By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – Army Spc. Hollis Richardson glides across the rink, balancing his body on just a slab of metal and two thin blades. He digs two sticks into the ice, kicking up a light mist as he rushes to propel himself to the puck. Veering to the right, he evades an opponent and knocks the puck to a teammate just as he collides with another player, metal slashing metal. He quickly rights himself, gains balance and glides back into the game.
Like his time on the ice, life has been a balancing act for Richardson since he was injured just over a year ago. He was patrolling in Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his right leg and shrapnel riddled his left. The medics were racing to get him on a stretcher and out of danger when he was shot in the back. He suffered massive nerve damage to his right leg and some nerve damage to his left. He also fractured his pelvic bone.
Richardson has spent the last year recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center here, learning how to walk again and tinkering with car engines in his free time. He heard about a sled hockey team from his buddies at the hospital and decided to try it out, although he was a self-proclaimed non-athlete.
"I never played sports before except for some soccer as a kid," the 23-year-old said, a little out of breath after a two-hour practice at the Ice Center at Northwoods here. "It's been fun. I plan to keep it up; I have my own sled now and my name on my gear."
Richardson and his teammates, a mix of wounded warriors and local players, make up the San Antonio Rampage Sled Hockey Team. The sport is a modified version of ice hockey, altered to accommodate physical disabilities. Players propel themselves across the ice with sticks a third of regulation size while riding metal-frame sleds balanced on two skate blades. Aside from the equipment, the rules are about the same, as are the wrenching collisions and puck battles on the ice.
The team's coach, Lonnie Hannah, is well known in the sled hockey scene; he was part of the U.S. sled hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2002 Paralympic Games and bronze in 2006.
"The sport is great therapy, not just physically but mentally," said Hannah, also a former national champion speed skater. "It gets the guys out of the hospital and into society."
Hannah speaks from experience. He was injured in a work-related accident more than 20 years ago. But rather than being bound to a wheelchair, Hannah switched from speed skating to adaptive sports. He played wheelchair tennis and basketball before he discovered a passion for sled hockey.
"In the hospital, people are there to help, to do for you," Hannah said. "But at the rink, you're carrying and putting on your equipment, doing everything for yourself. It builds resilience."
Like the coach, referees also are volunteers. They officiate games and help facilitate weekly practices.
One of the referees stepped onto the rink near the end of a recent afternoon practice and sped across the ice with the ease of a lifelong skater. He moved the puck from the edges of the rink to keep the game going, as he joked with players to keep the mood light. The referee is a familiar face on and off the rink for the players, since he's also the commander of Fort Sam Houston.
"There's a great sense of camaraderie," said Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, who tries to squeeze as much ice time as he can into his busy schedule. "Everyone is out here working together; the sport brings a sense of team and unity.
"It's also an exhausting sport. Not so much for these guys, but for the ones who play them and aren't used to the game," he added with a smile.
Since sled hockey is not a common sport in San Antonio, teammates play each other, or "stand-up" hockey players take a seat for a game. But the game is tough for players who are accustomed to a different version of the sport.
"They had no problem beating us," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Hess, member of the San Antonio Men of War, a local ice hockey team that played the Rampage on June 16; Hess' team lost 3-1. "It's a lot more challenging than it looks. It takes a lot of strength and balance to play on a sled."
The teams' coordinator, Janis Roznowski, is working to beef up opposition for the team. The creator of the nonprofit group Operation Comfort, Roznowski was the driving force behind the sled hockey team. She decided to start a local team after taking a group of wounded warriors on a ski trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2004, where they got their first glimpse of the sport.
"The guys' eyes lit up," Roznowski said. "I thought it would be great to start a team here."
What started out as a few players knocking around a puck has grown into an organized team with national aspirations. "The San Antonio Rampage (local professional ice hockey team) adopted us, donating equipment, and San Antonio Parks and Recreation has been a great help," said Roznowski, who continues to help the players from Brooke Army Medical Center with transportation and funding for rink time. "Our next step is to build the team up and start traveling to other cities for games so we can be competitive on a national level."
In the meantime, the sled hockey team welcomes new players and has an added enticement for aspiring sled hockey enthusiasts.
"You get to go out on the ice and take out your aggression," said retired Sgt. Chris Leverkuhn, an amputee who was injured in Iraq. "I love the sport. It's a great way to keep busy and experience something new."
(Elaine Wilson works at the Fort Sam Houston Public Information Office.)
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Canines Offer Healing Therapy to Wounded Warriors
By Jen Rodriguez
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – Sweetheart, Jackson and Ellie Mae, three pooches, are helping to change the lives of wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center here. The mixed beagle, German shepherd and Lhasa Apso are therapy dogs trained to console soldiers, family members and sometimes medical staff with reassuring hugs and occasionally dog kisses.
"There's a bond between humans and animals," explained dog trainer Charlie Brugnola, of Silver Lakes, Calif. "Pets help us to deal with stress and put us in a mood that is beneficial to us."
Brugnola and his wife, Sally, brought the dogs to the hospital during June as part of the Delta Society of San Antonio Chapter Therapy Dog Program at the medical center.
"In the eyes of the wounded warriors we see a light, a light of determination and tenacity. That light glows when making contact with the eyes of Sweetheart," Brugnola said. "She looks deep into their eyes, conveying a message -- a message only she and the soldier truly comprehend. And therein lies the magic, the wonderment and the connection these animals give to humans, the ability to bond and heal in very profound ways beyond human ability."
Sweetheart, a mixed beagle, has a direct connection with soldiers and anyone who meets her. That connection is tied to a near-fatal incident that occurred several years ago.
Left to die in a burning house, Sweetheart was rescued when a witness saw the terribly burned dog sit up and wag her tail. A doctor performed skin grafts and was amazed by the canine's determination. Several people were involved with Sweetheart's recovery.
"Sweetheart is a burn survivor that inspires, motivates and melts hearts," Brugnola said. "Throughout her life, Sweetheart has repaid this obligation by helping other people."
"A number of patients felt a special kinship with Sweetheart, because of her experience of overcoming severe burns," said Chaplain (Col.) Daniel Moll, chief of the Ministry Department at Brooke Army Medical Center. "A friendly nuzzle or lick from a puppy is always a positive experience for our patients here. There's a special connection for those in the burn treatment ward."
To share Sweetheart's survivor skills, the Brugnolas decided to visit the wounded soldiers at BAMC.
"It's phenomenal what takes place here," Sally said. "We are in awe and humbled by the very men and women we strive to serve. These young soldiers and their families are an inspiration to us."
During a three-week visit, Sweetheart and Jackson, a German shepherd, laid next to soldiers during mat workouts at the Center for the Intrepid, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center here, and Ellie Mae, a Lhasa Apso, rode on the laps of soldiers in wheelchairs, all the while giving kisses.
Also, the dogs wagged a greeting to anyone within petting distance during long strolls through the hallways.
Army Sgt. Joy Nelson, an occupational therapist assistant, knows firsthand about the work of therapy dogs.
"Everyone I saw, I told them about the dogs. When patients talked about the pain, I'd tell them about the dogs. I'd say a dog can't tell you how bad it hurts," Nelson said. "And then the patient's mind would get redirected."
Nelson said one patient with a head injury had not responded as he should have until "he played with the dogs for about five minutes."
"That afternoon, he started talking more," Nelson said. "The next day he was up walking around, called his parents and was discharged from the hospital."
"There's a special connection," Moll said. "Pet therapy brings a sense of home normalcy to patients who are in the healing process.
Brugnola echoed Moll's remarks. "After the patient spent time with the dogs, it triggered that he had a dog and that he needed to take care of it."
"Animals, dogs, have been put on earth for very special reasons," Brugnola added. "We, as humans, are just starting to realize their special purpose."
(Jen Rodriguez works at Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – Sweetheart, Jackson and Ellie Mae, three pooches, are helping to change the lives of wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center here. The mixed beagle, German shepherd and Lhasa Apso are therapy dogs trained to console soldiers, family members and sometimes medical staff with reassuring hugs and occasionally dog kisses.
"There's a bond between humans and animals," explained dog trainer Charlie Brugnola, of Silver Lakes, Calif. "Pets help us to deal with stress and put us in a mood that is beneficial to us."
Brugnola and his wife, Sally, brought the dogs to the hospital during June as part of the Delta Society of San Antonio Chapter Therapy Dog Program at the medical center.
"In the eyes of the wounded warriors we see a light, a light of determination and tenacity. That light glows when making contact with the eyes of Sweetheart," Brugnola said. "She looks deep into their eyes, conveying a message -- a message only she and the soldier truly comprehend. And therein lies the magic, the wonderment and the connection these animals give to humans, the ability to bond and heal in very profound ways beyond human ability."
Sweetheart, a mixed beagle, has a direct connection with soldiers and anyone who meets her. That connection is tied to a near-fatal incident that occurred several years ago.
Left to die in a burning house, Sweetheart was rescued when a witness saw the terribly burned dog sit up and wag her tail. A doctor performed skin grafts and was amazed by the canine's determination. Several people were involved with Sweetheart's recovery.
"Sweetheart is a burn survivor that inspires, motivates and melts hearts," Brugnola said. "Throughout her life, Sweetheart has repaid this obligation by helping other people."
"A number of patients felt a special kinship with Sweetheart, because of her experience of overcoming severe burns," said Chaplain (Col.) Daniel Moll, chief of the Ministry Department at Brooke Army Medical Center. "A friendly nuzzle or lick from a puppy is always a positive experience for our patients here. There's a special connection for those in the burn treatment ward."
To share Sweetheart's survivor skills, the Brugnolas decided to visit the wounded soldiers at BAMC.
"It's phenomenal what takes place here," Sally said. "We are in awe and humbled by the very men and women we strive to serve. These young soldiers and their families are an inspiration to us."
During a three-week visit, Sweetheart and Jackson, a German shepherd, laid next to soldiers during mat workouts at the Center for the Intrepid, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center here, and Ellie Mae, a Lhasa Apso, rode on the laps of soldiers in wheelchairs, all the while giving kisses.
Also, the dogs wagged a greeting to anyone within petting distance during long strolls through the hallways.
Army Sgt. Joy Nelson, an occupational therapist assistant, knows firsthand about the work of therapy dogs.
"Everyone I saw, I told them about the dogs. When patients talked about the pain, I'd tell them about the dogs. I'd say a dog can't tell you how bad it hurts," Nelson said. "And then the patient's mind would get redirected."
Nelson said one patient with a head injury had not responded as he should have until "he played with the dogs for about five minutes."
"That afternoon, he started talking more," Nelson said. "The next day he was up walking around, called his parents and was discharged from the hospital."
"There's a special connection," Moll said. "Pet therapy brings a sense of home normalcy to patients who are in the healing process.
Brugnola echoed Moll's remarks. "After the patient spent time with the dogs, it triggered that he had a dog and that he needed to take care of it."
"Animals, dogs, have been put on earth for very special reasons," Brugnola added. "We, as humans, are just starting to realize their special purpose."
(Jen Rodriguez works at Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs.)
Friday, July 06, 2007
U.S., Italian Military Leaders Meet
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – The top U.S. military officer today thanked the Italian chief of the Defense Staff for Italy's firm support in the war on terrorism. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Italian navy Adm. Giampaolo DiPaola spoke about a variety of issues during a meeting here.
The discussions are more on the line of a talk between friends, "because we are friends," Pace said following the meeting. The military-to-military connection between Italy and the United States is a mature one, he said, and it allows military leaders to accomplish a great deal without a lot of hassle.
Servicemembers from Italy and the United States serve together in many areas of the world. Italy has more than 18,000 servicemembers serving outside the country. It was one of the first countries to provide troops in Afghanistan, and Italian officers command NATO's Regional Command West based in Heart, Afghanistan. Italy also is set to take over command of the International Security Assistance Force's Capital District, which helps provide security in and around Kabul.
Italy also heads the NATO Training Mission in Iraq. Italian officers are working to develop the Iraqi army officer corps. In addition, NATO is going to take on some of the police-training mission.
Italians soldiers are participating in the United Nations Mission in Lebanon. Italian army Maj. Gen. Claudio Graziano commands the U.N. force, and about 2,500 Italian soldiers patrol in southern Lebanon.
The two military chiefs also discussed ongoing efforts in the Balkans and other operations. They closed with discussions on Italy's move to transform the Italian military.
Italy has been a good host to generations of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. The U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade is based in Vincenza; Aviano Air Base is a major operational field for the U.S. Air Force; and U.S. Navy Europe has its headquarters in Naples.
Before the meeting, Di Paola took Pace and his party to the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery in downtown Florence, ground zero for the Renaissance. The two men viewed the genius of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and many more.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – The top U.S. military officer today thanked the Italian chief of the Defense Staff for Italy's firm support in the war on terrorism. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Italian navy Adm. Giampaolo DiPaola spoke about a variety of issues during a meeting here.
The discussions are more on the line of a talk between friends, "because we are friends," Pace said following the meeting. The military-to-military connection between Italy and the United States is a mature one, he said, and it allows military leaders to accomplish a great deal without a lot of hassle.
Servicemembers from Italy and the United States serve together in many areas of the world. Italy has more than 18,000 servicemembers serving outside the country. It was one of the first countries to provide troops in Afghanistan, and Italian officers command NATO's Regional Command West based in Heart, Afghanistan. Italy also is set to take over command of the International Security Assistance Force's Capital District, which helps provide security in and around Kabul.
Italy also heads the NATO Training Mission in Iraq. Italian officers are working to develop the Iraqi army officer corps. In addition, NATO is going to take on some of the police-training mission.
Italians soldiers are participating in the United Nations Mission in Lebanon. Italian army Maj. Gen. Claudio Graziano commands the U.N. force, and about 2,500 Italian soldiers patrol in southern Lebanon.
The two military chiefs also discussed ongoing efforts in the Balkans and other operations. They closed with discussions on Italy's move to transform the Italian military.
Italy has been a good host to generations of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. The U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade is based in Vincenza; Aviano Air Base is a major operational field for the U.S. Air Force; and U.S. Navy Europe has its headquarters in Naples.
Before the meeting, Di Paola took Pace and his party to the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery in downtown Florence, ground zero for the Renaissance. The two men viewed the genius of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and many more.
Today's Troops Follow in Footsteps of Earlier Generations of Heroes
By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – America's security has always rested on the backs of men and women willing to sacrifice whatever necessary to defend it. An old Japanese quote states, "A samurai should always be prepared for death - whether his own or someone else's." Like the samurai, U.S. servicemembers freely give their lives, faithfully serving as America's avenger, wielding her mighty sword, in conflicts of the past and present.
In every battle the nation has seen, heroes have shone as a beacon for others to follow.
Below are the stories of four American heroes. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Duane Hackney, Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Williams and Army Maj. Audie Murphy are beacons of leadership for their fellow servicemembers to follow.
Each man is the most combat-decorated member of his service. All are heroes, America's version of the samurai, faithful to their country regardless of the cost.
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Duane Hackney
While at basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, during the Vietnam era, Chief Master Sgt. Duane Hackney chose to pursue a career in pararescue, a choice that continually put him in harm's way and earned him more than 70 individual awards, including the Air Force Cross.
Hackney graduated from pararescue training as an honor graduate in every phase of the course. For this, he earned the right to pick his first assignment. Instead of choosing a lush assignment stateside or in Europe, far away from the sweltering jungle, he volunteered for Detachment 7, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Three days after reporting for duty, he flew on his first combat mission. During the mission, he was struck in the leg by a .30-caliber slug. To avoid being grounded, he had a fellow pararescueman remove the bullet on the spot. This selfless act set the tone for his career, and he participated in more than 200 combat missions in three and a half years of Vietnam duty.
On his 10th mission, while pulling a wounded Marine pilot aboard his HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopter, Hackney was hit by enemy fire.
His helicopter was shot down five times over the following months, during which he earned four Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals for single acts of heroism.
He received his Air Force Cross while on a mission Feb. 6, 1967. He was the first living enlisted airman to receive the second-highest award for heroism given by the U.S. Air Force.
The dawn of the Feb. 6 mission started like any other. Hackney descended from his Jolly Green Giant to look for a downed pilot near Mu Gia pass, in North Vietnam. He searched for two hours, but inclement weather set in, and he was forced to return to base.
A few hours later, radio contact with the pilot was re-established and the chief went out again to attempt another rescue. This time, he found the severely wounded pilot. Hackney safely carried the pilot back to the helicopter to egress the jungle. However, before they could clear enemy air space, the chopper was struck by anti-aircraft artillery, and the compartment filled with smoke and fire. The chief strapped his parachute on the pilot's back and shuffled the pilot out the door.
He then searched the craft for a spare parachute, finding one just prior to a second anti-aircraft shell ripping into the helicopter. Before he could finish buckling the chute, the Jolly Green Giant's fuel line exploded, blasting him out the door without the chute on his back. With the parachute clenched in his arms, he managed to pull the cord before plummeting into the jungle 250 feet below. Though the chute slowed his fall, he still plunged more than 80 feet onto a rocky ledge below.
Despite being severely burned and wounded by shrapnel, Hackney managed to evade the enemy and thwart capture. The heroic rescuer was rescued by a fellow pararescueman and was returned to Da Nang Air Base. When he got back, he learned that he was the only survivor from the mission. Four other crewmembers and the pilot he rescued were lost in the operation.
For giving up his parachute and risking his own life, he received the Air Force Cross. He was the youngest airman and the second enlisted member to receive the medal. The first was Airman 1st Class William Pitzenbarger, also a pararescueman, who received the award posthumously.
After Vietnam, the chief continued his distinguished Air Force career and retired in 1991. Two years later he died of a heart attack in his Pennsylvania home. He was 46 years old.
Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller
Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in U.S. history, is one of only two people to receive a Navy Cross, the Navy's second-highest decoration, five times.
Puller earned 52 separate, subsequent and foreign awards in his 37-year career with the Marine Corps.
With five Navy Crosses and a Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second highest decoration, Puller received the nation's second highest military decoration six times.
Prior to his involvement in World War I, Puller, then an Army sergeant, was accepted into the Virginia Military Institute, in Lexington, Va., to pursue a commissioned career in the Army.
As America's involvement in World War I intensified, the sergeant, who was nicknamed "Chesty" for his barrel chest, resigned from the college and enlisted as a private in the Marine Corps. His reasons were summed up in his quote, "I want to go where the guns are."
After his 1919 re-enlistment, he saw action in Haiti. There, he participated in more than 40 combat engagements over the course of five years.
In 1924, he returned stateside and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He spent four years at various stateside assignments before returning overseas in 1928, where he earned his first Navy Cross in Nicaragua. He spent a second tour in Nicaragua in 1933, when he earned a second Navy Cross for leading five successive actions against superior numbers of outlaw forces.
Puller earned three Navy Crosses in World War II: in Guam, Guadalcanal, and finally in Japan.
On Guadalcanal, for action that is now known as the Battle for Henderson Field, Puller's battalion was the only American unit defending an airfield against a regiment-strength Japanese force. In a three-hour firefight, his unit suffered 70 casualties while the Japanese lost more than 1,400 troops, and the American's held the airfield.
Puller was quoted as saying, "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us. ... They can't get away this time," about the battle.
He earned his fifth Navy Cross in November 1950 during the intense Battle of Chosin Reservoir. During the firefight, then-Col. Puller was quoted as saying, "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things."
In 1966, he requested to be reinstated in the Corps in order to see action in the Vietnam War, but the request was denied on the basis of his age.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Williams
Born and raised in South Carolina, Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Williams was the most-decorated enlisted man in Navy history. He received a Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Silver Star, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and a Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device.
The petty officer received the Medal of Honor for his service on the Mekong River in Vietnam on Oct. 31, 1966, while serving as a boat captain and patrol officer. His vessel and another river-patrol boat were searching for contraband when crewmembers spotted two speedboats. Williams pursued and sunk one of the boats, then turned and went after the second, which was hiding in an 8-foot-wide canal in front of a rice paddy.
He knew his boat wouldn't fit in the canal, but after checking a map realized he could pass through a wider canal and intercept the enemy's vessel.
He proceeded with his plan. However, after exiting the canal, he found himself and his crew in a hostile staging area where they came under heavy fire from more enemy boats and North Vietnamese troops on the shore.
U.S. helicopter support eventually arrived, so Williams moved his vessel to another enemy boat staging area down river, where another fierce battle was under way.
After more than three hours of fighting, his patrol had accounted for the destruction or loss of 65 enemy boats and more than 1,000 enemy troops.
"You gotta stop and think about your shipmates," he said during a 1998 interview with the Navy's All Hands Magazine. "That's what makes you a great person and a great leader -- taking care of each other."
Williams passed away in 1999.
Maj. Audie Murphy
Immediately following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941, Audie Murphy, a 17-year-old son of poor, rural sharecroppers, tried to enlist in the military, but the services rejected him because he had not yet reached the required age of 18.
Shortly after his 18th birthday, Murphy tried to enlist in the Marine Corps but was turned down for being too short. Finally, the 5-foot-5-inch man was accepted into the Army and sent to Camp Wolters, Texas, for basic training.
During a close-order-drill session, he passed out. Fearing his apparent weaknesses, his company commander tried to have him transferred to a cook and bakers school, but the private insisted on becoming a combat soldier.
His thirst for combat was finally quenched when he was ordered to help liberate Sicily on July 10, 1943. Shortly after arriving, he experienced his first combat encounter and defeated two enemy officers. For this action, his captain promoted him to corporal.
Murphy distinguished himself in combat on many occasions while in Italy earning several promotions and decorations.
Following the Italian campaign, Murphy's unit was ordered to invade southern France. Shortly thereafter, Murphy's best friend was killed while approaching a German soldier feigning surrender. His friend's death sent him into a rage, and he single-handedly wiped out the German machine gun crew responsible. He then used the German machine gun and grenades to destroy several nearby enemy positions. For this act, he received a Distinguished Service Cross.
He was awarded a battlefield commission and given a platoon. Twelve days after the promotion, he was shot by a sniper and spent 10 weeks recuperating.
When he returned to his unit, Murphy became the company commander and was wounded by mortar rounds that killed two soldiers near him.
The next day, despite the bitter-cold temperature and more than 24 inches of snow on the ground, his unit entered the battle at Holtzwihr, France. With only 19 of his 128 soldiers engaged, his men seemed doomed. Subsequently, he sent all of his men to the rear while he continued to engage the Germans until he ran out of ammunition.
Without the means to return fire, Murphy looked to an abandoned, burning tank nearby. He secured its .50-caliber machine gun and used it to saw down German infantry at a distance. During the engagement, he destroyed a full squad of German infantry that had crawled in a ditch to within 100 feet of his position. Murphy suffered several leg wounds yet released his fury on the enemy for almost an hour.
Eventually, his telephone line to the artillery fire-direction center was cut by enemy fire. Without the ability to call on artillery, he summoned his remaining men and organized them to conduct a counter attack, which ultimately drove the enemy away from Holtzwihr. These actions earned Murphy the Medal of Honor.
During World War II, Murphy was credited with destroying six tanks, killing more than 240 German soldiers, and wounding and capturing many others. By the end of World War II, he was a legend within 3rd Infantry Division as a result of his heroism and battlefield leadership.
During his career, Murphy received 33 U.S. medals, five French medals and one from Belgium.
Despite suffering from insomnia, bouts of depression and nightmares as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder, he raised his hand and volunteered for duty when the Korean conflict broke out in 1950. However, he was never called up for combat duty. By the time he retired in 1966, he had attained the rank of major.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace is assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – America's security has always rested on the backs of men and women willing to sacrifice whatever necessary to defend it. An old Japanese quote states, "A samurai should always be prepared for death - whether his own or someone else's." Like the samurai, U.S. servicemembers freely give their lives, faithfully serving as America's avenger, wielding her mighty sword, in conflicts of the past and present.
In every battle the nation has seen, heroes have shone as a beacon for others to follow.
Below are the stories of four American heroes. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Duane Hackney, Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Williams and Army Maj. Audie Murphy are beacons of leadership for their fellow servicemembers to follow.
Each man is the most combat-decorated member of his service. All are heroes, America's version of the samurai, faithful to their country regardless of the cost.
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Duane Hackney
While at basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, during the Vietnam era, Chief Master Sgt. Duane Hackney chose to pursue a career in pararescue, a choice that continually put him in harm's way and earned him more than 70 individual awards, including the Air Force Cross.
Hackney graduated from pararescue training as an honor graduate in every phase of the course. For this, he earned the right to pick his first assignment. Instead of choosing a lush assignment stateside or in Europe, far away from the sweltering jungle, he volunteered for Detachment 7, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Three days after reporting for duty, he flew on his first combat mission. During the mission, he was struck in the leg by a .30-caliber slug. To avoid being grounded, he had a fellow pararescueman remove the bullet on the spot. This selfless act set the tone for his career, and he participated in more than 200 combat missions in three and a half years of Vietnam duty.
On his 10th mission, while pulling a wounded Marine pilot aboard his HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopter, Hackney was hit by enemy fire.
His helicopter was shot down five times over the following months, during which he earned four Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals for single acts of heroism.
He received his Air Force Cross while on a mission Feb. 6, 1967. He was the first living enlisted airman to receive the second-highest award for heroism given by the U.S. Air Force.
The dawn of the Feb. 6 mission started like any other. Hackney descended from his Jolly Green Giant to look for a downed pilot near Mu Gia pass, in North Vietnam. He searched for two hours, but inclement weather set in, and he was forced to return to base.
A few hours later, radio contact with the pilot was re-established and the chief went out again to attempt another rescue. This time, he found the severely wounded pilot. Hackney safely carried the pilot back to the helicopter to egress the jungle. However, before they could clear enemy air space, the chopper was struck by anti-aircraft artillery, and the compartment filled with smoke and fire. The chief strapped his parachute on the pilot's back and shuffled the pilot out the door.
He then searched the craft for a spare parachute, finding one just prior to a second anti-aircraft shell ripping into the helicopter. Before he could finish buckling the chute, the Jolly Green Giant's fuel line exploded, blasting him out the door without the chute on his back. With the parachute clenched in his arms, he managed to pull the cord before plummeting into the jungle 250 feet below. Though the chute slowed his fall, he still plunged more than 80 feet onto a rocky ledge below.
Despite being severely burned and wounded by shrapnel, Hackney managed to evade the enemy and thwart capture. The heroic rescuer was rescued by a fellow pararescueman and was returned to Da Nang Air Base. When he got back, he learned that he was the only survivor from the mission. Four other crewmembers and the pilot he rescued were lost in the operation.
For giving up his parachute and risking his own life, he received the Air Force Cross. He was the youngest airman and the second enlisted member to receive the medal. The first was Airman 1st Class William Pitzenbarger, also a pararescueman, who received the award posthumously.
After Vietnam, the chief continued his distinguished Air Force career and retired in 1991. Two years later he died of a heart attack in his Pennsylvania home. He was 46 years old.
Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller
Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in U.S. history, is one of only two people to receive a Navy Cross, the Navy's second-highest decoration, five times.
Puller earned 52 separate, subsequent and foreign awards in his 37-year career with the Marine Corps.
With five Navy Crosses and a Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second highest decoration, Puller received the nation's second highest military decoration six times.
Prior to his involvement in World War I, Puller, then an Army sergeant, was accepted into the Virginia Military Institute, in Lexington, Va., to pursue a commissioned career in the Army.
As America's involvement in World War I intensified, the sergeant, who was nicknamed "Chesty" for his barrel chest, resigned from the college and enlisted as a private in the Marine Corps. His reasons were summed up in his quote, "I want to go where the guns are."
After his 1919 re-enlistment, he saw action in Haiti. There, he participated in more than 40 combat engagements over the course of five years.
In 1924, he returned stateside and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He spent four years at various stateside assignments before returning overseas in 1928, where he earned his first Navy Cross in Nicaragua. He spent a second tour in Nicaragua in 1933, when he earned a second Navy Cross for leading five successive actions against superior numbers of outlaw forces.
Puller earned three Navy Crosses in World War II: in Guam, Guadalcanal, and finally in Japan.
On Guadalcanal, for action that is now known as the Battle for Henderson Field, Puller's battalion was the only American unit defending an airfield against a regiment-strength Japanese force. In a three-hour firefight, his unit suffered 70 casualties while the Japanese lost more than 1,400 troops, and the American's held the airfield.
Puller was quoted as saying, "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us. ... They can't get away this time," about the battle.
He earned his fifth Navy Cross in November 1950 during the intense Battle of Chosin Reservoir. During the firefight, then-Col. Puller was quoted as saying, "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things."
In 1966, he requested to be reinstated in the Corps in order to see action in the Vietnam War, but the request was denied on the basis of his age.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Williams
Born and raised in South Carolina, Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Williams was the most-decorated enlisted man in Navy history. He received a Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Silver Star, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and a Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device.
The petty officer received the Medal of Honor for his service on the Mekong River in Vietnam on Oct. 31, 1966, while serving as a boat captain and patrol officer. His vessel and another river-patrol boat were searching for contraband when crewmembers spotted two speedboats. Williams pursued and sunk one of the boats, then turned and went after the second, which was hiding in an 8-foot-wide canal in front of a rice paddy.
He knew his boat wouldn't fit in the canal, but after checking a map realized he could pass through a wider canal and intercept the enemy's vessel.
He proceeded with his plan. However, after exiting the canal, he found himself and his crew in a hostile staging area where they came under heavy fire from more enemy boats and North Vietnamese troops on the shore.
U.S. helicopter support eventually arrived, so Williams moved his vessel to another enemy boat staging area down river, where another fierce battle was under way.
After more than three hours of fighting, his patrol had accounted for the destruction or loss of 65 enemy boats and more than 1,000 enemy troops.
"You gotta stop and think about your shipmates," he said during a 1998 interview with the Navy's All Hands Magazine. "That's what makes you a great person and a great leader -- taking care of each other."
Williams passed away in 1999.
Maj. Audie Murphy
Immediately following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941, Audie Murphy, a 17-year-old son of poor, rural sharecroppers, tried to enlist in the military, but the services rejected him because he had not yet reached the required age of 18.
Shortly after his 18th birthday, Murphy tried to enlist in the Marine Corps but was turned down for being too short. Finally, the 5-foot-5-inch man was accepted into the Army and sent to Camp Wolters, Texas, for basic training.
During a close-order-drill session, he passed out. Fearing his apparent weaknesses, his company commander tried to have him transferred to a cook and bakers school, but the private insisted on becoming a combat soldier.
His thirst for combat was finally quenched when he was ordered to help liberate Sicily on July 10, 1943. Shortly after arriving, he experienced his first combat encounter and defeated two enemy officers. For this action, his captain promoted him to corporal.
Murphy distinguished himself in combat on many occasions while in Italy earning several promotions and decorations.
Following the Italian campaign, Murphy's unit was ordered to invade southern France. Shortly thereafter, Murphy's best friend was killed while approaching a German soldier feigning surrender. His friend's death sent him into a rage, and he single-handedly wiped out the German machine gun crew responsible. He then used the German machine gun and grenades to destroy several nearby enemy positions. For this act, he received a Distinguished Service Cross.
He was awarded a battlefield commission and given a platoon. Twelve days after the promotion, he was shot by a sniper and spent 10 weeks recuperating.
When he returned to his unit, Murphy became the company commander and was wounded by mortar rounds that killed two soldiers near him.
The next day, despite the bitter-cold temperature and more than 24 inches of snow on the ground, his unit entered the battle at Holtzwihr, France. With only 19 of his 128 soldiers engaged, his men seemed doomed. Subsequently, he sent all of his men to the rear while he continued to engage the Germans until he ran out of ammunition.
Without the means to return fire, Murphy looked to an abandoned, burning tank nearby. He secured its .50-caliber machine gun and used it to saw down German infantry at a distance. During the engagement, he destroyed a full squad of German infantry that had crawled in a ditch to within 100 feet of his position. Murphy suffered several leg wounds yet released his fury on the enemy for almost an hour.
Eventually, his telephone line to the artillery fire-direction center was cut by enemy fire. Without the ability to call on artillery, he summoned his remaining men and organized them to conduct a counter attack, which ultimately drove the enemy away from Holtzwihr. These actions earned Murphy the Medal of Honor.
During World War II, Murphy was credited with destroying six tanks, killing more than 240 German soldiers, and wounding and capturing many others. By the end of World War II, he was a legend within 3rd Infantry Division as a result of his heroism and battlefield leadership.
During his career, Murphy received 33 U.S. medals, five French medals and one from Belgium.
Despite suffering from insomnia, bouts of depression and nightmares as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder, he raised his hand and volunteered for duty when the Korean conflict broke out in 1950. However, he was never called up for combat duty. By the time he retired in 1966, he had attained the rank of major.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace is assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing.)
North Korea Expected to Field New, Higher-Threat Missile Soon
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – U.S. officials are "deeply concerned" that North Korea is close to fielding a new short-range missile that could ultimately end up on the international arms market, an outgoing senior defense official said here today. Richard Lawless, who retired June 30 after almost five years as deputy assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific affairs, told Pentagon reporters the new missile would destabilize the Korean Peninsula and the region.
"As this system approaches operational status and is deployed in large numbers, you have for the first time in the North Korean inventory a solid-fuel, highly mobile, highly accurate system whose only purpose, given its range, is to strike the Republic of Korea," he said.
Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, expressed similar concerns earlier this week at the National Press Club.
Bell called North Korea's nuclear weapons program "extremely provocative, threatening and dangerous." He pointed to North Korea's recent firing of three surface-to-surface missiles, its third test firing of short-range missiles since May 25, an indication that the program is moving forward fast.
"This is a very real threat which cannot be ignored," Bell said.
Lawless said the United States is "talking to the (North) Korean government very actively about this" issue. "We have a problem with this new system because it is much more accurate and much more survivable than the huge Scud (missile) force ... already targeted on the Republic of Korea," he said.
But an even bigger concern, Lawless said, is that North Korea could end up exporting the missiles around the world.
"The North Koreans don't build anything they're not willing to sell to somebody else for the right price," he said. "So if that system is proven and deployable, I would assume it would also go on sale on the international arms market. And wherever it goes, it will have that same capacity (and) that same capability: solid fuel, highly mobile, highly accurate to 120 to 140 kilometers."
Lawless said the missile tests demonstrate that North Korea has no intention of allowing the Six-Party Talks to curb its capabilities expansion. The talks, which include North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States, are aimed at a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
Through the talks, North Korea agreed in February to shut down some of its nuclear facilities in exchange for fuel aid and more normalized relations with the United States and Japan.
"All other five members of that six-party group (are) watching very carefully how the North Koreans execute and whether they execute in sequence and on schedule," Lawless said.
A lot is riding on how North Korea complies with its commitment, he said.
"Immediately in front of us, we have a situation where the North Koreans are responsible for shutting down and then allowing (the International Atomic Energy Agency) to verify the shutdown of some very specific facilities," he said. "If they do that on time as promised according to the sequence schedule, that will be an indicator ... to the United States government that we have somebody that we can deal with."
But past experience casts doubt on that outcome, he acknowledged. "If, on the other hand, games continue to be played -- if there is basically a bait-and-switch approach, which has characterized previous interactions with the North Koreans -- I think we will have to reconsider," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – U.S. officials are "deeply concerned" that North Korea is close to fielding a new short-range missile that could ultimately end up on the international arms market, an outgoing senior defense official said here today. Richard Lawless, who retired June 30 after almost five years as deputy assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific affairs, told Pentagon reporters the new missile would destabilize the Korean Peninsula and the region.
"As this system approaches operational status and is deployed in large numbers, you have for the first time in the North Korean inventory a solid-fuel, highly mobile, highly accurate system whose only purpose, given its range, is to strike the Republic of Korea," he said.
Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, expressed similar concerns earlier this week at the National Press Club.
Bell called North Korea's nuclear weapons program "extremely provocative, threatening and dangerous." He pointed to North Korea's recent firing of three surface-to-surface missiles, its third test firing of short-range missiles since May 25, an indication that the program is moving forward fast.
"This is a very real threat which cannot be ignored," Bell said.
Lawless said the United States is "talking to the (North) Korean government very actively about this" issue. "We have a problem with this new system because it is much more accurate and much more survivable than the huge Scud (missile) force ... already targeted on the Republic of Korea," he said.
But an even bigger concern, Lawless said, is that North Korea could end up exporting the missiles around the world.
"The North Koreans don't build anything they're not willing to sell to somebody else for the right price," he said. "So if that system is proven and deployable, I would assume it would also go on sale on the international arms market. And wherever it goes, it will have that same capacity (and) that same capability: solid fuel, highly mobile, highly accurate to 120 to 140 kilometers."
Lawless said the missile tests demonstrate that North Korea has no intention of allowing the Six-Party Talks to curb its capabilities expansion. The talks, which include North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States, are aimed at a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
Through the talks, North Korea agreed in February to shut down some of its nuclear facilities in exchange for fuel aid and more normalized relations with the United States and Japan.
"All other five members of that six-party group (are) watching very carefully how the North Koreans execute and whether they execute in sequence and on schedule," Lawless said.
A lot is riding on how North Korea complies with its commitment, he said.
"Immediately in front of us, we have a situation where the North Koreans are responsible for shutting down and then allowing (the International Atomic Energy Agency) to verify the shutdown of some very specific facilities," he said. "If they do that on time as promised according to the sequence schedule, that will be an indicator ... to the United States government that we have somebody that we can deal with."
But past experience casts doubt on that outcome, he acknowledged. "If, on the other hand, games continue to be played -- if there is basically a bait-and-switch approach, which has characterized previous interactions with the North Koreans -- I think we will have to reconsider," he said.
Secretary of State Visits Servicemembers at AT&T National Tournament
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – Taking a break from Gulf diplomacy, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spent some time this afternoon at Congressional Country Club here focusing on golf diplomacy. Around 3 p.m., the secretary arrived at the 13th hole to meet with seven Army special forces soldiers and two wounded war veterans. The soldiers and veterans are representative of thousands of servicemembers honored this week during the AT&T National PGA golf tournament hosted by Tiger Woods.
Woods, whose father Earl Woods was an Army special forces soldier for 12 years, has infused the inaugural tournament, which runs July 3-8, with tributes to troops.
"This is a very special tournament for Tiger Woods and all of these great golfers, and the PGA Tour to really put together an event that honors our troops, honors their service, and honors their sacrifice," Rice said.
As she walked the grounds here, Rice described sensing a palpable feeling of support for America's troops. She said Americans understand that military service requires troops and families to make great sacrifices, commit to long deployments and sometimes lose comrades.
"I have not seen a person out here who has seen somebody in uniform (and let them) pass by," she said. "They thank (servicemembers) for what they're doing. That makes a real difference for the country, because I know that our troops know that they're being supported, but it's also important for the American people to have a way to show that support."
Retired Army Sgt. Michelle Saunders, who was wounded in Iraq, said the outpouring of support humbles her.
"We signed up, we raised our right hand because we wanted to; it wasn't because we were forced to," she said. "I know a lot of people on the receiving end say it's humbling for them, but it's actually very humbling for us."
Saunders and a group of servicemembers will be treated to a day on the links here July 9, a day after the official tournament ends. Playing on a tournament-quality course is a rare opportunity that few have the fortune to enjoy, she said.
Woods actually played in a golf foursome July 4 that included two servicemembers. He and tournament sponsors will give 30,000 tournatment tickets to U.S. military personnel over the course of the tournament week, and those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification.
"My dad was retired, but I grew up on a military base, and played golf there and that was my home course," Woods said during the July 4 opening ceremony. "For me, all my life, I've been part of the military.
"I've always been around (servicemembers)," he said. "I understand the commitment it takes for men and women to do what they do each and every day. That's a commitment that I don't think that people truly understand."
Allison Barber, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, called the tournament the "perfect package" to express support for servicemembers.
"The PGA Tour goes out of its way to use the golf world to highlight and thank our troops," Barber said. "And then you have Dr. Rice - and there's nobody busier - and she comes out, not just to watch golf, but she wanted to come out and thank the Tiger Woods Foundation, thank the PGA Tour, but she really wanted to spend time with our troops.
"I think if our troops got one message this weekend, the message should be that everybody is doing what they can do, within their worlds, to show that they support the troops," Barber said. "And the message is so clear that the American people do support our men and women in the military."
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – Taking a break from Gulf diplomacy, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spent some time this afternoon at Congressional Country Club here focusing on golf diplomacy. Around 3 p.m., the secretary arrived at the 13th hole to meet with seven Army special forces soldiers and two wounded war veterans. The soldiers and veterans are representative of thousands of servicemembers honored this week during the AT&T National PGA golf tournament hosted by Tiger Woods.
Woods, whose father Earl Woods was an Army special forces soldier for 12 years, has infused the inaugural tournament, which runs July 3-8, with tributes to troops.
"This is a very special tournament for Tiger Woods and all of these great golfers, and the PGA Tour to really put together an event that honors our troops, honors their service, and honors their sacrifice," Rice said.
As she walked the grounds here, Rice described sensing a palpable feeling of support for America's troops. She said Americans understand that military service requires troops and families to make great sacrifices, commit to long deployments and sometimes lose comrades.
"I have not seen a person out here who has seen somebody in uniform (and let them) pass by," she said. "They thank (servicemembers) for what they're doing. That makes a real difference for the country, because I know that our troops know that they're being supported, but it's also important for the American people to have a way to show that support."
Retired Army Sgt. Michelle Saunders, who was wounded in Iraq, said the outpouring of support humbles her.
"We signed up, we raised our right hand because we wanted to; it wasn't because we were forced to," she said. "I know a lot of people on the receiving end say it's humbling for them, but it's actually very humbling for us."
Saunders and a group of servicemembers will be treated to a day on the links here July 9, a day after the official tournament ends. Playing on a tournament-quality course is a rare opportunity that few have the fortune to enjoy, she said.
Woods actually played in a golf foursome July 4 that included two servicemembers. He and tournament sponsors will give 30,000 tournatment tickets to U.S. military personnel over the course of the tournament week, and those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification.
"My dad was retired, but I grew up on a military base, and played golf there and that was my home course," Woods said during the July 4 opening ceremony. "For me, all my life, I've been part of the military.
"I've always been around (servicemembers)," he said. "I understand the commitment it takes for men and women to do what they do each and every day. That's a commitment that I don't think that people truly understand."
Allison Barber, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, called the tournament the "perfect package" to express support for servicemembers.
"The PGA Tour goes out of its way to use the golf world to highlight and thank our troops," Barber said. "And then you have Dr. Rice - and there's nobody busier - and she comes out, not just to watch golf, but she wanted to come out and thank the Tiger Woods Foundation, thank the PGA Tour, but she really wanted to spend time with our troops.
"I think if our troops got one message this weekend, the message should be that everybody is doing what they can do, within their worlds, to show that they support the troops," Barber said. "And the message is so clear that the American people do support our men and women in the military."
San Diego Padres Salute Military
By Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Sapp, USMC
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – In a tribute to the military and Independence Day, Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres went with a different-looking uniform for their game at Petco Park here, July 4, 2007. Sporting desert-camouflage-style uniform shirts, the Padres took on the Florida Marlins. Before the game began, the Padres gave a salute to the military in their opening ceremony in honor of Independence Day.
While including servicemembers in the pre-game festivities is a nice gesture, the Padres have taken it a step further.
Before the game began, they announced a partnership with America Supports You, a Defense Department program that helps American individuals, organizations and companies show their support for U.S. men and women serving in the military.
Fans who attended the game, which was broadcast around the globe on the Armed Forces Radio Network, were also given the opportunity to send a group "text message" to U.S. Forces stationed around the world.
Role players bearing the American flag and dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms stood in a line behind the pitcher's mound as Navy Petty Officer 1st Class J.J. Gentry, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, sang the national anthem.
"I tried not to talk beforehand so my voice would be perfect," Gentry said. "It was a good feeling being in front of all these people."
Gentry, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who was dressed in uniform, said the day had more significance than just singing in front of a large group. "I love this great nation, I love being able to serve in my military," he said. "It means a lot to me."
After Gentry completed the Star-Spangled Banner, two pitches were thrown before the game officially began.
Marine Lance Cpl. Josh McAlvey, a 22-year-old military policeman, tossed out the first ceremonial pitch. McAlvey's wife entered him in a contest on a radio station, and he was ultimately selected to do the honors. "It's a buzz to be here on the field," said McAlvey, a Lake Chelan, Wash., native. "I really can't believe it."
McAlvey, also an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, smiled when he was asked what the Fourth of July meant to him. He described the significance of the day as the "reason behind why we fight."
A third war veteran also took part in the opening ceremony. Throwing out a pitch before the game was Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathaniel Leoncia, a 25-year-old hospital corpsman from Temecula, Calif.
Navy corpsmen serve side-by-side with Marines, usually one per platoon, and act as emergency medics to give on-the-scene treatment when a servicemember is wounded. While serving in Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Leoncia was struck by the blast of an improvised explosive device.
Walking off the field to a stadium full of cheering fans, Leoncia was all smiles as he rejoined his family.
Later on in the game, between innings, Gentry took the field for an encore performance. As "God Bless America" resonated through the stadium, fans were on their feet, singing along and holding small American flags.
It was clear that there is still a patriotic feel about baseball, "America's pastime."
"This is the day to celebrate," said Dan Outcalt, a salesman from San Diego. "I mean, there is nothing better than a baseball game on the Fourth of July."
The desert-cammie jerseys must have been lucky for the Padres; they beat the Marlins 1-0.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2007 – In a tribute to the military and Independence Day, Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres went with a different-looking uniform for their game at Petco Park here, July 4, 2007. Sporting desert-camouflage-style uniform shirts, the Padres took on the Florida Marlins. Before the game began, the Padres gave a salute to the military in their opening ceremony in honor of Independence Day.
While including servicemembers in the pre-game festivities is a nice gesture, the Padres have taken it a step further.
Before the game began, they announced a partnership with America Supports You, a Defense Department program that helps American individuals, organizations and companies show their support for U.S. men and women serving in the military.
Fans who attended the game, which was broadcast around the globe on the Armed Forces Radio Network, were also given the opportunity to send a group "text message" to U.S. Forces stationed around the world.
Role players bearing the American flag and dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms stood in a line behind the pitcher's mound as Navy Petty Officer 1st Class J.J. Gentry, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, sang the national anthem.
"I tried not to talk beforehand so my voice would be perfect," Gentry said. "It was a good feeling being in front of all these people."
Gentry, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who was dressed in uniform, said the day had more significance than just singing in front of a large group. "I love this great nation, I love being able to serve in my military," he said. "It means a lot to me."
After Gentry completed the Star-Spangled Banner, two pitches were thrown before the game officially began.
Marine Lance Cpl. Josh McAlvey, a 22-year-old military policeman, tossed out the first ceremonial pitch. McAlvey's wife entered him in a contest on a radio station, and he was ultimately selected to do the honors. "It's a buzz to be here on the field," said McAlvey, a Lake Chelan, Wash., native. "I really can't believe it."
McAlvey, also an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, smiled when he was asked what the Fourth of July meant to him. He described the significance of the day as the "reason behind why we fight."
A third war veteran also took part in the opening ceremony. Throwing out a pitch before the game was Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathaniel Leoncia, a 25-year-old hospital corpsman from Temecula, Calif.
Navy corpsmen serve side-by-side with Marines, usually one per platoon, and act as emergency medics to give on-the-scene treatment when a servicemember is wounded. While serving in Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Leoncia was struck by the blast of an improvised explosive device.
Walking off the field to a stadium full of cheering fans, Leoncia was all smiles as he rejoined his family.
Later on in the game, between innings, Gentry took the field for an encore performance. As "God Bless America" resonated through the stadium, fans were on their feet, singing along and holding small American flags.
It was clear that there is still a patriotic feel about baseball, "America's pastime."
"This is the day to celebrate," said Dan Outcalt, a salesman from San Diego. "I mean, there is nothing better than a baseball game on the Fourth of July."
The desert-cammie jerseys must have been lucky for the Padres; they beat the Marlins 1-0.
Sentinels of the Sea Featured in New Pentagon Channel Documentary
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – They take on military assignments impossible for humans, and even robots, to perform. They are rewarded with fresh food, protection from predators and loving human contact. These unheralded, unknown, and often misunderstood marine mammals are saving countless lives during their underwater missions. Now, a new edition of the Pentagon Channel's monthly documentary, "Recon," offers a rare glimpse at the work of dolphins and sea lions who are acting as true "Sentinels of the Sea."
"When people mention the marine mammal program, a lot of people think of Flipper," said Mike Rothe, biosciences division manager at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego, home of the marine mammal program. "They don't think of the hole in the USS Cole. I'm not saying that dolphins could have prevented that, because they couldn't. But a well-placed limpet mine could do similar damage, and dolphins could protect against that."
In March 2003, eight dolphins took part in an active combat situation when they helped military divers locate more than 100 mines and explosives hidden by Saddam Hussein's forces in the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.
"Using biosonar ability, dolphins can detect underwater objects at great range with a speed and accuracy no present device can come close to," said Recon host Air Force Master Sgt. Daniela Marchus, who added that while the job sounds extremely dangerous, in reality the risks are small.
"Mines are designed to go off when hit by a ship, not when bumped by a 300- to 400-pound dolphin," she explained.
"The thing that's really cool about marine mammals is that what they do really, really well is look for stuff," Rothe said. "They look for stuff in shallow water; they look for stuff in complex environments. The Navy studied a broad range of these animals, looking for capabilities that could be applied to missions that were too difficult or dangerous for divers or couldn't be done by hardware," he said.
Consider the amazing dive capabilities of sea lions. For humans, diving to depths of a few hundred feet is considered an extremely serious task. Human divers must breathe a mixture of air and gasses mixed under pressure and surface in carefully calculated stages that, depending on the depth of the dive, could take hours.
"But the sea lion can go down and in two and a half, three minutes, they can complete a whole dive, hook up to a target, and we can recover it," said DruAnn Price, who works with the mammals in San Diego.
"From its start after World War II, up through the end of the Cold War years, this program was classified," Marchus said. "Still, some word of the Navy's use of marine animals did get out, soon followed by misconceptions about what they were being trained to do."
Countless wildly inaccurate rumors have been spread over the years about dolphins and sea lions taught by the military to be merciless killers, a notion this "Recon" puts to rest.
"There's never been a thrust in the program to use them offensively," Rothe said. "They've never been trained to drown swimmers. They've never been trained to kill people. They've never been trained to place mines on the hulls of ships. There's no dissuading some people about these mysterious missions supposedly part of the marine mammal program."
The Pentagon Channel crew got a fascinating, up-close look at how the unique social behavior of marine mammals is factored into the training process.
"All of our training emphasizes positive reinforcement," said Dr. Mark Xitco, chief of scientific and veterinary support for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program. "So we're giving animals different types of rewards when they do the right thing. Obviously that includes food, but it also includes social attention from us: petting games, toys and even opportunities to engage in other interesting behaviors like going out to the ocean and hunting for mines and swimmers, (which) is a reward in and of itself."
To get marine mammals deep into targeted areas of operation, sometimes they must be transported by boat miles out to sea. Pentagon Channel cameras captured the unusual process of "beaching," during which dolphins scoot themselves aboard Navy vessels.
"By riding in the boats with us, the animals can be transported much more rapidly to the work site," Xitco said. "But it's not a natural behavior for the animals. It's actually one of the more challenging things that we teach them."
In the course of working with dolphins and sea lions over the decades, the program has become the most sophisticated marine mammal health care system on the planet.
"What the Mayo Clinic is to human medicine, the Navy program is to marine medicine," said Dr. Eric Jensen, managing clinical veterinarian for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program.
No expense is spared to make sure dolphins and sea lions are afforded the best treatment available. That comes to food, which is, in essence, a daily gourmet feast.
"We have folks that work with the vet program that travel all over the world and inspect fish production facilities to make sure that the fish we're getting for the animals is wholesome, excellent quality, (and that it's) well taken care of as it's being caught and as it's being delivered to San Diego," Jensen said.
While sailors take the lead in training marine mammals, soldiers are in charge of health care.
"Among the program's medical staff is a team of veterinarians from the Army, which takes the lead in animal care for all the military services," Marchus said. "When any of the Navy's marine mammals are deployed, all the special care taken (in San Diego) goes on the road with them, including some of the Army's veterinarian staff."
"This provides us the capability to take our equipment wherever we go," said Army Capt. Stephen Cassel, chief of clinical veterinary services for the marine program. "So if we need to do an ultrasound or anything like that, this is kind of our home away from home where we do our work."
"This program has contributed more to the body of science on marine mammals than any other single organization," Marchus said. "And each new bit of information is used to enhance the health and welfare of marine mammals and further define what they can and can't do in support of Navy operations around the world."
Working with dolphins to locate explosives requires weeks of highly specialized training for already well-trained explosive ordnance disposal specialists.
"It's important to establish a relationship with them to get them to do what we want them to do and then reinforce it by the intimate relationship with the care and feeding of the dolphins," Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Brian Ferris explained.
The Pentagon Channel was granted extensive access to these remarkable animals and their trainers, handlers and veterinarians, and afforded rarely seen underwater video of the mammals in action.
"Sentinels of the Sea" not only offers an incredible visual journey, but also dispels many myths about the marine mammal program. For instance, dolphins have not been captured from the wild for the program in more than 20 years. Instead, all are bred in the program's San Diego headquarters. As for the few dolphins that were born in the wild decades ago, none has attempted to return to the wild. "They get all the love they need, all the attention," handler John Bridger said.
While sea lions wear tracking devices to measure their progress underwater, none are tethered, and none has chosen to simply swim away. "Sea lions are pretty low energy," Price said. "We're providing them with a place to sleep that's safe. They don't have any predators to worry about. So because of that, coming home is a good thing."
"Sentinels of the Sea" debuts July 9 at noon Eastern Time on the Pentagon Channel. It also will be available via podcast and video on demand at www.PentagonChannel.mil.
(David Mays works at the Pentagon Channel.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – They take on military assignments impossible for humans, and even robots, to perform. They are rewarded with fresh food, protection from predators and loving human contact. These unheralded, unknown, and often misunderstood marine mammals are saving countless lives during their underwater missions. Now, a new edition of the Pentagon Channel's monthly documentary, "Recon," offers a rare glimpse at the work of dolphins and sea lions who are acting as true "Sentinels of the Sea."
"When people mention the marine mammal program, a lot of people think of Flipper," said Mike Rothe, biosciences division manager at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego, home of the marine mammal program. "They don't think of the hole in the USS Cole. I'm not saying that dolphins could have prevented that, because they couldn't. But a well-placed limpet mine could do similar damage, and dolphins could protect against that."
In March 2003, eight dolphins took part in an active combat situation when they helped military divers locate more than 100 mines and explosives hidden by Saddam Hussein's forces in the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.
"Using biosonar ability, dolphins can detect underwater objects at great range with a speed and accuracy no present device can come close to," said Recon host Air Force Master Sgt. Daniela Marchus, who added that while the job sounds extremely dangerous, in reality the risks are small.
"Mines are designed to go off when hit by a ship, not when bumped by a 300- to 400-pound dolphin," she explained.
"The thing that's really cool about marine mammals is that what they do really, really well is look for stuff," Rothe said. "They look for stuff in shallow water; they look for stuff in complex environments. The Navy studied a broad range of these animals, looking for capabilities that could be applied to missions that were too difficult or dangerous for divers or couldn't be done by hardware," he said.
Consider the amazing dive capabilities of sea lions. For humans, diving to depths of a few hundred feet is considered an extremely serious task. Human divers must breathe a mixture of air and gasses mixed under pressure and surface in carefully calculated stages that, depending on the depth of the dive, could take hours.
"But the sea lion can go down and in two and a half, three minutes, they can complete a whole dive, hook up to a target, and we can recover it," said DruAnn Price, who works with the mammals in San Diego.
"From its start after World War II, up through the end of the Cold War years, this program was classified," Marchus said. "Still, some word of the Navy's use of marine animals did get out, soon followed by misconceptions about what they were being trained to do."
Countless wildly inaccurate rumors have been spread over the years about dolphins and sea lions taught by the military to be merciless killers, a notion this "Recon" puts to rest.
"There's never been a thrust in the program to use them offensively," Rothe said. "They've never been trained to drown swimmers. They've never been trained to kill people. They've never been trained to place mines on the hulls of ships. There's no dissuading some people about these mysterious missions supposedly part of the marine mammal program."
The Pentagon Channel crew got a fascinating, up-close look at how the unique social behavior of marine mammals is factored into the training process.
"All of our training emphasizes positive reinforcement," said Dr. Mark Xitco, chief of scientific and veterinary support for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program. "So we're giving animals different types of rewards when they do the right thing. Obviously that includes food, but it also includes social attention from us: petting games, toys and even opportunities to engage in other interesting behaviors like going out to the ocean and hunting for mines and swimmers, (which) is a reward in and of itself."
To get marine mammals deep into targeted areas of operation, sometimes they must be transported by boat miles out to sea. Pentagon Channel cameras captured the unusual process of "beaching," during which dolphins scoot themselves aboard Navy vessels.
"By riding in the boats with us, the animals can be transported much more rapidly to the work site," Xitco said. "But it's not a natural behavior for the animals. It's actually one of the more challenging things that we teach them."
In the course of working with dolphins and sea lions over the decades, the program has become the most sophisticated marine mammal health care system on the planet.
"What the Mayo Clinic is to human medicine, the Navy program is to marine medicine," said Dr. Eric Jensen, managing clinical veterinarian for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program.
No expense is spared to make sure dolphins and sea lions are afforded the best treatment available. That comes to food, which is, in essence, a daily gourmet feast.
"We have folks that work with the vet program that travel all over the world and inspect fish production facilities to make sure that the fish we're getting for the animals is wholesome, excellent quality, (and that it's) well taken care of as it's being caught and as it's being delivered to San Diego," Jensen said.
While sailors take the lead in training marine mammals, soldiers are in charge of health care.
"Among the program's medical staff is a team of veterinarians from the Army, which takes the lead in animal care for all the military services," Marchus said. "When any of the Navy's marine mammals are deployed, all the special care taken (in San Diego) goes on the road with them, including some of the Army's veterinarian staff."
"This provides us the capability to take our equipment wherever we go," said Army Capt. Stephen Cassel, chief of clinical veterinary services for the marine program. "So if we need to do an ultrasound or anything like that, this is kind of our home away from home where we do our work."
"This program has contributed more to the body of science on marine mammals than any other single organization," Marchus said. "And each new bit of information is used to enhance the health and welfare of marine mammals and further define what they can and can't do in support of Navy operations around the world."
Working with dolphins to locate explosives requires weeks of highly specialized training for already well-trained explosive ordnance disposal specialists.
"It's important to establish a relationship with them to get them to do what we want them to do and then reinforce it by the intimate relationship with the care and feeding of the dolphins," Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Brian Ferris explained.
The Pentagon Channel was granted extensive access to these remarkable animals and their trainers, handlers and veterinarians, and afforded rarely seen underwater video of the mammals in action.
"Sentinels of the Sea" not only offers an incredible visual journey, but also dispels many myths about the marine mammal program. For instance, dolphins have not been captured from the wild for the program in more than 20 years. Instead, all are bred in the program's San Diego headquarters. As for the few dolphins that were born in the wild decades ago, none has attempted to return to the wild. "They get all the love they need, all the attention," handler John Bridger said.
While sea lions wear tracking devices to measure their progress underwater, none are tethered, and none has chosen to simply swim away. "Sea lions are pretty low energy," Price said. "We're providing them with a place to sleep that's safe. They don't have any predators to worry about. So because of that, coming home is a good thing."
"Sentinels of the Sea" debuts July 9 at noon Eastern Time on the Pentagon Channel. It also will be available via podcast and video on demand at www.PentagonChannel.mil.
(David Mays works at the Pentagon Channel.)
Programs Assist Injured Servicemembers
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – Servicemembers who've suffered serious injuries resulting from their wartime service can get financial help thanks to two congressionally legislated programs, a senior U.S. military officer said July 3. Congress established the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program in 2005 in response to the experiences of some former and current military members who found themselves financially strapped after they suffered severe injuries during the war against terrorism. Coverage applies to active-duty and reserve-component members.
"This program provides up to $100,000 per event, depending on (the type of) injury," Army Col. John Sackett, a disability compensation expert with U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Va., said during a telephone interview with online journalists and "bloggers."
All servicemembers covered under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program, whether active duty, reserve or National Guard, were enrolled for TSGLI coverage on Dec. 1, 2005.
To date, the Army has paid out a total of more than $130 million under TSGLI, Sackett said.
The TSGLI benefit has both retroactive and prospective aspects, Sackett said. The benefit is provided retroactively for servicemembers who suffered severe combat-zone-related injuries between Oct. 7, 2001, and Dec. 1, 2005, he said. The prospective aspect, he added, applies to servicemembers with injuries received "any time, anywhere" from Dec. 1, 2005, forward.
Currently, TSGLI doesn't offer compensation for veterans who've developed post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of battlefield service, Sackett said.
"TSGLI hasn't allowed for that loss at this point in time," Sackett said. But, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is working to include other types of injuries, including PTSD, under TSGLI program coverage, he said.
Yet, military veterans who suffer from combat-zone-related Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome may be eligible for financial aid under the Combat-Related Special Compensation program, which became effective June 1, 2003, said Sackett, who is chief of the CRSC and TSGLI divisions at U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
The CRSC program provides compensation for eligible retired veterans with combat-related injuries who have 20 years of military service and have received a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 10 to 100 percent, Sackett said.
Chapter 61, Title 10, U.S. Code provides the secretaries of the military departments with authority to retire or discharge servicemembers who are unable to perform military duties because of physical disability.
Sackett said the military is considering asking for congressional legislation that would enable medically retired servicemembers discharged under Chapter 61 to receive compensation for PTSD. There's also military interest in petitioning Congress for authority to provide compensation assistance to servicemembers with PTSD who have between one and 19 years of military service.
These matters are now being worked between the military services and the Defense Department, Sackett said.
"I have proposed both TSGLI and CRSC legislative improvements to the program, as well as meetings with the VA and the other services," Sackett said.
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – Servicemembers who've suffered serious injuries resulting from their wartime service can get financial help thanks to two congressionally legislated programs, a senior U.S. military officer said July 3. Congress established the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program in 2005 in response to the experiences of some former and current military members who found themselves financially strapped after they suffered severe injuries during the war against terrorism. Coverage applies to active-duty and reserve-component members.
"This program provides up to $100,000 per event, depending on (the type of) injury," Army Col. John Sackett, a disability compensation expert with U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Va., said during a telephone interview with online journalists and "bloggers."
All servicemembers covered under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program, whether active duty, reserve or National Guard, were enrolled for TSGLI coverage on Dec. 1, 2005.
To date, the Army has paid out a total of more than $130 million under TSGLI, Sackett said.
The TSGLI benefit has both retroactive and prospective aspects, Sackett said. The benefit is provided retroactively for servicemembers who suffered severe combat-zone-related injuries between Oct. 7, 2001, and Dec. 1, 2005, he said. The prospective aspect, he added, applies to servicemembers with injuries received "any time, anywhere" from Dec. 1, 2005, forward.
Currently, TSGLI doesn't offer compensation for veterans who've developed post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of battlefield service, Sackett said.
"TSGLI hasn't allowed for that loss at this point in time," Sackett said. But, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is working to include other types of injuries, including PTSD, under TSGLI program coverage, he said.
Yet, military veterans who suffer from combat-zone-related Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome may be eligible for financial aid under the Combat-Related Special Compensation program, which became effective June 1, 2003, said Sackett, who is chief of the CRSC and TSGLI divisions at U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
The CRSC program provides compensation for eligible retired veterans with combat-related injuries who have 20 years of military service and have received a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 10 to 100 percent, Sackett said.
Chapter 61, Title 10, U.S. Code provides the secretaries of the military departments with authority to retire or discharge servicemembers who are unable to perform military duties because of physical disability.
Sackett said the military is considering asking for congressional legislation that would enable medically retired servicemembers discharged under Chapter 61 to receive compensation for PTSD. There's also military interest in petitioning Congress for authority to provide compensation assistance to servicemembers with PTSD who have between one and 19 years of military service.
These matters are now being worked between the military services and the Defense Department, Sackett said.
"I have proposed both TSGLI and CRSC legislative improvements to the program, as well as meetings with the VA and the other services," Sackett said.
$1 Million Prize for Wearable Power Innovations
Defense Department Offers $1 Million Prize for Wearable Power Innovations
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – A typical dismounted troop going out for a four-day mission carries as much as 40 pounds of batteries and rechargers in his pack. The Defense Department wants to reduce that load significantly, and it's dangling a $1 million carrot to entice people to help them do it. The Defense Department launched its "wearable power" prize competition today to come up with new innovations to lighten warfighters' loads.
The goal is to reduce the weight for the power system that drives radios, night-vision devices, global positioning systems and other combat gear, including a recharging system, to about 2 pounds per day, explained William Rees, deputy undersecretary of laboratories and basic sciences.
"The mantra is four days, 4 kilograms," he said.
He expressed hope that a competition will attract some of the best minds in business, academia and elsewhere to help achieve that goal.
After all, he noted, it was the opportunity to win a prize that drove Charles Lindbergh to make the first nonstop trans-Atlantic flight.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has experienced similar successes using a contest to attract competitors to develop innovative unmanned vehicles able to navigate a 132-mile course through the Mojave Desert.
Now the Defense Research and Engineering Office is hoping to tap into that same competitive spirit to develop longer-duration, lighter-weight power supplies.
Three prizes will be awarded in November 2008: $1 million, $500,000 and $250,000.
Competitors have until Nov. 30 to register for the competition. Everyone -- private citizens, companies, international organizations -- is eligible, Rees said, although the lead member of all teams must be a U.S. citizen.
"If one of them thinks that they can hit it out of the park on this, we are not prejudiced about the origin of it," Rees said. "We just want to lighten the pack load for our folks in uniform."
Entries are expected to run the gamut. Rees said he envisions creative ways to generate power on the battlefield, from solar generators to devices that capture the power created when a soldier's boot hits the ground.
"We want a prototype," he said. "We want something that is a little bit more than your standard duct tape and baling wire, but it is still a prototype. It doesn't have to be a finished system, but it has to demonstrate what we need it to do."
Lightening troops' loads will go a long way toward boosting their effectiveness, he said.
"Look at what it is that drives success in battle. It's inevitably a combination of training and your ability to have decision making on your feet," Rees said. "And that ability to have decision making is directly reduced by your fatigue. The more weight we can take off your back, the better your decision making in battle."
Information about the technical details, contest rules and qualification requirements is posted on the Defense Department Web site. A forum to be held in Washington in September will review these details for potential competitors.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – A typical dismounted troop going out for a four-day mission carries as much as 40 pounds of batteries and rechargers in his pack. The Defense Department wants to reduce that load significantly, and it's dangling a $1 million carrot to entice people to help them do it. The Defense Department launched its "wearable power" prize competition today to come up with new innovations to lighten warfighters' loads.
The goal is to reduce the weight for the power system that drives radios, night-vision devices, global positioning systems and other combat gear, including a recharging system, to about 2 pounds per day, explained William Rees, deputy undersecretary of laboratories and basic sciences.
"The mantra is four days, 4 kilograms," he said.
He expressed hope that a competition will attract some of the best minds in business, academia and elsewhere to help achieve that goal.
After all, he noted, it was the opportunity to win a prize that drove Charles Lindbergh to make the first nonstop trans-Atlantic flight.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has experienced similar successes using a contest to attract competitors to develop innovative unmanned vehicles able to navigate a 132-mile course through the Mojave Desert.
Now the Defense Research and Engineering Office is hoping to tap into that same competitive spirit to develop longer-duration, lighter-weight power supplies.
Three prizes will be awarded in November 2008: $1 million, $500,000 and $250,000.
Competitors have until Nov. 30 to register for the competition. Everyone -- private citizens, companies, international organizations -- is eligible, Rees said, although the lead member of all teams must be a U.S. citizen.
"If one of them thinks that they can hit it out of the park on this, we are not prejudiced about the origin of it," Rees said. "We just want to lighten the pack load for our folks in uniform."
Entries are expected to run the gamut. Rees said he envisions creative ways to generate power on the battlefield, from solar generators to devices that capture the power created when a soldier's boot hits the ground.
"We want a prototype," he said. "We want something that is a little bit more than your standard duct tape and baling wire, but it is still a prototype. It doesn't have to be a finished system, but it has to demonstrate what we need it to do."
Lightening troops' loads will go a long way toward boosting their effectiveness, he said.
"Look at what it is that drives success in battle. It's inevitably a combination of training and your ability to have decision making on your feet," Rees said. "And that ability to have decision making is directly reduced by your fatigue. The more weight we can take off your back, the better your decision making in battle."
Information about the technical details, contest rules and qualification requirements is posted on the Defense Department Web site. A forum to be held in Washington in September will review these details for potential competitors.
Sergeant Makes Birdie Putt for Tiger in Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am
By Tim Hipps
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – A soldier from Fort Belvoir, Va., celebrated the Fourth of July by making the shot of the day in the star-studded Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am at Congressional Country Club here. Tournament host Tiger Woods has gone out of his way this week to honor servicemen and women at the AT&T National PGA Tour event. He named the Pro-Am in honor of his late father, a 20-year Army veteran. He donated 30,000 tournament tickets to active-duty military personnel.
Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly, of the 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, Va., and Master Sgt. Andy Amor, of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., played the Pro-Am in Woods' foursome.
But another Woods stole the show on the seventh hole.
Sgt. Michael Woods of the Army Materiel Command was selected to be Tiger's honorary caddie for just one hole.
As Tiger lined up his birdie putt, he turned to his caddie.
"He asked me to put the bag down and called me over to him, and he asked me: 'What do you see?'" the sergeant said. "I said: 'Fairway leans to the right; you should hit it to the left.' And he said: 'Here you go.'"
"Show me," Tiger said as he handed his trusty putter to Sergeant Woods, who promptly knocked down the 12-footer.
And the gallery went wild.
"I think it means a lot to a lot of people," Sergeant Woods, 32, said of Tiger's military support. "This is our independence and the birth of our nation, so it was really cool that he put this event on and allowed the military to be a part of it."
Tiger said he was honored to be surrounded by servicemen and women.
"I grew up with the military - grew up playing golf on a military base," he said. "That's where my home golf course was. So being around Mia and Andy and being around our armed services is what I am comfortable with.
"This is what it's all about. They do so much for us that part of the general public doesn't really understand or relate to, so for them to go out there and give of themselves and the commitment it takes for them to do what they do, we really wanted to say 'thank you,' and this is our small way of saying thank you."
Sergeant Woods learned at 5:15 a.m. yesterday that he would caddie for Tiger.
"I knew that I would be out here somewhere with a professional golfer; I just didn't know which one," he said. "I've been playing golf a little bit, trying to get decent at it, and that was probably the best putt I've ever seen in my life.
"I'm nervous right now," Sergeant Woods continued. "I'm shaking."
The word around Congressional was that Woods gave the putter to the soldier.
"No, I stole it back," Tiger said. "It's got 11 majors in it."
Either way, Tiger made this July 4 one that many soldiers will never forget, particularly Sergeant Woods.
"This is a day I'll remember forever," he said.
(Tim Hipps works for the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2007 – A soldier from Fort Belvoir, Va., celebrated the Fourth of July by making the shot of the day in the star-studded Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am at Congressional Country Club here. Tournament host Tiger Woods has gone out of his way this week to honor servicemen and women at the AT&T National PGA Tour event. He named the Pro-Am in honor of his late father, a 20-year Army veteran. He donated 30,000 tournament tickets to active-duty military personnel.
Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly, of the 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, Va., and Master Sgt. Andy Amor, of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., played the Pro-Am in Woods' foursome.
But another Woods stole the show on the seventh hole.
Sgt. Michael Woods of the Army Materiel Command was selected to be Tiger's honorary caddie for just one hole.
As Tiger lined up his birdie putt, he turned to his caddie.
"He asked me to put the bag down and called me over to him, and he asked me: 'What do you see?'" the sergeant said. "I said: 'Fairway leans to the right; you should hit it to the left.' And he said: 'Here you go.'"
"Show me," Tiger said as he handed his trusty putter to Sergeant Woods, who promptly knocked down the 12-footer.
And the gallery went wild.
"I think it means a lot to a lot of people," Sergeant Woods, 32, said of Tiger's military support. "This is our independence and the birth of our nation, so it was really cool that he put this event on and allowed the military to be a part of it."
Tiger said he was honored to be surrounded by servicemen and women.
"I grew up with the military - grew up playing golf on a military base," he said. "That's where my home golf course was. So being around Mia and Andy and being around our armed services is what I am comfortable with.
"This is what it's all about. They do so much for us that part of the general public doesn't really understand or relate to, so for them to go out there and give of themselves and the commitment it takes for them to do what they do, we really wanted to say 'thank you,' and this is our small way of saying thank you."
Sergeant Woods learned at 5:15 a.m. yesterday that he would caddie for Tiger.
"I knew that I would be out here somewhere with a professional golfer; I just didn't know which one," he said. "I've been playing golf a little bit, trying to get decent at it, and that was probably the best putt I've ever seen in my life.
"I'm nervous right now," Sergeant Woods continued. "I'm shaking."
The word around Congressional was that Woods gave the putter to the soldier.
"No, I stole it back," Tiger said. "It's got 11 majors in it."
Either way, Tiger made this July 4 one that many soldiers will never forget, particularly Sergeant Woods.
"This is a day I'll remember forever," he said.
(Tim Hipps works for the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command.)
Massachusetts and Michigan
Editor's Note: One of the writers is former US Army.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added two police officers from Massachusetts and one from Michigan.
Ray Rubino has devoted the majority of his fifty-five years to his country and native city, Lawrence, Massachusetts. He attended the Massachusetts State Police Academy and earned an associates degree in law enforcement from Northern Essex Community College. A former Marine and Viet Nam veteran, he proudly served twenty-eight years as a member of the Lawrence Police Department.
Ray Rubino is the author of Police Work It's Not All Coffee and Donuts: A Read for Police Officers and Those Who Dare to Learn What Makes Them Tick and Ticked Off. According to the book description, Ray Rubino’s book is “a journey through the mind and emotions of a civilian who becomes a police officer, and explores the metamorphosis from an energetic rookie to an apathetic veteran. Join him as he takes the absurd academic and physical tests; takes a tour of the police station and his city; rides in a cruiser on his first day, and experiences the rigors of the police academy. Prepare for the unexpected realities, and not a trendy batch of horror stories. It is not the expected confrontations with criminals, but the surprising reception by the public, the twisted coverage of the media, the crippling political influences within the department and the disappointing leniency of the justice system that will rip the fighting spirit from the heart of a police officer.”
In 1986, Michael Conti joined the Massachusetts State Police. During his career he has worked in a variety of assignments, including patrol, SWAT, special security details and undercover assignments. He has been involved as a professional trainer since 1991 and holds numerous instructor certifications in various use of force disciplines.
In January 2000, Michael Conti was tasked by then Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police to organize, staff, and train the first full-time Firearms Training Unit. During the creation of the unit, Michael Conti developed a firearms training program specifically geared to preparing police officers for the realities of the lethal force encounter. This successful program, dubbed The New Paradigm of Police Firearms Training, has received nation-wide attention and been profiled by the Law Enforcement Training Network (LETN).
In addition to his work for the Massachusetts State Police, Michael Conti has written two books, In the Line of Fire: A Working Cop’s Guide to Pistolcraft (1997), and Beyond Pepper Spray: The Complete Guide to Chemical Agents, Delivery Systems, and Protective Masks (2002). He has also had more than 100 articles published in various local and national publications
Brian Willingham is a police officer with the Flint Police Department (Michigan). In addition to being former U.S. Army Sergeant, husband and father of three, Brian Willingham is an accomplished public speaker and the author of Soul of a Black Cop.
According to Howard Zinn, Professor Emeritus, Boston University, “Brian Willingham’s extraordinary day-by-day account of his life as a cop reminds us that behind at least one of those forbidding police badges is someone with compassion and a profound understanding of the human condition. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to sit beside a policeman in his cruiser and follow him through the day? As we read Willingham’s carefully crafted memoir, we are brought close to the scenes he describes: the beaten women, the desperate shoplifters, the crack victims, the raped children, the mentally disturbed. But there are moments which save him and us from despair: the smile of a child reminds him that "children are born happy. The world makes them sad." Willingham sees beyond the cruelties of everyday life to the deeper sickness of a society that doesn't realize its own addiction to war is reproduced in the violence on its city streets. He writes gracefully, with a generous spirit.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 617 police officers (representing 268 police departments) and their 1321 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 that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added two police officers from Massachusetts and one from Michigan.
Ray Rubino has devoted the majority of his fifty-five years to his country and native city, Lawrence, Massachusetts. He attended the Massachusetts State Police Academy and earned an associates degree in law enforcement from Northern Essex Community College. A former Marine and Viet Nam veteran, he proudly served twenty-eight years as a member of the Lawrence Police Department.
Ray Rubino is the author of Police Work It's Not All Coffee and Donuts: A Read for Police Officers and Those Who Dare to Learn What Makes Them Tick and Ticked Off. According to the book description, Ray Rubino’s book is “a journey through the mind and emotions of a civilian who becomes a police officer, and explores the metamorphosis from an energetic rookie to an apathetic veteran. Join him as he takes the absurd academic and physical tests; takes a tour of the police station and his city; rides in a cruiser on his first day, and experiences the rigors of the police academy. Prepare for the unexpected realities, and not a trendy batch of horror stories. It is not the expected confrontations with criminals, but the surprising reception by the public, the twisted coverage of the media, the crippling political influences within the department and the disappointing leniency of the justice system that will rip the fighting spirit from the heart of a police officer.”
In 1986, Michael Conti joined the Massachusetts State Police. During his career he has worked in a variety of assignments, including patrol, SWAT, special security details and undercover assignments. He has been involved as a professional trainer since 1991 and holds numerous instructor certifications in various use of force disciplines.
In January 2000, Michael Conti was tasked by then Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police to organize, staff, and train the first full-time Firearms Training Unit. During the creation of the unit, Michael Conti developed a firearms training program specifically geared to preparing police officers for the realities of the lethal force encounter. This successful program, dubbed The New Paradigm of Police Firearms Training, has received nation-wide attention and been profiled by the Law Enforcement Training Network (LETN).
In addition to his work for the Massachusetts State Police, Michael Conti has written two books, In the Line of Fire: A Working Cop’s Guide to Pistolcraft (1997), and Beyond Pepper Spray: The Complete Guide to Chemical Agents, Delivery Systems, and Protective Masks (2002). He has also had more than 100 articles published in various local and national publications
Brian Willingham is a police officer with the Flint Police Department (Michigan). In addition to being former U.S. Army Sergeant, husband and father of three, Brian Willingham is an accomplished public speaker and the author of Soul of a Black Cop.
According to Howard Zinn, Professor Emeritus, Boston University, “Brian Willingham’s extraordinary day-by-day account of his life as a cop reminds us that behind at least one of those forbidding police badges is someone with compassion and a profound understanding of the human condition. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to sit beside a policeman in his cruiser and follow him through the day? As we read Willingham’s carefully crafted memoir, we are brought close to the scenes he describes: the beaten women, the desperate shoplifters, the crack victims, the raped children, the mentally disturbed. But there are moments which save him and us from despair: the smile of a child reminds him that "children are born happy. The world makes them sad." Willingham sees beyond the cruelties of everyday life to the deeper sickness of a society that doesn't realize its own addiction to war is reproduced in the violence on its city streets. He writes gracefully, with a generous spirit.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 617 police officers (representing 268 police departments) and their 1321 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.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Concert Kicks Off Fourth of July Festivities for Troops
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
July 4, 2007 – The owners of a musical landmark on the outskirts of the nation's capital and a vocalist who uses her talents to entertain U.S. troops kicked off Fourth of July festivities for local servicemembers here last night as a way of thanking them for their service.
Gary Oelze and Ralph Capobianco, co-owners of the Birchmere Music Hall, closed their doors to the general public to treat about 150 veterans, reservists and active-duty military to an evening of free food. Then musician Jenny Boyle and her band took the stage to "wow" the crowd as she belted out a mix of original work and classic hits that had the crowd hanging on her every syllable.
"We've both been in the service," said Capobianco, a former Naval aviator. "We were pleased to close off the venue for our servicemembers."
Oelze, a former Air Force pilot, said it was a fun way to thank the crowd for their military service.
Boyle is no stranger to military audiences. The singer has traveled to 26 countries to perform for troops, in addition to performing multiple times at the Pentagon and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C. "This is how I thank these folks for what they do on a daily basis for our freedom," she said of her performance. "We have the best men and women serving our armed forces," she said. "And there's nothing I love more than telling them that."
Not only does she sing and play guitar, Boyle is also a songwriter. Calling it one of her most exciting tunes, Boyle said "World of Dust," was written following her visit to troops deployed to Afghanistan and the song is her tribute to them.
Deployments are monotonous, said audience member Marine Sgt. Noah Tretter. Currently serving as a tour guide for visitors at the Defense Department's headquarters, Tretter has deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
"When someone comes out to the middle of nowhere to perform for troops it means a lot," he said. "And when they are talented like this young lady it makes it even better."
Although the evening centered on expressing appreciation to troops, several grassroots support groups also attended to educate the audience on the services available to them and their families.
Members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which spotlights troop-support efforts and helps to connect home-front groups with servicemembers and their families at home and abroad, had information booths set up in the Birchmere's lobby.
"It's plain and simple, I want troops to know that we are here for them and support them," said Karen Grimord of the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project. Her organization provides comfort and relief items to military members who become sick or injured from their service.
Her organization has shipped more than 14,000 pounds of sweat suits, house slippers and personal hygiene items to the medical center in Germany since December 2004.
Operation First Response President Peggy Baker shared Grimord's sentiments. Since 2004, her group has assisted more than 2,000 families or troops coming through Landstuhl and Walter Reed medical centers with both personal and financial needs.
At her booth last night, she had a quilt on which supporters could write messages. The quilt, which was nearly covered by night's end, will soon find its way into a backpack along with clothing and hygiene items that will be delivered to a combat support hospital in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The concert had a special meaning for Baker, whose son deployed to Iraq in March. "It goes to show that there are so many Americans supporting our troops," she said. "It is amazing."
"The entire event was wonderful," Baker said. "You can always tell when you're in a room filled with heroes; and the Birchmere had a special feeling tonight."
American Forces Press Service
July 4, 2007 – The owners of a musical landmark on the outskirts of the nation's capital and a vocalist who uses her talents to entertain U.S. troops kicked off Fourth of July festivities for local servicemembers here last night as a way of thanking them for their service.
Gary Oelze and Ralph Capobianco, co-owners of the Birchmere Music Hall, closed their doors to the general public to treat about 150 veterans, reservists and active-duty military to an evening of free food. Then musician Jenny Boyle and her band took the stage to "wow" the crowd as she belted out a mix of original work and classic hits that had the crowd hanging on her every syllable.
"We've both been in the service," said Capobianco, a former Naval aviator. "We were pleased to close off the venue for our servicemembers."
Oelze, a former Air Force pilot, said it was a fun way to thank the crowd for their military service.
Boyle is no stranger to military audiences. The singer has traveled to 26 countries to perform for troops, in addition to performing multiple times at the Pentagon and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C. "This is how I thank these folks for what they do on a daily basis for our freedom," she said of her performance. "We have the best men and women serving our armed forces," she said. "And there's nothing I love more than telling them that."
Not only does she sing and play guitar, Boyle is also a songwriter. Calling it one of her most exciting tunes, Boyle said "World of Dust," was written following her visit to troops deployed to Afghanistan and the song is her tribute to them.
Deployments are monotonous, said audience member Marine Sgt. Noah Tretter. Currently serving as a tour guide for visitors at the Defense Department's headquarters, Tretter has deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
"When someone comes out to the middle of nowhere to perform for troops it means a lot," he said. "And when they are talented like this young lady it makes it even better."
Although the evening centered on expressing appreciation to troops, several grassroots support groups also attended to educate the audience on the services available to them and their families.
Members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which spotlights troop-support efforts and helps to connect home-front groups with servicemembers and their families at home and abroad, had information booths set up in the Birchmere's lobby.
"It's plain and simple, I want troops to know that we are here for them and support them," said Karen Grimord of the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project. Her organization provides comfort and relief items to military members who become sick or injured from their service.
Her organization has shipped more than 14,000 pounds of sweat suits, house slippers and personal hygiene items to the medical center in Germany since December 2004.
Operation First Response President Peggy Baker shared Grimord's sentiments. Since 2004, her group has assisted more than 2,000 families or troops coming through Landstuhl and Walter Reed medical centers with both personal and financial needs.
At her booth last night, she had a quilt on which supporters could write messages. The quilt, which was nearly covered by night's end, will soon find its way into a backpack along with clothing and hygiene items that will be delivered to a combat support hospital in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The concert had a special meaning for Baker, whose son deployed to Iraq in March. "It goes to show that there are so many Americans supporting our troops," she said. "It is amazing."
"The entire event was wonderful," Baker said. "You can always tell when you're in a room filled with heroes; and the Birchmere had a special feeling tonight."
Tiger Woods Includes Military in Golf Tournament Festivities
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 4, 2007 – Tiger Woods said paying tribute to the U.S. military was one of his goals during the weeklong AT&T National golf tournament he's hosting here, and so far he's kept his promise. He arranged for former president and WWII veteran, George H.W. Bush, to join the foursome at the end of their round, and he brought scores of military personnel here, including wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
"My dad was retired, but I grew up on a military base, and played golf there and that was my home course," Woods told thousands of attendees gathered at Congressional Country Club's first hole for the opening ceremony events.
"For me, all my life, I've been part of the military," he said. "I've always been around (servicemembers,) I understand the commitment it takes for men and women to do what they do each and every day. That's a commitment that I don't think that people truly understand.
"Especially with what's going on overseas, we need to say 'Thank you' somehow, and this is a small way of doing that," Woods said.
The world's top-rated golfer then teed up the ceremonial first shot for former President Bush.
"The 'No Laughing Rule' is in effect," Bush joked with the audience as he approached the tee. "If anybody laughs when I hit it, they're dead! We've got the secret service here to attack."
Bush hit a beautiful drive downrange, in the direction of a 60-foot American flag that Army soldiers from Ft. Belvoir, Va., and their families had unfurled and were holding waist-level above the fairway.
On a more serious note, the former president said he decided to be involved in today's ceremonies because it's a great way to celebrate Independence Day. The decision, he said using golf jargon, was a "gimme."
"The fact that (Woods) has tied in our superb military into this event made it easy," Bush said.
Today's military musical selection included the National Anthem, sung by Army Spc. Vicki Golding of the 257th Army Band, Washington, D.C. National Guard, and performances by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band. The U.S. Air Force Drill Team provided visual entertainment, and the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard displayed America's military banners, marching the flags across the first hole's fairway.
The District of Columbia National Guard flew an OH-58 Kiowa, and three UH-1 Huey helicopters over the crowd. Many audience members included servicemembers in and out of uniform, as Woods arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel.
AT&T, was the tournament's primary sponsor , and is the company's Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson was the only non-professional civilian to play as a member of Woods' early-morning golf foursome.
"The recognition and the honor that we're bringing to these soldiers in our military is very important for us," Stephenson told the crowd. "We've always had a long history of supporting the military and right now in this time, to be a part of that was important.
"So we thank all of you who are serving us," he said. "We have a debt to you that we can't repay."
American Forces Press Service
July 4, 2007 – Tiger Woods said paying tribute to the U.S. military was one of his goals during the weeklong AT&T National golf tournament he's hosting here, and so far he's kept his promise. He arranged for former president and WWII veteran, George H.W. Bush, to join the foursome at the end of their round, and he brought scores of military personnel here, including wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
"My dad was retired, but I grew up on a military base, and played golf there and that was my home course," Woods told thousands of attendees gathered at Congressional Country Club's first hole for the opening ceremony events.
"For me, all my life, I've been part of the military," he said. "I've always been around (servicemembers,) I understand the commitment it takes for men and women to do what they do each and every day. That's a commitment that I don't think that people truly understand.
"Especially with what's going on overseas, we need to say 'Thank you' somehow, and this is a small way of doing that," Woods said.
The world's top-rated golfer then teed up the ceremonial first shot for former President Bush.
"The 'No Laughing Rule' is in effect," Bush joked with the audience as he approached the tee. "If anybody laughs when I hit it, they're dead! We've got the secret service here to attack."
Bush hit a beautiful drive downrange, in the direction of a 60-foot American flag that Army soldiers from Ft. Belvoir, Va., and their families had unfurled and were holding waist-level above the fairway.
On a more serious note, the former president said he decided to be involved in today's ceremonies because it's a great way to celebrate Independence Day. The decision, he said using golf jargon, was a "gimme."
"The fact that (Woods) has tied in our superb military into this event made it easy," Bush said.
Today's military musical selection included the National Anthem, sung by Army Spc. Vicki Golding of the 257th Army Band, Washington, D.C. National Guard, and performances by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band. The U.S. Air Force Drill Team provided visual entertainment, and the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard displayed America's military banners, marching the flags across the first hole's fairway.
The District of Columbia National Guard flew an OH-58 Kiowa, and three UH-1 Huey helicopters over the crowd. Many audience members included servicemembers in and out of uniform, as Woods arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel.
AT&T, was the tournament's primary sponsor , and is the company's Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson was the only non-professional civilian to play as a member of Woods' early-morning golf foursome.
"The recognition and the honor that we're bringing to these soldiers in our military is very important for us," Stephenson told the crowd. "We've always had a long history of supporting the military and right now in this time, to be a part of that was important.
"So we thank all of you who are serving us," he said. "We have a debt to you that we can't repay."
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
NORTHCOM Responsible for Setting Base Force Protection Levels
By Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta are the four levels of force protection applied to every American military installation, with Alpha being the lowest level and Delta being the highest. And it's the commander of U.S. Northern Command who determines what the minimum force protection level will be for every installation in North America. "Eighty-five percent of the installations in the armed forces, in the Department of Defense, exist within the NORTHCOM area of responsibility," said Army Col. Jim Brown, chief of NORTHCOM's force protection and mission assurance division.
NORTHCOM sets the force protection condition level for so many installations because it is the unified combatant command whose geographic area of responsibility is North America. Other combatant commands, such as U.S. European Command and U.S. Southern Command, set the force protection condition levels for American military installations in their areas of responsibility.
Individual facility and installation commanders may increase their local force protection levels as they feel necessary, Brown said, but they must adhere to at least the minimum level prescribed by NORTHCOM.
"Most of our facilities in the United States are at Alpha right now; several are at Bravo; and a couple are at Charlie," Brown said.
Force protection can include procedures as basic as checking identification cards at installation entrances and requiring credentials to get inside buildings. However, when necessary, force protection procedures can become as stringent as inspecting every vehicle, person and bag entering an installation. "It's layered; it's well thought out; it's well -resourced; and it's there," Brown said. "But the question is: where should it go? How should we improve our force protection?"
The constant challenges to maintaining effective force protection are understanding potential threats and avoiding routines and standard procedures that can be exploited, Brown said.
"It's important always to ask the question: what should I change? How should this system of force protection that we've put in place evolve so that it moves ahead of the possible plans of people who would do us harm?"
Although NORTHCOM sets the minimum force protection level, the command does not tell individual commanders specifically how to protect their installations and facilities.
"We do not like to, what I term, pick up a 1,000-mile-long screwdriver and turn it in the front gate of Vandenberg Air Force Base, (Calif.,)" Brown said. Vandenberg and all other military installations have commanders with oversight of their facilities. "And we are here to facilitate them, and to assist them, and to give them guidance that makes protecting (their base or facility) easier."
NORTHCOM is the unified combatant command responsible for defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities. Its subordinate commands are Joint Forces Headquarters National Capital Region, Joint Task Force Alaska, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Joint Task Force North and Standing Joint Force Headquarters North.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to the combined Public Afairs Office of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta are the four levels of force protection applied to every American military installation, with Alpha being the lowest level and Delta being the highest. And it's the commander of U.S. Northern Command who determines what the minimum force protection level will be for every installation in North America. "Eighty-five percent of the installations in the armed forces, in the Department of Defense, exist within the NORTHCOM area of responsibility," said Army Col. Jim Brown, chief of NORTHCOM's force protection and mission assurance division.
NORTHCOM sets the force protection condition level for so many installations because it is the unified combatant command whose geographic area of responsibility is North America. Other combatant commands, such as U.S. European Command and U.S. Southern Command, set the force protection condition levels for American military installations in their areas of responsibility.
Individual facility and installation commanders may increase their local force protection levels as they feel necessary, Brown said, but they must adhere to at least the minimum level prescribed by NORTHCOM.
"Most of our facilities in the United States are at Alpha right now; several are at Bravo; and a couple are at Charlie," Brown said.
Force protection can include procedures as basic as checking identification cards at installation entrances and requiring credentials to get inside buildings. However, when necessary, force protection procedures can become as stringent as inspecting every vehicle, person and bag entering an installation. "It's layered; it's well thought out; it's well -resourced; and it's there," Brown said. "But the question is: where should it go? How should we improve our force protection?"
The constant challenges to maintaining effective force protection are understanding potential threats and avoiding routines and standard procedures that can be exploited, Brown said.
"It's important always to ask the question: what should I change? How should this system of force protection that we've put in place evolve so that it moves ahead of the possible plans of people who would do us harm?"
Although NORTHCOM sets the minimum force protection level, the command does not tell individual commanders specifically how to protect their installations and facilities.
"We do not like to, what I term, pick up a 1,000-mile-long screwdriver and turn it in the front gate of Vandenberg Air Force Base, (Calif.,)" Brown said. Vandenberg and all other military installations have commanders with oversight of their facilities. "And we are here to facilitate them, and to assist them, and to give them guidance that makes protecting (their base or facility) easier."
NORTHCOM is the unified combatant command responsible for defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities. Its subordinate commands are Joint Forces Headquarters National Capital Region, Joint Task Force Alaska, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Joint Task Force North and Standing Joint Force Headquarters North.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to the combined Public Afairs Office of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.)
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Mass Re-enlistment, Citizenship Ceremony Scheduled for July 4 in Iraq
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – More than 600 troops are expected to re-enlist tomorrow, and more than 100 others will become U.S. citizens in an Independence Day ceremony at Camp Victory, Iraq. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, made the announcement during an interview today on Bill Bennett's nationally syndicated radio program.
Petraeus and his senior enlisted leader, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, decided to hold this year's ceremony after the success of a previous ceremony in 2003 for the 101st Airborne Division.
"On the Fourth of July back in 2003, we had a re-enlistment ceremony. The idea was we would try to get 101, given the unit designation, to raise their right hand. And I think we had something like 150 that did," Petraeus said. "I think it's going to be somewhere close to 600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are going to raise their right hand on the Fourth of July here and sign up for another tour in the armed forces."
Many non-citizen servicemembers in Iraq also will become citizens during the event.
"There is going to be a citizenship ceremony, as well, which will be exciting. A lot of great young men and women in uniform who I can't say are Americans yet, but they are serving and they have the American flag on their right shoulder. They have served our country, and now they will truly become citizens of our country as well," Petraeus said.
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – More than 600 troops are expected to re-enlist tomorrow, and more than 100 others will become U.S. citizens in an Independence Day ceremony at Camp Victory, Iraq. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, made the announcement during an interview today on Bill Bennett's nationally syndicated radio program.
Petraeus and his senior enlisted leader, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, decided to hold this year's ceremony after the success of a previous ceremony in 2003 for the 101st Airborne Division.
"On the Fourth of July back in 2003, we had a re-enlistment ceremony. The idea was we would try to get 101, given the unit designation, to raise their right hand. And I think we had something like 150 that did," Petraeus said. "I think it's going to be somewhere close to 600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are going to raise their right hand on the Fourth of July here and sign up for another tour in the armed forces."
Many non-citizen servicemembers in Iraq also will become citizens during the event.
"There is going to be a citizenship ceremony, as well, which will be exciting. A lot of great young men and women in uniform who I can't say are Americans yet, but they are serving and they have the American flag on their right shoulder. They have served our country, and now they will truly become citizens of our country as well," Petraeus said.
Independence Day Honors Servicemembers' Selfless Service
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – America's servicemembers should give themselves a big pat on the back tomorrow as the nation celebrates its Declaration of Independence, the most-senior U.S. military officer said in a statement to troops and families today. This year marks the 231st observance of the Fourth of July as America's Independence Day, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted.
"Traditionally, America celebrates the Fourth of July with family picnics, community parades, patriotic concerts, and colorful fireworks," Pace said. "This year, as you commemorate the birthday of our great nation, I would ask that each of you in uniform pause and consider the personal role you -- and the generations before you -- have played in America's freedom."
As citizens across the United States celebrate Independence Day, many overseas-deployed servicemembers "will miss the family gatherings and hometown parades," he said. Those servicemembers deployed to far-flung locales in support of the war against terrorism "stand guard protecting the freedoms we all cherish," he added.
Today's military members possess "a full understanding of exactly what service to this nation means," said Pace, who also saluted servicemembers' "exceptional courage and selflessness."
Thousands of military members have served two, three or four tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, he said. Yet, these troops "remain committed to making a difference," he said.
"To you, and to your families who sacrifice and serve as well as anyone in uniform, you have my heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a happy and safe Independence Day," Pace said.
He said he and the Joint Chiefs are privileged to serve with America's military men and women.
"We are forever grateful for your commitment that this holiday honors," Pace said.
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – America's servicemembers should give themselves a big pat on the back tomorrow as the nation celebrates its Declaration of Independence, the most-senior U.S. military officer said in a statement to troops and families today. This year marks the 231st observance of the Fourth of July as America's Independence Day, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted.
"Traditionally, America celebrates the Fourth of July with family picnics, community parades, patriotic concerts, and colorful fireworks," Pace said. "This year, as you commemorate the birthday of our great nation, I would ask that each of you in uniform pause and consider the personal role you -- and the generations before you -- have played in America's freedom."
As citizens across the United States celebrate Independence Day, many overseas-deployed servicemembers "will miss the family gatherings and hometown parades," he said. Those servicemembers deployed to far-flung locales in support of the war against terrorism "stand guard protecting the freedoms we all cherish," he added.
Today's military members possess "a full understanding of exactly what service to this nation means," said Pace, who also saluted servicemembers' "exceptional courage and selflessness."
Thousands of military members have served two, three or four tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, he said. Yet, these troops "remain committed to making a difference," he said.
"To you, and to your families who sacrifice and serve as well as anyone in uniform, you have my heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a happy and safe Independence Day," Pace said.
He said he and the Joint Chiefs are privileged to serve with America's military men and women.
"We are forever grateful for your commitment that this holiday honors," Pace said.
Bush Visits Wounded at Walter Reed, Praises Hospital Staff
By John Valceanu
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – President Bush visited wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here today, and he praised the center's personnel for their work. "It's a true honor to come to Walter Reed to be able to see the docs and nurses, the physical therapists who are working with our wounded soldiers," Bush said. "The care here is remarkable."
The president acknowledged that there have been some problems for wounded troops receiving care at Walter Reed, but those problems are being addressed and the medical center is providing excellent care.
"There (have) been some bureaucratic red-tape issues in the past that the military is working hard to cure," Bush said. "But when it comes time to healing broken bodies, this is a fabulous place."
Bush said his visit to the troops reinforced his admiration for America's men and women in uniform.
"I am constantly amazed at the character and courage of those who wear our uniform," he said. "And that's no more vividly displayed than here in this place of healing."
The commander-in-chief expressed his gratitude to all those who serve under him in the various branches of the military.
"I want to thank our soldiers, sailors and Marines, airmen, Coast Guardsmen ... for their service to the country, and I thank their families," he said. "As we head into the 4th of July, we're a fortunate nation to have people who are willing to volunteer in the face of danger to help secure this country in the long run."
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – President Bush visited wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here today, and he praised the center's personnel for their work. "It's a true honor to come to Walter Reed to be able to see the docs and nurses, the physical therapists who are working with our wounded soldiers," Bush said. "The care here is remarkable."
The president acknowledged that there have been some problems for wounded troops receiving care at Walter Reed, but those problems are being addressed and the medical center is providing excellent care.
"There (have) been some bureaucratic red-tape issues in the past that the military is working hard to cure," Bush said. "But when it comes time to healing broken bodies, this is a fabulous place."
Bush said his visit to the troops reinforced his admiration for America's men and women in uniform.
"I am constantly amazed at the character and courage of those who wear our uniform," he said. "And that's no more vividly displayed than here in this place of healing."
The commander-in-chief expressed his gratitude to all those who serve under him in the various branches of the military.
"I want to thank our soldiers, sailors and Marines, airmen, Coast Guardsmen ... for their service to the country, and I thank their families," he said. "As we head into the 4th of July, we're a fortunate nation to have people who are willing to volunteer in the face of danger to help secure this country in the long run."
It Was Golf or Special Ops for Tiger Woods
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – If Tiger Woods weren't a professional golfer, he'd probably be a member of the military's special operations community, Woods told reporters today at the Congressional Country Club here today. "I told Dad if I didn't make it (as a golfer) in the first few years, that's probably where I'd go," he said. "I'd probably end up going into the military - and I don't know what branch - but I'd certainly want to be in the special operations community." Indeed, Woods underwent four days of Army special operations training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in conjunction with a golf clinic he hosted there in April 2004. Woods' late father, Earl Woods, wore the Green Beret for 12 years as a Special Forces soldier during his 20-year Army career.
"That just seems to be more of a fit considering what I grew up with, and I certainly understand it and can relate to it," Tiger said. "But somehow I ended up here. I made a couple putts in those years."
Woods is hosting the AT&T National golf tournament here July 3-8. Besides "getting a W" - or winning the tournament - Woods said honoring the men and women serving America was one of his overarching goals as the event's host.
Tomorrow morning, the world's top-rated professional golfer will play a practice round, called the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am, with pairings that include Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly and Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Amor.
Woods said he is excited about playing alongside the servicemembers.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I've seen their bios, but I haven't met anyone yet, so I'm really looking forward to that, and hopefully I won't get beat too bad."
The golfer said that when he turned 10 years old, he began to play on military golf courses, using his status as a "military dependent."
"I had my little card, and I could flash that and get on the golf course," he said. "The only frustrating thing was a lot of military bases had an age limit of 10. I thought I could play before that."
Woods has since hit the links on many of America's military courses, and he especially likes the Air Force Academy's course in Colorado Springs, Colo., he said.
"I've played a lot of military facilities around the country. For one, they're cheaper," he joked.
As a tribute to golf fans in the military, Woods has arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel. Those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification.
"I know I can't serve with them, but I just want to say, 'Thank you' in some way, and this is our way of being able to do that," he said.
"Even though my dad was retired, I basically grew up on a military base, and just understanding the commitment that it takes each and every day, for the service men and women, what they do for us, I just think that it was something that should be honored," Woods said.
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2007 – If Tiger Woods weren't a professional golfer, he'd probably be a member of the military's special operations community, Woods told reporters today at the Congressional Country Club here today. "I told Dad if I didn't make it (as a golfer) in the first few years, that's probably where I'd go," he said. "I'd probably end up going into the military - and I don't know what branch - but I'd certainly want to be in the special operations community." Indeed, Woods underwent four days of Army special operations training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in conjunction with a golf clinic he hosted there in April 2004. Woods' late father, Earl Woods, wore the Green Beret for 12 years as a Special Forces soldier during his 20-year Army career.
"That just seems to be more of a fit considering what I grew up with, and I certainly understand it and can relate to it," Tiger said. "But somehow I ended up here. I made a couple putts in those years."
Woods is hosting the AT&T National golf tournament here July 3-8. Besides "getting a W" - or winning the tournament - Woods said honoring the men and women serving America was one of his overarching goals as the event's host.
Tomorrow morning, the world's top-rated professional golfer will play a practice round, called the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am, with pairings that include Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly and Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Amor.
Woods said he is excited about playing alongside the servicemembers.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I've seen their bios, but I haven't met anyone yet, so I'm really looking forward to that, and hopefully I won't get beat too bad."
The golfer said that when he turned 10 years old, he began to play on military golf courses, using his status as a "military dependent."
"I had my little card, and I could flash that and get on the golf course," he said. "The only frustrating thing was a lot of military bases had an age limit of 10. I thought I could play before that."
Woods has since hit the links on many of America's military courses, and he especially likes the Air Force Academy's course in Colorado Springs, Colo., he said.
"I've played a lot of military facilities around the country. For one, they're cheaper," he joked.
As a tribute to golf fans in the military, Woods has arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel. Those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification.
"I know I can't serve with them, but I just want to say, 'Thank you' in some way, and this is our way of being able to do that," he said.
"Even though my dad was retired, I basically grew up on a military base, and just understanding the commitment that it takes each and every day, for the service men and women, what they do for us, I just think that it was something that should be honored," Woods said.
Military Authors
Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing military personnel who have authored books. Two former military members were added to the website: Carter Burke and James Lilley.
Carter Burke has a background in the military and communications. He has served in the Active Army and its National Guard component; he is currently serving in the California Army National Guard as a Specialist (E-4). Carter Burke has traveled the world, but currently resides in Southern California. Carter Burke is the author of Bounded Allegiance. According to the book description, Bounded Allegiance is “a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that tugs at the bonds of friendship, loyalty and trust, Bounded Allegiance is a thrill ride that places you firmly in the battle. Follow the men and women of Earth's military as they face victory and defeat in action against a desperate alien adversary.”
James H. Lilley served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 through 1965. He was discharged at the rank of corporal. A police sergeant with the Howard County Police Department (Maryland), he has worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Services (CSI) and Drug Enforcement Division. His Street Drug Unit was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt and published by Simon and Schuster. Some of his awards include The Medal of Valor, Four Bronze Stars, Four Unit Citations and the Governor's Citation. He is also an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate and the first American to be promoted to the rank of Black Belt by Mr. Takeshi Miyagi. James Lilley is the author of six books: A Question of Honor; The Eyes of the Hunter; The Far Side of the Bridge; Just Retribution; A Miracle for Tony Clements; and, Death Knocks Twice.
According to the book description of Death Knocks Twice, “Halloween night, with a Hunter's Moon in the sky, finds Detective Jefferson Daniel Lewis on the scene of a murder. Another child molester's been killed with the signature double tap to the head. Two .22 caliber bullets, and little else to go on, puts Lewis in the middle of right and wrong when sentiment rests on the side of the killer. To complicate matters, he's assigned a new partner. Maria Santana, a dark-eyed, raven-haired beauty works beside him day and night, but knows she'd like to be a lot more than just his partner.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 23 current or former military members and their 49 books.
Carter Burke has a background in the military and communications. He has served in the Active Army and its National Guard component; he is currently serving in the California Army National Guard as a Specialist (E-4). Carter Burke has traveled the world, but currently resides in Southern California. Carter Burke is the author of Bounded Allegiance. According to the book description, Bounded Allegiance is “a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that tugs at the bonds of friendship, loyalty and trust, Bounded Allegiance is a thrill ride that places you firmly in the battle. Follow the men and women of Earth's military as they face victory and defeat in action against a desperate alien adversary.”
James H. Lilley served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 through 1965. He was discharged at the rank of corporal. A police sergeant with the Howard County Police Department (Maryland), he has worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Services (CSI) and Drug Enforcement Division. His Street Drug Unit was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt and published by Simon and Schuster. Some of his awards include The Medal of Valor, Four Bronze Stars, Four Unit Citations and the Governor's Citation. He is also an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate and the first American to be promoted to the rank of Black Belt by Mr. Takeshi Miyagi. James Lilley is the author of six books: A Question of Honor; The Eyes of the Hunter; The Far Side of the Bridge; Just Retribution; A Miracle for Tony Clements; and, Death Knocks Twice.
According to the book description of Death Knocks Twice, “Halloween night, with a Hunter's Moon in the sky, finds Detective Jefferson Daniel Lewis on the scene of a murder. Another child molester's been killed with the signature double tap to the head. Two .22 caliber bullets, and little else to go on, puts Lewis in the middle of right and wrong when sentiment rests on the side of the killer. To complicate matters, he's assigned a new partner. Maria Santana, a dark-eyed, raven-haired beauty works beside him day and night, but knows she'd like to be a lot more than just his partner.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 23 current or former military members and their 49 books.
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