By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - Thousands of National Guard troops in the Midwest have moved into high gear reinforcing levees, conducting security patrols, and delivering food, water and relief supplies as record-breaking floods surged through the heartland. Nearly 4,000 Iowa National Guard troops are deployed across the state as flood levels break records in almost every river community on the Cedar, Iowa, Des Moines, Raccoon and Mississippi river basins, reported Army Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood, Iowa National Guard public affairs officer.
With 17 civilian fatalities and 106 injuries reported, 25,000 people evacuated from their homes, and flood waters still rising, the Guardsmen are reinforcing threatened levees, filling and delivering sandbags, and providing aerial reconnaissance of the region, Hapgood said.
The Army and Air Guardsmen also are transporting packaged meals, drinking water, cots and other relief supplies, conducting security patrols in support of local law enforcement officials, and providing high-water vehicles to utility crews evaluating homes for unsafe conditions.
"We're ... trying to prevent people from going where they shouldn't for their own safety," said Army Sgt. Jason Boesen, a 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, soldier mobilized to support flood--relief operations. "We assist by roving patrols with vehicles."
In Cedar Rapids, one of the hardest-hit cities, the troops used a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to sling-load seven 800-pound water pumps to a repair facility so wells could be returned to full capacity, Hapgood said.
Meanwhile, nearly 100 members of the Iowa Guard's 334th Brigade Support Battalion and 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry, built a 3-foot levee from about 12,000 sandbags to protect a power substation in Ottumwa from being overrun by rising waters.
About 800 Iowa Guardsmen conducting annual training in South Dakota were recalled to the state to support the flood relief, Hapgood said.
Air Force Col. Brian Miller, commander of the Air National Guard's Sioux City-based 185th Air Refueling Wing, predicted that the Army and Air Guard will be "here for the long haul" supporting the mission.
"We're going to be here as long as it takes," he said.
Hapgood noted that many of the Guardsmen involved in the effort have served combat tours in Iraq or Afghanistan and now have stepped up to assist their own communities.
"This shows in a very tangible way the incredible amount of flexibility built into our skill sets that we can conduct combat missions and also help people here in the United States," Hapgood said. "It's demonstrative of the broad capabilities we have in the National Guard."
Army Sgt. Sean Rohret, a Company C, 133rd Infantry, soldier who has deployed as part of the Sinai Peninsula peacekeeping mission and served a tour of duty in Iraq, said it feels good to be pitching in to help rescue his home state.
"It's pretty gratifying to actually be able to get out here and help the community," he said. "I've seen a lot of people out sandbagging, a lot of people coming up to us, asking us where they can go to help. It's been a pretty wonderful experience getting to see everybody come together."
"It's a pleasure giving something back to the community," agreed Army Sgt. 1st Class Chino Halpin, from 334th BSB. "It's good service."
Meanwhile, more than 500 Illinois National Guard soldiers and airmen are working alongside local citizens to build up levees along the Mississippi River in the western part of the state. Another 400 have been called to duty and are expected to be on site by tomorrow to provide sandbagging, communications and transportation support, state National Guard officials reported.
Army Sgt. Jon Stonewall, a member of the Illinois Army Guard's 233rd Military Police Company, is among those supporting the effort. Stonewall joined the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, and deployed with his unit to Iraq in 2003, and also was called to duty in December 2006 when a severe winter storm hit Illinois.
"Being here is typical of the Guard," he said. "Part of our mission is here at home, helping the residents in an emergency."
Support from Stonewall and his fellow Guardsmen will be critical in the days ahead. River levels in the Quincy area of Illinois' Adams County are expected to crest tomorrow at 31.9 feet – almost 15 feet over flood stage, county officials reported.
To the south, hundreds of Missouri National Guardsmen are fighting to hold back the surge of water flowing downriver from Iowa and bracing for more to come.
"To be successful in this mission, we will deploy every necessary resource available," said Army Lt. Col. William McKinney, who commands a task force set up to oversee seven units supporting the effort. "Missouri's Guardsmen are an asset for our people to utilize when they face an emergency requiring additional assistance."
The Guardsmen are monitoring levees, working security and filling sandbags along the Mississippi River, state National Guard officials reported.
The Missouri Army Guard's 548th Transportation Company left annual training in South Dakota early to deliver 20 pallets of packaged meals to flood-ravaged Iowa earlier this week. The pallets, which were donated by the South Dakota National Guard, amount to 11,520 meals.
The mission was personal for the Missourians, who had spent much of the past week in South Dakota training alongside Iowa Guardsmen, who also left training early to respond to the severe flooding back home. "This is what we do," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Christine Chane. "Iowa needed the [meals], and we could help. They knew we had the assets to make the delivery."
Army Spc. John Crawford, whose 1438th Engineer Company just finished its annual training exercise, said he's happy to be able to provide flood relief support. "It is a great thing the Guard is doing up here," he said.
Meanwhile, almost 200 Wisconsin Army and Air Guardsmen are on duty as major flooding continues across the southern part of that state.
The Wisconsin Guardsmen are helping with flood control along flooded highways, filling and grading washed-out roads, securing traffic-control points, and providing aviation support for aerial damage-assessment missions, National Guard Bureau officials reported.
(Army Pvt. Cassandra Monroe and Sgt. Chad D. Nelson from the Iowa Army National Guard's 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Air Force 1st Lt. Peter Shinn from the Iowa Air Guard's 185th Refueling Wing, 2nd Lt. Stacey Rieger from the Illinois National Guard, and Robert Seyller from the Missouri National Guard contributed to this article.)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Face of Defense: Life of Adaptation Helps Soldier in Deployment
By Army Pfc. John Ahn
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - Being a soldier means being a master at many things and having the ability to adapt to any environment. For one Multinational Division Baghdad soldier from the 25th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, adapting to his environment has been a way of life.
Army Staff Sgt. Hiram Barbosa, a native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is a Stryker armored vehicle commander and is responsible for the vehicle crews for the regiment commander's personal security detail.
With his seven brothers and sisters, he grew up in poverty. Their single mother worked at a local bar and died when Barbosa was 16. He had to adapt to his new environment as he moved to Berkeley Heights, N.J., to live with his godparents.
Barbosa said his godparents had an immense impact on how he lives his life today. His godfather is a professional body builder and a police officer, and his godmother is an aerobics and fitness instructor. He credits his focus on health and fitness to their influence. He competed in a body-building contest here May 25 and earned third place.
He said he speaks to his godfather as often as he can to help him balance his daily mission tempo with his commitment to fitness. "He's a great influence in my life," Barbosa said, adding that his godfather constantly wants to help him improve himself in every aspect of his life.
"He was a happy kid," said Tony Martinez, Barbosa's godfather. "You'd tell him what to do, and he did it. He was never afraid, always positive, and he never gave up."
Barbosa's dedication for fitness carries over to his soldiers. His driver, Spc. Daniel Van Houten, a native of Pasadena, Texas, recently began working out with Barbosa and said he has seen vast improvements in both his physique and endurance.
"He pushes me," Van Houten said. "He trains me properly, and he motivates not only me but the whole section."
Barbosa said his dedication to his family drove him to join the Army immediately after graduating from Jose de Diego High School in New Jersey. He said he chose to enlist as an infantryman to fulfill his yearning to "blow things up, shoot weapons and advance quickly" in his career field.
"I was a little bit fearful, but he's a tough kid," said Martinez, admitting he initially was apprehensive about Barbosa joining the military. "I knew he could handle it."
Barbosa is serving in his fourth deployment since joining the Army. He's had two tours in Iraq and one each in Afghanistan and Bosnia.
He said he plans to make the Army his career and continues to become more tactically and technically proficient on military tasks to improve his prospects for promotion.
(Army Pfc. John Ahn serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - Being a soldier means being a master at many things and having the ability to adapt to any environment. For one Multinational Division Baghdad soldier from the 25th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, adapting to his environment has been a way of life.
Army Staff Sgt. Hiram Barbosa, a native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is a Stryker armored vehicle commander and is responsible for the vehicle crews for the regiment commander's personal security detail.
With his seven brothers and sisters, he grew up in poverty. Their single mother worked at a local bar and died when Barbosa was 16. He had to adapt to his new environment as he moved to Berkeley Heights, N.J., to live with his godparents.
Barbosa said his godparents had an immense impact on how he lives his life today. His godfather is a professional body builder and a police officer, and his godmother is an aerobics and fitness instructor. He credits his focus on health and fitness to their influence. He competed in a body-building contest here May 25 and earned third place.
He said he speaks to his godfather as often as he can to help him balance his daily mission tempo with his commitment to fitness. "He's a great influence in my life," Barbosa said, adding that his godfather constantly wants to help him improve himself in every aspect of his life.
"He was a happy kid," said Tony Martinez, Barbosa's godfather. "You'd tell him what to do, and he did it. He was never afraid, always positive, and he never gave up."
Barbosa's dedication for fitness carries over to his soldiers. His driver, Spc. Daniel Van Houten, a native of Pasadena, Texas, recently began working out with Barbosa and said he has seen vast improvements in both his physique and endurance.
"He pushes me," Van Houten said. "He trains me properly, and he motivates not only me but the whole section."
Barbosa said his dedication to his family drove him to join the Army immediately after graduating from Jose de Diego High School in New Jersey. He said he chose to enlist as an infantryman to fulfill his yearning to "blow things up, shoot weapons and advance quickly" in his career field.
"I was a little bit fearful, but he's a tough kid," said Martinez, admitting he initially was apprehensive about Barbosa joining the military. "I knew he could handle it."
Barbosa is serving in his fourth deployment since joining the Army. He's had two tours in Iraq and one each in Afghanistan and Bosnia.
He said he plans to make the Army his career and continues to become more tactically and technically proficient on military tasks to improve his prospects for promotion.
(Army Pfc. John Ahn serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Accountability Office Urges Air Force to Re-Bid Tanker Contract
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - The Government Accountability Office has recommended the Air Force reopen the bidding process for the service's aerial refueling aircraft contract. The GAO – the investigative arm of Congress -- made the recommendation following a review of the contract process that selected the Northrop-Grumman/EADS/Airbus consortium as the winner of the $35 billion contract in February. Boeing Company protested the decision.
The initial contract for the KC-45A tanker was for 64 aircraft at $10.6 billion.
"Our review of the record led us to conclude that the Air Force had made a number of significant errors that could have affected the outcome of what was a close competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman. We therefore sustained Boeing's protest," said Michael R. Golden, the GAO's managing associate general counsel for procurement law, in a news release.
The GAO made its determination based solely on irregularities in the contract procedures. The office did not make any judgment on the merits of the rival aircraft.
Air Force officials release a statement that says the service is reviewing the GAO's decision that sustained portions of Boeing's protest, and that once the review is complete, the Air Force will be in a position to determine the best course of action.
"The Air Force will do everything we can to rapidly move forward so America receives this urgently needed capability," Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, said in the statement. "The Air Force will select the best value tanker for our nation's defense, while being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar.
"As soon as possible, we will provide the Air Force's way ahead," she continued. "We appreciate the GAO's professionalism and thoroughness in its assessment of the protest of the KC-45A source selection."
During a media availability last week, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said it is important to start getting these new aircraft on flightlines as soon as possible. He said the tankers flying today are the same ones he flew in as an Air Force second lieutenant in 1967.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during a news conference yesterday that Pentagon officials still fully support the Air Force choice, and that the process must move forward. "This is the No. 1 acquisition priority of the Air Force," Morrell said. "It has to be. It is 10 years overdue."
The average age of the KC-135 tanker fleet is 47 years old. "Any further delay would be a real problem," Morrell said.
The Air Force does not have to accept the GAO finding. By law, the service has 60 days to respond to the agency.
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - The Government Accountability Office has recommended the Air Force reopen the bidding process for the service's aerial refueling aircraft contract. The GAO – the investigative arm of Congress -- made the recommendation following a review of the contract process that selected the Northrop-Grumman/EADS/Airbus consortium as the winner of the $35 billion contract in February. Boeing Company protested the decision.
The initial contract for the KC-45A tanker was for 64 aircraft at $10.6 billion.
"Our review of the record led us to conclude that the Air Force had made a number of significant errors that could have affected the outcome of what was a close competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman. We therefore sustained Boeing's protest," said Michael R. Golden, the GAO's managing associate general counsel for procurement law, in a news release.
The GAO made its determination based solely on irregularities in the contract procedures. The office did not make any judgment on the merits of the rival aircraft.
Air Force officials release a statement that says the service is reviewing the GAO's decision that sustained portions of Boeing's protest, and that once the review is complete, the Air Force will be in a position to determine the best course of action.
"The Air Force will do everything we can to rapidly move forward so America receives this urgently needed capability," Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, said in the statement. "The Air Force will select the best value tanker for our nation's defense, while being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar.
"As soon as possible, we will provide the Air Force's way ahead," she continued. "We appreciate the GAO's professionalism and thoroughness in its assessment of the protest of the KC-45A source selection."
During a media availability last week, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said it is important to start getting these new aircraft on flightlines as soon as possible. He said the tankers flying today are the same ones he flew in as an Air Force second lieutenant in 1967.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during a news conference yesterday that Pentagon officials still fully support the Air Force choice, and that the process must move forward. "This is the No. 1 acquisition priority of the Air Force," Morrell said. "It has to be. It is 10 years overdue."
The average age of the KC-135 tanker fleet is 47 years old. "Any further delay would be a real problem," Morrell said.
The Air Force does not have to accept the GAO finding. By law, the service has 60 days to respond to the agency.
Army General Cites Challenging Recruiting Environment
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - The Army is now exceeding its recruiting requirements, but that force may contain more soldiers who needed waivers to sign up in the years ahead, a senior U.S. military officer said here today. But, he added, that may not be as bad as it sounds.
Each year, the Army recruits about 80,000 new soldiers who join an all-volunteer force that also includes sailors, airmen and Marines and is universally recognized as "a national treasure," Army Lt. Gen. David P. Valcourt, deputy commanding general and chief of staff of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, told attendees at the 2008 Joint Warfighting Conference.
However, although the Army currently is exceeding its recruiting goals for active duty and reserve component soldiers, a looming recruiting crisis is on the horizon, Valcourt said.
"Today, seven out of 10 American citizens between the ages of 17 and 24 that are walking the streets of America can not quality for entry into our services without some form of a waiver, ... and that is a national crisis," the three-star general said. Prospects within that group, Valcourt said, require medical, physical or moral waivers to enter the military.
The Army has received criticism from some quarters, Valcourt said, because soldiers being enlisted today have twice as many waivers compared to soldiers who enlisted a year ago. Valcourt indicated such criticism may be misplaced, especially if someone wants to serve his or her county during wartime.
"If somebody has 'a little stain on their shirt' and they want to raise their hand and come serve their country in a time of war -- knowing not if, but when they are going to deploy in harm's way -- where would you rather them be?" Valcourt asked.
Such enlistees, he said, can benefit from Army training "under the watchful arm of one of our sergeants who is a professional at instilling values and discipline and taking care of business that hadn't been done in the last 18 years."
Another way to look at the waiver issue, Valcourt said, would be to thank the armed services "for giving those folks who may have a slight stain on their shirt an opportunity to come in our services and find their way to fulfill their call of duty and serve and protect our freedom."
Existing programs, such as the Junior ROTC, help young people to consider joining the military or to make it a career, Valcourt noted. There's also a new proposal being coordinated with the state of South Carolina, he added, to establish an Army preparatory school for young people without high school diplomas.
The bottom line, Valcourt said, is that the current recruiting environment for a volunteer force is what it is.
"And, the answer is not the draft," Valcourt emphasized, noting that his experience with a conscripted Army that ended in 1973 "was not a fun thing."
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - The Army is now exceeding its recruiting requirements, but that force may contain more soldiers who needed waivers to sign up in the years ahead, a senior U.S. military officer said here today. But, he added, that may not be as bad as it sounds.
Each year, the Army recruits about 80,000 new soldiers who join an all-volunteer force that also includes sailors, airmen and Marines and is universally recognized as "a national treasure," Army Lt. Gen. David P. Valcourt, deputy commanding general and chief of staff of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, told attendees at the 2008 Joint Warfighting Conference.
However, although the Army currently is exceeding its recruiting goals for active duty and reserve component soldiers, a looming recruiting crisis is on the horizon, Valcourt said.
"Today, seven out of 10 American citizens between the ages of 17 and 24 that are walking the streets of America can not quality for entry into our services without some form of a waiver, ... and that is a national crisis," the three-star general said. Prospects within that group, Valcourt said, require medical, physical or moral waivers to enter the military.
The Army has received criticism from some quarters, Valcourt said, because soldiers being enlisted today have twice as many waivers compared to soldiers who enlisted a year ago. Valcourt indicated such criticism may be misplaced, especially if someone wants to serve his or her county during wartime.
"If somebody has 'a little stain on their shirt' and they want to raise their hand and come serve their country in a time of war -- knowing not if, but when they are going to deploy in harm's way -- where would you rather them be?" Valcourt asked.
Such enlistees, he said, can benefit from Army training "under the watchful arm of one of our sergeants who is a professional at instilling values and discipline and taking care of business that hadn't been done in the last 18 years."
Another way to look at the waiver issue, Valcourt said, would be to thank the armed services "for giving those folks who may have a slight stain on their shirt an opportunity to come in our services and find their way to fulfill their call of duty and serve and protect our freedom."
Existing programs, such as the Junior ROTC, help young people to consider joining the military or to make it a career, Valcourt noted. There's also a new proposal being coordinated with the state of South Carolina, he added, to establish an Army preparatory school for young people without high school diplomas.
The bottom line, Valcourt said, is that the current recruiting environment for a volunteer force is what it is.
"And, the answer is not the draft," Valcourt emphasized, noting that his experience with a conscripted Army that ended in 1973 "was not a fun thing."
America Supports You: Arizona Support Group Receives Recognition
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - A congressman from Arizona has recognized a group from his state for its continued dedication to supporting the troops. U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell honored Packages From Home on June 14 for its efforts and continued support for the nation's servicemembers and for their dedication in providing care packages to U.S. troops.
Packages From Home is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Mitchell recognized Kathleen Lewis and Lisa Benson -- president and executive director, respectively, of Packages From Home -- in a Flag Day ceremony at the state capitol. The three participated in the unveiling of a poster-sized replica of the new Arizona state flag stamp.
Packages from Home has sent more than 140,000 packages to U.S. troops over the past four years. The group also has provided tons of equipment for the troops to use in rest centers in Iraq.
June 18, 2008 - A congressman from Arizona has recognized a group from his state for its continued dedication to supporting the troops. U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell honored Packages From Home on June 14 for its efforts and continued support for the nation's servicemembers and for their dedication in providing care packages to U.S. troops.
Packages From Home is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Mitchell recognized Kathleen Lewis and Lisa Benson -- president and executive director, respectively, of Packages From Home -- in a Flag Day ceremony at the state capitol. The three participated in the unveiling of a poster-sized replica of the new Arizona state flag stamp.
Packages from Home has sent more than 140,000 packages to U.S. troops over the past four years. The group also has provided tons of equipment for the troops to use in rest centers in Iraq.
Defense Department Program Informs Overseas Voters
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - A Defense Department program is working to ensure overseas government employees, civilian contractors, servicemembers and their spouses have all the information they need to make their vote count. Scott Wiedmann, deputy director and 15-year employee of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, said people deployed to combat or stationed overseas have numerous sources for registration and balloting information.
Every U.S. military installation and individual unit, as well as U.S. embassies, has voting assistance officers to help servicemembers and civilians. Information can also be found on the program's Web site at www.fvap.gov.
This year is particularly important because of the U.S. presidential election approaching in November, Wiedmann noted. "Every vote counts, and a vote in the U.S. is a very powerful vote, so people need to take advantage of it," he said. "Not to diminish the importance of any other country, but certainly, a vote for the U.S. president will have its effect on many issues. Policy decisions made by the U.S. government do have an effect on many other countries around the world."
Military members, especially, should take advantage of their vote, he said. "Their daily lives, their income, their living conditions and their retirement benefits are decided by Congress. So, they should certainly have a choice in who's representing them," he added.
Wiedmann encouraged people turning in absentee ballots to act as early as possible to ensure enough time for their ballots and registration requests to process. The earlier one starts the process, the more time election officials have to decide whether the applicant meets the jurisdiction requirements to vote, he explained. Early application allows enough time for such issues to be resolved, he added.
"As long as people get their ballot requests in at least 30 days before the election, no state will be too late," Wiedmann said. "Thirty days is the maximum timeline for registration and ballot requests."
The primary procedure for all 55 U.S. states and territories is to process registrations and ballots by mail, but many states are working with the Defense Department and allowing servicemembers and overseas voters to request by e-mail and fax, he said.
If voters don't receive their ballots in a timely manner, they can request backup ballots on the program's Web site as well as at every military installation and U.S. embassies worldwide, he added.
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2008 - A Defense Department program is working to ensure overseas government employees, civilian contractors, servicemembers and their spouses have all the information they need to make their vote count. Scott Wiedmann, deputy director and 15-year employee of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, said people deployed to combat or stationed overseas have numerous sources for registration and balloting information.
Every U.S. military installation and individual unit, as well as U.S. embassies, has voting assistance officers to help servicemembers and civilians. Information can also be found on the program's Web site at www.fvap.gov.
This year is particularly important because of the U.S. presidential election approaching in November, Wiedmann noted. "Every vote counts, and a vote in the U.S. is a very powerful vote, so people need to take advantage of it," he said. "Not to diminish the importance of any other country, but certainly, a vote for the U.S. president will have its effect on many issues. Policy decisions made by the U.S. government do have an effect on many other countries around the world."
Military members, especially, should take advantage of their vote, he said. "Their daily lives, their income, their living conditions and their retirement benefits are decided by Congress. So, they should certainly have a choice in who's representing them," he added.
Wiedmann encouraged people turning in absentee ballots to act as early as possible to ensure enough time for their ballots and registration requests to process. The earlier one starts the process, the more time election officials have to decide whether the applicant meets the jurisdiction requirements to vote, he explained. Early application allows enough time for such issues to be resolved, he added.
"As long as people get their ballot requests in at least 30 days before the election, no state will be too late," Wiedmann said. "Thirty days is the maximum timeline for registration and ballot requests."
The primary procedure for all 55 U.S. states and territories is to process registrations and ballots by mail, but many states are working with the Defense Department and allowing servicemembers and overseas voters to request by e-mail and fax, he said.
If voters don't receive their ballots in a timely manner, they can request backup ballots on the program's Web site as well as at every military installation and U.S. embassies worldwide, he added.
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 18, 2008
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
BP Energy Company, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $268,462,041.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas supplies. Other locations of performance will be in New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Federal Civilian Agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7514).
Atmos Energy marketing, LLC, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $87,508,552.67 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas supplies. Other locations of performance will be in Kentucky, Tennessee, Kansas, Ohio, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7500).
IGI Resources Inc. Boise, Idaho is being awarded a maximum $52,180,473.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas supplies. Other locations of performance will be in Washington and Oregon. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7513).
Valero Marketing & Supply Company, San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $28,519,190.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is in Corpus Christi, Texas. Using service is Foreign Military Sales. The original proposal was Web solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 14, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir Va. (SP0600-07-D-0454).
Oneok Energy Marketing, Topeka, Kan. is being awarded a maximum $13,141,000.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas. Other location of performance is in Oklahoma. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir Va.(SP0600-08-D-7505).
AC Fabricated Products, Jackson, Ala.* is being awarded a maximum $12,948,572.50 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery contract for tents. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 17, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1070).
ARMY
Bradbury Stamm Construction, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., was awarded on June 16, 2008, a $38,342,400 firm-fixed price contract for construction of a new school and dormitory for the Crownpoint Community School. Work will be performed in Crownpoint, N.M., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 21, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on March 21, 2008, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-08-C-0013).
American Registry of Pathology, Washington, D.C., was awarded on June 17, 2008, a $21,414,001 contract for support to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in the form of diagnostic consultation, education and research for the U.S. military and civilian community. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Aug. 1, 2000. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (DAMD17-00-C-0034).
Femme Comp., Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo.., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $10,000,000 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operational management, engineering and technical services. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Co., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 16, 2003, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (DASG62-03-D-0006).
ITT night Vision, Roanoke, Va., was awarded on June 17, 2008, a $6,888,976 firm-fixed price contract for PVS-7D night vision and AN/PVS7 night vision. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 12, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-D236).
NAVY
BAE Systems, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded an $8,288,417 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5407) to exercise an option for engineering services to support operations and capabilities of the MK 110 57 MM Naval Gun System. The MK 110 57 MM Gun is designed to provide surface fire support for multiple ship platforms of the US Navy, US Coast Guard and various Foreign Military Sales customers. These engineering services will provide design, development, production, logistics, test, operational and life cycle support for the gun system. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (87.1 percent) and Louisville, Ky. (12.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
BP Energy Company, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $268,462,041.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas supplies. Other locations of performance will be in New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Federal Civilian Agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7514).
Atmos Energy marketing, LLC, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $87,508,552.67 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas supplies. Other locations of performance will be in Kentucky, Tennessee, Kansas, Ohio, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7500).
IGI Resources Inc. Boise, Idaho is being awarded a maximum $52,180,473.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas supplies. Other locations of performance will be in Washington and Oregon. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7513).
Valero Marketing & Supply Company, San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $28,519,190.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is in Corpus Christi, Texas. Using service is Foreign Military Sales. The original proposal was Web solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 14, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir Va. (SP0600-07-D-0454).
Oneok Energy Marketing, Topeka, Kan. is being awarded a maximum $13,141,000.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas. Other location of performance is in Oklahoma. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir Va.(SP0600-08-D-7505).
AC Fabricated Products, Jackson, Ala.* is being awarded a maximum $12,948,572.50 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery contract for tents. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 17, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1070).
ARMY
Bradbury Stamm Construction, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., was awarded on June 16, 2008, a $38,342,400 firm-fixed price contract for construction of a new school and dormitory for the Crownpoint Community School. Work will be performed in Crownpoint, N.M., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 21, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on March 21, 2008, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-08-C-0013).
American Registry of Pathology, Washington, D.C., was awarded on June 17, 2008, a $21,414,001 contract for support to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in the form of diagnostic consultation, education and research for the U.S. military and civilian community. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Aug. 1, 2000. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (DAMD17-00-C-0034).
Femme Comp., Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo.., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $10,000,000 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operational management, engineering and technical services. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Co., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 16, 2003, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (DASG62-03-D-0006).
ITT night Vision, Roanoke, Va., was awarded on June 17, 2008, a $6,888,976 firm-fixed price contract for PVS-7D night vision and AN/PVS7 night vision. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 12, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-D236).
NAVY
BAE Systems, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded an $8,288,417 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5407) to exercise an option for engineering services to support operations and capabilities of the MK 110 57 MM Naval Gun System. The MK 110 57 MM Gun is designed to provide surface fire support for multiple ship platforms of the US Navy, US Coast Guard and various Foreign Military Sales customers. These engineering services will provide design, development, production, logistics, test, operational and life cycle support for the gun system. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (87.1 percent) and Louisville, Ky. (12.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Troops, Families Rack Up College Credits During Deployment
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While 3rd Infantry Division was serving its third deployment to Iraq within five years, its soldiers set records amassing college credits during precious downtime between missions. "Rock of the Marne" soldiers took more than 15,000 college classes during fiscal 2007 while deployed to Iraq as part of the surge force, reported Pam King, post education officer. That trend continued as the soldiers began returning to Fort Stewart in March. They've racked up an additional 11,000 college classes during the first two quarters of this fiscal year, King said.
Robin Ellert, chief of the post's online education program, pointed to the unmistakable trend in college enrollments, from 4,600 in fiscal 2003 to more than three times that level today.
"Our numbers have consistently jumped. There's a clear upward trend in the number of enrollments we're seeing," she said.
"There's a clear recognition that college is a way to get promoted -- both in the military and outside the military," she said.
And contrary to what some may expect, King said, many soldiers are finding deployments, when they're away from their families and home, to be the best opportunity to take classes.
"Education is a wonderful distraction, in a positive sense," she said. "Soldiers are able to -- for a minute -- escape where they are while doing something very positive for themselves, both mentally and for their career."
Thanks to the GoArmyEd.com portal that went online in April 2006, educational services are just a few mouse clicks away. Soldiers at even the most remote outposts can log into the system, tap into the $4,500 in tuition assistance the Army offers every soldier every year, and work toward a degree at one of about 180 colleges, universities and technical schools represented.
Army Sgt. Anthony Wilfong, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, spent much of his downtime during his past deploying taking Army correspondence courses. All but four of his soldiers were signed up for some kind of classes during their 15 months in Iraq. "It beats the time you waste seeing the same movies over and over," he said.
Wilfong and his soldiers have been back at Fort Stewart for about three months and still are awaiting their vehicles' return. Meanwhile, they're squeezing in all the classes they can.
"I've got 12 years to go to retirement, and each credit course is worth one and a half promotion points," Wilfong said as he reviewed the offerings at Central Texas College. "I figure everything I take will help me in the long run."
Meanwhile, many military families pass time during their loved ones' deployments enrolled in college programs, too. Officials estimate close to 4,000 family members at Fort Stewart and nearby Hunter Army Airfield took classes through Army Continuing Education Services during fiscal 2007.
Many attend one of the five colleges represented at Fort Stewart: Savannah Technical College, Central Texas College, Columbia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Webster University.
"It gives them a great mental diversion," King said. "Whether you're talking about soldiers or their families, you know when you're taking courses that you're bettering yourself and bettering your career opportunities."
The $10 million Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Education Center, which opened its doors in December 2004 just outside the post's front gate, sends an unmistakable message that Fort Stewart values education, King said.
Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the 3rd Infantry Division commander and a big fan of educational services, promoted the new center based on the "Field of Dreams" concept, King explained. "The way he saw it, 'If you build it, they will come.'"
And to ensure soldiers do come, the Army Continuing Education Services staff distributes oversized paper checks at the start of every fiscal year for $4,500 to ensure soldiers don't forget about their annual tuition assistance benefit. "If you don't use it, you lose it," King said. "We want to make sure soldiers know it's available to them and encourage them to take advantage of it."
As they build their credentials, King said, soldiers enrolled in educational programs also are building their combat readiness and adaptability for unpredictable environments like Iraq.
"You train for certainty, but you educate for uncertainty," she said. "And regardless of what capabilities you have, the fact is, the brain is ultimately the most important battlefield weapon."
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While 3rd Infantry Division was serving its third deployment to Iraq within five years, its soldiers set records amassing college credits during precious downtime between missions. "Rock of the Marne" soldiers took more than 15,000 college classes during fiscal 2007 while deployed to Iraq as part of the surge force, reported Pam King, post education officer. That trend continued as the soldiers began returning to Fort Stewart in March. They've racked up an additional 11,000 college classes during the first two quarters of this fiscal year, King said.
Robin Ellert, chief of the post's online education program, pointed to the unmistakable trend in college enrollments, from 4,600 in fiscal 2003 to more than three times that level today.
"Our numbers have consistently jumped. There's a clear upward trend in the number of enrollments we're seeing," she said.
"There's a clear recognition that college is a way to get promoted -- both in the military and outside the military," she said.
And contrary to what some may expect, King said, many soldiers are finding deployments, when they're away from their families and home, to be the best opportunity to take classes.
"Education is a wonderful distraction, in a positive sense," she said. "Soldiers are able to -- for a minute -- escape where they are while doing something very positive for themselves, both mentally and for their career."
Thanks to the GoArmyEd.com portal that went online in April 2006, educational services are just a few mouse clicks away. Soldiers at even the most remote outposts can log into the system, tap into the $4,500 in tuition assistance the Army offers every soldier every year, and work toward a degree at one of about 180 colleges, universities and technical schools represented.
Army Sgt. Anthony Wilfong, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, spent much of his downtime during his past deploying taking Army correspondence courses. All but four of his soldiers were signed up for some kind of classes during their 15 months in Iraq. "It beats the time you waste seeing the same movies over and over," he said.
Wilfong and his soldiers have been back at Fort Stewart for about three months and still are awaiting their vehicles' return. Meanwhile, they're squeezing in all the classes they can.
"I've got 12 years to go to retirement, and each credit course is worth one and a half promotion points," Wilfong said as he reviewed the offerings at Central Texas College. "I figure everything I take will help me in the long run."
Meanwhile, many military families pass time during their loved ones' deployments enrolled in college programs, too. Officials estimate close to 4,000 family members at Fort Stewart and nearby Hunter Army Airfield took classes through Army Continuing Education Services during fiscal 2007.
Many attend one of the five colleges represented at Fort Stewart: Savannah Technical College, Central Texas College, Columbia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Webster University.
"It gives them a great mental diversion," King said. "Whether you're talking about soldiers or their families, you know when you're taking courses that you're bettering yourself and bettering your career opportunities."
The $10 million Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Education Center, which opened its doors in December 2004 just outside the post's front gate, sends an unmistakable message that Fort Stewart values education, King said.
Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the 3rd Infantry Division commander and a big fan of educational services, promoted the new center based on the "Field of Dreams" concept, King explained. "The way he saw it, 'If you build it, they will come.'"
And to ensure soldiers do come, the Army Continuing Education Services staff distributes oversized paper checks at the start of every fiscal year for $4,500 to ensure soldiers don't forget about their annual tuition assistance benefit. "If you don't use it, you lose it," King said. "We want to make sure soldiers know it's available to them and encourage them to take advantage of it."
As they build their credentials, King said, soldiers enrolled in educational programs also are building their combat readiness and adaptability for unpredictable environments like Iraq.
"You train for certainty, but you educate for uncertainty," she said. "And regardless of what capabilities you have, the fact is, the brain is ultimately the most important battlefield weapon."
Face of Defense: Soldier Continues Family's Martial Arts Tradition
By Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While growing up in Phoenix, Army Staff Sgt. Dimas Estrada learned the sport of taekwondo from his father, a black belt. Continuing the family tradition, Estrada is passing on the ancient martial arts technique to his own children.
Estrada earned his black belt in 2006 in Afghanistan. Prior to his deployment, Estrada, an air and missile defense operations sergeant, enrolled his children in classes in Watertown, N.Y., to keep them busy while he was gone.
Now Estrada uses taekwondo to keep himself and other soldiers busy, teaching classes in the sport five days a week at the Paul R. Smith Fitness Center here.
Practicing the sport here helps connect him to his kids back home, even though they are thousands of miles away, Estrada said.
"This sport really brings my family together," he said. "The taekwondo school where my kids attend is almost like a family readiness group. Most of the students there are military family members, and the instructor told me that my children [would] be in good hands."
He said the sport is a good way for his children or anyone else to make friends, increase their flexibility, relieve stress and stay in shape.
Estrada's children already are winners in the sport, having collected more than a dozen trophies. His 7-year-old son, Christian, is now a red belt, and his 6-year-old daughter, Christianna, recently earned a blue belt.
"I'm really proud of my children, not just because they are following in my footsteps, but because they really enjoy the sport," Estrada said. "Regardless of how many tournaments they compete in or how many trophies they win, I will always be proud of them."
Estrada understands first-hand the risks involved in the sport. He was unable to compete for several years due to injuries and a knee surgery.
"I was cautious at first of [my children] getting hurt, but now I have confidence in them," he said.
When he redeploys from Iraq, he said, another family member can help him train: His wife, Deanna, has recently taken up the sport.
Taekwondo, which uses only the hands and feet to strike, is regarded as the world's most popular form of martial arts, having the most practitioners.
(Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While growing up in Phoenix, Army Staff Sgt. Dimas Estrada learned the sport of taekwondo from his father, a black belt. Continuing the family tradition, Estrada is passing on the ancient martial arts technique to his own children.
Estrada earned his black belt in 2006 in Afghanistan. Prior to his deployment, Estrada, an air and missile defense operations sergeant, enrolled his children in classes in Watertown, N.Y., to keep them busy while he was gone.
Now Estrada uses taekwondo to keep himself and other soldiers busy, teaching classes in the sport five days a week at the Paul R. Smith Fitness Center here.
Practicing the sport here helps connect him to his kids back home, even though they are thousands of miles away, Estrada said.
"This sport really brings my family together," he said. "The taekwondo school where my kids attend is almost like a family readiness group. Most of the students there are military family members, and the instructor told me that my children [would] be in good hands."
He said the sport is a good way for his children or anyone else to make friends, increase their flexibility, relieve stress and stay in shape.
Estrada's children already are winners in the sport, having collected more than a dozen trophies. His 7-year-old son, Christian, is now a red belt, and his 6-year-old daughter, Christianna, recently earned a blue belt.
"I'm really proud of my children, not just because they are following in my footsteps, but because they really enjoy the sport," Estrada said. "Regardless of how many tournaments they compete in or how many trophies they win, I will always be proud of them."
Estrada understands first-hand the risks involved in the sport. He was unable to compete for several years due to injuries and a knee surgery.
"I was cautious at first of [my children] getting hurt, but now I have confidence in them," he said.
When he redeploys from Iraq, he said, another family member can help him train: His wife, Deanna, has recently taken up the sport.
Taekwondo, which uses only the hands and feet to strike, is regarded as the world's most popular form of martial arts, having the most practitioners.
(Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
America Supports You: Group Offers Free Mental Health Counseling
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - Mental Health practitioners nationwide are donating their time and services to provide free, confidential counseling to military people and their families. "Combat affects everyone in one way or another," explained Dr. Barbara Romberg in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio. "Most people react when exposed to a situation where there are extreme or horrific events; it is a human reaction to abnormal situations."
ASY Live is part of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Romberg, founder and president of "Give an Hour," said she started her nonprofit organization to educate servicemembers and their families about the seriousness of post-traumatic stress disorder and the importance of taking steps to combat it.
"When we set up the organization a few years ago, the concept was very simple, she said. "We asked mental health professionals across the country to give an hour of their time."
When one of the program's providers was asked why she joined, Romberg said, her answer was equally simple. "How could I not? It's so little that they are asking of me to give," the practitioner said.
Romberg said a broad spectrum of mental health practitioners participated in Give an Hour. "We have mental health professionals of all kinds -- psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed marriage and family counselors, substance abuse counselors and pastors," she explained. "One size doesn't fit all; people need different things."
Raising awareness about PTSD is as important to the group as providing help to people who need it, she said.
"We are really launching a public education campaign to make sure our entire country understands post-traumatic stress -- what it is and why it's so important to address," she said. "Post-traumatic stress is a condition that will affect most people."
Romberg said there are important signs that a family member can identify that may be an indication that professional help may be a necessary part of the recovery process.
"Anyone might be withdrawn or irritable for awhile, but if those symptoms persist past six or eight weeks, then you need to take action," she said. "If the family member seems to be uninterested in activities that they used to be interested in before, uninterested in relationships with spouses or children, or engaging in persistent drinking or substance abuse as a way of escaping, that's a warning sign," she explained.
Nightmares, anxiety attacks and rage can lead to very serious symptoms if left untreated, she added, "but it doesn't have to become a chronic mental illness at all."
For that reason, Romberg explained, it is important that family members work to recognize symptoms and seek counseling as quickly as possible. Most people want to feel as if they can handle these issues, she said. And in fact, they can, but sometimes they need assistance, she added. That's where Give an Hour comes in.
Give an Hour provides counseling not only for servicemembers, but also for affected family members, whom Romberg defines as "anyone who loves someone who is serving."
"When someone we love is deeply affected, the consequences are usually fairly far-reaching," she explained. "Spouses and children are, of course, an immediate concern, ... but grandparents, aunts and uncles are just as affected by this situation.
"If you, as a family member, feel like you have resources," she continued, "you can put together a plan and you have ... someone else to help you think through it, and eventually encourage [your] loved one to come with [you]."
It is also important, she noted, to keep a close eye on children.
"Spouses that are focused on their husband or wife, it might be really difficult to also be concerned with their children," she said. "We see things such as regression -- a young child that's maybe 3 was potty-trained and all of a sudden starts wetting the bed or isn't eating or sleeping well."
The services offered by Give an Hour are free and ongoing, and providers stay in the network a minimum of a year, Romberg said.
"If their provider has to leave, we provide a replacement," she noted. "They are never told, 'You've used up your services here.' By building such a hard network, it's not a hardship to give an hour. And [the practitioners] are happy and eager to give."
To receive support or to register to become part of this support network, people can visit the organization's Web site, www.giveanhour.org. People seeking help can search for the nearest participating provider by entering their ZIP code.
"It can be an educational conversation or it can be setting up an appointment to meet face to face," Romberg said. "If they don't know what type of assistance they need, they can also click on the 'Contact Us' button, ... and we will help locate a provider.
"It's all about partnering, networking, reaching out, connecting -- helping them to get what they need," she said.
(Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live" on BlogTalkRadio, works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - Mental Health practitioners nationwide are donating their time and services to provide free, confidential counseling to military people and their families. "Combat affects everyone in one way or another," explained Dr. Barbara Romberg in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio. "Most people react when exposed to a situation where there are extreme or horrific events; it is a human reaction to abnormal situations."
ASY Live is part of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Romberg, founder and president of "Give an Hour," said she started her nonprofit organization to educate servicemembers and their families about the seriousness of post-traumatic stress disorder and the importance of taking steps to combat it.
"When we set up the organization a few years ago, the concept was very simple, she said. "We asked mental health professionals across the country to give an hour of their time."
When one of the program's providers was asked why she joined, Romberg said, her answer was equally simple. "How could I not? It's so little that they are asking of me to give," the practitioner said.
Romberg said a broad spectrum of mental health practitioners participated in Give an Hour. "We have mental health professionals of all kinds -- psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed marriage and family counselors, substance abuse counselors and pastors," she explained. "One size doesn't fit all; people need different things."
Raising awareness about PTSD is as important to the group as providing help to people who need it, she said.
"We are really launching a public education campaign to make sure our entire country understands post-traumatic stress -- what it is and why it's so important to address," she said. "Post-traumatic stress is a condition that will affect most people."
Romberg said there are important signs that a family member can identify that may be an indication that professional help may be a necessary part of the recovery process.
"Anyone might be withdrawn or irritable for awhile, but if those symptoms persist past six or eight weeks, then you need to take action," she said. "If the family member seems to be uninterested in activities that they used to be interested in before, uninterested in relationships with spouses or children, or engaging in persistent drinking or substance abuse as a way of escaping, that's a warning sign," she explained.
Nightmares, anxiety attacks and rage can lead to very serious symptoms if left untreated, she added, "but it doesn't have to become a chronic mental illness at all."
For that reason, Romberg explained, it is important that family members work to recognize symptoms and seek counseling as quickly as possible. Most people want to feel as if they can handle these issues, she said. And in fact, they can, but sometimes they need assistance, she added. That's where Give an Hour comes in.
Give an Hour provides counseling not only for servicemembers, but also for affected family members, whom Romberg defines as "anyone who loves someone who is serving."
"When someone we love is deeply affected, the consequences are usually fairly far-reaching," she explained. "Spouses and children are, of course, an immediate concern, ... but grandparents, aunts and uncles are just as affected by this situation.
"If you, as a family member, feel like you have resources," she continued, "you can put together a plan and you have ... someone else to help you think through it, and eventually encourage [your] loved one to come with [you]."
It is also important, she noted, to keep a close eye on children.
"Spouses that are focused on their husband or wife, it might be really difficult to also be concerned with their children," she said. "We see things such as regression -- a young child that's maybe 3 was potty-trained and all of a sudden starts wetting the bed or isn't eating or sleeping well."
The services offered by Give an Hour are free and ongoing, and providers stay in the network a minimum of a year, Romberg said.
"If their provider has to leave, we provide a replacement," she noted. "They are never told, 'You've used up your services here.' By building such a hard network, it's not a hardship to give an hour. And [the practitioners] are happy and eager to give."
To receive support or to register to become part of this support network, people can visit the organization's Web site, www.giveanhour.org. People seeking help can search for the nearest participating provider by entering their ZIP code.
"It can be an educational conversation or it can be setting up an appointment to meet face to face," Romberg said. "If they don't know what type of assistance they need, they can also click on the 'Contact Us' button, ... and we will help locate a provider.
"It's all about partnering, networking, reaching out, connecting -- helping them to get what they need," she said.
(Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live" on BlogTalkRadio, works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 17, 2008
Navy
Walsh Construction, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $71,566,848 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a four-story addition to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Ill., the first joint Veterans Affairs (VA)/ Navy care facility. The work also provides for some demolition and renovation work for tie-in connections to the VA Medical Center, North Chicago. Work will be performed in North Chicago, Ill., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0059).
Northrup Grumman Corp Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $48,288,640 firm-fixed-price contract for 20 center barrels, 6 nacelles; 5 for the U.S. Navy and 1 for the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for loose and miscellaneous parts. This contract combines purchases for the United States Navy ($47,233,536; 98 percent), and Government of Finland ($1,055,104; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent); and St. Augustine, Fla. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,508,499 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0052).
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $28,216,207 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. The modification is to extend the schedule by eight and one-half months and increase the level of effort for the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system development and demonstration. At this time, no additional funds are being obligated. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md. (75 percent) and East Syracuse, N.Y. (25 percent) and is expected to be completed December 2016 (if all options are exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072).
Oshkosh Corporation is being awarded a $9,928,694 delivery order #0056 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the installation of reducible height armor kits on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (94 percent) and Oshkosh, Wis. (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Seminole Energy Services, LLC*, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $62,306,346.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas. Other locations of performance are Missouri, Colorado, Kansas and Arkansas. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and Haskell University Indian Nation. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7515).
ARMY
CACI-WGI, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $15,620,733 time and material contract for operational support services to the Joint Improvised Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Joint Expeditionary Team. Work will be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on May 7, 2008, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0027).
Head, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on June 16, 2008, an $8,513,719 fixed price construction contract for an extension to the runway and an additional parking apron. Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on April 11, 2008, and two bids were received. National Guard Bureau, United States Property and Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0008).
Walsh Construction, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $71,566,848 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a four-story addition to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Ill., the first joint Veterans Affairs (VA)/ Navy care facility. The work also provides for some demolition and renovation work for tie-in connections to the VA Medical Center, North Chicago. Work will be performed in North Chicago, Ill., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0059).
Northrup Grumman Corp Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $48,288,640 firm-fixed-price contract for 20 center barrels, 6 nacelles; 5 for the U.S. Navy and 1 for the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for loose and miscellaneous parts. This contract combines purchases for the United States Navy ($47,233,536; 98 percent), and Government of Finland ($1,055,104; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent); and St. Augustine, Fla. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,508,499 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0052).
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $28,216,207 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. The modification is to extend the schedule by eight and one-half months and increase the level of effort for the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system development and demonstration. At this time, no additional funds are being obligated. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md. (75 percent) and East Syracuse, N.Y. (25 percent) and is expected to be completed December 2016 (if all options are exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072).
Oshkosh Corporation is being awarded a $9,928,694 delivery order #0056 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the installation of reducible height armor kits on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (94 percent) and Oshkosh, Wis. (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Seminole Energy Services, LLC*, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $62,306,346.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas. Other locations of performance are Missouri, Colorado, Kansas and Arkansas. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and Haskell University Indian Nation. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7515).
ARMY
CACI-WGI, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $15,620,733 time and material contract for operational support services to the Joint Improvised Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Joint Expeditionary Team. Work will be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on May 7, 2008, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0027).
Head, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on June 16, 2008, an $8,513,719 fixed price construction contract for an extension to the runway and an additional parking apron. Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on April 11, 2008, and two bids were received. National Guard Bureau, United States Property and Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0008).
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 17, 2008
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Hesco Bastion Ltd., Great Britain, is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for facilities maintenance. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 12, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-08-D-0252).
Navy
Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded an $80,252,703 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (99 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (1 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a $25,478,400 firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for procurement of Special Operations Visual Augmentation Systems (SOVAS) Hand-Held Imager-Medium Range (HHI-MR) and associated data. The SOVAS HHI-MRs are hand-held thermal image binoculars that will be used by Special Operations Forces for surveillance and reconnaissance. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $1,240,000will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-JQ04).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $9,079,652 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-08-C-0007) for hardware and services required to operate and maintain AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT Block-2 Pods in support of the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in December 2012. 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.
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $5,552,387 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to evolve the integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry (iNET) Architecture for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to develop standards based on the framework of established architecture, as well as to perform laboratory simulations to validate the standards for the test and the evaluation community to meet emerging needs. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0052).
ARMY
BBN Technologies Corp., Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $73,845,000 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of 8,131 Boomerang Systems, spares and training services. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2009. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-S202).
Bancroft Construction Co., Wilmington, Del., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $13,292,350 firm fixed price contract for construction of Joint Personal Effects Depot, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del. Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Fifty bids were solicited with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-08-C-0019).
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $7,354,630 Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) with firm fixed price delivery orders, delivery orders from FY07 on have a copper Economic Price Adjustment. This contract is for the production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Caliber .50 small arms ammunition. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the Web with two bids received. HQ, U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-G-0002).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $5,477,618.86 cost plus award fee contract for Black Hawk Helicopters Army UH-60M sustainment stock parts. Work will be performed at Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2008. One bid was solicited with one bid received. USA Aviation & Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH2301C0053).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee contract with InDyne Incorporation of Reston, Va., for $25,744,032. Item and quantity to be procured: Initial Contract Award. The services called for under the Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Services contract support mission requirements for vehicle launches, range operations and the overall 45th Space Wing Mission. Locations of service include Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and locations to include limited services at Patrick Air Force Base, the Florida Annexes, Antigua Air Station, Ascension Auxiliary Airfield and Kennedy Space Center. These services include program management, financial management, customer support services, architectural and engineering services, infrastructure and facilities maintenance and repair, physical plant operations, property management, utilities support, environmental management and other similar services to accomplish the 45 Space Wings mission safely and effectively, while maintaining environmental compliance. The contractor shall plan and execute all preventive maintenance, maintenance engineering and configuration management for facilities, systems equipment and utilities. The contractor shall provide guidance and coordination for base civil engineer functions to ensure effective and economical operation of all activities. Some of the various agencies the contractor may be required to support include; the United States Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, the Department of the Army, the National Reconnaissance Office and other military and civil agencies as directed. A summary of work to be performed at each location are as follow: Operations and Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex; Tower Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Patrick Air Force Base, and the Florida Annexes; Xenon Searchlight Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Trans-Atlantic Landing Sites; Spare Parts support for searchlights at White Sands and Edwards Air Force Base; and Power System Analysis Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Antigua Air Station, and Ascension Auxiliary Airfield. At this time $500,000 has been obligated. 45th Contracting Squadron (45 CONS/LGCZC), Patrick AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2521-08-C-0006).
The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus award fee, and cost reimbursement contract with Jacobs Technology, Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn., for $21,008,524.72. This action will provide Technical, Engineering and Acquisition Support (TEAS) V) at Eglin AFB, Florida and various other tenant organizations. This is to increase work requirement. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006, P00011).
Woodward FST of Zeeland, Mich., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for an estimated $13,955,406. This action will provide repair/overhaul sprayrings, applicable to F100-PW-Engine, F16 and F15 aircraft. This action is for the exercise of option period II. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKB, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-06-D-0019).
Hesco Bastion Ltd., Great Britain, is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for facilities maintenance. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 12, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-08-D-0252).
Navy
Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded an $80,252,703 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (99 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (1 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a $25,478,400 firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for procurement of Special Operations Visual Augmentation Systems (SOVAS) Hand-Held Imager-Medium Range (HHI-MR) and associated data. The SOVAS HHI-MRs are hand-held thermal image binoculars that will be used by Special Operations Forces for surveillance and reconnaissance. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $1,240,000will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-JQ04).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $9,079,652 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-08-C-0007) for hardware and services required to operate and maintain AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT Block-2 Pods in support of the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in December 2012. 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.
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $5,552,387 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to evolve the integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry (iNET) Architecture for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to develop standards based on the framework of established architecture, as well as to perform laboratory simulations to validate the standards for the test and the evaluation community to meet emerging needs. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0052).
ARMY
BBN Technologies Corp., Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $73,845,000 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of 8,131 Boomerang Systems, spares and training services. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2009. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-S202).
Bancroft Construction Co., Wilmington, Del., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $13,292,350 firm fixed price contract for construction of Joint Personal Effects Depot, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del. Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Fifty bids were solicited with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-08-C-0019).
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $7,354,630 Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) with firm fixed price delivery orders, delivery orders from FY07 on have a copper Economic Price Adjustment. This contract is for the production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Caliber .50 small arms ammunition. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the Web with two bids received. HQ, U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-G-0002).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $5,477,618.86 cost plus award fee contract for Black Hawk Helicopters Army UH-60M sustainment stock parts. Work will be performed at Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2008. One bid was solicited with one bid received. USA Aviation & Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH2301C0053).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee contract with InDyne Incorporation of Reston, Va., for $25,744,032. Item and quantity to be procured: Initial Contract Award. The services called for under the Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Services contract support mission requirements for vehicle launches, range operations and the overall 45th Space Wing Mission. Locations of service include Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and locations to include limited services at Patrick Air Force Base, the Florida Annexes, Antigua Air Station, Ascension Auxiliary Airfield and Kennedy Space Center. These services include program management, financial management, customer support services, architectural and engineering services, infrastructure and facilities maintenance and repair, physical plant operations, property management, utilities support, environmental management and other similar services to accomplish the 45 Space Wings mission safely and effectively, while maintaining environmental compliance. The contractor shall plan and execute all preventive maintenance, maintenance engineering and configuration management for facilities, systems equipment and utilities. The contractor shall provide guidance and coordination for base civil engineer functions to ensure effective and economical operation of all activities. Some of the various agencies the contractor may be required to support include; the United States Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, the Department of the Army, the National Reconnaissance Office and other military and civil agencies as directed. A summary of work to be performed at each location are as follow: Operations and Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex; Tower Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Patrick Air Force Base, and the Florida Annexes; Xenon Searchlight Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Trans-Atlantic Landing Sites; Spare Parts support for searchlights at White Sands and Edwards Air Force Base; and Power System Analysis Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Antigua Air Station, and Ascension Auxiliary Airfield. At this time $500,000 has been obligated. 45th Contracting Squadron (45 CONS/LGCZC), Patrick AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2521-08-C-0006).
The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus award fee, and cost reimbursement contract with Jacobs Technology, Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn., for $21,008,524.72. This action will provide Technical, Engineering and Acquisition Support (TEAS) V) at Eglin AFB, Florida and various other tenant organizations. This is to increase work requirement. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006, P00011).
Woodward FST of Zeeland, Mich., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for an estimated $13,955,406. This action will provide repair/overhaul sprayrings, applicable to F100-PW-Engine, F16 and F15 aircraft. This action is for the exercise of option period II. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKB, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-06-D-0019).
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gates: North America Needs Security to Reach Full Potential
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The United States, Canada and Mexico must establish security to realize their full potential, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We cannot achieve resilience or reach our full potential without security," he told the audience at the fourth North American Forum here. "This is tremendously important, given the kind of threats the North American continent faces at the dawn of the 21st century."
While the "openness" of the nations, which share nearly 7,500 miles of border and together constitute the world's largest free-trade zone, is a celebrated feature of the multilateral relationship, Gates said, it also makes them vulnerable to security threats.
"Nourishing these relationships is our mutual respect for and interest in free markets, democratic practices, and the rule of law," he said. "But what we celebrate as North Americans -- the very openness of our three societies -- is also, perhaps, our biggest vulnerability."
Providing a safe environment for the entire hemisphere is a collective responsibility, the secretary said. He urged officials to capitalize on security and defense interests shared by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, without infringing upon each country's sovereignty.
Gates praised the new Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan, which provides a framework for emergency planning and response to natural and man-made disasters. The plan, which will enable Canada and U.S. militaries to support the armed forces of the other country during a civil emergency, is "a step in the right direction," he added.
The secretary recommended the contiguous countries also focus on expanding the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and continue improving cooperation on counter-narcotics.
Gates outlined several threats stemming from the continent's open societies, including widely available Internet access that connects transnational gangs and supplies operational information to the illegal arms and drug trades.
"In too many instances, these groups are better financed and equipped than some elements of our three governments assigned to combat them," he said. "Freedom of movement allows a nexus between narco-traffickers and terrorists, a security concern made more alarming by weapons of mass destruction."
Drug runners employ low-flying airplanes to transport contraband, and also are building homemade, semi-submersible vessels that are hard to detect on the open seas. "If they can transport drugs, imagine what else they could carry," Gates said.
In recent years, the United States has made important changes to combat such threats, such as the creation of U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Gates said, government at the federal, state, and local levels has put more effort into protecting America's resources, infrastructure and citizens.
"We also have greater cooperation and integration between military and civilian authorities, to include, for example, stronger ties between the National Guard, the state governors, and the federal government," Gates said.
But the secretary warned against nearsighted analyses of threats to the continent that consider only domestic security issues.
"When it comes to transnational threats, the 'far fight' is in many ways inseparable from 'near fight,'" he said. "What happens in the streets of a distant capital in Asia or Africa can affect citizens in Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington, D.C."
Gates praised Canada for its steadfast contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where nearly 3,000 Canadian troops are deployed. Eighty-five members of Canada's military have died in Afghanistan, he added.
"The role of Afghanistan in the 9/11 attacks reminds us that this is no hypothetical scenario. We fight there now and in other distant lands to prevent another attack here at home," he said.
Gates said interactions between the United States and Mexico are few and far between. He said that in the future, he hopes to see more interaction and cooperation between the armed forces of Mexico and those of the United States, where some 30 million Americans list their ancestry as Mexican.
"Close to home, both in and out of government," Gates said, "we are looking to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones with our neighbors to the north and south."
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The United States, Canada and Mexico must establish security to realize their full potential, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We cannot achieve resilience or reach our full potential without security," he told the audience at the fourth North American Forum here. "This is tremendously important, given the kind of threats the North American continent faces at the dawn of the 21st century."
While the "openness" of the nations, which share nearly 7,500 miles of border and together constitute the world's largest free-trade zone, is a celebrated feature of the multilateral relationship, Gates said, it also makes them vulnerable to security threats.
"Nourishing these relationships is our mutual respect for and interest in free markets, democratic practices, and the rule of law," he said. "But what we celebrate as North Americans -- the very openness of our three societies -- is also, perhaps, our biggest vulnerability."
Providing a safe environment for the entire hemisphere is a collective responsibility, the secretary said. He urged officials to capitalize on security and defense interests shared by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, without infringing upon each country's sovereignty.
Gates praised the new Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan, which provides a framework for emergency planning and response to natural and man-made disasters. The plan, which will enable Canada and U.S. militaries to support the armed forces of the other country during a civil emergency, is "a step in the right direction," he added.
The secretary recommended the contiguous countries also focus on expanding the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and continue improving cooperation on counter-narcotics.
Gates outlined several threats stemming from the continent's open societies, including widely available Internet access that connects transnational gangs and supplies operational information to the illegal arms and drug trades.
"In too many instances, these groups are better financed and equipped than some elements of our three governments assigned to combat them," he said. "Freedom of movement allows a nexus between narco-traffickers and terrorists, a security concern made more alarming by weapons of mass destruction."
Drug runners employ low-flying airplanes to transport contraband, and also are building homemade, semi-submersible vessels that are hard to detect on the open seas. "If they can transport drugs, imagine what else they could carry," Gates said.
In recent years, the United States has made important changes to combat such threats, such as the creation of U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Gates said, government at the federal, state, and local levels has put more effort into protecting America's resources, infrastructure and citizens.
"We also have greater cooperation and integration between military and civilian authorities, to include, for example, stronger ties between the National Guard, the state governors, and the federal government," Gates said.
But the secretary warned against nearsighted analyses of threats to the continent that consider only domestic security issues.
"When it comes to transnational threats, the 'far fight' is in many ways inseparable from 'near fight,'" he said. "What happens in the streets of a distant capital in Asia or Africa can affect citizens in Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington, D.C."
Gates praised Canada for its steadfast contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where nearly 3,000 Canadian troops are deployed. Eighty-five members of Canada's military have died in Afghanistan, he added.
"The role of Afghanistan in the 9/11 attacks reminds us that this is no hypothetical scenario. We fight there now and in other distant lands to prevent another attack here at home," he said.
Gates said interactions between the United States and Mexico are few and far between. He said that in the future, he hopes to see more interaction and cooperation between the armed forces of Mexico and those of the United States, where some 30 million Americans list their ancestry as Mexican.
"Close to home, both in and out of government," Gates said, "we are looking to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones with our neighbors to the north and south."
Chairman Launches Four-Day Tour of Western Installations
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff landed here today at the start of a four-day tour of western-U.S. military installations. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will visit airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, about 50 miles northwest of here, and McChord Air Force Base, Wash. He also will travel to visit Marines and sailors at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., and soldiers and family members at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Although this trip has been planned for some time, this will be the first opportunity for the chairman to talk with airmen face-to-face since the June 6 resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.
This is Mullen's first visit to each of these installations as part of the his overall effort to reach out to many of the of the U.S. military bases, but officials expect the topic of the resignations to surface during the "all-hands" meetings scheduled with hundreds of airmen.
In a Pentagon Channel interview last week, Mullen said he had great admiration for Moseley and Wynne, and, while he conceded the service faces some challenges in revamping its nuclear mission, he praised the work of Air Force members.
"Airmen are really making a difference. They're in this global fight. They're pressing hard against the terrorists, [and] they've made a big difference in so many places," Mullen said.
Today, the chairman received mostly operational briefings from senior officers at Creech Air Force Base. The sensitive briefings were closed to the media.
Creech is home to DoD's joint unmanned aircraft systems center of excellence, which overlsees the use of sensors and intelligence gathering assets of U.S. forces in combat. The center was organized there in 2005. Creech also is the training ground for the MQ-1B Predator, the unmanned aircraft used heavily in combat for both attack and reconnaissance.
Since becoming chairman in October, Mullen has traveled frequently to military bases worldwide, hosting candid meetings in which he allows servicemembers to ask questions and voice opinions. He has faced tough questions about combat tour lengths, dwell time at home stations between deployments, and other family support issues. He also frequently visits wounded warrior treatment facilities.
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff landed here today at the start of a four-day tour of western-U.S. military installations. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will visit airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, about 50 miles northwest of here, and McChord Air Force Base, Wash. He also will travel to visit Marines and sailors at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., and soldiers and family members at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Although this trip has been planned for some time, this will be the first opportunity for the chairman to talk with airmen face-to-face since the June 6 resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.
This is Mullen's first visit to each of these installations as part of the his overall effort to reach out to many of the of the U.S. military bases, but officials expect the topic of the resignations to surface during the "all-hands" meetings scheduled with hundreds of airmen.
In a Pentagon Channel interview last week, Mullen said he had great admiration for Moseley and Wynne, and, while he conceded the service faces some challenges in revamping its nuclear mission, he praised the work of Air Force members.
"Airmen are really making a difference. They're in this global fight. They're pressing hard against the terrorists, [and] they've made a big difference in so many places," Mullen said.
Today, the chairman received mostly operational briefings from senior officers at Creech Air Force Base. The sensitive briefings were closed to the media.
Creech is home to DoD's joint unmanned aircraft systems center of excellence, which overlsees the use of sensors and intelligence gathering assets of U.S. forces in combat. The center was organized there in 2005. Creech also is the training ground for the MQ-1B Predator, the unmanned aircraft used heavily in combat for both attack and reconnaissance.
Since becoming chairman in October, Mullen has traveled frequently to military bases worldwide, hosting candid meetings in which he allows servicemembers to ask questions and voice opinions. He has faced tough questions about combat tour lengths, dwell time at home stations between deployments, and other family support issues. He also frequently visits wounded warrior treatment facilities.
America Supports You: 'GI Java' Supports Foundation
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The relationship between servicemembers and their coffee is so storied that the hot black liquid has a role in nearly every war movie ever made. With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.
The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.
U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
June 16, 2008 - The relationship between servicemembers and their coffee is so storied that the hot black liquid has a role in nearly every war movie ever made. With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.
The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.
U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Guard Members in Two States Prepare for Rising Rivers
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen G. Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - More than 600 National Guard members in Illinois and Missouri are continuing sandbagging operations along the Mississippi River today in an effort to thwart the flood waters that are subsiding in Iowa. The Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis. Flooding on those rivers is not as bad as the record levels of 1993, according to local news reports. In St. Louis, flood waters are expected to crest at 39.4 feet June 20, about 10 feet below the 1993 record.
In Illinois, 400 Guard soldiers and airmen were mobilized over the weekend to work on the levees north and south of Quincy, Ill. About 100 Air National Guard personnel from 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and 126th Air Refueling Wing from Scott Air Force Base were mobilized yesterday and directed to the Sny Island Levee, which stretches for more than 50 miles in Adams and Pike counties.
The soldiers and airmen are expected to fill 500,000 sandbags today as they help fortify levees along a 15-mile stretch on their side of the swollen Mississippi River near Quincy.
"Guardsmen are working with local volunteers, Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel, local authorities and other state agencies making heroic efforts to protect critical infrastructures and lives," said Army Maj. Gen. William Enyart, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "[We] have the full support of the governor, state legislators and federal official in coping with the largest flood since the record-breaking flood of 1993."
Enyart said more National Guard troops are available if needed.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has declared 15 Illinois counties as disaster areas.
"We're at a very critical juncture in the fight against the Mighty Mississippi, and I am committed to providing every possible state resource we can to help protect these threatened communities," Blagojevich said. "In addition to our many National Guard troops and other personnel and assets already in the region, I am encouraging my state agency directors to allow their employees who are certified as American Red Cross volunteers to help out during this emergency. We all need to pull together and help our fellow Illinoisans during their time of great need."
In Missouri, about 200 soldiers are monitoring the levees in Canton and West Quincy and sandbagging in Canton, Hannibal and Clarksville. Liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.
An additional 65 soldiers will be mobilized today to support the communities of Clarksville and Hannibal, said Army Capt. Tammy Spicer, the state public affairs officer. Missouri National Guard units supporting the flood response efforts include 1438th Engineer Company from Macon and Kirksville, 1138th Transportation Company from Jefferson Barracks and Centertown, 835th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Jefferson City, and 70th Troop Command and 1035th Maintenance Company, both from Jefferson Barracks.
"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenge of the rising waters," said Army Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. The mobilizations are a result of an executive order signed by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt on June 11. They will remain on duty until released by local authorities and the governor.
"We remain engaged with local officials along the river, working to anticipate future needs," Spicer said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen G. Krenke serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - More than 600 National Guard members in Illinois and Missouri are continuing sandbagging operations along the Mississippi River today in an effort to thwart the flood waters that are subsiding in Iowa. The Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis. Flooding on those rivers is not as bad as the record levels of 1993, according to local news reports. In St. Louis, flood waters are expected to crest at 39.4 feet June 20, about 10 feet below the 1993 record.
In Illinois, 400 Guard soldiers and airmen were mobilized over the weekend to work on the levees north and south of Quincy, Ill. About 100 Air National Guard personnel from 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and 126th Air Refueling Wing from Scott Air Force Base were mobilized yesterday and directed to the Sny Island Levee, which stretches for more than 50 miles in Adams and Pike counties.
The soldiers and airmen are expected to fill 500,000 sandbags today as they help fortify levees along a 15-mile stretch on their side of the swollen Mississippi River near Quincy.
"Guardsmen are working with local volunteers, Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel, local authorities and other state agencies making heroic efforts to protect critical infrastructures and lives," said Army Maj. Gen. William Enyart, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "[We] have the full support of the governor, state legislators and federal official in coping with the largest flood since the record-breaking flood of 1993."
Enyart said more National Guard troops are available if needed.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has declared 15 Illinois counties as disaster areas.
"We're at a very critical juncture in the fight against the Mighty Mississippi, and I am committed to providing every possible state resource we can to help protect these threatened communities," Blagojevich said. "In addition to our many National Guard troops and other personnel and assets already in the region, I am encouraging my state agency directors to allow their employees who are certified as American Red Cross volunteers to help out during this emergency. We all need to pull together and help our fellow Illinoisans during their time of great need."
In Missouri, about 200 soldiers are monitoring the levees in Canton and West Quincy and sandbagging in Canton, Hannibal and Clarksville. Liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.
An additional 65 soldiers will be mobilized today to support the communities of Clarksville and Hannibal, said Army Capt. Tammy Spicer, the state public affairs officer. Missouri National Guard units supporting the flood response efforts include 1438th Engineer Company from Macon and Kirksville, 1138th Transportation Company from Jefferson Barracks and Centertown, 835th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Jefferson City, and 70th Troop Command and 1035th Maintenance Company, both from Jefferson Barracks.
"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenge of the rising waters," said Army Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. The mobilizations are a result of an executive order signed by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt on June 11. They will remain on duty until released by local authorities and the governor.
"We remain engaged with local officials along the river, working to anticipate future needs," Spicer said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen G. Krenke serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
America Supports You: D.C. United Soccer Team Honors Troops, Veterans
By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2008 - Hundreds of troops and their families were treated to a professional soccer match on Flag Day during D.C. United's 9th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran's Appreciation Day at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation's capital. "A whole night dedicated to servicemembers makes me feel good," said Army Spec. Devin Calcote, a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," who presented the nation's colors at the beginning of the match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls.
The team provided 1,000 free tickets for active-duty servicemembers. Discounted tickets for military identification card holders and their families were also available.
"It is a privilege and an honor for D.C. United to host a special night for military
personnel and veterans each season," said Stephen Zack, D.C. United's executive vice president. "We respect the courage and commitment these individuals display and hope to share with them our support."
Support was on display in the stadium parking before the game. Military recruiters, the U.S.O. and America Supports You greeted troops and soccer fans on their walk from the parking lot.
"I wrote thank you for being in the troops and keeping our nation safe," said D.C. United fan Timothy Murnin, 12, describing what he wrote on a greeting card to the troops at the Department of Defense America Supports You booth.
America Supports you is a Department of Defense program that connects individual citizens, troop-support organizations and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. America Supports you and its local, non-profit homefront groups have been involved with D.C. United's Military Appreciation Night for the past two years.
Before the game, thousands of soccer fans witnessed a swearing-in ceremony for some two dozen new recruits headed into the Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard.
"It's great to be honored here on Flag Day and to enlist some youngsters. The support tonight for servicemembers from all branches in unbelievable," said Marine Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs for the U.S. Marine Corps, before he administered the oath of enlistment.
For one new recruit who will report to the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, S.C., on June 23, being enlisted into the Marine Corps by a three-star general, in front of thousands of people, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"It hit me right in the heart. I really felt like America appreciated me, and I couldn't believe that all those clapping hands were for me," said Dayron Nibblins, an aspiring aviation electrical technician.
A driving rain began pouring down in the minutes between the enlistment ceremony and kickoff, but that didn't stop the action on the field. Some military spectators from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Wounded Warrior Battalion stayed out of the rain and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the game from the Champion's Club overlooking the field.
"It's great to have the opportunity to come here and relax with my family. I know a good part of the country is behind the soldiers because everywhere I go I get that sentiment, people are positive," said Army Maj. David Hanes, an armor officer.
Hanes was a victim of a roadside bomb in October 2006, and has suffered through a litany of broken screws and plates, along with an infection in his right femur.
"The good news is that I hope to be going back on duty in the next month or two," said Hanes as his son, Colin, clung to his side.
For men and women like Hanes eager to serve their country, appreciation for their service can be summed up with the sage words of a an 11-year old soccer fan.
"The troops are fighting for our country and making us free. I want to make them feel appreciated," said Danny Zilevicius as he filled out an America Supports You greeting card for the troops.
By the end of the night, D.C. United and its fans were rewarded for their appreciation of the armed forces and veterans with a 4-1 win over New York.
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2008 - Hundreds of troops and their families were treated to a professional soccer match on Flag Day during D.C. United's 9th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran's Appreciation Day at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation's capital. "A whole night dedicated to servicemembers makes me feel good," said Army Spec. Devin Calcote, a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," who presented the nation's colors at the beginning of the match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls.
The team provided 1,000 free tickets for active-duty servicemembers. Discounted tickets for military identification card holders and their families were also available.
"It is a privilege and an honor for D.C. United to host a special night for military
personnel and veterans each season," said Stephen Zack, D.C. United's executive vice president. "We respect the courage and commitment these individuals display and hope to share with them our support."
Support was on display in the stadium parking before the game. Military recruiters, the U.S.O. and America Supports You greeted troops and soccer fans on their walk from the parking lot.
"I wrote thank you for being in the troops and keeping our nation safe," said D.C. United fan Timothy Murnin, 12, describing what he wrote on a greeting card to the troops at the Department of Defense America Supports You booth.
America Supports you is a Department of Defense program that connects individual citizens, troop-support organizations and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. America Supports you and its local, non-profit homefront groups have been involved with D.C. United's Military Appreciation Night for the past two years.
Before the game, thousands of soccer fans witnessed a swearing-in ceremony for some two dozen new recruits headed into the Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard.
"It's great to be honored here on Flag Day and to enlist some youngsters. The support tonight for servicemembers from all branches in unbelievable," said Marine Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs for the U.S. Marine Corps, before he administered the oath of enlistment.
For one new recruit who will report to the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, S.C., on June 23, being enlisted into the Marine Corps by a three-star general, in front of thousands of people, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"It hit me right in the heart. I really felt like America appreciated me, and I couldn't believe that all those clapping hands were for me," said Dayron Nibblins, an aspiring aviation electrical technician.
A driving rain began pouring down in the minutes between the enlistment ceremony and kickoff, but that didn't stop the action on the field. Some military spectators from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Wounded Warrior Battalion stayed out of the rain and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the game from the Champion's Club overlooking the field.
"It's great to have the opportunity to come here and relax with my family. I know a good part of the country is behind the soldiers because everywhere I go I get that sentiment, people are positive," said Army Maj. David Hanes, an armor officer.
Hanes was a victim of a roadside bomb in October 2006, and has suffered through a litany of broken screws and plates, along with an infection in his right femur.
"The good news is that I hope to be going back on duty in the next month or two," said Hanes as his son, Colin, clung to his side.
For men and women like Hanes eager to serve their country, appreciation for their service can be summed up with the sage words of a an 11-year old soccer fan.
"The troops are fighting for our country and making us free. I want to make them feel appreciated," said Danny Zilevicius as he filled out an America Supports You greeting card for the troops.
By the end of the night, D.C. United and its fans were rewarded for their appreciation of the armed forces and veterans with a 4-1 win over New York.
Navy Base's Safety Record Goes From Worst to First
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - After being called one of the 100 worst federal workplaces in the United States in terms of safety, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., now is ranked as one of the best. In a ceremony yesterday at the Key West air station, the installation received its "Star Status" flag, the highest recognition in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program.
NAS Key West is the first Defense Department installation to receive this status.
"It is very gratifying to be a part of something that makes such a significant difference in the workplace," Navy Capt. J.R. Brown, NAS Key West commander, said. "Not only did it change how we look at safety, it also changed how we interact with each other. It opened communications even more. We all have taken time to pat ourselves on the back, but excellence in safety is about vigilance."
Ron Cooke, safety manager at NAS Key West, volunteered the naval air station in 2002 to take part in the defense employee Worker Safety Demonstration Program, a congressional mandate to help enforce better safety and health practices among military and civilian employees. The naval air station also used an integrated management system to evaluate and identify problem areas and then effectively and safely run the installation, Cooke said.
With the integrated management system providing management tools and laying the groundwork for progress, Cooke said, mishaps at the installation were reduced by 50 percent in the 2003-2004 time frame.
With the groundwork in place, the installation could take part in OSHA's pilot Voluntary Protection Program, which outlines the requirements needed to develop and implement effective safety and health-management systems through incremental steps.
An OSHA administrator helps lead pilot program participants in stages, checking on progress and evaluating steps taken to improve the workplace.
Any challenge comes with obstacles, the first being a resistance to change. "At first, there was resistance to the kind of change we wanted [employees] to do," Cooke acknowledged.
Cooke also explained that the installation had problems in the retention of personnel and had language and education barriers to overcome.
"We met in the middle," Cooke said. "The management was working down while employees were working up. We were working for the same common goal: going home the way you came to work."
In October 2005, as the installation was preparing to submit paperwork to progress into the second stage of the program, Hurricane Wilma hit. The hurricane flooded the installation, and the paperwork for VPP was lost. But officials recovered from the setback, and on March 2, 2006, they were ready to once again submit paperwork. By Nov. 3, 2007, the third and final stage was complete.
NAS Key West then was recommended to receive a Star Status rating in the Voluntary Protection Program.
"We paved the way for the challenge program," Cooke said. "I think people are proud of the recognition. I think the people are proud of what they do."
Cooke admitted there was a time when he was embarrassed to go to work, but said he became excited about the challenges that VPP would bring. He credits all the installation's employees for bringing about such a profound change in the workplace climate.
"Without [NAS Key West employees], we could have never accomplished this," he said. "This was my goal, but I could never have done this without their help."
Cooke also credited Robert Barnikow of the VPP Center of Excellence for his help in mentoring the naval station. Cooke said he cannot say enough about Barnikow and what he has done for NAS Key West and other military installations.
"I think we are all taken aback somewhat at how successful VPP has been for us," Brown said earlier this week as he prepared to turn over command of the naval air station in a ceremony today, the installation's 350th straight day without a lost work day caused by a work-related safety issue.
"Every day we see the counter at the main entrance reminding us," he said. "We feel great about working at a place that has a safety program that we are all a part of."
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - After being called one of the 100 worst federal workplaces in the United States in terms of safety, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., now is ranked as one of the best. In a ceremony yesterday at the Key West air station, the installation received its "Star Status" flag, the highest recognition in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program.
NAS Key West is the first Defense Department installation to receive this status.
"It is very gratifying to be a part of something that makes such a significant difference in the workplace," Navy Capt. J.R. Brown, NAS Key West commander, said. "Not only did it change how we look at safety, it also changed how we interact with each other. It opened communications even more. We all have taken time to pat ourselves on the back, but excellence in safety is about vigilance."
Ron Cooke, safety manager at NAS Key West, volunteered the naval air station in 2002 to take part in the defense employee Worker Safety Demonstration Program, a congressional mandate to help enforce better safety and health practices among military and civilian employees. The naval air station also used an integrated management system to evaluate and identify problem areas and then effectively and safely run the installation, Cooke said.
With the integrated management system providing management tools and laying the groundwork for progress, Cooke said, mishaps at the installation were reduced by 50 percent in the 2003-2004 time frame.
With the groundwork in place, the installation could take part in OSHA's pilot Voluntary Protection Program, which outlines the requirements needed to develop and implement effective safety and health-management systems through incremental steps.
An OSHA administrator helps lead pilot program participants in stages, checking on progress and evaluating steps taken to improve the workplace.
Any challenge comes with obstacles, the first being a resistance to change. "At first, there was resistance to the kind of change we wanted [employees] to do," Cooke acknowledged.
Cooke also explained that the installation had problems in the retention of personnel and had language and education barriers to overcome.
"We met in the middle," Cooke said. "The management was working down while employees were working up. We were working for the same common goal: going home the way you came to work."
In October 2005, as the installation was preparing to submit paperwork to progress into the second stage of the program, Hurricane Wilma hit. The hurricane flooded the installation, and the paperwork for VPP was lost. But officials recovered from the setback, and on March 2, 2006, they were ready to once again submit paperwork. By Nov. 3, 2007, the third and final stage was complete.
NAS Key West then was recommended to receive a Star Status rating in the Voluntary Protection Program.
"We paved the way for the challenge program," Cooke said. "I think people are proud of the recognition. I think the people are proud of what they do."
Cooke admitted there was a time when he was embarrassed to go to work, but said he became excited about the challenges that VPP would bring. He credits all the installation's employees for bringing about such a profound change in the workplace climate.
"Without [NAS Key West employees], we could have never accomplished this," he said. "This was my goal, but I could never have done this without their help."
Cooke also credited Robert Barnikow of the VPP Center of Excellence for his help in mentoring the naval station. Cooke said he cannot say enough about Barnikow and what he has done for NAS Key West and other military installations.
"I think we are all taken aback somewhat at how successful VPP has been for us," Brown said earlier this week as he prepared to turn over command of the naval air station in a ceremony today, the installation's 350th straight day without a lost work day caused by a work-related safety issue.
"Every day we see the counter at the main entrance reminding us," he said. "We feel great about working at a place that has a safety program that we are all a part of."
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