Nigerian man serves his new country in the Missouri National Guard

By Jennifer Archdekin
Missouri National Guard

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (2/27/12) - The unique journey of one Missouri Guard member begins more than 6,500 miles away in Nigeria.

New recruit, Army Pvt. Precious Abraham, spent his first 22 years in Nigeria before coming to America to embark on a journey setting him up for success. In 2010 he left the only life he knew in Africa, along with his Family, in search of a better future.

“For me, to be an American citizen, it is a very great thing I have achieved,” Abraham said. “Everywhere I go in the world I know that I’m proud to be an American citizen. America is the best country, unlike my country where there is corruption and illegality down there.

“In the United States everything is so organized. I love to be a citizen of a country that is good,” he said.

Abraham came to Missouri to study nursing at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. It is there he met and married his wife, Margaret. She, too, is a foreign national who happens to be from Sierra Leone, about 1,400 miles from his home country. Margaret is a student at UCM and is slated to graduate with a biology degree this spring.

The huge transition did not come without sacrifice. Abraham had to give up his Nigerian citizenship, but does not regret the trade-off.

“Most people in Africa want the best,” he said. “The United States is the best, best in education, best in everything. I come to the United States for the best.”

Once in Missouri, Abraham began to consider what opportunities awaited him in the National Guard.

“I discussed joining with my parents and they approved of it because I told them all of the benefits, like paying for my school tuition,” Abraham said. “They believed in what I wanted to do.”

Serving in the military was always something Abraham had been interested in, but said he never had the right guidance to follow through with it.

“When I was young I was always passionate about joining the force,” he said. “I had nobody to encourage me or to push me through. When I came to the United States, the encouragement and the support was there. I was like, wow, this is a great opportunity for me to go ahead and join.”

Abraham’s recruiter, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jim Neighbors, met him through a referral. Neighbors was very impressed with the bright, young man, and his eagerness to serve. Once his training is complete, Abraham will be a cannon crewmember with Battery D, 1-129th Field Artillery in Independence.

“He’s really amazed at how together our country is—how organized the United States is and how cool it is,” Neighbors said. “He loves it here and wants to be a part of it. He has a different perspective on this than a lot of people. Delta Battery is excited to have him.”

It goes without saying Abraham may have more obstacles before him at basic training than most recruits, but Neighbors is confident he will do well. He said Abraham grew up bilingual and has always spoke English, so the language barrier should not be too difficult.

“I think the cultural differences will probably be the biggest hurdle,” Neighbors said.

The decision to serve as a citizen-Soldier wasn’t just for practical reasons - though what Abraham stands to gain is substantial - he also wants to give back to the country that is doing so much for him.

“When I enlisted I was very happy,” Abraham said. “I’m happy I’m supporting the U.S. government. It brings great joy to me.”

With the 2012 presidential election not too far off in the distance, Abraham anxiously awaits to have his voice heard and cast his ballot as a new citizen—one of the very liberties he now defends for all Americans. He cannot help but grin from ear to ear when talking about it.

“I will be very happy for me to vote,” he said. “I’ll be very, very happy.”

DOD and VA Secretaries Meet at Pentagon

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta welcomed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today to the Pentagon for the latest in a series of regular meetings the two secretaries have held on issues of common interest to both departments.

Today's session included discussions with disabled veterans, two of whom are now athletes with the United States Paralympic team, about their experiences as they left active service and transitioned to veterans’ status.  The paralympic athletes  told the two cabinet members how DoD and VA adaptive sports programs helped them in their recovery from their injuries and gave them new purpose in their lives after the military.

 “It is clear that there is a lot of good work being done to help our service members have the smoothest transition possible to veteran status and civilian life,” said Panetta.  “But there are still too many stories of programs that are poorly connected between our departments and that are time-consuming and plain confusing for our service members and veterans.”

“The vision Secretary Panetta and I share is to provide an integrated, seamless experience to our people across their lifetime -- from when they raise their hand to take the oath, to when they leave active service and join the veteran ranks, to when they are laid to rest with final honors,” said Shinseki.   “Over the past three years, VA and DoD have made significant progress, but more work remains.”

At today’s meeting, Panetta and Shinseki focused on five areas where the two departments have joined efforts on behalf of the nation's service members and veterans: the Disability Evaluation System, Electronic Health Records, transition programs, joint pharmacy initiatives, and recovery coordination for the wounded, ill, and injured.

The two secretaries were pleased with the status of the development of plans to implement the President's directive to develop a new model for the Transition Assistance Program to ensure that all service members are “career-ready” when they depart the military.  They also discussed the improvements to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) as a result of the $400 million recently added to the Defense Department budget over the next five years and VA’s commitment to increase the number of personnel in support of administering the system.  With more than 24,300 service members currently being evaluated for disability ratings through IDES, the secretaries stressed the importance they are attaching to additional personnel helping to shorten the time service members spend waiting for their ratings before they can complete their transition from active duty to veterans’ status.

Panetta and Shinseki also discussed steps forward on electronic health records, noting that the Interagency Program Office established by the two departments to provide leadership in building the joint integrated electronic health records system now has new leadership.

The secretaries were also updated on development of the graphical user interface program, reporting that doctors at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center at North Chicago can now view both VA and DoD patient records simultaneously on a single monitor.  The Lovell Center is a first-of-its-kind partnership between VA and DoD to provide integrated care to service members and veterans in the same facility and has been a testing ground for the departments’ efforts to deliver a fully integrated electronic health record for all service members and veterans.  

Panetta and Shinseki are expected to meet again this May in Chicago, to visit the Lovell Center and to review progress on deliverables the two departments have committed to achieve by the end of the year, including: a detailed implementation plan for the revised transition assistance program; spurring development of electronic transfer of patient files, to reduce both the processing and mailing costs incurred by paper transfer and disability evaluation processing times; and finalizing a contract for joint pharmacy capability at the Lovell Center.

Kosovo: Georgia Guard members, Kosovo soldiers remove northern roadblock

By Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class James Wagner
Vermont National Guard

JARINGE, Kosovo (2/27/12) -- Soldiers from Multinational Battle Group East - specifically Georgia National Guard members - and Kosovo forces cleared a roadblock at the most northern official crossing point between Kosovo and Serbia Feb. 17 to Feb.18, near here.

Gate 1 is the official crossing point between the two territories and is manned by customs and border management officials from the European Union Law Enforcement Mission. The roadblock was setup last year by Serbians protesting the Kosovo government, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.

Since September 2011, people traveling near the border crossing have relied on alternate crossing points between Kosovo and Serbia, which were not safe once weather conditions worsened, according to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joe Lynch, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard's 3rd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, who led the mission to clear the roadblock.

“Over the past several weeks, the weather conditions have made the bypasses that people of northern Kosovo have been using dangerous,” Lynch said. “KFOR is tasked to ensure freedom of movement for all people within the territory of Kosovo and the debris piles blocking the road were within the boundaries of Kosovo; so removing the debris blocking this roadway is part of our mandate.”

The importance of freedom of movement for all Kosovo residents, one of KFOR's responsibilities under United Nations Resolution 1244, was highlighted by the recent avalanches in southern Kosovo and throughout Europe, which has claimed the lives of many people in the region. Clear roads are an essential part of getting humanitarian and emergency response crews to any location that has seen a record level of snowfall this season.

The mission, directed by German Army Maj. Gen. Erhard Drews, KFOR commander, also sought to re-establish the administrative boundary line at the crossing point between Kosovo and Serbia. Coordinating with the Serbian armed forces, members of MNBG E's Joint Implementation Commission provided documentation showing the roadblock was located on Kosovo territory, not Serbian, and thus was KFOR's responsibility to remove.

The snowfall this winter prompted military planners to expect the roadblock removal mission to last several days. The weather the night before reinforced that perception, with several inches of snow blanketing the northern portion of Kosovo. Despite the newly-dropped snow, MNBG E officials were able to remove the debris and snow within hours when the next day dawned sunny and relatively warm.

Assisting MNBG E in removing the snow were members of KFOR's Swiss and Austrian contingents. Chainsaws and snow plows aided manpower to accomplish the mission.

According to military officials, there are currently 13 roadblocks in northern Kosovo, although only two of them completely block traffic. Most are one-lane checkpoints manned by local Kosovo Serbians to control traffic.

When MNBG E arrived late last year, there were more than 20 roadblocks, but the Gate 1 roadblock is the first the U.S.-led forces have had to physically remove.

“MNBG E has been successfully creating an environment within the north Kosovo region where the roadblocks are not needed,” Lynch said.

“There has been a great deal of dialogue between representatives of MNBG E, Joint Regional Detachment North [JRD N] and KFOR with local leaders, in order to get their cooperation in either removing the roadblocks completely or reducing their size,” he said.

Reception Prior to White House Dinner to Honor Veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn

Media are invited to a small reception with service members who will be attending the Feb. 29 White House dinner hosted by President and Mrs. Obama to express the nation’s gratitude to, and recognize the significant contributions of, the men and women in uniform who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation New Dawn, and the families who supported them.

The reception will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City, Va.  Media will be able to talk with service members from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29.  Following the reception, the service members will depart for the White House dinner.

PLEASE NOTE:  No interviews will be conducted at the White House.

Media who wish to attend the reception should RSVP no later than 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 28 by calling Nick Simeone at 703-614-8056.

For information about coverage of the event at the White House contact Tanya Bradsher at 202-456-9275/9271.

Service members who will attend come from across America; from diverse backgrounds, ranks, and from all services, including Guard and Reserve.  Most remain on active duty, while some are veterans.  These service members and family members represent more than a million Americans and their families who served and made personal sacrifices in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.  The names, ranks and home states of the participating service members can be obtained via the following Defense Department Press Release:  http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15081.

Panetta, Portuguese Defense Minister Discuss Common Challenges

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta met with Portuguese Defense Minister Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco here today to discuss a range of common challenges, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

 “Secretary Panetta thanked Minister Aguiar-Branco for Portugal's steadfast support in Afghanistan and other NATO missions,” Little added. “He also stressed Portugal's indispensible role as a strategic ally.”

The military leaders discussed enhancing and deepening the U.S.-Portuguese defense relationship, and Panetta confirmed that the United States will remain at Lajes Field in the Azores. The secretary said the United States will consult with Portugal on the modalities of the continued U.S. force posture at Lajes, the Little said.

“Secretary Panetta thanked Minister Aguiar-Branco for the warm hospitality U.S. troops have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy on Portuguese soil,” he added.

Looking forward, he said, Panetta and Aguiar-Branco will work together with other alliance defense leaders to prepare for the NATO Chicago summit in May, building on what was accomplished at the 2010 summit in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

Panetta and Aguiar-Branco directed their staffs to develop options for enhancing the U.S.-Portuguese defense relationship, Little said, and will follow up in April at a NATO meeting in Brussels. The defense leaders also agreed to have their staffs meet at bilateral political-military talks scheduled here for June, he said.

Wisconsin National Guard Airman part of White House tribute to Iraq vets

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

A member of the Wisconsin Air NationalGuard's 115th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron will be among the 78 service members attending Wednesday's (Feb. 29) White House dinner, hosted by President and Mrs. Obama, to express the nation's gratitude to - and recognize the significant contributions of - the men and women in uniform who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and or Operation New Dawn, and the families who supported them.

Tech. Sgt. Cristian Bennett, of Evansville, Wis., a fighter team leader who has served for nine and one-half years with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, will be one of nine National Guard members - and one of only three Air National Guard members - invited to the dinner.

Bennett said words were insufficient to describe how he felt about the invitation.

"There's no bigger honor than to be invited to the White House to have dinner with the president and his wife," he said. "Ultimately, it's about everybody who served in Iraq. I'm floored that I have the opportunity to represent them, the Wisconsin National Guard and the 115th Fighter Wing."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said he was proud Bennett was selected for this honor.

"I am pleased that he will represent the thousands of Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn," Dunbar said. "He represents the dedication and selfless service demonstrated every day by our men and women in uniform."

Dunbar was also grateful to the president and other national leaders for recognizing and honoring veterans of the war in Iraq.

"It's probably the most humbling experience I've ever had," Bennett said. "It's something I'll be able to tell my kids and my grandchildren about. It's one of the proudest moments of my military career - I can't think of anything that would top this."

Bennett served alongside Airmen from other Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units in charge of the Iraqi Police Academy at the Mosul Public Service Academy from December 2005 through June 2006.

"More than anything, you really learn how to trust one another," Bennett said of the deployment. "You really learn how to come together as a team. It taught me leadership and how to effectively convey messages."

The service members invited to attend the White House dinner come from across America, from diverse backgrounds and ranks, and from all branches of service. They and their families represent more than one million Americans and their families who served and made personal sacrifices in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and the chiefs of the five services and National Guard and Reserve will also attend the dinner.

First Lady Urges Governors to Aid Spouse Employment

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2012 – First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, today urged the nation’s governors to remove employment barriers for military spouses with professional licenses.

 “What we are asking is for a level playing field,” the first lady said during the National Governors Association’s winter meeting at the White House. “We … want to make sure that these spouses have a fair shot to pursue their careers and support their families.”

Speaking to the governors and their spouses, Obama and Biden explained that the lack of license portability -- the ability to transfer an existing license to a new state with minimal application requirements -- is the No. 1 frustration they hear from military spouses.

More than one in every three spouses -- or 35 percent of military spouses in the workforce -- has a job that requires a professional license or certification. Frequent military moves and varying and lengthy state licensure requirements combine to create ongoing employment headaches for job-seeking spouses, Obama noted.

“More than 100,000 military spouses are affected by this maze of credentialing and requirements – 100,000 men and women,” she said.

The first lady cited Army wife and nurse Kelly Crowley, also an expectant mother, as an example. Crowley, she explained, has moved three times in four years of marriage. And in each new state, she takes on the lengthy and expensive process of applying for a license.

“She estimates that the constant moves have cost her about six months of paychecks,” Obama said. “Six months of paychecks from a woman who wants to work, a woman serving our country.

“And the whole process can be so cumbersome that she’s not even sure that she’s going to go through it again for her family’s next assignment,” she added. “She’s ready to walk away from her career, because the burdens are so great.”

This is a frustration not only for nurses, the first lady said, but also for teachers, child care providers, accountants, real estate brokers, dental hygienists, social workers and thousands of other spouses in careers that require licenses. “And the vast majority of these spouses are clearly qualified,” she noted.

Obama assured the governors this effort isn’t intended to lower professional standards or to set a lower bar for military spouses. They just want an equal shot at employment, she said.

“That’s where all of you come in,” she told the governors. “Each of you has a unique opportunity to make a real difference for these families that have given all of us so much.”

The first lady recognized the efforts of state officials who already have stepped up to help, noting a dozen governors have signed legislation to fix military spouses’ licensing issues.

These officials have come up with their own creative solutions, she said. Some are granting temporary licenses so spouses can work while they fulfill state requirements. Others have given state licensing boards or agencies increased flexibility to grant licenses to spouses who can clearly demonstrate their competence. And still others are granting licenses to spouses upon application pending documentation verification.

Some states are working on legislation, Obama noted, citing states – including California, Louisiana, Illinois and Wyoming -- that have introduced bills in the past two weeks.

Still, she added, “roughly half of the country still hasn’t taken this issue on.”

Obama said officials have set “an ambitious, but achievable” goal: By 2014, they want to see all 50 states pass legislation to address licensing issues. This goal is a priority for the nation’s top leaders, she added, including the president, vice president, defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“But the people who have the biggest impact are right here in this room,” she told the governors and their spouses.

Obama encouraged them to refer to the new spouse employment report, produced by the Defense and Treasury departments, for tips and best practices. Alongside senior defense officials, Obama and Biden unveiled this report Feb. 16 to offer states a roadmap they can use to streamline or expedite licensing procedures.

As several governors paged through this report, Obama also noted the presence of DOD state liaisons at the meeting to help governors craft legislation.

The first lady said she and Biden will continue to shine a light on this issue through their Joining Forces initiative, a national campaign intended to rally support for troops, veterans and their families.

In their Joining Forces travels, they’ve already seen an outpouring of support for troops and their families, Biden noted.

“Americans are stepping up because they appreciate how much our military spouses and families do for our country every day,” she said. “What we have seen since launching Joining Forces has been truly gratifying, because it has shown our military families that all of us appreciate their sacrifices on their behalf.”

Taking on the spouse licensure issue is a perfect way to honor these families, the first lady noted. “If we fix this, we don't just support our military spouses as they advance in their careers, which is important, but we’ll also be supporting their families who really depend on these incomes,” she said.

Military families do so much for their nation, yet ask very little in return, Obama said. “When they call on us, we have a solemn obligation to answer that call,” she added.

“In two years, what I hope we are able to say -- we can look these men and women in the eye and say, ‘We heard you and we acted,’” she said. “We all stepped up as a nation to make it happen.”

USS Germantown Builds Relationship with Thai School

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raul Moreno Jr., Commander Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

LAEM CHABANG, Kingdom of Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) participated in a community service (COMSERV) project at a local school, Feb. 23, during a scheduled port visit to Laem Chabang.

Twenty Sailors visited Ban Ronghip School to interact with local children and deliver school supplies and sporting goods such as soccer balls, volleyballs, and badminton equipment.

Germantown Chaplain Lt. j.g. Robert Hecox said the project was a great way for Sailors to lend a helping hand, meet locals, and experience the culture.

"In a big way, our COMSERV helped communicate to the Thai people of this area our commitment to their recovery after the flooding that happened last year," said Hecox. "7th Fleet had committed that we would be back to give help and give resources, and this is just one element of keeping that promise."

The Sailors who participated in the event read books, played soccer, volleyball, and played singing games like "Ring Around the Rosie," and "London Bridge is Falling Down."

The Thai children and the Sailors equally shared in the enjoyment of the visit. Quartermaster Seaman Aldannuvia Domiguez left no doubt as to whether she would participate in another community service project.

"My personal experience at the COMSERV was just breathtaking," said Dominguez. "I absolutely loved it."

Dominguez worked at a children's hospital before joining the Navy, and the COMSERV reminded her of being home.

"To be able to bring joy to somebody just makes me feel really good, and when you do it purely and from the heart, they see it ten times more," said Dominguez.

Germantown, with embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently underway after participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2012, an annual Thai-U.S. co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise designed to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with participating nations.

Germantown, commanded by Cmdr. Carol McKenzie, was commissioned Feb. 8, 1986 and is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines.

Face of Defense: Grandmother Inspires Soldier to Volunteer

By Army Capt. Marvin J. Baker
120th Infantry Brigade, Division West

FORT HOOD, Texas, Feb. 27, 2012 – When Army Captain Latoya James of the 120th Infantry Brigade received the Volunteer of the Quarter award during a Feb. 16 ceremony here, it was a family affair.

James’ mother and grandmother were at the ceremony, and so was her 5-month-old daughter.

“My mother and grandmother are the most giving people I know. It means a lot to me that they are all here,” James said. “I want to teach my daughter that when you give you are blessed, and you can bless others.”

James said her grandmother, who still volunteers regularly, inspired her to give back.

“When I was 8 years old, my grandmother loaded up her car … near Thanksgiving time with [dinners] of spaghetti, corn, bread and salad. Then she took me to the Salvation Army shelter in Fort Worth, Texas, where we served meals to people in a line that seemed to go forever,” James said.

“From that point on, I was inspired,” she added. “I saw the expressions on their faces and said to myself, ‘When I get old enough, I will follow in my grandmother’s footsteps and help others.’”

Over the past several years, James has traveled to the Fort Worth Salvation Army at least annually to serve meals, but now spends much of her volunteer time with the Central Texas Youth Service Option House in Killeen, Texas.

“I was afraid the first time to go to the shelter, but I learned that people aren’t born homeless,” she said. “When I put myself in their shoes, it helps me see that they are no different than I am. I think to myself, ‘That could be me.’ I would want someone to help me if they could.”

The Hood Hero awards ceremony recognizes Fort Hood soldiers, civilians and organizations for their volunteerism.

U.S., ROK Sailors Join Forces To Bestow Goodwill

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timmy Wakefield, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Sixty Sailors from USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), U.S. 7th Fleet flagship; embarked 7th Fleet staff; and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy came together as one team participating in a community service (COMSERV) project at a children's home during a scheduled port visit to Busan, Republic of Korea, Feb. 25

Blue Ridge Chaplain Lt. Donald Baker coordinated the visit with Hee-Rak-Won Children's Home Director Park Hyo-il, and ROK Navy liaison, Kim Jong-Soon. This community service event was established to strengthen the friendship of both militaries and the children's home while bringing happiness to the children.

Hyo-il said that the children enjoyed the interaction with U.S. Navy Sailors because of the interesting and unique opportunity presented to them. This event builds on the United States' partnership with the Republic of Korea and its people.

The children performed drum cadences and played games with Sailors from both nations. Sailors also helped clean up the outside of the children's home.

Despite the fact participants were challenged with a language barrier, the event was still a memorable experience for those involved. Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Amy Kellans said that friendship was the universal bond that linked the Sailors and school children.

For Yeoman Third Class Jesse Welsh, the experience was more than volunteering his time for the children.

"After visiting with the children and realizing how little they have, it helped me put my life into perspective," said Welsh. "It's amazing to realize how we impacted the children positively with our presence."

Blue Ridge is under the command of Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Grieco and is the flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Blue Ridge is under the purview of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Scott Swift and Commander, Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Scott Jones.

100,000 Jobs Mission Hiring Event Gives Veterans Opportunities

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shannon Burns, Defense Media Activity

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Military veterans had the opportunity to meet with more than 25 employers during the first "100,000 Jobs Mission Hiring" event at Naval Support Activity-Bethesda (NSAB), in Bethesda, Md., Feb. 25.

The event, hosted by Naval District Washington (NDW) Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), attracted more than 1,000 veterans and military family members. The event supported First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" initiative, which recognizes the continued need to serve our nation's veteran's and military families.

The First Lady and Dr. Biden have been leading White House efforts to reduce veteran and military spouse unemployment with America's private sector in response to a Presidential challenge to hire or train 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013.

In the same spirit, 10 employers launched the 100,000 Jobs Mission in March 2011. The coalition has since grown to 29 member companies who collectively hired more than 6,600 veterans under this program last year. Working in conjunction with the NDW's FFSC, this hiring event connects the two endeavors in a more powerful and efficient effort that has one goal: to hire our nation's veterans and military spouses.

"This coalition, the 100,000 jobs mission, is really about hiring veterans. We're serious about hiring veterans," said Eddie Dunn, senior vice president of JP Morgan Chase's Veteran's Affairs Team. "The unemployment rate of the post-9/11 veterans is well above the national average. We have a national issue that needs to be addressed, and I think this coalition is doing that."

This event gives not only veterans the opportunity to find lasting careers but employers the opportunity to hire veterans with needed skills.

"What's terrific about this event is that it is win-win," said Capt. Frederick (Fritz) Kass, commanding officer Naval Support Activity, Bethesda. "Veterans who are looking for a job can come here and meet with over 20 organizations, and the organizations are very excited to be here because what they look for in an employee is what the military veterans bring to the table.

Companies who participated in the event said that the veterans work ethic is the kind they look for in their employees.

"Veterans by their very nature have certain attributes and value systems that are very attractive to any employer," Dunn said. "They bring team skills, leadership experience, managerial skill, and all kinds of skill sets that are very valuable.

The event had a diverse mixture of companies who are looking for employees with the skills that military veterans posses."

"The work ethic that veterans have transcends all jobs," said Deborah D'Attilio, Enterprise Holding Group Human resources manager. "They are team-oriented, hard working and have excellent leadership skills.

Veterans who attended the event were given the opportunity to be hired on the spot as well as the chance to receive job offers.

"I came here today because I am getting out of the Navy, and I wanted to look and see what kinds of careers are out there," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class William Book. "I have one job offer from JP Morgan Chase as a mortgage manager as well as several companies who will be contacting me after this event."

Military members who have plans to get out of the military should start planning now, advised Book.

"If your time in the military is almost over, don't wait to start planning, even if your still a year or two out," said Book. "Job offers will come through networking, not email and submitting applications alone. You have to meet these people, get your face known, get your name known."

Coast Guard Commandant Details Arctic Security Issues

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – At a recent conference, a Defense Department participant said the Arctic doesn’t represent a security threat for at least the next decade, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. said last week.

“The Coast Guard has … a much wider aperture,” he added.

Papp told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service that the Arctic has economic, energy and environmental implications for national security.

Coast Guard missions there are increasing because Shell Oil Co. has permits to drill in Alaska's Chukchi and Beaufort seas beginning this summer, he said.

Shell will move 33 ships and 500 people to Alaska’s North Slope, and will helicopter some 250 people a week to drilling platforms, the admiral said. That activity has the potential to increase Coast Guard workloads in pollution and environmental response, as well as in search and rescue, he noted.

The Coast Guard will have to station responders in the North Slope, which it hasn’t done throughout its 150-year presence in Alaska, Papp said. Since 1867, he added, Coast Guard cutters have been based in southern Alaska to protect fisheries and marine mammals, give medical assistance to native populations and rescue whalers. The North Slope is new territory for the Coast Guard, with most of the service’s Alaska infrastructure some 800 miles away.

“We’ll take one of our brand-new national security cutters … as the Shell fleet proceeds up there to start their activities,” the admiral said. That cutter will serve as a movable operations center, with worldwide communications, a two-helicopter flight deck and three boats that can launch boarding teams, Papp said.

“For the last four years, we’ve actually been deploying forces up there on a temporary basis to experiment with our equipment [and] see what works up there,” the commandant said. “We will learn lessons … as drilling starts up there, but right now, I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to cover it.”

Climate trends also indicate new missions for the Coast Guard, as former “hard water” ice zones become “soft water” operation areas. The admiral said during one of his early assignments near the Bering Sea, some 36 years ago, a particular location was completely iced in. Two years ago, on a visit to the same place, he said, “there was no ice to be seen.”

In Alaska, fish stock and human activity is moving north as ice recedes, Papp said. But the extreme cold still poses equipment and other challenges for Coast Guard operations, as the Coast Guard’s North Slope experiments proved.

Papp identified two challenges Arctic operations pose: the environment and the infrastructure. With no deep-water ports, inlets for piers or asphalt ramps for boat trailers, “we had to come up with different operating procedures,” he said. And then there’s the fact aviation fuel turns to jelly in extreme cold.

“You don’t want that to happen when you’re flying at 500 feet,” the commandant noted. “We never had heaters for our fuel tanks, because we didn’t need to. So these are little lessons that we learned … that will help us to improve our operations.”

Turning to infrastructure, Papp said the Coast Guard has good command-and-control capabilities linking mariners and shore-based stations throughout U.S. coastal areas. The North Slope is an exception, and when it comes to piers for ships, barracks for service members and hangars for aircraft, Papp added, “there’s none of that infrastructure up there.”

Ships can provide a bridging strategy for North Slope operations, but long-term operations will require investing in shore-based facilities, Papp said.

“I’m going to identify the needs, and I’m going to talk about them,” he added.

USS Ronald Reagan Sailor Dies in Vehicle Accident

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- A Sailor from the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) died Feb. 24 as a result of a vehicle accident on State Route 16 in Kitsap County, Wash.

Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Roger Hartley, 25, of the ship's Air Department was pronounced dead at Harrison Memorial Hospital at 6:56 a.m. following the accident.

Hartley had served as an electrician's mate on board since reporting in Jul. 2010. Hartley achieved his Enlisted Surface and Aviation Warfare pins on Ronald Reagan's most recent deployment.

During that deployment, Reagan conducted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief off the coast of Sendai, Japan following the Mar. 11 earthquake and tsunami. Additionally, Reagan provided direct action in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

"It's a tragedy whenever we lose one of our shipmates and everyone on board is affected," said Cmdr. Kevin Lenox, Reagan's executive officer. "Hartley was a stellar Sailor and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time."

For more information, news media representatives may contact Ensign David Carter, Ronald Reagan Public Affairs Officer at 619-301-5685.

Commandant: Coast Guard’s Wide-ranging Mission Set Increasing

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – If something touches the nation’s waters, the “multi-mission” Coast Guard probably has some responsibility for it, according to that service’s only four-star officer.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service the complex mission set has evolved over the service’s 221-year history, since Congress in 1790 authorized the building of 10 vessels to enforce federal tariff laws and prevent smuggling.

“We were the maritime force of the nation when the nation couldn’t afford a Navy,” Papp said, noting the Coast Guard predates the Navy by four years. Over time, he added, the Coast Guard has amassed a wide range of responsibilities: stopping drugs, saving lives, screening and inspecting vessels, maintaining aids to navigation, enforcing fisheries laws and pollution standards, and even searching foreign ports for sources of harm to the United States.

The admiral said he sums up the service’s 11 statutory missions this way: “We protect those who use the sea, we protect the nation against threats from the sea, and we protect the sea itself.”

The admiral said to meet those missions, a “good Coastie” needs specific qualities, some of which – such as patriotism and selfless service -- are common to service members of all branches. The defining characteristic for Coast Guardsmen, he added, is a love and understanding of the sea in its turbulent moods.

“You have to understand that everything that occurs on the ocean … is multiplied in terms of difficulty, particularly when you’re doing it at night or in the midst of a storm,” Papp said. “And that’s when the Coast Guard gets its work done.”

Looping back to the mission mix, the commandant said adaptability is the other Coast Guard essential.

“Rather than be able to focus just on defense, or just on law enforcement, a Coast Guardsman’s got to be versatile … and have some level of knowledge and competency in a broad range of activities,” he explained.

The admiral noted a Coast Guard cutter crew’s January rescue of six Iranian mariners in waters off Iraq highlights one of the service’s lesser-known efforts.

“A lot of people say, ‘You’re the Coast Guard; what are you doing over there?’” he noted. “[But] it’s not just U.S. coasts. There are a lot of coasts around the world … [and] we offer the United States options in terms of national security.”

Papp said most people don’t realize the Coast Guard has operated in the northern Arabian Gulf for nine years, filling “a niche capability for the Department of Defense that Central Command needed.”

Iraq has offshore oil platforms that produce 90 percent of the country’s wealth, but a territorial dispute between Iraq and Iran means those platforms are under constant threat, he explained. Coast Guard patrol boats, along with Navy patrol craft, provide security for those platforms under command of the Coast Guard’s Patrol Forces for Southwest Asia, he said.

“That’s just one example of Coast Guard people overseas,” he said.

The Coast Guard pushes the boundaries of the United States’ maritime security, the commandant said, because port security begins where ships that end up in U.S. ports start out -- places like Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Papp said since 9/11, the Coast Guard –- as the nation’s representative to the United Nations International Maritime Organization -- has pushed for treaties to help in increasing America’s port security.

“We now are able to send inspectors overseas to verify the security procedures in the ports of countries that wish to trade with the United States,” he said. That effort involves a couple of dozen U.S.-based traveling inspectors and small Coast Guard commands, each also about two dozen strong, in Europe and the Far East.

“That is really what I view as a low-cost effort … to help provide security,” Papp said.

U.S. ports are the other end of the Coast Guard’s layered port security.

“We’ve done a great job over the last 10 years in restoring and rebuilding our boat fleet in the ports, repopulating our Coast Guard stations and sectors, and creating something we call deployable specialized forces … which are basically [special weapons and tactics] teams afloat,” he said.

Papp said he worries about maritime security’s “middle layer” -- vast expanses of ocean.

“Our country needs to have a persistent presence to intercept any identified threats that might be coming toward the United States,” he said. “That’s really our weak point right now.”

High-endurance ships that can stay on station and survive the weather are critical to that middle range, he said, and the large Coast Guard cutters built to provide that presence are now more than 40 years old.

“They’re falling apart, they’re very expensive to maintain, and we need to be about the process of getting those rebuilt,” Papp said.

The constricting federal budget will make that “very difficult,” he acknowledged.

“We’ve always liked to consider ourselves a lean and agile force,” the commandant said. “But … because people keep pushing responsibilities to [us,] [we] end up doing more with less, which is something that’s cursed us over the years.”

The Coast Guard’s increased missions are within the service’s capabilities, but not its funding, Papp said.

“Unless somebody’s going to infuse massive amounts of money into the Coast Guard budget, we can’t handle this on our own,” the admiral said. “We’ll do the best we can with the resources we have, and I will identify the resources that are needed for our country, but then we’ve got to come up with an all-of-government solution.”

The Coast Guard has worked hard since 9/11 to build its uniformed strength back to what it was in 1990, Papp said. “But we’ve taken on a whole lot more responsibilities over the last 10 years as well,” he added.

Fleet Survey Team Completes Mission in Colombia

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

CARTAGENA, Colombia (NNS) -- The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) Fleet Survey Team (FST) completed survey operations in the coastal waters of Cartagena, Colombia Feb. 23.

The FST surveys of Cartagena Bay was part of Oceanographic-Southern Partnership Station 2012 (O-SPS 12) and provided an opportunity to assist Colombia in surveying the area including the Magdalena River in Barranquilla.

"The Colombian Navy requested our assistance to map their coastal waters as their survey vessel had been undergoing extensive repairs," said Lt. Keith Plavnick, FST officer in charge. "The hydrographers of the Colombian Navy's Centro de Investigaciones Oceanograpficas e Hidrograficas (CIOH) were very enthusiastic and helpful in our survey operations. We had at least two Colombian Naval Hydrographers on board each day participating as equal partners during the daily subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) by operating our systems and deploying our sensors from aboard our vessel."

Every aspect of survey missions serve as a form of SMEE, where host nations are encouraged to participate in the mission by working alongside the FST and assisting with handling sensitive equipment and collecting data.

"In Colombia's case, the survey team provided a group of expeditionary surveyors with Expeditionary Survey Vessels (ESV) for the express purpose of a SMEE event during O-SPS 12," said Plavnick. "At the conclusion of the FST surveys, we provide a copy of all the collected data to the host nation and we discuss not only our techniques, but theirs as well during daily operations."

The FST utilized a 10 meter SeaArk survey boat that was transported to Colombia on a U.S. Navy C-130 cargo aircraft. The vessel is equipped with multiple types of depth sounding equipment, to include a Reson 7125 Multi-beam SONAR, ODOM CV200 Single-beam SONAR, Klein 3000 Side Scan SONAR, and an Edgetech 4125 Side Scan SONAR. Additionally, four Insitu Level Troll 700 Tide gauges were installed to measure the tides while conducting the survey operations.

"It is very important to use the correct equipment for our surveys," said Plavnick. "We conduct two main types of surveys; a safety of navigation survey, and an expeditionary survey. The equipment we use during the navigation surveys ensures accurate data is used for updating nautical charts of the survey areas, while the expeditionary surveys are used in identifying obstructions in a channel or harbor after a natural disaster, such as an earthquake."

Once collected, the data is processed at the Stennis Space Center, which is then sent to the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency to update the nautical charts for the areas just surveyed. The host nations receive a copy of the final dataset, which allows them to include the updated information in their charts.

The FST has a diverse workforce maintaining four boat divisions, capable in both safety of navigation and expeditionary surveying. In addition, they maintain emergency fly-away kits for Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response (HADR) purposes both within the U.S. and internationally, when needed.

"Our safety of navigation survey team during the Colombian survey consisted of three enlisted, two officers and three civilians," said Plavnick. "The expeditionary survey SMEE team consisted of three enlisted and one officer. Our surveys within the theaters of operations not only help the host nations and keep our skills fresh, but it also helps prepare the theaters on how to use our capabilities easily when disaster hits."

The FST conducts about 14 surveys a year around the world. The team uses the Chief of Naval Operations' priority Oceanographic, Hydrographic and Bathymetric (OHB) list, and requests from component commanders like U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSO) to determine where and when they will conduct their surveys. The surveys aid in the safe navigation of military and civilian vessels traversing the area.

NAVOCEANO, part of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, collects and analyzes global ocean and littoral data to provide specialized, operationally significant products and services for military and civilian, national and international customers.

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. Navy ships to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with partner nation service members and civilians in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Wisconsin Guard members recognized for public affairs work

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Public affairs professionals in the Wisconsin National Guard garnered nine top awards, including five first-place awards, in the National Guard Bureau's 2011 Media Contest.

At Ease Express, the official publication of the Wisconsin National Guard, was named the National Guard's best web-based publication for the second straight year. In 2009 it took second place at the National Guard level, but advanced to take first place in the Army and Department of Defense competitions.

WisGuard Live, a command blog which launched in 2011, also took first place. Sgt. Tyler Lasure of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, took first place for his story on two Wisconsin Guard members who competed in the Boston Marathon. Tech. Sgt. James Michaels of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office was named "Outstanding New Broadcaster" in the Air National Guard, and also earned a first place for his television sports report on Capt. Jason Parks.

Tech. Sgt. Sarah Franzen of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office received a second place award for a video segment in the "I Am the Wisconsin National Guard" series. 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson took second place for a story and photo from the 2011 Rhythm and Booms celebration.

Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office received a third place award for his WisGuard Live blog commentary on motorcycle safety. Tech. Sgt. Tom Sobczyk of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office also took third place for graphics illustration with a Red Ribbon poster.

"I couldn't be prouder of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs team," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "They have led the transition to the digital age while preserving a legacy of excellence in media professionalism."

The National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office received more than 800 entries from 44 states. Top finishers will advance to the Army and Air Force level contests.

Competition, Dedication Drives Battle "E" Brothers

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW)Joshua Horton, USS George W. Bush

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The San Diego-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Norfolk, Va.-based USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) were selected for the Navy's Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") honor Feb. 10.

The Battle "E" is awarded annually to the small number of U.S. Navy ships that win their battle effectiveness competition. The Battle "E" is designed to measure and recognize a command's sustained superior performance and battle efficiency in an operational environment through the calendar year.

And on the two ships - separated by the length of the United States - serve two lifelong friends, each a winner in the competition.

Carl Vinson's Culinary Specialist (CS) Seaman Phillip Collins, assigned to Supply Department's S-2 division, grew up with Bush's Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) Airman Ryan Cowan, assigned to Weapons Department's G-1 division, in their hometown of Los Angeles. Though not related by blood, the "godbrothers'" relationship runs deep throughout the years spent together.

"We grew up together, went to all four years of high school together, and our parents are really good friends," Collins said. "I've known him all my life."

Throughout their lives, the spirit of competition has and will always be a key element in their relationship.

"We're always competing with each other," said Cowan. "Whether it's sports, video games, or professional accomplishments, we're constantly trying to out-do the other."

In high school, the brothers' thoughts turned to the future. Both were determined to join the Navy together as hospital corpsmen (HM). Collins elected to go to college first, while Cowan chose to join the Navy immediately.

"At the time he joined, he wanted to leave immediately. But HM wasn't open, and AO was, so he took that," Collins said. "When I finally decided to go about a year later, CS was open, and I didn't want to wait to be an AO or HM."

Their families' reaction to the brothers' decision was initially of concern.

"They wanted both of us to go to college. They were kind of scared, they didn't want us to get hurt or anything like that," Collins said. "But now they're very proud of us."

Collins reported to Carl Vinson September 2010, and contributed to the effort in Supply Department's earning the highest recorded score of 99.3 for the ship's Supply Management Inspection three months later. The inspection was worth 40 of 100 points for the "Blue 'E'" Battle "E" departmental award.

Although the distance separating them is great, both Collins and Cowan make it a priority to communicate with one another on a regular basis.

"We send emails regularly to stay in touch, but anytime I have an opportunity to travel back to California, we get together," said Cowan.

It's through those e-mails and occasional vacation time, that they keep their competitive streak alive, incorporating the achievement of professional goals.

"We battle about warfare pins. I'm working on my surface pin, and he's working on his air pin. I'm winning right now, because I'm about to take my murder board," Collins said.

For Collins, the Battle "E" represents a personal and professional point of pride and a well-deserved acknowledgement for Vinson's back-to-back combat deployments.

"It's a great accomplishment. I'm proud of my chain of command, my ship. It's pretty cool. We worked really hard these two deployments. We haven't been home a lot, and we're being recognized for those sacrifices," he said.

Cowan said that for him, the Battle "E" is a culmination of the hard work and sacrifice that he and so many others put in during deployment.

"This award reflects the dedication to success that we have on board the ship," said Cowan. "Our Weapons Department worked really hard for this, and I'm happy to be a part of something special."