Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing military personnel who have authored books. The website added three authors: David Hatch, Thomas Russo; and, Richard L. Allen.
Detective David E. Hatch spent more than 27 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. David Hatch joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1969 after discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1980, as a detective, he joined the homicide section. During his time with homicide, he investigated over 400 homicides and 125 officer-involved shootings.
After retirement in 1997, David Hatch has concentrated on law enforcement related writing and teaching. He is the author of Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations).
David Hatch’s book, now in its second edition, “continues to provide sound and sober models, protocols, and procedures to handle the highly charged fall-out from officer involved shootings. Written by cops for cops, it is designed to address the needs of the agency, the rights of the employee, and the concerns of the public, and give law enforcement the policies and tools to properly investigate and document this high profile area.”
In 1956, Thomas J. Russo joined the United States Navy. He served in the Mediterranean on the minesweeper USS Dash. He was honorably discharged in 1958. In 1960, Thomas Russo joined the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey). Thomas Russo served through the ranks of the Montclair Police Department, ultimately becoming the chief of police in 1993. He retired in 2001.
Thomas J. Russo is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and the Secret Service Dignitary Protection School in Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of a Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and a graduate of the Certified Public Manager Course of the State of New Jersey. Thomas Russo is published his autobiography Street Kid to Top Cop in 2005.
Richard L. Allen was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He served four years as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, including six months in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After 24 years in the Air Force Reserves, Allen joined the Newark Police Department where he served until his retirement in 2001. Richard Allen is the author of Lock and Key; Poetic Police Food for Thought; and, A New Ark Police Officer's View of Poetic Just Ice/Justice.
According to the book description of Lock and Key, “with enough episodes to fill a season of televised police dramas, author and former police officer Richard Allen provides readers with a candid look into the nature of police work and the daily challenges an officer must face. In his memoir, "Lock and Key," Allen recalls some of the most unforgettable incidents and individuals of his experience. He depicts the humanity, compassion, and courage of those who serve their community as officers of the peace while revealing his deepest gratitude and appreciation for his fellow police officers”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 31 current or former military members and their 64 books.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Camaraderie, Patriotism, Pride Spur On Troops in Combat
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
July 15, 2007 – Each day, as the nation's volunteer military men and women perform their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, they know the enemy they're up against employs uncommon tactics and weapons and that a simple misstep could cause disfigurement or death. This weekend, the military's top-ranking general paid tribute to the 26,000 troops who have been wounded and 4,000 killed facing this enemy.
On behalf of these wounded and fallen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace honored four Purple Heart recipients, one from each service, at an evening parade at the historic Marine Barracks here.
Pace said Army Cpl. Mathew Murray, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle, Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall and Air Force Senior Airman Michael Fletcher also represent those who serve around the world protecting America's way of life.
"Another 2.4 million Americans just like them serve our nation tonight so we can ... live the lives we want to live, enjoy our families, pray where we want to pray - or not pray - and just live our lives as Americans," Pace said. "To each of you and all those you represent, thank you."
The four honorees talked with American Forces Press Service at a pre-parade reception about the camaraderie, patriotism and pride they said helps keep them and their cohorts motivated in the dangerous, uncertain lands where they're deployed.
Army Cpl. Mathew Murray
Army Cpl. Mathew Murray deployed to Iraq in August 2006 as a weapons intelligence team member. His neck was broken by an improvised explosive device in December of that year while he was performing forensic analysis near Camp Taji.
Murray said most of the wounded troops he's met are staying positive and going on with their lives. Only about 5 percent are bitter about their injuries.
"It's a very low ratio because we knew what we were doing when we signed up," he said. "There's no doubt in your mind that you could get hurt doing this job. It's not like you weren't informed of the dangers. You know what's going on. It's on the TV everywhere."
Murray said his personal philosophy about combat is simple: "When it's your time to go, it's your time to go."
"I was wearing every protective measure I could, and it still happened," he said. "There's really nothing but chance that's stopping you from getting injured."
But getting hit, he added, "is really the last thing on your mind. You see how the Iraqis live and you really want to help."
As an infantryman investigating IED sites, Murray he had a lot of contact with the local people. During his dealings with them, he said he always tried to represent the Army and the United States the best he could.
"We talked to them a lot and even with the people who were suspects, I tried to keep a professional, kind attitude toward them," he said. "I made sure they were comfortable, but still restrained the way they needed to be." In return, he said, the Iraqis were "respectful and they complied."
Asked if he'd return to Iraq, Murray replied, "in a heartbeat." He'd said he'd go back "in case something like this happened to somebody else. They might need me there to do something. It's for the other soldiers, the other troops, not so much for myself."
Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle
In November 2005, during his third deployment in Iraq, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle led his squad in combat in Ramadi. During an attack on an observation post by indirect rocket-propelled-grenade and small-arms fire, he was struck in the face by shrapnel. Despite his injury, Wahle exposed himself to enemy fire as he delivered vital ammunition to all posts.
In January 2006, Wahle observed enemy activity and, anticipating an assault, assembled the reaction force and forward air controller. During the attack, he coordinated his post's response and told the forward air controller where to lay down fire. By foreseeing the attack, he enabled the post to gain fire superiority and defeat the attack.
Wahle, who received a Bronze Star Medal for the courage he demonstrated, said he was honored to represent the Marine Corps' warriors.
Asked what keeps him motivated, the five-year veteran replied, "I'd have to say 'pride.' Pride in the Marine Corps. Pride in my country, my family. It's what I do. It's just who I am."
Wahle said he planned to reenlist and apply for an officer training program. "I love the Marine Corps. I love leading Marines," he said. "I like to do good things and make a positive impact."
Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall
Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall, a medical corpsman, deployed to Iraq with the 5th Marine Regiment from August 2004 to March 2005. He was riding in a 7-ton truck in a convoy in Ramadi when an IED blast hit the vehicle, wounding him and many of the passengers.
Hall sustained multiple shrapnel fragments to his left upper arm, one that passed through his left forearm, and other shrapnel fragments to his face. Three Marines were also injured.
Although dazed by the blast and bleeding from his own wounds, Hall triaged his fellow passengers and provided emergency medical care to the worst-injured Marine. Hall bandaged the Marine's neck helped him breathe, despite limited use of his own left arm. Hall also directed the convoy corpsman in rendering aid to the other Marines.
Only after these patients had been treated and their evacuation coordinated did Hall permit himself to be treated and evacuated from the scene. Because of his quick and efficient medical care, all three wounded Marines survived, and none suffered unnecessary loss of limb or eyesight.
Hall said his chosen profession was key to the way he approached combat mentally. "I'm a Navy corpsman and I think that inherently within us, because of our training and our tradition, we do the things that bring honor to the Navy and to our corps," he said. "We just do it."
Hall said he had talked with his sailors and Marines about fear. "I told them, 'Be afraid,' because I was afraid," he said. "There's nothing wrong with being afraid of things you don't know about, or you don't know whether you're going to come home to your families and friends. I think that's what held us together."
He said there's nothing that can prepare you fully to face IEDs -- but that servicemembers have adapted to the new threat in their environment.
"Overall, the sailors and Marines of that unit understood what the mission was," he said. So when they came under attack or hit an IED, they treated their wounded, then continued the mission. "The IEDs disrupted us, but it never stopped us," Hall said.
Hall said the unit's extensive training paid off in a big way. "We used a lot of the information that was provided as lessons learned and after-action reports," he said. "We studied the techniques, tactics and practices of the enemy and we tried to outguess them."
Air Force Senior Airman Michael Fletcher
Senior Airman Michael Fletcher joined the Air Force in 2004 and was deployed to Iraq as a turret gunner on a Humvee. His face was crushed and he lost his left arm and vision in his left eye when the vehicle rolled over. He has undergone numerous surgeries to rebuild his nose and face.
Fletcher said he and his wife Yolanda currently work with wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. "We don't want them to feel like people don't have their backs," he said.
"We want them to know that we're there for them and that we care about what's going on," he said. "Without people taking care of me when I got here, I wouldn't have the confidence I have today to do it for other folks."
Although they lost their home in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, the couple's longer-term goal is to move to Florida to start a small business and to help raise money for the wounded veterans.
"So many people we don't know did so much for us," Fletcher said. "I don't need the recognition, but I want them to know that I'm out here and that I'm trying to help do what other folks have done for me and our country."
American Forces Press Service
July 15, 2007 – Each day, as the nation's volunteer military men and women perform their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, they know the enemy they're up against employs uncommon tactics and weapons and that a simple misstep could cause disfigurement or death. This weekend, the military's top-ranking general paid tribute to the 26,000 troops who have been wounded and 4,000 killed facing this enemy.
On behalf of these wounded and fallen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace honored four Purple Heart recipients, one from each service, at an evening parade at the historic Marine Barracks here.
Pace said Army Cpl. Mathew Murray, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle, Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall and Air Force Senior Airman Michael Fletcher also represent those who serve around the world protecting America's way of life.
"Another 2.4 million Americans just like them serve our nation tonight so we can ... live the lives we want to live, enjoy our families, pray where we want to pray - or not pray - and just live our lives as Americans," Pace said. "To each of you and all those you represent, thank you."
The four honorees talked with American Forces Press Service at a pre-parade reception about the camaraderie, patriotism and pride they said helps keep them and their cohorts motivated in the dangerous, uncertain lands where they're deployed.
Army Cpl. Mathew Murray
Army Cpl. Mathew Murray deployed to Iraq in August 2006 as a weapons intelligence team member. His neck was broken by an improvised explosive device in December of that year while he was performing forensic analysis near Camp Taji.
Murray said most of the wounded troops he's met are staying positive and going on with their lives. Only about 5 percent are bitter about their injuries.
"It's a very low ratio because we knew what we were doing when we signed up," he said. "There's no doubt in your mind that you could get hurt doing this job. It's not like you weren't informed of the dangers. You know what's going on. It's on the TV everywhere."
Murray said his personal philosophy about combat is simple: "When it's your time to go, it's your time to go."
"I was wearing every protective measure I could, and it still happened," he said. "There's really nothing but chance that's stopping you from getting injured."
But getting hit, he added, "is really the last thing on your mind. You see how the Iraqis live and you really want to help."
As an infantryman investigating IED sites, Murray he had a lot of contact with the local people. During his dealings with them, he said he always tried to represent the Army and the United States the best he could.
"We talked to them a lot and even with the people who were suspects, I tried to keep a professional, kind attitude toward them," he said. "I made sure they were comfortable, but still restrained the way they needed to be." In return, he said, the Iraqis were "respectful and they complied."
Asked if he'd return to Iraq, Murray replied, "in a heartbeat." He'd said he'd go back "in case something like this happened to somebody else. They might need me there to do something. It's for the other soldiers, the other troops, not so much for myself."
Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle
In November 2005, during his third deployment in Iraq, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle led his squad in combat in Ramadi. During an attack on an observation post by indirect rocket-propelled-grenade and small-arms fire, he was struck in the face by shrapnel. Despite his injury, Wahle exposed himself to enemy fire as he delivered vital ammunition to all posts.
In January 2006, Wahle observed enemy activity and, anticipating an assault, assembled the reaction force and forward air controller. During the attack, he coordinated his post's response and told the forward air controller where to lay down fire. By foreseeing the attack, he enabled the post to gain fire superiority and defeat the attack.
Wahle, who received a Bronze Star Medal for the courage he demonstrated, said he was honored to represent the Marine Corps' warriors.
Asked what keeps him motivated, the five-year veteran replied, "I'd have to say 'pride.' Pride in the Marine Corps. Pride in my country, my family. It's what I do. It's just who I am."
Wahle said he planned to reenlist and apply for an officer training program. "I love the Marine Corps. I love leading Marines," he said. "I like to do good things and make a positive impact."
Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall
Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall, a medical corpsman, deployed to Iraq with the 5th Marine Regiment from August 2004 to March 2005. He was riding in a 7-ton truck in a convoy in Ramadi when an IED blast hit the vehicle, wounding him and many of the passengers.
Hall sustained multiple shrapnel fragments to his left upper arm, one that passed through his left forearm, and other shrapnel fragments to his face. Three Marines were also injured.
Although dazed by the blast and bleeding from his own wounds, Hall triaged his fellow passengers and provided emergency medical care to the worst-injured Marine. Hall bandaged the Marine's neck helped him breathe, despite limited use of his own left arm. Hall also directed the convoy corpsman in rendering aid to the other Marines.
Only after these patients had been treated and their evacuation coordinated did Hall permit himself to be treated and evacuated from the scene. Because of his quick and efficient medical care, all three wounded Marines survived, and none suffered unnecessary loss of limb or eyesight.
Hall said his chosen profession was key to the way he approached combat mentally. "I'm a Navy corpsman and I think that inherently within us, because of our training and our tradition, we do the things that bring honor to the Navy and to our corps," he said. "We just do it."
Hall said he had talked with his sailors and Marines about fear. "I told them, 'Be afraid,' because I was afraid," he said. "There's nothing wrong with being afraid of things you don't know about, or you don't know whether you're going to come home to your families and friends. I think that's what held us together."
He said there's nothing that can prepare you fully to face IEDs -- but that servicemembers have adapted to the new threat in their environment.
"Overall, the sailors and Marines of that unit understood what the mission was," he said. So when they came under attack or hit an IED, they treated their wounded, then continued the mission. "The IEDs disrupted us, but it never stopped us," Hall said.
Hall said the unit's extensive training paid off in a big way. "We used a lot of the information that was provided as lessons learned and after-action reports," he said. "We studied the techniques, tactics and practices of the enemy and we tried to outguess them."
Air Force Senior Airman Michael Fletcher
Senior Airman Michael Fletcher joined the Air Force in 2004 and was deployed to Iraq as a turret gunner on a Humvee. His face was crushed and he lost his left arm and vision in his left eye when the vehicle rolled over. He has undergone numerous surgeries to rebuild his nose and face.
Fletcher said he and his wife Yolanda currently work with wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. "We don't want them to feel like people don't have their backs," he said.
"We want them to know that we're there for them and that we care about what's going on," he said. "Without people taking care of me when I got here, I wouldn't have the confidence I have today to do it for other folks."
Although they lost their home in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, the couple's longer-term goal is to move to Florida to start a small business and to help raise money for the wounded veterans.
"So many people we don't know did so much for us," Fletcher said. "I don't need the recognition, but I want them to know that I'm out here and that I'm trying to help do what other folks have done for me and our country."
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Italian Ambassador Treats Wounded Troops to Mediterranean Hospitality
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 15, 2007 – A busload of wounded servicemembers brought their appetites to the Italian Embassy here July 13 as the ambassador and his staff transformed the building into Washington's most authentic Italian restaurant. For nearly 200 Friday evenings since October 2003, about 75 wounded troops recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and their families have been treated to a free meal. Fran O'Brien's steakhouse initially was the main venue until the restaurant lost its lease May 2006. The weekly tradition flirted with extinction, but others have stepped up to the plate to ensure it continues.
Among them is Giovanni Castellaneta, Italy's ambassador to the United States, and wife Lila, who caught wind last May that the dinners were approaching an abrupt end. To keep the tradition alive another week, they suggested an alternate venue: the Italian Embassy.
The event was such a big success that for the second year in a row, the embassy opened its gates July 13 and welcomed 34 hungry war veterans and 38 family members.
"I heard about this association, and I think this association is doing a wonderful job," Castellaneta said. "We have respect for these young people and it is our duty to give some personal contribution."
While hosting last year's dinner, the ambassador said he witnessed support that families gave their injured loved ones, and experienced firsthand servicemembers' enduring sense of duty.
"First, I saw a great solidarity among the families. They are not alone," he said. "Second, these young men and women have a great sense of duty. They know that they serve for us, and they were unfortunate in being wounded, but they are very proud to have served not only their country, but the entire world."
As the muggy day settled into evening, servicemembers were greeted at the embassy doors by their Italian military counterparts. From there, they were ushered to tables and chairs arranged under the glass rooftop that revealed a watercolor sunset. Some troops arrived on crutches, moving in staccato steps, and others rolled across the marble floor in wheelchairs.
Italian Army Lt. Col. Enrico Rinaldi, assistant attache to the Italian Embassy, was among the soldiers who greeted the troops. Rinaldi, who wears two stars on his shoulder boards, said that despite slight differences in how the Italian and U.S. militaries operate, their similarities are more striking.
Both countries' militaries have sacrificed for their respective nations, he said, noting that he welcomed the chance to show support for the wounded U.S. troops.
"We think that all these people did a great job for their country. We are happy to stay here with them to make them comfortable tonight," Rinaldi said. "I think it's very important for them to receive this kind of hospitality; it's our Italian culture to make all the people comfortable, above all, these kind of people that made a big sacrifice for their country."
Guests dined on world-class Italian cuisine -- lasagna, prosciutto and melon and salami skewers among the offerings-all prepared by the ambassador's personal chef and served buffet-style. Tenor Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Guiliano, a member of the Army Band, presented a vocal performance in pitch-perfect acoustics. As he sang, musical notes composed by Puccini bounced off embassy walls adorned with Renaissance-era paintings and Etruscan artifacts.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, who has accompanied recovering servicemembers to the dinners since December 2003, called them an important step in wounded troops' recovery.
Lourake, who underwent an above-the-knee amputation in June 2002 and now wears a computerized artificial leg, is the first and only amputee to return to flight status. As an "amputee peer visitor," he is a role model for young men and women whose spirits have been shattered after losing a limb.
"It's fear of the unknown," he said. "They've been thrust into a world they didn't know existed."
Lourake said he often uses the Friday dinners as a "first outing," easing recent amputees back into public life.
"We do that for two reasons. One is to shelter them a little bit, so they're not amongst the public with everybody staring," he said. "The other (reason) is to have them around other people who are like them. For morale purposes and for families, being able to bond, it's just a huge benefit for them."
Shoshana Bryen is among those who has helped ensure that benefit continues. Special projects director at Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, she recognized the importance of continuing the weekly dinners when they were about to get the ax. "The soldiers were feeling like what had become a haven for them had been taken away," she said of Fran O'Brien's closing. "And the doctors will tell you that this is a huge boost for them."
About the time the Friday night dinners' end seemed imminent, Bryen received a donation of "a couple thousand dollars"with one simple request : that the money be spent on servicemembers. She immediately handed the money to a friend who used it to revitalize the Friday night dinners.
Since then, other sponsors have stepped in and hosted the dinners. The Capitol Hill Club, Army Navy Club and the Japanese and Taiwanese embassies have hosted Friday night dinners. Because Friday is the Jewish day of rest, the Israeli Embassy hosted a Friday dinner on Sunday.
Marine Reserve Maj. Jamie Browning and his family agree that the dinners have had a major impact on his recovery.
Browning's blood vessel hemorrhaged in his brain without warning while he was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq. With half of his skull now removed, he wears a helmet to cover the inward-sloping side of his head that bears a large scar from repeated surgeries.
The July 13 evening at the Italian Embassy was the second time Browning attended the complimentary dinner, and he said he plans to participate in future events.
The 35-year-old Browning said he's overwhelmed by the network of support that exists for U.S. servicemembers. "You read stories about guys coming back from Vietnam getting spit on, and now it's just the complete opposite of that," he said. "If I had a dollar for every time somebody's come up and shaken my hand and said 'Thank You,' I could be a millionaire.
"It just amazes me how many people are out there doing things for us," he said. "I'm sure it takes a hell of a lot of work and time and money to put these dinners on every Friday night. People are giving up their personal lives to help us. It makes us feel a lot better about ourselves."
Jamie's father, Jim Browning, credits the dinners for helping to bring his son out of the shell he entered after his injury.
"He was flat, he was depressed," Jamie's father said. "But he has come out of his depression, he has bucked up. The dinners have been a life-saver for us because they're very important to him."
American Forces Press Service
July 15, 2007 – A busload of wounded servicemembers brought their appetites to the Italian Embassy here July 13 as the ambassador and his staff transformed the building into Washington's most authentic Italian restaurant. For nearly 200 Friday evenings since October 2003, about 75 wounded troops recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and their families have been treated to a free meal. Fran O'Brien's steakhouse initially was the main venue until the restaurant lost its lease May 2006. The weekly tradition flirted with extinction, but others have stepped up to the plate to ensure it continues.
Among them is Giovanni Castellaneta, Italy's ambassador to the United States, and wife Lila, who caught wind last May that the dinners were approaching an abrupt end. To keep the tradition alive another week, they suggested an alternate venue: the Italian Embassy.
The event was such a big success that for the second year in a row, the embassy opened its gates July 13 and welcomed 34 hungry war veterans and 38 family members.
"I heard about this association, and I think this association is doing a wonderful job," Castellaneta said. "We have respect for these young people and it is our duty to give some personal contribution."
While hosting last year's dinner, the ambassador said he witnessed support that families gave their injured loved ones, and experienced firsthand servicemembers' enduring sense of duty.
"First, I saw a great solidarity among the families. They are not alone," he said. "Second, these young men and women have a great sense of duty. They know that they serve for us, and they were unfortunate in being wounded, but they are very proud to have served not only their country, but the entire world."
As the muggy day settled into evening, servicemembers were greeted at the embassy doors by their Italian military counterparts. From there, they were ushered to tables and chairs arranged under the glass rooftop that revealed a watercolor sunset. Some troops arrived on crutches, moving in staccato steps, and others rolled across the marble floor in wheelchairs.
Italian Army Lt. Col. Enrico Rinaldi, assistant attache to the Italian Embassy, was among the soldiers who greeted the troops. Rinaldi, who wears two stars on his shoulder boards, said that despite slight differences in how the Italian and U.S. militaries operate, their similarities are more striking.
Both countries' militaries have sacrificed for their respective nations, he said, noting that he welcomed the chance to show support for the wounded U.S. troops.
"We think that all these people did a great job for their country. We are happy to stay here with them to make them comfortable tonight," Rinaldi said. "I think it's very important for them to receive this kind of hospitality; it's our Italian culture to make all the people comfortable, above all, these kind of people that made a big sacrifice for their country."
Guests dined on world-class Italian cuisine -- lasagna, prosciutto and melon and salami skewers among the offerings-all prepared by the ambassador's personal chef and served buffet-style. Tenor Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Guiliano, a member of the Army Band, presented a vocal performance in pitch-perfect acoustics. As he sang, musical notes composed by Puccini bounced off embassy walls adorned with Renaissance-era paintings and Etruscan artifacts.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, who has accompanied recovering servicemembers to the dinners since December 2003, called them an important step in wounded troops' recovery.
Lourake, who underwent an above-the-knee amputation in June 2002 and now wears a computerized artificial leg, is the first and only amputee to return to flight status. As an "amputee peer visitor," he is a role model for young men and women whose spirits have been shattered after losing a limb.
"It's fear of the unknown," he said. "They've been thrust into a world they didn't know existed."
Lourake said he often uses the Friday dinners as a "first outing," easing recent amputees back into public life.
"We do that for two reasons. One is to shelter them a little bit, so they're not amongst the public with everybody staring," he said. "The other (reason) is to have them around other people who are like them. For morale purposes and for families, being able to bond, it's just a huge benefit for them."
Shoshana Bryen is among those who has helped ensure that benefit continues. Special projects director at Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, she recognized the importance of continuing the weekly dinners when they were about to get the ax. "The soldiers were feeling like what had become a haven for them had been taken away," she said of Fran O'Brien's closing. "And the doctors will tell you that this is a huge boost for them."
About the time the Friday night dinners' end seemed imminent, Bryen received a donation of "a couple thousand dollars"with one simple request : that the money be spent on servicemembers. She immediately handed the money to a friend who used it to revitalize the Friday night dinners.
Since then, other sponsors have stepped in and hosted the dinners. The Capitol Hill Club, Army Navy Club and the Japanese and Taiwanese embassies have hosted Friday night dinners. Because Friday is the Jewish day of rest, the Israeli Embassy hosted a Friday dinner on Sunday.
Marine Reserve Maj. Jamie Browning and his family agree that the dinners have had a major impact on his recovery.
Browning's blood vessel hemorrhaged in his brain without warning while he was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq. With half of his skull now removed, he wears a helmet to cover the inward-sloping side of his head that bears a large scar from repeated surgeries.
The July 13 evening at the Italian Embassy was the second time Browning attended the complimentary dinner, and he said he plans to participate in future events.
The 35-year-old Browning said he's overwhelmed by the network of support that exists for U.S. servicemembers. "You read stories about guys coming back from Vietnam getting spit on, and now it's just the complete opposite of that," he said. "If I had a dollar for every time somebody's come up and shaken my hand and said 'Thank You,' I could be a millionaire.
"It just amazes me how many people are out there doing things for us," he said. "I'm sure it takes a hell of a lot of work and time and money to put these dinners on every Friday night. People are giving up their personal lives to help us. It makes us feel a lot better about ourselves."
Jamie's father, Jim Browning, credits the dinners for helping to bring his son out of the shell he entered after his injury.
"He was flat, he was depressed," Jamie's father said. "But he has come out of his depression, he has bucked up. The dinners have been a life-saver for us because they're very important to him."
Police from Nevada
Editor's Note: One of the authors is former USMC.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three officer from departments within the state of Nevada: David E. Hatch; Lake Headley; and, Jeff Kaye.
Detective David E. Hatch spent more than 27 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. David Hatch joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1969 after discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1980, as a detective, he joined the homicide section. During his time with homicide, he investigated over 400 homicides and 125 officer-involved shootings.
After retirement in 1997, David Hatch has concentrated on law enforcement related writing and teaching. He is the author of Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations).
David Hatch’s book, now in its second edition, “continues to provide sound and sober models, protocols, and procedures to handle the highly charged fall-out from officer involved shootings. Written by cops for cops, it is designed to address the needs of the agency, the rights of the employee, and the concerns of the public, and give law enforcement the policies and tools to properly investigate and document this high profile area.”
In 1957, Lake Headley joined the Clark County Sheriff’s Department (Nevada). After five years Lake Headley resigned because, as he puts it, the Department “more closely resembled a vigilante committee than a law enforcement agency.” Lake Headley launched his own Private Investigations firm and became involved in many interesting, if not extraordinary cases. Lake Headley is the author of Vegas P.I. And, the co-author of the true crime books: Contract Killer; The Court-Martial of Clayton Lonetree; and, Loud and Clear.
According to Lake Headley’s publisher, Vegas P.I is “filled with major crime cases and startling revelations, it chronicles his thirty-five perilous and action-packed years as a first-rank detective defending the disenfranchised and battling crime on the streets of Las Vegas and beyond. He takes us back to a period of gambling history when the Mob ruled the strip and he busted some of the most ingenious scams cheaters ever devised. Headley gives never-revealed details of the famous "Friars Club Cheating Case" in which celebrities such as Phil Silvers, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, and Groucho Marx lost more than a million dollars in a rigged gin rummy game at the exclusive Friars Club in Beverly Hills. Headley chronicles his wild adventures with the legendary bounty hunter "Papa" Ralph Thorson.
Jeff Kaye is a sergeant with the Reno Police Department (Nevada). He has spent the majority of his career working various undercover assignments. He is considered an expert in undercover operations, street level drug enforcement and undercover operative stress syndromes. Jeff Kaye is the author of the novel Two Faces Have I
According to Jeff Kaye’s book description, “Jack Stoner is having a bad day. A psycho thief wants to kill him for being a snitch, a serial killer has set him up as a murder suspect, and he's about to cross paths with an organized crime boss, which will cause a sexy female F.B.I. Agent to enter his life and add to his troubles. On top of all this, he's having problems remembering he is really a cop named Jake Slater, who has been left undercover far too long. Follow him through Nevada's glitter towns on an emotional and action-packed tour of the dirty little secret Law Enforcement calls undercover work.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 643 police officers (representing 282 police departments) and their 1373 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 three officer from departments within the state of Nevada: David E. Hatch; Lake Headley; and, Jeff Kaye.
Detective David E. Hatch spent more than 27 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. David Hatch joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1969 after discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1980, as a detective, he joined the homicide section. During his time with homicide, he investigated over 400 homicides and 125 officer-involved shootings.
After retirement in 1997, David Hatch has concentrated on law enforcement related writing and teaching. He is the author of Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations).
David Hatch’s book, now in its second edition, “continues to provide sound and sober models, protocols, and procedures to handle the highly charged fall-out from officer involved shootings. Written by cops for cops, it is designed to address the needs of the agency, the rights of the employee, and the concerns of the public, and give law enforcement the policies and tools to properly investigate and document this high profile area.”
In 1957, Lake Headley joined the Clark County Sheriff’s Department (Nevada). After five years Lake Headley resigned because, as he puts it, the Department “more closely resembled a vigilante committee than a law enforcement agency.” Lake Headley launched his own Private Investigations firm and became involved in many interesting, if not extraordinary cases. Lake Headley is the author of Vegas P.I. And, the co-author of the true crime books: Contract Killer; The Court-Martial of Clayton Lonetree; and, Loud and Clear.
According to Lake Headley’s publisher, Vegas P.I is “filled with major crime cases and startling revelations, it chronicles his thirty-five perilous and action-packed years as a first-rank detective defending the disenfranchised and battling crime on the streets of Las Vegas and beyond. He takes us back to a period of gambling history when the Mob ruled the strip and he busted some of the most ingenious scams cheaters ever devised. Headley gives never-revealed details of the famous "Friars Club Cheating Case" in which celebrities such as Phil Silvers, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, and Groucho Marx lost more than a million dollars in a rigged gin rummy game at the exclusive Friars Club in Beverly Hills. Headley chronicles his wild adventures with the legendary bounty hunter "Papa" Ralph Thorson.
Jeff Kaye is a sergeant with the Reno Police Department (Nevada). He has spent the majority of his career working various undercover assignments. He is considered an expert in undercover operations, street level drug enforcement and undercover operative stress syndromes. Jeff Kaye is the author of the novel Two Faces Have I
According to Jeff Kaye’s book description, “Jack Stoner is having a bad day. A psycho thief wants to kill him for being a snitch, a serial killer has set him up as a murder suspect, and he's about to cross paths with an organized crime boss, which will cause a sexy female F.B.I. Agent to enter his life and add to his troubles. On top of all this, he's having problems remembering he is really a cop named Jake Slater, who has been left undercover far too long. Follow him through Nevada's glitter towns on an emotional and action-packed tour of the dirty little secret Law Enforcement calls undercover work.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 643 police officers (representing 282 police departments) and their 1373 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.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Las Vegas Cops
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former U.S. Air Force servicemember.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Kim Thomas, Gordon Yach and Harry Fagel.
Kim Thomas is a detective with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, currently assigned to the forgery detail. His other investigative assignments included a joint operation with the FBI targeting an organized crime group of Eastern Europeans who defrauded $34 million from stolen credit cards. Kim Thomas, a former U.S. Air Force enlistee has also been a construction worker, limosine driver and worked in executive protection. In 1992, at the age of 36, Kim Thomas entered the police academy. A sixth-degree black belt in Katai-te Ryu karate, Kim Thomas scored 100 percent on the Metro physical test even though he was one of the older members of his police academy class.
Kim Thomas is the author of the novel Vegas: One Cop’s Journey. According to the book description, “Cam Madden had a good job and a carefree bachelor lifestyle when he impulsively tried out for the police academy of the Las Vegas PD. Now that he's mastered the theories of law enforcement his education in its realities begins with field training and an ugly suicide call. Learning the lessons of the street leaves scars on Cam's ego, but it's even rougher on his off-duty relationships with women. It doesn't matter until he falls for Karrie Mae, a paramedic, whereupon making it work becomes all important. Their romance grows in a world of burglars, bums, purse snatchers, drug dealers, and homicidal idiots, no two of them alike but each to be dealt with according to endless regulations, some of which cannot work without being severely bent.”
Gordon Yach is a 27 year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. During his career, he worked patrol, detectives, vice, narcotics and intelligence. He rose through the ranks and eventually retired as the Director of the Detention Services Division. He is the author of Las Vegas... a Cops View Of... the Glamour, Glitz, Graft, Good & Evil of Sin City.
Harry Fagel has lived in Las Vegas for 30 years. He is a Police Officer with Las Vegas Metropolitan police Department. According to Harry, he has also been a “bartender, a black jack dealer, a college student, and a madman.” Harry Fagel is the author of Street Talk. According to the book description, “Take a ride with Officer Harry Fagel through the streets of Las Vegas as he weaves his black and white from glass - littered alleys to high end mega-resorts pausing along the way to show you a world from the emotionally charged, highly visual perception of a street cop gone poet or maybe poet gone street cop.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 640 police officers (representing 281 police departments) and their 1367 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 three police officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Kim Thomas, Gordon Yach and Harry Fagel.
Kim Thomas is a detective with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, currently assigned to the forgery detail. His other investigative assignments included a joint operation with the FBI targeting an organized crime group of Eastern Europeans who defrauded $34 million from stolen credit cards. Kim Thomas, a former U.S. Air Force enlistee has also been a construction worker, limosine driver and worked in executive protection. In 1992, at the age of 36, Kim Thomas entered the police academy. A sixth-degree black belt in Katai-te Ryu karate, Kim Thomas scored 100 percent on the Metro physical test even though he was one of the older members of his police academy class.
Kim Thomas is the author of the novel Vegas: One Cop’s Journey. According to the book description, “Cam Madden had a good job and a carefree bachelor lifestyle when he impulsively tried out for the police academy of the Las Vegas PD. Now that he's mastered the theories of law enforcement his education in its realities begins with field training and an ugly suicide call. Learning the lessons of the street leaves scars on Cam's ego, but it's even rougher on his off-duty relationships with women. It doesn't matter until he falls for Karrie Mae, a paramedic, whereupon making it work becomes all important. Their romance grows in a world of burglars, bums, purse snatchers, drug dealers, and homicidal idiots, no two of them alike but each to be dealt with according to endless regulations, some of which cannot work without being severely bent.”
Gordon Yach is a 27 year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. During his career, he worked patrol, detectives, vice, narcotics and intelligence. He rose through the ranks and eventually retired as the Director of the Detention Services Division. He is the author of Las Vegas... a Cops View Of... the Glamour, Glitz, Graft, Good & Evil of Sin City.
Harry Fagel has lived in Las Vegas for 30 years. He is a Police Officer with Las Vegas Metropolitan police Department. According to Harry, he has also been a “bartender, a black jack dealer, a college student, and a madman.” Harry Fagel is the author of Street Talk. According to the book description, “Take a ride with Officer Harry Fagel through the streets of Las Vegas as he weaves his black and white from glass - littered alleys to high end mega-resorts pausing along the way to show you a world from the emotionally charged, highly visual perception of a street cop gone poet or maybe poet gone street cop.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 640 police officers (representing 281 police departments) and their 1367 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing military personnel who have authored books. The website added authors who served in World War II and Vietnam.
Robert B. Heinen was a police officer for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri) from 1946 to 1974. He retired at the rank of Captain. At the beginning of World War II a then 17 year old Robert Heinen enlisted the United States Navy. He served four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Six months after the war he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He is published his autobiography The Battle Behind the Badge in 1997.
According to one reader, “The Battle Behind the Badge takes you on the streets of Kansas City with Captain Heinen as your partner. BEWARE! On your shift you'll not only encounter dangerous street thugs, but high-powered organized crime figures. When you return to the station house to file your reports, be prepared to battle corrupt police officials and egocentric city hall politicians. "The Battle Behind the Badge" is an excellent hardball account of Kansas City during a time when it was difficult to tell who the bad guy was. Captain Heinen is an honest cop who pays for his integrity by being yo-yoed up and down the ranks. He is Kansas City's "Serpico." This is a very good read that took a lot of guts to write.”
In 1966, James R. Kelly served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. James Kelly received his BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1971, he joined the ranks of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; becoming one of the organization's first agents. James Kelly retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 1995. He is the author of two books: Prescription for Murder and Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam.
Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam, “depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.” James Kelly served with A Company, 3rd Amtracs, 1966-67.
John "Jack" Miller applied his first career in Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigations to his second career of Casino Games and their protection. Jack was a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) conducting investigations of felony crimes. These investigations also included counter-intelligence and counter-espionage investigations.
After retiring from the military, he joined the Clark County District Attorneys office as a Special Investigator of "white collar" and conspiratorial crimes. He worked with undercover teams from the local Police and the FBI conducting burglary stings. He then joined the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB) as an Enforcement Agent. He was certified by Nevada State and Federal Courts as an Expert witness during trials of gambling cheats.
John “Jack” Miller is the author of Cold War Warrior, All Crooks Welcome and Master Cheat! According to the book description of the true story, All Crooks Welcome, “the Las Vegas police are plagued with burglaries. Two detectives devise an ingenious scheme to combat the thieves and burglars. Pose as fences and buy the evidence from the crooks. With the help of the District Attorney’s office and the FBI, the sting is on. Join with the undercover law enforcement personnel as they solve the problems associated with a scheme never tried before. Be there as the crooks arrive with their ill-gotten gains. Enjoy the wrap-up party where the thieves expect one thing and get another.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 28 current or former military members and their 59 books.
Robert B. Heinen was a police officer for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri) from 1946 to 1974. He retired at the rank of Captain. At the beginning of World War II a then 17 year old Robert Heinen enlisted the United States Navy. He served four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Six months after the war he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He is published his autobiography The Battle Behind the Badge in 1997.
According to one reader, “The Battle Behind the Badge takes you on the streets of Kansas City with Captain Heinen as your partner. BEWARE! On your shift you'll not only encounter dangerous street thugs, but high-powered organized crime figures. When you return to the station house to file your reports, be prepared to battle corrupt police officials and egocentric city hall politicians. "The Battle Behind the Badge" is an excellent hardball account of Kansas City during a time when it was difficult to tell who the bad guy was. Captain Heinen is an honest cop who pays for his integrity by being yo-yoed up and down the ranks. He is Kansas City's "Serpico." This is a very good read that took a lot of guts to write.”
In 1966, James R. Kelly served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. James Kelly received his BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1971, he joined the ranks of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; becoming one of the organization's first agents. James Kelly retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 1995. He is the author of two books: Prescription for Murder and Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam.
Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam, “depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.” James Kelly served with A Company, 3rd Amtracs, 1966-67.
John "Jack" Miller applied his first career in Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigations to his second career of Casino Games and their protection. Jack was a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) conducting investigations of felony crimes. These investigations also included counter-intelligence and counter-espionage investigations.
After retiring from the military, he joined the Clark County District Attorneys office as a Special Investigator of "white collar" and conspiratorial crimes. He worked with undercover teams from the local Police and the FBI conducting burglary stings. He then joined the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB) as an Enforcement Agent. He was certified by Nevada State and Federal Courts as an Expert witness during trials of gambling cheats.
John “Jack” Miller is the author of Cold War Warrior, All Crooks Welcome and Master Cheat! According to the book description of the true story, All Crooks Welcome, “the Las Vegas police are plagued with burglaries. Two detectives devise an ingenious scheme to combat the thieves and burglars. Pose as fences and buy the evidence from the crooks. With the help of the District Attorney’s office and the FBI, the sting is on. Join with the undercover law enforcement personnel as they solve the problems associated with a scheme never tried before. Be there as the crooks arrive with their ill-gotten gains. Enjoy the wrap-up party where the thieves expect one thing and get another.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 28 current or former military members and their 59 books.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Radio Program to Give Troops a Voice
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 13, 2007 – Thanks to a Phoenix talk show host and troop-support group, Operation Homefront of Arizona, troops with Internet access will be able to hear what their comrades are saying. Operation Homefront of Arizona's parent organization, Operation Homefront, is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Mike Broomhead, host of the "Mike Broomhead Show" on News Talk KFYI in Phoenix, will dedicate one hour of his two-hour Sunday evening show to "Voice of the Troops." The segment, which will debut July 15 at 7 p.m. PST, will begin as a once monthly feature.
"I hope this segment catches on very quickly with my listeners and becomes the most listened to segment on the radio," Broomhead said. "Our troops deserve the time and attention of the citizens of America."
Not only will the show air over radio waves, those with Internet access will be able to hear it on the station's Web site, www.kfyi.com.
"'Voice of the Troops' is so important to me because my brother (Army) Sgt. Thomas Broomhead was (killed in action) on May 27, 2003 in Fallujah," Broomhead said. "After his sacrifice and hearing stories first hand from many soldiers who have sacrificed a great deal to serve their country, I think it only fitting to give them the platform to tell all of my listeners why they serve.
"I also want to give my listeners a chance to tell these brave men and women thank you!" he added. "There is a huge segment of this country who fully support these troops and I want our soldiers to hear from them."
That was exactly what David Whitten, director of marketing and media relations for Operation Homefront of Arizona, was thinking when he approached his friend about doing the segment.
"We feel that there is not enough of this happening across the country," said Whitten. "I think these personal stories are important to the American people."
Whitten said the program will provide a way for servicemembers to share their stories from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We will discuss topics that the people of this country need to know," he said. "Everything from what our men and women serving in combat need from the citizens of this country (to) their personal stories, updates on progress in both military and diplomatic operations, and how we can help (troops) acclimate back to civilian life when they return."
Whitten said the show already has several great stories lined up and is confident he won't have a problem finding more.
"One of (those stories comes from) an Arizona Army sergeant by the name of Ryan Kenner," Whitten said. "We will share his story of why he feels it's necessary to sign up for this 3rd consecutive tour of duty without a break in between."
Whitten also anticipates hosting Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, commander of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Forth Leavenworth, Kan., as a future guest on 'Voice of the Troops.'
Though the program will begin with a focus on Arizona servicemembers with ties to Arizona, and their families, once a month, Whitten sees it growing. He said he hopes to see it expand to perhaps twice a month before, hopefully, spinning off into its own program.
American Forces Press Service
July 13, 2007 – Thanks to a Phoenix talk show host and troop-support group, Operation Homefront of Arizona, troops with Internet access will be able to hear what their comrades are saying. Operation Homefront of Arizona's parent organization, Operation Homefront, is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Mike Broomhead, host of the "Mike Broomhead Show" on News Talk KFYI in Phoenix, will dedicate one hour of his two-hour Sunday evening show to "Voice of the Troops." The segment, which will debut July 15 at 7 p.m. PST, will begin as a once monthly feature.
"I hope this segment catches on very quickly with my listeners and becomes the most listened to segment on the radio," Broomhead said. "Our troops deserve the time and attention of the citizens of America."
Not only will the show air over radio waves, those with Internet access will be able to hear it on the station's Web site, www.kfyi.com.
"'Voice of the Troops' is so important to me because my brother (Army) Sgt. Thomas Broomhead was (killed in action) on May 27, 2003 in Fallujah," Broomhead said. "After his sacrifice and hearing stories first hand from many soldiers who have sacrificed a great deal to serve their country, I think it only fitting to give them the platform to tell all of my listeners why they serve.
"I also want to give my listeners a chance to tell these brave men and women thank you!" he added. "There is a huge segment of this country who fully support these troops and I want our soldiers to hear from them."
That was exactly what David Whitten, director of marketing and media relations for Operation Homefront of Arizona, was thinking when he approached his friend about doing the segment.
"We feel that there is not enough of this happening across the country," said Whitten. "I think these personal stories are important to the American people."
Whitten said the program will provide a way for servicemembers to share their stories from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We will discuss topics that the people of this country need to know," he said. "Everything from what our men and women serving in combat need from the citizens of this country (to) their personal stories, updates on progress in both military and diplomatic operations, and how we can help (troops) acclimate back to civilian life when they return."
Whitten said the show already has several great stories lined up and is confident he won't have a problem finding more.
"One of (those stories comes from) an Arizona Army sergeant by the name of Ryan Kenner," Whitten said. "We will share his story of why he feels it's necessary to sign up for this 3rd consecutive tour of duty without a break in between."
Whitten also anticipates hosting Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, commander of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Forth Leavenworth, Kan., as a future guest on 'Voice of the Troops.'
Though the program will begin with a focus on Arizona servicemembers with ties to Arizona, and their families, once a month, Whitten sees it growing. He said he hopes to see it expand to perhaps twice a month before, hopefully, spinning off into its own program.
Severely Wounded Troops Find Meaningful Ways to Continue Serving
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 13, 2007 – Army Sgt. John Keith likes to finish what he starts. So even after a rocket-propelled grenade tore into the door of his Humvee during his deployment to Iraq, leaving his leg dangling, he wasn't willing to give up his 15-year military career. Thanks to a new mentality within the military, and programs to back it up, Keith is among a growing legion of severely wounded troops who are opting to continue their military service. In his case, the former medic is now serving with the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier to help get state-of-the-art equipment to warfighters quickly as possible.
Sixty soldiers with 30 percent or higher disability ratings have applied to stay on active duty, and all have gotten the green light, said Col. Mary Carstensen, director of the Army's Wounded Warrior Program.
There's a growing recognition that these soldiers have leadership experience, specialized skills and, in many cases, combat experience - all qualities they can continue to contribute to the Army, she said.
The Marine Corps shares this recognition, and issued a Marine administrative message in May 2006 that details its program for combat-wounded Marines seeking to remain on active duty.
President Bush advanced this effort while visiting wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here in December 2003. "Americans would be surprised to learn that a grievous injury, such as the loss of a limb, no longer means forced discharge," the president told the soldiers.
"In other words, the medical care is so good and the recovery process is so technologically advanced that people are no longer forced out of the military," Bush said. "When we're talking about forced discharge, we're talking about another age and another army. This is a new age, and this is a new army. Today, if wounded servicemembers want to remain in uniform and can do the job, the military tries to help them stay."
In that "other army" Bush referred to, troops with disabling injuries used to be automatically turned over to the Department of Veterans of Affairs. If they returned to the Defense Department at all, it was generally after being medically retired, then hired as civilian employees.
The concept of enabling wounded troops to stay on duty isn't unprecedented, and examples can be found from every conflict since the Revolutionary War.
Even as the wars were kicking off in Afghanistan, then Iraq, the Army's top officer was serving as living proof of the concept. Gen. Eric Shinseki stepped on a land mine that blew off the front of one of his feet during the Vietnam War. He continued his military service, ultimately serving as the Army's chief of staff from 1999 to 2003.
Troops serving in the global war on terror, even those with severe wounds, have continued Shinseki's example.
One of the better-known examples is Army Capt. David Rozelle. After losing his foot and part of his leg to an anti-tank mine in Iraq, Rozelle not only stayed on active duty; he became the first amputee to return to combat as commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's Headquarters and Headquarters Troop.
Other severely wounded soldiers who have stayed green have pursued a variety of different paths, according to Carstensen.
"They do a little bit of everything," Carstensen said. One is attending a military school; others are on the other side of the podium, teaching their fellow soldiers or ROTC cadets. A couple have returned to their units as first sergeants, and one was accepted into the Army's elite World Class Athlete Program. Still others are doing administrative jobs or serving as retention noncommissioned officers.
What's important, Carstensen said, is that troops who remain on active duty after being wounded continue pursuing military careers that are both professionally and personally fulfilling. "If the Army is still a viable option for them, we want to bring them into the fold and make that possible," she said.
Keith, who was wounded while deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division in November 2004, is among the severely wounded troops seizing that opportunity. A medic at the time of the incident, Keith was responding to a patrol had come under attack when an RPG hit his vehicle.
The events of the day are a bit foggy; he remembers being transported to an emergency room in Baghdad's Green Zone before slipping into a coma. Seventeen days later, he woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The doctors there tried valiantly to save his leg, but so many nerves and tendons had been severed that they ended up having to amputate, just four days before Christmas. An Army board later certified him as 60-percent disabled.
If Keith was distraught about losing his leg, he was even more so about the possibility of losing the career he'd spent the past decade and a half building. "When I was first injured, I knew for sure that my military career was over," he said.
Keith wanted desperately to continue serving. Although emphatic that he didn't want to be a hindrance to anyone, he said he knew he still had something to contribute. "I may not be able to physically do my job, but I have the mind to do my job," he said. "I'm still useful."
The Army agreed and approved his request to remain on active duty.
Keith trained as a contracting specialist and has been working for the Army's PEO Soldier effort at Fort Belvoir, Va., since June 2006. The program was established to design, develop, procure and field state-of-the-art equipment to deployed troops as quickly as possible.
Keith said he gets a lot of gratification knowing that as he serves out his military career until he's eligible to retire, he's also continuing to helping his fellow troops who are at war. "This office is making a difference," he said. "And it's rewarding to be a part of it."
American Forces Press Service
July 13, 2007 – Army Sgt. John Keith likes to finish what he starts. So even after a rocket-propelled grenade tore into the door of his Humvee during his deployment to Iraq, leaving his leg dangling, he wasn't willing to give up his 15-year military career. Thanks to a new mentality within the military, and programs to back it up, Keith is among a growing legion of severely wounded troops who are opting to continue their military service. In his case, the former medic is now serving with the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier to help get state-of-the-art equipment to warfighters quickly as possible.
Sixty soldiers with 30 percent or higher disability ratings have applied to stay on active duty, and all have gotten the green light, said Col. Mary Carstensen, director of the Army's Wounded Warrior Program.
There's a growing recognition that these soldiers have leadership experience, specialized skills and, in many cases, combat experience - all qualities they can continue to contribute to the Army, she said.
The Marine Corps shares this recognition, and issued a Marine administrative message in May 2006 that details its program for combat-wounded Marines seeking to remain on active duty.
President Bush advanced this effort while visiting wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here in December 2003. "Americans would be surprised to learn that a grievous injury, such as the loss of a limb, no longer means forced discharge," the president told the soldiers.
"In other words, the medical care is so good and the recovery process is so technologically advanced that people are no longer forced out of the military," Bush said. "When we're talking about forced discharge, we're talking about another age and another army. This is a new age, and this is a new army. Today, if wounded servicemembers want to remain in uniform and can do the job, the military tries to help them stay."
In that "other army" Bush referred to, troops with disabling injuries used to be automatically turned over to the Department of Veterans of Affairs. If they returned to the Defense Department at all, it was generally after being medically retired, then hired as civilian employees.
The concept of enabling wounded troops to stay on duty isn't unprecedented, and examples can be found from every conflict since the Revolutionary War.
Even as the wars were kicking off in Afghanistan, then Iraq, the Army's top officer was serving as living proof of the concept. Gen. Eric Shinseki stepped on a land mine that blew off the front of one of his feet during the Vietnam War. He continued his military service, ultimately serving as the Army's chief of staff from 1999 to 2003.
Troops serving in the global war on terror, even those with severe wounds, have continued Shinseki's example.
One of the better-known examples is Army Capt. David Rozelle. After losing his foot and part of his leg to an anti-tank mine in Iraq, Rozelle not only stayed on active duty; he became the first amputee to return to combat as commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's Headquarters and Headquarters Troop.
Other severely wounded soldiers who have stayed green have pursued a variety of different paths, according to Carstensen.
"They do a little bit of everything," Carstensen said. One is attending a military school; others are on the other side of the podium, teaching their fellow soldiers or ROTC cadets. A couple have returned to their units as first sergeants, and one was accepted into the Army's elite World Class Athlete Program. Still others are doing administrative jobs or serving as retention noncommissioned officers.
What's important, Carstensen said, is that troops who remain on active duty after being wounded continue pursuing military careers that are both professionally and personally fulfilling. "If the Army is still a viable option for them, we want to bring them into the fold and make that possible," she said.
Keith, who was wounded while deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division in November 2004, is among the severely wounded troops seizing that opportunity. A medic at the time of the incident, Keith was responding to a patrol had come under attack when an RPG hit his vehicle.
The events of the day are a bit foggy; he remembers being transported to an emergency room in Baghdad's Green Zone before slipping into a coma. Seventeen days later, he woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The doctors there tried valiantly to save his leg, but so many nerves and tendons had been severed that they ended up having to amputate, just four days before Christmas. An Army board later certified him as 60-percent disabled.
If Keith was distraught about losing his leg, he was even more so about the possibility of losing the career he'd spent the past decade and a half building. "When I was first injured, I knew for sure that my military career was over," he said.
Keith wanted desperately to continue serving. Although emphatic that he didn't want to be a hindrance to anyone, he said he knew he still had something to contribute. "I may not be able to physically do my job, but I have the mind to do my job," he said. "I'm still useful."
The Army agreed and approved his request to remain on active duty.
Keith trained as a contracting specialist and has been working for the Army's PEO Soldier effort at Fort Belvoir, Va., since June 2006. The program was established to design, develop, procure and field state-of-the-art equipment to deployed troops as quickly as possible.
Keith said he gets a lot of gratification knowing that as he serves out his military career until he's eligible to retire, he's also continuing to helping his fellow troops who are at war. "This office is making a difference," he said. "And it's rewarding to be a part of it."
Three Missouri Law Enforcement Officials
Editor's Note: One of the authors is WWII Navy vet.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added two Missouri police officers and one state trooper: Robert B. Heinen, Del Gibson and Jeffery Nance.
Robert B. Heinen was a police officer for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri) from 1946 to 1974. He retired at the rank of Captain. At the beginning of World War II a then 17 year old Robert Heinen enlisted the United States Navy. He served four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Six months after the war he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He is published his autobiography The Battle Behind the Badge in 1997.
According to one reader, “The Battle Behind the Badge takes you on the streets of Kansas City with Captain Heinen as your partner. BEWARE! On your shift you'll not only encounter dangerous street thugs, but high-powered organized crime figures. When you return to the station house to file your reports, be prepared to battle corrupt police officials and egocentric city hall politicians. "The Battle Behind the Badge" is an excellent hardball account of Kansas City during a time when it was difficult to tell who the bad guy was. Captain Heinen is an honest cop who pays for his integrity by being yo-yoed up and down the ranks. He is Kansas City's "Serpico." This is a very good read that took a lot of guts to write.”
Del Gibson had a circus act at age fifteen, hitchhiked through forty of the lower 48 states at sixteen, and was a homicide detective with the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). A graduate of Central Missouri State University with an M.S. degree in Criminology, he trained National Police in the Republic of Marshall Islands and was a counter-intelligence investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense in the South Pacific. He has also taught criminology in several colleges and universities.
Del Gibson is the author of the thriller False Sanctuary. According to the book description, “Newly divorced, Kelly Garrison moves to Newton, Colorado, to start a new life. A former policeman, Kelly is hired by the Newton police department. Kelly is befriended by long- time resident, Joel Carson, who is a retired miner and also mayor of Newton. Then Kelly falls in love with Joel’s granddaughter just before stumbling upon a huge drug money laundering operation conducted through the bank where Joel is the major stockholder. The drug cartel attempts to kill Kelly for investigating the laundering operation. Is Joel, Kelly’s new friend, part of the operation? Who in Newton can Kelly trust?”
Jeffery Nance is a certified fraud examiner, former undercover narcotics agent trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He is the author of Conquering Deception. According to the book description, “Conquering Deception delivers the tools to recognize the hidden meanings of what others say using principles originated by America's savviest police investigators. Conquering Deception adapts these principles for use in any setting--business or personal--to be used in an informal and non-confrontational style. A handbook for the savvy conversationalist that is practical, effective, and one-of-a-kind.”
One reader of Conquering Deception said, “This book is quite effective (maybe too effective) at translating police interrogation tactics in a way that you can use in everyday conversations, and like the literature says, you don't have to be overly inquisitive or accusatory to make them work. I say 'maybe too effective' because I'm not sure that the average person needs to be privy to this information. Like the author, I'm a former police officer. I liked the book, and as above, it's highly effective--but this is material that the average officer doesn't even know, much less the average citizen. It is powerful stuff--if these principles of conversation have been used to get suspects to confess to murdering another person, it's easy to see that they would be powerful in everyday conversation.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 631 police officers (representing 277 police departments) and their 1344 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 Missouri police officers and one state trooper: Robert B. Heinen, Del Gibson and Jeffery Nance.
Robert B. Heinen was a police officer for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri) from 1946 to 1974. He retired at the rank of Captain. At the beginning of World War II a then 17 year old Robert Heinen enlisted the United States Navy. He served four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Six months after the war he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He is published his autobiography The Battle Behind the Badge in 1997.
According to one reader, “The Battle Behind the Badge takes you on the streets of Kansas City with Captain Heinen as your partner. BEWARE! On your shift you'll not only encounter dangerous street thugs, but high-powered organized crime figures. When you return to the station house to file your reports, be prepared to battle corrupt police officials and egocentric city hall politicians. "The Battle Behind the Badge" is an excellent hardball account of Kansas City during a time when it was difficult to tell who the bad guy was. Captain Heinen is an honest cop who pays for his integrity by being yo-yoed up and down the ranks. He is Kansas City's "Serpico." This is a very good read that took a lot of guts to write.”
Del Gibson had a circus act at age fifteen, hitchhiked through forty of the lower 48 states at sixteen, and was a homicide detective with the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). A graduate of Central Missouri State University with an M.S. degree in Criminology, he trained National Police in the Republic of Marshall Islands and was a counter-intelligence investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense in the South Pacific. He has also taught criminology in several colleges and universities.
Del Gibson is the author of the thriller False Sanctuary. According to the book description, “Newly divorced, Kelly Garrison moves to Newton, Colorado, to start a new life. A former policeman, Kelly is hired by the Newton police department. Kelly is befriended by long- time resident, Joel Carson, who is a retired miner and also mayor of Newton. Then Kelly falls in love with Joel’s granddaughter just before stumbling upon a huge drug money laundering operation conducted through the bank where Joel is the major stockholder. The drug cartel attempts to kill Kelly for investigating the laundering operation. Is Joel, Kelly’s new friend, part of the operation? Who in Newton can Kelly trust?”
Jeffery Nance is a certified fraud examiner, former undercover narcotics agent trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He is the author of Conquering Deception. According to the book description, “Conquering Deception delivers the tools to recognize the hidden meanings of what others say using principles originated by America's savviest police investigators. Conquering Deception adapts these principles for use in any setting--business or personal--to be used in an informal and non-confrontational style. A handbook for the savvy conversationalist that is practical, effective, and one-of-a-kind.”
One reader of Conquering Deception said, “This book is quite effective (maybe too effective) at translating police interrogation tactics in a way that you can use in everyday conversations, and like the literature says, you don't have to be overly inquisitive or accusatory to make them work. I say 'maybe too effective' because I'm not sure that the average person needs to be privy to this information. Like the author, I'm a former police officer. I liked the book, and as above, it's highly effective--but this is material that the average officer doesn't even know, much less the average citizen. It is powerful stuff--if these principles of conversation have been used to get suspects to confess to murdering another person, it's easy to see that they would be powerful in everyday conversation.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 631 police officers (representing 277 police departments) and their 1344 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.
Cops in Mississippi and Missouri
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a Vietnam Vet.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added one police officer from Mississippi and two from Missouri: James R. Kelly; Troy Cole; and, F.D. Jordan.
In 1966, James R. Kelly served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. James Kelly received his BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1971, he joined the ranks of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; becoming one of the organization's first agents. James Kelly retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 1995. He is the author of two books: Prescription for Murder and Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam.
Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam, “depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.” James Kelly served with A Company, 3rd Amtracs, 1966-67.
Troy Cole is a retired homicide investigator from the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). He is the author of Rites Of Burial. According to the book description, “This books tells the gruesome true story of Robert Berdella, a serial killer while inhuman crimes of murder and dismemberment might have served to inspire Jeffrey Dahmer
According to a reader of Rites of Burial, “I was quite shocked by the graphic details and disturbing pictures in this book. Other reviewers have said this book is insensitive and biased. Although I understand this point, I disagree. If you truly want to examine the depravity of serial murderers, you have to know the details of their crimes to be able to understand the things of which these people are capable. In addition, other reviewers have charged the authors with being homophobic. I did not find this to be the case. Rather, the authors did expose how the homophobia of the KC police dept. affected their investigations and their handling of the victims and Berdella”
F.D. Jordan has over 21 years experience as a police officer working for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). He has extensive experience working the Kansas City Police Department Special Victims Unit, Sex Crimes Section. His is the author of Sex Crime Investigations: The Complete Investigator's Handbook.
According to the description of, Sex Crime Investigations: The Complete Investigator's Handbook, “when a sexual act occurs in combination with a physical or emotional assault, as in rape or child sexual abuse, highly sensitive issues often get misdirected, especially in the criminal justice system. For this reason, sex crime investigation in one field that investigators can ill afford to learn by trial and error. This book takes you step-by-step through how successful sex crime investigations are conducted and provides a clear and comprehensive look at the complexities and realities of the field that investigators and their agencies must learn to deal with, including selecting appropriate investigative personnel, gathering evidence at crime scenes, interviewing victims, interrogating suspected sex offenders and getting confessions, working with child sexual abuse victims, building solid cases for prosecution and much more. It is a must for investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, social workers, sexual assault victim advocates and the victims and their families.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 628 police officers (representing 276 police departments) and their 1341 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 one police officer from Mississippi and two from Missouri: James R. Kelly; Troy Cole; and, F.D. Jordan.
In 1966, James R. Kelly served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. James Kelly received his BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1971, he joined the ranks of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; becoming one of the organization's first agents. James Kelly retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 1995. He is the author of two books: Prescription for Murder and Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam.
Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam, “depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.” James Kelly served with A Company, 3rd Amtracs, 1966-67.
Troy Cole is a retired homicide investigator from the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). He is the author of Rites Of Burial. According to the book description, “This books tells the gruesome true story of Robert Berdella, a serial killer while inhuman crimes of murder and dismemberment might have served to inspire Jeffrey Dahmer
According to a reader of Rites of Burial, “I was quite shocked by the graphic details and disturbing pictures in this book. Other reviewers have said this book is insensitive and biased. Although I understand this point, I disagree. If you truly want to examine the depravity of serial murderers, you have to know the details of their crimes to be able to understand the things of which these people are capable. In addition, other reviewers have charged the authors with being homophobic. I did not find this to be the case. Rather, the authors did expose how the homophobia of the KC police dept. affected their investigations and their handling of the victims and Berdella”
F.D. Jordan has over 21 years experience as a police officer working for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). He has extensive experience working the Kansas City Police Department Special Victims Unit, Sex Crimes Section. His is the author of Sex Crime Investigations: The Complete Investigator's Handbook.
According to the description of, Sex Crime Investigations: The Complete Investigator's Handbook, “when a sexual act occurs in combination with a physical or emotional assault, as in rape or child sexual abuse, highly sensitive issues often get misdirected, especially in the criminal justice system. For this reason, sex crime investigation in one field that investigators can ill afford to learn by trial and error. This book takes you step-by-step through how successful sex crime investigations are conducted and provides a clear and comprehensive look at the complexities and realities of the field that investigators and their agencies must learn to deal with, including selecting appropriate investigative personnel, gathering evidence at crime scenes, interviewing victims, interrogating suspected sex offenders and getting confessions, working with child sexual abuse victims, building solid cases for prosecution and much more. It is a must for investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, social workers, sexual assault victim advocates and the victims and their families.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 628 police officers (representing 276 police departments) and their 1341 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.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Military Authors
Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing active, former and retired military personnel who have authored books. The website added two former servicemembers who have authored books.
Elmer L. Snow, III is a retired Sergeant from the Prince George’s County Police Department (Maryland). During his career in law enforcement he was a recipient of the Police Officer of the Year Award, Chief’s Award for Valor, Police Officer of the Month Award, and 42 letters of Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty. Prior to his law enforcement career, Elmer Snow honorably served in the United States Army from 1961-1964. He was a Military Policeman in the 101st Airborne Division. He achieved the rank of E-4 Specialist.
Following his retirement, Elmer Snow was employed for five years by the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware where he provided personal protection for the Chairman of the Board, the DuPont Board of Directors, and Key Management. During this time he became involved in terrorism, counter terrorism programs, and counter terrorist driving techniques.
In 2003 he was contacted by Halliburton Corporation to provide personal protection services during the reconstruction of Iraq. As a Security Coordinator with KBR, a Halliburton subsidiary, Snow worked in numerous high risk positions throughout Iraq, including Mosul, Baghdad, Tikrit, Balad, and culminating at Camp Anaconda. Upon his return to the United States, Elmer Snow wrote A View from Iraq.
According to the book description, A View from Iraq “is a must read for soldiers who have served, curious citizens, families of those who served or are in Iraq, as well as security practitioners who are constantly searching for tactics that are used by terrorists and insurgents. The book details various individual acts of courage and bravery that were demonstrated by members of our armed forces, methods of identifying problems that occur, and ways of reducing the level of threat to an acceptable level.” Elmer Snow is also the author of two fiction books Overkill- A Detective’s Story and Revenge Served Cold.
Cory B. Harris has over 13 years of military and law enforcement experience. He has served with The United States Air Force, Little Rock Police Department (Arkansas), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshal Service. Cory Harris served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1996 and was honorably discharged at the rank of E-4. He has training and experience in field training, crime prevention, investigations, operations, apprehension, and protection. He is also a recipient of the Little Rock Police Department’s Medal of Merit.
Cory B. Harris is the author of Zipper Le Series One: Outlook on Leadership And Liability Issues in the Criminal Justice System. According to the book description, Cory B. Harris’ book, “takes you behind the badge to examine tough issues in the criminal justice system. It tackles civil liability, race, and leadership issues to name a few from the outlook of the author. The author gives examples using his own experiences that are simple and easy to understand to give the reader unique insight. The book contains many case studies, and stories that are interesting yet they have a simple meaning. The book explores how different groups of people look at these issues in different ways, as well as how important it is for criminal justice officials to stay mentally fit.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 25 current or former military members and their 53 books.
Elmer L. Snow, III is a retired Sergeant from the Prince George’s County Police Department (Maryland). During his career in law enforcement he was a recipient of the Police Officer of the Year Award, Chief’s Award for Valor, Police Officer of the Month Award, and 42 letters of Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty. Prior to his law enforcement career, Elmer Snow honorably served in the United States Army from 1961-1964. He was a Military Policeman in the 101st Airborne Division. He achieved the rank of E-4 Specialist.
Following his retirement, Elmer Snow was employed for five years by the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware where he provided personal protection for the Chairman of the Board, the DuPont Board of Directors, and Key Management. During this time he became involved in terrorism, counter terrorism programs, and counter terrorist driving techniques.
In 2003 he was contacted by Halliburton Corporation to provide personal protection services during the reconstruction of Iraq. As a Security Coordinator with KBR, a Halliburton subsidiary, Snow worked in numerous high risk positions throughout Iraq, including Mosul, Baghdad, Tikrit, Balad, and culminating at Camp Anaconda. Upon his return to the United States, Elmer Snow wrote A View from Iraq.
According to the book description, A View from Iraq “is a must read for soldiers who have served, curious citizens, families of those who served or are in Iraq, as well as security practitioners who are constantly searching for tactics that are used by terrorists and insurgents. The book details various individual acts of courage and bravery that were demonstrated by members of our armed forces, methods of identifying problems that occur, and ways of reducing the level of threat to an acceptable level.” Elmer Snow is also the author of two fiction books Overkill- A Detective’s Story and Revenge Served Cold.
Cory B. Harris has over 13 years of military and law enforcement experience. He has served with The United States Air Force, Little Rock Police Department (Arkansas), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshal Service. Cory Harris served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1996 and was honorably discharged at the rank of E-4. He has training and experience in field training, crime prevention, investigations, operations, apprehension, and protection. He is also a recipient of the Little Rock Police Department’s Medal of Merit.
Cory B. Harris is the author of Zipper Le Series One: Outlook on Leadership And Liability Issues in the Criminal Justice System. According to the book description, Cory B. Harris’ book, “takes you behind the badge to examine tough issues in the criminal justice system. It tackles civil liability, race, and leadership issues to name a few from the outlook of the author. The author gives examples using his own experiences that are simple and easy to understand to give the reader unique insight. The book contains many case studies, and stories that are interesting yet they have a simple meaning. The book explores how different groups of people look at these issues in different ways, as well as how important it is for criminal justice officials to stay mentally fit.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 25 current or former military members and their 53 books.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Bush Names Deputy EUCOM Commander to Lead AFRICOM
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward today to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander. Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for U.S. forces operating across 92 countries in Europe, Africa, Russia, parts of Asia and the Middle East, the Mediterranean and most of the Atlantic Ocean.
If confirmed to his new post, Ward will help bring AFRICOM to initial operational capacity as a command subordinate to EUCOM by October. AFRICOM is slated to be established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008.
Ward would bring 36 years of military service and sweeping experience to the AFRICOM position. Since his commissioning in 1971, he has served in Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Bosnia, Israel, Germany and at posts throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Before taking the No. 2 job at EUCOM, Ward was deputy commander and chief of staff for U.S. Army, Europe and 7th Army. In that capacity, he served as the U.S. security coordinator for the Israel-Palestine Authority from March to December 2005.
Ward also served as commander of the Stabilization Force during Operation Joint Force in Sarajevo, Bosnia; as commander of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army, Hawaii; and as assistant division commander for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Before that, he was commander of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade and Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia, and as commander of the 6th Infantry Division's 5th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade and the division's logistics staff.
He has served in a long string of staff positions as well, including service as vice director for operations on the Joint Staff, chief of the Office of Military Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, and deputy director of operations for the National Military Command Center.
Ward holds bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Morgan State University in Maryland and Pennsylvania State University, respectively.
If confirmed to lead AFRICOM, Ward will be responsible for consolidating U.S. government efforts and promote partnership arrangements in Africa.
In doing so, he will assume responsibilities on the African content currently shared by three combatant commanders. U.S. Central Command has responsibility for Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. U.S. European Command has responsibility for the rest of the nations in the African mainland. U.S. Pacific Command has responsibility for Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean area off the African coast.
In announcing the AFRICOM command Feb. 6, Bush said it will strengthen security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of African nations. "Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and security to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy and economic growth in Africa," he said.
The motivation behind creating AFRICOM was the increasing importance of Africa strategically, diplomatically and economically, Navy Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, executive director of the U.S. Africa Command implementation planning team, said as the new command was announced.
"The view was that the time has come, in fact, with the increasing importance of the continent to the U.S., that we could better meet our requirements by standing up one unified command to consolidate all of (Defense Department) activities, as opposed to having three separate commands doing that," Moeller said.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward today to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander. Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for U.S. forces operating across 92 countries in Europe, Africa, Russia, parts of Asia and the Middle East, the Mediterranean and most of the Atlantic Ocean.
If confirmed to his new post, Ward will help bring AFRICOM to initial operational capacity as a command subordinate to EUCOM by October. AFRICOM is slated to be established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008.
Ward would bring 36 years of military service and sweeping experience to the AFRICOM position. Since his commissioning in 1971, he has served in Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Bosnia, Israel, Germany and at posts throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Before taking the No. 2 job at EUCOM, Ward was deputy commander and chief of staff for U.S. Army, Europe and 7th Army. In that capacity, he served as the U.S. security coordinator for the Israel-Palestine Authority from March to December 2005.
Ward also served as commander of the Stabilization Force during Operation Joint Force in Sarajevo, Bosnia; as commander of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army, Hawaii; and as assistant division commander for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Before that, he was commander of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade and Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia, and as commander of the 6th Infantry Division's 5th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade and the division's logistics staff.
He has served in a long string of staff positions as well, including service as vice director for operations on the Joint Staff, chief of the Office of Military Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, and deputy director of operations for the National Military Command Center.
Ward holds bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Morgan State University in Maryland and Pennsylvania State University, respectively.
If confirmed to lead AFRICOM, Ward will be responsible for consolidating U.S. government efforts and promote partnership arrangements in Africa.
In doing so, he will assume responsibilities on the African content currently shared by three combatant commanders. U.S. Central Command has responsibility for Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. U.S. European Command has responsibility for the rest of the nations in the African mainland. U.S. Pacific Command has responsibility for Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean area off the African coast.
In announcing the AFRICOM command Feb. 6, Bush said it will strengthen security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of African nations. "Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and security to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy and economic growth in Africa," he said.
The motivation behind creating AFRICOM was the increasing importance of Africa strategically, diplomatically and economically, Navy Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, executive director of the U.S. Africa Command implementation planning team, said as the new command was announced.
"The view was that the time has come, in fact, with the increasing importance of the continent to the U.S., that we could better meet our requirements by standing up one unified command to consolidate all of (Defense Department) activities, as opposed to having three separate commands doing that," Moeller said.
Military Pays Tribute to Special Warrior
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – The military paid tribute to a special operations leader at a retirement ceremony for Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown here yesterday. Before Brown turned over command of U.S. Special Operations Command to Navy Adm. Eric Olson, Marine Gen. Peter Pace presided over Brown's retirement ceremony.
"Nobody could have served his country better than Doug Brown," Pace said during the ceremony.
Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. He served on an A-team and in 1970 he attended Officer Candidate School and then went to flight school at Fort Rucker, Ala. It was also the year he married his wife, Penny.
"It has been my experience that those officers who have had the privilege of being enlisted members are the finest officers our nation produces - especially those who do not forget what they learned in the enlisted ranks," Pace said. "Doug Brown, for sure, has always had the welfare of his soldiers and his troops in the forefront of his mind."
In the course of his career, Brown rose from private to general - the first Army aviation officer to wear four stars.
Pace said Brown built on the foundation of previous commanders when he took command of U.S. Special Operations Command in 2003. "He has made (the command) more effective in the crucible of war," Pace said.
In 2001, the command was a force provider to other combatant commands - it did not have operational control of special operations forces personnel.
"In the last four years, not only has he been a force provider, but he is also now a force commander," Pace said. "When it became apparent that we needed somebody to coordinate the actions across the globe of the things that special operations forces were doing, it fell to U.S. Special Operations Command and General Brown to make it happen."
Pace said Brown provided leadership not only for those in the military, but also for the interagency group that works with special operations. Brown took on the mission of understanding and orchestrating the deployment of special operations forces around the world.
Brown also worked to transform special operations, which includes a 20 percent increase in the size of the force and a 50 percent increase in the budget. It also includes "a mindset that brings with it a tenacity that says, 'I have a job to get done. How can I best get it done?'" Pace said.
The chairman said Brown has worked with all concerned to get "the 90 percent solution today, rather than wait for the 100 percent solution in 2017, because the nation needs it today."
None of what the general accomplished would have been possible without the support of his family, Pace said.
"It is true for all of us, but especially for soldiers in special operations community, that our families sit home and wait and pray for us," Pace said. "You worry about us all the time. And when we come home, you stand in the background as we get our awards and you pretend you had nothing to do with it."
Pace told Penny Brown that she was the strength of her family during all of the general's deployments.
"You have kept your family tied together when Doug has been doing the nation's business, and collectively this nation owes you a great debt of gratitude," the chairman said. "You have served this nation as well as anyone who has worn the uniform."
Pace presented Brown with the Distinguished Service Medal, and presented Penny Brown with the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – The military paid tribute to a special operations leader at a retirement ceremony for Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown here yesterday. Before Brown turned over command of U.S. Special Operations Command to Navy Adm. Eric Olson, Marine Gen. Peter Pace presided over Brown's retirement ceremony.
"Nobody could have served his country better than Doug Brown," Pace said during the ceremony.
Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. He served on an A-team and in 1970 he attended Officer Candidate School and then went to flight school at Fort Rucker, Ala. It was also the year he married his wife, Penny.
"It has been my experience that those officers who have had the privilege of being enlisted members are the finest officers our nation produces - especially those who do not forget what they learned in the enlisted ranks," Pace said. "Doug Brown, for sure, has always had the welfare of his soldiers and his troops in the forefront of his mind."
In the course of his career, Brown rose from private to general - the first Army aviation officer to wear four stars.
Pace said Brown built on the foundation of previous commanders when he took command of U.S. Special Operations Command in 2003. "He has made (the command) more effective in the crucible of war," Pace said.
In 2001, the command was a force provider to other combatant commands - it did not have operational control of special operations forces personnel.
"In the last four years, not only has he been a force provider, but he is also now a force commander," Pace said. "When it became apparent that we needed somebody to coordinate the actions across the globe of the things that special operations forces were doing, it fell to U.S. Special Operations Command and General Brown to make it happen."
Pace said Brown provided leadership not only for those in the military, but also for the interagency group that works with special operations. Brown took on the mission of understanding and orchestrating the deployment of special operations forces around the world.
Brown also worked to transform special operations, which includes a 20 percent increase in the size of the force and a 50 percent increase in the budget. It also includes "a mindset that brings with it a tenacity that says, 'I have a job to get done. How can I best get it done?'" Pace said.
The chairman said Brown has worked with all concerned to get "the 90 percent solution today, rather than wait for the 100 percent solution in 2017, because the nation needs it today."
None of what the general accomplished would have been possible without the support of his family, Pace said.
"It is true for all of us, but especially for soldiers in special operations community, that our families sit home and wait and pray for us," Pace said. "You worry about us all the time. And when we come home, you stand in the background as we get our awards and you pretend you had nothing to do with it."
Pace told Penny Brown that she was the strength of her family during all of the general's deployments.
"You have kept your family tied together when Doug has been doing the nation's business, and collectively this nation owes you a great debt of gratitude," the chairman said. "You have served this nation as well as anyone who has worn the uniform."
Pace presented Brown with the Distinguished Service Medal, and presented Penny Brown with the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal.
'Hero Hugs' Founder Honored for Supporting Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – She's only 11 years old, but Bailey Reese has logged more community service than many Americans twice her age, all to ensure servicemembers know their sacrifices are appreciated. Since 2003, when she started "Hero Hugs," a group that sends care packages to deployed servicemembers, Bailey has logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours. And now officials at the American Girl doll company have named her a "Real Girl of the Year" for 2007.
"I think taking care of our soldiers and saying thanks is something everyone should be doing, and it isn't something special," Bailey said. "The soldiers are the ones who deserve recognition for all they sacrifice and give, not me."
Hero Hugs is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Bailey said she's always honored when her efforts are recognized, because she hopes any recognition she receives will "inspire someone else to think of our troops and do something to brighten their day."
Bailey is one of three girls chosen as a 2007 Real Girl of the Year. More than 14,000 girls were nominated by their parents or guardian, a program requirement. Diana Reese, Bailey's mom, nominated her.
As an award recipient, Bailey will receive $5,000 for Hero Hugs, which will be a huge help when it comes to shipping holiday care packages to servicemembers, she said. Her Niceville, Fla., school will receive the same amount.
"I am ... really happy my school is getting something too," Bailey said. "They always support what I do, and ... I think it's great the school will be able to do something that will benefit all our students who have helped in ways big and small."
Perhaps the best part of being named a 2007 Real Girl of the Year was the trip to Los Angeles for the award ceremony. While there, she got a taste of what's she's been dishing out to the troops.
"We were walking around (the American Girl Place) store and an employee stops and looks at me and says, 'I know you, don't I?" Bailey remembered. "My mom told him I was their Real American Girl, and he got all excited.
"It was a little weird to have people I didn't even know recognize me," she added.
The star treatment extended beyond the American Girl employee in the store. The company set up a booth for Hero Hugs, and its employees helped other girls attending a volunteer fair to pack boxes for Hero Hugs.
"This part was a little hard, because the managers told me it was my day and since I had worked so hard they just wanted me to enjoy the day," Bailey said. "Before the event, the store employees had all gotten together and packed some packages for the soldiers, too. I think we ended up with over 300 packages for soldiers by the end of the day, and a really huge bag filled with (thank you) cards."
But even after her day of stardom had officially ended, Bailey discovered one more fan at a well-known Los Angeles-area restaurant.
"When we were checking out, I started talking to the manager and was telling him about why we were in L.A.," Bailey said. "I told him all about Hero Hugs and America Supports You. (He) ripped up our check and told me that I was his hero. That was pretty awesome!"
Even Hero, the Hero Hugs program's stuffed bear mascot who has served several "tours" of his own in Iraq, was mesmerized by the glitz of Hollywood, Bailey said.
"People are always wanting their photo with me and Hero, so he is like a celebrity," she said. "I think he was wanting to ... have his own cartoon and ... get his own star in Hollywood."
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – She's only 11 years old, but Bailey Reese has logged more community service than many Americans twice her age, all to ensure servicemembers know their sacrifices are appreciated. Since 2003, when she started "Hero Hugs," a group that sends care packages to deployed servicemembers, Bailey has logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours. And now officials at the American Girl doll company have named her a "Real Girl of the Year" for 2007.
"I think taking care of our soldiers and saying thanks is something everyone should be doing, and it isn't something special," Bailey said. "The soldiers are the ones who deserve recognition for all they sacrifice and give, not me."
Hero Hugs is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Bailey said she's always honored when her efforts are recognized, because she hopes any recognition she receives will "inspire someone else to think of our troops and do something to brighten their day."
Bailey is one of three girls chosen as a 2007 Real Girl of the Year. More than 14,000 girls were nominated by their parents or guardian, a program requirement. Diana Reese, Bailey's mom, nominated her.
As an award recipient, Bailey will receive $5,000 for Hero Hugs, which will be a huge help when it comes to shipping holiday care packages to servicemembers, she said. Her Niceville, Fla., school will receive the same amount.
"I am ... really happy my school is getting something too," Bailey said. "They always support what I do, and ... I think it's great the school will be able to do something that will benefit all our students who have helped in ways big and small."
Perhaps the best part of being named a 2007 Real Girl of the Year was the trip to Los Angeles for the award ceremony. While there, she got a taste of what's she's been dishing out to the troops.
"We were walking around (the American Girl Place) store and an employee stops and looks at me and says, 'I know you, don't I?" Bailey remembered. "My mom told him I was their Real American Girl, and he got all excited.
"It was a little weird to have people I didn't even know recognize me," she added.
The star treatment extended beyond the American Girl employee in the store. The company set up a booth for Hero Hugs, and its employees helped other girls attending a volunteer fair to pack boxes for Hero Hugs.
"This part was a little hard, because the managers told me it was my day and since I had worked so hard they just wanted me to enjoy the day," Bailey said. "Before the event, the store employees had all gotten together and packed some packages for the soldiers, too. I think we ended up with over 300 packages for soldiers by the end of the day, and a really huge bag filled with (thank you) cards."
But even after her day of stardom had officially ended, Bailey discovered one more fan at a well-known Los Angeles-area restaurant.
"When we were checking out, I started talking to the manager and was telling him about why we were in L.A.," Bailey said. "I told him all about Hero Hugs and America Supports You. (He) ripped up our check and told me that I was his hero. That was pretty awesome!"
Even Hero, the Hero Hugs program's stuffed bear mascot who has served several "tours" of his own in Iraq, was mesmerized by the glitz of Hollywood, Bailey said.
"People are always wanting their photo with me and Hero, so he is like a celebrity," she said. "I think he was wanting to ... have his own cartoon and ... get his own star in Hollywood."
Guard Plans to Adjust Number of Troops Serving on U.S.-Mexican Border
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – The National Guard plans to adjust the number of personnel performing security duty along the U.S.-Mexican border from about 6,000 to about 3,000 members, a National Guard Bureau spokesman said today. Last year, President Bush directed the National Guard to assist the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency in patrolling the 2,000-mile-long border with Mexico, National Guard Bureau spokesman Army Maj. David Kolarik told American Forces Press Service today during a phone interview from the bureau's headquarters in Arlington, Va.
National Guard members "have performed superbly" in answering the President's call to assist on the border during "Operation Jump Start," Kolarik said. The Customs and Border Protection Agency is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Almost 6,000 Guard members - mostly volunteers -- have been on border security duty in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California in support of the U.S. Border Patrol since June 2006, Kolarik said, noting the reduction was part of original planning.
"It was never meant to be a permanent solution," Kolarik said of the National Guard's participation in Operation Jump Start. "It was just an intermediate measure to provide support for border security efforts until they brought the additional resources and personnel in line that they needed."
The Guard redeployment is slated for completion around Sept. 1, he said.
About 3,000 National Guard members will continue assisting the Customs and Border Protection Agency along the U.S.-Mexican border, Kolarik said.
The National Guard's presence along the U.S.-Mexican border has helped to bolster border-protection efforts to curtail illegal immigration as well as to circumvent narcotics traffic, Kolarik said.
Guard members on border duty do not perform law enforcement missions, but they do conduct surveillance and operate detection equipment, work with border entry identification teams, analyze information, assist with communications and give administrative support to the Border Patrol.
National Guard members "have done just a phenomenal job down there on the border," Kolarik said.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – The National Guard plans to adjust the number of personnel performing security duty along the U.S.-Mexican border from about 6,000 to about 3,000 members, a National Guard Bureau spokesman said today. Last year, President Bush directed the National Guard to assist the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency in patrolling the 2,000-mile-long border with Mexico, National Guard Bureau spokesman Army Maj. David Kolarik told American Forces Press Service today during a phone interview from the bureau's headquarters in Arlington, Va.
National Guard members "have performed superbly" in answering the President's call to assist on the border during "Operation Jump Start," Kolarik said. The Customs and Border Protection Agency is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Almost 6,000 Guard members - mostly volunteers -- have been on border security duty in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California in support of the U.S. Border Patrol since June 2006, Kolarik said, noting the reduction was part of original planning.
"It was never meant to be a permanent solution," Kolarik said of the National Guard's participation in Operation Jump Start. "It was just an intermediate measure to provide support for border security efforts until they brought the additional resources and personnel in line that they needed."
The Guard redeployment is slated for completion around Sept. 1, he said.
About 3,000 National Guard members will continue assisting the Customs and Border Protection Agency along the U.S.-Mexican border, Kolarik said.
The National Guard's presence along the U.S.-Mexican border has helped to bolster border-protection efforts to curtail illegal immigration as well as to circumvent narcotics traffic, Kolarik said.
Guard members on border duty do not perform law enforcement missions, but they do conduct surveillance and operate detection equipment, work with border entry identification teams, analyze information, assist with communications and give administrative support to the Border Patrol.
National Guard members "have done just a phenomenal job down there on the border," Kolarik said.
Army Reaches Out to Adult 'Influencers' to Encourage Them to Promote Service
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – Anyone who watched the final episode of HBO's "The Sopranos" series understands what the Army is up against as it works to fill its ranks with high-quality recruits. When young Anthony Soprano Jr., "AJ" to his family and friends, expressed an interest in joining the Army, he met opposition from all corners. His girlfriend balked. His mother, Carmela, tried to dissuade him for fear he's be deployed to Iraq. His father Tony, New Jersey's mob boss, ultimately distracted him with a new BMW and an opportunity to make a movie.
The story may be fictitious, but the gist of the storyline is very real. Army officials are concerned that "influencers" - parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who influence young people's decisions about military service - are increasingly less likely to encourage them to serve, said Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman.
That trend is likely to reflect the protracted war and its declining popularity among the American public, she acknowledged. "Support for the war directly impacts parental support for their children entering the military," she said. "There's a direct correlation."
Army officials fear that correlation is affecting their recruiting efforts, because despite what some adults might think, young people really do listen to them, Edgecomb said.
Recruiting numbers for June, released today, show the Army missed its goal for the second consecutive month. The active Army came up almost 1,400 recruits below its 8,400-person goal, but remains 741 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goal.
The Army Reserve and Army National Guard both came out on the plus side for June. The Army Reserve recruited 5,255 members, almost 400 troops more than its goal, and the Guard met its goal, with 5,342 recruits.
As they seek to boost recruiting numbers, Army officials recognize the importance of reaching out to adult influencers as well as prospective recruits.
They've dedicated an additional $30 million to the "Army Strong" campaign, Edgecomb said. The ads, which convey the concept that Army service boosts not just physical strength, but also strength of character and purpose, speak as much to adults as recruitment-age youth. They also encourage prospects and their influencers to learn more about the Army and what it has to offer.
Meanwhile, the Army is using other avenues to move its recruiting efforts into fifth gear, such as promoting its $2,000 referral bonus program and hiring more contract recruiters, Edgecomb said.
It's also recognized that media headlines, even those about recruiting shortfalls, offer an opportunity to let adult influencers know that Uncle Sam needs them, too. "That's one more way to reach out to the American public to let them know we need their support," Edgecomb said.
"A lot of people have stepped up and joined the military. ... We've got 70,000 soldiers who have made the commitment to serve in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve so far this year," she said. "And we need influencers to continue to support their decisions and to encourage other young people as they consider joining the Army."
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – Anyone who watched the final episode of HBO's "The Sopranos" series understands what the Army is up against as it works to fill its ranks with high-quality recruits. When young Anthony Soprano Jr., "AJ" to his family and friends, expressed an interest in joining the Army, he met opposition from all corners. His girlfriend balked. His mother, Carmela, tried to dissuade him for fear he's be deployed to Iraq. His father Tony, New Jersey's mob boss, ultimately distracted him with a new BMW and an opportunity to make a movie.
The story may be fictitious, but the gist of the storyline is very real. Army officials are concerned that "influencers" - parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who influence young people's decisions about military service - are increasingly less likely to encourage them to serve, said Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman.
That trend is likely to reflect the protracted war and its declining popularity among the American public, she acknowledged. "Support for the war directly impacts parental support for their children entering the military," she said. "There's a direct correlation."
Army officials fear that correlation is affecting their recruiting efforts, because despite what some adults might think, young people really do listen to them, Edgecomb said.
Recruiting numbers for June, released today, show the Army missed its goal for the second consecutive month. The active Army came up almost 1,400 recruits below its 8,400-person goal, but remains 741 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goal.
The Army Reserve and Army National Guard both came out on the plus side for June. The Army Reserve recruited 5,255 members, almost 400 troops more than its goal, and the Guard met its goal, with 5,342 recruits.
As they seek to boost recruiting numbers, Army officials recognize the importance of reaching out to adult influencers as well as prospective recruits.
They've dedicated an additional $30 million to the "Army Strong" campaign, Edgecomb said. The ads, which convey the concept that Army service boosts not just physical strength, but also strength of character and purpose, speak as much to adults as recruitment-age youth. They also encourage prospects and their influencers to learn more about the Army and what it has to offer.
Meanwhile, the Army is using other avenues to move its recruiting efforts into fifth gear, such as promoting its $2,000 referral bonus program and hiring more contract recruiters, Edgecomb said.
It's also recognized that media headlines, even those about recruiting shortfalls, offer an opportunity to let adult influencers know that Uncle Sam needs them, too. "That's one more way to reach out to the American public to let them know we need their support," Edgecomb said.
"A lot of people have stepped up and joined the military. ... We've got 70,000 soldiers who have made the commitment to serve in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve so far this year," she said. "And we need influencers to continue to support their decisions and to encourage other young people as they consider joining the Army."
Military Recruiting Numbers Show Promise Despite Army Dip
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – The Army fell short of its active-duty recruiting goal for June, but officials noted today that the Army is still ahead of its year-to-date goal and is expected to make its year-end goal. June marked the second month in a row that the Army missed its active-duty recruiting goal, according to statistics released today by the Defense Department. The active Army, with 7,031 accessions, came up almost 1,400 recruits below its 8,400-person goal. However, officials noted that it remains 741 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goal.
The other three services met or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals for June. The Navy recruited 3,999 sailors, 102 percent of its goal. The Marine Corps signed on 4,113 Marines, 110 percent of its goal, and the Air Force met its goal by recruiting 2,233 airmen.
Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their June goals.
The Army Reserve and Army National Guard both came out on the plus side for June. The Army Reserve recruited 5,255 members, almost 400 troops more than its goal, and the Guard met its goal, with 5,342 recruits.
The Navy Reserve recruited 1,013 members, exceeding its goal by 8 percent. The Marine Corps Reserve signed on 1,078 members, 109 percent of its goal. The Air Force Reserve met its 597-airman goal.
Only the Air National Guard, with 779 recruits, missed its goal, by 25 percent.
Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman, expressed optimism that July, August and September will tip the scales toward the plus side for active-duty recruitment. Traditionally, these are the Army's biggest recruiting months due to the new crop of high school graduates.
But Edgecomb emphasized that the Army isn't looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses. "Overall, we are optimistic, but concerned," Edgecomb said.
She noted that the all-volunteer force is facing one of its biggest challenges in light of a protracted war that's becoming increasingly unpopular among the American public.
"One of the greatest challenges to the all-volunteer force is being able to recruit during a period of protracted conflict," agreed Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"Recruiting is a tough environment, but the all-volunteer force has served the nation well for over 30 years, providing a military that is experienced, well-trained, disciplined and representative of America," he told Pentagon reporters today. "Since 9-11, we've had more than 900,000 Americans join the Army, and more than 700,000 soldiers have re-enlisted in the Army."
Maintaining that trend has sent the Army into overdrive to ensure a steady supply of high-quality new recruits.
It's added $30 million to its advertising budget to get its "Army Strong" slogan out to young people as well as their parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who influence their decisions about military service. "We've geared our ads to prospective soldiers as well as their parents," Edgecomb said.
It's promoting its $2,000 referral bonus program more vigorously. The program offers the bonus to soldiers, Army retirees and even Army civilian employees who refer a prospective recruit who enlists and successfully completes basic and advanced individual training. "Who can talk about the Army better than those working for the Army?" said Edgecomb.
In addition, the Army is hiring more contract recruiters to increase its outreach efforts. "We have 300,000 leads that need to be followed up on, and this will be a big help," Edgecomb said.
Edgewood praised the Army's recruiting force that's kept its eyes on the ball and continues recruiting top-quality men and women into the Army ranks.
"The story that too often gets overlooked is the fact that in spite of the challenges, we've got about 70,000 soldiers who have made the commitment to serve in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve so far this year," she said. "So we are still very successful in doing that."
In addition, she noted that retention remains high, 101 percent of the goal for the active Army, 119 percent for the Army Reserve and 107 percent for the Army National Guard.
"It's a testament to the quality of our young people that so many have already stepped forward to defend our nation and that so many servicemen and -women have chosen to continue to serve," Edgecomb said.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2007 – The Army fell short of its active-duty recruiting goal for June, but officials noted today that the Army is still ahead of its year-to-date goal and is expected to make its year-end goal. June marked the second month in a row that the Army missed its active-duty recruiting goal, according to statistics released today by the Defense Department. The active Army, with 7,031 accessions, came up almost 1,400 recruits below its 8,400-person goal. However, officials noted that it remains 741 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goal.
The other three services met or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals for June. The Navy recruited 3,999 sailors, 102 percent of its goal. The Marine Corps signed on 4,113 Marines, 110 percent of its goal, and the Air Force met its goal by recruiting 2,233 airmen.
Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their June goals.
The Army Reserve and Army National Guard both came out on the plus side for June. The Army Reserve recruited 5,255 members, almost 400 troops more than its goal, and the Guard met its goal, with 5,342 recruits.
The Navy Reserve recruited 1,013 members, exceeding its goal by 8 percent. The Marine Corps Reserve signed on 1,078 members, 109 percent of its goal. The Air Force Reserve met its 597-airman goal.
Only the Air National Guard, with 779 recruits, missed its goal, by 25 percent.
Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman, expressed optimism that July, August and September will tip the scales toward the plus side for active-duty recruitment. Traditionally, these are the Army's biggest recruiting months due to the new crop of high school graduates.
But Edgecomb emphasized that the Army isn't looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses. "Overall, we are optimistic, but concerned," Edgecomb said.
She noted that the all-volunteer force is facing one of its biggest challenges in light of a protracted war that's becoming increasingly unpopular among the American public.
"One of the greatest challenges to the all-volunteer force is being able to recruit during a period of protracted conflict," agreed Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"Recruiting is a tough environment, but the all-volunteer force has served the nation well for over 30 years, providing a military that is experienced, well-trained, disciplined and representative of America," he told Pentagon reporters today. "Since 9-11, we've had more than 900,000 Americans join the Army, and more than 700,000 soldiers have re-enlisted in the Army."
Maintaining that trend has sent the Army into overdrive to ensure a steady supply of high-quality new recruits.
It's added $30 million to its advertising budget to get its "Army Strong" slogan out to young people as well as their parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who influence their decisions about military service. "We've geared our ads to prospective soldiers as well as their parents," Edgecomb said.
It's promoting its $2,000 referral bonus program more vigorously. The program offers the bonus to soldiers, Army retirees and even Army civilian employees who refer a prospective recruit who enlists and successfully completes basic and advanced individual training. "Who can talk about the Army better than those working for the Army?" said Edgecomb.
In addition, the Army is hiring more contract recruiters to increase its outreach efforts. "We have 300,000 leads that need to be followed up on, and this will be a big help," Edgecomb said.
Edgewood praised the Army's recruiting force that's kept its eyes on the ball and continues recruiting top-quality men and women into the Army ranks.
"The story that too often gets overlooked is the fact that in spite of the challenges, we've got about 70,000 soldiers who have made the commitment to serve in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve so far this year," she said. "So we are still very successful in doing that."
In addition, she noted that retention remains high, 101 percent of the goal for the active Army, 119 percent for the Army Reserve and 107 percent for the Army National Guard.
"It's a testament to the quality of our young people that so many have already stepped forward to defend our nation and that so many servicemen and -women have chosen to continue to serve," Edgecomb said.
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