By Susan Huseman
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Every soldier headed to Iraq and Afghanistan receives "Battlemind" training designed to help them deal with combat experiences, but few know the science behind the program. Consequently, Dr. Amy Adler, a senior research psychologist with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's U.S. Army Medical Research Unit Europe, in Heidelberg, Germany, visited Patch Barracks here, breaking down the program, which is a system of support and intervention.
The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for soldiers, unit leaders, health care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There are also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for soldiers.
Not every soldier who deploys is at risk for mental health problems; the main risk factor is the level of combat experienced, Adler explained to her audience of medical, mental health and family support professionals.
Army studies show the greater the combat exposure a soldier encounters, the greater the risk for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anger and relationship problems. When soldiers first return home, they may not notice any problems; sometimes it takes a few months for problems to develop.
For those in the medical community, "our challenge was how to develop interventions that can get at all these things," the doctor recalled. "How do you develop a mental health training of some sort that's going to prevent that eventual increase over time?
"We realized we needed to develop some kind of alternative," Adler continued. "There was no existing mental health training that made sense for these sets of questions. It's not like there was something off the shelf in civilian literature that would begin to address this."
Post-deployment health briefings didn't specifically target soldiers going into combat and coming back with adjustment challenges, so researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research began to define their objectives for a mental health training program. Adler said the team needed to develop something that was "going to make sense for different phases of the deployment cycle."
"For example," she said, "the existing mental health brief (at the time) was the same for pre- and post-deployment. That doesn't make sense. The challenges are different."
"Secondly," she continued, "we wanted to make sure it was integrated. If we tell somebody something at (pre-(deployment), we want to make sure whatever theme we're going for or concept we're trying to communicate, it's going to connect with the same information that we're going to talk about at (post-deployment)."
The result? Battlemind, a term used to describe combat readiness that the researchers felt was appropriate for the training they were designing. Adler called it a soldier's inner strength to face fear and adversity in combat with courage, labeling it "resiliency."
The Battlemind system is built on findings from surveys and interviews given to soldiers and Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, many of the researchers themselves have deployed.
The research team gathered soldiers' accounts of specific events and incidents, turning them into teaching tools that warriors can relate to. "Some of these stories tell more than any briefing ever could," Adler said.
The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle.
As part of her presentation here, Adler discussed various challenges in developing a relevant pre-deployment mental health briefing for soldiers.
"You have 45 minutes, maybe an hour, to tell soldiers, before they deploy to Iraq, something about mental health," she said. "What are you going to tell them? You don't want to sugarcoat it, but you don't want to teach them a whole lot of new information right at a time when they are focused on the task ahead of them."
The researchers first chose to identify the reality of combat and deployment. It may sound rudimentary, but earlier research found that soldiers were not telling other soldiers what to expect. Soldiers didn't want to sound as if they were bragging, Adler said.
Pre-deployment Battlemind tells soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed by describing the worst-case scenario.
For the post-deployment phase, Battlemind addresses safety concerns and relationship issues, normalizes combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms, and teaches soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies.
The researchers realized that this post-deployment briefing, the original Battlemind, was not enough. The soldiers they talked to were raw, edgy and angry. Another training program, Battlemind II, was developed to be given three to six months into redeployment.
The system reemphasizes normal reactions and symptoms related to combat and "Battlemind checks," which are signs that indicate mental health support is needed.
"If you're still carrying a weapon around with you during the three- to six-month post-deployment phase, ... if you're still looking around for snipers, if your sleep is still really messed up, these might be signs that your transition is not going smoothly," she explained. "These are signs that you need to get help."
(Susan Huseman serves in the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Public Affairs Office.)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Sailor Missing from WWII is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas, U.S. Navy, of Newcomb, Tenn. He will be buried Jan. 26 in Sneedville, Tenn.
On July 6, 1943, the light cruiser "USS Helena"was struck by torpedoes fired by Japanese destroyers off the coast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in what would become known as the Battle of the Kula Gulf. More than 700 servicemen were rescued, but Douglas was one of more than 150 servicemen who were missing as the ship sunk.
In June 2006, a resident of Ranongga Island, Solomon Islands, notified U.S. officials that he exhumed human remains and Douglas' dog tag that he found eroding out of the ground near a trail by his village. The officials contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) who subsequently traveled to Ranongga Island to examine the burial location where they verified that no additional remains were present.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
He is Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas, U.S. Navy, of Newcomb, Tenn. He will be buried Jan. 26 in Sneedville, Tenn.
On July 6, 1943, the light cruiser "USS Helena"was struck by torpedoes fired by Japanese destroyers off the coast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in what would become known as the Battle of the Kula Gulf. More than 700 servicemen were rescued, but Douglas was one of more than 150 servicemen who were missing as the ship sunk.
In June 2006, a resident of Ranongga Island, Solomon Islands, notified U.S. officials that he exhumed human remains and Douglas' dog tag that he found eroding out of the ground near a trail by his village. The officials contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) who subsequently traveled to Ranongga Island to examine the burial location where they verified that no additional remains were present.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
America Supports You: Calendar Provides Troop-Support Ideas
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - New Year's resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets. But through its America Supports You program, the Defense Department is helping Americans resolve to support the nation's servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You is a DoD program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It's ringing in 2008 with a 12-month calendar suggesting ways to support the nation's military men and women and their families each month.
"Remembering the troops at a time when people are already setting goals will help keep the nation's servicemen and women in the forefront of our minds throughout the year," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications.
The calendar, which can be downloaded into Outlook or iCal calendars, is available on AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The site not only offers ideas on how individuals can support the troops, but also contains information about troop-support groups in their area.
Some suggestions found on the calendar include sending Valentine's Day cards to troops serving overseas during February or lending a helping hand to military families during April, the Month of the Military Child.
When summer rolls around with swim lessons, camp dates and family vacations, the June calendar includes a reminder to donate frequent-flier miles to servicemembers and their families who so often are separated. September brings the opportunity to join in or plan a local America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and present.
The calendar also includes ways to honor servicemembers on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
"There are so many ways to show the military men and women we support them and the work they do," Barber said. "I hope people nationwide will take the time to remember the troops when setting their New Year's goals and that they find the reminders in the calendar helpful in achieving them."
For more information about the calendar, visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil and click on the New Year's Resolution icon.
Jan. 3, 2008 - New Year's resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets. But through its America Supports You program, the Defense Department is helping Americans resolve to support the nation's servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You is a DoD program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It's ringing in 2008 with a 12-month calendar suggesting ways to support the nation's military men and women and their families each month.
"Remembering the troops at a time when people are already setting goals will help keep the nation's servicemen and women in the forefront of our minds throughout the year," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications.
The calendar, which can be downloaded into Outlook or iCal calendars, is available on AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The site not only offers ideas on how individuals can support the troops, but also contains information about troop-support groups in their area.
Some suggestions found on the calendar include sending Valentine's Day cards to troops serving overseas during February or lending a helping hand to military families during April, the Month of the Military Child.
When summer rolls around with swim lessons, camp dates and family vacations, the June calendar includes a reminder to donate frequent-flier miles to servicemembers and their families who so often are separated. September brings the opportunity to join in or plan a local America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and present.
The calendar also includes ways to honor servicemembers on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
"There are so many ways to show the military men and women we support them and the work they do," Barber said. "I hope people nationwide will take the time to remember the troops when setting their New Year's goals and that they find the reminders in the calendar helpful in achieving them."
For more information about the calendar, visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil and click on the New Year's Resolution icon.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Police History, Korea and Community Relations
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.
January 2, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. Police officers who have written on history and community policing were added to the website.
Todd L. Shulman is a seven-year member of the Napa Police Department, (California) currently serving as a detective. An avid historian, Todd Shulman founded the Napa Police Historical Society in 2006 and has culled their archives for many of the photographs included in his book, Napa County Police. According the book description of Napa County Police, “with dazzling vintage imagery and rich historical text, Todd Shulman tells the tale of policing Napa County - from the Wild West days of the 1850s, through the boom era of the 1940s, and into the 21st century.”
Alfred F. McDonald, a retired Buffalo Police Department (New York) Lieutenant, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944 – 1947, was placed on inactive reserves and was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950. He served in the Navy again from late in 1950 through 1952. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Alfred McDonald returned to civilian life as a husband and father. Having been brought up with strong family values and work ethic, Al worked hard at the railroad as a brakeman, until becoming a police officer in 1956. From there, Al’s career flourished and he advanced until reaching his retirement rank of Lieutenant. Alfred McDonald is the author of Korea ‘Operation War Dance.’
According to the book description, Korea – Operation War Dance is “one man’s personal account of shipboard life of the men on the U.S.S. Silverstein. It’s about being under attack, living conditions on the ship, every aspect of a sailor’s life during the time period; and, is a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country during the Korean Conflict.”
Rick Braziel has been a member of the Sacramento Police Department for 28 years, and a Deputy Chief since 2002. In December 2007, he was appointed as chief of police of the Sacramento Police Department. He is a second generation police officer with his father Dick serving the Department for over 20 years. Rick Braziel consults and instructs for Humboldt State University in Teambuilding, Communication Skills, and Leadership. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication from California State University, Sacramento.
In 2006, Rick Braziel received a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Rick is also a 2002 graduate and class spokesperson of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command College; and 2004 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (P.E.R.F.) Senior Management Institute for Police.
Rick Braziel is co-author of the book titled COP Talk: Essential Communication Skills for Community Policing.
According to Kevin Brown, of Montana State University-Northern, in the American Communication Journal, “In this text for police officers the authors lay out the basics of the communication process with helpful vignettes derived from actual police experience to illustrate the principles. The authors lead the reader through a tour of contemporary communication contexts. The authors start with interpersonal communication and cover work groups, public speaking, community meetings, problem solving, network building and finally, public relations. The book is written for a beginning communication student and reflects an understanding that many police officers have had no formal communication training.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 820 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1731 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
January 2, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. Police officers who have written on history and community policing were added to the website.
Todd L. Shulman is a seven-year member of the Napa Police Department, (California) currently serving as a detective. An avid historian, Todd Shulman founded the Napa Police Historical Society in 2006 and has culled their archives for many of the photographs included in his book, Napa County Police. According the book description of Napa County Police, “with dazzling vintage imagery and rich historical text, Todd Shulman tells the tale of policing Napa County - from the Wild West days of the 1850s, through the boom era of the 1940s, and into the 21st century.”
Alfred F. McDonald, a retired Buffalo Police Department (New York) Lieutenant, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944 – 1947, was placed on inactive reserves and was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950. He served in the Navy again from late in 1950 through 1952. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Alfred McDonald returned to civilian life as a husband and father. Having been brought up with strong family values and work ethic, Al worked hard at the railroad as a brakeman, until becoming a police officer in 1956. From there, Al’s career flourished and he advanced until reaching his retirement rank of Lieutenant. Alfred McDonald is the author of Korea ‘Operation War Dance.’
According to the book description, Korea – Operation War Dance is “one man’s personal account of shipboard life of the men on the U.S.S. Silverstein. It’s about being under attack, living conditions on the ship, every aspect of a sailor’s life during the time period; and, is a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country during the Korean Conflict.”
Rick Braziel has been a member of the Sacramento Police Department for 28 years, and a Deputy Chief since 2002. In December 2007, he was appointed as chief of police of the Sacramento Police Department. He is a second generation police officer with his father Dick serving the Department for over 20 years. Rick Braziel consults and instructs for Humboldt State University in Teambuilding, Communication Skills, and Leadership. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication from California State University, Sacramento.
In 2006, Rick Braziel received a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Rick is also a 2002 graduate and class spokesperson of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command College; and 2004 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (P.E.R.F.) Senior Management Institute for Police.
Rick Braziel is co-author of the book titled COP Talk: Essential Communication Skills for Community Policing.
According to Kevin Brown, of Montana State University-Northern, in the American Communication Journal, “In this text for police officers the authors lay out the basics of the communication process with helpful vignettes derived from actual police experience to illustrate the principles. The authors lead the reader through a tour of contemporary communication contexts. The authors start with interpersonal communication and cover work groups, public speaking, community meetings, problem solving, network building and finally, public relations. The book is written for a beginning communication student and reflects an understanding that many police officers have had no formal communication training.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 820 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1731 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
DoD Announces Venue for Wearable Power Competition
The Department of Defense announced today the inaugural $1.75 million Wearable Power Prize competition will be held at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept.22 until Oct. 4, 2008.
The Wearable Power Prize Competition was first announced in Jul. 2007. Its 13-day capstone event culminates on Oct 4 at MCAGCC with a "Power Wear Off" competition. The Wearable Power Prize competition gathers and tests wearable power-generating methods and techniques. The goal is to reduce the weight of power systems that warfighters carry to operate their radios, navigation, weapons, and other gear. Competitors will demonstrate wearable systems that can power military equipment for 96 hours, but that weigh less than half the current battery load.
Finalists, whose entries must produce power on test stands continuously for 88 hours, will wear their power systems in field conditions, testing their ability to work when in motion and exposed to weather.
The first-place team meeting the required energy requirements will win $1 million for building the lightest weight system that generates 20 watts average power for 96 hours (including the "wear-off"). The second-place team will win $500,000 and the third place team, $250,000. A total of 169 teams have registered for the competition.
The "Wearable Power" prize competition is sponsored by the director, Defense Research and Engineering. William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for Laboratories and Basic Sciences is responsible for overseeing the competition.
"We are pleased to host this competition because it directly addresses one of the real, growing problems of our ground warriors," said Brig. Gen. Melvin Spiese, Commanding General, MCAGCC.
"This competition focuses the ingenuity and creativity of inventors, scientists, engineers, and students on finding the best, light-weight, wearable power systems," says Rees. "It makes sense to compete at Twentynine Palms, a place that replicates many of the real-life conditions our warfighters face everyday. I thank Gen. Spiese and his leadership team for recognizing the value of this competition and helping us move it forward. We are eagerly looking forward to this exciting and successful event."
On the final day of the competition, the top three competitors that demonstrate a complete, wearable system that produces 20 watts average power for 96 hours and weighs less than 4 kilograms (~8.8 lbs) will be determined.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize.
The Wearable Power Prize Competition was first announced in Jul. 2007. Its 13-day capstone event culminates on Oct 4 at MCAGCC with a "Power Wear Off" competition. The Wearable Power Prize competition gathers and tests wearable power-generating methods and techniques. The goal is to reduce the weight of power systems that warfighters carry to operate their radios, navigation, weapons, and other gear. Competitors will demonstrate wearable systems that can power military equipment for 96 hours, but that weigh less than half the current battery load.
Finalists, whose entries must produce power on test stands continuously for 88 hours, will wear their power systems in field conditions, testing their ability to work when in motion and exposed to weather.
The first-place team meeting the required energy requirements will win $1 million for building the lightest weight system that generates 20 watts average power for 96 hours (including the "wear-off"). The second-place team will win $500,000 and the third place team, $250,000. A total of 169 teams have registered for the competition.
The "Wearable Power" prize competition is sponsored by the director, Defense Research and Engineering. William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for Laboratories and Basic Sciences is responsible for overseeing the competition.
"We are pleased to host this competition because it directly addresses one of the real, growing problems of our ground warriors," said Brig. Gen. Melvin Spiese, Commanding General, MCAGCC.
"This competition focuses the ingenuity and creativity of inventors, scientists, engineers, and students on finding the best, light-weight, wearable power systems," says Rees. "It makes sense to compete at Twentynine Palms, a place that replicates many of the real-life conditions our warfighters face everyday. I thank Gen. Spiese and his leadership team for recognizing the value of this competition and helping us move it forward. We are eagerly looking forward to this exciting and successful event."
On the final day of the competition, the top three competitors that demonstrate a complete, wearable system that produces 20 watts average power for 96 hours and weighs less than 4 kilograms (~8.8 lbs) will be determined.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize.
America Supports You: Texas Group Embraces Wounded Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - A group of Texans is offering a warm embrace to make sure wounded servicemembers aren't forgotten. A three-person team from Operation Military Embrace has been making weekly visits to servicemembers recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, on Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and their families since December 2005.
"Operation Military Embrace ... has visited the inpatients on a Sunday while setting up and serving breakfast to the outpatients in the day room of the 'med hold' barracks on the (following) Monday morning," said Jerry Reed, a former Marine and the organization's president and executive director. The group also sets up a "free PX" that provides simple necessities, he added.
The group's efforts also include outings that take recovering servicemembers to local restaurants. Those who are able can participate in Operation Military Embrace-organized hunting and fishing trips, as well.
"Brenda Kaiser offers her ranch to BAMC warriors in transition and their families for quiet, peaceful weekends away (from the hospital), where they can hunt and fish and relax with their families in ... solitude," Reed said. Kaiser is the group's vice president.
The group doesn't stop with morale-boosting activities for servicemembers, however. It also helps take care of practical needs through financial grants and financing of legal assistance.
Operation Military Embrace recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their family members serving at home and abroad.
"We expect to benefit (from the affiliation) by gaining exposure nationally and by being able to share with others what we are doing to help our men and women in uniform," Reed said.
Reed and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of a Marine veteran and an active-duty Marine.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - A group of Texans is offering a warm embrace to make sure wounded servicemembers aren't forgotten. A three-person team from Operation Military Embrace has been making weekly visits to servicemembers recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, on Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and their families since December 2005.
"Operation Military Embrace ... has visited the inpatients on a Sunday while setting up and serving breakfast to the outpatients in the day room of the 'med hold' barracks on the (following) Monday morning," said Jerry Reed, a former Marine and the organization's president and executive director. The group also sets up a "free PX" that provides simple necessities, he added.
The group's efforts also include outings that take recovering servicemembers to local restaurants. Those who are able can participate in Operation Military Embrace-organized hunting and fishing trips, as well.
"Brenda Kaiser offers her ranch to BAMC warriors in transition and their families for quiet, peaceful weekends away (from the hospital), where they can hunt and fish and relax with their families in ... solitude," Reed said. Kaiser is the group's vice president.
The group doesn't stop with morale-boosting activities for servicemembers, however. It also helps take care of practical needs through financial grants and financing of legal assistance.
Operation Military Embrace recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their family members serving at home and abroad.
"We expect to benefit (from the affiliation) by gaining exposure nationally and by being able to share with others what we are doing to help our men and women in uniform," Reed said.
Reed and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of a Marine veteran and an active-duty Marine.
Bagram Servicemembers Ring in New Year
By Senior Airman James Bolinger, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Though no one popped open a bottle of bubbly, servicemembers here still found a way to have fun on the last night of 2007. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines celebrated the countdown to 2008 with live music and lots of laughs.
The tunes were courtesy of visiting Boston band Lansdowne and Level 82, part of the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Band. Comedians Daniel Kinno and Julie McCullough brought smiles to the faces of everyone who came to listen.
"I'm here listening to live music, which is one of my passions," said Army Spc. Craig Chick, 82nd Airborne Division Aviation Operations. "It's hard not spending time with my wife or friends on New Year's Eve, but I got a good laugh listening to the comedians, and I love listening to music."
Lansdowne, on their first Armed Forces Entertainment Tour, kicked off the show and came back for an encore before Level 82 rocked the stage.
"It has been educational; we've gotten a real view of everything," a member of the band said. "We got to see what's not on TV."
The band spent Christmas in Kyrgyzstan before coming here for New Year's Eve.
"It is an honor to play for you," lead singer John Ricci said. "Thank you all for what you do."
Servicemembers might have been missing their families, but they took some time to enjoy themselves.
"I would like to tell my wife that I love her," said Chick, who has been in Afghanistan for 12 months. "I want to say, 'Happy New Year's Eve' to my family. I miss you all, and I am coming home soon."
The servicemembers of Combined Joint Task Force 82 have been fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom for nearly one year, and one of them noted that every second they counted toward 2008 was one more second closer to going home.
(Air Force Senior Airman James Bolinger serves with Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Though no one popped open a bottle of bubbly, servicemembers here still found a way to have fun on the last night of 2007. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines celebrated the countdown to 2008 with live music and lots of laughs.
The tunes were courtesy of visiting Boston band Lansdowne and Level 82, part of the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Band. Comedians Daniel Kinno and Julie McCullough brought smiles to the faces of everyone who came to listen.
"I'm here listening to live music, which is one of my passions," said Army Spc. Craig Chick, 82nd Airborne Division Aviation Operations. "It's hard not spending time with my wife or friends on New Year's Eve, but I got a good laugh listening to the comedians, and I love listening to music."
Lansdowne, on their first Armed Forces Entertainment Tour, kicked off the show and came back for an encore before Level 82 rocked the stage.
"It has been educational; we've gotten a real view of everything," a member of the band said. "We got to see what's not on TV."
The band spent Christmas in Kyrgyzstan before coming here for New Year's Eve.
"It is an honor to play for you," lead singer John Ricci said. "Thank you all for what you do."
Servicemembers might have been missing their families, but they took some time to enjoy themselves.
"I would like to tell my wife that I love her," said Chick, who has been in Afghanistan for 12 months. "I want to say, 'Happy New Year's Eve' to my family. I miss you all, and I am coming home soon."
The servicemembers of Combined Joint Task Force 82 have been fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom for nearly one year, and one of them noted that every second they counted toward 2008 was one more second closer to going home.
(Air Force Senior Airman James Bolinger serves with Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs.)
America Supports You: Foundation Seeks a Few Good Students
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is looking for eligible students to apply for its 2008 scholarships. "These scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for students that need financial assistance towards a college degree, and they increase their chances for success in their personal and professional lives," said Chris Randolph, the foundation's president. "That's critical for our Marine families."
Eligible students must be children of a current U.S. Marine or of a living or dead retired Marine. They also must be high school graduates or registered as undergraduate students at an accredited educational institution and have a family income of $77,000 or less. This limit increases if siblings apply.
Scholarships are not offered for graduate study.
Children whose parents are participating or have participated in operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom may qualify for additional scholarship funding.
The foundation provides assistance to children of Marines or Navy corpsmen serving with Marines, with special consideration given to children with a parent who was killed or wounded in action.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Application deadlines are March 3 for graduating high school seniors and first-time college freshman and April 15 for all other students.
Since its founding in 1962, the organization has distributed more than 21,000 needs-based college scholarships and bonds totaling more than $34 million. In 2007 alone, more than 1,000 Marine children received awards, foundation officials said.
More information about the foundation and its scholarships can be found on the organization's Web site, www.mcsf.org, or by phone at 800-292-7777.
(From a Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation news release.)
Dec. 31, 2007 - The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is looking for eligible students to apply for its 2008 scholarships. "These scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for students that need financial assistance towards a college degree, and they increase their chances for success in their personal and professional lives," said Chris Randolph, the foundation's president. "That's critical for our Marine families."
Eligible students must be children of a current U.S. Marine or of a living or dead retired Marine. They also must be high school graduates or registered as undergraduate students at an accredited educational institution and have a family income of $77,000 or less. This limit increases if siblings apply.
Scholarships are not offered for graduate study.
Children whose parents are participating or have participated in operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom may qualify for additional scholarship funding.
The foundation provides assistance to children of Marines or Navy corpsmen serving with Marines, with special consideration given to children with a parent who was killed or wounded in action.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Application deadlines are March 3 for graduating high school seniors and first-time college freshman and April 15 for all other students.
Since its founding in 1962, the organization has distributed more than 21,000 needs-based college scholarships and bonds totaling more than $34 million. In 2007 alone, more than 1,000 Marine children received awards, foundation officials said.
More information about the foundation and its scholarships can be found on the organization's Web site, www.mcsf.org, or by phone at 800-292-7777.
(From a Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation news release.)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Criminal Investigations and Tactics
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.
January 1, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website started out 2008 by adding three police officers from California who have written books on criminal investigations and police tactics.
Daniel R. Sullivan served twenty-five years with the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. During his career with the Los Angeles Police Department Daniel Sullivan was the Program Manager for the Development of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Command Control Communication System and involved in the security planning for the 1984 Olympic Games.
Daniel Sullivan has a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters in Public Administration. After his career with the Los Angeles Police Department, Daniel Sullivan entered the private security as a well known security specialist including being a member of a worldwide response team for kidnap for ransom and extortion cases covered by a Lloyds of London syndicate. Daniel R. Sullivan is the co-author of two books: Criminal Investigations Standards and Homicide Investigations.
Marvin G. Engquist retired as a Detective Supervisor after twenty five years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department. In his last assignment, he was responsible for the supervision of numerous high profile Homicide investigations in the City of Los Angeles. Marvin Engquist is a graduate of the FBI. National Academy. He has testified as an expert witness in Federal, State and County courts, and is recognized internationally as an expert in Major Case Death Investigation. Marvin Engquist is the author of California Criminal Evidence.
Wayne R. Lippert is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. During his 4-1/2 year period he served on various small ships, including two tours on large minesweepers off the beaches of North Korea in that "forgotten war." As executive officer he qualified for command, and did take temporary command of a minesweeper when the captain was no longer able to do so.
After leaving the military, Wayne Lippert continued his life long interest in military history. He expanded his interest further by going through the Sheriff's academy at the ripe age of 52. He then served the Los Angles Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy Sheriff for 14 years. This included time in patrol cars as well as doing horse patrols in the mountains. He later worked at the pistol range. He held the highest reserve classification for the State of California (Level One - Designated). He was certified by the National Rifle Association as a police firearms instructor. He was a practicing C.P.A. in California for over 30 years. Wayne Lippert is the author of Stay alive: How to street fight with a pistol.
According to Joseph J. Truncale, of the American Society of Law Enforcement Officers, “The author is clearly at odds with the goals and objectives of competition shooting as compared to survival shooting. He feels that present police training does not focus enough on the type of shooting to survive on the streets. Police trainers who have the responsibility to provide their officers with realistic and practical methods to survive on the street will want a copy of this very informative manual.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 817 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1728 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
January 1, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website started out 2008 by adding three police officers from California who have written books on criminal investigations and police tactics.
Daniel R. Sullivan served twenty-five years with the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. During his career with the Los Angeles Police Department Daniel Sullivan was the Program Manager for the Development of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Command Control Communication System and involved in the security planning for the 1984 Olympic Games.
Daniel Sullivan has a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters in Public Administration. After his career with the Los Angeles Police Department, Daniel Sullivan entered the private security as a well known security specialist including being a member of a worldwide response team for kidnap for ransom and extortion cases covered by a Lloyds of London syndicate. Daniel R. Sullivan is the co-author of two books: Criminal Investigations Standards and Homicide Investigations.
Marvin G. Engquist retired as a Detective Supervisor after twenty five years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department. In his last assignment, he was responsible for the supervision of numerous high profile Homicide investigations in the City of Los Angeles. Marvin Engquist is a graduate of the FBI. National Academy. He has testified as an expert witness in Federal, State and County courts, and is recognized internationally as an expert in Major Case Death Investigation. Marvin Engquist is the author of California Criminal Evidence.
Wayne R. Lippert is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. During his 4-1/2 year period he served on various small ships, including two tours on large minesweepers off the beaches of North Korea in that "forgotten war." As executive officer he qualified for command, and did take temporary command of a minesweeper when the captain was no longer able to do so.
After leaving the military, Wayne Lippert continued his life long interest in military history. He expanded his interest further by going through the Sheriff's academy at the ripe age of 52. He then served the Los Angles Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy Sheriff for 14 years. This included time in patrol cars as well as doing horse patrols in the mountains. He later worked at the pistol range. He held the highest reserve classification for the State of California (Level One - Designated). He was certified by the National Rifle Association as a police firearms instructor. He was a practicing C.P.A. in California for over 30 years. Wayne Lippert is the author of Stay alive: How to street fight with a pistol.
According to Joseph J. Truncale, of the American Society of Law Enforcement Officers, “The author is clearly at odds with the goals and objectives of competition shooting as compared to survival shooting. He feels that present police training does not focus enough on the type of shooting to survive on the streets. Police trainers who have the responsibility to provide their officers with realistic and practical methods to survive on the street will want a copy of this very informative manual.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 817 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1728 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Team Works to Defend Digital Battlefield in Europe
By Kristopher Joseph
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - In 1983, with the Cold War still going strong, a movie called "War Games" depicted an eccentric computer hacker named David Lightman, played by Matthew Broderick. With dogged determination to play a military-generated "game" -- Global Thermonuclear War -- David managed to hack into the North American Aerospace Defense Command computer system and almost caused an actual nuclear war with the Soviet Union. "War Games" represented the tensions and anxieties of the ever-looming nuclear threat during the Cold War nuclear arms race. The global war on terrorism has replaced many threats of the Cold War. Many believe that in today's "information age" there are real David Lightmans who pose a cyber threat to military networks that could cause the loss of innocent lives unless something is done about them.
"We are taking a proactive approach to stop these 'hacktivists' from attacking our systems," said Robert Hembrook, deputy chief of intelligence for United States Army Europe's 5th Signal Command here.
For the first time in the European military theater, a cyber-threat intelligence cell has been created for the specific purpose of detecting, monitoring and combating malicious digital infiltrations on military computer networks, Hembrook said.
Cyber defense is implemented at the Department of Defense level and already was under way in the halls of U.S. European Command, in Stuttgart, but a fully developed and funded European theater-level cyber cell now is active within 5th Signal Command, Hembrook said.
The cell consists of three experienced intelligence and computer experts whose jobs are to observe potentially harmful data passing from the Internet into friendly networks, identify patterns of attacks, analyze data, and advise the operators of the network so that they can take preventative action to ensure the safety and security of all systems in the European footprint.
"The fact is that there are people currently trying to break into our systems in an effort to obtain data or plant viruses that put servicemembers and their missions at risk," one of the cyber cell members said. "We simply cannot be vulnerable in this area."
The military, along with most other organizations, relies more and more on the speed and capabilities of computer-based technology to give it an edge on the battlefield. This reliance also allows an extra avenue of attack for the enemy. "This cyber cell marks a change of approach in the intel world," a team member said. "We are already experts on predicting physical attacks from the enemy, but we never had a dedicated staff to predict and prevent virtual attacks at a theater level."
Besides combating threats from the outside, the cell is also involved with helping its military users prevent "digital fratricide" from the inside. For work and morale purposes, DoD policy allows users filtered, monitored access to the World Wide Web on government computers. According to a cell member, this is to obtain business-related information and to visit non-work related sites as long as casual browsing does not affect getting missions accomplished.
"It's a delicate relationship of balancing functionality and security," a cell member said. "We know that many users can't do their job without computers and the Internet, so we look for ways to help protect them."
"Users need to know that Internet access is a privilege and not a right," one cyber cell member said.
The cell has taken another proactive step by leaving their offices and actively engaging and informing commanders and military communities of their findings as well as stressing the importance and relevance of the cyber battlefield.
Another cell member said that the team's audience is the leadership in theater because they are the ones who can affect changes in how members of the DoD deal with and fight these cyber threats.
"We have had nothing but positive feedback from commanders," one cell member said. "They are taking our reports seriously, and more and more they are seeing that, if our data or systems get compromised or abused, threats to our systems can affect not only those sitting behind a desk, but also those on the front lines."
Since the 5th Signal Cyber Cell has shared its results to the intelligence community, other military organizations are asking how they too can have a cyber cell to find their own digital landmines, team officials said.
"This (cyber cell) is unprecedented at this level," a cell member said. "I saw the need for this when I worked at the DoD level. Members of the cell believe that network-defensive measures should be implemented at all levels in the military because a computer's role is becoming just as vital as an M-16 rifle in terms of winning today's wars.
"As much as the military trains its own on weapon safety, so we should be training them on computer and network safety," the cell member said. "That is where informing the leadership and giving them briefings becomes so vital."
In a 2006 interview for Defense Systems magazine, Tom Reardon, chief of the Intelligence Division for Network Enterprise Technology Command at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., had this to say about the level of importance computer networks play in military operations: "Network-centric operations are how we prosecute war and sustain the warfighter. If an enemy can degrade or destroy that capability, the tide of the battle could easily be turned in their favor. Worse yet, if the enemy succeeds in denying our network-centric capability, our forces may not be able to deploy; we couldn't show up to seize or defend terrain or support an ally."
Today, the 5th Signal Cyber Threat Intelligence Cell team members are the U.S. Army Europe warfighters in virtual trenches making sure the digital frontlines are defended.
"From an intel point of view, we've gone from 'patch the leaks' to 'build a better boat,'" Hembrook said.
(Kristopher Joseph is a public affairs specialist and editor of 5th Signal Command's biannual Echo magazine.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - In 1983, with the Cold War still going strong, a movie called "War Games" depicted an eccentric computer hacker named David Lightman, played by Matthew Broderick. With dogged determination to play a military-generated "game" -- Global Thermonuclear War -- David managed to hack into the North American Aerospace Defense Command computer system and almost caused an actual nuclear war with the Soviet Union. "War Games" represented the tensions and anxieties of the ever-looming nuclear threat during the Cold War nuclear arms race. The global war on terrorism has replaced many threats of the Cold War. Many believe that in today's "information age" there are real David Lightmans who pose a cyber threat to military networks that could cause the loss of innocent lives unless something is done about them.
"We are taking a proactive approach to stop these 'hacktivists' from attacking our systems," said Robert Hembrook, deputy chief of intelligence for United States Army Europe's 5th Signal Command here.
For the first time in the European military theater, a cyber-threat intelligence cell has been created for the specific purpose of detecting, monitoring and combating malicious digital infiltrations on military computer networks, Hembrook said.
Cyber defense is implemented at the Department of Defense level and already was under way in the halls of U.S. European Command, in Stuttgart, but a fully developed and funded European theater-level cyber cell now is active within 5th Signal Command, Hembrook said.
The cell consists of three experienced intelligence and computer experts whose jobs are to observe potentially harmful data passing from the Internet into friendly networks, identify patterns of attacks, analyze data, and advise the operators of the network so that they can take preventative action to ensure the safety and security of all systems in the European footprint.
"The fact is that there are people currently trying to break into our systems in an effort to obtain data or plant viruses that put servicemembers and their missions at risk," one of the cyber cell members said. "We simply cannot be vulnerable in this area."
The military, along with most other organizations, relies more and more on the speed and capabilities of computer-based technology to give it an edge on the battlefield. This reliance also allows an extra avenue of attack for the enemy. "This cyber cell marks a change of approach in the intel world," a team member said. "We are already experts on predicting physical attacks from the enemy, but we never had a dedicated staff to predict and prevent virtual attacks at a theater level."
Besides combating threats from the outside, the cell is also involved with helping its military users prevent "digital fratricide" from the inside. For work and morale purposes, DoD policy allows users filtered, monitored access to the World Wide Web on government computers. According to a cell member, this is to obtain business-related information and to visit non-work related sites as long as casual browsing does not affect getting missions accomplished.
"It's a delicate relationship of balancing functionality and security," a cell member said. "We know that many users can't do their job without computers and the Internet, so we look for ways to help protect them."
"Users need to know that Internet access is a privilege and not a right," one cyber cell member said.
The cell has taken another proactive step by leaving their offices and actively engaging and informing commanders and military communities of their findings as well as stressing the importance and relevance of the cyber battlefield.
Another cell member said that the team's audience is the leadership in theater because they are the ones who can affect changes in how members of the DoD deal with and fight these cyber threats.
"We have had nothing but positive feedback from commanders," one cell member said. "They are taking our reports seriously, and more and more they are seeing that, if our data or systems get compromised or abused, threats to our systems can affect not only those sitting behind a desk, but also those on the front lines."
Since the 5th Signal Cyber Cell has shared its results to the intelligence community, other military organizations are asking how they too can have a cyber cell to find their own digital landmines, team officials said.
"This (cyber cell) is unprecedented at this level," a cell member said. "I saw the need for this when I worked at the DoD level. Members of the cell believe that network-defensive measures should be implemented at all levels in the military because a computer's role is becoming just as vital as an M-16 rifle in terms of winning today's wars.
"As much as the military trains its own on weapon safety, so we should be training them on computer and network safety," the cell member said. "That is where informing the leadership and giving them briefings becomes so vital."
In a 2006 interview for Defense Systems magazine, Tom Reardon, chief of the Intelligence Division for Network Enterprise Technology Command at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., had this to say about the level of importance computer networks play in military operations: "Network-centric operations are how we prosecute war and sustain the warfighter. If an enemy can degrade or destroy that capability, the tide of the battle could easily be turned in their favor. Worse yet, if the enemy succeeds in denying our network-centric capability, our forces may not be able to deploy; we couldn't show up to seize or defend terrain or support an ally."
Today, the 5th Signal Cyber Threat Intelligence Cell team members are the U.S. Army Europe warfighters in virtual trenches making sure the digital frontlines are defended.
"From an intel point of view, we've gone from 'patch the leaks' to 'build a better boat,'" Hembrook said.
(Kristopher Joseph is a public affairs specialist and editor of 5th Signal Command's biannual Echo magazine.)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Department Engages Congress for Full 3.5 Percent Troop Pay Raise
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Military members will receive a 3 percent pay raise effective tomorrow, as President Bush urges Congress to revise some provisions regarding Iraq contained in the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The president authorized the 3 percent pay raise in an executive order. The act includes authorization for a 0.5 percent additional pay raise for U.S. troops, but the president has, for now, elected not to sign the defense authorization bill in its present form while Congress is adjourned, a practice known as a "pocket veto."
On Dec. 28, President Bush announced his displeasure with some language pertaining to Iraq in the current version of the act, according to White House documents released that day. The president said he won't sign off on the bill until it is revised. Congress is now on its holiday recess.
In a statement, the president urged Congress "to ensure that any provisions affecting servicemember pay and bonuses, as well as provisions extending expiring authorities, are retroactive to January 1, 2008."
"The (Defense) Department will work closely with Congress toward the 3.5 percent pay raise effective Jan. 1, as originally envisioned in the bill," Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, said in a statement released today.
"Likewise," Carr's statement continued, "we will work to ensure the final bill features no interruption of bonus authorities."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Military members will receive a 3 percent pay raise effective tomorrow, as President Bush urges Congress to revise some provisions regarding Iraq contained in the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The president authorized the 3 percent pay raise in an executive order. The act includes authorization for a 0.5 percent additional pay raise for U.S. troops, but the president has, for now, elected not to sign the defense authorization bill in its present form while Congress is adjourned, a practice known as a "pocket veto."
On Dec. 28, President Bush announced his displeasure with some language pertaining to Iraq in the current version of the act, according to White House documents released that day. The president said he won't sign off on the bill until it is revised. Congress is now on its holiday recess.
In a statement, the president urged Congress "to ensure that any provisions affecting servicemember pay and bonuses, as well as provisions extending expiring authorities, are retroactive to January 1, 2008."
"The (Defense) Department will work closely with Congress toward the 3.5 percent pay raise effective Jan. 1, as originally envisioned in the bill," Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, said in a statement released today.
"Likewise," Carr's statement continued, "we will work to ensure the final bill features no interruption of bonus authorities."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
American Heroes Press
December 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) American Heroes Press was been established to assist law enforcement, fire, emergency service and military personnel in marketing and promoting their work.
In 2006, www.police-writers.com a website that lists state and local police officers who have authored books was developed. During 2007, www.military-writers.com a website that lists current, former and retired military personnel who have authored books was developed. In late 2007, www.firefighter-writers.com a website that lists fire and emergency services personnel who have authored books was launched.
Hi Tech Criminal Justice, the organization that developed and maintains all three websites announced the formation of American Heroes Press, an umbrella imprint for law enforcement, fire, emergency services and military personnel who have or anticipate publishing books.
American Heroes Press will assist new authors in navigating the world of publishing and assist new authors in marketing and promoting their work. Moreover, through the their information distribution network and “on ground” events, American Heroes Press will assist established authors in marketing and promoting their work.
Currently, www.police-writers.com, the more established of the three websites lists over 800 state and local law enforcement officials who have published. www.military-writers.com lists nearly 100 servicemembers and www.firefighter-writers.com, the newest addition, contains a single listing.
For more information about American Heroes Press visit the website at www.americanheroespress.com or send an email to editor@police-writers.com.
In 2006, www.police-writers.com a website that lists state and local police officers who have authored books was developed. During 2007, www.military-writers.com a website that lists current, former and retired military personnel who have authored books was developed. In late 2007, www.firefighter-writers.com a website that lists fire and emergency services personnel who have authored books was launched.
Hi Tech Criminal Justice, the organization that developed and maintains all three websites announced the formation of American Heroes Press, an umbrella imprint for law enforcement, fire, emergency services and military personnel who have or anticipate publishing books.
American Heroes Press will assist new authors in navigating the world of publishing and assist new authors in marketing and promoting their work. Moreover, through the their information distribution network and “on ground” events, American Heroes Press will assist established authors in marketing and promoting their work.
Currently, www.police-writers.com, the more established of the three websites lists over 800 state and local law enforcement officials who have published. www.military-writers.com lists nearly 100 servicemembers and www.firefighter-writers.com, the newest addition, contains a single listing.
For more information about American Heroes Press visit the website at www.americanheroespress.com or send an email to editor@police-writers.com.
Conversations with Cops
Editor's Note: This week's is a Colonel with the Texas State Guard
December 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) The January 2, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features a nationally recognized expert on stress in law enforcement.
Program Date: January 2, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Policing and Stress
Guest: Dr. James L. Greenstone
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
With 40 years of practice, and almost 25 years as a police officer, James L. Greenstone, Ed.D. has expertise as a police psychologist, a therapist, a teacher, an author, a police officer, a mediator and negotiator, and as a consultant. The field of Crisis Intervention has been his focus. For the better part of his career as a police officer, he has worked extensively in the field of hostage and crisis negotiations. As a mental health professional and consultant, and as a trainer of negotiators, as well as a member of hostage negotiations teams, he is knowledgeable about negotiator training, current practices in this area, dealing with suicidal and barricaded subjects, negotiations techniques, team development, and team and negotiator interactions with police tactical units. He has participated in numerous hostage, barricaded and suicidal situations, and has practical experience in all aspects of hostage and crisis negotiations team functioning.
Additionally, Dr. James L. Greenstone is currently a Colonel with the Medical Service Corps, Texas State Guard, Texas Military Forces. His current assignment is as Chief of Staff of the Medical Brigade. He is a member of the Editorial Board of Military Medicine, the Journal of the Association for Military Surgeons of the United States. Professionally, he is a Behavioral Health Officer. Colonel James Greenstone’s major focus has been in developing, and in providing, care for service members and their families affected by deployments and redeployments to current war zones. He has worked in this capacity since the Vietnam era and is involved with the Department of Defense in providing some of these services, and was recently tasked by the Texas Adjutant General and the Joint State Surgeon to make recommendations concerning psychological care for returning National Guard Soldiers.
Joining the conversation at the half-hour mark is Jennie Valencia a Victim Services Advocate, Pinal County Sheriff's Office (Arizona).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
December 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) The January 2, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features a nationally recognized expert on stress in law enforcement.
Program Date: January 2, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Policing and Stress
Guest: Dr. James L. Greenstone
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
With 40 years of practice, and almost 25 years as a police officer, James L. Greenstone, Ed.D. has expertise as a police psychologist, a therapist, a teacher, an author, a police officer, a mediator and negotiator, and as a consultant. The field of Crisis Intervention has been his focus. For the better part of his career as a police officer, he has worked extensively in the field of hostage and crisis negotiations. As a mental health professional and consultant, and as a trainer of negotiators, as well as a member of hostage negotiations teams, he is knowledgeable about negotiator training, current practices in this area, dealing with suicidal and barricaded subjects, negotiations techniques, team development, and team and negotiator interactions with police tactical units. He has participated in numerous hostage, barricaded and suicidal situations, and has practical experience in all aspects of hostage and crisis negotiations team functioning.
Additionally, Dr. James L. Greenstone is currently a Colonel with the Medical Service Corps, Texas State Guard, Texas Military Forces. His current assignment is as Chief of Staff of the Medical Brigade. He is a member of the Editorial Board of Military Medicine, the Journal of the Association for Military Surgeons of the United States. Professionally, he is a Behavioral Health Officer. Colonel James Greenstone’s major focus has been in developing, and in providing, care for service members and their families affected by deployments and redeployments to current war zones. He has worked in this capacity since the Vietnam era and is involved with the Department of Defense in providing some of these services, and was recently tasked by the Texas Adjutant General and the Joint State Surgeon to make recommendations concerning psychological care for returning National Guard Soldiers.
Joining the conversation at the half-hour mark is Jennie Valencia a Victim Services Advocate, Pinal County Sheriff's Office (Arizona).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Saturday, December 29, 2007
America Supports You: Partnership Gives Spouses Gift of Education
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2007 - Military spouses now have a larger scholarship pool to draw from, thanks to a new partnership between the National Military Family Association and the Fisher House Foundation. The collaboration will enable the NMFA to expand its Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program to many more deserving spouses, association officials said.
"With 55 years of combined experience serving military families, both NMFA and Fisher House Foundation are acutely aware of the challenges and hardships facing today's military families," Tanna Schmidli, chairman of the NMFA's board of governors, said. "We are thrilled to be working together on this very important project supporting military spouses."
Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships are awarded to military spouses to obtain professional certification or to attend post-secondary or graduate school. They normally range from $500 to $1,000 and may be used for tuition, fees, and school room and board. Spouses of uniformed servicemembers, including active duty, National Guardsmen, reservists, retirees and survivors of any branch or rank are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted online at www.nmfa.org/scholarship Jan. 1 through Feb. 29.
"Through our partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency, in seven years, we have been able to provide more than $5.5 million in scholarship grants to more than 3,500 military children," said David A. Coker, president of the Fisher House Foundation. "We are partnering with the NMFA to be able to expand our grants to military spouses."
The National Military Family Association and the Fisher House Foundation are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
(From a National Military Family Association news release.)
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2007 - Military spouses now have a larger scholarship pool to draw from, thanks to a new partnership between the National Military Family Association and the Fisher House Foundation. The collaboration will enable the NMFA to expand its Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program to many more deserving spouses, association officials said.
"With 55 years of combined experience serving military families, both NMFA and Fisher House Foundation are acutely aware of the challenges and hardships facing today's military families," Tanna Schmidli, chairman of the NMFA's board of governors, said. "We are thrilled to be working together on this very important project supporting military spouses."
Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships are awarded to military spouses to obtain professional certification or to attend post-secondary or graduate school. They normally range from $500 to $1,000 and may be used for tuition, fees, and school room and board. Spouses of uniformed servicemembers, including active duty, National Guardsmen, reservists, retirees and survivors of any branch or rank are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted online at www.nmfa.org/scholarship Jan. 1 through Feb. 29.
"Through our partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency, in seven years, we have been able to provide more than $5.5 million in scholarship grants to more than 3,500 military children," said David A. Coker, president of the Fisher House Foundation. "We are partnering with the NMFA to be able to expand our grants to military spouses."
The National Military Family Association and the Fisher House Foundation are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
(From a National Military Family Association news release.)
Friday, December 28, 2007
America Supports You: Foundation Assists Injured EOD Personnel
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2007 - Following the philosophy that recovering from an injury is easier with family nearby, a Virginia group is helping to make that possible for wounded explosive ordnance disposal technicians from any branch of service. "Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is dedicated to helping our wounded explosive ordnance disposal technicians and their families in their greatest time of need," said Sherri Beck, foundation president. "We are hoping to relieve some of the financial stress involved when a loved one is injured, (and) we also believe that having family present is an integral part of the healing process."
When it's confirmed that an EOD technician has been wounded, the foundation provides a no-questions-asked grant for $2,500, Beck said. The family can apply for additional assistance if needed.
The foundation also offers assistance for previously injured EOD technicians during the rehabilitation process.
"We understand that unexpected expenses arise and would like families to focus on their loved ones and not worry so much about hotel expenses, airfare, (and) child care," Beck said.
The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Through this affiliation, Beck hopes to increase the foundation's visibility with the result of helping more wounded EOD technicians and their families.
"It's a great way to network with other organizations," she added. "If we cannot help, hopefully we can connect applicants to great organizations that can.
"We are excited to be a part of this team," she said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2007 - Following the philosophy that recovering from an injury is easier with family nearby, a Virginia group is helping to make that possible for wounded explosive ordnance disposal technicians from any branch of service. "Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is dedicated to helping our wounded explosive ordnance disposal technicians and their families in their greatest time of need," said Sherri Beck, foundation president. "We are hoping to relieve some of the financial stress involved when a loved one is injured, (and) we also believe that having family present is an integral part of the healing process."
When it's confirmed that an EOD technician has been wounded, the foundation provides a no-questions-asked grant for $2,500, Beck said. The family can apply for additional assistance if needed.
The foundation also offers assistance for previously injured EOD technicians during the rehabilitation process.
"We understand that unexpected expenses arise and would like families to focus on their loved ones and not worry so much about hotel expenses, airfare, (and) child care," Beck said.
The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Through this affiliation, Beck hopes to increase the foundation's visibility with the result of helping more wounded EOD technicians and their families.
"It's a great way to network with other organizations," she added. "If we cannot help, hopefully we can connect applicants to great organizations that can.
"We are excited to be a part of this team," she said.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
General Delivers Message From Hero's Mother to Marines in Afghanistan
By Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr., USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 27, 2007 - The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps made a quick stop at Camp Eggers yesterday and passed a message from a modern-day Marine Corps hero's family to Marines serving in and around Afghanistan's capital city. Marine Gen. Robert Magnus was on the move throughout the country, but made it a point to praise leathernecks here and to pass on a message from Debra Dunham, the mother of Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism in Iraq.
"Deb Dunham asked me to bring a simple three-part message," Magnus said.
"First, 'Thank you.'" the second-ranking Marine said. "Now this is a 'Gold Star Mother' saying thank you, so she knows exactly what she's thanking you for." Mothers of American military men and women killed in combat have been referred to as Gold Star Mothers since the early 1900s.
"Second, keep doing what you're doing. Keep doing your mission," Magnus said. "She knows that your mission is fundamentally important.
"I want your family to someday feel as comfortable as they felt on Sept. 10, 2001," he added.
"The third part of the message is, 'Please take care of each other,'" the general said. "That's exactly what Corporal Dunham was doing when he was on his mission."
The general briefly spoke about Dunham's heroic act in saving the lives of his fellow Marines in Iraq when he covered a grenade, which ultimately cost him his life.
Magnus told the Marines that he recognized the difficulty in being away from family during the holidays, but told them that it is good to be with their Marine Corps family as an alternative.
"This is a great time to be a warrior and a Marine," he said. "You are God's gift to your family. ... The Marine Corps is God's gift to the United States ... and to the Afghan people and the Iraqi people."
He also reminded the Marines that it is important for them to consider serving an additional combat tour, or staying in the Marine Corps longer, as well as to encourage young Marines to do the same.
"Your Marine Corps is at war. Your buddies are at war," Magnus said. "You know why you're here now. You're here to help these people win back their neighborhoods and so we don't have another 9/11, and you know that.
"This mission is not over by a long shot, and you know that," the general added.
(Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr. serves with Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 27, 2007 - The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps made a quick stop at Camp Eggers yesterday and passed a message from a modern-day Marine Corps hero's family to Marines serving in and around Afghanistan's capital city. Marine Gen. Robert Magnus was on the move throughout the country, but made it a point to praise leathernecks here and to pass on a message from Debra Dunham, the mother of Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism in Iraq.
"Deb Dunham asked me to bring a simple three-part message," Magnus said.
"First, 'Thank you.'" the second-ranking Marine said. "Now this is a 'Gold Star Mother' saying thank you, so she knows exactly what she's thanking you for." Mothers of American military men and women killed in combat have been referred to as Gold Star Mothers since the early 1900s.
"Second, keep doing what you're doing. Keep doing your mission," Magnus said. "She knows that your mission is fundamentally important.
"I want your family to someday feel as comfortable as they felt on Sept. 10, 2001," he added.
"The third part of the message is, 'Please take care of each other,'" the general said. "That's exactly what Corporal Dunham was doing when he was on his mission."
The general briefly spoke about Dunham's heroic act in saving the lives of his fellow Marines in Iraq when he covered a grenade, which ultimately cost him his life.
Magnus told the Marines that he recognized the difficulty in being away from family during the holidays, but told them that it is good to be with their Marine Corps family as an alternative.
"This is a great time to be a warrior and a Marine," he said. "You are God's gift to your family. ... The Marine Corps is God's gift to the United States ... and to the Afghan people and the Iraqi people."
He also reminded the Marines that it is important for them to consider serving an additional combat tour, or staying in the Marine Corps longer, as well as to encourage young Marines to do the same.
"Your Marine Corps is at war. Your buddies are at war," Magnus said. "You know why you're here now. You're here to help these people win back their neighborhoods and so we don't have another 9/11, and you know that.
"This mission is not over by a long shot, and you know that," the general added.
(Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr. serves with Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Enhanced Health Information Sharing Supports Care of Wounded Warriors
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the organization-wide release of enhancements that allow DoD to share electronic health information with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the Bidirectional Health Information Exchange (BHIE) and the Clinical Data Repository/Health Data Repository (CHDR) interfaces.
“These enhancements demonstrate the unprecedented level of interoperabilty that DoD and VA have been able to achieve with our electronic health record systems, and they contribute significantly to patient safety and continuity of care," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs.
With the new enhancements in place, each agency is now able to view the other agency's clinical encounters, medical procedures, and lists of medical problems on shared patients using BHIE. This adds to the pharmacy, allergy, microbiology, and chemistry/hematology data, as well as radiology reports that were made available earlier this year. Additionally, DoD providers are also able to view combat zone data (including inpatient data) from the Theater Medical Data Store.
The CHDR software actively synchronizes data between DoD and VA repositories for patients who receive health services from both agencies. That synchronization significantly increases patient safety by enabling drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction checks with data from DoD, VA, and retail pharmacies. CHDR has been operating on a limited basis since late 2007, but new configuration enhancements have enabled all sites to view data on shared patients.
Providers in both agencies have more information available to support patient care decisions, and the continuity of care is greatly enhanced for the nation's wounded warriors, from the combat zone to medical facilities here at home.
“These enhancements demonstrate the unprecedented level of interoperabilty that DoD and VA have been able to achieve with our electronic health record systems, and they contribute significantly to patient safety and continuity of care," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs.
With the new enhancements in place, each agency is now able to view the other agency's clinical encounters, medical procedures, and lists of medical problems on shared patients using BHIE. This adds to the pharmacy, allergy, microbiology, and chemistry/hematology data, as well as radiology reports that were made available earlier this year. Additionally, DoD providers are also able to view combat zone data (including inpatient data) from the Theater Medical Data Store.
The CHDR software actively synchronizes data between DoD and VA repositories for patients who receive health services from both agencies. That synchronization significantly increases patient safety by enabling drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction checks with data from DoD, VA, and retail pharmacies. CHDR has been operating on a limited basis since late 2007, but new configuration enhancements have enabled all sites to view data on shared patients.
Providers in both agencies have more information available to support patient care decisions, and the continuity of care is greatly enhanced for the nation's wounded warriors, from the combat zone to medical facilities here at home.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
America Supports You: Foundation Helps Vets, Families Readjust
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 26, 2007 - Relying on her experience helping her Iraq-veteran son deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, an Oklahoma woman has created a foundation to help a wider military audience with readjustment issues. As Cynthia Collins-Clark, a licensed professional counselor, looked for help for her son, she noticed that information available on his condition was impersonal, complicated or minimized the severity of the problem, she said.
"My fate has been to have a full understanding of mental illness from a professional level and to live 'up-close and personal' with it as a mother of an (Operation Iraqi Freedom) veteran," Collins-Clark said on the Veterans' Families United Foundation's Web site, explaining that her aim is to "share information, support, and encouragement for those who watched their soldier leave to serve our country and return as a different person."
One way Collins-Clark hopes to help families facing situations similar to hers is through a service project the foundation has dubbed "The REST House." REST is an acronym that stands for Readjustment, Environment and Service Transition. She's raising private funds for a test house in Oklahoma City, which would be set up as a live-in environment for a small population of returning psychologically challenged veterans. It would include a phased and heavily researched alternative approach to reintegrating servicemembers back into society, she explained.
"This project ... operates on the premise that prevention and intervention for servicemembers who present with post-traumatic stress disorder and other related mental health problems after they return from active duty, is more honoring, hope-filled and ultimately more cost effective than a lifetime of disability," she said on the Web site. "We believe that many of the serious mental health problems (servicemembers face) could be prevented through an appropriate, tiered readjustment period."
Veterans' Families United Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We're thrilled to be part of any effort to support our troops," Collins-Clark said, adding she hoped the affiliation would yield increased exposure for the group.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 26, 2007 - Relying on her experience helping her Iraq-veteran son deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, an Oklahoma woman has created a foundation to help a wider military audience with readjustment issues. As Cynthia Collins-Clark, a licensed professional counselor, looked for help for her son, she noticed that information available on his condition was impersonal, complicated or minimized the severity of the problem, she said.
"My fate has been to have a full understanding of mental illness from a professional level and to live 'up-close and personal' with it as a mother of an (Operation Iraqi Freedom) veteran," Collins-Clark said on the Veterans' Families United Foundation's Web site, explaining that her aim is to "share information, support, and encouragement for those who watched their soldier leave to serve our country and return as a different person."
One way Collins-Clark hopes to help families facing situations similar to hers is through a service project the foundation has dubbed "The REST House." REST is an acronym that stands for Readjustment, Environment and Service Transition. She's raising private funds for a test house in Oklahoma City, which would be set up as a live-in environment for a small population of returning psychologically challenged veterans. It would include a phased and heavily researched alternative approach to reintegrating servicemembers back into society, she explained.
"This project ... operates on the premise that prevention and intervention for servicemembers who present with post-traumatic stress disorder and other related mental health problems after they return from active duty, is more honoring, hope-filled and ultimately more cost effective than a lifetime of disability," she said on the Web site. "We believe that many of the serious mental health problems (servicemembers face) could be prevented through an appropriate, tiered readjustment period."
Veterans' Families United Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"We're thrilled to be part of any effort to support our troops," Collins-Clark said, adding she hoped the affiliation would yield increased exposure for the group.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Conversations with Cops
This week’s topic: Law Enforcement Driving Technology; Crime Scenes
Bruce Mather, Chief Technology Officer Lap Belt Cinch, Inc. will be discussing high speed driving technology during the first 15 minutes of the show. Kathie Jo Kadziauskas, AAA Crime Scene LLC, will be discussing the aftermath of crime scenes - everything from decomps to hoarding.
The Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Bruce Mather, Chief Technology Officer Lap Belt Cinch, Inc. will be discussing high speed driving technology during the first 15 minutes of the show. Kathie Jo Kadziauskas, AAA Crime Scene LLC, will be discussing the aftermath of crime scenes - everything from decomps to hoarding.
The Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Over 1700 Cop Books
EDITOR'S NOTE: One of the authors is a former servicemember.
December 23, 2007, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 800 state and local police officers who have written books. With the addition of three police officers and their book, the website has grown to include more than 1700 books written by state and local law enforcement officials.
Vonn Auld Kopp is the pseudonym for a police officer whose 32 year law enforcement career included spending the last 23 years in the Houston Police Department homicide division. Vonn Auld Kopp is the author of Homicidal Humor.
According to the book description of Homicidal Humor, “Welcome to the world of urban police legend and lore. If I had firsthand knowledge of the events described herein, I would be hauled before both federal and state investigative grand juries. What I have actually done here is record stories told to me by cops from all over this country. For three decades I have collected confessions, bizarre stories, statements and lies that were told to me.”
At the age of 19, Jim Stewart joined the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from October of 1966 to October of 1968. He then worked as a civilian in Vietnam for the next two years. He served with the 552nd, 300th, 560th, 527th , and"C"CO of the 716th MP BN. In 1992, Jim Stewart joined the Brawley Police Department. He retired in 2002 at the rank of corporal. He is the author of The Angel from Vietnam.
According to the book description of “The Angel from Vietnam, “In 1970, after four years in Vietnam, Jim Stewart left behind his daughter, Phuong. It is estimated that fifty thousand Amerasians were left behind when America pulled out of the country for good in 1973. Jim carried this with him for years after the war. Join him on his journey through personal tragedy as a young boy in Maryland, his often humorous adventures in the Army, and the serious events that took place during his years in Vietnam and afterwards.”
In December 1985, Jon M. Shane Joined the Newark Police Department (New Jersey) and was assigned to the South Police District. During his 20 year law enforcement career, he worked a variety of assignments and worked his way through the ranks of detective, sergeant and lieutenant, eventually reaching the rank of Captain. His last active duty assignment was in the Command Operations Center which provides command rank supervision to the Department during non-business hours. Captain Jon Shane (ret.) has a BA and Masters in criminal justice; and, is currently working on his Doctorate in Criminal Justice. Captain Jon Shane (ret.) is the author of What Every Chief Executive Should Know.
According to the book description of What Every Chief Executive Should Know, “How many officers do we need? Are we efficiently using the ones we have? Is there a relationship between the number of officers we have and our crime rate? What s the status of our patrol car fleet? Are citizens satisfied with our work? What s the cost of our special programs and what are the actual benefits? Big questions that demand solid answers! This book will help you provide them! Easy to understand and designed to help top administrators use actual current information and calculations to make the kinds of informed decisions that make agencies run smoothly, efficiently and economically.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 811 police officers (representing 366 police departments) and their 1722 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
December 23, 2007, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 800 state and local police officers who have written books. With the addition of three police officers and their book, the website has grown to include more than 1700 books written by state and local law enforcement officials.
Vonn Auld Kopp is the pseudonym for a police officer whose 32 year law enforcement career included spending the last 23 years in the Houston Police Department homicide division. Vonn Auld Kopp is the author of Homicidal Humor.
According to the book description of Homicidal Humor, “Welcome to the world of urban police legend and lore. If I had firsthand knowledge of the events described herein, I would be hauled before both federal and state investigative grand juries. What I have actually done here is record stories told to me by cops from all over this country. For three decades I have collected confessions, bizarre stories, statements and lies that were told to me.”
At the age of 19, Jim Stewart joined the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from October of 1966 to October of 1968. He then worked as a civilian in Vietnam for the next two years. He served with the 552nd, 300th, 560th, 527th , and"C"CO of the 716th MP BN. In 1992, Jim Stewart joined the Brawley Police Department. He retired in 2002 at the rank of corporal. He is the author of The Angel from Vietnam.
According to the book description of “The Angel from Vietnam, “In 1970, after four years in Vietnam, Jim Stewart left behind his daughter, Phuong. It is estimated that fifty thousand Amerasians were left behind when America pulled out of the country for good in 1973. Jim carried this with him for years after the war. Join him on his journey through personal tragedy as a young boy in Maryland, his often humorous adventures in the Army, and the serious events that took place during his years in Vietnam and afterwards.”
In December 1985, Jon M. Shane Joined the Newark Police Department (New Jersey) and was assigned to the South Police District. During his 20 year law enforcement career, he worked a variety of assignments and worked his way through the ranks of detective, sergeant and lieutenant, eventually reaching the rank of Captain. His last active duty assignment was in the Command Operations Center which provides command rank supervision to the Department during non-business hours. Captain Jon Shane (ret.) has a BA and Masters in criminal justice; and, is currently working on his Doctorate in Criminal Justice. Captain Jon Shane (ret.) is the author of What Every Chief Executive Should Know.
According to the book description of What Every Chief Executive Should Know, “How many officers do we need? Are we efficiently using the ones we have? Is there a relationship between the number of officers we have and our crime rate? What s the status of our patrol car fleet? Are citizens satisfied with our work? What s the cost of our special programs and what are the actual benefits? Big questions that demand solid answers! This book will help you provide them! Easy to understand and designed to help top administrators use actual current information and calculations to make the kinds of informed decisions that make agencies run smoothly, efficiently and economically.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 811 police officers (representing 366 police departments) and their 1722 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Chairman's USO Tour Wraps Up
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - If they made movie starring Robin Williams about this year's Chairman's USO Holiday Tour it could be titled: "Good Morning, Arifjan, CampVirginia, Taqqadum, Ramadi, Tikrit, Balad, Kabul, Kandahar, Manas, Aviano, Rota." The title would be longer but for a dust storm that forced cancellation of a show in Baghdad and snow that forced cancellation another at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wanted to reach as many servicemembers as possible in the trip, which started Dec. 16 and ended yesterday. "This is a tough time to be away from home; we know that," Mullen said. "The USO performers donate their talent and time to make sure our young men and women get a taste of America during the holidays."
Williams could play himself in the movie as he made his fourth trip "downrange" to entertain troops. The Oscar-winning actor/comedian had a different show in every location, always tailored to the place. In Robin's world, the soccer stadium in Balad, Iraq, became the home of the first NASCAR track in Iraq where MRAPs would rule.
Rocker/hip-hop artist/country singer/virtually-all-music-genre entertainer Kid Rock always brought the house down, starting with the first three bars of "Sweet Home, Alabama" and ending with a blues take on what Kid Rock would do if he were the president. It was the Detroit-based performer's third trip to Iraq, but his first to Afghanistan. Young men and women sang along with Rock in his own songs like "Cowboy" and others like Hank Williams Jr.'s "A Country Boy Can Survive."
At Balad -- four days into the tour -- Kid Rock teamed up with Robin "Bluesman" Williams on harp for a hilarious, high-energy -- and unprintable -- finale. It became a staple of the rest of the shows on the trip.
Actor/comedian Lewis Black was making his first USO tour. He is an American original in both his comedic observations and in his delivery. Black expressed his appreciation of the men and women in uniform in a way that they appreciated.
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong talked about how the trip has given him a new perspective and about what being a hero really means. He said that many people call athletes heroes because they win an event or catch a pass. "That's not heroic. Athletes do that for money or for fame or for a magazine cover," he said in Manas.
He said some people called him a hero during his battle against cancer. "That wasn't heroic, because I just wanted to stay alive," he said.
American servicemembers are real heroes, Armstrong said, because they fight for freedom and liberty, often in appalling conditions. "I know this Christmas I will hug my kids a bit tighter after this experience," he said.
Miss USA Rachel Smith thanked the troops for their sacrifices and probably received about 30 marriage proposals after every show. Smith and all members of the troupe were always gracious and willing to pose for a picture or to autograph a hat or a poster or even a water bottle.
In Kandahar, Irish tenor Ronan Tynan joined the party. Tynan opened the shows with "Go, Lassie, Go." He followed with a pitch-perfect rendition of "God Bless, America" that brought tears to the eyes of many servicemembers far from home.
The trip covered all sorts of ranges. The shows themselves went from rated R in the combat zones to PG at the shows with families in Aviano Air Base, Italy, and here. The weather went from sandstorms in Iraq to snow at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan. Temperatures went from sweating in the sun at a location in Southwest Asia to the teens in Kyrgyzstan and springlike in Italy.
One aspect didn't change, and that was the appreciation the servicemembers had for the performers and vice versa. "You couldn't see a show this good in the states," said Army Sgt. Vareena Jenkins, an aviation specialist in Balad. "You certainly couldn't get a picture with the stars like this."
"Don't thank me," Lester Black told a young Navy petty officer after a show in Kuwait. "I'm supposed to be thanking you."
"There is no ... place I'd rather be than right ... here, with the best ... men and women on the face of the Earth," Kid Rock said after a show in Iraq.
Mullen spoke to the American Forces Network affiliate at Aviano yesterday. "We've been traveling all over the Middle East in this past week," he said. "What we try to do in these shows is bring a little bit of home around the world.
"It's a difficult time of year to be away from home with the holidays. The goal is to put smiles on their faces and memories and lighten their load. And that certainly happened. These entertainers are really a remarkable group, and I have seen those smiles go from halfway around the world to home, and the spirits have been lifted."
Mullen thanked the United Service Organizations for all the group's work in putting together the show. The organization, founded in 1941 to serve a generation going to war around the world, is serving a new generation with the same mission. "It's not just the holiday show, they make a concerted effort around the world to support the men and women in uniform and their families," the admiral said.
"I'd certainly like to wish all our servicemembers and all our families around the world Merry Christmas and Happy New Year the best of holidays. These are fun times and they are memorable times for all of us, and we wish each and every one of you nothing but the best."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - If they made movie starring Robin Williams about this year's Chairman's USO Holiday Tour it could be titled: "Good Morning, Arifjan, CampVirginia, Taqqadum, Ramadi, Tikrit, Balad, Kabul, Kandahar, Manas, Aviano, Rota." The title would be longer but for a dust storm that forced cancellation of a show in Baghdad and snow that forced cancellation another at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wanted to reach as many servicemembers as possible in the trip, which started Dec. 16 and ended yesterday. "This is a tough time to be away from home; we know that," Mullen said. "The USO performers donate their talent and time to make sure our young men and women get a taste of America during the holidays."
Williams could play himself in the movie as he made his fourth trip "downrange" to entertain troops. The Oscar-winning actor/comedian had a different show in every location, always tailored to the place. In Robin's world, the soccer stadium in Balad, Iraq, became the home of the first NASCAR track in Iraq where MRAPs would rule.
Rocker/hip-hop artist/country singer/virtually-all-music-genre entertainer Kid Rock always brought the house down, starting with the first three bars of "Sweet Home, Alabama" and ending with a blues take on what Kid Rock would do if he were the president. It was the Detroit-based performer's third trip to Iraq, but his first to Afghanistan. Young men and women sang along with Rock in his own songs like "Cowboy" and others like Hank Williams Jr.'s "A Country Boy Can Survive."
At Balad -- four days into the tour -- Kid Rock teamed up with Robin "Bluesman" Williams on harp for a hilarious, high-energy -- and unprintable -- finale. It became a staple of the rest of the shows on the trip.
Actor/comedian Lewis Black was making his first USO tour. He is an American original in both his comedic observations and in his delivery. Black expressed his appreciation of the men and women in uniform in a way that they appreciated.
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong talked about how the trip has given him a new perspective and about what being a hero really means. He said that many people call athletes heroes because they win an event or catch a pass. "That's not heroic. Athletes do that for money or for fame or for a magazine cover," he said in Manas.
He said some people called him a hero during his battle against cancer. "That wasn't heroic, because I just wanted to stay alive," he said.
American servicemembers are real heroes, Armstrong said, because they fight for freedom and liberty, often in appalling conditions. "I know this Christmas I will hug my kids a bit tighter after this experience," he said.
Miss USA Rachel Smith thanked the troops for their sacrifices and probably received about 30 marriage proposals after every show. Smith and all members of the troupe were always gracious and willing to pose for a picture or to autograph a hat or a poster or even a water bottle.
In Kandahar, Irish tenor Ronan Tynan joined the party. Tynan opened the shows with "Go, Lassie, Go." He followed with a pitch-perfect rendition of "God Bless, America" that brought tears to the eyes of many servicemembers far from home.
The trip covered all sorts of ranges. The shows themselves went from rated R in the combat zones to PG at the shows with families in Aviano Air Base, Italy, and here. The weather went from sandstorms in Iraq to snow at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan. Temperatures went from sweating in the sun at a location in Southwest Asia to the teens in Kyrgyzstan and springlike in Italy.
One aspect didn't change, and that was the appreciation the servicemembers had for the performers and vice versa. "You couldn't see a show this good in the states," said Army Sgt. Vareena Jenkins, an aviation specialist in Balad. "You certainly couldn't get a picture with the stars like this."
"Don't thank me," Lester Black told a young Navy petty officer after a show in Kuwait. "I'm supposed to be thanking you."
"There is no ... place I'd rather be than right ... here, with the best ... men and women on the face of the Earth," Kid Rock said after a show in Iraq.
Mullen spoke to the American Forces Network affiliate at Aviano yesterday. "We've been traveling all over the Middle East in this past week," he said. "What we try to do in these shows is bring a little bit of home around the world.
"It's a difficult time of year to be away from home with the holidays. The goal is to put smiles on their faces and memories and lighten their load. And that certainly happened. These entertainers are really a remarkable group, and I have seen those smiles go from halfway around the world to home, and the spirits have been lifted."
Mullen thanked the United Service Organizations for all the group's work in putting together the show. The organization, founded in 1941 to serve a generation going to war around the world, is serving a new generation with the same mission. "It's not just the holiday show, they make a concerted effort around the world to support the men and women in uniform and their families," the admiral said.
"I'd certainly like to wish all our servicemembers and all our families around the world Merry Christmas and Happy New Year the best of holidays. These are fun times and they are memorable times for all of us, and we wish each and every one of you nothing but the best."
Bush Thanks Servicemembers, Military Families for Sacrifices
By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - President Bush used his weekly radio address yesterday to thank America's servicemembers who will spend Christmas far away from their homes and loved ones. "America is blessed to have men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe from our enemies. We are thankful for their courage and their dedication to duty," Bush said.
Families of the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen serve their country too, Bush said.
"America is also blessed to have military families willing to sacrifice for our country. And this Christmas, many will sit down to dinner thinking of their loved ones half a world away," the president said.
Bush also praised the families of wounded warriors who help their loved ones recover from injuries suffered in combat. "Through their encouragement and devotion, they help heal the body and spirit, and they remind our wounded warriors that our nation stands behind them," he said.
For the military families who have lost loved ones in battle, Bush commended them for turning their grief into acts of compassion and love.
"One such inspiring example is the family of Army Spec. Michael Rodriguez, of Knoxville, Tenn. During his deployment in Iraq, Michael often wrote home to his family about the children he met on patrol. In April, Michael was killed by a suicide bomber," Bush said.
Bush added that Rodriguez's family honors his memory by helping to collect school supplies for students at an Iraqi school for girls. "At this time of year, we acknowledge that love and sacrifice can transform our world," he said.
While thousands of military families are apart this holiday season, Bush expressed his hope for all of America's families to tighten their familial bonds.
"As Christmas approaches, Laura and I extend to all Americans our best wishes, and we hope every family is brought closer together during this season of reflection and rejoicing," the president concluded.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - President Bush used his weekly radio address yesterday to thank America's servicemembers who will spend Christmas far away from their homes and loved ones. "America is blessed to have men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe from our enemies. We are thankful for their courage and their dedication to duty," Bush said.
Families of the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen serve their country too, Bush said.
"America is also blessed to have military families willing to sacrifice for our country. And this Christmas, many will sit down to dinner thinking of their loved ones half a world away," the president said.
Bush also praised the families of wounded warriors who help their loved ones recover from injuries suffered in combat. "Through their encouragement and devotion, they help heal the body and spirit, and they remind our wounded warriors that our nation stands behind them," he said.
For the military families who have lost loved ones in battle, Bush commended them for turning their grief into acts of compassion and love.
"One such inspiring example is the family of Army Spec. Michael Rodriguez, of Knoxville, Tenn. During his deployment in Iraq, Michael often wrote home to his family about the children he met on patrol. In April, Michael was killed by a suicide bomber," Bush said.
Bush added that Rodriguez's family honors his memory by helping to collect school supplies for students at an Iraqi school for girls. "At this time of year, we acknowledge that love and sacrifice can transform our world," he said.
While thousands of military families are apart this holiday season, Bush expressed his hope for all of America's families to tighten their familial bonds.
"As Christmas approaches, Laura and I extend to all Americans our best wishes, and we hope every family is brought closer together during this season of reflection and rejoicing," the president concluded.
Country Stars, 'America's Sweethearts' Visit Troops in Afghanistan
By Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr., USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - Military men and women in eastern Kunar province were surprised Dec. 21 by a visit from the Army's top enlisted soldier and several celebrities at the remote Camp Blessing, Afghanistan. Sgt. Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston is hosting the sixth annual Hope and Freedom USO Tour. As part of the tour, Preston arrived in Kabul late Dec. 20 with four Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, country music stars Darryl Worley and Keni Thomas, as well as model and TV personality Leann Tweeden. They travelled in helicopters from Kabul to Camp Blessing, in eastern Kunar province.
With a late morning arrival to the camp, the celebrities joined soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at the dining facility for lunch and conversation before they performed for the troops.
Most troops said they had heard about the sergeant major of the Army and USO visit between a few minutes and a few hours beforehand. Some drove over from forward operating bases several miles away to Camp Blessing.
Upon finding out about the visit, Army Pfc. Chris Floeck, a Waller, Texas, native, said, "Why are you playing with me? Stop messing with me." Floeck is assigned as an infantryman to 2nd Airborne Battalion, 503rd Army Infantry Regiment, deployed to Afghanistan from Vicenza, Italy. "I didn't really believe it until we got in the vehicles and left (for Camp Blessing)," Floeck said as Tweeden sat down at his table.
Daytona Beach, Fla. native, Army Pfc. Ryan D. King said, "They told me (about the visit), and I was doing cartwheels." As Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders walked by he added, "I'm a Texas fan today." King is also an infantryman with 2/503rd.
Preston introduced all the performers as everyone finished their lunches. He said this was the sixth USO tour sponsored by the sergeant major of the Army, and fourth that he has hosted. "I've been very blessed. I've seen all six shows," he told the troops.
Preston said he makes it a point to get the show out to troops at remote locations like Camp Blessing. "Soldiers up here don't get a lot of visitors," he explained.
The show, he said, took about eight months of planning. Most of the performers with this group have toured with the USO before. "I've been told this is the greatest USO show in history, and nobody's told me it's not."
Thomas, an Army veteran and Bronze Star Medal with Valor recipient, performed first, accompanied by a bandsman on an acoustic guitar. They were followed by Worley, also on acoustic guitar with two of his bandmates. They drew the loudest cheers when the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders danced during one of Worley's songs.
"It's nice seeing the cheerleaders," said Dallas Cowboys fan and Fort Smith, Ark., native Marine Cpl. Joel D. Chasteen. Chasteen is an embedded training team mentor and ammunition technician deployed to Afghanistan from Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, in Okinawa, Japan.
After the performances, the guests posed with the military men and women for individual and group pictures and signed autographs. Preston and the USO group left the area later that afternoon to go back to Kabul and hold their second performance of the day at Camp Phoenix.
(Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr. is assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 23, 2007 - Military men and women in eastern Kunar province were surprised Dec. 21 by a visit from the Army's top enlisted soldier and several celebrities at the remote Camp Blessing, Afghanistan. Sgt. Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston is hosting the sixth annual Hope and Freedom USO Tour. As part of the tour, Preston arrived in Kabul late Dec. 20 with four Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, country music stars Darryl Worley and Keni Thomas, as well as model and TV personality Leann Tweeden. They travelled in helicopters from Kabul to Camp Blessing, in eastern Kunar province.
With a late morning arrival to the camp, the celebrities joined soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at the dining facility for lunch and conversation before they performed for the troops.
Most troops said they had heard about the sergeant major of the Army and USO visit between a few minutes and a few hours beforehand. Some drove over from forward operating bases several miles away to Camp Blessing.
Upon finding out about the visit, Army Pfc. Chris Floeck, a Waller, Texas, native, said, "Why are you playing with me? Stop messing with me." Floeck is assigned as an infantryman to 2nd Airborne Battalion, 503rd Army Infantry Regiment, deployed to Afghanistan from Vicenza, Italy. "I didn't really believe it until we got in the vehicles and left (for Camp Blessing)," Floeck said as Tweeden sat down at his table.
Daytona Beach, Fla. native, Army Pfc. Ryan D. King said, "They told me (about the visit), and I was doing cartwheels." As Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders walked by he added, "I'm a Texas fan today." King is also an infantryman with 2/503rd.
Preston introduced all the performers as everyone finished their lunches. He said this was the sixth USO tour sponsored by the sergeant major of the Army, and fourth that he has hosted. "I've been very blessed. I've seen all six shows," he told the troops.
Preston said he makes it a point to get the show out to troops at remote locations like Camp Blessing. "Soldiers up here don't get a lot of visitors," he explained.
The show, he said, took about eight months of planning. Most of the performers with this group have toured with the USO before. "I've been told this is the greatest USO show in history, and nobody's told me it's not."
Thomas, an Army veteran and Bronze Star Medal with Valor recipient, performed first, accompanied by a bandsman on an acoustic guitar. They were followed by Worley, also on acoustic guitar with two of his bandmates. They drew the loudest cheers when the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders danced during one of Worley's songs.
"It's nice seeing the cheerleaders," said Dallas Cowboys fan and Fort Smith, Ark., native Marine Cpl. Joel D. Chasteen. Chasteen is an embedded training team mentor and ammunition technician deployed to Afghanistan from Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, in Okinawa, Japan.
After the performances, the guests posed with the military men and women for individual and group pictures and signed autographs. Preston and the USO group left the area later that afternoon to go back to Kabul and hold their second performance of the day at Camp Phoenix.
(Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr. is assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Mail to the Troops - Updated
I came across your recent post mentioning America Supports You, so I thought I’d drop you an e-mail making you aware of some misinformation regarding mail to our troops.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cards, letters and care packages addressed to “A Recovering American Soldier” (or a variant thereof), are returned to senders. For a variety of reasons—documented on USPS.com, Snopes.com, in this MSNBC.com article, and on Walter Reed’s Web site—a 2001 Defense Department policy forbids the delivery of generically addressed mail to service members.
Instead, the DOD encourages people to send mail to one of two homefront groups associated with the America Supports You program:
Soldiers’ Angels
1792 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104
Or, for those in the metropolitan Washington, D.C.-area:
We Support You During Your Recovery!
C/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419
Both Soldiers’ Angels and the Red Cross will collect, screen and deliver the well-wishes of those who want to brighten the day of a wounded service member who is recovering away from home this holiday season.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cards, letters and care packages addressed to “A Recovering American Soldier” (or a variant thereof), are returned to senders. For a variety of reasons—documented on USPS.com, Snopes.com, in this MSNBC.com article, and on Walter Reed’s Web site—a 2001 Defense Department policy forbids the delivery of generically addressed mail to service members.
Instead, the DOD encourages people to send mail to one of two homefront groups associated with the America Supports You program:
Soldiers’ Angels
1792 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104
Or, for those in the metropolitan Washington, D.C.-area:
We Support You During Your Recovery!
C/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419
Both Soldiers’ Angels and the Red Cross will collect, screen and deliver the well-wishes of those who want to brighten the day of a wounded service member who is recovering away from home this holiday season.
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