Transplant Recipient Sees Potential for Wounded Warriors

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 3, 2010 - The recipient of the first hand transplant performed in a Defense Department facility said today she hopes her surgery provides hope for servicemembers wounded in combat. Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Janet McWilliams is the 10th person, and the first woman, in the United States to receive a hand transplant. A team of military and civilian doctors performed the surgery Feb. 17 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here.

Two weeks after the surgery, McWilliams has experienced movement in her thumb and fingers, Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Dmitry Tuder, chief of hand and upper extremity service at Wilford Hall and part of the transplantation team, said at a news conference today. However, he added, it will take at least six months for her to regain any feeling in her new hand.

The transplant, Williams said, is a significant occasion not only for her, but also for wounded warriors.

"I am hoping that I can open the door for other wounded warriors who are coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of the world who've lost hands [or] arms," she said.

Almost nine years ago, the former first sergeant of the 342nd Training Squadron here lost her left hand and suffered severe injuries to her right hand when a package bomb exploded in her office. After years of surgical reconstruction and failed attempts to find a suitable prosthesis for her left arm, doctors asked McWilliams if she was willing to be put on a waiting list for a hand transplant.

Having undergone more than 25 surgeries, McWilliams said, she immediately consented. On Feb. 16, a hand donor was identified.

"I received a gift, a hand," she said. "In the back of my mind, I've always wanted to have a hand. This wonderful family gave me that gift. I'm so honored to have this hand."

A hand transplant involves more variables than an organ transplant, said Dr. Joe Nespral, director of clinical services at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Selecting a donor for a hand transplant recipient involves additional emphasis on matching skin-tone color, gender and the size of the hand, he explained.

When she's in the hospital, McWilliams dons a hospital gown with her first sergeant rank insignia and the patches of her former units. She said she hopes the news of this procedure gives wounded warriors another choice and helps them decide if this type of procedure is for them.

To date, no active-duty servicemembers have undergone this procedure, said Army Col. (Dr.) James Ficke, chairman of the Wilford Hall and Brooke Army Medical Center integrated departments of orthopedics and rehabilitation. About 50 wounded warriors have an injury that may be eligible for this type of procedure, he said. A former Marine has received a hand transplant, but his procedure was done at a civilian facility.

McWilliams faces months of occupational therapy, and in a years' time, Tuder said, he hopes she will have enough function to perform daily activities.

"The journey is going to be rough; it's not going to be easy," McWilliams said. "There's nothing you can't do in life. 'No,' is not part of my vocabulary. This beautiful hand will certainly become a part of my body. Now, after all these years, I can finally wear that engagement ring again and my wedding band. It is just absolutely priceless."

(Air Force Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young serves at Defense Media Activity San Antonio.)

Wisconsin Guard helps families of deployed Soldiers prepare for their return

March 3, 2010 - Soldier caring" is a military expression about making sure that a service member's basic needs are met. Once upon a time, that meant meals and pay - but today that caring is much more comprehensive, and extends to a service member's family as well.

The Wisconsin National Guard's Badger Yellow Ribbon program regularly conducts family programs designed for before, during and after deployments. Their most recent event was held Feb. 20 at the Wilderness Hotel and Resort in the Wisconsin Dells for the families of the more than 150 Soldiers deployed with the Embedded Training Team in Afghanistan and the 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) headquarters element in Iraq.

Reunion issues dominated the afternoon session, as the ETT is expected to return later this month and the 732nd sometime in May. Discussions focused on readjustment issues. Maj. Doug Hedman, state chaplain for the Wisconsin National Guard, detailed a concept called "family battle-mind." A recently returned service member spoke to family members about his experiences from five deployments, and adjusting to civilian life afterward.

"There really is no 'normal,'" Vicki Edgren, Badger Yellow Ribbon director, explained. "It's how each person reacts. Everyone comes back with combat stress, but that's not the same as post-traumatic stress disorder. Awareness makes it easier for both sides to adjust. It may take some time, but that doesn't mean it's not normal."

Carla Davis, a co-leader of the family readiness group for the 732nd CSSB headquarters, said the candid presentation explained post-deployment behaviors ranging from a propensity for foul language to altered driving habits.

The morning session offered a new wrinkle - a wellness event, complete with free chair massages and relaxation breathing lessons.

"I think people are tired of being 'spoke' to," Edgren said, referring to traditional meetings where families sit through benefits briefings. "Things like this bring people in. It's a different approach."

She noted that some families are unable to attend Badger Yellow Ribbon events due to schedule conflicts, while others have prior experience with deployments.

Davis said the sessions went well.

"I haven't heard anything but great responses," she said. "Everyone was pleased with the entire day."

The chair massages were provided by student volunteers from Madison Area Technical College and Global University, while a University of Wisconsin volunteer demonstrated relaxation breathing techniques. The morning session also included advice on self care, information about Military OneSource and military family assistance centers.

Edgren said that the first wellness event was well received. Additional wellness events will be planned when student volunteers are available, she said.

The next demobilization, reunion and wellness event will be held later this month in Oshkosh. While similar in scope to the Feb. 20 event and geared for families of the 732nd CSSB, Davis emphasized that any military family member is welcome to attend the wellness event.

Reunion and wellness events are sponsored by Wisconsin's Service Member Support Division, which includes the Badger Yellow Ribbon, the Wisconsin Family Program and the Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP). Though run by the Wisconsin National Guard, the division provides assistance to families, employers and service members of all components, whether active duty or reserve. The SMSD and the three agencies within it comprise a large and diverse network of trained service providers, government, non-government, veteran and volunteer agencies that consolidate resources available to Wisconsin service members.

For more information about SMSD and Badger Yellow Ribbon, visit http://wisconsinmilitary.org/.

National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of March 2, 2010

March 3, 2010 - This week the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Air Force announced an increase. The net collective result is1,115 fewer reservists activated than last week.

At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 109,470; Navy Reserve, 6,461; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 17,093; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,484; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 708. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 140,216, including both units and individual augmentees.

A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100302ngr.pdf.

MILITARY CONTRACTS March 3, 2010

AIR FORCE

MultiLingual Solutions, Rockville, Md., was awarded a $62,000,000 contract which will provide personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services necessary to provide foreign language linguist and analyst services in support of operations. At this time, $11,266,581 has been obligated. AF ISR Agency/A7KA, San Antonio, is the contracting activity (FA7037-10-D-0002).

Boeing Service Co., Richardson, Texas, was awarded a $46,041,245 contract which will provide broadband satellite data service to include uninterrupted and seamless connectively to all networks, data, and video capabilities as needed. At this time, $46,041,245 has been obligated. AMC/A7KQC, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (FA4452-10-C-0002).

Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $36,358,553 contract which will provide for C-130 Avionics Modernization Program low rate initial production Lot 1 modification. At this time, $8,178,272 has been obligated. 656 Aeronautical System Squadron, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-08-C-6481,PZ0010).

DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., St. Louis Mo., was awarded a $7,661,103 contract which will provide the overhaul of Tunner aircraft cargo loaders in support of the Tunner 60K loader program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 542 Combat Sustainment Wing/PKBA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-04-D-0006).

NAVY

Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, London, Ontario, is being awarded a $41,481,000 modification to delivery order #0007 under previously awarded firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for procurement of authorized spares list, prescribed load list, and battle damage repair kits to support the 250 LRIP, 17 MRAP, and RG-31A2 vehicles ordered. Work will be performed in Fairfield, Ohio, Buffalo, N.Y., and Ogdensburg N.Y. Work is expected to be completed no later than Dec. 2010. This contract delivery order was a sole-source procurement. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

ERAPSCO, Columbia City, Ind., is being awarded a $34,043,325 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 7,500 AN/SSQ-101A sonobuoys in support of Navy antisubmarine forces for the mission of detection, classification, and localization of adversary submarines during peacetime and combat operations. Work will be performed in De Leon Springs, Fla. (61 percent), and Columbia City, Ind. (39 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to the FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-10-D-0010).

DCK-ECC Pacific Guam Construction, LLC, Harmon, Guam, is being awarded a $21,386,549 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a complete working substation, distribution feeders, and switching stations at Andersen Air Force Base. The contract also contains nine unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $24,520,000. Work will be performed in Yigo, Guam, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity (N40192-10-C-1337). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Allen-Vanguard, Inc.*, Ogdensburg, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $24,506,533 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside contract for advanced bomb suit and components. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-C-0012).

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Review Seeks Broadest Input

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

March 3, 2010 - The Defense Department's review on the potential impact of repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military will solicit input from troops of every service and rank -- as well as their families -- through surveys, focus groups and social media tools, the team heading up the review told Congress today.

Jeh C. Johnson, the Pentagon's general counsel; Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe; and Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told the House Armed Services Committee today they seek to get the widest range of viewpoints from both within and outside the Defense Department as they conduct the review concerning potential repeal of the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates ordered the 10-month review in February to solicit views about a repeal, as well as the potential impact if Congress directs it. He issued guidelines and parameters for the review yesterday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any change in the law is implemented in a way that minimizes disruptions in military operations.

Toward that end, the working group will focus its work on assessing any impact a repeal would have on readiness, recruiting, retention, family readiness and unit cohesion, Johnson said.

The working group conducting the review is a cross-section of the military, Ham told the House panel. Its members represent a wide variety of ages, ranks and military specialties, come from every service, including the Coast Guard, and serve in both the active and reserve components.

Navy Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Scott Benning serves as the group's senior enlisted leader, with access to all group activities and a reporting chain that goes directly to Johnson and Ham, the general noted.

Both have asked every member of the working group to set aside their own views so they can conduct an objective, comprehensive review, Johnson told the House panel, "because frankly, that is, in my experience, the best way in which members of the U.S. military go about their work -- if we are all asked to set aside our personal opinions and do the best we can at an objective and thorough analysis."

As its members engage in their review, they are expected to use a survey to get the views from military members and their families. However, acknowledging the importance of personal interaction, Ham said focus groups will be conducted as well, some targeting specific groups within the military.

And with the department's new emphasis on social media, the working group will take advantage of these tools to ensure the broadest range of individuals, both within and outside the Defense Department, get their voices heard, Ham said.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during today's Pentagon briefing that the working group's study will help to better prepare the department to act if Congress repeals or changes the law.

"Right now, we're not in the position to be able to offer any advice to the Congress on a legislative remedy to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' if they wanted to pursue one," he said. "We just don't know enough about the impact," he said.

Gates wanted to undertake the review, he added, "for our forces, for their families, for readiness, for recruiting, for retention, for all the potential consequences of a change in the law."

"We are ... preparing ourselves for that possibility," he said, "and educating ourselves so that, if the Congress does choose to pursue a legislative remedy, we are able to inform that process in a more helpful way."

Student Finds Path in Army

American Forces Press Service

March 3, 2010 - Robert J. Goggins started his college career with the goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. Instead, he joined the Army as an infantryman. His life as a soldier in Afghanistan is markedly different from his life as a NASA intern and as a student at the University of Virginia, but he said he gets a lot of satisfaction from it.

"I've really enjoyed my Army experience so far," said Goggins, a private first class who's a gunner with 2nd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Lethal.

"I love finding myself in a situation where I have to make an important decision," he said. "You don't know what the right decision is. You make the decision, you've tested yourself and you've passed it."

Goggins, a native of Bay St. Louis, Miss., spends his days in Afghanistan riding in a turret or carrying an MK-48 machine gun. At night, he can be found scanning his sector of responsibility during guard duty. Like every other member of his unit, he constantly searches for potential threats to himself and his fellow soldiers as he deals with cold weather and boredom.

"He's super intelligent and he sees things through analytical eyes," said Army Staff Sgt. Douglas R. Middleton of Siloam Springs, Ark., Goggins' platoon sergeant. "I could see him being in the Special Forces community."

Before he joined the Army, Goggins was set on becoming an engineer. To gain exposure to the field, he applied for an internship with NASA on a family member's recommendation.

"I loved my experience at NASA," he said. "It was my first exposure to how engineers really work."

He said he was amazed what the agency accomplished with 1960s technology. "I remember seeing the analog gauges," he noted. "That's when it occurred to me that we sent a man to the moon with analog dials."

Despite the experience gained at NASA, though, he decided a career in mechanical engineering might not be his calling.

"I never really felt the spark there," Goggins said. "I felt like if I spent the rest of my life doing something I don't like, that I'm wasting my life. I wanted to see the real world."

Seeking a new direction following a series of personal setbacks, including having to return home to help his family because of flooding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Goggins took inventory of his career experiences. One particular experience he recalled was fighting his first fire as a volunteer firefighter at the University of Virginia.

"Going into my first fire, I was scared to death, but I pushed all that to the side," Goggins said. "I remember walking out of the fire and seeing the other rookies looking at me with jealous eyes. That's when I knew that I liked this kind of stuff. It's kind of why I joined the Army."

Goggins said he is happy with the Army, but still has plans to finish his formal education.

"I want to go back to school to finish up my degree," he said. "But, I don't think it's going to be engineering. I haven't decided what yet."

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

Training tests state agency's response to natural, man-made disasters

March 3, 2010 - The training conditions last week for a select group of emergency responders in Madison could be described as a train wreck. End of the road. Swamped. Lost and without direction. In other words, the perfect environment for disaster response training. More than 75 local, state, volunteer and federal emergency responders tested emergency response and recovery plans to a multiple-event "emergency" during a four-day training exercise - the Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) - held at the Department of Military Affairs Feb. 23-26.

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted the training to better prepare Wisconsin's many state agencies to effectively manage a major disaster.

"It is critical that we plan, prepare, coordinate and exercise with our local, tribal, state and federal, and volunteer partners now before the disaster happens," said Ed Wall, WEM administrator.

The first two days of the event were classroom-based and highlighted the many potential hazards Wisconsin faces each year. The training also focused on the role of the various agencies and what resources they may have during an emergency.

Agencies put their skills to the test during the third day of training when the Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated. The EOC is a centralized hub where leaders from various support agencies can better communicate and make informed decisions during a crisis.

The exercise scenario simulated major flooding in southwestern Wisconsin, much like the reallife floods that occurred across Wisconsin in 2007 and 2008. The exercise participants were also presented with a simulated multi-train collision, major road closures, and a group of lost hikers in the wilderness.

This training also benefited Wisconsin's military assets as well. The Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center (JOC) is staffed around the clock, but exercises like these allow plans and processes to be tested against likely scenarios. In the event military assistance is requested, the JOC acts as a focal point for the recall and activation of Wisconsin Guard Members.

The last day of the exercise tested the strategic recovery plans in response to the massive flooding scenario. Recovery efforts can be the most challenging after a disaster. This scenario tested participants' ability to find long-term housing for displaced victims, coordinating volunteers and donations, conducting damage assessments, and finding and testing potable water.

It has been several years since the IEMC has been taught specifically for the state of Wisconsin. "We were pleased with our partners at FEMA that coordinated this training," said Jerry Haberl, WEM training section supervisor. "Overall, it was an excellent opportunity to train and exercise together."

Civilian Employee at L.A. Air Force Base Sentenced to 18 Months for Soliciting Bribes from Contractor

March 3, 2010 - SANTA ANA, CA—A Los Angeles man who worked at the Los Angeles Air Force base has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for soliciting and receiving more than $70,000 in kickbacks from contractors to whom he steered work.

Alejandro Rivera, 39, of the Jefferson Park district of Los Angeles, was sentenced yesterday afternoon by United States District Judge Andrew J. Guilford. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Guilford ordered Rivera to pay $38,170 in restitution.

Rivera was sentenced after pleading guilty in December to eight counts of accepting kickbacks and three counts of mail fraud. Rivera admitted receiving kickbacks from an Air Force subcontractor who was an FBI source on four occasions. The source first paid Rivera a kickback of $15,680 in May 2008, after which Rivera counted the money while sitting in the front passenger seat of the source's vehicle, according to court documents. Rivera accepted two $6,000 payments in August 2008, and he was arrested in October 2008 after receiving a kickback of $15,766 from the FBI source. The money for the kickbacks was included in contracts that Rivera caused to be awarded.

Rivera also admitted accepting kickbacks from three other subcontractors. The payments were made after Rivera awarded plumbing, construction and painting contracts at the Air Force base hospital. Rivera admitted taking a total of $73,003 in kickbacks.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

Agency Supplies Millions of Meals for Haitians

By Sara Moore
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 3, 2010 - As part of the Defense Logistics Agency's ongoing support to humanitarian operations in earthquake-stricken Haiti, the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia recently supplied 2.7 million packaged meals to the Haitian people. The center worked with its industry partners to supply the meals to the U.S. Agency for International Development, which joined with the World Food Program to distribute the meals in the hardest-hit areas of the country.

In addition to being DLA's troop support center, the Philadelphia center also serves as a first responder during emergencies and natural disasters. The supply center maintains a stock of meals that can be used in emergencies, and also has agreements in place with its industry partners to produce meals, explained Ray Miller, deputy director of subsistence operations.

These industry partners - about 20 vendors - are ready to go at a moment's notice, and often can provide millions of meals in just days, he said.

In the case of the earthquake in Haiti, officials at the Philadelphia center received a request to supply meals to USAID, then notified its industry partners of the requirement. Even though it was a Sunday night, Miller said, the vendors responded that same night and through the next morning.

Through this partnership, more than 2 million meals were available immediately to the center, and 22 million meals could have been sent over the next 15 days if needed, he said.

When USAID decided to use only what was readily available, the center shipped out 2.7 million meals, Miller said.

DLA is positioned to respond during emergencies, and over the years has partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide relief after hurricanes and other disasters, Miller said. DLA buys and ships packaged meals to FEMA, which stores or sends them to individual states, he explained. DLA also maintains its supply of meals for emergencies at the Philadelphia center.

"Between [DLA and FEMA], that is the only stock of food that is maintained in the United States for an emergency basis," he said. "We have the program set up that should a disaster hit, we are able then to tap into the industrial base to expand the availability of meals as we go on over time."

(Sara Moore works in the Defense Logistics Agency's strategic communications office.)

Army Ground Combat Vehicle Request for Proposal Released

March 2, 2010 - The Army released last Thursday a request for proposal (RFP) for the technology development phase of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle being developed under the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) effort. The Army has worked extensively with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to develop this program. The GCV acquisition program will follow Department of Defense best acquisition practices and be a competitive program with up to three contract awards. The GCV development effort will consist of three phases: technology development, engineering and manufacturing design and low rate initial production. The Army anticipates awarding the first contracts for the technology development phase in the fourth-quarter of fiscal 2010.

The technology development phase involves risk reduction, identification of technology demonstrations, competitive prototyping activities, and planned technical reviews. Industry will have 60 days to submit proposals to the Army for this development effort.

The Ground Combat Vehicle effort is part of a holistic Army plan to modernize its combat vehicle fleet. This includes incorporating Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles into the fleet while modernizing current vehicle fleets including Stryker. The first Ground Combat Vehicle will be an Infantry Fighting Vehicle offering a highly-survivable platform for delivering a nine-man infantry squad to the battlefield. The GCV is the first vehicle that will be designed from the ground up to operate in an improvised explosive device (IED) environment. It is envisioned to have greater lethality and ballistic protection than a Bradley, greater IED and mine protection than an MRAP, and the cross country mobility of an Abrams tank. The GCV will be highly survivable, mobile and versatile, but the Army has not set specific requirements such as weight, instead allowing industry to propose the best solution to meet the requirements.

Prior to the release of the RFP, the Army engaged with industry through a series of industry days to inform them of the government's intent for GCV development and gain their feedback from potential contractors about GCV requirements and emerging performance specifications. In response to these initiatives the Army received significant feedback and insights on requirements, growth, training, test and the program at large thereby informing the requirements process and indicating the potential for a competitive contracting environment.

For further information, contact Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, Army Public Affairs, 703-697-7591, jimmie.cummings@us.army.mil.

Haiti Native Gets Hometown Promotion

By Navy Lt. Arlo Abrahamson
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 2, 2010 - A Haitian-born Marine working with the Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command was promoted to gunnery sergeant before family and friends here yesterday. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Michel Leandre, who was born in Port-au-Prince, moved to the U.S. when he was 6. He volunteered to deploy as a Creole interpreter after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.

For Leandre, circumstances and timing provided him an opportunity to assist the Haitian people. To be promoted in the city of his birth was an experience that would not have crossed his mind just a few months ago.

"This is very personal for me," Leandre said. "My mission here has been to help fellow servicemembers communicate better with the people, because I know the culture and the language. But to pause today and be promoted to gunny in front of my family and friends is something I never imagined would happen and will never forget."

Danemarck Jacques, Leandre's uncle and a part-time resident of Port-au-Prince, said he's not surprised to see his nephew being promoted or to hear about the important role he is playing in Haiti.

"Michel was always a strong and focused person, even when he was young," Jacques said. "We are proud of his promotion today, but even more proud that he's here helping Haitians during this difficult time."

With the joy of accomplishing a major milestone in his Marine Corps career, Leandre now focuses his attention back on the mission of helping people through his language skills.

"I always feel like there's more I can do," Leandre said. "The people here have gone through so much. When I talk to Haitians in the street, they often tell me, 'We're glad you're here. You provide us with a little bit of hope for our future.'"

(Navy Lt. Arlo Abrahamson serves in the Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command public affairs office.)

LTC “Beef” Wellington: Eyelash Icicles and Other Antarctic Challenges

By John Ohab

March 2, 2010 - Lt. Col. R.G. “Beef” Wellington spent the 2009-2010 Operation Deep Freeze season deployed as the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander in Christchurch, New Zealand.

1. What is your job, and from what unit are you deployed?

I am Commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and a C-17A Pilot, deployed from the 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. I’m originally from Newton Falls, OH, and have served 20 years in the US Air Force flying the C-141, the RAF VC-10 while on an exchange tour to the United Kingdom, and the C-17 when not on staff assignments. Having spent a lot of time supporting operations in the sand box, it’s a unique honor and challenge to participate in the spectacularly stunning and cold of Operation DEEP FREEZE.

2. How does the extreme environment impact your job?

The harsh environment and rapidly changing weather dictate the pace of our operations, transporting researchers, support personnel, and supplies from the U.S. Antarctic Program logistical hub in Christchurch, New Zealand, to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The predictably unpredictable weather creates periods of operational lulls and surges, while risk management and contingency planning are key components to mission success. One always has to be prepared for a sudden snow storm, gusty winds, and frigid temperatures. At times, it’s best to cancel or abort the mission and try again another day–Mother Nature doesn’t fool around on Antarctica!

3. What is your favorite part about being in Antarctica?

I fully enjoy working and socializing with all of our international partners that contribute to program success. Specifically, my favorite activity and a source of great interest and satisfaction is speaking with the scientists and learning about their projects as we go back and forth from the continent. Not only is it educational, but it produces a great sense of pride in our contribution to science. I’m very proud to play a role in work that promises to benefit many generations to come.

4. What are some of the unique challenges of living and working in Antarctica that most people wouldn’t think about?

Eyelash icicles!!! Is there a cure or remedy? Regrettably, we do not get to spend much time on the surface. our job is to deliver the goods and people as efficiently as we can and get out before the cold negatively impacts our aircraft systems or a storm blows in, increasing the hazard to flight operations. So, on an average mission, we are only on the ‘ground’ from one to two hours. Even during that limited time, I’m always amazed when icicles form from my eyelashes when I’m not wearing my goggles. Is it just me?

5. Any advice for those east coast U.S. people currently experiencing the “Snowpocalypse”?

If you must go outside and need recommendations on some good quality but slightly used Extreme Cold Weather gear, let me know and good luck!

Coaches Ease Mental Health Care Transitions

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

March 2, 2010 - The Defense Department has launched a new program that offers servicemembers undergoing mental health treatment a bridge of support as they transition between health care systems or providers. InTransition provides this continuity of care through a network of transitional support coaches who offer servicemembers one-on-one guidance through a transition, whether it's a move or a separation from service, a health care official explained.

"The Defense Department is very familiar with transitions and how difficult they can be," said Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Nicole Frazer, senior policy analyst for the Defense Department's force health protection and readiness programs. "We want to minimize the hassles or stress or barriers to receiving care across health care systems or providers -- and ensure no one falls through the cracks."

Both active and reserve-component servicemembers are eligible to participate in this voluntary program when they're receiving mental health treatment and undergoing a transition such as relocating to another assignment, transitioning from active duty to veteran status, or veteran to active duty, or returning to civilian life, Frazer said.

Servicemembers can connect with this free, confidential service 24/7 by calling 1-800-424-7877 toll-free from within the continental United States. If overseas, they can call toll-free at 1-800-424-4685 or collect at 1-314-387-4700. Referring mental health providers also can make the enrollment call.

Once connected, coaches can provide information on behavioral health services, patient support and education and specialized coaching, Frazer said. They're licensed, master's-level or doctoral-level mental health clinicians with extensive military and Veterans Affairs knowledge, she added.

While trained to provide information on a variety of health-related topics, their primary goal is to connect servicemembers with care at the transition's end.

"The coaches work with them to motivate them to stay connected and engaged with that goal to be seen," Frazer said. "We don't want the transition to be a barrier in terms of continuing or remaining with mental health care."

The program was developed in response to a Mental Health Task Force report released in 2007 that identified a need for better continuity of care across transitions. But the ultimate goal is to take care of servicemembers, Frazer emphasized.

"We're excited to see this program roll out and make a difference," she said. "It's been a wonderful response so far. We've been interacting with servicemembers and leadership across the services and VA, and folks are excited that this program is there."

Soldiers, veterans and first responders join forces to make a hero’s wish come true at Bike Week

March 2, 2010 - (Tampa, FL) The Post 911 Foundation along with such names as The Rolling Thunder, Defenders, Tampa Heat and The Special Forces Motorcycle Club, have been busy raising funds to create a custom motorcycle and sidecar that will be donated to severely wounded Green Beret, Romulo “Romy” Camargo, on March 4th in Daytona.

In 2008, Romy was shot during a firefight in the mountains of Afghanistan, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down. He is still recovering at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa with his wife Gabriela and their 2-year-old son Andress by his side. Over the past 18 months Romy has maintained a positive outlook on life and become a mentor for other wounded soldiers and families struggling to accept the difficulties of the recovery process. Despite his paralysis, Romy’s dream is to ride again.

And so it became a mission for many. Izzy Izquierdo, owner of Lefty Brothers Motorcycles in Fort Bragg, NC donated his spare time to design and build a custom motorcycle for Romy. “As soon as I left the hospital,” Izzy said, “I told my wife Barb I was going to build a bike to be dedicated to Romy.” Izzy and his team have created a one-of-a-kind bobber with an attached custom sidecar that Romy can roll his motorized wheelchair up into. It’s waiting in Daytona.

A host of current and former members of the Special Operations Command, law enforcement, fire department, and other local supporters will escort Romy March 4th as he travels from Tampa to Daytona. Registration for the ride begins 9am at Old Town Brandon Harley-Davidson. Kickstands are up at noon and the group will make stops at Orlando Harley-Davidson, Altimonte Springs Wing House and Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson.

During a small ceremony at Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson, Romy will be presented with his new custom motorcycle. From there, they will be escorted by the Daytona Beach Police Department, through downtown Daytona Beach, to the Seminole Hard Rock Road House “Biker Fusion Party” at The Dog House Bar. Estimated arrival is 7:30pm.

Master Sergeant Scott Neil, a fellow Green Beret from the Interagency Task Force at the Special Operations Command and Maj Gen (ret) David Scott will make remarks at the Biker Fusion Party. The expected crowd for the presentation is approximately 3,000 people.

Funds to build Romy’s miracle bike were raised over the last couple of months by the Post 911 Foundation by holding poker runs and fundraisers within the Tampa community. These fundraisers supported the completion of Romy’s custom motorcycle and side car in time to grant his wish to ride into Daytona with the Special Forces Motor Cycle Club during Bike Week 2010.

About the Post 911 Foundation: The Post 911 Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to honoring and assisting first responders and veterans who have served our nation in the aftermath of 9/11. The foundation is committed to creating grassroots awareness, community support, and tangible assistance for members of the military, government, police and firefighter communities, as well as other great Americans who have answered the call to duty since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Actsoft Inc of Tampa FL is a gold corporate sponsor of the Post 911 Foundation. To donate or research more visit http://www.post911foundation.org/

Gates Issues Terms for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Review

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

March 2, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today released the guidelines and parameters of a Defense Department review of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law in preparation for its potential repeal.

The 10-month review should include input from service chiefs and all levels of the force and their families, Gates said in a memo to Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe, who was chosen to head the effort along with Jeh Johnson, the Pentagon's top lawyer.

Gates established the review Feb. 2, saying it would be critical to ensuring a smooth transition if the law that bans gays from serving openly in the military is repealed, as President Barack Obama has proposed. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have stated their support for the repeal.

The review also should engage Congress members, Gates said, as well as "key influencers of potential servicemembers and other stakeholder groups." It should also take into account the experiences of foreign militaries, he added.

"To be successful," Gates said in the memo, "we must understand all issues and potential impacts associated with repeal of the law and how to manage implementation in a way that minimizes disruption to a force engaged in combat operations and other demanding military activities around the globe.

"Should Congress take this action," he continued, "strong, engaged and informed leadership will be required at every level to properly and effectively implement a legislative change."

Gates directed that the review should:

-- Determine how repeal of the law would affect military readiness, effectiveness, cohesion, recruiting and retention, and family readiness;

-- Determine leadership, guidance and training on standards of conduct and new training, as well as appropriate changes to policies and regulations, including management, leadership, training and benefits;

-- Recommend appropriate changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice;

-- Monitor and evaluate congressional proposals related to the repeal;

-- Monitor the work force climate and military effectiveness that support follow-through of a repeal; and,

-- Evaluate issues raised in ongoing litigation related to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Gates said the review is necessary to "minimize disruption and polarization within the ranks, with special attention paid to those serving on the front lines." It is due back to him by Dec. 1.

The review is to include input throughout the department and across services.

"To effectively accomplish this assessment, I believe it essential that the working group systematically engage the force," Gates wrote. "The participation of a range of age, rank and warfare communities in this study including families, in addition to active outreach across the force, is a critical aspect that will undoubtedly lead to insights and recommendations essential to the department's implementation of any change."

Noting the political nature of the law, Gates said it is "critical" that the review be conducted "in a professional, thorough and dispassionate manner."

"It is equally critical that in carrying out this review, every effort be made to shield our men and women in uniform and their families from those aspects of this debate," he added.

MILITARY CONTRACTS March 2, 2010

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $568,531,272 contract which will provide the incremental funding for the original F-22 weapons system undefinitized contract action modification awarded on Dec. 15, 2009, to authorize and fund the Structural Retrofit Program II and the Reliability and Maintainability Maturation Program during the calendar year 2010. At this time, $411,201,032 has been obligated. 478 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2897, P00040).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $213,000,000 contract which will provide the government of Egypt with the following: 20 F-16C/D Block 52 multi-role fighter aircraft; support equipment; technical orders and integrated logistics support. At this time, $106 Million has been obligated. 312 AESG/SYK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (FA8615-10-6051)

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss., was awarded a $7,869,228 contract which will provide for aircraft flightline maintenance for F-16 aircraft and add sharpshooter targeting pod maintenance in support of Taiwan's F-16 program at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AETC/CONS/LGCI, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-09-C-0006,P00004).

Electro-Methods, Inc., South Windsor, Conn., was awarded a $6,018,762 contract which provides for the build of three sub assemblies, inner, outer, and 28 radial gutters making the whole assembly. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8121-10-C-0011).

NAVY

The Ross Group Construction Corp.*, Tulsa, Okla. (N69450-10-D-0771); Leetex/Hill&Wilkinson, LLC*, Dallas, Texas (N69450-10-D-0772); Project Management Innovations International*, Austin, Texas (N69450-10-D-0773); K-W Construction, Inc.*, San Marcos, Texas (N69450-10-D-0774); Moab-Amigo, JV*, San Antonio, Texas (N69450-10-D-0775); Global Engineering & Construction, LLC*, Kent, Wash. (N69450-10-D-0776), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-bid-build construction contract for general building type projects at military installations in the south Texas region of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value for all six contracts combined, including the base period and four option years, is $100,000,000. The Ross Group Construction Corp. is being awarded task order #0001 at $9,900,000 for the complete design and construction of a fitness center at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by June 2011. All work on this contract will be performed in the south Texas region of the NAVFAC Southeast AOR. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of March 2015. Contract funds for task order #0001 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 16 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $25,493,949 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5203) for Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system production. CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information and making the data available to all participating CEC units. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (47 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (20.0 percent); Dallas, Texas (18 percent); and McKinney, Texas (15 percent). Work is expected to be completed by January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Hal Hays Construction, Inc.*, Riverside, Calif., is being awarded $7,199,999 for task order #0002 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price award fee contract (N62742-09-D-1183) for the construction of the Arizona Memorial visitor parking center at Pearl Harbor Naval Base. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a new parking lot which consists of access road and drop-off area; sidewalks; chain link and ornamental fencing and vehicular gates; drainage improvements; lighting; closed circuit television; landscaping; and other miscellaneous items of work. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Funds are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Rockford, Mich. is being awarded a maximum $13,228,034 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for temperate weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are in Arizona and Michigan. Using services are Army and Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first of two one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is March 4, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-09-D-0033).

Ameriqual Group, LLC*, Evansville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $11,384,897 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for various polymeric traypack ration items. Other location of performance is in Indiana. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the third option year. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM3S1-07-D-Z193).

Palm Springs FBO Two, LLC, Palm Springs, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $5,411,270 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is in California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0036).

MILITARY CONTRACTS March 1, 2010

ARMY

Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, La., was awarded on Feb. 25, 2010, a $58,509,050 firm-fixed-price contract for work consisting of mechanical and hydraulic construction of containment levees requiring deep excavation to minus-70 feet, shoreline protection, and spillbox rehab to increase the capacity of Placement Areas 14 and 15; and maintenance and new work dredging of the Houston Galveston Navigation Channel Bayport to Morgans Point with four options. Work is to be performed at Harris County, Texas, and Chambers County, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. Thirty-four bids were solicited with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-10-C-0016).

Watterson Construction Co., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Feb. 25, 2010, a $26,451,500 firm-fixed-price contract for a Warrior Transition Complex that is a design-build construction project. Work is to be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska (91.2 percent), and Anchorage, Alaska (8.8 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 26, 2011. Bids were solicited on the Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-10-C-0011).

Davis Constructors & Engineers, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Feb. 25, 2010, a $19,839,494 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Air Force aero-medical services/mental clinic. Work is to be performed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 26, 2012. Bids were solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with nine bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-10-C-0012).

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 25, 2010 a $14,869,000 firm-fixed price contract, Task Order Number #0001, for construction of Battalion Dining Facilities. The project consists of a standard design two battalion 1,300 person, stand-alone dining facilities for a Training Battalion Complex. Install intrusion detection system (IDS) and connect energy monitoring and control system (EMCS). Supporting facilities include electrical, water, sewer, and natural gas services; security lighting; exterior communications; fire protection; storm sewer system and detention structure; paving, striping, curb and gutter, and sidewalks; site preparation, erosion control/grassing, landscaping; and signage. Work is to be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date May 20, 2011. Four bids were solicited and four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0050).

Hensel Phelps Construction, Co., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 25, 2010, a $14,850,000 firm-fixed-price contract, task order #0002, for construction of battalion dining facilities. The project consists of standard-design, two-battalion, 1,300 person stand-alone dining facilities for a training battalion complex with the installation of an intrusion detection system and a connect energy monitoring and control system. Supporting facilities include electrical, water, sewer and natural gas services; security lighting; exterior communications; fire protection; storm sewer system and detention structure; paving, striping, curb and gutter, and sidewalks; site preparation, erosion control/grassing, landscaping; and signage. Work is to be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of May 20, 2011. Four bids were solicited and four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0050).

NAVY

Koam Engineering Systems, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $51,146,913 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for tactical data link (TDL) systems support of a range of Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Foreign Military Sales Programs including airborne tactical data systems; ballistic missile defense; command and control processor; common link integration processing; dynamic net management; joint tactical radio system; tactical systems (engineering, integration, test, evaluation, fleet) support; and associated subsystems, network, process, and capability maturity model integration support. Support efforts include the maintenance and modification of the TDL computer programs; life cycle functions of systems; research and requirements analysis; systems engineering; software design and engineering; configuration management; modeling and simulation; and human factors engineering. This contract is one of three contracts awarded; all awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period. All work will be performed at government and contractor sites in the San Diego area, and is expected to be completed Feb. 28, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central Web site, with three viable offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-10-D-0027).

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Wakefield, Mass., is being awarded a $47,788,003 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for tactical data link (TDL) systems support of a range of Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Foreign Military Sales Programs including airborne tactical data systems; ballistic missile defense; command and control processor; common link integration processing; dynamic net management; joint tactical radio system; tactical systems (engineering, integration, test, evaluation, fleet) support; and associated subsystems, network, process, and capability maturity model integration support. Support efforts include the maintenance and modification of the TDL computer programs; life cycle functions of systems; research and requirements analysis; systems engineering; software design and engineering; configuration management; modeling and simulation; and human factors engineering. This contract is one of three contracts awarded; all awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period. All work will be performed at government and contractor sites in the San Diego area, and is expected to be completed Feb. 28, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central Web site, with three viable offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-10-D-0028).

Computer Sciences Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $46,911,088 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for tactical data link (TDL) systems support of a range of Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Foreign Military Sales Programs including airborne tactical data systems; ballistic missile defense; command and control processor; common link integration processing; dynamic net management; joint tactical radio system; tactical systems (engineering, integration, test, evaluation, fleet) support; and associated subsystems, network, process, and capability maturity model integration support. Support efforts include the maintenance and modification of the TDL computer programs; life cycle functions of systems; research and requirements analysis; systems engineering; software design and engineering; configuration management; modeling and simulation; and human factors engineering. This contract is one of three contracts awarded; all awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period. All work will be performed at government and contractor sites in the San Diego area, and is expected to be completed Feb. 28, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central Web site, with three viable offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-10-D-0026).

Insight Technology, Inc., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a $34,080,706 firm-fixed-price contract for the Fusion Goggle System Version 4 (FGS V4). U.S. Special Operations Command requires the FGS V4 for special operations force elements currently engaged in the overseas contingency operations. The application for this item is combined thermal imaging and image intensification which provides increased situational awareness. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JQ58).

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $14,700,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6238) for the production of five TB-29A thin line towed arrays (TLTA). The TB-29A TLTA is a passive underwater acoustic sensor utilizing a thin line towed body. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (62 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (15 percent); Millersville, Md. (15 percent); Mauldin, S.C. (4 percent); and Cambridge, Mass. (4 percent). Work is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $12,303,065 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-06-G-0001) to provide systems engineering and program management services in support of the H-1 upgrade production program. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas (70 percent), Amarillo, Texas (15 percent), and New Bern, N.C. (6 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

SmithGroup, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a $6,046,433 modification to increase the maximum dollar value under a firm-fixed-price architect-engineer contract (N62742-10-C-0001) for design and engineering services for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command at Hickam Air Force Base. The work to be performed provides for design and engineering services, environmental field investigation, soil investigation, and topographic survey to develop design-bid-build documents for construction of a multi-story facility which includes a central identification laboratory, administrative office spaces, and a warehouse. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $7,120,509. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,820,084 firm-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) to provide integrated logistics services in support of Harpoon and SLAM-ER programs for the Navy and for the governments of Korea, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Egypt, Japan, Turkey, Pakistan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Israel, Singapore, Canada, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Chile, Malaysia, Oman, and Bahrain.. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo., and is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $2,083,931 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($2,083,931; 35.8 percent) and the governments of Korea ($694,901; 11.9 percent); United Kingdom ($283,542; 4.9 percent); Taiwan ($279,606; 4.8 percent); Egypt ($262,530; 4.5 percent); Japan ($245,231; 4.2 percent); Turkey ($234,045; 4.0 percent); Pakistan ($200,610; 3.5 percent); Australia ($195,660; 3.4 percent); Saudi Arabia ($190,438; 3.3 percent); Greece ($174,978; 3.0 percent); Israel ($166,927; 2.9 percent); Singapore ($163,710; 2.8 percent); Canada ($136,710; 2.3 percent); Thailand ($116,168; 2 percent); UAE ($88,178; 1.5 percent); Kuwait; $64,890; 1.1 percent); Chile ($62,415; 1.1 percent); Malaysia ($60,683; 1.0 percent); Oman ($59,445; 1.0 percent); and Bahrain ($55,486; 1.0 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Crowley Liner Services, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., has been awarded a sole-source letter contract to obtain emergency port related services in Haiti. The contract has a not-to-exceed amount of $22,000,000. The contract is for services required to restore cargo delivery capability and support Haiti port operations at Port-au-Prince. Services include surveying damaged ports and beaches; establishment of beach landing operations; cargo lightering operations to establish a link between deep draft cargo vessels and beach landing facilities; warehousing; cargo consolidation; trucking; placement of docking barges with cranes to function as temporary piers and removal of various obstructions in the water, to include a large gantry crane. Work will be performed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and the performance period is from Jan. 16, 2010, to April 15, 2010. This was a sole-source procurement executed under the authority of FAR Part 6.302-2, Unusual and Compelling Urgency. The U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-10-C-W001).

Analysis Program Focuses on Preventing Combat Injuries

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

March 1, 2010 - Every time a servicemember is killed or wounded in combat, it sets off a sweeping process aimed at identifying what happened, who perpetrated it and how it might have been prevented -- and instituting changes to reduce the likelihood of it being repeated. The Joint Trauma Analysis and Prevention of Injury in Combat Program brings together experts within the Defense Department's medical, operational, intelligence and material development communities, who analyze each casualty to glean life-saving lessons, explained Army Lt. Col. Mark Dick, the program manager.

They study autopsy information, pore through after-action reports and medical files, assess vehicle damage reports and ballistic studies and conduct computer models and simulations to replicate and confirm operational events.

The goal, Dick said, is to identify vulnerabilities and give decision-makers the concrete findings they need to help shore them up.

The JTAPIC program stood up in 2007 to tap into the full spectrum of expertise across the department to mitigate combat risk. The Army serves as the executive agent, with the program office based at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Md.

Although leaders may have a hunch about what caused a catastrophic incident, Dick said the JTAPIC analyses provide a scientific assessment that addresses the myriad factors involved.

"If you make a decision based on just one subset of the data, you don't always come to the appropriate conclusion," he said. "We take everything from medical data to threat data to [data about the] operational environment, and we integrate those into analysis products."

JTAPIC analyses have revealed everything from the need to change tactics, techniques and procedures, to modify weapons systems and how they're used, to provide better force protection and medical care for wounded troops, he said.

They've sparked changes in the way the military operates, the equipment it purchases and the protections it provides its troops.

Some findings get passed directly to commanders on the ground, who in some cases can introduce immediate changes to reduce their troops' vulnerability to enemy threats, Dick said.

In other cases, the analyses lead to longer-term changes that impact the broader military community. They can result in doctrinal changes that guide military operations or the warfighter training programs.

They also can impact weapons systems -- how they're designed, what capabilities they have and what force protections they include. Rather than making specific recommendations to program managers, Dick's team provides analyses to help program managers in their acquisition decisions.

Dick acknowledges that the true impact of the program is hard to quantify, because it's largely measured in injuries prevented and lives saved rather than lost.

"We don't always see the success stories, where there was an incident and soldiers, because of the protective systems that have been incorporated, have walked away," he said. "In some cases, they may have been treated at the platoon level, or immediately gone back to the fight, and we never hear about it."

But Dick has little doubt that the JTAPIC program is making a difference for troops on the front lines -- and will continue to benefit tomorrow's servicemembers as well.

"Let me suffice it to say that what we're doing is limiting the number of lost lives, and it's also limiting the severity of injuries," he said. "This effort has increased soldier survivability, and the safety of our combat systems."

Dick praised the commitment of JTAPIC partners, who, by leveraging existing programs and infrastructure, have provided a critical new capability. "It's been a success story in itself," he said.

Former Soldier Drives U.S. to Bobsled Gold

By Tim Hipps
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 1, 2010 - Former U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program bobsledder Steven Holcomb ended Team USA's 62-year gold medal drought in Olympic bobsled competition by driving Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler and Curtis Tomasevicz to victory in the four-man event Feb. 27 at Whistler Sliding Centre here. Holcomb, 29, of Park City, Utah, piloted "The Night Train" sled designed by former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine down the fastest bobsled track in the world to a four-heat combined time of 3 minutes, 24.46 seconds. They lowered the track record in each of their first two runs Feb. 26, leaving it at 50.86 seconds.

"It's incredible," Holcomb said. "We've been working so hard the last four years, and it's finally paid off. It's kind of overwhelming. It's been stressful, but awesome, kind of all over the place."

Five-time Olympic medalists Andre Lange and Kevin Kuske teamed with Alexander Roediger and Martin Putze aboard Germany 1 to win the silver medal with a time of 3:24.84. The Canada 1 quartet of Lyndon Rush, Chris Le Bihan, David Bissett and Lascelles Brown claimed the bronze in 3:24.85, marking the first time in 46 years Canadian bobsledders have medaled at the Olympics.

Team USA's .38 margin of victory is considered a landslide in the sport.

"We came out here to show we're the best team in the world," Holcomb said. "It was a full team effort. We have fun together, and that's why we come out and dominate."

Team USA 1 blasted out of the blocks with start times of 4.75, 4.73, 4.77 and 4.76 for runs of 50.89, 50.86, 51.19 and 51.52 seconds.

"We had four great starts and four great runs," Holcomb said. "We started the weekend with the start record, which was huge. We wanted to make a statement and make sure they knew we were here to play."

Warmer temperatures slowed the track by nearly a second for Feb. 27's final two heats. Heavy snowfall during the first two heats the day before contributed to six crashes, including USA 2, driven by WCAP bobsled pilot Sgt. John Napier with WCAP brakeman 1st Lt. Chris Fogt, Chuck Berkeley and Steve Langton aboard.

Team USA physicians convinced Napier to bypass the final two heats because of limited neck mobility from the crash.

"This really hurts," Napier said as he watched Holcomb's third run on television monitors at the finish line. "Yesterday was my last race of the season."

U.S. bobsled head coach Brian Shimer, a five-time Olympian, was not overly concerned.

"I told John that he did an awesome job and that this is just the beginning," said Shimer, a 2002 Olympic bronze medalist. "He has a bright future ahead of him, and I'm proud to be his coach. Their team had a big start yesterday and they were flying down the course, so this is really hard for them to take. But we look forward to a great future for John in this sport.

"He may be the one to break my record of five Olympics," Shimer continued, "and I hope I'm able to share his success with him in the upcoming years."

Army National Guard Outstanding Athlete Program Sgt. Mike Kohn drove to 13th place with Jamie Moriarty, Bill Schuffenhauer and Nick Cunningham aboard USA 3 in 3:27.32.

"I'm thankful they kept fighting, because I kept fighting," said Kohn, 37, of Chantilly, Va., who plans to retire from the sled and deploy soon to Afghanistan with his National Guard unit. "We're just thankful we got down safely.

"It's been more than a difficult race; it's been a difficult season for us," he added. "The moral of the story is, 'Keep fighting, because you never know what's going to happen.'"

(Tim Hipps works in the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command public affairs office.)

General Officer Announcement

March 1, 2010 - Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Army Maj. Gen. John W. Morgan III has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as commander, Force Command, Heidelberg. Morgan is currently serving as the chief of staff, U.S. European Command, Germany.

Soldiers Provide Communications Support in Haiti

By Navy Lt. Arlo Abrahamson
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 1, 2010 - Soldiers assigned to the communications directorate for the Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command have played a critical role in supporting civil affairs and other humanitarian operations conducted by U.S. special operations forces here during Operation Unified Response. Special operations forces served as the commander's eyes on the ground during the early days of the rescue and recovery phases of relief operations in the wake of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Jan. 12. These tasks rely heavily on vital links between forward elements and operational commanders, a support capability that Signal Corps soldiers bring to an operation.

"There's a lot of coordination and streamlining that goes into our job, because we have to work across a variety of networks and satellite feeds," said Army Staff Sgt. Kelly Williams, a communications team leader. "We have to ensure the end user, our people in the field, have the signal capabilities they need to accomplish their assigned tasks."

To remain mission capable, Williams said, computer networks must continue to run efficiently, and tactical, radio and satellite communications equipment must be managed and maintained.

"There's a lot of security protocols and other procedures we must follow to run efficient networks," Williams said, "but we try to make that as transparent as possible for our users."

But as Army Staff Sgt. Wayne Potts explained, there's also a hands-on portion of their mission.

"The civil affairs teams bring communications equipment with them to the field, but we show them how to get the most out of this equipment," Potts said. "We want to make sure they have the right capabilities when they get to where they are going so they can concentrate on the overall mission we have here in Haiti."

That mission, humanitarian operations, is one these soldiers know they have enhanced with the skills they bring to the operation.

"We feel good knowing we played a part in the overall success of our mission," said Army Sgt. Derek Auguste. "Communications are vital to any operation – everyone has to talk and coordinate with each other. We feel like we created an environment where that could be successful."

(Navy Lt. Arlo Abrahamson serves in the Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command public affairs office.)

Pentagon Official Notes Navy Center's Diversity

By Troy Clarke
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 1, 2010 - As part of his initiative to "take the Pentagon to the people," the Defense Department's top diversity management and equal opportunity official visited the Navy's command responsible for independent assessment Feb. 25. Clarence A. Johnson, principal director of the Pentagon's diversity management and equal opportunity office, met with Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona's senior leadership, diversity council, African-American special emphasis program group, and addressed an overflow audience of employees.

"Diversity means collecting all the strengths, all the attributes to help execute our mission," said Johnson, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Pentagon's diversity and equal opportunity office for the last seven years. "Diversity is a key component to mission readiness, because it gives each individual an opportunity to put his or her strengths forward to support the mission."

Johnson said the Navy is leading the armed services in diversity, and its top leaders are making a considerable effort to ensure the maritime service reflects the diversity of America.

"Right now, the Navy has the best overall diversity programs of all the services," Johnson said, giving Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and his predecessor, Adm. Mike Mullen -- now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – much of the credit.

"What Admiral Roughead is doing, and what Admiral Mullen did before him, is a huge commitment to diversity," Johnson said. "The other services are trying to emulate what the Navy's doing."

Corona is one of Naval Sea Systems Command's most diverse warfare centers, and its sustained outreach strategy to attract diverse talent to the Navy has paved the way for the naval command to build connections with educators, business leaders, government officials and affinity groups geared toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Johnson said he is highly impressed with the warfare center's work force and diversity outreach programs and thinks other services can learn from its example.

"From what I've seen here, Corona is a model for everyone to follow," he said. "I see a program where senior leadership is engaged in personnel management from cradle to grave. He noted connections to the National Society of Black Engineers, the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference, the League of United Latin American Citizens and other organizations that focus on advocating for women and minorities.

Corona commanding officer Navy Capt. Jay Kadowaki said that outreach to under-represented minorities is vital for the Navy's future, especially as the Navy adapts to demographic shifts of tomorrow's talent.

"Without question, diversity makes our Navy stronger," he said. "And the different experiences, backgrounds and talents of our sailors and civilians helps us be an unbeatable team. It allows the development and execution of new ideas to ensure the Navy advances with the nation's demographic changes and technological challenges."

Each year, the Navy's outreach efforts reach a variety of diverse populations, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their 235,000 annual graduates; the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, with a base of 20,000 members; the National Association of Asian American Professionals, which reaches 2,500 technical professionals and the Society of Women Engineers, which reaches about 40,000 female engineers.

Johnson said diversity is critical to get the best talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields – and that's not just an employee recruitment issue. For the Pentagon, he said, it's a matter of national security.

As part of its human capital strategy, Corona has had a long-term commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education outreach, and in October received the first STEP Award for Government Leadership in Science and Technology Education from the Science and Technology Education Partnership, a Southern California nonprofit organization. Through its outreach efforts in the last decade alone, Corona has reached some 40,000 students from kindergarten through high school in the culturally and ethnically diverse states of California and Hawaii.

And for the Pentagon's top diversity management official, outreach with a diversity approach is a winning combination.

"Our charge is to capture intellectual strength to get the best solution for our armed forces and for our nation," Johnson said. "You really need to be looking at the diverse attributes coming to the table to get the mission done."

Corona's technical director and senior executive Bill Luebke said his science and engineering command also is uniquely poised to help his command and Naval Sea Systems Command get the best and the brightest talent to execute the Navy's mission.

"Corona is located at the center of Southern California's dynamic and diverse talent pool," Luebke said. "We are also at the epicenter of more than a dozen world-class colleges and universities that produce high-caliber science and engineering graduates."

Johnson said he got more here than what he came for.

"I'm going to use this visit as a benchmark to talk to other leaders about diversity," he said. "They need to call Corona to see what they're doing out there. This is, indeed a model installation."

Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona serves as the Navy's independent assessment agent and is responsible for gauging the warfighting capability of weapons and integrated combat systems through assessment of system performance, readiness, quality, supportability and the adequacy of training. The base is home to three national laboratories and assessment centers: the Joint Warfare Assessment Lab, the Measurement Science and Technology Lab, and the Daugherty Memorial Assessment Center.

(Troy Clarke works in the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona public affairs office.)

Diversity in the Department of Defense

By Christen N. McCluney

March 1, 2010 - The Pentagon Channel recently interviewed Clarence Johnson, Principal Director, Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, about celebrating African American History Month and Diversity in the Department of Defense.

Johnson highlighted that throughout the month there have been many events to commemorate and educate the DOD on the culture and legacy of African-Americans, including lunches, fashion shows and career fairs.

“The reason we celebrate African-American history month is to show that blacks have played a part in establishing a successful America,” Johnson said.

African-Americans have played a role in the Department of Defense, in both the military and civilian side since its existence as far back as the revolutionary war.

When Carter G. Woodson came up with the idea of Negro history week he wanted to highlight groups like the Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers and Montford Point Marines, he added. These groups served in two fronts, in a war environment and at home in a segregated environment.

“Over the course of time the DOD has given many blacks the opportunity to serve, train and be educated,” Johnson said. “The G.I. bill had a lot to do with the growth of the middle class and many blacks profited from it.”

Johnson also said that DOD leadership stresses that “diversity is the source of our strength” and being able to celebrate diversity whether it be African-American History Month, Native American History Month or Women’s History Month is testimony to the departments commitment to the statement.

“The military has come a long way in assimilating races, women and persons with disabilities into our workforce,” he said. The number of African-Americans in the military has increased over the last 10 years to about 18% and Hispanic officership has also increased as well.

Johnson also said that there are three major enduring diversity challenges that the military faces: incorporation of people with targeted disabilities in the workforce, the representation of Hispanics through the civilian workforce in the DOD and representation of all minorities in the senior grade the department.

The military tends to reflect the population Johnson added. It’s important to continue to celebrate diversity and continue to show its importance.

“Research shows that diverse groups perform better,” he said. “The military is full of diverse groups, diverse thoughts and diverse talents. I think our military and our nation are stronger for it.”

Philippine Armed Forces Spread Good Will

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

March 1, 2010 - A medical outreach event here Feb. 25 showed the resolve not only of the Philippine armed forces, but also of the international community, to spread good will to the southern Philippines. Philippine Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 coordinated the efforts with the local government, Philippine military doctors, U.S. forces and even a nonprofit charity from the United States.

Volunteers provided supplies and services and were able to offer dental care, some minor surgeries, medicines and consultations. U.S. forces also donated several wheelchairs to those in need.

"[Philippine forces] recognize the need people have for these services and are very proactive in planning these types of events," said Army Capt. Bill Adams, a civil affairs officer with Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines here. "They do a tremendous job, and their efforts have been very good."

Hundreds turned out to take advantage of a variety of free medical care organized by the armed forces of the Philippines. Women, children and the elderly gathered patiently outside of the bamboo-and-straw medical stations. They waited happily for care, because this was the first chance in some time for many of them to see a doctor.

As is the case in much of the region, events such as these give residents opportunities they may not otherwise have to seek treatment, several Philippine troops at the event said.

Adams, who's been deployed here since November, said these types of outreach events are a great way for the troops to show they care as well as relate to the people.

"These troops put themselves out there, even in places where they don't feel safe," he said, "and the people see that."

Philippine navy Rear Adm. Alexander Pama agreed with Adams, and expressed how meaningful it is for Philippine troops to serve their countrymen. His troops also are pleased with their American partners and their efforts, he added.

"Volunteers, doctors, nurses, supplies -- all of this comes from donations from kind-hearted people in both the Philippines and the United States," said Pama, commander of naval forces in western Mindanao. "It definitely means a lot not only to the people who we serve, but for us who serve the people."

Pama praised the American military and civilian efforts in this event, noting support from the Lingkod Timog nonprofit group based out of Rhode Island. The group is made up of Filipino-Americans working to reverse poverty and improve health services in the Philippines. They work regularly with both militaries to reach out to areas in need.

"It's quite fortunate that we have the partners that we do," he said. "Groups coming all the way from the United States, [U.S. troops]; it's basically a synergy of everybody to reach out to these people, help them out so they don't feel so marginalized in society. It's not just the guys in uniform who are here. It's an extension of American society and their support for the people here."

A little good will goes a long way to improving security and bridging the gap between government and the local communities, Pama said. He explained that terrorists take advantage of impoverished areas by providing the poor with money and food in return for their support and, often, their service.

"Building strong bonds and relationships in the communities is a very important aspect to our security efforts," he said. "We all know bad guys thrive on the poor, and in the classic sense of counterinsurgency, the bad guys drain the pan.

"We want to come across to the people that we are the good guys," he continued, "and we need to pull the support away from the bad guys and let the people know that the government is after the people's welfare."

Ultimately, safety and security for the people is the most important aspect of the Philippine military mission. Events such as this, Pama said, give the people more than just money and temporary support. People get services they need without having to risk their lives or becoming indebted to criminals and terrorists.

"The happiness of the people is not very complicated," he said. "They need their basic services, and they need security. Events like this are going to be ingrained in their minds forever, that the good guys -- the military, the volunteers and the American military -- came here to help."