MILITARY CONTRACTS

NAVY

Bell-Boeing Tiltrotor Team, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded $204,477,179 four delivery orders #0251, #0252, #0253, #0254 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components (repairables) of the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, (40 percent), and Ridley Park, Pa., (60 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source effort and was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Ft. Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $57,775,399 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3002). This modification exercises an option for the Electronic Warfare Verification Station for the U.S. Reprogramming Laboratory (USRL) at Eglin Air Force Base. This option provides for the development, integration, installation, and training for an electronic warfare mission data validation/verification capability under the Joint Strike Fighter System Development and Demonstration Program. Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas, (68 percent); Orlando, Fla., (24 percent); and El Segundo, Calif., (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in Oct. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Watts Constructors, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $46,875,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Communications Center for Naval Station Pearl Harbor at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific. Work will be performed in Wahiawa, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 57 offers solicited and five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-C-1300).

Virtexco Corp., Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $14,770,422 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Academic Instruction Facility for the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a single two-story facility that will accommodate classrooms, administrative offices, a receiving auditorium, toilet, lounge facilities, and mechanical and electrical spaces. This project will also involve site improvements, and the demolition of 16 existing buildings within the Camp Geiger area. A flag pole and six monuments will be relocated to the site from other locations within the Camp Geiger area. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-1415).

TEAM Construction, LLC, Jacksonville, N.C., is being awarded a $10,738,082 firm-fixed price contract for major realignment and modernization of existing live fire ranges and situated K-2 impact area at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for construction of control towers for proposed automated ranges, field service heads, storage buildings, classrooms, overhead covered areas, bleachers, ammo holding/issue areas, and utility buildings. Included are service roads to new target emplacements, bivouac areas, access roads and utility distribution systems to serve this range complex and its targetry. Also included are technical operating manuals and anti-terrorism force protection features. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-1400).

BAE Systems Electronics Limited, Underwater Systems Division, Hampshire, Great Britain, is being awarded a $9,874,745 modification to previously awarded contract (N61331-08-C-0012) for the procurement of common neutralizers, related support equipment, and engineering services to support the Airborne Mine Neutralization System and the Expendable Mine Neutralization System. Work will be performed in Hampshire, Great Britain, (77 percent); Rocket Center, W. Va. (2 percent); Littleton, Mass. (7 percent); Cedex, France (3 percent); Chelmsford, Essex, England (3 percent); Thurso, Caithness, England (2 percent); and Carlton Gardes, England (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $353,255 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Harris Corp. Government Communications Systems Div., Melbourne, Fla., was awarded awarded a $7,786,065 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-06-C-0087) on Mar. 4, 2008, to exercise an option for the Full Rate Production of 165 Fibre Channel Network Switches (FCNS), a component of the Advanced Mission Computer and Display (AMC&D). This modification provides 138 FCNS for U.S. Navy Lot 32 F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, and E-2D aircraft, F/A-18F and EA-18G supplemental aircraft, and the retrofit of F/A-18E/F Lots 26-28 aircraft for the U.S. Navy and 27 FCNS for the Australian F/A-18F aircraft. In addition, this option provides for the procurement of four mounting kits for the E-2D and FCNS test equipment. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($6,576,492; 84precent) and the Government of Australia, ($1,209,573) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be conducted in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Feb. 29, 2008, a $93,138,733 fixed-price incentive with award fee contract for in-scope changes to the Pentagon renovation in accordance with the approved design phase construction plan that incorporates approved changes. Work will be performed at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jan. 19, 2001, and one bid was received. The Pentagon Renovation & Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity MDA947-01-C-2001.

Structural Associates, Inc., East Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Feb. 29, 2008, a $43,313,600 firm-fixed price contract for construction of phase one, construction of new buildings with supporting utilities. Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sep. 28, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, CENAN-CT N. Y., is the contracting activity W912DS-08-C-009.

DynCorp International LLC, Falls Church, Va., was awarded on Feb. 28, 2008, a $30,256,356.63 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of Afghanistan National Army facilities, Kunduz, Afghanistan. Work will be performed in Kunduz, Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 25, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 30 bids solicited on Dec. 28, 2008, and 18 bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity W917PM-08-C-0033.

DCX-CHOL Enterprise Inc., Pekin, Ill., was awarded on Mar. 4, 2008, a $5,030,500.00 firm-fixed price contract for purchase orders for 4100 each actuator and 4010 each actuator controllers for the Mine Resistance Ambush Protection Vehicle. Work will be performed in Pekin, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 21, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 15, 2008, and one bid was received. The Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W9098S-08-P-0430.

AIR FORCE

L3 Communications Corp., Communications Systems West of Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $39,022,718. This contract is for the conversion of the Predator Primary Satellite Link and fixed SATCOM station upgrades. At this time $18,680,753 has been obligated. 658th Aeronautical Systems Squadron, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-G-3027, Delivery Order 0017).

Harris Technical Services Corp., of Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a contract modification for $6,083,943. This action provides for mission communications operations and maintenance, FY08 period B option, maintenance and services to be provided to Air Force Space Command's 50th Space Wing, to include: small computer hardware maintenance, local area network management, telephone operations, and visual information management. At this time $5,617,762 has been obligated. 50 CONS/LGCZW, Schriever, Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA2550-08-C-0007).

Face of Defense: Marine Looks Back on Long Journey to Corps

By Lance Cpl. Josephh R. Stahlman, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - Although the American dream means different things to different people, one Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command believes he is living his version of it. Cpl. Marek Vyskocil, the training noncommissioned officer for Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, said he has everything he could ask for in life, but that his journey began far from American soil.

Vyskocil's journey to America, the Marine Corps and MARSOC began in his home country of Czechoslovakia. He grew up in Havirov and learned to speak several languages due to the diversity of people in his community. Although Vyskocil said he lived a normal Czech childhood, there weren't many jobs or opportunities for self-advancement as he got older. Upon graduating from high school at 18, Vyskocil was drafted into the Czech army.

"At the time, we had no choice but to serve a mandatory one year in the army," explained Vyskocil, a 31-year-old husband and father of three.

Vyskocil said he believes the army helped him mature and made him more independent. "If I hadn't joined the army, I probably wouldn't be where I am at today," he explained.

After getting out of the Czech army, Vyskocil worked a few odd jobs to support himself. During this time, a friend came up with the idea to visit America for spring break.

"I really liked the idea, because I always wanted to visit America," Vyskocil said. "I started to save up enough money for a plane ticket and some extra spending money." He arrived in America in 1998 with one change of clothes, a small bag and no ability to speak the English language.

"I didn't have a lot of money, and I didn't expect to be in America for that long," he recalled. "When I got to Tampa Bay, Fla., I fell in love with America."

It didn't take long for Vyskocil to decide he wanted to stay in the United States. "I fell in love with the culture and the freedom everyone had," said Vyskocil. "Even though I could not speak English, I still had a great time."

Although Vyskocil was able to speak five different languages at this point in his life, English was not one of them.

"I spoke Czech, Slovak, Polish, Slovenian and Russian, but I couldn't speak English or understand some of America's customs and courtesies," he said.

"I once sat in a fast-food restaurant for 45 minutes trying to order a large soda with the last of my money," he said with a chuckle. "When I thought the cashier finally understood me, she came back with my order and handed me a vanilla ice cream cone instead. I was so frustrated I threw the ice cream away and left -- thirsty."

After staying in Tampa Bay throughout spring break, Vyskocil was offered a job in Tennessee. He accepted the job offer and made the trip from Tampa Bay to Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

"I worked for housekeeping at a hotel for my first year when I started dating my now wife, who was the hotel manager," he said. "I then started to learn more and more English until I could finally speak it fluently."

According to Vyskocil's wife, Karen, her husband has always been polite, even when he didn't speak English.

"When I first met him, he would always ask me the meanings of words," said Karen, who is now learning Czech. "When he moved up to the front office, his English just took off. After about a year, he stopped asking me questions and English turned into second nature to him."

After five years working at the hotel, Vyskocil became the hotel manager.

"I loved the fact that I could work from the bottom to the top on my own drive and determination," he said. "That's another reason I love America; if someone has the drive and willpower to do something, they can do it."

After taking another job as a salesman at a car dealership, Vyskocil realized he wanted to put his language skills to good use.

"I wanted to join the FBI, but I had to either have college or have a military background," he said. "With my paycheck, a wife and a son, I figured college was not the route to go."

Vyskocil's wife and family convinced him to join the U.S. Air Force. Vyskocil went to his local Air Force recruiter and was waiting outside when a Marine Corps recruiter walked up, introduced himself and invited Vyskocil into his office to discuss a future in the military.

"I knew about the U.S. Marines growing up in Europe," Vyskocil said. "I was a little uneasy at first, but I noticed his professionalism and attitude about the Corps and decided to join."

Vyskocil learned to speak English and caught on quickly by listening to others speak, but the reading comprehension portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery proved challenging.

"I failed the ASVAB twice, and decided the military might not be for me," he said. "My recruiter kept calling to make sure I was studying my words. He wouldn't let me give up on myself, and on the third try, I finally passed the test."

After 11 months of study and effort, Vyskocil shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. After graduating from boot camp and the School of Infantry in 2005, Vyskocil deployed to Iraq with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, later that year.

Upon returning from deployment, Vyskocil became an American citizen.

"It felt great to finally be a part of America," he said. "I lived here for so long, and now I was really a citizen."

Vyskocil then searched for ways to put his language skills to good use for the Corps. During his search, Vyskocil discovered MARSOC.

"I spoke with a (staff noncommissioned officer) with MARSOC, and he offered me a chance to become a part of it," he said. "I jumped at the chance to join."

Vyskocil received orders to MARSOC in 2006 and is now the S-3 training NCO at MSOAG. He hopes to one day put his knowledge and language skills to good use by being on one of MSOAG's special operations teams.

Vyskocil, like so many people before him, was born and raised in a foreign country and came to America as an immigrant looking for a better life and greater opportunities. Like many others, he overcame language and culture barriers and earned everything he has through hard work and determination. Now he gives back to the United States by serving his country in a time of war as an American citizen and protecting the very freedoms he longed for before coming to this nation.

"I'm proud that I'm a Marine and honored to serve this country," he said. "I came to this country with basically nothing, and after 10 years, I have a family and everything I've ever dreamed of before coming to the United States. I'll never take the freedom America gave me for granted."

(Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Josephh R. Stahlman serves with Marine Forces Special Operations Command.)

Odierno, Other Leaders Support 12-Month Army Deployments

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - The former commander of Multinational Corps Iraq emphasized the need yesterday for longer "dwell time" between Army deployments to reduce the strain on the force and give soldiers more time for training.

"What we're trying to do is get more time back between deployments," Odierno said.

Troops now typically get a 1-to-1 balance between dwell time and deployments, returning from a 12- to 15-month deployment and heading back 12 to 15 months later, he noted. Ideally, the Army would like to see that changed to 2-to-1: two years at home between one-year deployments.

"We're not close to being there yet," Odierno said. "But that's the kind of metric I think we want to look at."

More time between deployments would give soldiers and their families a welcome reprieve, but Odierno emphasized that dwell time doesn't equate to a year of "sitting home every night."

"You're out training and doing a lot of other things" to prepare for the next deployment, he said. "That's why we want to extend that time," he said. "We'd like to have a bit more time to reintegrate units (and) to spend more time on our equipment."

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced in April that the Army was extending all deployments for troops serving in the U.S. Central Command region. The move was critical, officials said, for the Army to be able to sustain 20 combat brigades in Iraq required to support the Baghdad security plan. The troop surge called for five additional brigades in and around Iraq's capital city.

Army Lt. Gen Carter F. Ham, operations director for the Joint Staff, shared Odierno's and other defense leaders' sentiments during a Feb. 25 Pentagon news conference. Getting the Army back to 12-month deployments "is a very, very high priority," he said.
Ham said it's premature to say that change will happen by July, to synchronize with the drawdown of surge forces in Iraq. "But that's being studied very, very hard," he said, not only by commanders on the ground, but also at the direction of Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, and at U.S. Joint Forces Command.

Casey told the Senate Armed Services Committee late last month the cut in deployment times could come sometime in the July timeframe, after the Army reduces in Iraq to 15 brigades. That troop reduction supports recommendations of Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, who also recommended a temporary pause before decisions are made about additional reductions.

"If General Petraeus is able to execute the announced plan of getting to 15 brigades by July, it would be our goal at that point to return to 12 months," Casey said during his Feb. 28 testimony to Congress. "We believe it will still be possible, even with a pause, to go from ... 15 months to 12 months."

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told military analysts Feb. 15 he supports such a move, noting that the military stands at a delicate balance between the mission and the health of the force.

"I'm anxious to get out of 15-month deployments as soon as I can and get it down to 12 months," Mullen said. "Fifteen months is too long. Part of it for me was I was in the military during Vietnam, when we did one-year tours and that was a long time."

New Directive Contains Political Activity Rules for Servicemembers

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - A revised Defense Department directive provides sharper definition of what servicemembers may and may not do within the political realm, particularly running for political office, a senior U.S. military officer said here yesterday. The new version of Directive 1344.10, titled, "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces," became effective Feb. 19 and replaces the previous version issued in August 2004, said Army Col. Shawn Shumake, director of legal policy within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. It was formulated with input from all the military services, he said.

The upcoming 2008 U.S. general elections will feature a bevy of former military members, retirees and current military reservists running for elected office, Shumake explained. In fact, the revised directive contains two sections that discuss candidacy and campaigning issues pertaining to members of that group, he added.

Active-duty servicemembers are strictly prohibited from campaigning for political office or actively taking part in a political campaign — even behind the scenes — Shumake said. The revised directive also specifies what active duty members may or may not do regarding political activities, he said.

"Active-duty military members are required to be apolitical as they go about their business serving the nation," Shumake explained. The restrictions for servicemembers on active duty are extremely tough, he added.

In addition, military chiefs are expected to provide unvarnished advice, without political slant or motive, to senior civilian government leaders, he added.

"It's a fundamental tenet that we don't engage in partisan political activity," Shumake emphasized. "You can't have credibility as military experts if people are going to question your motives, that maybe there's something here other than what is in the best interests of the country."

However, under certain circumstances, some reserve-component members can run for or hold elective political office, Shumake said. Yet, there is "a right way and a wrong way to do that," he emphasized, noting two new sections within the revised directive address political candidacy and campaigning issues.

The directive outlines specific rules pertaining to cases of regular, retired and reserve-component servicemembers holding elective or appointed office within the U.S. government, Shumake said, including elected positions with state, territorial, county or municipal governments.

In addition, the revised directive requires military members holding such positions to apply for and secure the approval of their individual service secretaries. Shumake noted that the requirement for service secretarial approval depends on the length of the servicemember's call or order to active duty. He encouraged servicemembers with questions about the rules affecting partisan political activities or participation to talk to their commanders for guidance.

Bagram Hosts International Women's Day Observance

By Spc. Melissa M. Escobar, USA
American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - Women's history month kicked off with a celebration of International Women's Day here March 3. Combined Joint Task Force 82, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity and various civil-military operations sections sponsored the celebration, which consisted of speeches, a musical performance from an Afghan band and an Afghan fashion show. The theme of the celebration was "Investing in Women and Girls."

International Women's Day is an official holiday held on March 8 each year in 23 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. The holiday commemorates the economic, political and social struggles and achievements of women worldwide. The occasion recognizes the world's women and acknowledges their contribution to peace and security, according to the official International Women's Day Web site.

Speaking for Afghanistan's Ministry of Women's Affairs, Husn Banu Ghazanfar updated the gathering of U.S. and French servicemembers and Afghan visitors on women's progress on an international scale. As a lecturer, poet and writer, Ghazanfar gave insight into the struggles that Afghan women have faced and continue to face.

Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Khatool Mohammadzai is Afghanistan's first woman general and paratrooper in the ANA. With more than 500 jumps under her belt and a chest full of medals displaying her many accomplishments, Mohammadzai is a real-life representation of how women are gradually emerging in prominence in Afghan society. In a country where women traditionally have been suppressed and limited to roles that keep them in the home, Mohammadzai has broken the mold and jumped, literally, into a man's world.

"I am honored to be a part of this celebration and to be here in Bagram," she said. "I am proud to be here with my Afghan and international colleagues in celebrating this wonderful day. I congratulate the whole world's women and Afghan women on this beautiful and important day. This day is a sign that the women of the world are making huge progress."

The sense of importance on this day was felt by all who attended, women and men alike.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Anderson, CJTF 82's deputy commanding general for support, said it's important to celebrate International Women's Day. "It's especially important to celebrate (the holiday) in Afghanistan," he added, "to recognize the contributions and sacrifices that the Afghan women have made, and the contributions and sacrifices of the women who have deployed here to support them."

One of the women deployed to support the nation of Afghanistan is French Maj. Angelique Esperance, a contracting and legal officer with the French forces.

"It's a particularly important day today," she said. "Women have not had rights here, and today it's a feeling of freedom. We can show the Afghan women that we can do anything next to men. Where I am from, we are equal to men, and I hope that one day it will be the same here. I hope to see Afghan women take their place in society."

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Debra Plocki, deployed from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and serving here with the 455th AEW,spoke to the gathering about women in history. Plocki, who was born in the Panama Canal Zone, said she loves history and loves to read and understand where things come from.

"There's a sense of sisterhood, even with women across the world. I want to know what their life is like," Plocki said.

While the crowd took a break to pile their plates full of chicken and beef kabobs, white rice and a double-layered chocolate cake designed with 14 national flags, a local Afghan band called Hamahang performed traditional Afghan music.

Even though the six-piece band from Kabul is composed entirely of men, the musicians know the importance of the celebration for women.

"I couldn't wait for this day," Jawaid Hamahang, the band's lead singer and keyboardist, said. "I am very proud to play on this great day. I wished for such a day in Afghanistan."

He chose a song titled "Woman" to play for the occasion. The song describes the importance of women in a society and their roles as mothers and wives.

With the conclusion of the band's performance, designer and Kabul boutique owner Mina Sherzay took the stage to introduce her Afghan fashion show.

Sherzay, who was born in Kabul, moved to the United States in 1978, before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. As a mother of two daughters, Sherzay would design and make traditional clothing for herself and for her daughters.

In 2001, Sherzay decided to return to Afghanistan and open her boutique. Although she is an accomplished business woman, Sherzay's goals were not met with the success of her business alone.

"The whole purpose of what I am doing is to economically empower Afghanistan's women," said Sherzay, who has established the Afghan Women's Association and Afghan Women's Federation. Through her clothing and jewelry line, Sherzay said, she hopes to open the world's eyes to the beauty of Afghanistan's culture, which ultimately would bring more business to the women who create the line.

With the attention of the crowd and modernized music playing in the background, U.S. servicemembers and Afghans modeled Sherzay's designer clothes down the runway. The designs ranged from traditional color-filled dresses to more modern earth-toned two-piece suits.

U.S. Army Spc. Erin Dotson, a cook with the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, from Fort Campbell, Ky., was volunteered by her battalion commander to be one of Sherzay's models.

"I wasn't expecting to ever be dressed in these clothes, but it's a nice honor," she said wearing a modern two-piece suit with traditional jewelry. "It's nice to get out of the kitchen and get involved. The clothes are very beautiful! And some of them are so modern, it's like stuff that you can find ... back in the states. I plan on buying my jacket."

(Army Spc. Melissa M. Escobar serves with the 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)

America Supports You: Chrysler Revs Up Troop Support Efforts

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - The company that made inspiration standard has done the same with its support of the nation's troops since before World War II. Chrysler recently announced it has become a corporate supporter of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

"The mission of America Supports You merges perfectly with the legacy Chrysler has of supporting the military and their families for decades, said Bob Nardelli, the auto maker's chairman and chief executive officer. "Beginning with our Jeep products carrying troops in World War II and continuing with our initiatives today, Chrysler has remained committed to the well-being of the men and women who wear the uniform and their families."

Chrysler not only has built many vehicles specifically for the military, but also has provided financial support to many military programs, including the construction of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. More recently, it has worked with troop-support groups to help them further their missions.

"What's terrific about the Chrysler involvement in America Supports You is that it's the perfect model," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison. "It's a company with a long history of supporting military members, (and it's) now partnering with two of our America Supports You home-front groups, Freedom Foundation and Operation Gratitude."

The company recently announced a new partnership with Freedom Calls Foundation. The foundation's mission is to connect troops deployed in Iraq and their families at home through video teleconferencing.

Chrysler has opened its video teleconferencing facilities at the company's Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters so families can schedule time to talk "face to face" with their loved ones serving overseas.

The company also provided Operation Gratitude with two vehicles for recipients of milestone care packages. The keys to the vehicles were included in the organization's milestone 250,000th and 300,000th care packages, and the recipients claimed their new vehicles upon their return from service in Iraq.

Additionally, more than 1,800 Jeep dealerships across the country serve as collection points for donated care-package items for Operation Gratitude.

Operation Gratitude and Freedom Calls Foundation are both home-front supporters of America Supports You.

It's more than the fact that the company supports the military that impressed Barber, however. It's how Chrysler has found ways to keep that support relevant, as with one of its new programs.

"The third terrific piece about this is that they're looking to train and hire returning veterans," Barber said.

As troops transition out of military service, many are looking for career opportunities that provide growth, acceptable wages and stability, company officials said. The car-maker is working with its 3,600 dealers to make that possible.

It will begin offering servicemembers leaving the military the opportunity to connect with one of those dealerships and be considered for employment.

Lack of Information About China's Military Spending Concerns Gates

By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - China's announcement that it is increasing its military spending by almost 18 percent is a cause of concern because the nation's government hasn't been clear about how it will spend the money, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. China's announcement comes on the heels of the March 3 release of the 2008 China Military Power Report, which found that China spent more than three times its announced defense budget last year and is developing new capabilities that could have global implications.

"Part of the issue is what we don't know," Gates said today at a Pentagon news conference. "I think that there's general agreement that the Chinese military budget that we see is only a portion of what the Chinese spend."

The United States has proposed engaging in strategic dialogue with Chinese officials to gain information about what the increase in the budget means and what their modernization programs mean, Gates said. In exchange, the United States would provide similar information to China.

"As you saw in the Chinese Military Power document, there's a wide range of activities under way, and we think having an ongoing dialogue with them about the meaning of all that would be very useful," he said.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted that beyond the 18 percent increase, the Chinese are spending money on research and development, and those investments need to be linked to strategic intent.

Gates also spoke about the United States' recent shoot-down of a crippled reconnaissance satellite in space, and China's concerns about that operation. The Chinese have so far made no requests for further information about the operation, he said, and the United States has been very open about the mission from the beginning.

He compared the U.S. operation to China's shoot-down of a satellite in 2007. The Chinese offered no advance notification of that operation, or any information afterward, Gates said. In contrast, the United States was very open about the satellite operation from the start and took measures to limit the amount of debris that was left floating in space, he said.

Gates emphasized that the United States has no intention of developing anti-satellite technology, and that the recent operation was conducted to deal with a potential emergency.

Congressional Caucus Embraces America Supports You

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

March 5, 2008 - A bipartisan congressional effort kicked off on Capitol Hill today to stand behind America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. "This is a tremendous priority on both sides of the aisle," said U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a co-chair of the America Supports You Caucus.

"Not a week goes by in my district ... when we don't have people asking us what they do to be a support to our military and their families," he said. "America Supports You is such a wonderful resource for them, to be able to multiply their efforts, to be able to know what's going on and to tap into them."

When introduced in 2004 to highlight citizen support for U.S. servicemembers, America Supports You comprised five organizations, known as "home-front" groups. The program has since branched into a network of more than 350 nonprofit organizations, companies and other supporters.

Representatives of three locally based home-front groups today described their troop-support missions to the audience gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service's postmaster general announced a discount on mail sent abroad to military members.

One group on hand was Landstuhl Hospital Care Project, which provides comfort and relief items for military members who become sick, injured or wounded from service in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, and is incorporated in Virginia, according to its official Web site.

Two McLean, Va.-based organizations also attended. Angels of Mercy cares for wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and other military hospitals, and also provides for Iraqi and Afghan schoolchildren. Our Military Kids, which joined America Supports You soon after the Pentagon program's inception, supports children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and reserve personnel through grants of up to $500 for enrichment activities and tutoring.

Our Military Kids co-founder Linda Davidson expressed gratitude that Congress has agreed to work alongside the military and civilian sectors. "This America Supports You program is an example of an effective private-public partnership," she said.

Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison -- the architect of America Supports You -- thanked the co-chairs for showing compassion and commitment to U.S. troops. Co-chairing the caucus with Schiff are Rep. Mary Bono Mack of California and Reps. Connie Mack and Allen Boyd of Florida.

"On behalf of over 2 million men and women in the military, their families and our veterans, this is an important day," Barber said. "Today ... we're helping the American people know that their support matters and that through the America Supports You program they can find real, meaningful ways to show their support for our troops and their families."

Boyd served as a rifle infantryman in Vietnam. He said that after returning from combat duty -- an unpopular calling in many Americans' eyes -- he hoped no future conflict would divide the country in quite the same way.

"When I came to Congress, ... one of the things I never wanted to happen was to have our men and women put on the uniform and go carry out a policy to defend this country that the leadership had made, and then the American people not appreciate them," he said.

Boyd said that while he was in Vietnam, receiving reminders of Americans' support brightened his tour of duty. "I can tell you, when you're out there and you're getting the helicopters coming in every four days -- hopefully to bring you resupplies and mail and care packages -- that really is the highlight of the week for a soldier," he said.

Citing the importance of the military "mail call," Postmaster General John E. Potter today announce a reduction in the cost of flat-rate boxes sent from the United States to a military address abroad. "It's the way (troops) get that little touch of home ... from the American people telling them how important the work that they're doing is," he noted.

Bono Mack said it's critical that American citizens show appreciation to U.S. troops making sacrifices throughout the world. "I'm proud to see so many groups, both in my district and throughout the nation, taking on this important cause," she added.

Army Brig. Gen. Gary Patton, director of manpower and personnel for the Joint Chiefs of Staff office and an America Supports You spokesman, said he was inspired by the outpouring of support for servicemembers.

"For everybody that's had a part of that," he said, "I want to thank you."

Face of Defense: Game Show Features Air Force Captain

By Staff Sgt. Rhiannon Willard, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 4, 2008 - An Air Force fighter pilot assigned to 3rd Wing here will be among the contestants on the March 6 episode of "Jeopardy!" Capt. Timothy Bobinski, 19th Fighter Squadron chief of safety, will be a contestant on the long-running program, which bills itself as "America's Favorite Quiz Show."

"I've watched the show occasionally since I was a kid," the South Milwaukee, Wis., native said. "As I got older, I watched it a bit more, especially when I participated on the quiz bowl team in high school."

"Jeopardy!" came to Anchorage last spring with the show's traveling "Clue Crew" and conducted tryouts. Anyone who showed up took a 10-question "prequalifying" test.

"By passing that test, I was invited to show up the next day with about 300 others to take the 50-question qualifying test," the captain said. Both tests had questions on a wide range of subjects, similar to the show, and answers had to be written out; the questions were not multiple choice, he added.

"I did well enough on the 50-question test to qualify for the show, along with about 20 others in the group," Bobinski said.

At that point, those people selected had to play a mock game of "Jeopardy!" as an audition, he said. The "Clue Crew" placed the names on the show's contestant list, and said the applicants may or may not get called to actually appear on the show.

Bobinski received a call several months later and learned he was chosen to appear on the show. He took leave and traveled to Los Angeles to tape the show in November.

After being chosen as a contestant, he had four to six weeks to review subjects he felt were commonly used on the game show. The topics included geography, state and world capitals, presidents and Shakespeare. He also recorded all the episodes, which allowed him to play along for practice.

While the game show has had specials that showcase military members, this was not the case for Bobinski. He was the only military contestant during the taping and said the experience was as he expected it to be.

"By the time I got to play, I don't think I was too nervous," he said. "They gave us a couple practice runs to get used to being on the stage. I had already watched a couple games being taped before my turn came up. Once the game starts, the pace is fast enough that you almost forget that you're being taped for national TV.

"Getting used to the buzzer system took a little while, and you have to work on timing, because you get locked out if you ring in too early, but get beaten by the other players if you're late," he added.

Bobinski said Alex Trebek, the "Jeopardy!" host, spent a lot of time answering questions from the audience and contestants during the breaks. "Alex is also very interested in military aviation and asked me questions about flying," he said.

The captain said his friends and family are looking forward to watching the show and seeing the outcome. Only he and his wife, Sara -- who was at the show's taping -- know the results. Bobinski can't reveal the results of his taping or the question categories that were used. To appear on the game show, he had to sign several agreements and release forms, which included agreeing not to discuss details or results of the show until it aired.

(Air Force Staff Sgt. Rhiannon Willard serves with 3rd Wing Public Affairs.)

Medal of Honor Recipient Inducted to Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

March 4, 2008 - The Defense Department posthumously inducted Army Master Sgt. Woodrow Keeble today into its Hall of Heroes, a day after President Bush bestowed the Medal of Honor on the Korean War hero. Keeble is the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive the nation's highest military award. Almost six decades after the gallant actions that earned him the nation's highest military award, and 26 years after his death, his relatives unveiled his name during a ceremony here at the Pentagon. He joins 131 other veterans to receive the Medal of Honor for combat valor in the Korean War.

Keeble risked his life to save fellow soldiers in 1951 during the final allied offensive in Korea. He was recommended for the medal by every surviving member of his unit at the time, but "administrative errors" and "bureaucratic processes" delayed the honor, said Gen. Richard A. Cody, the Army's Vice Chief of Staff, who praised Bush for "setting the record straight."

"Over 300 million Americans are free today because ... (Keeble) fought bravely with honor and humility to defense this country and his fellow citizens," Cody told the audience gathered here for the ceremony. "The personal courage and selfless service of Master Sgt. Keeble lives on in the soldiers that have succeeded him."

Calling it an honor to salute the master sergeant, to whom he affectionately referred as "Woody," Cody held his straightened right hand to his brow in a sign of deference to Keeble, a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

When war broke out in Korea, Keeble was a 34-year-old master sergeant serving with the 24th Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Company G, 19th Infantry Regiment. He'd joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1942 and already had earned the first of his four Purple Hearts and his first Bronze Star for actions on Guadalcanal. Keeble volunteered to go to Korea, saying that "somebody has to teach these young kids how to fight," Cody said.

The division was serving in central Korea in October 1951 when it was called to take a series of mountains protecting a major enemy supply in the town of Kumsong. Operation Nomad-Polar, known as the "Big Push," was the last major United Nations offensive of the war.

U.S. casualties mounted as enemy soldiers barraged them, fortified by three pillboxes containing machine guns during ferocious fighting over a six-day span. Keeble's officers had all fallen, so he continued the assault with three platoons under his leadership.

Despite extensive injuries himself, with 83 grenade fragments in his body, Keeble defied the medics and took matters into his own hands. On Oct. 20, 1951, he charged the hill solo. "Woody knew the enemy machine guns in the heavily-fortified pillboxes were the problem. He resolved, 'I'm going to take them out or die trying,'" Cody said.

Armed only with grenades and his Browning automatic rifle, he shimmied across the ridge, singlehandedly eliminating one pillbox after another as he dodged a barrage of enemy fire. Only after Keeble had taken out all three pillboxes and killed the machine gunners did he order his troops to advance and secure the hill.

Army Secretary Pete Geren said Keeble was known on the battlefield for his resolve and tenacity in the face of danger and adversity. "The safest place to be was right next to Woody," said Geren, quoting a WWII veteran who fought alongside Keeble.

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told the audience that Keeble's heroism and sacrifice reminds Americans of the high price of freedom.

"Woodrow Keeble showed us -- again and again on desperate battlefields from the home he loved, first in the Pacific and then in Korea -- the very best we can be," he said. "America needs its heroes, needs men like Woodrow Keeble -- we need their service, and perhaps most of all, we need their example."

(Donna Miles of American Forces Press Service and Carrie McLeRoy of the Army News Service contributed to this article.)

MILITARY CONTRACTS 2-25-08

MILITARY CONTRACTS 2-25-08
McKesson Corp., San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $821,876,947.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical supplies in support of the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP). Other location of performancei is Arizona. Using service is Department of Defense. This proposal was originally solicited on Fed Biz Ops with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option year five. Date of performance completion is February 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-03-D-1666).

Government Scientific Source, Reston, Va.,* is being awarded a maximum $37,500,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for laboratory supplies and wares. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally solicited on Fed Biz Ops with 19 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option year four. Date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7325).

ARMY

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Inc., Ground Systems, Santa Clara, Ca., was awarded on February 21, 2008, a $23,599,998.00 Undefinitized Contract Action Firm Fixed Price contract for the procurement of additional Expanded Armor Plates. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Ca. with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2008. There was one bid solicited and one bid received. The U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity. W56HZV-08-C-0006.

Alliant Techsystems Incorporated, Plymouth, Minn., was awarded on Feb. 21, 2008, a $38,887,425.00 Firm Fixed Price contract for 30,000 M865 (Target Practice Cone Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer) 120mm Cartridges, and 15,000 M1002 (Target Practice, Multipurpose Tracer TP-T) Cartridges. Work will be performed at the Iowa Ammunition Plant, Middletown, Iowa with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2010. There were two bids solicited with two bids received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill. is the contracting agency. W52P1J-08-C-0011.

Kiewit – A.C.T., A Joint Venture, Little Rock, Ark., was awarded on Feb. 22, 2008, a $30,000,000 Firm-Fixed Price, Best Value (Tradeoff Analysis) contract for: The Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Center Hill Dam has been established to be in the Dam Safety Action Classification I. The service procured includes foundation grouting of the Dam’s left rim and main dam embankment to begin repair of the serious foundation seepage problem. Work will be performed at the Center Hill Dam, Lancaster, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of February 22, 2010. Bids were solicited on the web with one bid received. The Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville, Tenn., is the contracting office. W912P5-08-C-0001.

Lear Siegler Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded on Feb. 22, 2008, a $24,337,855.84 Firm Fixed Price contract for Rotary Wing Flight Training Services to be performed at Fort Rucker, Ala. Estimated completion date is Sep. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the web with two bids received. The Fort Rucker Directorate of Contracting, Fort Rucker, Ala., is the contracting office. W9124G-08-C-0001.

NAVY

Gryphon Technologies, LC, Greenbelt, Md., is being awarded a $34,189,962 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, technical analysis, and support services in connection with assigned tasks for Navy Ship Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E)/Combat Support Systems over a five year ordering period. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (54 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (15 percent);Bath, Maine (7 percent); Washington D.C. (6 percent); Norfolk, Va. (6 percent); San Diego, Calif. (3 percent); Everett, Wash. (3 percent); Mayport, Fla. (3 percent); and Yokosuka, Japan (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed by January 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured through Request for Proposal N65540-06-R-0010 using competition that was restricted to 8(a) small business concerns and was synopsized in the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-08-D-0009).

EHS Technologies Corporation, Moorestown, N.J. is being awarded a $31,826,272 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, technical analysis, and support services in connection with assigned tasks for Navy Ship Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E)/Combat Support Systems over a five year ordering period. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (54 percent); Pascagoula, Miss (15 percent); Bath, Maine (7 percent); Washington, D.C. (6 percent); Norfolk, Va. (6 percent); San Diego, Calif. (3 percent); Everett, Wash. (3 percent); Mayport, Fla. (3 percent); and Yokosuka, Japan (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured through Request for Proposal N65540-06-R-0010 using competition that was restricted to 8(a) small business concerns and was synopsized in the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-08-D-0010).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $25,910,281 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to provide Upgrade Kits 12 and 13 for the Japanese Foreign Military Sales (FMS) E-2C aircraft program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded an $11,195,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to provide spare parts for the Japanese Foreign Military Sales (FMS) E-2C aircraft program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $9,854,624 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for DDG-51 Class Machinery Control System and Universal Engine Controller engineering, software, logistics, training, and fleet support services. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (50 percent) and Orlando, Fla., (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $295,629 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contract activity (N65540-08-D-0012).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0015) to exercise an option for unique F/A-18 In-Service Support for the Government of Switzerland under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This modification includes, but is not limited to, procuring cockpit display suites to use as lab assets for design and development of a new cockpit display associated with other upgrades. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

Flannery Fire Protection, Inc.*, Kenosha, Wis., is being awarded a $6,781,500 firm-fixed price contract for renovations and alterations at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. Work will be performed in North Chicago, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0069).

America Supports You: Group 'LEEPS' to Help Afghan Police

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 29, 2008 - Afghan National Police officers are getting help rebuilding from U.S and other countries' troops, but they're also getting a boost from friends they may never meet. Steve Newton started the Law Enforcement Equipment Program as a way to provide used gear for American armed forces units to use in training or equipping friendly foreign police forces. The program accepts donations of used equipment from U.S. law enforcement departments and helps get it overseas.

"We simply act as a go-between for the American law enforcement community and the military," Newton said of the organization, more commonly known as "LEEP."

Fulfilling its mission requires help on the other side of the world, however, and that's where Air Force Master Sgt. Buffie C. Verhagen comes in.

Since she's serving as a police mentor and trainer on a provincial reconstruction team, she checked out the LEEP Web site after her father, a retired Houston police officer, told her about it. She let Newton know about her work with the Afghan police officers and has been receiving equipment through the program for about a year.

The equipment is particularly welcome, too.

"The overall condition of the Afghan National Police was, and is, still in poor condition, although strides have been made toward improvements, especially with training," Verhagen said. "Any gear, including cold-weather items, or any item related to law enforcement can be used."

LEEP has stepped up, providing pistol holsters, handcuff cases, ammunition holders and tactical vests, she said. While those donated items fill a tangible void, they also work to foster trust and respect between the Afghan National Police and coalition forces.

"We tell the (Afghan National Police) that the equipment was donated from police officers in the U.S. specifically for them," Verhagen said. "This shows our commitment to their development and really shows how the U.S. as a whole is working to provide assistance."

It also tightens a bond that spans geographic boundaries. Despite the differences between American and Afghan societies, the police officers share a common bond, Verhagen said.

Verhagen, who will be returning home soon, is grateful for LEEP and what it provided her, her team and the Afghan police officers who received the equipment.

"(It's) great in that it builds relationships with a specific U.S. military member or team and then sends resources tailored to the needs of a particular area," she said. "It's a fantastic way for our U.S. police to assist a country still in dire need."

LEEP has 1,200 pounds of gear available to ship to servicemembers in Afghanistan or Iraq, its two main shipping destinations. Shipping costs have proved to be a challenge for the Missouri-based program, however, and LEEP's administrators still are working out how to get the equipment into the hands that can use it.

The Law Enforcement Equipment Program is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Face of Defense: Former Marine, Now a Soldier, Leads By Example

By Sgt. James Hunter, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

Feb. 25, 2008 - Noncommissioned officers in America's Army have always served as the vanguards by mentoring, coaching and training troops during peacetime and war. Sgt. William Hall, 39, has always led from the front. Throughout his life, he said, he has lived by the motto, "You lead by example." "Sergeant Hall is the NCO that all (sergeants) and junior enlisted should strive to be: always leading from the front and always setting the proper example," said Staff Sgt. Charlie Collier, a Lufkin, Texas, native, who serves as Hall's squad leader.

Hall said he wants to ensure his soldiers know that if they come into a sticky situation while operating in northwestern Baghdad, they can look at him and know he's going to make the right decision.

"Soldiers watch what you do," Hall said. "Anybody can demand respect, but few people earn respect. If (soldiers) truly respect you by you earning their respect, they'll follow you anywhere you've got to go."

Hall, a native of Foley, Ala., serves as a team leader on the personal security detail for Col. William Hickman, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He described his job as "exciting, demanding and rewarding."

The security element travels throughout the battle space daily, escorting the commander as he meets with soldiers, Iraqi leaders and Iraqi security forces.

"We go out every day," Hall said. "It's pretty demanding, because we concentrate on the entire (area of operation), going everywhere in northwest Baghdad."

Hall said the key is learning the routes through continued planning, but that at times he has to make key decisions on the spot. "You've got to make sure you know where you are going, because everybody is following you," he said. "Your main job is to get everybody where they need to be."

Though Hall is responsible for leading the convoy, he said, he serves an even greater responsibility to his soldiers. He hopes he can make an impact on their lives.

"You make sure they are good soldiers, make sure they do what they are supposed to do, ensuring they stay alert," he said. "You have to make sure they are there every day, maintaining their arms and their equipment. The main objective is to complete the mission."

However, leading by example is nothing new to Hall, who grew up in a small town along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. His town had a well-known football tradition. He was a part of that tradition since the age of 8.

In 1989, three years after graduating from high school, he joined the Marine Corps and served as an infantryman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. He was a team leader and a squad leader. Many members of his family served their nation, but none of them served as a Marine, so he decided to go against the grain.

"I always heard it was kind of hard," Hall said. "At that point in my life, I needed something challenging."

As a Marine, Hall earned his Ranger tab and airborne wings. "I got to experience a little bit of the Army through the Marine Corps," he said.

He worked himself to the rank of sergeant, and in 1995 he decided to leave the Corps. He had orders to become a drill instructor, but his father was ailing from heart disease and he wanted to spend what time he had left with him, Hall explained.

In the meantime, Hall worked as a sod farmer and in the lumber business, but the passion for the military never left him, he said.

"I was an operations manager in a lumber company for several years -- made good money -- but I had a desire to serve my country again, (to) come to Iraq and be a part of history," he said. "I felt like I would have cheated my life if I didn't come over here and at least gave my effort in the battle against terrorism."

Since Sept. 11, 2001, Hall had wanted to rejoin the military's ranks, but family and job commitments stood in the way, until one day when he said, "Hey, I don't want to miss out," the sergeant recalled.

Hall joined the National Guard and served with the 20th Special Forces Group. He went through the selection course, but even after completing the 21-day course, was not selected. He didn't see this as a weakness, he said, but rather as a sign. He said he felt as if he still had the mental and physical capabilities to make it through, so why not go active duty?

"Sometimes in life you have to do something that makes you feel better inside," Hall said. "I was on my way to Desert Storm and it ended, so I was like, 'Man, I missed out.' I said, 'Enough's enough.'"

Six weeks after leaving the National Guard for the active-duty Army, Hall was in Iraq.

"This is what it's all about. Everyone's got to do their time and do the right thing," he said with conviction. "Not too many people can say they came to Iraq and defended their country."

It was a sudden decision, but Hall said he always has had his family's support. Hall and his wife have six children, with another on the way. His wife had just graduated from nursing school and was still in the process of beginning her career, but he knew whatever he chose to do, his wife and children would back him up 100 percent, he said.

When Hall gets the rare opportunity to kick his feet up and relax, he thinks about his wife and his unborn son, and he counts his blessings, he said.

"(God has) let me do what I've always wanted to do," he said. "I've always had the desire to be in the military."

(Army Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)

The June Newsletter of Hi Tech Criminal Justice support the production of the article.

America Supports You: Veterans Get Help With Employment Services

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 25, 2008 - Veterans looking for a job in the Cincinnati area should have an easier time, thanks to a new partnership. The Thank You Foundation has partnered with Careers in Focus to offer resume services, job coaching and job leads to veterans, the foundation's president said today.

"We hear plenty of stories about (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the suicide rate among veterans," John Guinn said. "At the same time, many of these men and women are able to think on their feet, cope under pressure, and many possess technical skills valuable to most any employer.

"If we can help just one person through our efforts, it is worth it," he said.

Veterans and their families will receive a special discount from Careers in Focus, an organization that assists individuals changing careers. This discount is available only through The Thank You Foundation. In addition, the foundation will seek funding to sponsor veterans to receive these services at no cost.

"Over the last year, we have identified areas in which we can be of greater service to veterans. The areas of health care and employment services seem to be the most needed," Guinn said. "It is our hope that we can assist those who are looking (for) employment in the civilian sector by leveraging the network of contacts that Careers in Focus has, in order to help find jobs for these men and women."

In November, the foundation launched an initiative to build a mobile health unit for the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center. It also has been in discussions with Drake Hospital to explore options for providing quality health care for veterans.

Recently, the foundation partnered with Team Fastrax and Start Skydiving to offer the opportunity for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients to go tandem skydiving with the goal of helping them overcome challenges and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

"We realize that saying 'thank you' is simply not enough. Those words need to be followed up with action and a commitment," Guinn said. "We all should be willing to commit to the betterment of the lives of our nation's heroes.

"We view building partnerships, encouraging cooperation amongst the various support groups and working with the business community as steps towards that commitment," he added.

The Thank You Foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

(From a Thank You Foundation news release.)

The July issue of the Hi Tech Criminal Justice newsletter sponsored this entry.

Officials Declare Satellite Mission Successful

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 25, 2008 - Based on debris analysis, officials are confident the Feb. 21 missile intercept and destruction of a nonfunctioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite was successful in destroying the fuel tank and reducing risk to people on Earth, the Defense Department announced today. The satellite's fuel tank contained hydrazine, a hazardous chemical that could have posed a risk to humans if the satellite or its fuel tank had reentered the atmosphere intact.

"By all accounts, this was a successful mission. From the debris analysis, we have a high degree of confidence the satellite's fuel tank was destroyed and the hydrazine has been dissipated," Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a DoD news release.

A single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 was fired from the USS Lake Erie to engage the satellite. Much of the debris from the satellite already has reentered the Earth's atmosphere or will reenter in the coming days and weeks, officials said. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space at the Joint Space Operations Center, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., is tracking less than 3,000 pieces of debris, all smaller than a football, which have not yet reentered the atmosphere. To date, there have been no reports of debris landing on Earth, and it is unlikely any will remain intact to hit the ground, officials said.

Cartwright praised the collaborative effort from the U.S. government, armed forces, industry and academia to destroy the satellite and reduce risk to human life.

"The teamwork and interagency accomplishment associated with this operation was tremendous," he said. "Close workings with the National Security Council, State Department, Defense Department, NASA, Missile Defense Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and Department of Homeland Security was absolutely key to the effort. The U.S. Navy, particularly the Pacific Fleet, was fundamental to the operation and did a superb job. The expertise of people from the U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Space Command and Army Strategic Command was invaluable."

U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance sensors continue to track and characterize the debris to ensure timely notifications are made, if necessary, with regard to debris-related risk on the ground or to objects in orbit, officials said.

An article on law enforcement officials sponsored this article and blog.

Gates Pledges U.S. Support to Indonesian Military

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 25, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today heralded Indonesia as a leader in its region and pledged U.S. support to help the country continue its military reforms and build airlift and maritime capabilities. The secretary landed here this morning to meet with Indonesia's president and its defense and foreign ministers.

He held a short news conference alongside Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and later spoke to the Indonesian Council on World Affairs. In both events, the secretary reaffirmed the two countries' friendship and said he considers Indonesia "an important regional leader with global reach."

"Our relationship with Indonesia has made great strides in the past few years, and I have every expectation that it will continue to do so in the near and far future," Gates said.

Gates' first visit to Indonesia comes at a time when the government here is reforming its military and national security programs. The country is pulling its military out of domestic policing functions and is backfilling those roles with a police force. It also is revamping its budgeting process and removing much of the military's private business influence, and it is putting more separation between its officers and politics, a senior U.S. defense official said, speaking on background before the visit.

The secretary's visit shows the Defense Department is accepting Indonesia's place as a pivotal country in the region, the official said. The country is key to regional security because of its strategic location astride a number of key international maritime straits, particularly the Malacca Strait.

Discussions here today centered on ways the United States can work more closely with the Indonesian military, Gates said, specifically helping the country's military continue its reformation and develop capabilities in the airlift and maritime domains.

Indonesia's armed forces total about 350,000, members, according to U.S. State Department figures. The army is the largest branch, with about 280,000 active-duty personnel.

The 250,000-member Indonesian National Police was a branch of the armed forces for several years, but was separated from the military in April 1999.

Indonesia, rebounding after a crippling financial crisis in the late 1990s, has seen a commodity boom, and there is growing self-confidence within in the country. But much of its military equipment is old and in need of repair or replacement. Gates said U.S. help could come in the form of providing training or equipment.

Indonesia has emerged as the third-largest democracy in the world after decades of military-dominated rule. In November 2005, the United States normalized military-to-military relations with the country. Gates said the Indonesian military has become more capable and more professional. He lauded its peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, Congo, Liberia, Georgia, Nepal and Sudan.

Speaking to the Indonesian Council on World Affairs at the end of the day, Gates called Indonesia's shift "remarkable," considering it took place against the backdrop of a devastating tsunami, one of the world's most severe financial crises, a rise in terrorist activity and a transformation of both the government and military.

These internal changes have played out against the backdrop of overall shifts in the region as a whole, Gates said. Since the end of the Cold War, Asia's security environment has undergone remarkable change, and in recent years, the nations of Asia have, for the most part, achieved unprecedented wealth and stature as they have forged more mature political, economic and military institutions, he said.

As a result, new centers of power have risen alongside new sources of instability. Piracy, ethnic strife and poverty, as well as emerging terrorism, pose the region's threats, Gates said. To combat these challenges, countries must work together, the secretary said.

"What these challenges have in common is that they simply cannot be overcome by one, or even two countries, no matter how wealthy or powerful. They require multiple nations acting with uncommon unity developing areas where each partner can bring its unique capabilities to bear," Gates said.

Gates went on to say that there has been a shift, as well, in the U.S. defense strategy in Asia to one that moves away from a permanent presence and direct action by U.S. forces toward building the capacity of partner nations to better defend themselves. He referenced a mix of military, diplomatic, cultural and humanitarian efforts.

"In this vein, the United States military -- even with ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq -- is engaged with more Asian governments doing more things in more constructive ways than at any time in our history," Gates said.

During the speech to the council, Gates called for an end to the Cold War model of Asian security that put the United States at the center with a series of bilateral alliances with other countries. He cited the need for multilateral alliances instead, in which all countries cooperate.

"This does not mean any weakening of our bilateral ties, but rather enhancing security by adding multilateral cooperation," Gates said.

This multilateral approach, Gates said, will be needed to take on the spread of terrorism and other security threats.

"We live in a world today where the most pressing problems confronting us, ... for the most part, cannot be solved by any single nation," Gates said. "And, therefore, recognition that there are a number of powerful nations and groups of nations that must play a part in solving these problems ... is the first step to begin solving them."

This is the approach the United States has taken in recent years, Gates said.

"I believe that an underlying theme of American history is that we are compelled to defend our security and our interests in ways that, in the long run, lead to the spread of democratic values and institutions," the secretary said. "That is to say, the spread of freedom and security in places like Indonesia both manifests our ideals and protects our interests."

This is Gates' third stop on a nine-day, around-the-world trip to this region that also will include visits to India and Turkey.

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