Face of Defense: Airman Saves Musical Treasure

By Air Force Capt. Amy Hansen
Air Force News Service

WAKE ISLAND AIRFIELD, Wake Island, Dec. 6, 2011 – In a tale straight from an adventure book, contractors on this tiny Pacific island recently stumbled upon a vinyl record collection with an estimated value between $90,000 and $250,000.

The 611th Air Support Group's Detachment 1 is making a comprehensive effort to preserve the nearly 9,000 vintage vinyl records and ship them to their rightful owner, the American Forces Radio and Television Service in Alexandria, Va., according to Master Sgt. Jean-Guy Fleury, the detachment's infrastructure superintendent, who took over the project from the former Detachment 1 commander, Maj. Aaron Wilt.

No digging was required to access this treasure, as the records were cataloged and neatly organized on shelves in a small room on the second floor of the airfield’s base operations building. The door was conspicuously stenciled with the name of a radio station, KEAD, and a "Restricted Area Warning" sign, which kept most people out.

"That's a locked room, normally, but people in my department have known the records were there for years," said Colin Bradley, the communications superintendent with Chugach Federal Solutions Inc. CFSI is the contractor that manages operations on Wake Island with the oversight of Air Force quality assurance personnel.

"Because of the completeness of the collection, I assumed it was quite valuable," Bradley said. "I have not run across a collection that well preserved or that intact in my career. It's a little time capsule."

The collection includes a variety of vinyl albums and records specially made for military audiences, as well as some commercially available records.

"In 1942, the American Forces Radio Service was starting to get American music out to the troops overseas," said Larry Sichter, the American Forces Network Broadcast Center’s affiliate relations division chief. "Some of the radio productions were original, like GI Jill and Command Performance, and have significant value."

The exact operational dates of the low-powered AM station on Wake Island remain unclear, but Bradley shared his estimate.

"I would guess that [KEAD] started in the ’60s, due to the dates on the records," he said.

According to a 2007 Internet entry by Patrick Minoughan, who was stationed on Wake Island from 1963 to 1964, KEAD was operating in 1963.

"On the second floor of the then-new terminal building was a very small AFRTS radio station," Minoughan wrote. "AFRTS had no personnel there, but sent in monthly shipments of music. While I was there, one of the communications guys named Steve Navarro would do a daily show for a couple of hours. When it was unattended, anyone could go in and play the records, which were broadcast on the island."

AFRTS was able to get permission to use the work of many artists, and later actors, for free, Sichter said. Therefore, the records were copyrighted and only to be used for their official purpose of entertaining the troops overseas, and then returned to AFRTS.

Since Wake Island Airfield is on a 1,821-acre atoll located about 2,000 miles west of Hawaii and 2,000 miles east of Japan, it is possible that the cost and logistics of returning the records to the mainland were prohibitive when the radio station was shut down, officials said.

So now, about 30 years after the last record was spun on KEAD, Fleury is spearheading the operation to ship the records back to AFRTS. He has estimated that it will take about 75 16-inch-by-16-inch boxes, and about $10,000 worth of specialized material to properly pack up the records. AFRTS is providing the materials and Detachment 1 will do the packing, he said.

The records will be used to fill any gaps in the American Forces Network’s local museum, Sichter said, and the rest of the collection will be entered into either the Library of Congress or the National Archives to become a permanent piece of U.S. history, accessible to all.

Country Music Group 'Emerson Drive' Entertains Guantanamo Bay

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Justin Ailes Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, presented celebrity country music group Emerson Drive, Dec. 3.

The Grammy-nominated act performed at the Downtown Lyceum as part of the installation's annual holiday parade and Christmas celebration.

"What a great way to kick off the holiday season," said MWR Community Activities Director Amiee MacDonnell. "Events like these are important to give the community a way to start the holidays in an enjoyable way for everyone."

Emerson Drive entertained the community with their recent singles, "Moments" and "Fall Into Me," before inviting children in the audience on-stage to sing along with classic Christmas songs.

"We chose a country act for the holiday performance based on customer feedback from our last entertainment survey," said MacDonnell. "Emerson Drive appealed to all audiences and this was a truly special holiday performance."

Family Matters Blog: ‘Budget Fatigue’ Can Lead to Holiday Debt

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – Last night I hopped on the Internet with the intention of buying a few gifts. Money, as always, is tight, so I figured I could go bargain hunting without wasting time or gas.

As colorful, enticing images of gift possibilities danced across the screen, I swiftly shot from site to site, half a dozen windows open at a time, comparing prices and swooping in to buy more and more.

I felt exhilarated. I was spending guilt-free for the first time in years. I was clicking buttons rather than forking out cash, and that’s OK, right?

My bank account told another story when I accessed it later that night.

Today I learned I had fallen victim to a phenomenon known in some financial circles as “budget fatigue.”

It’s easy to get frustrated and tired of tight purse strings, particularly after years of economical setbacks, and decide to let loose over the holidays. But today’s spending excess is tomorrow’s debt hangover.

In a recent article, Dan Radovsky of USAA offers some tips to combat this trend:

-- Know your budget. Be realistic about what you have to spend, make a gift-giving list and stick to it, whether shopping in a store or online. If you’ve been on a strict budget all year, don’t veer off course now.

-- Paper or plastic? The payment method you use can have a big impact on the final cost of the gift. If you decide to charge now and pay later, high interest rates and late fees can take an expensive toll. You may end up spending a lot more than you intended. Plus, what’s the point of bargain hunting if you end up with fees tacked on? An expert suggests people who want to use plastic stick to a debit card, but even then be wary of piling up teller machine fees.

-- Try layaway. Layaway plans encourage early shopping and enable people to spread out the financial burden over a period of time rather than have it hit all at once. These plans may involve a small fee, but that won’t come close to a credit card’s interest rates and late fees.

Bottom line, Radovsky said, is to avoid letting budget fatigue nudge common sense aside. Have fun, but within limits.

Now that I’m a smarter shopper, I’m off to reduce the damage of my Internet shopping spree so I can get back on my budget track.

Service members and their families can learn more about smart spending on Military OneSource or through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs, a government office dedicated to protecting service members and their families from financial predators and pitfalls.

If you have some tried-and-true holiday smart spending tips, don’t hesitate to share.

For more posts like this one, visit AFPS' Family Matters Blog.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Honors Tuskegee Airmen

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

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) hosted a visit from World War II Tuskegee Airmen and an exclusive showing of "Red Tails," a Lucas Film about the Tuskegee Airmen, at the Skywarrior Theater, Dec. 6.

In "Red Tails," a film scheduled for release in 2012 about the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-African American group of pilots that fought in World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard.

During World War II, the U.S. military was racially segregated. Reflecting American society and law at the time, most black soldiers and Sailors were restricted to labor battalions and other support positions.

An experiment in the U.S. Army Air Forces, however, showed that given opportunity and training, African-Americans could pilot, command and support combat units as well as anyone.

The event included Tuskegee Airmen, Capt. George Hickman and Lt. Col. Edward Drummond, members of the Tuskegee Airmen Youth Camp, Youth in Aviation and Sam Bruce Tuskegee Airman Chapter.

On hand to promote the movie was producer Rick McCallum and actors Elijah Kelly and Marcus Paulk.

"I think it's great that Lucas Film has spent so much time and effort and that George (Lucas) really wanted to tell the story of the Tuskegee Airman," said Billy Hebert, a systems test technician at Boeing and a member of the Sam Bruce Chapter in Seattle. "It's just great that the film is finally getting out and that so many of the young people are seeing these men and their accomplishments."

Divided in four groups, the morning included tours of NASWI Search and Rescue, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 and the Aviation Survival Training Center at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island,and lunch at the Admiral Nimitz Hall Dining Facility, followed by flight operation demonstrations.

After the base tour, the tour group gathered at the Skywarrior Theater for a special prescreening of Red Tails.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. As an African-American, this is a great part of my history...the Tuskegee Airmen have paved the way for me as a minority to be in the military and do great things," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Psyleth D. Gilroy of Cunningham, Tenn., assigned to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The Tuskegee Airmen, a pioneering and highly decorated World War II African-American aviator unit gained its name during training at the US Army airfield near Tuskegee, Ala., and at the Tuskegee Institute.

The unit was activated as the 99th Pursuit Squadron and later formed the 332nd Fighter Group (with the 100th, 301st and the 302nd squadrons). Nearly 1,000 black pilots emerged from training to fly P-39, P-40, P-47 and P-51 aircraft in more than 15,000 sorties in North Africa, Sicily and Europe.

On escort missions, it was the only unit that never lost a U.S. bomber. It shot down 11 enemy planes and destroyed 273 planes on the ground.

In a prepared speech, Capt. Jay Johnston, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island thanked everyone in attendance and acknowledged the heroic actions made by Tuskegee Airmen. There was also a question and answer session with the actors and producers before the start of the movie.

"I first heard of the Tuskegee Airmen 23 years (ago) when George (Lucas) told me that he wanted to make this film, believe it or not the Tuskegee Airmen are not in any single historical book in school or anywhere in the United States," said producer Rick McCallum. "The basic story of these incredible men, overcoming these extraordinary odds, and all they wanted to do was to have a chance to fight for their country. This story was so powerful as a story and as a film; it was a natural reason for us to do this."

The Tuskegee Airmen flew their first mission in the Mediterranean in 1943, later that year the Army activated three more squadrons. ,Joined with the 99th in 1944, they constituted the 332nd Fighter Group. The latter was the USAAF's only escort group that did not lose a bomber to enemy planes.

"After watching the film, I hope these kids take out exactly what these brave men went through despite any obstacle that is put in front of you," said Hebert. "You can achieve and go over and above the obstacle that was put there, and hopefully after seeing the movie, they'll respond to that and move forward."

A second black flying group, the 477th Bombardment Group was established near the end of the war, in all, the Tuskegee Airmen flew 1,578 missions, destroyed 261 enemy aircraft, and won more than 850 medals.

Wisconsin Guard members part of unique holiday tribute to troops

By Sgt. Tiffany Addair
Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The holiday season took a memorable turn for approximately 300 service members and their families Saturday (Dec. 3) - including Wisconsin National Guard members - thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad's Holiday Express, a vintage passenger train.

For the past four years, BNSF has invited military members and their families as guests on board the Holiday Express, as a gesture of thanks for their service and sacrifice.

"This program is specifically designed to honor military families," said Andrew K. Johnsen, assistant vice president of state government affairs for BNSF. "[BNSF] recognizes that men and women in uniform make tremendous sacrifices for our nation and we also know service is recognized and praised, but all too often the sacrifices of family members gets lost in the shuffle. This is our way of saying thanks."

BNSF selects four or five states every year for the Holiday Express. This year the train - consisting of 13 cars and the locomotives - visited Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota and Kansas.

In addition to the military member and family passengers, Gov. Scott Walker, commander-in-chief of the Wisconsin National Guard, Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and Matt Rose, BNSF chief executive officer, were on the 90-minute train ride.

"It was an exciting moment watching the reactions of the children as the Holiday Express pulled into the makeshift station decorated with a red carpet and holiday scene," said Lisa Kluetz, family program director and event coordinator. "Once we boarded the train, it was especially nice that Gov. Walker took time out of his day to say thank you to each military family for their service and sacrifices and, along with BNSF Railroad, create a special and memorable family event."

Rose said the Holiday Express allows families to put their concerns aside for a moment and enjoy an experience many have not had before - riding a train.

"We have done it for several years over several cities and it is always the same result - a lot of kids and parents with smiles on their faces," Rose said. "It's a great way to kick off the holiday period."

The service members and their families enjoyed refreshments, holiday décor and a surprise visit from Santa, who gave all children on board a commemorative ornament to remember their ride on the Holiday Express.

"Each of the vintage train cars had been refurbished to create the wonderful excursion along the scenic Mississippi River," Kluetz said. "Each train had its own theme, complete with holiday decorations and refreshments. I am sure that the families will be talking about what a special moment that BNSF Railroad created to honor their service."

Tech Sgt. Brian Benzing, a jet engine mechanic with the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing, brought his wife, Fawn, and their four children to start off the holiday season.

"It's a great opportunity to bring our kids," Fawn said. "[Brian and I] planned on coming, but it was a last-minute surprise for the kids, so they were excited when they found out we were doing this today."

Sixteen percent of the BNSF workforce includes currently service members or veterans. The company donated $10,000 each to PROUD and Operation Home Front of Wisconsin, two organizations that support military families. Over the course of the route, BNSF donated $110,000 in support of military organizations.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Finds Final Resting Place at Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- On Dec. 5, two days before the 70th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Day, a memorial ceremony was held for 81-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jack Gordon Franklin, at the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island.

The ceremony included a short religious service, the scattering of ashes, and a three-volley rifle salute provided by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Navy Detachment Honor Guard. A bugler from U.S. Pacific Fleet Band was also on hand to sound "Taps," and at the end of the ceremony a Sailor presented an American flag to Franklin's eldest daughter Joey Elaine Duncan.

"It was really beautiful," said Duncan. "I haven't stopped crying yet. It was a beautiful day too and I appreciate the military doing this for us. It just means so much. It's closure for us."

Franklin, who died July 12, 2005, was a 17-year-old Sailor aboard USS West Virginia (BB 48) during the Dec. 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks.

Retired Command Master Chief James Taylor, a volunteer at Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs, hosted the ceremony and said Franklin expressed desire to his children to have his remains returned to Pearl Harbor so he could be with his friends and shipmates who were lost during the attack.

"Thanks to his three children- Joey, Tim and Pat- his wish has come true," said Taylor.

Born, on Jan. 31, 1924, Franklin joined the Navy a few days after his 17th birthday in January 1941. Franklin was a mess cook on West Virginia when the attack started. Duncan said when Franklin went topside he was wandering around the ship looking for people.

"A chief was the one who signaled him to get to the gun," said Duncan. "I haven't been able to find out but they used to call him Chief Smithy."

Franklin reached an anti-aircraft battery and fired the only shots from the battery during the raid. The West Virginia was hit by numerous torpedoes and two bombs. More than 100 crew members including the ship's commanding officer were killed that day.

Franklin continued to serve throughout the war effort, participating in major battles such as the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Coral Sea. He saw his last action at Buckner Bay in Okinawa, Japan, ducking Japanese Kamikaze planes.

Franklin was such a devout Christian that his shipmates called him "Holy Joe" because he preached to anyone who would listen. After serving, he dove into several ventures including ministry, operating a café, doing public relations work for the Southern Pacific Railroad, and managing an art gallery until his death in 2005. He is survived by Joey, Timothy and Patrice.

Panetta to Honor Pearl Harbor Dead, Salutes Attack Survivors

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – Pearl Harbor survivors represent the best of America and serve as role models for the current generation that responded to another deadly surprise attack, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a message issued today to Pearl Harbor veterans.

Tomorrow, Panetta will place a wreath at the Navy Memorial here to remember the more than 3,500 Americans killed or wounded in the Japanese attack 70 years ago.

President Barack Obama signed a proclamation today naming tomorrow National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and urged all Americans to fly their flags at half staff in memory of those killed that day.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized an American public that had been leaning toward isolationism. “Our enemies thought that by this sudden and deliberate raid, they could weaken America,” Panetta said in his message. “Instead, they only strengthened it. That day truly awoke a sleeping giant.”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said Dec. 7, 1941 was “a date which will live in infamy” in asking Congress to declare war on the Empire of Japan. On Dec. 11, 1941, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy declared war on the United States. The United States mobilized for the global conflict.

“In the memories of that day, we continue to draw determination and conviction to protect our freedoms, to sacrifice for our fellow citizens, and to serve a purpose larger than self,” Panetta said. “You, the survivors of Pearl Harbor and of the war that followed, embody this conviction, this determination to raise high the torch of freedom and sacrifice.”

The stories and records of the World War II generation are entering legend, and with around 3,000 living Pearl Harbor survivors, this anniversary is poignant.

“You have lived full lives and witnessed years of great prosperity because of the freedom you helped to secure for America and her allies,” the secretary continued. “I know you take great pride, as I do, that your legacy lives on in today’s men and women in uniform, who have borne the burden of a decade of war, and who are truly this nation’s next greatest generation.”

Like the Pearl Harbor survivors, the young men and women of the 9/11 generation stepped forward for military duty after another sudden and terrible attack on American shores. Today’s service members emulate the spirit of the generation that placed the American flag at the Elbe River in Germany, and raised it atop Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific.

“We treasure you,” Panetta said in his message to Pearl Harbor veterans. “You have brought everlasting credit to your fallen comrades. Your example inspires those in uniform today, strengthens our nation's moral fiber, and proves that with united resolve our country can surmount any challenge.”

Panetta thanked the veterans -- most now in their late 80s and 90s -- for their sacrifices “and for your endless zeal to see to it that our children and grandchildren can pass along a better life to the next generation.

“This has always been the American dream, a dream we can realize because of the determination of our citizens to defend it,” Panetta said.

Kings Bay Blood Drive Supports Troops Overseas

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) James Kimber, Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- The Armed Services Blood Program hosted a blood drive at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Dec. 5-6.

The donated blood will arrive in combat zone theaters by Friday to support deployed troops.

Capt. John O'Neill, commanding officer, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, was the first uniformed donor of the drive and said it was the first time he has ever donated blood to the ASBP and.

"The blood donated today makes a great, immediate impact for our forces overseas," O'Neill said. "I encourage everyone who can to donate to this positive, longstanding program."

This is the first time ASBP has held a blood drive in Kings Bay, said Erin Hawkins, an ASBP blood donor recruiter from Fort Gordon, Ga.

"December is typically the toughest month to get blood donations," Hawkins said. "With people preparing for the holidays, travelling around the country in addition to deployments and regular operations, it tends to slip people's minds. But the need never slips."

The process to get blood from the donor to the desert is very efficient and maintains an extremely fast tempo.

"From the time the blood leaves the donor's arm to the time its being stored in theater takes 72 hours," Hawkins said.

The donors are interviewed on their medical history, given a quick but thorough check-up to ensure the member is healthy to donate before all of the paperwork is reviewed by the company's staff sergeant to issue a blood bag.

"Our process attempts to eliminate error as much as possible," said SSgt. Eric Longacre, Bravo Company Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Ga. "This makes it as safe as possible for the donor and the potential serviceman or woman who may need it."

At that point the donor will have their blood drawn and given time to recover with high-sugar treats like juice and cookies, one of the few times a doctor will order a patient to consume more sugar.

Once it's bagged, the blood is mixed with an anticoagulant to ensure the blood doesn't clot in transport or storage. The tube is then segmented for testing and packed away for transport, all usually within an hour.

The blood is then tested and screened at the Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Laboratory at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey before being flown into theater for those in need or stored on U.S. Navy ships.

"It's really a tri-service effort to take care of our Soldiers down range," said Hawkins.

"There are other people out there who need [my blood] more than me," Lt. Eric Goying, USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Gold), one of the earliest donors to arrive to the drive.

For Erica Gilliand of Lewiston, Idaho, the blood drive had a different meaning.

"It's our anniversary today," Gilliand said about her and her husband, U.S. Coast Guard Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Jon Gilliand of Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay. The couple began to celebrate their fifth anniversary with their donation.

"We decided not to give each other gifts for our anniversary because it's so close to Christmas," Erica Gilliand said. "So we're offering a gift to those who are serving overseas."

"I want to help out my fellow Marines over there [in combat]," said Cleveland native Pfc. John Schon of Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Kings Bay. "I joined the Corps to go to over there, but the Marines need me here instead. This is the best way for me to help them right now."

Navy to Demonstrate Biofuel Use During Exercise

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The U.S. Navy will employ a biofuel blend to power aircraft and vessels participating in a maritime exercise that's slated to be conducted near Hawaii next summer, senior officials told reporters today.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack held a conference call with reporters this morning to discuss a contract the Defense Logistics Agency announced last week for 450,000 gallons of biofuel that will power a Navy carrier group during a maritime exercise next summer.

The contract is the largest government purchase of biofuel in history, and provides $12 million to Dynamic Fuels LLC. Dynamic is a joint venture between Tyson Foods, Inc. and Syntroleum Corporation. Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, will help Dynamic Fuels fulfill the contract.

Solazyme’s biofuel is algae-based, Mabus explained, while Dynamic’s is made from used cooking oil and non-food-grade animal fats.

So-called drop-in fuels can work without engine modifications, and Mabus noted the Navy has already certified that its ship and aircraft engines will perform on the new fuels.

He said the fuel “met all our criteria -- that it be a drop-in biofuel, that come from nonfood sources, and that it not increase the carbon footprint.”

The fuels will be combined in a 50-50 blend with petroleum-based diesel and aviation fuel to power the U.S. ships and aircraft taking part in the Rim of the Pacific or RIMPAC exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise, scheduled to take place off Hawaii next summer, the Navy secretary added.

The carrier that anchors the strike group is nuclear-powered, Mabus noted, but other Navy craft involved in the exercise will use biofuel.

“We think that this represents a major step in energy independence for the United States in making the United States Navy a better war-fighting operation,” Mabus said, “and in reducing our dependence on unstable sources of foreign energy, as well as reducing the budget shocks that come with buying fuel from either potentially or actually unstable place on earth.”

Use of fossil fuels “is a very real threat to our national security, and to the U.S. Navy’s ability to protect America and to project power overseas,” Mabus added.

While the DLA purchase is a small fraction of the Navy’s annual fuel consumption of 1.26 billion gallons, supporting the nation’s fledgling biofuel industry will ultimately make the Navy “better war fighters,” the Navy secretary said.

The Navy plans to follow the RIMPAC demonstration with a 2016 multi-month carrier group deployment using 50 percent biofuel for surface ships and aircraft, Mabus said.

The Navy has throughout history led new developments in fuel, he noted: from sail to coal in the 1800s, from coal to oil in the early 1900s to nuclear power in the 1950s.

“We’re going to lead once again by helping establish a market for biofuels now,” Mabus said.

Biofuel use lessens America’s dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, he said, and increases the nation’s ability to compete in the global energy market.

“This is not only going to help the Navy … [and] our national security, but it’s going to help the farmers and agriculture in the United States,” Mabus said.

Vilsack said the biofuel purchase is a turning point in the partnership that includes the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Navy and the Energy Department under President Barack Obama’s "Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future," which tasked the three to advance a domestic industry capable of producing "drop-in" biofuel substitutes for diesel and jet fuel.

More than 300 facilities in the United States are now producing ethanol and biodiesel, he noted.

Agriculture officials have this year helped finance loans for two refineries that will produce biofuel from nonfood feed stocks, Vilsack said, and they expect to announce additional projects next year.

Vilsack noted that Agricultural Research Service and National Forest Service scientists have been working with industry to identify and develop additional nonfood, “feed stocks” for biofuels, and the Forest Service announced $118 million in grants for feedstock development.

Agriculture Department officials are also researching supply chain management to ensure biofuel products can efficiently reach the Navy market and other emerging markets, including the nation’s commercial air carriers, he added.

“Today’s announcement, I think, underscores the fact that the future for the Navy … [and] this country lies in energy security, and basically controlling our own destiny by producing our own fuels in a creative and innovative way,” Vilsack said.

\

(Navy News Service contributed to this article.)

NORAD Gears Up to Track Santa Claus

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 – For the 56th year running, the North American Aerospace Defense Command will add the job of tracking the global flight of Santa on Christmas Eve to its mission of North American aerospace warning and control.

"NORAD stands the watch protecting the skies of North America 365 days a year, but on Christmas Eve the children of the world look to NORAD and our trusted partners to make sure that Santa is able to complete his mission safely," said Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. Jacoby commands NORAD, as well as U.S. Northern Command, both based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

The NORAD Tracks Santa mission “is a duty to the children of the world,” he added, “and a privilege we've enjoyed for 56 consecutive years.”

From a NORAD video of the 2010 Santa flight, a military specialist looks up from a bank of computer screens:

“Sir,” he says, turning to look at the camera, “we’ve picked up ‘Big Red’ on the radar. He’s entering from the northeast.

“Recommend fighter escort as he transitions over North America,” the specialist adds, as the video shows an F-16 moving down the runway.

This year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website went live Dec. 1 and features a Countdown Calendar, a Kid’s Countdown Village with holiday games and activities that change daily, and video messages from students and troops from around the world.

The website is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Chinese.

For the first time, using free apps in the Apple iTunes Store and in the Android market, parents and children can use their smart phones to count down the days until Santa and his reindeer take off from the North Pole to deliver presents to kids everywhere.

Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Twitter also offer tracking opportunities. Santa followers can type “@noradsanta” into each search engine to get started.

And that’s not the only technology that goes into the Santa tracking mission. To track the big man in red, NORAD uses radar, satellites, Santa cams and fighter jets.

A NORAD radar system called the North Warning System consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On Dec. 24, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole.

The moment radar indicates a lift-off, satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature that allows the satellites to detect Santa’s sleigh.

NORAD starting using the Santa cam network in 1998. Santa cams, according to NORAD, are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras prepositioned at many locations around the world. They use the cameras once a year to capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer.

In the air, Canadian NORAD pilots flying the CF-18 fighter will intercept and welcome Santa to North America.

In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in F-15s, F-16s or F-22 Raptors will fly alongside Santa’s airborne sleigh pulled by his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.

Once data is collected on Dec. 24, it is pushed into Google Maps and Google Earth so families all over the world can follow Santa.

Thanks to these systems and technologies, starting at midnight Mountain Standard Time on Dec. 24, visitors to the NORAD Santa website can watch Santa’s progress around the globe.

It all started in 1955 when a Sears media advertisement directed kids to call Santa Claus but printed a telephone number that rang through to the crew commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center.

The colonel on duty told his staff to give all children who called in a "current location" for Santa Claus. The tradition continued when NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958.

“The [NORAD Tracks Santa] effort,” Jacoby said, “could not be carried out without the superb assistance of numerous government and nongovernment contributors.”

Sponsors of this year’s program include Acuity Scheduling, Big Fish Worldwide, Carousel Industries, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council, General Electric, the National Tree Lighting Ceremony, RadiantBlue Technologies Inc., thunderbaby studios, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Band, Visionbox, and the West Point Band.

Returning sponsors include the Air Force Academy Band, Analytical Graphics Inc., Air Canada, Avaya, Booz Allen Hamilton, Colorado Springs School District 11, the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System, the Federal Aviation Administration, First Choice Awards & Gifts, Globelink Foreign Language Center, Google, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Meshbox, the Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific, Naturally Santa’s Inc., the Newseum, OnStar, PCI Broadband, the Space Foundation, tw telecom, Verizon and UGroup Media.

“It is the generosity of these contributors, the hard work of the more than 1,200 volunteers who man the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center, and vigilance of the Canadian and U.S. forces who work at NORAD that guarantees the program's success each and every year,” Jacoby said.

LEID Products to Exhibit Biometric Asset Management System at the Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) Conference, December 10 - 12

LEID Products, LLC, will be exhibiting their Biometric Access Control System (BACS™), an innovative asset management system, at the Special Operations Medical Associations (SOMA) Conference at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, December 10 – 12, 2011. The BACS™ system is a proven solution installed in military facilities and earning exceptional reviews for the secure storage and tracking items ranging from pelican cases containing controlled medications, to highly sensitive valuable equipment, to weapons.


LEID Products, LLC, will be exhibiting their Biometric Access Control System (BACS™), an innovative asset management system, at the Special Operations Medical Associations (SOMA) Conference at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, December 10 – 12, 2011.

The BACS™ system is a proven solution installed in military facilities and earning exceptional reviews for the secure storage and tracking items ranging from pelican cases containing controlled medications, to highly sensitive valuable equipment, to weapons. Visit LEID Products at booth 619 for a demonstration.

“This is our first time participating in the SOMA Conference,” said Sam Hoff, president of LEID Products. “We believe this was an important venue to be a part of based on our growth in sales, specifically in medical applications, to the US Military Special Operation Forces (SOF) facilities. Supply discipline and inventory control, particularly of controlled meds, is paramount for Special Operation Forces. LEID Products technology meets the high standards demanded for error free management.”

BACS -– with technology developed by Patti Engineering (http://www.pattieng.com) - secures, tracks (via RFID) and provides full accountability for items stored. Items are marked with an RFID chip linked to the BACS kiosk. The user logs into the BACS application to access items by placing their finger on the biometric reader for verification. Then the user selects the authorized items listed on the touch screen which is then retrieved from a secure electronic locker. The software includes administrative tracking reports providing a fully accountable audit trail.

LEID’s Access.it® card and keypad access systems are available in addition to the BACS biometric system, providing various levels of security. LEID’s systems are installed throughout the country; used to streamline operations at law enforcement departments, military facilities, medical facilities, and crime and research labs by securing, tracking and providing full accountability to clients’ weapons, evidence, medications, and other critical assets.

The gathering of SOMA members is directed toward the education and training of the Special Forces/Special Operations Forces Medic. This forum is for military and civilian medical personnel from around the world to meet and exchange ideas. The conference is open to all-military services, civilian tactical services and the public.

About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC was originally founded to assist police departments in securing their assets (guns, weapons and radios) through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system. LEID’s products since have been utilized by military facilities, medical facilities, government agencies, libraries and businesses to secure and track a wide variety of items including evidence; controlled meds; vital research and development materials; books, tapes and magazines within a library system; and even the securing of business documents to selected personnel. For more information and to see on-line demonstrations of our products, log on to http://www.leidproducts.com

Support Center is ‘Oasis’ for Wounded Warriors, Families

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 5, 2011 – It’s only 10 a.m., but the Warrior and Family Support Center on Fort Sam Houston here is bustling.

Troops, some in wheelchairs and others heavily scarred, crowd around big-screen TVs to catch the latest sports news in the cavernous, sun-filled front room. In the kitchen up the hall, volunteers load baking sheets into ovens and the smell of fresh-baked cookies begins to waft through the air.

In a nearby craft room, a family gathers for a leather workshop. A triple-amputee soldier, dressed in jeans and a black cowboy hat, lays out a thin strip of leather onto a table as his brother, also a soldier, prepares to emboss a design.

The visitors here are a mix of civilian and military, from different backgrounds and services, but all come to the center with the same purpose in mind: to seek solace and support.

“The center is an oasis in the middle of a lot of things going on for [these troops],” said Judith Markelz, director of the Warrior and Family Support Center. “Everybody is welcome here, and no one notices anything. It’s a safe zone.”

This sprawling, 12,500-square-foot building -- completely funded through civilian donations -- opened in 2008 to offer wounded warriors and their families a place to connect and find emotional support, and to serve as a respite away from the rigors of recovery. It’s just steps away from Brooke Army Medical Center, where many combat-wounded service members are treated, and the Center for the Intrepid, a state-of-the art rehabilitation center.

Thanks to individuals and organizations’ generosity, the center offers wounded warriors and their families more than 100 free activities each month, including sporting events, movies, plays, concerts, shopping trips, lunches and dinners out, and fishing trips. Inside, it features a learning facility for computerized training, a counseling room, a business center, a video game room, a kids’ area, and a craft room popular among both family members and wounded warriors.

This day, military mom Saralee Trimble has stopped by to take a basket-weaving class. The busy work is soothing, she said, as she laid out thin strips of reed, and a healing break away from full-time care of her 19-year-old son, Army Pfc. Kevin Trimble. Her son lost his legs and an arm in a September roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan.

“The center helps you get a break from being hands-on with your soldier all the time,” she said. “It’s a place to go during appointments. It’s so important. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Trimble said she takes needlepoint projects from here to her son’s bedside.

“It fills the many hours I’m there,” she said.

The crafts are an asset, but to Markelz, the center’s focal point is the well-equipped, spacious kitchen. “Food is the universal language,” she said. “And to many of the service members, food is love.” Although early, she noted the kitchen already was packed with volunteers cooking breakfast for the troops and their families.

More than 140 volunteers from the community frequent the center to cook, conduct classes or spend time with service members, she said, and there’s always a waiting list of more people eager to help.

Each day, donations of food and other items stream through the door. Later on, four ladies would stop by with 40 dozen cookies.

“It’s like ‘Field of Dreams,’” Markelz said, referring to the 1989 movie. “If you build it, they will come. I think of something we need, and someone walks through my door. I’ve never had to ask for anything.”

When the Texas heat allows, visitors can walk the grounds, taking a path that meanders through a butterfly garden, barbecue pit, water features, and past a soon-to-be unveiled children’s playground.

The center’s impressive size and offerings belie its more humble beginnings.

Eight years ago, a committee of therapists, physicians and other helping professionals came to Fort Sam Houston’s Army Community Service, where Markelz worked at the time, in the hopes of creating a space where wounded warriors and their families could gather and find support. They asked her to run this new center, which they tucked away in conference rooms on the second floor of the Powless Hall Guest House here.

The Soldier and Family Assistance Center opened Dec. 8, 2003, and became an instant hit. But the need for more space soon became evident. As word spread of the center’s positive effects, community members looking to help stepped in.

Through donations and the Returning Heroes Home project, the support center moved from a 1,200-square-foot area to its new $5.6 million home, and reopened Dec. 8, 2008.

Next up for the center is Phase 2, also funded through donations. The outdoor therapeutic garden and recreation area is slated to open in March 2012 and will feature a track, beach volleyball, fitness stations and Frisbee golf.

Since the center’s early days, Markelz -- known to many simply as “Mom” -- has seen thousands of warriors and family members come through its doors. Closest to her heart, she said, are the families of service members who die here and the families of service members who walk out of here with no legs, “but they walk out of here.”

These families “become part of my life; all of our lives,” she added.

Family members sacrifice everything to be by their loved one’s side, Markelz said. “I have never seen anything like this. They lose their jobs, their cars, their medical care, their houses, but when you ask them why, they say the same thing: ‘That’s what you do for your child.’ They are my heroes.”

She cited Trimble, the triple-amputee soldier’s mom, as just one example among many. Trimble left her home and her husband behind, and will be here for about two years aiding her son.

“I’ve never heard her complain,” she said. “She’s simply grateful her son is alive.”

The wars may be drawing down, but that won’t mark the end of the need here, Markelz noted. Wounded warriors and their families will continue to need help for years to come.

“We just can’t forget these young men and women and their families. They are the best of the best and we owe them, all of them,” she said.

As soon as she’s done speaking, Markelz rushes off. She has a long list of things to do and a phone that never stops ringing. She wears many hats as director: counselor, friend, mom and, more recently, wedding planner.

A scenic locale out back has become a popular wedding site for wounded warriors, and the center soon will mark its 28th wedding. Each bride gets a new dress -- 61 were donated three years ago -- a bouquet and cake.

“Weddings are a celebration of life,” Markelz said. “It goes on.”

Z-Z-1-3 Keeps Bahrain Sailors ARI Free

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tracey L. Whitley, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Commander, Vice Adm. Mark I. Fox, stressed the importance of "Z-Z-1-3" as part of a U.S. 5th Fleet alcohol awareness campaign during an all hands call, Dec. 1.

"Z-Z-1-3" is defined as zero alcohol-related incidents (ARI), zero driving under the influence (DUI), no more than one drink per hour and no more than three drinks per evening.

Throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR), many countries prohibit alcohol and some enforce a 0.00 BAC when driving. In Bahrain, 0.01 BAC is considered a DUI. The public consumption of alcohol is prohibited between midnight and 6:00 a.m., seven days a week, by all U.S. Naval personnel, civilian employees and contractors throughout the region.

As representatives of the United States serving overseas, the consequences of an ARI extend beyond that of the individual Sailor. An ARI can not only hurt a Sailor's career, but also affect the relationship between the U.S. and a host nation.

"Any incident involving alcohol can jeopardize our mission readiness and affect our regional relationships. Liberty is a mission in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility and we must ensure that we are good ambassadors of the United States and the U.S. Navy," said Fox. "I expect all personnel to be good shipmates - follow Z-Z-1-3, and adhere to the command alcohol policy."

Alcohol abuse weakens combat readiness, is incompatible with the high standards expected of military personnel and puts the safety and welfare of Sailors and families at risk. Alcohol is also a well-known contributing factor in safety mishaps, sexual assaults and domestic disputes, which in many instances could have been avoided.

"Everyone is accountable to each other, to ensure that our shipmates, both military and civilian, are acting responsibly when they drink," said Master Chief Mark Tomlinson, NAVCENT Staff Command Master Chief. "The "Z-Z-1-3" AOR Alcohol Awareness Campaign is a good method to remember zero alcohol-related incidents, zero driving under the influence, no more than one drink per hour and no more than three drinks per evening."

Tomlinson added that if an individual, friend, family member, or shipmate struggles with alcohol-related issues, they should not hesitate to seek help.

"The Navy or your shipmates will not stigmatize an individual for seeking assistance. Resources are available for personnel and family members, including chaplains, medical specialists, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the command DAPA," said Tomlinson.

With the holiday season in full swing, Sailors may be more inclined to indulge in alcoholic beverages while engaging with family and friends at holiday outings and parties. However, Sailors stationed here have other opportunities to enjoy themselves that don't involve drinking, including community service, academic classes, working out, and sports.

Although there are many tools in place to avoid irresponsible drinking, ultimately it is up to each individual Sailor to make good decisions. By having a plan in place before going out, walking instead of driving or utilizing a designated driver, Sailors can have a good time and still get home safely.

DOD Reflects on 40 Years of Diversity Training

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 – It’s been 40 years since the military began training troops to accept each others’ differences and get along. And if anyone questions the value of diversity training, they need only to consider how much things have changed since it began, the director of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute says.

“When we started in the ’70s, the armed forces were faced with behaviors that really were drastic in nature,” Ronald M. Joe told American Forces Press Service in a Nov. 28 interview. “We had folks who were fighting each other. There were race riots, and physical violence in the armed forces, with one service member against another.”

The institute was created in 1971 as the Defense Race Relations Institute to quell the tensions. DOD officials thought their mission would be accomplished in three years, Joe said. “But because we deal with human beings, because we are dealing with a microcosm of the United States, … we are constantly having to train folks to be able to get along with one another … and valuing our differences and how they aid us in accomplishing our missions,” he said.

As the institute has continued to evolve, Joe said, more focus has been placed on removing barriers, understanding command climate and developing strategies to enhance workplace performance. Equal opportunity professionals help unit commanders appreciate the different perspectives each soldier, sailor, airman and Marine brings to the organization and how to leverage that talent to achieve the missions at hand. DEOMI, as it is known, has graduated more than 40,000 military and civilian students.

When the institute observes its 40th anniversary during its 8th biennial research symposium Dec. 6-8, more than 400 people are expected at its Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., campus to learn about the latest research and take part in panel discussions about diversity, inclusion, equity and cultural competence, Joe said.

For Joe and the other DEOMI professionals, their work is all about mission readiness.

“I like to refer to DEOMI as a national treasure,” he said. “I think this is the only organization in the DOD that does what it does, and probably the only one in the world. Our mission is all about readiness.”

Since its establishment DEOMI has moved beyond just keeping the peace, Joe said, to breaking down institutional barriers to advancement and drafting policies to promote equal opportunity, inclusion and value for cross-cultural competencies such as foreign language and cultural skills.

As the institute changes with the times, he said, it must stay true to its roots. The military has proven itself a model for inclusion and equal opportunity, he added, and must continue to do so.

“Our armed forces have been a real leader in showing how people can work together and live together regardless of differences,” Joe said.

“There has been great deal of progress,” he added. “People in our armed forces are much more caring about each other, and much more focused on the mission” than in the institute’s early days.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2012 MILITARY CHILD OF THE YEAR AWARD

Deserving Young Patriots Will Win $5,000

SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront today announced the opening of the 2012 Military Child of the Year Award nomination period.  The award will be given to an outstanding children of military personnel from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.  The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for special recognition ceremony on April 5, 2012.  Nominations are being accepted online until January 15, 2012 at www.OperationHomefront.net/MCOY.  

Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life.  They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities.

“The sons and daughters of America’s service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age,” said Jim Knotts, chief executive officer, Operation Homefront.  “Children in military families understand sacrifice and live with the concept of service.  This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors.”

Nominees must:

•           Must have valid military ID or currently be enrolled in DEERS

•           Must be between the ages of 8-18
•           Must be able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony on April 5, 2012

Finalists must have a background check to confirm the information provided in the nomination and must provide references.

Recipients of the 2011 awards are profiled in the book “Our Youngest Heroes,” available through Amazon.com.