Falls Police Department. Chief Bud Daniels would hold the position until his retirement in 1977.
Chief Bud Daniels was a graduate of the 1951 class of the FBI National Academy; president of the Texas Police Association; director of the Texas Safety Council, a member of Masonic Lodge No. 635; and, in 1944 he served as the Worshipful Master of J.A. Kemp Lodge No.1287. Joseph A. Kemp Lodge No. 1287 was chartered in 1944 by the Grand Lodge of Texas. It was the third Lodge located in Wichita Falls, Texas and was named for the one of the city's prominent citizens.
His book, the Memoir of C.C. “Bud” Daniels, was published in 1991 and tells his amazing story.
A 13th civilian police writer was added to the website. Jane Huffman is the author of two books. One is a police mystery called To Live/To Die; the story of a serial killer and the detective who is trying to solve the case. The second, Secrets Kept, is a story of a young business man who finds himself the survivor of a plane crash in the jungles of South America. The young man, before being rescued, finds something that will change his life forever.
Jane Huffman is the wife of author Richard Neal Huffman, (Author of Dreams In Blue: The Real Police). She is the grandmother to 14 grandchildren (last count and still growing.) Jane once served with her husband, a full time police officer, as a reserve officer for the Bangor, Michigan police department. She currently is employed in the private sector.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 536 police officers (representing 220 police departments) and their 1143 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. For the first nine months of the website, it was searchable by police officer, department and subject. Today, the website is also searchable by state. With 220 police departments listed, visitors can “click” on their state and browse the departments in their state that have produced police authors; and ,find their way to the over 536 police officers and their 1143 books. Additionally, new authors Richard A. Smith, C.C. “Bud” Daniels and Jane Huffman were added to the website.
Richard A. Smith spent nearly 18 years in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, jailer, patrol deputy, vice investigator, Public Safety Officer (police and fireman combined) Airport Police Officer, uniform patrol police officer, and an investigator in Criminal Investigations Division.
Richard Smith has an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, the highest level to achieve in this field in North Carolina. He has over a thousand hours of training from various law enforcement schools. He attended Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University where he majored in Criminal Justice.
Richard Smith belongs to Durham Masonic Lodge #352, Raleigh Scottish Rite Bodies, Amran Shrine Temple, American Legion, The 40 & 8th La Socie’te, and The Fraternal Order of Police. He served with the U.S. Army (Reserve) in the field artillery. He is currently medically retired from the Durham Police Department (North Carolina).
According to the description of his book, One Stands Alone, “This book is for those important people in our lives that we take for granted, and everyone that ever thought about joining the ranks and becoming one–the law enforcement officers! Take a trip through the experiences of going to murders those happened just moments earlier. Find out the tenseness of car chases over 100mph along with the moments of making a drug deal.
This book will take you through many episodes of what the “inside life” is of a law enforcement officer from the streets to the divorce courts, to dignitary protection. He writes of the strain of the equipment the officers wear to coming to work with long hair and a beard.”
C. C. “Bud” Daniels was born February 12, 1912. At the age of 20, he arrived in Wichita Falls (Texas), in 1932. He became the director of the Wichita Falls State Hospital, but eventually joined the Wichita Falls Police Department. He started in the Police Department at the bottom rung, writing tickets. In 1949, after the dismissal of a corrupt chief of police, Daniels’ name was submitted as a “corruption free” alternative to the chief. Indeed, on August 20, 1949 he became the chief of police, Wichita Falls Police Department. Chief Bud Daniels would hold the position until his retirement in 1977.
Chief Bud Daniels was a graduate of the 1951 class of the FBI National Academy; president of the Texas Police Association; director of the Texas Safety Council, a member of Masonic Lodge No. 635; and, in 1944 he served as the Worshipful Master of J.A. Kemp Lodge No.1287. Joseph A. Kemp Lodge No. 1287 was chartered in 1944 by the Grand Lodge of Texas. It was the third Lodge located in Wichita Falls, Texas and was named for the one of the city's prominent citizens.
His book, the Memoir of C.C. “Bud” Daniels, was published in 1991 and tells his amazing story.
A 13th civilian police writer was added to the website. Jane Huffman is the author of two books. One is a police mystery called To Live/To Die; the story of a serial killer and the detective who is trying to solve the case. The second, Secrets Kept, is a story of a young business man who finds himself the survivor of a plane crash in the jungles of South America. The young man, before being rescued, finds something that will change his life forever.
Jane Huffman is the wife of author Richard Neal Huffman, (Author of Dreams In Blue: The Real Police). She is the grandmother to 14 grandchildren (last count and still growing.) Jane once served with her husband, a full time police officer, as a reserve officer for the Bangor, Michigan police department. She currently is employed in the private sector.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 536 police officers (representing 220 police departments) and their 1143 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.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Washington Nationals Ball Club Honors Military Service
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 13, 2007 – The Washington Nationals baseball team saluted the U.S. military during an evening pre-game program May 11 that featured fireworks, a group enlistment and servicemembers tossing ceremonial pitches. Military Appreciation Night activities held at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium here also included Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England, who met with Army, Marine, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard members in attendance. Afterward, England and his military and civilian staff took in the game between the Nationals and the Florida Marlins.
"This is wonderful. I was just talking to all the new recruits, asking them what they're going to do in the military," England said during the pre-game ceremonies. "I told them this is a great, great time to be joining the military.
"First, it's a great career and it's a great opportunity to serve their country at the same time," England said.
Twelve recruits -- three Air Force, five Navy and four Army -- took oaths of enlistment in a ceremony presided over by Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush.
"They've made a commitment to serve our nation, something much bigger than themselves or any of us," Roudebush said of the new servicemembers. "I think it's a tribute to these young men and women that the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball would make this opportunity possible."
Additionally, Major League Baseball teams often send players to visit with deployed servicemembers overseas, the general pointed out.
Roudebush was accompanied to the ballpark by Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, the commander of the Air Force District of Washington. Smolen echoed Roudebush's sentiments.
"America's national pastime is baseball, and so to have these recruits out here during a national sporting event like this gives Americans a chance to see some of their finest young people, their sons and daughters, going out to defend freedom," Smolen said.
New Air Force member Stefon Brown, 20, said he wasn't worried that America is at war with global terrorism.
"I believe that fighting for my country is right," said Brown, who hails from Washington, D.C.
Jessica Lee, 18, an Army recruit from Waldorf, Md., said she joined the military because she wants to help to safeguard America's way of life.
"I joined because I strongly believe in freedom and I don't believe that you should leave (defending) it up to everyone else," Lee said.
After the enlistment ceremony, military "old-hands" Army Sgt. 1st Class David Nimmers, Marine Sgt. Landon Fielder, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class David Pino, Air Force Airman 1st Class Randy Lopez, and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Edwards each threw one ceremonial pitch.
"It's pretty amazing. I'd never dreamed I'd get a chance to do this," Fielder, a 23-year-old Marine stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., said as he waited his turn at the pitcher's mound.
One of the National's founding partners, Alphonso Maldon Jr., a retired Army officer and a former assistant secretary of defense for force management policy, also was on hand to greet the servicemembers.
The Nationals' salute to the military "is absolutely one of the best things that we do," Maldon said, noting America's servicemembers are deployed to places like Afghanistan and Iraq to defend freedom.
"This is the least we can do to for our men and women, to show our appreciation for the service that they're rendering for this great country of ours," Maldon said. The pre-game ceremony may have inspired the Nationals, who beat the Marlins 6-0 later that evening. Washington had endured an eight-game losing streak before the win.
The Nationals are among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces here and abroad.
During the pre-game activities, the Nationals displayed an American Supports You advertisement on one of the stadium's massive public viewing screens.
England has participated in a number of America Supports You-hosted events.
"This is a wonderful program across the country for our military, but also for our citizens," the deputy defense secretary said. "It gives them an opportunity to support our military every day and to be able to come forward and say 'Thank You' for their great service to our country."
Article sponsored by police officers who have written books on law enforcement jobs; as well as those involved in writing on leadership.
American Forces Press Service
May 13, 2007 – The Washington Nationals baseball team saluted the U.S. military during an evening pre-game program May 11 that featured fireworks, a group enlistment and servicemembers tossing ceremonial pitches. Military Appreciation Night activities held at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium here also included Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England, who met with Army, Marine, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard members in attendance. Afterward, England and his military and civilian staff took in the game between the Nationals and the Florida Marlins.
"This is wonderful. I was just talking to all the new recruits, asking them what they're going to do in the military," England said during the pre-game ceremonies. "I told them this is a great, great time to be joining the military.
"First, it's a great career and it's a great opportunity to serve their country at the same time," England said.
Twelve recruits -- three Air Force, five Navy and four Army -- took oaths of enlistment in a ceremony presided over by Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush.
"They've made a commitment to serve our nation, something much bigger than themselves or any of us," Roudebush said of the new servicemembers. "I think it's a tribute to these young men and women that the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball would make this opportunity possible."
Additionally, Major League Baseball teams often send players to visit with deployed servicemembers overseas, the general pointed out.
Roudebush was accompanied to the ballpark by Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, the commander of the Air Force District of Washington. Smolen echoed Roudebush's sentiments.
"America's national pastime is baseball, and so to have these recruits out here during a national sporting event like this gives Americans a chance to see some of their finest young people, their sons and daughters, going out to defend freedom," Smolen said.
New Air Force member Stefon Brown, 20, said he wasn't worried that America is at war with global terrorism.
"I believe that fighting for my country is right," said Brown, who hails from Washington, D.C.
Jessica Lee, 18, an Army recruit from Waldorf, Md., said she joined the military because she wants to help to safeguard America's way of life.
"I joined because I strongly believe in freedom and I don't believe that you should leave (defending) it up to everyone else," Lee said.
After the enlistment ceremony, military "old-hands" Army Sgt. 1st Class David Nimmers, Marine Sgt. Landon Fielder, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class David Pino, Air Force Airman 1st Class Randy Lopez, and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Edwards each threw one ceremonial pitch.
"It's pretty amazing. I'd never dreamed I'd get a chance to do this," Fielder, a 23-year-old Marine stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., said as he waited his turn at the pitcher's mound.
One of the National's founding partners, Alphonso Maldon Jr., a retired Army officer and a former assistant secretary of defense for force management policy, also was on hand to greet the servicemembers.
The Nationals' salute to the military "is absolutely one of the best things that we do," Maldon said, noting America's servicemembers are deployed to places like Afghanistan and Iraq to defend freedom.
"This is the least we can do to for our men and women, to show our appreciation for the service that they're rendering for this great country of ours," Maldon said. The pre-game ceremony may have inspired the Nationals, who beat the Marlins 6-0 later that evening. Washington had endured an eight-game losing streak before the win.
The Nationals are among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces here and abroad.
During the pre-game activities, the Nationals displayed an American Supports You advertisement on one of the stadium's massive public viewing screens.
England has participated in a number of America Supports You-hosted events.
"This is a wonderful program across the country for our military, but also for our citizens," the deputy defense secretary said. "It gives them an opportunity to support our military every day and to be able to come forward and say 'Thank You' for their great service to our country."
Article sponsored by police officers who have written books on law enforcement jobs; as well as those involved in writing on leadership.
SemperComm Cites Troops for Morale-Boosting Efforts Overseas
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 13, 2007 – Four servicemembers who recently returned from deployments to remote sites in Iraq and Afghanistan were recognized May 10 for their efforts in boosting their fellow troops' morale. SemperComm, a nonprofit group founded to boost the morale of troops deployed to remote duty posts, presented its SemperComm Award to four servicemembers who promoted morale, welfare and recreation projects at their posts.
This year's winners were:
-- Marine 1st Sgt. Kevin Conboy, who returned home in March after serving for six months with C Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Iraq's Anbar province;
-- Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Wright, a reservist who just returned from a 10-month deployment to Iraq with Marine Corps 4th Civil Affairs Group, Detachment 4;
-- Navy Lt. Marc Soss, a reservist who recently returned from a seven-month deployment to Camp Clark, Afghanistan, where he served as morale, welfare and recreation program manager; and
-- Army Capt. Wayne Keeler, who served with the National Police Transition Team at Forward Operating Base Union 3 in Baghdad.
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Jay Foley, former commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and a member of the awards selection committee, praised the troops for helping improve the quality of life at their bases. Many, he noted, lacked basic communications, entertainment and recreation support that larger military facilities enjoy.
Conboy, for example, managed his company's morale and welfare program, making sure all 500-plus members were well-stocked with "things we all take for granted" such as socks, gloves, soap, shampoo, snacks and newspapers, Foley said.
He worked some of his "supply magic" during Christmastime, ensuring more than 500 care packages from home arrived on time. "All I did was ask, and the American people did all the rest," Conboy said, shrugging.
He also installed a new computer system to enable Marines to send e-mails and call home.
Wright, a reservist from Loveland, Colo., earned the nickname "combat plumber" by putting his engineering skills and muscles to work after every duty day to repair and upgrade plumbing at the Al Anbar Government Center, Foley said.
The facility, used as a routine stopping point for transiting Marines needing a hot meal, shower and a few hours of downtime, had poor shower and sanitary facilities before Wright turned things around, Foley said.
"Using a pick ax and a shovel and any other tools he could muster, Staff Sergeant Wright worked for an additional five to six hours nearly every evening, repairing broken plumbing, replacing fixtures and adding new facilities so his fellow Marines could actually rest and recharge while at Al Anbar," he said.
Soss, a reservist from Bradenton, Fla., "worked double-time" to ensure troops at his post had access to recreational opportunities, Foley said. He organized marathons and pool parties, set up a 20-person gymnasium, arranged safe transport, food and lodging to take troops to road races at other bases, set up weekly power tournament nights and developed a base communications system so troops could contact home.
Soss also coordinated a fundraiser for the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center's Wounded Warrior Program that enables wounded troops to leave the hospital periodically for recreation and entertainment, Foley said.
Keeler, the only awardee not present at last night's gala and awards ceremony, applied his skills as a cabinet maker, along with his "innate ability to negotiate deals for supplies and needed equipment," to become an invaluable member of his team, Foley said.
After his normal duties training Iraqi police recruits, Keeler built furniture and extensively renovated the local facilities with leftover lumber and power tools he purchased himself, Foley noted.
He built a loft for his roommate, a set of desks and other furniture for the command's operations center and a large outdoor patio, complete with barbecue. In addition, Keeler put a roof over a small outdoor plaza to create a mess and entertainment room, complete with tiered seating so troops could watch movies and sporting events stadium-style.
Conboy said serving at a remote post makes troops realize how much they miss the comforts of home.
"We live in a real sugar-cookie society that's nice and clean and has sprinkles on it," he said. "When you go to the Third World, you feel like you're on the dark side of the moon. You really miss the things you took for granted."
Foley said this year's SemperComm Award winners worked "tirelessly above and beyond the scope of the regular assignment" to help improve conditions at their posts.
"These are the selfless ones, nominated by their units and peers," he said. "Their contributions have inspired and encouraged those with whom they served in Iraq and Afghanistan."
SemperComm Foundation Executive Director Lara Coffee praised the winners' efforts to boost morale for deployed troops in remote sites.
"The SemperComm Award winners find ways to keep their comrades' spirits up while they're stationed so far away from home," she said.
"They exemplify service - the kind of service SemperComm itself provides," she said. "Our award winners work hard to keep unit morale up, which is essential for our uniformed men and women, especially as duty tours continue to get longer."
Lara called good morale a key to ensuring troops stay safe and the mission gets accomplished. "Keeping spirits high helps military personnel stay focused on the job at hand and get home safely," she said.
SemperComm is a partner in the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program showcases the myriad efforts of private citizens, schools, churches, corporations and other groups to show support for the men and women in uniform.
Article sponsored by police officers who have written books on law enforcement jobs; as well as those involved in writing on leadership.
American Forces Press Service
May 13, 2007 – Four servicemembers who recently returned from deployments to remote sites in Iraq and Afghanistan were recognized May 10 for their efforts in boosting their fellow troops' morale. SemperComm, a nonprofit group founded to boost the morale of troops deployed to remote duty posts, presented its SemperComm Award to four servicemembers who promoted morale, welfare and recreation projects at their posts.
This year's winners were:
-- Marine 1st Sgt. Kevin Conboy, who returned home in March after serving for six months with C Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Iraq's Anbar province;
-- Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Wright, a reservist who just returned from a 10-month deployment to Iraq with Marine Corps 4th Civil Affairs Group, Detachment 4;
-- Navy Lt. Marc Soss, a reservist who recently returned from a seven-month deployment to Camp Clark, Afghanistan, where he served as morale, welfare and recreation program manager; and
-- Army Capt. Wayne Keeler, who served with the National Police Transition Team at Forward Operating Base Union 3 in Baghdad.
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Jay Foley, former commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and a member of the awards selection committee, praised the troops for helping improve the quality of life at their bases. Many, he noted, lacked basic communications, entertainment and recreation support that larger military facilities enjoy.
Conboy, for example, managed his company's morale and welfare program, making sure all 500-plus members were well-stocked with "things we all take for granted" such as socks, gloves, soap, shampoo, snacks and newspapers, Foley said.
He worked some of his "supply magic" during Christmastime, ensuring more than 500 care packages from home arrived on time. "All I did was ask, and the American people did all the rest," Conboy said, shrugging.
He also installed a new computer system to enable Marines to send e-mails and call home.
Wright, a reservist from Loveland, Colo., earned the nickname "combat plumber" by putting his engineering skills and muscles to work after every duty day to repair and upgrade plumbing at the Al Anbar Government Center, Foley said.
The facility, used as a routine stopping point for transiting Marines needing a hot meal, shower and a few hours of downtime, had poor shower and sanitary facilities before Wright turned things around, Foley said.
"Using a pick ax and a shovel and any other tools he could muster, Staff Sergeant Wright worked for an additional five to six hours nearly every evening, repairing broken plumbing, replacing fixtures and adding new facilities so his fellow Marines could actually rest and recharge while at Al Anbar," he said.
Soss, a reservist from Bradenton, Fla., "worked double-time" to ensure troops at his post had access to recreational opportunities, Foley said. He organized marathons and pool parties, set up a 20-person gymnasium, arranged safe transport, food and lodging to take troops to road races at other bases, set up weekly power tournament nights and developed a base communications system so troops could contact home.
Soss also coordinated a fundraiser for the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center's Wounded Warrior Program that enables wounded troops to leave the hospital periodically for recreation and entertainment, Foley said.
Keeler, the only awardee not present at last night's gala and awards ceremony, applied his skills as a cabinet maker, along with his "innate ability to negotiate deals for supplies and needed equipment," to become an invaluable member of his team, Foley said.
After his normal duties training Iraqi police recruits, Keeler built furniture and extensively renovated the local facilities with leftover lumber and power tools he purchased himself, Foley noted.
He built a loft for his roommate, a set of desks and other furniture for the command's operations center and a large outdoor patio, complete with barbecue. In addition, Keeler put a roof over a small outdoor plaza to create a mess and entertainment room, complete with tiered seating so troops could watch movies and sporting events stadium-style.
Conboy said serving at a remote post makes troops realize how much they miss the comforts of home.
"We live in a real sugar-cookie society that's nice and clean and has sprinkles on it," he said. "When you go to the Third World, you feel like you're on the dark side of the moon. You really miss the things you took for granted."
Foley said this year's SemperComm Award winners worked "tirelessly above and beyond the scope of the regular assignment" to help improve conditions at their posts.
"These are the selfless ones, nominated by their units and peers," he said. "Their contributions have inspired and encouraged those with whom they served in Iraq and Afghanistan."
SemperComm Foundation Executive Director Lara Coffee praised the winners' efforts to boost morale for deployed troops in remote sites.
"The SemperComm Award winners find ways to keep their comrades' spirits up while they're stationed so far away from home," she said.
"They exemplify service - the kind of service SemperComm itself provides," she said. "Our award winners work hard to keep unit morale up, which is essential for our uniformed men and women, especially as duty tours continue to get longer."
Lara called good morale a key to ensuring troops stay safe and the mission gets accomplished. "Keeping spirits high helps military personnel stay focused on the job at hand and get home safely," she said.
SemperComm is a partner in the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program showcases the myriad efforts of private citizens, schools, churches, corporations and other groups to show support for the men and women in uniform.
Article sponsored by police officers who have written books on law enforcement jobs; as well as those involved in writing on leadership.
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