Navy
Caddell Yates Joint Venture, Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a $181,882,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Wallace Creek Regimental Complex at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for a new, four battalion Regimental Complex in conjunction with the Grow the Force initiative. Procurement consists of the construction of the necessary administration/headquarters, operation, and maintenance and mission support, training and housing facilities to support approximately 3,000 Marines. The contract also contains two options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative contract value to $192,171,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $103,437,286 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, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-1404).
Detyens Shipyard, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $34,881,277 firm-fixed-price contract for accomplishing the Service Craft Overhaul (SCO) of the Shippingport (ARDM-4). Shippingport is a floating drydock. The SCO will enable the dock to continue its mission of drydocking submarines. There is a strengthening mod in the package that will upgrade the dock to enable it to drydock submarines of the Va., class. The work will include alterations and improvements, preservation, structural repairs, preservation, miscellaneous repairs, and drydocking. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-08-C-8007).
P & S Construction*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded an $11,973,197 firm-fixed-price construction contract for demolition and renovations of various buildings at Naval Submarine Base New London and Mitchell Field Long Island. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (90 percent) and Garden City, N.Y., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Mar. 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, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-2130).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,597,672 modification to definitize the previously awarded letter contract (N00019-07-C-0039) for non-recurring engineering for the design and development of the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System for the CH-46E helicopters, including developmental and operational testing, support equipment, computer based training and long-lead items. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. 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.
Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect/engineer contract for facilities and land use planning studies, environmental impact documents, cultural resources management plans, natural resources management plans, environmental studies and documents. Work will be performed in the areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), including various locations worldwide and may include the military service for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide planning assistance. The term of the contract is not to exceed four years with an expected completion date of Sept. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website, with five offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-08-D-0201).
MAN Diesel LTD, 1600-A Brittmoore, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $7,185,138 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract for Valenta engines used on the Cyclone class patrol vessel. This contract includes one base period and one option period that, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $14,370,276. Work will be performed at Colchester, England, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
BearingPoint, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $6,311,520 firm-fixed-price contract for the Marine Corps Systems Command requirement for the acquisition of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution and the subsequent systems integration as part of the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services (MCEITS) program of record. The IAM solution shall provide a MCEITS service that will be available for other systems and organizations across the Marine Corps enterprise. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $15,592,093. Work will be performed primarily at the contractor facility in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via posting to the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 14 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08- C-4946).
Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $5,625,194 cost-plus-award-fee modification to task order #EJ02 under the previously awarded global contingency service contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Trans-Sahara ground support services in up to six Trans-Saharan countries. The work to be performed provides scalable services including vehicle and equipment support including maintenance and recovery, airfield cargo handling, material line haul transport and tracking, and translator services. Work will be performed in Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $4,071,411 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.
NAVFAC contract with Caddell Yates Joint Venture, for $181,882,000 NAVSEA contract with Detyens Shipyard, Inc., for $34,881,277 NAVFAC contract with P & S Construction, for $11,973,197 NAVAIR contract with Northrop Grumman Corp., for $7,597,672 NAVFAC contract with Helber Hastert & Fee Planners, Inc., for $7,500,000 NAVSUP contract with MAN Diesel LTD, for $7,185,138 MARCORSYSCOM contract with BearingPoint, Inc., for $6,311,520 NAVFAC contract with Contingency Response Services, LLC, for $5,625,194
Army
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $24,751,530 firm/fixed/price contract for the purchase of five Light Utility Helicopter aircraft for the US Navy Test Pilot School. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Web and five bids were received. US Army and Aviation Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
ICON Consulting Group, Inc., Ogden, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $7,332,426 firm/fixed price contract for design/build of a new single story, pre-engineered and repair facility. Work will be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. US Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
J & J Contractors/BBIX Joint Venture, Lowell, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, $11,087,000 firm/fixed price contract, to construct an acquisition management facility, Building 1604 to include all required construction. The facility scope is 39,719 square feet in size. Work will be performed in Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 2010. Four bids were solicited and three bids were received. U.S. Corps of Engineers-New England District, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912BU-06-D-0008).
BBL Carlton, Inc., Charleston, W. Va., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a $16,432,000 firm/fixed/price contract. This contract is for Project LYBH009131 Replace Maintenance Hanger and Shops, at 130th Airlift Wing, Yeager Airport, and Charleston, W.Va. Work will be performed in Charleston, W.Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and four bids were received. National Guard Bureau USPFO, Buckhannon, W.Va., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0014).
Mabey Bridge & Shore, Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2008, a
$6,073,650 firm/fixed/price contract for procuring 27 Mabey Johnson Logistic Support Bridge ramp sets. Work will be performed in Lydney Industrial Estates, UK, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity
(W56HZV-08-C-0666).
Production Products Manufacturing and Sales Company Inc, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $16, 273, 283 fixed/price contract. The M20 simplified collective protection equipment provides a radioactive particle, chemical and / or biological, containment- free work and rest area for up to 10 personnel, eliminating the need to wear individual protective equipment. Work will be performed in St Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited via the web and two bids were received. US Army TACOM, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0402).
Caterpillar Inc., Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $20, 307,131 firm/fixed/price contract for 92 heavy loader Type II with A-kit and 10 C-kit containers. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the web and five bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Montgomery, Ill., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-DL-424).
Sambe Construction Company Inc., Pennsauken, N.J., was awarded on Sept.10, 2008, a $9,890,000 firm/fixed/price contract for a construction contract to replace aircraft maintenance hangar located at the Delaware Air National Guard Base, New Castle Del. Work will be performed in New Castle, Del., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 14, 2010. Seven bids were solicited and seven bids were received. National Guard Bureau, New Castle, Del, is the contracting activity (W912L5-08-C-0011).
Scott Alliance Inc, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Sept.12, 2008, a $7,196,700 firm/fixed/price contract to a construction of a child development center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0033).
Kitware Inc., Clifton Park, N.Y., was awarded on Sept.11, 2008, a $6,735,503 firm/fixed/price contract. The primary objective of the program is to develop, evaluate and deploy an operational prototype for video content-based retrieval. Work will be performed in Clifton Park, N.Y., Golden Valley, Minn., Ypsilanti, N.Y., College Park, Md., N.Y., Austin, Texas, Berkeley, Calif., Pittsburgh, Pa., Troy, N.Y., and Pasadena, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 11, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Broad Agency Band and twenty bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0135).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
IsoBunkers, LLC, Norfolk, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $29,743,441 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for marine gas oil. Other locations of performance are in Louisiana and Florida. Using services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with 18 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0358).
World Fuels Americas dbs Trans-TEC, Greenwich, Conn. is being awarded a maximum $16,177,920 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Tacoma, Washington. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 55 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-06-D-0364).
Air Force
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Aeronautics Co., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3858 0001).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $139 million. This action will provide the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program (AVIATR) to conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate, and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. The Technology developments will provide for cost effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. At this time $25,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKVC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-3859 0001).
The Air Force is modifying a firm price incentive firm target with award fee contract by exercising an option with CSC Applied Technologies LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, for an estimated $70,963,687.This action provides for base operation support and aircraft maintenance for Vance Air Force Base, OK, in support of T-38C/T-38C IFF/T-1A/T-6 undergraduate pilot training for the first option year, Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. At this time no funds have been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-C-0007 P00007).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $52,013,000. This action will provide 33 multi-spectral targeting systems mode 1, 4 multi-spectral targeting systems, and associated shop replaceable unit spares and containers to support the Predator/Reaper program. At this time $8,748,119 has been obligated. 703rd Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 Delivery Order 0008).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract by exercising an option with ARCTEC Ala., of Elmendorf AFB, Ala., for $34,846,583. This action provides for operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System consisting of 15 remote sites for a twelve-month period. At this time all funds have been obligated. 3rd Contracting Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Ark., is the contracting activity (FA50000-04-C-0011).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., for an estimated $6,478,430. This action will provide a prototype modeling and simulation financial system that establishes an architectural foundation for an advanced integrating methodology and system known as SmartMoves. SmartMoves will integrate financial capability and system information form existing systems. The research and development data/information derived from this effort will be available to the DoD Community through the Defense Technical Information Center Library. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Deliver Order: 0198).
USSOCOM
Sealevel Systems, Inc., in Liberty, S.C., was awarded delivery order 0002 in the amount of $3,999,425 under a five-year, IDIQ contract with a ceiling of $11,496,263, for the procurement of the Personal Data Assistant-184 Universal Serial Bus to synchronous serial adapter radio interface cable systems (parts number 9065-DB25, 9065-PRC-117F, 9065-PRC-148 and 9065-PRC-150) in support of the MBMMR, for U.S. Special Operations Command. The company was awarded delivery order 0001 in the amount of $2,114,819 Sept. 5. The parts will be produced in Liberty, S.C. and the five year ordering period will be completed in Sept. 2013. The contract number is H92222-08-D-0005.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
National Guard Sandbags Levee, Protects Highway
By Louisiana National Guard Sgt. Michael L. Owens
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - On the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America, soldiers and airmen of the Louisiana National Guard assisted Plaquemines Parish by sandbagging a levee that protects Highway 23, the main artery for entering and exiting Plaquemines Parish, as a precaution against Hurricane Ike's storm surge. The levee, which was overtopped and breached when Hurricane Gustav passed through the area, had suffered damaging erosion caused by heavy rainfall throughout the year.
"There are eight dips and low spots in the levee that were caused from erosion," said Blair G. Rittiner, Plaquemines Parish land superintendent. "If these holes are not filled or repaired, it may cause the levee to breach again. Basically, we are putting band-aids on the levee."
Although Louisiana is not expecting a direct hit from Hurricane Ike, Plaquemines Parish is expecting at least a four foot storm surge e as it passes through the Gulf of Mexico.
"The levees are about three feet high," explained Spc. John M. Clement, G Company, 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "We are putting lots of sandbags here that will eventually raise the height to about four feet."
Plaquemines Parish dips deep into South Louisiana and has the most combined land and water area in the state. The parish suffered minor flooding after a portion of its levee breached as a result of rising water from Hurricane Gustav. Unlike the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were no reports of homes flooding in the parish due to Gustav.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - On the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America, soldiers and airmen of the Louisiana National Guard assisted Plaquemines Parish by sandbagging a levee that protects Highway 23, the main artery for entering and exiting Plaquemines Parish, as a precaution against Hurricane Ike's storm surge. The levee, which was overtopped and breached when Hurricane Gustav passed through the area, had suffered damaging erosion caused by heavy rainfall throughout the year.
"There are eight dips and low spots in the levee that were caused from erosion," said Blair G. Rittiner, Plaquemines Parish land superintendent. "If these holes are not filled or repaired, it may cause the levee to breach again. Basically, we are putting band-aids on the levee."
Although Louisiana is not expecting a direct hit from Hurricane Ike, Plaquemines Parish is expecting at least a four foot storm surge e as it passes through the Gulf of Mexico.
"The levees are about three feet high," explained Spc. John M. Clement, G Company, 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "We are putting lots of sandbags here that will eventually raise the height to about four feet."
Plaquemines Parish dips deep into South Louisiana and has the most combined land and water area in the state. The parish suffered minor flooding after a portion of its levee breached as a result of rising water from Hurricane Gustav. Unlike the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were no reports of homes flooding in the parish due to Gustav.
Joint Task Force 129 Airmen Rescue Civilians Stranded in Galveston
By Air National Guard Capt. Alyson Teeter
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.
Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.
During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.
The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.
The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.
A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.
Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.
While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.
Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.
Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.
Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.
As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.
(Capt. Alyson Teeter is assigned to the Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs)
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.
Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.
During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.
The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.
The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.
A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.
Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.
While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.
Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.
Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.
Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.
As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.
(Capt. Alyson Teeter is assigned to the Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs)
Top Military Health Official Promotes Prostate Cancer Awareness
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - As a man afflicted with prostate cancer, the top Defense Department military health official has a unique perspective on the importance of promoting awareness about the disease. Now in his eighth year living with an aggressive form of cancer, Ward Casscells, M.D., the assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, understands the importance of early detection. But he realizes the stigma that members of the military culture often attach to certain screening methods.
"It's hard enough to get them to wear a motorcycle helmet," he said in an interview today, which falls almost on the ides of September -- National Prostate Health Month.
The doctor sought treatment in his forties when he began feeling vague discomfort in his pelvic region. After undergoing a colonoscopy, his doctor told him his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) readout -- which measures the protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and can indicate the presence of cancer -- was at a normal level.
But by age 49, further testing showed that Casscells in fact had prostate cancer with a PSA level around 94 – well above the healthy average readout of four. In addition, he learned that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body.
Casscells believes that his early tests – a blood test and CAT scan – had been misdiagnosed. He says problems of misinterpretation can be mitigated by patients being prepared to inquire about their health.
"I always have a list of questions, and I don't leave until I get an answer," he said of his regular doctor's visits.
Casscells also urged current and retired military members age 40 to 50 to get a screening, and to consult multiple medical sources. For patients who are deemed "at risk," or who are on "watchful waiting," the doctor recommends changing their diets, becoming more active, increasing their intake of vitamin D. He also emphasized the importance of upping one's exposure to sunlight. "I bought myself a convertible and threw away the sunscreen," he said.
Cancer targeting the prostate is the most common form of cancer developed in men. Accordingly, he said, the onus is on servicemembers to encourage their buddies to seek treatment as their forties approach.
Casscells' story is one of unique intrepidity. After being diagnosed with his potentially terminal cancer, he experienced a common reaction: physical and emotional hardships, some depression, even grief. His response afterwards, however, was anything but ordinary.
The doctor, who had served as the Distinguished Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, never missed a day of work. Later, after deploying to Iraq as a doctor in the Army Reserve, he underwent chemotherapy in Baghdad.
After learning that his improved health required a radical change in behavior, Casscells, who described himself as not very athletic earlier in life, adopted a regimen of running and a diet absent meats, despite his appetite for char-grilled burgers. He advocates similar modifications for afflicted, or at-risk, men.
"If I can do it," he said humbly, "anybody can."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - As a man afflicted with prostate cancer, the top Defense Department military health official has a unique perspective on the importance of promoting awareness about the disease. Now in his eighth year living with an aggressive form of cancer, Ward Casscells, M.D., the assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, understands the importance of early detection. But he realizes the stigma that members of the military culture often attach to certain screening methods.
"It's hard enough to get them to wear a motorcycle helmet," he said in an interview today, which falls almost on the ides of September -- National Prostate Health Month.
The doctor sought treatment in his forties when he began feeling vague discomfort in his pelvic region. After undergoing a colonoscopy, his doctor told him his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) readout -- which measures the protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and can indicate the presence of cancer -- was at a normal level.
But by age 49, further testing showed that Casscells in fact had prostate cancer with a PSA level around 94 – well above the healthy average readout of four. In addition, he learned that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body.
Casscells believes that his early tests – a blood test and CAT scan – had been misdiagnosed. He says problems of misinterpretation can be mitigated by patients being prepared to inquire about their health.
"I always have a list of questions, and I don't leave until I get an answer," he said of his regular doctor's visits.
Casscells also urged current and retired military members age 40 to 50 to get a screening, and to consult multiple medical sources. For patients who are deemed "at risk," or who are on "watchful waiting," the doctor recommends changing their diets, becoming more active, increasing their intake of vitamin D. He also emphasized the importance of upping one's exposure to sunlight. "I bought myself a convertible and threw away the sunscreen," he said.
Cancer targeting the prostate is the most common form of cancer developed in men. Accordingly, he said, the onus is on servicemembers to encourage their buddies to seek treatment as their forties approach.
Casscells' story is one of unique intrepidity. After being diagnosed with his potentially terminal cancer, he experienced a common reaction: physical and emotional hardships, some depression, even grief. His response afterwards, however, was anything but ordinary.
The doctor, who had served as the Distinguished Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, never missed a day of work. Later, after deploying to Iraq as a doctor in the Army Reserve, he underwent chemotherapy in Baghdad.
After learning that his improved health required a radical change in behavior, Casscells, who described himself as not very athletic earlier in life, adopted a regimen of running and a diet absent meats, despite his appetite for char-grilled burgers. He advocates similar modifications for afflicted, or at-risk, men.
"If I can do it," he said humbly, "anybody can."
Hurricane Ike Rescues Underway in Texas and Louisiana
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Federal and State response forces have begun what Texas Governor Rick Perry is calling the largest search and rescue ever in his state today as more than 100,000 residents are estimated to have ignored Hurricane Ike evacuation warnings. Ike reached the Texas shores early this morning as a category 2 storm with upwards of 110 mph winds, flooding thousands of homes and leaving millions without power. The hurricane was later downgraded to a tropical storm, and as it continues to weakens, first responders are moving in.
More than 3,300 active-duty military members are prepared for search and rescue operations, said Mike Kucharek, spokesman for U.S. Army Northern Command.
Also, there are about 7,500 Texas National Guardsmen activated and providing assistance in Galveston, Houston, Lufkin and Orange County, which are some of the hardest hit areas.
Emergency response agencies are staging their logistics area for commodities support and distribution efforts from Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, Kucharek said. More than 40 distribution points are set up across eastern Texas and Louisiana too to provide food, water, ice and medical support.
Response teams have more than 100 helicopters, 88 high-water vehicles and 21 short-raft boats available for rescue missions, he added.
Around 50 of those helicopters, from National Guard assets, are already airborne and conducting rescue operations, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a press briefing from Washington today.
"We're particularly focused on those areas hit with storm surge," Chertoff said. But he added that even in the areas where flooding is not as significant, people should still remain cautious. "The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," he continued.
Chertoff cautioned power outages, fallen trees and debris, down power lines and other types of hazards across the effected areas in Texas and Louisiana.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
In Texas, particularly the Galveston area, a large amount of state, Coast Guard and Defense Department helicopters are conducting recovery efforts. The most recent reports state more than 120 people have been rescued. Authorities in Louisiana are tracking 179 rescues already along with one dog rescue, Chertoff said.
Texas estimates 2.2 million people fled their homes, while Louisiana estimates 130,000. Though many of the evacuees are in hotels and shelters, officials are urging them not to return until authorities announce areas are safe, he said.
President Bush today declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for individuals and local community efforts for debris removal. This will relieve a significant burden as local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations, he said.
The storm is projected to continue its path through north Texas into Arkansas with driving rain, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, and is still considered dangerous, Chertoff said.
"It may not be as dramatic as the scenes you saw on television right at the coast," he said, "but exercising prudence for everybody in the path of this storm is very strongly recommended, so we can minimize the loss of life as much as we can."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Federal and State response forces have begun what Texas Governor Rick Perry is calling the largest search and rescue ever in his state today as more than 100,000 residents are estimated to have ignored Hurricane Ike evacuation warnings. Ike reached the Texas shores early this morning as a category 2 storm with upwards of 110 mph winds, flooding thousands of homes and leaving millions without power. The hurricane was later downgraded to a tropical storm, and as it continues to weakens, first responders are moving in.
More than 3,300 active-duty military members are prepared for search and rescue operations, said Mike Kucharek, spokesman for U.S. Army Northern Command.
Also, there are about 7,500 Texas National Guardsmen activated and providing assistance in Galveston, Houston, Lufkin and Orange County, which are some of the hardest hit areas.
Emergency response agencies are staging their logistics area for commodities support and distribution efforts from Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, Kucharek said. More than 40 distribution points are set up across eastern Texas and Louisiana too to provide food, water, ice and medical support.
Response teams have more than 100 helicopters, 88 high-water vehicles and 21 short-raft boats available for rescue missions, he added.
Around 50 of those helicopters, from National Guard assets, are already airborne and conducting rescue operations, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a press briefing from Washington today.
"We're particularly focused on those areas hit with storm surge," Chertoff said. But he added that even in the areas where flooding is not as significant, people should still remain cautious. "The most dangerous period of the storm is what occurs after the storm has moved on," he continued.
Chertoff cautioned power outages, fallen trees and debris, down power lines and other types of hazards across the effected areas in Texas and Louisiana.
"People should exercise extreme caution as they get out and about, so we don't have injuries and loss of life going forward from this point on," he said.
In Texas, particularly the Galveston area, a large amount of state, Coast Guard and Defense Department helicopters are conducting recovery efforts. The most recent reports state more than 120 people have been rescued. Authorities in Louisiana are tracking 179 rescues already along with one dog rescue, Chertoff said.
Texas estimates 2.2 million people fled their homes, while Louisiana estimates 130,000. Though many of the evacuees are in hotels and shelters, officials are urging them not to return until authorities announce areas are safe, he said.
President Bush today declared 29 counties in Texas as major disaster areas, which Chertoff said clears the way for federal funding for individuals and local community efforts for debris removal. This will relieve a significant burden as local and state authorities move forward with recovery operations, he said.
The storm is projected to continue its path through north Texas into Arkansas with driving rain, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, and is still considered dangerous, Chertoff said.
"It may not be as dramatic as the scenes you saw on television right at the coast," he said, "but exercising prudence for everybody in the path of this storm is very strongly recommended, so we can minimize the loss of life as much as we can."
National Guard Helps Evacuate Three Households in Louisiana
By Sgt. 1st Class Paul Meeker
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Members of three different Hackberry, La., households stayed in their homes through the fierce winds and flooding of Hurricane Ike, believing they wouldn't suffer any worse than they did during Hurricane Rita in September 2005. However, the water rose three to four feet in their homes, compared to one foot three years ago. "Water came in around 9 p.m. We had made plans to go into the attic and had provisions there, so that's where we went," said Leroy East of Hackberry. "We stayed this time because it took us so long to get back to our property after Rita. But I won't stay again."
The six adults and two pets were rescued from their homes by Hackberry Firemen who picked them up via boat. The fire department had been alerted to their whereabouts by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents who had received a cell phone call from a relative of one of the stranded residents.
The National Guard helicopter piloted by Chief Warrant Officers Kevin Dares and Don Pierce picked them up from high ground and transported them to the Million Air hangar at Chennault Airport in Lake Charles, La.
From there, Wildlife and Fisheries agents assisted the evacuees by helping them make contact with friends and relatives who could pick them up.
The rescued citizens were Floyd and Bernadette Silver, Leroy and Pamela East, David Benoit and Dolores Duhon, as well as one dog, Tiny, and one cat, Bobaloo.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - Members of three different Hackberry, La., households stayed in their homes through the fierce winds and flooding of Hurricane Ike, believing they wouldn't suffer any worse than they did during Hurricane Rita in September 2005. However, the water rose three to four feet in their homes, compared to one foot three years ago. "Water came in around 9 p.m. We had made plans to go into the attic and had provisions there, so that's where we went," said Leroy East of Hackberry. "We stayed this time because it took us so long to get back to our property after Rita. But I won't stay again."
The six adults and two pets were rescued from their homes by Hackberry Firemen who picked them up via boat. The fire department had been alerted to their whereabouts by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents who had received a cell phone call from a relative of one of the stranded residents.
The National Guard helicopter piloted by Chief Warrant Officers Kevin Dares and Don Pierce picked them up from high ground and transported them to the Million Air hangar at Chennault Airport in Lake Charles, La.
From there, Wildlife and Fisheries agents assisted the evacuees by helping them make contact with friends and relatives who could pick them up.
The rescued citizens were Floyd and Bernadette Silver, Leroy and Pamela East, David Benoit and Dolores Duhon, as well as one dog, Tiny, and one cat, Bobaloo.
Louisiana Guardsmen Answer the Call as Hurricane Ike Slams the Coast
By Army Maj. David W. May
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - As Hurricane Ike slammed ashore today, the National Guard was already at work evacuating stranded citizens from their homes and other locations across Southwest Louisiana. By noon today, members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, working in conjunction with local and state authorities, rescued 19 people, including three children, as well as four family pets, and responded to numerous calls for assistance from both civilians and other rescue agencies.
The day began hours before daylight, as National Guard members prepared their rescue equipment and vehicles and themselves mentally for whatever the day might bring.
Around 7 a.m., a line of high-water vehicles and humvees loaded with troops rolled out of their armories to begin the process of locating those in need and getting them to safety.
Almost as soon as they rolled out, soldiers reported flooding and street blockages throughout the area – in lower Vermillion Parish, water rose fast and threatened two of the towns including Erath High School; water at Pen Street Park rising nearly six inches an hour; an apartment complex had water coming in on the first floor; power outages occurred in multiple locations; communications went down, and the reports continued.
Just before 8 a.m., a paraplegic trapped in his home called for rescue. By the time soldiers arrived, police had removed the man, but another family of six called needing evacuation and the Guardsmen obliged, transporting them to Chennault Air Park in Lake Charles, La. Another rescue occurred soon after in Westlake, La.
Soldiers were also asked to assist the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with a rescue request of 17 people.
By 10 a.m., the Guard received several more requests including one with residents trapped in their subdivision and an elderly couple stuck in their home. In the meantime, waters continued to rise and winds showed no signs of abating.
Throughout the effort, estimates cited sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph, which only served to complicate efforts.
By midday, the Guard received various other requests for assistance and responded to a group of people stranded in a casino parking lot and others who had to be rescued by boat.
Even as the requests continue to pour in, the 256th has no plans of slowing effort or of curbing operations. They will stay on mission as long as they are needed, according to officials.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of the 256th. "But we've got to keep our head in the game because there is lots of work still out there to do."
(Army Maj. David W. May is assigned to Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - As Hurricane Ike slammed ashore today, the National Guard was already at work evacuating stranded citizens from their homes and other locations across Southwest Louisiana. By noon today, members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, working in conjunction with local and state authorities, rescued 19 people, including three children, as well as four family pets, and responded to numerous calls for assistance from both civilians and other rescue agencies.
The day began hours before daylight, as National Guard members prepared their rescue equipment and vehicles and themselves mentally for whatever the day might bring.
Around 7 a.m., a line of high-water vehicles and humvees loaded with troops rolled out of their armories to begin the process of locating those in need and getting them to safety.
Almost as soon as they rolled out, soldiers reported flooding and street blockages throughout the area – in lower Vermillion Parish, water rose fast and threatened two of the towns including Erath High School; water at Pen Street Park rising nearly six inches an hour; an apartment complex had water coming in on the first floor; power outages occurred in multiple locations; communications went down, and the reports continued.
Just before 8 a.m., a paraplegic trapped in his home called for rescue. By the time soldiers arrived, police had removed the man, but another family of six called needing evacuation and the Guardsmen obliged, transporting them to Chennault Air Park in Lake Charles, La. Another rescue occurred soon after in Westlake, La.
Soldiers were also asked to assist the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with a rescue request of 17 people.
By 10 a.m., the Guard received several more requests including one with residents trapped in their subdivision and an elderly couple stuck in their home. In the meantime, waters continued to rise and winds showed no signs of abating.
Throughout the effort, estimates cited sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph, which only served to complicate efforts.
By midday, the Guard received various other requests for assistance and responded to a group of people stranded in a casino parking lot and others who had to be rescued by boat.
Even as the requests continue to pour in, the 256th has no plans of slowing effort or of curbing operations. They will stay on mission as long as they are needed, according to officials.
"We're proud of the work our troops are doing out there," said Lt. Col. James Waskom, deputy commander of the 256th. "But we've got to keep our head in the game because there is lots of work still out there to do."
(Army Maj. David W. May is assigned to Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs.)
Kentucky Air Guard Troops Deploy to Coastal Texas
By Air Force Capt. Dale Greer
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - About 25 pararescuemen, combat controllers and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas today to conduct rescue operations for victims of Hurricane Ike. The Airmen began leaving the Air Guard Base at Louisville International Airport at 5:35 p.m. aboard multiple Kentucky Air Guard C-130s.
The aircraft, bound for Ellington Field near Houston, were loaded with thousands of pounds of medical gear and rescue equipment, including Zodiac motor boats, swift-water rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and a Special Tactics operations center, said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Malone, a superintendent in the squadron.
"We're taking everything we need today to establish airfield operations, begin rescue efforts and provide medical assistance as necessary," Malone said.
The equipment also included long-range communications gear and navigational electronics, which the squadron's combat controllers use to control emergency air traffic into and out of disaster areas.
"We can deploy into any environment and establish airfield operations and air traffic control very quickly," Malone said. "That's crucial for successful rescue operations."
Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron established a helicopter landing zone on an Interstate overpass and helped direct helicopter med-evac flights that airlifted more than 11,900 to safety.
(Air Force Capt. Dale Greer is assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - About 25 pararescuemen, combat controllers and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas today to conduct rescue operations for victims of Hurricane Ike. The Airmen began leaving the Air Guard Base at Louisville International Airport at 5:35 p.m. aboard multiple Kentucky Air Guard C-130s.
The aircraft, bound for Ellington Field near Houston, were loaded with thousands of pounds of medical gear and rescue equipment, including Zodiac motor boats, swift-water rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and a Special Tactics operations center, said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Malone, a superintendent in the squadron.
"We're taking everything we need today to establish airfield operations, begin rescue efforts and provide medical assistance as necessary," Malone said.
The equipment also included long-range communications gear and navigational electronics, which the squadron's combat controllers use to control emergency air traffic into and out of disaster areas.
"We can deploy into any environment and establish airfield operations and air traffic control very quickly," Malone said. "That's crucial for successful rescue operations."
Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron established a helicopter landing zone on an Interstate overpass and helped direct helicopter med-evac flights that airlifted more than 11,900 to safety.
(Air Force Capt. Dale Greer is assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard.)
Texas Guard Leader Vows All-Out Effort for Hurricane Ike
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Texas National Guard personnel began rescuing residents stranded by rising waters Friday afternoon, and the Lone Star State's National Guard commander vowed to resume relief missions as soon as Hurricane Ike vents its anticipated fury on the Houston region sometime Saturday. "After the storm passes, whatever the surge may be or the damage may be, our primary mission is to get back in there as soon as we can," said Maj. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, the state's adjutant general, on Friday.
Meanwhile Friday, two Texas Army Guard Blackhawk helicopters reportedly rescued 16 civilians who were stranded by high waters on a bridge near Bolivar Island, in the mouth of Galveston Bay near Houston, and flew them to Ellington Field in Houston. High winds in advance of the hurricane forced the helicopter crews to return to their base, Texas officials reported.
National Guard officials reported as many as 300 people were stranded in vehicles on the bridge.
The state has established Texas Task Force Ike comprised of military and civilian law enforcement and emergency management personnel, Rodriguez said.
Gov. Rick Perry earlier this week authorized calling up 7,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to state active duty because of the emergency. About 3,000 Soldiers, Airmen and 500 high-water vehicles, generators and other assets have already been deployed for the pre-landfall phase of operations.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Rodriguez said. "We're going to use helicopters for damage assessment and rescue missions."
The task force is also prepared to position another 500 vehicles at points of distribution. The National Guard plans to hand out water, ice, and food provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency at distribution points throughout the area.
(From a National Guard Bureau news release.)
Sept. 12, 2008 - Texas National Guard personnel began rescuing residents stranded by rising waters Friday afternoon, and the Lone Star State's National Guard commander vowed to resume relief missions as soon as Hurricane Ike vents its anticipated fury on the Houston region sometime Saturday. "After the storm passes, whatever the surge may be or the damage may be, our primary mission is to get back in there as soon as we can," said Maj. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, the state's adjutant general, on Friday.
Meanwhile Friday, two Texas Army Guard Blackhawk helicopters reportedly rescued 16 civilians who were stranded by high waters on a bridge near Bolivar Island, in the mouth of Galveston Bay near Houston, and flew them to Ellington Field in Houston. High winds in advance of the hurricane forced the helicopter crews to return to their base, Texas officials reported.
National Guard officials reported as many as 300 people were stranded in vehicles on the bridge.
The state has established Texas Task Force Ike comprised of military and civilian law enforcement and emergency management personnel, Rodriguez said.
Gov. Rick Perry earlier this week authorized calling up 7,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to state active duty because of the emergency. About 3,000 Soldiers, Airmen and 500 high-water vehicles, generators and other assets have already been deployed for the pre-landfall phase of operations.
"The No. 1 mission is search and rescue, second is damage assessment, and third is setting up points of distribution," Rodriguez said. "We're going to use helicopters for damage assessment and rescue missions."
The task force is also prepared to position another 500 vehicles at points of distribution. The National Guard plans to hand out water, ice, and food provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency at distribution points throughout the area.
(From a National Guard Bureau news release.)
National Guard Patrols Grand Isle Waters
By Indiana Army National Guard Spc. William E. Henry
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - GRAND ISLE, La. – In an effort to prevent looting of area residents' property and local businesses, Louisiana National Guardsmen began patrolling the waters along the north shore of Grand Isle, La. The 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company of the 205th Engineer Battalion arrived with MK-2 Bridge Erection Boats originally designed to build bridges in strong currents. Fortunately, these special boats also perform well in the security and patrol missions the unit was performing.
Coordinating with local law enforcement, the National Guard Special Reaction Team and the 1083rd Transportation Company, the 2225th say they are more than prepared for the mission.
"We have SRT members of the Louisiana National Guard on board our vessels that patrol day and night. We use night-vision goggles to monitor during the night patrols and help deter any looting," said 1st. Sgt. Kevin Giroir of the bridge company.
There about 15 SRT members on site that have detention and arrest powers. "We're the state's military SWAT team," said Spc. Coleman Barnett of the SRT.
The 2225th and the SRT are responsible for seven miles of coastline. They patrol the area with six vessels and are required to approach and identify anyone coming into the area.
"There are a lot of expensive homes here. People come to Grand Isle for their own enjoyment; it's a fishing community and an oil field port," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian LeBoeuf of the 2225th. "People have their homes here and like anyone else, they don't want to lose them. We're providing a helping hand to keep trespassers out so they can start their lives again when the storm is over."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 13, 2008 - GRAND ISLE, La. – In an effort to prevent looting of area residents' property and local businesses, Louisiana National Guardsmen began patrolling the waters along the north shore of Grand Isle, La. The 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company of the 205th Engineer Battalion arrived with MK-2 Bridge Erection Boats originally designed to build bridges in strong currents. Fortunately, these special boats also perform well in the security and patrol missions the unit was performing.
Coordinating with local law enforcement, the National Guard Special Reaction Team and the 1083rd Transportation Company, the 2225th say they are more than prepared for the mission.
"We have SRT members of the Louisiana National Guard on board our vessels that patrol day and night. We use night-vision goggles to monitor during the night patrols and help deter any looting," said 1st. Sgt. Kevin Giroir of the bridge company.
There about 15 SRT members on site that have detention and arrest powers. "We're the state's military SWAT team," said Spc. Coleman Barnett of the SRT.
The 2225th and the SRT are responsible for seven miles of coastline. They patrol the area with six vessels and are required to approach and identify anyone coming into the area.
"There are a lot of expensive homes here. People come to Grand Isle for their own enjoyment; it's a fishing community and an oil field port," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian LeBoeuf of the 2225th. "People have their homes here and like anyone else, they don't want to lose them. We're providing a helping hand to keep trespassers out so they can start their lives again when the storm is over."
Hurricane Hunters Track Ike as Storm Moves Toward Texas
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is gaining strength as millions of residents in the storm's forecast path evacuate in expectation of an overnight landfall tonight. As Ike entered the Gulf of Mexico after battering Cuba this week, a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter crew based here flew into the storm, pinpointing the center and sending flight-level and surface-level readings back to the National Hurricane Center via satellite.
Citizen-airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, charged with flying directly into the eye of nature's most powerful storms, continue around-the-clock flights into Ike giving forecasters at the NHC the best possible data.
Hurricane Ike, now a Category 2 on the Safir-Simpson Scale, is expected to intensify before making landfall early tomorrow. The storm already has killed 80 people in the Caribbean and took a significant toll on parts of Cuba, especially areas previously affected by Hurricane Gustav.
As of 8 a.m. EDT today, Ike's center was about 365 miles east of Corpus Christi, Texas, and about 230 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory.
Maximum sustained winds were at 105 mph, but the storm is expected to strengthen before it moves ashore, and is forecast to be a major hurricane by then, the advisory said. The storm is moving west-northwest at 13 mph. A turn to the northwest is expected today, forecasters said, with a turn toward the north expected tomorrow.
Residents in the projected path and near those regions are urged to pay close attention to government and news sources in their areas for critical watches and warnings.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett serves in the 403rd Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is gaining strength as millions of residents in the storm's forecast path evacuate in expectation of an overnight landfall tonight. As Ike entered the Gulf of Mexico after battering Cuba this week, a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter crew based here flew into the storm, pinpointing the center and sending flight-level and surface-level readings back to the National Hurricane Center via satellite.
Citizen-airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, charged with flying directly into the eye of nature's most powerful storms, continue around-the-clock flights into Ike giving forecasters at the NHC the best possible data.
Hurricane Ike, now a Category 2 on the Safir-Simpson Scale, is expected to intensify before making landfall early tomorrow. The storm already has killed 80 people in the Caribbean and took a significant toll on parts of Cuba, especially areas previously affected by Hurricane Gustav.
As of 8 a.m. EDT today, Ike's center was about 365 miles east of Corpus Christi, Texas, and about 230 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory.
Maximum sustained winds were at 105 mph, but the storm is expected to strengthen before it moves ashore, and is forecast to be a major hurricane by then, the advisory said. The storm is moving west-northwest at 13 mph. A turn to the northwest is expected today, forecasters said, with a turn toward the north expected tomorrow.
Residents in the projected path and near those regions are urged to pay close attention to government and news sources in their areas for critical watches and warnings.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett serves in the 403rd Wing Public Affairs Office.)
High-Water Vehicles Highlight Guard's Response Arsenal
By Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - In war, they're called combat vehicles. But when Mother Nature strikes and people are stranded by flood waters, those big trucks with their big tires and high ground clearance get a different name. National Guard units in some states call them high-water vehicles. Others describe them as high-clearance or high-wheeled. But whatever the name, governors, adjutants general and other state military leaders want to know how many they have, especially when the waters rise.
During domestic response missions, the big trucks plow through high water to rescue residents, carry boats that also help rescue people, and bring food and water to the victims of calamities.
Just how vital are these big trucks to the Guard's domestic response missions?
-- As Hurricane Ike approached the Gulf Coast yesterday with predictions of five to 10 inches of rain, the Texas National Guard was assembling 900 personnel and 500 high-water vehicles in San Antonio for major search-and-rescue missions.
-- In August, Florida Army Guard soldiers drove a high-water vehicle through flooded roads in Osteen, Fla., searching for people needing assistance or evacuation due to the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Fay.
-- Missouri soldiers used high-water vehicles to deliver 11,520 meals to residents of flood-ravaged Iowa in June.
-- The National Guard from several states pre-positioned more than 3,800 high-water vehicles in and around New Orleans in late August as Hurricane Gustav approached.
-- When storms flooded Vernonia, Ore., in early December 2007, high-water vehicles were used to rescue hundreds of people.
-- When flooding hit Pennsylvania and New Jersey in June and July 2006, more than 1,000 Guard members used high-wheeled vehicles for water rescues, evacuations and other emergency operations along the Delaware River.
While as little as six inches of water can cause a car to lose control, and two feet can carry most cars away, most high-water vehicles can plow through several feet of water.
"The [light medium tactical vehicle] can carry up to 15 people and has a high ground clearance, which allows them operate in up to four feet of water," Army Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, a Delaware National Guard spokesman, said in early May after tidal flooding and heavy rains in his state led Guard members to deploy LMTVs.
Army National Guard logistics division officials said the 54 states and territories have 22,244 high-water vehicles, ranging from 1,159 in Pennsylvania to 15 in the Virgin Islands. The division considers everything from 2.5-ton trucks to the M977 heavy, expanded-mobility tactical truck, or HEMTT, as high-water vehicles. The total doesn't include the ubiquitous Humvee, which can ford through five feet of water when equipped with the proper kit.
For emergency response, the Army Guard relies heavily on the LMTV -- its cargo and van models have a 2.5-ton capacity -- and the medium tactical vehicle, which has a 5-ton capacity. Both entered service in 1996, have automatic transmissions, and run on jet fuel.
The HEMTT comes in five models and stands more than eight feet tall. The lightest version weighs well over 30,000 pounds and is capable of fording water up to four feet deep. Although the Humvee is not considered a high-water vehicle, with a deep water-fording kit it can drive through five feet of water.
These trucks are heavy as well as high, which means they are considerably less likely to float away. The LMTV, for example, weighs more than 13 tons.
Florida Army Guard transportation soldiers made sure their high-water vehicles were in working order as Hurricane Gustav neared their state in late August.
Also in August, after Tropical Storm Fay brought heavy rain to much of Florida, members of the 254th Transportation Battalion used high-water vehicles in four southern counties to help emergency first-responders perform damage and flood assessment.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Talent, a truckmaster for the battalion, helped with the assessment missions.
"The LMTV is very useful, because it is so versatile," he explained, pointing out the five high-water trucks in the motor pool at his armory. Talent added that LMTV drivers know and follow their safety guidelines when driving through high water.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - In war, they're called combat vehicles. But when Mother Nature strikes and people are stranded by flood waters, those big trucks with their big tires and high ground clearance get a different name. National Guard units in some states call them high-water vehicles. Others describe them as high-clearance or high-wheeled. But whatever the name, governors, adjutants general and other state military leaders want to know how many they have, especially when the waters rise.
During domestic response missions, the big trucks plow through high water to rescue residents, carry boats that also help rescue people, and bring food and water to the victims of calamities.
Just how vital are these big trucks to the Guard's domestic response missions?
-- As Hurricane Ike approached the Gulf Coast yesterday with predictions of five to 10 inches of rain, the Texas National Guard was assembling 900 personnel and 500 high-water vehicles in San Antonio for major search-and-rescue missions.
-- In August, Florida Army Guard soldiers drove a high-water vehicle through flooded roads in Osteen, Fla., searching for people needing assistance or evacuation due to the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Fay.
-- Missouri soldiers used high-water vehicles to deliver 11,520 meals to residents of flood-ravaged Iowa in June.
-- The National Guard from several states pre-positioned more than 3,800 high-water vehicles in and around New Orleans in late August as Hurricane Gustav approached.
-- When storms flooded Vernonia, Ore., in early December 2007, high-water vehicles were used to rescue hundreds of people.
-- When flooding hit Pennsylvania and New Jersey in June and July 2006, more than 1,000 Guard members used high-wheeled vehicles for water rescues, evacuations and other emergency operations along the Delaware River.
While as little as six inches of water can cause a car to lose control, and two feet can carry most cars away, most high-water vehicles can plow through several feet of water.
"The [light medium tactical vehicle] can carry up to 15 people and has a high ground clearance, which allows them operate in up to four feet of water," Army Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, a Delaware National Guard spokesman, said in early May after tidal flooding and heavy rains in his state led Guard members to deploy LMTVs.
Army National Guard logistics division officials said the 54 states and territories have 22,244 high-water vehicles, ranging from 1,159 in Pennsylvania to 15 in the Virgin Islands. The division considers everything from 2.5-ton trucks to the M977 heavy, expanded-mobility tactical truck, or HEMTT, as high-water vehicles. The total doesn't include the ubiquitous Humvee, which can ford through five feet of water when equipped with the proper kit.
For emergency response, the Army Guard relies heavily on the LMTV -- its cargo and van models have a 2.5-ton capacity -- and the medium tactical vehicle, which has a 5-ton capacity. Both entered service in 1996, have automatic transmissions, and run on jet fuel.
The HEMTT comes in five models and stands more than eight feet tall. The lightest version weighs well over 30,000 pounds and is capable of fording water up to four feet deep. Although the Humvee is not considered a high-water vehicle, with a deep water-fording kit it can drive through five feet of water.
These trucks are heavy as well as high, which means they are considerably less likely to float away. The LMTV, for example, weighs more than 13 tons.
Florida Army Guard transportation soldiers made sure their high-water vehicles were in working order as Hurricane Gustav neared their state in late August.
Also in August, after Tropical Storm Fay brought heavy rain to much of Florida, members of the 254th Transportation Battalion used high-water vehicles in four southern counties to help emergency first-responders perform damage and flood assessment.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Talent, a truckmaster for the battalion, helped with the assessment missions.
"The LMTV is very useful, because it is so versatile," he explained, pointing out the five high-water trucks in the motor pool at his armory. Talent added that LMTV drivers know and follow their safety guidelines when driving through high water.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Friday, September 12, 2008
SouthCom Sends Team to Haiti, Kearsarge Delivers Tons of Aid
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - An eight-member team from U.S. Southern Command, with headquarters in Miami, will arrive here today to support ongoing U.S. relief efforts in the country. The team -- two Creole translators, three engineers and three operational planners -- will join ongoing U.S. military disaster assistance activities in Haiti carried out by the crew of the USS Kearsarge operating from the Gulf of Gonâves.
The team will provide technical engineering assistance to the Haitian government, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance officials for critical infrastructure, bridge and road repair efforts, U.S. Army Col. Norberto Cintron, SouthCom command engineer, said.
"The distribution of aid has been hampered by the devastation of roads and bridges in Haiti," Cintron said. "We look forward to the challenge of restoring access to isolated communities."
USS Kearsarge continued its support of disaster relief efforts in Haiti yesterday, launching five helicopters and three landing craft to deliver aid to remote areas suffering in the aftermath of recent storms.
Overall, the Kearsarge mission in Haiti has delivered an estimated 350 metric tons of relief supplies in addition to 1,500 gallons of water.
The Caribbean nation was hit hard by tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna and then again by Hurricane Ike, leaving eight of Haiti's 10 geographic departments flooded, destroying bridges and roads and leaving residents desperate for aid.
On the fourth day of operations, CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter crews flew relief missions to Gonaives, Les Cayes and Port de Paix, delivering about 85 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program, as well as hygiene kits from the U.N. Population Fund.
To date, CH-53E and MH-60S Seahawk pilots have flown a combined 28 missions into the country to deliver supplies. Personnel from Assault Craft Unit 2 have launched landing craft daily, sending supplies and personnel ashore. Kearsarge also continued to send volunteer working parties to Port-au-Prince, to assist in loading and unloading supplies.
"This is truly a team effort," said Navy Capt. Walter Towns, Kearsarge´s commanding officer. "Everyone from the craftmasters, helicopter pilots, flight deck and well deck crews to the unsung heroes on the working parties carry hundreds of pounds of food and water supplies. They do it all without complaint, because they know their efforts are saving lives."
Kearsarge's capabilities include the fast movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft, making it the ideal platform to support urgent humanitarian relief missions, officials said.
(From a U.S. Southern Command news release.)
Sept. 12, 2008 - An eight-member team from U.S. Southern Command, with headquarters in Miami, will arrive here today to support ongoing U.S. relief efforts in the country. The team -- two Creole translators, three engineers and three operational planners -- will join ongoing U.S. military disaster assistance activities in Haiti carried out by the crew of the USS Kearsarge operating from the Gulf of Gonâves.
The team will provide technical engineering assistance to the Haitian government, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance officials for critical infrastructure, bridge and road repair efforts, U.S. Army Col. Norberto Cintron, SouthCom command engineer, said.
"The distribution of aid has been hampered by the devastation of roads and bridges in Haiti," Cintron said. "We look forward to the challenge of restoring access to isolated communities."
USS Kearsarge continued its support of disaster relief efforts in Haiti yesterday, launching five helicopters and three landing craft to deliver aid to remote areas suffering in the aftermath of recent storms.
Overall, the Kearsarge mission in Haiti has delivered an estimated 350 metric tons of relief supplies in addition to 1,500 gallons of water.
The Caribbean nation was hit hard by tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna and then again by Hurricane Ike, leaving eight of Haiti's 10 geographic departments flooded, destroying bridges and roads and leaving residents desperate for aid.
On the fourth day of operations, CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter crews flew relief missions to Gonaives, Les Cayes and Port de Paix, delivering about 85 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program, as well as hygiene kits from the U.N. Population Fund.
To date, CH-53E and MH-60S Seahawk pilots have flown a combined 28 missions into the country to deliver supplies. Personnel from Assault Craft Unit 2 have launched landing craft daily, sending supplies and personnel ashore. Kearsarge also continued to send volunteer working parties to Port-au-Prince, to assist in loading and unloading supplies.
"This is truly a team effort," said Navy Capt. Walter Towns, Kearsarge´s commanding officer. "Everyone from the craftmasters, helicopter pilots, flight deck and well deck crews to the unsung heroes on the working parties carry hundreds of pounds of food and water supplies. They do it all without complaint, because they know their efforts are saving lives."
Kearsarge's capabilities include the fast movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft, making it the ideal platform to support urgent humanitarian relief missions, officials said.
(From a U.S. Southern Command news release.)
Guard Members Gear Up for Hurricane Ike
By Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Although Hurricane Ike is expected to lose power after hitting Texas tonight, National Guardsmen in four other states are preparing for the worst when it becomes a tropical storm later this weekend. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas
, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, state officials said.
Heavy rains of up to 15 inches are projected for the hardest-hit areas and flooding and tornadoes are anticipated.
"Rain is what we're worried about," said Pat Scully, spokesman for the Oklahoma National Guard. Much of the state is under a flood watch, he added, because forecasts indicate that a cold front from the north will join forces with the tropical storm.
"We're confident that if we are called, we'll have the personnel and equipment to handle the situation," Scully said.
The Oklahoma governor has not declared a state of emergency, but more than 1,000 Guard members are standing by as a quick-reaction force, he said.
"We'll be using our quick-reaction force and our follow-on force," Scully said. "After that, we'll have our on-station National Guard soldiers ready to respond, both Army and Air." The state is now in a "planning mode," but expects to respond to missions ranging from search and rescue to delivering relief supplies.
Scully said the state has more than 2,000 Guard members available for these missions. Several units from the state are deployed or preparing for deployment, including the 45th Brigade Combat Team, a force of about 2,600 soldiers, which is in Iraq; about 800 soldiers from the 45th Fires Brigade, which is training at Fort Hood, Texas, for an upcoming deployment; and 300 airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa, which deployed to Iraq earlier this week.
Flood watches are in effect for more than 50 counties in Arkansas.
"What Arkansas is looking at is the possibility of the after-effects of the hurricane, which could bring tornadoes into the state," Army Capt. Chris Heathscott, spokesman for the Arkansas National Guard, said.
Despite the deployment of Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq, Heathscott said, the state has about 6,000 Guard members available.
The Arkansas Guard has responded to many floods and tornadoes this year, so Ike's effects are nothing new. "2008 has been one of the heaviest years for natural disaster responses for our state," Heathscott said. "It's unfortunately becoming routine business for us."
In Kansas, the Guard's concern also is flooding "and making sure people are not driving through high water and in need of rescue," said Sharon Watson, a Kansas Guard spokeswoman.
About 5,000 Guard troops are available at the request of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and 2,000 are on alert, she said. Six hundred of those will be well prepared for the experience, since they are returning from hurricane relief duties in Louisiana.
With experience and clear objectives, Kansas will be well prepared, Watson said.
Experience will also benefit Missouri, where 2,000 Guard members, who are also returning from relief missions in Louisiana, can be called up if needed. The 8,000 Guard members in the state also have experience because of the Mississippi River's flooding in June.
(Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Although Hurricane Ike is expected to lose power after hitting Texas tonight, National Guardsmen in four other states are preparing for the worst when it becomes a tropical storm later this weekend. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas
, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, state officials said.
Heavy rains of up to 15 inches are projected for the hardest-hit areas and flooding and tornadoes are anticipated.
"Rain is what we're worried about," said Pat Scully, spokesman for the Oklahoma National Guard. Much of the state is under a flood watch, he added, because forecasts indicate that a cold front from the north will join forces with the tropical storm.
"We're confident that if we are called, we'll have the personnel and equipment to handle the situation," Scully said.
The Oklahoma governor has not declared a state of emergency, but more than 1,000 Guard members are standing by as a quick-reaction force, he said.
"We'll be using our quick-reaction force and our follow-on force," Scully said. "After that, we'll have our on-station National Guard soldiers ready to respond, both Army and Air." The state is now in a "planning mode," but expects to respond to missions ranging from search and rescue to delivering relief supplies.
Scully said the state has more than 2,000 Guard members available for these missions. Several units from the state are deployed or preparing for deployment, including the 45th Brigade Combat Team, a force of about 2,600 soldiers, which is in Iraq; about 800 soldiers from the 45th Fires Brigade, which is training at Fort Hood, Texas, for an upcoming deployment; and 300 airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa, which deployed to Iraq earlier this week.
Flood watches are in effect for more than 50 counties in Arkansas.
"What Arkansas is looking at is the possibility of the after-effects of the hurricane, which could bring tornadoes into the state," Army Capt. Chris Heathscott, spokesman for the Arkansas National Guard, said.
Despite the deployment of Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq, Heathscott said, the state has about 6,000 Guard members available.
The Arkansas Guard has responded to many floods and tornadoes this year, so Ike's effects are nothing new. "2008 has been one of the heaviest years for natural disaster responses for our state," Heathscott said. "It's unfortunately becoming routine business for us."
In Kansas, the Guard's concern also is flooding "and making sure people are not driving through high water and in need of rescue," said Sharon Watson, a Kansas Guard spokeswoman.
About 5,000 Guard troops are available at the request of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and 2,000 are on alert, she said. Six hundred of those will be well prepared for the experience, since they are returning from hurricane relief duties in Louisiana.
With experience and clear objectives, Kansas will be well prepared, Watson said.
Experience will also benefit Missouri, where 2,000 Guard members, who are also returning from relief missions in Louisiana, can be called up if needed. The 8,000 Guard members in the state also have experience because of the Mississippi River's flooding in June.
(Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Marines Anticipate Reaching Five-Year Goal Two Years Early
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Even without offering big cash bonuses, promising opportunities for college or assuring a better life after service, the Marine Corps anticipates meeting its five-year force-growth goal two years early, the commander of Marine recruiting said via teleconference today from his headquarters in Quantico, Va. The Marine recruiting message is dynamically different from that of other services, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. said as he discussed the current state and contemporary challenges in recruiting Marines.
"Other services may recruit and offer themselves as a means of something else or something better, saying, 'We'll get you a college education,' 'We'll get you financial stability,' or 'You'll improve your lot in life,'" Milstead said. "But the Marine Corps offers itself as the destination. We don't talk college, we don't talk money, and we don't talk anything else [to recruits]. We only make one promise: that you'll be a United States Marine."
The potential for deployments with the nation's current posture in the Middle East hasn't deterred recruiting and retention, and the likelihood of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan hasn't presented itself as a challenge, Milstead said. Regardless of which branch of service, recruits are fully aware of "what they're walking into" when they meet with recruiters, he added.
"Remember, there is no draft," he continued, "and all these kids join to serve their nation knowing that in the Marine Corps, and most likely the Army, they're going to move toward the sounds of canons."
Milstead praised the fidelity and commitment of Marines who have served multiple tours and enlistments during the nation's time of need. The Marine Corps' success in building up its force is credited to retention as well as recruiting, he explained.
"The young men and women today are hanging around, and they may have two or three deployments under their belt," the general said. "They enjoy what they're doing; they feel that the Marines is worth their efforts. And so they're re-enlisting too."
Since 2007, the Marine Corps has been pushing recruiting and retention goals to grow its active-duty force to 202,000 Marines by 2011, a 27,000-Marine increase in just five years. But with fiscal 2008 coming to a close at the end of the month, the Marine Corps already has about 198,000 active-duty Marines, putting the goal well within reach.
In fact, Milstead said, he anticipates the Marine Corps will reach the end state of its growth as early as next year without compromising its high standards for recruits.
Milstead noted that 97 percent of Marine recruits this year were high school graduates, well above the Defense Department average.
"We've been very pleased with our ability to meet our recruiting numbers within the Marine Corps," he added. "But bottom line, what it took to be a Marine, two, three, five and 10 years ago, is what it takes to be a Marine today."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Even without offering big cash bonuses, promising opportunities for college or assuring a better life after service, the Marine Corps anticipates meeting its five-year force-growth goal two years early, the commander of Marine recruiting said via teleconference today from his headquarters in Quantico, Va. The Marine recruiting message is dynamically different from that of other services, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. said as he discussed the current state and contemporary challenges in recruiting Marines.
"Other services may recruit and offer themselves as a means of something else or something better, saying, 'We'll get you a college education,' 'We'll get you financial stability,' or 'You'll improve your lot in life,'" Milstead said. "But the Marine Corps offers itself as the destination. We don't talk college, we don't talk money, and we don't talk anything else [to recruits]. We only make one promise: that you'll be a United States Marine."
The potential for deployments with the nation's current posture in the Middle East hasn't deterred recruiting and retention, and the likelihood of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan hasn't presented itself as a challenge, Milstead said. Regardless of which branch of service, recruits are fully aware of "what they're walking into" when they meet with recruiters, he added.
"Remember, there is no draft," he continued, "and all these kids join to serve their nation knowing that in the Marine Corps, and most likely the Army, they're going to move toward the sounds of canons."
Milstead praised the fidelity and commitment of Marines who have served multiple tours and enlistments during the nation's time of need. The Marine Corps' success in building up its force is credited to retention as well as recruiting, he explained.
"The young men and women today are hanging around, and they may have two or three deployments under their belt," the general said. "They enjoy what they're doing; they feel that the Marines is worth their efforts. And so they're re-enlisting too."
Since 2007, the Marine Corps has been pushing recruiting and retention goals to grow its active-duty force to 202,000 Marines by 2011, a 27,000-Marine increase in just five years. But with fiscal 2008 coming to a close at the end of the month, the Marine Corps already has about 198,000 active-duty Marines, putting the goal well within reach.
In fact, Milstead said, he anticipates the Marine Corps will reach the end state of its growth as early as next year without compromising its high standards for recruits.
Milstead noted that 97 percent of Marine recruits this year were high school graduates, well above the Defense Department average.
"We've been very pleased with our ability to meet our recruiting numbers within the Marine Corps," he added. "But bottom line, what it took to be a Marine, two, three, five and 10 years ago, is what it takes to be a Marine today."
Task Force Recommends New Air Force Nuclear Command
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - A Defense Department task force has recommended the Air Force Space Command be re-designated as Air Force Strategic Command and be home to the service's nuclear mission. ormer Defense Secretary James Schlesinger briefed the press on the task force's conclusions during a Pentagon news conference today.
The new command would be a major command and include all of the service's assets from missiles to bombers. Known as the Schlesinger Panel, the task force came into being as a result of revelations that the Air Force mistakenly had sent nuclear missile components to Taiwan in 2006, and inadvertently had flown nuclear weapons from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in 2007.
As a result Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates asked Schlesinger to look into ways to fix the situation. A previous report authored by Navy Adm. Kirkwood Donald said the Air Force culture needed to be changed to stress the importance of the nuclear mission.
For his part Schlesinger gave a short history lesson to frame the problem.
"The nuclear mission has altered substantially since the days of the Cold War," he said.
During the Cold War, the NATO allies were fearful that the Warsaw Pact countries held a conventional force advantage over the Western allies. The nuclear umbrella America provided deterred the Soviet Union and its allies from attacking.
"That mission has gone by the boards," Schlesinger said. "The nuclear deterrent role today is quite different, and it is much more circumscribed than it was in the days of the Cold War. However, it is no less important, despite the fact that the domain of the nuclear mission has shrunk."
By treaty, the United States still holds the nuclear umbrella over the NATO countries, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. "The confidence that they have in that umbrella will determine whether or not they themselves may seek to acquire nuclear weapons," Schlesinger said. "Some (nations) have expressed increasing misgivings about whether or not they feel comfortable under the umbrella.
Part of the Air Force and Defense Department task is to "resuscitate their confidence in the credibility of the nuclear umbrella," he said.
The service has to change its culture, the former secretary said, because Air Force interest in the nuclear mission has atrophied. "This goes back to the disestablishment of the Strategic Air Command in 1991," he said.
SAC, as it was called, was a specified command reporting directly to the defense secretary. It was the home of the Air Force legs of the strategic triad: the intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers. In 1991, the command split with the missiles going to Air Force Space Command and the bombers to Air Combat Command.
Both commands had other priorities and the nuclear mission lost money over the years. "As a result, the nuclear mission has been underfunded and this has resulted in a shrinkage of billets for units and even those shrunken billets remain unfilled in many cases," Schlesinger said.
"There is a shortage of security personnel. There is a shortage of maintenance people. There is a shortage of those who supervise the nuclear establishment and there ... has been a very noticeable lack of nuclear expertise," he said.
The Air Force has moved to change, Schlesinger said. Currently, the service has 180 corrective actions in the works. "It is a highly commendable response on the part of the Air Force," he said. "It has established a solid basis for change, and all of the Air Force leaders are saying the right things. The real question is whether there will be follow through on what is now being said."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - A Defense Department task force has recommended the Air Force Space Command be re-designated as Air Force Strategic Command and be home to the service's nuclear mission. ormer Defense Secretary James Schlesinger briefed the press on the task force's conclusions during a Pentagon news conference today.
The new command would be a major command and include all of the service's assets from missiles to bombers. Known as the Schlesinger Panel, the task force came into being as a result of revelations that the Air Force mistakenly had sent nuclear missile components to Taiwan in 2006, and inadvertently had flown nuclear weapons from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in 2007.
As a result Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates asked Schlesinger to look into ways to fix the situation. A previous report authored by Navy Adm. Kirkwood Donald said the Air Force culture needed to be changed to stress the importance of the nuclear mission.
For his part Schlesinger gave a short history lesson to frame the problem.
"The nuclear mission has altered substantially since the days of the Cold War," he said.
During the Cold War, the NATO allies were fearful that the Warsaw Pact countries held a conventional force advantage over the Western allies. The nuclear umbrella America provided deterred the Soviet Union and its allies from attacking.
"That mission has gone by the boards," Schlesinger said. "The nuclear deterrent role today is quite different, and it is much more circumscribed than it was in the days of the Cold War. However, it is no less important, despite the fact that the domain of the nuclear mission has shrunk."
By treaty, the United States still holds the nuclear umbrella over the NATO countries, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. "The confidence that they have in that umbrella will determine whether or not they themselves may seek to acquire nuclear weapons," Schlesinger said. "Some (nations) have expressed increasing misgivings about whether or not they feel comfortable under the umbrella.
Part of the Air Force and Defense Department task is to "resuscitate their confidence in the credibility of the nuclear umbrella," he said.
The service has to change its culture, the former secretary said, because Air Force interest in the nuclear mission has atrophied. "This goes back to the disestablishment of the Strategic Air Command in 1991," he said.
SAC, as it was called, was a specified command reporting directly to the defense secretary. It was the home of the Air Force legs of the strategic triad: the intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers. In 1991, the command split with the missiles going to Air Force Space Command and the bombers to Air Combat Command.
Both commands had other priorities and the nuclear mission lost money over the years. "As a result, the nuclear mission has been underfunded and this has resulted in a shrinkage of billets for units and even those shrunken billets remain unfilled in many cases," Schlesinger said.
"There is a shortage of security personnel. There is a shortage of maintenance people. There is a shortage of those who supervise the nuclear establishment and there ... has been a very noticeable lack of nuclear expertise," he said.
The Air Force has moved to change, Schlesinger said. Currently, the service has 180 corrective actions in the works. "It is a highly commendable response on the part of the Air Force," he said. "It has established a solid basis for change, and all of the Air Force leaders are saying the right things. The real question is whether there will be follow through on what is now being said."
Gates Says Recommendations Will Help Air Force's Nuclear Mission
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today praised the "comprehensive" conclusions of a task force he set up to look into the Air Force's management of nuclear weapons. ates told Pentagon reporters that the recommendations of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Management "will help ensure the excellence of Air Force stewardship of our most important mission."
In June, Gates asked former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger – who also has served as energy secretary – to lead the task force. He asked for the assessment following revelations that the service mistakenly had sent nuclear missile components to Taiwan in 2006, and inadvertently had flown nuclear weapons from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in 2007.
Gates said the task force reinforced the idea that the problems were caused in part by a lack of unity of command and a cultural change that de-emphasized the nuclear mission. No single Air Force organization is responsible or accountable for the overall nuclear mission. The Schlesinger Panel recommends Air Force nuclear assets merge and come under an Air Force Strategic Command.
"I'm not sure what the right answer is, ... but I think that ... one of the principal actions that needs to be taken is to address this question of unity of command," Gates said. Whether that ends up being a new kind of command is something that acting Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz will have to address, he said, but "I think that the task force ... makes a strong case in this respect for a new command," he added.
In the short term, the secretary said, he is confident that similar nuclear problems will not recur. "Where I need greater assurance is that some of the longer-term issues that have been identified ... have been addressed, and that we are on the way to resolving those problems in terms of resourcing the mission, both human and financially," Gates said.
Protection and safety of our nuclear arsenal may be the armed forces' most sensitive mission, Gates said. "That arsenal was vital to winning the Cold War, and remains a vital deterrent," he said. "Furthermore, ensuring complete physical control and proper handling of nuclear weapons at all times is critical to maintain the confidence of our friends and allies around the world who rely on U.S. nuclear deterrence, as well."
Gates said the Air Force already has begun to restore its nuclear mission and is implementing more than 180 corrective actions. The service will take additional measures as required, he said.
Gates asked for the resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in June due to these incidents. "Clearly, I think we have the attention of the Air Force," the secretary said. "Dealing with this is a very high priority, not just for the secretary and the chief of staff, but for all senior Air Force officers."
The Air Force will have a senior leader meeting on the nuclear mission beginning Sept. 18 here. The Schlesinger Panel will issue a second report in December on nuclear weapons management throughout the Defense Department
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today praised the "comprehensive" conclusions of a task force he set up to look into the Air Force's management of nuclear weapons. ates told Pentagon reporters that the recommendations of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Management "will help ensure the excellence of Air Force stewardship of our most important mission."
In June, Gates asked former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger – who also has served as energy secretary – to lead the task force. He asked for the assessment following revelations that the service mistakenly had sent nuclear missile components to Taiwan in 2006, and inadvertently had flown nuclear weapons from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in 2007.
Gates said the task force reinforced the idea that the problems were caused in part by a lack of unity of command and a cultural change that de-emphasized the nuclear mission. No single Air Force organization is responsible or accountable for the overall nuclear mission. The Schlesinger Panel recommends Air Force nuclear assets merge and come under an Air Force Strategic Command.
"I'm not sure what the right answer is, ... but I think that ... one of the principal actions that needs to be taken is to address this question of unity of command," Gates said. Whether that ends up being a new kind of command is something that acting Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz will have to address, he said, but "I think that the task force ... makes a strong case in this respect for a new command," he added.
In the short term, the secretary said, he is confident that similar nuclear problems will not recur. "Where I need greater assurance is that some of the longer-term issues that have been identified ... have been addressed, and that we are on the way to resolving those problems in terms of resourcing the mission, both human and financially," Gates said.
Protection and safety of our nuclear arsenal may be the armed forces' most sensitive mission, Gates said. "That arsenal was vital to winning the Cold War, and remains a vital deterrent," he said. "Furthermore, ensuring complete physical control and proper handling of nuclear weapons at all times is critical to maintain the confidence of our friends and allies around the world who rely on U.S. nuclear deterrence, as well."
Gates said the Air Force already has begun to restore its nuclear mission and is implementing more than 180 corrective actions. The service will take additional measures as required, he said.
Gates asked for the resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in June due to these incidents. "Clearly, I think we have the attention of the Air Force," the secretary said. "Dealing with this is a very high priority, not just for the secretary and the chief of staff, but for all senior Air Force officers."
The Air Force will have a senior leader meeting on the nuclear mission beginning Sept. 18 here. The Schlesinger Panel will issue a second report in December on nuclear weapons management throughout the Defense Department
Mets Honor Command, Observe Army Reserve's 100th Anniversary
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Major League Baseball's New York Mets have designated tomorrow as Army Reserve Day at Shea Stadium here to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve and to honor the soldiers of the 77th Regional Readiness Command.
The 77th RRC was one of the first units to respond to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and many of its soldiers reported for duty in the days following the attack without having been called.
In the subsequent months, the 77th RRC provided mortuary units, tents, construction equipment, medical services and trucks to aid in the 9/11 aftermath. Six Army Reserve soldiers from the 77th RRC - five firemen and one lawyer - sacrificed their lives in the disaster.
"As we commemorate the centennial of the Army Reserve this year, I am honored to serve alongside all the brave men and women who have shown their dedication to both the military force as well as the work force for the past 100 years," said Army Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk, 77th RCC commander. "We are so proud to have served our country, and the people of New York, in the wake of 9/11 and as part of the 77th RRC."
The New York Mets share a long history with the 77th RRC. During the 1960s, the Mets needed a local command where their Army Reserve team members could practice drilling. 77th RRC drill assemblies included, at various times, Mets players Tug McGraw, Nolan Ryan, Bud Harrelson, Wayne Garret, Ken Boswell and Danny Friscella.
Shortly after the U.S. Army Reserve was formed by Congress, the 77th Division, National Army, was organized at Camp Upton, Yaphank, N.Y., on Aug. 25, 1917. A unit of 23,000 men, it included Manhattan taxi drivers, Bronx tailors, Brooklyn factory hands, Wall Street executives and first-generation immigrants, all wearing the Statue of Liberty shoulder patch.
After 91 years, the 77th RRC was officially deactivated on Sept. 7, 2008, when a casing-of-colors ceremony was held at the former site of Camp Upton.
(From a U.S. Army Reserve Command news release.)
Sept. 12, 2008 - Major League Baseball's New York Mets have designated tomorrow as Army Reserve Day at Shea Stadium here to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve and to honor the soldiers of the 77th Regional Readiness Command.
The 77th RRC was one of the first units to respond to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and many of its soldiers reported for duty in the days following the attack without having been called.
In the subsequent months, the 77th RRC provided mortuary units, tents, construction equipment, medical services and trucks to aid in the 9/11 aftermath. Six Army Reserve soldiers from the 77th RRC - five firemen and one lawyer - sacrificed their lives in the disaster.
"As we commemorate the centennial of the Army Reserve this year, I am honored to serve alongside all the brave men and women who have shown their dedication to both the military force as well as the work force for the past 100 years," said Army Maj. Gen. William Terpeluk, 77th RCC commander. "We are so proud to have served our country, and the people of New York, in the wake of 9/11 and as part of the 77th RRC."
The New York Mets share a long history with the 77th RRC. During the 1960s, the Mets needed a local command where their Army Reserve team members could practice drilling. 77th RRC drill assemblies included, at various times, Mets players Tug McGraw, Nolan Ryan, Bud Harrelson, Wayne Garret, Ken Boswell and Danny Friscella.
Shortly after the U.S. Army Reserve was formed by Congress, the 77th Division, National Army, was organized at Camp Upton, Yaphank, N.Y., on Aug. 25, 1917. A unit of 23,000 men, it included Manhattan taxi drivers, Bronx tailors, Brooklyn factory hands, Wall Street executives and first-generation immigrants, all wearing the Statue of Liberty shoulder patch.
After 91 years, the 77th RRC was officially deactivated on Sept. 7, 2008, when a casing-of-colors ceremony was held at the former site of Camp Upton.
(From a U.S. Army Reserve Command news release.)
Face of Defense: Soldier Serves Fourth Deployment With Same Unit
By Army Pfc. Michael Schuch
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - A handful of soldiers can say they have served three or more tours in Iraq. Few can say they served those three tours with the same unit. Army Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Richardson of Palm Springs, Fla., has deployed to Iraq with the 1st Armored Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team three times. In his nearly 15-year Army career, he has three deployments to Iraq and a deployment with the Iron Brigade to Kosovo in 1999 as part of Task Force Falcon – all with the same unit.
"We did security patrols in Kosovo. We either went out dismounted or mounted in Humvees in a peace-keeping operation for seven months," Richardson said.
Following his tour in Kosovo, Richardson returned with the Iron Brigade to the brigade's home in Baumholder, Germany. For the next several years, Richardson trained with the Iron Brigade – ready to be called upon for the next mission. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, it was only a matter of time.
In March 2003, the time came.
Richardson was a staff sergeant in charge of a section of Bradley fighting vehicles in Company C, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. When then-5th Corps Commander Lt. Gen. William Scott Wallace tasked the division for a mechanized infantry company for his headquarters security force, Richardson's unit became the first unit in 1st Armored Division to leave its garrisons in Germany and deploy to Kuwait.
In the Kuwaiti heat, the soldiers wore charcoal-lined protective suits and overboots for two weeks as a precaution against possible chemical attack, "which was not a pleasant experience," Richardson said.
"Our mission was to keep a 360-degree perimeter for the 5th Corps Tactical Army Command to ensure the general was not attacked," he said. "We were bounding up behind the 3rd Infantry Division, which was moving forward so fast. But we had to keep up with them to ensure the general had communications with them. We finally set up at Baghdad International Airport."
After Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed, the Army's focus shifted to stability operations and securing the country for the Iraqi population. Richardson's unit went to Camp Muleskinner in Rustimayah and operated around what are now Combat Outposts Cashe South and North. "We figured we would be in Iraq for around a year based on our orders," Richardson said.
But the division began a 15-month deployment, which was unprecedented at the time. Richardson and his unit began returning to Germany in March 2004. "As the first unit with boots on the ground in Iraq, we were the first to redeploy back to Germany," Richardson said. But in April 2004, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militia began its uprising, and the 1st Armored Division was extended for 120 days of extensive combat.
"We had already redeployed to Baumholder and gone on our 30-day leave," Richardson recalled. "I was back in the States when I got a phone call to return to Baumholder in order to deploy back to Iraq. I was disappointed, thinking I had survived Iraq after a long tough year of combat, and now I had to return."
Richardson deployed with Company C as the master gunner at brigade headquarters. He returned to Baumholder in July and to continue training and improving his own skills and those of the soldiers around him.
"When I got on the plane to return to Baumholder, I said to myself that I never wanted to come back to this place," Richardson said. He was offered an assignment in the United States, having completed more than a full tour in Germany. But rather than starting fresh with new soldiers in a separate unit, Richardson chose to remain an Iron Brigade soldier.
In November 2005, Richardson and his comrades answered their nation's call to duty yet again and deployed to Iraq.
"When they say to go, you have to go," he said. "I was thinking, 'OK this is the last time.'"
That deployment was different from the first. The Iron Brigade deployed as a separate brigade and not with the 1st Armored Division, and as U.S. Central Command's theater reserve force, remained in Kuwait for several months before its units deployed to Iraq.
Upon finishing his second tour in Iraq, Richardson returned to his family and started to consider his career options. He decided to start working toward becoming a platoon sergeant. Shortly thereafter, he was offered the chance to lead the command security detail for the brigade's command sergeant major. Richardson accepted the offer, taking on a new role in the Iron Brigade, and in April, Richardson deployed for his third tour in Iraq.
"This deployment is unique in the fact that I was in the forefront in the first deployment as a Bradley section leader," he said. "The second deployment, I was the master gunner, a part of the theater reserve, for six months and then moved up to Baghdad to finish the deployment. Now, I have a unique challenge in ensuring that the command sergeant major gets where he needs to go."
As a soldier who has seen the war in Iraq from its very beginning, Richardson said, he has seen tremendous progress in the last five years.
"It has progressively gotten better each time," he said. "The Iraqi Army seems to have gotten the grasp of what to do and is getting more professional."
Each day in Iraq, Richardson is tasked with route planning, caring for his soldiers' physical and mental health, performing pre-combat checks and inspecting all gear and equipment. Then, once out on a patrol, he ensures the security of Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Eyer, Iron Brigade's command sergeant major.
As Richardson's team maintains the security of the area, he remains no more than an arm's length away from Eyer, acting as the last line of defense between him and any threats.
"We roll out five to six times a week," Richardson said. "Sometimes, the hardest part of the job is just trying to keep up with the sergeant major."
Richardson will remain in Iraq for the duration of this deployment with the Iron Brigade. Upon his return to Baumholder, he said, he plans to request a continuing position with the brigade, though he expects to be sent back to the United States to continue his Army career.
"I would love to stay if they'd have me," he said. "My wife is German, and she would love to stay in Germany."
Until then, Richardson is taking it one day at a time, as he has done on his previous deployments.
"I want to get myself and my guys all back home safely," he said. "I hope I don't have to come back, but if ordered, I will and complete the mission."
(Army Pfc. Michael Schuch serves in the 1st Armored Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - A handful of soldiers can say they have served three or more tours in Iraq. Few can say they served those three tours with the same unit. Army Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Richardson of Palm Springs, Fla., has deployed to Iraq with the 1st Armored Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team three times. In his nearly 15-year Army career, he has three deployments to Iraq and a deployment with the Iron Brigade to Kosovo in 1999 as part of Task Force Falcon – all with the same unit.
"We did security patrols in Kosovo. We either went out dismounted or mounted in Humvees in a peace-keeping operation for seven months," Richardson said.
Following his tour in Kosovo, Richardson returned with the Iron Brigade to the brigade's home in Baumholder, Germany. For the next several years, Richardson trained with the Iron Brigade – ready to be called upon for the next mission. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, it was only a matter of time.
In March 2003, the time came.
Richardson was a staff sergeant in charge of a section of Bradley fighting vehicles in Company C, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. When then-5th Corps Commander Lt. Gen. William Scott Wallace tasked the division for a mechanized infantry company for his headquarters security force, Richardson's unit became the first unit in 1st Armored Division to leave its garrisons in Germany and deploy to Kuwait.
In the Kuwaiti heat, the soldiers wore charcoal-lined protective suits and overboots for two weeks as a precaution against possible chemical attack, "which was not a pleasant experience," Richardson said.
"Our mission was to keep a 360-degree perimeter for the 5th Corps Tactical Army Command to ensure the general was not attacked," he said. "We were bounding up behind the 3rd Infantry Division, which was moving forward so fast. But we had to keep up with them to ensure the general had communications with them. We finally set up at Baghdad International Airport."
After Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed, the Army's focus shifted to stability operations and securing the country for the Iraqi population. Richardson's unit went to Camp Muleskinner in Rustimayah and operated around what are now Combat Outposts Cashe South and North. "We figured we would be in Iraq for around a year based on our orders," Richardson said.
But the division began a 15-month deployment, which was unprecedented at the time. Richardson and his unit began returning to Germany in March 2004. "As the first unit with boots on the ground in Iraq, we were the first to redeploy back to Germany," Richardson said. But in April 2004, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militia began its uprising, and the 1st Armored Division was extended for 120 days of extensive combat.
"We had already redeployed to Baumholder and gone on our 30-day leave," Richardson recalled. "I was back in the States when I got a phone call to return to Baumholder in order to deploy back to Iraq. I was disappointed, thinking I had survived Iraq after a long tough year of combat, and now I had to return."
Richardson deployed with Company C as the master gunner at brigade headquarters. He returned to Baumholder in July and to continue training and improving his own skills and those of the soldiers around him.
"When I got on the plane to return to Baumholder, I said to myself that I never wanted to come back to this place," Richardson said. He was offered an assignment in the United States, having completed more than a full tour in Germany. But rather than starting fresh with new soldiers in a separate unit, Richardson chose to remain an Iron Brigade soldier.
In November 2005, Richardson and his comrades answered their nation's call to duty yet again and deployed to Iraq.
"When they say to go, you have to go," he said. "I was thinking, 'OK this is the last time.'"
That deployment was different from the first. The Iron Brigade deployed as a separate brigade and not with the 1st Armored Division, and as U.S. Central Command's theater reserve force, remained in Kuwait for several months before its units deployed to Iraq.
Upon finishing his second tour in Iraq, Richardson returned to his family and started to consider his career options. He decided to start working toward becoming a platoon sergeant. Shortly thereafter, he was offered the chance to lead the command security detail for the brigade's command sergeant major. Richardson accepted the offer, taking on a new role in the Iron Brigade, and in April, Richardson deployed for his third tour in Iraq.
"This deployment is unique in the fact that I was in the forefront in the first deployment as a Bradley section leader," he said. "The second deployment, I was the master gunner, a part of the theater reserve, for six months and then moved up to Baghdad to finish the deployment. Now, I have a unique challenge in ensuring that the command sergeant major gets where he needs to go."
As a soldier who has seen the war in Iraq from its very beginning, Richardson said, he has seen tremendous progress in the last five years.
"It has progressively gotten better each time," he said. "The Iraqi Army seems to have gotten the grasp of what to do and is getting more professional."
Each day in Iraq, Richardson is tasked with route planning, caring for his soldiers' physical and mental health, performing pre-combat checks and inspecting all gear and equipment. Then, once out on a patrol, he ensures the security of Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Eyer, Iron Brigade's command sergeant major.
As Richardson's team maintains the security of the area, he remains no more than an arm's length away from Eyer, acting as the last line of defense between him and any threats.
"We roll out five to six times a week," Richardson said. "Sometimes, the hardest part of the job is just trying to keep up with the sergeant major."
Richardson will remain in Iraq for the duration of this deployment with the Iron Brigade. Upon his return to Baumholder, he said, he plans to request a continuing position with the brigade, though he expects to be sent back to the United States to continue his Army career.
"I would love to stay if they'd have me," he said. "My wife is German, and she would love to stay in Germany."
Until then, Richardson is taking it one day at a time, as he has done on his previous deployments.
"I want to get myself and my guys all back home safely," he said. "I hope I don't have to come back, but if ordered, I will and complete the mission."
(Army Pfc. Michael Schuch serves in the 1st Armored Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Air Guard Meets End-Strength Goal for First Time Since 2003
By Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - The Air National Guard has met its fiscal 2008 end-strength goal of 106,700 airmen, the first time it's met its target end strength since 2003, National Guard Bureau officials announced yesterday. Recruiting and retention combined to produce the achievement. The Air Guard recruited 1,194 airmen in August, 107 percent of its goal of 1,116. To date for fiscal 2008, which ends Sept. 30, the Air Guard has retained 16,518 personnel, 107.3 percent of its goal of 15,390.
Air Force Lt. Col. Randy Johnson, chief of Air Guard recruiting and retention, attributed the milestone to several factors, including the hard work of recruiters and retainers and the growth of advertising campaigns and recruiting initiatives.
"A half dozen things come to mind that made this possible," he said. "One reason was the constant leadership focus on recruiting."
Other reasons he cited include:
-- Administrative assistants working in recruiting offices the past two years have freed up recruiters from paperwork;
-- The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program – a paid referral program in which traditional drill-status Air Guardsmen, officers and retirees earn a "finder's fee" of $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists and reports to basic training -- has given the Air National Guard about 3,000 enlistments;
-- Expanded enlistment incentives and bonuses and personnel initiatives;
-- Robust advertising and outreach programs that include aerobatic pilot John Klatt and the Air Guard's mobile recruiting vehicle; and
-- The new voice of Air National Guard advertising, Nashville country music recording artist Laura Bryna, who has been making appearances showcasing her "Hometown Heroes" music video.
The Army Guard exceeded its programmed end strength by nearly 1,000 soldiers. It's now at 362,014 soldiers, 103 percent of its 351,133-soldier goal. It met its August monthly goal by recruiting 5,785 soldiers and retained 27,151 soldiers, 95 percent of its goal of 28,694.
Among the Army Guard's new recruiting programs announced this summer were the launch of a sponsored Indy Car race car and a mobile marketing campaign that lets potential recruits discover their inner "Rock Star" at fairs and music festivals throughout the country.
The Army Guard also has enlisted two superstars to attract new members and remind those already serving what the Guard is all about through a new nationwide theater advertising campaign that debuted Aug. 22.
The new "Warrior" campaign includes music from Kid Rock and features Dale Earnhardt Jr., the National Guard-sponsored NASCAR Sprint Cup driver. Kid Rock wrote a song specifically for the Army Guard campaign. The "Warrior" video is appearing in more than 3,000 theaters and on more than 27,000 screens around the country.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - The Air National Guard has met its fiscal 2008 end-strength goal of 106,700 airmen, the first time it's met its target end strength since 2003, National Guard Bureau officials announced yesterday. Recruiting and retention combined to produce the achievement. The Air Guard recruited 1,194 airmen in August, 107 percent of its goal of 1,116. To date for fiscal 2008, which ends Sept. 30, the Air Guard has retained 16,518 personnel, 107.3 percent of its goal of 15,390.
Air Force Lt. Col. Randy Johnson, chief of Air Guard recruiting and retention, attributed the milestone to several factors, including the hard work of recruiters and retainers and the growth of advertising campaigns and recruiting initiatives.
"A half dozen things come to mind that made this possible," he said. "One reason was the constant leadership focus on recruiting."
Other reasons he cited include:
-- Administrative assistants working in recruiting offices the past two years have freed up recruiters from paperwork;
-- The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program – a paid referral program in which traditional drill-status Air Guardsmen, officers and retirees earn a "finder's fee" of $2,000 for each new recruit who enlists and reports to basic training -- has given the Air National Guard about 3,000 enlistments;
-- Expanded enlistment incentives and bonuses and personnel initiatives;
-- Robust advertising and outreach programs that include aerobatic pilot John Klatt and the Air Guard's mobile recruiting vehicle; and
-- The new voice of Air National Guard advertising, Nashville country music recording artist Laura Bryna, who has been making appearances showcasing her "Hometown Heroes" music video.
The Army Guard exceeded its programmed end strength by nearly 1,000 soldiers. It's now at 362,014 soldiers, 103 percent of its 351,133-soldier goal. It met its August monthly goal by recruiting 5,785 soldiers and retained 27,151 soldiers, 95 percent of its goal of 28,694.
Among the Army Guard's new recruiting programs announced this summer were the launch of a sponsored Indy Car race car and a mobile marketing campaign that lets potential recruits discover their inner "Rock Star" at fairs and music festivals throughout the country.
The Army Guard also has enlisted two superstars to attract new members and remind those already serving what the Guard is all about through a new nationwide theater advertising campaign that debuted Aug. 22.
The new "Warrior" campaign includes music from Kid Rock and features Dale Earnhardt Jr., the National Guard-sponsored NASCAR Sprint Cup driver. Kid Rock wrote a song specifically for the Army Guard campaign. The "Warrior" video is appearing in more than 3,000 theaters and on more than 27,000 screens around the country.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Guard Couples Strengthen Marriages at 'Strong Bonds' Seminar
By Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - "Communication saves lives on the battlefield. It saves marriages, too."
That was a major theme that Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Antonio Daggett stressed at the National Guard Strong Bonds Marriage Seminar in Old Town Alexandria, Va., Sept. 5 to 7. About 20 Guard couples attended the retreat, which was geared to strengthen marriages through improving communication skills. Daggett, who works in the National Guard Bureau's chaplains' office here, facilitated the seminar that equips families with tools to combat the stressors of military service.
On Day 1 of the seminar, Daggett explained the danger signs of marriage communications, such as "escalation," and demonstrated them through videos of actual couples discussing their marital issues.
In one video, a conversation that started with household cleanliness escalated into talk of separation. The chaplain delved into other communication no-no's, such as withdrawal -- "Yes Dear, whatever you say, Dear" – and "invalidation," which he called a $10 word for name-calling.
"Our communications are pretty good, but could use a little tweaking," said Cynthia Cole, wife of Army Lt. Col. Reyes Cole of the National Guard Bureau's counterdrug office, who attended the weekend retreat.
By their own admission, it's been a stressful year for the Coles and their four young children. Along with recent deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, the colonel suffered a massive pulmonary embolism last year that almost ended his life.
"This has been a great way for us to decompress and reconnect and find out what we have been doing right and what we can improve on," Cynthia Cole said.
These seminars, held around the country for married Army and Air National Guard couples, are part of the Strong Bonds Program, which began in 1999 and was formerly known as Building Strong and Ready Families.
Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ron Martin-Minnich of the National Guard Bureau's chaplain's office said Strong Bond events are expected to take place at 110 Air National Guard and 285 Army National Guard units in 54 states and territories.
As fiscal 2008 wraps up and numbers are still being tallied, his office expected about 8,000 troops and their families to attend Strong Bonds events in the fiscal year. The program is funded at about $8 million annually and includes events for singles and families as well.
"This shows the major success we have made in expanding and increasing support to our families, just like the active duty," Martin-Minnich said.
Martin-Minnich credited the Guard's general officers for supporting his office through the Army Family Action Plan and their support of joint funding requests with the active duty, the Army Reserve and the Army Chief of Chaplain's Office.
He also credited Air National Guard Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley for supporting his office in expanding Strong Bonds to the Air Guard.
Daggett's seminar cost couples just a small registration fee and included two nights at the hotel, all meals, handouts and the book "12 Hours to a Great Marriage," as well as a dinner cruise on the Potomac River.
All agreed that Daggett's dynamic speaking style brought the subject matter to life and encouraged participation. Practice makes perfect: He has facilitated nine seminars, including several in the Virgin Islands. "Every time I help a marriage, I help my own," he said.
"Chaplain Daggett can take this material that was designed for civilians and make it mesh with our culture as soldiers and soldiers' families," said Virginia Guardsman Army Lt. Col. Barry Davis, who attended the weekend with his wife.
The animated, soft-spoken chaplain gripped the microphone with his left hand while his right moved like that of a New York City traffic cop, confirming what he said.
He illustrated many of his points with humor, citing the change in the mindset of the importance of the military family: "If any of you came into the military when I did in the early '80s, you remember how it was: You'd go up to your sergeant and say: 'Sergeant, I need to take my wife to the hospital.' Your sergeant would say, 'Soldier, the Army didn't issue you a wife.'"
To start the seminar, Daggett asked couples to stand up and introduce themselves and explain what made their marriage unique. The replies drew nods, smiles and some laughter:
-- "We're best friends."
-- "We've been married 37 years."
-- "We're very competitive."
-- "We seem to overcome every challenge thrown our way."
-- "We're not TV people. We like to burn some candles and listen to music."
The chaplain then reciprocated and introduced his wife of 26 years and pointed out that one of the ways his marriage is unique is that the couple has 10 children – "80 percent boys." He described their marriage as a launching pad for his kids into a global and competitive world.
With his pleasant voice and warm smile, he asked couples for expectations they may have had going into the marriage.
He got many replies:
-- "We were so in love and thought it would always be like that."
-- "She would stay home while I go to work."
-- "We didn't have any expectations. We were young, and just wanted to get married."
-- "I expected a fairy tale forever."
"So we all have expectations," Daggett said, wrapping up the lesson. "Some are subtle and unsaid. Some we take as a matter of fact [like] 'Surely he or she is going to be loyal to me.'"
The cuddly body language between Davis and his wife, Trasi, said they're happily married, so why was this couple, married just 15 months, at a marriage enrichment seminar?
"This is [preventive] maintenance," the colonel said. Trasi Davis echoed the thought: "Our marriage, I feel, is really strong, but as our pastor said, 'Marriage is like a house you plan on living in the rest of your life – both need constant maintenance.'"
Both have children from previous marriages. They keep their marriage fresh by laughing a lot and having game nights with the kids – complete with Dad's homemade pizza. They also have date nights, minus the kids.
"It was nice to get a weekend away and have it be with other couples that feel the same way we do about our marriage," Trasi Davis said.
The Coles enjoyed the chance to learn ways to improve their marriage as well. "I think one of the most important things the instructor said today was that the ultimate goal is to save the marriage, ... because the kids and society require it," Colonel Cole said.
He and his wife renewed their wedding vows with several others in the hotel's atrium on Day 2.
"It teaches you that you're a team and in a team there isn't any right person or wrong person," Colonel Cole said. Trasi Davis agreed. "The seminar teaches you to resolve conflict in an amicable way," she said.
"The course is not 'Death by PowerPoint.' It's interactive: you watch a video and everyone talks about it," Colonel Cole said.
To find an upcoming Strong Bonds retreat, visit www.strongbonds.org.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - "Communication saves lives on the battlefield. It saves marriages, too."
That was a major theme that Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Antonio Daggett stressed at the National Guard Strong Bonds Marriage Seminar in Old Town Alexandria, Va., Sept. 5 to 7. About 20 Guard couples attended the retreat, which was geared to strengthen marriages through improving communication skills. Daggett, who works in the National Guard Bureau's chaplains' office here, facilitated the seminar that equips families with tools to combat the stressors of military service.
On Day 1 of the seminar, Daggett explained the danger signs of marriage communications, such as "escalation," and demonstrated them through videos of actual couples discussing their marital issues.
In one video, a conversation that started with household cleanliness escalated into talk of separation. The chaplain delved into other communication no-no's, such as withdrawal -- "Yes Dear, whatever you say, Dear" – and "invalidation," which he called a $10 word for name-calling.
"Our communications are pretty good, but could use a little tweaking," said Cynthia Cole, wife of Army Lt. Col. Reyes Cole of the National Guard Bureau's counterdrug office, who attended the weekend retreat.
By their own admission, it's been a stressful year for the Coles and their four young children. Along with recent deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, the colonel suffered a massive pulmonary embolism last year that almost ended his life.
"This has been a great way for us to decompress and reconnect and find out what we have been doing right and what we can improve on," Cynthia Cole said.
These seminars, held around the country for married Army and Air National Guard couples, are part of the Strong Bonds Program, which began in 1999 and was formerly known as Building Strong and Ready Families.
Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ron Martin-Minnich of the National Guard Bureau's chaplain's office said Strong Bond events are expected to take place at 110 Air National Guard and 285 Army National Guard units in 54 states and territories.
As fiscal 2008 wraps up and numbers are still being tallied, his office expected about 8,000 troops and their families to attend Strong Bonds events in the fiscal year. The program is funded at about $8 million annually and includes events for singles and families as well.
"This shows the major success we have made in expanding and increasing support to our families, just like the active duty," Martin-Minnich said.
Martin-Minnich credited the Guard's general officers for supporting his office through the Army Family Action Plan and their support of joint funding requests with the active duty, the Army Reserve and the Army Chief of Chaplain's Office.
He also credited Air National Guard Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley for supporting his office in expanding Strong Bonds to the Air Guard.
Daggett's seminar cost couples just a small registration fee and included two nights at the hotel, all meals, handouts and the book "12 Hours to a Great Marriage," as well as a dinner cruise on the Potomac River.
All agreed that Daggett's dynamic speaking style brought the subject matter to life and encouraged participation. Practice makes perfect: He has facilitated nine seminars, including several in the Virgin Islands. "Every time I help a marriage, I help my own," he said.
"Chaplain Daggett can take this material that was designed for civilians and make it mesh with our culture as soldiers and soldiers' families," said Virginia Guardsman Army Lt. Col. Barry Davis, who attended the weekend with his wife.
The animated, soft-spoken chaplain gripped the microphone with his left hand while his right moved like that of a New York City traffic cop, confirming what he said.
He illustrated many of his points with humor, citing the change in the mindset of the importance of the military family: "If any of you came into the military when I did in the early '80s, you remember how it was: You'd go up to your sergeant and say: 'Sergeant, I need to take my wife to the hospital.' Your sergeant would say, 'Soldier, the Army didn't issue you a wife.'"
To start the seminar, Daggett asked couples to stand up and introduce themselves and explain what made their marriage unique. The replies drew nods, smiles and some laughter:
-- "We're best friends."
-- "We've been married 37 years."
-- "We're very competitive."
-- "We seem to overcome every challenge thrown our way."
-- "We're not TV people. We like to burn some candles and listen to music."
The chaplain then reciprocated and introduced his wife of 26 years and pointed out that one of the ways his marriage is unique is that the couple has 10 children – "80 percent boys." He described their marriage as a launching pad for his kids into a global and competitive world.
With his pleasant voice and warm smile, he asked couples for expectations they may have had going into the marriage.
He got many replies:
-- "We were so in love and thought it would always be like that."
-- "She would stay home while I go to work."
-- "We didn't have any expectations. We were young, and just wanted to get married."
-- "I expected a fairy tale forever."
"So we all have expectations," Daggett said, wrapping up the lesson. "Some are subtle and unsaid. Some we take as a matter of fact [like] 'Surely he or she is going to be loyal to me.'"
The cuddly body language between Davis and his wife, Trasi, said they're happily married, so why was this couple, married just 15 months, at a marriage enrichment seminar?
"This is [preventive] maintenance," the colonel said. Trasi Davis echoed the thought: "Our marriage, I feel, is really strong, but as our pastor said, 'Marriage is like a house you plan on living in the rest of your life – both need constant maintenance.'"
Both have children from previous marriages. They keep their marriage fresh by laughing a lot and having game nights with the kids – complete with Dad's homemade pizza. They also have date nights, minus the kids.
"It was nice to get a weekend away and have it be with other couples that feel the same way we do about our marriage," Trasi Davis said.
The Coles enjoyed the chance to learn ways to improve their marriage as well. "I think one of the most important things the instructor said today was that the ultimate goal is to save the marriage, ... because the kids and society require it," Colonel Cole said.
He and his wife renewed their wedding vows with several others in the hotel's atrium on Day 2.
"It teaches you that you're a team and in a team there isn't any right person or wrong person," Colonel Cole said. Trasi Davis agreed. "The seminar teaches you to resolve conflict in an amicable way," she said.
"The course is not 'Death by PowerPoint.' It's interactive: you watch a video and everyone talks about it," Colonel Cole said.
To find an upcoming Strong Bonds retreat, visit www.strongbonds.org.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Rudl serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
School District Partners With Community to Support Guard, Reserve
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - A small school district in South Dakota is being honored for its partnership with its military employees and the local community. Winner School District, in Winner, S.D., is one of 15 companies chosen to receive the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which recognizes employers who provide exceptional support to employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve.
Winner School District always has been family-oriented, so supporting its employees who serve in the military is like second nature, said Mike Hanson, school district superintendent. "We feel it's our responsibility to offer that support, to let them know we care," he said.
To support its military employees, Winner School District provides a pay supplement for the entire length of a Guard or reserve employee's deployment. Deployed employees also receive care packages from the staff and students and daily e-mails updating them on the latest district news. The district uses the middle school library as a video tele-conference location, where families can talk to deployed relatives.
The school district also focuses on the servicemembers' families while they're deployed. School board members have helped out by mowing lawns, taking children to school athletic events, and even tending to an expectant mother. When deployed employees return from their overseas service, they are placed in the same classroom, teaching the same grade, which aids in their transition to civilian life, Hanson said.
The school district partners with the community as well, hosting a Veterans Day community program that recognizes local veterans and servicemembers in the faculty and student body, Hanson said. The district also works with the local National Guard unit, he said.
Having employees who also serve in the military benefits the school district because they bring strong organizational skills and initiative to the workplace, said Hanson, who grew up in a military family. "We can get things done with people who have a strong background in the military," he said.
Hanson said he is excited about receiving the Freedom Award, and looks forward to continuing the school district's support of military employees.
"We want to keep the services we have and improve on them," he said. "We're very proud to be part of this partnership with the military and the community."
Winner School District will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - A small school district in South Dakota is being honored for its partnership with its military employees and the local community. Winner School District, in Winner, S.D., is one of 15 companies chosen to receive the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which recognizes employers who provide exceptional support to employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve.
Winner School District always has been family-oriented, so supporting its employees who serve in the military is like second nature, said Mike Hanson, school district superintendent. "We feel it's our responsibility to offer that support, to let them know we care," he said.
To support its military employees, Winner School District provides a pay supplement for the entire length of a Guard or reserve employee's deployment. Deployed employees also receive care packages from the staff and students and daily e-mails updating them on the latest district news. The district uses the middle school library as a video tele-conference location, where families can talk to deployed relatives.
The school district also focuses on the servicemembers' families while they're deployed. School board members have helped out by mowing lawns, taking children to school athletic events, and even tending to an expectant mother. When deployed employees return from their overseas service, they are placed in the same classroom, teaching the same grade, which aids in their transition to civilian life, Hanson said.
The school district partners with the community as well, hosting a Veterans Day community program that recognizes local veterans and servicemembers in the faculty and student body, Hanson said. The district also works with the local National Guard unit, he said.
Having employees who also serve in the military benefits the school district because they bring strong organizational skills and initiative to the workplace, said Hanson, who grew up in a military family. "We can get things done with people who have a strong background in the military," he said.
Hanson said he is excited about receiving the Freedom Award, and looks forward to continuing the school district's support of military employees.
"We want to keep the services we have and improve on them," he said. "We're very proud to be part of this partnership with the military and the community."
Winner School District will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
America Supports You: 'Widow Project' Documentary Release Nears
By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - A 75-minute documentary that focuses on the lives of six military widows from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will start making the rounds this month at military bases and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls across the country. "In the documentary, the women speak about everything from how they met their husbands to when they received that dreaded knock on the door," said Taryn Davis, founder and president of the American Widow Project. "Their stories and experiences have been made into this film."
Davis started filming this documentary a year ago and finished in April. On July 12, 2008, she screened the film for more than 30 military widows from all over the country.
"As I sat in the theater, I heard them cry, cheer and even laugh," Davis said. "I saw the film doing what it was meant to do - allowing them to work through their grief and mourning by hearing the candid stories of those who have and are going through the same thing."
Davis said she completed the documentary to reach out to the widows and widowers who are not aware of the American Widow Project, a home-front group of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, and to raise awareness of the organization as a whole.
"When I lost my husband, Cpl. Michael Davis, on May 21, 2007, I found very few resources that spoke to me," Davis said. "I wanted something that would candidly tell me which obstacles I would face in the next weeks, months and years - something that would tell me what to do with his belongings, how to celebrate anniversaries and inspire me to take on this new world without my husband," she said.
In talking with other widows, Davis said, she realized she was not alone in her feelings and started the American Widow Project to help herself and others like her. The project boasts 140 friends, all military widows, on its "widows-only" MySpace page.
Davis also hopes, through the American Widow Project, to offer a hotline for widows to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With other widows taking calls, she envisions the hotline as a networking system to connect widows to people in their communities who would like to volunteer their time and services - whether it be babysitting or counseling - to show their thanks and appreciation for the sacrifice their loved ones made.
The American Widow Project documentary will be sent free of charge to all military widows and widowers. The public also can buy the DVD, with all the proceeds going back into the organization.
The documentary will be available on the American Widow Project Web site later this month. A preview can be seen on YouTube.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2008 - A 75-minute documentary that focuses on the lives of six military widows from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will start making the rounds this month at military bases and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls across the country. "In the documentary, the women speak about everything from how they met their husbands to when they received that dreaded knock on the door," said Taryn Davis, founder and president of the American Widow Project. "Their stories and experiences have been made into this film."
Davis started filming this documentary a year ago and finished in April. On July 12, 2008, she screened the film for more than 30 military widows from all over the country.
"As I sat in the theater, I heard them cry, cheer and even laugh," Davis said. "I saw the film doing what it was meant to do - allowing them to work through their grief and mourning by hearing the candid stories of those who have and are going through the same thing."
Davis said she completed the documentary to reach out to the widows and widowers who are not aware of the American Widow Project, a home-front group of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, and to raise awareness of the organization as a whole.
"When I lost my husband, Cpl. Michael Davis, on May 21, 2007, I found very few resources that spoke to me," Davis said. "I wanted something that would candidly tell me which obstacles I would face in the next weeks, months and years - something that would tell me what to do with his belongings, how to celebrate anniversaries and inspire me to take on this new world without my husband," she said.
In talking with other widows, Davis said, she realized she was not alone in her feelings and started the American Widow Project to help herself and others like her. The project boasts 140 friends, all military widows, on its "widows-only" MySpace page.
Davis also hopes, through the American Widow Project, to offer a hotline for widows to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With other widows taking calls, she envisions the hotline as a networking system to connect widows to people in their communities who would like to volunteer their time and services - whether it be babysitting or counseling - to show their thanks and appreciation for the sacrifice their loved ones made.
The American Widow Project documentary will be sent free of charge to all military widows and widowers. The public also can buy the DVD, with all the proceeds going back into the organization.
The documentary will be available on the American Widow Project Web site later this month. A preview can be seen on YouTube.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
