By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2008 - Two years ago, Steve Newton, founder of Silver Star Families of America, asked the governors of all 50 states and the mayor of the District of Columbia to sign a proclamation to observe May 1 as Silver Star Banner Day, honoring wounded and ill servicemembers from all wars. "We asked the governors to make this day a permanent and official day of observance each year thereafter," Newton said. "This is a community outreach program that can be implemented by each governor to benefit the wounded and ill troop population in this unique way."
Governors held ceremonies honoring wounded and ill servicemembers, Newton said, but the news was not always reaching small cities and towns. They, too, wanted to get involved.
"We started to get feedback, and many mayors wondered why we did not include their cities and towns in this event," Newton said. "They were not able to go to the state capital, but they wanted to do something in their own community."
That feedback led Newton to reach out to 5,000 cities and towns -- 100 per state -- across the nation in preparation for next year's Silver Star Banner Day.
"We want to get down to the grassroots level and have local communities honor their wounded and ill, as well," Newton explained. "At the same time, we wish to send the nation's largest thank you."
May 1 was chosen for this recurring event because it is Loyalty Day and the first day of Military Appreciation Month, Newton said.
A Silver Star Families of America committee contacts city clerks and mayors to inform them of the event and to ask for their participation. When they agree, they receive a proclamation letter to sign. To date, nearly 60 cities in 18 states have signed on to observe Silver Star Banner Day in 2009 and thereafter. The organization's Web site, www.silverstarfamilies.org, is the place to start for people who want to ensure their community has the opportunity to participate.
"It is amazing the outpouring of admiration for our wounded and ill," Newton said. "The general response from the cities has been, 'We are honored to be included in this endeavor.'"
Newton said he hopes this event will let all servicemembers know that "we have not forgotten them and never will."
"Their love of country and sacrifice will remain alive in our hearts," he said, "and the Silver Star Families of America will always be here to make sure we never forget."
Silver Star Families of America is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Soldier Missing In Action From Korean War Is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is Cpl. Steven Lucas, U.S. Army, of Johnson City, N.Y. He will be buried July 11 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with Lucas' next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
In late November 1950, Lucas was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment making up part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), then engaging enemy forces east of the Chosin Reservoir near Kaljon-ri, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. On Nov. 29, remnants of the RCT began a fighting withdrawal to more defensible positions near Hagaru-ri, south of the reservoir. Lucas never made it to the lines at Hagaru-ri and was last seen on Nov. 30.
Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of several boxes in 1993 indicated that the remains from that box were exhumed near Kaljon-ri. This location correlates with Lucas' last known location.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Lucas' remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169
He is Cpl. Steven Lucas, U.S. Army, of Johnson City, N.Y. He will be buried July 11 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with Lucas' next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
In late November 1950, Lucas was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment making up part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), then engaging enemy forces east of the Chosin Reservoir near Kaljon-ri, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. On Nov. 29, remnants of the RCT began a fighting withdrawal to more defensible positions near Hagaru-ri, south of the reservoir. Lucas never made it to the lines at Hagaru-ri and was last seen on Nov. 30.
Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of several boxes in 1993 indicated that the remains from that box were exhumed near Kaljon-ri. This location correlates with Lucas' last known location.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Lucas' remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169
America Supports You: Fund Assists Severely Injured Veterans
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - An organization that focuses on helping severely injured veterans channels its efforts toward providing the kinds of assistance they don't otherwise get. The Independence Fund provides "the tools, therapies and guidance that they are otherwise not receiving," said Steve Danyluk, the organization's president.
The Independence Fund, he explained, is built upon three pillars of support. These pillars, according to the Independence Fund Web site, include providing specialized tools and therapies to troops and veterans, promoting the overall well-being of severely injured veterans through physical and leisure activity, and providing advocacy and guidance through veterans and family members who have experienced similar events and injuries.
For example, the Independence Fund provides assistance such as iBot wheelchairs and sports equipment that has been modified so disabled veterans can take part in athletic pursuits or leisure sports.
The fund also provides two different types of therapies to injured troops.
"Sports and art therapy are the two big programs we champion," Danyluk said. "Some of the art has become part of our traveling art exhibit, which is steadily growing and been displayed, most recently at the Indianapolis [Veterans Affairs] hospital, and next at the Arlington Art Center in Virginia."
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans can apply for funding through the Independence Fund's Web site, where a downloadable document also is available, Danyluk said.
Once an application is accepted, an Independence Fund case director conducts an interview, and a grant funding board then reviews the application to determine whether the candidate receives a grant, Danyluk explained. The funding for grants distributed through the Independence Fund comes mostly in the form of donations, he added.
The Independence Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - An organization that focuses on helping severely injured veterans channels its efforts toward providing the kinds of assistance they don't otherwise get. The Independence Fund provides "the tools, therapies and guidance that they are otherwise not receiving," said Steve Danyluk, the organization's president.
The Independence Fund, he explained, is built upon three pillars of support. These pillars, according to the Independence Fund Web site, include providing specialized tools and therapies to troops and veterans, promoting the overall well-being of severely injured veterans through physical and leisure activity, and providing advocacy and guidance through veterans and family members who have experienced similar events and injuries.
For example, the Independence Fund provides assistance such as iBot wheelchairs and sports equipment that has been modified so disabled veterans can take part in athletic pursuits or leisure sports.
The fund also provides two different types of therapies to injured troops.
"Sports and art therapy are the two big programs we champion," Danyluk said. "Some of the art has become part of our traveling art exhibit, which is steadily growing and been displayed, most recently at the Indianapolis [Veterans Affairs] hospital, and next at the Arlington Art Center in Virginia."
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans can apply for funding through the Independence Fund's Web site, where a downloadable document also is available, Danyluk said.
Once an application is accepted, an Independence Fund case director conducts an interview, and a grant funding board then reviews the application to determine whether the candidate receives a grant, Danyluk explained. The funding for grants distributed through the Independence Fund comes mostly in the form of donations, he added.
The Independence Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Face of Defense: Paralegal Succeeds in Army
By Army Spc. Allison Churchill
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - Army Spc. Matthew Duras decided to join the Army because he wanted to serve his country. Since becoming a soldier, he balances helping his fellow soldiers and reaching out to the community. Duras brought a diverse educational and working background to the table when he joined the Army.
After earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Harcum College, in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1994 and a bachelor's degree in the same field from Widener University, in Wilmington, Del., in 2001, Duras held a variety of jobs. He worked as a paralegal for DuPont and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, but he didn't initially consider the legal field for his Army career. Instead, after working at a truck assembly plant as a fire marshal -- a combination of being a security guard and a fire inspector -- and volunteering as a firefighter, Duras intended to use that experience and join as an Army firefighter.
"It seemed like the next step," said Duras, who's deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires Brigade.
But his recruiter looked at his educational background and told him about a different option, recommending that Duras join the Army as a paralegal.
"I was fortunate to have a really good recruiter," the West Deptford, N.J., native said. "I've always been the type of person who likes to help someone out. The Army has helped me reach that goal."
Before the brigade deployed, Duras' normal day included preparing paperwork for nonjudicial judgments and separations from the Army and helping brigade lawyers during courts-martial. During his deployment here, he also writes power-of-attorney documents and processes damage claims from Iraqi citizens.
Duras' superiors said they're impressed with his work.
"He is a dedicated soldier with an incredible heart and an excellent paralegal," said Army Capt. Patrick Gilman, the 41st Fires Brigade's command judge advocate. Gilman administered the oath of enlistment when Duras re-enlisted in November.
When Duras isn't in the office helping soldiers, he's often representing them in public arenas. He said he was especially happy to take part in a Veterans Day ceremony before a race at Texas Motor Speedway.
"It was like Christmas morning," the NASCAR fan recalled about getting to walk up and down "Pit Road" before the race.
Duras also took time during his pre-deployment leave to reach out to his hometown. He was invited by a friend to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Lakewood (N.J.) Blue Claws professional baseball game May 5. He said seeing his Army combat uniform sparked patriotism in the fans.
"A bunch of people thanked me, and a [father] and his daughter shook my hand," Duras said.
Duras also made a video for the congregation of Gloucester County Community Church, which will be played over Veterans Day weekend.
When the 41st Fires Brigade completes its deployment, Duras is scheduled to relocate to Germany.
(Army Spc. Allison Churchill serves in the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - Army Spc. Matthew Duras decided to join the Army because he wanted to serve his country. Since becoming a soldier, he balances helping his fellow soldiers and reaching out to the community. Duras brought a diverse educational and working background to the table when he joined the Army.
After earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Harcum College, in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1994 and a bachelor's degree in the same field from Widener University, in Wilmington, Del., in 2001, Duras held a variety of jobs. He worked as a paralegal for DuPont and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, but he didn't initially consider the legal field for his Army career. Instead, after working at a truck assembly plant as a fire marshal -- a combination of being a security guard and a fire inspector -- and volunteering as a firefighter, Duras intended to use that experience and join as an Army firefighter.
"It seemed like the next step," said Duras, who's deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires Brigade.
But his recruiter looked at his educational background and told him about a different option, recommending that Duras join the Army as a paralegal.
"I was fortunate to have a really good recruiter," the West Deptford, N.J., native said. "I've always been the type of person who likes to help someone out. The Army has helped me reach that goal."
Before the brigade deployed, Duras' normal day included preparing paperwork for nonjudicial judgments and separations from the Army and helping brigade lawyers during courts-martial. During his deployment here, he also writes power-of-attorney documents and processes damage claims from Iraqi citizens.
Duras' superiors said they're impressed with his work.
"He is a dedicated soldier with an incredible heart and an excellent paralegal," said Army Capt. Patrick Gilman, the 41st Fires Brigade's command judge advocate. Gilman administered the oath of enlistment when Duras re-enlisted in November.
When Duras isn't in the office helping soldiers, he's often representing them in public arenas. He said he was especially happy to take part in a Veterans Day ceremony before a race at Texas Motor Speedway.
"It was like Christmas morning," the NASCAR fan recalled about getting to walk up and down "Pit Road" before the race.
Duras also took time during his pre-deployment leave to reach out to his hometown. He was invited by a friend to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Lakewood (N.J.) Blue Claws professional baseball game May 5. He said seeing his Army combat uniform sparked patriotism in the fans.
"A bunch of people thanked me, and a [father] and his daughter shook my hand," Duras said.
Duras also made a video for the congregation of Gloucester County Community Church, which will be played over Veterans Day weekend.
When the 41st Fires Brigade completes its deployment, Duras is scheduled to relocate to Germany.
(Army Spc. Allison Churchill serves in the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Pentagon Reopens Bidding on Tanker Contract
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - The Defense Department has reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. The announcement comes after the Government Accountability Office last month found improper practices related to the $35 billion contract awarded in February to the Northrop-Grumman/EADS/Airbus consortium, which prompted a protest from rival bidder Boeing Company.
"Industry, Congress and the American people all must have confidence in the integrity of this acquisition process," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference. "I believe the revised process will result in the best tanker for the Air Force at the best price for the American taxpayer."
Replacing the Air Force as the "source selection authority" is John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. He is tasked with appointing an advisory committee to oversee the selection of a bidder to supply the modified commercial aircraft fleet that will phase out the current KC-135 tankers, which are 47 years old, on average.
The Defense Department has ordered Northrop-Grumman to stop work on its contract, and a modified request for proposal could be issued as early as this month. The tanker request will remain in "open competition" until a new contract is awarded, which Gates said he expects will happen before year's end.
"It is important to remember that this decision does not represent a return to the first step of a process that has already gone on far too long," the secretary said, referring to the tanker contract as one of the department's most "time-critical."
The Boeing protest filed early this year alleged more than 100 violations of proper contracting practices, eight of which were sustained by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress.
After reviewing the GAO's decision, Michael B. Donley, acting secretary of the Air Force, said he concluded that the Air Force's acquisition system is not "fatally flawed."
"However, the GAO did sustain the protest in eight areas, and this has been sufficient to cast doubt on the Air Force's management of the overall process," he said.
While re-bidding the contract will add months to the process, Donley said, it offers "the most direct route to complete the competition, achieve a final decision and field the tanker that represent the best value for the warfighter and the taxpayer."
Donley, who joined Gates at today's briefing, became the Air Force's acting secretary last month following a shakeup at the top levels of the service branch. The 67-page GAO report that cited "significant errors" in Air Force recruiting practices became public nine days into his tenure.
Donley's predecessor, Michael W. Wynne, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned in the wake of a report detailing the accidental shipment of four non-nuclear missile trigger components rather than the intended helicopter batteries to Taiwan in August 2006. The erroneous delivery came on the heels of another Air Force incident in which a B-52 bomber flew across the United States carrying six armed nuclear cruise missiles.
"The Air Force needs to rapidly apply the lessons learned from this experience and move forward," Donley said of the tanker contract, pressing the need to rebuild confidence in the Defense Department acquisition process. "Other Air Force acquisition decisions are on the horizon.
"GAO's conclusions show that even in a large, complex procurement with considerable staff resources and oversight, work accomplished by our contracting personnel, our warfighters and our engineers is not always adequately prepared to withstand the detailed audits and the legal challenges that we can now expect," he said.
Asked how the Defense Department will mitigate the chance of a future protest, Gates said the department will carry out the new process with transparency, open communication, clear expectations and fairness.
"My hope would be that when we reach the end of this process we will have a solution, will be able to reward a contract and get moving with the contract," he said.
Young, who will head up the source selection committee, entertained the possibility that new proposals from industry bidders could come with a smaller price tag than their original offers.
"We'll see what the industry teams propose," he told reporters here. "I think that would probably be the only silver lining in this, is the possibility that both teams decide to sharpen their pencils and offer the taxpayer and the warfighter an even better deal."
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - The Defense Department has reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. The announcement comes after the Government Accountability Office last month found improper practices related to the $35 billion contract awarded in February to the Northrop-Grumman/EADS/Airbus consortium, which prompted a protest from rival bidder Boeing Company.
"Industry, Congress and the American people all must have confidence in the integrity of this acquisition process," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference. "I believe the revised process will result in the best tanker for the Air Force at the best price for the American taxpayer."
Replacing the Air Force as the "source selection authority" is John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. He is tasked with appointing an advisory committee to oversee the selection of a bidder to supply the modified commercial aircraft fleet that will phase out the current KC-135 tankers, which are 47 years old, on average.
The Defense Department has ordered Northrop-Grumman to stop work on its contract, and a modified request for proposal could be issued as early as this month. The tanker request will remain in "open competition" until a new contract is awarded, which Gates said he expects will happen before year's end.
"It is important to remember that this decision does not represent a return to the first step of a process that has already gone on far too long," the secretary said, referring to the tanker contract as one of the department's most "time-critical."
The Boeing protest filed early this year alleged more than 100 violations of proper contracting practices, eight of which were sustained by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress.
After reviewing the GAO's decision, Michael B. Donley, acting secretary of the Air Force, said he concluded that the Air Force's acquisition system is not "fatally flawed."
"However, the GAO did sustain the protest in eight areas, and this has been sufficient to cast doubt on the Air Force's management of the overall process," he said.
While re-bidding the contract will add months to the process, Donley said, it offers "the most direct route to complete the competition, achieve a final decision and field the tanker that represent the best value for the warfighter and the taxpayer."
Donley, who joined Gates at today's briefing, became the Air Force's acting secretary last month following a shakeup at the top levels of the service branch. The 67-page GAO report that cited "significant errors" in Air Force recruiting practices became public nine days into his tenure.
Donley's predecessor, Michael W. Wynne, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned in the wake of a report detailing the accidental shipment of four non-nuclear missile trigger components rather than the intended helicopter batteries to Taiwan in August 2006. The erroneous delivery came on the heels of another Air Force incident in which a B-52 bomber flew across the United States carrying six armed nuclear cruise missiles.
"The Air Force needs to rapidly apply the lessons learned from this experience and move forward," Donley said of the tanker contract, pressing the need to rebuild confidence in the Defense Department acquisition process. "Other Air Force acquisition decisions are on the horizon.
"GAO's conclusions show that even in a large, complex procurement with considerable staff resources and oversight, work accomplished by our contracting personnel, our warfighters and our engineers is not always adequately prepared to withstand the detailed audits and the legal challenges that we can now expect," he said.
Asked how the Defense Department will mitigate the chance of a future protest, Gates said the department will carry out the new process with transparency, open communication, clear expectations and fairness.
"My hope would be that when we reach the end of this process we will have a solution, will be able to reward a contract and get moving with the contract," he said.
Young, who will head up the source selection committee, entertained the possibility that new proposals from industry bidders could come with a smaller price tag than their original offers.
"We'll see what the industry teams propose," he told reporters here. "I think that would probably be the only silver lining in this, is the possibility that both teams decide to sharpen their pencils and offer the taxpayer and the warfighter an even better deal."
New Cluster Bomb Policy Aims to Reduce Collateral Damage
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - The Defense Department today announced new standards for cluster bombs to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from the unintended consequences of unexploded munitions. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates signed the policy that aims to reduce collateral effects of cluster munitions used to pursue legitimate military objectives.
The new policy is designed to eliminate the number of bomblets dispersed by cluster bombs that don't explode on impact, explained Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk, a Pentagon spokeswoman. It sets new safety standards that, by 2018, would require 99 percent of all bomblets to explode on contact.
The military will begin reducing its inventory of cluster bombs that don't meet that standard as soon as possible, and will stop using them altogether by 2018, the policy notes.
The new policy is designed to eliminate the chance that the bombs could remain active and pose a potential threat to civilians on the ground after the hostilities, Belk said.
A State Department white paper attributed fewer than 400 casualties to cluster bombs in 2006. Intent on reducing these numbers, the Defense Department launched a year-long review of its previous cluster munitions policy, Belk said.
The new policy strikes a critical balance between operational requirements and safety concerns, she said. "The United States believes that the new cluster munitions policy will provide better protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure following a conflict, while allowing the retention of a legitimate and useful weapon," she said.
Belk noted that cluster bombs offer distinct advantages against a range of targets while reducing risks to U.S. forces and saving U.S. lives.
Defense Department officials view the new policy as a viable alternative to a complete ban on cluster bombs, as proposed last month by the Oslo Process in Dublin, Ireland, she said. With no alternative to cluster munitions, she said, eliminating them altogether would create a critical capability gap.
"This would make the wholesale elimination of cluster munitions unacceptable," Belk said.
Future adversaries are likely to use civilian shields for military targets — for example, by placing a military target on the roof of an occupied building, she noted. Under circumstances like that, she said, cluster bombs would cause fewer civilian casualties and damage than other, far more destructive weapons.
The United States will use the policy in its negotiations toward an international agreement at the U.N. Convention of Conventional Weapons that began July 7. The United States hopes to see a new cluster bomb policy completed by the year's end.
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2008 - The Defense Department today announced new standards for cluster bombs to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from the unintended consequences of unexploded munitions. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates signed the policy that aims to reduce collateral effects of cluster munitions used to pursue legitimate military objectives.
The new policy is designed to eliminate the number of bomblets dispersed by cluster bombs that don't explode on impact, explained Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk, a Pentagon spokeswoman. It sets new safety standards that, by 2018, would require 99 percent of all bomblets to explode on contact.
The military will begin reducing its inventory of cluster bombs that don't meet that standard as soon as possible, and will stop using them altogether by 2018, the policy notes.
The new policy is designed to eliminate the chance that the bombs could remain active and pose a potential threat to civilians on the ground after the hostilities, Belk said.
A State Department white paper attributed fewer than 400 casualties to cluster bombs in 2006. Intent on reducing these numbers, the Defense Department launched a year-long review of its previous cluster munitions policy, Belk said.
The new policy strikes a critical balance between operational requirements and safety concerns, she said. "The United States believes that the new cluster munitions policy will provide better protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure following a conflict, while allowing the retention of a legitimate and useful weapon," she said.
Belk noted that cluster bombs offer distinct advantages against a range of targets while reducing risks to U.S. forces and saving U.S. lives.
Defense Department officials view the new policy as a viable alternative to a complete ban on cluster bombs, as proposed last month by the Oslo Process in Dublin, Ireland, she said. With no alternative to cluster munitions, she said, eliminating them altogether would create a critical capability gap.
"This would make the wholesale elimination of cluster munitions unacceptable," Belk said.
Future adversaries are likely to use civilian shields for military targets — for example, by placing a military target on the roof of an occupied building, she noted. Under circumstances like that, she said, cluster bombs would cause fewer civilian casualties and damage than other, far more destructive weapons.
The United States will use the policy in its negotiations toward an international agreement at the U.N. Convention of Conventional Weapons that began July 7. The United States hopes to see a new cluster bomb policy completed by the year's end.
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 9, 2008
AIR FORCE
ITT Systems Division of Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a fixed price, cost plus award fee with const reimbursable line items contract for $33,697,369. The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) is a counterdrug program funded by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counter Narcotics, Counter Proliferation, and Global Threats. It provides a radar surveillance capability able to detect low-level targets in the United States – Mexico border, the Florida Straits, and southwest Puerto Rico regions in support of USNROTHCOMs and USSOUTHCOM's Counterdrug/Counter-Narco Terrorism (CD/CNT) missions. In addition to the CD/CNT mission, TARS surveillance data also supports North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) air sovereignty mission for the Continental United States (CONUS). This contract requires operating, maintaining, and supporting eight operational TARS sites 24 hours a day/seven days per week (24/7). Additionally, a key element of this contract is for the contractor to provide life-cycle management (cradle-to-grave) support for the entire TARS network. At this time $1.5 million has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKC SunTrust Building, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0005).
NAVY
MEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,727,945 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0002 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8816) for remedial design and remedial action at Installation Restoration Site One at Alameda Point. The work to be performed provides for architect-engineer environmental services for Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Underground Storage Tanks Programs. The contract contains ten options totaling $7,106,256 which may be exercise within 696 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $20,834,201. Work will be performed in Alameda, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Massa Products Corp. Hingham, Mass., is being awarded a $12,066,819 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price provisions for procurement of DT-574 Hydrophones. Twelve First Article units and up to 2,500 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 25 ft. and 50 ft. pigtails) and up to 600 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 100 ft. pigtail) per year could be procured. Work will be performed in Hingham, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R. I., is the contracting activity (N66604-08-D-0513).
Tesoro Corp., Beaufort, N.C., is being awarded a $5,663,496 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of armories and interim facilities for Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1), Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C. The work includes foundations for and erection of two pre-engineered buildings, utilities and site improvements for the MASS-1, foundations for and assembling of modular armory units, utilities and site improvements for the interim armory compound; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the General Multiple Award Construction Contract for the N.C. area with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-D-1912-0027).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $18,447,224.32 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for combustion chamber frame. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response from a qualified source only. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (FA8104-05-G-0004-UN01).
Texican Natural Gas Co., Charlotte, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $41,457,901.54 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-7511).
ITT Systems Division of Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a fixed price, cost plus award fee with const reimbursable line items contract for $33,697,369. The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) is a counterdrug program funded by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counter Narcotics, Counter Proliferation, and Global Threats. It provides a radar surveillance capability able to detect low-level targets in the United States – Mexico border, the Florida Straits, and southwest Puerto Rico regions in support of USNROTHCOMs and USSOUTHCOM's Counterdrug/Counter-Narco Terrorism (CD/CNT) missions. In addition to the CD/CNT mission, TARS surveillance data also supports North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) air sovereignty mission for the Continental United States (CONUS). This contract requires operating, maintaining, and supporting eight operational TARS sites 24 hours a day/seven days per week (24/7). Additionally, a key element of this contract is for the contractor to provide life-cycle management (cradle-to-grave) support for the entire TARS network. At this time $1.5 million has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKC SunTrust Building, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0005).
NAVY
MEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,727,945 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0002 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8816) for remedial design and remedial action at Installation Restoration Site One at Alameda Point. The work to be performed provides for architect-engineer environmental services for Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Underground Storage Tanks Programs. The contract contains ten options totaling $7,106,256 which may be exercise within 696 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $20,834,201. Work will be performed in Alameda, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Massa Products Corp. Hingham, Mass., is being awarded a $12,066,819 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price provisions for procurement of DT-574 Hydrophones. Twelve First Article units and up to 2,500 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 25 ft. and 50 ft. pigtails) and up to 600 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 100 ft. pigtail) per year could be procured. Work will be performed in Hingham, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R. I., is the contracting activity (N66604-08-D-0513).
Tesoro Corp., Beaufort, N.C., is being awarded a $5,663,496 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of armories and interim facilities for Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1), Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C. The work includes foundations for and erection of two pre-engineered buildings, utilities and site improvements for the MASS-1, foundations for and assembling of modular armory units, utilities and site improvements for the interim armory compound; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the General Multiple Award Construction Contract for the N.C. area with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-D-1912-0027).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $18,447,224.32 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for combustion chamber frame. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response from a qualified source only. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (FA8104-05-G-0004-UN01).
Texican Natural Gas Co., Charlotte, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $41,457,901.54 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-7511).
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
America Supports You: Blockbuster, USO Join Forces for Troops
By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2008 - Movies and games have always been popular among deployed troops, providing a break from the intense daily realities of their duties and a way to fill downtime while away from their loved ones. With that in mind, Blockbuster stores nationwide, in partnership with United Service Organizations, are making it easy for Americans to donate video games and DVDs to deployed forces.
"The DVD and game drive is a way for Blockbuster stores and the American public to make life a little better for U.S. servicemen and women when they're so far away from home," Larcine Bland, Blockbuster's vice president for community affairs, said.
Customers simply purchase new or previously viewed DVDs and games at participating Blockbuster stores, then drop them into convenient USO drop boxes. For security reasons, Bland emphasized, the USO can accept only DVDs and games originating from participating Blockbuster stores in this program.
The entertainment retailer will match donations made at its stores - up to 20,000 DVDs - and work with the USO to distribute them to troops stationed across the world.
"We are excited to work with Blockbuster to continue to boost the morale of our men and women in uniform and their families around the world," said Edward A. Powell, USO president and chief executive officer.
Over the last 10 years, Blockbuster has regularly provided entertainment for military personnel by donating movies, games and home entertainment equipment to the USO.
To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2008 - Movies and games have always been popular among deployed troops, providing a break from the intense daily realities of their duties and a way to fill downtime while away from their loved ones. With that in mind, Blockbuster stores nationwide, in partnership with United Service Organizations, are making it easy for Americans to donate video games and DVDs to deployed forces.
"The DVD and game drive is a way for Blockbuster stores and the American public to make life a little better for U.S. servicemen and women when they're so far away from home," Larcine Bland, Blockbuster's vice president for community affairs, said.
Customers simply purchase new or previously viewed DVDs and games at participating Blockbuster stores, then drop them into convenient USO drop boxes. For security reasons, Bland emphasized, the USO can accept only DVDs and games originating from participating Blockbuster stores in this program.
The entertainment retailer will match donations made at its stores - up to 20,000 DVDs - and work with the USO to distribute them to troops stationed across the world.
"We are excited to work with Blockbuster to continue to boost the morale of our men and women in uniform and their families around the world," said Edward A. Powell, USO president and chief executive officer.
Over the last 10 years, Blockbuster has regularly provided entertainment for military personnel by donating movies, games and home entertainment equipment to the USO.
To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Gates Visits Troops in Washington State
By Rachel Young
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2008 - Fort Lewis soldiers received a visit from Defense Secretary Robert Gates this week, as he spent yesterday and today talking with soldiers, airmen and their families. Gates, who lives near Mount Vernon, Wash., when he is not at the Pentagon, stopped by Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base for a visit on his way back to Washington, D.C., after the Independence Day holiday.
Gates visited wounded warriors at Madigan Army Medical Center, talked with Army Rangers, McChord airmen and some Fort Lewis spouses, including a few who had just given birth at Madigan.
"It's been very useful," Gates told reporters this morning after receiving a briefing in the Intelligence Operations Facility. "The conversations with NCOs and their wives are always instructive, and I'm always impressed with their dedication and their commitment."
Gates praised Army spouses for their commitment and affection for the military, saying that theirs might be even stronger than that of their soldiers.
The secretary also received a briefing from Army Col. Harry D. Tunnell, commander of 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and Stryker soldiers from 4th and 5th brigades, 2nd Infantry Division, about their vehicles. Gates, accompanied by Army Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of 1st Corps and Fort Lewis, and Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, military assistant to the secretary of defense, toured four Strykers: a commander's vehicle, an infantry carrier vehicle, a mobile gun system and an engineer squad vehicle.
While receiving his briefing on the mobile gun system, Gates got a fresh-from-the-battlefield perspective from Capt. Christopher Lilley, a vehicle commander and platoon leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, part of 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Lilley and his soldiers returned from Iraq last month, where they were the first to use the mobile gun system in combat. Lilley said he was pleased to be able to share his knowledge with the secretary of defense.
"It was very nice," he said. "I think he saw the point we were trying to get across to him, ... how important this vehicle is for the infantry commanders and also the infantry to have this weapon system at their hands to help them out and support them in their mission and provide the security and firepower that they need."
A senior official explained that Gates visits troops often to get a feeling for what is on their minds.
"We do this as much a possible," said Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary.
Gates finds it useful to gather troops and spend time talking to them and allowing them to ask candid questions, Morrell said.
(Rachel Young is a reporter with Fort Lewis' Northwest Guardian.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2008 - Fort Lewis soldiers received a visit from Defense Secretary Robert Gates this week, as he spent yesterday and today talking with soldiers, airmen and their families. Gates, who lives near Mount Vernon, Wash., when he is not at the Pentagon, stopped by Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base for a visit on his way back to Washington, D.C., after the Independence Day holiday.
Gates visited wounded warriors at Madigan Army Medical Center, talked with Army Rangers, McChord airmen and some Fort Lewis spouses, including a few who had just given birth at Madigan.
"It's been very useful," Gates told reporters this morning after receiving a briefing in the Intelligence Operations Facility. "The conversations with NCOs and their wives are always instructive, and I'm always impressed with their dedication and their commitment."
Gates praised Army spouses for their commitment and affection for the military, saying that theirs might be even stronger than that of their soldiers.
The secretary also received a briefing from Army Col. Harry D. Tunnell, commander of 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and Stryker soldiers from 4th and 5th brigades, 2nd Infantry Division, about their vehicles. Gates, accompanied by Army Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of 1st Corps and Fort Lewis, and Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, military assistant to the secretary of defense, toured four Strykers: a commander's vehicle, an infantry carrier vehicle, a mobile gun system and an engineer squad vehicle.
While receiving his briefing on the mobile gun system, Gates got a fresh-from-the-battlefield perspective from Capt. Christopher Lilley, a vehicle commander and platoon leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, part of 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Lilley and his soldiers returned from Iraq last month, where they were the first to use the mobile gun system in combat. Lilley said he was pleased to be able to share his knowledge with the secretary of defense.
"It was very nice," he said. "I think he saw the point we were trying to get across to him, ... how important this vehicle is for the infantry commanders and also the infantry to have this weapon system at their hands to help them out and support them in their mission and provide the security and firepower that they need."
A senior official explained that Gates visits troops often to get a feeling for what is on their minds.
"We do this as much a possible," said Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary.
Gates finds it useful to gather troops and spend time talking to them and allowing them to ask candid questions, Morrell said.
(Rachel Young is a reporter with Fort Lewis' Northwest Guardian.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 8, 2008
ARMY
Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $27,705,422 firm-fixed price contract for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected sustainment spare parts. Work will be performed primarily in Springfield, Ohio, and Springfield, Mo., as well as locations across the U.S., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 29, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 26, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0522).
TCI Architects/Engineers/Contractors, La Crosse, Wis., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $23,256,980 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 3, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sep. 25, 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0015).
LECON, Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $22,626,579 firm-fixed price contract for channel rectification in Sims Bayou. Work will be performed in Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on May 5, 2008, and one bid was received. USA Engineer District, Galveston, Texas, is the contract activity (W912HY-08-C-0023).
Tug Hill Construction, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Jul. 7, 2008, a $15,000,000 firm-fixed price contract for materials, equipment and labor for the construction of the Combat Aviation Brigade infrastructure. Work will be performed in Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five bids were solicited on Feb. 22, 2008, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0032).
Teng Construction, L.L.C., Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, an $8,552,000 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of an addition/alteration to the Winder Health Clinic and a 7,000 square-foot addition to the Salomon Dental Clinic. Work will be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 15, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Mar. 10, 2008, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0053).
The Davis Group, Inc., Sanford, Fla., was awarded on Jul. 7, 2008, a $7,431,550 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a co., operations facility. Work will be performed in Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight bids were solicited on Sep. 15, 2007, and five bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0037).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
MedImmune Vaccines, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a maximum $28,379,470.00 firm fixed price contract for influenza vaccine packages. Other location of performance is in Penn. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 4 proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jun. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2DP-08-D-0005).
NAVY
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed ceiling $13,578,000 cost reimbursement letter contract for engineering services in support of the Maritime Integrated Air and Missile Defense Planning System (MIPS). MIPS will provide the Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander a tool to allocate resources and assess risks in a timely manner to mitigate the threat. The MIPS capability optimizes the use of force at the operational level, through warfighter knowledge and judgment, by providing a tool to rapidly and effectively solve complex air defense asset allocation issues. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., (90 percent) and Fairfax, Va., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,789,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5215).
AIR FORCE
The Boeing Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $8,183,281. This tail cone assembly is applicable to the KC-135 aircraft. It is comprised of the rear most structural component of the air refueling boom. It provides support for the fuel dump mechanism and several lights. It is primarily a single shell type construction technique that supports the structural load using the external skin of the aircraft, a quantity of 85 units. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBF, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8103-05-G-0002-0124).
Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $27,705,422 firm-fixed price contract for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected sustainment spare parts. Work will be performed primarily in Springfield, Ohio, and Springfield, Mo., as well as locations across the U.S., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 29, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 26, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0522).
TCI Architects/Engineers/Contractors, La Crosse, Wis., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $23,256,980 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 3, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sep. 25, 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0015).
LECON, Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $22,626,579 firm-fixed price contract for channel rectification in Sims Bayou. Work will be performed in Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on May 5, 2008, and one bid was received. USA Engineer District, Galveston, Texas, is the contract activity (W912HY-08-C-0023).
Tug Hill Construction, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Jul. 7, 2008, a $15,000,000 firm-fixed price contract for materials, equipment and labor for the construction of the Combat Aviation Brigade infrastructure. Work will be performed in Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five bids were solicited on Feb. 22, 2008, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0032).
Teng Construction, L.L.C., Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, an $8,552,000 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of an addition/alteration to the Winder Health Clinic and a 7,000 square-foot addition to the Salomon Dental Clinic. Work will be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 15, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Mar. 10, 2008, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0053).
The Davis Group, Inc., Sanford, Fla., was awarded on Jul. 7, 2008, a $7,431,550 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a co., operations facility. Work will be performed in Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight bids were solicited on Sep. 15, 2007, and five bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0037).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
MedImmune Vaccines, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a maximum $28,379,470.00 firm fixed price contract for influenza vaccine packages. Other location of performance is in Penn. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 4 proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jun. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2DP-08-D-0005).
NAVY
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed ceiling $13,578,000 cost reimbursement letter contract for engineering services in support of the Maritime Integrated Air and Missile Defense Planning System (MIPS). MIPS will provide the Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander a tool to allocate resources and assess risks in a timely manner to mitigate the threat. The MIPS capability optimizes the use of force at the operational level, through warfighter knowledge and judgment, by providing a tool to rapidly and effectively solve complex air defense asset allocation issues. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., (90 percent) and Fairfax, Va., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,789,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5215).
AIR FORCE
The Boeing Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $8,183,281. This tail cone assembly is applicable to the KC-135 aircraft. It is comprised of the rear most structural component of the air refueling boom. It provides support for the fuel dump mechanism and several lights. It is primarily a single shell type construction technique that supports the structural load using the external skin of the aircraft, a quantity of 85 units. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBF, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8103-05-G-0002-0124).
America Supports You: Organizations Join to Help Veterans, Families
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - AMVETS, one of the nation's leading veterans service organizations, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness signed a memorandum of understanding last week at the alliance's Virginia headquarters in Arlington. The memorandum allows AMVETS and NAMI to share resources to assist veterans and their families in identifying and coping with mental illness. Together, the two organizations have more than 2,500 locations where veterans and their families can go to learn more about readjustment issues and mental illness.
"When troops come home from war, they just want to go home. They often don't want to admit that they're having issues readjusting," said John P. Brown III, AMVETS national commander. "By partnering with NAMI, AMVETS will help teach families about some of the warning signs of mental illness and show them where to get help for their loved ones."
A recent report by the Rand Corporation, a nonprofit think tank, found that nearly 300,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 potentially suffer from traumatic brain injuries, according to the report.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged some of these veterans aren't within commuting distance of VA health care facilities, which creates gaps in available care. While VA takes steps to bridge these gaps, AMVETS and NAMI are taking steps of their own to provide assistance.
The NAMI partnership, which developed out of AMVETS' "National Symposium on the Needs of Young Veterans," will help families of deployed servicemembers to identify warning signs of potential mental health problems once their loved ones return from combat.
AMVETS is uniquely poised to offer assistance to servicemembers and their families through a 2005 memorandum of understanding with the National Guard Bureau, which allows AMVETS posts and departments to work directly with National Guard units across the country.
To date, AMVETS has provided thousands of man-hours in support of the National Guard. The new partnership with NAMI will augment the kind of support that AMVETS offers to recently returned veterans facing a potentially difficult transition.
AMVETS also will work with NAMI to dispel the negative stigma surrounding post-combat mental health issues, something the Rand study suggests keeps many veterans from seeking treatment. However, AMVETS is looking to teach that the human reaction to combat experience is natural and can be addressed through proper mental health channels.
AMVETS is a supporter of America Support You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
July 7, 2008 - AMVETS, one of the nation's leading veterans service organizations, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness signed a memorandum of understanding last week at the alliance's Virginia headquarters in Arlington. The memorandum allows AMVETS and NAMI to share resources to assist veterans and their families in identifying and coping with mental illness. Together, the two organizations have more than 2,500 locations where veterans and their families can go to learn more about readjustment issues and mental illness.
"When troops come home from war, they just want to go home. They often don't want to admit that they're having issues readjusting," said John P. Brown III, AMVETS national commander. "By partnering with NAMI, AMVETS will help teach families about some of the warning signs of mental illness and show them where to get help for their loved ones."
A recent report by the Rand Corporation, a nonprofit think tank, found that nearly 300,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 potentially suffer from traumatic brain injuries, according to the report.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged some of these veterans aren't within commuting distance of VA health care facilities, which creates gaps in available care. While VA takes steps to bridge these gaps, AMVETS and NAMI are taking steps of their own to provide assistance.
The NAMI partnership, which developed out of AMVETS' "National Symposium on the Needs of Young Veterans," will help families of deployed servicemembers to identify warning signs of potential mental health problems once their loved ones return from combat.
AMVETS is uniquely poised to offer assistance to servicemembers and their families through a 2005 memorandum of understanding with the National Guard Bureau, which allows AMVETS posts and departments to work directly with National Guard units across the country.
To date, AMVETS has provided thousands of man-hours in support of the National Guard. The new partnership with NAMI will augment the kind of support that AMVETS offers to recently returned veterans facing a potentially difficult transition.
AMVETS also will work with NAMI to dispel the negative stigma surrounding post-combat mental health issues, something the Rand study suggests keeps many veterans from seeking treatment. However, AMVETS is looking to teach that the human reaction to combat experience is natural and can be addressed through proper mental health channels.
AMVETS is a supporter of America Support You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Air Guard Rescue Unit Certifies in Firefighting Technique
By Air Force Capt. Alyson M. Teeter
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - Crews from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing are now certified to perform water bucket operations, making the 129th the only rescue unit in the Air Force and Air National Guard qualified to fight fires. The certification coincides with an early start to the fire season in northern California, which is where the 129th RQW is based.
The aircrews and their Pave Hawk helicopters have been on temporary duty here in support of Operation Lightning Strike, the California National Guard's firefighting support mission. While the equipment modifications and required training were being accomplished, the unit has maintained a continuous alert posture for search-and-rescue and high-risk medical-evacuation missions.
The 129th Rescue Wing is the lead wing for HH-60G Pave Hawk water bucket certification efforts, Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Butow, 129th Operations Group director, said. The training, equipment modifications and certification process lay the groundwork for other combat search-and-rescue wings to obtain water bucket certification.
"Joint firefighting operations are analogous to the joint combat search-and-rescue operating environment our crews will experience in combat environments," Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lapostole, 129th Rescue Squadron commander, said. "The training value is unmatched."
The training the aircrews received is in accordance with the California Interagency Military Helicopter Firefighting Program and was provided by certified California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection instructors.
The Air National Guardsmen and their aircraft now are certified to use the 660-gallon water bucket. The bucket is rigged for use with the helicopter's cargo hook, and water is released by a contact switch.
Once the crew receives orders to perform fire duty, maintainers must remove the internal auxiliary tank, install a radio and release switches, and then paint the aircraft with required markings. The water bucket is attached once the helicopter arrives for a firefighting mission. Simultaneously, the crews maintain airborne search-and-rescue alert.
The HH-60Gs also have an aerial-refueling capability that allows airmen to perform long rescue and firefighting-support missions. The aerial refueling is accomplished by the 129th RQW's MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers.
"Airmen from the 129th are motivated and ready to assist their neighbors in fighting the fires here in California," said Air Force Col. Amos Bagdasarian, 129th Rescue Wing commander. "Our search-and-rescue mission, coupled with the fire bucket certification, adds to the state's broad range of fire fighting capabilities."
(Air Force Capt. Alyson M. Teeter serves with 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - Crews from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing are now certified to perform water bucket operations, making the 129th the only rescue unit in the Air Force and Air National Guard qualified to fight fires. The certification coincides with an early start to the fire season in northern California, which is where the 129th RQW is based.
The aircrews and their Pave Hawk helicopters have been on temporary duty here in support of Operation Lightning Strike, the California National Guard's firefighting support mission. While the equipment modifications and required training were being accomplished, the unit has maintained a continuous alert posture for search-and-rescue and high-risk medical-evacuation missions.
The 129th Rescue Wing is the lead wing for HH-60G Pave Hawk water bucket certification efforts, Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Butow, 129th Operations Group director, said. The training, equipment modifications and certification process lay the groundwork for other combat search-and-rescue wings to obtain water bucket certification.
"Joint firefighting operations are analogous to the joint combat search-and-rescue operating environment our crews will experience in combat environments," Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lapostole, 129th Rescue Squadron commander, said. "The training value is unmatched."
The training the aircrews received is in accordance with the California Interagency Military Helicopter Firefighting Program and was provided by certified California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection instructors.
The Air National Guardsmen and their aircraft now are certified to use the 660-gallon water bucket. The bucket is rigged for use with the helicopter's cargo hook, and water is released by a contact switch.
Once the crew receives orders to perform fire duty, maintainers must remove the internal auxiliary tank, install a radio and release switches, and then paint the aircraft with required markings. The water bucket is attached once the helicopter arrives for a firefighting mission. Simultaneously, the crews maintain airborne search-and-rescue alert.
The HH-60Gs also have an aerial-refueling capability that allows airmen to perform long rescue and firefighting-support missions. The aerial refueling is accomplished by the 129th RQW's MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers.
"Airmen from the 129th are motivated and ready to assist their neighbors in fighting the fires here in California," said Air Force Col. Amos Bagdasarian, 129th Rescue Wing commander. "Our search-and-rescue mission, coupled with the fire bucket certification, adds to the state's broad range of fire fighting capabilities."
(Air Force Capt. Alyson M. Teeter serves with 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs.)
Mullen Kicks Off USO Tour, Troop Visit in Middle East
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - The top U.S. military officer traveled to Kuwait and Iraq today for the first stops of a seven-day, summer troop visit and United Service Organizations tour. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a USO party of National Football League and television celebrities kicked off their trip showing their support and offering admiration to troops at an air base in Kuwait.
"We're certainly honored to be here today," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "On behalf of everyone in our party, it's a privilege to be here with our troops to demonstrate the appreciation and support we have for them."
The base theater was lined from front to back with soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines getting autographs and taking photographs with the celebrities.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Taylor was particularly excited when he found out the USO tour was going to be visiting his base. The aircraft mechanic has been working 12-hour shifts every day for the past couple of months and was looking forward to something to break the usual routine, he said.
"Everything's the same here," Taylor said. "You work a 12-hour shift, and nothing's really different from one day to the next, so we really appreciate the USO tour coming out."
Taylor, an avid football fan, said he was mostly eager to meet Goodell. "He's the commissioner of the NFL, and you know he's an extremely busy guy," he said. "The fact that [he] and the celebrities came out just to spend a little time with us and sign a few autographs really does means a lot."
Along with Mullen and Goodell, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Christina Parker and Deryn Derbigny and television's "Heroes" actor Milo Ventimiglia are on the trip.
"Special people have taken time out of their summer to come over and visit with our troops, and it means a lot," Mullen said. "USOs are great assets. They make a big difference in trying to create smiles by spending a little time here and bringing a little home into theater. It makes a big difference in a lot of peoples' lives.
Brees has visited troops in Japan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on USO trips over the past few years and said he always looks forward to the next opportunity to visit troops.
"I'm a huge fan of the military, and I believe our troops deserve a lot more credit than what they get," he said. "Not only are they fighting to restore our freedom, but they're also helping to gain freedom for people who've never really had it."
Brees said he also enjoys experiencing the culture and circumstance of each region, because it gives him a better understanding of what the troops endure.
"Just the opportunity to go to these places and endure the conditions and get a feel for what these men and women are going through is amazing," he said. "Just trying to understand what these guys are going through on a daily basis gives you such a greater appreciation for troops."
From Kuwait, Mullen and the USO team traveled to Baghdad to begin the Iraq leg of the tour.
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - The top U.S. military officer traveled to Kuwait and Iraq today for the first stops of a seven-day, summer troop visit and United Service Organizations tour. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a USO party of National Football League and television celebrities kicked off their trip showing their support and offering admiration to troops at an air base in Kuwait.
"We're certainly honored to be here today," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "On behalf of everyone in our party, it's a privilege to be here with our troops to demonstrate the appreciation and support we have for them."
The base theater was lined from front to back with soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines getting autographs and taking photographs with the celebrities.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Taylor was particularly excited when he found out the USO tour was going to be visiting his base. The aircraft mechanic has been working 12-hour shifts every day for the past couple of months and was looking forward to something to break the usual routine, he said.
"Everything's the same here," Taylor said. "You work a 12-hour shift, and nothing's really different from one day to the next, so we really appreciate the USO tour coming out."
Taylor, an avid football fan, said he was mostly eager to meet Goodell. "He's the commissioner of the NFL, and you know he's an extremely busy guy," he said. "The fact that [he] and the celebrities came out just to spend a little time with us and sign a few autographs really does means a lot."
Along with Mullen and Goodell, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Christina Parker and Deryn Derbigny and television's "Heroes" actor Milo Ventimiglia are on the trip.
"Special people have taken time out of their summer to come over and visit with our troops, and it means a lot," Mullen said. "USOs are great assets. They make a big difference in trying to create smiles by spending a little time here and bringing a little home into theater. It makes a big difference in a lot of peoples' lives.
Brees has visited troops in Japan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on USO trips over the past few years and said he always looks forward to the next opportunity to visit troops.
"I'm a huge fan of the military, and I believe our troops deserve a lot more credit than what they get," he said. "Not only are they fighting to restore our freedom, but they're also helping to gain freedom for people who've never really had it."
Brees said he also enjoys experiencing the culture and circumstance of each region, because it gives him a better understanding of what the troops endure.
"Just the opportunity to go to these places and endure the conditions and get a feel for what these men and women are going through is amazing," he said. "Just trying to understand what these guys are going through on a daily basis gives you such a greater appreciation for troops."
From Kuwait, Mullen and the USO team traveled to Baghdad to begin the Iraq leg of the tour.
Guard Forces Go to Ground in State's Fire Fight
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - The first group of 200 California National Guard members called out by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for direct ground support on the fire line July 1 have competed their classroom training and are ready to deploy for hands-on training tomorrow, National Guard officials here said today. Answering two call-ups by Schwarzenegger for additional wildfire assistance on the ground last week, 400 California National Guard members joined or were preparing to join the more than 20,000 civilian ground-based firefighters and support personnel today engaged in extinguishing 330 active fires charring the state.
Officials said that the addition of Guard members at the fire lines will help relieve "overburdened and exhausted" firefighters on the ground. It's the first time California Guard members have formally deployed for the governor to a fire line in nearly three decades.
"I have ordered additional California National Guard soldiers to provide direct ground support to our firefighters in their efforts," Schwarzenegger said. "These additional soldiers will bring much-needed assistance to the efforts of the firefighters who continue to tirelessly battle the blazes across California."
Nearly 1,000 National Guard members are supporting numerous firefighting operations in California. Since June 21, at least 32 Guard fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft and aircrews from more than half a dozen states repeatedly have joined state and federal agencies battling wild land blazes from the state's smoke-filled skies.
The Guard's aerial missions have dropped more than 1.7 million gallons of water and fire retardant in and around the state's wild land fires.
Most recently, aircrews from the California Guard's 129th Rescue Wing joined the air battle as the state's first combat search and rescue wing to qualify and carry 660-gallon buckets of water to the wild fires.
The recent introduction of National Guard ground forces into the fire fight includes 200 soldiers who trained at the state's Wild Land Fire Training Center at the former McClellan Air Force Base.
"The California National Guard is actively engaged in responding to the wildfires in Northern California by providing assistance to local authorities and to the citizens of the affected communities," Army Maj. Gen. William Wade, California adjutant general, said. "We continue to do this through air assets and personnel and equipment on the ground. The California Guard is proud of its ability to respond rapidly to those citizens affected by this horrible disaster."
Officials said the soldiers were trained by the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention personnel in fire behavior, fire safety and how to create fire containment lines using hand tools. The soldiers will be issued equipment tomorrow and conduct hands-on fire training today at a "cold-line" section where wild fires have previously burned. A majority of the soldiers are from the 100th Troop Command and the 115th Regional Support Group.
"It will be tough work, tedious and dangerous," said retired Army Col. Terry Knight, director of community relations for the California Guard. "They are getting hot and heavy as we speak."
Knight said a primary function for the two teams will be to construct fire lines, by hand, in places heavy equipment cannot reach. Still, other Guard officials said, the Guard members also will provide follow-up support and may possibly end up fighting active wild fires.
Officials said an additional 200 California Guard soldiers, called out by the governor July 4, are the next group to train at McClellan for ground firefighting support.
Other California Guard forces on the ground are providing truck transportation and command and control personnel for civilian responders. Eight California Guard bulldozers and operators are also cutting fire lines in their efforts to contain the blazes.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - The first group of 200 California National Guard members called out by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for direct ground support on the fire line July 1 have competed their classroom training and are ready to deploy for hands-on training tomorrow, National Guard officials here said today. Answering two call-ups by Schwarzenegger for additional wildfire assistance on the ground last week, 400 California National Guard members joined or were preparing to join the more than 20,000 civilian ground-based firefighters and support personnel today engaged in extinguishing 330 active fires charring the state.
Officials said that the addition of Guard members at the fire lines will help relieve "overburdened and exhausted" firefighters on the ground. It's the first time California Guard members have formally deployed for the governor to a fire line in nearly three decades.
"I have ordered additional California National Guard soldiers to provide direct ground support to our firefighters in their efforts," Schwarzenegger said. "These additional soldiers will bring much-needed assistance to the efforts of the firefighters who continue to tirelessly battle the blazes across California."
Nearly 1,000 National Guard members are supporting numerous firefighting operations in California. Since June 21, at least 32 Guard fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft and aircrews from more than half a dozen states repeatedly have joined state and federal agencies battling wild land blazes from the state's smoke-filled skies.
The Guard's aerial missions have dropped more than 1.7 million gallons of water and fire retardant in and around the state's wild land fires.
Most recently, aircrews from the California Guard's 129th Rescue Wing joined the air battle as the state's first combat search and rescue wing to qualify and carry 660-gallon buckets of water to the wild fires.
The recent introduction of National Guard ground forces into the fire fight includes 200 soldiers who trained at the state's Wild Land Fire Training Center at the former McClellan Air Force Base.
"The California National Guard is actively engaged in responding to the wildfires in Northern California by providing assistance to local authorities and to the citizens of the affected communities," Army Maj. Gen. William Wade, California adjutant general, said. "We continue to do this through air assets and personnel and equipment on the ground. The California Guard is proud of its ability to respond rapidly to those citizens affected by this horrible disaster."
Officials said the soldiers were trained by the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention personnel in fire behavior, fire safety and how to create fire containment lines using hand tools. The soldiers will be issued equipment tomorrow and conduct hands-on fire training today at a "cold-line" section where wild fires have previously burned. A majority of the soldiers are from the 100th Troop Command and the 115th Regional Support Group.
"It will be tough work, tedious and dangerous," said retired Army Col. Terry Knight, director of community relations for the California Guard. "They are getting hot and heavy as we speak."
Knight said a primary function for the two teams will be to construct fire lines, by hand, in places heavy equipment cannot reach. Still, other Guard officials said, the Guard members also will provide follow-up support and may possibly end up fighting active wild fires.
Officials said an additional 200 California Guard soldiers, called out by the governor July 4, are the next group to train at McClellan for ground firefighting support.
Other California Guard forces on the ground are providing truck transportation and command and control personnel for civilian responders. Eight California Guard bulldozers and operators are also cutting fire lines in their efforts to contain the blazes.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Monday, July 07, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 7, 2008
ARMY
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $56,857,635 firm-fixed price contract for an assortment of automotive parts, including wheels, axles, air conditioners, engines, compressors, generators, and transmissions. Work will be performed primarily in Springfield, Ohio, with limited production in various cities across the nation, and is expected to be completed by May 4, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Apr. 2, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0494).
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $21,420,480 firm-fixed price contract for wheels and pneumatic tires. Work will be performed in Trenton, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 25, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0520).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, an $18,370,444 firm-fixed price contract for support to the National Geospatial-Intelligence agency's human development directorate by providing employees with mission-essential technical skill training, systems training and leadership and intelligence professional education. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., Bethesda, Md., and St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Ten bids were solicited on Nov. 1, 2005, and one bid was received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity (HM1576-06-C-0007).
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on Jul. 2, 2008, a $15,678,590 fixed-price incentive fee contract for full production of the Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector increment one systems and spares. Work will be performed in Charlotte, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on May 24, 2007. U.S. ARMY Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-08-D-0022).
ECI Construction, LLC, Dillsburg, Pa., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $5,636,800 firm-fixed price construction contract for the construction of a physical fitness facility. Work will be performed at the Defense Distribution Depot, New Cumberland, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Twenty-six bids were solicited on Apr. 29, 2008, and seven bids were received. U.S. ARMY Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-08-C-0034).
NAVY
CSC Applied Technologies, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $12,774,553 modification to previously awarded contract (N66604-05-C-1277) for reimbursable food services and material purchases to support increased operations at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). AUTEC is a major range and test facility base providing both deep and shallow water test and training environments. Efforts for this modification support increased test range operations with the procurement of equipment, food services, consumables and other items needed to support this effort. This modification is a retroactive equitable adjustment to the contract. Work was performed at Andros Island, The Bahamas (81 percent); West Palm Beach, Fla., (18 percent); and Cape Canaveral, Fla., (1 percent), and the work was completed in Mar. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity.
Compass Systems, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $10,065,612 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide engineering aide for the design, manufacture and sustainment of avionic systems for the NAVY Special Projects Program. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-C-0319).
Earl Industries, Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $9,117,440 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4403) for FY08 CNO availability for maintenance, repair, and alterations of USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43). The modification increases the total contract value to $189,966,878. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
The AIR FORCE is modifying a fixed price economic price adjustment contract not to exceed $17.4 million with Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, of Marietta, Ga. This contract modification is an Undefinitized Contract Action for CCP 553 for Readiness Spares Package for the C-5M Reliability Enhancements and Re-engining Program (RERP). At this time $8.7 million has been obligated. 716 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6471, P00005).
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $56,857,635 firm-fixed price contract for an assortment of automotive parts, including wheels, axles, air conditioners, engines, compressors, generators, and transmissions. Work will be performed primarily in Springfield, Ohio, with limited production in various cities across the nation, and is expected to be completed by May 4, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Apr. 2, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0494).
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $21,420,480 firm-fixed price contract for wheels and pneumatic tires. Work will be performed in Trenton, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 25, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0520).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, an $18,370,444 firm-fixed price contract for support to the National Geospatial-Intelligence agency's human development directorate by providing employees with mission-essential technical skill training, systems training and leadership and intelligence professional education. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., Bethesda, Md., and St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Ten bids were solicited on Nov. 1, 2005, and one bid was received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity (HM1576-06-C-0007).
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on Jul. 2, 2008, a $15,678,590 fixed-price incentive fee contract for full production of the Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector increment one systems and spares. Work will be performed in Charlotte, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on May 24, 2007. U.S. ARMY Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-08-D-0022).
ECI Construction, LLC, Dillsburg, Pa., was awarded on Jul. 3, 2008, a $5,636,800 firm-fixed price construction contract for the construction of a physical fitness facility. Work will be performed at the Defense Distribution Depot, New Cumberland, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Twenty-six bids were solicited on Apr. 29, 2008, and seven bids were received. U.S. ARMY Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-08-C-0034).
NAVY
CSC Applied Technologies, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $12,774,553 modification to previously awarded contract (N66604-05-C-1277) for reimbursable food services and material purchases to support increased operations at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). AUTEC is a major range and test facility base providing both deep and shallow water test and training environments. Efforts for this modification support increased test range operations with the procurement of equipment, food services, consumables and other items needed to support this effort. This modification is a retroactive equitable adjustment to the contract. Work was performed at Andros Island, The Bahamas (81 percent); West Palm Beach, Fla., (18 percent); and Cape Canaveral, Fla., (1 percent), and the work was completed in Mar. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity.
Compass Systems, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $10,065,612 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide engineering aide for the design, manufacture and sustainment of avionic systems for the NAVY Special Projects Program. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-C-0319).
Earl Industries, Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $9,117,440 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4403) for FY08 CNO availability for maintenance, repair, and alterations of USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43). The modification increases the total contract value to $189,966,878. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
The AIR FORCE is modifying a fixed price economic price adjustment contract not to exceed $17.4 million with Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, of Marietta, Ga. This contract modification is an Undefinitized Contract Action for CCP 553 for Readiness Spares Package for the C-5M Reliability Enhancements and Re-engining Program (RERP). At this time $8.7 million has been obligated. 716 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6471, P00005).
Workshop Prepares Transitioning Troops for Civilian Careers
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - About 60 servicemembers gathered here today to begin five days of seminars and workshops to help them tap into experience and skills gained through the military as they transition to civilian careers. The soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, some wrapping up their initial tour of duty, others retiring with more than 20 years of service, gathered for the post's monthly Transition Assistance Program workshop that some consider among the best in the military.
Operated as a partnership by the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Transportation and the Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, the Transition Assistance Program brings job-search help and related services to separating servicemembers.
The TAPS workshop is the highlight of the program, taking servicemembers away from their work sites for an intensive, five-day focus on the transition they are about to make.
Pamela Schulman, transition manager for the post's Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, brought together an array of speakers this week to share insights about how to look for and land for a job, launch a small business and tap into veterans' benefits and services.
Schulman, a former sailor, understands firsthand the challenges of leaving the military culture to become a civilian. "It can be a difficult mindset to change, whether they've been in the military for three years or for 30," she said. "When they leave the military, they're becoming a whole new person."
Schulman and the speakers she brings in to address the group teach servicemembers how to tap into the experience and other attributes they've gained through military service that make them particularly attractive job candidates.
"They have real-world experience, and they bring a level of maturity, along with good communications skills," said Robert Henry, a retired Navy petty officer 1st class who spoke to the group about the Troops to Teachers Program.
"But beyond that, troops bring a sense of commitment to mission accomplishment," Henry said. "For them, failure is not an option. There's a kind of mentality they bring to the job that means they will do whatever they need to do to get something done and to do it right."
Kathy Lane, a placement coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security, said servicemembers often underestimate the skills they've gained in the military that translate into sought-after civilian skills.
She gave the example of a foot soldier who knows how to analyze a situation, conduct a security analysis, come up with a solution to mitigate risks, then evaluate how that approach worked.
In addition, servicemembers often overlook the value of cultural backgrounds they've been exposed to and language skills they've picked up along the way as they present themselves to potential employers, Lane said. "You have to be sure your resume reflects all your skills," she told the group. "It's all about selling yourself, and this is the perfect opportunity."
Schulman urged the workshop participants to take advantage of opportunities to promote themselves and their skills to potential employers. It's something she conceded doesn't always come naturally to servicemembers, so she encouraged each to come up with what she calls a "30-second commercial."
"It's basically an 'elevator speech' so you can talk to anybody and everybody about what you are doing, what skills you have and what you are interested in doing," she said. "It's what you say when you are looking for a job -- how you 'sell' yourself."
Schulman said she is a huge advocate of networking, and encouraged the group to tap into their personal and professional contacts during their job search. "Networking is when you talk to somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody else," she said. "It extends your reach through the people you know."
June Napier, a recruiter for Emerging Technologies, emphasized the importance of a professionally written, well-organized resume that shows increasing levels of responsibility and continued educational growth. When she sorts through piles of resumes to determine who will get an interview, Napier said, she looks for one basic thing: "I want to know without talking to you what made you irreplaceable [in your job]," she said.
While getting an interview is critical, employers at the workshop emphasized that job candidates have to arrive at the interview well prepared, dressed professionally and ready to talk about what they have to offer. "The interview is an opportunity for you to shine," Rich Goble, a retired Navy master chief petty officer who's now a recruiter for L-3 Communications, told the group.
Later this week, participants in the TAP workshop will devote two and a half days to developing job-search techniques. An image consultant will teach them to "dress for success," and they'll also learn about other benefits provided for transitioning servicemembers.
Air Force Senior Airman John Kennedy said he's impressed with the wealth of information the workshop provides and hopes it helps him when he goes on terminal leave in November. "There's a lot here," he said. "You learn to write resumes, dress for the job, and find out what kind of benefits you're entitled to when you get out. It's a lot of information."
"This workshop is priceless," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Rich Rice, who is preparing to leave the Navy in November after more than nine years of service. "It's all the questions you've been thinking of, all bundled up in one week."
"It's absolutely valuable," agreed Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Latosha Gibbs, a cryptologic technician at the National Security Agency here, who will leave the Navy in early October. "This tells you about all kinds of resources out there, and you get to hear it directly from the experts."
Marine Sgt. Ian Johnson, an intelligence noncommissioned officer at the National Security Agency, called the workshop a unique opportunity for him to focus on what's ahead for him after he leaves the military next month.
Johnson said he's changed dramatically during five years in the Marine Corps, and knows he has attributes employers want.
"I'm steps and bounds ahead of where I'd have been if I'd just gone straight to college," he said. "I feel like I'm well-rounded and I have skills that make me pretty marketable out there. Employers look at you and figure you have discipline, counseling skills and organizational skills. I love that."
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2008 - About 60 servicemembers gathered here today to begin five days of seminars and workshops to help them tap into experience and skills gained through the military as they transition to civilian careers. The soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, some wrapping up their initial tour of duty, others retiring with more than 20 years of service, gathered for the post's monthly Transition Assistance Program workshop that some consider among the best in the military.
Operated as a partnership by the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Transportation and the Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, the Transition Assistance Program brings job-search help and related services to separating servicemembers.
The TAPS workshop is the highlight of the program, taking servicemembers away from their work sites for an intensive, five-day focus on the transition they are about to make.
Pamela Schulman, transition manager for the post's Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, brought together an array of speakers this week to share insights about how to look for and land for a job, launch a small business and tap into veterans' benefits and services.
Schulman, a former sailor, understands firsthand the challenges of leaving the military culture to become a civilian. "It can be a difficult mindset to change, whether they've been in the military for three years or for 30," she said. "When they leave the military, they're becoming a whole new person."
Schulman and the speakers she brings in to address the group teach servicemembers how to tap into the experience and other attributes they've gained through military service that make them particularly attractive job candidates.
"They have real-world experience, and they bring a level of maturity, along with good communications skills," said Robert Henry, a retired Navy petty officer 1st class who spoke to the group about the Troops to Teachers Program.
"But beyond that, troops bring a sense of commitment to mission accomplishment," Henry said. "For them, failure is not an option. There's a kind of mentality they bring to the job that means they will do whatever they need to do to get something done and to do it right."
Kathy Lane, a placement coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security, said servicemembers often underestimate the skills they've gained in the military that translate into sought-after civilian skills.
She gave the example of a foot soldier who knows how to analyze a situation, conduct a security analysis, come up with a solution to mitigate risks, then evaluate how that approach worked.
In addition, servicemembers often overlook the value of cultural backgrounds they've been exposed to and language skills they've picked up along the way as they present themselves to potential employers, Lane said. "You have to be sure your resume reflects all your skills," she told the group. "It's all about selling yourself, and this is the perfect opportunity."
Schulman urged the workshop participants to take advantage of opportunities to promote themselves and their skills to potential employers. It's something she conceded doesn't always come naturally to servicemembers, so she encouraged each to come up with what she calls a "30-second commercial."
"It's basically an 'elevator speech' so you can talk to anybody and everybody about what you are doing, what skills you have and what you are interested in doing," she said. "It's what you say when you are looking for a job -- how you 'sell' yourself."
Schulman said she is a huge advocate of networking, and encouraged the group to tap into their personal and professional contacts during their job search. "Networking is when you talk to somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody else," she said. "It extends your reach through the people you know."
June Napier, a recruiter for Emerging Technologies, emphasized the importance of a professionally written, well-organized resume that shows increasing levels of responsibility and continued educational growth. When she sorts through piles of resumes to determine who will get an interview, Napier said, she looks for one basic thing: "I want to know without talking to you what made you irreplaceable [in your job]," she said.
While getting an interview is critical, employers at the workshop emphasized that job candidates have to arrive at the interview well prepared, dressed professionally and ready to talk about what they have to offer. "The interview is an opportunity for you to shine," Rich Goble, a retired Navy master chief petty officer who's now a recruiter for L-3 Communications, told the group.
Later this week, participants in the TAP workshop will devote two and a half days to developing job-search techniques. An image consultant will teach them to "dress for success," and they'll also learn about other benefits provided for transitioning servicemembers.
Air Force Senior Airman John Kennedy said he's impressed with the wealth of information the workshop provides and hopes it helps him when he goes on terminal leave in November. "There's a lot here," he said. "You learn to write resumes, dress for the job, and find out what kind of benefits you're entitled to when you get out. It's a lot of information."
"This workshop is priceless," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Rich Rice, who is preparing to leave the Navy in November after more than nine years of service. "It's all the questions you've been thinking of, all bundled up in one week."
"It's absolutely valuable," agreed Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Latosha Gibbs, a cryptologic technician at the National Security Agency here, who will leave the Navy in early October. "This tells you about all kinds of resources out there, and you get to hear it directly from the experts."
Marine Sgt. Ian Johnson, an intelligence noncommissioned officer at the National Security Agency, called the workshop a unique opportunity for him to focus on what's ahead for him after he leaves the military next month.
Johnson said he's changed dramatically during five years in the Marine Corps, and knows he has attributes employers want.
"I'm steps and bounds ahead of where I'd have been if I'd just gone straight to college," he said. "I feel like I'm well-rounded and I have skills that make me pretty marketable out there. Employers look at you and figure you have discipline, counseling skills and organizational skills. I love that."
Sunday, July 06, 2008
America Supports You: Secretary of State Visits Servicemembers on the Links
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2008 - Instead of participating in rounds of Gulf diplomacy, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spent part of the day here observing a round of golf. The nation's top diplomat joined a group of Marines at the AT&T National PGA golf tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, to watch pro players go toe-to-toe here at Congressional Country Club.
Woods, whose father Earl Woods was an Army special forces soldier for 12 years, has infused the annual event, now in its second year, with tributes to troops. Organizers this year distributed 30,000 free tickets to servicemembers.
"I love coming out to this tournament, and I love the fact that it is doing so much to honor our men and women in uniform," Rice said. "It's really a great way to remind ourselves that the people of America really appreciate what our troops do."
The PGA Tour was one of the first organizations to partner with America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. Since then, the Tiger Woods Foundation and AT&T have become supporters of the homefront network.
"This America Supports You movement is just growing and growing, and it ought to grow because everybody serving in uniform is a volunteer," Rice said, alluding to last week's anniversary that marked 35 years of America's all-volunteer military force.
One token of America Supports You today was a kiosk near the golf course entrance, where fans could write notes to deployed troops and drop the letters in a lockbox, the contents of which will be delivered to servicemembers abroad.
Asked what sentiment she would send to troops on the frontlines, Rice delivered a message of gratitude.
"I would say, 'Thank you for serving this country, and thank you for serving this great cause,'" she said. "And thank you for remembering that America is fortunate – our independence was won more than 200 years ago – but that there are countries and people all over this globe that are still struggling for freedom.
"And whenever America has stood on the side of freedom," she continued, "America has stood on the side of right."
Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, and the architect of America Supports You, said the secretary's visit at the event helps demonstrate the nation's backing of American servicemembers.
"It's great when somebody like Dr. Rice makes the time ... to not only show support the troops, but to AT&T and the Tiger Woods Foundation," Barber said, calling the overall teamwork the "perfect partnership."
Woods and his father established the Tiger Woods foundation in 1996 with the mission of young people achieve thier dreams through community-based programs, according to the foundation's Web site. To date, the foundation has helped more than 10 million children.
Marine Col. Dave Lapan, the acting director of Marine Corps Public Affairs and one of the Marines to spend time today with Rice, said the tournament celebrates both deployed troops and those at home.
"A lot of us are here today because we can be, [while] our brothers are serving overseas in difficult places [and] they can't be," he said. "So it honors not just us, but all of us."
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2008 - Instead of participating in rounds of Gulf diplomacy, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spent part of the day here observing a round of golf. The nation's top diplomat joined a group of Marines at the AT&T National PGA golf tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, to watch pro players go toe-to-toe here at Congressional Country Club.
Woods, whose father Earl Woods was an Army special forces soldier for 12 years, has infused the annual event, now in its second year, with tributes to troops. Organizers this year distributed 30,000 free tickets to servicemembers.
"I love coming out to this tournament, and I love the fact that it is doing so much to honor our men and women in uniform," Rice said. "It's really a great way to remind ourselves that the people of America really appreciate what our troops do."
The PGA Tour was one of the first organizations to partner with America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. Since then, the Tiger Woods Foundation and AT&T have become supporters of the homefront network.
"This America Supports You movement is just growing and growing, and it ought to grow because everybody serving in uniform is a volunteer," Rice said, alluding to last week's anniversary that marked 35 years of America's all-volunteer military force.
One token of America Supports You today was a kiosk near the golf course entrance, where fans could write notes to deployed troops and drop the letters in a lockbox, the contents of which will be delivered to servicemembers abroad.
Asked what sentiment she would send to troops on the frontlines, Rice delivered a message of gratitude.
"I would say, 'Thank you for serving this country, and thank you for serving this great cause,'" she said. "And thank you for remembering that America is fortunate – our independence was won more than 200 years ago – but that there are countries and people all over this globe that are still struggling for freedom.
"And whenever America has stood on the side of freedom," she continued, "America has stood on the side of right."
Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, and the architect of America Supports You, said the secretary's visit at the event helps demonstrate the nation's backing of American servicemembers.
"It's great when somebody like Dr. Rice makes the time ... to not only show support the troops, but to AT&T and the Tiger Woods Foundation," Barber said, calling the overall teamwork the "perfect partnership."
Woods and his father established the Tiger Woods foundation in 1996 with the mission of young people achieve thier dreams through community-based programs, according to the foundation's Web site. To date, the foundation has helped more than 10 million children.
Marine Col. Dave Lapan, the acting director of Marine Corps Public Affairs and one of the Marines to spend time today with Rice, said the tournament celebrates both deployed troops and those at home.
"A lot of us are here today because we can be, [while] our brothers are serving overseas in difficult places [and] they can't be," he said. "So it honors not just us, but all of us."
Petraeus Re-enlists 1,215 U.S. Troops July 4 in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2008 - Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America's Independence Day. All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the 'land of the free' in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.
"Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring," said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. "It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services."
Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.
"We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq," Hill said. "These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting."
All together, the servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.
"It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation," said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.
The re-enlistees have every right to feel proud, according to Petraeus.
"You and your comrades here have been described as America's new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description," Petraeus said. "It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you."
July 5, 2008 - Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America's Independence Day. All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the 'land of the free' in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.
"Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring," said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. "It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services."
Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.
"We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq," Hill said. "These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting."
All together, the servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.
"It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation," said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.
The re-enlistees have every right to feel proud, according to Petraeus.
"You and your comrades here have been described as America's new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description," Petraeus said. "It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you."
President Thanks Nation's 'Brave Defenders' on Independence Day
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2008 - In his weekly radio, President Bush thanked America's men and women in uniform, past and present, for defending freedom from Bunker Hill to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He said preserving the nation's independence "has required brave defenders, and every generation of Americans has produced them. From the soldiers who fought for independence at Bunker Hill and Yorktown, to the Americans who broke the chains of slavery, liberated Europe and Asia from tyranny, and brought down an evil empire, the people of this great land have always risen to freedom's defense."
"Today, the men and women of America's Armed Forces continue this proud tradition of defending liberty," he said. "In places like Afghanistan and Iraq, many risk their lives every day to protect America and uphold the principle that human freedom is the birthright of all people and a gift from the Almighty."
"These brave Americans make it possible for America to endure as a free society," Bush concluded. "So on this Fourth of July, we owe all those who wear the uniform of the United States a special debt of gratitude. And we thank their families for supporting them in this crucial time for our Nation."
July 5, 2008 - In his weekly radio, President Bush thanked America's men and women in uniform, past and present, for defending freedom from Bunker Hill to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He said preserving the nation's independence "has required brave defenders, and every generation of Americans has produced them. From the soldiers who fought for independence at Bunker Hill and Yorktown, to the Americans who broke the chains of slavery, liberated Europe and Asia from tyranny, and brought down an evil empire, the people of this great land have always risen to freedom's defense."
"Today, the men and women of America's Armed Forces continue this proud tradition of defending liberty," he said. "In places like Afghanistan and Iraq, many risk their lives every day to protect America and uphold the principle that human freedom is the birthright of all people and a gift from the Almighty."
"These brave Americans make it possible for America to endure as a free society," Bush concluded. "So on this Fourth of July, we owe all those who wear the uniform of the United States a special debt of gratitude. And we thank their families for supporting them in this crucial time for our Nation."
Construction of The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Begins
Department of Defense officials participated in a ground-breaking ceremony to begin construction of the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda today.
"Our warriors are our country's most important resource and when they return injured or ill from war, we must care for them without fail," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. "This new joint facility will provide America's heroes and their families the most advanced medical care in the world."
The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended the relocation of certain WRAMC activities from D.C. to Bethesda. The new medical center will provide tertiary, sub-specialty and complex medical services. The $970 million project will add or renovate 2.5 million square feet. Also, a new 120-bed community hospital at Fort Belvoir, Va., will provide non-tertiary care services to the Northern Virginia area. The Base Realignment and Closure law requires construction of the two facilities to be completed by Sept. 15, 2011.
"The exterior design of the new Walter Reed medical center will be in keeping with the design President Franklin Roosevelt sketched in 1937 for the Bethesda military medical campus," said Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical Commander Rear Adm. John Mateczun. "However, while the walls on the outside reflect the Medical Center's historic look, the inside will house the most state-of-the-art the medical resources in the world."
The Commander National Capital Region Medical is chartered to oversee, manage, and direct all inter-service actions between the Navy, Army, and Air Force to accomplish the BRAC actions in the National Capital Region, and implement an efficient, integrated health care delivery system bringing the "best of the best" together to work in concert on behalf of warriors, retirees and their families.
For more information on the integration of NNMC and the new WRNMMC, visit: http://www.jtfcapmed.mil.
"Our warriors are our country's most important resource and when they return injured or ill from war, we must care for them without fail," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. "This new joint facility will provide America's heroes and their families the most advanced medical care in the world."
The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended the relocation of certain WRAMC activities from D.C. to Bethesda. The new medical center will provide tertiary, sub-specialty and complex medical services. The $970 million project will add or renovate 2.5 million square feet. Also, a new 120-bed community hospital at Fort Belvoir, Va., will provide non-tertiary care services to the Northern Virginia area. The Base Realignment and Closure law requires construction of the two facilities to be completed by Sept. 15, 2011.
"The exterior design of the new Walter Reed medical center will be in keeping with the design President Franklin Roosevelt sketched in 1937 for the Bethesda military medical campus," said Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical Commander Rear Adm. John Mateczun. "However, while the walls on the outside reflect the Medical Center's historic look, the inside will house the most state-of-the-art the medical resources in the world."
The Commander National Capital Region Medical is chartered to oversee, manage, and direct all inter-service actions between the Navy, Army, and Air Force to accomplish the BRAC actions in the National Capital Region, and implement an efficient, integrated health care delivery system bringing the "best of the best" together to work in concert on behalf of warriors, retirees and their families.
For more information on the integration of NNMC and the new WRNMMC, visit: http://www.jtfcapmed.mil.
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