Real Warrior Describes Post-traumatic Stress

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 11, 2010 - When Staff Sgt. Megan Krause returned home from a deployment in Iraq in 2006, she thought the scariest moments of her life were over. At her homecoming, "I ran to my mother in that hangar; we both cried tears of joy," said Krause, now an Army Reserve medic attached to a combat engineering unit in Pennsylvania. "I told her it was over and I was fine.

"Boy, was I wrong."

Krause later found herself waging a terrifying war with post-traumatic stress disorder. She described the battle and her road to recovery here today during the Real Warriors Campaign session at the 2010 Suicide Prevention Conference sponsored by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Krause said she hit rock bottom while a student at Penn State University about two years after her deployment.

"It was when I found myself face down in the mud pit, in the middle of a pigpen in State College, Pa., running from the insurgents that I thought were chasing me, that I realized I had not yet survived," Krause said. "I might not have been having suicidal ideations, but I was well on my way to killing myself."

Krause said she drank a bottle of red wine every night just to get to sleep.

"It's scary because you know you party harder than the average college kid and then get behind the wheel of your car because you just don't care anymore," she said. "It's scary because you know you're not going to class or work and you're throwing your life away.

"And you don't know how to stop the cycle."

Her nights, she said, were filled with nightmares of explosions and friends she couldn't save in time.

"I didn't want to die, but I wasn't leaving myself with many other options – until I asked for help," she said.

Help came in abundance, she said. "My [Reserve] unit wanted nothing more than to help me. They encouraged me to talk to the VA, talk to them." Her first sergeant admitted he, too, was seeking help for post-traumatic stress and told Krause it was the best decision he ever made.

"His words were ringing in my head that scary night as I rolled over [in bed] and called [the VA] for help," she said. "I knew I couldn't keep going down the path I had chosen." Two "battle buddies" showed up at 3 a.m. to drive her to the hospital.

Through the VA, Krause found the help she needed and, despite her initial embarrassment, "I discovered here was no shame in admitting that I was in trouble and needed help," she said.

"In fact, I earned more respect for seeking help and facing my problems head on than I ever had while failing to be the [noncommissioned officer] I wanted to be."

Wanting to help others waging similar psychological battles, Krause volunteered to share her story through the Real Warriors Campaign.

This initiative, launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, features stories of servicemembers who have sought treatment and continue to maintain successful military or civilian careers, according to the campaign's Web site. These efforts are aimed at combating the stigma associated with seeking psychological health care and treatment.

Krause appears in several public service announcements on the campaign's site at realwarriors.net. The response to her coming forth with her story has been amazing, she said.

A short time ago, Krause said she received a late-night call from a college friend, also a veteran, who had seen her PSA.

He "was driving his Mustang down the back roads of Pennsylvania at 70 mph, drunk, willing himself to turn into a tree," she said, fighting back tears.

Her friend was the same "battle buddy" who had driven her to the hospital a year prior, "and now he needed a return favor."

He asked her to tell him her story and she poured forth every detail -- the sleepless nights, drinking, terror, stress and that "moment of clarity, all the while begging him to pull over to the side of the road."

He did pull over and, like Krause, sought help for his post-traumatic stress.

"He said, 'Promise me you will keep doing what you're doing because there are people out there who need to hear it,'" she said.

Krause encouraged conference attendees to use the Real Warriors site, which includes links to resources, a live chat room, and information about the Defense Centers of Excellence Outreach Center, a 24/7 call center staffed by health resource consultants. The Outreach Center can be reached toll-free at 866-966-1020 or via e-mail at resources@dcoeoutreach.org.

Krause said coming forth takes courage, but it's well worth the effort.

"Our stories need to be shared with anyone who has struggled or may struggle in the future, so they too can win this terrifying battle," she said.

"I'm winning the battle with PTSD and you can too."

Florida Guardsman named Female Athlete of Year

By Carol Carpenter

AFNORTH Public Affiars

(12/21/09) -- When she was just 5 years old, Karrie Warren was already learning to hit softballs in her family's Fort Lauderdale, Fla., backyard. The balls were pitched patiently, one after the other, by an encouraging father who saw something special in his little girl's extraordinary ability to connect a bat with a ball.

No one could have predicted then where these childhood practice sessions might lead. Nearly three decades later, a huge payoff occurred.

Now 32, and a member of the Air Force and a security and requirements supervisor at Tyndall's 601st Air and Space Operations Center, Master Sgt. Warren has been named the U.S. Air Force Female Athlete of the Year for 2009.

The trim-and-fit Florida Air Guard member won this distinction, not only because of her ability to play an exceptional game of softball, but also because of her remarkable physical fitness and leadership skills both on and off the field.

"I was shocked, but very honored, to have won this award," Sergeant Warren said. "I strive to do my best whether it's at my job or in sports, and to even be nominated is something I will treasure for the rest of my life."

The prestigious award was announced at the Air Force Fitness and Sports Awards luncheon in Orlando earlier this month. Presenting the award were Maj. Gen. (select) Timothy Byers, an Air Force civil engineer at the Pentagon, and Michael Bensen, deputy commander of the Air Force Services Agency.

The able sergeant was lauded at the ceremony for several major athletic accomplishments, including leading the Air Force women's team to the full-services Armed Forces Women's Softball Championship title. She was also praised for serving as captain of the Armed Forces All-Tournament team, which took second place at the 2009 Amateur Softball Association National Championship.

Additionally, she led the Tyndall AFB women's softball team to second place in the 2009 World Softball Tournament, and they played this year at the Pac-Wide Softball Championship in Korea. For doing well at both events, the team was designated the 'All-Tournament team.'

Col. Randy Spear, 601st AOC commander, praised Sergeant Warren for her notable achievements. "It is an honor to have one of our own recognized for such a prestigious award," he said. "She is an exceptional athlete, not only on the field, but at her job as well."

Getting to this point has not been fast or easy for the dedicated athlete. She has, in fact, spent most of her life honing her ability to play softball, as well as advancing her personal physical fitness goals along the way.

Recounting her early years learning the game, Sergeant Warren said that in addition to countless hours of informal practice with her father, by age 9 she was playing on organized local teams with other girls her age.

Later as a teenager, she was an enthusiastic player on various school teams and amateur leagues, some of which had her and sister team members traveling to other states and regions of the country to compete against similarly organized teams.

She recalls those early years on softball fields as very good ones, spending every playing season with her entire family―father, mother and two brothers―cheering her on from the stands, often the loudest and proudest fans in the crowd.

"My two older brothers weren't all that interested in sports, so my father held out hope for me, his last child," she said with a smile. "He drove me to do my best, and I've always tried to follow his advice."

She feels fortunate that her father, who died two years ago, was able to watch her play on Air Force and Armed Forces teams in previous years. "All his early effort paid off," she said, adding that her mother and brothers continue to offer much proud support.

As an adult, she quickly realized that any sports ability can be enhanced by other kinds of physical fitness, so she developed the habit of making plenty of time for regular exercise. Today she runs two miles four times a week and weight trains three times a week, using a regimen intended for male athletes.

She is also careful about eating a healthy diet, mostly choosing foods such as baked chicken or fish and lots of vegetables. "I admit I love fried foods, but I try to avoid them, except in small portions," she said, adding that nutritious food is essential for the "mind, body and soul."

A typical day for Sergeant Warren includes getting up early, showering and eating breakfast―usually oatmeal and a banana or whole wheat toast and eggs. Then she heads to her job at 'America's AOC,' where she's in charge of security and directs the installation of computer and other equipment.

Three days a week she gathers with fellow Airmen for organized physical training - better know to Airmen as PT sessions, and the other two days she takes advantage of the AOC's fitness center to work out on her own. "My unit stresses physical fitness, and my personal motivation is that I want to feel and perform the best that I can," she said of her rigorous exercise routine.

Although she is single, doesn't have children and can usually find sufficient time after work for active pursuits, she thinks all Airmen, regardless of their situation, can and should carve out time for a sound fitness routine. She believes it should be done not only for individual health and well-being, but also to meet the current and new Air Force PT standards that go into effect in July 2010.

"If you are already fit, you won't have a problem with the new standards," she said.

But her first love - softball - is the main part of her fitness routine that keeps life especially interesting and fun.

A longtime center-left outfielder, she points out that while she has improved her batting and fielding abilities over the years, she doesn't see herself as the best player on any given team. "I'm not the best player, but I do try to be a smart player," she said. "I don't make the big power plays; I just look for holes to place the ball and get on base. The others bring me in."

Looking ahead, she realizes that eventually she will have to retire her bat for good. "How long I play will depend on my work schedule," she said. "And at some point it will be time to welcome a new round of younger players to the game."

Guardmembers must submit civilian employment information

By Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
National Guard Bureau

(1/11/10) - Army and Air National Guard members are encouraged to provide their civilian employment information to the Department of Defense through a mandatory program that has been around since the early 1990s.

The Civilian Employment Information (CEI) program makes it possible for defense officials to know who can be called up for active duty without jeopardizing the civilian forces responsible for safeguarding our country, Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt, the director of the Air National Guard, wrote in a memorandum to the states last year.

Reporting by the 450,000-member National Guard has been very good in the past with more than 90 percent providing information in the last five years, said James Lamback, the chief of Employer Support for the National Guard Bureau.

But information is required to be updated every year, and reporting is currently at 50 and 60 percent for the Army and Air Guard, respectively.

The goal for the Army Guard is to reach 97 percent by Sept. 30, the end of this fiscal year, said Army Guard officials.

Guardmembers must fill in 10 specific data fields concerning their civilian employer, including employment status, employer’s name and mailing address, their job title and their total number of years in their current civilian occupation.

Technicians must also register as government employees.

As part of this program, the DoD must: give consideration to civilian workers, including emergency responders such as police officers, firefighters and medical personnel; ensure more members with critical civilian jobs and skills are not retained in the Guard longer than necessary to respond to emergencies; and inform civilian employers of their rights and responsibilities under the 1994 Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act.

The information could also be used to determine which units or unit members should be mobilized, defense officials said. Information about full-time employers would also make it possible for DoD officials to enhance employer support for the Guard and Reserve.

Employees are considered full time for CEI purposes if their employer considers them to be employed full time. Self-employed personnel are considered full time if they work for themselves for an average of at least 30 hours per week.

Guardmembers who fail or refuse to provide this information, or who knowingly provide false employment-related information, may be subject to administrative action or punishment, officials said.

Employment data can be entered on the Defense Manpower Data Center Web site.

Airman Follows Famous Uncle

By Mike Joseph
Special to American Forces Press Service

Jan. 11, 2010 - When Airman Christopher Platte decided to join the Air Force last year, he didn't know he would be following in famous footsteps. Graduation from Basic Military Training here Dec. 11 capped a two-day whirlwind for Platte that included rare time spent with his great uncle, retired Air Force Capt. Claude Platte, an original Tuskegee Airman. BMT graduation was the first time since he was an infant that Platte had been with his famous uncle, who helped break down racial and educational barriers by becoming one of the first African American officers trained and commissioned in the newly reopened Air Force pilot training program at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in the 1940s.

The younger Platte found out about his uncle after telling his family he wanted to join the Air Force. He first spoke with his great uncle in November 2008, he said.

"I talked to my mother about [joining the Air Force] and she said, 'Oh, by the way, you have a great uncle who is a Tuskegee Airman,'" Platte recalled.

"I had no idea," he added. "I think that it's going to be a great motivation for me to take it a step higher now that I know where I come from. Even if I decide not to be a pilot, it's motivation to be the best I can be in the Air Force."

The elder Platte served 18 years in the Air Force and trained more than 400 African American airmen to fly solo and pilot specialized military aircraft. Captain Platte's brother -- Christopher Platte's grandfather -- was also a Tuskegee Airman.

Captain Platte has received many honors including an honorary doctorate in public service from Tuskegee University in 2006, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.

Retired from Bell Helicopter Textron Co. and living in North Texas, Platte and other Tuskegee Airmen travel the country telling their stories.

A modest man who stays involved in community service, the elder Platte said he wasn't out to break down barriers; he only wanted to fly.

"It was something I wanted to do," he said. "It was just like getting a toy. I didn't think about the segregation part of it. I wasn't interfered with, so I really enjoyed it."

Captain Platte's return to Lackland AFB for his great nephew's graduation was the first time he had been back since his own BMT nearly 50 years ago.

And, as Airman Platte begins his military career, he's entering as a survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist. He, too, started down a different trail.

After all, how many airmen begin their career with an Eagle Scout Court of Honor the day before BMT graduation?

"It was an interesting experience. It was not a traditional court of honor," he said about the Dec. 10 ceremony.

Col. William Mott V, the 37th Training Wing commander, presided over the event and presented Platte with his Eagle Scout award.

The two days of activities were enough to make a mother proud.

"I don't think there are words to describe how proud I am," said Platte's mother, Marilyn Wright. "He really didn't have any idea the legacy he was stepping into. Since he was six, he's been saying, 'I want to fly planes; I want to be in the air!'"

"Honestly, I tried to discourage him, but it's in his heart to be an airman," she said. "Now he's fulfilling a dream."

(Mike Joseph works for 37th Training Wing public affairs.)

182 Days in Iraq

On January 29, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Phil Kiver, US Army, about his book 182 Days in Iraq.

Program Date: January 29, 2010
Program Time: 2100 Hours Pacific
Topic: 182 Days in Iraq
Listen Live:
www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/182_days_iraq.html

About the Guest
Phil Kiver is a native of Cheney Washington. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, with a degree in Political Science and a veteran of the Washington Army National Guard. After college he joined the Army serving overseas in Iraq, Chile, Kyrgyzstan, and Germany. While stationed at Fort Hood Texas Kiver anchored an Army news show, on KCEN NBC Waco Texas. During this time he received a master’s degree in Military History from American Military University. After serving three years on active duty he left the Army and moved to Manassas Virginia. Kiver has worked as the communications director for federal republican candidates and as a fundraiser for the RNC. He was also a credentialed journalist on Capitol Hill for USA Radio Network out of Dallas Texas In addition he has three published books about his time in Iraq, and has just completed two more from his most recent trip to Iraq where he served as deputy public affairs officer for 2nd Brigade 1st Armor Division of the US Army. He has been a featured speaker at the Library of Congress as well as the Ronald Reagan Library. Phil Kiver is the author of 182 Days in Iraq.

According to the book description of 182 Days in Iraq, “Phil Kiver s real-life, moment-to-moment journal of his assignment as an Army journalist in Iraq is honest, irreverent gripping and emotional one moment a howl the next. Kiver s journals are raw reaction, impression, and introspection. This, folks, is what it feels like to be Phil Kiver in this war in Iraq missing home, lounging at one of Saddam s pools, angry with the brass, witnessing the deaths of children and comrades, nighttime explosions too close for comfort, pasta with the Italians, toasting the fallen with the Ukrainians. It s a delirium of experience with this journalist sorting through the rubble and smoke in search of the story that will one day be history.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/182_days_iraq.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Tracking and Recovery of Persons at Risk

Editor's Note:  The guest is a former servicemember.

On February 4, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Captain Gene Saunders, Chesapeake Police Department (ret.) on the radio tracking and recovery of persons at risk.

Program Date: February 4, 2010
Program Time: 1700 Hours Pacific
Topic: Radio Tracking and Recovery of Persons at Risk
Listen Live:
http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/radio_tracking_recovery_persons_at_risk.html

About the Project Lifesaver International
Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small LoJack® SafetyNet™ personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer's area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes -- 95% less time than standard operations. The Project Lifesaver Program also offers National Alzheimer’s training and certificates for interested members.

About the Guest
Captain Gene Saunders, Chesapeake Police Department (ret.) served 33 years in Patrol, Vice, Narcotics, Detectives and Training. He served in-line function and command elements of all of these units. Gene Saunders co-founded the Special Weapons and Tactics team in 1974 and served as tactical commander and commander for 23 years and over 800 operations. He served as Chief Investigator on several large multi-state, international drug conspiracy investigations. In addition to his law enforcement service, Gene Saunders also served in National Guard and State Defense force in Infantry, Airborne and Ranger Units in various leadership positions. He has been a certified instructor in Pursuit Driving, Firearms, Special Operations, Raid Planning, General Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue. He founded Project Lifesaver International in 1999 and have overseen its' growth to over 1,070 public safety organizations in 45 states; Canada and Australia.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/radio_tracking_recovery_persons_at_risk.html

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

An American Family in World War II

On January 22, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Dr. Sandra O'Connell on An American Family in World War II.

Program Date: January 22, 2010
Program Time: 2100 Hours Pacific
Topic: An American Family in World War II
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/american_family_world_war_two.html

About the Book
According to the book description of An American Family in World War II, “On the morning of December 7, 1941, life for families across America was forever changed by events over which they had no control, but were to witness and play a part. An American Family in World War II is the moving story of one of those families — told largely in their own words. When Ralph Minker Jr. entered U.S. Army Air Cadet training in 1943, he began a correspondence with his parents and two teenage sisters; letters that describe the rigors of pilot training and ultimately his life at “this air base I call home,” as he flew 37 combat missions over Nazi Germany. The letters from the family members to Lee bring a vibrant reality to the home front — rationing, bond drives, and the daily tension of war — through the people who lived it. Woven together with commentary by the editors, this is an intensely personal and richly detailed account of life in America during the harrowing days of WWII.”

About Captain Ralph Lee Minker
Captain Ralph Minker, USA “was 18 when he entered Army Air Cadet training on his way to becoming a B-17 bomber pilot. He exchanged letters with his parents and two sisters throughout the war. After completing combat in 1945, he returned to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1947. Ordained a Methodist Minister in 1952, Reverend Minker served eight churches in the Delaware and Maryland Conference of the United Methodist Church before retiring in 1990. In 2005 Ralph Minker was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1995, Rev. Minker was active in planning the book and proud when it was published. He passed away from complications of the disease on August 5, 2008.”

About the Guest
Sandra O'Connell and Ralph Minker were married in March 1980. Reading the Minker family correspondence and a meeting in 2000 with WW II historian, Harry Butowsky, led inevitably (after five years of work) to An American Family in World War II. She was the lead researcher and writer on Ralph’s missions and the home front issues. Prior writing experience includes nine years as technology editor for HR Magazine. Sandra has a Ph.D. from New York University.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
www.americanheroesradio.com/american_family_world_war_two.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Chairman Calls Strategy Year's Greatest Challenge

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 10, 2010 - Executing the president's strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan presents his biggest challenge, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told CNN host Fareed Zakaria today.

However, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said he sees progress being made in both countries.

"In December, we recruited to an exceptionally high number for the Afghans' army specifically; so much so that the [Afghan] minister of defense had to stop recruiting mid-month because he was well over what the system could absorb," the chairman said. "That's a good sign."

Mullen indicated that an increase in pay for Afghan security forces might have been part of the reason behind the recruiting success.

While security force numbers are up, problems still exist within the Afghan government. Tribal elders claim endemic corruption on all levels. Significant steps need to be taken to deal with this issue, Mullen said, noting that President Barack Obama has spoken to the need for Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his leadership to address the problem.

"These same elders said to me that they were embarrassed that the United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines were dying for them," Mullen said. "They appreciate what we've done, but they really want to lead the effort."

The situation in Pakistan also seems to be shifting, the chairman noted. He's met with the head of the Pakistani army about 20 times.

"He just finished his ninth campaign over the last year, year and a half up in South Waziristan," Mullen said. "I spent all day in Swat, flew from South to North, and where a lot of us thought Swat was a year ago and where it was headed is ... completely reversed."

The United States' relationship with Pakistan is absolutely critical, Mullen said. His many visits are part of an effort to rebuild trust lost as the United States has a long history of supporting the country, but also has left it "hanging several times," he said.

Mullen said the visits help him understand, through the eyes of the Pakistanis, what the country's challenges are.

The interview also addressed al-Qaida, the group's tie to Yemen and the "Christmas Bomber."

Yemen has made improvements, Mullen said, despite facing internal challenges that include a rebellion in the north, a secessionist movement in the south and a battle with al-Qaida.

"I don't understate both the challenges internal to Yemen, as well as the need for the international community to support and help with respect to how we address this in the future," he said. "And this al-Qaida threat is not going away. It's going to keep coming at us -- and I don't just mean us the 'United States,' I think 'us' internationally -- until we take steps to finish it off."

Mullen's words come in the wake of a suspected attempted bombing by a Nigerian man with alleged ties to al-Qaida in Yemen. He was a passenger on a Northwest Airlines flight into Detroit Metro Airport on Christmas Day.

The United States has not taken a more aggressive approach in Yemen, which is thought to have a "few hundred al-Qaida members," according to intelligence reports, out of respect for the country, Mullen said. That estimate is higher than that of the number of al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

"It's a sovereign country," he said. "We have great respect for the president there in terms of his judgment, in terms of what he needs to do this, and right now as far as any kind of boots on the ground there, with respect to the United States, that's just not ... a possibility."

The reason for the combined force of 100,000 U.S. and NATO troops on the ground in Afghanistan, despite the smaller number of al-Qaida, is to make sure the Taliban doesn't return and create a permissive environment where al-Qaida could return and flourish, Mullen said.

Iran, and the effort to ensure it doesn't develop a nuclear weapon, also will prove a challenge, he noted.

"When I speak of leaving all options on the table [for dealing with Iran], certainly it includes the potential for military options," Mullen said. "But I've also been very vocal on the need for the diplomatic, the political, the international focus here, to generate enough intensity and motivation on the part of the leadership of Iran not to consummate this threat."

Iran's success in creating a nuclear weapon would prove destabilizing for the region, possibly creating a regional nuclear weapons race, Mullen said.

Mullen also touched on relations with Russia and China during the interview. Both present challenges for the United States.

With Russia, the challenges are not simply military-to-military, but between the two countries, he said. "I think they are a country that we need to continue to engage and understand and be realistic about what the possibilities are," Mullen said. "I've spent a fair amount of time working on the new ... nuclear weapons agreement that hopefully will be put in place here in the next few weeks or months."

As for China, those relations may be more than critical, he said. "None of us believe that a conflict with China is going to be productive in any way, shape or form," Mullen said.

He indicated the president and China's leader have taken steps that signal a desire to work together.

Mullen also briefly commented on the United States' strategy in Iraq.

"We will continue to come out of Iraq after the elections that are now set for March 7 and that appears to be on a good glide scope," he said. "I was just in Iraq and confirmed that."

The number of troops on the ground in Iraq is on schedule to be reduced to 50,000 by the end of the year, he said.

Continuity of Care Heals the Wounded and Builds Trust

By Col. Charles C. Engel
Director, Deployment Health Clinical Center, WRAMC

This post is republished from The Military Health System Blog.

What do you think is the most important part of your medical care? Insurance coverage? Cancer screening? The right diagnosis? A particular diagnostic test? The right medicine? Time to ask medicine? These are all important considerations to be sure. A growing number of doctors and patients point to something called “continuity of care” as the single most important ingredient in your medical care. What exactly is this elusive thing with your doctor called “continuity”? Well, there are many parts to continuity of care, but some are pretty central. Most people find that the basics of continuity of care are so simple that they amount to common sense. But alas! We often lament just how uncommon that common sense is, and many will undoubtedly feel this is no exception to the rule.

Here are some signs that you have good continuity:

• You have one main (primary care) provider or doctor.

• You know who your primary care doctor is and think of him or her as "my doctor."

• Your doctor thinks of you as "my patient."

• Your doctor has a good sense of your health and tracks it.

• Your doctor makes an effort to understand what’s important to you.

• Your doctor also takes care of others in your immediate family.

• You usually see the same doctor when you come in for care.

• When you see the doctor, you find out about the planned visit before you leave.

• When your doctor orders a test, you are sure to hear the result.

You get the idea. Continuity works in shades rather than in black and white. I suspect that few people can report that all of the above describe the medical care that they are receiving. I suspect that more people than we want to admit would say that few or even none of them describe the health care they receive.

Why is continuity of care such an important thing? How does it make a difference? There are those doctors and (fewer) patients out there who think that too much is made of it. These people tend to focus more on the “gee-whiz” scientific and technical side of care. But if you tend to see it that way, stop and think. Studies of continuity tell us that lack of continuity is associated with doctor and patient errors. High continuity leads to greater trust and confidence in your doctor, making it more likely that you will follow the medical advice you receive, and take prescribed medicines. Much of medical care is a process of trial and error. It takes continuity to see such a process through to a fast completion. Indeed, it takes continuity to check to assess whether treatment is working and selecting what to try next if the first try hasn’t helped.

Do you have good continuity of care? Perhaps you have some stories from your own care that show how good continuity led to a good outcome that you believe would not have happened without that continuity. If so, tell us about it. Tell us what you think about “continuity of care” and why it is or isn’t important to you.

Engel is also an associate professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Laws Change for Military, Overseas Voters

By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 8, 2010 - Servicemembers and overseas voters shouldn't assume they automatically will receive ballots for the 2010 elections just because they have in the past. Previously, voters would receive absentee ballots for up to two cycles following their request, Bob Carey, Federal Voting Assistance Program director, said yesterday during the 2010 election year kick-off. He said new laws require voters to submit federal postcard applications for absentee ballots on a yearly basis.

In the coming months, Carey and his team will travel worldwide to train voting assistance officers at embassies, consulates and overseas military facilities to ensure voters understand the process and can exercise their right to vote.

"We are training thousands to train millions," Carey said. "[We want] to make sure that each and every military and overseas voter has the opportunity to successfully request an absentee ballot, receive their absentee ballot and cast it in time so it is counted."

The voting assistance program staff is striving to make it easy for voters to receive and cast their ballots for the upcoming election through the program's Web site, http://www.FVAP.gov.

Carey said his staff is converting to a Web-based process that's similar to many tax-filing programs, with an intuitive, easy-to-understand application. "You don't have to know how to go through the 250-page voter's assistance guide – all will be online," he said.

Once voters answer a few questions, Carey explained, forms and ballots automatically will populate with relevant information, making it easier for users.

Although the program's staff is doing its best to make the process easy for military and overseas voters, people need to move quickly to ensure they get to vote. Voter applications may take a while to make it to hometown election offices, and it could take up to a month after that for ballots to be sent to voters.

Carey said voters who have applied for a ballot but don't receive their ballot at least a month before the election should instead use the federal write-in absentee ballot available on the voting assistance Web site.

"When [voters] get their regular ballot, they should still complete and return it," he said. "If it gets there in time, it will take its place."

In addition to starting the process in a timely manner, Carey said voters also should:

-- Submit a new federal postcard application with every move so the most current address is on file;

-- Fill out all forms in their entirety, because officials need an alternate way to reach an individual so their vote can be counted if the form is illegible; and

-- Go to http://www.FVAP.gov to see their state's requirements.

Although applications were distributed to all deploying troops before their departure, Carey said, many didn't know their future mailing address and therefore left portions of the application blank. Once troops have the needed information, they can complete the forms online, even from a computer outside of the military domain.

Air Force Studies Brain Injuries

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 8, 2010 - Compression chambers used to treat divers who experienced "the bends" after ascending too quickly may offer clues to treating wounded warriors suffering traumatic brain injuries. An Air Force study at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio hopes to determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise in treating patients with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries.

A team with the San Antonio Military Medical Center Hyperbaric Center and Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine launched the study last year, and expects to come up with preliminary results as soon as this summer. The study seeks to determine if patients experience improvements in their cognitive abilities after being exposed to pressured, 100-percent oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber, explained Dr. E. George Wolf, a physician directing the study.

The goal is to improve the patient's ability to think, remember, recognize and concentrate. These abilities often are impaired in troops with traumatic brain injuries, many attributed to blows to the head, nearby explosions, concussion or penetrating wounds.

Twenty-five soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines afflicted with TBI are currently participating in the study, with another 25 to join in the months ahead. Half are receiving hyperbaric therapy and half are in the control group that is not, although neither the subjects nor the researchers know at this point which subjects are in which group, Wolf said.

The subjects enter the room-sized hyperbaric chamber for 30 treatments over a course of six weeks, he said. Inside the chamber, a hood is fastened over the head to deliver pure oxygen. Pressure within the chamber drives more of this oxygen into the subjects' bloodstreams than they otherwise would receive.

The control group goes through the same procedure, but their chamber isn't pressurized, and they breathe standard air, a 21-percent oxygen concentration.

During the course of the treatments -- before, throughout and after the exposures are completed – the researcher gives the subjects a battery of tests designed to measure their cognitive abilities.

The study hopes to provide scientific evidence proving that the increased oxygen provided through hyperbaric therapy helps to restore abilities lost due to traumatic brain injuries.

Air Force Col. (Dr.) Robert Michaelson, chief of hyperbaric medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, said it's not yet fully understood why hyperbaric treatments may help TBI patients. One popular theory is that it helps to restart damaged brain cells that have stopped functioning properly.

"For some reason, and it is still unexplained, hyperbaric oxygen allows these cells to be turned back on by stimulating the production of energy within the cells," he said. "It seems to have a positive effect."

Another theory is that hyperbaric therapy mobilizes the body's stem cells, dispatching them to the brain to repair damaged neurons, Wolf said.

Regardless of why it may work, Wolf and Michaelson agree that if proven effective, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can mean life-changing differences for wounded warriors suffering from TBI. In the most optimistic projections, troops could return to normal functioning. Those who wish to remain on active duty, as many do, would be able to.

In other cases, the treatments could help to reduce patients' dependence on personal data assistants, hand-written notes and alarm clocks that many have come to rely on as ever-present reminders as they go about their day-to-day business.

"Hopefully, it will allow better lifestyle changes and actually treat the underlying cause, versus trying to cope with the symptoms," Wolf said. "It would be a great accomplishment if our study provides evidence that hyperbaric therapy can help these warfighters so they can be offered another opportunity to recover from their injuries."

As the study continues, the Defense Department is considering another, larger study to further explore the use of hyperbaric medicine in treating TBI, Michaelson said.

Bulgarians explore veteran care in Tennessee

By 2nd Lt. John D. Fesler
Tennessee National Guard

(1/8/10) -- Members of the Bulgarian Executive Agency of Social Activities of Ministry of Defense visited the Tennessee National Guard in December to learn about the social care of U.S. military veterans. Started in 1993, the Tennessee-Bulgaria relationship has continued to evolve under the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The program pairs military organizations from different countries with a state’s National Guard organization to familiarize, build relationships and learn from each other's strengths.

There are currently 62 partnerships in the State Partnership Program.

"The Tennessee-Bulgaria partnership has been one of the most active since we began in 1993," said retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, Tennessee’s former adjutant general. "Over the years, we have had dozens of exchanges with our Soldiers and Airmen going to Bulgaria and members of the Bulgarian military visiting Tennessee to learn about our military structure."

During their visit, led by Bulgarian Air Force Reserve Maj. Manol Tentchev, the group visited the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, discussed veteran’s affairs with leadership from the AMVETS organization and toured the Tennessee Spine and Rehabilitation Center.

Through an interpreter, Tentchev expressed how impressed he was with how American military veterans are cared for. “While Bulgaria does not have the infrastructure to care for veterans the way America does,” said Tentchev. “I will take the information learned on this trip back to Bulgaria and hopefully implement some of the processes used in Tennessee.”

Gary Trende, chief operating officer of the Tennessee Valley Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System believes the exchange of information between Bulgaria and Tennessee can be very beneficial to continuing the strong relationship between Tennessee and Bulgaria.

“I am proud to have been asked to take part in this event and was happy to discuss the Department of Veterans Affairs dedication to our servicemembers,” he said. “Hopefully in the near future, we can take the relationship further and visit Bulgaria and tour their facilities to gain a better understanding of their social care of veterans.”

Adaptive Sports Inspire Wounded Veteran

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 8, 2010 - Wounded military members struggle with an endless set of challenges in overcoming their physical and mental disabilities. And no one may understand what it takes to get past those hurdles better than Army veteran John Register. Ironically, Register's left leg was amputated in 1994 following an accident in which he jumped across a hurdle. A member of the Army's World Class Athlete program, he landed wrong and dislocated his knee while training for a track and field event.

Register now directs the U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympics military programs for disabled veterans. He was in the Pentagon yesterday to help the Defense Department and U.S. Olympic Committee announce the inaugural Warrior Games, which will take place May 10-14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Gulf War veteran attests that overcoming his disability was difficult, but the power of sports helped him to discover a newfound sense of "liberation" through Paralympics sports and competition. He said he believes the Warrior Games and adaptive sports rehabilitation can have the same positive effect on others.

"The inaugural games, the Warrior Games, will be a great event," Register said. "But I think that the greatest thing that's going to come from this is the impact that will happen after the games are over, the legacies that will be left in the communities when the people return home to share their experiences."

The Paralympics division of the U.S. Olympic Committee has been working with wounded veterans since 2003 to enhance their lives through sports. Many military members dealing with amputations, loss of limb function and even traumatic brain injury have garnered a second chance at life, using sports to build confidence and self esteem, said Register, a two-time Paralympian and silver medalist.

Sports were a very important part of Register's life. He was a collegiate all-American and a member of the Army's World Class Athlete Program in track and field. But for a short time, all of that changed. His six-year Army career ended along with his Olympic dreams the day he decided to let the doctors amputate his leg.

"I was faced with a choice: either to keep my limb and use a walker or wheelchair or some other type of assistive device to get around for my mobility, or to undertake an amputation," he said. "I chose amputation, and when I did so, my life immediately changed."

Register began swimming and was fortunate enough to reach the world-class level again. He competed in the 1996 Paralympics Games, and two years later began running and competing once again in the long jump. He won his silver medal in the games in Sydney, Australia.

"Through faith and family and sport -- especially sport, and Paralympics sport -- I really found the liberation of freedom, so to speak, as I once enjoyed life as I knew it," he said.

As the associate director for community and military programs for the Paralympics, Register now focuses on helping other disabled veterans realize their potential. He said he hopes to help all wounded veterans realize that just because they're disabled, they're not incapable.

"No matter how we come to our life-defining moments in time, we have a choice in which we can move forward," he said. "We can either choose to settle into our setbacks, or we can soar forward knowing that we have those support networks and support groups around us that can help us get to and get back to those active lifestyles that we once enjoyed before we were injured."

Adaptive sports also provide an opportunity for recovered veterans to give back to newly injured troops. Athletes often participate in their communities and at veterans hospitals as mentors and role models, sharing their experiences and helping those who are less optimistic about their disabilities.

"Through sports, we begin to carve a new path in their lives by allowing the servicemember to see their continued value to society and regain an active lifestyle, whether that's with their family or friends or their military or civilian communities," he said. "Sports really does make a difference.

"Yes, it was the platform for me," he continued, "but I can do anything I want to now, because ... I've found myself again. And when I've found myself again, I can get back and engage into life."

Social Security Benefits for Wounded Warriors

By Yolanda York
Social Security Public Affairs, San Diego

Men and women serving in the U.S. military who become disabled while on active duty are receiving ‘expedited processing’ of disability claims from Social Security. The expedited process is for military service members who were disabled on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. People in the military can apply for and receive benefits even while receiving military pay.

And to make things easier for our service men and women, we’ve developed an easily accessible website all about benefits for wounded warriors. Whether you’re stateside or deployed abroad, just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. The website has everything you need to know about Social Security and military service — including a link to apply for disability benefits online.

As Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue said, “I want to assure the brave men and women of our Armed Forces and their families that they will not have to wait for these needed benefits. Expedited processing is just one way Social Security can show our military personnel how much we appreciate their service in defense of our freedom.”

Once the application for Social Security disability benefits is taken, it is uniquely identified as being from a U.S. military service member, and it is expedited through all phases of processing, both in Social Security and the state Disability Determination Service, where the actual medical determination of disability is made.

Disabled military personnel may apply for disability benefits at any time while in active military status, or after discharge, whether they are still hospitalized, in a rehabilitation program or undergoing out-patient treatment in a military or civilian medical facility.

It is important to understand, however, that the definition of disability under Social Security is different than the definition of disability for veterans’ benefits. To be considered disabled under Social Security, you must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or be expected to result in death. Also, Social Security does not provide benefits for people with partial disability or short-term disability.

Military servicemen and women can receive expedited service whether they apply for Social Security disability benefits online or in person at the nearest Social Security office. The online site for applications from military personnel is www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. Disability applicants can also call1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment at their local Social Security office.

MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM INTERN PROGRAM

Description: The Department of Defense is looking for the next generation of healthcare programs and operations leaders! The Military Health System (MHS) provides exceptional healthcare to military members, their family, and military retirees. In order to meet the demand for future leaders in a military medical environment, we have developed a two-year paid internship program for up to 15 positions. A strong mentorship component will guide each intern's individual development and success. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may be converted without competition to a career-conditional appointment in Federal service.

More Information
http://www.health.mil/mhsblog/Article.aspx?ID=745

157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade prepares for Warfighter exercise

Date: January 8, 2010
By Sgt. Andy Poquette
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Approximately 90 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers journeyed to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Monday [Jan. 4] to train on the systems they will employ during their first Warfighter exercise as a the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB).

"This is our Soldiers' first opportunity to participate in a realistic wartime scenario as a MEB," said Col. Mark J. Michie, 157th Brigade commander. "We have been training on the process, and now we get to train on the execution of our mission."

The Soldiers, from the Milwaukee-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 157th, will spend four days in a classroom environment learning the various systems they will use during the exercise, which begins Jan. 11. This exercise is the first that the 157th has conducted since it transformed from a field artillery brigade to a maneuver enhancement brigade.

The 157th began their transformation from a field artillery brigade in 2007. Transitioning from a field artillery brigade to a maneuver enhancement brigade has had its challenges, but has also opened up many opportunities for brigade personnel.

"A MEB requires a different mindset than a field artillery brigade," Michie explained. "It's much more multi-function than the singular mission of field artillery."

The maneuver enhancement brigade utilizes complex computer systems to provide operational and tactical support in a designated area of operations. This support includes unit tracking, mapping, and logistical support for both higher and lower echelons.

To prepare for the Warfighter exercise, several brigade staff members participated in a staff exercise last November, and Soldiers are being trained on individual systems while at Fort Leonard Wood. Soldiers will attend four days of classes covering the Movement Control System (MCS), Command Post of the Future (CPOF), and Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below (FBCB2) before the exercise begins Monday.

"As we continue to develop our expertise, our lower enlisted and junior officers continue to grow into more advanced leadership roles," added Michie.

"The transition has brought new opportunities for our Soldiers to broaden their knowledge base," said Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Shields, the 157th Brigade command sergeant major. "New areas of responsibility, leadership opportunities, and career progression paths are available for Soldiers who are willing to attend the necessary schools.

"Success of any organization is based on its willingness to adapt and move forward," Shields continued. "Change is good. But without the tremendous support of our families and employers, we would never have come as far as we have."

Agency Aids Construction Material Purchases

American Forces Press Service

Jan. 8, 2010 - Defense Logistics Agency officials have made shopping for construction materials easier for warfighters in Afghanistan.

DLA has created an online shopping portal, also known as a virtual storefront, so troops in Afghanistan can see what types of construction materials are available from local contractors in their region.

The Maintenance, Repair and Operations Uzbekistan Virtual Storefront warehouse and Web site is open for business. DLA leaders say they expect that allowing warfighters to check available stocks in real time will shorten delivery times by as much as 60 to 90 days on certain items.

"The virtual storefront is being established for proof of principle that ordering and shipping time can be improved by moving supplies closer to the point of use," said Linda Gruber, branch chief for the agency's construction and equipment supplier operations directorate.

The virtual storefront was established through an agreement between DLA and one of its contractors to create a prime vendor-owned and operated facility in Termez, Uzbekistan, which borders Afghanistan to the north.

Within the area of operations, the storefront will procure, distribute and store material manufactured in South Caucasus and Central and South Asian states. Besides Uzbekistan, countries included in these two groups are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In addition, items can also be sourced from any Trade Agreement Act compliant country.

"Having the products closer to the fight will make it easier for warfighters by reducing logistics response and delivery time," said Chet Evanitsky, DLA's construction and equipment supply chain division chief.

So far, 24 types of construction material products are available for delivery to customers through the virtual storefront. These include cement, concrete, fencing, roofing, rope, sand, steel, gutters and pipe. Additional items will be added on an as-needed basis, Gruber said.

Other high-demand items not manufactured or sourced in the region, such as replacement parts for relocatable buildings, also may become available through the storefront. DLA officials also are identifying sources for food items in Uzbekistan and plan to share these sources with subsistence prime vendors for potential local purchase as long as items meet quality and price requirements.

As the Defense Department's combat logistics support agency, DLA is responsible for providing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, other federal agencies and joint and allied forces with a variety of logistics, acquisition and technical services.

(From a Defense Logistics Agency news release.)

Scientists Clarify 'Mini-Sub' Role at Pearl Harbor

By Judith Snyderman
Special to American Forces Press Service

Jan. 8, 2010 - Scientists who have been studying wreckage from Japanese mini-submarines that were part of an advance strike force on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, say a new television show is informative, but could leave viewers with misunderstandings.

For one thing, they say, the show -- part of PBS's "NOVA" series -- reveals no new discoveries. "It's basically a synopsis of the work that we performed up through 2000," Navy Capt. John A. Rodgaard said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable Jan. 6. Rodgaard was joined by Peter Hsu, a scientist who analyzes forensic shock effects of underwater explosions, and Robert Neyland of the Naval History and Heritage Command, which studies shipwrecks and sunken aircraft.

These experts say there's no dispute that hours before the main air attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese navy launched five mini-subs armed with torpedoes from larger submarines. U.S. Navy ships sank the mini-subs, and the first pieces of wreckage were identified by the Hawaiian underwater research lab called HURL in 1992.

Another key piece of evidence is an aerial photograph of one of the mini-subs that was taken by a Japanese aircraft. In 1994, Rodgaard used that evidence to correct earlier beliefs that only one of the five submarines that had been launched made it into the harbor, and that it failed in its attack.

"What we demonstrated initially was that a second one had actually entered and also was successful in its attack," he said.

The mini-sub pictured in the aerial photograph is the one featured in the television documentary, Rodgaard explained. But the show implies the wreckage is a new find, he added, when it actually was well known for years, though it wasn't identified as one of the five Pearl Harbor attack mini-subs until recently.

Neyland said the timeline presented by the program incorrectly suggests the sub was the last of the five launched. "We consider that the No. 1 submarine, based on the Japanese records of the release times," he said.

One other problem, Rodgaard said, is the documentary's assertion that a mini-sub torpedo struck the USS Arizona and did not detonate.

"I don't know about you, but I don't think an object such as a torpedo that winds up being a dud, striking an object at [42] knots, is going to remain intact," he said. Hsu theorized that, based on weight analyses, the unexploded torpedo depicted on the show may have been dropped from an aircraft.

Despite these concerns, the experts agreed that the story of the Pearl Harbor mini-subs is a fascinating piece of history that deserves ongoing research. One mystery is the location of the wreckage in a 1,000-foot-deep debris field outside Pearl Harbor. Neyland said it's clear the mini-sub must have been salvaged after the war ended, but that leaves unanswered questions, such as why it is where it is, why it is disassembled, and why no record exists of it having been found and salvaged out of Pearl Harbor.

Rodgaard added that a 15-foot section of the mini-sub is missing, and he hopes it will be found. Each piece of evidence is a time capsule of history, he said.

Scientific techniques such as bio-corrosion studies on bolts and studies of the origins of microorganisms attached to parts may solve some of these mysteries. "I would say our journey continues," he said. "There are quite a few things that we could still do."

(Judith Snyderman works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)

Toolkit Helps Answer Service Members’ Health Care Questions

January 07, 2010 One in five service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

To help service members affected by a behavioral or other health condition, TRICARE created the Toolkit for Wounded, Ill, and Injured Service Members. The Toolkit is located at www.tricare.mil/wii and it’s a good resource for wounded service members seeking information about healthcare.

In the Toolkit, service members can find information explaining Medicare eligibility for wounded service members and an explanation of how TRICARE and Medicare work together to reduce a service member’s out-of-pocket costs. There are also news releases with the latest information on new programs and changes in care and a link to the Mental Health Resource Center. The Mental Health Resource Center provides confidential access to mental health resources for service members and their loved ones.

The Toolkit also features a widget—an embeddable link directing people back to the Toolkit Web site. Visitors can download the widget and install it on their own Web site, to help spread the word about the Wounded, Ill and Injured Toolkit to others who can benefit from its resources.

Army Guard begins a busy new year

By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

National Guard Bureau

(1/8/10) – This week, eight Army National Guard brigade combat teams were either returning to their home states from overseas or preparing to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan. Almost 60,000 Guardsmen have been mobilized for overseas missions as of today, according to Guard reports.

Returning units involved in this transition include the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade of Pennsylvania, the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) of North Carolina and the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of Wisconsin.

Deploying units include the 53rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT) of Florida, the 72nd IBCT of Texas, the 278th HBCT of Tennessee, the 86th BCT of Vermont and the 256th IBCT of Louisiana.

Pennsylvania

The 28th CAB of the Pennsylvania National Guard, also known as Task Force Keystone, began arriving at Fort Dix, N.J., in December after their successful eight-month deployment to Iraq. The remaining elements of the CAB will redeploy in mid-January.

While in Iraq, the pilots, mechanics and support personnel provided helicopter air support and transportation needed to aid Iraq's transition to local security force control.

Col. Teresa A. Gallagher, the CAB commander, led the Soldiers into Iraq. Her initial challenge was to bring together all the elements of the brigade from nine states.

Once fully deployed, the 28th CAB took control of aviation operations in southern Iraq and performed the full-spectrum of aviation operation tasks, including troop and equipment transport, combat operations, air-assault training for Iraqi and U.S. special-operations forces, and airlifting non-operational vehicles from the battlefield.

Under Gallagher's leadership, the Guardsmen flew in excess of 25,000 flight hours, moved almost 60,000 passengers and 2.5 billion pounds of cargo, and participated in multiple combat missions, all with the use of CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The brigade also had the first all-female medical evacuation team make history during the deployment. "There must have been another all-female MEDEVAC crew somewhere, but I haven't seen one," said Chief Warrant Officer Andrea Galatian, the pilot.

The 28th CAB also celebrated its 50th birthday, which it marked by receiving a combat patch for its service in Iraq.

"As the leader of this tremendous group of Soldiers, I must say that I couldn't be more proud," said Gallagher.

North Carolina

Soldiers from the 30th HBCT of the North Carolina National Guard are also preparing for redeployment this month after spending about eight months in Iraq.

The mission of the brigade, also known as "Old Hickory" and made up of 4,000 Soldiers, was to secure an area south of Baghdad.

"We set out to accomplish our mission by focusing primarily along two main lines of effort,” said Col. Gregory Lusk, the commander of the brigade and Multinational Division-Baghdad. “The first being our partnership with the Iraqi security forces and the combined security operations that we do together, as well as civil capacity. And we see both of these lines of efforts being inextricably linked to the goal of securing the population."

The brigade has also played an instrumental part in other successes now being seen in Iraq, including the country's upcoming national elections.

"We recognized early on that this would be a key event for our time here in Iraq, and all of our efforts since our day of arrival have been dedicated toward accomplishing this goal and setting the conditions and supporting the Iraqi desires for holding these important elections," said Lusk.

Wisconsin

The return of the 32nd IBCT of the Wisconsin Army National Guard from an eight-month deployment to Iraq began Jan. 5, when about 115 Soldiers from Troop A, 105th Cavalry arrived at Volk Field, Wis.

About 3,200 members of the 32nd, augmented by six other Wisconsin Army National Guard units, were ordered to active duty Feb. 1, 2009 and deployed to Iraq in April and May following two months of training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Troop A was stationed at eight different bases in northern Iraq.

Capt. Matthew McDonald, Troop A commander, said the unit directly supported Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, his staff and their operations in Iraq to stabilize the Iraqi government and protect U.S. forces. This also involved working with joint Department of Defense agencies.

MacDonald said Troop A completed more than 1,700 missions in Iraq. "It's still a very dangerous place, but I'm confident your efforts helped make it a better place," he said. "Your stories are yours to tell, or not to tell."

Some of the missions that Troop A conducted are still governed by operational security concerns, but senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders made no secret of their pride in the unit.

"You did a phenomenal job on a phenomenal mission," said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. "What you accomplished will have a lasting effect on Iraq."

McDonald credited his lower enlisted and NCOs with the unit's success. "This was very much a bottom-driven job," he explained. "Specialists, sergeants and staff sergeants were mission leaders. Every Soldier had a tremendous amount of responsibility placed on him. They did a phenomenal, outstanding job."

The Soldiers will now spend about a week at nearby Fort McCoy for demobilization processing – which includes briefing each Soldier about resources and benefits available to help them transition back to civilian life – before being released from active duty.

Florida

More than 600 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment left Jan. 5 from the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport to become part of the Florida Army National Guard’s largest, single-unit deployment since World War II.

The Soldiers joined nearly 2,000 other men and women from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team who are deploying from across the state this week.

They flew to Ft. Hood, Texas, where they will receive additional training before departing for Southwest Asia for a yearlong mission in Kuwait and Iraq, where they will perform various security missions, including providing convoy security for coalition forces entering and departing Iraq.

During a ceremony prior to the unit’s departure, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist lauded the Soldiers for their service.

“You who stand before us are very brave men and women of the Florida National Guard,” he said. “Your commitment to securing the freedom and democracy is what we are all here (for) today. Our state and our country are grateful – enormously grateful – for your courage.”

Speaking to the Soldiers and their families gathered for the ceremony, the governor said he has seen the sacrifices made by the Florida National Guard during both state and federal deployments.

“You remind us of the courage and the true determination that define America and her freedom,” he said.

Crist also noted the sacrifices made by the families of the deploying Soldiers, adding that “service men and women are not the only ones who make sacrifices” during deployments.

“We are joined today by many of your family members,” he said. “They truly make sacrifices as well.”

Texas

The 72nd IBCT has been busy preparing for and focusing on Operation Iraqi Freedom in the New Mexico desert outside of El Paso, Texas.

In Iraq, the 72nd IBCT headquarters will operate as the Joint Area Support Group-Central with responsibility for the administration and security of the International Zone in Baghdad.

Part of the 72nd IBCT’s assignment is to support the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and the return of U.S.-controlled properties in the International Zone to the government of Iraq.

About 3,000 soldiers, to include the 1-141st and 3-141st Infantry Battalion headquarters, which fall under the 72nd IBCT headquarters, will perform various roles in Baghdad and throughout Iraq, such as security and guard force and detainee and convoy operations.

“We anticipate a number of mission changes due to theater requirements,” said Col. Mark N. Campsey, the 72nd IBCT’s commander. “So, we’re training on multiple tasks which we might do.”

For Campsey, the main concern is the ambiguity of the mission. However, he believes the 72nd IBCT’s training gives the brigade the flexibility, capability and the capacity to meet the demands of the situation in Iraq.

“Our Soldiers are uniquely qualified for what’s ahead due to the combination of their civilian and military skills,” he said.

Tennessee

More than 3,000 Guardsmen from the 278th HBCT of the Tennessee National Guard will train at Camp Shelby, Miss., for two months before heading to Iraq.

The deployment is expected to last for at least one year.

Vermont

About 1,500 Guardsmen from the 86th BCT are currently at Camp Atterbury, Ind., preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan, where they will replace the 48th BCT of the Georgia National Guard.

Army Brig. Gen. Jonathan Farnham, the Vermont Guard’s joint staff director, will head-up the newly created Afghan National Security Forces Development Assistance Bureau, which will oversee the training of Afghanistan’s security forces.

“It appears that my group will be doing some data collection, some analysis, receiving reports and doing some war-gaming of things to make suggestions on how to improve on how things are going given the resources that are available,” said Farnham in an interview with Vermont Public Radio in December.

He added that he will lead about 100 Soldiers, including some military members from Macedonia, which is one of Vermont’s State Partnership Program countries.

Farnham’s mission in Afghanistan is an offshoot of the Vermont Guard’s original mission of heading up Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, which was responsible for training the Afghan National Army.

“I know that Task Force Phoenix, which we originally believed that Vermont would be manning and managing, is in the process of going away and being reorganized,” he said. “It appears to me to be a little leaner and a smaller footprint than it originally was.”

Louisiana

Family and friends gathered at 21 ceremonies throughout Louisiana this week to bid farewell to about 3,000 Louisiana Army National Guardsmen deploying to Iraq.

Soldiers of the 256th IBCT departed for their one-year tour that begins with training at Camp Shelby.

"Today, each and every one of you embarks to change the course of history,” said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, addressing the Soldiers at one of the ceremonies. “You set out to fight for freedom in a part of the world that does not have the same liberties we do in America.”

Since the 256th deployed in 2004, many of the Guardsmen are leaving for the second and third time.

Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general for Louisiana, praised each one for answering the nation’s call. “We need to remember that every Soldier sitting here today is a true patriot,” he said. “They are men and women who are willing to give up the comforts of home to answer our country’s call to duty.”

The brigade’s mission will be to provide security to U.S. convoys and bases across Iraq.

"The 256th has a distinguished history, and we've already been battle-tested," said Col. Jonathan T. Ball, commander of the 256th. "We will accomplish our mission and bring your Soldiers back to you."

“The men and women of this unit remind us all of what America stands for,” said Landreneau. “We wish them good luck, and Godspeed on their mission. Our prayers go with them, and we’ll be looking forward to the next ceremony where we welcome them home.”

(The public affairs offices of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Wisconsin also contributed to this report.)

MILITARY CONTRACTS January 8, 2010

NAVY

NAVMAR Applied Sciences Corp.*, Warminster, Pa., is being awarded a $73,078,749 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research project under Topics N92-170 and N94-178. The contractor will provide services and materials for the design and development of a persistent ground surveillance system for the Army and the Marine Corps. Work will be performed at various forward-deployed operating bases located in Afghanistan (86 percent); Patuxent River, Md. (11 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This Phase III contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0101).

Neany, Inc.*, Hollywood, Md., is being awarded a $72,289,266 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the procurement of a persistent ground surveillance system for the Army, capable of providing day/night protection and support for forward operating bases. This effort will include preparation for deployment; procurement of spares and support equipment; selection and training of field operators and technicians; activation of the logistics trail required for program execution; and deployment of systems to the field for operational testing. Work will be performed in various forward deployed operating bases located in Afghanistan (71.27 percent); Hollywood, Md. (21.26 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (7.47 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-2. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0100).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sperry Marine, Charlottesville, Va., is being awarded a $10,921,428 modification to previously awarded contract (N65540-06-D-0009) for additional engineering and technical services, including associated equipment in support of the analysis, repair, alteration, maintenance, and production improvement on the existing Sperry Marine manufactured Integrated Bridge System and the steering/ship control systems installed on Navy vessels and at land-based test facilities. Work will be performed in Charlottesville, Va. (25 percent); Norfolk, Va. (25 percent); San Diego, Calif. (25 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (10 percent); Mayport, Fla. (5 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (5 percent); and other locations (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

U.S. Foodservice, Livermore, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $16,368,070 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery contract for full line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first 18-month option. The date of performance completion is July 13, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-08-D-3228).

AIR FORCE

Champion Energy Services, LLC, Houston, Texas, was awarded a $6,488,044 contract to add funding for electrical services at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, from Feb. 1, 2010, to Sept. 30, 2010. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 82 CONS, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-D-0026, modification 03).

New York Guardsmen become bobsledders this weekend

By Eric Durr
New York National Guard

(1/5/10) - About 20 New York Army National Guard Soldiers will spend this weekend going fast on America's only dedicated bobsled track.

The Soldiers, members of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, will be serving as brakemen for professional drivers from NASCAR and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), who will be competing against each other.

It's the third time that New York National Guardsmen have been part of the bobsled teams competing in the Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge.

The race, organized by former NASCAR champion Geoff Bodine, the winner of the 1986 Indy 500, is held to raise money to support the Bo-Dyne Bobsled Project Inc. The Bo-Dyne project is an effort by Bodine and race-car designer Bob Cuneo of Chassis Dynamics in Oxford, Conn., to create made-in-America bobsleds for the United States men's and women's national bobsled teams.

This will be the fifth year for the race, held at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex, where the 1980 Winter Olympics bobsled racing took place. The almost mile-long track incorporates 20 turns and bobsled speeds can reach almost 100 miles an hour. U.S. Olympians train at the track regularly.

Getting the Army National Guard involved was Bodine's idea.

"As a son of a World War II veteran and a former Army National Guardsmen, I thought we needed some brave people to ride with these drivers and there's no braver folks than our men and women in the U.S. military," Bodine said during the 2009 race.

In 2006, Bodine approached U.S Bobsled National Team Coach Bill Tavares, who is also a 26-year veteran of the Army National Guard, about bringing the Guard into the nationally televised event.

"I approached the unit in nearby Saranac Lake to see if I could get them to come over," Tavares said. From there, the request was routed through regional recruiters and the Guard was officially on board."

In the first year, Iraq veterans and their families were invited to the event. In other years, National Guard recruits and combat veterans have served as brakemen, helping to launch and stop the sleds.

"For the participants, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the coverage the Guard receives is phenomenal ... international," said Maj. David Palmieri, the organizer of the National Guard's 2009 effort.

The racers like having the Guardsmen participate. "I think they're crazy," said NASCAR driver and former bobsledder Boris Said, during the 2009 race. "I think it's probably safer in Iraq than it is getting into the back of a bobsled with us."

Today the New York Army National Guard's Recruiting Command still organizes Guard participation in the race.

This year's race NCOIC is Sgt. Dwayne White, who is based at the New York State Armory in Morrisonville. He reached out to members of Company B who drill at the armory to participate in this year's event.

Along with Guardsmen serving as brakemen, the rider responsible for dropping the metal hook that digs into the ice to slow the sled, White will have a team of recruiters at the event.

The recruiting exhibit will include a replica of the #88 National Guard Card driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and a National Guard Indy car simulator that allows a visitor to experience the thrills of racing through video and sound.

Ohio Air, Army Guard prepares for future mission

By Capt. Nicole L. Ashcroft

Ohio National Guard

(1/8/10) -- The 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard recently deployed to Iraq to work with members of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Ohio Army National Guard in a ground-breaking concept of operations test between the two services.

In preparation for the arrival of C-27 Spartans, the 179th answered the call from Air Mobility Command for a unit to participate in this test to watch and document how an Air Force squadron integrates with Army command and control and scheduling processes.

This type of mission has not been conducted since Vietnam. At that time, it was only done for the purpose of transferring C-7 Caribous to the Air Force from the Army -- having Air Force units remain attached while deployed is a new concept.

The 179th has special capabilities that will greatly assist the 25th in completing their mission, said Guard officials.

As a “slick” or non-special operations unit, they’re qualified in airdrop/airland and adverse weather aerial delivery and certified in flying with full-up night vision goggles. This will enable the 25th to haul more cargo and personnel, relieving the stress on the general support helicopters, such as UH-60 Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinooks.

In most instances, the 179th can execute direct support plus time-sensitive and critical missions with more robust and quicker delivery, Guard officials said.

Both the Air Force and the Army have their unique tactics, techniques and procedures. This study is focused on learning how to combine the two in order to forge a blend that will make the two services successful in future missions. This is particularly important as the C-27 Spartans are scheduled to begin arriving at 179th in the near future, Guard officials said. In preparation for the new mission, a group of pilots and loadmasters began training on the C-27J Spartan at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., in December.