Therapist Uses Art to Help Troops Heal

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

BETHESDA, Md., March 8, 2012 – An art therapist is using the power of creativity to help service members heal from traumatic brain injuries and psychological health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Melissa Walker designed the Healing Arts Program at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence on the campus of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here. She is the program’s sole art therapist, and also serves as its coordinator. The program aims to help the recovering service members find a creative haven where their buried post-war thoughts and emotions can come to the surface through art and therapy.

With gentle encouragement from Walker, active-duty troops create their way to healing. By working on their art projects in a personal manner, they confront the circumstances of their injuries and begin to overcome the uncertainty they might feel, she said.

“What’s bothering them runs the gamut of that moment in time: … the frozen trauma, the frozen memory. They can’t seem to shake what they’ve internalized,” Walker said.

The center provides treatment, recovery, rehabilitation and, sometimes, reintegration to active duty for service members who have psychological health issues and traumatic brain injury. All have mild to moderate post-traumatic stress disorder, and most also have had some kind of head injury from exposure to a blast injury or fall, Walker said.

When these service members come to the center, they’re often in a confused place, and some experience a loss of identity. Those who want to return to duty have a difficult time because they’re passionate about their jobs, and those who will rejoin the civilian world wonder what they’ll face, she said.

“They need to realize, ‘It’s time to take care of myself,’” she said.

Art therapy is one element of the center’s interdisciplinary treatment. Walker, who designed the Healing Arts Program when the center opened two years ago, said creating art slows down the brain so people can focus and improve their cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination.

Walker’s interest in the effects of war on troops stems from childhood memories of her grandfather returning from military service in Korea with what she now believes was post-traumatic stress. But, she said, “there wasn’t a name for it then.” White House, Defense Department and Veterans Affairs officials have made traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress treatment and prevention a top priority during the past decade of war.

Walker begins her treatment by meeting the service members one-on-one so she can get to know them and their goals while they are at the center. This also helps her meet the art therapy needs of each small group of about five people, she said. She has the service members design a mask, a montage and a postcard in any design with any materials they want, from magazine clippings to beads and paint. Most of their artistic creations, she said, reflect their inner thoughts concerning deployment, their injuries, various war experiences, and their futures.

Since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, military officials have recognized family members’ needs for support, and Walker’s Healing Arts Program is no exception. One night a week, family members come to Walker’s family class to do the same projects as the service members, to give this group of caregivers a break and a chance to “breathe,” Walker said.

Service members’ mask designs vary, she said, recalling a service member who divided his mask into the halves of two faces, depicting how he saw himself as both a civilian and a member of the military. The split-self has to do with identity, she said. Some who still have war images in their minds might design a scene of the injuries they and their fellow troops suffered.

The groups discuss their mask creations and what they mean. Walker said these discussions bring up personal and symbolic experiences. Sharing and discussing artwork establishes a sense of community and bonding with one another, which is particularly helpful to those with post-traumatic stress who tend to isolate themselves and don’t trust others, she said.

“Some feel a lot has been lifted off their shoulders,” she said of the group discussions. “Some will share things they never have before and feel validated. They realize they aren’t alone.”

Walker said the service members with psychological health issues and traumatic brain injury have “layers and layers of complications.” In a similar manner, the montages they design often reflect the past, present and future of who they are, which helps them clarify their sense of self, Walker said.

The art therapist described the montage of another student who created a representation of himself in three stages: gradually coming from the dark side of war, opening a door labeled “NICoE,” and stepping into brightness to depict healing, she said.

Walker’s goal at the final week’s commencement is to leave each

service member in “a forward-thinking mode,” by asking them to design a postcard with a “positive” hand-scribed note for one of the center’s recent graduates.

“One wrote, ‘Remember what you learned here,’” she said.

Walker said she is confident future studies will bear positive results of art therapy for those with PTSD and TBI. For now, she added, she stands determined to help people confront and cope with their wounds by expression through art.

“I always tell them, ‘I’m so glad you’re here and taking time for yourself, and the biggest step you’ve taken is being open to this,’” she said. “That’s huge. That’s brave.”

What we know, and what we’re doing about it

By Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar
Adjutant General of Wisconsin

Tuesday, the U.S. Air Force publicly released its recommendation for substantive changes in its force structure and personnel to Congress. The recommendations are driven by budget constraints and changes in our national security strategy. If approved by Congress, these changes will impact the Wisconsin Air National Guard. It is not clear if Congress will approve these recommendations as submitted, make changes, or reject them entirely.

Here is what I know.

In the plan, we would lose two KC-135s from the 128th Air Refueling Wing and our RC-26 from the 115th Fighter Wing. We would see our authorized end strength reduced by 5 percent, or 114 positions. These positions affect both flying wings and the Combat Readiness Training Center — all three units lose personnel positions. What makes this announcement particularly challenging is the short timeline to implement these decisions as they would take effect Oct. 1 of this year. This information comes from the National Guard Bureau and the USAF.

Here is how I am responding.

I am working with your commanders as a team to mitigate the impacts of this decision. I’ve placed a freeze on recruiting until the dust settles and we can analyze the impact on unit manning documents. We will do everything in our power to try and offer Airmen affected by these changes an opportunity to cross-train within your existing unit or to transfer to another unit within the Wisconsin National Guard. Freezing recruiting will preserve more opportunity.

We will continue to work with the National Guard Bureau and analyze these changes. The next significant date for us is April 1, which is when the Guard Bureau has assured us we will have our Fiscal Year 2013 manning documents. Once we have the documents, we will know which positions are affected and can use tools available to mitigate the impact.

Here is what I need you to do.

Remain focused on the mission and continue to do your job safely. Worry will not mitigate or improve this situation, but it could lead to mistakes — don’t let it. We are the Wisconsin National Guard — we have been answering the call since 1839, and we will continue to answer the call for centuries to come. Part of that professionalism includes controlling rumors. Uncertainty is stressful enough — let’s not compound that with unfounded speculation.

I pledge to you and your families to do everything in my power to mitigate the impacts of this decision. Our core values remain: integrity, selfless service, excellence, diversity and resilience, and our core values will guide us through this challenge. I am proud of this organization and I am proud to serve with you. Let’s continue, even in difficult times, to provide exceptional service to our state and nation.

NHL Team Donates $100,000 to Help TAPS Families

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

WASHINGTON  – The National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals highlighted the club’s ninth annual military appreciation night yesterday with a six-figure donation to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors program.

The TAPS program, founded in 1994, provides support for anyone who has suffered the loss of a military loved one, regardless of their relationship to the deceased or the circumstance of the death.

“It’s very important to have this kind of level of support for our families and members in uniform,” Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Capitals co-owner Raul Fernandez. “I want to thank you and the Caps team for your continued support of our men and women in uniform. … We know that your support extends far beyond this. We’ve just heard about the very, very generous donation to TAPS. TAPS is a terrific program.”

In pregame remarks, Fernandez announced a donation of $105,742.76 to TAPS.

“The donation tonight is just absolutely fantastic for those family members,” Winnefeld said. “It just reflects the tremendous generosity of the Caps organization and the fact that they recognize that there is goodness being a responsible member of the community, as well as a hell of a lot of fun as a sports franchise.”

Rene C. Bardorf, deputy assistant secretary of defense for community and public outreach, attended military appreciation night and praised the Capitals organization.

“Your support of military families is just to be applauded,” she said. “Your salute to military is very fitting for this evening, but as you have mentioned, it doesn’t begin and end here tonight. What’s wonderful about the Caps program is that it’s a fully integrated program that doesn’t just involve giving tickets to service members to come and enjoy a game. It goes far deeper than that.”

For example, she said, the organization uses its fan base to raise public awareness for service members and their families as they reintegrate back into communities.

Bardorf joined the vice chairman in expressing her appreciation for the large donation to TAPS.

“We need this collaborative effort between government and private sector in order to support our military families and ensure they have successful futures for the rest of their lives,” she said.

The vice chairman noted that troops around the world who are NHL fans likely were watching the game with great appreciation.

“You have about 200,000 military members deployed tonight overseas [and] all across the world,” Winnefeld said. “Many of them are Capitals fans, and some of them might well be tuning into this game tonight.”

Panel Aims to Boost Support to Special-needs Families

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 – Military families with special-needs members would benefit from better communication and education, members of an exceptional family member panel concluded yesterday.

“We’re working some great programs up at the [office of the secretary of defense] level,” Charles E. Milam, principal director for military community and family policy, said in an interview following the panel here. “I think the key is how do we take that information and deliver down to the very lowest level.”

The panel, chaired by Milam, was composed of nearly a dozen military family members with special needs -- from children with educational or physical challenges to adults with medical problems -- with representation from all services, as well as the active duty and reserve components.

The panel first met in the fall to cite ongoing challenges. At the time, they pointed to three key areas of concern: communication, consistency of programs across the services, and health care. This follow-on panel was intended to track progress in each area and offer information on available resources, officials said.

Communication is key to aiding military families with special needs, said Milam, noting this issue is a personal one for him. His wife is active-duty Air Force and they have a special-needs child.

“What I find when I go out to installations and I speak to families and our service members, they’re not aware of some of the things we’re doing,” he said. “We need to make these processes as easy as possible for these families.”

A one-stop source of information would be a step in the right direction, noted Rebecca Posante, deputy director of the office of community support for military families with special needs, which oversees the department’s Exceptional Family Member Program. Officials would like to use the Defense Department’s Military OneSource website for that purpose, she explained.

But first, they must ensure they’re providing the most relevant and accessible information, she said.

Posante said she handed out a list of key words to panel members to see if they match up with how families search for online information. For example, families are more apt to use the term “moving” rather than “relocation” when seeking resources. Officials will use this feedback to build content for the site, she added.

Having readily available information is vital for families seeking answers, she noted. “We want to educate families on: Where do you go when you need something done?” she said. “Where do you go if you don’t think you’re getting the correct answer?”

Posante cited progress her office already is making on this front. They’ve created a new information kit on the Exceptional Family Member Program that’s been sent militarywide, she said, and also have sent books and videos on special needs to all installation libraries and family centers. They’re launching online modules to aid families with special-needs children and adults, and to explain how EFMP works, she added.

Families also are concerned with the consistency of programs and resources across the department, Posante noted. She meets with service representatives quarterly to tackle this issue and will continue to push for progress, she said.

Across the board, panel members raised issues about health care, such as being able to see a specialist in a timely manner at a new duty station, Posante said.

Her office is working with health affairs, she said, to address as many of these issues as possible. Posante noted the presence of Dr. Jack Smith, director of clinical and program policy integration for health affairs, who attended the panel to provide information and address concerns.

“We really want to approach how we can answer their questions on medical care and help communicate to the families when there are answers already,” she said. “People at the highest levels are really listening and trying to figure out what these issues are and how to address them.”

Panel member Army Maj. Charlotte Emery, mother of twin boys and a military lawyer at Fort Belvoir, Va., cited the importance of “knowing the system.” Her sons both are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. One was diagnosed with autism at 18 months and his brother with developmental delays for speech, language and socio-emotional behavior.

“Many of us today were learning stuff for the first time about things that have been in the system, especially in regard to TRICARE,” she said, referring to the military’s health care program.

Military families often are hesitant to “rock the boat,” she noted, which can result in unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. However, there are people they can go to for information or better answers, she explained. Emery said she plans to take the information from these panels and disseminate it to other families.

This information sharing is one of the key purposes of the panel, Posante said. With that in mind, these panels will be ongoing, she added, and she’s also forming smaller working groups to tackle specific issues.

The department will continue to “chisel away” at these issues, Milam said. Officials are engaged with Congress, and also are looking at policies to discern which ones work and which need to be deleted or refined, he added.

“We’re writing a book one chapter at a time,” he said, noting there’s been considerable progress in recent years.

“Just listening to some of the concerns from the different services and from the different families, just speaks volumes to what we had before,” Milam said. “The fact that we are listening to them through this panel as they represent families from all over the services is very important.”

Milam said he hopes this panel and future efforts send a clear message to families with special needs.

“We care, the department cares, [and] Congress cares about these programs,” he said.

Face of Defense: Soldier Calls Army Home

By Bob Reinert
U.S. Army Garrison Natick

NATICK, Mass., March 7, 2012 – Many soldiers have called the Army their home over the years. Few have meant it more than Army Staff Sgt. Sharalis Canales of the Natick Soldier Systems Center here.

When Canales enlisted in late 2005, she had no home. She was living in a New York City shelter and facing an uncertain future.

"I didn't have a place to live," Canales recalled. "I went to the Covenant House, which is a shelter in Times Square, and I stayed there for six months."

Canales, 26, has come a long way in six years. She serves as training noncommissioned officer for the Headquarters Research and Development Detachment and as Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers president. Soon, she will represent the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command NCO of the Year competition.

"The Army has not failed me since I've been in," said Canales, who earned staff sergeant rank in five years. "The Army gives me everything that I need. This is my family."

None of this could have seemed possible to Canales at age 14, when her divorced mother gave her up to foster care. She was placed at the St. Cabrini Home in the Bronx.

"Mainly, the girls that lived there had just gotten out of juvenile detention hall and stuff like that, and I was there because my mom and I were having a lot of issues," Canales said. "My dad divorced my mom, and I started running away because my mom was being promiscuous."

The eldest of five children, Canales had a difficult time adjusting to the group home but got plenty of help.

"The staff members, they took care of me," Canales said. "They taught me everything that I know, and because of them, I am where I am now, and I'm very grateful for that. Despite all the negative stuff with the [other] girls, I always took it and turned it into something positive."

Canales graduated from Mother Cabrini High School and got a scholarship to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but her world got complicated again.

"I was having adjustment issues," Canales said. "I think there was probably only like 10 [minority students] on the campus. It was my first time being away from the group home. I felt like I didn't fit in."

After a year at Marist, Canales transferred home to Monroe College, did another year there and decided to join the Navy. At age 20, she signed herself out of the group home.

"I didn't make it through the Navy," Canales said. "So when I came back, I couldn't go back to the group home." She went to see an Army recruiter, who drove her to Covenant House, where she stayed until he got her paperwork in order.

"He was with me every step of the way for six months until I joined," Canales said. "I have been very fortunate to meet very, very good people that have helped me out throughout these years."

Army life required little adjustment for Canales, a 4-foot-8-inch survivor of years in a foster care group home.

"I learned a lot being there," Canales said of St. Cabrini. "I would tell you this -- that having that background experience definitely helped me, set me up for success, when I got in the Army."

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Warren has been impressed with Canales since she arrived at NSSC.

"She's made a very positive impression to many on this installation in just the short period she's been stationed here at NSSC," Warren said. "She looks to be challenged daily. She's physically fit, has the professional appearance we expect from our noncommissioned officers, and loves to teach and train."

While Canales has enjoyed plenty of success since joining the Army, she has done so without ever forgetting her teenage years. She shares her story with soldiers every chance she gets.

"I encourage the soldiers to do the right thing, and I tell them what the Army has done for me," she said. "I spend a lot of time with the soldiers and setting them up for success, and letting them know what they need to do to be successful in the Army. It's easy. You just need the tools, and you need to do it."

Canales is living proof. On the threshold of earning her associate’s degree from Central Texas College, she already has her sights set on a bachelor's degree. She also wants to win NCO of the Year and earn her Expert Field Medical Badge.

"I believe if you want to be successful and you want something in life," she said, "you have to go for it."

One of those things for Canales was finally getting her own place, which she did after transferring to Natick in November.

"I've always lived in a barracks, but because I'm an E-6, now [I] have to live off post," she said. "When I got here, I was like, 'I don't even know how to go apartment hunting.' I had no clue, whatsoever."

But logistics aside, Canales might never want for a home again.

"I plan on staying in the Army, making it a career," Canales said. "The Army's been great to me."

NAVFAC Pacific Announces Industry and Energy Conference

By Krista K. Catian, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific is co-sponsoring the 2012 Industry and Energy Conference March 26-27 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom, Honolulu, Hawaii.

"NAVFAC Pacific is thrilled to host its first Industry and Energy Conference later this month," said NAVFAC Pacific Vice Commander Capt. Pete Lynch. "The conference will provide a great opportunity for the Hawaii business community to actively engage and participate in discussions with the NAVFAC Pacific Leadership, to include the leadership from the NAVFAC Engineering Commands, or FEC in Hawaii, Guam and the Far East. We anticipate that the presentations will be informative and interactive."

The two-day Industry and Energy Conference will provide an opportunity to promote robust discussion among NAVFAC Pacific, innovators in energy technology, and private lending and venture capital providers to enhance services and support critical to the NAVFAC Pacific mission. The conference will also offer interactive sessions on workload forecasts, policy changes, performance standards, process compliance, facility development and energy initiatives within the NAVFAC Pacific area of responsibility.

"We are looking forward to this event and are anxious to enhance our dialogue with our industry leaders in the Pacific area," said Lynch. "We encourage your attendance to hear about the updated developments and new initiatives this year."

The conference begins at 8 a.m. For more information about the event and how to register, visit www.acechawaii.org/cde.cfm?event=378668.

Supply Corps Training with Industry Agreement Signed with Starbucks

By Kathy Adams, Naval Supply Systems Command Corporate Communications

SEATTLE, Wash. (NNS) -- A Supply Corps Training with Industry (TWI) agreement was signed with Starbucks Coffee Company at a ceremony in Seattle, Wash., March 6.

The TWI program provides a unique opportunity for a Supply Corps officer to be part of and analyze the operations of top supply chain management companies. In addition to this new agreement, the Supply Corps has existing TWI agreements with The Home Depot and Federal Express.

"To train with a top performing company and get hands-on experience with their supply chain operation is a unique opportunity," said Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and chief of Supply Corps. "This TWI will provide an understanding of private industry business processes, leadership and cultures which enhances the working relationship with our industry partners."

The TWI program is designed to provide a skill set in best business procedures and practices not available through existing military or advanced civilian schooling programs.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the U.S. Navy Supply Corps as part of their Training with Industry program," said Peter Gibbons, executive vice president, Starbucks Global Supply Chain Operations. "It's a tremendous opportunity for two world-class organizations to share best practices to improve our operations."

During this one-year assignment the Supply Corps officer will work in the field on real-world business issues, and will also get involved with quality and safety audits, contingency and strategic planning, and will gain a solid understanding of how the company manages their supply chain. The officer will have responsibility to share naval logistics knowledge with Starbucks and share gained knowledge with his or her command and the Supply Corps. Most importantly, he or she will be mentored by Starbucks executives.

Lt. Cmdr. Mark Bowmer is the first officer selected for the Starbucks TWI. He will begin his assignment in July.

The more than 3,700 active duty and Reserve officers of the Navy Supply Corps are responsible for supply and logistics support for the ships of the active fleet and hundreds of naval shore installations worldwide, providing combat capability through logistics.

Texas National Guard members support local authorities in emergency exercise

By Army National Guard Spc. Aaron Moreno
Joint Task Force 71, Texas National Guard

EL CAMPO, Texas (3/6/12) – Soldiers from Joint Task Force 71 received the activation call at 3:45 a.m. following the alleged terrorist incident. Within two hours, the men and women of the minuteman brigade reported to their home station, prepared to travel more than 200 miles to the small town of El Campo.

The Austin-based JTF 71 participated in the El Campo Memorial Hospital Exercise March 3, 2012, a joint interagency training event that tested the alert and response capabilities of the Guard and its civil partners. Although the immediate reaction of Guard Unit was real, the scenario was simulated.

"Things have gone remarkably smooth today," said Chief Terry Stanhill, from the El Campo Police Department. "Communications were outstanding; resources rolled in at an unbelievable rate."

The ECMH Exercise included simulations for a hazardous material attack, an explosion and partial hospital collapse and a remote-site suspicious package incident.

“We need to make sure that everyone understands," said Officer Erik Burse, a state trooper with the Department of Public Safety. "If we don't do these drills, if we don't practice to be perfect, then we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing."

In any emergency scenario, the clock begins once the first call alerts the Soldiers to action. For the ECMH Exercise, this happened well-before sunrise, far from the incident site.

"This is the first time we did a no-notice training event," said Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Wells, a platoon leader for 436 Chemical Detachment. "We all received the alert notification at 3:45 a.m. We reported to home station, consolidated there, conducted movement preparations, then got on the road."

The Texas Army National Guard, local first responders, city officials and other state agencies all have a part to play in an emergency. For the local first responders this is a part of their Emergency Management Drills that are often done to prepare them for a real life incident.

"It's comforting for me to know that we have these resources that can come to El Campo this quickly."

Training events like this afford local departments and National Guard units time to demonstrate their skill sets and share their best practices.

"We work with a multitude of civilian agencies," Wells said, "all the way from [the] Texas Department of Emergency Management, to the local responders at the fire departments [and] police departments.

"Working with them can be challenging in the sense that we are military. We use military vernacular that they may not understand; they use terms and do things that we may not understand, but we try to do these training events with them, collectively, in order to work out some of those kinks, express our capabilities to them as well as learn their capabilities."

With this exercise, the Texas civil authorities and military elements communicated to the public at large that they are prepared to support the community in the event of any natural or man-made threat.

"I think it's a positive message," Burse said." I think the community loves it and understands it and we need to do more of it."

Army Women’s 4th Annual Symposium & Hall of Fame Luncheon in Wash, D.C. to Honor Army Women and Analyze Key Issues

Army Women Who Served in Vietnam Inducted into Hall of Fame; Sen. Inouye to Receive Award

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012—The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation will host its 4th Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium & Hall of Fame Luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C on March 13, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with more than 200 people expected to attend. 

Army Women who served in Vietnam will be inducted into the Army Women’s Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame awards are presented to women who have contributed extraordinary service to the Army and especially to women in the Army. Leon Harris, ABC7/WJLA-TV News Anchor, to emcee the ceremony.  Prior to the Hall of Fame Luncheon, Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) will receive a special recognition award for his decades of support for Army Women.

For the Symposium, LTG Patricia D. Horoho, Surgeon General and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Command, will provide a keynote on both service-connected healthcare and future care.  The Symposium, with a theme of Changing Missions, Changing Roles, will cultivate dialogue among federal legislators, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate leaders, and non-profit organizations. 

The Symposium will identify the successes, lessons learned, next steps, and the collaborations and partnerships still needed to help Army women successfully transition from military culture to civilian society. Top sponsors of the Symposium & Hall of Fame Luncheon include Booz Allen Hamilton, Home Depot and Walmart. 

Following the event, podcasts of the panels and keynote will be made available to servicewomen and veterans across the globe.  Podcasts will help Army women learn about the typical challenges faced and potentially how to overcome them when returning from deployment. Media sponsors Booz Allen Hamilton, Microsoft, and Stars and Stripes are credited with making the podcasts possible.

“Army women, past and presently serving, have sacrificed so much to safeguard our country, and the Foundation’s Symposium & Hall of Fame Luncheon seeks to honor Army women’s legacy in addition to exposing the top issues Army women face when between military culture and civilian life,” said retired Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams, president of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation. 

Following the inductions, the Foundation will present seven Legacy Scholarships.  The Foundation Legacy Scholarship program recognizes the importance of education and helps recipients to achieve their educational goals. The program offers financial support toward undergraduate degrees to Army women and their lineal descendents. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, and need.

ABOUT THE U.S ARMY WOMEN’S FOUNDATION

The U.S. Army Women’s Foundationis a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization originally established in 1969.  The mission of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation is to promote public interest in the Army and the women who serve or have served in the U.S. Army.  Through programs, research and scholarships, the Foundation recognizes and honors the service of Army women and supports the U.S. Army Women's Museum located at Fort Lee, Va. For more information, visit AWFDN.org.

U.S. Will Continue to Assess Syria, Panetta Says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 – The Syrian regime will fall, and the United States will help to speed that day through political and diplomatic efforts, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

Though now is not the time for U.S. military boots on the ground in Syria, Panetta said, the United States will continue to evaluate the situation there.

Syrian President Bashar Assad must stop his attacks on his own people, the secretary said, as Syrians try to follow in the footsteps of other Arab nations that have overthrown despots in the past year. Assad’s forces are indiscriminately murdering those opposed to the regime.

“He must step aside and allow a democratic transition to proceed immediately,” Panetta said.

The regime has lost whatever legitimacy it once had, and the situation demands an international response, the secretary said, noting that the United States has been leading efforts in the international community to pressure Assad to stop his violence against the Syrian people and step aside.

Panetta acknowledged that some say it is time for U.S. military intervention, while others worry that this would get the United States embroiled in another long-term commitment in the Middle East. Military action like the intervention in Libya is not a one-size-fits-all model, he said.

“Each situation -- by virtue of the politics, geography, and history of each country -- is unique, and demands a unique response,”Panettatold the Senate committee. “There can be no cookie-cutter approach for a region as complex and volatile as the Middle East.”

The secretary stressed that American response in the region is governed by three principles.

“First, we oppose the use of violence and repression by regimes against their own people,” he said. “Second, we have supported the exercise of universal human rights -- which include the right to freedom of expression, the right of peaceful assembly, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the prohibition against discrimination, and the right to vote through genuine elections that express the will of the electorate. Third, we support political and economic reforms that can meet the legitimate aspirations of ordinary people throughout the region.”

These principles have shaped the American response to events in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and now, Syria, he said.

The United States is forging an international consensus that the Assad regime’s brutality must end and that a democratic transition in Syria must begin, Panetta said. Russia and China have blocked the United Nations Security Council from taking action, but the U.N. General Assembly has supported the Arab League’s transition plan for Syria.

The United States is sending emergency humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, with an initial commitment of $10 million, the secretary said. The United States is working with the Friends of Syria and other anti-Assad groups to help in strengthening the opposition. There currently is no effective opposition group that can handle a peaceful, orderly transition to a democratic government, Panetta told the senators.

“We are reviewing all possible additional steps that can be taken with our international partners to support efforts to protect the Syrian people, end the violence, and ensure regional stability, including potential military options if necessary,” he said.

Panetta emphasized that the problems in Syria have no easy solutions.

“We believe that the best resolution to this crisis will be a peaceful, political, democratic transition led by the Syrian people and along the lines suggested by the Arab League,” he said. “We believe there is still an opportunity to achieve that goal.”

Wisconsin Air National Guard learns effects of Air Force structure realignment plan

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The U.S. Air Force today (March 6) released information on manpower impacts resulting from its proposed force structure realignment plan. If the proposal is approved by Congress, the Wisconsin Air National Guard's net loss would be 114 positions - including 16 full-time positions.

The manpower reduction would amount to approximately 5 percent of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's authorized end-strength of 2,290 Airmen and must be implemented by Oct. 1.

"This announcement is sobering," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, noting that the announced cuts were larger than anticipated and are expected to be implemented in only six months. "However, we will continue to accomplish our mission safely and effectively.

"We cannot ignore that these proposed reductions have real, significant, life-changing impact on our men and women in the Wisconsin Air National Guard," he continued. "I will work closely with my commanders to minimize the impact to our Airmen and families."

Dunbar's goal is to handle any cuts from the Air Force proposal through attrition to lessen the impact on Wisconsin Air National Guard members and families.

The personnel cuts are in response to the Air Force realignment proposal, announced Feb. 3, which would reduce by two the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing's fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, and retire the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing's RC-26 airplane.

State adjutants general and governors have expressed their concern with the disproportional scope of the cuts. In a Feb. 26 letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, the National Governor's Association "strongly opposed" what it described as "disproportionate cuts facing the Air National Guard." And in a Feb. 27 letter to the Senate Armed Forces Committee, all 54 adjutants general asked Congress to delay implementing the proposed plan until a proper review was conducted.

The Air Force's proposals are aimed at meeting the President's Budget for fiscal year 2013, which calls for reducing Air Force military end strength to 501,000 - with net reductions of 5,100 Air National Guard members and 4,800 Air Force federal active and reserve positions. Nearly one quarter of Air Force personnel are from the Air National Guard, but collectively provide 35 percent of Air Force capability for only 6 percent of the total Air Force budget.

Miracles on a Mountainside

Snowmass Village, Colorado

Sunday March 25 - Friday, March 30, 2012

The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is a life-changing event that promotes rehabilitation to more than 350 disabled veterans from across the country. The Clinic offers a unique media opportunity to tell the heroic stories of courage and determination, as told first-hand by disabled veterans from Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Especially relevant are the stories of newly injured OIF/OEF and Afghanistan veterans fighting a new war, one to win back their independence. Veterans with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments and neurological challenges will take the slopes using the latest adaptive ski equipment. We invite you to witness “Miracles on a Mountainside.”

To coordinate interviews, acquire b-roll or photographs of the event, contact Anthony Hardman at 734.845.5059.

Panetta: U.S.-Israel Partnership Will Become Closer

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 – Defense cooperation between the U.S. and Israel is already close, and it will get closer as both countries face the threats of the future, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.

Panetta spoke to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee here and said the United States and Israel will work closely together in the face of the dangers that confront both countries.

“The security bonds between Israel and the United States will only grow as America goes through a historic turning point after a decade of war,” he said.

In fact, defense cooperation will grow even with U.S. defense budget reductions. Panetta delivered “an ironclad pledge” that the United States will provide whatever support is necessary so Israel maintains military superiority over any state or coalition of states, as well as non-state actors, in the region.

“Israel is surrounded by neighbors that have waged wars against it,” he said. “The Israeli people have been subjected to rocket attacks, to terrorism, and they live in a world where larger nations have threatened to wipe them off the map.”

Supporting Israel is the right thing to do and isin America’s best interests, Panetta said.

“We have no better ally in this critical region of the world,” he said. “A strong Israel deters potential aggressors. A strong Israel sends a message to the region and to the world that America will not waver in defense of our allies.”

The U.S. has increased security assistance to Israel substantially. This year, the budget calls for $31 billion in assistance to the nation, up from $2.5 billion in fiscal 2009.

“This is part of a 10-year, $30 billion commitment to Israel’s security,” Panetta said. “Over and above this commitment, the President has committed more than $650 million in DOD funding for Israeli missile defense.”

The U.S. is working with Israel to develop an anti-missile system to address the threat from all levels. The system will deal with short-range defense to counter the continued threat of rocket barrages from Gaza. The United States provided more than $200 million for the Iron Dome rocket defense system.

“Iron Dome is fielded, it is operational, and this new system has already saved the lives of Israeli civilians with over 30 real world successful hit-to-kill intercepts in 2011,” Panetta said.

The two nations are also working on medium range missile defense, developing David’s Sling, and upper tier ballistic missile defense with the Arrow-3 system.

“We are also working to upgrade Israel’s Patriot missile system and batteries,” he said. “We are committed to moving forward with all of these systems and more -- because as the Prime Minister told me -- these missile shields do not start wars, they prevent wars.”

The secretary noted the Israeli air force will receive the world’s most sophisticated warplane -- the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

“The F-35 is the future of tactical aviation for the United States military, and providing Israel with this advanced fighter makes it the only country in the Middle East with a true fifth-generation fighter capacity, upholding Israel’s edge not just now but for many years to come,” the secretary said.

The two militaries will not only share equipment, but also operational concepts. U.S. and Israeli service members will build greater capability and improve partnership through realistic exercises, joint training and personnel exchanges, Panetta said.

“Each year, U.S. and Israeli forces take part in numerous exercises,” he said. One example is missile defense exercise Austere Challenge that this year will include more than 3,000 U.S. troops.

“This kind of cooperation is mutually beneficial to both the United States and Israel. It has made both of our militaries stronger,” Panetta said.

The secretary pointed out that cooperation is not just a one-way street. It was an Israeli company that met the call to help protect American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan by surging production of up-armor kits for Humvees and mine-resistant vehicles.

“The kits were made in an Israeli kibbutz, and they saved the lives of our men and women in uniform,” Panetta said.

National Patient Safety Week Kickoff Highlights Safe Patient Care at NHB

By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) officially commenced National Patient Safety Week of March 4-10 with a kickoff celebration March 5.

The annual weeklong event focuses on enhancing, improving and increasing awareness on a wide range of patient-related safety topics for beneficiaries, staff and command visitors.

"By engaging our staff and engaging our patients with such tools as these at work and at home, we'll make where we work and live that much safer. The more we know about our health and safety, the better off we will be. "Be aware for safe care" is our theme this year. We want to ensure that we have safe patient care every day," said Cmdr. Sarah Butler, NHB Quality Management department head.

Butler shared that some things patients can do to "Be aware for safe care" include; seeking information and questions; keeping track of their family (medical) history; knowing and writing down personal health care history; exploring healthcare options and selecting a hospital, doctor and pharmacy that fit their needs; choosing a family or friend as a health care advocate; following up on test results; and evaluating their environment (at home, work, away) to assess (any) risk of falling.

The kickoff ceremony also included NHB's Quality Management staff re-launching the Staff Safety Handbook campaign. "We've always meant to have this program in place and this kickoff gives us the perfect opportunity to pass on to everyone that this booklet is a great all-around training tool," Butler said, noting that the basic safety tips in the pocket-sized books are also a convenient way to teach and share with others in the departments and clinics.

"We'll put these handbooks to good use in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) to help increase our readiness in patient safety," said Hospitalman Gregory Anderson, of NHB's ICU/Critical Care.

The most visual and popular event throughout the week was the "Patient Safety Seek and Find" static and interactive display on the quarterdeck, where anyone could check their situational awareness (SA) for patient safety. The display featured a bed-ridden manikin patient, with associated medical and hospital props that may or may not be conducive to proper patient care. The goal was for each participant to try and find the 15 errors associated with the display.

"This display is for everyone, but especially our staff. We're hoping to get as many staff members involved as we can throughout the week and increase their awareness. Our overall goal is for everyone to take a moment to try and see how many things they can find in the display that put the patient at risk," said Mayda Schaefer, patient safety analyst, adding that this is the eighth consecutive year NHB has highlighted National Patient Safety Week with a kickoff ceremony.

Butler stressed that patients and family are a key part of the healthcare team. "We want them to realize there are good questions for their good health that they should address and discuss with their doctor, nurse and pharmacist every time we see them during a visit. "What is my main problem?" "What do I need to do?" "Why is it important for me to do this?" All these are legitimate questions that are in their right to ask," said Butler.

Butler also shared NHB'S usage of the Department of Defense Patient Safety Program theme of TEAM UP to actively promote getting patients involved as partners with their healthcare team.

"T is for 'team together.' E is for 'educate yourself.' A is for 'ask questions.' M is for 'manage your medications.' U is for understand changes in the game plan.' P is for provide perspective," Butler said.

According to Butler, the 2012 National Patient Safety Goals for hospital staff and leaders will focus improving identifying patients correctly such as using at least 2-ways to identifying the patient; improving staff communications by getting important test results to the right staff person on time; improving infection prevention with such measures as advocating hand-cleansing guidelines; using medication safely by labeling medicines and medication containers not already labeled; and identifying patient safety risks correctly by identifying any patient who may be at risk for committing suicide.

There were also learning lads organized by NHB's risk manager, patient safety expert and others.

"We're highlighting one week for something we do year-round, but we feel the added emphasis is important not only for our patients, but also for our staff," said Butler.

Troops, Veterans Will Benefit From Housing Settlement, Obama Says

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 – Thousands of service members and veterans whose mortgages were wrongfully foreclosed on, or who were improperly denied lower mortgage interest rates in the national housing crisis, can receive “significant relief,” President Barack Obama announced today.

“It is unconscionable that members of our armed forces and their families are among those who were most susceptible to losing their homes due to the unscrupulous acts of banks and mortgage lenders,” Obama said during a White House news briefing.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta issued a statement, applauding the announcement. “These new steps are the result of an extensive interagency effort made by this administration to protect and support service members and veterans, and this initiative will help military families overcome obstacles to purchasing and maintaining a home,” Panetta said.

Helping military families achieve personal and financial security “is a vital part of maintaining a strong national defense, just as home ownership is a vital part of fulfilling the American dream,” Panetta said.

“I thank the president for ensuring that our service members receive the support they need so they and their families can pursue their dreams while carrying out their vital missions around the world,” he said.

Federal and state officials announced Feb. 9 that the nation’s five largest mortgage lenders – Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Ally Financial [formerly GMAC] – agreed to pay $26 billion to settle a government lawsuit claiming mortgage loan and foreclosure abuses. At least $20 billion is to be returned to aggrieved homeowners, according to White House and Housing and Urban Development Department news releases.

“If you are a member of the armed forces whose home was wrongfully foreclosed, you will be substantially compensated,” the president said.

The settlement also restores lower interest rates and reduces fees for Federal Housing Administration borrowers for those who were wrongly given higher rates and fees.

Under the agreement, lenders will:

--Review the records of every service member whose home was foreclosed upon since 2006 and provide any who were wrongly foreclosed upon with compensation equal to a minimum of lost equity, plus interest and at least $116,785;

--Refund to service members money lost because they were wrongfully denied the opportunity to reduce their mortgage payments through lower interest rates;

--Provide relief for service members who are forced to sell their homes for less than the amount they owe on their mortgage due to a permanent change in station;

--Pay $10 million into the Veterans Affairs fund that guarantees loans on favorable terms for veterans; and

--Extend certain foreclosure protections afforded under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act to those serving in harm’s way.

Obama also announced that the FHA will cut its fees for refinancing loans already insured by the FHA. Two- to three million Americans could save about $1,000 annually under today’s fee structure, he said.

Still, Obama said, “No amount of money is going to be enough for a family who has wrongfully had their piece of the American dream taken away from them.”

Later on a conference call with reporters, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said it was shameful of financial institutions to wrongfully foreclose on service members homes or not provide them the full financial protections that the law allows. In many cases, he said, lenders “did not review or even read the foreclosure documents they were processing.”

“That’s not only wrong, it’s not who we are as Americans,” Donovan said. The settlement, he added, “ensures that the men and women risking their lives for our country get treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Military families “won’t just be compensated,” Donovan said, explaining that they will be eligible for modifications to their mortgages even for homes in which they are not living.

Holly Petraeus, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s head of servicemember affairs, said the former regulation requiring service members to live a home to have a mortgage lowered, as well as the difficulty of selling a home quickly for a change of duty station, has caused many military families to live separately. Emphasizing the frequency of military moves, she told reporters she and her husband, retired Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who currently is serving as the CIA Director, moved 24 times in 37 years.

With the “unique challenges” of deployments and frequent forced relocations, Petraeus said, “many see no other solution than to go it alone in military barracks while leaving their families behind” in their homes.

Petraeus said she would urge all financial institutions to understand the Servicemember Civil Relief Act. She also warned service members against a possible “cottage industry” of people who will claim to help them receive help under the new settlement.

Service members and veterans who believe they can take part in the settlement are encouraged to call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743.

Todd Perez, assistant attorney general for Justice’s civil rights division, told reporters that under the settlement, lenders must have court approval to foreclose on the home of a deployed service member; anyone who was wrongly charged an interest rate above 6 percent can receive four times that back in damages; and all negative entries to credit agencies will be repaired.

Also, Perez said, victims in the housing crisis don’t have to contact the government; the settlement requires the banks to contact them.

As for service members and veterans, he said, “they have our backs and they need to know that we have theirs.”

Wisconsin Army Guard overall winner in Army evaluation

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Wisconsin might be considered the big cheese in the Army National Guard community this year.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard was named the overall winner in its category for the Army Chief of Staff Army Communities of Excellence Award - ACOE for short. Wisconsin was last named the overall winner in 2001.

The ACOE program in the Army National Guard is described as a holistic integrated business management approach used to measure organizational performance. This approach helps Joint Force Headquarters - the headquarters for the National Guard in each state - assess performance and develop improvement initiatives to set the strategic direction.

The Pentagon announcement caps a series of recent top ACOE finishes by the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Last year it received the Gold First Place award as first runner up. In 2010 Wisconsin received a Silver Second Place finish - sixth in the Army National Guard. The state earned a Gold Third Place award in 2009 (fourth overall) and a Silver First Place award (fifth overall) in 2008. Wisconsin has been involved in the ACOE program since 1989.

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, said the award underscores the collective effort of Wisconsin Guard Soldiers to achieve and maintain excellence.

"Hats off to the entire team," Anderson said. "The ACOE program is all about continued improvement in management processes that result in higher unit readiness and better care for our Soldiers and their families. This award doesn't mean that we have won and now we can rest, because winning isn't what it's about - but it does mean that we are succeeding in our goal."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, praised the efforts that led to the award.

"In the Guard we pride ourselves on being 'always ready, always there,'" Dunbar said, "and this ACOE process ensures that our leadership remains focused on supporting our Soldiers. We support them by constantly seeking to improve our processes, which ensures readiness.

"This award reflects the superb leadership of the Wisconsin Army National Guard," Dunbar continued. "I congratulate the entire team for this significant achievement."

The ACOE Awards program follows a 12-month evaluation in which Army, National Guard and Reserve installations are judged against Army priorities and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria. Participants are not judged against each other. The assessment considers the overall quality of military environments, facilities and services.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard will receive a monetary award - as yet to be determined - for being the overall winner. Luanne Sleger, Wisconsin Army National Guard strategic planner and quality advisor, said that the award would be used for improvements at armories across the state.

"The benefits of the ACOE program far outweigh any monetary gains that we might receive for winning," she said.

All ACOE winners will be honored during a May 1 ceremony at the Pentagon.