By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - The photo splashed onto the two large screens in the conference room looked scary. The man's black hair was choppy and tousled. Looking straight into the camera, his eyelids drooped abnormally, revealing the dark-red tissue deep in the sockets. His swollen lips sagged to bare his bottom teeth. Scars cut across his face.
"This soldier would have been very welcome last Saturday night at Halloween," said Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. "The kids in his neighborhood would have said 'Great costume. Who did your makeup?'"
The photo was not, however, of a soldier made up for Halloween. He was a disfigured casualty of war.
And while internally his wounds may have been well on their way to recovery, on the outside his scars would have made it difficult to return to any measure of normal life.
"We were sending him out into civilian life saying, 'This is as good as it gets. Thanks for serving your country,'" Amos said.
The next slide Amos projected showed the same soldier without most the disfiguring facial features. His lips were not as swollen. The scars were not as deep, and most of his nose was intact. His face was not the same as it was before his injuries, but the improvements were dramatic, and ongoing.
"He can walk out and go to his child's school play or PTA conference and without terrifying the kids," Amos said.
The general used the slides to illustrate the best of the military's partnership with civilian medical doctors.
Amos opened the Partnership for Military Medicine symposium held here today that aimed to bring together top military and civilian medical practitioners in an effort to boost the cooperation between the two to help troops recovering from the more advanced war wounds. About 150 doctors, nurses, scientists, military and civilian officials, and a handful of wounded warriors, turned out for the symposium. It offered panelists speaking on topics ranging from infectious diseases to humanitarian aid to traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Already, around the world, civilian experts have teamed with medical treatment facilities to provide historical breakthroughs in treating some of the complicated wounds suffered in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Still, there is more to be done, Amos said.
It was a civilian medical practice that restored the soldier's facial features. The general acknowledged that the military simply cannot afford to train and keep the more highly skilled, specialized medical practitioners. "We can't afford to keep them, yet they reside out there in civilian medicine and at great medical universities and hospitals across this country. And you know what I found? They want to help," Amos said.
Amos has seen his share of troops disfigured by war. He has traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan and all parts in between, meeting with troops and families in military treatment facilities. He praised military medicine, but said it was simply unprepared for the volume of injured troops that infused their overflowing facilities during peaks in the two wars.
"When I say we were ill-prepared, it's not because our hearts weren't right, but the magnitude of the numbers became staggering," he said. But military medicine, science and technology stepped up to the task, he added, and he praised advancements in amputee and burn-victim care.
Amos said he is hardly concerned now about simple gunshot wounds. They'll be well cared for, he said. Even some amputations -- such as a single, below-the-knee amputation -- have, sadly, become routine, and are no longer the threat they were at the start of the wars.
Two weeks ago, Amos visited a young Navy SEAL who lost his leg in the war.
"I can look him in the eye and tell him, and be completely honest, he will be fine," Amos said. "He will run again. He will serve again. And he will continue with a very happy and fruitful life because of the capabilities that we have."
But Amos's slides pointed to the more seriously injured troops, where military medicine stops, and the specialized skills found only in the civilian market start. Probably the starkest example was Marine Corps Capt. Josh Maloney, whose right hand was destroyed by a bomb in Iraq in 2007.
A civilian transplant specialist successfully attached a new hand to the Marine in March. Amos met with Maloney after the transplant.
"Josh walked up to me, grabbed my hand and shook it as firmly as I'd shake the hand of anybody in this room, and I went 'Holy smokes!'" Amos said.
It was Amos's final few slides, however, that pointed to he need for greater collaboration.
One picture, taken two years ago, showed Amos with a few young, healthy Marines, standing in the sun, looking very Marine-like. It was a celebration photo taken on one of Amos's trips to Iraq. The three Marines had survived the blast of a 200-pound bomb. The mine-resistant, armor-protected vehicle in which they were riding was mangled. But the three walked away with no apparent injuries.
"We sat out there when we had that picture taken and we high-fived each other, and it was great," he said.
Amos attributed their survival to the MRAP and to the billions of dollars spent by the Defense Department to provide the vehicles.
"I felt good. I said 'America saved your life,'" he said. "This is the reason we did it. Those three young men went home to their wives and families. They're OK."
The general paused.
"Not yet," he said.
Two months ago, Amos again met with one of the Marines in the picture. This time, it was at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Amos's final slide showed the once smiling and fit Marine lying in a hospital bed, swollen and disheveled, with wires strung from monitoring machines taped across his body.
When the Marine survived the blast, there were no scans in place to ensure there was no internal damage. He looked healthy on the outside. It turns out the Marine suffered a traumatic brain injury. It was the seventh blast the ordnance specialist had endured.
The young Marine's endocrine system was knocked "haywire," Amos said. The endocrine system is similar to the body's nervous system, but regulates metabolism, tissue function and internal functions such as temperature and water balance. His back also was broken. The Marine finished his deployment, but needed heavy painkillers to make it home.
For two years, it was one problem after another, Amos said. Now he stood before the Marine again, this time with his wife by his bed in tears.
"He lost his life in the two years that followed," Amos said. "I'll be honest with you, we let him down. And I'll just leave it at that."
Now, though, the Marine is receiving treatment at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, reportedly one of the best facilities for endocrine system treatment. Navy medicine "has their arms around him," Amos said, but they have to go outside to a civilian hospital for the care.
"That's collaboration. That's where that really, really deep talent on the bench resides," Amos said. "The wounds are so severe that we need your help."
Amos said he is sometimes frustrated by the resistance of some in military medicine to reach out to their civilian counterparts. But those walls are coming down, he promised. Now is the time to talk collaboration, the general said.
"If you're not wearing this uniform ... but you're out there [as] just a regular American scientist or doctor or technician, ... we need your help," he appealed. "We can't do this without you."
Friday, November 06, 2009
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 6, 2009
AIR FORCE
BEM-Bay West, JV, Saint Paul, Minn. (FA8903-10-D-8593); CAPE, Inc., San Antonio, Texas (FA8903-10-D-8593); North Wind, Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho (FA8903-10-D-8597); Sullivan-Weston Services, JV, San Diego, Calif. (FA8903-10-D-8599); Bhate Environmental Associates, Inc., Birmingham, Ala. (FA8903-10-D-8596); Hydrogeologic, Inc., Reston, Va. (FA8903-10-D-8596); Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises, Milwaukee, Wis., were awarded a $350,000,000 contract that will provide environmental restoration and remediation support. ITT Corporation, Systems Division, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $5,847,128 contract which will provide the Eastern and Western Range architecture and requirements option of an additional year. At this time, $3,000 for each contract has been obligated. The contracting activity is AFCEE/ACX, Brooks City-Base, Texas.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $143,212,054 contract which will provide C-5 Avionics Modernization Program sustainment support. At this time, no money has been obligated. The contracting activity is 330 SW, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., (FA8525-06-D-0001, P00013).
Berrie Hill Research Corp., of Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $24,600,000 contract which will provide for research and development for radio frequency electro-optical subsystems, components and devices integration task order contract. At this time, $50,000 has been obligated. The contracting activity is AFRL/PKSE, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, (FA8650-10-D-1746, P0001 and P0002).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Signal Engineering, Inc., San Diego, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $12,294,000 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract for emergency radio beacon network. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 5, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A6-10-C-0023).
McRae Industries, Inc., Mount Gilead, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $8,795,175 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set aside contract for army combat boots. Other locations of performance are located in North Carolina and Illinois. Using services are Army and Air Force. The original proposal was web solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first option year period. The date of performance completion is Nov. 6, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-0011).
Buckeye Energy Services, LLC, Telford, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $5,944,272 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. There are other locations of performance throughout Pennsylvania. Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-8500).
NAVY
Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $9,962,133 firm-fixed-price contract for repair work onboard the USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49). This contract is for the drydock selected restricted availability of USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) to include drydock and topside maintenance repair work. Extensive coordination is required for the drydock evolution, in addition to the numerous systems onboard to be repaired. This contract includes eight options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $11,960,293. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $9,962,133 willexpire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five proposals solicited and two offers received. The contracting activity is the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., (N40027-10-C-0003).
BEM-Bay West, JV, Saint Paul, Minn. (FA8903-10-D-8593); CAPE, Inc., San Antonio, Texas (FA8903-10-D-8593); North Wind, Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho (FA8903-10-D-8597); Sullivan-Weston Services, JV, San Diego, Calif. (FA8903-10-D-8599); Bhate Environmental Associates, Inc., Birmingham, Ala. (FA8903-10-D-8596); Hydrogeologic, Inc., Reston, Va. (FA8903-10-D-8596); Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises, Milwaukee, Wis., were awarded a $350,000,000 contract that will provide environmental restoration and remediation support. ITT Corporation, Systems Division, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $5,847,128 contract which will provide the Eastern and Western Range architecture and requirements option of an additional year. At this time, $3,000 for each contract has been obligated. The contracting activity is AFCEE/ACX, Brooks City-Base, Texas.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $143,212,054 contract which will provide C-5 Avionics Modernization Program sustainment support. At this time, no money has been obligated. The contracting activity is 330 SW, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., (FA8525-06-D-0001, P00013).
Berrie Hill Research Corp., of Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $24,600,000 contract which will provide for research and development for radio frequency electro-optical subsystems, components and devices integration task order contract. At this time, $50,000 has been obligated. The contracting activity is AFRL/PKSE, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, (FA8650-10-D-1746, P0001 and P0002).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Signal Engineering, Inc., San Diego, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $12,294,000 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract for emergency radio beacon network. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 5, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A6-10-C-0023).
McRae Industries, Inc., Mount Gilead, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $8,795,175 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, total set aside contract for army combat boots. Other locations of performance are located in North Carolina and Illinois. Using services are Army and Air Force. The original proposal was web solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first option year period. The date of performance completion is Nov. 6, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-0011).
Buckeye Energy Services, LLC, Telford, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $5,944,272 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. There are other locations of performance throughout Pennsylvania. Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-8500).
NAVY
Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $9,962,133 firm-fixed-price contract for repair work onboard the USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49). This contract is for the drydock selected restricted availability of USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) to include drydock and topside maintenance repair work. Extensive coordination is required for the drydock evolution, in addition to the numerous systems onboard to be repaired. This contract includes eight options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $11,960,293. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $9,962,133 willexpire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five proposals solicited and two offers received. The contracting activity is the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., (N40027-10-C-0003).
Fort Hood Shooting Underscores Need for Military Family Assistance
USA Cares responds by establishing a Ft. Hood Family Emergency Fund
USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson had just climbed the stairs on his way into a meeting with the Veteran’s Administration in Washington when his Blackberry mobile phone signaled him with an incoming email. The message was from his Dallas, Texas Field Representative informing him about the horrific event at the largest military installation in her area of responsibility.
Stephanie Melson is the USA Cares Field Representative who spends a large portion of her time interfacing with various support organizations on the base at Fort Hood. Her message to Bill Nelson was terse, “Bad news – they just broke in & mentioned that there has been a shooting at Ft Hood. 7 are dead, 12 injured & we don’t really know much other detail. The base is on lockdown at the moment”.
That sketchy and short message loomed very large in Nelson’s mind as he entered the VA Headquarters. For many at the VA, Nelson’s relayed message was the first they had heard about the shootings.
According to Nelson, “This tragedy certainly underscores the need for robust public and private sector support of America’s military personnel and their families”. He went on to add “this will result in many family members needing emergency travel, lodging and other resources. USA Cares has established a Fort Hood Family Emergency Fund to assist with these and other unforeseen difficulties”.
Nelson immediately contacted Dennis Miller, the National Spokesperson for USA Cares who announced the creation of this fund on his national talk radio program “The Dennis Miller Show”. He did this by saying on-air to the 220 or more stations carrying his show daily “I just want to let all of my Fort Hood listeners know that if any of the victim families need any assistance to contact USA Cares by calling 1-800-773-0387 and ask for Forest.”
Nelson had already assigned one of his senior Family Resource Coordinators in charge of this contingency. Forest (last name not published), a 20 plus year US Army retiree, was asked to field calls in lieu of the normal website application for assistance that the organization usually requires. He did this in order to be as responsive as possible to grieving and anxious family members needing to be near their loved one at Fort Hood.
Anyone wishing to donate to USA Cares’ Ft. Hood Family Emergency Fund can do so by visiting usacares.org, clicking the donate button and noting “Fort Hood Fund” along with their contribution of any amount.
About USA Cares
USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: To help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. In six years, USA Cares has received over 19,000 requests and responded with more than $6.3 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact John Revell, jrevell@usacares.org or call (270) 352-5451 x101.
USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson had just climbed the stairs on his way into a meeting with the Veteran’s Administration in Washington when his Blackberry mobile phone signaled him with an incoming email. The message was from his Dallas, Texas Field Representative informing him about the horrific event at the largest military installation in her area of responsibility.
Stephanie Melson is the USA Cares Field Representative who spends a large portion of her time interfacing with various support organizations on the base at Fort Hood. Her message to Bill Nelson was terse, “Bad news – they just broke in & mentioned that there has been a shooting at Ft Hood. 7 are dead, 12 injured & we don’t really know much other detail. The base is on lockdown at the moment”.
That sketchy and short message loomed very large in Nelson’s mind as he entered the VA Headquarters. For many at the VA, Nelson’s relayed message was the first they had heard about the shootings.
According to Nelson, “This tragedy certainly underscores the need for robust public and private sector support of America’s military personnel and their families”. He went on to add “this will result in many family members needing emergency travel, lodging and other resources. USA Cares has established a Fort Hood Family Emergency Fund to assist with these and other unforeseen difficulties”.
Nelson immediately contacted Dennis Miller, the National Spokesperson for USA Cares who announced the creation of this fund on his national talk radio program “The Dennis Miller Show”. He did this by saying on-air to the 220 or more stations carrying his show daily “I just want to let all of my Fort Hood listeners know that if any of the victim families need any assistance to contact USA Cares by calling 1-800-773-0387 and ask for Forest.”
Nelson had already assigned one of his senior Family Resource Coordinators in charge of this contingency. Forest (last name not published), a 20 plus year US Army retiree, was asked to field calls in lieu of the normal website application for assistance that the organization usually requires. He did this in order to be as responsive as possible to grieving and anxious family members needing to be near their loved one at Fort Hood.
Anyone wishing to donate to USA Cares’ Ft. Hood Family Emergency Fund can do so by visiting usacares.org, clicking the donate button and noting “Fort Hood Fund” along with their contribution of any amount.
About USA Cares
USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: To help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. In six years, USA Cares has received over 19,000 requests and responded with more than $6.3 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact John Revell, jrevell@usacares.org or call (270) 352-5451 x101.
Physicians Discuss H1N1 Lessons Learned
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Senior medical officials who successfully slowed the spread of H1N1 flu virus at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., published what they learned in an October article featured in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Catherine Witkop, a preventive medicine physician from the 10th Medical Group, told participants in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable yesterday that medical officials at the academy acted quickly to set up a team to look at some of the virus's characteristics.
"I was really pleased that we were able to capitalize on the opportunity to actually learn more about the virus and provide that information to the Centers for Disease Control, to the military, [and] to the United States at large," she said.
Witkop and Air Force Col. (Dr.) Kenneth K. Knight, 10th Medical Group commander, discussed what other institutions may be able to do to manage H1N1's spread. Witkop noted that some of the lessons learned from the summer outbreak can apply at other training facilities, such as Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
With a large population of trainees living in very close quarters, Witkop said, controlling the virus's spread at Lackland and limiting absenteeism from the six-week training period "is really crucial to completing that mission."
"So we've done our best to share as much information as possible, as quickly as possible," she said, "since this is such a timely issue."
During a four-week period in July, 11 percent of the Air Force Academy's basic cadet population became ill. "There are 134 confirmed cases of H1N1 and 33 suspect cases, meaning they had all the same symptoms, but were not tested," Witkop said.
Many challenges had to be considered quickly, Knight said, such as how to treat patients, how to limit interactions with others, when to hospitalize, and how to isolate the cadets.
"It was a medical issue that had a huge implication to what their job was about," he said. "We did lots of different approaches as we were scrambling with the line leadership as how to isolate, talking with CDC, [and] figuring out what the appropriate treatment is," Knight said.
"And it appears, then," he added, "with any epidemiologic conclusion, [that] what we did was effective."
Knight said the academy's medical group was careful to share lessons learned through the outbreak's many phases.
"When we were in the thick of things, we were daily sharing what our experience was with the public health department downtown, with all the other local military medical facilities, with the other academies, comparing notes as to what their experiences were with Lackland [and] with the line leadership," Knight said. "Our line leadership here was pushing information up to the chief of staff of the Air Force. So near-term, we were essentially getting out real-time information as to what was going on, to share that experience."
Witkop spearheaded the article submission to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine while sharing the lessons with the CDC.
"We've shared this information with the CDC well before it got published, so that they would have the information to adjust the guidelines that they were publishing," Knight explained.
Isolation has proven to be a key factor in controlling the outbreak at the academy, Witkop said.
"Our current approach is ... to isolate the cadets; however, they are self-isolating per the CDC's guidelines," she said. "So they would go back to their dorm rooms, continuing until they are seven days from onset of symptoms and 24 hours after being symptom-free."
Both said public health education reminders are the key ways academy officials are preventing another outbreak among cadets, and that messages to wash hands, use sanitizers and cover coughs are shared continuously.
Meanwhile, Witkop said, academy medical officials continue to monitor the situation closely and continue their public health efforts.
"We're continuing to follow very closely ... the numbers of cadets who are ill, to make sure that we're not approaching another outbreak situation," she said. "We have daily reports from all of our various clinics about the numbers of both cadets and those in the community."
To read more about the published article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, visit http://www.ajpm-online.net/content/advance.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Senior medical officials who successfully slowed the spread of H1N1 flu virus at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., published what they learned in an October article featured in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Catherine Witkop, a preventive medicine physician from the 10th Medical Group, told participants in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable yesterday that medical officials at the academy acted quickly to set up a team to look at some of the virus's characteristics.
"I was really pleased that we were able to capitalize on the opportunity to actually learn more about the virus and provide that information to the Centers for Disease Control, to the military, [and] to the United States at large," she said.
Witkop and Air Force Col. (Dr.) Kenneth K. Knight, 10th Medical Group commander, discussed what other institutions may be able to do to manage H1N1's spread. Witkop noted that some of the lessons learned from the summer outbreak can apply at other training facilities, such as Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
With a large population of trainees living in very close quarters, Witkop said, controlling the virus's spread at Lackland and limiting absenteeism from the six-week training period "is really crucial to completing that mission."
"So we've done our best to share as much information as possible, as quickly as possible," she said, "since this is such a timely issue."
During a four-week period in July, 11 percent of the Air Force Academy's basic cadet population became ill. "There are 134 confirmed cases of H1N1 and 33 suspect cases, meaning they had all the same symptoms, but were not tested," Witkop said.
Many challenges had to be considered quickly, Knight said, such as how to treat patients, how to limit interactions with others, when to hospitalize, and how to isolate the cadets.
"It was a medical issue that had a huge implication to what their job was about," he said. "We did lots of different approaches as we were scrambling with the line leadership as how to isolate, talking with CDC, [and] figuring out what the appropriate treatment is," Knight said.
"And it appears, then," he added, "with any epidemiologic conclusion, [that] what we did was effective."
Knight said the academy's medical group was careful to share lessons learned through the outbreak's many phases.
"When we were in the thick of things, we were daily sharing what our experience was with the public health department downtown, with all the other local military medical facilities, with the other academies, comparing notes as to what their experiences were with Lackland [and] with the line leadership," Knight said. "Our line leadership here was pushing information up to the chief of staff of the Air Force. So near-term, we were essentially getting out real-time information as to what was going on, to share that experience."
Witkop spearheaded the article submission to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine while sharing the lessons with the CDC.
"We've shared this information with the CDC well before it got published, so that they would have the information to adjust the guidelines that they were publishing," Knight explained.
Isolation has proven to be a key factor in controlling the outbreak at the academy, Witkop said.
"Our current approach is ... to isolate the cadets; however, they are self-isolating per the CDC's guidelines," she said. "So they would go back to their dorm rooms, continuing until they are seven days from onset of symptoms and 24 hours after being symptom-free."
Both said public health education reminders are the key ways academy officials are preventing another outbreak among cadets, and that messages to wash hands, use sanitizers and cover coughs are shared continuously.
Meanwhile, Witkop said, academy medical officials continue to monitor the situation closely and continue their public health efforts.
"We're continuing to follow very closely ... the numbers of cadets who are ill, to make sure that we're not approaching another outbreak situation," she said. "We have daily reports from all of our various clinics about the numbers of both cadets and those in the community."
To read more about the published article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, visit http://www.ajpm-online.net/content/advance.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Obama Proclamation Honors Fort Hood Victims
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama issued a formal proclamation today honoring the victims of yesterday's shootings at Fort Hood, Texas. Here is the complete text:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Our Nation's thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.
As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Barack Obama
Nov. 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama issued a formal proclamation today honoring the victims of yesterday's shootings at Fort Hood, Texas. Here is the complete text:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Our Nation's thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.
As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Barack Obama
National Guard Chief Offers Fort Hood Condolences
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Fort Hood, Texas, was uppermost in the minds of National Guard members today, especially with an Alabama citizen-soldier reportedly among the wounded after a deadly shooting rampage there. "The thoughts and prayers of the National Guard are with Fort Hood Soldiers, their families and the local community today," Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said in a tweet on Twitter.
The National Guard Bureau held a moment of remembrance at noon today. About 2,000 National Guard soldiers from six states are currently stationed at Fort Hood, Guard Bureau officials said. The Birmingham (Ala.) News reported that an Alabama Guard soldier is among the wounded, but Fort Hood officials could not confirm that information.
"Our hearts go out to everyone there at Fort Hood and to the families," said Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Bachus, public affairs officer for the Alabama National Guard. "Our concerns are with them. Our sympathies are with them." About 350 Alabama Guard members from the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command arrived at Fort Hood on Nov. 2 to prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan. "We are in constant contact with the chain of command to ensure that our soldiers' well-being is taken care of," Bachus said. "Any type of support that we can offer the families back here, we are offering them."
Alabama residents rallied to support their mobilized troops, Bachus said. "We have a lot of good support," she said. "The citizens of Alabama support the National Guard and all the military."
Other states with Guard members at Fort Hood included Arizona, Michigan, Nebraska, New York and Texas. Numbers range from an individual augmentee from New York – a single soldier on his way to join another unit in theater – to hundreds of deploying soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard.
The Army Times reported a flood of support through social media as Thursday's tragedy unfolded. McKinley expressed his condolences through Twitter, as did Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, among many other leaders, servicemembers and civilians. Mrs. Mullen said in her tweet that it was difficult for her to express how very sad she is at the "senseless" shooting and that she is praying for the victims, their families and their friends.
Some state National Guard officials used Twitter and Facebook to provide updates on the status of their soldiers and offer condolences.
"Two Oregon Natl Guardsmen at Ft Hood are safe," OregonGuard said in a tweet. "Our prayers go out to all affected by this tragedy."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Fort Hood, Texas, was uppermost in the minds of National Guard members today, especially with an Alabama citizen-soldier reportedly among the wounded after a deadly shooting rampage there. "The thoughts and prayers of the National Guard are with Fort Hood Soldiers, their families and the local community today," Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said in a tweet on Twitter.
The National Guard Bureau held a moment of remembrance at noon today. About 2,000 National Guard soldiers from six states are currently stationed at Fort Hood, Guard Bureau officials said. The Birmingham (Ala.) News reported that an Alabama Guard soldier is among the wounded, but Fort Hood officials could not confirm that information.
"Our hearts go out to everyone there at Fort Hood and to the families," said Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Bachus, public affairs officer for the Alabama National Guard. "Our concerns are with them. Our sympathies are with them." About 350 Alabama Guard members from the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command arrived at Fort Hood on Nov. 2 to prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan. "We are in constant contact with the chain of command to ensure that our soldiers' well-being is taken care of," Bachus said. "Any type of support that we can offer the families back here, we are offering them."
Alabama residents rallied to support their mobilized troops, Bachus said. "We have a lot of good support," she said. "The citizens of Alabama support the National Guard and all the military."
Other states with Guard members at Fort Hood included Arizona, Michigan, Nebraska, New York and Texas. Numbers range from an individual augmentee from New York – a single soldier on his way to join another unit in theater – to hundreds of deploying soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard.
The Army Times reported a flood of support through social media as Thursday's tragedy unfolded. McKinley expressed his condolences through Twitter, as did Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, among many other leaders, servicemembers and civilians. Mrs. Mullen said in her tweet that it was difficult for her to express how very sad she is at the "senseless" shooting and that she is praying for the victims, their families and their friends.
Some state National Guard officials used Twitter and Facebook to provide updates on the status of their soldiers and offer condolences.
"Two Oregon Natl Guardsmen at Ft Hood are safe," OregonGuard said in a tweet. "Our prayers go out to all affected by this tragedy."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
President Orders Flags to Half-Staff
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day in honor of the victims of yesterday's shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. Twelve soldiers and a civilian were killed and 30 others were wounded when Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan allegedly opened fire on the base in what the president described yesterday as a "horrific outburst of violence."
From now until the Nov. 11 Veterans Day observance, flags will fly at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings.
"This is a modest tribute to those who lost their lives even as many were preparing to risk their lives for their country," Obama said today in the White House Rose Garden. "And it's also a recognition of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our safety and uphold our values.
"We honor their service, we stand in awe of their sacrifice, and we pray for the safety of those who fight and for the families of those who have fallen," he added.
Obama met this morning with FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III and representatives of other relevant agencies to get an update on the ongoing investigation. He said his administration would continue providing details surrounding the attack as they emerge.
"We don't know all the answers yet, and I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts," the president said. "What we do know is that there are family, friends and an entire nation grieving right now for the valiant men and women who came under attack yesterday in one of the worst mass shootings ever to take place on an American military base."
The sprawling Central Texas base covers some 340 square miles and is home to 40,000 soldiers. Officials there said they are focused on caring for the wounded, securing the base, notifying victims' families and providing grief counseling.
A family hotline is available to obtain information at 254-288-7570.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said today that Obama will attend a yet-to-be-scheduled memorial service for the victims. Noting that members of more than a dozen units from around the country were present when the shooting took place, Gibbs said notification of families was still ongoing and that any memorial service should be scheduled with the families' convenience in mind.
Officials have not established a motive for the shooting spree, Gibbs said, adding that the president discussed the attack's impact on troop morale in discussions yesterday with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day in honor of the victims of yesterday's shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. Twelve soldiers and a civilian were killed and 30 others were wounded when Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan allegedly opened fire on the base in what the president described yesterday as a "horrific outburst of violence."
From now until the Nov. 11 Veterans Day observance, flags will fly at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings.
"This is a modest tribute to those who lost their lives even as many were preparing to risk their lives for their country," Obama said today in the White House Rose Garden. "And it's also a recognition of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our safety and uphold our values.
"We honor their service, we stand in awe of their sacrifice, and we pray for the safety of those who fight and for the families of those who have fallen," he added.
Obama met this morning with FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III and representatives of other relevant agencies to get an update on the ongoing investigation. He said his administration would continue providing details surrounding the attack as they emerge.
"We don't know all the answers yet, and I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts," the president said. "What we do know is that there are family, friends and an entire nation grieving right now for the valiant men and women who came under attack yesterday in one of the worst mass shootings ever to take place on an American military base."
The sprawling Central Texas base covers some 340 square miles and is home to 40,000 soldiers. Officials there said they are focused on caring for the wounded, securing the base, notifying victims' families and providing grief counseling.
A family hotline is available to obtain information at 254-288-7570.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said today that Obama will attend a yet-to-be-scheduled memorial service for the victims. Noting that members of more than a dozen units from around the country were present when the shooting took place, Gibbs said notification of families was still ongoing and that any memorial service should be scheduled with the families' convenience in mind.
Officials have not established a motive for the shooting spree, Gibbs said, adding that the president discussed the attack's impact on troop morale in discussions yesterday with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
Witnesses Recall Berlin Wall's Fall
By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - A divided Berlin symbolized the Cold War. The Berlin Wall was a concrete example of the divide between East and West, between totalitarianism and democracy, between communism and capitalism. For millions of U.S. servicemembers, the celebratory scenes at the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989, were cause for deep satisfaction.
Since World War II, millions of soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines held the line in West Germany. Their very presence was enough to secure half a continent for freedom. When the wall fell, more than 300,000 American servicemembers were in West Germany, witnessing history.
"We were watching developments for weeks as events unfolded," said Jeff Anderson a building contractor in San Antonio who was an Army infantry sergeant in the Berlin Brigade near Checkpoint Charlie at the time.
Restrictions had been loosening for weeks, he recalled, as Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Germans and other captive people streamed out of Eastern Europe to freedom in the West. After several weeks of unrest in East Germany, officials there announced that all citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin.
"As soon as the East Germans made the announcement, thousands of people came down to the wall in both the East and West," Anderson said. "We weren't sure what was happening.
"In the East, the border guards at first were pushing people back, they were trying to check identity cards," he continued. "But then the pressure became just too much, and they just let people stream through. When they met West Berliners, it was the start of the most joyous celebration I have ever seen."
The first wave of people came at night, and thousands more came the next day. People climbed atop the wall, and East German border guards finally knocked a hole in it to ease transit, Anderson said. Tens of thousands of people drank champagne and threw flowers. U.S. soldiers just waved everybody through. "We were as happy as they were," he said.
While the Berlin Wall was the most obvious symbol, the fence between East and West Germany was equally deadly, and opened just as quickly.
Army Lt. Col. Rich Dow works in the Joint Staff's operations section of the Pentagon now. In 1989, he was a second lieutenant platoon leader working military intelligence in the 5th Corps area of responsibility. "My job was to help stop the Soviet horde from coming through the Fulda Gap," Dow recalled with a smile.
"It was hard for us to believe it was happening, and we were all amazed at its speed," he said. "It was almost a fatalistic attitude when you consider that if we looked across the border, we saw they had a huge advantage in infantry and tanks and artillery. We fully understood that our job was to buy time until forces could come in to reinforce us."
As events proceeded, Dow and others realized just how hollow the forces were that faced West Germany. But they remained concerned about how events might play out.
"During all the changes, the idea of internal disturbances in East Germany had us all up on our guard," he said. "We feared the Soviets were losing control and that they might do something against us unilaterally. We were probably more at higher alert because the static situation that had existed since 1961 was far more dynamic. We were very concerned about a war happening inside East Germany, and that kept us awake at night."
But events proceeded well, and Dow and his wife actually went on a family trip to Berlin. "We stayed in West Berlin," he said. "There were still a lot of crowds. I took a small sledgehammer out of my trunk and took out a fist-sized chunk of the wall. I still have it."
One side of the piece of wall is decorated with graffiti; other is plain, gray concrete. "The one with the graffiti faced the West," Dow said.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Delbert Hoskins was based with the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor, on the Fulda Gap that Nov. 9. He, too, came away with a souvenir.
"I have strands of razor wire," he said. "This is the kind of wire where if you grab hold and try to hoist yourself up, it will cut off your fingers."
Hoskins said he was surprised that no massive recall of U.S. forces took place when the media reported that the wall was coming down. But the sight of East German-made cars made a distinct impression. "What I remember was the number of Trabants that suddenly were on the road," he said.
The difference between East and West Berlin when the wall was in place is something that Tara Jones, now at the Pentagon's defense policy office, remembers.
"East Berlin was very gray. There was no color, and even the sky seemed gray," said Jones, who was in middle school in 1989 at the State's Department's John F. Kennedy International School in Berlin. "West Berlin was ablaze with lights. The streets were crowded, and there was a mystery associated with the city."
When the wall came down, Jones said, she was not afraid, but was astonished. "We went down to the Brandenburg Gate the next day," she said, "and my sister and I tried to count the Trabants parked on the side of the road and just gave up."
The day was emotional for Jones and others who witnessed it firsthand. "It was very emotional - hearing the stories of all these people who had been affected by the Iron Curtain, because that's what it literally was," she said.
Her father, Randy Jones, was chief of the regional contracting office in Berlin. "I was on site living in Berlin when the wall came down," he said via telephone from Austin, Texas. West Berlin was a magnet for Poles and Czechoslovaks leaving their countries. "It appeared to us that the East German border guards were being far less scrupulous in their examination of travel documents than they were in the past."
Mostly, Jones remembers a jubilant people. "As I remember, the next day was a holiday, and we had planned to go to East Berlin, just to see the people," he said.
The family loaded into their Jeep Cherokee with U.S. military identification and went to Checkpoint Charlie. "We processed through the American side just like we always did, but then we were surprised by being allowed to go right straight through the East German section," he said.
The family shopped and had lunch, and about 2 p.m., Jones suggested the family head home. "We drove our way back, and it took us hours and hours to get back through," he said. "As we neared Checkpoint Charlie, there was a wall of people clapping and cheering and seeing a car marked with a U.S. license plate, the people cheered even more loudly and yelled thank you and poured beer and champagne and flowers on the car.
"They were so happy, and I will never forget the wonderful celebrations, he said. "[The Berliners] demonstrated real gratitude and thankfulness, and it was for the American people. We just happened to be the Americans there."
The fall of the Berlin Wall paved the way for German reunification, which formally concluded on Oct. 3, 1990.
Gates Orders Moment of Silence for Fort Hood Victims
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has directed a moment of silence throughout the Defense Department today to honor the victims of yesterday's attack at Fort Hood, Texas. Twelve people were killed and 30 others were wounded when Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan allegedly opened fire in the post's Soldier Family Readiness Center. One of the wounded victims died overnight, bringing the death toll to 13. Malik was wounded and is in custody, Army officials said.
The attack occurred at 1:34 p.m. CST yesterday, and Defense Department personnel around the world will pause and mark the moment of silence at that same time today, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said. For example, those in the U.S. Eastern time zone will observe the moment of silence at 2:34 p.m. local time, while those on the West Coast will observe it at 11:34 a.m.
Gates is at the White House this morning discussing the situation at Fort Hood with President Barack Obama, Morrell said. Army Secretary John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. are at Fort Hood conferring with officials there.
Nov. 6, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has directed a moment of silence throughout the Defense Department today to honor the victims of yesterday's attack at Fort Hood, Texas. Twelve people were killed and 30 others were wounded when Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan allegedly opened fire in the post's Soldier Family Readiness Center. One of the wounded victims died overnight, bringing the death toll to 13. Malik was wounded and is in custody, Army officials said.
The attack occurred at 1:34 p.m. CST yesterday, and Defense Department personnel around the world will pause and mark the moment of silence at that same time today, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said. For example, those in the U.S. Eastern time zone will observe the moment of silence at 2:34 p.m. local time, while those on the West Coast will observe it at 11:34 a.m.
Gates is at the White House this morning discussing the situation at Fort Hood with President Barack Obama, Morrell said. Army Secretary John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. are at Fort Hood conferring with officials there.
Army Sends Support Teams to Hood to Aid Soldiers, Families
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Resources to help those affected by the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, are flowing to the post, Army officials said today. Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan killed 13 Fort Hood personnel and wounded another 30 during a shooting spree at the post's Soldier-Family Readiness Center yesterday. Hassan was wounded and is in custody.
Army Secretary John M. McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. are at the post conferring with officials to determine the best way forward, said Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, chief of Army public affairs.
Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, the commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, has requested additional capabilities to help post personnel get through this tragedy. "We are already generating capabilities to deal with the consequences of the situation at Fort Hood," Bergner told reporters this morning.
The service is sending 13 unit ministry teams to the post. Each team has chaplains and chaplain assistants who can support the spiritual needs of soldiers, families and civilians at Fort Hood, Bergner said.
The Army also is sending 35 family life consultants to the base. "These are folks who specifically are trained and equipped to deal with the stress that military families confront – from the children to the spouses," the general explained.
The service also is sending 13 behavioral health specialists from to Fort Hood from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to help with grief counseling.
Four Operation Homecoming counselors, 20 more behavioral health specialists and 17 critical-incident stress-management personnel will deploy to Fort Hood soon, Bergner said, and five combat stress teams are moving to the post to augment teams already at the base.
Some of the additional teams will arrive today and tomorrow, and others will flow in later, the general said. "If more is needed, we will provide it," he added.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 6, 2009 - Resources to help those affected by the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, are flowing to the post, Army officials said today. Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hassan killed 13 Fort Hood personnel and wounded another 30 during a shooting spree at the post's Soldier-Family Readiness Center yesterday. Hassan was wounded and is in custody.
Army Secretary John M. McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. are at the post conferring with officials to determine the best way forward, said Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, chief of Army public affairs.
Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, the commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, has requested additional capabilities to help post personnel get through this tragedy. "We are already generating capabilities to deal with the consequences of the situation at Fort Hood," Bergner told reporters this morning.
The service is sending 13 unit ministry teams to the post. Each team has chaplains and chaplain assistants who can support the spiritual needs of soldiers, families and civilians at Fort Hood, Bergner said.
The Army also is sending 35 family life consultants to the base. "These are folks who specifically are trained and equipped to deal with the stress that military families confront – from the children to the spouses," the general explained.
The service also is sending 13 behavioral health specialists from to Fort Hood from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to help with grief counseling.
Four Operation Homecoming counselors, 20 more behavioral health specialists and 17 critical-incident stress-management personnel will deploy to Fort Hood soon, Bergner said, and five combat stress teams are moving to the post to augment teams already at the base.
Some of the additional teams will arrive today and tomorrow, and others will flow in later, the general said. "If more is needed, we will provide it," he added.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Gates, Top Leaders Pledge Support for Fort Hood Victims
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates pledged today his department will do everything it can to help those at Fort Hood, Texas, recover from the fatal shooting there that left 12 dead and 31 wounded. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident," Gates said in a release from his office.
"There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times."
The fatal shooting rampage left 11 soldiers -- including the alleged gunman -- and a civilian police officer dead and 31 soldiers wounded. Police detained but later released two soldiers they initially believed were involved in the shooting.
The shooting began about 1:30 p.m. Central Time at the post's Soldier Readiness Processing Center and Howze Theater, Fort Hood officials confirmed.
Shortly after news of the tragedy made national news, President Barack Obama promised full-scale support to get to the bottom of what happened and help the Fort Hood community recover from the tragedy.
Vice President Joe Biden later followed with a statement from his office.
"Jill and I join the President and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today," Biden said. "We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy."
Army Secretary John M. McHugh also issued a statement of support for those impacted by the deadly shooting and said that officials there are providing needed counseling and support.
"This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families," McHugh said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded."
The nation's top military officer expressed his condolences but also asked for patience in a statement released.
"I am deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at Fort Hood today. My thoughts and prayers -- and those of every other member of our Armed Forces -- go out to the wounded, to the families of those killed, and to all those stationed at Fort Hood," said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Details are still unclear, but the Army is investigating. It is important we let that work complete before we speculate about the circumstances leading to this senseless violence."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates pledged today his department will do everything it can to help those at Fort Hood, Texas, recover from the fatal shooting there that left 12 dead and 31 wounded. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident," Gates said in a release from his office.
"There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times."
The fatal shooting rampage left 11 soldiers -- including the alleged gunman -- and a civilian police officer dead and 31 soldiers wounded. Police detained but later released two soldiers they initially believed were involved in the shooting.
The shooting began about 1:30 p.m. Central Time at the post's Soldier Readiness Processing Center and Howze Theater, Fort Hood officials confirmed.
Shortly after news of the tragedy made national news, President Barack Obama promised full-scale support to get to the bottom of what happened and help the Fort Hood community recover from the tragedy.
Vice President Joe Biden later followed with a statement from his office.
"Jill and I join the President and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today," Biden said. "We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy."
Army Secretary John M. McHugh also issued a statement of support for those impacted by the deadly shooting and said that officials there are providing needed counseling and support.
"This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families," McHugh said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded."
The nation's top military officer expressed his condolences but also asked for patience in a statement released.
"I am deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at Fort Hood today. My thoughts and prayers -- and those of every other member of our Armed Forces -- go out to the wounded, to the families of those killed, and to all those stationed at Fort Hood," said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Details are still unclear, but the Army is investigating. It is important we let that work complete before we speculate about the circumstances leading to this senseless violence."
Army Major Declared Sole Suspect in Hood Shooting
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is believed to be the lone shooter of some 43 people on Fort Hood, Texas, and survived being shot by a civilian police officer, the base commander said. Lt Gen. Robert Cone in a televised press briefing tonight corrected earlier reports that said Hasan and the officer, who shot him several times, were killed. Rather, he said, both are recovering at a nearby hospital.
All but two of the victims are soldiers, Cone said.
Cone confirmed the identity of Hasan, reportedly a psychiatrist on the base who was scheduled soon to deploy, but would not say more about the suspect last night. Hasan has been in the company of a Criminal Investigative Division officer since the midday shooting, he said.
In answer to a reporter's question, Cone said of the suspect, "I would say his death is not imminent." Hasan is not yet talking to investigators, he said.
Three other soldiers were initially detained for questioning, but later released. After interviewing more than 100 people at the scene, Cone said, investigators determined there was only one shooter.
While investigators haven't ruled out terrorism in the case, Cone said, the evidence doesn't suggest it.
The shooting began about 1:30 Central Time at Hood's Soldier Family Readiness Center where Cone said soldiers from multiple units were crowded into the center for a scheduled weekly "make up time" for medical and dental appointments.
Casualties were high due to the enclosed location, but would have been much worse were it not for the training and quick reaction of the soldiers, said Cone, adding that he was on the scene quickly after the shooting began.
"Suffice it to say...the American soldier did a great job," he said.
From the reports of eyewitnesses, he said, the soldiers – "many of them combat lifesavers" -- reacted instantaneously, ripping off parts of their own clothing to treat the wounded.
"I credit the first responders," he said. "God bless these soldiers and Department of Army civilians. As horrible as this was, it could have been much worse."
Some 600 people attending a college graduation of 138 soldiers in an adjacent building were unharmed because first responders secured the building, he said.
The suspect is believed to have used two handguns in the shooting, one a semiautomatic, Cone said. And in responding to a question, "As a matter of practice, we do not carry weapons on Fort Hood," he said. "This is our home."
However, Cone said, "We will increase our security presence here in the coming days."
The FBI is working the investigation, along with military and other law enforcement, he said. The base was on lockdown until 7 p.m., a base spokesman said.
For now, Cone said, Fort Hood officials are focused on caring for the wounded, securing the base, notifying victims' families and providing grief counseling. A family hotline is available to obtain information at 254-288-7570.
Cone, who received a call from President Barack Obama soon after the shooting, said he was grateful for an outpouring of support. "It is truly overwhelming the offers of support we have had from around the nation," the general said. "Tomorrow at Fort Hood, we return to normalcy, schools will be open."
The Central Texas base is the military's largest, covering some 340 square miles and is home to 40,000 soldiers. And, according to its Web site, is known as "The Great Place" for its quality of life for soldiers and their families.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is believed to be the lone shooter of some 43 people on Fort Hood, Texas, and survived being shot by a civilian police officer, the base commander said. Lt Gen. Robert Cone in a televised press briefing tonight corrected earlier reports that said Hasan and the officer, who shot him several times, were killed. Rather, he said, both are recovering at a nearby hospital.
All but two of the victims are soldiers, Cone said.
Cone confirmed the identity of Hasan, reportedly a psychiatrist on the base who was scheduled soon to deploy, but would not say more about the suspect last night. Hasan has been in the company of a Criminal Investigative Division officer since the midday shooting, he said.
In answer to a reporter's question, Cone said of the suspect, "I would say his death is not imminent." Hasan is not yet talking to investigators, he said.
Three other soldiers were initially detained for questioning, but later released. After interviewing more than 100 people at the scene, Cone said, investigators determined there was only one shooter.
While investigators haven't ruled out terrorism in the case, Cone said, the evidence doesn't suggest it.
The shooting began about 1:30 Central Time at Hood's Soldier Family Readiness Center where Cone said soldiers from multiple units were crowded into the center for a scheduled weekly "make up time" for medical and dental appointments.
Casualties were high due to the enclosed location, but would have been much worse were it not for the training and quick reaction of the soldiers, said Cone, adding that he was on the scene quickly after the shooting began.
"Suffice it to say...the American soldier did a great job," he said.
From the reports of eyewitnesses, he said, the soldiers – "many of them combat lifesavers" -- reacted instantaneously, ripping off parts of their own clothing to treat the wounded.
"I credit the first responders," he said. "God bless these soldiers and Department of Army civilians. As horrible as this was, it could have been much worse."
Some 600 people attending a college graduation of 138 soldiers in an adjacent building were unharmed because first responders secured the building, he said.
The suspect is believed to have used two handguns in the shooting, one a semiautomatic, Cone said. And in responding to a question, "As a matter of practice, we do not carry weapons on Fort Hood," he said. "This is our home."
However, Cone said, "We will increase our security presence here in the coming days."
The FBI is working the investigation, along with military and other law enforcement, he said. The base was on lockdown until 7 p.m., a base spokesman said.
For now, Cone said, Fort Hood officials are focused on caring for the wounded, securing the base, notifying victims' families and providing grief counseling. A family hotline is available to obtain information at 254-288-7570.
Cone, who received a call from President Barack Obama soon after the shooting, said he was grateful for an outpouring of support. "It is truly overwhelming the offers of support we have had from around the nation," the general said. "Tomorrow at Fort Hood, we return to normalcy, schools will be open."
The Central Texas base is the military's largest, covering some 340 square miles and is home to 40,000 soldiers. And, according to its Web site, is known as "The Great Place" for its quality of life for soldiers and their families.
Gunmen Kill 12, Wound 31 on Fort Hood
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - President Barack Obama condemned the fatal shooting rampage today on Fort Hood, Texas, that left 12 soldiers dead and another 31 wounded, and promised full-scale support to get to the bottom of what happened and help the Fort Hood community recover from the tragedy. More than one gunmen – two being held as suspects and another believed to be among those killed -- fired shots at about 1:30 p.m. Central Time at the post's Soldier Readiness Processing Center and Howze Theater, Fort Hood officials confirmed.
The incident reportedly occurred as soldiers were conducting their final preparations for deployment.
"These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous decision to risk, and at times, give their lives to protect the rest of us on a daily basis," the president said.
"It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas," he said. "It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil."
Obama said he is in close coordination with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen in monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the White House is working with the Pentagon, FBI and Department of Homeland Security to ensure Fort Hood is secure.
Obama said his thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and families of the fallen, and the Fort Hood community.
"We will continue to support the community with the full resources of the federal government," he said. "We will make sure that we get answers to every single question about this horrible incident."
Obama said he has no greater honor than serving as commander and chief, but also recognizes the responsibility that entails in ensuring servicemembers are properly cared for and that their safety is assured while they are at home.
"So we are going to stay on this," he said. "But I hope in the meantime that all of you recognize the scope of this tragedy, and keep everybody in their thoughts and prayers."
Speaking to reporters at Fort Hood, Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, credited quick response by police forces with bringing down a gunman after he opened fire at the soldier readiness unit.
"There were several eyewitness accounts that there was more than one shooter," he said, noting that two additional soldiers had been taken into custody.
"The soldiers and family members are absolutely devastated," he said. "It's a terrible tragedy," he said, but offered assurances, "We will work through it."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - President Barack Obama condemned the fatal shooting rampage today on Fort Hood, Texas, that left 12 soldiers dead and another 31 wounded, and promised full-scale support to get to the bottom of what happened and help the Fort Hood community recover from the tragedy. More than one gunmen – two being held as suspects and another believed to be among those killed -- fired shots at about 1:30 p.m. Central Time at the post's Soldier Readiness Processing Center and Howze Theater, Fort Hood officials confirmed.
The incident reportedly occurred as soldiers were conducting their final preparations for deployment.
"These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous decision to risk, and at times, give their lives to protect the rest of us on a daily basis," the president said.
"It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas," he said. "It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil."
Obama said he is in close coordination with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen in monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the White House is working with the Pentagon, FBI and Department of Homeland Security to ensure Fort Hood is secure.
Obama said his thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and families of the fallen, and the Fort Hood community.
"We will continue to support the community with the full resources of the federal government," he said. "We will make sure that we get answers to every single question about this horrible incident."
Obama said he has no greater honor than serving as commander and chief, but also recognizes the responsibility that entails in ensuring servicemembers are properly cared for and that their safety is assured while they are at home.
"So we are going to stay on this," he said. "But I hope in the meantime that all of you recognize the scope of this tragedy, and keep everybody in their thoughts and prayers."
Speaking to reporters at Fort Hood, Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, credited quick response by police forces with bringing down a gunman after he opened fire at the soldier readiness unit.
"There were several eyewitness accounts that there was more than one shooter," he said, noting that two additional soldiers had been taken into custody.
"The soldiers and family members are absolutely devastated," he said. "It's a terrible tragedy," he said, but offered assurances, "We will work through it."
Nellis Programs to Have Regional Reach
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - Two new programs here are focused on getting care and services to wounded or sick servicemembers and to military families during their loved ones' deployments. Once word gets out about their programs, the coordinators hope their reach goes beyond Nellis and neighboring Creech Air Force Base, to include Reserve and National Guard members and their families throughout the region.
Nellis' new recovery care coordinator, Jeffrey McClish, opened Air Combat Command's first Recovery Care Coordination Program here in September. It's one of 16 programs Air Force-wide that provide a clearinghouse of information and services for seriously wounded, injured or ill servicemembers.
McClish works closely with family and patient liaison officers, medical care managers and a host of support agencies to ensure recovering servicemembers get the support and benefits they deserve, he explained.
"You have a personal advocate," he tells his clients. "I'm someone who you know is going to make regular communication, ... someone outside the medical arena you can talk to who will help you work through the issues."
Unlike federal recovery coordinators who work with the most severely wounded troops, recovery care coordinators like McClish provide non-medical support during shorter-term hospital stays or rehabilitation periods, typically up to six months.
As a retired first sergeant, McClish combines his understanding of Air Force systems and programs with compassion for those who serve to help people who might not know where to turn to deal with questions about issues ranging from pay and benefits to combat stress.
He tracks clients' progress, while they're in the hospital and after they're released, to connect them with whatever help they need.
Among McClish's initial clients have been wounded warriors, a non-commissioned officer severely injured in an off-base car accident and another NCO recovering from chemotherapy.
"When they have a long convalescence, sometimes they kind of drop off the 'scope," he said. "Now, you have somebody who is targeted on them, to make sure they don't drop off the scope."
Meanwhile, just across the hallway from McClish's office, Karen Wilson has set up shop for the new Caring for People pilot program. Nellis is one of nine Air Force bases worldwide participating in the program, which provides a single resource about programs and services to support families of deployed military members.
Just a week into the job, she was already working closely with the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other base support organizations, with plans to extend her reach outside Nellis' gates to better tap into community support.
"A lot of times, people fall between the cracks and don't get the help they need," she said, because they don't know where to turn or what to ask for.
"I want to be that single point of contact – that belly button – the person they can go to to help them navigate all the different agencies on base," she said. "If families have some type of problem, I want to be the network that gets them to the services they need."
Wilson refers to herself and McClish as "Batman and Robin," both out to cut through red tape and confusing organizational charts that stand between numerous valuable programs and the people they're designed to serve.
Ultimately, they see their reach extended far beyond the active-duty Air Force community, to include support for all branches of the service, both the active and reserve components.
"We are hitting every meeting we can get to, to get word out about what we have to offer," McClish said. "You want to let folks know you are here and what you have to offer so they understand that there is another helping agency out there."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - Two new programs here are focused on getting care and services to wounded or sick servicemembers and to military families during their loved ones' deployments. Once word gets out about their programs, the coordinators hope their reach goes beyond Nellis and neighboring Creech Air Force Base, to include Reserve and National Guard members and their families throughout the region.
Nellis' new recovery care coordinator, Jeffrey McClish, opened Air Combat Command's first Recovery Care Coordination Program here in September. It's one of 16 programs Air Force-wide that provide a clearinghouse of information and services for seriously wounded, injured or ill servicemembers.
McClish works closely with family and patient liaison officers, medical care managers and a host of support agencies to ensure recovering servicemembers get the support and benefits they deserve, he explained.
"You have a personal advocate," he tells his clients. "I'm someone who you know is going to make regular communication, ... someone outside the medical arena you can talk to who will help you work through the issues."
Unlike federal recovery coordinators who work with the most severely wounded troops, recovery care coordinators like McClish provide non-medical support during shorter-term hospital stays or rehabilitation periods, typically up to six months.
As a retired first sergeant, McClish combines his understanding of Air Force systems and programs with compassion for those who serve to help people who might not know where to turn to deal with questions about issues ranging from pay and benefits to combat stress.
He tracks clients' progress, while they're in the hospital and after they're released, to connect them with whatever help they need.
Among McClish's initial clients have been wounded warriors, a non-commissioned officer severely injured in an off-base car accident and another NCO recovering from chemotherapy.
"When they have a long convalescence, sometimes they kind of drop off the 'scope," he said. "Now, you have somebody who is targeted on them, to make sure they don't drop off the scope."
Meanwhile, just across the hallway from McClish's office, Karen Wilson has set up shop for the new Caring for People pilot program. Nellis is one of nine Air Force bases worldwide participating in the program, which provides a single resource about programs and services to support families of deployed military members.
Just a week into the job, she was already working closely with the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other base support organizations, with plans to extend her reach outside Nellis' gates to better tap into community support.
"A lot of times, people fall between the cracks and don't get the help they need," she said, because they don't know where to turn or what to ask for.
"I want to be that single point of contact – that belly button – the person they can go to to help them navigate all the different agencies on base," she said. "If families have some type of problem, I want to be the network that gets them to the services they need."
Wilson refers to herself and McClish as "Batman and Robin," both out to cut through red tape and confusing organizational charts that stand between numerous valuable programs and the people they're designed to serve.
Ultimately, they see their reach extended far beyond the active-duty Air Force community, to include support for all branches of the service, both the active and reserve components.
"We are hitting every meeting we can get to, to get word out about what we have to offer," McClish said. "You want to let folks know you are here and what you have to offer so they understand that there is another helping agency out there."
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 5, 2009
NAVY
Davis Boat Works, Newport News, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1001); Associated Naval Architects, Portsmouth, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1002); Lyon Shipyard, Norfolk, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1003); and Tecnico Corporation, Chesapeake, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1004), are being awarded combined $127,395,000 maximum value firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to furnish the necessary non-personal management, administrative and production services, materials, tools, equipment, facilities and required support to accomplish a full range of depot level troubleshooting, repair, renewal, refurbishment, modernization, maintenance and testing of Navy living barges and their auxiliary systems (hull, mechanical and electrical) including the potential of periodic docking. Work will be primarily performed on vessels located at Norfolk, Va., but may be performed worldwide. Work is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $303,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Each contractor will receive $75,750 at time of award. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with seven offers received. The contracting activity is the Norfolk Ship Support Activity, Portsmouth, Va.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $47,804,161 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5361) for engineering and technical services to support the STANDARD Missile program. This contract is for Round Design Agent engineering and technical services for the design integrity, and total systems integration of the missile round and its components. This includes flowdown of top level requirements, predicting and monitoring missile performance and reliability, internal/external interfaces, interfaces with ship combat systems, test and packaging, handling, storage and transportation equipment, improving missile design, and maintaining the technical data package. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
QED Systems, Virginia Beach, Va.,* (N50054-10-D-1005) and Earl Industries, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla.,* (N50054-10-D-1006) are being awarded combined $22,725,000 maximum value firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to furnish the necessary non-personal management, administrative and production services, materials, tools, equipment, facilities, and required support to accomplish a full range of depot level troubleshooting, repair, renewal, refurbishment, modernization, maintenance, and testing of U.S. Navy living barges and their auxiliary systems (hull, mechanical and electrical) including the potential of periodic docking. Work will be primarily performed on vessels located at Jacksonville, Fla., but may be performed worldwide. Work is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $82,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Each contractor will receive $41,000 at time of award. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two offers received. The contracting activity is the Norfolk Ship Support Activity, Portsmouth, Va.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,714,646 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the procurement of two F/A-18C/D Mid-Life Upgrade 2 validation-verification kits for the Finnish Air Force under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.
BAE Systems, Land & Armaments L.P., U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded an $11,865,674 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5117) to exercise an option for continuing design and development of the Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP). LRLAPs are guided flight projectiles that are loaded and fired by the Advanced Gun System, a fully automated, single barrel, 155-mm, vertically loaded, stabilized gun mount. Its primary mission is land attack warfare in support of ground and expeditionary forces beyond the line-of-sight in the DDG 1000 System's littoral engagement area where precise, rapid-response, high-volume, long-range fire support is required. Work will be preformed in Orlando, Fla., (75 percent), and Minneapolis, Minn., (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
Computer Science Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded $11,336,209 for order #0074 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9004) with pre-priced options of $1,219,070, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $12,555,279. The scope of this effort is for technical support to the operating forces, a key element of the Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity support for fielded tactical C4ISR systems for Marine Corps operating forces. Work will be performed in Marine Corps command organizations worldwide: Camp Pendleton, Calif., (81.4 percent); Camp Lejuene, N.C., (8.1 percent); Okinawa, Japan, (7.6 percent); New Orleans, La., (1.5 percent); San Diego, Calif., (1.4 percent). Work is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $7,505,929 cost-plus fixed-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-06-G-0014) to manufacture 28 peculiar support equipment items for organizational and intermediate level maintenance in support of the V-22 aircraft program. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $5,254,744 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J.
Solpac Construction, Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $6,348,750 for firm-fixed-price task order #0007 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1058) for the design and construction of interior and exterior repairs to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Building 41303 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The contract also contains one unexercised option and one planned modifications, which if issued would increase cumulative contract value to $7,768,740. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The contracting activity is the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif.
ARMY
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., LLC, Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 3, 2009, a $10,478,880 firm-fixed-price contract for the Shore Protection Project. Work is to be performed in Brevard County, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 1, 2010. Five bids were solicited with two bids received. The contracting activity is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., (W912EP-10-C-005).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
PRO Petroleum, Laguna Hills, Calif.,* is being awarded a minimum $6,342,914 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in California, Nevada and Arizona. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 48 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-4508).
Hunt & Sons, Sacramento, Calif.,* is being awarded a minimum $5,019,810 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 48 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-4504).
Davis Boat Works, Newport News, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1001); Associated Naval Architects, Portsmouth, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1002); Lyon Shipyard, Norfolk, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1003); and Tecnico Corporation, Chesapeake, Va.* (N50054-10-D-1004), are being awarded combined $127,395,000 maximum value firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to furnish the necessary non-personal management, administrative and production services, materials, tools, equipment, facilities and required support to accomplish a full range of depot level troubleshooting, repair, renewal, refurbishment, modernization, maintenance and testing of Navy living barges and their auxiliary systems (hull, mechanical and electrical) including the potential of periodic docking. Work will be primarily performed on vessels located at Norfolk, Va., but may be performed worldwide. Work is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $303,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Each contractor will receive $75,750 at time of award. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with seven offers received. The contracting activity is the Norfolk Ship Support Activity, Portsmouth, Va.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $47,804,161 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5361) for engineering and technical services to support the STANDARD Missile program. This contract is for Round Design Agent engineering and technical services for the design integrity, and total systems integration of the missile round and its components. This includes flowdown of top level requirements, predicting and monitoring missile performance and reliability, internal/external interfaces, interfaces with ship combat systems, test and packaging, handling, storage and transportation equipment, improving missile design, and maintaining the technical data package. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
QED Systems, Virginia Beach, Va.,* (N50054-10-D-1005) and Earl Industries, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla.,* (N50054-10-D-1006) are being awarded combined $22,725,000 maximum value firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to furnish the necessary non-personal management, administrative and production services, materials, tools, equipment, facilities, and required support to accomplish a full range of depot level troubleshooting, repair, renewal, refurbishment, modernization, maintenance, and testing of U.S. Navy living barges and their auxiliary systems (hull, mechanical and electrical) including the potential of periodic docking. Work will be primarily performed on vessels located at Jacksonville, Fla., but may be performed worldwide. Work is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $82,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Each contractor will receive $41,000 at time of award. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two offers received. The contracting activity is the Norfolk Ship Support Activity, Portsmouth, Va.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,714,646 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the procurement of two F/A-18C/D Mid-Life Upgrade 2 validation-verification kits for the Finnish Air Force under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.
BAE Systems, Land & Armaments L.P., U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded an $11,865,674 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5117) to exercise an option for continuing design and development of the Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP). LRLAPs are guided flight projectiles that are loaded and fired by the Advanced Gun System, a fully automated, single barrel, 155-mm, vertically loaded, stabilized gun mount. Its primary mission is land attack warfare in support of ground and expeditionary forces beyond the line-of-sight in the DDG 1000 System's littoral engagement area where precise, rapid-response, high-volume, long-range fire support is required. Work will be preformed in Orlando, Fla., (75 percent), and Minneapolis, Minn., (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
Computer Science Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded $11,336,209 for order #0074 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9004) with pre-priced options of $1,219,070, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $12,555,279. The scope of this effort is for technical support to the operating forces, a key element of the Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity support for fielded tactical C4ISR systems for Marine Corps operating forces. Work will be performed in Marine Corps command organizations worldwide: Camp Pendleton, Calif., (81.4 percent); Camp Lejuene, N.C., (8.1 percent); Okinawa, Japan, (7.6 percent); New Orleans, La., (1.5 percent); San Diego, Calif., (1.4 percent). Work is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $7,505,929 cost-plus fixed-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-06-G-0014) to manufacture 28 peculiar support equipment items for organizational and intermediate level maintenance in support of the V-22 aircraft program. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in April 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $5,254,744 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J.
Solpac Construction, Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $6,348,750 for firm-fixed-price task order #0007 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1058) for the design and construction of interior and exterior repairs to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Building 41303 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The contract also contains one unexercised option and one planned modifications, which if issued would increase cumulative contract value to $7,768,740. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The contracting activity is the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif.
ARMY
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., LLC, Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 3, 2009, a $10,478,880 firm-fixed-price contract for the Shore Protection Project. Work is to be performed in Brevard County, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 1, 2010. Five bids were solicited with two bids received. The contracting activity is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., (W912EP-10-C-005).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
PRO Petroleum, Laguna Hills, Calif.,* is being awarded a minimum $6,342,914 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in California, Nevada and Arizona. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 48 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-4508).
Hunt & Sons, Sacramento, Calif.,* is being awarded a minimum $5,019,810 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 48 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-4504).
Army Secretary Expresses Ft. Hood Shooting Condolence
"This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families," said Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded. The leadership at Fort Hood is marshalling the medical support and counselors necessary to take care of our soldiers and their families and to notify the next of kin."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded. The leadership at Fort Hood is marshalling the medical support and counselors necessary to take care of our soldiers and their families and to notify the next of kin."
DoD Hosts National Leadership Summit On Military Families
The Department of Defense will host a National Leadership Summit on Military Families Nov. 9-10 beginnning at 8 a.m. EST at The Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md. Gail H. McGinn, performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will deliver the keynote address.
The summit, organized by Military Community and Family Policy, is through collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland. More than 300 leaders who provide support to military families are scheduled to attend. They comprise leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, the National Guard and Reserve, land-grant universities, and other non-governmental partners.
The summit will begin with a call to action reviewing the Defense Department's commitment to family support and readiness. In addition, participants will learn about what current research is telling us about the status of military families, and what challenges we anticipate families will experience in the future. Following the summit, DoD and the University of Maryland will produce a report for leadership with recommendations on ways to improve family support and readiness programs.
Journalists may cover the event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 9 and should plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please contact Maj. April Cunningham at (703) 697-6727 or (571) 309-4734 or via e-mail at April.Cunningham@osd.mil indicating your plan to attend.
The summit, organized by Military Community and Family Policy, is through collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland. More than 300 leaders who provide support to military families are scheduled to attend. They comprise leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, the National Guard and Reserve, land-grant universities, and other non-governmental partners.
The summit will begin with a call to action reviewing the Defense Department's commitment to family support and readiness. In addition, participants will learn about what current research is telling us about the status of military families, and what challenges we anticipate families will experience in the future. Following the summit, DoD and the University of Maryland will produce a report for leadership with recommendations on ways to improve family support and readiness programs.
Journalists may cover the event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 9 and should plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please contact Maj. April Cunningham at (703) 697-6727 or (571) 309-4734 or via e-mail at April.Cunningham@osd.mil indicating your plan to attend.
Air Force Leaders Meet With African Counterparts to Discuss Needs
By Air Force Maj. Paula KurtzSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - Mali and Senegal air forces leaders echoed the requests of other African military leaders at a recent senior leader engagement here in asking for help in building airman skills and on improving capacity within their air domain. Those were the key sentiments reiterated by U.S. Embassy and host nation defense officials during the latest Air Forces Africa senior leader engagement in Mali and Senegal from Oct. 26 to 30.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael W. Callan, Air Forces Africa vice commander, spent the week visiting with key leaders and touring facilities for a first-hand look at the capabilities of the two nations' air forces.
"It's important for us to hear directly from the host nation what their priorities are as we work to develop a sustained engagement strategy," Callan said. "While there may be tactical differences in the assistance desired in each nation, the overall themes are the same -- increasing capacity in the air domain and developing a corps of professional officers and noncommissioned officers."
Forces in both of these West African nations perform a variety of military operations, ranging from support to peacekeeping operations to internal border defense to humanitarian assistance. Air mobility is a necessary component if they are to execute these missions successfully, said Gillian Milovanovic, U.S. ambassador to Mali.
"Air capability plays an important role in moving people and forces and projecting security here," Milovanovic said. "Security governs everything here, so we have to be flexible and realistic in the kinds of capabilities we invest in."
Enhanced aircraft maintenance and logistics systems, increased interoperability with U.S. and other regional partners, and further professionalizing defense forces top the list of security objectives.
"We are working with the Mali Ministry of Defense on a 10-year plan," said Lt. Col. Marshall Mantiply, defense attache at the U.S. Embassy in Mali. "We want to execute a smart plan that will lead to real capacity rather than putting a band-aid on a short-term problem."
Malian defense leaders agree, noting that a long-term strategy that improves their capability will benefit other nations in the region and around the world.
"Our common framework is combating terrorism," said Gen. Gabriel Poudiougou, general chief of staff of the Mali air force. "More engagement and discussion will allow us to build a better common operating picture in combating terrorism at a worldwide level."
Callan visited Mali's 33d Parachute Regiment, a unit that carries out operations using tactical vehicles and communication equipment provided by the U.S. Defense and State Departments.
"These vehicles give us the capability for doing pursuit actions and convoy escorts," said Lt. Col. Louis Somboro, deputy commander. "Ninety-five percent of our soldiers were trained by the U.S, and we've engaged with you in exercises like Flintlock, Joint Planning and Assessment Teams and special bilateral training. We're very satisfied with this training, but we are always looking to improve and hope to have opportunities for advanced training in the future."
In Senegal, U.S. Ambassador Marcia Bernicat described the small, but capable defense forces as a "shining example of fellow professionals."
In addition to meeting with the Senegal air force chief of staff and touring operations and maintenance facilities, Callan and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steven Scott, of Air Forces Africa Command, served as guest speakers at the graduation ceremony of the first class of instructors for the Senegalese NCO academy.
Since its inception in 1971, the academy has trained more than 2,100 NCOs, and now has produced the first 12 instructors trained in-house. In his comments, Scott lauded the new instructors for being "out front, leading and shaping the future of your enlisted corps."
He noted that while the new instructors will face challenges, they also will reap great rewards. "You will actually watch as your students learn and grow and become better enlisted members right before your eyes."
Currently, many officers and NCOs attend training courses, ranging from pilot training, to core skill training, to professional military education, in other African and European nations, as well as the United States. The first Senegalese female officer is in her second year at the U.S. Air Force Academy, for example. With a well-developed NCO corps already established, the Senegalese air force is looking to expand its capability to train forces at home.
"We want to depend less on training and resources from other nations," said Maj. Elhadji Diene, a recent graduate of Air Force Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. "There is a need for us to develop the capability to do it by ourselves, for ourselves."
Also in Mali, members of Air Forces Africa were treated to a tour of the Malian Air Force English Language Lab in Bamako, one of three such labs across the country that prepares officers for training in other nations, as well as participation in U.N. peacekeeping missions. The lab will start training NCOs in January, 1st Lt. Fankele Samake, A Malian air force English instructor, said.
The lab conducts two six-month programs and produces about 40
graduates per year, with materials provided by the U.S. Embassy and Defense Department
"Our students learn all aspects of the language -- writing, listening and speaking," Samake said. "Listening is the most important skill, but most students are better at writing." Some students arrive at the lab with a working knowledge of the English language, which is offered as an elective throughout Malian middle and high schools, along with German.
Malian defense forces supplies instructors for the lab. Instructor candidates are given a test and those with top scores attend an immersion course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, funded by the State Department's International Military Education and Training program.
Malian Army Staff Sgt. Niara Diallo attended the Lackland course from September 2007 through April 2008 and now teaches officers from his own defense force in Bamako.
"It was very interesting to meet new people and share knowledge," Diallo said of the course, "and it prepared me to be an instructor."
(Air Force Maj. Paula Kurtz serves with 17th Air Force public affairs.)
Doctor Discusses Navy's Role in Detecting H1N1
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The Navy played a key role last spring in the discovery of the H1N1 influenza's presence in the United States, according to a senior Navy medical officer. In April, technicians at the San Diego-based Naval Health Research Center encountered a puzzling influenza specimen provided by a 10-year-old military family member, said Navy Capt. (Dr.) Tanis Batsel Stewart, director of emergency preparedness and contingency support at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The specimen contained the "A" type of influenza virus that can cause pandemics, Batsel Stewart said, but it couldn't be sub-typed.
"It's very unusual not to be able to sub-type an influenza virus," she said in a recent phone interview with American Forces Press Service.
The specimen, she said, was then sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for more testing, where technicians determined it was a new strain of influenza virus.
A second specimen from a 9-year-old girl that arrived at the NHRC soon afterward was found to be identical to the one submitted by the military family member, Batsel Stewart said. That specimen, too, was sent to the CDC, where it was determined to be the novel influenza A H1N1 virus, commonly known at the time as "swine flu."
"That was a definite red flag -- that we have a new influenza strain circulating that might very well cause a pandemic, and obviously, it has," she said.
The CDC activated its emergency operations center to better coordinate the public-health response to H1N1 on April 22. The U.S. government declared a public health emergency on April 26, and began aggressively implementing the nation's pandemic response plan.
The World Health Organization announced June 11 that the spread of the H1N1 virus had reached pandemic proportions, with cases reported in 70 countries at the time. President Barack Obama issued a national emergency declaration on H1N1 on Oct. 24.
"By rapidly identifying the virus, implementing public health measures, providing guidance for health professionals and the general public, and developing an effective vaccine, we have taken proactive steps to reduce the impact of the pandemic and protect the health of our citizens," the president said in his declaration.
The Washington-based Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery is the headquarters and center for Navy medicine, while the NHRC is a leading research and development laboratory for the Defense Department. The NHRC manages and executes medical research, development and test and evaluation programs for the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.; the Navy Medicine Support Command in Jacksonville, Fla.; and the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department conducts active, laboratory-based surveillance of infectious diseases that affect military personnel and family members, with an emphasis on respiratory illnesses. The department also addresses the safety and efficacy of drugs and vaccines.
The Navy has for years conducted influenza and other infectious-disease surveillance programs in conjunction with the other U.S. military services in partnership with foreign nations and public health organizations, Batsel Stewart said.
The U.S. military's infectious disease research capability "is the largest in the world," she said, noting the U.S. maintains labs in Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru and Thailand that fall under the auspices of the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System.
More than 100 countries, "from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe," participate in the surveillance program, Batsel Stewart said.
A presidential directive established the response system, which falls under the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, in June 1996. The directive expanded the Defense Department's mission to include support of global surveillance, training, research, and response to emerging infectious disease threats.
It also charged the department to strengthen its global disease-reduction efforts through centralized coordination, improved preventive health programs and epidemiological capabilities, and enhanced involvement with military treatment facilities.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department serves as the Navy hub for the surveillance and response system.
"We don't anticipate, at this point, H1N1 becoming a severe pandemic, causing a lot of deaths and very severe illness," Batsel Stewart said. "But, we've been preparing for years within [the Defense Department] and the Navy and Navy medicine for something along the lines of the pandemic of the influenza of 1918, which was horrendously severe."
To help in preventing the spread of influenza viruses, Batsel Stewart recommended that people:
-- Cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow, rather than into their hand;
-- Wash their hands frequently;
-- Stay home if they feel ill;
-- Keep sick children at home; and
-- Distance themselves if they or others are ill.
Public health officials have urged citizens to obtain both H1N1 and regular seasonal flu vaccines. Defense Department officials say the department will have enough H1N1 vaccine available for servicemembers and their families.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon's global infectious disease surveillance network watches for potential pandemics as it also assists foreign partners.
Batsel Stewart recalled a previous duty assignment in Lima, Peru, where she and her colleagues assisted Peruvian health authorities in identifying new strains of dengue fever virus.
"Peru always thought that they had one, maybe two strains of the dengue fever virus circulating," said Batsel Stewart, noting that the fever has four strains. The U.S. medical team, she said, discovered that Peru actually has all four strains of dengue fever virus. One of those strains, she added, is dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes victims to bleed internally and sometimes externally.
"So, the Peruvian government and the Peruvian public health system was better able to respond to some of the cases they were saying they would not have recognized previously," Batsel Stewart said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The Navy played a key role last spring in the discovery of the H1N1 influenza's presence in the United States, according to a senior Navy medical officer. In April, technicians at the San Diego-based Naval Health Research Center encountered a puzzling influenza specimen provided by a 10-year-old military family member, said Navy Capt. (Dr.) Tanis Batsel Stewart, director of emergency preparedness and contingency support at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The specimen contained the "A" type of influenza virus that can cause pandemics, Batsel Stewart said, but it couldn't be sub-typed.
"It's very unusual not to be able to sub-type an influenza virus," she said in a recent phone interview with American Forces Press Service.
The specimen, she said, was then sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for more testing, where technicians determined it was a new strain of influenza virus.
A second specimen from a 9-year-old girl that arrived at the NHRC soon afterward was found to be identical to the one submitted by the military family member, Batsel Stewart said. That specimen, too, was sent to the CDC, where it was determined to be the novel influenza A H1N1 virus, commonly known at the time as "swine flu."
"That was a definite red flag -- that we have a new influenza strain circulating that might very well cause a pandemic, and obviously, it has," she said.
The CDC activated its emergency operations center to better coordinate the public-health response to H1N1 on April 22. The U.S. government declared a public health emergency on April 26, and began aggressively implementing the nation's pandemic response plan.
The World Health Organization announced June 11 that the spread of the H1N1 virus had reached pandemic proportions, with cases reported in 70 countries at the time. President Barack Obama issued a national emergency declaration on H1N1 on Oct. 24.
"By rapidly identifying the virus, implementing public health measures, providing guidance for health professionals and the general public, and developing an effective vaccine, we have taken proactive steps to reduce the impact of the pandemic and protect the health of our citizens," the president said in his declaration.
The Washington-based Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery is the headquarters and center for Navy medicine, while the NHRC is a leading research and development laboratory for the Defense Department. The NHRC manages and executes medical research, development and test and evaluation programs for the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.; the Navy Medicine Support Command in Jacksonville, Fla.; and the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department conducts active, laboratory-based surveillance of infectious diseases that affect military personnel and family members, with an emphasis on respiratory illnesses. The department also addresses the safety and efficacy of drugs and vaccines.
The Navy has for years conducted influenza and other infectious-disease surveillance programs in conjunction with the other U.S. military services in partnership with foreign nations and public health organizations, Batsel Stewart said.
The U.S. military's infectious disease research capability "is the largest in the world," she said, noting the U.S. maintains labs in Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru and Thailand that fall under the auspices of the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System.
More than 100 countries, "from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe," participate in the surveillance program, Batsel Stewart said.
A presidential directive established the response system, which falls under the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, in June 1996. The directive expanded the Defense Department's mission to include support of global surveillance, training, research, and response to emerging infectious disease threats.
It also charged the department to strengthen its global disease-reduction efforts through centralized coordination, improved preventive health programs and epidemiological capabilities, and enhanced involvement with military treatment facilities.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department serves as the Navy hub for the surveillance and response system.
"We don't anticipate, at this point, H1N1 becoming a severe pandemic, causing a lot of deaths and very severe illness," Batsel Stewart said. "But, we've been preparing for years within [the Defense Department] and the Navy and Navy medicine for something along the lines of the pandemic of the influenza of 1918, which was horrendously severe."
To help in preventing the spread of influenza viruses, Batsel Stewart recommended that people:
-- Cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow, rather than into their hand;
-- Wash their hands frequently;
-- Stay home if they feel ill;
-- Keep sick children at home; and
-- Distance themselves if they or others are ill.
Public health officials have urged citizens to obtain both H1N1 and regular seasonal flu vaccines. Defense Department officials say the department will have enough H1N1 vaccine available for servicemembers and their families.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon's global infectious disease surveillance network watches for potential pandemics as it also assists foreign partners.
Batsel Stewart recalled a previous duty assignment in Lima, Peru, where she and her colleagues assisted Peruvian health authorities in identifying new strains of dengue fever virus.
"Peru always thought that they had one, maybe two strains of the dengue fever virus circulating," said Batsel Stewart, noting that the fever has four strains. The U.S. medical team, she said, discovered that Peru actually has all four strains of dengue fever virus. One of those strains, she added, is dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes victims to bleed internally and sometimes externally.
"So, the Peruvian government and the Peruvian public health system was better able to respond to some of the cases they were saying they would not have recognized previously," Batsel Stewart said.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Chairman Calls for Better Mental Health Programs
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The military's top officer today urged mental health providers to demonstrate leadership in developing effective programs to treat wounded warriors. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by teleconference to some 400 attendees gathered here for the Warrior Resilience Conference, sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Defense Department has generated "a ton of programs" since the wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mullen said, and on their face, all sound great. "But I need programs that work," he said. "I need programs where we can see results and see output. Anything we put in place, we really need to measure how we're doing."
Mullen urged participants to act on what they learn. "Demonstrate the leadership to say, 'Here are the ideas, now how do I turn that into reality?'" he said. "Many of you are in positions of responsibility. Don't wait for somebody else to do it. I hope and direct you to attack these problems for warriors and families."
Leading in this field is particularly challenging, the chairman said. "I see far too many individual efforts that are not particularly well-coordinated," he said.
The chairman urged the attendees to look beyond the department for help and solutions. The American people are looking for ways to help servicemembers and their families, he said, and he encouraged the conferees to tap into the "immense sea of goodwill for servicemembers that exists in this country."
Mullen cited the importance of creating the programs that build resilience. "I have seen servicemembers and their families demonstrate extraordinary resilience," he said. "I admire their ability to sustain operations at the pace we are in." And the need for resilience is not going to go away, he added.
"For the next year or so," Mullen said, "we will continue to shift our main effort from Iraq to Afghanistan, and the deployments are still going to be there."
But the chairman also provided the encouraging news that soldiers and Marines will start getting more "dwell time" at their home stations between deployments. "The two factors I focus on the most is the amount of dwell time and the number of deployments," he said.
Operations themselves affect resilience, Mullen said, noting that he was struck by the resilience of troops who participated in the successful troop surge in Iraq. "They left with a skip in their steps that wasn't present earlier," he said. "They got that skip because they knew they made a difference."
Transitions such as moving in and out of deployments, transitioning in and out of service or being wounded also affect resilience, the chairman told the conferees.. "Those are challenging times, and family support becomes more critical to resilience," he said. "The stronger the support network is, the stronger the servicemembers and families are."
Speed of treatment and getting the right treatment are key to minimizing long-term effects on servicemembers, he said. Leaders also need to smooth the transition between the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and be aware of the needs of those transitioning, he added.
"We have too many troopers who get out who have been living very structured lives," he said. "Many of them have seen hell, and now they are out there all alone. They have no support network, and they don't know where to go to get help. We need to do everything we can to help."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The military's top officer today urged mental health providers to demonstrate leadership in developing effective programs to treat wounded warriors. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by teleconference to some 400 attendees gathered here for the Warrior Resilience Conference, sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Defense Department has generated "a ton of programs" since the wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mullen said, and on their face, all sound great. "But I need programs that work," he said. "I need programs where we can see results and see output. Anything we put in place, we really need to measure how we're doing."
Mullen urged participants to act on what they learn. "Demonstrate the leadership to say, 'Here are the ideas, now how do I turn that into reality?'" he said. "Many of you are in positions of responsibility. Don't wait for somebody else to do it. I hope and direct you to attack these problems for warriors and families."
Leading in this field is particularly challenging, the chairman said. "I see far too many individual efforts that are not particularly well-coordinated," he said.
The chairman urged the attendees to look beyond the department for help and solutions. The American people are looking for ways to help servicemembers and their families, he said, and he encouraged the conferees to tap into the "immense sea of goodwill for servicemembers that exists in this country."
Mullen cited the importance of creating the programs that build resilience. "I have seen servicemembers and their families demonstrate extraordinary resilience," he said. "I admire their ability to sustain operations at the pace we are in." And the need for resilience is not going to go away, he added.
"For the next year or so," Mullen said, "we will continue to shift our main effort from Iraq to Afghanistan, and the deployments are still going to be there."
But the chairman also provided the encouraging news that soldiers and Marines will start getting more "dwell time" at their home stations between deployments. "The two factors I focus on the most is the amount of dwell time and the number of deployments," he said.
Operations themselves affect resilience, Mullen said, noting that he was struck by the resilience of troops who participated in the successful troop surge in Iraq. "They left with a skip in their steps that wasn't present earlier," he said. "They got that skip because they knew they made a difference."
Transitions such as moving in and out of deployments, transitioning in and out of service or being wounded also affect resilience, the chairman told the conferees.. "Those are challenging times, and family support becomes more critical to resilience," he said. "The stronger the support network is, the stronger the servicemembers and families are."
Speed of treatment and getting the right treatment are key to minimizing long-term effects on servicemembers, he said. Leaders also need to smooth the transition between the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and be aware of the needs of those transitioning, he added.
"We have too many troopers who get out who have been living very structured lives," he said. "Many of them have seen hell, and now they are out there all alone. They have no support network, and they don't know where to go to get help. We need to do everything we can to help."
Pentagon Sends H1N1 Vaccine to Central Command Area
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The vaccines arrived in Qatar overnight and should be pushed out to troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other parts of the region within the next day, Morrell said. About 300,000 forces serve in the command's area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, roughly 26,000 doses arrived in South Korea this week for servicemembers assigned there, Morrell said.
"So we're making some progress in terms of getting the H1N1 vaccine to our forces worldwide," he said. "But because we are still operating with a limited quantity, we have to prioritize those who will get it. And according to our prioritization list, our military forces and those who support them are at the top of that list."
The Defense Department does not yet have enough of the vaccine to treat all servicemembers, their families and other support personnel. The department received its initial allotments of the vaccine last week and began distributing them according to a prioritized list of recipients. Vaccines will be made available first to deployed troops, then to deployed health-care workers, including civilian employees and contractors.
"It is imperative that we keep our forces able to do their jobs so as to provide for the protection of our interests around the world," Morrell said.
"They are already in very difficult circumstances. Every one of them is needed, and we can't afford to have an outbreak of the [H1N1] flu in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in any other location where our forces are deployed," he said. "So we're doing everything within our power to make sure our guys downrange get this as soon as possible."
The department also has received several hundred vaccines from the Health and Human Services Department for defense civilians. Because vaccines are coming in relatively small numbers, local commanders are responsible for determining how supplies are distributed.
Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and is highly recommended for family members.
When the first cases of H1N1 were diagnosed in the United States in April, the department bought 2.7 million doses of the vaccine for mission-assurance purposes. HHS later provided 1 million doses to the department, raising the number to 3.7 million, officials said.
In addition to vaccines being received for operational personnel, Defense Department medical treatment facilities now are receiving vaccine for family members living in the United States. Pentagon officials also have an agreement with HHS to provide the vaccine for family members living outside the United States.
Vaccine for family members and the civilian work force will arrive at military medical treatment facilities incrementally, department officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The vaccines arrived in Qatar overnight and should be pushed out to troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other parts of the region within the next day, Morrell said. About 300,000 forces serve in the command's area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, roughly 26,000 doses arrived in South Korea this week for servicemembers assigned there, Morrell said.
"So we're making some progress in terms of getting the H1N1 vaccine to our forces worldwide," he said. "But because we are still operating with a limited quantity, we have to prioritize those who will get it. And according to our prioritization list, our military forces and those who support them are at the top of that list."
The Defense Department does not yet have enough of the vaccine to treat all servicemembers, their families and other support personnel. The department received its initial allotments of the vaccine last week and began distributing them according to a prioritized list of recipients. Vaccines will be made available first to deployed troops, then to deployed health-care workers, including civilian employees and contractors.
"It is imperative that we keep our forces able to do their jobs so as to provide for the protection of our interests around the world," Morrell said.
"They are already in very difficult circumstances. Every one of them is needed, and we can't afford to have an outbreak of the [H1N1] flu in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in any other location where our forces are deployed," he said. "So we're doing everything within our power to make sure our guys downrange get this as soon as possible."
The department also has received several hundred vaccines from the Health and Human Services Department for defense civilians. Because vaccines are coming in relatively small numbers, local commanders are responsible for determining how supplies are distributed.
Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and is highly recommended for family members.
When the first cases of H1N1 were diagnosed in the United States in April, the department bought 2.7 million doses of the vaccine for mission-assurance purposes. HHS later provided 1 million doses to the department, raising the number to 3.7 million, officials said.
In addition to vaccines being received for operational personnel, Defense Department medical treatment facilities now are receiving vaccine for family members living in the United States. Pentagon officials also have an agreement with HHS to provide the vaccine for family members living outside the United States.
Vaccine for family members and the civilian work force will arrive at military medical treatment facilities incrementally, department officials said.
Brain Injury Research Warrants Urgency, Mullen Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Traumatic brain injury, one of the signature injuries suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, demands a "sense of urgency," the U.S. military's top officer said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Defense Department is in the early stages of understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, a mental condition characterized by headaches, dizziness, lacking motor coordination, memory loss and other symptoms.
"What I worry about is these ... injuries are different," he said at the National Press Club. "This is not like a football head injury or a boxing head injury. It is the catastrophic aspect of this explosion, which just affects the brain differently."
In wide-ranging remarks this morning, Mullen emphasized the importance of focusing on TBI and other issues affecting troops and their families. He said he supports efforts by those within and outside the department to better understand TBI.
"It is very clear the sooner you treat them, the better the outcome is going to be," he said. "So there needs to be a real sense of urgency here, and there are an awful lot of people involved in that. And I try to support what they're doing as much as I possibly can."
Mullen also cited post-traumatic stress -- another prevalent effect of combat -- as a great concern. He said the stigma attached to mental health treatment often contributes to the problem.
"It almost starts with the stigma issue, which we have to continue, as leaders, to break down, because it's hard to say, 'I need help.' And it too often gets used against you," he said.
Mullen added that he and his wife have heard such anecdotes from spouses of servicemembers with post-traumatic stress symptoms who fear seeking help because they don't want to affect their military spouse's career adversely.
"So we've just got to break that down and make it acceptable to ask for help in what is, by and large, something that is a temporary condition that, again, if it's addressed quickly, its effects can be greatly minimized.
Therefore, he said, the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders are focused on the issue. "But we've still got a long way to go," he acknowledged.
Speaking about the much-reported stress on the force stemming from multiple and lengthy deployments, Mullen said he doesn't see the U.S. military nearing a tipping point where forces will begin losing experienced troops.
"But I think we do have to make sure we keep a laser focus on this, ... support our families who have been extraordinary, take care of those who've been wounded, and ensure that they have lives of great contribution in the future," the chairman said. That care includes education, the right medical care and an opportunity buy a home, he added.
Mullen noted a "sea of goodwill" from an American public interested in showing support in various ways to U.S. forces. One of his challenges, he said, is to transform the outpouring into tangible support.
"The challenge that I and many other leaders here in Washington have is how do you connect that sea of goodwill to the need?" he said. "And we're actually working our way through being able to do that, and we're also looking for anyone who wants to try to assist us in that regard."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Traumatic brain injury, one of the signature injuries suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, demands a "sense of urgency," the U.S. military's top officer said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Defense Department is in the early stages of understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, a mental condition characterized by headaches, dizziness, lacking motor coordination, memory loss and other symptoms.
"What I worry about is these ... injuries are different," he said at the National Press Club. "This is not like a football head injury or a boxing head injury. It is the catastrophic aspect of this explosion, which just affects the brain differently."
In wide-ranging remarks this morning, Mullen emphasized the importance of focusing on TBI and other issues affecting troops and their families. He said he supports efforts by those within and outside the department to better understand TBI.
"It is very clear the sooner you treat them, the better the outcome is going to be," he said. "So there needs to be a real sense of urgency here, and there are an awful lot of people involved in that. And I try to support what they're doing as much as I possibly can."
Mullen also cited post-traumatic stress -- another prevalent effect of combat -- as a great concern. He said the stigma attached to mental health treatment often contributes to the problem.
"It almost starts with the stigma issue, which we have to continue, as leaders, to break down, because it's hard to say, 'I need help.' And it too often gets used against you," he said.
Mullen added that he and his wife have heard such anecdotes from spouses of servicemembers with post-traumatic stress symptoms who fear seeking help because they don't want to affect their military spouse's career adversely.
"So we've just got to break that down and make it acceptable to ask for help in what is, by and large, something that is a temporary condition that, again, if it's addressed quickly, its effects can be greatly minimized.
Therefore, he said, the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders are focused on the issue. "But we've still got a long way to go," he acknowledged.
Speaking about the much-reported stress on the force stemming from multiple and lengthy deployments, Mullen said he doesn't see the U.S. military nearing a tipping point where forces will begin losing experienced troops.
"But I think we do have to make sure we keep a laser focus on this, ... support our families who have been extraordinary, take care of those who've been wounded, and ensure that they have lives of great contribution in the future," the chairman said. That care includes education, the right medical care and an opportunity buy a home, he added.
Mullen noted a "sea of goodwill" from an American public interested in showing support in various ways to U.S. forces. One of his challenges, he said, is to transform the outpouring into tangible support.
"The challenge that I and many other leaders here in Washington have is how do you connect that sea of goodwill to the need?" he said. "And we're actually working our way through being able to do that, and we're also looking for anyone who wants to try to assist us in that regard."
National Parks Honor America’s Armed Forces
Free Admission on Veterans Day
From the beginnings of our nation to this very day, brave Americans have fought to protect our country and defend the principles on which it was founded.
On Veterans Day, November 11, our country honors the service of those who have answered the call at places like Lexington and Concord. Guilford Courthouse. Saratgoa. Yorktown. Fort McHenry. Horseshoe Bend. Gettysburg. Antietam. Valley Forge. Appomattox. Shiloh. Kennesaw Mountain. Vicksburg. Wilson’s Creek. USS Arizona. The names are ingrained in our national memory. The places are preserved forever as national parks.
“As part of the national observance of Veterans Day, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “This is just a small way we can honor our veterans and active duty military, reserves, National Guard, and their families. It is also an opportunity for all Americans to visit a national park that tells a veteran’s story and learn more about the struggles and the people who have kept our nation strong for more than 200 years.”
To learn more about how national parks preserve and commemorate the service of the American military visit Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Parks Preserved in the National Park System. Or search for a close-to-home national park by clicking on “refine your search” and entering your zip code in our park finder.
Many of the 392 national parks have planned special events on Veterans Day including:
World War II Memorial, Washington, DC – 8 a.m. color guard from the Military District of Washington, special speakers, wreath-laying, and taps. Contact: Friends of the National World War II Memorial, (202) 747-4258.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC – 1 p.m. annual Veterans Day Observance at the Wall. Contact: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at (202) 393-0090.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania – 10:30 a.m. wreath laying at the National Memorial Arch with the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the Korea DMZ Veterans Association. Contact: Ann Marie Maher at (610) 783-1006 or maher@valleyforge.org.
General Grant National Memorial, New York – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. living history displays and demonstrations of the evolution of the American Army during the 19th century. Contact: Mindi Rambo at (212) 668-2208 or mindi_rambo@nps.gov.
Free entrance on Veterans Day applies also applies at other areas managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.
From the beginnings of our nation to this very day, brave Americans have fought to protect our country and defend the principles on which it was founded.
On Veterans Day, November 11, our country honors the service of those who have answered the call at places like Lexington and Concord. Guilford Courthouse. Saratgoa. Yorktown. Fort McHenry. Horseshoe Bend. Gettysburg. Antietam. Valley Forge. Appomattox. Shiloh. Kennesaw Mountain. Vicksburg. Wilson’s Creek. USS Arizona. The names are ingrained in our national memory. The places are preserved forever as national parks.
“As part of the national observance of Veterans Day, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “This is just a small way we can honor our veterans and active duty military, reserves, National Guard, and their families. It is also an opportunity for all Americans to visit a national park that tells a veteran’s story and learn more about the struggles and the people who have kept our nation strong for more than 200 years.”
To learn more about how national parks preserve and commemorate the service of the American military visit Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Parks Preserved in the National Park System. Or search for a close-to-home national park by clicking on “refine your search” and entering your zip code in our park finder.
Many of the 392 national parks have planned special events on Veterans Day including:
World War II Memorial, Washington, DC – 8 a.m. color guard from the Military District of Washington, special speakers, wreath-laying, and taps. Contact: Friends of the National World War II Memorial, (202) 747-4258.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC – 1 p.m. annual Veterans Day Observance at the Wall. Contact: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at (202) 393-0090.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania – 10:30 a.m. wreath laying at the National Memorial Arch with the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the Korea DMZ Veterans Association. Contact: Ann Marie Maher at (610) 783-1006 or maher@valleyforge.org.
General Grant National Memorial, New York – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. living history displays and demonstrations of the evolution of the American Army during the 19th century. Contact: Mindi Rambo at (212) 668-2208 or mindi_rambo@nps.gov.
Free entrance on Veterans Day applies also applies at other areas managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.
Mullen Ties Health to Readiness in Latest Podcast
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff noted some indirect factors of military readiness today in his latest podcast, also highlighting appreciation for military families and veterans, as well as preventive measures against the H1N1 influenza. "Readiness isn't just about training, it's about health," the chairman said in the podcast recorded at the Pentagon with his wife, Deborah.
The Defense Department received the initial doses of the H1N1 vaccine yesterday, and already has started sending it out to installations around the world. But the Mullens said precautions still are necessary.
"Flu season is here, and this year we also need to be ready for the H1N1 virus," Deborah Mullen said. "Many of the precautions are the same: covering your mouth when coughing, washing your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth."
The H1N1 strain, also known as swine flu, hit the United States in April, and has swept the nation with nearly 5,000 confirmed cases in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a report released Oct. 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of Americans being hospitalized due to the condition has steadily increased every month, with nearly 300 H1N1-related deaths, the CDC report said.
President Barack Obama proclaimed the virus a national emergency Oct. 24. Raising awareness and taking preventive steps against it, outside of receiving the vaccine, can help to reduce the virus's threat and its spread, the Mullens said.
"Because it's not just about staying well," Deborah Mullen said.
"It's about staying ready," the chairman added.
The Mullens also offered messages recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and Military Family Appreciation Week, observed Nov. 21 -28 as part of Military Family Month.
"We honor you not out of obligation, but rather with a deep sense of pride and gratitude," the chairman said of military veterans. "You and your families made a difference."
"Whether you saw combat or not, made the military a career or not, you stood up for you country and for your fellow citizens," Deborah Mullen added.
Combat readiness is tied to family readiness, the admiral said, and no military member serves alone. Today's armed forces have the most supportive and combat-ready families he's seen in his 41 years in uniform, he added.
"Our families don't just wait and worry," Deborah Mullen said. "They serve every bit as much as their loved ones."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff noted some indirect factors of military readiness today in his latest podcast, also highlighting appreciation for military families and veterans, as well as preventive measures against the H1N1 influenza. "Readiness isn't just about training, it's about health," the chairman said in the podcast recorded at the Pentagon with his wife, Deborah.
The Defense Department received the initial doses of the H1N1 vaccine yesterday, and already has started sending it out to installations around the world. But the Mullens said precautions still are necessary.
"Flu season is here, and this year we also need to be ready for the H1N1 virus," Deborah Mullen said. "Many of the precautions are the same: covering your mouth when coughing, washing your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth."
The H1N1 strain, also known as swine flu, hit the United States in April, and has swept the nation with nearly 5,000 confirmed cases in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a report released Oct. 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of Americans being hospitalized due to the condition has steadily increased every month, with nearly 300 H1N1-related deaths, the CDC report said.
President Barack Obama proclaimed the virus a national emergency Oct. 24. Raising awareness and taking preventive steps against it, outside of receiving the vaccine, can help to reduce the virus's threat and its spread, the Mullens said.
"Because it's not just about staying well," Deborah Mullen said.
"It's about staying ready," the chairman added.
The Mullens also offered messages recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and Military Family Appreciation Week, observed Nov. 21 -28 as part of Military Family Month.
"We honor you not out of obligation, but rather with a deep sense of pride and gratitude," the chairman said of military veterans. "You and your families made a difference."
"Whether you saw combat or not, made the military a career or not, you stood up for you country and for your fellow citizens," Deborah Mullen added.
Combat readiness is tied to family readiness, the admiral said, and no military member serves alone. Today's armed forces have the most supportive and combat-ready families he's seen in his 41 years in uniform, he added.
"Our families don't just wait and worry," Deborah Mullen said. "They serve every bit as much as their loved ones."
Navy To Commission Amphibious Transport Dock Ship New York
The Navy will commission the newest San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship New York, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in New York City.
The ship is named New York in honor of the state and the courage and heroism of New Yorkers during and after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. A unique characteristic of the ship is the use of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage that was incorporated into the construction process. The steel was melted and formed to make the bow stem of the ship. Use of this steel symbolizes the spirit and resiliency of the people of New York. The ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, will also deliver remarks. Dotty England, wife of former secretary of the Navy and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Designated as LPD 21, New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Four previous ships have been named New York. The first, a gondola that served in 1776; the second, a frigate that served 1800-1814; the third, an armored cruiser that served 1893-1938; and the fourth, a battleship that served 1914-1946.
As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.
Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., is the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel and three Marines. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines. Upon commissioning, New York will be homeported in Norfolk, Va., as a part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, New York is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces about 24,900 tons. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.
For more information about this class of ship, please visit the Navy Fact File: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4 .
The ship is named New York in honor of the state and the courage and heroism of New Yorkers during and after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. A unique characteristic of the ship is the use of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage that was incorporated into the construction process. The steel was melted and formed to make the bow stem of the ship. Use of this steel symbolizes the spirit and resiliency of the people of New York. The ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, will also deliver remarks. Dotty England, wife of former secretary of the Navy and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Designated as LPD 21, New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Four previous ships have been named New York. The first, a gondola that served in 1776; the second, a frigate that served 1800-1814; the third, an armored cruiser that served 1893-1938; and the fourth, a battleship that served 1914-1946.
As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.
Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., is the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel and three Marines. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines. Upon commissioning, New York will be homeported in Norfolk, Va., as a part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, New York is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces about 24,900 tons. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.
For more information about this class of ship, please visit the Navy Fact File: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4 .
Gates to Thank Armored Vehicle Factory Workers
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will travel to the factory line of the newest version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle next week to personally thank the workers for their efforts to speed delivery of the vehicles to warfighters. Oshkosh Corp.'s factory in Oshkosh, Wis., produces the new MRAP all-terrain vehicle known as the M-ATV, which is designed to be suited to off-road conditions in Afghanistan's rugged terrain.
The Defense Department has contracted the company to produce 6,600 of the armored vehicles. Gates is scheduled to travel to Oshkosh on Nov. 12, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said in a briefing today.
"The secretary wants to thank the workers there for doing everything they can to expedite the production of these lifesaving vehicles," he said.
Morrell called their efforts an "amazing display of industry and dedication to the war effort."
The factory expects to speed the production of the vehicle from 46 M-ATVs produced in July to 1,000 per month by the end of the year, he said.
The new vehicles are lighter than the MRAPs used in Iraq and offer an independent suspension and shorter wheel base that make it more adaptable to Afghanistan's rocky hills. Its design retains the V-shape hull that helps to divert the blast of roadside bombs.
Morrell emphasized that the new vehicle is only one piece of the department's effort to defeat the improvised explosive devices so prevalent in Afghanistan.
"Secretary Gates is pushing everyone in this building to make sure they are doing everything they possibly can to provide our warfighters with everything they need, be it [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], improved command and control, or additional authorities or even capabilities, so that they can better diagram, dissect and ultimately defeat these IED networks," he said.
Most of the bombs found in Afghanistan are unsophisticated, unlike the more high-tech bombs troops faced in Iraq. But even so, they are the No. 1 killer of troops there, usually employing huge amounts of cheap bomb-making materials to attack troops and vehicles.
Last week, a U.S. Stryker combat vehicle was hit in Afghanistan by a 1,000-pound homemade bomb, killing seven soldiers.
"There's not an armored vehicle you could build that would likely protect you against a thousand-pound fertilizer bomb," Morrell said. "Even if it doesn't penetrate the hull, those inside of it are going to suffer a concussive blast that is clearly going to be a real danger to them."
Gates hosted a meeting at the Pentagon today to bring together most of the key players in the efforts to defeat the IEDs, Morrell said. Participants include representatives of the MRAP and ISR task forces, as well as the Joint IED Defeat Organization. Those deployed joined the meeting via secure teleconference.
Morrell said all groups involved need to collaborate to take an all-encompassing approach toward defeating those who make and emplace the bombs.
"If we're relying simply on better armor at the point of contact, we're not going to succeed," Morrell said. "We need to be attacking this problem from 360 degrees, just as we did in Iraq and proved so successful there, by watching the roads, by watching for patterns of life, by mapping those patterns, by developing intelligence that allows us to penetrate the networks and take them down."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will travel to the factory line of the newest version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle next week to personally thank the workers for their efforts to speed delivery of the vehicles to warfighters. Oshkosh Corp.'s factory in Oshkosh, Wis., produces the new MRAP all-terrain vehicle known as the M-ATV, which is designed to be suited to off-road conditions in Afghanistan's rugged terrain.
The Defense Department has contracted the company to produce 6,600 of the armored vehicles. Gates is scheduled to travel to Oshkosh on Nov. 12, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said in a briefing today.
"The secretary wants to thank the workers there for doing everything they can to expedite the production of these lifesaving vehicles," he said.
Morrell called their efforts an "amazing display of industry and dedication to the war effort."
The factory expects to speed the production of the vehicle from 46 M-ATVs produced in July to 1,000 per month by the end of the year, he said.
The new vehicles are lighter than the MRAPs used in Iraq and offer an independent suspension and shorter wheel base that make it more adaptable to Afghanistan's rocky hills. Its design retains the V-shape hull that helps to divert the blast of roadside bombs.
Morrell emphasized that the new vehicle is only one piece of the department's effort to defeat the improvised explosive devices so prevalent in Afghanistan.
"Secretary Gates is pushing everyone in this building to make sure they are doing everything they possibly can to provide our warfighters with everything they need, be it [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], improved command and control, or additional authorities or even capabilities, so that they can better diagram, dissect and ultimately defeat these IED networks," he said.
Most of the bombs found in Afghanistan are unsophisticated, unlike the more high-tech bombs troops faced in Iraq. But even so, they are the No. 1 killer of troops there, usually employing huge amounts of cheap bomb-making materials to attack troops and vehicles.
Last week, a U.S. Stryker combat vehicle was hit in Afghanistan by a 1,000-pound homemade bomb, killing seven soldiers.
"There's not an armored vehicle you could build that would likely protect you against a thousand-pound fertilizer bomb," Morrell said. "Even if it doesn't penetrate the hull, those inside of it are going to suffer a concussive blast that is clearly going to be a real danger to them."
Gates hosted a meeting at the Pentagon today to bring together most of the key players in the efforts to defeat the IEDs, Morrell said. Participants include representatives of the MRAP and ISR task forces, as well as the Joint IED Defeat Organization. Those deployed joined the meeting via secure teleconference.
Morrell said all groups involved need to collaborate to take an all-encompassing approach toward defeating those who make and emplace the bombs.
"If we're relying simply on better armor at the point of contact, we're not going to succeed," Morrell said. "We need to be attacking this problem from 360 degrees, just as we did in Iraq and proved so successful there, by watching the roads, by watching for patterns of life, by mapping those patterns, by developing intelligence that allows us to penetrate the networks and take them down."
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 4, 2009
NAVY
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract for $23,685,864 to provide production engineering, integration, testing, inspection and delivery of an integrated system, or other equipment for installation on shore sites and maritime/tactical platforms and vehicles. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $233,657,727. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until November 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the SPAWAR E-commerce web site, with an unlimited number of proposals solicited and four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-10-C-2841).
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
KeyLogic Systems Inc., Morgantown, W. Va.*, was awarded a $24,222,031.76, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract consisting of one one-year base period and four one-year option periods. The solicitation was issued as a 100 percent small business set-aside. One solicitation was issued and posted on FedBizOps with three offers submitted in response to the posting. Performance will be at the Defense Information Systems Agency facilities within the National Capital Region and is for business operations support services. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region is the contracting activity (HC1047-09-C-4025).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
US Foods International, Gardena, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $21,113,003 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is La Miranda, Calif. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and child development center. There were originally fifteen proposals solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 22, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3310).
AIR FORCE
ITT Corp., Systems Division of Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $5,847,128 contract which will provide the Eastern and Western Range architecture and requirements option of an additional year. At this time, $768,784 has been obligated. SMC/LRSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract for $23,685,864 to provide production engineering, integration, testing, inspection and delivery of an integrated system, or other equipment for installation on shore sites and maritime/tactical platforms and vehicles. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $233,657,727. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until November 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the SPAWAR E-commerce web site, with an unlimited number of proposals solicited and four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-10-C-2841).
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
KeyLogic Systems Inc., Morgantown, W. Va.*, was awarded a $24,222,031.76, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract consisting of one one-year base period and four one-year option periods. The solicitation was issued as a 100 percent small business set-aside. One solicitation was issued and posted on FedBizOps with three offers submitted in response to the posting. Performance will be at the Defense Information Systems Agency facilities within the National Capital Region and is for business operations support services. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region is the contracting activity (HC1047-09-C-4025).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
US Foods International, Gardena, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $21,113,003 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is La Miranda, Calif. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and child development center. There were originally fifteen proposals solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 22, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3310).
AIR FORCE
ITT Corp., Systems Division of Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $5,847,128 contract which will provide the Eastern and Western Range architecture and requirements option of an additional year. At this time, $768,784 has been obligated. SMC/LRSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001).
Defense Department Aims to Improve Families' Lives
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Military families make tremendous sacrifices in support of the nation and deserve recognition as well as the best programs and policies the Defense Department can deliver, a defense official said yesterday.
Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, underscored the importance of Military Family Month, gave a broad overview of family programs and offered a glimpse at future initiatives in a wide-ranging interview here with the Pentagon Channel.
"We take the time to do this to recognize the sacrifices that our military families have made in defense of this nation," said Thomas, referring to Military Family Month, celebrated every November. "We have many deployed family members -- whether it be mother, son, spouse or daughter. [The] bottom line is we look at that entire entity as a family. And we look at and honor those successes that those families are making for this nation."
Military families face many unique stressors, including maintaining stability at home in the face of deployments and frequent moves, he said. An average civilian may stay in a hometown for 15 to 20 years, he noted, while a military member may move 12 to 14 times in a 27-year period.
"One of the biggest challenges I see is trying to maintain that way of life, just as our civilian counterparts do, and keeping some stability in the family structure," Thomas said. "We have a number of programs that we offer to make that happen."
Thomas pointed out the department's child care and education programs and various programs to offset family child care costs. He added that the military family life consultant program has been a "tremendous benefit to our military families." The consultants provide anonymous, nonmedical counseling support to troops and their family members. "We sit down and listen to the needs and wants of military families," he said.
Additionally, the department's Military OneSource site offers military families 24/7 access on the Internet to counseling services, he said, and commissaries and military exchange stores around the world give servicemembers and their families a "taste of life back home," as well as economic savings.
Thomas also highlighted a pilot program, the Restoration and Resilience Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, aimed at helping servicemembers and their families deal with post-traumatic stress. The program is "serving as a tremendous tool," he said.
Thomas said he received firsthand proof of the program's effectiveness during a visit to Fort Bliss about two weeks ago. He was conducting a focus group when a soldier walked up to him unexpectedly.
"What he said to me is, 'I want you to know, sir, that the resilience and restoration program saved my life,'" Thomas recalled. "It's a true testament to some of the programs we have out there and the effectiveness of those programs."
Defense Department officials always look for ways to tweak programs as they aims to improve them, Thomas said. "You should never rest on your laurels," he said, noting that it's vital to hear from the people who are executing the programs as well as from the end users, the military families.
"I've logged about 32,000 miles going out talking to focus groups on about 16 installations," Thomas said. He takes time to speak with military families around the world and uses that information to assess and improve the department's programs, he added.
It's not always about program quantity, he noted, but effectiveness, which is why tracking usage and soliciting feedback is so important. He said feedback led to a recent addition of family support services. During visits to Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Drum, N.Y. -- both "very high-ops tempo Army installations," he said -- he received requests for more military family life consultants, a sentiment that was echoed in Europe.
As a result, the department added 118 military family life consultants, all due to feedback at the program-execution level.
Thomas said his No. 1 goal is to make a long-term difference for military families. He pledged to work toward getting "the proper funding and resources we need in our baseline" to create adequate and lasting family programs that also can evolve to meet growing needs.
Above all, military families deserve the best possible programs the department can provide, Thomas said.
"We owe that to our military families -- to make sure we're doing whatever we can for them, to make sure they're part of the Defense Department team, that we're working together collectively," he said.
In honor of Military Family Month, the department's Military Community and Family Policy office has several events aimed at improving quality of life for military families, Thomas said, including a Leadership Summit on Military Families on Nov. 9 and 10, a Defense Department/joint services conference called "Improving the Quality of Life for Military Families" from Nov. 16 to 18, and a child development conference, also from Nov. 16 to 18.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Military families make tremendous sacrifices in support of the nation and deserve recognition as well as the best programs and policies the Defense Department can deliver, a defense official said yesterday.
Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, underscored the importance of Military Family Month, gave a broad overview of family programs and offered a glimpse at future initiatives in a wide-ranging interview here with the Pentagon Channel.
"We take the time to do this to recognize the sacrifices that our military families have made in defense of this nation," said Thomas, referring to Military Family Month, celebrated every November. "We have many deployed family members -- whether it be mother, son, spouse or daughter. [The] bottom line is we look at that entire entity as a family. And we look at and honor those successes that those families are making for this nation."
Military families face many unique stressors, including maintaining stability at home in the face of deployments and frequent moves, he said. An average civilian may stay in a hometown for 15 to 20 years, he noted, while a military member may move 12 to 14 times in a 27-year period.
"One of the biggest challenges I see is trying to maintain that way of life, just as our civilian counterparts do, and keeping some stability in the family structure," Thomas said. "We have a number of programs that we offer to make that happen."
Thomas pointed out the department's child care and education programs and various programs to offset family child care costs. He added that the military family life consultant program has been a "tremendous benefit to our military families." The consultants provide anonymous, nonmedical counseling support to troops and their family members. "We sit down and listen to the needs and wants of military families," he said.
Additionally, the department's Military OneSource site offers military families 24/7 access on the Internet to counseling services, he said, and commissaries and military exchange stores around the world give servicemembers and their families a "taste of life back home," as well as economic savings.
Thomas also highlighted a pilot program, the Restoration and Resilience Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, aimed at helping servicemembers and their families deal with post-traumatic stress. The program is "serving as a tremendous tool," he said.
Thomas said he received firsthand proof of the program's effectiveness during a visit to Fort Bliss about two weeks ago. He was conducting a focus group when a soldier walked up to him unexpectedly.
"What he said to me is, 'I want you to know, sir, that the resilience and restoration program saved my life,'" Thomas recalled. "It's a true testament to some of the programs we have out there and the effectiveness of those programs."
Defense Department officials always look for ways to tweak programs as they aims to improve them, Thomas said. "You should never rest on your laurels," he said, noting that it's vital to hear from the people who are executing the programs as well as from the end users, the military families.
"I've logged about 32,000 miles going out talking to focus groups on about 16 installations," Thomas said. He takes time to speak with military families around the world and uses that information to assess and improve the department's programs, he added.
It's not always about program quantity, he noted, but effectiveness, which is why tracking usage and soliciting feedback is so important. He said feedback led to a recent addition of family support services. During visits to Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Drum, N.Y. -- both "very high-ops tempo Army installations," he said -- he received requests for more military family life consultants, a sentiment that was echoed in Europe.
As a result, the department added 118 military family life consultants, all due to feedback at the program-execution level.
Thomas said his No. 1 goal is to make a long-term difference for military families. He pledged to work toward getting "the proper funding and resources we need in our baseline" to create adequate and lasting family programs that also can evolve to meet growing needs.
Above all, military families deserve the best possible programs the department can provide, Thomas said.
"We owe that to our military families -- to make sure we're doing whatever we can for them, to make sure they're part of the Defense Department team, that we're working together collectively," he said.
In honor of Military Family Month, the department's Military Community and Family Policy office has several events aimed at improving quality of life for military families, Thomas said, including a Leadership Summit on Military Families on Nov. 9 and 10, a Defense Department/joint services conference called "Improving the Quality of Life for Military Families" from Nov. 16 to 18, and a child development conference, also from Nov. 16 to 18.
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