By Gerry J. Gilmore
Dec. 12, 2006 – The Defense Department today honored the PGA Tour organization and its network of affiliated golf clubs for their exemplary support of U.S. servicemembers. PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem accepted a special framed plaque signed by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld from Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison.
Barber said before the presentation that Finchem's organization was the first corporate sponsor of the America Supports You program, a nationwide DoD program that recognizes citizens' support for military men and women deployed worldwide in the global war on terrorism.
"You have become a model program for the America Supports You program," Barber told Finchem, noting 34 corporations are now ASY partners thanks to his organization's efforts.
The PGA Tour-America Supports You partnership provided a new platform to tell even more people about how they can help support U.S. servicemembers, she said. "That gave us an opportunity to reach out to corporate America to say: 'You have a role to play. You can help,'" Barber said
ASY also boasts 238 grassroots groups nationwide, she said.
ASY is a most worthy cause, Finchem said, noting his organization raised $1.2 million this year for U.S. servicemembers and their families. "Our people feel privileged to be involved with America Supports You," Finchem said. "They get a tremendous, positive feeling being able to help a little bit.
"It creates an excitement that they're doing something to help these guys and the women who are putting their lives on the line."
Barber told the audience about Marine Cpl. Joshua C. Watkins, who recently died at age 25 during his second tour in Iraq. Barber then introduced Watkins' mother, Amy Vazquez, who received deafening applause from the 700-plus people in attendance.
Amy, a 51-year-old Jacksonville, Fla., mortgage broker, shared her feelings about the loss of her only son, who died Oct. 21, after being shot by a sniper near Fallujah. "He was a hero," Vazquez said of her son.
She urged Americans to be patient about the war against terrorism. "This is not a war that is going to won quickly," she said. "Terrorism is as big a threat as the threat of nuclear weaponry in the wrong hands."
Vazquez said another terrorist attack on the United States could occur if global terrorism isn't confronted and defeated. "Do you want another 9/11? Because that's what's going to happen if we don't stop them," she said.
Vazquez proudly wears her son's Purple Heart Medal daily. She received $10,000 from the PGA Tour organization to be used for a military scholarship program that's named after her son and administered by the University of North Florida.
"I'm totally excited about what America Supports You is doing for the troops," Vazquez said.
She also praised David A. Pillsbury, president of the PGA Tour golf course properties, who had approached Vazquez to offer the scholarship donation.
Pillsbury said he'd met Vazquez at a recent mortgage brokers' conference in Jacksonville, where she talked about the death of her son. After Vazquez stepped down from the podium, Pillsbury said, he approached her and offered his condolences, as well as a $10,000 donation on behalf of the PGA Tour for the scholarship fund.
"We're so honored and so proud to support Amy in her efforts to create a legacy for her son that will help other men and women in uniform who want to continue their educations," Pillsbury said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Active-Duty Components Make Recruiting Goals
By Jim Garamone
Dec. 12, 2006 – All active-duty components made their recruiting goals in November, Defense Department officials said today. The Army made 105 percent of goal, the Navy 100 percent, the Marine Corps 104 percent, and the Air Force 100 percent.
In raw numbers, the Army goal was 6,150 in November, but the service recruited 6,485 new soldiers. The Navy recruited exactly 2,887; the Marine recruited 2,095 vice a goal of 2,012; and the Air Force recruited exactly 1,877 airmen in November.
The services also are retaining a good number of people. "The active-duty services all started off well, exceeding their overall retention missions right now," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. "The Navy's overall numbers are below their monthly goal, but they still predict they will meet their goal for the fiscal year."
In the reserves, four of the six components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in November. The Army National Guard had a goal of 4,517 recruits for November. The Guard recruited 5,094 for 113 percent of goal. The Marine Reserve's goal was 535, but the component recruited 547, for 102 percent. The Air Guard hit 115 percent - 655 goal, 752 recruited; and the Air Force Reserve hit just over 100 percent, 434 goal and 436 recruited.
The Army Reserve only made 79 percent of its goal, recruiting 1,888 out of a goal of 2,376; and the Navy Reserve hit 91 percent -- 687 out of a goal of 755.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 12, 2006 – All active-duty components made their recruiting goals in November, Defense Department officials said today. The Army made 105 percent of goal, the Navy 100 percent, the Marine Corps 104 percent, and the Air Force 100 percent.
In raw numbers, the Army goal was 6,150 in November, but the service recruited 6,485 new soldiers. The Navy recruited exactly 2,887; the Marine recruited 2,095 vice a goal of 2,012; and the Air Force recruited exactly 1,877 airmen in November.
The services also are retaining a good number of people. "The active-duty services all started off well, exceeding their overall retention missions right now," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. "The Navy's overall numbers are below their monthly goal, but they still predict they will meet their goal for the fiscal year."
In the reserves, four of the six components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in November. The Army National Guard had a goal of 4,517 recruits for November. The Guard recruited 5,094 for 113 percent of goal. The Marine Reserve's goal was 535, but the component recruited 547, for 102 percent. The Air Guard hit 115 percent - 655 goal, 752 recruited; and the Air Force Reserve hit just over 100 percent, 434 goal and 436 recruited.
The Army Reserve only made 79 percent of its goal, recruiting 1,888 out of a goal of 2,376; and the Navy Reserve hit 91 percent -- 687 out of a goal of 755.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Canada, Australia, U.K. Sign Joint Strike Fighter Agreements
By Jim Garamone
Dec. 12, 2006 – With the first flight of the Joint Strike Fighter set for this week, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have "re-enlisted" for the program. Canada signed on for the project's production, sustainment and follow-on development phase during a Pentagon ceremony here yesterday. Australia signed on today as part of the U.S.-Australia ministerial meetings at the State Department, and the United Kingdom signed at a Pentagon ceremony today.
The Joint Strike Fighter is the Defense Department's program for a "multi-role" stealth air-to-ground strike aircraft. The Navy, Air Force, Marines and allies are developing the system together.
Canadian Deputy Defense Minister Ward Elcock and U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England signed a memorandum of understanding that calls on Canada to pledge $150 million toward production of the Joint Strike Fighter. Canada already has contributed $150 million to the system-development and demonstration portion of the program.
"This is a very special event, because it is a very special partnership," England said during the ceremony. "The United States and Canada share the strongest possible bonds of friendship, family and fundamental values, as well as a common border."
"The Joint Strike Fighter program represents a revolutionary approach to both aircraft development and international armaments cooperation," Elcock said. "It brings together expertise from many different countries and is, as a result, the single largest fighter aircraft program in the world."
The United Kingdom has been involved with the Joint Strike Fighter program since its inception 10 years ago and is in to the program to the tune of $2 billion. United Kingdom Minister for Defense Procurement Lord Peter Drayson signed a memorandum of understanding early today in the Pentagon.
The deputy defense secretary thanked his British counterpart and praised the way American and British forces work together. "We've had this relationship for a long, long time," England said. "Our forces are engaged today. As we sign this, there's people out there defending freedom together. They do it every day, shoulder to shoulder, and it's the same way our nations are shoulder to shoulder. I'm just delighted that we have brought this to a conclusion today. We look forward to a long relationship with the Joint Strike Fighter program."
The British plan for a total buy of up to 150 short-take-off-and-vertical-landing versions of the aircraft for use on two future aircraft carriers.
Canada also is making a substantial investment in the Joint Strike Fighter program. The Canadians plan to buy 80 F-35 conventional-take-off-and-landing aircraft to replace its CF-18 aircraft. The program, led by Lockheed-Martin, will build three variants of the fighter: a conventional model, a carrier model, and a vertical-take-off-and-landing model. The United States has dubbed the aircraft the F-35 Lightning 2. The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps will use the three aircraft variants. The F-35 will replace the Air Force's F-16 Falcon, the Navy's and Marine Corps' F/A-18 Hornet, and the Marines' AV-8B Harrier.
Elcock stressed that the program demonstrates how well the United States and Canada can work together. "The program will allow the United States and Canada to continue to benefit from each others' wealth of technology and expertise," he said.
Canada expects to retire its CF-18 fleet sometime after 2017, Elcock said. "Canada needs to explore what it needs from the next generation of fighter aircraft," he said. "Our continued involvement in this project will help us determine our future fighter requirements for the Canadian Forces. Certainly, one capability we know we want to have is interoperability with the United States and our allies."
Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson signed the memorandum during a ceremony at the U.S. State Department today. "It is an extremely important day for Australia and our air-defense capability," Nelson said. "The Joint Strike Fighter is most certainly the correct aircraft for Australia in terms of air-to-air combat and its strike capabilities.
"It will see Australia through the next 30 to 40 years. It is a state-of-the-art aircraft, and we look forward very much to the imminent first flight."
Other international partners participating in the program are: the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, Denmark and Norway. Other nations, including Singapore and Israel, have expressed interest in the program.
Officials say plans call for building more than 2,400 F-35 aircraft by 2027.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 12, 2006 – With the first flight of the Joint Strike Fighter set for this week, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have "re-enlisted" for the program. Canada signed on for the project's production, sustainment and follow-on development phase during a Pentagon ceremony here yesterday. Australia signed on today as part of the U.S.-Australia ministerial meetings at the State Department, and the United Kingdom signed at a Pentagon ceremony today.
The Joint Strike Fighter is the Defense Department's program for a "multi-role" stealth air-to-ground strike aircraft. The Navy, Air Force, Marines and allies are developing the system together.
Canadian Deputy Defense Minister Ward Elcock and U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England signed a memorandum of understanding that calls on Canada to pledge $150 million toward production of the Joint Strike Fighter. Canada already has contributed $150 million to the system-development and demonstration portion of the program.
"This is a very special event, because it is a very special partnership," England said during the ceremony. "The United States and Canada share the strongest possible bonds of friendship, family and fundamental values, as well as a common border."
"The Joint Strike Fighter program represents a revolutionary approach to both aircraft development and international armaments cooperation," Elcock said. "It brings together expertise from many different countries and is, as a result, the single largest fighter aircraft program in the world."
The United Kingdom has been involved with the Joint Strike Fighter program since its inception 10 years ago and is in to the program to the tune of $2 billion. United Kingdom Minister for Defense Procurement Lord Peter Drayson signed a memorandum of understanding early today in the Pentagon.
The deputy defense secretary thanked his British counterpart and praised the way American and British forces work together. "We've had this relationship for a long, long time," England said. "Our forces are engaged today. As we sign this, there's people out there defending freedom together. They do it every day, shoulder to shoulder, and it's the same way our nations are shoulder to shoulder. I'm just delighted that we have brought this to a conclusion today. We look forward to a long relationship with the Joint Strike Fighter program."
The British plan for a total buy of up to 150 short-take-off-and-vertical-landing versions of the aircraft for use on two future aircraft carriers.
Canada also is making a substantial investment in the Joint Strike Fighter program. The Canadians plan to buy 80 F-35 conventional-take-off-and-landing aircraft to replace its CF-18 aircraft. The program, led by Lockheed-Martin, will build three variants of the fighter: a conventional model, a carrier model, and a vertical-take-off-and-landing model. The United States has dubbed the aircraft the F-35 Lightning 2. The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps will use the three aircraft variants. The F-35 will replace the Air Force's F-16 Falcon, the Navy's and Marine Corps' F/A-18 Hornet, and the Marines' AV-8B Harrier.
Elcock stressed that the program demonstrates how well the United States and Canada can work together. "The program will allow the United States and Canada to continue to benefit from each others' wealth of technology and expertise," he said.
Canada expects to retire its CF-18 fleet sometime after 2017, Elcock said. "Canada needs to explore what it needs from the next generation of fighter aircraft," he said. "Our continued involvement in this project will help us determine our future fighter requirements for the Canadian Forces. Certainly, one capability we know we want to have is interoperability with the United States and our allies."
Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson signed the memorandum during a ceremony at the U.S. State Department today. "It is an extremely important day for Australia and our air-defense capability," Nelson said. "The Joint Strike Fighter is most certainly the correct aircraft for Australia in terms of air-to-air combat and its strike capabilities.
"It will see Australia through the next 30 to 40 years. It is a state-of-the-art aircraft, and we look forward very much to the imminent first flight."
Other international partners participating in the program are: the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, Denmark and Norway. Other nations, including Singapore and Israel, have expressed interest in the program.
Officials say plans call for building more than 2,400 F-35 aircraft by 2027.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
New Evaluation Brigade to Test Emerging Warfighter Technologies
By Donna Miles
Dec. 12, 2006 – A new brigade here will test some of the most revolutionary concepts and systems being developed for future warfighters, report how they operate under field conditions, and ultimately speed their fielding to troops on the battlefield. The new Evaluation Brigade Combat Team being stood up here will test 18 major systems being developed for the Army's Future Combat Systems program, explained Col. Michael Wadsworth, chief of training and leader development for the Future Force Integration Directorate here.
"This is the most ambitious and far-reaching modernization the Army has had since World War II," he said.
The program's goal, Wadsworth explained, is to tap into the most advanced technologies possible "to enable soldiers and leaders to see the enemy first and understand his intentions.
"And once we understand what the enemy is going to do," he added, "we can act first and finish decisively, which is the whole notion of the Future Combat System."
The FCS will offer soldiers detailed battlefield information, provided through an advanced data and communications network to give them the upper hand in combat. By knowing what the enemy is up to, FCS-equipped brigade combat teams will be able "to act first on their own initiative to defeat the enemy on terms favorable to us," Wadsworth said.
The Future Force Integration Directorate is establishing a blueprint for that future force as it stands up the new Evaluation Brigade Combat Team and uses it as an operational test bed for new systems. Within the next six months, the brigade team is expected to reach its full strength of just under 1,000 troops.
"Basically, we're standing up an organization to inform the Army if (the FCS program) is doing what we think it will do," Wadsworth said.
As the evaluation brigade, the Future Force Integration Directorate is developing the doctrine, organizational structure, training programs, and tactics, techniques and procedures it will need to operate. Like the systems the brigade is testing, this groundwork will be tweaked along the way to ensure it's on target, Wadsworth said.
"We'll hand the brigade the concepts, get feedback and move forward," he said. "The beauty of this is that we'll have actual soldiers on the ground with the equipment, and these soldiers will advise us as we move this concept forward."
The Evaluation BCT will use a mixture of live training, experimentation and simulation to test systems ranging from sensors to automated systems to manned vehicles over the next 10 to 12 years. Testing will be conducted, both here and at neighboring White Sands Missile Range, N.M., through four "spinouts" that will enable the Army to build the new technology over time, Wadsworth said.
During Spinout 1, in fiscal 2008, the evaluation brigade will evaluate five new systems. These include the Intelligent Munitions System; the Tactical Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects and reports on ground movement; the Urban Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects motion inside a building; the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System, nicknamed "rockets in a box"; and a battle command surrogate.
The second spinout, in 2010, will test a series of unmanned aerial vehicles. Spinout 3 will test six varieties of unmanned ground vehicles. The final spinout will evaluate eight kinds of manned ground vehicles that operate from a common platform, as well as the network.
The network is evolving incrementally, with additional sensors added to it with each spinout, Wadsworth explained. The goal is a fully capable, fully equipped Future Combat System brigade combat team supported by a state-of-the-art network in 2014.
But the Army doesn't intend to wait until then to get some of the best new technologies being developed to warfighters in the field, Wadsworth said. Some, including unmanned aerial vehicles that can be carried in a backpack and small unmanned ground vehicles that can carry sensors into buildings, caves and other dangerous spots, are already in limited use in the combat theater.
Gen. Peter Schoomaker, Army chief of staff, emphasized the importance of the Future Combat System, and of getting its capabilities into the operational force as quickly as possible, in October during his keynote address at the Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington.
"The goal is to enable the soldiers to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively," Schoomaker said. "I want there to be no doubt that we are totally committed to fielding the future force, enabled by the FCS."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 12, 2006 – A new brigade here will test some of the most revolutionary concepts and systems being developed for future warfighters, report how they operate under field conditions, and ultimately speed their fielding to troops on the battlefield. The new Evaluation Brigade Combat Team being stood up here will test 18 major systems being developed for the Army's Future Combat Systems program, explained Col. Michael Wadsworth, chief of training and leader development for the Future Force Integration Directorate here.
"This is the most ambitious and far-reaching modernization the Army has had since World War II," he said.
The program's goal, Wadsworth explained, is to tap into the most advanced technologies possible "to enable soldiers and leaders to see the enemy first and understand his intentions.
"And once we understand what the enemy is going to do," he added, "we can act first and finish decisively, which is the whole notion of the Future Combat System."
The FCS will offer soldiers detailed battlefield information, provided through an advanced data and communications network to give them the upper hand in combat. By knowing what the enemy is up to, FCS-equipped brigade combat teams will be able "to act first on their own initiative to defeat the enemy on terms favorable to us," Wadsworth said.
The Future Force Integration Directorate is establishing a blueprint for that future force as it stands up the new Evaluation Brigade Combat Team and uses it as an operational test bed for new systems. Within the next six months, the brigade team is expected to reach its full strength of just under 1,000 troops.
"Basically, we're standing up an organization to inform the Army if (the FCS program) is doing what we think it will do," Wadsworth said.
As the evaluation brigade, the Future Force Integration Directorate is developing the doctrine, organizational structure, training programs, and tactics, techniques and procedures it will need to operate. Like the systems the brigade is testing, this groundwork will be tweaked along the way to ensure it's on target, Wadsworth said.
"We'll hand the brigade the concepts, get feedback and move forward," he said. "The beauty of this is that we'll have actual soldiers on the ground with the equipment, and these soldiers will advise us as we move this concept forward."
The Evaluation BCT will use a mixture of live training, experimentation and simulation to test systems ranging from sensors to automated systems to manned vehicles over the next 10 to 12 years. Testing will be conducted, both here and at neighboring White Sands Missile Range, N.M., through four "spinouts" that will enable the Army to build the new technology over time, Wadsworth said.
During Spinout 1, in fiscal 2008, the evaluation brigade will evaluate five new systems. These include the Intelligent Munitions System; the Tactical Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects and reports on ground movement; the Urban Unmanned Ground Sensor, which detects motion inside a building; the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System, nicknamed "rockets in a box"; and a battle command surrogate.
The second spinout, in 2010, will test a series of unmanned aerial vehicles. Spinout 3 will test six varieties of unmanned ground vehicles. The final spinout will evaluate eight kinds of manned ground vehicles that operate from a common platform, as well as the network.
The network is evolving incrementally, with additional sensors added to it with each spinout, Wadsworth explained. The goal is a fully capable, fully equipped Future Combat System brigade combat team supported by a state-of-the-art network in 2014.
But the Army doesn't intend to wait until then to get some of the best new technologies being developed to warfighters in the field, Wadsworth said. Some, including unmanned aerial vehicles that can be carried in a backpack and small unmanned ground vehicles that can carry sensors into buildings, caves and other dangerous spots, are already in limited use in the combat theater.
Gen. Peter Schoomaker, Army chief of staff, emphasized the importance of the Future Combat System, and of getting its capabilities into the operational force as quickly as possible, in October during his keynote address at the Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington.
"The goal is to enable the soldiers to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively," Schoomaker said. "I want there to be no doubt that we are totally committed to fielding the future force, enabled by the FCS."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Department of Defense and United Kingdom Sign Next Stage Joint Strike Fighter Agreement
Today, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and United Kingdom Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Drayson signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin future cooperation in the production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.
The United Kingdom joins Canada, the Netherlands and the United States as the fourth nation to sign the JSF PSFD MOU. Australia also signed on Dec. 12 in a separate ceremony. Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Turkey are scheduled to sign in the near future. This new MOU will expand cooperation among the nine JSF partner nations beyond the ongoing JSF system development and demonstration phase, providing a framework for future JSF Program efforts in production and beyond.
The United Kingdom was the first JSF partner, and is committing over $2 billion dollars to the development phase of the overall JSF program. The U.K. plans to acquire up to 150 short take-off and vertical landing versions of the JSF, and will participate with the U.S. in the JSF aircraft's operational test and evaluation prior to achievement of initial operational capability early in the next decade.
The United Kingdom's signature of the PSFD MOU will continue to strengthen the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, not only in terms of providing air dominance, but also interoperability, defense transformation, modernization, cost reduction, acquisition excellence, and best possible use of the nations' respective industrial bases.
Joint Strike Fighter, as the largest ever U.S. DoD acquisition program, continues to set new standards in development of manufacturing technologies, acquisition and business practices, technology transfer, and export licensing. The first test aircraft is on-track for first flight this week. The JSF Program is providing great opportunities for partner industries through the best value model - selecting manufacturers and maintainers based on a combination of quality, price, and timeliness.
Once the JSF PSFD MOU signing process is completed, the partners will cooperatively develop, produce, test, train and operate a Lightning II JSF Air System that will enhance the interoperability, survivability, and affordability of our future forces. Continued U.K. participation reinforces the longstanding and close relationship between the U.S. and U.K. Armed Forces, providing a solid foundation for future air operations with other allied and friendly nations in a joint and coalition environment.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
The United Kingdom joins Canada, the Netherlands and the United States as the fourth nation to sign the JSF PSFD MOU. Australia also signed on Dec. 12 in a separate ceremony. Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Turkey are scheduled to sign in the near future. This new MOU will expand cooperation among the nine JSF partner nations beyond the ongoing JSF system development and demonstration phase, providing a framework for future JSF Program efforts in production and beyond.
The United Kingdom was the first JSF partner, and is committing over $2 billion dollars to the development phase of the overall JSF program. The U.K. plans to acquire up to 150 short take-off and vertical landing versions of the JSF, and will participate with the U.S. in the JSF aircraft's operational test and evaluation prior to achievement of initial operational capability early in the next decade.
The United Kingdom's signature of the PSFD MOU will continue to strengthen the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, not only in terms of providing air dominance, but also interoperability, defense transformation, modernization, cost reduction, acquisition excellence, and best possible use of the nations' respective industrial bases.
Joint Strike Fighter, as the largest ever U.S. DoD acquisition program, continues to set new standards in development of manufacturing technologies, acquisition and business practices, technology transfer, and export licensing. The first test aircraft is on-track for first flight this week. The JSF Program is providing great opportunities for partner industries through the best value model - selecting manufacturers and maintainers based on a combination of quality, price, and timeliness.
Once the JSF PSFD MOU signing process is completed, the partners will cooperatively develop, produce, test, train and operate a Lightning II JSF Air System that will enhance the interoperability, survivability, and affordability of our future forces. Continued U.K. participation reinforces the longstanding and close relationship between the U.S. and U.K. Armed Forces, providing a solid foundation for future air operations with other allied and friendly nations in a joint and coalition environment.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Web Site Celebrates National Guard Birthday, History
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
Dec. 12, 2006 – The National Guard turns 370 years old tomorrow, and the National Guard Bureau is celebrating with a Web site dedicated to the organization and its history. The site, www.ngb.army.mil/features/birthday/index.html, chronicles the Guard's history, starting in 1636 when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which functioned as the colony's legislature, ordered existing militia companies from the towns surrounding Boston to form into three regiments: North, South and East.
"These first Minutemen answered the call, banding together for the common defense, an effort which grew nationwide to protect towns, states, and ultimately the nation from all enemies, civil, natural and foreign," Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, wrote in a letter on the site.
The American colonies adopted the English militia system, which obligated all males to possess arms and participate in the defense of the community, according to the site. The need for a colonial militia was ratified in the Constitution, and since then, Congress has enacted several militia and defense acts to strengthen the National Guard.
"Today, more than 50,000 citizen-soldiers and airmen are serving overseas as part of the global war on terror," Blum wrote in his letter. "Over 9,000 are serving here at home in domestic missions such as supporting our nation's efforts to secure our borders, guarding critical infrastructure, and providing emergency response to our governors.
"Not unlike those Minutemen 370 years ago, today's Guard members are citizens who believe that an organized militia is essential to the common defense. With centuries of courage, commitment and tradition behind them, the National Guard proudly remains always ready, always there."
In a letter commemorating the birthday, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked the members of the National Guard for serving valiantly in times of war and peace. "We simply could not sustain current operations without the National Guard," Pace wrote. "The courage and sacrifice of every Guard member are truly inspiring. Your outstanding service as citizen-soldiers comforts those in need and protects our homeland."
The National Guard has made up a significant portion of the forces deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. At one point in 2005, half of the combat brigades in Iraq were Army National Guard, according to information on the Web site. The Guard is playing a more active role than ever before, integrating with active forces in combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, information on the site says.
The Web site lists information from each period in the National Guard's history and details on some state-sponsored events commemorating the 370th birthday.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 12, 2006 – The National Guard turns 370 years old tomorrow, and the National Guard Bureau is celebrating with a Web site dedicated to the organization and its history. The site, www.ngb.army.mil/features/birthday/index.html, chronicles the Guard's history, starting in 1636 when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which functioned as the colony's legislature, ordered existing militia companies from the towns surrounding Boston to form into three regiments: North, South and East.
"These first Minutemen answered the call, banding together for the common defense, an effort which grew nationwide to protect towns, states, and ultimately the nation from all enemies, civil, natural and foreign," Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, wrote in a letter on the site.
The American colonies adopted the English militia system, which obligated all males to possess arms and participate in the defense of the community, according to the site. The need for a colonial militia was ratified in the Constitution, and since then, Congress has enacted several militia and defense acts to strengthen the National Guard.
"Today, more than 50,000 citizen-soldiers and airmen are serving overseas as part of the global war on terror," Blum wrote in his letter. "Over 9,000 are serving here at home in domestic missions such as supporting our nation's efforts to secure our borders, guarding critical infrastructure, and providing emergency response to our governors.
"Not unlike those Minutemen 370 years ago, today's Guard members are citizens who believe that an organized militia is essential to the common defense. With centuries of courage, commitment and tradition behind them, the National Guard proudly remains always ready, always there."
In a letter commemorating the birthday, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked the members of the National Guard for serving valiantly in times of war and peace. "We simply could not sustain current operations without the National Guard," Pace wrote. "The courage and sacrifice of every Guard member are truly inspiring. Your outstanding service as citizen-soldiers comforts those in need and protects our homeland."
The National Guard has made up a significant portion of the forces deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. At one point in 2005, half of the combat brigades in Iraq were Army National Guard, according to information on the Web site. The Guard is playing a more active role than ever before, integrating with active forces in combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, information on the site says.
The Web site lists information from each period in the National Guard's history and details on some state-sponsored events commemorating the 370th birthday.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Silver Star Approved for Soldier Who Sacrificed Himself for Crew
Dec. 12, 2006 – Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis packed only 136 pounds into his 6-foot frame, but few have ever matched his inner strength. McGinnis sacrificed himself in an act of supreme bravery on Dec. 4, belying his status as the youngest soldier in Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
The 19-year-old amateur mechanic from Knox, Pa., who enjoyed poker and loud music, likely saved the lives of four soldiers riding with him on a mission in Baghdad.
McGinnis was manning the gunner's hatch when an insurgent tossed a grenade from above. It flew past McGinnis and down through the hatch before lodging near the radio. His platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Thomas of Longview, Texas, recalled what happened next.
"Pfc. McGinnis yelled 'Grenade! ... It's in the truck,'" Thomas said. "I looked out of the corner of my eye as I was crouching down and I saw him pin it down." McGinnis did so even though he could have escaped. "He had time to jump out of the truck," Thomas said. "He chose not to."
Thomas remembered McGinnis talking about how he would respond in such a situation. McGinnis said then he didn't know how he would act, but when the time came, he delivered. "He gave his life to save his crew and his platoon sergeant," Thomas said. "He's a hero. He's a professional. He was just an awesome guy."
Three of the soldiers with McGinnis who were wounded that day have returned to duty, while a fourth is recovering in Germany.
For saving the lives of his friends and giving up his own in the process, McGinnis earned the Silver Star. His unit comrades paid their final respects in a somber ceremony here Dec. 11.
McGinnis was born June 14, 1987, and joined the Army right after graduating from high school in 2005. He had been in the Army 18 months and made his mark even before his heroic deed.
"He was a good kid," said C Company's senior enlisted soldier, 1st Sgt. Kenneth J. Hendrix. "He had just gotten approved for a waiver to be promoted to specialist." He also appeared on the Nov. 30 cover of Stars & Stripes, manning his turret.
Besides his military accomplishments, McGinnis leaves his friends and family with memories of a fun-loving, loyal man.
Pfc. Brennan Beck, a 1-26 infantryman from Lodi, Calif., said McGinnis made others feel better. "He would go into a room and when he left, everyone was laughing," Beck said. "He did impersonations of others in the company. He was quick-witted, just hilarious. He loved making people laugh. He was a comedian through and through."
While having a witty side, McGinnis took his job seriously.
"He was not a garrison soldier. He hated it back in garrison," Beck said. "He loved it here in Iraq. He loved being a gunner. It was a thrill; he loved everything about it. He was one our best soldiers. He did a great job."
Beck has memories of talking all night with McGinnis about where they wanted their lives to go, and said McGinnis always remembered his friends. "When I had my appendix removed, he was the only one who visited me in the hospital," Beck said. "That meant a lot."
Another 1-26 infantryman, Pfc. Michael Blair of Klamath Falls, Ore., recalled that McGinnis helped him when he arrived at Ledward Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany.
"When I first came to the unit, ... he was there and took me in and showed me around," Blair said. "He was real easy to talk to. You could tell him anything. He was a funny guy. He was always making somebody laugh."
McGinnis' final heroic act came as no surprise to Blair. "He was that kind of person," Blair said. "He would rather take it himself than have his buddies go down."
The brigade's senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson, also had high praise for McGinnis. "Any time when you get a soldier to do something like that - to give his life to protect his fellow soldiers - that's what heroes are made of," Johnson said.
It also demonstrates, Johnson continued, that the 'MySpace Generation' has what it takes to carry on the Army's proud traditions.
"Some think soldiers who come in today are all about themselves," Johnson said. "I see it differently."
The Silver Star Medal has been approved for McGinnis's actions Dec. 4, and will be awarded posthumously.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
The 19-year-old amateur mechanic from Knox, Pa., who enjoyed poker and loud music, likely saved the lives of four soldiers riding with him on a mission in Baghdad.
McGinnis was manning the gunner's hatch when an insurgent tossed a grenade from above. It flew past McGinnis and down through the hatch before lodging near the radio. His platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Thomas of Longview, Texas, recalled what happened next.
"Pfc. McGinnis yelled 'Grenade! ... It's in the truck,'" Thomas said. "I looked out of the corner of my eye as I was crouching down and I saw him pin it down." McGinnis did so even though he could have escaped. "He had time to jump out of the truck," Thomas said. "He chose not to."
Thomas remembered McGinnis talking about how he would respond in such a situation. McGinnis said then he didn't know how he would act, but when the time came, he delivered. "He gave his life to save his crew and his platoon sergeant," Thomas said. "He's a hero. He's a professional. He was just an awesome guy."
Three of the soldiers with McGinnis who were wounded that day have returned to duty, while a fourth is recovering in Germany.
For saving the lives of his friends and giving up his own in the process, McGinnis earned the Silver Star. His unit comrades paid their final respects in a somber ceremony here Dec. 11.
McGinnis was born June 14, 1987, and joined the Army right after graduating from high school in 2005. He had been in the Army 18 months and made his mark even before his heroic deed.
"He was a good kid," said C Company's senior enlisted soldier, 1st Sgt. Kenneth J. Hendrix. "He had just gotten approved for a waiver to be promoted to specialist." He also appeared on the Nov. 30 cover of Stars & Stripes, manning his turret.
Besides his military accomplishments, McGinnis leaves his friends and family with memories of a fun-loving, loyal man.
Pfc. Brennan Beck, a 1-26 infantryman from Lodi, Calif., said McGinnis made others feel better. "He would go into a room and when he left, everyone was laughing," Beck said. "He did impersonations of others in the company. He was quick-witted, just hilarious. He loved making people laugh. He was a comedian through and through."
While having a witty side, McGinnis took his job seriously.
"He was not a garrison soldier. He hated it back in garrison," Beck said. "He loved it here in Iraq. He loved being a gunner. It was a thrill; he loved everything about it. He was one our best soldiers. He did a great job."
Beck has memories of talking all night with McGinnis about where they wanted their lives to go, and said McGinnis always remembered his friends. "When I had my appendix removed, he was the only one who visited me in the hospital," Beck said. "That meant a lot."
Another 1-26 infantryman, Pfc. Michael Blair of Klamath Falls, Ore., recalled that McGinnis helped him when he arrived at Ledward Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany.
"When I first came to the unit, ... he was there and took me in and showed me around," Blair said. "He was real easy to talk to. You could tell him anything. He was a funny guy. He was always making somebody laugh."
McGinnis' final heroic act came as no surprise to Blair. "He was that kind of person," Blair said. "He would rather take it himself than have his buddies go down."
The brigade's senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson, also had high praise for McGinnis. "Any time when you get a soldier to do something like that - to give his life to protect his fellow soldiers - that's what heroes are made of," Johnson said.
It also demonstrates, Johnson continued, that the 'MySpace Generation' has what it takes to carry on the Army's proud traditions.
"Some think soldiers who come in today are all about themselves," Johnson said. "I see it differently."
The Silver Star Medal has been approved for McGinnis's actions Dec. 4, and will be awarded posthumously.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Video E-mail Launches for Deployed Soldiers, Families
By Margaret McBride
Dec. 12, 2006 – Soldiers and families can now communicate by video e-mail through the Army Knowledge Online intranet portal. On the first day, more than 3,500 video e-mails were transmitted. "Thank you, that's all I can say," Pvt. Brenden Teetsell of the 44th Signal Battalion e-mailed on Dec. 6. "Thank you for allowing me to see my family. Your technology helps boost not only my morale, but thousands of soldiers a day."
AKO video messaging allows all deployed active-duty, National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers to create video messages on a computer with a Web cam. The message is then stored on a server and sent to the recipient via a link. Upon opening an e-mail, the user clicks on the link to get streaming video and sound. The video-streaming software allows a soldier to hear and view video e-mail even in limited bandwidth environments, but the link can be accessed any time from anywhere.
Instructions are on a link on their AKO home page. Soldiers must follow the same Defense Department security measures used for standard e-mail and are not allowed to use Web cams in secure areas.
Families with an AKO account can send video e-mails from home with a personal computer and a Web cam. They can also use Web cams in many of the yellow-ribbon rooms on military bases. Military bases in deployed locations typically have Web cams available at cyber cafes, officials said.
"Families no longer need to coordinate times to ensure everyone is available to see each other," said Gary L. Winkler, director for governance, acquisition and knowledge in the Army Chief Information Office, who initiated the project.
"This will help geographically separated families stay closer during deployment, and we also expect other benefits from this capability as users become more familiar and comfortable with it," he said.
In the future, Army video e-mail applications could also be used for distance learning and training, recruiting and telemedicine, officials said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 12, 2006 – Soldiers and families can now communicate by video e-mail through the Army Knowledge Online intranet portal. On the first day, more than 3,500 video e-mails were transmitted. "Thank you, that's all I can say," Pvt. Brenden Teetsell of the 44th Signal Battalion e-mailed on Dec. 6. "Thank you for allowing me to see my family. Your technology helps boost not only my morale, but thousands of soldiers a day."
AKO video messaging allows all deployed active-duty, National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers to create video messages on a computer with a Web cam. The message is then stored on a server and sent to the recipient via a link. Upon opening an e-mail, the user clicks on the link to get streaming video and sound. The video-streaming software allows a soldier to hear and view video e-mail even in limited bandwidth environments, but the link can be accessed any time from anywhere.
Instructions are on a link on their AKO home page. Soldiers must follow the same Defense Department security measures used for standard e-mail and are not allowed to use Web cams in secure areas.
Families with an AKO account can send video e-mails from home with a personal computer and a Web cam. They can also use Web cams in many of the yellow-ribbon rooms on military bases. Military bases in deployed locations typically have Web cams available at cyber cafes, officials said.
"Families no longer need to coordinate times to ensure everyone is available to see each other," said Gary L. Winkler, director for governance, acquisition and knowledge in the Army Chief Information Office, who initiated the project.
"This will help geographically separated families stay closer during deployment, and we also expect other benefits from this capability as users become more familiar and comfortable with it," he said.
In the future, Army video e-mail applications could also be used for distance learning and training, recruiting and telemedicine, officials said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Artists Paint Portraits for Families of Fallen Soldiers
By Rachael Tolliver
Dec. 12, 2006 – Kaziah Hancock, an artist and patriot in Manti, Utah, has put her professional life on hold as a result of channel-surfing on the radio. Now, she devotes most of her time to honoring American soldiers who have died in Middle East combat zones. "I came across a talk show, and they were talking about the accomplishments and the life of James W. Kelly, of Salt Lake (City, Utah). It hit me. ... I became a basket case," she explained in a phone interview with the Fort Knox newspaper. "He was a serviceman who had been killed in Iraq."
At that moment, Hancock decided she wanted to paint a memorial portrait of each U.S. servicemember killed in the line of duty.
"At the time, we had only been in Iraq for a short while, and we had lost 80 people," she said. "We were still expecting a short war."
Hancock called a friend who owns an art gallery that regularly features her work and who had several "connections."
"I told her I wanted to do a portrait for the families of the soldiers killed, and my friend said, 'Those from Utah?' I thought for about 15 seconds," she recalled. "And I said, 'No.' Is the one from Texas any less important to me? Or the one from New York? I told her I wanted to do them all. I wanted to paint the portraits for free, and ship ... all of them."
Hancock's portraits normally range in price from $3,000 to $5,000. After the American Legion did a story about her special project for its magazine, 18 more requests came in. Hancock, whose career as an artist is on hold because she has devoted all her time to this one mission, said she had $5,000 in the bank, and found herself kneeling in prayer and asking God for help.
"Then, I just kept going," she said.
"After (painting) 33 of them, I got the idea to form a non-profit (organization) and people could express their patriotism, donate to this cause, and even get a tax deduction. It's mostly the average person who has contributed to the memory of our service people."
The organization she founded is called Project Compassion, Hancock said.
Other artists contributing to the memorial effort include Ann Marie Oborn, JoAnn Musser, Lane Bradey and Clancy DaVries, all of whom volunteer their time and talent and work only for the cost of their materials.
Although she is always looking for artists who want to help, Hancock screens applicants to make sure that they will fit in as "one of the family."
DeVries is a veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the Navy. "I read about Kaziah in an issue of the American Legion magazine," he recalled. "I called her and told her I would like to try some portraits. She said she had six artists who wanted to participate and she had not heard from anyone. I told her she would hear from me."
"(Painting the portraits) is rewarding because of the people," he said. "I familiarize myself with the soldier, go on the Web, read letters and other correspondence, so I know (the soldier) fairly well. The hardest part is letting go and sending the portrait off."
When a family accepts the organization's offer, they are asked to send a large selection of photographs and correspondence from the soldier so the artists can familiarize themselves with the soldier.
DeVries is working on his 95th portrait.
The Detimples, of Morrisville, Pa., are among the hundreds of families that have received portraits.
Their son, Army Pfc. Nathaniel Detimple, was an infantryman with the 28th Infantry Division, of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was one of three soldiers killed Aug. 9, 2005, when the Humvee in which they were riding ran over an improvised explosive device.
"About six months later, February or so, we got a letter from Ms. Hancock explaining the portrait and what to do if we wanted one," said Kim Detimple, Nathaniel's mother. "Our Nat was 19. He joined the National Guard while he was still in high school. Staten (Nat's younger brother) did the same thing and joined in his junior year of high school. We just came back from Fort Knox where Staten just graduated from school. He is in the cavalry."
Kim said, and Glen, Nat's father, agreed, that Hancock's portrait, "caught him. She captured him -- his smile and his facial expressions."
"The most important thing (in the portrait) is that she captured my son," Kim continued. "She is a humble person, and that is what struck me. She remembers all of the families, not just our Nat, but all our sons."
Hancock said she thinks of these paintings as hugs. When she dies, she said, there will be pieces of her heart spread out all across the globe. "That says Kaziah cared about these soldiers," she said.
"I think about all I have lost (and how I felt), and I think of those mothers who have lost their sons and daughters," she said. "We have sent the best blood we have in our name. If art is good, it should do some good."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 12, 2006 – Kaziah Hancock, an artist and patriot in Manti, Utah, has put her professional life on hold as a result of channel-surfing on the radio. Now, she devotes most of her time to honoring American soldiers who have died in Middle East combat zones. "I came across a talk show, and they were talking about the accomplishments and the life of James W. Kelly, of Salt Lake (City, Utah). It hit me. ... I became a basket case," she explained in a phone interview with the Fort Knox newspaper. "He was a serviceman who had been killed in Iraq."
At that moment, Hancock decided she wanted to paint a memorial portrait of each U.S. servicemember killed in the line of duty.
"At the time, we had only been in Iraq for a short while, and we had lost 80 people," she said. "We were still expecting a short war."
Hancock called a friend who owns an art gallery that regularly features her work and who had several "connections."
"I told her I wanted to do a portrait for the families of the soldiers killed, and my friend said, 'Those from Utah?' I thought for about 15 seconds," she recalled. "And I said, 'No.' Is the one from Texas any less important to me? Or the one from New York? I told her I wanted to do them all. I wanted to paint the portraits for free, and ship ... all of them."
Hancock's portraits normally range in price from $3,000 to $5,000. After the American Legion did a story about her special project for its magazine, 18 more requests came in. Hancock, whose career as an artist is on hold because she has devoted all her time to this one mission, said she had $5,000 in the bank, and found herself kneeling in prayer and asking God for help.
"Then, I just kept going," she said.
"After (painting) 33 of them, I got the idea to form a non-profit (organization) and people could express their patriotism, donate to this cause, and even get a tax deduction. It's mostly the average person who has contributed to the memory of our service people."
The organization she founded is called Project Compassion, Hancock said.
Other artists contributing to the memorial effort include Ann Marie Oborn, JoAnn Musser, Lane Bradey and Clancy DaVries, all of whom volunteer their time and talent and work only for the cost of their materials.
Although she is always looking for artists who want to help, Hancock screens applicants to make sure that they will fit in as "one of the family."
DeVries is a veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the Navy. "I read about Kaziah in an issue of the American Legion magazine," he recalled. "I called her and told her I would like to try some portraits. She said she had six artists who wanted to participate and she had not heard from anyone. I told her she would hear from me."
"(Painting the portraits) is rewarding because of the people," he said. "I familiarize myself with the soldier, go on the Web, read letters and other correspondence, so I know (the soldier) fairly well. The hardest part is letting go and sending the portrait off."
When a family accepts the organization's offer, they are asked to send a large selection of photographs and correspondence from the soldier so the artists can familiarize themselves with the soldier.
DeVries is working on his 95th portrait.
The Detimples, of Morrisville, Pa., are among the hundreds of families that have received portraits.
Their son, Army Pfc. Nathaniel Detimple, was an infantryman with the 28th Infantry Division, of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was one of three soldiers killed Aug. 9, 2005, when the Humvee in which they were riding ran over an improvised explosive device.
"About six months later, February or so, we got a letter from Ms. Hancock explaining the portrait and what to do if we wanted one," said Kim Detimple, Nathaniel's mother. "Our Nat was 19. He joined the National Guard while he was still in high school. Staten (Nat's younger brother) did the same thing and joined in his junior year of high school. We just came back from Fort Knox where Staten just graduated from school. He is in the cavalry."
Kim said, and Glen, Nat's father, agreed, that Hancock's portrait, "caught him. She captured him -- his smile and his facial expressions."
"The most important thing (in the portrait) is that she captured my son," Kim continued. "She is a humble person, and that is what struck me. She remembers all of the families, not just our Nat, but all our sons."
Hancock said she thinks of these paintings as hugs. When she dies, she said, there will be pieces of her heart spread out all across the globe. "That says Kaziah cared about these soldiers," she said.
"I think about all I have lost (and how I felt), and I think of those mothers who have lost their sons and daughters," she said. "We have sent the best blood we have in our name. If art is good, it should do some good."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become authors.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Notes Will Have Troops Seeing Stars
By Samantha L. Quigley
Dec. 11, 2006 – Thanks to a partnership with Hollywood Video and Game Craze rental stores in five states, "Tunes 4 the Troops" anticipates sending troops 5,000 DVDs this holiday season. For $1, customers at 26 Hollywood Video stores and 18 Game Craze stores in Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and the Carolinas can write a note to the troops. Customers can also donate their spare change for the troops.
The money raised in each store will go to buy DVDs to benefit the troops through Tunes 4 the Troops, Kaylee Radzyminski, 15, founder of the Cleveland, Tenn., organization, said.
The venture started because Jonathan Powell, a Hollywood Video district manager for the five states involved, learned of Tunes 4 the Troops' efforts and wanted to help. The stores' goal is to raise $30,000 through the end of the holiday season, which Kaylee said would buy about 5,000 DVDs, CDs and audio for the troops. The current total is about $3,000.
What she sends this holiday season will be in addition to the 10,000 such items she's sent out since starting Tunes 4 the Troops in fall of 2005. She's working toward a goal of 500,000 entertainment items shipped to the troops by the 2008 holiday season, she said.
Her efforts are rewarded with gratitude from the troops that receive her videos, CDs and audio books. "All military personnel around the world are truly grateful for all the support you have given," Army Maj. Johnny Borden e-mailed Kaylee from Kuwait. "In my eyes you have reached (your goal), seeing someone smile with their headphones on at the desk, dancing in their chair.
"Know this, you made an impact and I get to laugh just a little," he added.
Kaylee also helped Tina Rice, founder of the Tennessee-based "Operation Christmas Presence.". She provided Rice a list of armed services chaplains who will distribute Operation Christmas Presence's packages.
Kaylee also seized the opportunity to keep some more troops entertained by including a CD and DVD in each of the boxes Rice sent out. That effort produced more than 1,400 boxes of goodies and entertainment items for the troops.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 11, 2006 – Thanks to a partnership with Hollywood Video and Game Craze rental stores in five states, "Tunes 4 the Troops" anticipates sending troops 5,000 DVDs this holiday season. For $1, customers at 26 Hollywood Video stores and 18 Game Craze stores in Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and the Carolinas can write a note to the troops. Customers can also donate their spare change for the troops.
The money raised in each store will go to buy DVDs to benefit the troops through Tunes 4 the Troops, Kaylee Radzyminski, 15, founder of the Cleveland, Tenn., organization, said.
The venture started because Jonathan Powell, a Hollywood Video district manager for the five states involved, learned of Tunes 4 the Troops' efforts and wanted to help. The stores' goal is to raise $30,000 through the end of the holiday season, which Kaylee said would buy about 5,000 DVDs, CDs and audio for the troops. The current total is about $3,000.
What she sends this holiday season will be in addition to the 10,000 such items she's sent out since starting Tunes 4 the Troops in fall of 2005. She's working toward a goal of 500,000 entertainment items shipped to the troops by the 2008 holiday season, she said.
Her efforts are rewarded with gratitude from the troops that receive her videos, CDs and audio books. "All military personnel around the world are truly grateful for all the support you have given," Army Maj. Johnny Borden e-mailed Kaylee from Kuwait. "In my eyes you have reached (your goal), seeing someone smile with their headphones on at the desk, dancing in their chair.
"Know this, you made an impact and I get to laugh just a little," he added.
Kaylee also helped Tina Rice, founder of the Tennessee-based "Operation Christmas Presence.". She provided Rice a list of armed services chaplains who will distribute Operation Christmas Presence's packages.
Kaylee also seized the opportunity to keep some more troops entertained by including a CD and DVD in each of the boxes Rice sent out. That effort produced more than 1,400 boxes of goodies and entertainment items for the troops.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become writers.
Schedule Announced for Release of Tax Statements
Dec. 11, 2006 – Servicemembers, military retirees and annuitants, and federal civilian employees paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service can expect to receive their 2006 tax statements beginning this month, DFAS officials announced today.
DFAS customers with access to the secure, Web-based "myPay" system will be able to retrieve their tax statements electronically up to two weeks sooner than those relying on regular mail delivery, officials said.
The myPay system includes layers of defense against identity theft, officials noted, adding that its technology meets or exceeds security requirements in private industry worldwide.
"Tax statements are available online, allowing customers to view and print W2s and 1099Rs. Whether anyone needs the statements to complete taxes or just want an extra copy for their records, the tax statements can be accessed and printed at any time," Patrick Shine, DFAS operations director, said. "The printable statements are approved by the Internal Revenue Service."
Here are projected distribution dates for DFAS customers' tax statements:
-- Retiree Annual Statement: Available on myPay Dec. 9, mailed via U.S. Postal Service Dec. 16-31;
-- Retiree 1099R: Available on myPay Dec. 15, mailed Dec. 16-31;
-- Annuitant Account Statement: Available on myPay Dec. 18, mailed Dec. 19-31;
-- Annuitant 1099R: Available on myPay Dec. 18, mailed Dec. 19-31;
-- VSI/SSB W-2: Not available on myPay, mailed Jan. 4-5;
-- Active Duty Air Force, Army, Navy W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 22, mailed Jan. 23-29;
-- Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 2, mailed Jan. 5-8;
-- Marine Corps active and reserve W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 5, mailed Jan. 9-10;
-- Civilian employee W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 9, mailed Jan. 11-18;
-- Savings Deposit Program 1099INT: Available on myPay Jan. 19, mailed Jan. 19-20; and
-- Vendor Pay 1099: Not available on myPay, mailed Jan. 27-31.
Shine added that current myPay account holders can eliminate the costs associated with generating and distributing the tax statements immediately by signing up and using myPay. A personal identification number, or PIN, is required to use the system, and eligible users can apply for one at the myPay Web site, www.mypay.dfas.mil.
Users with military e-mail addresses -addresses in the .mil domain -- or a pre-registered personal e-mail address can receive their new PIN via e-mail. All others will receive their new PIN via mail in about 10 working days from the date of request, officials said.
Customers who already had obtained a PIN but have forgotten it can apply for a new one at the myPay site.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become writers.
DFAS customers with access to the secure, Web-based "myPay" system will be able to retrieve their tax statements electronically up to two weeks sooner than those relying on regular mail delivery, officials said.
The myPay system includes layers of defense against identity theft, officials noted, adding that its technology meets or exceeds security requirements in private industry worldwide.
"Tax statements are available online, allowing customers to view and print W2s and 1099Rs. Whether anyone needs the statements to complete taxes or just want an extra copy for their records, the tax statements can be accessed and printed at any time," Patrick Shine, DFAS operations director, said. "The printable statements are approved by the Internal Revenue Service."
Here are projected distribution dates for DFAS customers' tax statements:
-- Retiree Annual Statement: Available on myPay Dec. 9, mailed via U.S. Postal Service Dec. 16-31;
-- Retiree 1099R: Available on myPay Dec. 15, mailed Dec. 16-31;
-- Annuitant Account Statement: Available on myPay Dec. 18, mailed Dec. 19-31;
-- Annuitant 1099R: Available on myPay Dec. 18, mailed Dec. 19-31;
-- VSI/SSB W-2: Not available on myPay, mailed Jan. 4-5;
-- Active Duty Air Force, Army, Navy W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 22, mailed Jan. 23-29;
-- Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 2, mailed Jan. 5-8;
-- Marine Corps active and reserve W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 5, mailed Jan. 9-10;
-- Civilian employee W-2: Available on myPay Jan. 9, mailed Jan. 11-18;
-- Savings Deposit Program 1099INT: Available on myPay Jan. 19, mailed Jan. 19-20; and
-- Vendor Pay 1099: Not available on myPay, mailed Jan. 27-31.
Shine added that current myPay account holders can eliminate the costs associated with generating and distributing the tax statements immediately by signing up and using myPay. A personal identification number, or PIN, is required to use the system, and eligible users can apply for one at the myPay Web site, www.mypay.dfas.mil.
Users with military e-mail addresses -addresses in the .mil domain -- or a pre-registered personal e-mail address can receive their new PIN via e-mail. All others will receive their new PIN via mail in about 10 working days from the date of request, officials said.
Customers who already had obtained a PIN but have forgotten it can apply for a new one at the myPay site.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become writers.
America Swaps Cookies, Supports Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
Dec. 11, 2006 – More than 17,000 cookie-swap parties took place Dec. 9 during the "Great American Cookie Swap" to benefit "Treat the Troops," but only one was "Road Tasted." Both DuPont Teflon, which sponsored the event, and Treat the Troops are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program showcasing Americans' support for the nation's servicemembers.
Jamie and Bobby Deen, hosts of the Food Network program "Road Tasted," made an appearance at the cookie swap Melissa Lewis held at her home here. The brothers are Great American Cookie Swap ambassadors and were on hand to sign autographs and lend their advice and support.
"It's a tough fight for our men and women on the ground over there, and ... you know that families here are missing them; they're missing their families," Jamie Deen said. "To receive something like a great fresh-baked cookie just gives them a little taste of home."
More than just sending a little piece of home to troops overseas, the Great American Cookie swap had a broader effect.
"This is a multifaceted (event)," Deen said. "It helps kids learn to appreciate and recognize the sacrifice that (servicemembers) make.
"Every way you look at it, this is just a super positive project," he added.
For every party registered with DuPont, the corporation is making a donation to Jeanette Cram's "Treat the Troops" organization. Treat the Troops is a troop-support organization that sends homemade cookies and other comfort items to servicemembers overseas. Just in November, Treat the Troops sent more than 11,000 cookies to the troops, and postage to ship that many cookies doesn't come cheap.
"Locally, we spend at least $1,000 a month," Cram said. That doesn't take into account what her nearly 50 "crumbs," as her volunteers are known, around the country spend.
DuPont's donations will help Cram prepare and send cookies to those serving overseas for an entire year.
"With the generous contribution from DuPont, our member organization, Treat the Troops overcomes its greatest program challenge -- postage," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication and public liaison, said. "DuPont's commitment makes it possible for Treat the Troops to focus exclusively on what it does best to boost the morale of our soldiers bake, package and ship great-tasting cookies to our men and women in uniform serving overseas."
Cram said the donation will be a tremendous help in getting cookies to as many servicemembers as possible. "It means I don't have to go out and beg for money," Cram said, praising America Supports You for bringing "a little small group and a huge corporation" together. "That's what America is about. It's about corporate and government and people ... coming together for one goal -- the never-complaining soldiers."
While Treat the Troops takes care of those serving overseas, Melissa Lewis' party took care of Marines living in barracks on Quantico. She noted that many troops are away from loved ones this holiday season even if they're not in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"Believe it or not, we have a lot of guys here. We actually even have international soldiers here," she said, referring to foreign soldiers who attend training here. "It kind of shows them (that) local, U.S., foreign (military), it doesn't matter. We're all family. We're all missing somebody."
As a Marine wife, Lewis knows first-hand what small thoughtful acts, like sending some homemade cookies, can mean to those overseas.
"There's times when these guys, they're out there and when they're in certain areas they may not get mail for weeks at a time," Lewis said. "So for them to open up a package and see fresh homemade cookies, ... it's that connection to home and they don't feel so alone out there."
Lewis had a little help packaging the more than 100 dozen cookies that were dropped off at her home. Her daughter's Daisy Girl Scout Troop 224, from Quantico's Ashurst Elementary School was on hand to offer assistance.
The eight 5-year-olds helped stack tins and plastic containers of cookies. Some of the girls had spent part of their Friday evening helping to bake cookies.
"I decorated them and got all messy," Hailey Rathbun said. "(The Marines) don't have families to make them cookies."
By 4 p.m., all that was left was to load the cars and hand out the tins of holiday cheer, which the Marines in the Quantico barracks were all too happy to receive.
"It's something that's so simple, yet so thoughtful," Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Dowling, who is assigned to Quantico, said. "This is a good thing," Marine Lance. Cpl. Matthew Melvin added.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 11, 2006 – More than 17,000 cookie-swap parties took place Dec. 9 during the "Great American Cookie Swap" to benefit "Treat the Troops," but only one was "Road Tasted." Both DuPont Teflon, which sponsored the event, and Treat the Troops are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program showcasing Americans' support for the nation's servicemembers.
Jamie and Bobby Deen, hosts of the Food Network program "Road Tasted," made an appearance at the cookie swap Melissa Lewis held at her home here. The brothers are Great American Cookie Swap ambassadors and were on hand to sign autographs and lend their advice and support.
"It's a tough fight for our men and women on the ground over there, and ... you know that families here are missing them; they're missing their families," Jamie Deen said. "To receive something like a great fresh-baked cookie just gives them a little taste of home."
More than just sending a little piece of home to troops overseas, the Great American Cookie swap had a broader effect.
"This is a multifaceted (event)," Deen said. "It helps kids learn to appreciate and recognize the sacrifice that (servicemembers) make.
"Every way you look at it, this is just a super positive project," he added.
For every party registered with DuPont, the corporation is making a donation to Jeanette Cram's "Treat the Troops" organization. Treat the Troops is a troop-support organization that sends homemade cookies and other comfort items to servicemembers overseas. Just in November, Treat the Troops sent more than 11,000 cookies to the troops, and postage to ship that many cookies doesn't come cheap.
"Locally, we spend at least $1,000 a month," Cram said. That doesn't take into account what her nearly 50 "crumbs," as her volunteers are known, around the country spend.
DuPont's donations will help Cram prepare and send cookies to those serving overseas for an entire year.
"With the generous contribution from DuPont, our member organization, Treat the Troops overcomes its greatest program challenge -- postage," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication and public liaison, said. "DuPont's commitment makes it possible for Treat the Troops to focus exclusively on what it does best to boost the morale of our soldiers bake, package and ship great-tasting cookies to our men and women in uniform serving overseas."
Cram said the donation will be a tremendous help in getting cookies to as many servicemembers as possible. "It means I don't have to go out and beg for money," Cram said, praising America Supports You for bringing "a little small group and a huge corporation" together. "That's what America is about. It's about corporate and government and people ... coming together for one goal -- the never-complaining soldiers."
While Treat the Troops takes care of those serving overseas, Melissa Lewis' party took care of Marines living in barracks on Quantico. She noted that many troops are away from loved ones this holiday season even if they're not in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"Believe it or not, we have a lot of guys here. We actually even have international soldiers here," she said, referring to foreign soldiers who attend training here. "It kind of shows them (that) local, U.S., foreign (military), it doesn't matter. We're all family. We're all missing somebody."
As a Marine wife, Lewis knows first-hand what small thoughtful acts, like sending some homemade cookies, can mean to those overseas.
"There's times when these guys, they're out there and when they're in certain areas they may not get mail for weeks at a time," Lewis said. "So for them to open up a package and see fresh homemade cookies, ... it's that connection to home and they don't feel so alone out there."
Lewis had a little help packaging the more than 100 dozen cookies that were dropped off at her home. Her daughter's Daisy Girl Scout Troop 224, from Quantico's Ashurst Elementary School was on hand to offer assistance.
The eight 5-year-olds helped stack tins and plastic containers of cookies. Some of the girls had spent part of their Friday evening helping to bake cookies.
"I decorated them and got all messy," Hailey Rathbun said. "(The Marines) don't have families to make them cookies."
By 4 p.m., all that was left was to load the cars and hand out the tins of holiday cheer, which the Marines in the Quantico barracks were all too happy to receive.
"It's something that's so simple, yet so thoughtful," Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Dowling, who is assigned to Quantico, said. "This is a good thing," Marine Lance. Cpl. Matthew Melvin added.
Article sponsored by criminal justice leadership; and, military and police personnel who have become writers.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Rumsfeld Discusses Transformation, Changes in Congress
By Jim Garamone
Dec. 10, 2006 – Military transformation will continue, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told servicemembers here yesterday. Transformation was one of the issues President Bush stressed when he was running for the office in 2000, Rumsfeld said during a town hall meeting with troops. "His hopes for the (Defense Department) was that it would be transformed to face the threats of the 21st century rather than being arranged to handle the challenges of the 20th century," he said.
Change is tough, the secretary said, and it's particularly hard for a large bureaucracy to change. "Each time you try to change something, someone isn't going to like that," he said. "You just have to accept that. The president said he wanted it changed. He wanted a 21st century orientation."
Rumsfeld cited the changes to the global footprint, the establishment of U.S. Northern Command and building the new National Security Personnel System as examples of the changes that have been made. The secretary said the United States military has become leaner and more flexible, with added emphasis on special operations forces. All this will help to combat the terrorist threat, he said.
"I think these have to be considered the most important things we've done," he said.
Rumsfeld said that the military doesn't start "untransformed" and become transformed, "because the world is not static. It requires there is a process that continues working over time."
He said DoD has selected leaders who are able to "break free" from earlier training and doctrine and put in place these new ideas. "These are people who are comfortable changing things, who can provide that kind of bold leadership that is a risk when you are changing things," he said. "I am reasonably confident that the senior people in the department are not service-centric; they are joint in orientation and they are looking forward rather than back, and they will be in a position to influence the impetus to the continuing transforming process."
The enemy in Iraq changes its tactics, techniques and procedures constantly, Rumsfeld said. The U.S. military needs to be nimble enough to get inside that decision cycle and cause the enemy to react to U.S. changes, rather than the other way around.
Rumsfeld spoke a bit about the changes in America that led to his resignation. A Marine in Al Asad Air Base asked him what Democratic control of Congress will mean to the military. "We've staked everything on the idea that the people can guide and direct the force of our country," Rumsfeld said. Americans are part of the decision process even during wartime, he explained.
Rumsfeld said he is confident about the outcome. "The great sweep of human history is for freedom and that's the side we are on," he said in Mosul. "Totalitarian systems fail because they don't exploit the creativity of a free population."
Article sponsored by the next leadership book; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 10, 2006 – Military transformation will continue, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told servicemembers here yesterday. Transformation was one of the issues President Bush stressed when he was running for the office in 2000, Rumsfeld said during a town hall meeting with troops. "His hopes for the (Defense Department) was that it would be transformed to face the threats of the 21st century rather than being arranged to handle the challenges of the 20th century," he said.
Change is tough, the secretary said, and it's particularly hard for a large bureaucracy to change. "Each time you try to change something, someone isn't going to like that," he said. "You just have to accept that. The president said he wanted it changed. He wanted a 21st century orientation."
Rumsfeld cited the changes to the global footprint, the establishment of U.S. Northern Command and building the new National Security Personnel System as examples of the changes that have been made. The secretary said the United States military has become leaner and more flexible, with added emphasis on special operations forces. All this will help to combat the terrorist threat, he said.
"I think these have to be considered the most important things we've done," he said.
Rumsfeld said that the military doesn't start "untransformed" and become transformed, "because the world is not static. It requires there is a process that continues working over time."
He said DoD has selected leaders who are able to "break free" from earlier training and doctrine and put in place these new ideas. "These are people who are comfortable changing things, who can provide that kind of bold leadership that is a risk when you are changing things," he said. "I am reasonably confident that the senior people in the department are not service-centric; they are joint in orientation and they are looking forward rather than back, and they will be in a position to influence the impetus to the continuing transforming process."
The enemy in Iraq changes its tactics, techniques and procedures constantly, Rumsfeld said. The U.S. military needs to be nimble enough to get inside that decision cycle and cause the enemy to react to U.S. changes, rather than the other way around.
Rumsfeld spoke a bit about the changes in America that led to his resignation. A Marine in Al Asad Air Base asked him what Democratic control of Congress will mean to the military. "We've staked everything on the idea that the people can guide and direct the force of our country," Rumsfeld said. Americans are part of the decision process even during wartime, he explained.
Rumsfeld said he is confident about the outcome. "The great sweep of human history is for freedom and that's the side we are on," he said in Mosul. "Totalitarian systems fail because they don't exploit the creativity of a free population."
Article sponsored by the next leadership book; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
Rumsfeld Awards Multinational Corps Leaders
By Jim Garamone
Dec. 10, 2006 – Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld decorated two senior members of the Multinational Corps Iraq during a ceremony here yesterday. Rumsfeld presented the Bronze Star to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Beam, the corps sergeant major, and the Distinguished Service Medal to Corps Commander Army Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli.
Chiarelli and Beam are a team at the top of the multinational corps. "When we first put this together, we agreed he would take care of the politics and I would take care of the soldiers," Beam said following the presentation. Beam put thousands of miles on his vehicles traveling throughout the country to assess morale and ensure everything that could be done for servicemembers' safety was being done.
Rumsfeld said the corps has done exceptional work in the past year. The corps helped provide security for the long process of forming the Iraqi government, he said.
The corps has also provided impetus to the training and equipping effort for the Iraq army and Iraqi police, Rumsfeld said. Chiarelli put in place more trainers and devoted more manpower and equipment to making Iraqi security forces potent.
Both men received the award in a corps conference room set up so their wives could watch the proceedings. Chiarelli and Beam return to their home base in Heidelberg, Germany, this week.
Rumsfeld arrived in Iraq yesterday to thank the troops for their service. The secretary visited personnel in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, in and around Baghdad and in Mosul.
Article sponsored by the next leadership book; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 10, 2006 – Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld decorated two senior members of the Multinational Corps Iraq during a ceremony here yesterday. Rumsfeld presented the Bronze Star to Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Beam, the corps sergeant major, and the Distinguished Service Medal to Corps Commander Army Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli.
Chiarelli and Beam are a team at the top of the multinational corps. "When we first put this together, we agreed he would take care of the politics and I would take care of the soldiers," Beam said following the presentation. Beam put thousands of miles on his vehicles traveling throughout the country to assess morale and ensure everything that could be done for servicemembers' safety was being done.
Rumsfeld said the corps has done exceptional work in the past year. The corps helped provide security for the long process of forming the Iraqi government, he said.
The corps has also provided impetus to the training and equipping effort for the Iraq army and Iraqi police, Rumsfeld said. Chiarelli put in place more trainers and devoted more manpower and equipment to making Iraqi security forces potent.
Both men received the award in a corps conference room set up so their wives could watch the proceedings. Chiarelli and Beam return to their home base in Heidelberg, Germany, this week.
Rumsfeld arrived in Iraq yesterday to thank the troops for their service. The secretary visited personnel in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, in and around Baghdad and in Mosul.
Article sponsored by the next leadership book; and, police and military personnel who have become writers.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
U.S. Troop Morale in Iraq High, Marine Commander Says
By Jim Garamone
Dec. 9, 2006 – Even with all the debate in the U.S. over Iraq strategy, morale on the ground here is good, the commander of Multinational Force West said today. Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer said that retention among Marines based in Iraq is more than 140 percent of the goal. "If they didn't think what they were doing was important, then they wouldn't reenlist," he said during an interview.
He said the situation in Anbar province is difficult, but progress is being made. "It's going to be slow," Zilmer said. "We will be at this for a long time."
The general said he is encouraged by cooperation tribal sheikhs are providing the coalition in the province. Local leadership in and around Ramadi finally had enough of al Qaeda in Iraq violence and intimidation and began cooperating with the U.S. forces in the area. "The sheikhs have a lot of power," Zilmer said. "As soon as they put it out that people should cooperate, we started getting volunteers."
The Iraqi police in Anbar are fairly well-manned, but there are problems recruiting soldiers, Zilmer said. Part of that is because police remain local, while soldiers can get assigned anywhere in the country. Another problem is a requirement that Iraqi soldiers know how to read and write. Many men in Anbar province do not have those skills. "Al Qaeda doesn't have that same requirement," Zilmer said.
The help the sheikhs provide also means more tips coming in to the Iraqi authorities and more cooperation when forces go to neighborhoods, he said. It has also had an effect on the number of attacks in the city. "We hope this cooperation spreads beyond Ramadi," he said. "Success breeds success."
Another bright spot in Anbar is in and around Al Qaim, on the Syrian border. "Last year there were pitched battles in the city," he said. "Now the tribal leaders are cooperating, and the police and army units cooperate with each other and with us."
The people of Al Qaim are giving the Iraqi government a chance to establish order, Zilmer said.
Despite these successes, the province is a huge area to cover. The addition of a Marine amphibious unit has helped tamp down some of the problems, the general said, but what he really needs are more Iraqi forces.
Many of the Marines and soldiers in the region are on their second or third tour, yet their morale is still high. "They come out here and decide they will make a difference," Zilmer said. "And they do. Every day."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 9, 2006 – Even with all the debate in the U.S. over Iraq strategy, morale on the ground here is good, the commander of Multinational Force West said today. Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer said that retention among Marines based in Iraq is more than 140 percent of the goal. "If they didn't think what they were doing was important, then they wouldn't reenlist," he said during an interview.
He said the situation in Anbar province is difficult, but progress is being made. "It's going to be slow," Zilmer said. "We will be at this for a long time."
The general said he is encouraged by cooperation tribal sheikhs are providing the coalition in the province. Local leadership in and around Ramadi finally had enough of al Qaeda in Iraq violence and intimidation and began cooperating with the U.S. forces in the area. "The sheikhs have a lot of power," Zilmer said. "As soon as they put it out that people should cooperate, we started getting volunteers."
The Iraqi police in Anbar are fairly well-manned, but there are problems recruiting soldiers, Zilmer said. Part of that is because police remain local, while soldiers can get assigned anywhere in the country. Another problem is a requirement that Iraqi soldiers know how to read and write. Many men in Anbar province do not have those skills. "Al Qaeda doesn't have that same requirement," Zilmer said.
The help the sheikhs provide also means more tips coming in to the Iraqi authorities and more cooperation when forces go to neighborhoods, he said. It has also had an effect on the number of attacks in the city. "We hope this cooperation spreads beyond Ramadi," he said. "Success breeds success."
Another bright spot in Anbar is in and around Al Qaim, on the Syrian border. "Last year there were pitched battles in the city," he said. "Now the tribal leaders are cooperating, and the police and army units cooperate with each other and with us."
The people of Al Qaim are giving the Iraqi government a chance to establish order, Zilmer said.
Despite these successes, the province is a huge area to cover. The addition of a Marine amphibious unit has helped tamp down some of the problems, the general said, but what he really needs are more Iraqi forces.
Many of the Marines and soldiers in the region are on their second or third tour, yet their morale is still high. "They come out here and decide they will make a difference," Zilmer said. "And they do. Every day."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and military and police personnel who have become authors.
Troops Haven't Lost Faith in Rumsfeld
By Jim Garamone
Dec. 9, 2006 – As he prepares to enter his final week in office, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld was greeted warmly here by the men and women in uniform he has led for the past six years. Rumsfeld paid a surprise visit to servicemembers based in Iraq to thank them for their service. He met with troops on Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province and then with troops here.
In both places, the troops treated him like a rock star. The 74-year-old secretary flew aboard an Air Force C-17 from Washington. He worked through the night aboard the plane, but was still fresh enough to put in a full day speaking to and meeting the troops.
And they responded.
When he arrived to speak at Al Asad, he received a sustained ovation - punctuated by Marine OO-RAHs and Army HOOAHs. There were even a number of Air Force personnel who insisted on yelling "Airpower."
After the speech in Al Asad, hundreds of servicemembers lined up for pictures with Rumsfeld. Many offered support for the secretary who steps down Dec. 18. "It isn't a military problem out here," said one Marine gunnery sergeant speaking on background. "It's a political problem. No one in this country can challenge us militarily; we'd wipe the floor with them. The Iraqis have to 'cowboy up.'"
Many soldiers and airmen at Balad said that if they have the patience and they haven't lost faith, then the American people shouldn't either. "This is my second year-long tour," said a convoy commander at Anaconda Logistics Area. "Why am I more patient than someone sitting at home in 'Fort Livingroom?'"
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and military and police personnel who have become authors.
Dec. 9, 2006 – As he prepares to enter his final week in office, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld was greeted warmly here by the men and women in uniform he has led for the past six years. Rumsfeld paid a surprise visit to servicemembers based in Iraq to thank them for their service. He met with troops on Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province and then with troops here.
In both places, the troops treated him like a rock star. The 74-year-old secretary flew aboard an Air Force C-17 from Washington. He worked through the night aboard the plane, but was still fresh enough to put in a full day speaking to and meeting the troops.
And they responded.
When he arrived to speak at Al Asad, he received a sustained ovation - punctuated by Marine OO-RAHs and Army HOOAHs. There were even a number of Air Force personnel who insisted on yelling "Airpower."
After the speech in Al Asad, hundreds of servicemembers lined up for pictures with Rumsfeld. Many offered support for the secretary who steps down Dec. 18. "It isn't a military problem out here," said one Marine gunnery sergeant speaking on background. "It's a political problem. No one in this country can challenge us militarily; we'd wipe the floor with them. The Iraqis have to 'cowboy up.'"
Many soldiers and airmen at Balad said that if they have the patience and they haven't lost faith, then the American people shouldn't either. "This is my second year-long tour," said a convoy commander at Anaconda Logistics Area. "Why am I more patient than someone sitting at home in 'Fort Livingroom?'"
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and military and police personnel who have become authors.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Rumsfeld: Early Iraq, Afghan Pullouts Would Be 'Terrible' Mistake
By Gerry J. Gilmore
Dec. 8, 2006 – An early withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq or Afghanistan would aid terrorists and cause more instability in those countries, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told military and civilian employees at the Pentagon today. The United States has invested much during anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rumsfeld said at a town hall meeting. And both of those countries have made great strides in governing themselves, he said, since U.S. and coalition military forces toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan and deposed Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
Afghanistan and Iraq, however, still face severe challenges from terrorists determined to topple their new, democratic governments, the defense secretary said.
An early withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan or Iraq before more stability is established would simply create more instability, Rumsfeld said.
"I believe it would be a terrible mistake," he said.
Rumsfeld acknowledged that Americans are concerned about the pace of progress, particularly in Iraq. "There's an impatience in the United States and in the Congress (over Iraq), and there's nobody who sees people being killed and wounded and doesn't feel a sense of urgency about getting it right and doing the right thing and seeing that their loss of life is as minimal as it possibly can be," the defense secretary said.
"The other thing we have to think about, though, is the dire consequences were we to fail there," Rumsfeld said.
The war against terrorism in Iraq will ultimately have to be won by its people, Rumsfeld said. But, for now, U.S. troops are still needed there, he said, to train Iraqi soldiers and police and to help suppress extremist violence until the fledgling Iraqi government can stand on its feet.
Yet, the war in Iraq also won't be won by military means alone, the defense secretary said.
"It has to be won by the Iraqi people," Rumsfeld said. Efforts must continue, he said, to establish accord between Iraq's Shiia and Sunni Muslim citizens and to improve the quality of life for all Iraqis.
"And, it is those diplomatic and economic and political things that have to move forward in that country," Rumsfeld said.
Animosity between Shiia and Sunni Muslims isn't just an Iraqi issue, Rumsfeld said, noting there's a major divide between those groups across the Middle East.
"And what's taking place in Iraq is, in effect, a microcosm of what's taking place in that region," the defense secretary said.
The United States and its allies need to do better against extremists in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rumsfeld said. But, he added, he believes there's no silver bullet that can be employed to quickly defeat insurgents operating in those countries. Rather, the endeavor will simply take time, he said.
"And, we have every chance in the world of succeeding in both those countries, but only if we have the patience and only if we have the staying power," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 8, 2006 – An early withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq or Afghanistan would aid terrorists and cause more instability in those countries, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told military and civilian employees at the Pentagon today. The United States has invested much during anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rumsfeld said at a town hall meeting. And both of those countries have made great strides in governing themselves, he said, since U.S. and coalition military forces toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan and deposed Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
Afghanistan and Iraq, however, still face severe challenges from terrorists determined to topple their new, democratic governments, the defense secretary said.
An early withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan or Iraq before more stability is established would simply create more instability, Rumsfeld said.
"I believe it would be a terrible mistake," he said.
Rumsfeld acknowledged that Americans are concerned about the pace of progress, particularly in Iraq. "There's an impatience in the United States and in the Congress (over Iraq), and there's nobody who sees people being killed and wounded and doesn't feel a sense of urgency about getting it right and doing the right thing and seeing that their loss of life is as minimal as it possibly can be," the defense secretary said.
"The other thing we have to think about, though, is the dire consequences were we to fail there," Rumsfeld said.
The war against terrorism in Iraq will ultimately have to be won by its people, Rumsfeld said. But, for now, U.S. troops are still needed there, he said, to train Iraqi soldiers and police and to help suppress extremist violence until the fledgling Iraqi government can stand on its feet.
Yet, the war in Iraq also won't be won by military means alone, the defense secretary said.
"It has to be won by the Iraqi people," Rumsfeld said. Efforts must continue, he said, to establish accord between Iraq's Shiia and Sunni Muslim citizens and to improve the quality of life for all Iraqis.
"And, it is those diplomatic and economic and political things that have to move forward in that country," Rumsfeld said.
Animosity between Shiia and Sunni Muslims isn't just an Iraqi issue, Rumsfeld said, noting there's a major divide between those groups across the Middle East.
"And what's taking place in Iraq is, in effect, a microcosm of what's taking place in that region," the defense secretary said.
The United States and its allies need to do better against extremists in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rumsfeld said. But, he added, he believes there's no silver bullet that can be employed to quickly defeat insurgents operating in those countries. Rather, the endeavor will simply take time, he said.
"And, we have every chance in the world of succeeding in both those countries, but only if we have the patience and only if we have the staying power," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
Exercise Tests Patient Care Savvy
By Staff Sgt. Amaani Lyle, USAF
Dec. 8, 2006 – A year of planning culminated in the orchestration of more than five aircraft, 13 organizations and numerous flight surgeons, nurses, technicians, administrators and air and ground crew who conducted collaborative patient care and transport during Exercise Capital Shield here Dec. 4-7. Under direction of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region at Fort McNair, and the Air Force District of Washington surgeon general at Bolling Air Force Base -- both in the District of Columbia -- Guard and Reserve forces from the Air Force, Army and Navy fused resources in several states to demonstrate mass casualty response following a state-of-emergency declaration.
"We threw every kind of event at the exercise participants at a very accelerated pace," said Lt. Col. Christopher Morgan, AFDW medical operations and plans chief. "There was a simulated fire at an apartment complex, and we layered additional injects, such as an interstate fuel truck explosion and a media helicopter crash, to create hundreds of simulated on-scene casualties."
As the disasters intensified and surrounding medical facilities reported saturation, professionals met the challenge of caring for patient overflow here as well as patient transport to North Carolina for further care, said Lt. Col. Jimmie Drummond, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight surgeon and the exercise's contingency aeromedical staging facility commander.
Receiving, treating and sending patients within a matter of hours is a complex task that calls for meticulous coordination, the colonel said.
"Continuity and fluid patient hand-off is key to a successful mission, and I think the people here pulled it off seamlessly," Drummond said. Patients arrived from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and exercise participants ensured their suitability to face potential flight stressors such as turbulence and cabin pressure as they fly to their next destination, he explained.
West Virginia Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters, followed by 121st Aviation Battalion and 1st Helicopter Squadron UH-1 Huey helicopters arrived here to deliver eight critically burned patients to the CASF, a medical care area complete with a power generator and communication capability, created through the efforts of 459th ASTS, the AFDW's 79th Medical Wing and the 459th Maintenance Group.
In the CASF, flight nurses, medical technicians and a District of Columbia Air National Guard 113th Wing chaplain, 1st Lt. Tiji Murphy, comforted patients as they waited to board an Air National Guard C-130 from New Castle, Del.
Once on the flight line, members of the 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron joined the Delaware Air National Guard's 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 166th Airlift Wing to prepare the C-130's ramp and cabin for patients.
Within minutes, exercise participants loaded all eight stretchers onto the aircraft, bound for North Carolina.
"I personally didn't feel like I was working with other branches or agencies, because we are one," said Master Sgt. Mike Pierson, a Delaware National Guard medical technician. "Everyone was on the same page from the beginning."
Morgan said the planning and effort goes a long way beyond the exercise.
"We try to make these exercises as realistic as possible to benefit not only the medical care providers, but their patients too," Morgan said. "This seamless transition in patient care is so important because it could very well be my family or your family on that plane."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 8, 2006 – A year of planning culminated in the orchestration of more than five aircraft, 13 organizations and numerous flight surgeons, nurses, technicians, administrators and air and ground crew who conducted collaborative patient care and transport during Exercise Capital Shield here Dec. 4-7. Under direction of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region at Fort McNair, and the Air Force District of Washington surgeon general at Bolling Air Force Base -- both in the District of Columbia -- Guard and Reserve forces from the Air Force, Army and Navy fused resources in several states to demonstrate mass casualty response following a state-of-emergency declaration.
"We threw every kind of event at the exercise participants at a very accelerated pace," said Lt. Col. Christopher Morgan, AFDW medical operations and plans chief. "There was a simulated fire at an apartment complex, and we layered additional injects, such as an interstate fuel truck explosion and a media helicopter crash, to create hundreds of simulated on-scene casualties."
As the disasters intensified and surrounding medical facilities reported saturation, professionals met the challenge of caring for patient overflow here as well as patient transport to North Carolina for further care, said Lt. Col. Jimmie Drummond, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron flight surgeon and the exercise's contingency aeromedical staging facility commander.
Receiving, treating and sending patients within a matter of hours is a complex task that calls for meticulous coordination, the colonel said.
"Continuity and fluid patient hand-off is key to a successful mission, and I think the people here pulled it off seamlessly," Drummond said. Patients arrived from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and exercise participants ensured their suitability to face potential flight stressors such as turbulence and cabin pressure as they fly to their next destination, he explained.
West Virginia Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters, followed by 121st Aviation Battalion and 1st Helicopter Squadron UH-1 Huey helicopters arrived here to deliver eight critically burned patients to the CASF, a medical care area complete with a power generator and communication capability, created through the efforts of 459th ASTS, the AFDW's 79th Medical Wing and the 459th Maintenance Group.
In the CASF, flight nurses, medical technicians and a District of Columbia Air National Guard 113th Wing chaplain, 1st Lt. Tiji Murphy, comforted patients as they waited to board an Air National Guard C-130 from New Castle, Del.
Once on the flight line, members of the 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron joined the Delaware Air National Guard's 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 166th Airlift Wing to prepare the C-130's ramp and cabin for patients.
Within minutes, exercise participants loaded all eight stretchers onto the aircraft, bound for North Carolina.
"I personally didn't feel like I was working with other branches or agencies, because we are one," said Master Sgt. Mike Pierson, a Delaware National Guard medical technician. "Everyone was on the same page from the beginning."
Morgan said the planning and effort goes a long way beyond the exercise.
"We try to make these exercises as realistic as possible to benefit not only the medical care providers, but their patients too," Morgan said. "This seamless transition in patient care is so important because it could very well be my family or your family on that plane."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
Thrift Savings Plan Provides Important Benefits to Troops
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
Dec. 8, 2006 – More servicemembers need to take advantage of the Thrift Savings Plan, because it is an attractive investment option with unique benefits for military members, the military officer in charge of the Armed Forces Tax Council said here today. TSP, a retirement savings plan for servicemembers and civilian federal employees, right now draws participation from about half of the military, Army Maj. John Johnson, director of the Armed Forces Tax Council, said in an interview.
"Certainly we'd like to see that participation rate go up, because it's a great benefit," Johnson said. "It's important that everyone obviously be saving for their retirement in the first place, and if you're going to be saving, the first place you want to put it is in tax-deferred or tax-exempt retirement accounts."
TSP is a tax-deferred fund, which means the money contributed to the account is deducted right away from the person's taxable income, and the money in the fund isn't taxed until it is withdrawn at retirement. This represents a significant savings over the years, Johnson explained.
"If you weren't in the TSP or another tax-deferred account, every year, the income in that fund (would) get taxed," he said. "If you look over your whole 40-year career, generally speaking, you're going to pick up a couple hundred thousand dollars by contributing to a tax-deferred account as opposed to a taxed account."
As of this year, military members are unlimited in the amount they can contribute to TSP, Johnson said. When the program was first made available to servicemembers in 2000, they could only contribute up to 5 percent of their income. Now the only limit is the Internal Revenue Service's $15,000 per-year limit on contributions to tax-deferred accounts, he said. He noted that most military members won't come close to that limit if they contribute 5 or 10 percent of their income to TSP.
Deployed troops have different limits in TSP, Johnson said. Because their income is tax-exempt and the IRS has a separate limit for that category, they can contribute up to $44,000 per year, he said.
As another benefit to servicemembers, the Army is testing a program where the service matches soldiers' contributions to TSP, Johnson said. This program only applies to new enlistees who fill critical specialties. The Army will match 5 percent of the pay the soldier contributes to TSP; the first 3 percent will be matched dollar for dollar, and the next 2 percent matched 50 cents on the dollar, he said.
Even for troops who have been in a while and won't get their contributions matched, TSP is a good idea, Johnson said. A major benefit of the program is that the expenses on the accounts are very low - about one-tenth of the average private mutual fund. The money that in the private sector would be used to manage the fund, buy stocks and pay other fees goes straight to the servicemember's bottom line in TSP, he said.
"You'll have a hard time beating TSP," he said.
TSP is not like a savings account, Johnson emphasized, and the money contributed to it should be money that people aren't going to need soon. However, TSP does have a loan program for situations such as a first home purchase, where participants can borrow money from their own account and then pay it back at a market interest rate.
After leaving the military, servicemembers cannot continue contributing to TSP unless they take a federal job, Johnson said. They can leave their money in TSP, though, and continue to draw returns on it. The money in TSP can also be rolled over to another IRA account, he said.
TSP is a great benefit that is overlooked by a lot of military members, Johnson said. Those who can contribute should, and those who can't contribute should seriously evaluate their financial situation and look at how they are preparing for the future, he said.
"You need to get yourself in a position where you can save, and then we just think that the TSP is a great option to put that savings," he said.
Servicemembers can sign up for TSP online at www.tsp.gov, Johnson said. This Web site offers all the tools troops need to get started in the program and manage their accounts.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 8, 2006 – More servicemembers need to take advantage of the Thrift Savings Plan, because it is an attractive investment option with unique benefits for military members, the military officer in charge of the Armed Forces Tax Council said here today. TSP, a retirement savings plan for servicemembers and civilian federal employees, right now draws participation from about half of the military, Army Maj. John Johnson, director of the Armed Forces Tax Council, said in an interview.
"Certainly we'd like to see that participation rate go up, because it's a great benefit," Johnson said. "It's important that everyone obviously be saving for their retirement in the first place, and if you're going to be saving, the first place you want to put it is in tax-deferred or tax-exempt retirement accounts."
TSP is a tax-deferred fund, which means the money contributed to the account is deducted right away from the person's taxable income, and the money in the fund isn't taxed until it is withdrawn at retirement. This represents a significant savings over the years, Johnson explained.
"If you weren't in the TSP or another tax-deferred account, every year, the income in that fund (would) get taxed," he said. "If you look over your whole 40-year career, generally speaking, you're going to pick up a couple hundred thousand dollars by contributing to a tax-deferred account as opposed to a taxed account."
As of this year, military members are unlimited in the amount they can contribute to TSP, Johnson said. When the program was first made available to servicemembers in 2000, they could only contribute up to 5 percent of their income. Now the only limit is the Internal Revenue Service's $15,000 per-year limit on contributions to tax-deferred accounts, he said. He noted that most military members won't come close to that limit if they contribute 5 or 10 percent of their income to TSP.
Deployed troops have different limits in TSP, Johnson said. Because their income is tax-exempt and the IRS has a separate limit for that category, they can contribute up to $44,000 per year, he said.
As another benefit to servicemembers, the Army is testing a program where the service matches soldiers' contributions to TSP, Johnson said. This program only applies to new enlistees who fill critical specialties. The Army will match 5 percent of the pay the soldier contributes to TSP; the first 3 percent will be matched dollar for dollar, and the next 2 percent matched 50 cents on the dollar, he said.
Even for troops who have been in a while and won't get their contributions matched, TSP is a good idea, Johnson said. A major benefit of the program is that the expenses on the accounts are very low - about one-tenth of the average private mutual fund. The money that in the private sector would be used to manage the fund, buy stocks and pay other fees goes straight to the servicemember's bottom line in TSP, he said.
"You'll have a hard time beating TSP," he said.
TSP is not like a savings account, Johnson emphasized, and the money contributed to it should be money that people aren't going to need soon. However, TSP does have a loan program for situations such as a first home purchase, where participants can borrow money from their own account and then pay it back at a market interest rate.
After leaving the military, servicemembers cannot continue contributing to TSP unless they take a federal job, Johnson said. They can leave their money in TSP, though, and continue to draw returns on it. The money in TSP can also be rolled over to another IRA account, he said.
TSP is a great benefit that is overlooked by a lot of military members, Johnson said. Those who can contribute should, and those who can't contribute should seriously evaluate their financial situation and look at how they are preparing for the future, he said.
"You need to get yourself in a position where you can save, and then we just think that the TSP is a great option to put that savings," he said.
Servicemembers can sign up for TSP online at www.tsp.gov, Johnson said. This Web site offers all the tools troops need to get started in the program and manage their accounts.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
DoD Civilians Succeed in Life Despite Physical Adversity
By Gerry J. Gilmore
Dec. 8, 2006 – Two Defense Department civilians, James N. Templeman and Donald C. Cobert, have not let severe disabilities keep them from success. Templeman, 51, was born without arms. Today, he holds a doctorate degree in computer science. He's developing a virtual reality system at the Naval Research Laboratory here, that'll be used to train Marines to operate in urban warfare environments.
He decided to study computer science during the mid-1970s. The Washington, D.C., native credited his success in life to his parents, hard work and keeping focused. "I had a very supportive family," Templeman said, noting his parents gave him the confidence and inspiration to compete and succeed in the world.
"They 'mainstreamed' me. I went to public school," he said.
He described how he uses his feet for purposes other than just standing and walking. "I write with my feet and 'mouse' with my feet" at the computer, Templeman said.
Living in a world designed for people with arms caused Templeman to apply his unique perspective across everyday life, he said, which carries over into his work. "I'm constantly looking at things and thinking, 'How can I use it?'" he said. "I think that relates, a bit, to my own research right now."
Templeman was recently recognized for his accomplishments as one of 14 outstanding DoD civilian employees with disabilities.
He said people who want to succeed in life should focus on their individual strengths. "That's where you need to put your effort and just make the most of what you have," he said.
Cobert also bested adversity, having been stricken with polio as a child. The disease paralyzed Cobert's legs and weakened his hands. Today Cobert walks with the use of braces and is a payroll administrator at the Missile Defense Agency at the Navy Annex in Arlington, Va.
He recalled how Catholic school teachers helped to give him confidence to learn how to write. "I was unable to write or actually hold a pen until I was almost 6," Cobert said. "Luckily, I was taught by nuns who had the patience to work me through that 'hump.'"
Cobert later learned to play the guitar. "That's one thing that helped me to develop dexterity in my hands," he said.
He was also a successful wrestler in high school and at college. "I pushed myself, because I wanted to compete," Cobert said, noting he developed his competitive instincts while growing up among four brothers and three sisters.
"When you're in a big family like that, even at dinner you're fighting over the last roll, so you had to kind of develop some strength and speed," he said.
Cobert experienced a successful 22-year career as a business manager at physicians' offices and hospitals in northern Virginia before coming to work for DoD. Disability "is exactly what you make of it," Cobert said, noting the key to success in life is developing, pursuing and achieving goals.
"They have to be realistic goals, but you can never have an ending goal," he said. "Once you're getting close to something that you want to accomplish, you better have two or three goals ahead of that, or you're going to hit that one spot and stop."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
Dec. 8, 2006 – Two Defense Department civilians, James N. Templeman and Donald C. Cobert, have not let severe disabilities keep them from success. Templeman, 51, was born without arms. Today, he holds a doctorate degree in computer science. He's developing a virtual reality system at the Naval Research Laboratory here, that'll be used to train Marines to operate in urban warfare environments.
He decided to study computer science during the mid-1970s. The Washington, D.C., native credited his success in life to his parents, hard work and keeping focused. "I had a very supportive family," Templeman said, noting his parents gave him the confidence and inspiration to compete and succeed in the world.
"They 'mainstreamed' me. I went to public school," he said.
He described how he uses his feet for purposes other than just standing and walking. "I write with my feet and 'mouse' with my feet" at the computer, Templeman said.
Living in a world designed for people with arms caused Templeman to apply his unique perspective across everyday life, he said, which carries over into his work. "I'm constantly looking at things and thinking, 'How can I use it?'" he said. "I think that relates, a bit, to my own research right now."
Templeman was recently recognized for his accomplishments as one of 14 outstanding DoD civilian employees with disabilities.
He said people who want to succeed in life should focus on their individual strengths. "That's where you need to put your effort and just make the most of what you have," he said.
Cobert also bested adversity, having been stricken with polio as a child. The disease paralyzed Cobert's legs and weakened his hands. Today Cobert walks with the use of braces and is a payroll administrator at the Missile Defense Agency at the Navy Annex in Arlington, Va.
He recalled how Catholic school teachers helped to give him confidence to learn how to write. "I was unable to write or actually hold a pen until I was almost 6," Cobert said. "Luckily, I was taught by nuns who had the patience to work me through that 'hump.'"
Cobert later learned to play the guitar. "That's one thing that helped me to develop dexterity in my hands," he said.
He was also a successful wrestler in high school and at college. "I pushed myself, because I wanted to compete," Cobert said, noting he developed his competitive instincts while growing up among four brothers and three sisters.
"When you're in a big family like that, even at dinner you're fighting over the last roll, so you had to kind of develop some strength and speed," he said.
Cobert experienced a successful 22-year career as a business manager at physicians' offices and hospitals in northern Virginia before coming to work for DoD. Disability "is exactly what you make of it," Cobert said, noting the key to success in life is developing, pursuing and achieving goals.
"They have to be realistic goals, but you can never have an ending goal," he said. "Once you're getting close to something that you want to accomplish, you better have two or three goals ahead of that, or you're going to hit that one spot and stop."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online; and, military personnel and police personnel who have become writers.
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