Local recruiters seek to maximize partnership with WWE

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

Just as a Soldier needs training and experience to get the most out of his or her equipment, Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiters contemplated if they could do more with the National Guard's partnership with World Wresting Entertainment.

"If you don't have an understanding of what WWE is, then you really don't understand the talent or how to utilize it," said 1st Lt. Johnny Simmons, marketing officer with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's recruiting and retention battalion.

For example, WWE Superstars such as Eve Torres and Big Show have recently made public appearances at Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiting offices - also referred to as "storefronts" - prior to live events in Milwaukee and Green Bay to draw WWE fans. Previously, WWE Superstars had met privately with National Guard members as a gesture of the corporation's support for the military.

"It will hopefully give some understanding that we're here," said Master Sgt. Gregory Backes of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's recruiting and retention battalion. "It kind of puts us on the map."

To make those public appearances pay off, recruiters are turning to technology and social media. For example, Backes used Twitter to promote Eve's Milwaukee recruiting office appearance, uploading photos of Eve signing autographs from his smart phone with the Tweet message: "She's here!"

Backes is also developing QR - quick-read - codes to link Soldiers and recruits with recruiters' Facebook pages, informational pages on the National Guard website, and promotional events.

"The idea behind it is, not just the QR code, not just Facebook, not just Twitter, but combining everything in social media that's out there right now," Backes said. "I've recruited for seven years, and when you put up a poster you'd put it up in the arcade where your target audience was. Well, now your target audience is using QR codes, using Twitter, using Facebook. If they’re going to the WWE event, our target market now is going to be on Twitter doing a search for WWE to find out what's going on with WWE. If we're on there and tweeting about it, they're going to see Eve is at our storefront, and maybe they'll head out. It's a common thing now. If we're not taking advantage of that, we're completely missing out on free and global marketing."

"For us in recruiting and marketing, it's more of a holistic approach, an all-encompassing approach," Simmons added. "That's why it's powerful."

The potential, Backes continued, is to have a WWE Superstar visit a National Guard unit. Photos of that visit would be uploaded to the local recruiter's Facebook page, tagging the Guard members shown in the photos. That makes the photos available to the Soldier's Facebook friends, generating interest and increasing the exposure of the Wisconsin National Guard - and perhaps resulting in some of those Facebook friends contacting their local National Guard recruiter.

"It's multi-level marketing," Backes said.

Another initiative is to create QR codes for videos of WWE Superstars talking about their support of the military and of the National Guard. Backes said that a WWE Superstar visit to a recruiting office means little to a Guard member or potential recruit living on the opposite side of the state.

"We can't bring everybody to a WWE event -it's very limited," Simmons said. "So we reached out to WWE - we know the talent supports the Guard, but not everybody has the chance to hear that. [The videos will] bring that WWE experience to them."

Simmons said he hopes the videos are ready to promote when the WWE returns to Milwaukee for a live television event in August.

But the new initiatives are intended to enhance, not replace, the traditional recruiting efforts. Eve's visit to the Wisconsin National Guard's Milwaukee recruiting office included static displays of uparmored Humvees and an inflatable canopy to draw attention to the location. Cards bearing Eve's picture along with information about her visit were distributed in the area, and WWE fans received various promotional items for Eve to sign.

"I absolutely love working with the National Guard, and all of the military," Eve said Feb. 19. "They are always some of my favorite appearances to do because everyone is just so appreciative and grateful and fun."

Eve added that the WWE prides itself on its support for the troops, noting that she has seen firsthand during three overseas shows what U.S. service members do on deployments.

"I realize that it's a choice that every service member makes to be there," she said. "They don't have to be there - they made a choice. For that reason I really want to support and help out all the service men and women in any way I can."

Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiters also manned a booth at the Bradley Center that night, giving away the same promotional items to WWE fans in exchange for a few push-ups.

"We've drawn a lot of attention with the [recruiting publicity items] that we brought out, co-branded National Guard and WWE," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Whelan. "Obviously WWE has a giant fan base, and it's a great place for us to interact with a big group of people in a huge venue, so it gives us a chance to mingle with a group that we don't get to see every day.

"I've handed out 20 business cards," Whelan continued, saying that he anticipates hearing back from as many as five genuinely interested people. "Anytime I can get in front of this many people and put my name out there, it's awesome. WWE allows us to bring to the table what we have to offer to an audience that doesn't know that much about the Wisconsin National Guard and what we offer."

Blue Ridge on Patrol in 7th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka for patrol Feb. 21.

Commanded by Capt. Daniel Grieco, Blue Ridge is manned by more than 700 Sailors, including embarked 7th Fleet staff and Marines from Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific.

Blue Ridge will visit foreign ports to engage allies and strengthen partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. Sailors and Marines will also participate in several community service projects with partner navies and local aid groups.

"USS Blue Ridge is departing for a deployment throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations and will conduct port calls to strengthen regional ties while training to maintain the crew's sea qualifications," said Blue Ridge Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Zachary McCarty.

The Blue Ridge Morale, Welfare and Recreation department offers service members opportunities to visit local markets, theme parks, memorials and other cultural sites during their time off.

"I can't wait to go shopping," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Lorena Cardoza. "Also, I'm looking forward to taking cultural tours and relaxing on the beach."

While Sailors will get the chance to enjoy rest and relaxation opportunities, Blue Ridge will be fully operational during the patrol. Blue Ridge will provide advanced communications capabilities throughout the 7th Fleet, supporting theater security cooperation, fleet coordination and engagement goals during the patrol.

The leader in bold, forward-presence at sea, Blue Ridge has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for nearly 33 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, Blue Ridge is instrumental in forging partnerships in the region while leading the fleet with its advanced shipboard communications systems.

Chairman’s Corner: The Military Health System

By Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2012 – I spent last week on Capitol Hill with our Secretary of Defense. The questions about our defense budget were tough — as they ought to be. The stakes are high.

There are no easy answers in cutting $487B from the budget, but we’re not the first generation to face difficult budget challenges. We’ll figure it out. The nation’s counting on us.

Health care costs generated a lot of attention. I welcomed the opportunity to speak about this important part of the budget, to express my concerns about further cuts that could come due to sequestration, and to explain how we intend to keep faith with our armed forces — not just through pay and benefits but by ensuring we remain the best trained, best equipped, and best led military in the world.

In forming this budget, we looked at all cost variables. Many of you will know that pay and benefits account for more than 1/3 of the budget and that health care costs in particular have increased from $19B in 2001 to $48B today. We had to act to slow this growth.

I want those of you who serve and who have served to know that we’ve heard your concerns, in particular your concern about the tiered enrollment fee structure for TRICARE in retirement. You have our commitment that we will continue to review our health care system to make it as responsive, as affordable, and as equitable as possible.

Face of Defense: Soldier, 51, Completes Basic Combat Training

By Melissa K. Buckley
Fort Leonard Wood

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., Feb. 21, 2012 – Army Sgt. Sandra Coast graduated from Basic Combat Training here Feb. 17, officially beginning her Army career at 51 years old.

The average age for an Army Reserve recruit is about 23, making Coast one of the oldest people to go through basic combat training, U.S. Army Recruiting Command officials said.

"Everybody in the world thinks I am a total nutcase," Coast said. "I just want to support our troops. I love all of them."

From 1982 to 1993, Coast devoted her life to the Navy. She gave up her lifestyle as a sailor to raise her son, Jeff, who ironically led her back to the military she left behind years ago.

"When Jeff graduated high school, he joined the Marine Corps. When I was at the recruiter's office with my son, I walked into the Army recruiting office and said 'I want to join,'" Coast said. Her previous years of military service allowed her to join the Army Reserve well past the age someone without prior service could join, she explained.

For as long as she can remember, Coast said, she has had a special place in her heart for troops and a hunger to serve.

"I have a friend in the Navy that was emailing me from Afghanistan,” she said. “It's his third combat tour in seven years. I don't know, I can't explain it. I just had this overwhelming desire to give back to the military somehow. I was doing the same job day after day after day. I can't live my life that way. There is more to life than this, so I ended up in basic training."

She was stunned to learn that as a paralegal specialist she would have to go back to basic training -- this time, Army style.

"I wasn't quite expecting to be running around with an M16 and all of this gear," Coast said as her training neared its end. "This is nothing even remotely similar to being a sailor. I was blown away by the total difference of it. We carried M16s during Navy boot camp, but we never shot them. Here we are shooting several times a week. Shooting this weapon with all of the gear on takes a toll on me."

Coast started preparing for basic combat training months prior to stepping foot on Fort Leonard Wood.

"Before the recruiters would even talk to me, I had to lose 30 pounds,” she said. “I went from sitting at home every night eating ice cream to exercising and watching what I ate. I also started getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning to exercise and tried to go to bed early at night. I knew I needed every advantage I could have to get through this."

Coast’s 10-week journey from civilian to soldier was spent in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Chemical Brigade. Army 1st Sgt. John Byars, her first sergeant, said his first reaction when he heard he had a 51-year-old headed his way was "Wow, that's strange." Now, Byars has a new perception.

"I was impressed, because she can do everything the younger soldiers do," he said. "She never expected us to feel sorry for her. She even got one of the highest Army physical fitness test scores in the company. She is a prime example that age is just a number. She ran faster than soldiers young enough to be her kids."

Coast even amazed herself when she came in second place during the test.

"I am still kind of blown away by that,” she said. “I even ran faster than all but one female."

The fitness test may have been a breeze for Coast, but she said one of the hardest things for her to adjust to was the divide in life stages between her and her roommates.

"Everything about basic training is pretty tough, but living with more than 30 teenage females is one of the hardest things," she said. But despite the age gap, she added, she was treated like every other soldier in training.

"We don't treat her any different, and we don't see the privates treat her any different," Byars said.

Coast agreed.

"They treat me as an equal,” she said. “The males, especially, have the utmost respect. They will do little things that they probably aren't supposed to do, like give me their seat on the bus and hold the doors for me. It's the little things that mean so much."

Coast recalled an incident during hand-to-hand combat training that was particularly tough for one of her battle buddies.

"We had to slap each other in the face. The poor guy that was up against me said, 'I cannot do this. I cannot slap her,'” she said. “I told him I would pay for his counseling when we were done. I was slapping him -- he finally slapped me."

As her graduation approached, she said the thing she was looking forward to the most was wrapping her arms around her son.

"I am thrilled to wear the title of sergeant in the U.S. Army, but the title that is also very near and dear to my heart is Marine mom. You can't beat that. I feel totally blessed," Coast said.

Marine Corps Pfc. Jeff Coast didn't think his mother was serious when she expressed interest in joining the Army, but recently he started seeing a side of her that was new to him.

"She is doing what most people her age would consider crazy," he said. "I think she is hardcore. I hope when I get older I am still active and do all kinds of cool stuff."

The Marine’s mother said she made it through basic training because of the support she received from family, friends and even outsiders.

"It blows my mind that I am able to accomplish this," she said. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my Marine mom friends. I get more mail from them than anybody. That support keeps me going. They are constantly cheering me on. Even random people around here will tell me they are cheering for me.

"At the dining facility the workers walk up and tell me they are cheering for me," she continued. "I cry pretty much every day. Not a lot, because it's not an Army thing to do I know, but it's mind-boggling to me how supportive strangers can be."

Coast said she is delighted to have reached the end of her basic training adventure, and that she’s thankful for all of the new experiences it provided.

"This has been very challenging,” she said before her graduation. “It makes me realize that I can do all of this. I got to do some really fun things. After the rappelling tower, I decided to start rock climbing when I get out of basic training."

Coast added that she also is looking forward to her life in the Army Reserve. She said she enlisted hoping to work directly with active-duty troops, but instead was attached to a reserve unit. But on the plus side, she said, she will be able to work near her son's reserve unit.

"I wanted to go active duty, but they are not taking people as old as me for active duty,” Coast said. “So I got attached to a virtual unit. Everything I do will be by the Internet and phone.”

Basic combat training left her with a new respect for combat soldiers and a new respect for herself, Coast said.

"Their gear is heavy, and they are doing this constantly,” she noted. “We have some really awesome troops out there. I am 51 years old, and I can do this."

Family Matters Blog: NBC Show Seeks Military ‘Unsung Heroes’

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2012 – A new NBC show that rewards selfless people for their good deeds is seeking service members, veterans and their families to spotlight in some upcoming episodes.

The show gives people an opportunity to pay a deserving hometown hero back “for always paying it forward,” an NBC news release said.

“The network and producers really want some military stories as no one is more deserving than those who serve our country,” Jackie Topacio, the show’s casting producer, said.

The show will involve someone -- whether a friend, spouse, family member or even an acquaintance -- surprising a deserving person with “the ultimate gift.” The recipient can be someone who always puts others first, deserves a lucky break, is underappreciated, saved someone’s life, or has made a difference in other people’s lives.

“If you know someone special who deserves more than life has delivered, we want to help you surprise him or her with a moment they’ll never forget,” the release said.

You can apply to be on this show by sending an email to submit4castingjt@gmail.com. You should include your name, contact information, occupation, current photos of yourself and the person you want to surprise, and an explanation of why your friend or loved one deserves a special moment. And, apply soon. Producers are hoping to cast people in the next couple of weeks.

Also, since this show involves a surprise, producers are asking people to keep their participation a secret.

Build Wealth, Not Debt

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/SCW) Terrina Weatherspoon, MCPON Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- "Set a Goal, make a plan, save automatically" is the theme of the 2012 Military Saves Week, which began Feb. 19, as part of the larger nationwide America Saves Campaign, conducted in cooperation with the Consumer Federation of America.

Although the Military Saves Campaign is a yearlong effort, Military Saves Week brings in community and financial resources to help service members focus on financial readiness.

"It's important for everyone to manage their resources," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West. "You really have to take care of your needs and balance your wants. As we all know, life is unpredictable. You need to be prepared. Every Sailor should be looking to a future financial plan. If you have not sat down with a financial counselor, you could be impeding your future security."

Start small, think big is the idea behind Military Saves Week. Personal finance managers (PFM) at each military installation are the key planners and organizers of all base Military Saves Week programs and activities.

"I encourage everyone to engage in the activities going on at their commands," said West. "Your personal health and well-being start by reducing stress. And financial stress is hard to manage if you become too far in debt. I challenge you to take a month and cut out the stops for coffee, make your lunch, don't visit the vending machines, and see how much you save."

Over the past five years, more than 100,000 military members and their families have taken the pledge to save money, reduce debt and build wealth over time. In addition, many military banks and defense credit unions promote Military Saves Week and offer financial seminars and special savings programs.

Visit www.militarysaves.org and take the "Saver Pledge." Build wealth, not debt.

Hawaii Training Credited with Honing Strike Group Readiness

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh, Pacific Missile Range Facility Public Affairs

KAUAI, Hawaii (NNS) -- As the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Feb. 17, the CSG's Air Wing Commander credited the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) with improving the group's readiness seven months earlier as it prepared to deploy.

"The Hawaii Range Complex provided realistic and challenging training opportunities for our air wing," said Capt. Dale Horan, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard Stennis.

The strike group returned to Hawaii on its way home from a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. Last summer, the strike group conducted more than 200 hours of training in Hawaii waters. On deployment, Horan believes the strike group demonstrating the value of the range complex to the Navy.

"It allowed us to further hone our strike and close-air support skills and procedures, helping us to operate at a high level of effectiveness throughout deployment as we provided support to forces on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq," he said.

PMRF on Kauai, an element of the Hawaii Range Complex, continues to be an asset for the Department of the Navy due to the range's ability to provide integrated range services in a modern, multithreat, multidimensional environment, from space to the ocean floor that ensures the safe conduct and evaluation of training and test and evaluation missions.

"PMRF, located Hawaii, is ideally situated to support training to meet readiness requirements for Navy and joint forces based on Hawaii, as well as for U.S. Naval Forces transiting to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean for deployment. The range has capabilities to support training in all Navy primary mission and warfare areas," said Bob Kay, PMRF's deputy range operations officer. "As a diverse and important training, test and evaluation resource, PMRF furthers the Navy's ability to protect and serve our nation and our allies."

PMRF has also been the primary location for Missile Defense Agency testing since the 1990s and while these test and evaluation missions gather much of the spotlight, the critical training value of PMRF to U.S. and allied military forces is often overlooked. Last year, the Stennis Strike Group was just one of the groups to use PMRF. In 2011, PMRF supported 22,337 training hours which included 788 unit training events and 640 aircraft.

According to Kay, PMRF's training opportunities benefit not only the U.S. Pacific Fleet but also allies and friends of the United States.

The largest training exercise held in Hawaii waters is the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) multi-national event, which has been conducted since 1971. The RIMPAC 2010 exercise involved approximately 20,000 Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen from the joint services of 14 allied and partner countries. PMRF provided exercise participants the opportunity to conduct live-fire events. This opportunity is cited as a major reason many of the allied forces participate; because they do not have such capability at home.

"They are looking forward to the next RIMPAC training event because it brings their proficiency up as a real test of their capabilities," said Ron Sakoda, Sen. Daniel Inouye's Kauai field representative who embarked Stennis Feb. 16-17 as they made their way to Hawaii, to see, first-hand, the benefits of training.

"It was an experience second to none," said Sakoda, who observed flight operations as Stennis approached Hawaii. "The Sailors were very dedicated to their work and they bring our Navy to a higher level."

California Air Guard members go above and beyond to save lives

By Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge
California National Guard

FRESNO, Calif.  — Over the last several months multiple California Air National Guard members have been placed in scenarios - off duty - where their decisions and actions made the difference between losing a life and getting a second chance - here are their stories.

Saving a chief:

On Jan. 27, Airmen 1st Class Tod Miley and David Hutchason, both California Air National Guard members with the 144th Fighter Wing, were working at their civilian place of employment when they heard a car accident outside their building.

When they headed out to see what happened they saw a classic car crashed into a tree with an unresponsive elderly man slumped over in the front seat.

At that time, both airman acted instinctively and started administering self-aid and buddy care that they learned at the 144th FW.

Hutchason called 911 while Miley laid the driver on the front seat and began to initiate CPR. Hutchason stayed on the line with the 911 operator and was instructed to move the driver out of the car, while continuing chest compressions, and to lay him on the ground.

They continued to provide aid until paramedics arrived.

Miley says that he feel fortunate that he and Hutchason were around when the accident happened - because of their training.

“It was definitely being in the right place at the right time, we were there, did what we had to do and then walked away when the paramedics took over, he said. “We didn’t even know if he survived until much later when I received a call from someone at the 144th, telling us who this man was and that he had survived this accident.”

Unbeknownst to them, the man the two airmen had saved was retired Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence Pollastrini, who was on his way home from his civilian job at the 144th FW, when he suffered a heart attack.

“It was a huge relief finding out that what we did actually saved a life,” Hutchason said.

Pollastrini’s wife Kathy added that three cardiologists from the hospital had told her that he would not have survived the ordeal if Hutchason and Miley hadn’t responded the way they did.

A week after the accident Pollastrini told the young Airmen, “You guys did a good thing, my grandkids really appreciate it.”

Fast actions on vacation:

Just before Christmas 2011, another Airman from the 144th Maintenance Group was on vacation in San Diego, California. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Calhoun, an avionics specialist, was looking out at the bay and noticed something floating in the water.

Without hesitation, he leaped over the fence railing and headed for the water - yelling back at the crowd to call 911 as he entered the frigid water.

He swam approximately 40 yards to reach the individual and did an initial assessment of the victim.

“When I reached him, he was cold, blue and unresponsive. I grabbed him by his collar and pulled him back to shore,” Calhoun said.

Once they reached the shore, Calhoun assessed the situation and administered first-aid and buddy care to the victim.

“When I felt for a pulse, he spit up water and asked if he was in heaven,” Calhoun said.

He then treated the rescued man for hypothermia and shock by using sweatshirts from the on looking crowd and towels from the hotel pool.

The emergency medical service arrived on scene and transported the individual to a local hospital for further observation and treatment.

Calhoun credited his quick and calm reaction and self-aid and buddy care training, which he received as a member of the 144th FW and the Air National Guard, for knowing what to do in a life threatening situation.

Responding to the call:

Earlier in December 2011, Air Force Senior Airman Richard Sorondo, an Air Guard fire fighter with the 144th Civil Engineer Squadron and a full-time officer with the Fresno Police Department, was called to respond to an unresponsive victim.

Upon arriving to the dispatched residence, Sorondo was flagged down by a neighbor, Thomas Hite, and was directed to the incapacitated individual.

Apparently, the victim had fallen backwards off of his elevated porch on to the ground below where he remained until he was discovered by Hite.

After initial assessment, Sorondo determined that the individual required CPR, so he and Hite initiated the life saving technique until paramedics arrived.

Sorondo relied on the self-aid training instilled from the 144th FW and his police training to respond quickly and with appropriate action. The person whose life was saved is alive and well, thanks to the heroic actions of these two individuals.

USS Simpson Makes APS Port Visit in Ghana

By Lt. Cmdr. Suzanna Brugler, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

TEMA, Ghana (NNS) -- The flagship of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West 2012, USS Simpson (FFG 56), along with embarked staff, arrived in Tema, Ghana, Feb. 18 to begin their involvement with the APS 2012 Ghanaian hub.

The hub, taking place after a recent port visit to Nigeria, brings training designed to strengthen African maritime partnerships to improve maritime safety and security to more than 40 maritime professionals from the Ghanaian navy, as well as 10 ship riders from partner nations including Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Republic of Congo and Togo.

Simpson provides APS with a platform to give hands-on experience in a maritime working environment.

Simpson commanding officer, Cmdr. Leonard Milliken said the hub was an opportunity for him and his crew to build relationships, share knowledge with Ghanaian partners and show off their ship.

"The Simpson crew and I are excited about the opportunity of working with professionals from the Ghanaian navy," said Milliken. "It's an essential mission within our current maritime environment, bringing African solutions to global problems with international support."

Hub participants will attend courses on board Simpson in basic first aid and basic damage control. This training furthers APS objectives to strengthen maritime professionals and develop response capabilities while encouraging regional integration.

Milliken is scheduled to make office calls with senior leaders from Tema including Ghanaian navy base Command Operations Officer (COO), Cmdr. Emmanuel Kwafo; Tema Local Chief, Nii Adjei Kraku II; and Tema Mayor, the Honorable Robert Kempes Ofosuware.

Simpson Sailors will have the opportunity to partake in local cultural tours including a trip to nearby Akosombo, to embark on a day cruise on the world´s largest man-made lake, and to Kakum National Park, where they'll have the opportunity to look down on a rain forest from a canopy walk.

A friendly, unofficial soccer match with the Ghanaian navy is also scheduled for Simpson Sailors as an integral hub event, providing a means to enhance and enrich the APS training through fostering teamwork and camaraderie on the field and off.

The hub will end with a reception on board Simpson, co-hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, the Honorable Donald Teitelbaum, and Milliken.

Simpson will then depart Tema and participate in a scheduled passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Ghanaian navy ship Anzone, which will involve shipboard maneuvers out at sea, completing the hub´s APS training.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Simpson is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.

Alaska Air Guard members rescue head-on collision victims

Alaska National Guard Courtesy report

CAMP DENALI, Alaska — In a joint effort with the Coast Guard, the Alaska Air National Guard successfully rescued two injured men after their vehicles collided head-on Wednesday.

At 2:45 p.m. Alaska Standard Time Wednesday, the 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received a request for assistance from the Coast Guard in rescuing two 61-year-old men who had multiple life-threatening injuries, to include one with a fractured pelvis, said Air force Maj. Alex Lang.

At 3:42 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, an Alaska Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 210th Rescue Squadron and an HC-130 “King” aircraft from the 211th Rescue Squadron, both with “Guardian Angels” from the 212th Rescue Squadron on board, launched from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, tasked with transporting the victims from the Providence Seward Medical & Care Center to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

“We spoke with the doctors at the hospital in Seward, validating the need for immediate transport to Anchorage,” Lang said. “We were the only ones who had the capabilities to fly in the adverse weather at the time.”

According to the RCC, LifeMed Alaska launched its helicopter in an attempt to pick up the second patient but returned to base within the hour because of the white-out conditions.

“Our helicopters have more capabilities, to include two engines and air-refueling, that gives us the ability to fly confidently in more severe weather,” Lang said. “And because of that, we were able to successfully complete the mission.”

The Alaska Air National Guard was awarded two saves for the mission.

Dempsey Discusses U.S.-China Relations, Middle East Challenges

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The military’s strategic shift to the Pacific region provides an opportunity to improve U.S.-China relations, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

"In our re-strategy, we've taken a decision to rebalance ourselves toward the Pacific," Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said during an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. "I think this is more opportunity than liability to improve our relationship with China and I am personally committed to having that as the outcome rather than get into an arms race or into some kind of confrontation with China."

Dempsey also discussed security challenges in the Middle East and said Egypt may produce the first democracy borne out of the Arab Spring civilian uprising that began a year ago.

"I do think that the Arab Spring can produce a democracy and I'd be eager to see a competition of ideas actually play out," he said. "But I'm concerned because in some ways I think the competition of ideas may be somewhat stymied."

The chairman, who visited Egypt earlier this month, said he spoke with senior Egyptian leaders regarding the release of 19 Americans being held and how it could impact relations.

"I can tell you we came to a very clear understanding of how serious this is," he said. "And also a clear understanding that our relationship would be somewhat stalled until this particular issue is resolved.”

That said, Dempsey said he reinforced the importance of U.S.-Egyptian military relations. "I do believe that Egypt is, in many ways, a cornerstone of the future of the region in that if this Arab Spring is to have a positive outcome, I think we'll see it first in Egypt. The stakes are extraordinarily high and I made that clear."

Dempsey said he believes Egyptian military leaders are eager to cede power, although they maintain some vested interests. "I think that the various parties in Egypt are kind of circling each other trying to determine just what they intend to do," he said.

"My personal observation is I think that the military is actually eager to cede power because they've experienced how challenging it can be to, as they describe it, manage the street, manage the media, manage a judiciary."

Although the military has largely run the country for decades, Dempsey said, “they haven't been under the unblinking eye of the people in the media in this new world in which they find themselves."

Dempsey also discussed Israel's relationship with Iran and its potential to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability. "I think that Israel has the capability to strike Iran and delay the capability of Iran to achieve a nuclear weapons status probably for a couple of years," he said. "But some of the targets are probably beyond their reach, and of course that's what concerns them."

U.S. officials have told the Israelis that "it’s not prudent at this point to decide to attack Iran," Dempsey said. "That's been our counsel to our allies, the Israelis," he said. "We also know, or believe we know, that the Iranian regime has not decided that they will embark on the efforts to weaponize their nuclear capability."

"I'm confident that they understand our concerns," Dempsey said, "that a strike at this point would be destabilizing and wouldn't achieve their long-term objectives.” He added that he understands Israel’s unique national security challenges.

On a recent trip to Israel, Dempsey said, he had candid conversations with senior Israeli leaders.

Dempsey said he believes it would be premature to use the military option for Iran while diplomacy is effective. "I think that the economic sanctions and the international cooperation that we've been able to gather around sanctions is beginning to have an effect," he said. "I think that our diplomacy is having an effect, and our preparedness."

U.S. officials believe Iran is “a rational actor,” and as long as that is the case, Dempsey said, “we think the current path that we're on is the most prudent at this point."

President Obama's Milwaukee visit begins, ends at Wisconsin Air Guard base

By Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin
Wisconsin National Guard

MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing was part of a collaborative effort between government, law enforcement and military agencies supporting President Barack Obama's visit here Wednesday.

For three specific 128th Airmen - Air Force Col. Mike Mayo, 128th Vice Wing Commander; Air Force Senior Airman Justin Gruber, a KC-135R Stratotanker crew chief and Air Force Airman 1st Class Darla Tokarski, a cargo specialist for the 128th's Small Air Terminal - the day was particularly memorable. Each in their own way had direct contact with either the president or Air Force One.

Mayo, a 128th KC-135 Stratotanker command pilot and 25-year Air Force veteran, was struck by how apprehensive he didn't feel, and was perfectly comfortable when he greeted the president.

"It was a very comfortable atmosphere," Mayo said.

The president shook Mayo's hand twice, gave him his personal presidential coin and thanked Mayo for his service to our country. Looking back, Mayo said that walking up to Air Force One and greeting the president of the United States was special.

"It's one of those things [that are] kind of surreal," he said. "But it's an honor."

While Mayo's task was to welcome the president, Gruber was tasked to "chock" Air Force One - that is, place large and long blocks at the front and back of the aircraft's front wheel to keep the aircraft in place while it's parked on the ramp.

Gruber, who enlisted in the Wisconsin Air Guard in 2007, was mildly awestruck by the enormity of Air Force One and a presidential visit, yet he remained focused on doing his job well.

"Chocking an aircraft is chocking an aircraft. It's not a hard task, but you feel like you have to perform more," he said.

However, Gruber was acutely aware of the extra security presence and media attention. "I looked behind me and there's about 10 cameras, all eyes are looking at you," he said.

This wasn't the first time Gruber had chocked Air Force One, or interacted with the president - he'd twice previously met the president and shook his hand on both occasions - the significance of the day's events were not lost on the 24-year-old Airman.

"Looking out at that plane, and what it stands for, that's the real neat part about it," he said.

Tokarski has been in the Air Guard a mere 14 months and she's only been fully trained and certified on her job duties for seven months. Nonetheless, she was deemed by her supervisors to drive the stair truck to Air Force One.

Driving the stair truck at a slow pace towards the aircraft, she didn't take her eyes off the Air Force One staffer motioning to her with hand signals.

"They told me not to look at the plane, just keep your eyes on the crew chief," she said.

Once Tokarski had placed the stair truck next to Air Force One and she had the vehicle in position, only then did she allow herself a brief glimpse at the enormous Boeing 747 aircraft only a few feet away.

As she looked upwards at the jet and saw the oversized presidential seal on the side of the fuselage, she heard and felt a "tap-tap-tap-tap" above her head. A secret service agent at her side next to the stair truck leaned in and told her, "He's at your six."

"I looked in the mirror and, sure enough, he was right there," Tokarski said. "Most people don't get that close to the president. Had they told me, when I met with the recruiter, that I'd be doing this, it's too good to be true.

"It was a great day," she said.

PCU Mississippi Commanding Officer Visits Namesake State

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782) is visiting the submarine's namesake state Feb. 19-21 in preparation for the upcoming commissioning this summer.

"It's great to have another opportunity to visit the state of Mississippi and the Ole Miss NROTC unit. We continue to enjoy tremendous support from all around the state and particularly from our commissioning committee," said Capt. John McGrath.

During his visit, McGrath will meet with University of Mississippi and University of Memphis NROTC midshipman and their faculty; members of the Mississippi Commissioning Committee; Eastern Mississippi Business Council and the mayor of Pascagoula.

McGrath is conducting the namesake visit to draw awareness to the upcoming commissioning of the newest Virginia-class attack submarine, which will be commissioned in Pascagoula, June 2.

McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., leads a crew of about 140 officers and enlisted personnel. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007 and will be delivered this spring.

Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of maritime strategy, including sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

Face of Defense: Deployed Airman Sees Wife Become Officer

By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  – An Air Force couple put modern technology to work to help keep a military tradition alive during a ceremony here earlier this month.

Shortly after being commissioned as a second lieutenant, Donna Tluczek received her first salute from her husband, Tech. Sgt. Pawel Tluczek.

But because he's deployed more than 8,000 miles away in Southwest Asia, the salute was broadcast from a computer screen.

"I didn't think I would be this nervous, but now that this moment is here, I really am," Lt. Tluczek, a former staff sergeant, said. The commissioning ceremony was held at Air Force ROTC Detachment 610 headquarters inside the University of North Dakota Armory.

Military tradition dictates that an officer gives a silver dollar to the first enlisted member to offer a salute.

The lieutenant, a native of Lodge Pole, Neb., raised her hand to the web camera, showing her husband a shiny silver dollar.

"This is waiting for you when you get back," she said to her smiling husband, the NCO in charge of the 319th Logistical Readiness Squadron's special purpose shop.

"I'm severely proud of my wife," Tluczek said while tapping his chest with a closed right fist. "I miss the people [at Grand Forks Air Force Base], and I miss my wife's hugs."

The lieutenant was stationed as an enlisted member here for three years, and served as a radar maintenance and electronics specialist.

Lt. Tluczek was accepted into the Airman Education and Commissioning Program, which is now suspended, and spent more than two years years with the ROTC detachment. Under the program, she remained on active duty while attending school as a full-time student.

She graduated in December with a bachelor's degree in nursing, and staying true to the Air Force core value of "Excellence in all we do," she graduated with honors. She recently passed North Dakota's state boards test for nursing, solidifying her official status as a registered nurse.

"AECP provided a great avenue for me to commission, and although the program is currently suspended, I hope my story will encourage others to look at other opportunities and programs in becoming an officer," Tluczek said. "Yes, there will be challenges, but it's well worth it."

Her next stop is Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., later this month. She'll then have to complete the Air Force Nurse Transition Program at Scottsdale, Ariz.

Air Force Capt. Anthony Dremann, recruiting flight commander for Air Force ROTC Det. 610, lauded Tluczek for her hard work.

"It certainly has been a long and difficult road for her to get here," Dremann said. "Sergeant Tluczek showed high potential as a cadet, and there's no doubt in my mind she's going to do great."

As for Tluczek’s husband, he said he plans to be back in time to see his wife complete the nurse transition program and collect that silver dollar waiting for him back home.

NEXCOM Celebrates Black History Month

By Kathleen Martin, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va., hosted a diversity event Feb. 16 celebrating Black History Month.

The program highlighted the many contributions of African American women and African American history through storytelling, music and dance.

NEXCOM associates gathered to hear Crystal Hatton depict the evolution of African American women. She spoke of the pioneers in the nation's history, including Sojourner Truth and the many other significant contributors who played an important role in the evolutionary process.

"There are so many nameless and faceless women who didn't make the history books, but who had an incredible impact on the evolution of African American women," said Hatton. "Today we remember and celebrate our mothers, our sisters, our teachers, and many others who have had an incredible impact on history and our lives and we look forward to the continued journey."

The group also learned of the connection of historical West Africa to the religious expressions of African Americans through songs and music in during a presentation by Corey and LaQuita Marie Staten of Atumpan - The Talking Drums.

"Through history music and song, we can tell the history of African Americans through the years," said Corey Staten. "Griots, or African storytellers, have used music to tell their stories beginning with the African drum to blues to rap."

NEXCOM's CEO's Council for Diversity coordinated the event as part of its ongoing mission to promote and integrate diversity through the development of associates, mentoring and initiating outreach to our Navy community.

"Events like these provide an opportunity to learn and highlight how our differences make us stronger, more cohesive and more effective," said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, NEXCOM chief executive officer. "It is truly our diversity that makes us stronger as a command, as a Navy and as a nation."

Thailand: Guard members dedicate new school building they help build

Washington National Guard Courtesy report

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand -- Army National Guard Soldiers and members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces attended a dedication ceremony with members of the local community to commemorate a new school building here, Thursday.

Soldiers from the 176th Engineer Company, Washington Army National Guard, constructed the new building over the last few weeks, with their Royal Thai counterparts from the 2nd Development Division, Royal Thai Army, as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2012.

“No matter where in the world each of us is from, we all share a common desire: to ensure the quality of our children’s future,” said Army Maj. Gen. Gary Beard of U.S. Army Pacific.

The multipurpose building is slated to be used as a secondary school for the Ban Wang Nam Khiao School, and is one of six humanitarian action projects built during Exercise Cobra Gold.

“Our armies’ combined efforts to provide an appropriate venue for learning to prosper is a down-payment on the future, as these young students advance the United States – Thailand relationship into the next generation,” Beard said.

Beard said Exercise Cobra Gold is vital for increasing joint military cohesion in preparation for disaster response and other future missions in the region.

A medical civic action project was held in conjunction with the dedication ceremony.

Service members from the U.S. Navy’s 3rd Medical Battalion and the U.S. Army’s 65th Medical Brigade provided general medical and dental care along with pediatric and optometry services, alongside medical personnel from the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Service members from Japan, the Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Malaysia also provided medical care.

Cobra Gold 2012 is the thirty-first iteration of the joint, multinational exercise held to increase interoperability with participating nations and to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Cobra Gold 2012 is scheduled to conclude today.