By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – America Supports You kicked off Military Appreciation Month today by honoring RE/MAX International, Inc., with the Defense Department's Exceptional Public Service Award for the company's commitment to turning military spouses into real estate agents. The international real estate agency launched Operation RE/MAX in August to help military spouses develop real estate careers through training and licensing and by providing employment placement. Today, more than 500 military installations and nearly 1,000 RE/MAX offices participate in the program, and the agency already has placed hundreds of military spouses in real estate jobs.
"One of the biggest challenges for our families is the military transfer," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison and the creator of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
Barber thanked RE/MAX, America Supports You's newest corporate partner, for providing careers for spouses "so that no matter where our military member goes, the spouse has a job and a fabulous opportunity to make a contribution to the community."
"Now we have a program where spouses, who have never had to be the breadwinner, can be licensed and make a career move that helps support their families," Barber told the packed Pentagon briefing room here today.
In addition to Operation RE/MAX, the company is in the early stages of the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship, a program which offers severely wounded veterans assistance with housing, transportation, education, job training and employment.
Speaking on behalf of 121,000 RE/MAX associates at offices in more than 65 countries, Gail Liniger, vice chairman of the board and co-founder of RE/MAX International, Inc., thanked ASY for allowing the agency to be "part of the team."
"America Supports You is such a wonderful organization and a tremendous resource to the military," Liniger said. "RE/MAX is so pleased we can help you with your efforts, ... and we are looking forward to working with you in the future and coming years."
Barber then introduced David S. C. Chu, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, who told the audience that a career is the "objective of Americans who want to realize their potential."
"As many of you know, military personnel and their families move frequently, sometimes very frequently, and it's very tough in that environment if you are a military spouse to have a career," he said. "So we're very grateful RE/MAX has stepped up and targeted military spouses ... with a great support action for our military families."
Audience members were called to attention and rose to their feet to watch Chu present the Exceptional Public Service Award certificate to Liniger.
Guests on hand for the award ceremony were invited to participate in America Supports You's Military Appreciation Month Kickoff events today, including a concert in the Pentagon courtyard to honor U.S. servicemembers.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Defense Department Releases Findings of Mental Health Assessment
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – The military has a robust system in place to deal with mental health issues, but longer and more frequent deployments are causing strain on servicemembers, a Defense Department study has found. The fourth Mental Health Advisory Team survey, MHAT IV as this survey was called, was conducted in August and September. For the first time, the survey included Marines in the study group. The MHAT was composed of behavioral health professionals who deployed to Iraq and surveyed soldiers, Marines, health care providers, and chaplains, Army Maj. Gen. Gale Pollock, the acting surgeon general of the Army, told reporters at the Pentagon.
The MHAT IV team found that not all soldiers and Marines deployed to Iraq are at equal risk for screening positive for a mental health symptom, and the level of combat is the main determining factor of a servicemember's mental health status, Pollock said. For soldiers, deployment length and family separation were the top non-combat deployment issues, whereas Marines had fewer non-combat deployment issues, probably because of their shorter deployment periods, she said.
The team recommended behavioral outreach efforts that focus on units that are in theater longer than six months and determined that shorter deployments or longer intervals between deployments would allow soldiers and Marines better opportunities to reset mentally before returning to combat.
Pollock said these findings contributed to the Army's decision to extend combat deployments to 15 months, because it gave the units waiting to deploy more time at their home stations. Congress has authorized the Defense Department to increase the strength the Army, she noted, which will help increase time at home between deployments for soldiers.
Fifteen-month deployments will be stressful for servicemembers, Pollock acknowledged, and that's why it's important for leaders to be trained in behavioral health issues.
"We've got more attention now on the importance of leadership, and I think that's one of the strengths that the team really identified, is that with good leadership, even when people may have a bad thought, they don't act on that thought," she said. "So it's very important that we ensure that the young leaders have the training so they know how to support the troops that depend on them."
For the first time since the MHAT program was started in 2003, this assessment included questions about battlefield ethics, Pollock said. Of those surveyed, 10 percent of soldiers and Marines reported mistreating noncombatants or damaging property when it was not necessary, she said.
The survey also found that only 47 percent of soldiers and 38 percent of Marines agreed that noncombatants should be treated with dignity and respect. More than one-third of all soldiers and Marines reported that torture should be allowed to save the life of a fellow soldier or Marine, and less than half of soldiers or Marines said they would report a team member for unethical behavior.
In the report, mistreating noncombatants was defined as either stealing from a noncombatant, destroying or damaging property when it wasn't necessary, or hitting or kicking a noncombatant.
These findings may seem alarming, Pollock said, but it is important to keep them in perspective. These troops have been seeing their friends killed and injured, and anger is a normal reaction, she said. However, what's important to note is that the troops who had these thoughts did not act on them and actually mistreat any noncombatants.
"What it speaks to is the leadership that the military is providing, because they're not acting on those thoughts," she said. "They're not torturing the people. And I think it speaks very well to the level of training that we have in the military today."
Other key findings of the report include:
-- The 2006 adjusted rate of suicides per 100,000 soldiers in Operation Iraqi Freedom was 17.3 soldiers, lower than the 19.9 rate reported in 2005, but higher than the Army average of 11.6 per 100,000 soldiers.
-- Soldiers experienced mental health problems at a higher rate than Marines.
-- Deployment length was directly linked to morale problems in the Army.
-- Leadership is key to maintaining soldier and Marine mental health.
-- Both soldiers and Marines reported at relatively high rates -- 62 and 66 percent, respectively -- that they knew someone seriously injured or killed, or that a member of their team had become a casualty.
-- Only 5 percent of soldiers reported taking in-theater rest and relaxation leave, although the average time deployed was nine months.
-- Multiple deployers reported higher acute stress than first-time deployers. Deployment length was related to higher rates of mental health problems and marital problems.
-- Current suicide prevention training is not designed for a combat environment.
-- Behavioral health providers require additional combat and operational stress-control training prior to deploying to Iraq.
Since the MHAT IV report was presented to the Multinational Force Iraq commander and service leaders in November, the Army and Marines have implemented changes to improve behavioral health care, Pollock said. The Army has revised teaching curriculum and operational training to include more focus on Army values, suicide prevention, battlefield ethics, and behavioral health awareness in all junior-leader-development courses, she said.
The Marine Corps has been developing deployment-cycle training since 2003, said Navy Capt. William P. Nash, coordinator of the Combat/Operational Stress Control Branch of the service's Manpower and Reserve Affairs directorate. Marines, leaders and families all receive training in identifying, managing and preventing mental health problems, he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – The military has a robust system in place to deal with mental health issues, but longer and more frequent deployments are causing strain on servicemembers, a Defense Department study has found. The fourth Mental Health Advisory Team survey, MHAT IV as this survey was called, was conducted in August and September. For the first time, the survey included Marines in the study group. The MHAT was composed of behavioral health professionals who deployed to Iraq and surveyed soldiers, Marines, health care providers, and chaplains, Army Maj. Gen. Gale Pollock, the acting surgeon general of the Army, told reporters at the Pentagon.
The MHAT IV team found that not all soldiers and Marines deployed to Iraq are at equal risk for screening positive for a mental health symptom, and the level of combat is the main determining factor of a servicemember's mental health status, Pollock said. For soldiers, deployment length and family separation were the top non-combat deployment issues, whereas Marines had fewer non-combat deployment issues, probably because of their shorter deployment periods, she said.
The team recommended behavioral outreach efforts that focus on units that are in theater longer than six months and determined that shorter deployments or longer intervals between deployments would allow soldiers and Marines better opportunities to reset mentally before returning to combat.
Pollock said these findings contributed to the Army's decision to extend combat deployments to 15 months, because it gave the units waiting to deploy more time at their home stations. Congress has authorized the Defense Department to increase the strength the Army, she noted, which will help increase time at home between deployments for soldiers.
Fifteen-month deployments will be stressful for servicemembers, Pollock acknowledged, and that's why it's important for leaders to be trained in behavioral health issues.
"We've got more attention now on the importance of leadership, and I think that's one of the strengths that the team really identified, is that with good leadership, even when people may have a bad thought, they don't act on that thought," she said. "So it's very important that we ensure that the young leaders have the training so they know how to support the troops that depend on them."
For the first time since the MHAT program was started in 2003, this assessment included questions about battlefield ethics, Pollock said. Of those surveyed, 10 percent of soldiers and Marines reported mistreating noncombatants or damaging property when it was not necessary, she said.
The survey also found that only 47 percent of soldiers and 38 percent of Marines agreed that noncombatants should be treated with dignity and respect. More than one-third of all soldiers and Marines reported that torture should be allowed to save the life of a fellow soldier or Marine, and less than half of soldiers or Marines said they would report a team member for unethical behavior.
In the report, mistreating noncombatants was defined as either stealing from a noncombatant, destroying or damaging property when it wasn't necessary, or hitting or kicking a noncombatant.
These findings may seem alarming, Pollock said, but it is important to keep them in perspective. These troops have been seeing their friends killed and injured, and anger is a normal reaction, she said. However, what's important to note is that the troops who had these thoughts did not act on them and actually mistreat any noncombatants.
"What it speaks to is the leadership that the military is providing, because they're not acting on those thoughts," she said. "They're not torturing the people. And I think it speaks very well to the level of training that we have in the military today."
Other key findings of the report include:
-- The 2006 adjusted rate of suicides per 100,000 soldiers in Operation Iraqi Freedom was 17.3 soldiers, lower than the 19.9 rate reported in 2005, but higher than the Army average of 11.6 per 100,000 soldiers.
-- Soldiers experienced mental health problems at a higher rate than Marines.
-- Deployment length was directly linked to morale problems in the Army.
-- Leadership is key to maintaining soldier and Marine mental health.
-- Both soldiers and Marines reported at relatively high rates -- 62 and 66 percent, respectively -- that they knew someone seriously injured or killed, or that a member of their team had become a casualty.
-- Only 5 percent of soldiers reported taking in-theater rest and relaxation leave, although the average time deployed was nine months.
-- Multiple deployers reported higher acute stress than first-time deployers. Deployment length was related to higher rates of mental health problems and marital problems.
-- Current suicide prevention training is not designed for a combat environment.
-- Behavioral health providers require additional combat and operational stress-control training prior to deploying to Iraq.
Since the MHAT IV report was presented to the Multinational Force Iraq commander and service leaders in November, the Army and Marines have implemented changes to improve behavioral health care, Pollock said. The Army has revised teaching curriculum and operational training to include more focus on Army values, suicide prevention, battlefield ethics, and behavioral health awareness in all junior-leader-development courses, she said.
The Marine Corps has been developing deployment-cycle training since 2003, said Navy Capt. William P. Nash, coordinator of the Combat/Operational Stress Control Branch of the service's Manpower and Reserve Affairs directorate. Marines, leaders and families all receive training in identifying, managing and preventing mental health problems, he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Singer Shows Military Appreciation
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – The Pentagon kicked off Military Appreciation Month today with the third annual "America Supports You Salute Concert," featuring local recording artist Jenny Boyle, in the national military headquarters' center courtyard. America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
Navy Vice Adm. Nancy Brown, the Joint Staff's director for command, control, communications and computer systems, opened the concert with a welcome to guests of honor including six wounded soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, and Rebecca Gates, wife of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
Brown expressed appreciation for the Pentagon's civilian work force and the America Supports You home-front groups in attendance.
"I also want to ... thank all of the folks that work in the Pentagon, because you also are warriors supporting those that are out in Iraq and Afghanistan and all of the other places that we have folks deployed today," Brown said. "For our (home-front) groups that are here with their booths, ... for their contributions and their sacrifices in supporting our troops, thank you all very much."
The appreciation continued when Boyle and her band took the stage. The singer, who Brown had introduced as a "real hero" for her dedication to entertaining troops overseas, expressed her gratitude for the troops and civilians alike.
"There aren't enough thank yous," Boyle told the crowd. "You all are my heroes, each and every one of you."
Army Staff Sgt. Collins Roberts, one of the six Walter Reed patients in attendance, said he was grateful for Boyle's efforts to support the troops and the efforts of those like her. Roberts, who received support from America Supports You home-front groups while serving in Kuwait, said the care packages and letters from the kids kept him going.
Today's concert was just an extension of that support, he said. "She doesn't ask for anything; ... (its) just to shows appreciation for what the military does, what we do," Roberts said. "It speaks a lot of her."
Defense civilians said the concert was a nice tribute to their efforts, and a great way to spend a lunch hour.
"I think that's wonderful that people ... give back to (servicemembers)," Barbara Brown, a contractor with Syracuse Research Corporation, said. "It's really refreshing, especially on a beautiful day, good music, just to say, 'Thank You.'"
An autograph session with Boyle and her band capped the hour-long, lunchtime concert.
A declaration in 1999 encouraged U.S. citizens to observe May as Military Appreciation Month "in a symbol of unity - to honor the current and former members of the armed forces - including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – The Pentagon kicked off Military Appreciation Month today with the third annual "America Supports You Salute Concert," featuring local recording artist Jenny Boyle, in the national military headquarters' center courtyard. America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
Navy Vice Adm. Nancy Brown, the Joint Staff's director for command, control, communications and computer systems, opened the concert with a welcome to guests of honor including six wounded soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, and Rebecca Gates, wife of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
Brown expressed appreciation for the Pentagon's civilian work force and the America Supports You home-front groups in attendance.
"I also want to ... thank all of the folks that work in the Pentagon, because you also are warriors supporting those that are out in Iraq and Afghanistan and all of the other places that we have folks deployed today," Brown said. "For our (home-front) groups that are here with their booths, ... for their contributions and their sacrifices in supporting our troops, thank you all very much."
The appreciation continued when Boyle and her band took the stage. The singer, who Brown had introduced as a "real hero" for her dedication to entertaining troops overseas, expressed her gratitude for the troops and civilians alike.
"There aren't enough thank yous," Boyle told the crowd. "You all are my heroes, each and every one of you."
Army Staff Sgt. Collins Roberts, one of the six Walter Reed patients in attendance, said he was grateful for Boyle's efforts to support the troops and the efforts of those like her. Roberts, who received support from America Supports You home-front groups while serving in Kuwait, said the care packages and letters from the kids kept him going.
Today's concert was just an extension of that support, he said. "She doesn't ask for anything; ... (its) just to shows appreciation for what the military does, what we do," Roberts said. "It speaks a lot of her."
Defense civilians said the concert was a nice tribute to their efforts, and a great way to spend a lunch hour.
"I think that's wonderful that people ... give back to (servicemembers)," Barbara Brown, a contractor with Syracuse Research Corporation, said. "It's really refreshing, especially on a beautiful day, good music, just to say, 'Thank You.'"
An autograph session with Boyle and her band capped the hour-long, lunchtime concert.
A declaration in 1999 encouraged U.S. citizens to observe May as Military Appreciation Month "in a symbol of unity - to honor the current and former members of the armed forces - including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Florida Employers Cited For Support of Guard, Reserve Members
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – Seven Sunshine State employers of National Guardsmen and reservists were honored for exemplary support of their employees during a Defense Department-hosted award ceremony here yesterday. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, was on hand to present the Above and Beyond Awards to the employers. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a defense department agency that falls under Hall's purview, bestows the awards to employers for exceptional support of employees who are also members of the reserve components.
"Thanks to each one of you for your support," Hall told the award recipients.
Created in 1972, ESGR provides information and education for employers of National Guardsmen and reservists. Additionally, the agency can mediate potential disputes between employers and employees in the Guard or reserves.
Before the award presentations Hall discussed some recent Defense Department policy changes that, among other things, specify one-year mobilizations for reserve-component members. Before the rule change, Hall noted, Guardsmen and reservists were mobilized for 18 to 22 months of service.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made the policy change because employers of Guardsmen and reservists were concerned that their employees were gone for too-lengthy periods of time. About 75,000 members of the National Guard and reserves are currently mobilized, he said.
The armed services now want "to spread the burden" of deployments, so as not to over-stress the active-duty force or the reserve components, he explained.
It'll take a couple of years to establish more deployment predictability, Hall acknowledged, adding that Guard and reserve forces will now be trained and deployed as complete units, rather than being mobilized in "cobbled-up" fashion.
"What we have heard is, unit cohesion is vitally important, particularly to ground-maneuver forces. So, we're going to mobilize as units," Hall said, adding that he'd like employers to provide their input about the changes.
Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale is among this year's southern Florida-region recipients of Above and Beyond awards. Luisa Gutman, executive director of human resources, was on hand to accept the award for the hospital.
"I think it's the responsibility of all employers to support the armed services," Gutman said, noting that five of the hospital's employees are currently on active military duty.
Other recipients of this year's Above and Beyond award are: Broward County Sheriff's Office, the City of Fort Lauderdale, the City of Plantation, Lauderhill Police Department, Marine Industries Inc., Nova Southeastern University, Protective Products International, and SR Technologies Inc.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle accepted the award for his municipality. The Broward County Sheriff's Office also received an Above and Beyond award in 2006. The seven award recipients also signed Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 5-Star Statements of Support as a symbol of their rededicated support of employees in the Guard or reserve.
The Above and Beyond award is among a series of ESGR-sponsored honors for employers providing programs and policies that exceed requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. USERRA specifies re-employment protection and other benefits for veterans and employees returning from military duty.
The National Committee for Employment Support of the Guard and Reserves' more than 4,000 volunteers located across the United States and its territories perform "a terrific job," Hall said, as advocates for good relations between employers and their military employees. The new ESGR chief, Executive Director Gordon Sumner Jr., was in attendance, Hall noted.
The award ceremony was run in conjunction with a discussion on defense issues featuring Hall; Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, commander of U.S. Army Reserve Command; and Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, as panel members.
"Thanks for what you are doing for our soldiers," Stultz told the employers.
Today's Guard and reserves are now part of the operational force and is expected to mobilize and deploy on a regular basis, he noted.
Guard and reserve members contribute added value to the armed forces because of their diversified and unique skills from their civilian occupations, he said. "If we're going to win this long war on terror, we're going to have to depend on the (Guard and) Reserve as part of that force," Stultz said.
Hall, Stultz and McKinley cited the importance of replenishing military equipment worn, damaged or destroyed during deployments to Afghanistan or Iraq. McKinley also highlighted the pressing need to replace old, outdated military aircraft with new models. "We've got to buy new airplanes," he emphasized, noting the average age of military aircraft is now 24 years old. "We've got men and women flying bombers and tankers that are older than they are."
Hall noted that worldwide restaurant chain McDonald's kicked off National Military Appreciation Month through its annual "National Salute to America's Heroes" that consists of "Fleet Week USA," "McDonald's Air and Sea Show" and other events held in the Fort Lauderdale area from late April into early May.
"This coming weekend, over 4 million people will be here to salute the men and women of the U.S. military and say thanks to them," said Mickey Markoff, executive producer for the McDonald's-sponsored program.
The National Salute to America's Heroes is "the largest spectator event in the world," Markoff said, noting the event is in its 13th year.
McDonald's also is among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces at home and abroad.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – Seven Sunshine State employers of National Guardsmen and reservists were honored for exemplary support of their employees during a Defense Department-hosted award ceremony here yesterday. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, was on hand to present the Above and Beyond Awards to the employers. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a defense department agency that falls under Hall's purview, bestows the awards to employers for exceptional support of employees who are also members of the reserve components.
"Thanks to each one of you for your support," Hall told the award recipients.
Created in 1972, ESGR provides information and education for employers of National Guardsmen and reservists. Additionally, the agency can mediate potential disputes between employers and employees in the Guard or reserves.
Before the award presentations Hall discussed some recent Defense Department policy changes that, among other things, specify one-year mobilizations for reserve-component members. Before the rule change, Hall noted, Guardsmen and reservists were mobilized for 18 to 22 months of service.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made the policy change because employers of Guardsmen and reservists were concerned that their employees were gone for too-lengthy periods of time. About 75,000 members of the National Guard and reserves are currently mobilized, he said.
The armed services now want "to spread the burden" of deployments, so as not to over-stress the active-duty force or the reserve components, he explained.
It'll take a couple of years to establish more deployment predictability, Hall acknowledged, adding that Guard and reserve forces will now be trained and deployed as complete units, rather than being mobilized in "cobbled-up" fashion.
"What we have heard is, unit cohesion is vitally important, particularly to ground-maneuver forces. So, we're going to mobilize as units," Hall said, adding that he'd like employers to provide their input about the changes.
Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale is among this year's southern Florida-region recipients of Above and Beyond awards. Luisa Gutman, executive director of human resources, was on hand to accept the award for the hospital.
"I think it's the responsibility of all employers to support the armed services," Gutman said, noting that five of the hospital's employees are currently on active military duty.
Other recipients of this year's Above and Beyond award are: Broward County Sheriff's Office, the City of Fort Lauderdale, the City of Plantation, Lauderhill Police Department, Marine Industries Inc., Nova Southeastern University, Protective Products International, and SR Technologies Inc.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle accepted the award for his municipality. The Broward County Sheriff's Office also received an Above and Beyond award in 2006. The seven award recipients also signed Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 5-Star Statements of Support as a symbol of their rededicated support of employees in the Guard or reserve.
The Above and Beyond award is among a series of ESGR-sponsored honors for employers providing programs and policies that exceed requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. USERRA specifies re-employment protection and other benefits for veterans and employees returning from military duty.
The National Committee for Employment Support of the Guard and Reserves' more than 4,000 volunteers located across the United States and its territories perform "a terrific job," Hall said, as advocates for good relations between employers and their military employees. The new ESGR chief, Executive Director Gordon Sumner Jr., was in attendance, Hall noted.
The award ceremony was run in conjunction with a discussion on defense issues featuring Hall; Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, commander of U.S. Army Reserve Command; and Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, as panel members.
"Thanks for what you are doing for our soldiers," Stultz told the employers.
Today's Guard and reserves are now part of the operational force and is expected to mobilize and deploy on a regular basis, he noted.
Guard and reserve members contribute added value to the armed forces because of their diversified and unique skills from their civilian occupations, he said. "If we're going to win this long war on terror, we're going to have to depend on the (Guard and) Reserve as part of that force," Stultz said.
Hall, Stultz and McKinley cited the importance of replenishing military equipment worn, damaged or destroyed during deployments to Afghanistan or Iraq. McKinley also highlighted the pressing need to replace old, outdated military aircraft with new models. "We've got to buy new airplanes," he emphasized, noting the average age of military aircraft is now 24 years old. "We've got men and women flying bombers and tankers that are older than they are."
Hall noted that worldwide restaurant chain McDonald's kicked off National Military Appreciation Month through its annual "National Salute to America's Heroes" that consists of "Fleet Week USA," "McDonald's Air and Sea Show" and other events held in the Fort Lauderdale area from late April into early May.
"This coming weekend, over 4 million people will be here to salute the men and women of the U.S. military and say thanks to them," said Mickey Markoff, executive producer for the McDonald's-sponsored program.
The National Salute to America's Heroes is "the largest spectator event in the world," Markoff said, noting the event is in its 13th year.
McDonald's also is among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces at home and abroad.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Top Military Installations Lauded at Pentagon
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – The top installations from each of the military services and the Defense Logistics Agency were lauded today at the Pentagon for their superior mission support. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence, highlighting the facilities' superior performance at a time when the nation faces a worldwide strategic threat from terrorism.
"This is an especially critical time for the country, and it is a time like this that requires great leadership," England said at a ceremony honoring the recipients. "It requires great leadership starting with the president of the United States and the secretary of defense and all the great people that we have in the Pentagon, but it takes leadership throughout the organization. It takes leadership at every single level of our organization and every single place in our organization."
This year's awardees were U.S. Army Garrison Japan, at Camp Zama, Japan; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; and Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio.
This was the first year that the four military installations received the award. The Defense Supply Center Columbus, however, has received the honor five times over the years. Each installation was chosen for its exemplary support of Defense Department missions and for providing excellent working, housing and recreational conditions.
England emphasized that the award is not just recognizing the leadership, but also the people who make the installations function every day. "Any time you have an opportunity to say thanks to people for a job that's extraordinarily well done, it's an opportunity you never pass up, because at the end of the day, that's what this organization's all about," he said. "It's about joint civilian-military teams; it's that teamwork behind the lines that allows our people to do their jobs at the front lines."
President Ronald Reagan created the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence in 1985. The Defense Logistics Agency was added to the competition in 1988. Recipient installations receive a trophy, an "Installation Excellence" flag, and a letter signed by President Bush.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 4, 2007 – The top installations from each of the military services and the Defense Logistics Agency were lauded today at the Pentagon for their superior mission support. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence, highlighting the facilities' superior performance at a time when the nation faces a worldwide strategic threat from terrorism.
"This is an especially critical time for the country, and it is a time like this that requires great leadership," England said at a ceremony honoring the recipients. "It requires great leadership starting with the president of the United States and the secretary of defense and all the great people that we have in the Pentagon, but it takes leadership throughout the organization. It takes leadership at every single level of our organization and every single place in our organization."
This year's awardees were U.S. Army Garrison Japan, at Camp Zama, Japan; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; and Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio.
This was the first year that the four military installations received the award. The Defense Supply Center Columbus, however, has received the honor five times over the years. Each installation was chosen for its exemplary support of Defense Department missions and for providing excellent working, housing and recreational conditions.
England emphasized that the award is not just recognizing the leadership, but also the people who make the installations function every day. "Any time you have an opportunity to say thanks to people for a job that's extraordinarily well done, it's an opportunity you never pass up, because at the end of the day, that's what this organization's all about," he said. "It's about joint civilian-military teams; it's that teamwork behind the lines that allows our people to do their jobs at the front lines."
President Ronald Reagan created the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence in 1985. The Defense Logistics Agency was added to the competition in 1988. Recipient installations receive a trophy, an "Installation Excellence" flag, and a letter signed by President Bush.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Marine Entry-Level Training to Go 'Back to Basics,' General Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Marine entry-level training will reinvigorate its values-based approach, a top Marine official said here yesterday. At both Marine Corps Recruitment Depots -- in Parris Island, S.C., and San Diego -- senior drill instructors will hold "footlocker classes" with enlistees to strengthen the mentor-scholar relationship, Marine Maj. Gen. George J. Flynn, the commanding general of the Corps' Training and Education Command, told reporters at the Pentagon.
"The senior drill instructors will have their troops literally sit on the footlockers and will have that father-son, mother-daughter talk that really instills those values," he said. "That's where a lot of the values get reinforced and introduced to the recruits."
Discussion topics will depend on when the sessions occur during boot camp, and Flynn said talks could range from what new recruits might experience when first arriving to a unit and what leadership they can expect, to financial advice and how young Marines should behave during leave. Senior drill instructors soon will receive a guide on how to approach these footlocker sessions, he added.
Flynn said Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway spurred the re-examination of entry-level training. "This stemmed from his belief that the transformation from civilian to Marine is a national treasure and one that we must preserve and guard," he said.
In addition, the Corps is considering an additional week of infantry training for both infantry and noninfantry Marines, which would likely include crew-served weapons training, plus convoy and counter-improvised-explosive-device training.
In about a month, officials at Marine Manpower and Reserve Affairs should render their judgment on whether the additional week is feasible. "All these things would provide a better-trained Marine to the operating forces," Flynn said.
The general also announced a scheduling change to the 12-week Marine boot camp, involving the 54-hour endurance exercise Marines call "The Crucible." In May, recruits at Parris Island will undergo the crucible in week 11, instead of week 10, and in October the crucible exercise in San Diego will move from week eight to week 11.
"We want to make The Crucible the true culminating event that it was originally designed to be," he said. "At the end of this 54-hour event, you will be recognized as earning the right to be called a United States Marine."
The 12th and final week of training will be called "Marine Week," Flynn said.
"It's a transition from going to a very restrictive environment to learning about how you are going to function in the Marines when you reach the operating forces," he said. "You're going to get accustomed to the leadership that you're going to experience out in the fleet and also understand the role of (noncommissioned officers) and staff NCOs other than being drill instructors."
Borrowing a quote from former Marine Commandant Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, Flynn said, "An individual should be better off for their service."
"And that's really what this is all about," he said. "It's a recommitment."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Marine entry-level training will reinvigorate its values-based approach, a top Marine official said here yesterday. At both Marine Corps Recruitment Depots -- in Parris Island, S.C., and San Diego -- senior drill instructors will hold "footlocker classes" with enlistees to strengthen the mentor-scholar relationship, Marine Maj. Gen. George J. Flynn, the commanding general of the Corps' Training and Education Command, told reporters at the Pentagon.
"The senior drill instructors will have their troops literally sit on the footlockers and will have that father-son, mother-daughter talk that really instills those values," he said. "That's where a lot of the values get reinforced and introduced to the recruits."
Discussion topics will depend on when the sessions occur during boot camp, and Flynn said talks could range from what new recruits might experience when first arriving to a unit and what leadership they can expect, to financial advice and how young Marines should behave during leave. Senior drill instructors soon will receive a guide on how to approach these footlocker sessions, he added.
Flynn said Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway spurred the re-examination of entry-level training. "This stemmed from his belief that the transformation from civilian to Marine is a national treasure and one that we must preserve and guard," he said.
In addition, the Corps is considering an additional week of infantry training for both infantry and noninfantry Marines, which would likely include crew-served weapons training, plus convoy and counter-improvised-explosive-device training.
In about a month, officials at Marine Manpower and Reserve Affairs should render their judgment on whether the additional week is feasible. "All these things would provide a better-trained Marine to the operating forces," Flynn said.
The general also announced a scheduling change to the 12-week Marine boot camp, involving the 54-hour endurance exercise Marines call "The Crucible." In May, recruits at Parris Island will undergo the crucible in week 11, instead of week 10, and in October the crucible exercise in San Diego will move from week eight to week 11.
"We want to make The Crucible the true culminating event that it was originally designed to be," he said. "At the end of this 54-hour event, you will be recognized as earning the right to be called a United States Marine."
The 12th and final week of training will be called "Marine Week," Flynn said.
"It's a transition from going to a very restrictive environment to learning about how you are going to function in the Marines when you reach the operating forces," he said. "You're going to get accustomed to the leadership that you're going to experience out in the fleet and also understand the role of (noncommissioned officers) and staff NCOs other than being drill instructors."
Borrowing a quote from former Marine Commandant Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, Flynn said, "An individual should be better off for their service."
"And that's really what this is all about," he said. "It's a recommitment."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates: Department Will Shield Troops from Funding Shortfall
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – The Defense Department will take "every action necessary for as long as possible," to ensure that troops fighting in Iraq are not affected by the delay in approval of its supplemental war funding, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday. The longer the supplemental funding goes unapproved, the greater the financial disruptions on the Army, but most of those will be absorbed as monies are transferred from accounts for U.S. construction, training, hiring and travel and funneled to supporting the war, Gates told Pentagon reporters.
President Bush on May 1 vetoed an emergency war-funding bill that included timelines for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
The $124 billion bill, passed by Congress last week, would have funded the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also included domestic spending measures and called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq beginning by October, with the goal of getting all combat forces out of Iraq by March 2008.
Bush called the bill unacceptable because it mandates artificial timelines for troop withdrawal, which he said would embolden the enemy and discourage the Iraqi people.
Gates responded to questions by reporters on the impact of a delay in approving supplemental funding after a briefing announcing a newly created oversight committee for wounded warrior care in the military.
He said that preset timelines for troop withdrawal would be a mistake. Insurgents would simply wait for U.S. troops to withdraw while bolstering their forces in anticipation, Gates said.
"If you pick a certain date and say the troops are coming out on a certain date, everybody basically just gets to sit back and say, 'OK, we got 90 or 100 days that we've got to wait,'" Gates said.
"All that al Qaeda and Jaysh al-Mahdi and all the rest have to do is say, 'You know, We've got X days until these guys are gone. So husband your resources. All we have to do is make the run for the money in a specific period of time,'" Gates said. "As long as there's some uncertainty about that, it seems to me that they don't have that luxury."
Gates conceded, though, that the debate over a troop withdrawal is "useful in terms of letting the Iraqis fully understand the impatience here at home and the importance of their getting on with their domestic reconciliation and the importance of the political reconciliation to the success of the enterprise in Iraq."
The president requested a $93.4 billion emergency supplemental measure in February to cover the cost of operations in the war on terror for the remainder of fiscal 2007. This was in addition to the $70 billion Congress previously had provided. The supplemental budget provides $39.3 billion to sustain warfighting operations, including supplies, support and maintenance, according to documents released by the Defense Department.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – The Defense Department will take "every action necessary for as long as possible," to ensure that troops fighting in Iraq are not affected by the delay in approval of its supplemental war funding, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday. The longer the supplemental funding goes unapproved, the greater the financial disruptions on the Army, but most of those will be absorbed as monies are transferred from accounts for U.S. construction, training, hiring and travel and funneled to supporting the war, Gates told Pentagon reporters.
President Bush on May 1 vetoed an emergency war-funding bill that included timelines for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
The $124 billion bill, passed by Congress last week, would have funded the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also included domestic spending measures and called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq beginning by October, with the goal of getting all combat forces out of Iraq by March 2008.
Bush called the bill unacceptable because it mandates artificial timelines for troop withdrawal, which he said would embolden the enemy and discourage the Iraqi people.
Gates responded to questions by reporters on the impact of a delay in approving supplemental funding after a briefing announcing a newly created oversight committee for wounded warrior care in the military.
He said that preset timelines for troop withdrawal would be a mistake. Insurgents would simply wait for U.S. troops to withdraw while bolstering their forces in anticipation, Gates said.
"If you pick a certain date and say the troops are coming out on a certain date, everybody basically just gets to sit back and say, 'OK, we got 90 or 100 days that we've got to wait,'" Gates said.
"All that al Qaeda and Jaysh al-Mahdi and all the rest have to do is say, 'You know, We've got X days until these guys are gone. So husband your resources. All we have to do is make the run for the money in a specific period of time,'" Gates said. "As long as there's some uncertainty about that, it seems to me that they don't have that luxury."
Gates conceded, though, that the debate over a troop withdrawal is "useful in terms of letting the Iraqis fully understand the impatience here at home and the importance of their getting on with their domestic reconciliation and the importance of the political reconciliation to the success of the enterprise in Iraq."
The president requested a $93.4 billion emergency supplemental measure in February to cover the cost of operations in the war on terror for the remainder of fiscal 2007. This was in addition to the $70 billion Congress previously had provided. The supplemental budget provides $39.3 billion to sustain warfighting operations, including supplies, support and maintenance, according to documents released by the Defense Department.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Urges Vigilance in Terror War
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today urged Americans to learn from past mistakes and steel their resolve to see the war on terror through to victory. Gates warned during an address to the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce here that giving up the fight too soon would be a devastating mistake with longstanding consequences. He urged the country to allocate the resources needed to win the war as it rebuilds its elements of national power, which withered after the end of the Cold War.
Re-donning the professor's hat he wore as president of Texas A&M University, Gates offered a history lesson and cautioned against repeating past mistakes. He recounted five times during the past 90 years -- all after long conflicts -- when the United States cut its defense spending, disarmed outright or otherwise withdrew from the world.
"Each time we paid a price," he said.
The most recent instance was in the 1990s, when the fall of the Soviet Union led people to seek a "peace dividend" rather than recognize new threats that were emerging, he said.
"Key instruments of America's national power -- military, diplomatic and intelligence -- withered throughout the decade," he said.
Within the Defense Department alone, the active Army was cut from almost 800,000 troops to fewer than 500,000. The number of Navy ships decreased by more than half. The Air Force went from 37 tactical wings to 20.
The State Department and U.S. intelligence agencies experienced similar cuts, he said.
"Even as we throttled back, the world became more unstable, more turbulent and more unpredictable than the Cold War years we had left behind," Gates told the audience. "Our hopes for peace, once again, gave way to the realities of disorder and conflict."
The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks abruptly ended America's "holiday from history," he said. Those attacks and the campaigns that followed in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the globe revealed shortcomings he said the country has had to work hard to correct.
Gates said this wake-up call has dealt a painful but important lesson for the country as it faces the future.
"As a nation, I believe we have to do two things," he said. "First, we have to deal with the challenges we face now, to commit the necessary resources to be successful in the current campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"And second," he said, "we must recoup some of the underinvestment of the past and commit ourselves to strengthening the instruments of national power across the board."
That's already happening in the Defense Department, with overstressed ground forces to increase by some 92,000 members over the next five years and outdated or worn-out equipment being modernized or replaced, he said.
Other government agencies are rethinking their strategies, too.
"The goal is an integrated effort, a reinvigoration of the key elements of national power so that the United States does not let down its guard again," Gates said.
This groundwork is crucial in the face of threats facing the United States and its allies, including those posed by violent extremist networks and ideologies, he said.
Gates acknowledged that many Americans have grown weary of the ongoing conflict, particularly in light of setbacks and tragedy. This "is understandable and even to be expected," he said.
But, Gates said, it would be a terrible mistake for the country to use that as an excuse to shirk from its duties or once again render itself unprepared.
Although it's impossible to predict the future, he said history offers a glimpse of what's likely to be ahead. When the United States takes the lead, meets its commitments, stands with its allies, prepares for current threats as well as those still beyond the horizon, "then great things are possible and probable for our country and the world," he said.
"As a nation, we have made our share of mistakes, but we have always corrected our course," he said. "That is why this country remains the most powerful cause for good ... (and) why we will continue to be a beacon for all that is good."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today urged Americans to learn from past mistakes and steel their resolve to see the war on terror through to victory. Gates warned during an address to the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce here that giving up the fight too soon would be a devastating mistake with longstanding consequences. He urged the country to allocate the resources needed to win the war as it rebuilds its elements of national power, which withered after the end of the Cold War.
Re-donning the professor's hat he wore as president of Texas A&M University, Gates offered a history lesson and cautioned against repeating past mistakes. He recounted five times during the past 90 years -- all after long conflicts -- when the United States cut its defense spending, disarmed outright or otherwise withdrew from the world.
"Each time we paid a price," he said.
The most recent instance was in the 1990s, when the fall of the Soviet Union led people to seek a "peace dividend" rather than recognize new threats that were emerging, he said.
"Key instruments of America's national power -- military, diplomatic and intelligence -- withered throughout the decade," he said.
Within the Defense Department alone, the active Army was cut from almost 800,000 troops to fewer than 500,000. The number of Navy ships decreased by more than half. The Air Force went from 37 tactical wings to 20.
The State Department and U.S. intelligence agencies experienced similar cuts, he said.
"Even as we throttled back, the world became more unstable, more turbulent and more unpredictable than the Cold War years we had left behind," Gates told the audience. "Our hopes for peace, once again, gave way to the realities of disorder and conflict."
The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks abruptly ended America's "holiday from history," he said. Those attacks and the campaigns that followed in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the globe revealed shortcomings he said the country has had to work hard to correct.
Gates said this wake-up call has dealt a painful but important lesson for the country as it faces the future.
"As a nation, I believe we have to do two things," he said. "First, we have to deal with the challenges we face now, to commit the necessary resources to be successful in the current campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"And second," he said, "we must recoup some of the underinvestment of the past and commit ourselves to strengthening the instruments of national power across the board."
That's already happening in the Defense Department, with overstressed ground forces to increase by some 92,000 members over the next five years and outdated or worn-out equipment being modernized or replaced, he said.
Other government agencies are rethinking their strategies, too.
"The goal is an integrated effort, a reinvigoration of the key elements of national power so that the United States does not let down its guard again," Gates said.
This groundwork is crucial in the face of threats facing the United States and its allies, including those posed by violent extremist networks and ideologies, he said.
Gates acknowledged that many Americans have grown weary of the ongoing conflict, particularly in light of setbacks and tragedy. This "is understandable and even to be expected," he said.
But, Gates said, it would be a terrible mistake for the country to use that as an excuse to shirk from its duties or once again render itself unprepared.
Although it's impossible to predict the future, he said history offers a glimpse of what's likely to be ahead. When the United States takes the lead, meets its commitments, stands with its allies, prepares for current threats as well as those still beyond the horizon, "then great things are possible and probable for our country and the world," he said.
"As a nation, we have made our share of mistakes, but we have always corrected our course," he said. "That is why this country remains the most powerful cause for good ... (and) why we will continue to be a beacon for all that is good."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Survivors Group Honors Benefactors
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors paused May 1 to recognize those who help make their program possible during the TAPS 10th Annual Honor Guard Appreciation Luncheon here. "The Honor Guard Luncheon is our opportunity once a year to thank those who support our program in all sorts of ways," Bonnie Carroll, TAPS founder, said.
TAPS includes among its supporters corporations, members of military honor guards, Defense Department personnel and even celebrities. TAPS also is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
One of the group's staunchest celebrity supporters, Ben Stein, served as the keynote speaker for the luncheon. The former lawyer may be best known for his monotone drone of "Bueller, Bueller" as a high school teacher in the 1980s hit movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
Stein said he's involved with the TAPS program because he is humbly grateful to the military and those left behind when a servicemember makes the ultimate sacrifice.
"I get to live this incredibly great life of being an American, get to be free, get to not have al Qaeda coming to my house and chopping my head off all because of people in the armed forces who protect me and keep me alive and well and happy," he said. "None of it -- the movies, the love, the gourmet meals, my favorite restaurant in the whole world -- Waffle House, the frat parties, the mansions, the (sport utility vehicles) -- none of it, none of it would be possible without them."
TAPS, he said, is there for military families when the unthinkable happens.
"What we need is something basic: human companionship," Stein told those gathered. "We want to be able to sit you down with somebody else who's been there, somebody else who's been in your situation ... for you to talk with someone who's been there, walked through the valley of the shadow of death and come through thanks to not walking through that valley alone."
Norma Melo knows benefits of talking with someone who's been there. She lost her husband, Army Staff Sgt. Julian S. Melo, in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 21, 2004. His task force suffered 22 casualties and 69 traumatic injuries that day.
"In those first few days, Bonnie (Carroll) did what was really needed for us," Melo said. "(She) did something that no one in our chain of command had thought to do, ... you gathered the spouses together, and immediately we had a bond.
"Now we share joyous memories and massive pain, but we (also) share a future," Melo said.
The TAPS program has been providing emotional, peer-based support to families affected by the death of a loved one serving in the armed forces for 15 years.
"At the time of my husband's death in the United States Army, there didn't exist a peer-based support program," Carroll said. "TAPS benchmarked off the best programs in America, talked to the Defense Department, (Department of Veterans Affairs), the other veterans service organizations and (asked), 'Where does the void exist, and how can we best fill it?'"
TAPS goes beyond connecting grieving family members and volunteers who have been there, the group also provides casework assistance and grief and trauma information and resources, as well as a hotline that's available 24 hours seven days a week.
"It's kind of a one-stop 800 number for all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one connected with military service," Carroll said.
TAPS also has, thanks to America Supports You, made another beneficial connection, she said.
"The TAPS Good Grief Camp is partnering with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey (Circus)," Carroll said. "Ringling is bringing in their performers, their clowns to work with the children on grief-related activities.
For instance, juggling will become a lesson in how to handle the emotions of grief. Building a human pyramid will symbolize to the children that they have support from each other, she said.
"It's giving the kids a learning opportunity, but also having a lot of fun," Carroll said. "Having that kind of connection would not have happened without America Supports You."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors paused May 1 to recognize those who help make their program possible during the TAPS 10th Annual Honor Guard Appreciation Luncheon here. "The Honor Guard Luncheon is our opportunity once a year to thank those who support our program in all sorts of ways," Bonnie Carroll, TAPS founder, said.
TAPS includes among its supporters corporations, members of military honor guards, Defense Department personnel and even celebrities. TAPS also is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
One of the group's staunchest celebrity supporters, Ben Stein, served as the keynote speaker for the luncheon. The former lawyer may be best known for his monotone drone of "Bueller, Bueller" as a high school teacher in the 1980s hit movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
Stein said he's involved with the TAPS program because he is humbly grateful to the military and those left behind when a servicemember makes the ultimate sacrifice.
"I get to live this incredibly great life of being an American, get to be free, get to not have al Qaeda coming to my house and chopping my head off all because of people in the armed forces who protect me and keep me alive and well and happy," he said. "None of it -- the movies, the love, the gourmet meals, my favorite restaurant in the whole world -- Waffle House, the frat parties, the mansions, the (sport utility vehicles) -- none of it, none of it would be possible without them."
TAPS, he said, is there for military families when the unthinkable happens.
"What we need is something basic: human companionship," Stein told those gathered. "We want to be able to sit you down with somebody else who's been there, somebody else who's been in your situation ... for you to talk with someone who's been there, walked through the valley of the shadow of death and come through thanks to not walking through that valley alone."
Norma Melo knows benefits of talking with someone who's been there. She lost her husband, Army Staff Sgt. Julian S. Melo, in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 21, 2004. His task force suffered 22 casualties and 69 traumatic injuries that day.
"In those first few days, Bonnie (Carroll) did what was really needed for us," Melo said. "(She) did something that no one in our chain of command had thought to do, ... you gathered the spouses together, and immediately we had a bond.
"Now we share joyous memories and massive pain, but we (also) share a future," Melo said.
The TAPS program has been providing emotional, peer-based support to families affected by the death of a loved one serving in the armed forces for 15 years.
"At the time of my husband's death in the United States Army, there didn't exist a peer-based support program," Carroll said. "TAPS benchmarked off the best programs in America, talked to the Defense Department, (Department of Veterans Affairs), the other veterans service organizations and (asked), 'Where does the void exist, and how can we best fill it?'"
TAPS goes beyond connecting grieving family members and volunteers who have been there, the group also provides casework assistance and grief and trauma information and resources, as well as a hotline that's available 24 hours seven days a week.
"It's kind of a one-stop 800 number for all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one connected with military service," Carroll said.
TAPS also has, thanks to America Supports You, made another beneficial connection, she said.
"The TAPS Good Grief Camp is partnering with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey (Circus)," Carroll said. "Ringling is bringing in their performers, their clowns to work with the children on grief-related activities.
For instance, juggling will become a lesson in how to handle the emotions of grief. Building a human pyramid will symbolize to the children that they have support from each other, she said.
"It's giving the kids a learning opportunity, but also having a lot of fun," Carroll said. "Having that kind of connection would not have happened without America Supports You."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
America Supports You: Gates Extols Value of Troop-Support Efforts
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today expressed thanks to Americans who support the troops and urged people to check out the Defense Department's America Supports You program. Gates told several hundred members of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce here that he's grateful for the support many are providing their employees serving in the National Guard and reserves. "You value these citizen soldiers and know they're more than worth retaining," he said. "Thank you for believing in them."
The secretary acknowledged it's "a tough time for them and for their families" and said it means a lot for these troops to know they have their employers' support. "I can assure you that your help and understanding do not go unnoticed," he said.
Gates recognized the long list of other activities the chamber sponsors to benefit the military, from adopt-a-soldier projects and providing free sports tickets to helping servicemembers travel to be with their loved ones or keep in touch while they're overseas.
He also heralded the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport's "Welcome Home a Hero" initiative, which organizes local groups, schools, congregations and businesses to greet troops returning home from deployments. Gates witnessed the program firsthand earlier today as a group welcomed more than 200 troops from several branches of the military as they arrived from Kuwait.
"These kinds of public receptions are really important," the secretary said. "Whatever disagreements exist over the war in Iraq, we are all united in our admiration of the men and women who have volunteered to serve our nation during these challenging times."
Gates contrasted these receptions with those Vietnam veterans received when they returned home. "It's good to see that we have learned from our past experiences and mistakes," he said.
The America Supports You program offers solid evidence of that wellspring of support, he said. The program, launched to recognize the myriad efforts under way around the country to show appreciation for military members and their families, is particularly helpful for people who want to express support, but who aren't sure how to get involved, he said.
"If people go to the America Supports You Web site, they will see countless projects they can join, from sending care packages to troops abroad to lending a helping hand to their families here at home," Gates said. "Everything you do makes a difference."
Gates called the opportunity to meet and work with "extraordinary people" dedicated to serving the country the highlight of his job at the Defense Department. At the top of that list, he said, are the troops serving on the front lines.
"I've come away from my four visits to Iraq and Afghanistan impressed by their resilience, their good humor, their courage and their determination in the face of danger and personal sacrifice," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today expressed thanks to Americans who support the troops and urged people to check out the Defense Department's America Supports You program. Gates told several hundred members of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce here that he's grateful for the support many are providing their employees serving in the National Guard and reserves. "You value these citizen soldiers and know they're more than worth retaining," he said. "Thank you for believing in them."
The secretary acknowledged it's "a tough time for them and for their families" and said it means a lot for these troops to know they have their employers' support. "I can assure you that your help and understanding do not go unnoticed," he said.
Gates recognized the long list of other activities the chamber sponsors to benefit the military, from adopt-a-soldier projects and providing free sports tickets to helping servicemembers travel to be with their loved ones or keep in touch while they're overseas.
He also heralded the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport's "Welcome Home a Hero" initiative, which organizes local groups, schools, congregations and businesses to greet troops returning home from deployments. Gates witnessed the program firsthand earlier today as a group welcomed more than 200 troops from several branches of the military as they arrived from Kuwait.
"These kinds of public receptions are really important," the secretary said. "Whatever disagreements exist over the war in Iraq, we are all united in our admiration of the men and women who have volunteered to serve our nation during these challenging times."
Gates contrasted these receptions with those Vietnam veterans received when they returned home. "It's good to see that we have learned from our past experiences and mistakes," he said.
The America Supports You program offers solid evidence of that wellspring of support, he said. The program, launched to recognize the myriad efforts under way around the country to show appreciation for military members and their families, is particularly helpful for people who want to express support, but who aren't sure how to get involved, he said.
"If people go to the America Supports You Web site, they will see countless projects they can join, from sending care packages to troops abroad to lending a helping hand to their families here at home," Gates said. "Everything you do makes a difference."
Gates called the opportunity to meet and work with "extraordinary people" dedicated to serving the country the highlight of his job at the Defense Department. At the top of that list, he said, are the troops serving on the front lines.
"I've come away from my four visits to Iraq and Afghanistan impressed by their resilience, their good humor, their courage and their determination in the face of danger and personal sacrifice," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Navy Announces Commissioning of Submarine Hawaii
The Navy's newest attack submarine Hawaii will be commissioned Saturday, May 5, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony in Groton, Conn. The third submarine of the Virginia class, SSN 776 will bear the name Hawaii to recognize the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people of the Aloha State and in honor of the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific theater.
Adm. Gary Roughead, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is the sponsor of Hawaii, the state's namesake submarine. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Lingle gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Hawaii has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements. Hawaii's capabilities include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special operations forces delivery and support, and covert mine warfare. In addition to these mission areas, Hawaii will be able to strike targets ashore with precision Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other maritime forces. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide unique, fully-integrated strike group and joint task force support.
"The addition of USS Hawaii to the fleet provides needed capability to meet the challenges of the future," said Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter. "This ship's stealth, endurance, flexibility, and lethality, combined with a highly trained and ready crew, make for the most robust undersea warfare capability in the world."
Capt. David A. Solms, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., is the ship's commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton Hawaii was built by the shipbuilder team of General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman Newport News. The submarine is 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. Hawaii is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. Hawaii will ensure the United States maintains undersea dominance, in both deep and shallow waters, well into this century.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4.
A live Web cast of the USS Hawaii's Commissioning ceremony can be viewed online at the commander, Submarine Group Two and the USS Hawaii Web sites at http://www.csg2.navy.mil/Hawaii.htm.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Adm. Gary Roughead, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is the sponsor of Hawaii, the state's namesake submarine. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Lingle gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Hawaii has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements. Hawaii's capabilities include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special operations forces delivery and support, and covert mine warfare. In addition to these mission areas, Hawaii will be able to strike targets ashore with precision Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other maritime forces. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide unique, fully-integrated strike group and joint task force support.
"The addition of USS Hawaii to the fleet provides needed capability to meet the challenges of the future," said Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter. "This ship's stealth, endurance, flexibility, and lethality, combined with a highly trained and ready crew, make for the most robust undersea warfare capability in the world."
Capt. David A. Solms, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., is the ship's commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton Hawaii was built by the shipbuilder team of General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman Newport News. The submarine is 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. Hawaii is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. Hawaii will ensure the United States maintains undersea dominance, in both deep and shallow waters, well into this century.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4.
A live Web cast of the USS Hawaii's Commissioning ceremony can be viewed online at the commander, Submarine Group Two and the USS Hawaii Web sites at http://www.csg2.navy.mil/Hawaii.htm.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Joins Revelers to Welcome Troops Home
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Almost 200 deployed troops got a Texas-sized homecoming today as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates joined hundreds of friends, family members and local residents to welcome them home from the Middle East for two weeks of rest and recuperation leave. Gates took his place alongside the flag-waving, banner-carrying, chanting revelers gathered at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's International Arrivals Terminal to meet the troops as their flight arrived from Kuwait. He shook hands with every arriving servicemember and thanked them for their service.
"These kinds of public receptions are really important," the secretary said later during a speech at the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce. "Whatever disagreements exist over the war in Iraq, we are all united in our admiration of the men and women who have volunteered to serve our nation during these challenging times."
Homecoming receptions are a daily occurrence here, part of a "Welcome Home a Hero" initiative designed to let troops know they've got the country's support.
"We want them to arrive home and know that somebody cares," said Gary Raines, a Vietnam veteran who's a regular at the homecomings. "Nobody welcomed us home, and we never want that to happen again."
"I can't think of anything more worthwhile than letting these people know that we support them," agreed Wayne Trevathan, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
Raines, Trevathan and other members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 90, based in nearby Denton, had plenty of company here today.
The Dallas Tap Dazzlers, a senior ladies dance group, arrived in tap shoes, fishnet stockings and sparkly red, white and blue jackets emblazoned with a Lone Star to perform for the group.
One member, Joyce Lawrence, had special reason to be excited at today's performance. Her grandson, Army Spc. Daniel Black, who's been serving in Baghdad since early November, was among the arriving troops.
"I am just so excited; I'm beside myself," Lawrence gushed. "This is a really, really wonderful day."
Nova and Tim Dea hoisted a giant "Welcome Home, Jordan!" sign as they awaited their first glimpse of their son, Army Pfc. Jordan Dea, a Fort Bliss, Texas-based soldier serving near Mosul, Iraq.
"The webcam has been awesome, but we can't wait to get our hands on him," Nova said. "We've been looking forward to this day for a long time."
Kimberly Smith came dressed to the nines with a strapless sundress and fresh manicure to see her boyfriend, Army Spc. Corie Barran, walk through the arrivals gate. "This is so exciting," Smith said, apologizing as the tears she'd promised herself not to cry began to well up in her eyes.
Smith and Barran, a member of the Texas National Guard's 89th Military Police Brigade, had big plans for the afternoon. A highlight, she said, would be a surprise visit to the school where Barran's mom works.
"She knows he's coming home, but she doesn't know it's today," Smith said. "She is going to be really, really surprised."
Smith said the crowd at the airport made the day even more special. "It's just overwhelming," she said. "This is going to give them a real sense of being home and let them know that lots of people love them, not just their families."
Eleven-year-old Nicholas Haskell waited impatiently with his mother, Christina, and 15-month-old brother, Andrew, as word rang out that the soldiers' flight had arrived and the crowd burst into applause.
Nicholas said he was looking forward to celebrating his birthday, albeit it one day late, with the best gift a kid could ever have - his dad home safe. "I'll do anything to get to see my dad," he said.
The activity picked up as the crowd anticipated the troops' arrival. Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" rang through the terminal. Nineteen second graders from the Westlake Academy waved flags; an employee group from Atmos Energy held up a company banner and cheered; and a sign language choir from Dallas' Samuell High School performed.
As the first soldiers entered the terminal, the crowd erupted into hoots and hollers.
Hands extended to every soldier, along with expressions of welcome and thanks for their service. Troops beamed as they pushed their luggage carts through the gauntlet of well-wishers.
Family members flung arms around their loved ones, reveling in the long-anticipated reunions. Amid all the activity around them, sweethearts savored long, private embraces. Children buried their heads in their fathers' chests.
"This is great! It's absolutely awesome!" beamed Spc. Juan Munoz, a 1st Cavalry Division soldier who held his wife, Cynthia, closely by his side.
"I just love everybody being out here," he said. "It really shows their support. And it makes it feel so great to be home."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Almost 200 deployed troops got a Texas-sized homecoming today as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates joined hundreds of friends, family members and local residents to welcome them home from the Middle East for two weeks of rest and recuperation leave. Gates took his place alongside the flag-waving, banner-carrying, chanting revelers gathered at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's International Arrivals Terminal to meet the troops as their flight arrived from Kuwait. He shook hands with every arriving servicemember and thanked them for their service.
"These kinds of public receptions are really important," the secretary said later during a speech at the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce. "Whatever disagreements exist over the war in Iraq, we are all united in our admiration of the men and women who have volunteered to serve our nation during these challenging times."
Homecoming receptions are a daily occurrence here, part of a "Welcome Home a Hero" initiative designed to let troops know they've got the country's support.
"We want them to arrive home and know that somebody cares," said Gary Raines, a Vietnam veteran who's a regular at the homecomings. "Nobody welcomed us home, and we never want that to happen again."
"I can't think of anything more worthwhile than letting these people know that we support them," agreed Wayne Trevathan, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
Raines, Trevathan and other members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 90, based in nearby Denton, had plenty of company here today.
The Dallas Tap Dazzlers, a senior ladies dance group, arrived in tap shoes, fishnet stockings and sparkly red, white and blue jackets emblazoned with a Lone Star to perform for the group.
One member, Joyce Lawrence, had special reason to be excited at today's performance. Her grandson, Army Spc. Daniel Black, who's been serving in Baghdad since early November, was among the arriving troops.
"I am just so excited; I'm beside myself," Lawrence gushed. "This is a really, really wonderful day."
Nova and Tim Dea hoisted a giant "Welcome Home, Jordan!" sign as they awaited their first glimpse of their son, Army Pfc. Jordan Dea, a Fort Bliss, Texas-based soldier serving near Mosul, Iraq.
"The webcam has been awesome, but we can't wait to get our hands on him," Nova said. "We've been looking forward to this day for a long time."
Kimberly Smith came dressed to the nines with a strapless sundress and fresh manicure to see her boyfriend, Army Spc. Corie Barran, walk through the arrivals gate. "This is so exciting," Smith said, apologizing as the tears she'd promised herself not to cry began to well up in her eyes.
Smith and Barran, a member of the Texas National Guard's 89th Military Police Brigade, had big plans for the afternoon. A highlight, she said, would be a surprise visit to the school where Barran's mom works.
"She knows he's coming home, but she doesn't know it's today," Smith said. "She is going to be really, really surprised."
Smith said the crowd at the airport made the day even more special. "It's just overwhelming," she said. "This is going to give them a real sense of being home and let them know that lots of people love them, not just their families."
Eleven-year-old Nicholas Haskell waited impatiently with his mother, Christina, and 15-month-old brother, Andrew, as word rang out that the soldiers' flight had arrived and the crowd burst into applause.
Nicholas said he was looking forward to celebrating his birthday, albeit it one day late, with the best gift a kid could ever have - his dad home safe. "I'll do anything to get to see my dad," he said.
The activity picked up as the crowd anticipated the troops' arrival. Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" rang through the terminal. Nineteen second graders from the Westlake Academy waved flags; an employee group from Atmos Energy held up a company banner and cheered; and a sign language choir from Dallas' Samuell High School performed.
As the first soldiers entered the terminal, the crowd erupted into hoots and hollers.
Hands extended to every soldier, along with expressions of welcome and thanks for their service. Troops beamed as they pushed their luggage carts through the gauntlet of well-wishers.
Family members flung arms around their loved ones, reveling in the long-anticipated reunions. Amid all the activity around them, sweethearts savored long, private embraces. Children buried their heads in their fathers' chests.
"This is great! It's absolutely awesome!" beamed Spc. Juan Munoz, a 1st Cavalry Division soldier who held his wife, Cynthia, closely by his side.
"I just love everybody being out here," he said. "It really shows their support. And it makes it feel so great to be home."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Defense Secretary Visits 'Amazing' Army Rehabilitation Center
By Elaine Wilson and Norma Guerra
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited here today to meet wounded warriors and take a firsthand look at the Center for the Intrepid, the Army's state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation center. "Amazing," Gates said, summing up his opinion of the center with one word.
The $50 million facility, built thanks to the generosity of 600,000 Americans, is dedicated to the nation's military heroes wounded in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The facility, designed with the latest generation's interests in mind, includes an indoor running track, firing range, wave pool, climbing wall, prosthetic center, gait lab and a computer assisted rehabilitation environment known as CAREN.
As Gates toured the 60,000-square-foot center, he stopped to thank each wounded warrior he met along the way for their service and sacrifice, and he presented each with a secretary of defense coin.
During a tour of the therapy gym, amputee Army Spc. Robert Stevenson demonstrated the two-story rock wall, then had a challenge for Gates.
"Sir, it's your turn next," Stevenson said.
Gates laughed as he declined the offer, but did present Stevenson with a coin.
At the wave pool, called The Flowrider, Army Spc. Patrick Moore and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek McGinnis rode "boogie boards" to demonstrate how the pool strengthens core muscles and improves balance.
Gates followed up his visit to the center with a tour of one of two new Fisher Houses adjacent to the rehab facility. Fisher Houses serve as a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. The additional houses, which opened Jan. 29 in conjunction with the center, bring the on-post total to four.
The 21-room homes are built in the newer Fisher House style with a sprawling 16,800 square feet. Each home is equipped with a full-service kitchen, formal dining room, several sitting rooms and bedrooms equipped with DVD/VCR systems and flat-screen TVs.
Gates said he was impressed by the size and the capacity of the homes and called the Fisher Houses "a great service for the families."
He met with residents, including two Army wives, who asked for coins on behalf of their husbands recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center.
At the tour's conclusion, Gates thanked the Fisher House staff for all that they do for the service members and their families.
Shortly after visiting the Fisher House, Gates met with the Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.
The president established the commission March 6 to conduct a comprehensive review of military medical care at both Department of Defense and Department of VA hospitals and outpatient facilities. Bush asked its members to recommend ways to improve the transition to other military service or civilian life, ensure high-quality services for wounded troops and increase their access to benefits and services.
To that end, the nine-member committee, co-chaired by former Kansas Sen. Robert Dole and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, had earlier in the day privately met with service members, family members, health care providers and other interested parties at BAMC. The commission's fact-finding mission will continue tomorrow when members will host an all-day public meeting at the San Antonio Airport Hilton.
Gates will conclude his trip to Texas tomorrow after a visit with wounded warriors, their families and hospital staff at BAMC. This morning, Gates was in Dallas, where he spoke to the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce.
(Elaine Wilson and Norma Guerra work for the Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited here today to meet wounded warriors and take a firsthand look at the Center for the Intrepid, the Army's state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation center. "Amazing," Gates said, summing up his opinion of the center with one word.
The $50 million facility, built thanks to the generosity of 600,000 Americans, is dedicated to the nation's military heroes wounded in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The facility, designed with the latest generation's interests in mind, includes an indoor running track, firing range, wave pool, climbing wall, prosthetic center, gait lab and a computer assisted rehabilitation environment known as CAREN.
As Gates toured the 60,000-square-foot center, he stopped to thank each wounded warrior he met along the way for their service and sacrifice, and he presented each with a secretary of defense coin.
During a tour of the therapy gym, amputee Army Spc. Robert Stevenson demonstrated the two-story rock wall, then had a challenge for Gates.
"Sir, it's your turn next," Stevenson said.
Gates laughed as he declined the offer, but did present Stevenson with a coin.
At the wave pool, called The Flowrider, Army Spc. Patrick Moore and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek McGinnis rode "boogie boards" to demonstrate how the pool strengthens core muscles and improves balance.
Gates followed up his visit to the center with a tour of one of two new Fisher Houses adjacent to the rehab facility. Fisher Houses serve as a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. The additional houses, which opened Jan. 29 in conjunction with the center, bring the on-post total to four.
The 21-room homes are built in the newer Fisher House style with a sprawling 16,800 square feet. Each home is equipped with a full-service kitchen, formal dining room, several sitting rooms and bedrooms equipped with DVD/VCR systems and flat-screen TVs.
Gates said he was impressed by the size and the capacity of the homes and called the Fisher Houses "a great service for the families."
He met with residents, including two Army wives, who asked for coins on behalf of their husbands recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center.
At the tour's conclusion, Gates thanked the Fisher House staff for all that they do for the service members and their families.
Shortly after visiting the Fisher House, Gates met with the Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.
The president established the commission March 6 to conduct a comprehensive review of military medical care at both Department of Defense and Department of VA hospitals and outpatient facilities. Bush asked its members to recommend ways to improve the transition to other military service or civilian life, ensure high-quality services for wounded troops and increase their access to benefits and services.
To that end, the nine-member committee, co-chaired by former Kansas Sen. Robert Dole and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, had earlier in the day privately met with service members, family members, health care providers and other interested parties at BAMC. The commission's fact-finding mission will continue tomorrow when members will host an all-day public meeting at the San Antonio Airport Hilton.
Gates will conclude his trip to Texas tomorrow after a visit with wounded warriors, their families and hospital staff at BAMC. This morning, Gates was in Dallas, where he spoke to the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce.
(Elaine Wilson and Norma Guerra work for the Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Edwards Team Stars in 'Ironman' Superhero Movie
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – This sprawling desert base recently became a Hollywood set, as about 150 airmen, about a dozen Marines and some of the Air Force's sexiest new aircraft shared the spotlight with Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow in filming Hollywood's next superhero blockbuster. Director Jon Favreau and his cast traveled here for three days of filming for "Iron Man," an action-packed movie based on the 1960s comic book character, Tony Stark.
The story revolves around Stark, a weapons manufacturer and playboy billionaire loosely based on Howard Hughes and played in the movie by Downey, Favreau explained. Stark is kidnapped and forced by his captors to design and build a weapon, but secretly creates a high-tech armored suit and escapes. After returning to the United States, he discovers a dangerous plot and becomes "Iron Man" to stop it.
"He's a vigilante on a global scale," Favreau said. "He will fly across the world to take care of business."
Here at Edwards, Stark and his sidekick, Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Rhodes, brought their comic book characters to life against a bustling backdrop of high-tech aircraft, a dry lakebed that's a secondary landing strip for the space shuttle, and stretches of desert to be depicted in the movie as Afghanistan.
During the last day of shooting here, "Rhodie" led a group of about 20 Air Force "pilots" - all active-duty airmen and Marines who auditioned to be extras - through the base's Hangar 1820. The group paused between a sleek F-22A Raptor and a bulb-nosed RQ-4 Global Hawk, both dramatically lit by light balloons suspended above, as Stark approached Rhodie for a heated discussion.
The group rehearsed the scenario again and again as crews operating three separate cameras tested their shots and ensured the lighting was perfect. When the call went out, "Picture up!" and filming began, Favreau and his assistant producers watched intently from their director's chairs. Finally, after hours of set-up, practice and eight takes, Favreau called it a wrap.
Favreau raved about the cooperation received from base officials here and the 150-plus servicemembers hired as extras, or "background performers" in Hollywood parlance.
Home of the Air Force's Flight Test Center, Edwards offers a dazzling array of aircraft that Favreau said brought realism to his fantasy story. "This is the best back lot you could ever have," he said. "Every angle you shoot is authentic: desert, dry lake beds, hangars."
The Edwards sets, from the scene at the hangar to earlier shots along the flight line and with aircraft not commonly seen even at Air Force bases, brought "a certain prestige to the film," he said.
But one of the best benefits of filming here, he said, was the opportunity to work side by side with and learn from the men and women in uniform. Their input was critical, he said, because most Hollywood people don't have a military background and need to absorb as much as they can to make their movies as authentic as possible.
"They're tremendous professionals," he said of the servicemembers hired for filming here. "Every background performer is a bit of a technical advisor. So there's a plethora of information available to you."
The extras all responded to a basewide casting call with hopes they'd be selected for parts. The lucky ones who got the hoped-for offer, took leave from their jobs and earned the going-rate - just over $15 an hour, plus overtime - as extras.
Some, like Staff Sgt. Joe Gambles from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, remembered passing on the tryouts when the soon-to-be-released Transformers movie was filmed here, and vowed never to do it again. "I didn't think it would be that big of a deal, but my friends who got involved with it had a great time, so I didn't want to miss out on this one," he said.
As luck would have it, Gambles wasn't to miss out this go-around. He played a pilot for one day, then an airman moving vehicles around the flight line another day. On the last day of filming here, he again played a pilot, part of the group Rhodie led through the hangar.
"No other Air Force base has this opportunity," Gambles said. "We're near Hollywood and we work with Hollywood all the time. I figure that it would be a waste of my time here at Edwards if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity."
Tech Sgt. Thoshiya Jones not only made it into the Transformers movie, but also got a coveted speaking part. Jones performed his real-life job in the air traffic control tower and even wrote his own lines for a scene as Raptors scrambled below.
Now playing a pilot in Iron Man, Jones said he was delighted to get cast in not just one, but two Hollywood movies. "It's a real honor, and it's pretty exciting to see all the behind-the-scenes effort going on," he said. "You realize that it's not all glamorous. It's a lot of hard work."
A select few, like Capt. Byron Rose, got extra pay for use of their high-end cars on the set. Rose said he was happy to get his flashy red Porsche in the movie. "That way, even if I don't make it into the movie, at least I know my car will," he said.
If just one person sees him in the Iron Man movie, Staff Sgt. Danny Vaughn, a Joint Strike Fighter maintainer with the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, said, his efforts here will all be worthwhile.
"This is a movie about superheroes, and my son might watch it," Vaughn said. He's hoping 7-year-old Danny III will get to see his dad acting as 2nd Lt. Eric Huppert, one of Rhodie's pilots in the hangar, or as an Army special operations soldier walking across the camera during the previous day's shoot.
Second Lt. Carsten Stahr, who shared the same scenes with Vaughn, called getting to play "that tiny dot walking across the screen" in the Iron Man film the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Growing up as a kid from Nebraska, all I ever wanted to do was serve my country and get to be in a movie," said Stahr, section commander and executive officer of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron. "This is a childhood dream come true."
As he waited beside the Raptor aircraft to rehearse his scene, Stahr said he's been impressed with all he's seen here. "This is all pretty cool to be a part of," he said, watching the action around him. "It's definitely something to write home to Mom about."
Master Sgt. Larry Belen, superintendent of technical support for the Air Force Test Pilot School, said he auditioned as an extra to help show off the Air Force to moviemakers and the people who will go to see Iron Man.
"I want people to walk away from this movie with a really good impression of the Air Force, like they got about the Navy seeing Top Gun," he said. "This is a chance to show people what we're made of and what we're able to do. It makes me feel proud to be a part of it."
Air Force Capt. Christian Hodge, the Defense Department's project officer for Iron Man, said one of the biggest gratifications of his job is getting to see real servicemembers bring their expertise to a movie that does their service proud. "This movie is going to be fantastic," he said. "The Air Force is going to come off looking like rock stars."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – This sprawling desert base recently became a Hollywood set, as about 150 airmen, about a dozen Marines and some of the Air Force's sexiest new aircraft shared the spotlight with Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow in filming Hollywood's next superhero blockbuster. Director Jon Favreau and his cast traveled here for three days of filming for "Iron Man," an action-packed movie based on the 1960s comic book character, Tony Stark.
The story revolves around Stark, a weapons manufacturer and playboy billionaire loosely based on Howard Hughes and played in the movie by Downey, Favreau explained. Stark is kidnapped and forced by his captors to design and build a weapon, but secretly creates a high-tech armored suit and escapes. After returning to the United States, he discovers a dangerous plot and becomes "Iron Man" to stop it.
"He's a vigilante on a global scale," Favreau said. "He will fly across the world to take care of business."
Here at Edwards, Stark and his sidekick, Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Rhodes, brought their comic book characters to life against a bustling backdrop of high-tech aircraft, a dry lakebed that's a secondary landing strip for the space shuttle, and stretches of desert to be depicted in the movie as Afghanistan.
During the last day of shooting here, "Rhodie" led a group of about 20 Air Force "pilots" - all active-duty airmen and Marines who auditioned to be extras - through the base's Hangar 1820. The group paused between a sleek F-22A Raptor and a bulb-nosed RQ-4 Global Hawk, both dramatically lit by light balloons suspended above, as Stark approached Rhodie for a heated discussion.
The group rehearsed the scenario again and again as crews operating three separate cameras tested their shots and ensured the lighting was perfect. When the call went out, "Picture up!" and filming began, Favreau and his assistant producers watched intently from their director's chairs. Finally, after hours of set-up, practice and eight takes, Favreau called it a wrap.
Favreau raved about the cooperation received from base officials here and the 150-plus servicemembers hired as extras, or "background performers" in Hollywood parlance.
Home of the Air Force's Flight Test Center, Edwards offers a dazzling array of aircraft that Favreau said brought realism to his fantasy story. "This is the best back lot you could ever have," he said. "Every angle you shoot is authentic: desert, dry lake beds, hangars."
The Edwards sets, from the scene at the hangar to earlier shots along the flight line and with aircraft not commonly seen even at Air Force bases, brought "a certain prestige to the film," he said.
But one of the best benefits of filming here, he said, was the opportunity to work side by side with and learn from the men and women in uniform. Their input was critical, he said, because most Hollywood people don't have a military background and need to absorb as much as they can to make their movies as authentic as possible.
"They're tremendous professionals," he said of the servicemembers hired for filming here. "Every background performer is a bit of a technical advisor. So there's a plethora of information available to you."
The extras all responded to a basewide casting call with hopes they'd be selected for parts. The lucky ones who got the hoped-for offer, took leave from their jobs and earned the going-rate - just over $15 an hour, plus overtime - as extras.
Some, like Staff Sgt. Joe Gambles from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, remembered passing on the tryouts when the soon-to-be-released Transformers movie was filmed here, and vowed never to do it again. "I didn't think it would be that big of a deal, but my friends who got involved with it had a great time, so I didn't want to miss out on this one," he said.
As luck would have it, Gambles wasn't to miss out this go-around. He played a pilot for one day, then an airman moving vehicles around the flight line another day. On the last day of filming here, he again played a pilot, part of the group Rhodie led through the hangar.
"No other Air Force base has this opportunity," Gambles said. "We're near Hollywood and we work with Hollywood all the time. I figure that it would be a waste of my time here at Edwards if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity."
Tech Sgt. Thoshiya Jones not only made it into the Transformers movie, but also got a coveted speaking part. Jones performed his real-life job in the air traffic control tower and even wrote his own lines for a scene as Raptors scrambled below.
Now playing a pilot in Iron Man, Jones said he was delighted to get cast in not just one, but two Hollywood movies. "It's a real honor, and it's pretty exciting to see all the behind-the-scenes effort going on," he said. "You realize that it's not all glamorous. It's a lot of hard work."
A select few, like Capt. Byron Rose, got extra pay for use of their high-end cars on the set. Rose said he was happy to get his flashy red Porsche in the movie. "That way, even if I don't make it into the movie, at least I know my car will," he said.
If just one person sees him in the Iron Man movie, Staff Sgt. Danny Vaughn, a Joint Strike Fighter maintainer with the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, said, his efforts here will all be worthwhile.
"This is a movie about superheroes, and my son might watch it," Vaughn said. He's hoping 7-year-old Danny III will get to see his dad acting as 2nd Lt. Eric Huppert, one of Rhodie's pilots in the hangar, or as an Army special operations soldier walking across the camera during the previous day's shoot.
Second Lt. Carsten Stahr, who shared the same scenes with Vaughn, called getting to play "that tiny dot walking across the screen" in the Iron Man film the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Growing up as a kid from Nebraska, all I ever wanted to do was serve my country and get to be in a movie," said Stahr, section commander and executive officer of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron. "This is a childhood dream come true."
As he waited beside the Raptor aircraft to rehearse his scene, Stahr said he's been impressed with all he's seen here. "This is all pretty cool to be a part of," he said, watching the action around him. "It's definitely something to write home to Mom about."
Master Sgt. Larry Belen, superintendent of technical support for the Air Force Test Pilot School, said he auditioned as an extra to help show off the Air Force to moviemakers and the people who will go to see Iron Man.
"I want people to walk away from this movie with a really good impression of the Air Force, like they got about the Navy seeing Top Gun," he said. "This is a chance to show people what we're made of and what we're able to do. It makes me feel proud to be a part of it."
Air Force Capt. Christian Hodge, the Defense Department's project officer for Iron Man, said one of the biggest gratifications of his job is getting to see real servicemembers bring their expertise to a movie that does their service proud. "This movie is going to be fantastic," he said. "The Air Force is going to come off looking like rock stars."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
New Pentagon Channel News Program Focuses on Combatant Commands
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – America's nine unified combatant commands will be in the spotlight as the Pentagon Channel launches a completely redesigned biweekly half-hour news and information program. "Focus on the Force" was originally produced by American Forces Network and featured stories about a wide range of military related topics.
"Through a turn of events we ended up taking over the product, and we wanted to give it a new and different look," said Pentagon Channel news director Gene Brink. "The combatant commands are strategically located around the world to support or conduct U.S. military missions. We want to highlight the great work of the men and women serving in these areas and provide them the well deserved special recognition."
"Focus on the Force" will be hosted by Army Staff Sgt. Jake Newman, who recently traveled to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., to gather material for the show's debut, which will feature stories on U.S. Special Operations Command. SOCOM, which has its headquarters at MacDill, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
"Special Operations Command is one of the most difficult commands to cover due to their mission," said Brink. "This event provided us the opportunity to talk with all ranks about their job and mission."
Newman had the opportunity to speak with many special operations members, including SOCOM Commander Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown, who will soon be retiring. The general, who entered the military as a private in 1967 and who has served in his current four-star position nearly four years, had high praise for the servicemembers under his command.
"I just want to pass along my thanks to you and your families for the great work being done around the world today," Brown said.
Viewers will notice dramatic changes in the way "Focus on the Force" is presented. "The show will have a different look that you will have to see," Brink said. "It will be different from every program currently on the Pentagon Channel."
"Focus on the Force" also will feature interactive elements.
"One thing I can share is that we will be asking servicemembers in the combatant command to send photographs that share their everyday experiences, and we will air photos in the show," said Brink. "We hope we will have the viewer engaged from the beginning to end. You will not find a story that explains the mission of the combatant command. Instead, you will learn about their mission through the stories, real human-interest stories. Plus, we will test your knowledge with a little trivia. The new look will be engaging and tell the experiences of the men and women who make these commands a success."
"Focus on the Force" is by far the most graphically complex show the Pentagon Channel has ever attempted. Viewers will experience multiple split screens filled with video, animation and text.
"The main challenge was designing the new look for the show," said Brink. "It had to be something we have never done before when it comes to the look of the show, the graphic elements, music and content layout. We conquered that task, and we will unveil the efforts of our talented team."
"Focus on the Force" debuts May 9 at noon Eastern Time on the Pentagon Channel. It will also be available via podcast and video-on-demand.
(David Mays works at the Pentagon Channel.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – America's nine unified combatant commands will be in the spotlight as the Pentagon Channel launches a completely redesigned biweekly half-hour news and information program. "Focus on the Force" was originally produced by American Forces Network and featured stories about a wide range of military related topics.
"Through a turn of events we ended up taking over the product, and we wanted to give it a new and different look," said Pentagon Channel news director Gene Brink. "The combatant commands are strategically located around the world to support or conduct U.S. military missions. We want to highlight the great work of the men and women serving in these areas and provide them the well deserved special recognition."
"Focus on the Force" will be hosted by Army Staff Sgt. Jake Newman, who recently traveled to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., to gather material for the show's debut, which will feature stories on U.S. Special Operations Command. SOCOM, which has its headquarters at MacDill, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
"Special Operations Command is one of the most difficult commands to cover due to their mission," said Brink. "This event provided us the opportunity to talk with all ranks about their job and mission."
Newman had the opportunity to speak with many special operations members, including SOCOM Commander Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown, who will soon be retiring. The general, who entered the military as a private in 1967 and who has served in his current four-star position nearly four years, had high praise for the servicemembers under his command.
"I just want to pass along my thanks to you and your families for the great work being done around the world today," Brown said.
Viewers will notice dramatic changes in the way "Focus on the Force" is presented. "The show will have a different look that you will have to see," Brink said. "It will be different from every program currently on the Pentagon Channel."
"Focus on the Force" also will feature interactive elements.
"One thing I can share is that we will be asking servicemembers in the combatant command to send photographs that share their everyday experiences, and we will air photos in the show," said Brink. "We hope we will have the viewer engaged from the beginning to end. You will not find a story that explains the mission of the combatant command. Instead, you will learn about their mission through the stories, real human-interest stories. Plus, we will test your knowledge with a little trivia. The new look will be engaging and tell the experiences of the men and women who make these commands a success."
"Focus on the Force" is by far the most graphically complex show the Pentagon Channel has ever attempted. Viewers will experience multiple split screens filled with video, animation and text.
"The main challenge was designing the new look for the show," said Brink. "It had to be something we have never done before when it comes to the look of the show, the graphic elements, music and content layout. We conquered that task, and we will unveil the efforts of our talented team."
"Focus on the Force" debuts May 9 at noon Eastern Time on the Pentagon Channel. It will also be available via podcast and video-on-demand.
(David Mays works at the Pentagon Channel.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Parents in Iraq, Afghanistan to View Graduations Via Webcasts
By Dennis K. Bohannon
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – Servicemembers deployed to war zones will be able to view their high school seniors crossing the stage and moving their tassels from right to left via live webcasts on graduation day. The Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe; U.S. Army, Europe; 5th Signal Command; U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Combined Joint Task Force 82 in Afghanistan; Multinational Corps Iraq; and World Television Services have combined assets, talents and technology to enable the live broadcasts via the Internet. The effort will allow nearly 100 deployed parents in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and other locations around the world to view 18 graduation ceremonies.
The first graduation ceremony is expected to be webcast on June 7. Eight graduation ceremonies will take place simultaneously on June 8, dubbed "Super Friday" by those involved. The last ceremony will be webcast on the evening of June 15.
Schools identified as participants in the graduation webcasts thus far, are AFNorth, in the Netherlands; Ansbach, Bamberg, Bitburg, Hanau, Heidelberg, Hohenfels, Kaiserslautern, Mannheim, Patch, Ramstein, Vilseck, Wiesbaden and Wuerzburg, in Germany; Aviano and Vicenza, in Italy; Lajes, in the Azores, and Lakenheath, in England. However, additional schools can be added through May 18 if a senior's parent is unexpectedly deployed.
Using emerging Web technology, deployed parents will be able to see their graduating senior cross the stage and view student messages recorded for the occasion.
The collective effort is intended to give graduating students and deployed parents the opportunity to share in this once-in-a-lifetime event.
This is the fourth year the effort has been undertaken. Diana Ohman, director DoDDS-Europe, who has been involved with each of the yearly webcasts, said that although it is a monumental technical challenge, these webcasts are emotionally significant to the students and the deployed parents.
"There is no room for error," she said. "It is too important. It is important to the graduating senior that he or she be able to share the event with their parents, as well as for the deployed parent to be able to view their son or daughter crossing the stage."
Collecting data for this year's webcast began in January. Seniors who had or anticipated having parents deployed at graduation were identified through the high schools. A list of schools with deployed parents and other specifics was forwarded to U.S. Army, Europe, where contracts were written and the immense coordination process began. Last week, German contractor World Television Services was awarded the contract to provide technical support for the webcasts.
"With the contract awarded, we can now (be conducting) site surveys and establishing and testing connectivity, and telling the parent downrange what to expect," said Kenneth Bilbo, chief information officer for U.S. Army, Europe, Headquarters and one of the initial planners.
"The next few weeks are going to be busy, and we expect changes and alterations right up to the last minute of the last graduation ceremony," said Angela Fobbs, from 5th Signal Command, who has led the project for four years. "But when you see the faces of the graduating seniors, listen to their recorded and live messages, and read the responses from the parents, it becomes real obvious that this is a good and worthwhile effort."
Each high school also is being paired with the signal battalion in its geographic area as a means of backup and additional support. The local signal battalions will help where possible and provide technical assistance where needed.
In the days to come, World Television Services will begin testing audio and video feeds between each graduation site and the dozens of receiving locations down range.
Initially, contact information for deployed or deploying parents of graduates was collected through each of the high schools. This information will now be used to notify deployed or deploying parents of graduating seniors when webcast Internet sites are online. They will also be provided logon and password information.
(Dennis K. Bohannon is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – Servicemembers deployed to war zones will be able to view their high school seniors crossing the stage and moving their tassels from right to left via live webcasts on graduation day. The Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe; U.S. Army, Europe; 5th Signal Command; U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Combined Joint Task Force 82 in Afghanistan; Multinational Corps Iraq; and World Television Services have combined assets, talents and technology to enable the live broadcasts via the Internet. The effort will allow nearly 100 deployed parents in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and other locations around the world to view 18 graduation ceremonies.
The first graduation ceremony is expected to be webcast on June 7. Eight graduation ceremonies will take place simultaneously on June 8, dubbed "Super Friday" by those involved. The last ceremony will be webcast on the evening of June 15.
Schools identified as participants in the graduation webcasts thus far, are AFNorth, in the Netherlands; Ansbach, Bamberg, Bitburg, Hanau, Heidelberg, Hohenfels, Kaiserslautern, Mannheim, Patch, Ramstein, Vilseck, Wiesbaden and Wuerzburg, in Germany; Aviano and Vicenza, in Italy; Lajes, in the Azores, and Lakenheath, in England. However, additional schools can be added through May 18 if a senior's parent is unexpectedly deployed.
Using emerging Web technology, deployed parents will be able to see their graduating senior cross the stage and view student messages recorded for the occasion.
The collective effort is intended to give graduating students and deployed parents the opportunity to share in this once-in-a-lifetime event.
This is the fourth year the effort has been undertaken. Diana Ohman, director DoDDS-Europe, who has been involved with each of the yearly webcasts, said that although it is a monumental technical challenge, these webcasts are emotionally significant to the students and the deployed parents.
"There is no room for error," she said. "It is too important. It is important to the graduating senior that he or she be able to share the event with their parents, as well as for the deployed parent to be able to view their son or daughter crossing the stage."
Collecting data for this year's webcast began in January. Seniors who had or anticipated having parents deployed at graduation were identified through the high schools. A list of schools with deployed parents and other specifics was forwarded to U.S. Army, Europe, where contracts were written and the immense coordination process began. Last week, German contractor World Television Services was awarded the contract to provide technical support for the webcasts.
"With the contract awarded, we can now (be conducting) site surveys and establishing and testing connectivity, and telling the parent downrange what to expect," said Kenneth Bilbo, chief information officer for U.S. Army, Europe, Headquarters and one of the initial planners.
"The next few weeks are going to be busy, and we expect changes and alterations right up to the last minute of the last graduation ceremony," said Angela Fobbs, from 5th Signal Command, who has led the project for four years. "But when you see the faces of the graduating seniors, listen to their recorded and live messages, and read the responses from the parents, it becomes real obvious that this is a good and worthwhile effort."
Each high school also is being paired with the signal battalion in its geographic area as a means of backup and additional support. The local signal battalions will help where possible and provide technical assistance where needed.
In the days to come, World Television Services will begin testing audio and video feeds between each graduation site and the dozens of receiving locations down range.
Initially, contact information for deployed or deploying parents of graduates was collected through each of the high schools. This information will now be used to notify deployed or deploying parents of graduating seniors when webcast Internet sites are online. They will also be provided logon and password information.
(Dennis K. Bohannon is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
General Impressed with Agencies' Collaboration in Homeland Defense
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – The United States should be confident that the Defense Department is working toward better solutions to challenges like natural disasters and threats on the nation's security, the top general for planning, organizing and executing homeland defense and civil support missions said today. As U.S. Northern Command launches a 19-day preparedness exercise dubbed "Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge" with the Department of Homeland Defense, Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. said he's "pleasantly impressed" that all involved agencies are working toward a successful collaboration.
"The defense of the homeland is everyone's top priority," Renuart said. "We're part of a team made up of local, state and federal agencies, as well as the individual (National) Guards in each state and the Department of Defense."
The exercise, which started April 30 and runs to May 18, is the largest and most complex exercise undertaken by the Northern Command. Field training exercises will be integrated with command and control entities to simulate disasters such as hurricanes and terrorists using nuclear weapons within the continental United States, the general said.
The primary exercise events will take place in Indiana and New England, as well as Alaska and its adjacent waters. North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct simulated and live-flying events over multiple locations in the United States and Canada.
Although each state has an internal capability to use first responders and National Guard troops, active-duty troops also are participating in the exercise to offer expanded capability.
Renuart, who took command of Northern Command on March 23, said active-duty servicemembers can offer "niche capabilities" in areas such as communications and mobility. "Our job is to ensure that state and federal agencies succeed almost without having to ask for help," he said.
Since the U.S. military is heavily involved with forces deployed overseas, Renuart said, the availability of air resources to move things around could become an issue, depending on the size of the event.
"The active-duty resources allows us the capabilities like helicopters for search-and-rescue operations or moving around small federal response teams and fixed-wing aircraft of a more local nature, like C-130s to move larger pieces of equipment," he said.
He said the exercise will help NORTHCOM not only understand individual states' capabilities but also see how each state views its availability to respond and position the niche capabilities that the active-duty military may be able to provide on short notice.
"We can look at a number of recent events and find great rationale for having these kinds of exercises," Renuart said. "And certainly Hurricane Katrina was the most significant of those; that really opened our eyes."
The general said that the United States learned from the significance and number of complications following Hurricane Katrina.
"We had not done as good of a job at planning ahead of time for an event that was not only significant for a local area, like New Orleans, but across a broad area of multiple states," he said.
Within the past two years, NORTHCOM has worked to create more opportunities to share information with the Department of Homeland Security and other state and federal agencies to improve the ability to collaborate, interact and prepare for emergencies, he said.
"(The exercise) gives us the chance to see if the plans we have in place are well thought out, if (organizations) are properly equipped, and if the troops -- whether they be first response or follow-on medical teams -- have the appropriate training," Renuart said. "And it allows us to look at a spectrum of planning, integration and collaboration with state and federal agencies to ensure that (Defense Department) resources have the proper training and equipment to be value added to this kind of scenario."
Renuart said he knows the exercise will reveal shortfalls within the system, but added that he is eager to budget, fund and train to close the seams and gaps that may exist today to improve training and real-life scenarios tomorrow.
"We have to impress upon all the participants that, in order for the nation to succeed at providing a secure homeland, all the elements of the government have to work together and do it in a way that takes advantage of the synergy of the collaborative work as opposed to individuals having to work alone," he said. "It's a mission we can't afford to fall short on."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 2, 2007 – The United States should be confident that the Defense Department is working toward better solutions to challenges like natural disasters and threats on the nation's security, the top general for planning, organizing and executing homeland defense and civil support missions said today. As U.S. Northern Command launches a 19-day preparedness exercise dubbed "Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge" with the Department of Homeland Defense, Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. said he's "pleasantly impressed" that all involved agencies are working toward a successful collaboration.
"The defense of the homeland is everyone's top priority," Renuart said. "We're part of a team made up of local, state and federal agencies, as well as the individual (National) Guards in each state and the Department of Defense."
The exercise, which started April 30 and runs to May 18, is the largest and most complex exercise undertaken by the Northern Command. Field training exercises will be integrated with command and control entities to simulate disasters such as hurricanes and terrorists using nuclear weapons within the continental United States, the general said.
The primary exercise events will take place in Indiana and New England, as well as Alaska and its adjacent waters. North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct simulated and live-flying events over multiple locations in the United States and Canada.
Although each state has an internal capability to use first responders and National Guard troops, active-duty troops also are participating in the exercise to offer expanded capability.
Renuart, who took command of Northern Command on March 23, said active-duty servicemembers can offer "niche capabilities" in areas such as communications and mobility. "Our job is to ensure that state and federal agencies succeed almost without having to ask for help," he said.
Since the U.S. military is heavily involved with forces deployed overseas, Renuart said, the availability of air resources to move things around could become an issue, depending on the size of the event.
"The active-duty resources allows us the capabilities like helicopters for search-and-rescue operations or moving around small federal response teams and fixed-wing aircraft of a more local nature, like C-130s to move larger pieces of equipment," he said.
He said the exercise will help NORTHCOM not only understand individual states' capabilities but also see how each state views its availability to respond and position the niche capabilities that the active-duty military may be able to provide on short notice.
"We can look at a number of recent events and find great rationale for having these kinds of exercises," Renuart said. "And certainly Hurricane Katrina was the most significant of those; that really opened our eyes."
The general said that the United States learned from the significance and number of complications following Hurricane Katrina.
"We had not done as good of a job at planning ahead of time for an event that was not only significant for a local area, like New Orleans, but across a broad area of multiple states," he said.
Within the past two years, NORTHCOM has worked to create more opportunities to share information with the Department of Homeland Security and other state and federal agencies to improve the ability to collaborate, interact and prepare for emergencies, he said.
"(The exercise) gives us the chance to see if the plans we have in place are well thought out, if (organizations) are properly equipped, and if the troops -- whether they be first response or follow-on medical teams -- have the appropriate training," Renuart said. "And it allows us to look at a spectrum of planning, integration and collaboration with state and federal agencies to ensure that (Defense Department) resources have the proper training and equipment to be value added to this kind of scenario."
Renuart said he knows the exercise will reveal shortfalls within the system, but added that he is eager to budget, fund and train to close the seams and gaps that may exist today to improve training and real-life scenarios tomorrow.
"We have to impress upon all the participants that, in order for the nation to succeed at providing a secure homeland, all the elements of the government have to work together and do it in a way that takes advantage of the synergy of the collaborative work as opposed to individuals having to work alone," he said. "It's a mission we can't afford to fall short on."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
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