By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 6, 2007 - Throughout the Middle East, the U.S. Navy provides vital medical support to U.S. troops serving in the war on terror, the Navy surgeon general said today during a visit to the region. Navy Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson Jr. spoke to online journalists and "bloggers" from Iraq, where he was midway into a trip touring medical facilities in the region. Robinson has visited U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, in Bahrain; Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; and Camp Buehring, Kuwait, which is 50 miles from the Iraqi border.
In Camp Arifijan, Robinson visited the 44-bed U.S. Military Hospital Kuwait, staffed by Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait, which includes about 370 Navy medical personnel from 30 different health care facilities. Medical professionals there provide care to the 20,000 coalition forces in Kuwait using modular shelters that are set up in less than 48 hours.
"By providing world-class medical care to the U.S. Army Central and the 1st Sustainment Command, which has command and control of logistics in the entire (U.S. Central Command area of responsibility), Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait is playing a vital role in supplying and sustaining combat operations," Robinson said.
In Camp Arifjan, Robinson said his staff also toured the warrior transition mall, which is offered to all Navy individual augmentees returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. The warrior transition mall gives sailors three to five days to acclimate out of combat operations and decompress, he said. Multidisciplinary teams of health professionals, including mental health professionals and chaplains, screen the troops for any operational stress issues that may be confronted as they return home.
Camp Buehring serves as the last training and staging base for tens of thousands of Iraqi-bound troops, and Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait provides primary care to about 10,000 soldiers there, Robinson said.
This weekend, Robinson and his staff are flying to Landstuhl, Germany, to observe the medical system and the casualty evacuation system, he said. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center can accommodate 75 seriously wounded servicemembers airlifted from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan and is just a part of the continuum of care for those wounded in combat, he said.
"Combat casualty care is a continuum of care, which begins with the corpsmen in the field, alongside whatever warrior is there. In this instance, corpsmen are always with our Marines," Robinson said. "It progresses to forward resuscitative care units, which are in theater, and it culminates in care provided through en-route care of our patients as they're evacuated to the rear and our military hospitals."
Robinson said the Navy has plenty of medical professionals to treat combat veterans. The service's challenge is to properly screen troops for physical or mental problems and make sure they get treatment they need, he said.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Foreign Area Officers Help Bridge Cultural Divides
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 6, 2007 - A cadre of military officers with special foreign language training and cultural expertise are helping the Defense Department and U.S. military bridge gaps between American allies and local foreign populations. More than 1,400 foreign area officers, or FAOs, possess a vital foreign language, regional expertise and cultural awareness that are integral to the Defense Department's warfighting capability, the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Plans said at the Pentagon today.
"Foreign area officers are an extraordinary group of people who have in-depth knowledge of cultures, of regions of the world and languages of the world, sometimes the more difficult and strategic languages, who play an incredibly important part in our ability to communicate and work with other countries," said Gail H. McGinn.
Strategic languages identified by the Defense Department include Arabic, spoken by an estimated 206 million as a mother tongue, and 246 million as a second language; Dari and Pashto, Afghanistan's primary languages; and Chinese dialects.
FAOs work in the Pentagon on the joint staff, service staffs, and with the defense agencies as regional desk officers, planners and policy officers. They also work at combatant commands and U.S. embassies around the world, advising commanders on a region's cultural aspects and geopolitical issues, and enhance military-to-military relations.
U.S. Africa Command, which is slated to become fully operational next October, will benefit greatly by having FAOs in place from the start, McGinn said.
"Those foreign area officers will know parts of Africa, they will know some of the languages of Africa, they will be able to be in the African community, talking with the leaders and advising," she said, noting that other Combatant Commands have requested additional FAOs.
McGinn -- who has a language background in French, German and Danish -- said the Defense Language Institute is establishing a broad curriculum to address the steady demand for trained linguists across the globe. She noted that that by 2012, some 1,000 officers are expected to join the ranks of FAOs.
McGinn said the Defense Department and all military service branches established standards for FAOs several years ago. Officers seeking to become FAOs first must successfully perform their military specialty, speak a strategic or dominant language in their area of concentration, possess a graduate level education that focuses on their region of expertise and have experience and in-country training in the countries and region of their specialty.
"The personal touch of (FAOs) being able to understand and communicate in the language of the country you are situated in is a sign of respect for the country, and a sign that the United States is aware of the fact that we need to be able to communicate and operate in other places," McGinn said. "It isn't all about us being Americans and (speaking) English."
FAOs are "key links" in building coalition partnership in regions across the world, McGinn said. "It is our corps of individuals who have professional foreign language capability, ... (who are) our ambassadors, they can help us with alliances, they can help us understand parts of the world we find ourselves in," she said.
Language has the unique ability to connect U.S. operators with people of other countries, McGinn said.
"To be able to communicate with the people, to understand what they're saying, to understand what they're thinking, to understand what they're habits are and the correct way to interact with people ... is incredibly important," she said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 6, 2007 - A cadre of military officers with special foreign language training and cultural expertise are helping the Defense Department and U.S. military bridge gaps between American allies and local foreign populations. More than 1,400 foreign area officers, or FAOs, possess a vital foreign language, regional expertise and cultural awareness that are integral to the Defense Department's warfighting capability, the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Plans said at the Pentagon today.
"Foreign area officers are an extraordinary group of people who have in-depth knowledge of cultures, of regions of the world and languages of the world, sometimes the more difficult and strategic languages, who play an incredibly important part in our ability to communicate and work with other countries," said Gail H. McGinn.
Strategic languages identified by the Defense Department include Arabic, spoken by an estimated 206 million as a mother tongue, and 246 million as a second language; Dari and Pashto, Afghanistan's primary languages; and Chinese dialects.
FAOs work in the Pentagon on the joint staff, service staffs, and with the defense agencies as regional desk officers, planners and policy officers. They also work at combatant commands and U.S. embassies around the world, advising commanders on a region's cultural aspects and geopolitical issues, and enhance military-to-military relations.
U.S. Africa Command, which is slated to become fully operational next October, will benefit greatly by having FAOs in place from the start, McGinn said.
"Those foreign area officers will know parts of Africa, they will know some of the languages of Africa, they will be able to be in the African community, talking with the leaders and advising," she said, noting that other Combatant Commands have requested additional FAOs.
McGinn -- who has a language background in French, German and Danish -- said the Defense Language Institute is establishing a broad curriculum to address the steady demand for trained linguists across the globe. She noted that that by 2012, some 1,000 officers are expected to join the ranks of FAOs.
McGinn said the Defense Department and all military service branches established standards for FAOs several years ago. Officers seeking to become FAOs first must successfully perform their military specialty, speak a strategic or dominant language in their area of concentration, possess a graduate level education that focuses on their region of expertise and have experience and in-country training in the countries and region of their specialty.
"The personal touch of (FAOs) being able to understand and communicate in the language of the country you are situated in is a sign of respect for the country, and a sign that the United States is aware of the fact that we need to be able to communicate and operate in other places," McGinn said. "It isn't all about us being Americans and (speaking) English."
FAOs are "key links" in building coalition partnership in regions across the world, McGinn said. "It is our corps of individuals who have professional foreign language capability, ... (who are) our ambassadors, they can help us with alliances, they can help us understand parts of the world we find ourselves in," she said.
Language has the unique ability to connect U.S. operators with people of other countries, McGinn said.
"To be able to communicate with the people, to understand what they're saying, to understand what they're thinking, to understand what they're habits are and the correct way to interact with people ... is incredibly important," she said.
Marine Missing From Korean War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is Pfc. Donald M. Walker, U.S. Marine Corps, of Springfield, Ky. He will be buried Dec. 7 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Walker was assigned to the Service Company, 1st Service Battalion, of the 1st Marine Division deployed near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, three Communist Chinese divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions. Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south, first to Hagaru-ri, then Koto-ri, and eventually to defensive positions at Hungnam. Walker died on Dec. 7, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Koto-ri. He was buried by fellow Marines in a temporary United Nations military cemetery in Hungnam, which fell to the North Koreans in December 1950. His identity was later verified from a fingerprint taken at the time of the burial.
During Operation Glory in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of 2,944 U.S. soldiers and Marines. Included in this repatriation were remains associated with Walker's burial. The staff at the U.S. Army Mortuary in Kokura, Japan, however, cited suspected discrepancies between the biological profile from the remains and Walker's physical characteristics. The remains were among 416 from Operation Glory subsequently buried as "unknowns" in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii.
In April 2007, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command exhumed remains from The Punchbowl believed to be those of Walker. Although the remains did not yield usable DNA data, a reevaluation of the skeletal and dental remains led to Walker's identification.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
He is Pfc. Donald M. Walker, U.S. Marine Corps, of Springfield, Ky. He will be buried Dec. 7 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Walker was assigned to the Service Company, 1st Service Battalion, of the 1st Marine Division deployed near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, three Communist Chinese divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions. Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south, first to Hagaru-ri, then Koto-ri, and eventually to defensive positions at Hungnam. Walker died on Dec. 7, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Koto-ri. He was buried by fellow Marines in a temporary United Nations military cemetery in Hungnam, which fell to the North Koreans in December 1950. His identity was later verified from a fingerprint taken at the time of the burial.
During Operation Glory in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of 2,944 U.S. soldiers and Marines. Included in this repatriation were remains associated with Walker's burial. The staff at the U.S. Army Mortuary in Kokura, Japan, however, cited suspected discrepancies between the biological profile from the remains and Walker's physical characteristics. The remains were among 416 from Operation Glory subsequently buried as "unknowns" in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii.
In April 2007, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command exhumed remains from The Punchbowl believed to be those of Walker. Although the remains did not yield usable DNA data, a reevaluation of the skeletal and dental remains led to Walker's identification.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
U.S., China Agree to Strengthen Military Relations
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China annual defense consultative talks ended yesterday with the two nations agreeing to increase military-to-military ties, Pentagon officials said today. Defense spokesman Bryan Whitman said the delegations -- led by Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs -- discussed U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues and a "proposed dialogue on nuclear policy, strategy and programs."
The annual talks came a month after Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited China and spoke to Chinese leaders about better communications to enhance mutual understanding between the nations.
The talks also came after Chinese leaders refused to allow the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over Thanksgiving. Whitman said the port call incident came up as part of discussions on the importance of improving overall military-to-military relations. "I've talked about this for some time," Whitman told reporters. "The United States has expressed its concern and its disappointment over this, and we have moved beyond it."
Representatives from U.S. Strategic Command and China's 2nd Artillery Corps attended the talks to provide expertise on nuclear issues. "This led to a good, worthwhile discussion on a future dialogue on nuclear policy, strategy and programs," Whitman said.
U.S. officials brought up the issue of Iran and followed up on the proposal to implement a defense telephone link between Washington and Beijing, "with a goal of completing that in early 2008," Whitman said.
Both sides agreed to plus up defense exchanges between the nations, including increased interactions between mid-level and junior officers and increased exchanges between military educational institutions. The two sides also agreed to cooperate more closely on opening Chinese archives to U.S. researchers seeking information on Americans missing in action in U.S. wars in Asia, Whitman said.
"Overall, we expressed our efforts to move forward with our defense relations with China and to promote a constructive and cooperative relationship," Whitman said.
Edelman and Ma agreed the two sides would continue the discussions at the Defense Policy Coordination talks in February.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China annual defense consultative talks ended yesterday with the two nations agreeing to increase military-to-military ties, Pentagon officials said today. Defense spokesman Bryan Whitman said the delegations -- led by Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs -- discussed U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues and a "proposed dialogue on nuclear policy, strategy and programs."
The annual talks came a month after Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited China and spoke to Chinese leaders about better communications to enhance mutual understanding between the nations.
The talks also came after Chinese leaders refused to allow the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over Thanksgiving. Whitman said the port call incident came up as part of discussions on the importance of improving overall military-to-military relations. "I've talked about this for some time," Whitman told reporters. "The United States has expressed its concern and its disappointment over this, and we have moved beyond it."
Representatives from U.S. Strategic Command and China's 2nd Artillery Corps attended the talks to provide expertise on nuclear issues. "This led to a good, worthwhile discussion on a future dialogue on nuclear policy, strategy and programs," Whitman said.
U.S. officials brought up the issue of Iran and followed up on the proposal to implement a defense telephone link between Washington and Beijing, "with a goal of completing that in early 2008," Whitman said.
Both sides agreed to plus up defense exchanges between the nations, including increased interactions between mid-level and junior officers and increased exchanges between military educational institutions. The two sides also agreed to cooperate more closely on opening Chinese archives to U.S. researchers seeking information on Americans missing in action in U.S. wars in Asia, Whitman said.
"Overall, we expressed our efforts to move forward with our defense relations with China and to promote a constructive and cooperative relationship," Whitman said.
Edelman and Ma agreed the two sides would continue the discussions at the Defense Policy Coordination talks in February.
Top Marine Explains Cut in Purchase of Mine-resistant Vehicles
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - Improved conditions in Iraq and a desire to remain a light, mobile force caused the Marine Corps cut its order for mine-resistant, ambush–protected vehicles, a decision that included careful assessment of its effect on safety of deployed forces, the commandant of the Marine Corps said here today. The Marine Corps has asked the Joint Requirement Oversight Council to cut the number of MRAP vehicles earmarked for the service from 3,600 to 2,300.
The safety of Marines and sailors in Iraq was paramount in planners' minds when making the decision, the commandant emphasized. "I am absolutely comfortable that no Marine or sailor will experience additional risk in Iraq as a result of the recommendation," he said.
The need to keep the Marine Corps light was part of the reasoning, he said. The vehicles weigh 48,000 pounds each, and the sealift and airlift needed for them would be excessive, he added.
Another part of the decision to reduce the Marine Corps' MRAP order has to do with changes in conditions in Iraq, Conway said.
The September 2006 decision to replace every up-armored Humvee in Iraq with an MRAP was "absolutely the right thing to do" at the time, Conway said. "It's a moral imperative to protect our people as soon as we can, as soon as we can get those vehicles built," he said. At the time, the insurgency was at its height, and improvised explosive devices were pandemic in Iraq.
"What's happened since September of 2006 has been absolutely amazing by most counts," he said. The surge and the so-called "Anbar Awakening" have cut the number and lethality of attacks against the coalition.
"We have not lost nearly the numbers of vehicles that we were experiencing, because attacks have gone down dramatically," he said.
Also, the heavy vehicles cannot handle some of the off-road work that needs to be done and cannot navigate some of the narrower confines in many parts of Iraq. "So what we found is that (commanders are) mixing their convoys and their patrols with some MRAPs, maybe as route clearance, but also with some ... 7-ton vehicles and also with some up-armored Humvees," the commandant said. "So, that mix has also driven down our requirement."
Conway said cutting the Marines' MRAP order may speed up purchase of the vehicles for the Army.
The Marines still have a use for the smallest variant of the vehicle as an engineer combat vehicle, even in an expeditionary environment, Conway said. The service has tried for 20 years to develop an engineer combat vehicle, he noted. The MRAP could fill that bill with 360-degree protection and its V-shaped hull, which directs shrapnel away from riders.
"It can wage into a fight and protect those young men and women, in some cases, deliver them to whatever the obstacle is and in some cases even breach it," Conway said. "So we're going to have to develop that vehicle to its fullest, I think, as an engineer and (explosive ordnance disposal) combat vehicle."
Conway said the change in the Marine Corps' MRAP order will not adversely affect industry. The service checked that the companies building the vehicles "hadn't laid in such quantities of steel and tires and transmissions that they were going to be left holding ... an expensive bag," he said. "So we're comfortable that our timing was pretty good and that no one is really being injured in the process."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - Improved conditions in Iraq and a desire to remain a light, mobile force caused the Marine Corps cut its order for mine-resistant, ambush–protected vehicles, a decision that included careful assessment of its effect on safety of deployed forces, the commandant of the Marine Corps said here today. The Marine Corps has asked the Joint Requirement Oversight Council to cut the number of MRAP vehicles earmarked for the service from 3,600 to 2,300.
The safety of Marines and sailors in Iraq was paramount in planners' minds when making the decision, the commandant emphasized. "I am absolutely comfortable that no Marine or sailor will experience additional risk in Iraq as a result of the recommendation," he said.
The need to keep the Marine Corps light was part of the reasoning, he said. The vehicles weigh 48,000 pounds each, and the sealift and airlift needed for them would be excessive, he added.
Another part of the decision to reduce the Marine Corps' MRAP order has to do with changes in conditions in Iraq, Conway said.
The September 2006 decision to replace every up-armored Humvee in Iraq with an MRAP was "absolutely the right thing to do" at the time, Conway said. "It's a moral imperative to protect our people as soon as we can, as soon as we can get those vehicles built," he said. At the time, the insurgency was at its height, and improvised explosive devices were pandemic in Iraq.
"What's happened since September of 2006 has been absolutely amazing by most counts," he said. The surge and the so-called "Anbar Awakening" have cut the number and lethality of attacks against the coalition.
"We have not lost nearly the numbers of vehicles that we were experiencing, because attacks have gone down dramatically," he said.
Also, the heavy vehicles cannot handle some of the off-road work that needs to be done and cannot navigate some of the narrower confines in many parts of Iraq. "So what we found is that (commanders are) mixing their convoys and their patrols with some MRAPs, maybe as route clearance, but also with some ... 7-ton vehicles and also with some up-armored Humvees," the commandant said. "So, that mix has also driven down our requirement."
Conway said cutting the Marines' MRAP order may speed up purchase of the vehicles for the Army.
The Marines still have a use for the smallest variant of the vehicle as an engineer combat vehicle, even in an expeditionary environment, Conway said. The service has tried for 20 years to develop an engineer combat vehicle, he noted. The MRAP could fill that bill with 360-degree protection and its V-shaped hull, which directs shrapnel away from riders.
"It can wage into a fight and protect those young men and women, in some cases, deliver them to whatever the obstacle is and in some cases even breach it," Conway said. "So we're going to have to develop that vehicle to its fullest, I think, as an engineer and (explosive ordnance disposal) combat vehicle."
Conway said the change in the Marine Corps' MRAP order will not adversely affect industry. The service checked that the companies building the vehicles "hadn't laid in such quantities of steel and tires and transmissions that they were going to be left holding ... an expensive bag," he said. "So we're comfortable that our timing was pretty good and that no one is really being injured in the process."
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
First Lady Gets Update on Challenges Facing Military Youth
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - First lady Laura Bush attended a special event here today to learn about challenges facing military youth and to let them know they're not forgotten. "We need to get the word out to children of all of our military families, (that) we know you do serve also, and (of) the sacrifices you make with your parents gone for a long part of your childhood. We want military kids to know we are aware of that," Bush said during the special "Helping America's Youth" event at the base youth center.
"We (also) know that if children have caring adults in their lives, they're more likely to make wise decisions for their own lives," the first lady said.
"And when your parents are deployed, it's really important that other caring adults have an opportunity to step in and help young people while their parents are away," she continued, adding that she knows many do have that benefit.
Helping America's Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing the nation's youth and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in the areas of family, school and community.
Dr. Stephen Cozza, professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University, told the audience that military kids have just as tough and important a job as their parents do. Despite that, they're resilient, he said.
"We need to remember, first and foremost, that they are generally a healthy and capable group of youngsters who possess strengths that are at least equal to their civilian counterparts," said Cozza, who also serves as the associate director for the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. He went on to note that certain events and situations can cause increased stress on military children.
Combat deployments tax even the healthiest families, and multiple deployments even more so, he said. The combat experience itself can affect servicemembers, and consequently their children, upon the parent's return to the family.
"During wartime, servicemembers often witness and participate in violent and destructive acts that fall outside the realm of the typical human experience," Cozza said. "Combat can lead to neurobiological and psychological consequences that don't simply disappear when they return home."
These issues can be as benign as the common cold or much more serious, he said. Open discussion can help families and children better understand the changes they may see in their parents.
"Our community programs should be knowledgeable about child and family responses to deployment and reintegration challenges, and should be comfortable referring troubled service or family members to health care facilities when appropriate," he said.
Brooke Borelli, 12, the daughter of Air Force Col. Elizabeth Borelli of the 11th Operations Group at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., knows well the challenges of being a military child. When she's switched schools in the middle of the school year, she said, she often finds she may be ahead in one subject but behind in another. Perhaps the biggest challenge came when her mother was deployed to Iraq.
It was tough when her mom didn't come home every day and she couldn't have individual time with her, Brooke said. But the situation came with its own benefits. She reached out to her family and community and filled her mother's deployments with activities.
"I think it's made me a better person for doing it," Brooke said. "I've learned to be more independent and stable on my own."
Shanice Gaddy, 17, also knows what it means to be part of a military family. Her mother, District of Colombia Army National Guard Master Sgt. Jacqueline Whitney, was deployed to Iraq for a little more than a year just as her daughter was starting high school.
Shanice said not having her mom there as she charted that new territory was a struggle, but National Guard programs helped her shake feelings of sadness and loneliness.
"I discovered that they had National Guard youth programs," Gaddy said. "Then I started to feel better, because I felt as though people were there for me."
And using resources like the National Guard youth programs is exactly what the first lady encouraged families to do if they feel they may need help, said Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, a part of the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
"Mrs. Bush gave a very powerful message when she mentioned to military families that if they need help, they should reach out and seek help through programs and support systems," she said. "I think she sets the tone for the nation in telling the nation that military children also serve and they sacrifice and we should take good care of them as a nation."
That's easier, thanks to the many resources available to military children and families; however the programs are good only if they're accessible, Thompson said.
She said Mrs. Bush heard about the importance of addressing needs of military children who are geographically separated from a military installation, and consequently are far way from the resources located there.
"We're a great organization. We have a lot of programs at every one of our installations, but we can't do it alone," Thompson said. "We need the expertise, and we need the ability to reach out to the larger community to ensure all children's needs are met."
The first lady also heard from organizations such as the Armed Services YMCA, the National Military Family Association, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which are reaching out to the overall community to ensure all military children have resources available.
Armed Services YMCA and the National Military Family Association are both supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - First lady Laura Bush attended a special event here today to learn about challenges facing military youth and to let them know they're not forgotten. "We need to get the word out to children of all of our military families, (that) we know you do serve also, and (of) the sacrifices you make with your parents gone for a long part of your childhood. We want military kids to know we are aware of that," Bush said during the special "Helping America's Youth" event at the base youth center.
"We (also) know that if children have caring adults in their lives, they're more likely to make wise decisions for their own lives," the first lady said.
"And when your parents are deployed, it's really important that other caring adults have an opportunity to step in and help young people while their parents are away," she continued, adding that she knows many do have that benefit.
Helping America's Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing the nation's youth and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in the areas of family, school and community.
Dr. Stephen Cozza, professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University, told the audience that military kids have just as tough and important a job as their parents do. Despite that, they're resilient, he said.
"We need to remember, first and foremost, that they are generally a healthy and capable group of youngsters who possess strengths that are at least equal to their civilian counterparts," said Cozza, who also serves as the associate director for the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. He went on to note that certain events and situations can cause increased stress on military children.
Combat deployments tax even the healthiest families, and multiple deployments even more so, he said. The combat experience itself can affect servicemembers, and consequently their children, upon the parent's return to the family.
"During wartime, servicemembers often witness and participate in violent and destructive acts that fall outside the realm of the typical human experience," Cozza said. "Combat can lead to neurobiological and psychological consequences that don't simply disappear when they return home."
These issues can be as benign as the common cold or much more serious, he said. Open discussion can help families and children better understand the changes they may see in their parents.
"Our community programs should be knowledgeable about child and family responses to deployment and reintegration challenges, and should be comfortable referring troubled service or family members to health care facilities when appropriate," he said.
Brooke Borelli, 12, the daughter of Air Force Col. Elizabeth Borelli of the 11th Operations Group at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., knows well the challenges of being a military child. When she's switched schools in the middle of the school year, she said, she often finds she may be ahead in one subject but behind in another. Perhaps the biggest challenge came when her mother was deployed to Iraq.
It was tough when her mom didn't come home every day and she couldn't have individual time with her, Brooke said. But the situation came with its own benefits. She reached out to her family and community and filled her mother's deployments with activities.
"I think it's made me a better person for doing it," Brooke said. "I've learned to be more independent and stable on my own."
Shanice Gaddy, 17, also knows what it means to be part of a military family. Her mother, District of Colombia Army National Guard Master Sgt. Jacqueline Whitney, was deployed to Iraq for a little more than a year just as her daughter was starting high school.
Shanice said not having her mom there as she charted that new territory was a struggle, but National Guard programs helped her shake feelings of sadness and loneliness.
"I discovered that they had National Guard youth programs," Gaddy said. "Then I started to feel better, because I felt as though people were there for me."
And using resources like the National Guard youth programs is exactly what the first lady encouraged families to do if they feel they may need help, said Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, a part of the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
"Mrs. Bush gave a very powerful message when she mentioned to military families that if they need help, they should reach out and seek help through programs and support systems," she said. "I think she sets the tone for the nation in telling the nation that military children also serve and they sacrifice and we should take good care of them as a nation."
That's easier, thanks to the many resources available to military children and families; however the programs are good only if they're accessible, Thompson said.
She said Mrs. Bush heard about the importance of addressing needs of military children who are geographically separated from a military installation, and consequently are far way from the resources located there.
"We're a great organization. We have a lot of programs at every one of our installations, but we can't do it alone," Thompson said. "We need the expertise, and we need the ability to reach out to the larger community to ensure all children's needs are met."
The first lady also heard from organizations such as the Armed Services YMCA, the National Military Family Association, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which are reaching out to the overall community to ensure all military children have resources available.
Armed Services YMCA and the National Military Family Association are both supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Kosovo Task Force Prepared for Conflict, Commander Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - As negotiations on Kosovo's "final status" are expected to reach a political stalemate Dec. 10, a top commander in NATO's Kosovo Force said today his troops are prepared for any potential conflict in the breakaway province. The commander of Kosovo Force's Multinational Task Force East said the mood in Kosovo is "anxious" days before talks led by the United States, the European Union and Russia are likely to end in disagreement. Provincial leaders of the 90-percent ethnic Albanian enclave in southern Serbia are expected to unilaterally declare Kosovo's independence in January or February.
"When the declaration of independence comes, we will be prepared to act against any kind of activity," Army Brig. Gen. John E. Davoren told American Forces Press Service.
"We are impartial," he said. "It doesn't matter whether you're a Kosovar Albanian or a Kosovo Serbian ... if you engage in violence, then we as members of Kosovo Force are going to have to act against you."
Kosovo has been under United Nations administration and policed by 16,000 NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, following a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 1999 that expelled the Serb army and prevented "ethnic cleansing" of the region's Albanians.
Davoren and the 35th Infantry Division took command of KFOR's Multinational Task Force East, or MNTF-E, on Nov. 2. MNTF-E, with headquarters in Urosevac at Camp Bondsteel, is one of five task forces that conduct intelligence-led operations, and work closely with both the local police and the local population to gather information, according to NATO's Web site.
MNTF-E also is responsible for more than 60 miles of administrative "boundary lines," the official name for the UN-mandated demarcation separating Kosovo and Serbia. The task force oversees roughly 50 miles of Kosovo-Macedonia border to the south, where incidents between ethnic Albanians and law officers in Macedonia the past two months have stirred controversy, Davoren said.
The brushes near Kosovo's border come in the midst of increasingly harsh political rhetoric from the Serb government in Belgrade, and growing concern over reports in Kosovo's news media of paramilitary activity along Kosovo's boundaries.
Though largely autonomous, Kosovo remains under the sovereignty of Belgrade, which sees Kosovo as the site of cherished Serb mainstays, including several of the most prominent Orthodox Christian shrines in the country. As Kosovo seeks independence, Serbia refused to relinquish the province.
"There is anxiety because there are a number of folks making statements about what the potential future could be," Davoren said of recent political discourse in the region. "There is a lot of discussion about what is actually going to happen on the 10th of December."
Davoren said Kosovo appears calm on the ground, but KFOR is constantly reevaluating the situation in the Serb enclave, assessing threats to stability amid the shifting political landscape.
Meanwhile, recent claims about paramilitary activity in Kosovo are making their rounds in the media. Davoren said the two most prominent groups discussed in reports are the "Tsar Lazar Guard," a group that has organized patrols in Serbia, according to Kosovo media, and the outlawed Albanian National Army, known as AKSH and branded as a terrorist organization by the U.N. mission in Kosovo.
"One of the TV stations in Kosovo filmed a group of 10 people in black uniforms and masks, supposedly walking along the administrative boundary line to protect Kosovo," Davoren said. "There's also been news reports of a reporter attending some induction ceremony where 20 Kosovo Albanians were joining the AKSH in a ceremony so that they could be prepared to defend Kosovo from the invasion of the Tsar Lazar Guard."
Davoren said the Tsar Lazar Guard reportedly has vowed to wage war on all Kosovo Albanians and U.N. personnel if Kosovo declares independence. Furthermore, they have publicized their desire to detonate a nuclear bomb in Kosovo.
"I, as Task Force East commander, and we as KFOR, are concerned about these reports; we take them seriously, (and) we go out and we conduct operations to look for these groups," he said. "But what we find is there are an awful lot of these reports, but not much in the way of activity of these groups actually out along the administrative boundary line."
Davoren said many similar reports, which often quote local residents who allege they have seen groups of uniformed and armed men around Kosovo, are based on hearsay or otherwise unconfirmed accounts.
"I also have to take into consideration the perceptions of the people that are listening to the stories," he said. "Where I don't find a lot of facts substantiated in reports, those reports still cause folks some anxiety, (and) there is a little bit of tension caused from that anxiety."
The commander said KFOR's mission is to eliminate or mitigate issues early on before they escalate to something bigger. He cited a March 2004 example, when a disputed news report which alleged that three ethnic Albanian children drowned after being chased into a river by a group of angry Serbs, triggered a wave of riots.
"We want to make sure that we take a look at a number of different things that could be trigger events, separate fact from fiction, and then take appropriate measures so that we are able to deal with those," he said.
Since March 2004, KFOR has worked to correct problems identified following the riots that killed at least 36 people, wounded nearly 1,000 others, and destroyed an estimated 110 houses and 16 churches in its trail.
To gauge the milieu in Kosovo, for instance, KFOR troops interact with the local populace during mounted and dismounted patrols, and through liaison monitoring teams, which listen to concerns of coffee shop and restaurant owners, and other local people. Davoren said he and other senior leaders interact with village leaders, local priests and Imams, municipality leaders and other elected officials.
"We get a wide cross-section from people who are in positions of power, people who are just your average citizen, and get a feel for what the concerns are – where things are going well, where things are going badly," he said.
Additionally in 2004, nations with forces in Kosovo removed the majority of military caveats that hindered troops' operational capabilities, Davoren said. For roughly the past two years, he added, KFOR has rehearsed how troops would smoothly transition from posts around Kosovo, rehearsing scenarios that might require additional NATO reserve troops be brought into Kosovo or the greater Balkan region.
"Right now, the troop levels are sufficient," he said. "There are contingency plans where if additional troops are needed to be brought in, those have been identified."
Davoren's comments came a day after NATO's supreme allied commander acknowledged the possibility of quickly raising the force level if needed in Kosovo, which he called NATO's "most volatile" issue.
"There will be those who want to create mischief, and that will be manifested as strife and potentially violence, in Kosovo," Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock told reporters at the National Press Club here yesterday. "There will be, then, those who will respond to that, against the advice of, I think, calmer heads to not respond."
The general said, however, that community leaders in Kosovo hope to avoid violence, and that military strategy is in place to maintain stability.
"We have done contingency planning for the best case and the worst case," he said. "I am very comfortable with what we have done."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 5, 2007 - As negotiations on Kosovo's "final status" are expected to reach a political stalemate Dec. 10, a top commander in NATO's Kosovo Force said today his troops are prepared for any potential conflict in the breakaway province. The commander of Kosovo Force's Multinational Task Force East said the mood in Kosovo is "anxious" days before talks led by the United States, the European Union and Russia are likely to end in disagreement. Provincial leaders of the 90-percent ethnic Albanian enclave in southern Serbia are expected to unilaterally declare Kosovo's independence in January or February.
"When the declaration of independence comes, we will be prepared to act against any kind of activity," Army Brig. Gen. John E. Davoren told American Forces Press Service.
"We are impartial," he said. "It doesn't matter whether you're a Kosovar Albanian or a Kosovo Serbian ... if you engage in violence, then we as members of Kosovo Force are going to have to act against you."
Kosovo has been under United Nations administration and policed by 16,000 NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, following a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 1999 that expelled the Serb army and prevented "ethnic cleansing" of the region's Albanians.
Davoren and the 35th Infantry Division took command of KFOR's Multinational Task Force East, or MNTF-E, on Nov. 2. MNTF-E, with headquarters in Urosevac at Camp Bondsteel, is one of five task forces that conduct intelligence-led operations, and work closely with both the local police and the local population to gather information, according to NATO's Web site.
MNTF-E also is responsible for more than 60 miles of administrative "boundary lines," the official name for the UN-mandated demarcation separating Kosovo and Serbia. The task force oversees roughly 50 miles of Kosovo-Macedonia border to the south, where incidents between ethnic Albanians and law officers in Macedonia the past two months have stirred controversy, Davoren said.
The brushes near Kosovo's border come in the midst of increasingly harsh political rhetoric from the Serb government in Belgrade, and growing concern over reports in Kosovo's news media of paramilitary activity along Kosovo's boundaries.
Though largely autonomous, Kosovo remains under the sovereignty of Belgrade, which sees Kosovo as the site of cherished Serb mainstays, including several of the most prominent Orthodox Christian shrines in the country. As Kosovo seeks independence, Serbia refused to relinquish the province.
"There is anxiety because there are a number of folks making statements about what the potential future could be," Davoren said of recent political discourse in the region. "There is a lot of discussion about what is actually going to happen on the 10th of December."
Davoren said Kosovo appears calm on the ground, but KFOR is constantly reevaluating the situation in the Serb enclave, assessing threats to stability amid the shifting political landscape.
Meanwhile, recent claims about paramilitary activity in Kosovo are making their rounds in the media. Davoren said the two most prominent groups discussed in reports are the "Tsar Lazar Guard," a group that has organized patrols in Serbia, according to Kosovo media, and the outlawed Albanian National Army, known as AKSH and branded as a terrorist organization by the U.N. mission in Kosovo.
"One of the TV stations in Kosovo filmed a group of 10 people in black uniforms and masks, supposedly walking along the administrative boundary line to protect Kosovo," Davoren said. "There's also been news reports of a reporter attending some induction ceremony where 20 Kosovo Albanians were joining the AKSH in a ceremony so that they could be prepared to defend Kosovo from the invasion of the Tsar Lazar Guard."
Davoren said the Tsar Lazar Guard reportedly has vowed to wage war on all Kosovo Albanians and U.N. personnel if Kosovo declares independence. Furthermore, they have publicized their desire to detonate a nuclear bomb in Kosovo.
"I, as Task Force East commander, and we as KFOR, are concerned about these reports; we take them seriously, (and) we go out and we conduct operations to look for these groups," he said. "But what we find is there are an awful lot of these reports, but not much in the way of activity of these groups actually out along the administrative boundary line."
Davoren said many similar reports, which often quote local residents who allege they have seen groups of uniformed and armed men around Kosovo, are based on hearsay or otherwise unconfirmed accounts.
"I also have to take into consideration the perceptions of the people that are listening to the stories," he said. "Where I don't find a lot of facts substantiated in reports, those reports still cause folks some anxiety, (and) there is a little bit of tension caused from that anxiety."
The commander said KFOR's mission is to eliminate or mitigate issues early on before they escalate to something bigger. He cited a March 2004 example, when a disputed news report which alleged that three ethnic Albanian children drowned after being chased into a river by a group of angry Serbs, triggered a wave of riots.
"We want to make sure that we take a look at a number of different things that could be trigger events, separate fact from fiction, and then take appropriate measures so that we are able to deal with those," he said.
Since March 2004, KFOR has worked to correct problems identified following the riots that killed at least 36 people, wounded nearly 1,000 others, and destroyed an estimated 110 houses and 16 churches in its trail.
To gauge the milieu in Kosovo, for instance, KFOR troops interact with the local populace during mounted and dismounted patrols, and through liaison monitoring teams, which listen to concerns of coffee shop and restaurant owners, and other local people. Davoren said he and other senior leaders interact with village leaders, local priests and Imams, municipality leaders and other elected officials.
"We get a wide cross-section from people who are in positions of power, people who are just your average citizen, and get a feel for what the concerns are – where things are going well, where things are going badly," he said.
Additionally in 2004, nations with forces in Kosovo removed the majority of military caveats that hindered troops' operational capabilities, Davoren said. For roughly the past two years, he added, KFOR has rehearsed how troops would smoothly transition from posts around Kosovo, rehearsing scenarios that might require additional NATO reserve troops be brought into Kosovo or the greater Balkan region.
"Right now, the troop levels are sufficient," he said. "There are contingency plans where if additional troops are needed to be brought in, those have been identified."
Davoren's comments came a day after NATO's supreme allied commander acknowledged the possibility of quickly raising the force level if needed in Kosovo, which he called NATO's "most volatile" issue.
"There will be those who want to create mischief, and that will be manifested as strife and potentially violence, in Kosovo," Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock told reporters at the National Press Club here yesterday. "There will be, then, those who will respond to that, against the advice of, I think, calmer heads to not respond."
The general said, however, that community leaders in Kosovo hope to avoid violence, and that military strategy is in place to maintain stability.
"We have done contingency planning for the best case and the worst case," he said. "I am very comfortable with what we have done."
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Soldier Missing from Korean War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is 1st Lt. Dixie S. Parker, U.S. Army, of Green Pond, Ala. He will be buried Dec. 6 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with Parker's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.
Parker was assigned to Battery B, 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division then occupying a defensive position overlooking the Kuryong River in P'yongan-Pukto Province, North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, Parker was killed in his foxhole while serving as a forward artillery observer. His body was not recovered.
In 2000, a joint U.S./Democratic People's Republic of Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a site overlooking the Kuryong River in P'yongan-Pukto Province where U.S. soldiers were believed to be buried. The team recovered human remains and non-biological evidence including Parker's identification tags and first lieutenant rank insignia.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Parker's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
He is 1st Lt. Dixie S. Parker, U.S. Army, of Green Pond, Ala. He will be buried Dec. 6 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with Parker's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.
Parker was assigned to Battery B, 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division then occupying a defensive position overlooking the Kuryong River in P'yongan-Pukto Province, North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, Parker was killed in his foxhole while serving as a forward artillery observer. His body was not recovered.
In 2000, a joint U.S./Democratic People's Republic of Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a site overlooking the Kuryong River in P'yongan-Pukto Province where U.S. soldiers were believed to be buried. The team recovered human remains and non-biological evidence including Parker's identification tags and first lieutenant rank insignia.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Parker's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
Army Civilians Could Receive Furlough Notices by Christmas
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Some Army civilian employees may get layoff notices before Christmas, because $178 billion in emergency funds have not yet been approved to continue the war on terror, a senior Defense Department official said today. President Bush called on Congress twice publicly this week to pass an emergency funding bill, but has vowed to veto any bill that imposes a mandatory troop withdrawal date.
Some members of Congress have responded by saying the Pentagon has funds to continue operations through March, but a Pentagon spokesman today said furlough notices for Army employees could start going out the middle of this month. The employees would not be furloughed until after Christmas, but some contracts require a 60-day notice if the furlough will be longer than 60 days, Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters at the Pentagon. The department is using fiscal 2008 funds – not part of the supplemental funding needed – to keep operations going in the war on terror, he explained.
"Anyone who thinks that this is not a serious situation is simply misinformed or is ignoring the facts. We have tried to be as matter of fact as we can on this, but the reality is that we are using our program budget for FY 08 ... to fund our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," Whitman said.
DoD is using its readiness funding, or operations and maintenance accounts, which typically pay for training, supplies, and maintenance of weapons and equipment.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates requested to shift $3.7 billion from Navy and Air Force payrolls and an $800 million excess in the working capital fund to Army and Marine Corps operations.
If funding continues to be delayed, it could affect as many as 200,000 civilian employees and contractors, DoD officials reported earlier.
"In mid-February, the Army will run out of all of their O&M funding for the entire year, because they will have spent it on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. That will require some fairly significant and harsh actions by the department, specifically the Army. And the Marine Corps is only about a month behind them," Whitman said.
Military installations soon will have to shut down operations and furlough civilian employees, terminate contracts, and move into what Whitman called a "warm" status.
"Facts are the facts. We're trying to keep people as well informed as we can, but anybody that thinks that we have sufficient funding to go beyond what we have stated is just either misinformed or electing not to examine the facts," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Some Army civilian employees may get layoff notices before Christmas, because $178 billion in emergency funds have not yet been approved to continue the war on terror, a senior Defense Department official said today. President Bush called on Congress twice publicly this week to pass an emergency funding bill, but has vowed to veto any bill that imposes a mandatory troop withdrawal date.
Some members of Congress have responded by saying the Pentagon has funds to continue operations through March, but a Pentagon spokesman today said furlough notices for Army employees could start going out the middle of this month. The employees would not be furloughed until after Christmas, but some contracts require a 60-day notice if the furlough will be longer than 60 days, Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters at the Pentagon. The department is using fiscal 2008 funds – not part of the supplemental funding needed – to keep operations going in the war on terror, he explained.
"Anyone who thinks that this is not a serious situation is simply misinformed or is ignoring the facts. We have tried to be as matter of fact as we can on this, but the reality is that we are using our program budget for FY 08 ... to fund our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," Whitman said.
DoD is using its readiness funding, or operations and maintenance accounts, which typically pay for training, supplies, and maintenance of weapons and equipment.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates requested to shift $3.7 billion from Navy and Air Force payrolls and an $800 million excess in the working capital fund to Army and Marine Corps operations.
If funding continues to be delayed, it could affect as many as 200,000 civilian employees and contractors, DoD officials reported earlier.
"In mid-February, the Army will run out of all of their O&M funding for the entire year, because they will have spent it on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. That will require some fairly significant and harsh actions by the department, specifically the Army. And the Marine Corps is only about a month behind them," Whitman said.
Military installations soon will have to shut down operations and furlough civilian employees, terminate contracts, and move into what Whitman called a "warm" status.
"Facts are the facts. We're trying to keep people as well informed as we can, but anybody that thinks that we have sufficient funding to go beyond what we have stated is just either misinformed or electing not to examine the facts," he said.
America Supports You: Chefs Let Wounded Troops Taste Gratitude
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - In an effort to lift spirits and say "thank you" during the holiday season, 10 area chefs presented recovering servicemembers and their families with a mouth-watering meal last night. "As chefs here in the nation's capital, we do a lot of fundraisers for a lot of different organizations, but this one means so much," said Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of Marcel's and Brasserie Beck, in the dining room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House. "For us to be able to come up here at Christmas and use our talents to do something really nice for them makes us feel good, and hopefully they warm their bellies and feel really good about it."
The residents dined on fare that included barbequed brisket, beef stew with potato puree and roasted chestnut soup, among other delicious entrees. Two restaurants provided pecan pie and other assorted deserts.
The idea for the dinner, which is completely apolitical, Wiedmaier said, started with his mother, Virginia Ann Wiedmaier. While a patient at Walter Reed, she told her son he needed to go to the hospital and cook for the wounded troops.
The event, which was renamed the Virginia Ann Wiedmaier Holiday Dinner when she passed away a little more than two years ago, celebrated its fifth year last night.
Wiedmaier, whose father is a retired Army colonel, said the dinners would continue "as long as we need to keep doing it."
"It's in honor of my mother ... so I feel strongly about it," he said. "I'm also hoping that one day we won't have to do this any more."
Until that day arrives, the dinner is just the best medicine the doctors can't order, said Pete Anderson, manager of Mologne House.
"It's kind of a compilation of the community coming together and taking care of the servicemembers ... and showing them a good time," he said. "I think it's as beneficial for all of the restaurants to come up here and be around the servicemembers as it is for the servicemembers to come and enjoy some really, really wonderful food."
The servicemembers tended to be of like opinion.
"It was fantastic," said Army Spc. Cory Smith, who's recovering from injuries to his right eye and hand. "(I tried) everything; really, everything."
Army Spc. Travis Webb, a bilateral leg amputee, agreed the food was good, but said the event was a step better than just a good meal.
"It was better than the food I ate in Iraq and in the hospital," he said. "We appreciate people coming out here and doing stuff like this."
Stuff like the dinner serves as a reminder to the troops that they still have support back home, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communications and development for United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
"It's not just the meal," she said. "I think it's a symbol that America is behind them, that people are thinking of them and they're not forgotten."
USO of Metropolitan Washington has helped to organize the event from the first year, and once again provided volunteers to help out at last night's event. USO volunteers helped to hand out door prizes and took boxed meals to hospital inpatients.
For the second year in a row, USO volunteers also took the same meal to sailors and Marines recovering at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.
As the evening concluded and Santa Claus finished handing out gifts to the children, the chefs gathered in the lobby to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices. But they weren't the last thanks the troops and their families would receive.
Vice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of the Navy Reserve Force, offered his gratitude and holiday greetings on behalf of the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"Of all the countries in the world, there's about 112 constitutions, (but) there's only one constitution that starts with the word 'We,'" he said. "We're special. But we're extra special because of our forces we send overseas to give peace and freedom to other countries like you all have done in Afghanistan (and) in Iraq ... so they can enjoy the words 'freedom' and 'democracy' and celebrate their happy holidays and their own religions in their own way."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - In an effort to lift spirits and say "thank you" during the holiday season, 10 area chefs presented recovering servicemembers and their families with a mouth-watering meal last night. "As chefs here in the nation's capital, we do a lot of fundraisers for a lot of different organizations, but this one means so much," said Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of Marcel's and Brasserie Beck, in the dining room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House. "For us to be able to come up here at Christmas and use our talents to do something really nice for them makes us feel good, and hopefully they warm their bellies and feel really good about it."
The residents dined on fare that included barbequed brisket, beef stew with potato puree and roasted chestnut soup, among other delicious entrees. Two restaurants provided pecan pie and other assorted deserts.
The idea for the dinner, which is completely apolitical, Wiedmaier said, started with his mother, Virginia Ann Wiedmaier. While a patient at Walter Reed, she told her son he needed to go to the hospital and cook for the wounded troops.
The event, which was renamed the Virginia Ann Wiedmaier Holiday Dinner when she passed away a little more than two years ago, celebrated its fifth year last night.
Wiedmaier, whose father is a retired Army colonel, said the dinners would continue "as long as we need to keep doing it."
"It's in honor of my mother ... so I feel strongly about it," he said. "I'm also hoping that one day we won't have to do this any more."
Until that day arrives, the dinner is just the best medicine the doctors can't order, said Pete Anderson, manager of Mologne House.
"It's kind of a compilation of the community coming together and taking care of the servicemembers ... and showing them a good time," he said. "I think it's as beneficial for all of the restaurants to come up here and be around the servicemembers as it is for the servicemembers to come and enjoy some really, really wonderful food."
The servicemembers tended to be of like opinion.
"It was fantastic," said Army Spc. Cory Smith, who's recovering from injuries to his right eye and hand. "(I tried) everything; really, everything."
Army Spc. Travis Webb, a bilateral leg amputee, agreed the food was good, but said the event was a step better than just a good meal.
"It was better than the food I ate in Iraq and in the hospital," he said. "We appreciate people coming out here and doing stuff like this."
Stuff like the dinner serves as a reminder to the troops that they still have support back home, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communications and development for United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
"It's not just the meal," she said. "I think it's a symbol that America is behind them, that people are thinking of them and they're not forgotten."
USO of Metropolitan Washington has helped to organize the event from the first year, and once again provided volunteers to help out at last night's event. USO volunteers helped to hand out door prizes and took boxed meals to hospital inpatients.
For the second year in a row, USO volunteers also took the same meal to sailors and Marines recovering at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.
As the evening concluded and Santa Claus finished handing out gifts to the children, the chefs gathered in the lobby to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices. But they weren't the last thanks the troops and their families would receive.
Vice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of the Navy Reserve Force, offered his gratitude and holiday greetings on behalf of the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"Of all the countries in the world, there's about 112 constitutions, (but) there's only one constitution that starts with the word 'We,'" he said. "We're special. But we're extra special because of our forces we send overseas to give peace and freedom to other countries like you all have done in Afghanistan (and) in Iraq ... so they can enjoy the words 'freedom' and 'democracy' and celebrate their happy holidays and their own religions in their own way."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
DoD Announces New Manufacturing Technology Program
Today the Department of Defense announced its new Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program for 2008 at the Defense Manufacturing Conference in Las Vegas. John J. Kubricky, deputy under secretary of defense for advanced systems and concepts, explained that the Army, Navy and Air Force have successfully managed their individual ManTech programs for decades; this is the first year for DoD's defense-wide program.
“The services have realized billions in savings and cost avoidance over the years by applying ManTech to production and sustainment of their major systems," said Kubricky. "Now, the department and Congress want to apply ManTech to a broader set of defense technologies where prudent investments will yield benefits to all of the armed services."
Beginning in the federal government's fiscal 2008, the program expects to fund investments that will mature ceramic matrix composites manufacturing processes, system-on-chip packaging technology and design guidelines, and advanced manufacturing processes for prosthetics for our wounded warriors. "Other project candidates are being evaluated, and we anticipate returns-on-investment that range from 6:1 to 12:1 in terms of procurement and operating costs, improved operational availability rates, and faster availability for deployment," said Kubricky.
The defense-wide ManTech program aims to mature cross-cutting manufacturing processes in parallel with new and emerging technologies that are inserted into DoD systems. ManTech enables a cost-efficient and collaborative development process that concurrently retires cross-cutting manufacturing risk with technology risk to enable product-ready technology insertion. Equally important, the program aligns research and development investments with suitable levels of technology maturity or calls for corrective options in advance of Milestone B decisions.
"The ManTech processes that are developed, demonstrated and deployed through this program will be used to produce increasingly complex defense systems so our nation maintains superior equipment that is more affordable to acquire, operate and maintain," added Kubricky. ManTech generally measures results in decreased cycle time for production, lower manufacturing costs, more predictable performance, and improved reliability that yields reductions in life-cycle-costs.
Over the longer term, DoD anticipates the defense-wide ManTech program will transition to the Services to execute cross-cutting manufacturing projects that benefit all of the armed services.
More information regarding the Defense Manufacturing Conference can be found at: http://www.dmc.utcdayton.com.
“The services have realized billions in savings and cost avoidance over the years by applying ManTech to production and sustainment of their major systems," said Kubricky. "Now, the department and Congress want to apply ManTech to a broader set of defense technologies where prudent investments will yield benefits to all of the armed services."
Beginning in the federal government's fiscal 2008, the program expects to fund investments that will mature ceramic matrix composites manufacturing processes, system-on-chip packaging technology and design guidelines, and advanced manufacturing processes for prosthetics for our wounded warriors. "Other project candidates are being evaluated, and we anticipate returns-on-investment that range from 6:1 to 12:1 in terms of procurement and operating costs, improved operational availability rates, and faster availability for deployment," said Kubricky.
The defense-wide ManTech program aims to mature cross-cutting manufacturing processes in parallel with new and emerging technologies that are inserted into DoD systems. ManTech enables a cost-efficient and collaborative development process that concurrently retires cross-cutting manufacturing risk with technology risk to enable product-ready technology insertion. Equally important, the program aligns research and development investments with suitable levels of technology maturity or calls for corrective options in advance of Milestone B decisions.
"The ManTech processes that are developed, demonstrated and deployed through this program will be used to produce increasingly complex defense systems so our nation maintains superior equipment that is more affordable to acquire, operate and maintain," added Kubricky. ManTech generally measures results in decreased cycle time for production, lower manufacturing costs, more predictable performance, and improved reliability that yields reductions in life-cycle-costs.
Over the longer term, DoD anticipates the defense-wide ManTech program will transition to the Services to execute cross-cutting manufacturing projects that benefit all of the armed services.
More information regarding the Defense Manufacturing Conference can be found at: http://www.dmc.utcdayton.com.
Gates: Intelligence Estimate Shows Need to Keep Up Pressure on Iran
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today pointed to the new national intelligence estimate as evidence that non-military means are the best way for the United States to deal with Iran's nuclear enrichment program. Responding to a reporter's query during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here, Gates said the estimate, released yesterday, also underscores the need for the international community to continue pressuring Iran not to restart its nuclear weapons program.
"If anything, the new national estimate validates the administration's strategy of bringing diplomatic and economic pressures to bear on the Iranian government to change its policies," Gates told reporters.
The report finds that the intelligence community "has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," national security advisor Stephen Hadley said in a Washington news briefing yesterday.
The estimate concludes that international scrutiny and pressure probably led Iran to halt work involving uranium enrichment that had previous gone undeclared.
Gates said the NIE gives the U.S. intelligence community "more confidence than ever before" that Iran had, in fact, had a nuclear weapons program before suspending it.
The secretary said the report underscores the role international pressure played in forcing that action, but expressed concern that Iran continues to "keep its options open."
"As long as they continue with their enrichment activities, then the opportunity to resume that nuclear weapons program is always present," he said.
Gates said the estimate demonstrates the need for the international community to keep up its pressure on Iran so it doesn't restart the program. He urged nations of the world "to join the United States in bringing pressure to bear on the Iranian government."
This, he said, will help "ensure that what apparently was a suspension in 2003 becomes a policy of the Iranian government and that they agree to the requirements of the international community in terms of their enrichment program."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today pointed to the new national intelligence estimate as evidence that non-military means are the best way for the United States to deal with Iran's nuclear enrichment program. Responding to a reporter's query during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here, Gates said the estimate, released yesterday, also underscores the need for the international community to continue pressuring Iran not to restart its nuclear weapons program.
"If anything, the new national estimate validates the administration's strategy of bringing diplomatic and economic pressures to bear on the Iranian government to change its policies," Gates told reporters.
The report finds that the intelligence community "has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," national security advisor Stephen Hadley said in a Washington news briefing yesterday.
The estimate concludes that international scrutiny and pressure probably led Iran to halt work involving uranium enrichment that had previous gone undeclared.
Gates said the NIE gives the U.S. intelligence community "more confidence than ever before" that Iran had, in fact, had a nuclear weapons program before suspending it.
The secretary said the report underscores the role international pressure played in forcing that action, but expressed concern that Iran continues to "keep its options open."
"As long as they continue with their enrichment activities, then the opportunity to resume that nuclear weapons program is always present," he said.
Gates said the estimate demonstrates the need for the international community to keep up its pressure on Iran so it doesn't restart the program. He urged nations of the world "to join the United States in bringing pressure to bear on the Iranian government."
This, he said, will help "ensure that what apparently was a suspension in 2003 becomes a policy of the Iranian government and that they agree to the requirements of the international community in terms of their enrichment program."
Monday, December 03, 2007
Gates Assesses 'Soft,' 'Hard' Power Applications in Djibouti
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here today to see firsthand how combining multiple elements of U.S. national power toward a common goal is helping to prevent terrorism from taking a foothold in the Horn of Africa. Gates met today with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Defense Minister Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed at the presidential palace. From there, he traveled to this former French Foreign Legion base that's headquarters to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to get a sense of what's working and how those lessons can be applied to the new U.S. Africa Command.
Navy Rear Adm. James M. Hart, task force commander, described operations under way to provide not just security assistance, but also humanitarian support and development to the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
These initiatives fall directly in line with the "soft" elements of national power Gates wants to see beefed up so non-military U.S. government entities can be stronger partners in advancing U.S. interests around the world.
Speaking last week at Kansas State University, Gates emphasized that the military can't go it alone in standing up to threats the country will face for the foreseeable future. He urged greater funding for diplomatic and other non-military aspects of U.S. national power so they're better able to complement the military's kinetic "hard-power" capabilities.
Gates told reporters today that he looks at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as a model of that concept through its military-to-military efforts and humanitarian and civic-support activities.
"It's a good model for Africa Command, but also an indication of the mix of activities I think we should be doing more of," he said.
"Kinetic efforts alone cannot achieve our goals in today's type of conflict," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
She pointed to the "three Ds" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- as "three legs to a stool" that provide a solid base of support. "And you can't succeed in one without moving forward on all three in order to get to a stable environment," she said.
CJTF-HOA serves as a unique model for this approach, another official explained.
The task force initially stood up in November 2002 as a seafaring force aimed at blocking terrorists fleeing Afghanistan from setting up a new safe haven here. But within six months, it moved ashore and its mission morphed into a blend of military cooperation, military-to-military training and humanitarian assistance over a massive region two-thirds the size of the United States.
Today, CJTF-HOA applies the "three Ds" as personnel representing the Defense Department, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development work hand-in-hand to create a stable climate that promotes a better quality of life for the local population.
Security is the base upon which other goals are built, an official said. So CJTF-HOA partners with nations within the Horn of Africa to build their military capacity so they can counter threats and maintain stability.
Meanwhile, the task force advances an active civil-works program and humanitarian assistance efforts from providing medical and veterinary care to promoting school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.
"JTF-HOA has been experimental and unique in that it is one of the places where we have integrated this concept of development (and) traditionally humanitarian-style outreach efforts in a non-combat environment," the official said.
Gates talked today with commanders about lessons learned -- the good as well as the bad -- and how they can be applied elsewhere, including Iraq and Afghanistan, she said. Those lessons will be critical as the new U.S. Africa Command takes shape, and in many ways, looks to CJTF-HOA as its model.
"How does he make sure the good (CJTF-)HOA is doing is maintained as AFRICOM stands up, and how do we find the right role for HOA itself as AFRICOM matures in the future?" the defense official asked.
Gates' discussions with Djiboutian officials included an assessment of the role CJTF-HOA will play in the new command and how to enhance efforts under way on the Horn of Africa. "It's a very unique opportunity for him to meet with the Djiboutian leadership to ask them their perspective and advice on JTF-HOA and the role it plays, not only in Djibouti, but in the region," she said.
That's critical in this area chock-full of real or potential flashpoints, including Somalia; Darfur, Sudan; the border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea; and ungoverned areas where terrorists driven from Afghanistan might seek refuge.
Navy Capt. Bob Wright, the task force's public affairs officer, said CJTF-HOA is actively working "to remove conditions that allow radicalization to occur."
"Our success will be in preventing conflict," he said.
While visiting with officials, Gates saw signs of the huge growth taking place that will expand Camp Lemonier from 97 to 500 acres. The expansion will provide vast quality-of-life improvements for troops here, replacing that tents some currently live in with permanent structures.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here today to see firsthand how combining multiple elements of U.S. national power toward a common goal is helping to prevent terrorism from taking a foothold in the Horn of Africa. Gates met today with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Defense Minister Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed at the presidential palace. From there, he traveled to this former French Foreign Legion base that's headquarters to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to get a sense of what's working and how those lessons can be applied to the new U.S. Africa Command.
Navy Rear Adm. James M. Hart, task force commander, described operations under way to provide not just security assistance, but also humanitarian support and development to the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
These initiatives fall directly in line with the "soft" elements of national power Gates wants to see beefed up so non-military U.S. government entities can be stronger partners in advancing U.S. interests around the world.
Speaking last week at Kansas State University, Gates emphasized that the military can't go it alone in standing up to threats the country will face for the foreseeable future. He urged greater funding for diplomatic and other non-military aspects of U.S. national power so they're better able to complement the military's kinetic "hard-power" capabilities.
Gates told reporters today that he looks at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as a model of that concept through its military-to-military efforts and humanitarian and civic-support activities.
"It's a good model for Africa Command, but also an indication of the mix of activities I think we should be doing more of," he said.
"Kinetic efforts alone cannot achieve our goals in today's type of conflict," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
She pointed to the "three Ds" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- as "three legs to a stool" that provide a solid base of support. "And you can't succeed in one without moving forward on all three in order to get to a stable environment," she said.
CJTF-HOA serves as a unique model for this approach, another official explained.
The task force initially stood up in November 2002 as a seafaring force aimed at blocking terrorists fleeing Afghanistan from setting up a new safe haven here. But within six months, it moved ashore and its mission morphed into a blend of military cooperation, military-to-military training and humanitarian assistance over a massive region two-thirds the size of the United States.
Today, CJTF-HOA applies the "three Ds" as personnel representing the Defense Department, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development work hand-in-hand to create a stable climate that promotes a better quality of life for the local population.
Security is the base upon which other goals are built, an official said. So CJTF-HOA partners with nations within the Horn of Africa to build their military capacity so they can counter threats and maintain stability.
Meanwhile, the task force advances an active civil-works program and humanitarian assistance efforts from providing medical and veterinary care to promoting school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.
"JTF-HOA has been experimental and unique in that it is one of the places where we have integrated this concept of development (and) traditionally humanitarian-style outreach efforts in a non-combat environment," the official said.
Gates talked today with commanders about lessons learned -- the good as well as the bad -- and how they can be applied elsewhere, including Iraq and Afghanistan, she said. Those lessons will be critical as the new U.S. Africa Command takes shape, and in many ways, looks to CJTF-HOA as its model.
"How does he make sure the good (CJTF-)HOA is doing is maintained as AFRICOM stands up, and how do we find the right role for HOA itself as AFRICOM matures in the future?" the defense official asked.
Gates' discussions with Djiboutian officials included an assessment of the role CJTF-HOA will play in the new command and how to enhance efforts under way on the Horn of Africa. "It's a very unique opportunity for him to meet with the Djiboutian leadership to ask them their perspective and advice on JTF-HOA and the role it plays, not only in Djibouti, but in the region," she said.
That's critical in this area chock-full of real or potential flashpoints, including Somalia; Darfur, Sudan; the border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea; and ungoverned areas where terrorists driven from Afghanistan might seek refuge.
Navy Capt. Bob Wright, the task force's public affairs officer, said CJTF-HOA is actively working "to remove conditions that allow radicalization to occur."
"Our success will be in preventing conflict," he said.
While visiting with officials, Gates saw signs of the huge growth taking place that will expand Camp Lemonier from 97 to 500 acres. The expansion will provide vast quality-of-life improvements for troops here, replacing that tents some currently live in with permanent structures.
Virtual Spouse Support Group Holds Conference at Fort Bragg
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Anticipatory grief, reintegration, and relocation are terms that often resonate with military spouses. As servicemembers are fighting on the front lines, spouses at home are forming the support networks that are keeping families strong. This sacrifice and shared understanding was the focus of the third "SpouseBuzzLive" conference near Fort Bragg.
The conference is an extension of a "blog" -- an online diary -- for military spouses hosted by Military.com. Founded 14 months ago by Andi Hurley, an Army spouse, it has quickly become a virtual support group for spouses to connect with other spouses and share information about their experience.
More than 300 military spouses attended the conference, which featured a live Web broadcast from the site. Spouses participated in panels, visited booths, met face to face with other spouses, and talked about new avenues of communication that allow them to connect with each other as well as their military servicemembers.
Spouses explained the importance of connection and solidarity with others who understand the sacrifices of day-to-day military life. "I had my daughter three weeks after my husband was deployed," explained Michelle Rimel, a military spouse who lives in Fayetteville, N.C. "He was the only person I wanted to be there, but he couldn't be, and it was the support of other military wives that helped me get through it."
With online technology capabilities becoming more prevalent, online communities and support centers, such as SpouseBuzz, are becoming an important aspect of modern military life. Virtual communities provide support for daily challenges, raise issues of concern, and build a sense of connection with other spouses that would normally be unavailable due to geographic location.
Sarah Walter, one of 11 SpouseBuzz site authors, said the online community is important to her. "You cannot always find long-lasting relationships with military spouses if you are constantly relocating; now I can connect with other spouses no matter where they are in the country, and they already know my story."
While, in generations past, military spouses may spend days waiting for a letter, military spouses now are able to employ the use of webcams and other recording devices to endure spouses' deployments. "Technology is truly a blessing," said Chris, another panelist who posts information on the site under the screen name "Love my Tanker." "New things are constantly available, and it's great when we can find new ways to help each other."
Many of the spouses have used the technology to reach out and help others. "Doing good for others can help pass the time," said Melinda Warthman, a moderator of the event. "Groups like America Supports You can help connect you with the right organization."
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife who founded "Sew Much Comfort," an organization that makes adaptive clothing for wounded soldiers, talked about how important her service to others is to her and stressed the importance of the online community. "We have distributed over 30,000 items to over 100 locations this year," she said.
Caren Ziegenfuss, whose husband was seriously wounded in Iraq, echoed this thought while talking about her work with "Valor IT," a project established by another group, "Soldiers' Angels," to help wounded soldiers get voice-activated computer software.
As technology continues to develop and online capabilities improve, more and more spouses seem to be turning to online communities like SpouseBuzz. "It's really my sense of sanity, cause I'm not around other military wives and the people around me don't always understand" Ziegenfuss said. "It's important for us to connect, but also to get out the message about the sacrifices we make every day."
(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Anticipatory grief, reintegration, and relocation are terms that often resonate with military spouses. As servicemembers are fighting on the front lines, spouses at home are forming the support networks that are keeping families strong. This sacrifice and shared understanding was the focus of the third "SpouseBuzzLive" conference near Fort Bragg.
The conference is an extension of a "blog" -- an online diary -- for military spouses hosted by Military.com. Founded 14 months ago by Andi Hurley, an Army spouse, it has quickly become a virtual support group for spouses to connect with other spouses and share information about their experience.
More than 300 military spouses attended the conference, which featured a live Web broadcast from the site. Spouses participated in panels, visited booths, met face to face with other spouses, and talked about new avenues of communication that allow them to connect with each other as well as their military servicemembers.
Spouses explained the importance of connection and solidarity with others who understand the sacrifices of day-to-day military life. "I had my daughter three weeks after my husband was deployed," explained Michelle Rimel, a military spouse who lives in Fayetteville, N.C. "He was the only person I wanted to be there, but he couldn't be, and it was the support of other military wives that helped me get through it."
With online technology capabilities becoming more prevalent, online communities and support centers, such as SpouseBuzz, are becoming an important aspect of modern military life. Virtual communities provide support for daily challenges, raise issues of concern, and build a sense of connection with other spouses that would normally be unavailable due to geographic location.
Sarah Walter, one of 11 SpouseBuzz site authors, said the online community is important to her. "You cannot always find long-lasting relationships with military spouses if you are constantly relocating; now I can connect with other spouses no matter where they are in the country, and they already know my story."
While, in generations past, military spouses may spend days waiting for a letter, military spouses now are able to employ the use of webcams and other recording devices to endure spouses' deployments. "Technology is truly a blessing," said Chris, another panelist who posts information on the site under the screen name "Love my Tanker." "New things are constantly available, and it's great when we can find new ways to help each other."
Many of the spouses have used the technology to reach out and help others. "Doing good for others can help pass the time," said Melinda Warthman, a moderator of the event. "Groups like America Supports You can help connect you with the right organization."
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife who founded "Sew Much Comfort," an organization that makes adaptive clothing for wounded soldiers, talked about how important her service to others is to her and stressed the importance of the online community. "We have distributed over 30,000 items to over 100 locations this year," she said.
Caren Ziegenfuss, whose husband was seriously wounded in Iraq, echoed this thought while talking about her work with "Valor IT," a project established by another group, "Soldiers' Angels," to help wounded soldiers get voice-activated computer software.
As technology continues to develop and online capabilities improve, more and more spouses seem to be turning to online communities like SpouseBuzz. "It's really my sense of sanity, cause I'm not around other military wives and the people around me don't always understand" Ziegenfuss said. "It's important for us to connect, but also to get out the message about the sacrifices we make every day."
(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
U.S.-China Consultative Talks Under Way in Pentagon
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China Defense Consultative Talks got under way at the Pentagon today in the shadow of China's refusal to let U.S. ships make port calls in Hong Kong. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs, were slated to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, the global war on terror and missile defense.
The two were to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, and the global war on terror and missile defense. "The United States Defense Department continues to maintain a strong dialogue and continues to seek ways to strengthen the military-to-military relationship" with China, Whitman said.
Whitman would not comment on other areas of discussion, but noted that the dispute over the USS Kitty Hawk visit did not cause the United States to postpone or cancel the Chinese visit.
Chinese authorities refused permission for the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Chinese also refused to allow two U.S. Navy minesweepers to seek refuge from a storm in Hong Kong's harbor.
U.S. authorities did not let the incidents affect the consultative talks, an annual meeting that has been scheduled for months, defense officials said. "The United States Defense Department values this relationship and will try to strengthen it through our dialogue with our Chinese counterparts," Whitman said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China Defense Consultative Talks got under way at the Pentagon today in the shadow of China's refusal to let U.S. ships make port calls in Hong Kong. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs, were slated to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, the global war on terror and missile defense.
The two were to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, and the global war on terror and missile defense. "The United States Defense Department continues to maintain a strong dialogue and continues to seek ways to strengthen the military-to-military relationship" with China, Whitman said.
Whitman would not comment on other areas of discussion, but noted that the dispute over the USS Kitty Hawk visit did not cause the United States to postpone or cancel the Chinese visit.
Chinese authorities refused permission for the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Chinese also refused to allow two U.S. Navy minesweepers to seek refuge from a storm in Hong Kong's harbor.
U.S. authorities did not let the incidents affect the consultative talks, an annual meeting that has been scheduled for months, defense officials said. "The United States Defense Department values this relationship and will try to strengthen it through our dialogue with our Chinese counterparts," Whitman said.
Gates Arrives in Afghanistan to Assess Conditions
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.
Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.
The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.
He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.
Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."
"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.
He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.
Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."
The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."
Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.
A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.
Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.
Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.
The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.
He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.
Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."
"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.
He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.
Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."
The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."
Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.
A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.
Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."
America Supports You: Toys Salute Soldiers with Holiday Classic
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."
"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."
Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.
The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.
While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.
"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."
The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.
This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."
"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."
Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.
The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.
While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.
"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."
The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.
This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Bush Asks Congress to Pass Funds for Troops
By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Congress needs to act soon to approve emergency funding for troops in the war on terror, President Bush said here today. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Bush said Congress' first priority before breaking for the holidays should be to provide troops the money they need for the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The president said "we're seeing the benefits of success" brought about by the Iraq strategy.
"This month, more of our troops will return home as a result of the success we're seeing in Iraq. People are coming home," Bush said. "For Congress to insist on setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal would put the gains (Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander) and our troops have made in danger, and that would threaten the security of our country."
Bush noted that, beginning in February, he submitted detailed funding requests to Congress for the war on terror. The president said Congress has refused to approve these requests without attaching a date of withdrawal for U.S. troops from Iraq.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other Pentagon officials have warned that further delays in funding will mean major cuts for the Defense Department and military, Bush said.
Unless Congress acts, DoD soon will have to begin giving furlough notices to about 100,000 civilian employees. Also, the military task force developing ways to better detect and protect troops from roadside bombs will run out of money by early next year, the Army will run out of operations and maintenance money in February, and the Marine Corps will run out of similar funds in March.
Earlier this year, congressional leaders were trying to impose conditions on funds because they said the U.S. strategy in Iraq was not working, Bush said. However, the administration changed its strategy and even those who initially opposed the troop surge now acknowledge it is working, he said.
"It is time for members of Congress to meet their responsibility to our men and women in uniform, and they should stay in session until they pass these emergency funds for our troops," Bush said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Congress needs to act soon to approve emergency funding for troops in the war on terror, President Bush said here today. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Bush said Congress' first priority before breaking for the holidays should be to provide troops the money they need for the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The president said "we're seeing the benefits of success" brought about by the Iraq strategy.
"This month, more of our troops will return home as a result of the success we're seeing in Iraq. People are coming home," Bush said. "For Congress to insist on setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal would put the gains (Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander) and our troops have made in danger, and that would threaten the security of our country."
Bush noted that, beginning in February, he submitted detailed funding requests to Congress for the war on terror. The president said Congress has refused to approve these requests without attaching a date of withdrawal for U.S. troops from Iraq.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other Pentagon officials have warned that further delays in funding will mean major cuts for the Defense Department and military, Bush said.
Unless Congress acts, DoD soon will have to begin giving furlough notices to about 100,000 civilian employees. Also, the military task force developing ways to better detect and protect troops from roadside bombs will run out of money by early next year, the Army will run out of operations and maintenance money in February, and the Marine Corps will run out of similar funds in March.
Earlier this year, congressional leaders were trying to impose conditions on funds because they said the U.S. strategy in Iraq was not working, Bush said. However, the administration changed its strategy and even those who initially opposed the troop surge now acknowledge it is working, he said.
"It is time for members of Congress to meet their responsibility to our men and women in uniform, and they should stay in session until they pass these emergency funds for our troops," Bush said.
Intel Community Reports on Iran's Nuclear Program
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - A new intelligence estimate that says Iran stopped its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003 is good news, but also presents cause for concern, President Bush's national security advisor said today. Stephen Hadley briefed White House reporters today on the report, which was produced by the office of the director of national intelligence.
The estimate is the intelligence community's judgment given the available information. All 16 U.S. intelligence agencies – including eight within the Defense Department – participated in the effort.
While the Iranian government continues closure of its covert nuclear weapons program, the country re-started its uranium enrichment program in 2005. The material made from this could be used to fuel bombs.
The estimate is complicated, Hadley said. "On one hand, it confirms we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said. "On the other hand, it tells us that we have made some progress in trying to ensure that it does not happen. But it also tells us that the risk of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons remains a very serious problem."
The estimate strengthens the Bush Administration's contention that Iran can be persuaded to stop its program via diplomacy. "And it suggests we have the right strategy: intensified international pressure, along with a willingness to negotiate a solution that serves Iranian interests while ensuring the world that it will never have to face a nuclear-armed Iran," he said.
The bottom line for the strategy is the international community must turn up the pressure on Iran with "diplomatic isolation, United Nations sanctions and with other financial pressures, and Iran has to decide that it wants to negotiate a solution," Hadley said.
Hadley summarized the key judgments in the estimate. The first is that the intelligence community "has high confidence" that Iran had a covert nuclear weapons program that it has never acknowledged and continues to deny. "The intelligence community has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," Hadley said.
The estimate has high confidence in the judgment that Iran's halt and other nuclear related decisions was directed primarily in response to increased international scrutiny and pressure resulting from exposure of Iran's previously undeclared nuclear work involving uranium enrichment, Hadley said.
The estimate admits that analysts "do not know whether Iran currently intends to develop weapons, but they assess with moderate to high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said.
While pressure, sanctions and other international efforts seem to move Iran along, the estimate says that convincing Iranian leaders to forgo the eventual development of nuclear weapons "will be difficult," the national security advisor said.
The United States has been asking nations around the world to continue to put pressure on Iran to end its nuclear weapons program since Iran resumed its nuclear enrichment effort, Hadley said.
"If we are to avoid the grim choice between accepting an Iran on the path to nuclear weapons or considering the use of force, we need to intensify our pressure on Iran while making clear that if they do suspend enrichment, there is an opportunity for better relations with the international community," Hadley said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - A new intelligence estimate that says Iran stopped its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003 is good news, but also presents cause for concern, President Bush's national security advisor said today. Stephen Hadley briefed White House reporters today on the report, which was produced by the office of the director of national intelligence.
The estimate is the intelligence community's judgment given the available information. All 16 U.S. intelligence agencies – including eight within the Defense Department – participated in the effort.
While the Iranian government continues closure of its covert nuclear weapons program, the country re-started its uranium enrichment program in 2005. The material made from this could be used to fuel bombs.
The estimate is complicated, Hadley said. "On one hand, it confirms we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said. "On the other hand, it tells us that we have made some progress in trying to ensure that it does not happen. But it also tells us that the risk of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons remains a very serious problem."
The estimate strengthens the Bush Administration's contention that Iran can be persuaded to stop its program via diplomacy. "And it suggests we have the right strategy: intensified international pressure, along with a willingness to negotiate a solution that serves Iranian interests while ensuring the world that it will never have to face a nuclear-armed Iran," he said.
The bottom line for the strategy is the international community must turn up the pressure on Iran with "diplomatic isolation, United Nations sanctions and with other financial pressures, and Iran has to decide that it wants to negotiate a solution," Hadley said.
Hadley summarized the key judgments in the estimate. The first is that the intelligence community "has high confidence" that Iran had a covert nuclear weapons program that it has never acknowledged and continues to deny. "The intelligence community has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," Hadley said.
The estimate has high confidence in the judgment that Iran's halt and other nuclear related decisions was directed primarily in response to increased international scrutiny and pressure resulting from exposure of Iran's previously undeclared nuclear work involving uranium enrichment, Hadley said.
The estimate admits that analysts "do not know whether Iran currently intends to develop weapons, but they assess with moderate to high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said.
While pressure, sanctions and other international efforts seem to move Iran along, the estimate says that convincing Iranian leaders to forgo the eventual development of nuclear weapons "will be difficult," the national security advisor said.
The United States has been asking nations around the world to continue to put pressure on Iran to end its nuclear weapons program since Iran resumed its nuclear enrichment effort, Hadley said.
"If we are to avoid the grim choice between accepting an Iran on the path to nuclear weapons or considering the use of force, we need to intensify our pressure on Iran while making clear that if they do suspend enrichment, there is an opportunity for better relations with the international community," Hadley said.
Military Kids Attend White House Holiday Party
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - President Bush told 200 military children -- about half of whom had a deployed parent -- gathered in the East Room of the White House for a holiday party that he had two jobs today. "One is to introduce you to my wife, Laura," he said. "Two is to tell you how much we admire your moms and dads (and) how much we appreciate their service to our country."
First lady Laura Bush echoed the president's sentiments and officially began the annual program with a brief history lesson.
"The theme (for the White House's holiday decorations) is, 'Our National Parks,'" she said presenting them with a pop quiz. "Have you ever been in a national park?"
As the children offered mixed responses and the adults in the room chuckled, she gave them the answer to the trick question.
"Guess what? You're in one right now," she told them, noting that there are 25 national parks in Washington.
A highlight of the holiday event came from Ford's Theatre, another of those national parks. Actors from Ford's Theatre presented a portion of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The show is currently running at the Shakespeare Theater.
The presentation was about more than entertaining the children, however. "I think we're going to learn a good lesson when we watch it about how to keep Christmas in our heart all year long," Laura Bush said in welcoming the Ford's Theatre Society and the show's cast.
The musical adaptation of the holiday classic featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim kept the children nearly silent for the next 20 minutes. One young man took advantage of his catbird seat between the Bushes to ask the couple questions throughout the production, which featured the Ghost of Christmas Present and plenty of music.
At the conclusion of the program, the first lady welcomed Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service, who had a special treat for the kids.
"Today we're going to make you Junior Rangers," she told the children. "We're going to take the pledge to be future junior rangers of the National Park."
Mrs. Bush wrapped up the event with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a few stops to talk with children as she exited the room.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - President Bush told 200 military children -- about half of whom had a deployed parent -- gathered in the East Room of the White House for a holiday party that he had two jobs today. "One is to introduce you to my wife, Laura," he said. "Two is to tell you how much we admire your moms and dads (and) how much we appreciate their service to our country."
First lady Laura Bush echoed the president's sentiments and officially began the annual program with a brief history lesson.
"The theme (for the White House's holiday decorations) is, 'Our National Parks,'" she said presenting them with a pop quiz. "Have you ever been in a national park?"
As the children offered mixed responses and the adults in the room chuckled, she gave them the answer to the trick question.
"Guess what? You're in one right now," she told them, noting that there are 25 national parks in Washington.
A highlight of the holiday event came from Ford's Theatre, another of those national parks. Actors from Ford's Theatre presented a portion of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The show is currently running at the Shakespeare Theater.
The presentation was about more than entertaining the children, however. "I think we're going to learn a good lesson when we watch it about how to keep Christmas in our heart all year long," Laura Bush said in welcoming the Ford's Theatre Society and the show's cast.
The musical adaptation of the holiday classic featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim kept the children nearly silent for the next 20 minutes. One young man took advantage of his catbird seat between the Bushes to ask the couple questions throughout the production, which featured the Ghost of Christmas Present and plenty of music.
At the conclusion of the program, the first lady welcomed Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service, who had a special treat for the kids.
"Today we're going to make you Junior Rangers," she told the children. "We're going to take the pledge to be future junior rangers of the National Park."
Mrs. Bush wrapped up the event with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a few stops to talk with children as she exited the room.
Five Guard Brigades Alerted for 2009 Deployments
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense officials announced today the deployment of five National Guard brigade combat teams to begin in summer 2009. These units will replace units that have not yet deployed. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters the units are being identified well in advance to give maximum time possible for mission-specific training.
"It's a tribute to the military planners who are trying to provide -- particularly for our National Guard brigades -- the type of timely notification so they can be prepared for the specific missions, but also to give the predictability for their families and employers," Whitman said.
The soldiers will be mobilized for 12 months.
The Defense Department alerted the 53rd and 48th brigade combat teams, roughly 7,000 soldiers, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "The 48th Infantry Brigade is from Georgia, and its mission will be to train the Afghan national security forces," Whitman said. "The 53rd, out of Florida, will assume battlespace in Afghanistan and conduct the full spectrum of operations."
The 32nd BCT from the Wisconsin Guard, the 41st BCT of the Oregon Guard and the 155th BCT from the Mississippi Guard have been alerted for deployment to Iraq in summer 2009.
The roughly 8,000 soldiers will take over the security force mission "and will ensure freedom of movement and continuity of operations within the country," Whitman said. The units will be responsible for base defense and route security within Kuwait and Iraq.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense officials announced today the deployment of five National Guard brigade combat teams to begin in summer 2009. These units will replace units that have not yet deployed. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters the units are being identified well in advance to give maximum time possible for mission-specific training.
"It's a tribute to the military planners who are trying to provide -- particularly for our National Guard brigades -- the type of timely notification so they can be prepared for the specific missions, but also to give the predictability for their families and employers," Whitman said.
The soldiers will be mobilized for 12 months.
The Defense Department alerted the 53rd and 48th brigade combat teams, roughly 7,000 soldiers, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "The 48th Infantry Brigade is from Georgia, and its mission will be to train the Afghan national security forces," Whitman said. "The 53rd, out of Florida, will assume battlespace in Afghanistan and conduct the full spectrum of operations."
The 32nd BCT from the Wisconsin Guard, the 41st BCT of the Oregon Guard and the 155th BCT from the Mississippi Guard have been alerted for deployment to Iraq in summer 2009.
The roughly 8,000 soldiers will take over the security force mission "and will ensure freedom of movement and continuity of operations within the country," Whitman said. The units will be responsible for base defense and route security within Kuwait and Iraq.
Top Enlisted Member Says He's Alive Because Someone 'Checked It'
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - On a cold, rainy Christmas morning in 2004 in Iraq, a small group of soldiers huddled before a patrol. The first sergeant introduced the group to a new way to steer out of a spin if a Humvee were to start sliding into a canal. The patrol would be passing canals. If a driver were to steer incorrectly, the vehicle would overturn and drown those trapped inside, the first sergeant said. Steer correctly, the Humvee would not turn over, and everyone lives.
Before pulling out that morning, the first sergeant checked again with each driver, looked them in the eyes and made sure they understood his instructions. That single action saved the life of Army Command Sgt. Major William J. Gainey, now serving as the nation's top enlisted member.
As it happened, the Humvee in which Gainey was riding during that patrol did spin near a canal. The driver responded correctly, and all walked away from the incident. Gainey directly attributes surviving the accident to the first sergeant's actions.
"Twenty-five December 2004 should have been my headstone, but because he checked it, I am here talking to you today," Gainey said in an interview about the Defense Department's "Check-It" campaign. "Because of him checking it -- he checked to make sure everyone understood his intent ... -- because he did that, I didn't drown."
The Check-it campaign began in 2006 to increase awareness of the effectiveness of internal controls across all functions in the military to save lives, preserve resources and make the best use of taxpayer dollars.
Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the program whole-heartedly. He said checks are fundamental to the success of the military as an organization and are key to safety.
"If you check each other, you will prevent deficiencies from happening. People who don't help correct the problems or ignore them become part of the problem," Gainey said.
Servicemembers don't have to be designated leaders to "check it," he said.
Junior enlisted servicemembers should check their buddies. Also, everyone should carry checklists, Gainey said. He carries one daily in his wallet.
"If you don't have a checklist, shame on you. Your old mind can only remember so much," Gainey said.
The command sergeant major said that if he was "king for a day" he would put every servicemember through the Army's jumpmaster course for senior paratroopers. The course is heavy on teaching proper inspections and teaches servicemembers "what right looks like" when it comes to making checks.
Gainey said Check-It applies to troops stationed everywhere, not just in combat. It especially can be applied to combating terrorism.
"If you are passing someone down the hall in the Pentagon (or on any installation) who looks out of place and is not normal, stop him," Gainey said. "Anything could happen. When you see something that looks out of the norm, check into it immediately.
"We pass each other too much, and we never stop to look and see if something looks out of the norm. That concerns me," Gainey said. "Don't wait to check it out, because it could be too late. And be embarrassed. I'd rather you make an honest human mistake and stop something that could have been devastating ... than just walk by it and let it go."
Gainey also said buddy-checks could stem servicemember suicides. He said junior enlisted troops should be checking their buddies, especially those who return from combat, to make sure they are not suffering from signs of depression or trauma. The sergeant major said he understands that troops don't want to appear disloyal to their buddies by referring them to their commands, but it could save their lives.
"You don't want to be a rat. You don't want to be a squealer. In reality, if you did that, you would be a true friend," he said.
Gainey said every servicemember should reflect on where their actions fit into the Check-It campaign.
"I would challenge every troop from E-1 to E-9 to really look at the Check-It program and say, 'Where do I fit into this equation? What can I do as an individual to help this program be successful?'" Gainey said. "If you do that, you will save lives. If you don't do that, you could be the reason someone doesn't live through the mission."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - On a cold, rainy Christmas morning in 2004 in Iraq, a small group of soldiers huddled before a patrol. The first sergeant introduced the group to a new way to steer out of a spin if a Humvee were to start sliding into a canal. The patrol would be passing canals. If a driver were to steer incorrectly, the vehicle would overturn and drown those trapped inside, the first sergeant said. Steer correctly, the Humvee would not turn over, and everyone lives.
Before pulling out that morning, the first sergeant checked again with each driver, looked them in the eyes and made sure they understood his instructions. That single action saved the life of Army Command Sgt. Major William J. Gainey, now serving as the nation's top enlisted member.
As it happened, the Humvee in which Gainey was riding during that patrol did spin near a canal. The driver responded correctly, and all walked away from the incident. Gainey directly attributes surviving the accident to the first sergeant's actions.
"Twenty-five December 2004 should have been my headstone, but because he checked it, I am here talking to you today," Gainey said in an interview about the Defense Department's "Check-It" campaign. "Because of him checking it -- he checked to make sure everyone understood his intent ... -- because he did that, I didn't drown."
The Check-it campaign began in 2006 to increase awareness of the effectiveness of internal controls across all functions in the military to save lives, preserve resources and make the best use of taxpayer dollars.
Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the program whole-heartedly. He said checks are fundamental to the success of the military as an organization and are key to safety.
"If you check each other, you will prevent deficiencies from happening. People who don't help correct the problems or ignore them become part of the problem," Gainey said.
Servicemembers don't have to be designated leaders to "check it," he said.
Junior enlisted servicemembers should check their buddies. Also, everyone should carry checklists, Gainey said. He carries one daily in his wallet.
"If you don't have a checklist, shame on you. Your old mind can only remember so much," Gainey said.
The command sergeant major said that if he was "king for a day" he would put every servicemember through the Army's jumpmaster course for senior paratroopers. The course is heavy on teaching proper inspections and teaches servicemembers "what right looks like" when it comes to making checks.
Gainey said Check-It applies to troops stationed everywhere, not just in combat. It especially can be applied to combating terrorism.
"If you are passing someone down the hall in the Pentagon (or on any installation) who looks out of place and is not normal, stop him," Gainey said. "Anything could happen. When you see something that looks out of the norm, check into it immediately.
"We pass each other too much, and we never stop to look and see if something looks out of the norm. That concerns me," Gainey said. "Don't wait to check it out, because it could be too late. And be embarrassed. I'd rather you make an honest human mistake and stop something that could have been devastating ... than just walk by it and let it go."
Gainey also said buddy-checks could stem servicemember suicides. He said junior enlisted troops should be checking their buddies, especially those who return from combat, to make sure they are not suffering from signs of depression or trauma. The sergeant major said he understands that troops don't want to appear disloyal to their buddies by referring them to their commands, but it could save their lives.
"You don't want to be a rat. You don't want to be a squealer. In reality, if you did that, you would be a true friend," he said.
Gainey said every servicemember should reflect on where their actions fit into the Check-It campaign.
"I would challenge every troop from E-1 to E-9 to really look at the Check-It program and say, 'Where do I fit into this equation? What can I do as an individual to help this program be successful?'" Gainey said. "If you do that, you will save lives. If you don't do that, you could be the reason someone doesn't live through the mission."
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as UAVs, is a rapidly emerging technology that has exceptional appeal to law enforcement. A UAS consists of an unmanned aircraft, an aircraft control station, and command and control links. UAS are considered as aircraft. These aircraft can often be flown autonomously and at great distances from the command station. In addition, these aircraft can be very small, under 25 lbs and still carry enough equipment to provide video downlink capabilities. The operation of a UAS by a public agency, whether it is Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement, is enforced by FAA regulations and Federal statutes.
With the increase in use of UAS by the military in overseas operations, there has been a significant increase in the number of vendors both producing and marketing these same units to law enforcement. Prior to purchasing or leasing a UAS please consider the following: For a public aircraft operation, the FAA holds the position that a Certificate of Authorization (COA) is required to operate UAS in the National Airspace.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/law_enforcement_unmanned_aircraft_systems.html
With the increase in use of UAS by the military in overseas operations, there has been a significant increase in the number of vendors both producing and marketing these same units to law enforcement. Prior to purchasing or leasing a UAS please consider the following: For a public aircraft operation, the FAA holds the position that a Certificate of Authorization (COA) is required to operate UAS in the National Airspace.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/law_enforcement_unmanned_aircraft_systems.html
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