AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Co., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Marietta Ga., not to exceed $470,000,000. This contract modification is an undefinitized contract action for the procurement of six fiscal 2009 HC/MC-130J aircraft and associated long lead material and non-recurring aircraft production effort using fiscal 2008 advance procurement funding. At this time $75,000,000 has been obligated. USAF/AFMC, Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), 657 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456 P00037).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., for $16,300,000. This action will provide Wing Pylon and Fairing, CCP 0586. At this time $8,000,000 has been obligated. 516th AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00185).
Booz Allen and Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract for an estimated $10,562,764. This action will provide lethality and survivability analysis for Terminal Effects Division, Army Research Laboratory. At this time $241,546 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (sP0700-03-D-1380, DO: 0255).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with General Dynamics C4 Systems of Scottsdale, Ariz., for $9,231,217. This action will exercise option 1, system demonstration, of the Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C) Aerospace Vehicle Equipment Increment 1 (AVE I1) contract, FA8307-06-C-0010. Option 1 will continue with the development, qualification, and certification of a National Security Agency approved Type 1 space certified Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) Communication Security (COMSEC) solution. HQ CPSG/PK, Directorate of Contracting, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-06-C-0010 P00011).
NAVY
American Competitiveness Institute, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $99,999,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Benchmarking and Best Practices Center of Excellence. The purpose of this effort is to identify, validate, benchmark, and facilitate the dissemination (sharing) of best-in-class practices, processes, methodologies, systems, and pre-competitiveness technologies. In doing so, enhance and promote communications, corporation, integration, and interdependency across the defense industry that will result in improvements in affordability and performance of defense platforms and weapon systems. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., and work is expected to be completed June 2013. Contract funds will not expire at end of current fiscal year: This contract was competitively procured under solicitation N00014-08-R-0001. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-08-D-0758).
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $29,728,013 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for consolidated planning yard, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarines. The contract modification provides design and installation services required to support planning and execution for installation of design/configuration changes for submarines and designated support activities. The contractor will also provide material aspects of submarine design/configuration change programs to support execution of submarine major alterations. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (73 percent), Quonset, R.I., (12 percent), Kings Bay, Ga., (7 percent), Newport, R.I., (5 percent), and Bangor, Wash., (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds $29,728,013 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Marsh Creek, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, an Alaskan Native Corp., is being awarded a $28,925,233 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research support operations and maintenance services of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) Research Station Gakona, Alaska. The mission of the program is to conduct ionospheric research of a radio science nature in support of both Department of Defense and civilian communication, surveillance and navigations applications. This contract is a follow on effort to contract N00014-02-C-0463 operations and maintenance services of the HAARP Research Station, Gakona, Alaska, competitively awarded to BAE Systems Advanced Technologies. Work will be performed in Gakona, Alaska., and work is expected to be completed June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $100,000 will expire at end of current fiscal year. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-08-C-0395).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $17,594,388 modification to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014). This modification provides for incorporation of engineering change Proposal 6251 and 6251R1 to convert 18 Lot 32 F/A-18F aircraft to EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (70 percent), El Segundo, Calif., (29 percent), and Mesa, Ariz., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 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.
Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $14,320,297 cost plus fixed fee firm fixed price contract for design agent/engineering services and supplemental hardware kits to support the Navy's AN/UYQ-100 Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS). The AN/UYQ-100 USW-DSS provides an integrated near real-time Net-Centric Undersea Warfare (USW) Command and Control capability across multiple platforms. USW-DSS leverages existing communication links, networks, contact pictures and multi-platform sensor data providing an integrated capability to plan, conduct and coordinate USW operations. Options for design agent support are through fiscal 2012. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $66,615,225. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (86.2 percent) and Charleroi, Pa., (13.8 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is being awarded as a Phase III SBIR effort. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5206).
Rolls Royce, Bristol, England, is being awarded a $13,125,121 ceiling priced order under an existing basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-08-G-003M-5040) for procurement of turbine blades, HP ST2 used in support of the F-402 engine. Work will be performed in Bristol, England, and work is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Riviera Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $10,806,178 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6327) for one (1) AN/WLD-1(V) Remote Minehunting Vehicle Low Rate Initial Production System. The Remote Minehunting System is a high endurance, offboard, low-observable system that will be operated and maintained from surface ships. The system will use the AN/AQS-20A minehunting sensors for detection, classification, and localization of mine-like objects and mine identification. It is capable of over-the-horizon operations. The offboard vehicle has self-contained control, propulsion, power, and navigation features. It is capable of real-time communications of mine reconnaissance sensor data as well as automatic search and recording modes. Work will be performed in Riviera Beach, Fla., and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
C&G Boat Works, Inc., Mobile, Ala., is being awarded an $8,370,633 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2236) to exercise an option for the design and construction of one YP training craft for the U.S. Naval Academy. The YP training craft is used to train Navy midshipmen at the academy. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $7,682,783 modification (#P00025) to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00189-02-D-0037) for extension of engineering, technical, and maintenance support services for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and battle group support vessels as required by Commander, Naval Air Forces. Work will be performed in CONUS, and work is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
M.A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $72,125,000 firm-fixed price contract for a design/build project at Fort Lewis, Wash., including two Special Operations Forces complexes. Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash, and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on January 11, 2008, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0053).
AM General LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on June 11, 2008, a $25,741,548.80 firm-fixed contract for reliability enhanced vehicle engineering change engineering change proposals on high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on March 17, 2006 and one bid was received. Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
Plata/Mota Joint Venture, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $23,044,561 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Organizational Maintenance Shop and unheated storage building in Lake County, Ill. Work will be performed in Lake County, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 12, 2008 and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0022).
PCL Construction Service, Inc., Denver, Colo., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $20,862,500 firm-fixed price contract for the Air and Space Integration Facility at Schriever Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo., and is expected to be completed by April 7, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 16, 2008 and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-08-C-0010).
West Coast Contractors of Nevada, Inc., Reno, Nev., was awarded on June 6, 2008, a $10,470,500 firm-fixed price contract for the repair of Air National Guard Hangar Building 9 in Reno, Nev. Work will be performed in Reno, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 10, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 5, 2007, and four bids were received. The National Guard Bureau Nevada, Carson City, Nev., is the contracting activity (W9124X-08-C-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Chevron Global Aviation, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $16,015,179.60 fixed price with economic price adjustment supplemental, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is in Utah. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 200 proposals solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0493).
EA Industries, Inc., San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico* is being awarded a maximum $13,359,573 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, small business set aside contract for combat utility uniforms. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. Date of performance completion is June 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0361).
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Face of Defense: Cartoonist Drawn to Guantanamo
By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn R. Larson, a syndicated editorial cartoonist, arrived here two months ago as one of 20 members from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Larson is the editor of The Wire, the official weekly publication for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which handles detainee operations at this U.S. Navy base. This mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom provides an opportunity for Larson to use experience gained working as a newspaper editor, chief page designer and editorial cartoonist.
"We were put on alert back in January, so it wasn't much of a surprise," Larson told Editor and Publisher magazine in April. "They needed me, so I'm going."
Larson said this is his third deployment in about 20 years with the National Guard. In 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia as the noncommissioned officer for the three-man 132nd Military History Detachment in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. And in 2006, he deployed as a platoon sergeant with a field artillery unit tasked with convoy security operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Before this deployment, Larson told E&P that he reviewed the work of Bill Mauldin, who drew cartoons while serving in World War Two.
To draw his own cartoons, Larson said, he first draws "roughs" in pencil and then draws the final idea selection on "Bristol" board. He inks the cartoon using a traditional artist pen that resembles a fountain pen and uses a technical pen to ink the lettering.
The cartoon is then scanned, and Larson adds color using computer software. The entire process takes about four hours, he said.
Larson said the cartoons he draws as a civilian reflect local or state issues for a small stable of newspaper clients in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Journal of Madison and the Freeman of Waukesha.
Cartooning on issues relevant to Guantanamo Bay is more challenging, he admitted.
"I was building a list of cartoons to include in the JTF publication during this deployment, following approval from the chain of command," Larson said. "But there's a lot of operational sensitivity, and it's pretty tricky to include anything that might portray a personal opinion in an official military publication."
Larson, a finalist in the national Fischetti cartooning competition in 2000, said he may resume sending cartoons to his clients.
"It all depends on what kind of time I have," he told E&P. "My first responsibility is to the unit."
After this deployment, Larson hopes to return to The Review, a weekly newspaper in his hometown of Plymouth, Wis., which promised that his job will be there when he returns. "They've been nothing short of wonderful," he told E&P.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores serves with Joint Task Force Guantanamo.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn R. Larson, a syndicated editorial cartoonist, arrived here two months ago as one of 20 members from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Larson is the editor of The Wire, the official weekly publication for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which handles detainee operations at this U.S. Navy base. This mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom provides an opportunity for Larson to use experience gained working as a newspaper editor, chief page designer and editorial cartoonist.
"We were put on alert back in January, so it wasn't much of a surprise," Larson told Editor and Publisher magazine in April. "They needed me, so I'm going."
Larson said this is his third deployment in about 20 years with the National Guard. In 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia as the noncommissioned officer for the three-man 132nd Military History Detachment in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. And in 2006, he deployed as a platoon sergeant with a field artillery unit tasked with convoy security operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Before this deployment, Larson told E&P that he reviewed the work of Bill Mauldin, who drew cartoons while serving in World War Two.
To draw his own cartoons, Larson said, he first draws "roughs" in pencil and then draws the final idea selection on "Bristol" board. He inks the cartoon using a traditional artist pen that resembles a fountain pen and uses a technical pen to ink the lettering.
The cartoon is then scanned, and Larson adds color using computer software. The entire process takes about four hours, he said.
Larson said the cartoons he draws as a civilian reflect local or state issues for a small stable of newspaper clients in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Journal of Madison and the Freeman of Waukesha.
Cartooning on issues relevant to Guantanamo Bay is more challenging, he admitted.
"I was building a list of cartoons to include in the JTF publication during this deployment, following approval from the chain of command," Larson said. "But there's a lot of operational sensitivity, and it's pretty tricky to include anything that might portray a personal opinion in an official military publication."
Larson, a finalist in the national Fischetti cartooning competition in 2000, said he may resume sending cartoons to his clients.
"It all depends on what kind of time I have," he told E&P. "My first responsibility is to the unit."
After this deployment, Larson hopes to return to The Review, a weekly newspaper in his hometown of Plymouth, Wis., which promised that his job will be there when he returns. "They've been nothing short of wonderful," he told E&P.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores serves with Joint Task Force Guantanamo.)
Guard, Earnhardt Teams Join Up at NASCAR Event
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Hours before his seventh-place start and fourth-place finish in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway here June 9, Dale Earnhardt Jr. looked fresh and rested as he visited National Guard members at an infield area. Earnhardt, dressed in a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, took 15 minutes out of his busy race day for an exclusive interview with The On Guard, the National Guard's official newspaper, and to sign a few autographs and hang out with 18 new enlistees in the Pennsylvania Army Guard.
Then he climbed into the blue and white No. 88 National Guard Chevy Impala to endure the heat of competition under the watchful eyes of thousands of his military and civilian fans.
"I hope they are well. I hope they are making the best of the situation," Earnhardt said about Guard members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and at home. "We appreciate everything they do for us. We're working, we're racing, we're having our freedoms and enjoying our lives in part for what they accomplish."
Guard members returned similar sentiments to Earnhardt after he finished the grueling 500-mile, four-hour race in the car where temperatures were comparable to a pizza oven, with track temperatures in the mid-90s.
Literally, it was the hottest race of the season for Earnhardt and the No. 88 Guard car team, who held their third position in the Sprint standings and claimed their sixth top-five finish and 10th top-10 finish this season.
Considering the unknowns Earnhardt faced going into this season with a new team and new sponsors, including the National Guard, he said he feels "pretty good" with what's been accomplished so far.
He is the hottest driver for Hendrick Motorsports even though he is the new member of that team, which includes Jimmie Johnson, who has won the last two season championships. Johnson is in sixth place.
"We still got other things we want to accomplish," Earnhardt said before the race. "[There's] quite a bit more left in the season, but we're in a good position. I feel like this is definitely one of the best opportunities I've had to chase after the championship, to win a championship, so we're trying to put ourselves in the best position to do that when it comes time for that last 10 [races]."
Earnhardt has steadily introduced himself to the Guard this year. Asked to compare military service to auto racing, he said it takes a certain level of commitment to succeed in auto racing as well as in the military.
"There's a lot of similarities between the two when you're talking about what you have to sacrifice and what you have to give up to have success, some of the things you put yourself through early on to get to the end of the road," Earnhardt said.
One new Guard soldier, Army Pvt. Kyle Fernandez, got to ask Earnhardt a question as he stood under the shade of the Guard RV's large awning.
"It was a great privilege," Fernandez said. "I knew I would have opportunities, but [I didn't think they would include] speaking to Dale Earnhardt Jr."
Fernandez leaves for basic training next month. He and 17 other new Guard members repeated their enlistment oaths at the grandstand before the race, carried in their state flags, unfurled the American flag, and watched Earnhardt navigate the 2.5-mile triangular track during the race.
"It's a unit experience for them," said Sgt. 1st Class Garfield McFarlane, readiness noncommissioned officer for the Pennsylvania Guard's Recruit Sustainment Detachment in Wilkes-Barre. McFarlane prepares new recruits for basic training.
Earnhardt's mechanics and pit crew members said they regularly take time at the races to speak with Guard members.
"I'm just thrilled that these guys enjoy themselves watching this," said crew chief Tony Eury Jr. "We love to see the guys and hear their experiences. Dale Jr. and I have met them, and we get letters from over there, and that's always a good thing."
Pit crew coach and No. 88 tire changer D.J. Richardson said the crew enjoys spending time with visiting Guard members. "Every week we meet a bunch of them," he said. "For a lot of them, it's their first time here, and it's pretty cool to see how they react to what we do."
When the race started, Earnhardt immediately positioned himself into the top five. He "pitted" several times during the race, which allowed Eury, Richardson and other team members to make quick handling adjustments and tire changes. Earnhardt fell to 33rd after pitting on Lap 121. He quickly steered his way back through the pack, but complained about how the "dirty air" made it difficult to pass. Still, Earnhardt was in second place with 17 laps to go, and he held onto fourth place in the race won by pole-sitter Kasey Kahne.
"It was hot today -- very, very hot and not a fun day," Earnhardt said. "We were pretty good at the start of the race; then I got a little bit loose, then a little bit tight there in the middle part and lost a lot of track position. But we gained it back with a little bit of strategy in the pits. It's going to get hotter in the car the next couple of months."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Hours before his seventh-place start and fourth-place finish in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway here June 9, Dale Earnhardt Jr. looked fresh and rested as he visited National Guard members at an infield area. Earnhardt, dressed in a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, took 15 minutes out of his busy race day for an exclusive interview with The On Guard, the National Guard's official newspaper, and to sign a few autographs and hang out with 18 new enlistees in the Pennsylvania Army Guard.
Then he climbed into the blue and white No. 88 National Guard Chevy Impala to endure the heat of competition under the watchful eyes of thousands of his military and civilian fans.
"I hope they are well. I hope they are making the best of the situation," Earnhardt said about Guard members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and at home. "We appreciate everything they do for us. We're working, we're racing, we're having our freedoms and enjoying our lives in part for what they accomplish."
Guard members returned similar sentiments to Earnhardt after he finished the grueling 500-mile, four-hour race in the car where temperatures were comparable to a pizza oven, with track temperatures in the mid-90s.
Literally, it was the hottest race of the season for Earnhardt and the No. 88 Guard car team, who held their third position in the Sprint standings and claimed their sixth top-five finish and 10th top-10 finish this season.
Considering the unknowns Earnhardt faced going into this season with a new team and new sponsors, including the National Guard, he said he feels "pretty good" with what's been accomplished so far.
He is the hottest driver for Hendrick Motorsports even though he is the new member of that team, which includes Jimmie Johnson, who has won the last two season championships. Johnson is in sixth place.
"We still got other things we want to accomplish," Earnhardt said before the race. "[There's] quite a bit more left in the season, but we're in a good position. I feel like this is definitely one of the best opportunities I've had to chase after the championship, to win a championship, so we're trying to put ourselves in the best position to do that when it comes time for that last 10 [races]."
Earnhardt has steadily introduced himself to the Guard this year. Asked to compare military service to auto racing, he said it takes a certain level of commitment to succeed in auto racing as well as in the military.
"There's a lot of similarities between the two when you're talking about what you have to sacrifice and what you have to give up to have success, some of the things you put yourself through early on to get to the end of the road," Earnhardt said.
One new Guard soldier, Army Pvt. Kyle Fernandez, got to ask Earnhardt a question as he stood under the shade of the Guard RV's large awning.
"It was a great privilege," Fernandez said. "I knew I would have opportunities, but [I didn't think they would include] speaking to Dale Earnhardt Jr."
Fernandez leaves for basic training next month. He and 17 other new Guard members repeated their enlistment oaths at the grandstand before the race, carried in their state flags, unfurled the American flag, and watched Earnhardt navigate the 2.5-mile triangular track during the race.
"It's a unit experience for them," said Sgt. 1st Class Garfield McFarlane, readiness noncommissioned officer for the Pennsylvania Guard's Recruit Sustainment Detachment in Wilkes-Barre. McFarlane prepares new recruits for basic training.
Earnhardt's mechanics and pit crew members said they regularly take time at the races to speak with Guard members.
"I'm just thrilled that these guys enjoy themselves watching this," said crew chief Tony Eury Jr. "We love to see the guys and hear their experiences. Dale Jr. and I have met them, and we get letters from over there, and that's always a good thing."
Pit crew coach and No. 88 tire changer D.J. Richardson said the crew enjoys spending time with visiting Guard members. "Every week we meet a bunch of them," he said. "For a lot of them, it's their first time here, and it's pretty cool to see how they react to what we do."
When the race started, Earnhardt immediately positioned himself into the top five. He "pitted" several times during the race, which allowed Eury, Richardson and other team members to make quick handling adjustments and tire changes. Earnhardt fell to 33rd after pitting on Lap 121. He quickly steered his way back through the pack, but complained about how the "dirty air" made it difficult to pass. Still, Earnhardt was in second place with 17 laps to go, and he held onto fourth place in the race won by pole-sitter Kasey Kahne.
"It was hot today -- very, very hot and not a fun day," Earnhardt said. "We were pretty good at the start of the race; then I got a little bit loose, then a little bit tight there in the middle part and lost a lot of track position. But we gained it back with a little bit of strategy in the pits. It's going to get hotter in the car the next couple of months."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Army Invention Saves Severely Injured Servicemembers' Lives
By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - A new lifesaving standard of care has garnered the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research here a prestigious recognition: invention of the year. The innovation, called Damage Control Resuscitation of Severely Injured Soldiers, was named one of the Army's "Top Ten Greatest Inventions of 2007."
"The American Association for Trauma Surgeons calls this one of the biggest improvements to trauma care in the last 10 years," said Michael Dubick, senior research pharmacologist for the Institute of Surgical Research. The invention is aimed at saving severely injured soldiers with internal injuries that cannot be compressed using a tourniquet or other device, Dubick said.
The institute focused its attention on severely injured soldiers after analyzing data from an autopsy study that showed 79 percent of servicemembers killed in combat died of hemorrhage, and 70 percent had an injury that couldn't be compressed.
"We needed to find a better way to stop bleeding," Dubick said. "In theater, there was no solution for people with noncompressible injuries."
The innovation involves the fluid resuscitation process, in which IV fluids and blood products are used to stabilize a patient's physiology. The standard method is to administer IV salt solutions in an amount that is three times the patient's blood volume. If the patient is still bleeding, blood transfusions are given to restore lost blood.
In most cases, this method is effective for wounded troops, but for some severely injured warriors, the massive volume of fluids and blood can create a negative effect, Dubick said.
"The body has only a finite amount of clotting factors," he explained, "and a large volume of fluids can dilute those clotting factors, which reduces their ability to slow down or stop the bleeding."
Under the new standard of care, fluid resuscitation with salt solutions is limited, which keeps the blood pressure from rising too high and "popping" newly formed blood clots. In addition, blood volume is restored using plasma as the primary resuscitation fluid, along with packed red blood cells.
But rather than using the standard of four times the amount of red blood cells to plasma, "we use a ratio of 1-to-1 of plasma to red blood cells," Dubick said.
Dubick said early use of a clotting factor called "rFVIIa" also has been beneficial. The factor normally is used for hemophiliacs, but it has proven beneficial for severely injured warriors. Other blood products, such as platelets and "cryoprecipitate," are used as needed.
The reduction in fluids not only increases the patient's short-term chances of survival, but also helps long-term treatment, since "there is less fluid built up in organs, and surgeons have a better field of operation," Dubick said.
While the innovation is gaining recognition stateside, it already has had a striking impact in the combat theater, decreasing the mortality rate from 65 to 17 percent.
The impact of this change in the standard of care is so striking, Dubick said, that "some liken this standard of care to the first time someone applied antibiotics."
The military innovation also is gaining civilian attention.
"We've met with over 26 civilian centers and are working with 16 of them," Dubick said.
As word of the lifesaving measure begins to spread, Dubick said, he and his fellow scientists already are looking ahead, working with a company to produce freeze-dried plasma. In its natural state, plasma has a limited shelf life and is subject to temperature requirements.
The scientists also would like to develop a shelf-stable artificial blood with clotting factors that would enable medics to provide early intervention at the site of injury, Dubick said.
"The majority of patients bleed to death in the first five to 10 minutes," Dubick said. "We believe that procedures like this one can save soldiers who survive beyond 10 minutes -- keep them alive long enough to get to the hospital and to surgery. It's a remarkable innovation."
Dubick's team for the project includes Jill Sondeen and Charles Wade, from the Institute of Surgical Research; Philip Spinella, Brooke Army Medical Center; Army Maj. Jeremy Perkins, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Air Force Maj. Matthew Borgman, Wilford Hall Medical Center; and Army Col. John Holcomb, ISR commander.
The invention was the only medical innovation to make the Army's Top Ten cut, and marks the third year of the last four that the Institute of Surgical Research has made it to the Top Ten list. The winning programs are selected based on their impact on Army capabilities, inventiveness and potential benefit outside the Army.
U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research http://www.usaisr.amedd.army.mil/
(Elaine Wilson works at the Fort Sam Houston Public Information Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - A new lifesaving standard of care has garnered the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research here a prestigious recognition: invention of the year. The innovation, called Damage Control Resuscitation of Severely Injured Soldiers, was named one of the Army's "Top Ten Greatest Inventions of 2007."
"The American Association for Trauma Surgeons calls this one of the biggest improvements to trauma care in the last 10 years," said Michael Dubick, senior research pharmacologist for the Institute of Surgical Research. The invention is aimed at saving severely injured soldiers with internal injuries that cannot be compressed using a tourniquet or other device, Dubick said.
The institute focused its attention on severely injured soldiers after analyzing data from an autopsy study that showed 79 percent of servicemembers killed in combat died of hemorrhage, and 70 percent had an injury that couldn't be compressed.
"We needed to find a better way to stop bleeding," Dubick said. "In theater, there was no solution for people with noncompressible injuries."
The innovation involves the fluid resuscitation process, in which IV fluids and blood products are used to stabilize a patient's physiology. The standard method is to administer IV salt solutions in an amount that is three times the patient's blood volume. If the patient is still bleeding, blood transfusions are given to restore lost blood.
In most cases, this method is effective for wounded troops, but for some severely injured warriors, the massive volume of fluids and blood can create a negative effect, Dubick said.
"The body has only a finite amount of clotting factors," he explained, "and a large volume of fluids can dilute those clotting factors, which reduces their ability to slow down or stop the bleeding."
Under the new standard of care, fluid resuscitation with salt solutions is limited, which keeps the blood pressure from rising too high and "popping" newly formed blood clots. In addition, blood volume is restored using plasma as the primary resuscitation fluid, along with packed red blood cells.
But rather than using the standard of four times the amount of red blood cells to plasma, "we use a ratio of 1-to-1 of plasma to red blood cells," Dubick said.
Dubick said early use of a clotting factor called "rFVIIa" also has been beneficial. The factor normally is used for hemophiliacs, but it has proven beneficial for severely injured warriors. Other blood products, such as platelets and "cryoprecipitate," are used as needed.
The reduction in fluids not only increases the patient's short-term chances of survival, but also helps long-term treatment, since "there is less fluid built up in organs, and surgeons have a better field of operation," Dubick said.
While the innovation is gaining recognition stateside, it already has had a striking impact in the combat theater, decreasing the mortality rate from 65 to 17 percent.
The impact of this change in the standard of care is so striking, Dubick said, that "some liken this standard of care to the first time someone applied antibiotics."
The military innovation also is gaining civilian attention.
"We've met with over 26 civilian centers and are working with 16 of them," Dubick said.
As word of the lifesaving measure begins to spread, Dubick said, he and his fellow scientists already are looking ahead, working with a company to produce freeze-dried plasma. In its natural state, plasma has a limited shelf life and is subject to temperature requirements.
The scientists also would like to develop a shelf-stable artificial blood with clotting factors that would enable medics to provide early intervention at the site of injury, Dubick said.
"The majority of patients bleed to death in the first five to 10 minutes," Dubick said. "We believe that procedures like this one can save soldiers who survive beyond 10 minutes -- keep them alive long enough to get to the hospital and to surgery. It's a remarkable innovation."
Dubick's team for the project includes Jill Sondeen and Charles Wade, from the Institute of Surgical Research; Philip Spinella, Brooke Army Medical Center; Army Maj. Jeremy Perkins, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Air Force Maj. Matthew Borgman, Wilford Hall Medical Center; and Army Col. John Holcomb, ISR commander.
The invention was the only medical innovation to make the Army's Top Ten cut, and marks the third year of the last four that the Institute of Surgical Research has made it to the Top Ten list. The winning programs are selected based on their impact on Army capabilities, inventiveness and potential benefit outside the Army.
U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research http://www.usaisr.amedd.army.mil/
(Elaine Wilson works at the Fort Sam Houston Public Information Office.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 12, 2008
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., by increasing it to $114,000,000. This action procures multiple retrofit change modifications which brings Block 13 fielded aircraft configurations to a Block 17 aircraft configuration, the configuration of the production aircraft being delivered. At this time the amount obligated has been increased to $51,300,000. 516 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00240).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Mansfield Oil Co., Gainesville, Ga.* is being awarded a maximum $9,323,878 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel deliveries. Other locations of performance are in Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. Using services are Army and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was a full and open solicitation with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-D-4057).
Leemon Oil Co., Inc., DBA RKA Petroleum Co., Romulus, Mich.*, is being awarded a maximum $8,840,619 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel deliveries. Other locations of performance are in Maryand, Virginia, Ohio, District of Columbia, Indiana, and Kentucky. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Defense and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was a full and open solicitation with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-4001).
PAPCO, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,462,917.38 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel deliveries. Other location of performance is in Virginia. Using services are Army, Navy and United States Coast Guard. The original proposal was a full and open solicitation with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-05-D-4059).
Exxon Mobile Aviation, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a minimum $73,454,282 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for gasoline and fuel oil. Other locations of performance are various DOD locations in Japan. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally 6 proposals solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1256).
Asia Resource Partners (KK), Tokyo, Japan, is being awarded a minimum $11,664,250 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel oil. Other locations of performance are various DOD locations in Japan. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally six proposals solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1260).
NAVY
Harris Corp., Palm Bay, Fla. is being awarded a $17,490,006 initial order under a indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-pricecontract for Multi-Band Shipboard Satellite Communications Systems; Unit Level Variant. This contract will allow the Program Executive Office-Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence and Space, Navy Communications Program Office, PMW-170 to acquire Ku/X-band terminals, providing SATCOM connectivity capability to the Fleet. This contract includes five one-year ordering periods and has a total estimated value of $76,912,991. Work will be performed in Palm Bay, Fla. and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2008. If delivery orders are placed throughout the five one-year ordering periods, work could continue until Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured with using full and open competitive procedures via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with six offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-08-D-0005).
Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., dbs Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Logistics, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $9,382,803 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N00019-05-D-0013) for additional Special Structural Inspection-Kits (SSI-K) for the P-3 aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, S.C., and 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.
Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $8,336,295 firm-fixed-price contract to repair barracks, building 570, Phase V at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif. The newly renovated facility will improve the quality of life and quality of training of the new recruits. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with five proposals solicited and three offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-06-D-1059).
Joseph Chow and Associates,* San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $7,500,000 (base and options - with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000) firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineering contract for renovation/repair and new construction of facilities in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for engineering studies and site investigation reports to support new development on raw land, or re-development of existing developed sites; preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFP) for Design-Build Projects; preparation of fully designed plans and specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB) projects; other engineering designs, studies, reports, cost estimates, evaluations, and construction support services. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to Calif., (87 percent); Ariz., (5 percent), Nev., (5 percent); Colo., (1 percent); N.M., (1 percent) and Utah, (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed Jun. 2009 (Jun. 2013 with exercised options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation websitewith 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-08-D-8620).
ARMY
Sabre Defence Industries, LLC, Nashville, Tenn., was awarded on Jun. 11, 2008, a $5,062,099.00 firm fixed price IDIQ contract for 4,952 each M16A3 rifles to support the U.S. Navy. 702 each for the U.S. Marine Corps, M16A4 Rifles to support the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Foreign Military Sales Customers. Work is to be performed in Nashville, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web with nine bids received. TACOM LCMC, AMSTA-LC-WSC-C, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0293).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., by increasing it to $114,000,000. This action procures multiple retrofit change modifications which brings Block 13 fielded aircraft configurations to a Block 17 aircraft configuration, the configuration of the production aircraft being delivered. At this time the amount obligated has been increased to $51,300,000. 516 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00240).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Mansfield Oil Co., Gainesville, Ga.* is being awarded a maximum $9,323,878 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel deliveries. Other locations of performance are in Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. Using services are Army and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was a full and open solicitation with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-D-4057).
Leemon Oil Co., Inc., DBA RKA Petroleum Co., Romulus, Mich.*, is being awarded a maximum $8,840,619 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel deliveries. Other locations of performance are in Maryand, Virginia, Ohio, District of Columbia, Indiana, and Kentucky. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Defense and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was a full and open solicitation with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-4001).
PAPCO, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,462,917.38 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel deliveries. Other location of performance is in Virginia. Using services are Army, Navy and United States Coast Guard. The original proposal was a full and open solicitation with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-05-D-4059).
Exxon Mobile Aviation, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a minimum $73,454,282 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for gasoline and fuel oil. Other locations of performance are various DOD locations in Japan. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally 6 proposals solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1256).
Asia Resource Partners (KK), Tokyo, Japan, is being awarded a minimum $11,664,250 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel oil. Other locations of performance are various DOD locations in Japan. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally six proposals solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1260).
NAVY
Harris Corp., Palm Bay, Fla. is being awarded a $17,490,006 initial order under a indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-pricecontract for Multi-Band Shipboard Satellite Communications Systems; Unit Level Variant. This contract will allow the Program Executive Office-Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence and Space, Navy Communications Program Office, PMW-170 to acquire Ku/X-band terminals, providing SATCOM connectivity capability to the Fleet. This contract includes five one-year ordering periods and has a total estimated value of $76,912,991. Work will be performed in Palm Bay, Fla. and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2008. If delivery orders are placed throughout the five one-year ordering periods, work could continue until Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured with using full and open competitive procedures via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with six offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-08-D-0005).
Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., dbs Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Logistics, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $9,382,803 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N00019-05-D-0013) for additional Special Structural Inspection-Kits (SSI-K) for the P-3 aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, S.C., and 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.
Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $8,336,295 firm-fixed-price contract to repair barracks, building 570, Phase V at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif. The newly renovated facility will improve the quality of life and quality of training of the new recruits. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with five proposals solicited and three offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-06-D-1059).
Joseph Chow and Associates,* San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $7,500,000 (base and options - with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000) firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineering contract for renovation/repair and new construction of facilities in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for engineering studies and site investigation reports to support new development on raw land, or re-development of existing developed sites; preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFP) for Design-Build Projects; preparation of fully designed plans and specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB) projects; other engineering designs, studies, reports, cost estimates, evaluations, and construction support services. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to Calif., (87 percent); Ariz., (5 percent), Nev., (5 percent); Colo., (1 percent); N.M., (1 percent) and Utah, (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed Jun. 2009 (Jun. 2013 with exercised options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation websitewith 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-08-D-8620).
ARMY
Sabre Defence Industries, LLC, Nashville, Tenn., was awarded on Jun. 11, 2008, a $5,062,099.00 firm fixed price IDIQ contract for 4,952 each M16A3 rifles to support the U.S. Navy. 702 each for the U.S. Marine Corps, M16A4 Rifles to support the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Foreign Military Sales Customers. Work is to be performed in Nashville, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web with nine bids received. TACOM LCMC, AMSTA-LC-WSC-C, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0293).
Graduation Doesn't Mean Stop Learning, Vice Chairman Tells NDU Grads
By Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Graduating from a military university shouldn't be the end to a servicemember's learning, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during the National Defense University graduation at Fort Lesley J. McNair here today. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright was the keynote speaker, telling the graduates he had "bad news" for them on their celebratory day.
"If you think this is the end of education and you've learned it all, you are sorely mistaken, and there will be a problem as you move into the future," Cartwright said. "You will be irrelevant, and you will be the only one who doesn't know it. You must stay educated. You must continue to do what you have done this year. You must do it on a self-paced approach, and you must do it in a formal approach. Absent that, you will not be able to credibly lead the people we are recruiting."
He said the quality of recruits during his time in the military has improved dramatically, partially due to moving away from a conscript-type force.
"Much of our recruitment program was set aside by federal judges," the vice chairman said, citing the formerly common practice of judges telling young men before them to choose between going to jail or joining the Marine Corps. "It was a very different force."
Cartwright said some "very brave uniformed people at the top" decided to create the all-volunteer force. He said recruiting enlisted members out of high school and abolishing the draft completely changed the makeup of the enlisted force. On the officer side, the vice chairman said, the military university system and education with industry have created the same type of change, and only education could have done it.
The general told the graduates -- U.S. and foreign officers, along with other government officials -- that he expects them to be the leaders the military needs.
"I have an expectation that you'll leave here, go back to your units, and advance the capabilities of national and global security," the general said. "That expectation is one that I will hold you to."
The vice chairman said part of that is leading the troops under their command.
"Those who you lead will have an expectation of you that you will have to meet," Cartwright said. "Their expectations of you are probably higher than mine. That's not a bad thing."
Cartwright said many of the military universities are having their graduation around the same time. He also noted that some uniformed servicemembers are completing internships with businesses. While what they learned is important, Cartwright said, the people the graduates have met along the way will be among the most advantageous parts of their completed education.
"We're very proud of our joint heritage and where we're going as a joint force," Cartwright said. "But modern warfare today and as we move to the future will be much more about our interagency colleagues and our international colleagues. They will define how we fight war in the future. They will define how we prevent war in the future. It is us with them in a partnership that will have the best opportunity to solve the world's problems. Joint is important, but not as important as the relationships you have built here with your international and interagency colleagues."
The general said those relationships must be nurtured as the graduates move on to leadership positions and that they must be prepared to do whatever's necessary in their role as leaders.
"You must remain flexible, you must remain credible, and you must be ready to do the unexpected," Cartwright said. "Innovation has to be part of your mind set. There is no playbook for what you're going to be asked to do on the battlefield."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump is assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Graduating from a military university shouldn't be the end to a servicemember's learning, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during the National Defense University graduation at Fort Lesley J. McNair here today. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright was the keynote speaker, telling the graduates he had "bad news" for them on their celebratory day.
"If you think this is the end of education and you've learned it all, you are sorely mistaken, and there will be a problem as you move into the future," Cartwright said. "You will be irrelevant, and you will be the only one who doesn't know it. You must stay educated. You must continue to do what you have done this year. You must do it on a self-paced approach, and you must do it in a formal approach. Absent that, you will not be able to credibly lead the people we are recruiting."
He said the quality of recruits during his time in the military has improved dramatically, partially due to moving away from a conscript-type force.
"Much of our recruitment program was set aside by federal judges," the vice chairman said, citing the formerly common practice of judges telling young men before them to choose between going to jail or joining the Marine Corps. "It was a very different force."
Cartwright said some "very brave uniformed people at the top" decided to create the all-volunteer force. He said recruiting enlisted members out of high school and abolishing the draft completely changed the makeup of the enlisted force. On the officer side, the vice chairman said, the military university system and education with industry have created the same type of change, and only education could have done it.
The general told the graduates -- U.S. and foreign officers, along with other government officials -- that he expects them to be the leaders the military needs.
"I have an expectation that you'll leave here, go back to your units, and advance the capabilities of national and global security," the general said. "That expectation is one that I will hold you to."
The vice chairman said part of that is leading the troops under their command.
"Those who you lead will have an expectation of you that you will have to meet," Cartwright said. "Their expectations of you are probably higher than mine. That's not a bad thing."
Cartwright said many of the military universities are having their graduation around the same time. He also noted that some uniformed servicemembers are completing internships with businesses. While what they learned is important, Cartwright said, the people the graduates have met along the way will be among the most advantageous parts of their completed education.
"We're very proud of our joint heritage and where we're going as a joint force," Cartwright said. "But modern warfare today and as we move to the future will be much more about our interagency colleagues and our international colleagues. They will define how we fight war in the future. They will define how we prevent war in the future. It is us with them in a partnership that will have the best opportunity to solve the world's problems. Joint is important, but not as important as the relationships you have built here with your international and interagency colleagues."
The general said those relationships must be nurtured as the graduates move on to leadership positions and that they must be prepared to do whatever's necessary in their role as leaders.
"You must remain flexible, you must remain credible, and you must be ready to do the unexpected," Cartwright said. "Innovation has to be part of your mind set. There is no playbook for what you're going to be asked to do on the battlefield."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump is assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs Office.)
Motorcycle Refresher Required for Redeploying Infantry Troops
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch lost too many soldiers during the 3rd Infantry Division's third and longest deployment to Iraq. But now that most of the division is finally home, Lynch told the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday he's not willing to take a single additional casualty to a motorcycle accident. "I refuse to think that a soldier could deploy to combat for 15 months, then come home and get killed on a motorcycle," Lynch said during Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's visit here yesterday.
So Lynch, an avid motorcyclist who parks his prized Harley-Davidson in front of the division headquarters, requires every single soldier under his command to take an hour-and-a-half motorcycle refresher course before hitting the road on two wheels.
"Nobody's touching their motorcycle until they go through the refresher course," Lynch said.
The requirement makes good sense as troops reintegrate into the garrison environment after a tough deployment as part of the surge force, he said.
Lynch, who's been cycling for 30 years, took the refresher course himself during his first day back to Fort Stewart earlier this month.
The course includes a spin at the post's newly acquired motorcycle simulator -- the only one of its kind, not just in the United States, but in North America, Jim McCullough, installation safety director, told Mullen yesterday.
"It's pretty high-speed," Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart's garrison commander, said of the full-sized device that looks like it belongs in either an arcade or amusement park. "It lets soldiers get refresher training to sharpen up those perishable skills they may have lost while they were gone before they hit the road again."
At $143,000, Lynch said, the simulator is worth every penny.
"We don't know how many lives we've saved, but we know it's had an impact," Buchs said.
Three division soldiers have been in motorcycle accidents since the division began redeploying in late March. In two of the three accidents, the motorist -- not the soldier -- was at fault, Buchs said.
Motorcycling has become increasingly popular Armywide, particularly in light of high gas prices. Officials report more than 33,000 motorcycles currently registered on Army posts.
At Fort Stewart, soldiers are "buying them left and right" now that they're home from combat, Buchs said. All must undergo mandatory training offered through the post safety office in coordination with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Post officials recognize they're trying to buck an alarming trend. Twenty soldiers were killed in motorcycle accidents during the first six months of fiscal 2008 alone, according to Army Combat Readiness Center data. That's more than twice the number killed during the same period last year, officials said.
Last year, the Defense Department lost nearly 100 servicemembers in motorcycle accidents.
These numbers reflect a nationwide upward trend. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled during the last 10 years nationwide.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and more often than not, the motorcyclist is not at fault.
Lynch said he's going the extra mile to help protect his soldiers, particularly when they're first back from a deployment. He requires all returning soldiers to wait 48 hours before driving a car and limits them to within 100 miles of Fort Stewart for a short period after that as they readjust.
"These soldiers have been through a lot and achieved a lot, but now they're home," he said. "And after deploying to combat for 15 months, I don't want to lose them in an accident at home."
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch lost too many soldiers during the 3rd Infantry Division's third and longest deployment to Iraq. But now that most of the division is finally home, Lynch told the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday he's not willing to take a single additional casualty to a motorcycle accident. "I refuse to think that a soldier could deploy to combat for 15 months, then come home and get killed on a motorcycle," Lynch said during Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's visit here yesterday.
So Lynch, an avid motorcyclist who parks his prized Harley-Davidson in front of the division headquarters, requires every single soldier under his command to take an hour-and-a-half motorcycle refresher course before hitting the road on two wheels.
"Nobody's touching their motorcycle until they go through the refresher course," Lynch said.
The requirement makes good sense as troops reintegrate into the garrison environment after a tough deployment as part of the surge force, he said.
Lynch, who's been cycling for 30 years, took the refresher course himself during his first day back to Fort Stewart earlier this month.
The course includes a spin at the post's newly acquired motorcycle simulator -- the only one of its kind, not just in the United States, but in North America, Jim McCullough, installation safety director, told Mullen yesterday.
"It's pretty high-speed," Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart's garrison commander, said of the full-sized device that looks like it belongs in either an arcade or amusement park. "It lets soldiers get refresher training to sharpen up those perishable skills they may have lost while they were gone before they hit the road again."
At $143,000, Lynch said, the simulator is worth every penny.
"We don't know how many lives we've saved, but we know it's had an impact," Buchs said.
Three division soldiers have been in motorcycle accidents since the division began redeploying in late March. In two of the three accidents, the motorist -- not the soldier -- was at fault, Buchs said.
Motorcycling has become increasingly popular Armywide, particularly in light of high gas prices. Officials report more than 33,000 motorcycles currently registered on Army posts.
At Fort Stewart, soldiers are "buying them left and right" now that they're home from combat, Buchs said. All must undergo mandatory training offered through the post safety office in coordination with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Post officials recognize they're trying to buck an alarming trend. Twenty soldiers were killed in motorcycle accidents during the first six months of fiscal 2008 alone, according to Army Combat Readiness Center data. That's more than twice the number killed during the same period last year, officials said.
Last year, the Defense Department lost nearly 100 servicemembers in motorcycle accidents.
These numbers reflect a nationwide upward trend. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled during the last 10 years nationwide.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and more often than not, the motorcyclist is not at fault.
Lynch said he's going the extra mile to help protect his soldiers, particularly when they're first back from a deployment. He requires all returning soldiers to wait 48 hours before driving a car and limits them to within 100 miles of Fort Stewart for a short period after that as they readjust.
"These soldiers have been through a lot and achieved a lot, but now they're home," he said. "And after deploying to combat for 15 months, I don't want to lose them in an accident at home."
Friday, June 13, 2008
Criminal Justice Education
June 13, 2008, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) On June 18, 2008, Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Dr. Gregory D. Herbert, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) about educational opportunities for both criminal justice and military personnel.
Program Date: June 18, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Criminal Justice Education
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/06/19/The-Watering-Hole
About the Guest
Dr. Gregory D. Herbert, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) was born in Kalamazoo, MI, in 1956. He graduated from Lakewood High School, St. Petersburg FL, in 1974, and then attended St. Petersburg Junior College where he received his AA degree. He received an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend Florida State University where he graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on August 10, 1979. Dr. Herbert served on active duty for twenty two years initially as a B-52 Navigator/Radar Navigator then as a staff officer at various headquarters such as Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command, and Air University.
At Air University Dr. Gregory D. Herbert was Chief, Nonresident Curriculum Branch, Air Command and Staff College; as such, he was in charge of the curriculum for over 6,000 nonresident students. While on active duty he earned an MBA from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a doctorate in Higher Education from The George Washington University. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 2002 Dr. Herbert joined TUI University as a faculty member in the College of Business Administration. Since joining TUI he has taught and developed numerous courses for the college and has assumed administrative duties as the Associate Dean for the Colleges of Business Administration and Information Systems.
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.
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 E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement 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
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: June 18, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Criminal Justice Education
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/06/19/The-Watering-Hole
About the Guest
Dr. Gregory D. Herbert, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) was born in Kalamazoo, MI, in 1956. He graduated from Lakewood High School, St. Petersburg FL, in 1974, and then attended St. Petersburg Junior College where he received his AA degree. He received an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend Florida State University where he graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on August 10, 1979. Dr. Herbert served on active duty for twenty two years initially as a B-52 Navigator/Radar Navigator then as a staff officer at various headquarters such as Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command, and Air University.
At Air University Dr. Gregory D. Herbert was Chief, Nonresident Curriculum Branch, Air Command and Staff College; as such, he was in charge of the curriculum for over 6,000 nonresident students. While on active duty he earned an MBA from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a doctorate in Higher Education from The George Washington University. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 2002 Dr. Herbert joined TUI University as a faculty member in the College of Business Administration. Since joining TUI he has taught and developed numerous courses for the college and has assumed administrative duties as the Associate Dean for the Colleges of Business Administration and Information Systems.
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.
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 E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement 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
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Mullen Assesses Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Stewart
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, toured the new Warrior Transition Unit here yesterday and met with wounded troops to hear how the Army is ensuring they get the best care and support possible. Mullen, here for a full day of sessions with junior soldiers, noncommissioned officers, junior and mid-grade officers and family members, stopped by the Warrior Transition Unit campus that stood up a year ago to hear firsthand how it's working.
As Mullen met privately with the soldiers, Army Lt. Col. Tyra White, who commands the Warrior Transition Battalion, explained the concept that has made medical hold units a thing of the past. The 586 wounded and recuperating soldiers assigned to the unit are called "warriors in transition," with one single mission: healing.
The Fort Stewart unit is one of 35 the Army stood up in the wake of problems discovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. The units provide command and control to ensure transitioning soldiers get proper medical care and additional services they need as they complete medical evaluations and prepare for a return to active duty or civilian life, White said.
A "triad" of care, including a primary-care manager, nurse case manager and squad leader, provides personal attention at every turn and coordinates closely to ensure no detail falls through the cracks, she said.
Army Col. Jack Collins, commander of Winn Army Community Hospital, said the team approach underscores the Army's emphasis on helping warriors in transition succeed. "It's our No. 1 priority, and this is all about creating a healing environment," he said.
"This is one-stop shopping," White said of the Warrior Transition Unit complex, now located in refurbished National Guard buildings but to be replaced with a new, permanent facility next year.
"What we have here is wonderful," White said. We have occupational therapy, nurse case managers, doctors who come here, a town hall once a month. It's all right here."
Mullen told reporters he's happy with broad strides the Army has taken to ensure its wounded troops get the care and services they need.
"These are individuals and families who have paid an incredible price to defend our country. We have asked them to go into harm's way. They have done what their country has asked, and I think every effort needs to be made to make sure that they are well taken care of," he said. "The entire nation owes these troops a debt that can never be repaid fully."
An integrated effort by the Defense Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the country as a whole needs to look out for these troops to "make sure they are OK for the rest of their lives," he said.
While ensuring the top-notch medical care they receive is sustained over time, this integrated support network must ensure transitioning troops recognize that "their American dream is still achievable," he said.
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, toured the new Warrior Transition Unit here yesterday and met with wounded troops to hear how the Army is ensuring they get the best care and support possible. Mullen, here for a full day of sessions with junior soldiers, noncommissioned officers, junior and mid-grade officers and family members, stopped by the Warrior Transition Unit campus that stood up a year ago to hear firsthand how it's working.
As Mullen met privately with the soldiers, Army Lt. Col. Tyra White, who commands the Warrior Transition Battalion, explained the concept that has made medical hold units a thing of the past. The 586 wounded and recuperating soldiers assigned to the unit are called "warriors in transition," with one single mission: healing.
The Fort Stewart unit is one of 35 the Army stood up in the wake of problems discovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. The units provide command and control to ensure transitioning soldiers get proper medical care and additional services they need as they complete medical evaluations and prepare for a return to active duty or civilian life, White said.
A "triad" of care, including a primary-care manager, nurse case manager and squad leader, provides personal attention at every turn and coordinates closely to ensure no detail falls through the cracks, she said.
Army Col. Jack Collins, commander of Winn Army Community Hospital, said the team approach underscores the Army's emphasis on helping warriors in transition succeed. "It's our No. 1 priority, and this is all about creating a healing environment," he said.
"This is one-stop shopping," White said of the Warrior Transition Unit complex, now located in refurbished National Guard buildings but to be replaced with a new, permanent facility next year.
"What we have here is wonderful," White said. We have occupational therapy, nurse case managers, doctors who come here, a town hall once a month. It's all right here."
Mullen told reporters he's happy with broad strides the Army has taken to ensure its wounded troops get the care and services they need.
"These are individuals and families who have paid an incredible price to defend our country. We have asked them to go into harm's way. They have done what their country has asked, and I think every effort needs to be made to make sure that they are well taken care of," he said. "The entire nation owes these troops a debt that can never be repaid fully."
An integrated effort by the Defense Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the country as a whole needs to look out for these troops to "make sure they are OK for the rest of their lives," he said.
While ensuring the top-notch medical care they receive is sustained over time, this integrated support network must ensure transitioning troops recognize that "their American dream is still achievable," he said.
Guard Floods States With Assistance as Waters Rise
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Governors in four of six Midwestern states affected by heavy rains and subsequent flooding called out more than 2,000 National Guard members this week as flood waters forced residents from their homes, left thousands without power and damaged infrastructure. The severe weather began in the region June 4 and continued for several days, with flood waters continuing to rise today. It included heavy rains, tornados, hail, severe lighting and, in one instance, nearly 11 inches of rain near the Indianapolis area within a matter of hours.
Many officials were comparing the floods to the Midwest's historic "Great Flood of 1993," which caused an estimated $15 billion in damage.
National Guard members in Indiana, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Iowa were continuing their support to civil authorities with manpower and equipment today. Helping them were additional Guard members from neighboring states.
In Indiana, Gov. Mitch Daniels called out more than 1,300 Guard members to assist in evacuations, search and rescue, security, road blocks, sandbagging, and other emergency assistance missions. President Bush declared much of central Indiana a major disaster area.
National Guard Bureau officials reported that a variety of Guard equipment was being used to assist emergency responders in Indiana and its affected communities, including 35 5-ton trucks, 37 Humvees, five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, 26 potable water trailers, 17 light-medium tactile vehicles, and five buses. Still other special equipment and personnel include members of the West Virginia National Guard's 53rd Civil Support Team, as well as an RC-26B Metroliner reconnaissance aircraft.
"We are here for the citizens of Indiana," said Army Capt. Andy Weaver in an Indiana National Guard news report. Weaver and other Guard members helped evacuate at least 256 patients from a flooded hospital June 8 in Columbus. "Even though some of our soldiers have been affected by the flooding, they are here helping out the community. This is where they feel they should be," he added.
Indiana Guard members also were delivering Red Cross supplies, equipment and personnel to the town of Worthington. They delivered 7,200 gallons of water to the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency and provided self-contained shower units to the town of Hope in Bartholomew County.
In Iowa, Guard officials reported many lakes, rivers and streams were at near-record levels, flooding communities and forcing many Iowans out of their towns and homes. Gov. Chet Culver mobilized at least 640 Guard soldiers and airmen for state active duty to assist in the state's disaster response. The governor declared 40 counties as disaster areas.
The Guard members are partnering with federal, state, county and local officials in at least 11 counties and are providing generator support and emergency drinking water. Other Guard members are involved in sandbagging and transportation, as well as securing bridges.
A band of storms that moved across West Virginia on June 5 caused severe flooding that forced Gov. Joe Manchin to declare a state of emergency for at least 15 counties.
At least 97 West Virginia Guard members responded to affected areas with military dump trucks, Humvees, water supplies, backhoes and other equipment to assist residents and local responders as river levels climbed. The Guard members were removing debris with their equipment in at least five counties.
The Wisconsin National Guard mobilized at least 80 soldiers and airmen. The soldiers were providing potable water and sandbags to flooded counties. Officials reported that soldiers of 2nd Brigade were tasked to deliver 20,000 sandbags to Dodge County and the village of Mukwonago. Guard soldiers from 147th Aviation were assisting in aerial damage-assessment missions for military and state leaders. The other states flew similar aerial assessment missions for their leaders.
Army Spc. Cassandra Groce from the Kentucky National Guard reported today that an RC-26B from 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian, Miss., arrived in Wisconsin yesterday to fly over dozens of affected areas in the state to provide live video. A similar Guard aircraft from West Virginia flew missions over flooded areas of Indiana.
The capability allows engineers on the ground to plan reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and was employed after Hurricane Katrina. It was tested during last year's Guard response to the California wildfires and is now being used for the first time in the flooded states, Groce reported.
Army Master Sgt. Paul Gorman from the Wisconsin Guard reported yesterday that 924th Engineer Detachment dispatched engineer elements to team up with civilian engineers at key damage sites in three heavily affected counties. A Wisconsin Guard UH-60 Black Hawk from 147th Aviation Battalion also provided aerial assessment, Gorman reported.
In addition, 54th Civil Support Team brought communication, liaison and combat-lifesaver capabilities to support the ground-based engineer element in western Vernon County.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Governors in four of six Midwestern states affected by heavy rains and subsequent flooding called out more than 2,000 National Guard members this week as flood waters forced residents from their homes, left thousands without power and damaged infrastructure. The severe weather began in the region June 4 and continued for several days, with flood waters continuing to rise today. It included heavy rains, tornados, hail, severe lighting and, in one instance, nearly 11 inches of rain near the Indianapolis area within a matter of hours.
Many officials were comparing the floods to the Midwest's historic "Great Flood of 1993," which caused an estimated $15 billion in damage.
National Guard members in Indiana, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Iowa were continuing their support to civil authorities with manpower and equipment today. Helping them were additional Guard members from neighboring states.
In Indiana, Gov. Mitch Daniels called out more than 1,300 Guard members to assist in evacuations, search and rescue, security, road blocks, sandbagging, and other emergency assistance missions. President Bush declared much of central Indiana a major disaster area.
National Guard Bureau officials reported that a variety of Guard equipment was being used to assist emergency responders in Indiana and its affected communities, including 35 5-ton trucks, 37 Humvees, five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, 26 potable water trailers, 17 light-medium tactile vehicles, and five buses. Still other special equipment and personnel include members of the West Virginia National Guard's 53rd Civil Support Team, as well as an RC-26B Metroliner reconnaissance aircraft.
"We are here for the citizens of Indiana," said Army Capt. Andy Weaver in an Indiana National Guard news report. Weaver and other Guard members helped evacuate at least 256 patients from a flooded hospital June 8 in Columbus. "Even though some of our soldiers have been affected by the flooding, they are here helping out the community. This is where they feel they should be," he added.
Indiana Guard members also were delivering Red Cross supplies, equipment and personnel to the town of Worthington. They delivered 7,200 gallons of water to the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency and provided self-contained shower units to the town of Hope in Bartholomew County.
In Iowa, Guard officials reported many lakes, rivers and streams were at near-record levels, flooding communities and forcing many Iowans out of their towns and homes. Gov. Chet Culver mobilized at least 640 Guard soldiers and airmen for state active duty to assist in the state's disaster response. The governor declared 40 counties as disaster areas.
The Guard members are partnering with federal, state, county and local officials in at least 11 counties and are providing generator support and emergency drinking water. Other Guard members are involved in sandbagging and transportation, as well as securing bridges.
A band of storms that moved across West Virginia on June 5 caused severe flooding that forced Gov. Joe Manchin to declare a state of emergency for at least 15 counties.
At least 97 West Virginia Guard members responded to affected areas with military dump trucks, Humvees, water supplies, backhoes and other equipment to assist residents and local responders as river levels climbed. The Guard members were removing debris with their equipment in at least five counties.
The Wisconsin National Guard mobilized at least 80 soldiers and airmen. The soldiers were providing potable water and sandbags to flooded counties. Officials reported that soldiers of 2nd Brigade were tasked to deliver 20,000 sandbags to Dodge County and the village of Mukwonago. Guard soldiers from 147th Aviation were assisting in aerial damage-assessment missions for military and state leaders. The other states flew similar aerial assessment missions for their leaders.
Army Spc. Cassandra Groce from the Kentucky National Guard reported today that an RC-26B from 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian, Miss., arrived in Wisconsin yesterday to fly over dozens of affected areas in the state to provide live video. A similar Guard aircraft from West Virginia flew missions over flooded areas of Indiana.
The capability allows engineers on the ground to plan reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and was employed after Hurricane Katrina. It was tested during last year's Guard response to the California wildfires and is now being used for the first time in the flooded states, Groce reported.
Army Master Sgt. Paul Gorman from the Wisconsin Guard reported yesterday that 924th Engineer Detachment dispatched engineer elements to team up with civilian engineers at key damage sites in three heavily affected counties. A Wisconsin Guard UH-60 Black Hawk from 147th Aviation Battalion also provided aerial assessment, Gorman reported.
In addition, 54th Civil Support Team brought communication, liaison and combat-lifesaver capabilities to support the ground-based engineer element in western Vernon County.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Memorial Tree-Planting Honors Fallen 3rd Infantry Division Troops
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Three additional trees were planted here today along Warriors Walk, bringing to 411 the number of Eastern redbud trees in the memorial honoring fallen 3rd Infantry Division soldiers who died in Iraq. Family members and fellow 3rd Infantry Division soldiers gathered for the somber ceremony as Army Command Sgt. Maj. McArthur Dixon, the rear detachment command sergeant major, called out the fallen soldiers' names. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, the 3rd Infantry Division commander, remembered the soldiers as heroes who sacrificed for the country.
Army Pvt. Kyle P. Norris, 22, died May 23 after an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle as it patrolled in Balad. Two of the soldiers died in Iraq of noncombat injuries: 25-year-old Army Pvt. Ronald Harrison died April 22 at Forward Operating Base Falcon, and Army Spc. Mary J. Jaenichen, 20, on May 9 in Iskandariyah.
The simple tree-planting ceremony took place along Cottrell Field, a parade ground that was a site of celebration recently when 3rd Infantry Division soldiers returned from their third deployment to Iraq.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrapped up a visit here yesterday strolling through the grove alongside Lynch. They walked slowly through the grounds, pausing frequently to reflect on the small granite markers at each tree bearing a soldier's name. U.S. and unit flags at the base of each tree blew in the wind, and wind chimes dangling from many of the branches sent soft tinkling sounds through the grounds.
Mementos left at each tree told the personal stories of the soldiers honored. Two miniature motorcycles and a golf ball rested under the tree for Army Staff Sgt. William J. Beardsley, who died in February 2007 when an IED detonated near his vehicle in Diwaniyah.
Two wind chimes, a pinwheel and a flower arrangement graced the tree honoring Army Spc. Adam Harting, a 21-year-old who died in Samarra in July 2005.
A plaque engraved with a photo of Army Sgt. Nathan Bouchard carried a message of inspiration: "Greater love hath no man than that a man lay down his life for his friends. RECON." Bouchard was among four 3rd Infantry Division soldiers killed Aug. 18, 2005, when an IED detonated near their Humvee following a mine-assessing mission in Samarra.
Other tokens rested at the bases of other trees: a pack of cigarettes, a bottle of beer, a religious plaque and a crystal angel among them. Each night, a miniature spotlight casts a glow on each tree.
After walking through Warriors Walk yesterday, Mullen stopped to reflect, crossing his arms across his chest as he looked down the long rows that began with 34 trees planted during the 2003 dedication ceremony.
Garrison Commander Army Col. Todd Buchs said it's fitting that the division's heroes are honored in a way that will allow future generations to read their names and know of the sacrifices they made.
When the trees bloom each April, it's a tribute to the achievements the brigade made – and losses it suffered -- in April 2003 when it led the drive into Baghdad during its first deployment to Iraq, he said.
Army 1st Lt. Oscar Blasingame, whose legal services office sits directly across the street from Warriors Walk, said he visits it frequently and attends the tree-planting ceremonies "to remind myself of why I'm here."
Blasingame is an Army reserve soldier from Florida who volunteered to serve with the 3rd Infantry Division because of his strong family ties to the storied unit. Sitting on his desk is a photo of his grandfather and the victory medal he earned serving with the division in Marne, France, during World War I when it earned the motto, "Rock of the Marne."
Warriors Walk, he said, provides a reminder of the sacrifices 3rd Division soldiers continue to make, he said.
Army Pvt. Jonathan Goad, who joined the division last month, visited Warriors Walk with a friend just back from Iraq during his first days at Fort Stewart. "He lost a couple of friends there, so it was a very emotional day," said Goad, who expects to deploy with his new unit late next year.
As he walked among the trees, Goad said, he felt a sense of brotherhood with the fallen soldiers, knowing that he is taking up the cause they fought and died for. "I felt a sense of pride and a sense of unity with them," he said.
Goad said he recognizes that he, too, will go into harm's way serving with the division. But after feeling the terrorist threat personally at a young age, he said, he feels it's his duty.
A last-minute schedule change saved Goad's mother from being at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Okla., when it was bombed in April 2005. Goad remembers his sixth-grade class music trip into Oklahoma City getting disrupted as rescue workers rushed to the scene to search for survivors.
But the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks were the clincher, convincing Goad to join the military.
"I pretty much felt the call to serve," he said. "I've always felt that we should have a sense of pride and a willingness to make this country a better place and a safer place."
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Three additional trees were planted here today along Warriors Walk, bringing to 411 the number of Eastern redbud trees in the memorial honoring fallen 3rd Infantry Division soldiers who died in Iraq. Family members and fellow 3rd Infantry Division soldiers gathered for the somber ceremony as Army Command Sgt. Maj. McArthur Dixon, the rear detachment command sergeant major, called out the fallen soldiers' names. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, the 3rd Infantry Division commander, remembered the soldiers as heroes who sacrificed for the country.
Army Pvt. Kyle P. Norris, 22, died May 23 after an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle as it patrolled in Balad. Two of the soldiers died in Iraq of noncombat injuries: 25-year-old Army Pvt. Ronald Harrison died April 22 at Forward Operating Base Falcon, and Army Spc. Mary J. Jaenichen, 20, on May 9 in Iskandariyah.
The simple tree-planting ceremony took place along Cottrell Field, a parade ground that was a site of celebration recently when 3rd Infantry Division soldiers returned from their third deployment to Iraq.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrapped up a visit here yesterday strolling through the grove alongside Lynch. They walked slowly through the grounds, pausing frequently to reflect on the small granite markers at each tree bearing a soldier's name. U.S. and unit flags at the base of each tree blew in the wind, and wind chimes dangling from many of the branches sent soft tinkling sounds through the grounds.
Mementos left at each tree told the personal stories of the soldiers honored. Two miniature motorcycles and a golf ball rested under the tree for Army Staff Sgt. William J. Beardsley, who died in February 2007 when an IED detonated near his vehicle in Diwaniyah.
Two wind chimes, a pinwheel and a flower arrangement graced the tree honoring Army Spc. Adam Harting, a 21-year-old who died in Samarra in July 2005.
A plaque engraved with a photo of Army Sgt. Nathan Bouchard carried a message of inspiration: "Greater love hath no man than that a man lay down his life for his friends. RECON." Bouchard was among four 3rd Infantry Division soldiers killed Aug. 18, 2005, when an IED detonated near their Humvee following a mine-assessing mission in Samarra.
Other tokens rested at the bases of other trees: a pack of cigarettes, a bottle of beer, a religious plaque and a crystal angel among them. Each night, a miniature spotlight casts a glow on each tree.
After walking through Warriors Walk yesterday, Mullen stopped to reflect, crossing his arms across his chest as he looked down the long rows that began with 34 trees planted during the 2003 dedication ceremony.
Garrison Commander Army Col. Todd Buchs said it's fitting that the division's heroes are honored in a way that will allow future generations to read their names and know of the sacrifices they made.
When the trees bloom each April, it's a tribute to the achievements the brigade made – and losses it suffered -- in April 2003 when it led the drive into Baghdad during its first deployment to Iraq, he said.
Army 1st Lt. Oscar Blasingame, whose legal services office sits directly across the street from Warriors Walk, said he visits it frequently and attends the tree-planting ceremonies "to remind myself of why I'm here."
Blasingame is an Army reserve soldier from Florida who volunteered to serve with the 3rd Infantry Division because of his strong family ties to the storied unit. Sitting on his desk is a photo of his grandfather and the victory medal he earned serving with the division in Marne, France, during World War I when it earned the motto, "Rock of the Marne."
Warriors Walk, he said, provides a reminder of the sacrifices 3rd Division soldiers continue to make, he said.
Army Pvt. Jonathan Goad, who joined the division last month, visited Warriors Walk with a friend just back from Iraq during his first days at Fort Stewart. "He lost a couple of friends there, so it was a very emotional day," said Goad, who expects to deploy with his new unit late next year.
As he walked among the trees, Goad said, he felt a sense of brotherhood with the fallen soldiers, knowing that he is taking up the cause they fought and died for. "I felt a sense of pride and a sense of unity with them," he said.
Goad said he recognizes that he, too, will go into harm's way serving with the division. But after feeling the terrorist threat personally at a young age, he said, he feels it's his duty.
A last-minute schedule change saved Goad's mother from being at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Okla., when it was bombed in April 2005. Goad remembers his sixth-grade class music trip into Oklahoma City getting disrupted as rescue workers rushed to the scene to search for survivors.
But the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks were the clincher, convincing Goad to join the military.
"I pretty much felt the call to serve," he said. "I've always felt that we should have a sense of pride and a willingness to make this country a better place and a safer place."
America Supports You: Veterans Get Chance to Push Physical, Mental Limits
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - An offshoot of a nonprofit educational program founded in England during World War Two to prepare young sailors to endure adversity at sea during wartime is helping U.S. war veterans today."'Outward Bound' expeditions specifically designed for veterans and supported by the Sierra Club are an extension of this effort," said Meg Ryan, project manager for the Colorado-based program's Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom expedition division.
For more than 20 years, the military program, now fully funded by the Sierra Club, includes travel to course destinations and an opportunity for physical and mental challenges in beautiful wilderness locations across the country, Ryan said.
"All costs, including travel to the expedition, are fully supported by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project," she said.
War veterans have two choices when participating in an Outward Bound veteran expedition. An open enrollment allows them to sign up for a pre-scheduled course and attend as individuals. Customized expeditions also are available to pre-existing groups and can be tailored to fit specific needs.
"During these transformational wilderness adventures, ... veterans and servicemembers have hands-on opportunities to challenge themselves both physically and mentally while building on strengths and reinforcing the positive aspects of military training," Ryan said. "They work to regain personal independence, build camaraderie, and improve self-confidence to help create a smoother reintegration into civilian life."
Outward Bound is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and overseas.
"Outward Bound needs assistance in getting out the word to veterans service organizations, military installations, ... and all those in contact with military servicemembers about the opportunity available to them free of charge," Ryan said.
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - An offshoot of a nonprofit educational program founded in England during World War Two to prepare young sailors to endure adversity at sea during wartime is helping U.S. war veterans today."'Outward Bound' expeditions specifically designed for veterans and supported by the Sierra Club are an extension of this effort," said Meg Ryan, project manager for the Colorado-based program's Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom expedition division.
For more than 20 years, the military program, now fully funded by the Sierra Club, includes travel to course destinations and an opportunity for physical and mental challenges in beautiful wilderness locations across the country, Ryan said.
"All costs, including travel to the expedition, are fully supported by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project," she said.
War veterans have two choices when participating in an Outward Bound veteran expedition. An open enrollment allows them to sign up for a pre-scheduled course and attend as individuals. Customized expeditions also are available to pre-existing groups and can be tailored to fit specific needs.
"During these transformational wilderness adventures, ... veterans and servicemembers have hands-on opportunities to challenge themselves both physically and mentally while building on strengths and reinforcing the positive aspects of military training," Ryan said. "They work to regain personal independence, build camaraderie, and improve self-confidence to help create a smoother reintegration into civilian life."
Outward Bound is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and overseas.
"Outward Bound needs assistance in getting out the word to veterans service organizations, military installations, ... and all those in contact with military servicemembers about the opportunity available to them free of charge," Ryan said.
Gates to Discuss Afghanistan, Missile Defense at NATO Conference
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and fellow NATO defense ministers will discuss alliance operations in Afghanistan, the alliance missile defense program, and transition plans for Kosovo during a two-day ministerial beginning here today. The ministers will focus on how NATO nations are moving toward implementing decisions the member nations' heads of state reached at the alliance's April summit in Bucharest, Romania, a senior defense official speaking on background told reporters traveling with Gates.
Afghanistan will dominate much of the conference, the official said. Gates will participate in meetings centered on NATO's Regional Command South and another about Afghanistan in general. In both meetings, the defense ministers will discuss the strategic vision for Afghanistan and conditions around the country.
They also will discuss Pakistan and ways to approach the new Pakistani government. "All allies need to engage with Pakistan; it can't be just the United States," the official said. "The secretary will want to show support for the new Pakistani government, recognizing the government is facing some challenges. But we can't solve problems in Afghanistan without Pakistani support and vice versa."
The NATO defense ministers will discuss progress that Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide, the new representative of the United Nations secretary general for civilian reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, has made and what NATO can do to help him, the official said. Eide has been in office for two months, and NATO defense ministers see his role as helping Afghan leaders tie together NATO, European Union and U.N. reconstruction efforts.
The ministers also will participate in the alliance's Defense Planning Committee. This is an annual review of the status of NATO force-generating capabilities, the official said.
"For the last year, they've negotiated what nations can provide so that they then can take these back and do all their national planning to meet these goals," the official said. "This is the cornerstone of interoperability. This is what the NATO staff and the military folks will use as their basing document for which allies have which capabilities for which operation. It's a very important process that culminates in this meeting."
The NATO defense ministers and those of 11 allied nations also will discuss efforts in Kosovo. The official said the ministers will discuss the progress of the transition of the U.N. mission in Kosovo to the European Union. This is complicated by five NATO nations not recognizing Kosovo independence, the official said.
Tomorrow, the NATO ministers will discuss missile defense. At the Bucharest Summit, the allies agreed ballistic missiles pose an increasing threat to NATO territories and populations. The U.S. long-range missile defense system -- to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland -- will provide coverage for most of Europe, but this still leaves Turkey and portions of Greece, Bulgaria and Romania at risk from a missile attack from Iran. The NATO heads of state agreed in April that the alliance needs to pursue a complementary short-range system for these areas, and the ministers will examine the various options, the official said.
The ministers also will discuss a capabilities initiative agreed to at Bucharest. From the U.S. standpoint, the major part of this discussion is the alliance ensuring all operational requirements are filled. Part of this discussion will look at progress in improving the alliance's airlift and sealift capabilities, the NATO Rapid Response Force, and the alliance ground surveillance system, the official said.
Gates and Russian Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov will participate in the NATO-Russia Council, followed by a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov for the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
American Forces Press Service
June 12, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and fellow NATO defense ministers will discuss alliance operations in Afghanistan, the alliance missile defense program, and transition plans for Kosovo during a two-day ministerial beginning here today. The ministers will focus on how NATO nations are moving toward implementing decisions the member nations' heads of state reached at the alliance's April summit in Bucharest, Romania, a senior defense official speaking on background told reporters traveling with Gates.
Afghanistan will dominate much of the conference, the official said. Gates will participate in meetings centered on NATO's Regional Command South and another about Afghanistan in general. In both meetings, the defense ministers will discuss the strategic vision for Afghanistan and conditions around the country.
They also will discuss Pakistan and ways to approach the new Pakistani government. "All allies need to engage with Pakistan; it can't be just the United States," the official said. "The secretary will want to show support for the new Pakistani government, recognizing the government is facing some challenges. But we can't solve problems in Afghanistan without Pakistani support and vice versa."
The NATO defense ministers will discuss progress that Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide, the new representative of the United Nations secretary general for civilian reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, has made and what NATO can do to help him, the official said. Eide has been in office for two months, and NATO defense ministers see his role as helping Afghan leaders tie together NATO, European Union and U.N. reconstruction efforts.
The ministers also will participate in the alliance's Defense Planning Committee. This is an annual review of the status of NATO force-generating capabilities, the official said.
"For the last year, they've negotiated what nations can provide so that they then can take these back and do all their national planning to meet these goals," the official said. "This is the cornerstone of interoperability. This is what the NATO staff and the military folks will use as their basing document for which allies have which capabilities for which operation. It's a very important process that culminates in this meeting."
The NATO defense ministers and those of 11 allied nations also will discuss efforts in Kosovo. The official said the ministers will discuss the progress of the transition of the U.N. mission in Kosovo to the European Union. This is complicated by five NATO nations not recognizing Kosovo independence, the official said.
Tomorrow, the NATO ministers will discuss missile defense. At the Bucharest Summit, the allies agreed ballistic missiles pose an increasing threat to NATO territories and populations. The U.S. long-range missile defense system -- to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland -- will provide coverage for most of Europe, but this still leaves Turkey and portions of Greece, Bulgaria and Romania at risk from a missile attack from Iran. The NATO heads of state agreed in April that the alliance needs to pursue a complementary short-range system for these areas, and the ministers will examine the various options, the official said.
The ministers also will discuss a capabilities initiative agreed to at Bucharest. From the U.S. standpoint, the major part of this discussion is the alliance ensuring all operational requirements are filled. Part of this discussion will look at progress in improving the alliance's airlift and sealift capabilities, the NATO Rapid Response Force, and the alliance ground surveillance system, the official said.
Gates and Russian Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov will participate in the NATO-Russia Council, followed by a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov for the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
MISSING OVER THE SOVIET UNION
New Book ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT Reveals Accidental U-2 Flight Over Soviet Airspace During Missile Crisis
For more information contact:
Michael Dobbs - dobbsm@washpost.com - 202/334-4399
http://www.nsarchive.org
Washington, DC, June 11, 2008 - An American spy plane went missing over the Soviet Union at the height of the Cuban missile crisis for one and a quarter hours without the Air Force informing either President Kennedy or Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, according to a new book by Washington Post reporter Michael Dobbs (drawing on documents posted here today by the National Security Archive.)
The accidental intrusion into Soviet air space by a U-2 belonging to the Strategic Air Command on October 27, 1962, is still classified Top Secret by the Air Force and has received little attention from missile crisis historians. Dobbs discovered a map in the National Archives that reveals for the first time the precise route taken by Captain Charles Maultsby as he was chased by Soviet Mig Fighters over the Chukotka Peninsula.
This is the second of five postings looking at the new material in One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War, which draws on the National Security Archive's long-standing documentary work on the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Air Force was able to track Maultsby's flight route by intercepting Soviet Air Defense communications, but did not inform McNamara about the incident until Maultsby left Soviet air space, ran out of fuel, and glided home to Alaska. Khrushchev later expressed concern that the intruding U.S. plane could have been mistaken "for a nuclear bomber, which might push us to a fateful step."
In coming weeks, the National Security Archive will publish more of the key primary sources behind One Minute to Midnight. New postings will cover such episodes as the storage and handling of Soviet nuclear weapons on Cuba, and the "Eyeball to Eyeball" confrontation between U.S. and Soviet ships that never happened.
Visit the Web site of the National Security Archive for more information about today's posting.
http://www.nsarchive.org
For more information contact:
Michael Dobbs - dobbsm@washpost.com - 202/334-4399
http://www.nsarchive.org
Washington, DC, June 11, 2008 - An American spy plane went missing over the Soviet Union at the height of the Cuban missile crisis for one and a quarter hours without the Air Force informing either President Kennedy or Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, according to a new book by Washington Post reporter Michael Dobbs (drawing on documents posted here today by the National Security Archive.)
The accidental intrusion into Soviet air space by a U-2 belonging to the Strategic Air Command on October 27, 1962, is still classified Top Secret by the Air Force and has received little attention from missile crisis historians. Dobbs discovered a map in the National Archives that reveals for the first time the precise route taken by Captain Charles Maultsby as he was chased by Soviet Mig Fighters over the Chukotka Peninsula.
This is the second of five postings looking at the new material in One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War, which draws on the National Security Archive's long-standing documentary work on the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Air Force was able to track Maultsby's flight route by intercepting Soviet Air Defense communications, but did not inform McNamara about the incident until Maultsby left Soviet air space, ran out of fuel, and glided home to Alaska. Khrushchev later expressed concern that the intruding U.S. plane could have been mistaken "for a nuclear bomber, which might push us to a fateful step."
In coming weeks, the National Security Archive will publish more of the key primary sources behind One Minute to Midnight. New postings will cover such episodes as the storage and handling of Soviet nuclear weapons on Cuba, and the "Eyeball to Eyeball" confrontation between U.S. and Soviet ships that never happened.
Visit the Web site of the National Security Archive for more information about today's posting.
http://www.nsarchive.org
Experts Offer Tips for Preparing for Hurricane Season
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
June 11, 2008 - Hurricane season officially began June 1, and people across the country are gearing up for another season of strong winds, torrential rains, hail and flying debris. Because they move frequently, many military families who have never lived in a hurricane-prone area before are experiencing their first hurricane season. But even for those who have been through hurricanes before, knowing how to prepare is important.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that the 2008 hurricane season will produce six to nine hurricanes. Two to five of those hurricanes are predicted to be major hurricanes categorized as 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Although the last two seasons saw fewer major hurricanes than in prior years, experts say it is still a good idea for people in hurricane-prone areas to be prepared for anything and have a plan of action.
"The key element though, the cornerstone, has got to be that individual preparation," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said at a 2008 Hurricane Preparedness Day event May 30. "If people are lulled into a sense of complacency because 2006 and 2007 didn't produce a major hurricane in the U.S., and they don't do the preparation that we've recommended, then there is going to be a problem."
Being prepared for a storm means not only preparing yourself and your family, but also preparing your home.
An article published online in NOAA Magazine cited a common myth: that because a hurricane would destroy their property, people needn't bother preparing for the storm by protecting their home.
Although their home may, indeed, experience some damage, the article states, taking some basic precautions can significantly reduce damage from a storm. "Damage assessment photos of areas devastated by hurricanes will often show one house standing, while a neighbor's lies in ruins," the article said.
The article goes on to say the difference between the two homes is that the owner with property left in good condition most likely took some precautions and prepared for the storm.
People also are encouraged to listen to the news, weather updates, and local authorities.
"Follow the instructions of local authorities," Bill Chandler, executive director for USAA's national catastrophe operations said. "And have a plan."
Chandler expressed the importance of having alternate evacuation plans as well as checklists of items you might need to get through the storm and its aftermath.
He suggested stocking up on items such as two to three gallons of water per person per day, nonperishable foods, prescription medications in their original packaging, clothing, blankets, extra batteries, flashlights and a first aid kit.
It may also be necessary to have a hand-operated can opener and a battery-operated radio to use if the electricity goes out.
Chandler also recommended having a safe place to keep important documents. He suggested keeping them in a lock box, storing them online, or saving them on a computer and then transferring them to a thumb drive.
Military commissaries have taken action in helping servicemembers and their families prepare for hurricane season. Their "What's in Your Closet?" campaign encourages people shopping in the commissaries to stock up on a list of items they may need in case of a natural disaster.
Preparing the outside of your home for potential disasters is another way to help prevent damage. This can be as simple as cleaning out gutters and trimming trees to keep them away from roof lines.
Another important way to protect your property as well as your neighbor's property is to bring your outdoor items in, Chandler said. Bring in lawn furniture, trash cans, toys, and flower pots -- anything that can turn into debris or a projectile in strong winds.
Chandler also said to move things within your home around. Moving or hiding valuables and keeping things out of the sight of others is important to prevent looting after a storm, he explained.
John Hancock, USAA's military communications manager, stressed the importance of seeking and heeding guidance from authorities. "Listen to authorities and the leadership on your installation, as well," he said. "They will also have information and updates for you on whether to evacuate or take shelter."
More than anything else, Chandler said, hurricane preparation is common sense.
"These events are very stressful," he said. "And it's very easy to forget about common sense."
Stocking up on food and water, creating a shelter in your home and preparing both the interior and exterior of your home can help protect both your family and your property from the devastating effects of a hurricane.
"Head the warning and be prepared," Hancock said. "It's the best plan you can have."
American Forces Press Service
June 11, 2008 - Hurricane season officially began June 1, and people across the country are gearing up for another season of strong winds, torrential rains, hail and flying debris. Because they move frequently, many military families who have never lived in a hurricane-prone area before are experiencing their first hurricane season. But even for those who have been through hurricanes before, knowing how to prepare is important.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that the 2008 hurricane season will produce six to nine hurricanes. Two to five of those hurricanes are predicted to be major hurricanes categorized as 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Although the last two seasons saw fewer major hurricanes than in prior years, experts say it is still a good idea for people in hurricane-prone areas to be prepared for anything and have a plan of action.
"The key element though, the cornerstone, has got to be that individual preparation," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said at a 2008 Hurricane Preparedness Day event May 30. "If people are lulled into a sense of complacency because 2006 and 2007 didn't produce a major hurricane in the U.S., and they don't do the preparation that we've recommended, then there is going to be a problem."
Being prepared for a storm means not only preparing yourself and your family, but also preparing your home.
An article published online in NOAA Magazine cited a common myth: that because a hurricane would destroy their property, people needn't bother preparing for the storm by protecting their home.
Although their home may, indeed, experience some damage, the article states, taking some basic precautions can significantly reduce damage from a storm. "Damage assessment photos of areas devastated by hurricanes will often show one house standing, while a neighbor's lies in ruins," the article said.
The article goes on to say the difference between the two homes is that the owner with property left in good condition most likely took some precautions and prepared for the storm.
People also are encouraged to listen to the news, weather updates, and local authorities.
"Follow the instructions of local authorities," Bill Chandler, executive director for USAA's national catastrophe operations said. "And have a plan."
Chandler expressed the importance of having alternate evacuation plans as well as checklists of items you might need to get through the storm and its aftermath.
He suggested stocking up on items such as two to three gallons of water per person per day, nonperishable foods, prescription medications in their original packaging, clothing, blankets, extra batteries, flashlights and a first aid kit.
It may also be necessary to have a hand-operated can opener and a battery-operated radio to use if the electricity goes out.
Chandler also recommended having a safe place to keep important documents. He suggested keeping them in a lock box, storing them online, or saving them on a computer and then transferring them to a thumb drive.
Military commissaries have taken action in helping servicemembers and their families prepare for hurricane season. Their "What's in Your Closet?" campaign encourages people shopping in the commissaries to stock up on a list of items they may need in case of a natural disaster.
Preparing the outside of your home for potential disasters is another way to help prevent damage. This can be as simple as cleaning out gutters and trimming trees to keep them away from roof lines.
Another important way to protect your property as well as your neighbor's property is to bring your outdoor items in, Chandler said. Bring in lawn furniture, trash cans, toys, and flower pots -- anything that can turn into debris or a projectile in strong winds.
Chandler also said to move things within your home around. Moving or hiding valuables and keeping things out of the sight of others is important to prevent looting after a storm, he explained.
John Hancock, USAA's military communications manager, stressed the importance of seeking and heeding guidance from authorities. "Listen to authorities and the leadership on your installation, as well," he said. "They will also have information and updates for you on whether to evacuate or take shelter."
More than anything else, Chandler said, hurricane preparation is common sense.
"These events are very stressful," he said. "And it's very easy to forget about common sense."
Stocking up on food and water, creating a shelter in your home and preparing both the interior and exterior of your home can help protect both your family and your property from the devastating effects of a hurricane.
"Head the warning and be prepared," Hancock said. "It's the best plan you can have."
Congressional Action Frees Up Funds for Military Pay, Operations
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 11, 2008 - The Defense Department will now be able to pay its troops and civilians through the end of next month, thanks to budgetary-related actions approved by Congress, a senior Pentagon spokesman told reporters here today. "We will now be able to pay our troops until the end of July," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters.
In addition, operations-and-maintenance accounts will now remain solvent until mid-July, he said.
The Pentagon received permission from Congress to move money from Air Force and Navy personnel accounts to Army personnel accounts "so that we would be able to pay our soldiers longer," Morrell said. Other monies, he noted, were transferred to provide pay for defense civilians.
Morrell emphasized that the Defense Department still requires the $102 billion contained in the supplemental funding bill that's now being debated on Capitol Hill.
"We still face a very grave situation if we don't get the remainder of our supplemental funding," Morrell pointed out.
Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England sent a memorandum to all departments earlier this week, asking them for contingency planning for a possible shutdown in case the money doesn't come through, Morrell said.
Meanwhile, "we'll be able to do everything we now do until mid-July; we'll be able to pay all our men and women in uniform, as we now do, until the end of July," Morrell said.
The department won't know until June 30 what kinds of additional measures it may have to take if the supplemental funding isn't passed by then, Morrell said.
Yet, senior defense officials remain confident and hopeful, Morrell said, that Congress will pass the supplemental funds so the department can continue its operations.
American Forces Press Service
June 11, 2008 - The Defense Department will now be able to pay its troops and civilians through the end of next month, thanks to budgetary-related actions approved by Congress, a senior Pentagon spokesman told reporters here today. "We will now be able to pay our troops until the end of July," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters.
In addition, operations-and-maintenance accounts will now remain solvent until mid-July, he said.
The Pentagon received permission from Congress to move money from Air Force and Navy personnel accounts to Army personnel accounts "so that we would be able to pay our soldiers longer," Morrell said. Other monies, he noted, were transferred to provide pay for defense civilians.
Morrell emphasized that the Defense Department still requires the $102 billion contained in the supplemental funding bill that's now being debated on Capitol Hill.
"We still face a very grave situation if we don't get the remainder of our supplemental funding," Morrell pointed out.
Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England sent a memorandum to all departments earlier this week, asking them for contingency planning for a possible shutdown in case the money doesn't come through, Morrell said.
Meanwhile, "we'll be able to do everything we now do until mid-July; we'll be able to pay all our men and women in uniform, as we now do, until the end of July," Morrell said.
The department won't know until June 30 what kinds of additional measures it may have to take if the supplemental funding isn't passed by then, Morrell said.
Yet, senior defense officials remain confident and hopeful, Morrell said, that Congress will pass the supplemental funds so the department can continue its operations.
Barnes & Noble Announces Appearance by Lisa Lockwood, Author of Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team…A True Story.
June 12, 2008 – Author, Speaker and Reinvention Expert, Lisa Lockwood will be appearing at Barnes & Noble (2000 E. Rio Salado Tempe Marketplace in Tempe) on Saturday, June 13th from 6:30 to 8::30pm, signing her newly released book, Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team.
Real-life superhero Lisa Lockwood has long since hung up her tiara and gun belt to inspire others with her bold accomplishments by becoming a writer, inspirational speaker and life coach. Her memoir serves as a reminder to readers that they too can get past a life destined for failure by remaining upbeat and optimistic.
“Undercover Angel focuses on my personal achievements and reinvention, as well as showing readers the power of determination and perseverance,” says the former beauty queen.
“The truth this brave woman shared with the world is nothing short of amazing. I believe this book shows us that you can be a beautiful and successful woman at the same time by working towards it ethically,” says one reader, a Drill SGT in the US Military.
Lisa Lockwood is the recipient of numerous law enforcement and military honors.
Media Interviews: CNN Headline News Nancy Grace, CNBC The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, NBC & Fox Business News and over 100 national and local radio shows. Articles about her life, and her inspiring advice for others, have appeared in major newspapers all over the country.
About Lisa Lockwood - Lisa Lockwood is a first Gulf War veteran, former beauty pageant contestant, SWAT team officer and undercover detective. She is now a successful writer, speaker, and reinvention expert. Her latest book is Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team…A True Story. Lockwood is currently negotiating potential TV pilots and movie scripts based on her life.
CONTACT:
Lisa Lockwood
Lockwood Entertainment Inc.
(514) 620-4224
Lisa@lisalockwood.com
www.Lisalockwood.com
Real-life superhero Lisa Lockwood has long since hung up her tiara and gun belt to inspire others with her bold accomplishments by becoming a writer, inspirational speaker and life coach. Her memoir serves as a reminder to readers that they too can get past a life destined for failure by remaining upbeat and optimistic.
“Undercover Angel focuses on my personal achievements and reinvention, as well as showing readers the power of determination and perseverance,” says the former beauty queen.
“The truth this brave woman shared with the world is nothing short of amazing. I believe this book shows us that you can be a beautiful and successful woman at the same time by working towards it ethically,” says one reader, a Drill SGT in the US Military.
Lisa Lockwood is the recipient of numerous law enforcement and military honors.
Media Interviews: CNN Headline News Nancy Grace, CNBC The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, NBC & Fox Business News and over 100 national and local radio shows. Articles about her life, and her inspiring advice for others, have appeared in major newspapers all over the country.
About Lisa Lockwood - Lisa Lockwood is a first Gulf War veteran, former beauty pageant contestant, SWAT team officer and undercover detective. She is now a successful writer, speaker, and reinvention expert. Her latest book is Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team…A True Story. Lockwood is currently negotiating potential TV pilots and movie scripts based on her life.
CONTACT:
Lisa Lockwood
Lockwood Entertainment Inc.
(514) 620-4224
Lisa@lisalockwood.com
www.Lisalockwood.com
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