Soldier Missing In Action From the Korean War Is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Sgt. John H. White, U.S. Army, of Long Island, Ala. He will be buried on Saturday in Bryant, Ala.

Representatives from the Army met with White's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.

In November 1950, White was a member of H Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then occupying a defensive position near Unsan, North Korea, north of a bend in the Kuryong River known as the Camel's Head. On Nov. 1, elements of two Chinese Communist divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division's lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. White was reported missing on Nov. 2, 1950, and was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.

In April 2007, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.), acting through the intermediary of New Mexico Governor. Bill Richardson and former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, repatriated to the United States six boxes of human remains believed to be those of U.S. soldiers. One box also included two military identification tags with White's name on them. The D.P.R.K. reported that the remains were excavated in November 2006 near Unsan in North Pyongan Province.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of White's remains.

America Supports You: Fisher House Dedicated at VA Medical Center

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

July 11, 2008 - More than 400 guests attended a dedication ceremony for the 39th Fisher House recently built on the grounds of Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Richmond, Va., one of the VA's four Level 1 polytrauma centers. "It was an opportunity to be able to properly dedicate the home and have all these veterans organizations and families and friends ... come in the home and see exactly what kind of services we're going to be providing these families," said retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Walker, manager of the new Fisher House.

The 16,800-square-foot facility, which serves as living quarters for family members of active-duty servicemembers and veterans receiving care at the medical center, resembles a large, private home more closely than it does temporary lodging. Each of its 21 rooms -- nine upstairs and 12 on the first level -- has a private bathroom, a 32-inch flat-screen TV and DVD player. The family room has a 50-inch flat-screen TV so those using the Wii videogame system won't miss a single detail. Residents of the house also can cook their own meals in the full kitchen.

"These families are under an enormous amount of stress. To be able to have a place that they can come home and relax and it's not a hotel room, it means everything [to them]," Walker said.

That is precisely why this is the biggest model the Fisher House Foundation builds, said Jim Weiskopf, the Fisher House Foundation's executive vice president of communications. "That's about as large as we'd want to go, because we want them to look and feel like homes and not like hotels, and we're able to do that with our facilities," he said.

For Fisher House, the Richmond facility represents more than just an opportunity to help wounded warriors and their families. It's a promised kept.

"There are four Level 1 polytrauma centers in the VA," Weiskopf said. "Building at Richmond fulfills our pledge to the VA to get a Fisher House at all of the Level 1 polytrauma centers."

The VA's three other Level 1 polytrauma centers are in Palo Alto, Calif.; Minneapolis; and Tampa, Fla.

The first families will begin moving into the new Richmond facility July 21.

The Fisher House 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.

MILITARY CONTRACTS July 11, 2008

NAVY

W. M. Jordan, Newport News, Va., is being awarded $95,886,010 for design-build P899 Special Operations Forces (SOF) Operations Facility and P789 SOF Operational Training Facility, Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Virginia Beach, Va. The contract provides for the design and construction of a two-story SOF operations facility, a single-story addition to the second floor of Building 368, a one-story SOF operational training facility and a single-story addition to Building 310. This project provides consolidated and efficiently configured command operations facilities required to perform unified command and control. This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the total value of the contract amount to $101,629,010. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with six offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-9684).

General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $23,592,207 firm-fixed-price contract for 41 Digital Modular Radios (DMR) and other ancillary hardware. DMR is a software definable radio that operates UHF SATCOM, Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), Line of Sight (LOS) and HF waveforms on Navy surface and subsurface platforms. The contract includes CLINs (contract line item numbers) for potential DMR procurements in FY09 and FY10. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured but was synopsized on the Commerce Business Daily's website, Federal Business Opportunities website, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-08-C-0082).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $16,709,000 unpriced modification #PH0015 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00030-07-C-0100) to provide support to the Prompt Global Strike Medium Lift Reentry Body development effort. The work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., and various other locations yet to be determined, and work is expected to be completed in June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.

R.A. Burch Construction Company Inc.,* Ramona, Calif., is being awarded $10,498,088 for firm-fixed-price task order #0003 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8607) for design-build of the operational storage facilities at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by February 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $9,356,751 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-06-G-0001) for non-recurring engineering (NRE) services to improve run dry capabilities of the UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters, main rotor gearbox for increased survivability. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $5,640,361 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

CACI-CMS Information Systems, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $7,922,421 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Professional Business Information Technology Support Services to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The contract includes support and training for MSC's Financial Management System, Human Resource Management System, Standard Procurement System, Budget Preparation System and global help desk tier II support. A $500,000 minimum for the entire contract period is obligated at the time of contract award. Additional funding will be added to the contract upon the issuance of task orders. The contract includes four one-year options that, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $41,840,831. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (50 percent); Arlington, Va. (25 percent); other MSC locations - Norfolk, Va.; San Diego, Calif.; Yokohama, Japan, Naples, Italy; Guam; Pusan, Korea; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Singapore; Bahrain (23 percent); Defense Finance and Accounting Systems sites (1 percent) and United States Transportation Command, Scott AFB Ill. (1 percent), and the work is expected to be completed in July 2009 (July 2013 with options exercised). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Military Sealift Command, the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, and Federal Business Opportunities web pages, with more than 100 proposals solicited with two offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-08-D-6507).

Tower Solutions**, Pine City, Minn.; Floatograph Technologies**, Marion, Ind.; and US Tower Corp**., Woodlake, Calif., are being awarded modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract (N00164-08-D-6613) for various commercial and modified commercial mast systems including but not limited to pneumatic, manual and electrically driven systems of a locking and non-locking type in support of multiple expeditionary systems engineering programs including, but not limited to, sponsors such as Special Operations Command, US Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force. Specific requirements will be identified with each delivery order. These three contractors are being awarded Multiple Award Fair Opportunity Contracts IAW FAR 16.5, and are added to the original contract awarded to Will-Burt Company in Orrville, Ohio, in December 2007 using a "Rolling Admissions" clause. The maximum estimated total value of all four contracts will be $15,000,000. Work will be performed Pine City, Minn.; Marion, Ind.; and Woodlake, Calif., and work will be complete in December 2012. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

GearyEnergy, LLC., Tulsa, Okla.* is being awarded a maximum $51,075,425 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for delivery of direct supply natural gas. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Air Force and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 166 proposals 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-7520).

Air Force

Trident Systems Incorporated, Trident Technology Solutions, of Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $49.9 million. This action will provide for the multi level security environment proposed seeks to design and develop a multifaceted collaboration capability that encompasses all aspects of information sharing including file sharing text chat, audio and video teleconferencing, blogs, and wikis. The function is to meet the Air Force, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) requirement for an Information Sharing Environment (ISE). At this time $868,281 has been obligated. Air Force Research Laboratory/RIKF, Rome, NY, is the contracting activity (FA8750-08-D-0206).

Zel Technologies, L.L.C., of Hampton, Va., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $49.9 million. This action will provide a focused but flexible contracting vehicle under Public Law 106-544 SBIR Phase III Authorization to enable the United State Air Force and other government customers to receive the benefits of Predictive Battlespace Awareness (PBA)/Intelligence Preparation of the (IPB) developed by the contractor uner the auspices for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The multi level security (MLS) Information Sharing Environment (ISE) proposed seeks to design and develop a multifaceted collaboration capability that encompasses all aspects of information sharing including Predictive Battlespace Awareness (PBA)/Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (IPB), Automated Course of Action Modeling (ACAM), Knowledge Management, and Ontology Generation. At this time $99,536.00 has been obligated. Air Force Research Laboratory/RIKF, Rome, NY, is the contracting activity (FA8750-08-D-0210).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for an estimated $9,455,370. The action will provide U.S. Pacific Command with operations and transformation analysis. At this time all funds have been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO 0257).

Universal Understanding, LLC, of Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $7,641,203. This action will is for 2008 SMART II network optimization and software support for United States Air Force Central. This provides technical support (software appliance warranty) of all of Cisco equipment installed within the United States Air Forces Central network. This includes all software upgrades and parts replacement to maintain security compliance. SMARTnet II provides: 1) Access to technical assistance personnel for diagnosis and resolution of problems 24 hours/7 days a week/365 days a year. This is accomplished online, e-mail or telephone: 2) Unlimited operating system upgrades, patches. 3) Updates where available; 4) Advance part replacement of defective network equipment. Next Business Day for all equipment except Meeting Place equipment that is covered under SMARTnet II On-Site Next Business Day, 5) Access to online resources, tools, knowledge based, troubleshooting tools, and Technology. At this time all funds have been obligated. 20th Contracting Squadron, Shaw AFB, S.C., is the contracting activity (FA4803-08-C-0016).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Lockheed Martin-Integrated Systems and Solutions for $6,716,614 . This modification definitizes the previously issued undefinitized contract action to complete the NORAD/USNORTHCOM Command Center (N2C2) Upgrade Program tasks required to provide upgrade program tasks required to provide the NORAD/USNORTHCOM (N/NC) Commander with a single integrated Command Center and to provide a collaborative environment to support existing and newly assigned missions. This project includes renovation and improvement of USNORTHCOM HQ facilities located on Peterson AFB and the deployment of modernized information systems (audio/video). This project shall provide Combatant Commanders' Integrated Command and Control System (CCIC2S) interactive connectively for N/NC duty positions and senior battle staff personnel. At this time $3,095,149 has been obligated. 850 ELSG/PK, Peterson AFB, Colo., is the contracting activity (F19628-00-C-0019, Modification No. P00135).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of San Jose, Calif., for $6,265,665. The purpose of this action was to settle ASIP U-2 Flight Test REA. At this time $5,768,665 has been obligated. USAF/AFMC, Reconnaissance Systems Wing (ASC) is the contracting activity (F33657-03-C-4318, Modification No. P00059).

Army

Jaynes Corporation of California, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on July 9, 2008, an $18,277,623 firm-fixed price contract for construction of an Army Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Garden Grove, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on April 29, 2008, and eight bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0023).

Motorcycle, Vehicle Accidents Dominate Off-Duty Summer Fatalities

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 11, 2008 - Midway through the "101 Critical Days of Summer," 50 servicemembers have died in off-duty accidents, three-quarters of them in motor vehicles and half on motorcycles, defense officials reported. The 101 Critical Days of Summer refers to the period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day that typically sees a spike in vehicle and recreational accidents. "It's the time when more people get outside and enjoy off-duty activities and more people are traveling," said John Seibert, the Defense Department's assistant for safety, health and fire. "But unfortunately, it's also a time when we see more accidents."

Motor vehicles remain the No. 1 cause of off-duty military deaths, and despite broad safety awareness efforts militarywide, that trend shows no sign of diminishing this summer. Thirty-seven servicemembers have died in motor vehicles since May 23.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates noted in a safety message to the field sent just before Memorial Day that 77 servicemen and –women were killed in private motor accidents during last year's 101 Critical Days of Summer.

Officials say they're particularly concerned about the incidence of motorcycle deaths – 25 militarywide since Memorial Day weekend. Citing high fuel prices and cash accumulated during deployments that are driving up motorcycles' popularity within the force, officials say they fear these numbers will only go up.

Eighteen of the Army's 23 off-duty fatalities since Memorial Day have involved privately owned vehicles. Of those, 12 soldiers were killed riding motorcycles and one, an all-terrain vehicle, reported J.T. Coleman from the Army's Combat Readiness and Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Similarly, 10 of the 12 sailors who died in off-duty accidents since May 23 were involved in vehicle accidents, according to April Phillips from the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Va. Eight of the Navy fatalities involved motorcycles.

The Marine Corps reported eight off-duty losses since the 101 critical days of summer campaign launched. Six of the eight Marines died in vehicle accidents, with three killed on motorcycles, said Marine Lt. Col. Mike Miller, who heads up the Corps' ground safety branch in Washington.

The Air Force, experiencing one of its safest summers in a decade, reported seven off-duty deaths since the Memorial Day weekend. Of those, one involved a four-wheeled vehicle and two involved motorcycles, said Jewell Hicks from the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

That's a significant improvement from last year, when 19 airmen died during the 101 critical days. Fifteen of those deaths resulted from vehicle accidents, and seven of the airmen were riding motorcycles.

Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Wendell Griffin blamed speeding, loss of control and improper techniques while rounding curves as the leading causes behind the motorcycle deaths. He noted in a videotaped message to the Air Force launching this year's 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign that failure to wear a helmet and mixing alcohol with riding contributed to some of these crashes.

But Miller cited the growing popularity of sport bikes as another factor driving up motorcycle accidents. These high-performance motorcycles travel at extremely high speeds and can be difficult to control.

"It truly is like trading in your Dodge minivan for a Ferrari," Miller said. "You don't so much ride one of these as hang on for dear life."

It's little surprise that young servicemembers, attracted by the adrenaline rush sports bikes promise and their relatively low cost, are lining up to buy them. And while disturbing, officials say, it's also not surprising that they're contributing to more military deaths.

For example, 19 of the 21 motorcycle fatalities so far this fiscal year occurred on sport bikes, Phillips reported. Nine of the Army's 12 off-duty motorcycle deaths since the Memorial Day weekend involved sports bikes, Coleman said.

Miller said that while he doesn't yet have statistics to back up his hunch, he's sure they're driving up Marine Corps fatalities, too. He noted that the Marine Corps lost 19 Marines to motorcycle deaths during fiscal 2007. With almost a full quarter of fiscal 2008 ahead, that number hit 18 on July 10.

Intent on bucking this trend, the military is taking action. In addition to the basic motorcycle safety course all military riders must take, the services now promote specialized training for those who ride high-performance motorcycles.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Military Sport Bike Course is now mandatory for all sailors who ride sport bikes, Phillips said. The course also is being offered to soldiers at a growing number of Army bases.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force at Fort Lejeune, N.C., which is leading the Marine Corps' sport bike safety effort, is contracting with a professional motorcycle school and expanding the training to several Marine Corps sites, Miller said.

The Air Force's Air Mobility Command developed a sport bike safety class that's mandatory for all its airmen. It provides the training materials on request to all other Air Force installations, explained Frank Kelly at the Air Force Safety Center.

Meanwhile, as the 101 critical days of summer continue, military leaders are urging vigilance and a focus on safety.

Gates emphasized in his safety message to the field each servicemember's responsibility in promoting motor vehicle safety. "Know that the choices you make at sporting events, barbecues and other summer activities can impair your judgment and reaction times, all of which are necessary for safe driving," he said.

He reminded servicemembers that most vehicle accidents involve alcohol, fatigue or excessive speed, and most are preventable. "Don't put your life or the lives of others in danger by making poor decisions," he said. "Your safety and the safety of those around you is in your hands."

Army Brig. Gen. William Forrester, commander of the Army Combat Readiness and Safety Center, cited the 2008 July 4 holiday as the first in decades with no fatal off-duty accidents within the Army. "To put this into perspective, this is the first recorded fatality-free Fourth of July holiday period the Army has experienced since the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center began keeping records in 1974," he said.

Forrester noted, however, that three reserve-component soldiers who were not in a duty status were killed in motorcycle accidents during the holiday weekend.

The Air Force and Navy also reported fatality-free July 4 weekends in terms of off-duty accidents.

The Marine Corps suffered two off-duty fatalities during the holiday weekend. A corporal died July 5 after his motorcycle hit a curb and threw him onto the street, officials said. A staff sergeant was killed July 6 when his motorcycle veered off the road, struck a curb, then ran into a tree.

Rear Adm. Arthur J. Johnson, commander of the Naval Safety Center, reminded the fleet this week it's not too late to begin a summer safety campaign. "Now that we're back from the Fourth of July holiday, it's time to take a hard look at the job we've done managing risk to far this summer," he said. That, he said, includes reinforcing behaviors and attitudes that can make the all-important difference between life and death.

Militarywide, officials emphasized the importance of leadership in promoting safety awareness and preventing off-duty accidents.

Forrester said engaged leadership lays the foundation for the cultural shift needed for troops to take personal responsibility for their own safety. This, he said, will help drive down accidental losses. Griffin said in his 101 Critical Days of Summer video that every day offers an opportunity for servicemembers to help identify unsafe practices that can save a comrade's or buddies' life.

Ultimately, safety boils down to a readiness issue, because the military needs every single member to carry out its mission, Griffin said. "As we continue to wage the global war on terror, we can't afford to lose a single one of our most precious resources," he said, the men and women in uniform "who make the mission happen every day."

Military Child Education Agreement Now in Effect

Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed into law Wednesday legislation to ease the transition for military children as their service member parents move from assignment to assignment during their careers.

Delaware, nicknamed "The First State" because it was the first state to ratify the Constitution, is the tenth and critical state to adopt the "Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military Children." With this signing, the compact is 'activated' in the 10 states that have adopted it, and for other states that subsequently join. Kansas adopted the compact exactly three months ago on April 9th. Since then Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Oklahoma have adopted the compact.

The compact, developed by the Council of State Governments, education and military family experts, and the Department of Defense, addresses common problems that affect military students as a result of frequent moves and deployments. States that sign on to the compact agree to work collectively with other compact states to create uniform standards of practice regarding the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations and other transition issues.

"This is wonderful news for our military families," said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "The education of our military children is a critical quality of life measure for our military families. It is so important that it directly impacts military recruitment, satisfaction with assignments, retention, and ultimately, readiness. We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact."

With the compact's activation, several administrative actions will take place in the next few months that will make it operational from a practical standpoint. This includes a series of meetings of the appointed commissioners from each of the 10 states to organize the Compact Commission, put a small staff in place, and to begin the rulemaking process.

"We are so pleased that the compact, once a vision, will now be a reality for our military families. We are grateful to the ten states that led the nation in seeking uniform standards for school transition for military children," said Leslye A. Arsht, deputy under secretary of defense for military community and family policy.

Approximately 1.5 million children of military families attend schools other than those sponsored by the Department of Defense. Military families move about three times as often as their civilian counterparts, Arsht said.

California Governor Calls Additional Guard Troops for Fire Duty

By Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Hughan
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 11, 2008 - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to state active duty today to boost the state's ongoing firefighting efforts and prepare for the threat of additional fires over the next several months. "We already have 400 Guard members on the front lines, and once these new troops are trained and certified, they will be ready to pitch in at a moment's notice throughout the fire season," Schwarzenegger said in a news release issued by his staff.

The federal government committed yesterday to send out-of-state firefighters to train these additional California Guard personnel on critical firefighting techniques.

This is the first time since 1977 that soldiers have been used to fight fires on the ground in California.

"Having their assistance is going to be critical as we go forward into this summer of fire fighting," said Capt. Mark Whaling of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as CAL FIRE. "They have the same basic fire training that every new firefighter has, so if any of these fires escape their containment lines, they will be able to control them so we can get the tired crews back to base camps for rest."

These additional troops will go through training at McClellan Air Park with the U.S. Forest Service and will be available for duty over the next few weeks.

"The soldiers will be doing duties that CAL FIRE regularly does. It's just that the volume of fire this year is so much, with so many fires, ... this is the challenge the Guard will help us meet," Whaling said.

CAL FIRE trained the Guard members on fire breaks, brush clearing, proper tool usage and safety. The troops also received basic conditioning that consisted of trail hikes in full gear, multiple times a day in the hot sun, to prepare for what promises to be very difficult work ahead.

"It's a great experience so far. There is a definite science and process to firefighting that you don't know about until you've been on a hand crew out here for a while," said Army Sgt. Mark Walch.

Walch is a high school teacher in Chico and a soldier with Company A, 297th Support Battalion, who dropped the summer classes he was taking and reported to the Oroville Armory within hours of the mobilization.

"The fires in Butte County are threatening my hometown of Paradise, so it's doubly important to me to be here. I'm a small cog in the wheel, but every little thing counts," Walch said.

The soldiers will be grouped into 20-person teams and distributed around the state to wherever the fire officials need them and where the soldiers can be used most effectively and safely.

"These types of fires are an endurance race, so they will help us stretch our resources so we can move forward and contain the existing and new fires as they pop up," Whaling said.

One CAL FIRE official said he believes the Guard is an excellent and recurring source of trained and experienced firefighters to help contain and control fires in the state.

"I see this as the future," said CAL FIRE assistant captain Dan Burns. "Once the training is complete, we have a record of every soldier and will be able to recall them and get them to the lines quickly. I see this as only the beginning."

The California National Guard, with support from neighboring states, has the following resources allocated to the state's firefighting efforts:

-- The California Guard has mobilized more than 1,000 personnel to provide support to the ongoing firefighting effort, including more than 400 personnel assigned to hand crews working alongside other firefighters.

-- Twenty-two helicopters are supporting the firefighting effort, including 14 California Guard helicopters and eight helicopters from Utah, Nebraska, Washington, Arizona and Oregon. To date, these rotary-wing aircraft have dropped nearly 3 million gallons of water.

-- The California Guard also is providing one C-130J support aircraft for personnel and equipment transport and one RC-26 providing aerial imagery support.

-- Eight C-130H cargo aircraft equipped with the modular airborne firefighting system are assisting from other states, including three from the North Carolina Air National Guard, two from the Wyoming Air National Guard and three from the Colorado Air Force Reserve. They are capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of water or retardant per mission. To date, they have dropped nearly 1 million gallons of retardant.

(Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Hughan serves with the California National Guard. Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.)

Latest Recruiting Numbers Underscore Strength of All-Volunteer Force

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2008 - Defense officials today pointed to the 13th consecutive month of recruiting success as a sign that the all-volunteer force, now 35 years old, remains solid. Recruiting and retention statistics for June, released today, show that all services met or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals. The June figures mark more than a full year of across-the-board recruiting successes.

Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said this trend, particularly during a protracted conflict, demonstrates the strength of the all-volunteer force.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed appreciation earlier this week for military recruiters and the big role they play in filling the ranks in a challenging recruiting environment. He noted during his June 8 visit with enlisted troops in Mosul, Iraq, that only 30 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 are eligible for military service.

"I've seen tremendous success in recruiting all across the services," he told the troops during an "all-hands call" at Forward Operating Base Marez. "My hat goes off to those who recruit as they continue to make their numbers from month to month."

The June recruiting and retention figures reflect recruiters' hard work and young people's continued willingness to step up and serve, Lainez said. The Army signed up 9,365 new soldiers in June, 101 percent of its 9,250-soldier goal. The Marine Corps recruited 4,531 Marines, topping its monthly goal of 3,934 recruits by 15 percent. The Navy met its goal of 4,209 sailors, and the Air Force brought in 2,203 airmen, six recruits over its June goal.

In the reserve components, the trend lines remained positive as well, Lainez said. The Army National Guard recruited 5,290 soldiers in June, 100 percent of its goal. The Marine Corps Reserve reached its goal with 1,054 recruits. Despite falling 1 percent short of its June goal, the Army Reserve, with 3,138 new recruits in June, stands at 108 percent of its year-to-date goal, Lainez said.

The Air National Guard recruited 910 airmen, 119 percent of its June goal, and the Air Force Reserve met its 690-airman goal. The Navy Reserve and Air Force Reserve both met their June goals, recruiting 725 sailors and 690 airmen, respectively.

Meanwhile, retention remained strong in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Lainez said, with each service meeting or exceeding its year-to-date goals.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, praised troops' commitment to continue serving as he re-enlisted 1,215 servicemembers during a Fourth of July ceremony in Baghdad.

"Volunteering to continue to serve our nation while deployed is both noble and inspiring," he said. "It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services."

July 1 marked the 35th anniversary of the U.S. armed forces consisting solely of volunteers. Until July 1973, the military operated under an involuntary draft policy to produce manpower to fight the country's wars. Draftees served during both world wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Since then, volunteers have served the armed forces through peacetime and war, including the Cold War and conflicts in Panama, Grenada, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Persian Gulf and elsewhere around the world.

Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel and policy, said the all-volunteer force has continued to prove itself during ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"There were concerns about how today's fight would affect retention, and yet, retention has been as strong as any period in our history," he said on the all-volunteer force's 35th anniversary. "Volunteers want to serve; their performance is strong, their behaviors are strong, and their discipline is high."

Their choice to become members of the armed forces "speaks volumes for the dedication and loyalty of our nation and its volunteers," Carr said.

MILITARY CONTRACTS July 10, 2008

AIR FORCE

The Air Force is modifying a fixed price incentive firm contract not to exceed $324,600,000 with Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems of San Diego, Calif. This contract will provide 2 RQ-4B Block 301 Global Hawk air vehicles, 3 RQ-4B Block 40 air vehicles with MP-RTIP sensor, 1 mission element, 1 launch and recovery element, and associated equipment; option for 4 EISS sensor payloads. At this time $180,351,181 has been obligated. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4015 P00008).

NAVY

Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Wichita, Kan.., is being awarded an estimated $48,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of six C-12 replacement aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kan., and is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0057).

ARMY

BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems, LP, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on July 8, 2008, a $16,231,327 firm-fixed price contract for low-signature armored cab upgrade kits. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 28, 2007. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-A500).

Penn Detroit Diesel Allison, LLC, York Haven, Pa., was awarded on July 9, 2008, a $7,345,000 firm-fixed price contract for dressed transmissions for the family of medium tactical vehicles. Work will be performed in York Haven, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 7, 2007, and seven bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0464).

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on July 9, 2008, a $6,703,557 fixed-price incentive with award fee contract for a modification to incorporate in-scope changes to the Pentagon renovation. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jan. 19, 2001. Pentagon Renovation & Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-01-C-2001).

Mercar USA, Marshall, Texas, was awarded on July 8, 2008, a $6,364,000 firm-fixed price contract for non-standard ammunition. Work will be performed in Marshall, Texas, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 22, 2008, and three bids were received. Headquarters, Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-C-0027).

SAIC, McLean, Va., was awarded on July 9, 2008, a $6,200,000 time and materials contract for professional support services for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology). Work will be performed in the National Capitol Region, primarily, and is expected to be completed by July 6, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six bids were solicited on May 16, 2008, and two bids were received. Army Contracting Activity, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (GS-23F-0107J).

Bering Straits Information Technology, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska* is being awarded a maximum $5,860,413 firm fixed price, total set aside, 8(a) Alaskan Native sole-source contract to provide all labor and staff o provide backorder reduction, post-award workload and management of National Stock Number assistance to Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR). Other location of performance is in Richmond. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency. There was originally 1 proposal solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is DSCR, Richmond, Va. (SP4703-08-C-0013).

Senate Confirms Petraeus, Odierno

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2008 - The Senate has confirmed Army Gen. David H. Petraeus as commander of U.S. Central Command and Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno to receive his fourth star and succeed Petraeus as commander of Multinational Force Iraq. The full Senate confirmed Petraeus by a vote of 95-2 and Odierno by a 96-1 margin. Odierno is the Army's 3rd Corps commander and served as commander of Multinational Corps Iraq for 14 months.

The changes put Petraeus -- who implemented the U.S. surge into Iraq -- in charge of U.S. military forces in a dangerous part of the world. The command stretches from Pakistan to Egypt and from Kazakhstan to the Saudi Arabian peninsula. It includes the war in Afghanistan and, until Oct. 1, also includes control of Joint Task Force Horn of Africa based in Djibouti.

Petraeus will take over CentCom after giving his assessment on the post-surge conditions in Iraq. The last surge brigade will leave Iraq at the end of this month.

Petraeus called for -- and Defense Department leaders agreed to -- a pause before bringing the U.S. force in Iraq down any further. The decision on further withdrawals probably will not come until mid-September, and Petraeus will not leave the Iraq command until that is complete, officials said.

In another general officer announcement today, the White House has officially nominated Gen. Norton A. Schwartz to be Air Force chief of staff and Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb to succeed Schwartz as commander of U.S. Transportation Command, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Senate officials could not say when the confirmation hearings for the men would be.

Navy Mainstay Retires After 50 Years of Military, Civilian Service

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2008 - If you cut Paul Brady, he would probably bleed sea water. Brady is Navy through and through, and he retires today after more than 50 years of service as a sailor and a civilian.

Brady, from near Nashville, Tenn., joined the service in 1958 and served on active duty through 1969. He worked as a civilian Navy communicator from 1969 to 1992, and has worked as a budget analyst in the service's counterdrug program since then.

The 72-year old former sailor was one of only eight survivors among the 28 people working in the Navy Command Center on Sept. 11, 2001. "The good Lord was looking out for me that day," Brady said during a recent interview. "That, and my Navy training."

Brady and the other members of his office watched on television as the airliners hit the World Trade Center. "After the second airliner hit, I remember saying that we would be the next target," Brady said.

He went back to his office against the D-Ring of the Pentagon, and the explosion came. "It sounded like an eight-inch shell detonating behind me," Brady said. It was Flight 78 hitting the building. The shock wave pushed Brady and a co-worker to the floor.

The air was filled with acrid, choking smoke, dust and fiberglass from the overhead tiles. The lights were out, and the water sprinklers cut on. "The place was in complete darkness," he said. "There were no battery-powered battle lanterns in the command center like we have on ships to provide lighting below decks."

Brady stood to find total chaos. He turned to see how his co-worker was and, "there, wonder of wonders, was a light shining through the smoke and dust," he said. "I immediately dropped to the deck and crawled over the rubble, staying below the smoke line to the light. 'Stay low. Stay alive' was drilled into our heads in damage control schools in the fleet."

He came upon a 4-foot square hole in the masonry and limestone wall of the Pentagon. "I bent over and walked through it to the alleyway between the rings," he said. His co-worker was already there, and he helped the then-66-year-old Brady over the rubble. They worked their way along the alleys between the rings to the Pentagon's center courtyard, and then out of the building.

"Aside from some cuts and bruises, I was fine," Brady said.

Brady was on active duty when the Soviets put up the Berlin Wall in 1961, and he helped enforce the blockade of Cuba in 1962 when Soviet missiles were found 90 miles from America's shores.

"Nothing happened either time," he said. "When you are 66 years old and at a desk in the Pentagon, one does not expect a hijacked airliner to blast into the command center."

Brady lives in Dumfries, Va., and is the proud father of seven children. He still tells sea stories of his service aboard the USS Newport News -- "the best damn cruiser in the fleet," he says -- during the Cuban missile crisis.

Over his career, Brady has seen many changes in the Pentagon. He said that when he started in 1969, there were no paintings or displays up in the corridors. People smoked at their desks, and eating establishments were few and far between.

"In the offices, people were really crammed together, and they didn't have the elevators they have now," he said. But not everything at the Pentagon has changed. "The paperwork and bureaucracy are just as bad as they always have been," he noted.

During his half-century of service, the military has become far more of a joint organization, Brady said. He started as a communicator and worked only on systems for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Later, that included the U.S. Air Force. Now, as a budget analyst with the counterdrug office, he routinely works with representatives of the other services, the Joint Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Though Brady retires today, he's not severing his connections to the Pentagon.

"I plan to work as a volunteer in the Pentagon chaplain's office," he said. "Hopefully, I can help some people out and stay in contact with my good friends."

America Supports You: Restored 1931 Buick Showcases 'Faces of Valor'

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2008 - Patriotism runs high at Chick and Ruth's Delly, a mainstay along the Maryland capital's Main Street. Ted Levitt, the deli's owner, starts each morning leading patrons as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance. A huge flag hovers high over the lunch counter, and yellow-and-orange walls are covered with photos of troops in uniform. Now Levitt has a new addition: a fully restored 1931 Buick, airbrushed with the faces of 43 heroes who have served the country in the armed forces or as police officers, firefighters and other first responders.

Levitt hopes to use his labor of love, which he's named "Faces of Valor USA," to raise money for scholarships and financial assistance for or in honor of those wounded or killed while performing their duty.

The red, white and blue car took two and a half years to restore and made its debut appearance during Annapolis' Fourth of July Parade. Now Levitt is lining up events where he can showcase the car to raise funds to help those who have sacrificed for their country and the families some of them left behind.

Levitt said he got the idea to personalize his project after the parents of Marine Capt. Ben Sammis stopped into his deli to tell him that their son had been killed conducting helicopter rescues in Iraq. Sammis graduated from The Citadel in South Carolina, but met Levitt when he frequented Chick and Ruth's Delly while attending a U.S. Naval Academy program.

Devastated to hear of his death, Levitt asked Beth and Steve Sammis for permission to use their son's face on his car.

Levitt took the project farther, ultimately choosing 43 people to depict on his car and bring faces to the concepts of sacrifice and service. In addition to 15 firefighters killed in New York during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Faces of Valor project highlights troops who have served in operations from the Vietnam War to the war in Iraq.

Levitt knows all but the New York firefighters personally, from his cousin, Army Chief Warrant Officer Stewart Goldberg, who was killed when his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam in July 1969, to Master Sgt. Karl Allen, a local businessman who retired from the reserve components after three deployments.

The face of Army Capt. D.J. Skelton, a Chick and Ruth's Delly patron, appears with his left eye closed; he lost it during a rocket-propelled-grenade attack while serving with 25th Infantry Division in Fallujah, Iraq, in November 2004.

But Levitt said he intentionally chose to use not only faces of those wounded or killed in the line of duty.

"This is a tribute, not a memorial," he said of the Faces of Valor project. "A lot of people think you have to have been killed to be honored, but that's not the point here. What matters is that these people put their lives on the line every day to protect us. It's because of them that we get to live the lives we live."

Levitt said he wants people who see the car to focus on each face and recognize the sacrifices so many people make so Americans can live in safety and enjoy freedoms some only dream about.

"These are the men and women who allow us to live in freedom, to do any kind of job we want and allow our constitution to live on," he said. "It's because of them that we get to do what we do."

At age 51, Levitt said, he remembers the protests and abuse that awaited many Vietnam veterans when they returned from that war, and said he wants to ensure that never happens to today's returning troops.

"They need to be treated as heroes," he said. "And for those who need help, they need to know that they will be taken care of. We owe them that."

America Supports You: Communities Sign On for Annual Observance

By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2008 - Two years ago, Steve Newton, founder of Silver Star Families of America, asked the governors of all 50 states and the mayor of the District of Columbia to sign a proclamation to observe May 1 as Silver Star Banner Day, honoring wounded and ill servicemembers from all wars. "We asked the governors to make this day a permanent and official day of observance each year thereafter," Newton said. "This is a community outreach program that can be implemented by each governor to benefit the wounded and ill troop population in this unique way."

Governors held ceremonies honoring wounded and ill servicemembers, Newton said, but the news was not always reaching small cities and towns. They, too, wanted to get involved.

"We started to get feedback, and many mayors wondered why we did not include their cities and towns in this event," Newton said. "They were not able to go to the state capital, but they wanted to do something in their own community."

That feedback led Newton to reach out to 5,000 cities and towns -- 100 per state -- across the nation in preparation for next year's Silver Star Banner Day.

"We want to get down to the grassroots level and have local communities honor their wounded and ill, as well," Newton explained. "At the same time, we wish to send the nation's largest thank you."

May 1 was chosen for this recurring event because it is Loyalty Day and the first day of Military Appreciation Month, Newton said.

A Silver Star Families of America committee contacts city clerks and mayors to inform them of the event and to ask for their participation. When they agree, they receive a proclamation letter to sign. To date, nearly 60 cities in 18 states have signed on to observe Silver Star Banner Day in 2009 and thereafter. The organization's Web site, www.silverstarfamilies.org, is the place to start for people who want to ensure their community has the opportunity to participate.

"It is amazing the outpouring of admiration for our wounded and ill," Newton said. "The general response from the cities has been, 'We are honored to be included in this endeavor.'"

Newton said he hopes this event will let all servicemembers know that "we have not forgotten them and never will."

"Their love of country and sacrifice will remain alive in our hearts," he said, "and the Silver Star Families of America will always be here to make sure we never forget."

Silver Star Families of America is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Soldier Missing In Action From Korean War Is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Cpl. Steven Lucas, U.S. Army, of Johnson City, N.Y. He will be buried July 11 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Representatives from the Army met with Lucas' next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

In late November 1950, Lucas was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment making up part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), then engaging enemy forces east of the Chosin Reservoir near Kaljon-ri, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. On Nov. 29, remnants of the RCT began a fighting withdrawal to more defensible positions near Hagaru-ri, south of the reservoir. Lucas never made it to the lines at Hagaru-ri and was last seen on Nov. 30.

Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of several boxes in 1993 indicated that the remains from that box were exhumed near Kaljon-ri. This location correlates with Lucas' last known location.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Lucas' remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169

America Supports You: Fund Assists Severely Injured Veterans

By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2008 - An organization that focuses on helping severely injured veterans channels its efforts toward providing the kinds of assistance they don't otherwise get. The Independence Fund provides "the tools, therapies and guidance that they are otherwise not receiving," said Steve Danyluk, the organization's president.

The Independence Fund, he explained, is built upon three pillars of support. These pillars, according to the Independence Fund Web site, include providing specialized tools and therapies to troops and veterans, promoting the overall well-being of severely injured veterans through physical and leisure activity, and providing advocacy and guidance through veterans and family members who have experienced similar events and injuries.

For example, the Independence Fund provides assistance such as iBot wheelchairs and sports equipment that has been modified so disabled veterans can take part in athletic pursuits or leisure sports.

The fund also provides two different types of therapies to injured troops.

"Sports and art therapy are the two big programs we champion," Danyluk said. "Some of the art has become part of our traveling art exhibit, which is steadily growing and been displayed, most recently at the Indianapolis [Veterans Affairs] hospital, and next at the Arlington Art Center in Virginia."

Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans can apply for funding through the Independence Fund's Web site, where a downloadable document also is available, Danyluk said.

Once an application is accepted, an Independence Fund case director conducts an interview, and a grant funding board then reviews the application to determine whether the candidate receives a grant, Danyluk explained. The funding for grants distributed through the Independence Fund comes mostly in the form of donations, he added.

The Independence Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Face of Defense: Paralegal Succeeds in Army

By Army Spc. Allison Churchill
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2008 - Army Spc. Matthew Duras decided to join the Army because he wanted to serve his country. Since becoming a soldier, he balances helping his fellow soldiers and reaching out to the community. Duras brought a diverse educational and working background to the table when he joined the Army.

After earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Harcum College, in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1994 and a bachelor's degree in the same field from Widener University, in Wilmington, Del., in 2001, Duras held a variety of jobs. He worked as a paralegal for DuPont and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, but he didn't initially consider the legal field for his Army career. Instead, after working at a truck assembly plant as a fire marshal -- a combination of being a security guard and a fire inspector -- and volunteering as a firefighter, Duras intended to use that experience and join as an Army firefighter.

"It seemed like the next step," said Duras, who's deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires Brigade.

But his recruiter looked at his educational background and told him about a different option, recommending that Duras join the Army as a paralegal.

"I was fortunate to have a really good recruiter," the West Deptford, N.J., native said. "I've always been the type of person who likes to help someone out. The Army has helped me reach that goal."

Before the brigade deployed, Duras' normal day included preparing paperwork for nonjudicial judgments and separations from the Army and helping brigade lawyers during courts-martial. During his deployment here, he also writes power-of-attorney documents and processes damage claims from Iraqi citizens.

Duras' superiors said they're impressed with his work.

"He is a dedicated soldier with an incredible heart and an excellent paralegal," said Army Capt. Patrick Gilman, the 41st Fires Brigade's command judge advocate. Gilman administered the oath of enlistment when Duras re-enlisted in November.

When Duras isn't in the office helping soldiers, he's often representing them in public arenas. He said he was especially happy to take part in a Veterans Day ceremony before a race at Texas Motor Speedway.

"It was like Christmas morning," the NASCAR fan recalled about getting to walk up and down "Pit Road" before the race.

Duras also took time during his pre-deployment leave to reach out to his hometown. He was invited by a friend to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Lakewood (N.J.) Blue Claws professional baseball game May 5. He said seeing his Army combat uniform sparked patriotism in the fans.

"A bunch of people thanked me, and a [father] and his daughter shook my hand," Duras said.

Duras also made a video for the congregation of Gloucester County Community Church, which will be played over Veterans Day weekend.

When the 41st Fires Brigade completes its deployment, Duras is scheduled to relocate to Germany.

(Army Spc. Allison Churchill serves in the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office.)

Pentagon Reopens Bidding on Tanker Contract

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2008 - The Defense Department has reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. The announcement comes after the Government Accountability Office last month found improper practices related to the $35 billion contract awarded in February to the Northrop-Grumman/EADS/Airbus consortium, which prompted a protest from rival bidder Boeing Company.

"Industry, Congress and the American people all must have confidence in the integrity of this acquisition process," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference. "I believe the revised process will result in the best tanker for the Air Force at the best price for the American taxpayer."

Replacing the Air Force as the "source selection authority" is John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. He is tasked with appointing an advisory committee to oversee the selection of a bidder to supply the modified commercial aircraft fleet that will phase out the current KC-135 tankers, which are 47 years old, on average.

The Defense Department has ordered Northrop-Grumman to stop work on its contract, and a modified request for proposal could be issued as early as this month. The tanker request will remain in "open competition" until a new contract is awarded, which Gates said he expects will happen before year's end.

"It is important to remember that this decision does not represent a return to the first step of a process that has already gone on far too long," the secretary said, referring to the tanker contract as one of the department's most "time-critical."

The Boeing protest filed early this year alleged more than 100 violations of proper contracting practices, eight of which were sustained by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress.

After reviewing the GAO's decision, Michael B. Donley, acting secretary of the Air Force, said he concluded that the Air Force's acquisition system is not "fatally flawed."

"However, the GAO did sustain the protest in eight areas, and this has been sufficient to cast doubt on the Air Force's management of the overall process," he said.

While re-bidding the contract will add months to the process, Donley said, it offers "the most direct route to complete the competition, achieve a final decision and field the tanker that represent the best value for the warfighter and the taxpayer."

Donley, who joined Gates at today's briefing, became the Air Force's acting secretary last month following a shakeup at the top levels of the service branch. The 67-page GAO report that cited "significant errors" in Air Force recruiting practices became public nine days into his tenure.

Donley's predecessor, Michael W. Wynne, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned in the wake of a report detailing the accidental shipment of four non-nuclear missile trigger components rather than the intended helicopter batteries to Taiwan in August 2006. The erroneous delivery came on the heels of another Air Force incident in which a B-52 bomber flew across the United States carrying six armed nuclear cruise missiles.

"The Air Force needs to rapidly apply the lessons learned from this experience and move forward," Donley said of the tanker contract, pressing the need to rebuild confidence in the Defense Department acquisition process. "Other Air Force acquisition decisions are on the horizon.

"GAO's conclusions show that even in a large, complex procurement with considerable staff resources and oversight, work accomplished by our contracting personnel, our warfighters and our engineers is not always adequately prepared to withstand the detailed audits and the legal challenges that we can now expect," he said.

Asked how the Defense Department will mitigate the chance of a future protest, Gates said the department will carry out the new process with transparency, open communication, clear expectations and fairness.

"My hope would be that when we reach the end of this process we will have a solution, will be able to reward a contract and get moving with the contract," he said.

Young, who will head up the source selection committee, entertained the possibility that new proposals from industry bidders could come with a smaller price tag than their original offers.

"We'll see what the industry teams propose," he told reporters here. "I think that would probably be the only silver lining in this, is the possibility that both teams decide to sharpen their pencils and offer the taxpayer and the warfighter an even better deal."

New Cluster Bomb Policy Aims to Reduce Collateral Damage

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2008 - The Defense Department today announced new standards for cluster bombs to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from the unintended consequences of unexploded munitions. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates signed the policy that aims to reduce collateral effects of cluster munitions used to pursue legitimate military objectives.

The new policy is designed to eliminate the number of bomblets dispersed by cluster bombs that don't explode on impact, explained Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk, a Pentagon spokeswoman. It sets new safety standards that, by 2018, would require 99 percent of all bomblets to explode on contact.

The military will begin reducing its inventory of cluster bombs that don't meet that standard as soon as possible, and will stop using them altogether by 2018, the policy notes.

The new policy is designed to eliminate the chance that the bombs could remain active and pose a potential threat to civilians on the ground after the hostilities, Belk said.

A State Department white paper attributed fewer than 400 casualties to cluster bombs in 2006. Intent on reducing these numbers, the Defense Department launched a year-long review of its previous cluster munitions policy, Belk said.

The new policy strikes a critical balance between operational requirements and safety concerns, she said. "The United States believes that the new cluster munitions policy will provide better protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure following a conflict, while allowing the retention of a legitimate and useful weapon," she said.

Belk noted that cluster bombs offer distinct advantages against a range of targets while reducing risks to U.S. forces and saving U.S. lives.

Defense Department officials view the new policy as a viable alternative to a complete ban on cluster bombs, as proposed last month by the Oslo Process in Dublin, Ireland, she said. With no alternative to cluster munitions, she said, eliminating them altogether would create a critical capability gap.

"This would make the wholesale elimination of cluster munitions unacceptable," Belk said.

Future adversaries are likely to use civilian shields for military targets — for example, by placing a military target on the roof of an occupied building, she noted. Under circumstances like that, she said, cluster bombs would cause fewer civilian casualties and damage than other, far more destructive weapons.

The United States will use the policy in its negotiations toward an international agreement at the U.N. Convention of Conventional Weapons that began July 7. The United States hopes to see a new cluster bomb policy completed by the year's end.

MILITARY CONTRACTS July 9, 2008

AIR FORCE

ITT Systems Division of Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a fixed price, cost plus award fee with const reimbursable line items contract for $33,697,369. The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) is a counterdrug program funded by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counter Narcotics, Counter Proliferation, and Global Threats. It provides a radar surveillance capability able to detect low-level targets in the United States – Mexico border, the Florida Straits, and southwest Puerto Rico regions in support of USNROTHCOMs and USSOUTHCOM's Counterdrug/Counter-Narco Terrorism (CD/CNT) missions. In addition to the CD/CNT mission, TARS surveillance data also supports North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) air sovereignty mission for the Continental United States (CONUS). This contract requires operating, maintaining, and supporting eight operational TARS sites 24 hours a day/seven days per week (24/7). Additionally, a key element of this contract is for the contractor to provide life-cycle management (cradle-to-grave) support for the entire TARS network. At this time $1.5 million has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKC SunTrust Building, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0005).

NAVY

MEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,727,945 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0002 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8816) for remedial design and remedial action at Installation Restoration Site One at Alameda Point. The work to be performed provides for architect-engineer environmental services for Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Underground Storage Tanks Programs. The contract contains ten options totaling $7,106,256 which may be exercise within 696 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $20,834,201. Work will be performed in Alameda, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Massa Products Corp. Hingham, Mass., is being awarded a $12,066,819 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price provisions for procurement of DT-574 Hydrophones. Twelve First Article units and up to 2,500 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 25 ft. and 50 ft. pigtails) and up to 600 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 100 ft. pigtail) per year could be procured. Work will be performed in Hingham, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R. I., is the contracting activity (N66604-08-D-0513).

Tesoro Corp., Beaufort, N.C., is being awarded a $5,663,496 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of armories and interim facilities for Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1), Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C. The work includes foundations for and erection of two pre-engineered buildings, utilities and site improvements for the MASS-1, foundations for and assembling of modular armory units, utilities and site improvements for the interim armory compound; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the General Multiple Award Construction Contract for the N.C. area with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-D-1912-0027).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $18,447,224.32 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for combustion chamber frame. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response from a qualified source only. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (FA8104-05-G-0004-UN01).

Texican Natural Gas Co., Charlotte, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $41,457,901.54 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-7511).