TV Special to Celebrate Veterans, Military Families

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 – A Veterans Day TV special will celebrate service members and veterans and spotlight the issues they face as they leave the military and re-enter their communities and the workforce.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ‘Rise and Honor’ A Veterans Day Special” will air Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. The show teamed up with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Hollywood’s leading charity, to present the one-hour special, a news release said.

The reality show undertakes massive home renovations for families in need with the help of a builder and a host of volunteers. This season’s premiere featured Barbara Marshall, a 15-year Navy veteran who has devoted her life to helping homeless female veterans.

“In 200 episodes, we've seen thousands of armed forces volunteers to help us rebuild homes and lives,” said Brady Connell, the show’s executive producer. “Now we're thrilled to be able to honor all veterans with this television special.”

The special will feature host Ty Pennington as he revisits past episodes with some of the show’s most memorable military stories. The “Extreme Makeover” crew also will visit with some of the families featured in those episodes to find out how they’ve been faring since their home makeover and how they’re continuing to aid their fellow veterans.

Throughout the show, celebrities will spotlight the issues veterans face after service, and the strengths and skills they bring to the workforce and their communities, the release said. Celebrity guests include Whoopi Goldberg, Jewel, George Lopez, J.R. Martinez, Rachael Ray, Sherri Shepherd, Robin Williams and Major League Baseball players Daniel Murphy of the Mets, Shane Victorino of the Phillies and Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox.

Additionally, the Entertainment Industry Foundation will launch its “Rise and Honor” program during the special. The program raises funds to support reintegration services for veterans and their families, benefiting organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation, Hire Heroes USA, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, USO, Volunteers of America and Welcome Back Veterans. These organizations offer veterans and their families services and support such as housing, job placement, health care, rehabilitation and mental health treatment.

“We’ve highlighted the difficult struggles our veterans often face when returning home,” George Verschoor, executive producer, said. “We are so proud to take this a step further with a moving tribute to our nation’s heroes, while inspiring Americans to give back to those who’ve given our country so much.”

The special will culminate with an event featuring an audience of active-duty service members and veterans, along with a live musical performance by Jewel, who also will co-host the special.

In the news release, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis cited the importance of efforts such as this one that shine a light on veterans’ issues as they transition from military to civilian life.

“All across the country, we have talented and dedicated veterans who have been unemployed for far too long,” she said. “These service men and women are right here and ready to get back to work. They just need a little help from all of us to find a good job at a fair wage and successfully transition from military to civilian life.

“We applaud ABC and the Entertainment Industry Foundation for broadcasting this special show to raise awareness of the needs of our returning veterans and their families,” she added.

Cumberland County, NC School System Honors Vietnam Veterans as Part of Heroes Homecoming

55,000 students take part in more than 100 activities leading up to Veterans Day

Fayetteville, NC – November 2, 2011 – More than 30 percent of students in the Cumberland County School System come from military families. So it’s fitting that the school system has put together a detailed list of resources and events all geared towards honoring Vietnamveteran heroes as part of Heroes Homecoming. Heroes Homecoming is a 60-event, 10-day celebration honoring and paying tribute to Vietnam vets from across the country. It will take place in Fayetteville/Cumberland County, NC, from November 4-13, 2011.

There is no other city in the country tied more closely to the Vietnam War and that entire period of our country’s history. More than 200,000 troops trained at Fayetteville’s Fort Bragg before being deployed to Vietnam. The community currently has both a considerable population of native-born Vietnamese and one of the highest concentrations of Vietnam veterans in the country. Yet there is still a great deal of misunderstanding among residents, especially the younger generation, about just what this history means. Heroes Homecoming is designed to celebrate the community’s history and cultural diversity, while promoting an atmosphere of appreciation between Fayetteville and Vietnam, and giving thanks to those who fought for us in that conflict.

“An event like Heroes Homecoming provides an unprecedented opportunity for our children to learn about that period in history,” said Frank Till, Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools. “I am very proud that our schools have the opportunity to honor the tremendous sacrifices of those who served during the Vietnam War.”

The Cumberland County School System, the fourth largest district in the state, is made up of 85 schools and nearly 55,000 students. From November 4-11, more than 100 activities will take place at the majority of elementary and secondary schools throughout the county. Many of these events will focus on the Vietnam War era and conflict.

All classes will invite parents, relatives or other Vietnam veterans to speak to students about their service. They will be invited to share their experiences, both good and bad, with older students during an interactive panel discussion.

Students will create and present artwork, poems and songs in honor of Vietnam vets. They will write letters of appreciation that will be delivered to local veteran hospitals and nursing homes. Students will have the opportunity to read books like “The Wall” and “The Lotus Seed” and to watch videos like “How Tiger Got His Stripes” and discuss their significance afterward.

Facts and statistics about the Vietnam War will be read over the PA system each day as part of the morning announcements. Students will bring in pictures and videotaped interviews of their veteran family and friends to share during “Vietnam Show and Tell.” There will be a school-wide moment of silence for Vietnam soldiers that were killed or injured in the war, as well as a breakfast and brunch held in honor of all Vietnam vets.

Students will learn about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and will have the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that will be located at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) throughout Heroes Homecoming. Schools will also raise funds to purchase an “In Remembrance of Our Vietnam Veterans” brick paver at the ASOM.

The entire Heroes Homecoming curriculum can be viewed at http://livebinders.com/play/play/190294.

Heroes Homecoming is being held in partnership with the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. All Heroes Homecoming events recognize the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans, ranging from concerts and parades, to lectures and movie viewings, to cultural celebrations and recognition ceremonies. For more information on Heroes Homecoming, visit www.HeroesHomecoming.com.

About Heroes Homecoming: As America’s First Military Sanctuary Community, Fayetteville/Cumberland County is giving brave Vietnam veterans the welcome home they deserve. The community will host Heroes Homecoming – the biggest commemoration/reunion of its kind – for the 10 days leading up to Veterans Day 2011. The event series will feature celebrations, discussions, fellowship and memories for all those who attend. Heroes Homecoming is Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s way of showing all Vietnam veterans that we remember and appreciate their courage, their sacrifice and everything they’ve done to defend our freedom – now and forever.

About the FACVB: The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217. Fayetteville/Cumberland County is America's first military sanctuary. Through the Army's Army and other volunteer groups, our citizens and businesses are dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us ©.”

World Record Cheese Carver and Harris Teeter Honor Veterans and Raise Awareness for Wounded Warrior Project

Who:  Nationally recognized cheese carver and Guinness Book of World Records holder, Sarah Kaufmann, “The Cheese Lady,” along with Harris Teeter.

What:  Will be saluting all veterans and active duty military personnel and raising awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project with a special cheese carving. Kaufmann, known for her military cheese carvings will be sculpting Old Glory and her protectors in one, 640-pound Cheddar Mammoth.

When & Where:  Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 – 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. carving   

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. carving   
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. carving   
Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. carving
Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 – 11 a.m. carving finished
Harris Teeter Pentagon Row
900 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, Va. 22202

Phone: 703-413-7112

Why:  Sarah Kaufmann is honored to be part of Harris Teeter’s promotion to raise awareness and encourage support for the Wounded Warrior Project.  Shoppers are welcome to come out and celebrate all military personnel, past and present, watch Sarah in action, taste the Mammoth Cheddar and enjoy other fine foods from their neighborhood market.

For more than 16 years Kaufmann has been sculpting salutes to the military and their families.  Famous sculptures include a six-foot long aircraft carrier celebrating the return of the USS Ronald Reagan and the “yellow submarine,” the USS Jallao, honoring the men that built and served on the submarine during and after World War II. View Sarah’s military carvings here.

Interviews: Sarah is available for in-store interviews during her time at Harris Teeter. Journalists and cameras are permitted inside the store for photographs, video footage or in-person interviews. Please contact Danna Jones at 704-844-3904.

For any additional information on Sarah “The Cheese Lady” or to request photos contact Angela Hemauer, Flavorful Insight Marketing Communications & PR, ahemauer@flavorfulinsight.com or 715-212-2910.

About Sarah “The Cheese Lady” - Sarah “The Cheese Lady” is a nationally recognized cheese sculptor and Guinness Book of World Records holder for World’s Largest Cheese Sculpture set August 14, 2011 at the Wisconsin State Fair. Since 1996, she has created hundreds of sculptures, captured countless media impressions on national and cable television networks, and appeared at numerous professional sporting events.  Kaufmann carves in her studios in Cincinnati and San Diego and often appears in person to sculpt cheese live at venues across the United States: food & wine festivals, supermarkets, tradeshows, state fairs, sporting events, museums, civic celebrations and other special occasions. Her works of art can be viewed at www.sarahcheeselady.com. Facebook: Sarah Kaufmann “The Cheese Lady” Twitter: @sarahcheeselady.

Japanese-American Vets Receive Bronze Star Medals

Discover the best World War II books written by real World War II veterans and let them tell you their story!

By C. Todd Lopez

Army News Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 – In a ceremony here yesterday more than 66 years after hostilities ended in World War II, 40 Americans received the Bronze Stars they deserved for combat service in that conflict.

The Japanese-American soldiers fought as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service.

Army officials decided that all soldiers who wore the Combat Infantry Badge from World War II were owed a Bronze Star; some, however, never received theirs.

Getting such an award, in many cases, depended on "how good your clerk was, … and some of the clerks were not that great," said retired Army Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Peterson. It's really a matter of poor paperwork that the soldiers had to wait so long to get their Bronze Stars, he added.

The general organized a three-day recognition of Japanese-American soldiers in Washington, D.C. The highlight has some 800 of those veterans being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol today. But for the soldiers who gathered yesterday at a posh hotel, the day was about finally getting the Bronze Star they had earned.

At the event, 31 of those soldiers were present to have the medal pinned on their chest by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Another nine Bronze Stars were provided to the family members of soldiers who could not attend or who have died.

"It's amazing to get a star like this," said Don K. Masuda, one of the recipients of the award. The former soldier attended the event with his wife, his daughter, and two of his grandsons. He said he's led "a pretty good life" since leaving the Army, which has included being a co-owner of a shipping business in his native Hawaii, and also working six years for the postal service.

He served as an infantryman in World War II, in both Italy and France, as part of the 442nd RCT. He earned two Purple Hearts during his service. He said he's been waiting "a pretty long time" to have a Bronze Star.

Fellow 442nd RCT soldier George Joe Sakato was also at the award ceremony -- both as a recipient of the Bronze Star and as a speaker. Sakato is one of 21 Japanese-American Medal of Honor recipients to come out of the 442nd RCT and 100th Infantry Battalion.

On behalf of the 33,000 Japanese-Americans soldiers who served in World War II, Sakato thanked Congress for the Congressional Gold Medal they are receiving today. He also thanked his country for the opportunity to earn that honor.

"We also thank the government, which allowed us to serve in the U.S. Army to defend our country and to prove our loyalty to America," Sakato said.

Odierno reiterated for those at the event the greatness of the Japanese-American soldiers’ service and the service of all who served in World War II, calling them "the greatest generation."

But the general also touched on the tragedy those soldiers faced that other soldiers did not. Many of their families back home were locked away in camps and branded as enemies of America, even while their sons served to defend the country's ideals.

"From the shock of Pearl Harbor, and out of fear and prejudice, 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry were sent to internment camps," Odierno said. "But what's incredible to me is that many of them did not allow that grave injustice of the internment to stand in their way. They remained steadfast in their commitment to their country, and volunteered to serve a nation in combat -- a selfless act of devotion."

Those Japanese-American soldiers, he said, served as infantrymen, linguists, military intelligence specialists and artillerymen.

"Over 33,000 Japanese-Americans served in the war," Odierno said. "And of those, over 13,000 served in the 442nd, and earned over 9,000 Purple Hearts."

The 442nd became the most highly decorated unit in the Army's history, Odierno said. The 442nd and the 100th Infantry Battalion together earned seven Presidential Unit Citations, two Meritorious Service Plaques, 36 Army Commendation Medals, and 87 Division Commendations. Individually, soldiers earned 21 Medals of Honor, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, one Distinguished Service Medal, more than 354 Silver Stars, and more than 4,000 Purple Hearts.

"Together, they define the ethos that we all live by today: ‘Never leave a fallen comrade,’” Odierno said.

The experience of World War II provided a lesson about tolerance, the general said.

"The lesson of the Japanese-American experience is that fear and prejudice make our country weaker, not stronger," Odierno said. "Japanese-Americans, like others, have more than earned their place in our country, in our Army, and in our society -- a melting pot to include African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and today, Arab-Americans."

About 240 veterans attended the Bronze Star event. Another 100 spouses of deceased veterans also attended, as did about 500 family members representing soldiers.

Peterson, who has Japanese ancestry, said the event was both to honor those soldiers who served, and to educate America.

"It's educational for our nation to know that a group of soldiers and a group of Americans, who because of the mass hysteria when the imperial military of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor -- were classified enemy aliens," Peterson said.

About 120,000 Japanese-Americans were rounded up, Peterson said, and put into any of 10 internment camps across nine states.

"Out of those camps came a demand, by 65 percent of them -- 65 percent of 120,000 internees -- to serve their country in a time of war," he said.

Those soldiers who served in units like the 442nd RCT, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service, Peterson said, averaged number three individual awards for heroism.

"They are the most decorated unit in U.S. military history of its size and duration of the conflict," he said.

Photocopying of Military ID Cards and CAC Cards Prohibited

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Monique K. Hilley, Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installations Command issued an announcement reminding all personnel that the photocopying of military identification cards and common access cards (CAC) is strictly prohibited as of Nov. 1.

There have been recent incidents reported of commercial establishments photocopying U.S. government identification to verify military affiliation or provide government rates for service. These incidents are a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

Although commercial establishments may request to see military/government identification, they may not photocopy or duplicate it in any way. Many military personnel and commercial establishments are unaware of the prohibition and the reasons it exists, which results in this being a fairly common practice.

Because of the access the cards grant, criminal elements and terrorist organizations place obtaining U.S. government identifications at a premium when planning acts against the U.S. military. If a copied military or government identification fell into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for the Armed Forces and the nation.

Unfortunately, there are no safeguards in place to prevent a counterfeit military/government identification card from being produced based on a photocopy provided to a commercial establishment. For this reason, personnel are requested to remain vigilant in ensuring they do not allow anyone to photocopy their identification cards.

CNIC recommends that all personnel, both military and civilian, provide a state drivers license or other form of photo identification to be photocopied when there is a request for such information by a commercial establishment.

Navy Medicine Produces Video Highlighting the Health Risks of Spice

From U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Medicine announced the launch of a new informational video and posters detailing the health dangers associated with the use of Spice and other designer drugs Nov. 1.

The videos and posters will be distributed for display throughout the Fleet and available for download at: http://www.med.navy.mil/Pages/Spice.aspx.

The information and educational communication products focus on the real and present risks, particularly the negative health effects, associated with the usage of the unregulated synthetic marijuana commonly referred to as Spice.

The campaign's slogan,"Spice: It's Not Legal. It's Not Healthy. It's Not Worth It!" has had a resonating effect with YouTube viewers and on the Navy Medicine Website as the Navy surgeon general looks to break through to Sailors and Marines and make a positive impact.

"It is paramount all Navy and Marine Corps personnel are aware of the adverse health effects of this drug," said Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. "Serious side effects have been reported after its use including tremors, panic attacks, delirium, impaired coordination, seizures, paranoid hallucinations, and psychotic symptoms that can last for days, even months in some cases."

Although in development for months, these new products launch on the heels of an announcement from 3rd Fleet leadership last week that 64 Sailors in their area of operation were identified as users of Spice in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and will be held fully accountable as a result.

The synthetic chemicals in Spice-type products have a more potent effect on the brain than traditional marijuana, and the unregulated compounds are often mixed with unknown effects. According to Robinson, these products are not approved for human consumption, and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process. Similar to other drugs on the street, experts warn that no one never knows what mixture of chemicals could be present in the drugs, and users are experimenting with the combination of multiple products which can dramatically change or increase its effects on a case by case basis.

Robinson warns that rapid tolerance in some users can lead to increased dosage and addiction. Additionally, the use of synthetic marijuana has led to a surge in emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers, according to the DEA. This past spring, Navy Medical professionals treated multiple patients at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Calif., for Spice usage, some resulting in months of inpatient treatment for persistent psychotic symptoms.

"It is not good enough to simply police our own actions with regards to Spice and other designer drugs," said Robinson. "These drugs are dangerous and we learn more about their damaging effects each day. It is essential that every Sailor and Marine be looking out for their colleagues to prevent injury to their health and their careers."

Spice and other designer drugs fall under the Navy and Marine Corps' zero tolerance policy, and Robinson further emphasizes that commanding officers do not need a positive urinalysis to begin administrative separation. Personnel found to be using, possessing, distributing or who observe an abuse and do not report the incident can be charged with violating the Navy's policies as well.

As the Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Robinson leads 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.

Dempsey Tours Coast Guard’s Newest National Security Cutter

Discover the best Coast Guard books written only by real Coast Guard veterans!

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Nov. 1, 2011 – Recognizing the importance of every possible U.S. national security asset, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveled here yesterday to get a personal tour of the newest Coast Guard national security cutter.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., landed by helicopter aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton as it transited up the Chesapeake Bay near here.

The 418-foot Legend-class vessel is the third of eight planned national security cutters built to carry out the most challenging maritime security, law enforcement and national defense missions, explained Coast Guard Capt. Charles Cushin, the ship’s first captain.

These Legend-class cutters will replace the aging 378-foot high-endurance cutters that have been in service since the 1960s, he said.

With larger flight decks, Stratton features state-of-the art command and control equipment and detection and defense capabilities against chemical, biological or radiological attack. In addition, advanced sensors provide intelligence to paint a common operating picture and enhance maritime domain awareness.

Dempsey said he welcomed the opportunity to learn about Stratton’s capabilities.

“One of the things we always talk about as service chiefs is [that] we need to provide the nation as many options as possible,” he said. “And getting to know what the Coast Guard can bring to the issue of national security has interested me greatly. So this trip out here just reinforces that.”

For Papp, who recalled serving on ships 30, 40, and in one case, 60 years old, the new Legend- class cutters represent a major step in the Coast Guard’s recapitalization efforts. “For a sailor like me, I love it,” he said.

“We have got just wonderful people … who are capable of getting great things out of old assets,” the commandant said. “But at the end of the day, they shouldn’t be forced to have to spend most of their time holding things together with old assets.

“We can take these great young men and women … and give them great modern tools so they can focus on their job, providing security and safety and stewardship of the oceans,” he continued. “So I am thrilled to see each one of these as they come off the line, and we can’t get the rest of them out there soon enough, as far as I am concerned.”

Current plans call for all eight national security cutters to be home-ported on the West Coast, but Papp said he’s reconsidering that decision, and that most likely, two will be based on the Atlantic Coast.

“I think there is still a need to have this capability on the East Coast, and probably it would not be so prudent to keep them all in the Pacific,” he said. “And the fact of the matter is, with the Panama Canal, you can get to most of our operating areas from places like Charleston [S.C.] or Miami almost quicker than you can from San Diego.”

While those plans are evaluated, Stratton’s 123-person crew is busy carrying out their inaugural cruise up the East Coast before heading to their new home port in Alameda, Calif. The first two national security cutters, Bertholf and Waesche, also are home-ported in Alameda.

Stratton will officially enter the Coast Guard’s operational fleet after being commissioned in March 2012.

First Lady Michelle Obama, who christened Stratton during July ceremonies in Pascagoula, Miss., praised the strength and tenacity of its namesake, Capt. Dorothy Stratton, who became the Coast Guard’s first female officer in 1942. Her inspiration lives on in today’s Coast Guard, the first lady said, as its members live up to their motto, “Always ready.”

Since leaving the Pascagoula shipyard in early October, Stratton’s crew has been busy learning the ship’s systems and establishing new standard operating procedures so they’re ready to do just that. Between drills and shipboard exercises, their inaugural cruise included stops in Pensacola, Fla., and Charleston before they headed up the Chesapeake Bay. Stratton is slated to arrive in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor today.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeremy Green, an operations specialist aboard Stratton, said he is still marveling that he got the opportunity to be part of its first crew.

“It’s pretty fantastic,” he said of Stratton. “We’re still learning how to use it to its full potential.”

Dempsey: Complex Threats Require Multiple Options

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By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Nov. 1, 2011 – Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey’s two most striking impressions after just a month on the job as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are the complexity of the issues facing the U.S. military and the caliber of the service members who volunteer to serve, knowing what will be asked of them.

 “The kind of threats that our nation faces are a lot less definable than … 10, 15, 20 years ago,” said Dempsey, who joined Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., the Coast Guard commandant, yesterday aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton.

The security environment has become much more competitive, Dempsey said. He noted, for example, that some of the adversaries the Coast Guard works against in its counternarcotics mission are “as well-armed and as well-equipped and probably as well-trained as any nation state on the face of the Earth.”

What’s clear, the chairman said, is that the United States needs to take advantage of every available resource from across the national security framework to confront these and other security challenges.

“It’s about providing as many options as possible for the nation,” he said. “We don’t want to be a one-trick pony.”

Dempsey noted that different authorities reside within different federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard, the FBI and the Defense Department.

“And I think that what makes us great is that we can bundle those,” he said. “We can use the appropriate tools for the appropriate job, and know that we can get the job done because we become far more interoperable.”

Papp said the Coast Guard brings special, niche capabilities to the national security picture, both at home and abroad. And although its historic role has been to provide wartime support to the Navy, it now lends these capabilities to broader Defense Department missions.

For the past eight years, for example, a squadron of six Coast Guard patrol boats has been providing security for offshore Iraqi oil platforms in the North Arabian Gulf, he said. In addition, Coast Guard units in Kuwait’s Aishwarya port are providing security as military equipment is on- and off-loaded.

“These provide capabilities that the Defense Department then does not have to provide for or worry about, because they can rely on the Coast Guard,” Papp said.

This additional source of capability is particularly valuable in light of constrained budgets, the commandant said, noting that he strives to develop “complementary, yet nonredundant, capabilities” within the Coast Guard.

“There is no reason we should try to duplicate some of the things that reside in the other four services,” he said. “But where we can help out, [we] then focus on those mission areas so we can be of assistance.”

Dempsey said he’s seen many of the Coast Guard’s contributions firsthand – as commander overseeing the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces and as acting commander of U.S. Central Command – and welcomed the opportunity yesterday to learn more about Coast Guard capabilities.

Just as important, Dempsey said, was the chance to meet the Coast Guard members who provide those capabilities.

“The hardware is important, clearly. We want to overmatch whatever adversary we encounter, whether it is a nation state, non-state actor or criminal groups,” he said. “And we do that through our hardware, but it is truly about people.”

Dempsey said his first month as the nation’s top military officer has reinforced his pride in the quality of people who volunteer to serve their country.

“Every place I go, in every service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard – the quality of the young men and women in uniform is just a treasure,” he said. “We have no idea as a nation how fortunate we are.”

Dempsey said he has traveled around much of the world and seen many different militaries. All have their own skills and attributes and connection with their societies, he said. “I am just awfully proud to be the chairman of this particular armed force at this particular time in our history,” the chairman added.

CPO-365 Training Session Held at GTMO

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Bill Mesta, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Members of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba's Chiefs' Mess and First Class Petty Officers' Mess conducted a training session to prepare the first class petty officers for advancement, Oct. 27.

The training session was held in support of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's (MCPON) CPO-365 program which is designed to prepare first class petty officers for the transition to chief petty officer.

"The basic idea behind CPO 365 is to get the first class petty officer mess ready to advance to chief," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Abigail Greenleaf, of the naval station's Command Career Counselor's office. "The Initial phase is to identify all the first classes and begin training."

CPO 365 is a three phased program which culminates with the chief petty officer induction season.

"The training session was part of one of the CPO 365 program and included the NS Guantanamo Bay command master chief's expectations of prospective chief petty officers because all of our first class petty officers are geared towards advancing to the chief petty officer ranks," said Chief Navy Counselor Robert Pagtakhan, the naval station's CPO 365 coordinator.

The training sessions are held monthly at the naval station.

"CPO-365 is a combination of training, networking and events that are designed to unite the first class petty officers and the chief petty officers," said Pagtakhan. "We are striving to create an environment that transition into the chief petty officer induction season, once the selection results are released in August."

In addition to monthly training sessions, physical fitness sessions, social events and combined sporting events are held at the naval station.

"The second phase of CPO 365 will begin once the Navywide advancement exam results come out," said Greenleaf. "Those first class petty officers who are determined to be 'board eligible' will continue on in the program during this phase with more preparation to get them ready should we be selected as chiefs.

"This program is providing insight for first class petty officers in terms of knowledge and expectations when we advance to chief," said Greenleaf. "The chiefs are able to identify issues with first class petty officers early and get them steered in the right direction towards advancement."

The CPO 365 also gives the first class petty officers an opportunity to build networking skills.

"By getting to know the chiefs better, we learn who we should turn to for information about different situations we encounter as first class petty officers," said Greenleaf. "Coming up through the Navy, we really aren't taught networking, but the chief's mess runs off of networking so this skill is going to be very helpful."

The training session included a brief about the 'Perform to Serve' (PTS) program which was presented by Greenleaf.

"We provided an overview of what PTS is, how the system works and broke down the different items that are taken into consideration to determine a Sailor's future retention," said Greenleaf. "This information was important for this audience because as chiefs and first class petty officers, we are guiding our Sailors' careers and need to understand the programs and how they affect them."

Wisconsin Soldiers depart Indiana for Germany, Kosovo

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

Approximately 200 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers have arrived at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany for three additional weeks of training before deploying to Kosovo.

Soldiers from the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 32nd Military Police Company, 238th Aviation Regiment and 248th Aviation Support Battalion, having completed mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., have teamed up with Soldiers from at least seven other states to form Multi-National Battle Group-East, a component of Kosovo Force 15 totaling more than 600 Soldiers.

"These Soldiers have gained invaluable training over the last two months - training that simulates scenarios they may face in Kosovo," said Col. Jeffrey Liethen, KFOR 15 commander. "I believe they've taken their training seriously and proven to 1st Army they are deployment ready."

Capt. Luella Dooley-Menet, commander of the aviation task force, said her team of aviators - who expect to get at least three calls a week for patient and medical supply transfer in Kosovo - are right on pace with training at Camp Atterbury.

"Everyone is doing very well and I'm happy with the way things are going," she said.

Dooley-Menet said her team has applied a crawl-walk-run philosophy to their training. The Soldiers, from the West Bend-based 238th Aviation Regiment and 248th Aviation Support Battalion, are currently being validated on flying night missions by 1st Army - the organization that certifies all units are competent to perform the mission prior to deploying.

Spc. Taria Johnson, of the 32nd Military Police Company, last deployed to Iraq in 2009 where her unit was mostly responsible for detainee operations. She said she is thrilled with the training accomplished at Atterbury.

"It's actually nice to do actual military police operations." Johnson said. "We have true scenarios for the mission we're going to do."

The MPs will be responsible for all of the law enforcement on post. Nine 32nd MP Soldiers have also been selected to the protective services detachment and will be responsible for safeguarding all distinguished visitors on the post.

Leaders from the Wisconsin National Guard visited with KFOR 15 Soldiers at Camp Atterbury Tuesday, Oct. 25.

"Your job is unbelievably important … so take this time to learn as much as you can," Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper said to a group of Soldiers.

The bulk of the Wisconsin Soldiers are members of the 157th MEB, which includes military police, civil affairs, engineering, signal and chemical units. The MEB, along with its headquarters company, will oversee operations for the entire Multi-National Battle Group-East, which also includes units from Armenia, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Romania and the Ukraine.

"These Soldiers may have come from many different units but, after training here together, they are leaving as one collective unit," Liethen said. "I am proud of their commitment and progress, and I am proud to serve with them as part of Multi-National Battle Group-East."

All-Navy Rugby Team Hold Camp at Naval Air Station Jacksonville

By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Jacksonville hosted the All-Navy Rugby Team's annual training camp Oct. 23-30 in preparation to compete in the Armed Forces Rugby Championships which are being held this week at Fort Benning, Ga.



The week was full practice sessions on the field at Sea King Park on a specially designed field for the rugby team built and maintained by the base Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department. The team also participated in fitness classes at the Fitness Source and several scrimmages with local college and city rugby teams.



"We are here for training camp to put together a team to compete in the Armed Forces Rugby Championships. We began the week with 34 players coming in from all over the world and have to reduce that number down to 25 for the competition," said All-Navy Rugby Team Head Coach Tom Jones.

The training camp consists of a lot of hard work and quite a few bumps and bruises. The team practices ball handling, line-out maneuvers, lifting techniques, situational moves, penalties and team concepts.

"We have been running two to three training sessions each day in a very jam-packed week. We've also participated in three matches against the University of Florida, University of North Florida and the local men's rugby teams," said Jones.

"We have to put this team together quickly and these guys know that the task ahead of them is not only to play together but to learn our system and take care of themselves and remain fit throughout the week. It's a trial by fire," said Jones. "A lot of these guys are first time players so they are taking it all in. We really have a great team with a lot of talent this year."

"They are definitely coming together as a team and listening to what we are teaching them. They are following the game plans and I really think we have a great shot in the championship this year," added Assistant Coach Steve Lynch.

The NAS Jax MWR Department coordinated all the logistics for the team including lodging in the MWR cabins on base, transportation and dining needs and escorting them to the championship games. 



"We love coming here - the weather is great and the hospitality we receive here is outstanding. This is our fourth year here and we are well taken care of by the MWR folks and the NAS Jax community," said Jones. "We really want to thank the base for hosting us and for letting this be our home for our training camp."

The team was met by NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Bob Sanders who officially welcomed them to the base. "Everyone of you should hold your head high for just being here. You are representing the U.S. Navy. It is honor and a privilege to welcome you and I wish you all good luck," said Sanders.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Max Delpivo of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jax plays rugby with the Jacksonville Axemen, a semi-professional rugby league team and decided to try out for the All-Navy Rugby Team.

"This is a challenge that I never thought I would be doing. The camp is strenuous and it's been a learning process. I knew enough coming into this, but it's quantified during camp. From the videos we've been watching of the previous teams in the past championships, compared to our team now, I think we can have a good shot at winning," said Delpivo.

Players are selected from a pool of about 500 individuals vying for a spot on the All-Navy Rugby Team each year. Scouts are based in different regions around the world to help decide which players are selected to attend the training camp. To attend training camp, players are given no-cost temporary additional duty orders by their commands. Navy Sports picks up the tab for these camps.

Iraq troop departure not the end for Wisconsin Guard deployments

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin Army National Guard's last troops in Iraq are expected to be home ahead of the Dec. 31 troop departure.

Capt. Randall Ramm, the officer in charge of the approximately 30 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers in detachments of companies C, D and E of the 2nd Battalion, 135th GSAB - comprised of National Guard Soldiers from multiple states - said the drawdown has affected his unit, which is providing medevac support for United States Division-North. Originally stationed at four operating bases in northern Iraq, personnel and aircraft have moved around as bases closed. Comfort services, such as the Post Exchange, dining facilities, mail and laundry have gradually disappeared as bases "retrograded" during the drawdown.

In spite of that, Ramm said the medevac mission continues.

"With the base closures, we've had to cover other bases outside of our usual area for a few weeks," he explained.

Roughly half of the Wisconsin contingent of National Guard Soldiers remain at an operating base in Kirkuk, with the rest in Kuwait preparing for the unit's return home.

President Barack Obama announced the troop departure Oct. 21, affecting approximately 40,000 service members.

"The last American Soldiers will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops," Obama said. "That is how America's military efforts in Iraq will end."

The Dec. 31, 2011 troop departure was determined in a 2008 bilateral security pact.

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said that the Wisconsin National Guard can be proud of the role it has played, and continues to play, in national defense since 2001.

"We answered the call," he said. "We are still answering the call, as can be seen with our troops preparing to deploy to Kosovo and Afghanistan. And we remain ready to respond when called for state or federal service, at home or overseas."

The Wisconsin Army National Guard will still have more than 200 Soldiers and Airmen on active duty when the 2nd Battalion, 135th troops return to Wisconsin.

Navy Medicine Delivers Ballcaps to Children's Hospital during San Antonio Navy Week

From Navy Medicine Support Command Public Affairs

SAN ANTONIO (NNS) -- Two Navy Medicine Training Center (NMTC) Sailors of the Quarter based at Fort Sam Houston, joined the Navy Medicine Support Command (NMSC) commander to visit with about 30 children Oct. 27 at the leading children's medical facility in south Texas as part of Navy Week San Antonio.

Rear Adm. Eleanor Valentin, also the Navy's Medical Service Corps director, was visiting San Antonio for the U.S. Navy's largest community outreach effort in south Texas.

Valentin joined Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Albert Ramirez, a Trauma Education Department instructor and coordinator at the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute, and HM2 Jessica Zugzda, an instructor at Hospital Corps School, at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's Hospital during the hour-long visit.

Caps for Kids, an initiative designed to provide ball caps and other Navy memorabilia to young patients in hospitals throughout the country, began in the early 1990s. Today more than 500 commands - including Navy Medicine commands and military treatment facilities, ships, submarines and squadrons - have donated memorabilia for personal distribution in non-Navy areas.

Valentin said meeting with the patients, parents and staff at Santa Rosa Children's Hospital - the first in the region dedicated entirely to children's patient care - served as an important reminder of how attached Navy Medicine personnel become to the local community.

"Navy Medicine and Navy Medicine Support Command medical professionals have become part of the local San Antonio family," she said. "Spending a little time with young patients and explaining what the Navy and Navy Medicine do around the world can have a very positive impact on San Antonio."

Ramirez, NMTC's Sailor of the Quarter (SOQ) for the third quarter, visited with "Cassandra," one of the young patients who was healthy enough to participate. Cassandra, a San Antonio native, told Ramirez, "This is good. I'm having fun."

For Ramirez, a parent himself, the experience was very emotional.

"This is my first time participating in a Caps for Kids event," he said. "It's pretty humbling. It's a different experience from anything I've ever done. I've spent 13 years deploying around the world, and this is probably the most overwhelming experience I've had yet."

Navy Medicine Training Center at Fort Sam Houston is a subordinate command of Jacksonville-based NMSC, managing Navy Medicine's personnel assigned to the tri-service Medical Education and Training Campus (METC), also located at Fort Sam Houston. METC houses Navy, Army and Air Force enlisted medical training programs, including Hospital Corps School and Navy Medicine "C" Schools. The daily student load is approximately 2,800 Sailors, contributing to 8,000-9,000 total enlisted medical students taught each day from all services, making the METC the largest consolidation of enlisted service training in Department of Defense history.

San Antonio Navy Week, scheduled Oct. 24-30, coincides this year with the Randolph Air Force Base Air Show and the 100th birthday celebration of Naval Aviation. Events during the weeklong outreach are scheduled to include demonstrations from the Blue Angels, as well as Navy Band performances and visits to area from Sailors stationed aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Texas (SSN 775).

NMSC provides a single point of accountability for all education, training, public health and resources for Sailors and Marines as well as providing innovative and responsive leaders in health support services.

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than 1 million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

White House to Display Holiday Cards from Military Children

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Monique K. Hilley, Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The First Lady has requested that military children from around the globe create holiday cards supporting their parent and send them to The White House to be displayed with the holiday decorations no later than Nov. 16.

The White House is honoring American heroes this holiday season and would like to include the personal contributions in their finishing touches on the White House decorations.

"We are asking kids like you, from military installations around the world, to create a holiday card that represents your parent who is serving our nation," said First Lady Michelle Obama in a personal letter to military children. "I encourage you to use your imagination, and include words, pictures, and drawings to create a holiday card that honors your brave mom or dad."

Military children should submit 5" by 8" handmade holiday cards with words of appreciation for their military parents, as well as pictures and drawings. The child should be sure to include their mother or father's name, branch of service and command in the card.

Participants are asked to send holiday cards to the following address, along with information from where they are sending it: Reservation 1, Attn: Social Office, P.O. Box 8070, Washington, DC, 20032.

"Thank you for helping with this fun project, and most of all for your family's courageous service to our nation," added Obama. "I look forward to seeing the results of your creativity!"

The White House will display as many of the cards as possible.

Honor in the Valley of Tears

The November 10, 2011, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with documentary film Maker John A. Ponsoll, the executive producer of Honor in the Valley of Tears.

Program Date: November 10, 2011
Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC
Topic: Honor in the Valley of Tears
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2011/11/10/honor-in-the-valley-of-tears

About the Film
A feature length documentary about Congressional Medal of Honor recipient 1st Sgt. David H. McNerney and the men of A-Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry of the 4th Infantry Division that he trained and led into a bloody, yet forgotten battle near Polei Doc in the Central Highlands of Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam War. This area was later known as The Valley of Tears.

In the men's own words, through the stories they recount, the film gives us insight into the time these men spent together and the bond they formed that remains unbroken to this day. The men of A-Company trained together for eleven months and served together for one year. Their story begins with basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1965 and continues 40 years later at their most recent reunion in September 2007. The highlight of the film is a detailed, first-hand account of their intense combat encounters, including the events of March 22, 1967 (for which Sgt. McNerney was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor). He is celebrated by the men he trained and served with and whose lives he saved on March 22, 1967.

Conceived by Executive Producer John A. Ponsoll, whose father served with A-Company and who documented his tour of duty with a Kodak slide camera, the film honors the memory of A-Company 1/8 and their incredible courage and dedication to one another.

About the Guest
John Ponsoll is a native of Danville, Kentucky. He graduated from Centre College in 1999 with a degree in English and Spanish. For the last 11 years he has worked as a marketer in pharmaceutical industry and has lived in Morristown, New Jersey. During this tenure, John's love of film collided with opportunities for film production when in 2006 he met Eric while working for a marketing agency in New York City. Growing up, John used to climb into the attic and explore his father's Vietnam memorabilia, including the pictures he took while in the Army. John made this film initially as a means to better understanding his father and as a tribute to the men his father served with in Vietnam from 1965-1967.

Honor in the Valley of Tears is his first foray into movie-making (though it won't be his last). John is Co-Executive Producer of Our Last Supper, which is currently in Post-Production. John enjoys traveling and maintains an active interest in all things Kentucky-related.

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

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

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2011/11/10/honor-in-the-valley-of-tears

Listen from the Archive:
http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/honor_valley_tears.html

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

Facebook Event:
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LinkedIn Event:
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