Face of Defense: Guardsman Aids Injured at Indiana State Fair

By Army Sgt. John Crosby

120th Public Affairs Detachment

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 17, 2011 – An Indiana Air National Guardsman leaped into action to help others here Aug. 13 when a concert stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair, killing five people and injuring at least 40 others.

Air Force Master Sergeant James Stranahan of Shelburn, Ind., assigned to the 53rd Civil Support Team, was in the third row of the stands when the stage collapsed onto about 50 people. He jumped over the guard rail and took action.

Stranahan, a senior medic, triaged, treated and helped to evacuate more than a dozen injured people. Having responded to mass casualty situations before on deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, the tragedy at the fair hit very close to home.

“In the military, there’s always that potential [for death or injury],” Stranahan said. “But, an accident of this magnitude, it’s tough. I’m an older guy; I feel like I can handle it. I feel bad for those kids that have to live with this memory for the rest of their lives.”

Stranahan has more than 29 years in the military, including more than 20 years in the Indiana Army and Air National Guard. His mission with the 53rd CST is to respond to civil emergencies, from natural disasters to attacks from weapons of mass destruction.

Stranahan attended the fair with this girlfriend, he said, noting they’d watched the opening act from the sand pit located just in front of the stage. Stranahan and his girlfriend returned to their seats after the opening act, he said.

About 30 minutes later, tragedy struck. Stranahan described the strong and sudden 60-mph gust of wind that collapsed the stage.

“Within just a few minutes, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped,” Stranahan said. “I could see just a wall of dust and debris tear through the Ferris wheel.”

Stranahan said the wind then hit the stage, causing it to fall within seconds.

“With all my military training, and the medical side, I knew I needed to spring into action to help these injured people,” he said.

“After the collapse of the stage, we started using whatever we could to help evacuate the casualties out from underneath the stage. We used the chairs that were knocked down -- we folded them up and used them as litters. Guys were cutting pieces of tarp, taking pieces of the collapsed stage -- whatever they could find -- to help these injured people.”

Stranahan said he and others worked for more than an hour through the storm to try to help as many people as they could. He treated head wounds, lacerations, broken bones and other injuries, and said he was amazed by the multitude of bystanders who stepped forward. Doctors, nurses, and service members sprang into action to aid the injured, he said.

“It was very gratifying to me, being military and me being a Hoosier, to see so many people come together so quickly from all different walks of life to help save those injured folks,” Stranahan said.

Stranahan’s enlisted supervisor praised his actions at the fair.

“His many experiences range from deploying for Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, to responding to Hurricane Katrina,” said Army 1st Sgt. Tyson Johnson, 53rd CST. “All of this contributes to his immediate responsible reaction to the incident at the fairgrounds.”

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 17

From the Navy News Service

1812 - Frigate President captures British schooner L'Adeline in North Atlantic.  Read about this and other battles that saved this country from these War of 1812 books.

1942 - Submarines USS Nautilus (SS 168) and USS Argonaut (SS 166) land 222 Marines on Makin Island, first amphibious attack made from submarines.

1959 - Adm. Arleigh Burke re-appointed as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for third two-year term, serving longest term as CNO.

1962 - Navy's first hydrofoil patrol craft, USS High Point (PCH 1) launched at Seattle, Wash.

Panama Canal Defense Exercise Begins

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2011 – One of the world’s largest multinational military exercises gets under way today to test plans to defend the Panama Canal.

Some 3,500 military and civilian personnel from 17 countries are participating in the 12-day exercise dubbed PANAMAX 2011, U.S. Southern Command officials said.

Co-sponsored by Southcom and the Panamanian government, PANAMAX is a joint, combined operation focused on defending one of the world’s most strategic and economically crucial waterways for global trade, officials said.

This year’s exercise focuses on building the interoperability and capacity that would be necessary to defend the canal in the event of a threat, Southcom spokesman Jose Ruiz said.

“We hope the Panama Canal will never have to be defended from a serious threat,” Ruiz said, “but capacity is a very important part of being able to respond to emerging threats.” While the participating countries have an interest in the canal, two-thirds of the canal’s shipping traffic is from the United States, Ruiz noted.

The exercise will develop and test the command and control of forces at sea, involving participants in maritime, air, land, space and cyber operations, he said. Scenarios include open water diving operations, counterdrug interdictions and simulated river operations.

PANAMAX will take place off the coasts of Panama, Texas, Florida and Mississippi through Aug. 26.

The PANAMAX exercise series began in 2003 with the United States, Panama and Chile participating, Ruiz said. Interest in the exercise and in protecting the canal has grown over the years, he added, and participation has expanded to as many as 20 partner countries, he added.

“We worked with our partner nations for many years with the approach that regional security challenges require regional solutions and approaches,” he said.

NMCB 7 Completes Field Training Exercise, Deployment Certification

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Yan Kennon, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 completed Operation Bearing Duel, the battalion's field training exercise and final evaluation period (FTX/FEP) at Joint Training Facility Camp Shelby, Miss., Aug. 9.

The FTX/FEP evaluated the battalion's abilities in every NMCB mission area and certified NMCB 7 as the Atlantic Fleet Seabees' Independent Unit Ready for Tasking.

The successful FTX/FEP culminates of the battalion's homeport training and signifies it is ready for its scheduled early 2012 deployment to U.S. Central Command's area of operations (AOR) , as well as confirms that the battalion can be deployed anywhere in the world and is capable of executing any assigned construction mission.

"Despite extreme heat, thunderstorms and rain, the battalion did an amazing job to succeed," said NMCB 7 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gordie Meyer. "The training was hard and physically demanding. It tested the battalion and showed our strength to complete a successful deployment in any environment, at any location. With the completion of FTX, our focus for the remainder of the homeport will continue to be military training, construction project completion, construction skill attainment and overall deployment preparation."

FTX/FEP is an around the clock exercise which tests a battalion's capability to perform scheduled tasking in the midst of extreme adversity. Construction operations are accomplished under constant hostile activity as aggressors and role players attempt to penetrate camp defenses and disrupt any momentum the battalion may have built. Seabees, in this environment, see very long days as watchstanders, construction workers and defensive security elements. For Seabees, the primary mission is contingency construction, but they must also be ready to defend their camp and accompanying assets at all times.

During the FTX, the battalion maintained a mainbody site while simultaneously deploying and maintaining their Air Detachment, Bridge Detachment and Sierra Detachment.

The battalion's Air Detachment conducted a successful field 48-hour mount out, redeployment to a predetermined location, conducted and maintained 24-hour defensive security and performed construction tasking under constant hostile aggressor attacks.

"The men and women of Air Detachment were faced with numerous obstacles and moving parts," said Air Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer Chief Builder Joe Williams. "Through perseverance, dedication, and teamwork, Air Detachment met all challenges head-on and succeeded as planned. Despite continued aggressor attacks, the Air Detachment completed construction of a crow's nest, hardened sentry post and a heavy timber bunker, ahead of projected schedule."

The battalion's Bridge Detachment, under similar conditions, erected a Mabey Johnson Bridge.

"Due to the extreme summer temperatures at Camp Shelby, our Seabees performed the bulk of construction during the evening and night hours," said Bridge Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer Chief Builder Shawn Cody. "Having the ability to perform contingency construction tasking while defending our position exemplifies the Seabee motto, 'We Build, We Fight!'"

The battalion's Sierra Detachment was tasked with the construction of a 30-foot timber tower and a heavy timber bunker, accumulating more than 50 man-days of contingency construction.

"Both construction crews worked with determination through excessive heat, torrential down pours, and long hours to safely and successfully complete their projects," said Sierra Detachment Assistant Officer-in-Charge Lt. Sean Hughes.

The detachment also laid the ground work for the battalion's mainbody move-in from its previous location, performing initial security sweeps, camp layout, and the erection of essential command posts, enabling a seamless transition from Detachment Sierra to mainbody control.

"If the detachment's attitude and skill level is any indication of the battalion's performance to come on our upcoming deployment, then we're going to be in good shape," said Hughes.

The Convoy Security Element (CSE) is an essential component of the battalion during a combat deployment. During FTX/FEP, NMCB 7 CSE conducted more than 60 missions, including convoy escort; Traffic Control Points; Marine Expeditionary Force reconnaissance; simulated humanitarian support; and VIP escorts. Two teams consisting of seven gun trucks and 32 Seabees worked around the clock providing measures of battalion security.

"Though each mission had its challenges, battalion convoy security proved to be the most challenging, due to the enormous amounts of Civil Engineering Support Equipment to transport from one site to another," said CSE Operations Chief Builder Jesse VanAusdoll. "Our training, teamwork, and detailed planning ensured that we were prepared to accomplish each mission."

Operation Bearing Duel took place in various phases, to include Receipt, Staging, Onward-Movement and Integration; Operations; Sustainment; and Retrograde. As NMCB 7 makes its final preparations for deployment, the battalion will continue to fine-tune tactics, responses, and capabilities that will allow the battalion to continue to operate at the tip of the spear during its combat deployment in support of U.S. Central Command tasking and objectives.

NMCB 7 is one of the original 10 Seabee battalions authorized by the Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Yards and Docks in 1942.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Denmark’s Minister of Defense Gitte Lillelund Bech to the Pentagon at 9:45 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 16

From the Navy News Service

1812 - USS Constitution recaptures American merchant brig Adeline.

1954 - Beginning of Operation Passage to Freedom, the transport of refugees from Haiphong to Saigon, Vietnam.

Don't forget the history and sacrifices of American heroes; discover these Vietnam War books where our heroes tell you their story.

Resilience Study Can Help DOD Strengthen Programs

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2011 – The military has a plethora of programs aimed at building resilience in service members and their families, but needs a better system in place to measure their success, a study has revealed.

Commissioned by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, the Rand Corp. study examined 23 military and civilian programs that address psychological resilience and offered recommendations on how the military can improve their quality and effectiveness.

Resilience is a keystone to a service members’ overall fitness, said U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. George Durgin, the centers’ resilience division chief in the resilience and prevention directorate.

“If you have a service member who can adapt and overcome to adverse events and then turn back to a steady plane -- a green zone -- that’s what we’re looking for,” he said.

The question, he added, is “How do we get into a heightened event and then get back to that green zone?”

To start, experts reviewed 270 scientific publications on psychological resilience. From the literature, the team identified 20 factors -- including positive thinking and coping, realism and behavioral control -- that were scientifically proven to be the most effective at building resilience.

The team then gathered information on 23 service-specific resilience programs that are targeted to military members and their families and addressed at least one phase of deployment. Their purpose was to see if the factors they had identified as effective were integrated into these programs and, if so, to what extent.

Experts also looked to see how these programs assessed their success.

According to the study’s findings, published in the report “Promoting Psychological Resilience in the U.S. Military,” the programs incorporated several of the resilience factors, but need a more standard evaluation system to measure success. The programs employ a wide range of measures to gauge their effectiveness, the report noted, and just five of the 23 programs have conducted formal assessments.

"These programs are popular with leaders and troops, and intuitively we think they are having a positive effect," Durgin said. "But the bottom line is there hasn't been a formal approach to measuring success."

The findings also showed programs have a wide range of definitions for resilience.

The study listed a series of recommendations aimed at improving the quality and delivery of resilience programs. First, Defense Department leaders and policy makers should create a departmentwide definition of resilience, the report suggested. This will help to focus programs, it explained, and provide guidance for measuring outcomes.

DOD also needs to strengthen existing programs, the report said, through an evaluation of existing programs’ strengths and weaknesses. Programs that show the most potential can be combined, the report suggested, citing the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program as a possible candidate.

Officials also should standardize resilience measures to allow for program comparison.

To help wade through the vast number of programs, the report said, DOD should develop a resource guide that compares and contrasts programs for service members and their families.

The Defense Centers of Excellence is developing a database of service-specific programs, Durgin noted. This will help people find programs quickly and also help to direct future programs. If an effective program already is in place, he said, “Why reinvent the wheel?”

The report also cited a need to ensure that scientifically proven resilience factors -- such as positive thinking, coping and behavioral control -- are incorporated into programs.

Finally, DOD should engage senior military leaders and ensure rigorous program evaluation is in place.

Studies such as this one, along with research by the Defense Centers of Excellence, can help the military focus and strengthen its resilience programs, Durgin noted.

The overall goal, he added, is to ensure service members and their families remain resilient. It’s normal to move out of a steady state when confronted with combat and other wartime challenges, Durgin said, “but the key part for us is that they can always get back. And if they can’t, that’s when we have to step in to help them.”

Constitution Molds Chief Selectees

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution began its 14th annual Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Heritage Weeks training for CPO selectees Aug. 15.

Constitution's CPO mess designed CPO Heritage Weeks to instill pride in naval heritage and build esprit de corps while selectees lived and trained aboard the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.

"The wonderful part about CPO Heritage Weeks is that Constitution Sailors get the opportunity to not only learn about the fleet but also meet the leaders who are out there," said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution commanding officer. "The big takeaway for the chief selects is they learn about and see all the things that Sailors assigned here do and how they live, plus they experience what life was like in the early Navy through gun and boarding pike drills, sail training, and living aboard 'Old Ironsides.'"

During CPO Heritage Weeks, Constitution's crew teaches approximately 300 chief selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions. Selectees will learn boarding pike and War of 1812-era gun drills using Constitution's traditional 24-pound naval long guns. They also will learn small boat operations and how to climb the ship's shrouds.

"I hope to gain a deeper knowledge of our naval heritage through the selectee training," said Chief Culinary Specialist (Select) (SW) Brian Pettee. "Just recently being assigned to the USS Constitution and finding out I was selected to become a chief petty officer was an extremely humbling."

"One of the highlights of my first few weeks in command was calling in the three Sailors to tell them they were selected for chief," said Bonner. "It is a great feeling seeing the Sailors assigned to Constitution be recognized for all the outstanding work they have done both here and throughout their careers and demonstrates that we are getting the right people at this command."

Additionally, selectees supported the local community by helping at the New England Homeless Veterans Center, Old Soldier's Home in Chelsea, Mass., and Harvard-Kent Elementary School in Charlestown.

Mentor CPOs guide and train selectees as they endure the rigors of the CPO induction process.

"The chief selectees will be challenged throughout the week," said Senior Chief Yeoman (EXW) Anthony B. Iadevaia, a mentor chief for CPO Heritage Weeks. "The USS Constitution is a unique ship that truly exemplifies the need for teamwork. Selects will learn that only with teamwork will they be able to load the guns, raise the sails and get underway. These are only a few examples of tasks that require teamwork, effective communications, and leadership. All are critical to being 'the chief' and are decisive in their development as future CPOs."

Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history, as she welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.

Memorial Run Honors First Female Marine Killed in Action During OIF

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 225 competitors hit the pavement during the 5th Annual Major Megan McClung Memorial Run aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Aug. 13.

The memorial run, consisting of five- and 10-kilometer runs, is held each year in remembrance of McClung, who died Dec. 6, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq.

She was the first female Marine Corps officer to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was also an avid marathon runner and six-time Ironman competitor.

Proceeds and donations from the run will go to support the Semper Fi Fund for wounded Marines.

"This is my third year participating, and it's great tribute, not only to Megan, but those that serve and put their lives on the line," said Christine Johnson of Sedro-Wooley, Wash.

Marine Corps Col. Bradley Close, Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 53 commanding officer, was impressed with the command's cohesion and participation in this event.

"It's a great turn-out, we're really happy to see so many people come out and show their support for the Major McClung Memorial Run," said Close. "It's for a great cause; for a fallen warrior, one of our own and all the funds go to the Semper Fi Fund, which again goes to help wounded warriors and help with their transition."

MATSG 53 hosted the event, and according to McClung's parents and members of MATSG 53, they hope to gain even more support in upcoming years.

McClung's father, Michael, spoke about the event.

"Today's event is important for Megan's memory because Megan believed in mind, body and spirit, she believed that you need to be athletic, to get out and exercise, to clear you mind which will raise your spirit," said McClung. "It's a great turn-out; Megan encouraged people to run,. When she would run, she would finish the race, go back and help the slower runners along. Megan always said that it's not about winning the race, it's about finishing it."

Coming in first place in the 10-kilometer run was Brian Comer of Sammamish, Wash., at 37 minutes and 29 seconds. Matthew Reith of Oak Harbor, Wash., finished in first place in the five-kilometer run with a final time of 19 minutes and 8 seconds.

Marine to Receive Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Afghanistan

From a White House News Release

WASHINGTON – A former active-duty Marine now serving in the Inactive Ready Reserve will receive the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama here Sept. 15 for conspicuous gallantry almost two years ago in Afghanistan, White House officials announced today.

Dakota Meyer will be the third living recipient - and first Marine - to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Meyer is receiving the nation’s highest military honor for actions Sept. 8, 2009, while he was serving with Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Afghanistan’s Kunar province.

He was born in Columbia, Ky., on June 26, 1988, attended local public schools, and graduated from Green County high school. In 2006, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He completed his active duty commitment last year and now serves in the Inactive Ready Reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a sergeant.

Meyer deployed twice to the combat theater, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, praised Meyer in a statement issued after the White House announcement.

"I am extremely pleased by the news that the president has announced that he will award the Medal of Honor to Sgt. Dakota Meyer,” he said. “Sergeant Meyer embodies all that is good about our nation's Corps of Marines. He is a living example of the brave young men and women whose service, fidelity and sacrifice make us so proud.

“Sergeant Meyer's heroic actions on Sept. 8, 2009, in the Ganjgal village in Afghanistan serve as an inspiration to all Marines and will forever be etched in our Corps' rich legacy of courage and valor,” Amos continued. “Speaking on the behalf of all Marines, I congratulate Sergeant Meyer on this auspicious news and look forward to his award ceremony here in Washington, D.C., in mid-September."

USS Blue Ridge Arrives in South Korea for Ulchi Freedom Guardian

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Aug. 13, in support of Commander U.S. 7th Fleet's participation in combined forces exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian, alongside the ROK navy.

While in Busan, Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet Sailors will be directly engaged in the annual exercise, which strengthens U.S. and ROK forces' interoperability and capability to defend the ROK through field exercises and cyber scenarios.

"The purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and enhance the combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training," said Blue Ridge's Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Ralston. "During the coming weeks, our Sailors will work closely with their ROK military counterparts to build upon relationships vital to achieving our shared goals.

Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in community service (COMSERV) projects, enjoying the local culture of Busan.

COMSERV project volunteers are slated to visit the Blue Bird Senior Citizen's Center, where Sailors and Marines will go on walks and sing songs with the residents.

Volunteers will also visit Hee Rak-Wan Children's Welfare Facility and Jinhae Hope Children's Home, where they will play games with children and help clean the grounds of the facilities.

"I can't wait to play with the local boys and girls at the children's home that I'm volunteering for," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Nicolette Lockwood. "It's always a pleasant experience seeing the children's faces light up whenever our Sailors enter the room."

Many Sailors will also have the opportunity to take part in Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored tours which will include the shopping district of Osan and the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

"This is my third time to South Korea," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Mark Jean. "I always look forward to coming here. The different foods they offer here are always good and I'm constantly finding something I've never seen before."

There are also several sporting events such as basketball, soccer and volleyball in which U.S> Sailors will compete against ROK sailors. Sailors will also take to the street for the U.S. 7th Fleet-ROKN Liberation Day 5K run with ROK navy sailors Aug. 15.

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, August 15, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Face of Defense: Air Guard NCO Graduates From Army Course

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leisa Grant

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 12, 2011 – Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chris Roper is the first Air National Guard member to graduate from the in-residence Sergeants Major Course at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Roper, security forces manager with the Oregon National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing, graduated June 18, one of 327 graduates.

Roper said he now has a better understanding of how senior military leaders make weighty decisions.

“Now I see the ‘bigger picture’ at the operational and strategic level,” he said.

The bigger picture changed after the 9/11 attacks against the United States.

“Since 9/11, the necessity for the National Guard to operate in a joint environment with active duty forces has never been more important,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“The more opportunities we have to train and learn together,” Jelinksi-Hall said, “the more efficient and effective we will be at home and abroad in accomplishing the mission.”

The Air National Guard’s leadership encourages senior enlisted leaders to attend joint professional military education courses like the Army’s Sergeants Major Course. The course educates Army master sergeants and sergeants major, as well as senior enlisted members of other services and components, in full-spectrum operational and strategic operations to prepare them to be successful leaders in any environment, according to the course’s mission statement.

Roper’s class was the first go through an extended 10-month curriculum. The course had been nine months long since 1995.

“The Sergeants Major Course underwent a major transformation last year, with a tougher curriculum heavy on critical thinking and problem-solving, intense college-level reading and challenging writing assignments,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. David L. Yates, director of the Sergeants Major Course.

Roper said the Sergeants Major Course was the first professional military education course he has attended as a resident.

“My biggest mistake was not attending other academies in-residence,” Roper said.

While other Air Guard members have completed the Sergeants Major Course as nonresidents, some senior enlisted leaders believe there are benefits to attending in-residence.

“In-residence attendance is an important element in the development of our future leaders,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling, command chief of the 142nd Fighter Wing. “Although I recognize our unique citizen-airman culture does not allow everyone to participate, we must make every attempt to ensure we give our airmen a chance to attend at least one resident course in their career.”

While Roper had the support of his wing, the process also involved the very top enlisted leaders of both the Air Force and the Air National Guard. His selection began with a nomination by Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, the Air National Guard’s command chief.

Muncy said Roper was selected out of six other Air Force members, both active duty and Guard. The process for selections begins in the office of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, who believes the Sergeants Major Course benefits all airmen, regardless of their component.

“We are a nation at war,” Roy said. “Our success depends on the Total Force engagement. Any education that enables our airmen -- be they active duty, Guard or Reserve -- to better perform their mission is an example of a joint service solution. Simply put, the better educated and trained we are, the better we perform. It makes sense to develop all of our airmen to the best of their abilities.”

Muncy agreed.

“It’s huge for force development for the Air Force and for us -- and that ‘us’ isn’t just the Air National Guard,” he said. “It’s the big ‘U.S.’ -- the one on our uniforms that stands for the United States.”

Roper said his experience at the Sergeants Major Course brought this to light.

“No matter what branch of the service,” Roper said, “it’s no longer [just] your branch you should be concerned with.”

Understanding the Army’s culture and soldier development process better prepares senior enlisted airmen for future joint operations, Roy said.

“Attending the Sergeants Major Academy provides our senior NCOs with critical operational and strategic perspectives in terms of the profession of arms,” he said.

However, learning goes both ways.

“It also presents an opportunity for the active component to better understand the National Guard, and vice versa,” Jelinski-Hall said.

Roper’s attendance at the Army Sergeants Major Academy as an Air National Guard representative was an opportunity for him to work alongside coalition forces and to highlight the missions and ideals of the Air National Guard, said Air Force Col. Michael Stencel, commander of the 142nd Fighter Wing.

“As an Air National Guard ambassador, Senior Master Sergeant Roper returned home with a wealth of knowledge that he will be able to share with the entire Oregon National Guard,” Stencel said. “In a time of tight budgets and shrinking forces, it seems that now, more than ever, these cross-cultural experiences will pay huge dividends well into the future.”

Northwest Sailors Promote Environmental Stewardship

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Scott A. McCall, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

INDIAN ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Region Northwest helped local Native American tribes seed 3 million manila clams along the beaches of Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island Aug. 9-11.

The seeding project is part of a larger agreement between the Navy and the local Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest to recognize the tribes' rights and satisfy the Navy's mission requirements while sharing shorelines.

This particular project is a seeding mitigation effort related to the installation of a port protection security barrier for the ships and submarines, said Bill Kalina, NAVMAG Indian Island environmental site manager.

"We entered into a 10-year memorandum agreement to seed their tribal beaches, so the money they lose from crab and shrimp is recuperated down here with clam," said Kalina. "This is a beach that they would normally harvest from for manila clams."

The seeding process improves clam growth density, allowing the tribes to harvest heavier bags of clam.

"It's like stocking a fish lake," said Kalina. "You can go to fish a lake and you'll catch a few fish. You stock it and you can catch tons of fish."

Six beaches on Indian Island have been labeled as tribal harvest beaches, allowing the tribes to seed and harvest those particular beaches every year of the agreement. The tribes will "farm" more than an acre a year, checking on the clams every year until they're ready to be harvested, which usually takes about three years, said Kalina.

"It's like farming crops," said Kalina. "You rotate your crops. It's the same thing at the beach. This is actually shellfish aqua culture."

This year, the project started Aug. 1. For three days, tribal members and Navy personnel staked out predator nets along the beach. Then Aug. 9, they began seeding the protected areas.

"There are ducks and crab that like to come in and eat the baby clam, so these nets provide a higher rate of survival," said Kalina.

The opening of Indian Island's beaches allows tribes to harvest shellfish, such as the clams seeded this week, for the purpose of subsistence.

"It helps a lot because the tribal members harvest commercially for their existence and for ceremonies, so the more resources available for them is the extra income," said Viviane Barry, shellfish program manager Suquamish Fisheries Department.

"It's a tradition that's been going on for thousands of years," said Barry. "Tribes have been living off the tide lands in Washington State and it's a tradition that they want to continue."

Indian Island has had a long-standing relationship with the local tribes. The installation has partnered with the tribes for decades to mutually agree on policies and procedures to achieve both the Navy's mission as well as preserve the tribes' cultural traditions and harvesting rights even before any federal requirement or mitigation were discussed, Kalina said.

"They're water people and we're a water mission agency, so we have that in common," said Kalina. "We can keep the Navy running and supply the fleet with ordnance and weapon storage here, but we can also maintain the eco-system here and provide the tribes here harvest treaty rights."

In 2003, the Navy established the Northwest Navy-Tribal Council, which provides a means for ongoing collaboration between the Navy and 24 federally recognized tribes in Washington State, according to Kalina. The Navy and tribes share unique federal "usual and accustomed" shoreline rights in the Puget Sound area. Mitigation projects -- like clam-seeding at Indian Island -- help support these mutual interests within the Navy's third-largest fleet concentration area.

"We want to be good neighbors. We work well with the tribes and we always have," said Cmdr. Gary Martin, NAVMAG Indian Island commanding officer. "The Navy does a great job with all the tribes in Puget Sound. We just want to continue to have that good relationship."

Seeding and harvesting manila clams on Indian Island may also provide additional environmental benefits to the surrounding community.

"One of the main goals of the tribes is to maintain the water quality where the water quality is good enough where you can have open harvest areas," said Barry. "Second is to improve the water quality in areas where's there's pollution, or you can identify the pollution sources and correct them, so eventually you can open more beaches."

The local tribes participating in the project are the Suquamish from Poulsbo, Wash., the S'Klallam from Port Gamble, Wash., and Jamestown, Wash., along with the Lower Elwah Klallam from Port Angeles, Wash.

Military News: The Halli and MoJoe Show Facebook Page

Military News: The Halli and MoJoe Show Facebook Page

The Halli and MoJoe Show Facebook Page

Talk radio for fine minds with author of "A Year in Pajamas with President Obama" and the upcoming "Scout Finch's Diary" Halli Casser-Jayne, and her radio mastermind sidekick MoJoe.

‘Military Line’ Works to Boost Financial Fitness

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011 – A young service member saddled with debt and in need of some quick cash doesn’t have to go far. Lenders offering same-day loans sit outside the gate of nearly every military installation in the nation.

But the lure of fast and easy cash can lead strapped troops down a path of steep interest rates and fees that far surpass their initial loan.

In other words, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, said Brenda Linnington, director of the Better Business Bureau Military Line.

Protecting service members and their families from financial pitfalls such as payday lenders is Linnington’s primary goal at Military Line. The program’s mission, she explained, is to increase military members’ financial literacy through information, education and outreach -- both online and on the ground.

“I’d like Military Line to serve as a bridge between the civilian and military communities,” said Linnington, an Army veteran and the wife of an active-duty Army officer. She took on the job in January after the former director, Holly Petraeus, left to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs.

The program, created in 2004, also is a partner in the Defense Department’s Financial Readiness Campaign, she said, which gives local bureau representatives access to teach financial literacy classes on military installations. The bureau, she added, has 164 local offices scattered across the country.

The importance of a military family’s financial stability can’t be overestimated, Linnington said.

“If we’re deploying a young soldier and expecting him to do great things on our behalf, but he’s greatly in debt and collectors are calling his family,” she said, “that soldier is never going to be completely mission-ready.”

One major concern, Linnington noted, is that financial issues often lead to the loss of security clearances, which can affect service members’ ability to perform their jobs.

“To be under that level of emotional strain and then expect them to be a strong family that’s growing and thriving is unrealistic,” she said.

Debt and debt management are among the most pressing financial issues for service members and their families, she noted, particularly for the younger population. Reports indicate that junior service members carry a heavier load of debt than their civilian counterparts.

This debt combined with a steady paycheck and a strong sense of discipline can add up to an attractive target for scam artists, Linnington said. “It’s very enticing to someone looking to entrap you in a contract,” she added. “A young private might not make a large income, but collectively, if there’s a bunch of privates, that’s a lot of money.”

Linnington said the scams have come fast and furious in recent years. Some scammers contact military family members by phone or email and make false claims that the service member has been wounded overseas and money is needed to help. Or, a person posts a house for rent, but when the service member arrives, the person has vanished, along with the security deposit.

And, while payday lenders are, by law, capped at 36 percent, they find loopholes by charging fees as opposed to boosting interest rates.

“There are some really terrible things going on,” she said.

To avoid getting trapped in a scam, Linnington stressed the importance of financial education and well-being. “It’s getting people to realize they need to be careful and not necessarily go on someone’s word,” she said.

Tackling debt also can help, she said, since feeling overwhelmed financially can leave people more vulnerable to unscrupulous businesses and predatory lenders.

People who are in over their heads should talk their local personal financial manager, she advised, who can provide guidance and referrals to helping organizations, such as military aid societies.

The Military Line website also offers service-specific resources, such as consumer alerts and guides, reports on businesses, and an avenue to file complaints. The bureau will help to resolve issues and also alert the military population of a potential scam, she said.

Family Matters Blog: Child’s Tribute Stirs Emotion

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011 – I was on call last weekend when the news broke about the downed helicopter in eastern Afghanistan. As the morning waned, it soon became clear that the nation had suffered a devastating loss.

Thirty U.S. service members and eight Afghans lost their lives in the Aug. 6 Chinook crash.

I was deeply saddened by the loss and for the loved ones left behind. But without a personal connection and with a job to do, I began to think of the fallen as a number to report rather than as individuals with faces and names.

For me, it took a child to humanize this terrible loss.

A 10-year-old who lost his father in the crash posted a picture of his dad on CNN’s iReport on Aug. 9 to ensure he wouldn’t be forgotten. His father was the pilot of the Chinook.

The picture shows his dad seated next to a four other soldiers. His father, he wrote, was the farthest to the left.

This heartfelt tribute since has gone viral, stirring up emotions across the nation. People have reached out to reassure this boy not only that his father wouldn’t be forgotten, but also that he’d be remembered as a hero.

I studied this picture and felt for this young boy, who would be growing up without a dad. And I thought about the selflessness and call to service that led his father to make the ultimate sacrifice for his nation.

I’m grateful for this child who took the time to honor his father in such a bold way. He reminded me that behind each loss, each tragedy of war, is a person with a rich past who is leaving behind a legacy of heroism and sacrifice.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, August 12, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.