By Army 1st Sgt. Lek Mateo
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 28, 2008 - Residents of the Rio Grande Valley are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Dolly after the second Atlantic hurricane of the 2008 season tore through south Texas on July 23 with damaging wind and torrential rain. Remnants of the Category 2 hurricane could still be felt as severe flooding in some coastal cities displaced several hundred families whose homes were destroyed or made inaccessible.
Several thousand people were without electricity at the height of the storm due to downed power lines, but utility companies from all over the state worked tirelessly to restore service.
More than 800 members of the Texas Military Forces, which comprise the Texas Air National Guard, Army National Guard and Texas State Guard, joined forces with local, state and federal emergency responders in a massive relief operation to help the communities recover.
The military effort, under command of the Standing Joint Interagency Task Force, assisted the state's Texas Task Force 1 with search and rescue, food, water and ice distribution, and shelter management.
They established and manned 15 food, water and ice distribution sites and helped to man and administer seven shelter sites run by the Red Cross and other emergency agencies.
The Texas military Forces had mobile distribution teams working in conjunction with Red Cross, Salvation Army, Department of Public Safety and other agencies. The distribution sites will be manned around the clock until the local authorities determine they are no longer needed.
Air Force Col. John Nichols of the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing in San Antonio, task force commander, said he is proud to lead all three components of the Texas military Forces involved with this mission.
"This is truly Texans helping Texans, and we are ready for this kind of contingency operation," he said.
U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, who represents the district affected by the storm, visited one of the distribution sites to see the relief effort first-hand. He commended the countless volunteers, especially the servicemen and women, who came to assist the people of south Texas.
"I want to thank all the military members who were activated and removed from their jobs and their family to come and help," he said. "This shows their dedication and their loyalty to the state and the community, and we appreciate that."
Army Sgt. 1st Class Eliberto Cavazos of the Texas State Guard and a resident of Raymondville, Texas, rode the storm out at the local high school with several members of his unit. The retired city employee said it was great to be able to work together as a team with his counterparts in the Army and Air National Guard and together show the community in which he lives in that the Texas military Forces can do the job at hand.
"We've received a lot of thanks for coming here and helping from the people in my neighborhood, and that they are truly very grateful. That makes me very proud to be able to serve in uniform," Cavazos stated.
Sharon Stanton, who had been out of power for three days, waited patiently for hours in her car until she reached the front of the line, where several Guardsmen and civilian volunteers quickly loaded her car with precious water and ice. The La Feria, Texas, resident said she knew relief was on the way when she started seeing convoys of large, green National Guard Humvees and trucks arriving in her town hours after Dolly struck.
"The National Guard pretty much has got it together, and they know what they're doing, and that assures me that things are going to get better," she said.
Army Pfc. Michael Morales of the Texas Army National Guard's 449th Aviation Support Battalion based in San Antonio has been in the service for about a year, and this was his first hurricane-relief mission. The private and several civilian volunteers worked at a feverish pace in the oppressive heat and humidity, loading tons of water, food and ice into what seems like endless lines of cars at a distribution site in Harlingen, Texas.
He acknowledged that the work was arduous and back-breaking, but said it was nothing compared to the suffering that residents were going through, days after the hurricane had made landfall. Receiving a simple "thank you" and a smile from those seeking help made the task worthwhile and rewarding, he said.
"It feels good knowing that I can help distribute food and water to those that need it most and hopefully make their lives a little better," he said.
(Army 1st Sgt. Lek Mateo of the Texas National Guard serves in the Texas military Forces Public Affairs Office.)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Hunter Adopted by Hopkins
Editor's Note: The author is former Marine.
July 29, 2008, (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. James H. Lilley, the Police-Writer.com Author of the Year (2008), has had his book, The Eyes of the Hunter, adopted by Johns Hopkins University.
James H. Lilley is a former Marine and Police Sergeant with the Howard County Police Department (Maryland). He worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Services (CSI) and Drug Enforcement Division. His Street Drug Unit was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt and published by Simon and Schuster. Some of his awards include The Medal of Valor, Four Bronze Stars, Four Unit Citations and the Governor's Citation. He is also an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. James Lilley is the author of seven books: A Question of Honor; The Eyes of the Hunter; The Far Side of the Bridge; Just Retribution; A Miracle for Tony Clements; Death Knocks Twice, and, A Tony Clements Christmas Miracle.
According to Sheldon Greenberg, Ph.D. (Associate Dean, School of Education, Johns Hopkins University), “The Eyes of the Hunter will be used as a text for the Communications course in the Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis degree program at Johns Hopkins University.” Dr. Sheldon continued that Lilley’s book will help the students “focus on creativity and critical thinking, research, understanding the audience, and formulating meaningful written documents.”
The course The Eyes of the Hunter will be used in is “Communications: Fact, Opinion, Significance, and Consequence.” According to the course description, “Within the intelligence community, findings are of little value unless they are communicated well. Dissemination of findings is essential to the success of any analysis or research. Students learn to deliver written, oral, and visual presentations for maximum effect by considering factors such as intended outcome, timing, structure, and method. Working individually and in small groups, students address issues such as lack of time to plan and prepare, unfamiliarity with the customer (end user of analytical documents), disruption and change, and coping with the unexpected. Students receive ongoing feedback on their communication style and effectiveness.
The ability to justify and present an analytical conclusion in clear, succinct prose is essential to supplying policy makers with information they need to formulate decisions. Students consider traditional and innovative methods of intelligence writing and briefing, focusing on the difference between fact and opinion. Students prepare written reports and presentations on a variety of topics and, in doing so, construct narratives, establish project credibility, convey recommendations, and reinforce key messages.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 1029 police officers (representing 431 police departments) and their 2189 criminal justice books in 33 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
July 29, 2008, (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. James H. Lilley, the Police-Writer.com Author of the Year (2008), has had his book, The Eyes of the Hunter, adopted by Johns Hopkins University.
James H. Lilley is a former Marine and Police Sergeant with the Howard County Police Department (Maryland). He worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Services (CSI) and Drug Enforcement Division. His Street Drug Unit was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt and published by Simon and Schuster. Some of his awards include The Medal of Valor, Four Bronze Stars, Four Unit Citations and the Governor's Citation. He is also an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. James Lilley is the author of seven books: A Question of Honor; The Eyes of the Hunter; The Far Side of the Bridge; Just Retribution; A Miracle for Tony Clements; Death Knocks Twice, and, A Tony Clements Christmas Miracle.
According to Sheldon Greenberg, Ph.D. (Associate Dean, School of Education, Johns Hopkins University), “The Eyes of the Hunter will be used as a text for the Communications course in the Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis degree program at Johns Hopkins University.” Dr. Sheldon continued that Lilley’s book will help the students “focus on creativity and critical thinking, research, understanding the audience, and formulating meaningful written documents.”
The course The Eyes of the Hunter will be used in is “Communications: Fact, Opinion, Significance, and Consequence.” According to the course description, “Within the intelligence community, findings are of little value unless they are communicated well. Dissemination of findings is essential to the success of any analysis or research. Students learn to deliver written, oral, and visual presentations for maximum effect by considering factors such as intended outcome, timing, structure, and method. Working individually and in small groups, students address issues such as lack of time to plan and prepare, unfamiliarity with the customer (end user of analytical documents), disruption and change, and coping with the unexpected. Students receive ongoing feedback on their communication style and effectiveness.
The ability to justify and present an analytical conclusion in clear, succinct prose is essential to supplying policy makers with information they need to formulate decisions. Students consider traditional and innovative methods of intelligence writing and briefing, focusing on the difference between fact and opinion. Students prepare written reports and presentations on a variety of topics and, in doing so, construct narratives, establish project credibility, convey recommendations, and reinforce key messages.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 1029 police officers (representing 431 police departments) and their 2189 criminal justice books in 33 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
New GI Bill Provides Increased Educational Benefits
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
July 28, 2008 - The latest GI Bill considerably improves the opportunity for today's servicemembers to obtain their education, a senior Defense Department official said. President Bush signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 on June 30. The new law mirrors the tenets of the original GI Bill, which gave returning World War Two veterans the opportunity to go to any school they wanted while receiving a living stipend, Bob Clark, the Pentagon's assistant director of accessions policy, said.
"The original GI Bill was said to be one of the most significant social impacts of the 20th century," Clark said. "We believe the new bill is going to have a similar impact."
The ew GI Bill is applies to individuals who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and offers education benefits worth an average of $80,000 – double the value of those in the previous program. It covers the full costs of tuition and books, which are paid directly to the school, and it provides a variable stipend for living expenses. It's also transferable to family members of career servicemembers.
Its only restriction is that payment amounts are limited to the most expensive in-state cost to attend a college or university in the state where veterans attend school, he said.
The variable stipend is based on the Defense Department's basic allowance for housing for an E-5, which averages about $1,200 a month, and $1,000 a year will be paid directly to the servicemember for books and supplies, he added.
Enrollment into the Post-9/11 GI Bill is free. Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill is based on service commitment and requires active-duty servicemembers to pay a $1,200 fee over the initial year of their enlistment.
The new bill requires that an individual serve at least 90 days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and if discharged, be separated on honorable terms. Servicemembers discharged due to a service-connected disability are eligible if they served 30 continuous days on active duty. Servicemembers must serve 36 aggregated months to qualify for the full amount of benefits.
Servicemembers are entitled to benefits of the new bill for up to 36 months and have up to 15 years from their last 30 days of continuous service to use their entitlements. But as successful as Defense Department officials anticipate the new bill to be, Clark suggested that new recruits still enroll in the Montgomery GI Bill.
The Montgomery GI Bill gives benefits for higher education as well as vocational training, apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training, he explained. The Post-9/11 GI Bill focuses solely on higher education and can only be used at institutions that offer at least an associate's degree, he said.
"We recommend that all new recruits think hard before turning down the Montgomery GI Bill, because they will limit their opportunities for additional education without it," he added.
Servicemembers also are "highly encouraged" to use the Defense Department's tuition assistance program while on active duty, because the Post-9/11 GI Bill's full entitlements, such as the living stipend and book allowance, will not be available, Clark said.
"If you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill while on active duty, it will merely cover tuition or the difference of what tuition assistance will pay," he explained. "Another downside to that is each month you use [the new bill], you lose a month of your 36 months of eligibility."
So, if servicemembers serve on active duty on or after Aug. 1, 2009, and meet the minimum time-in-service requirement, they will be eligible for the new GI Bill while also maintaining benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill, he said.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also brings good news for officers and for servicemembers who enlisted under the loan repayment program. Since eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is based on time already served, more servicemembers will be able to take advantage of its benefits, Clark added. Officers commissioned through one of the service academies or through ROTC and enlisted servicemembers participating in the loan repayment program don't qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, he said.
Those servicemembers will be able to qualify if they finish their initial obligatory service. Commissioned officers must complete their initial five-year commitment if they attended a service academy or their four-year agreement if they were commissioned through college ROTC. Servicemembers whose college loans were paid off by the Defense Department as a re-enlistment incentive must finish their initial commitment – whether it is three, four or five years – before they can apply, Clark said.
"Any amount of time an individual served after their obligated service counts for qualifying service under the new GI Bill," he said.
Another facet unique to the Post-9/11 GI Bill is that it's transferable to family members. The feature gives the defense and service secretaries the authority to offer career servicemembers the opportunity to transfer unused benefits to their family. Though Defense Department officials still are working with the services to hash out eligibility requirements, there are four prerequisites that are subject to adjustment or change, Clark said.
Currently transferability requirements are:
-- Qualifying service to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill;
-- Active duty service in the armed forces on or after Aug. 1, 2009;
-- At least six years of service in the armed forces;
-- Agreement to serve four more years in the armed forces.
"We're really excited about transferability," Clark said. "That was one of the things about education and the GI Bill that's come up the most often from the field and fleet."
Individuals who may not qualify to transfer unused benefits because they leave the service before the new bill's effective date most likely still will qualify for the bill. As long as the separated servicemembers meet the minimum qualifying time served, they can contact their local Veterans Affairs office and apply for the program. While payments are not retroactive, eligibility is, Clark said.
"This new bill will allow our veterans to chase their dreams," Clark said. "It will allow them to go back and experience college like they deserve, much like their grandfathers did in World War Two."
More information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available at local Veterans Affairs Office and at www.gibill.va.gov.
American Forces Press Service
July 28, 2008 - The latest GI Bill considerably improves the opportunity for today's servicemembers to obtain their education, a senior Defense Department official said. President Bush signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 on June 30. The new law mirrors the tenets of the original GI Bill, which gave returning World War Two veterans the opportunity to go to any school they wanted while receiving a living stipend, Bob Clark, the Pentagon's assistant director of accessions policy, said.
"The original GI Bill was said to be one of the most significant social impacts of the 20th century," Clark said. "We believe the new bill is going to have a similar impact."
The ew GI Bill is applies to individuals who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and offers education benefits worth an average of $80,000 – double the value of those in the previous program. It covers the full costs of tuition and books, which are paid directly to the school, and it provides a variable stipend for living expenses. It's also transferable to family members of career servicemembers.
Its only restriction is that payment amounts are limited to the most expensive in-state cost to attend a college or university in the state where veterans attend school, he said.
The variable stipend is based on the Defense Department's basic allowance for housing for an E-5, which averages about $1,200 a month, and $1,000 a year will be paid directly to the servicemember for books and supplies, he added.
Enrollment into the Post-9/11 GI Bill is free. Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill is based on service commitment and requires active-duty servicemembers to pay a $1,200 fee over the initial year of their enlistment.
The new bill requires that an individual serve at least 90 days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and if discharged, be separated on honorable terms. Servicemembers discharged due to a service-connected disability are eligible if they served 30 continuous days on active duty. Servicemembers must serve 36 aggregated months to qualify for the full amount of benefits.
Servicemembers are entitled to benefits of the new bill for up to 36 months and have up to 15 years from their last 30 days of continuous service to use their entitlements. But as successful as Defense Department officials anticipate the new bill to be, Clark suggested that new recruits still enroll in the Montgomery GI Bill.
The Montgomery GI Bill gives benefits for higher education as well as vocational training, apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training, he explained. The Post-9/11 GI Bill focuses solely on higher education and can only be used at institutions that offer at least an associate's degree, he said.
"We recommend that all new recruits think hard before turning down the Montgomery GI Bill, because they will limit their opportunities for additional education without it," he added.
Servicemembers also are "highly encouraged" to use the Defense Department's tuition assistance program while on active duty, because the Post-9/11 GI Bill's full entitlements, such as the living stipend and book allowance, will not be available, Clark said.
"If you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill while on active duty, it will merely cover tuition or the difference of what tuition assistance will pay," he explained. "Another downside to that is each month you use [the new bill], you lose a month of your 36 months of eligibility."
So, if servicemembers serve on active duty on or after Aug. 1, 2009, and meet the minimum time-in-service requirement, they will be eligible for the new GI Bill while also maintaining benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill, he said.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also brings good news for officers and for servicemembers who enlisted under the loan repayment program. Since eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is based on time already served, more servicemembers will be able to take advantage of its benefits, Clark added. Officers commissioned through one of the service academies or through ROTC and enlisted servicemembers participating in the loan repayment program don't qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, he said.
Those servicemembers will be able to qualify if they finish their initial obligatory service. Commissioned officers must complete their initial five-year commitment if they attended a service academy or their four-year agreement if they were commissioned through college ROTC. Servicemembers whose college loans were paid off by the Defense Department as a re-enlistment incentive must finish their initial commitment – whether it is three, four or five years – before they can apply, Clark said.
"Any amount of time an individual served after their obligated service counts for qualifying service under the new GI Bill," he said.
Another facet unique to the Post-9/11 GI Bill is that it's transferable to family members. The feature gives the defense and service secretaries the authority to offer career servicemembers the opportunity to transfer unused benefits to their family. Though Defense Department officials still are working with the services to hash out eligibility requirements, there are four prerequisites that are subject to adjustment or change, Clark said.
Currently transferability requirements are:
-- Qualifying service to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill;
-- Active duty service in the armed forces on or after Aug. 1, 2009;
-- At least six years of service in the armed forces;
-- Agreement to serve four more years in the armed forces.
"We're really excited about transferability," Clark said. "That was one of the things about education and the GI Bill that's come up the most often from the field and fleet."
Individuals who may not qualify to transfer unused benefits because they leave the service before the new bill's effective date most likely still will qualify for the bill. As long as the separated servicemembers meet the minimum qualifying time served, they can contact their local Veterans Affairs office and apply for the program. While payments are not retroactive, eligibility is, Clark said.
"This new bill will allow our veterans to chase their dreams," Clark said. "It will allow them to go back and experience college like they deserve, much like their grandfathers did in World War Two."
More information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available at local Veterans Affairs Office and at www.gibill.va.gov.
Face of Defense: Soldier Works to Inspire Others
By Army Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 28, 2008 - The rank insignia of a noncommissioned officer gives the wearer a title as well as the power to accomplish certain tasks and objectives, but the rank alone doesn't always make a leader. Leadership involves inspiring others to achieve higher goals, and the Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, say Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lowers, a Sunrise, Fla., native -- their platoon chief and a member of the Sgt. Audi Murphy Club -- is someone they define as a true leader.
The soldiers call him "Sergeant Smoke," a title commonly given to artillery chiefs. He supervises the fire base here, and is responsible for all artillery fires.
"There is nothing more exciting than putting a 100-pound projectile downrange knowing that you've done everything you can to make sure it hits its target," Lowers said. "I think the battalion commander says it best: 'It's not a sexy job.' However, we are in a support role, and it's good to know that we do our part to support the infantry soldiers with their mission. I'd like to think our part is as important as the next guy's."
Lowers came to the United States from Jamaica when he was 19, and he enlisted in the Army five months later.
"I wanted to go to college, but my parents didn't have the funds to support me, and I knew that the Army had a lot of opportunities," he said.
After serving four years as a finance specialist, he said, he wanted to pursue a long-term career in the Army, so he spoke with his leaders about a job switch.
"I enjoyed finance, but I was young and wanted to do something more exciting. Going from finance to artillery is like night and day," he said.
Lowers is not just a soldier in the Army; he is a soldier who fully believes in the Army.
"I can attribute everything I have and everything I've become to the Army. It has provided for me and my family and given us everything we need," he said. "I've met so many people from all walks of life that are perusing the same dreams as me. I've had the opportunity to learn from them, as well as about life itself."
Dedication is only one of the values Lowers displays. His soldiers have developed great admiration for his ability to react under pressure and to take care of their needs.
Army Spc. Justin Ren, native of Lincoln, Neb., and a cannon crew member with Headquarters Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, broke his leg in April while out at the fire base.
"Sergeant Smoke didn't hesitate," he said. "He immediately got the first aid kit, splinted my leg, and made sure I stayed calm and collected. He got me to the hospital and stayed with me for moral support while they performed X-rays. He always seems to know what to do and when to do it. If it's for the soldiers' needs, he never hesitates."
Army Spc. Timothy Blair, a Nicholasville, Ky., native, agreed.
"He shows us the right way to handle any situation and always comes out on top," said Blair, an assistant gunner with 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery.
Blair has been in the Army for two years, is awaiting promotion to become a sergeant and in May, and was nominated for Soldier of the Month.
"He has developed me in everything I have done. He is one of the main reasons why I am where I am in my career," Blair said. "He puts the opportunity up front and allows us to take initiative to achieve it."
Lowers said he believes it is his responsibility to be the best leader possible.
"This is my job. Once I pinned on the sergeant stripes, it became my responsibility to teach, mentor, and develop my soldiers," he said. "I have soldiers that come to me straight out of basic training and are not sure what the Army's about. My job is to instill that knowledge in them and break it down to a level they can understand. I've seen soldiers transition from a private all the way to sergeant first class. Watching soldiers go through that transition is my inspiration."
(Army Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 28, 2008 - The rank insignia of a noncommissioned officer gives the wearer a title as well as the power to accomplish certain tasks and objectives, but the rank alone doesn't always make a leader. Leadership involves inspiring others to achieve higher goals, and the Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, say Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lowers, a Sunrise, Fla., native -- their platoon chief and a member of the Sgt. Audi Murphy Club -- is someone they define as a true leader.
The soldiers call him "Sergeant Smoke," a title commonly given to artillery chiefs. He supervises the fire base here, and is responsible for all artillery fires.
"There is nothing more exciting than putting a 100-pound projectile downrange knowing that you've done everything you can to make sure it hits its target," Lowers said. "I think the battalion commander says it best: 'It's not a sexy job.' However, we are in a support role, and it's good to know that we do our part to support the infantry soldiers with their mission. I'd like to think our part is as important as the next guy's."
Lowers came to the United States from Jamaica when he was 19, and he enlisted in the Army five months later.
"I wanted to go to college, but my parents didn't have the funds to support me, and I knew that the Army had a lot of opportunities," he said.
After serving four years as a finance specialist, he said, he wanted to pursue a long-term career in the Army, so he spoke with his leaders about a job switch.
"I enjoyed finance, but I was young and wanted to do something more exciting. Going from finance to artillery is like night and day," he said.
Lowers is not just a soldier in the Army; he is a soldier who fully believes in the Army.
"I can attribute everything I have and everything I've become to the Army. It has provided for me and my family and given us everything we need," he said. "I've met so many people from all walks of life that are perusing the same dreams as me. I've had the opportunity to learn from them, as well as about life itself."
Dedication is only one of the values Lowers displays. His soldiers have developed great admiration for his ability to react under pressure and to take care of their needs.
Army Spc. Justin Ren, native of Lincoln, Neb., and a cannon crew member with Headquarters Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, broke his leg in April while out at the fire base.
"Sergeant Smoke didn't hesitate," he said. "He immediately got the first aid kit, splinted my leg, and made sure I stayed calm and collected. He got me to the hospital and stayed with me for moral support while they performed X-rays. He always seems to know what to do and when to do it. If it's for the soldiers' needs, he never hesitates."
Army Spc. Timothy Blair, a Nicholasville, Ky., native, agreed.
"He shows us the right way to handle any situation and always comes out on top," said Blair, an assistant gunner with 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery.
Blair has been in the Army for two years, is awaiting promotion to become a sergeant and in May, and was nominated for Soldier of the Month.
"He has developed me in everything I have done. He is one of the main reasons why I am where I am in my career," Blair said. "He puts the opportunity up front and allows us to take initiative to achieve it."
Lowers said he believes it is his responsibility to be the best leader possible.
"This is my job. Once I pinned on the sergeant stripes, it became my responsibility to teach, mentor, and develop my soldiers," he said. "I have soldiers that come to me straight out of basic training and are not sure what the Army's about. My job is to instill that knowledge in them and break it down to a level they can understand. I've seen soldiers transition from a private all the way to sergeant first class. Watching soldiers go through that transition is my inspiration."
(Army Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Schools as Terror Targets
On August 6, 2008, Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole will feature an interview of John Giduck on the Beslan School Seige. According to Esquire Magazine, “On the first day of school in 2004, a Chechen terrorist group struck the Russian town of Beslan. Targeting children, they took more than eleven hundred hostages. John Giduck is the author of Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy with Lessons for America's Schools.
Program Date: August 6, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Schools as Terror Targets
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/08/07/Schools-as-Terror-Targets
About the Guest
John Giduck has a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State and a law degree from the University of Denver. He also earned a Master’s Degree in International Affairs, specializing in Russian studies, from the University of Colorado, which included completion of the Russian Culture and Language Program at St. Petersburg State University in Russia. He has traveled extensively throughout Russia and the former Soviet Union, training with Russia’s elite Special Forces units for more than 10 years; and, is a certified instructor in Russian Special Forces hand to hand combat.
John Giduck has trained state and federal law enforcement officers and agents, including DEA, FBI, US Marshal’s Service, and SWAT teams throughout the US. He has served as a consultant on various international and terrorism subjects, and as a Russian Organized Crime instructor, for numerous federal and state agencies. He currently devotes his professional time to the Archangel Group, providing anti-terrorism consulting and training to U.S. law enforcement, government and military, part of which includes John serving as a civilian contract U.S. Army Special Forces hand-to-hand combat and firearms instructor. As well, he holds several black belts, is a multiple inductee into international martial arts halls of fame, and is a former U.S. national weightlifting champion.
John Giduck is a lifetime member of the Special Operations Association, Rocky Mountain Tactical Team Association, Russian Special Forces Brotherhood of the Red Beret Association, and is a lifetime executive member of the British Professional Bodyguard Association. He is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy and holds the highest level expert certification in Homeland Security through the American College of Forensic Examiners International, and is a former member of the Executive Advisory Board of the American College of Homeland Security and Police Marksman magazine. He is a current member of the Advisory Board of the College of Disaster Medicine and Management of Philadelphia University. In addition to other published materials and articles on terrorism, Russian organized crime and close quarters tactics, finished his book, Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy With Lessons for America’s Schools, in 2005. His second book, co-authored with Green Beret Sergeant Major John Anderson, entitled The Green Beret In You: Living With Total Commitment To Family, Career, Sports and Life, was published in late 2007.
As part of his work with Archangel, John Giduck is also a scuba, tactical diving and CQB instructor, and teaches terrorist-hostage negotiations, narco-terrorism, terrorism and global organized crime, and Russian organized crime courses. He is now working on his doctoral dissertation on the global expansion of radical Islam through King’s College of London.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/08/07/Schools-as-Terror-Targets
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: August 6, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Schools as Terror Targets
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/08/07/Schools-as-Terror-Targets
About the Guest
John Giduck has a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State and a law degree from the University of Denver. He also earned a Master’s Degree in International Affairs, specializing in Russian studies, from the University of Colorado, which included completion of the Russian Culture and Language Program at St. Petersburg State University in Russia. He has traveled extensively throughout Russia and the former Soviet Union, training with Russia’s elite Special Forces units for more than 10 years; and, is a certified instructor in Russian Special Forces hand to hand combat.
John Giduck has trained state and federal law enforcement officers and agents, including DEA, FBI, US Marshal’s Service, and SWAT teams throughout the US. He has served as a consultant on various international and terrorism subjects, and as a Russian Organized Crime instructor, for numerous federal and state agencies. He currently devotes his professional time to the Archangel Group, providing anti-terrorism consulting and training to U.S. law enforcement, government and military, part of which includes John serving as a civilian contract U.S. Army Special Forces hand-to-hand combat and firearms instructor. As well, he holds several black belts, is a multiple inductee into international martial arts halls of fame, and is a former U.S. national weightlifting champion.
John Giduck is a lifetime member of the Special Operations Association, Rocky Mountain Tactical Team Association, Russian Special Forces Brotherhood of the Red Beret Association, and is a lifetime executive member of the British Professional Bodyguard Association. He is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy and holds the highest level expert certification in Homeland Security through the American College of Forensic Examiners International, and is a former member of the Executive Advisory Board of the American College of Homeland Security and Police Marksman magazine. He is a current member of the Advisory Board of the College of Disaster Medicine and Management of Philadelphia University. In addition to other published materials and articles on terrorism, Russian organized crime and close quarters tactics, finished his book, Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy With Lessons for America’s Schools, in 2005. His second book, co-authored with Green Beret Sergeant Major John Anderson, entitled The Green Beret In You: Living With Total Commitment To Family, Career, Sports and Life, was published in late 2007.
As part of his work with Archangel, John Giduck is also a scuba, tactical diving and CQB instructor, and teaches terrorist-hostage negotiations, narco-terrorism, terrorism and global organized crime, and Russian organized crime courses. He is now working on his doctoral dissertation on the global expansion of radical Islam through King’s College of London.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/08/07/Schools-as-Terror-Targets
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Gates: Caring for Military Children 'Sacred Responsibility'
American Forces Press Service
July 25, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today called it a "sacred responsibility" to care for the generation of American military children affected by the deployment, and in some cases the death, of a servicemember parent. "The empty seat at the dinner table night after night is a constant reminder of a child's worry for his or her parent's safety," Gates said, according to his prepared remarks. "And there is also the grief and the heartbreak when a loved one is injured or killed -- a grim reality of war."
Roughly 43 percent of U.S. active-duty, reserve and National Guard members engaged in the war on terrorism are parents, Gates told members of the military Child Education Coalition in Grapevine, Texas.
"Our military children are awesome, just as their parents are," he said. "But they have extra hurdles to clear, burdens to bear -- repeated moves, the absence of a parent at war, an injured parent, or the loss of a parent."
Children of servicemembers also make unique sacrifices during peacetime, including frequent moves that can require them to attend up to nine different schools between kindergarten and high school graduation, Gates said. He added that most teenagers of military members attend at least two high schools.
"Because of the unique way the husbands and wives, the sons and daughters of our all-volunteer force serve this nation, we have a sacred responsibility to care for them," he said.
The secretary praised the Military Child Education Coalition, which in its 10-year history has assisted nearly 2 million children whose parents serve in the armed forces, helping ease school-related responsibilities like transferring student records, course grades and credit hours, among other duties.
Gates also highlighted several Defense Department-led initiatives designed to mitigate the demands placed on military families and applauded an agreement signed by the departments of Defense and Education to facilitate the strain placed on deployed families returning from overseas.
The nation demonstrated its gratitude to military families, Gates said, when Congress and President Bush last month enacted a new Montgomery GI Bill that, for the first time, will allow education benefits to be passed to family members if troops opt not to use it themselves.
"Transferring educational benefits to a servicemember's spouse or child underscores the monumental importance of 'the power behind the power' -- the husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters of our men and women in uniform," Gates said.
In closing, Gates called the all-volunteer members of U.S. armed forces "the heart and soul" of America.
"They joined up to leave the world a better place for all children," he said. "Our men and women in uniform are giving something very special to future generations: a legacy of service before self.
"They are a force for good in the world," he added.
July 25, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today called it a "sacred responsibility" to care for the generation of American military children affected by the deployment, and in some cases the death, of a servicemember parent. "The empty seat at the dinner table night after night is a constant reminder of a child's worry for his or her parent's safety," Gates said, according to his prepared remarks. "And there is also the grief and the heartbreak when a loved one is injured or killed -- a grim reality of war."
Roughly 43 percent of U.S. active-duty, reserve and National Guard members engaged in the war on terrorism are parents, Gates told members of the military Child Education Coalition in Grapevine, Texas.
"Our military children are awesome, just as their parents are," he said. "But they have extra hurdles to clear, burdens to bear -- repeated moves, the absence of a parent at war, an injured parent, or the loss of a parent."
Children of servicemembers also make unique sacrifices during peacetime, including frequent moves that can require them to attend up to nine different schools between kindergarten and high school graduation, Gates said. He added that most teenagers of military members attend at least two high schools.
"Because of the unique way the husbands and wives, the sons and daughters of our all-volunteer force serve this nation, we have a sacred responsibility to care for them," he said.
The secretary praised the Military Child Education Coalition, which in its 10-year history has assisted nearly 2 million children whose parents serve in the armed forces, helping ease school-related responsibilities like transferring student records, course grades and credit hours, among other duties.
Gates also highlighted several Defense Department-led initiatives designed to mitigate the demands placed on military families and applauded an agreement signed by the departments of Defense and Education to facilitate the strain placed on deployed families returning from overseas.
The nation demonstrated its gratitude to military families, Gates said, when Congress and President Bush last month enacted a new Montgomery GI Bill that, for the first time, will allow education benefits to be passed to family members if troops opt not to use it themselves.
"Transferring educational benefits to a servicemember's spouse or child underscores the monumental importance of 'the power behind the power' -- the husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters of our men and women in uniform," Gates said.
In closing, Gates called the all-volunteer members of U.S. armed forces "the heart and soul" of America.
"They joined up to leave the world a better place for all children," he said. "Our men and women in uniform are giving something very special to future generations: a legacy of service before self.
"They are a force for good in the world," he added.
America Supports You: Organization Addresses Vets' Housing Challenges
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 25, 2008 - Veterans transitioning from war to peace may need a place to call home, whether it's for the long or short term, the executive director of a North Carolina-based program that offers them that and a good bit more said. "The needs we are addressing all, in some way, revolve around temporary and long-term living arrangements that are appropriate for the various challenges that our active duty and military veterans face," Lance Orndorff said about "American Heroes Return."
"Camp Hero" is an integral part of American Heroes Return, which, in turn, is part of the Virginia-based "Place of Solace, Inc."
The camp offers a phased living environment at no cost to active-duty servicemembers or veterans, he said. Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or permanent disability and in need of long-term care have access to the home-style camp that offers a mixed-use residential environment with shopping and social and recreational opportunities.
Active-duty servicemembers simply looking for someplace to hang out while they're home for rest and recuperation can stay in simple cabins and take in all that Camp Hero has to offer.
"Active-duty military on terminal leave and veterans post-active duty have a difficult time finding a 'landing zone' when returning to the states or leaving the base," Orndorff said. "They usually need just one to three months of living accommodations, as well as job location and training assistance, to get them reestablished in the civilian sector.
"This is where they can choose from either the rural farm or in-town contemporary housing experience, where they work with others like themselves who are transitioning back into civilian life," he added.
American Heroes Return is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
The organization's America Supports You affiliation is helping bridge the gap between its efforts to support both active-duty servicemembers and veterans, Orndorff said.
"I'm finding that my own review of other [America Supports You-affiliated] organizations ... is leading me to begin thinking about ways to network and partner," he added. "There may be portions of programs that we had intended to establish on our own that we can better accomplish by partnering with a group already accomplishing that task."
American Forces Press Service
July 25, 2008 - Veterans transitioning from war to peace may need a place to call home, whether it's for the long or short term, the executive director of a North Carolina-based program that offers them that and a good bit more said. "The needs we are addressing all, in some way, revolve around temporary and long-term living arrangements that are appropriate for the various challenges that our active duty and military veterans face," Lance Orndorff said about "American Heroes Return."
"Camp Hero" is an integral part of American Heroes Return, which, in turn, is part of the Virginia-based "Place of Solace, Inc."
The camp offers a phased living environment at no cost to active-duty servicemembers or veterans, he said. Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or permanent disability and in need of long-term care have access to the home-style camp that offers a mixed-use residential environment with shopping and social and recreational opportunities.
Active-duty servicemembers simply looking for someplace to hang out while they're home for rest and recuperation can stay in simple cabins and take in all that Camp Hero has to offer.
"Active-duty military on terminal leave and veterans post-active duty have a difficult time finding a 'landing zone' when returning to the states or leaving the base," Orndorff said. "They usually need just one to three months of living accommodations, as well as job location and training assistance, to get them reestablished in the civilian sector.
"This is where they can choose from either the rural farm or in-town contemporary housing experience, where they work with others like themselves who are transitioning back into civilian life," he added.
American Heroes Return is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
The organization's America Supports You affiliation is helping bridge the gap between its efforts to support both active-duty servicemembers and veterans, Orndorff said.
"I'm finding that my own review of other [America Supports You-affiliated] organizations ... is leading me to begin thinking about ways to network and partner," he added. "There may be portions of programs that we had intended to establish on our own that we can better accomplish by partnering with a group already accomplishing that task."
Saturday, July 26, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 25, 2008
Air Force
Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) of McLean, Va.; MacAulay Brown, Inc. (MacB) of Dayton, Ohio; Client/Server Software Solutions, Inc. (CSSS.NET) of Bellevue, Neb.; ITT Corp., Advanced Engineering & Sciences Div (ITT AES) of Herndon, Va.; Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) of San Diego, Calif.; and CACI Technologies, Inc. of Chantilly, Va., are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for a maximum of $900 million. The six multiple award ID/IQ contracts are for Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) in support of USSTRATCOM to provide support for necessary information and advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, training and engineering services. The six contracts will have shared capacity of $900 million (maximum) to include the base year and four option years for all contracts combined. At this time no funds have been obligated (obligations will be via task orders). 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (BAH – FA4600-08-D-9000; CSSS.NET – FA4600-08-D-9002; ITT AES – FA4600-08-D-9003; SAIC – FA4600-08-D-9004; CACI – FA4600-08-D-9005).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas, for $13,500,174. This contract action is for procurement of 21 additional depot partnering assessments and the activation activities associated with the following projects: Airframe Mounted Accessory Drive (AMAD); Auxiliary Power Generation Systems (APGS); On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS); and Heads-Down Display (HDD). At this time all funds have been obligated. 478 AESW/PK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2897 P00002).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with TYBRIN Corp., of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for an estimated $11,249,014. This contract modification provides systems engineering and technical assistance support for a variety of research, test and evaluation, and training programs at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The types of support include requirements definition, engineering management, risk reduction, developmental engineering, verification and validation, technical analysis, master planning, program management support, and acquisition management support. At this time $3,017,855 has been obligated. AFFTC/PKTJ, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04611-00-C-0001/P00168).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Graybar Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo. is being awarded a maximum $660,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations for supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising third one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP11).
$320,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO). There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 6 responses. This contract is exercising third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP10).
Universal Sodexho, Tacoma, Wash. is being awarded a maximum $180,000,000.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations for the Korea Zone of the Pacific Region. Other locations of performance are in South Korea. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with four responses. This contract is exercising second option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-05-D-BP07).
Meridian medical Technologies Inc., Columbia, Md. is being awarded a maximum $49,134,996.00 firm fixed price contract for nerve agent antidotes, morphine and related medical services and supplies. Other locations of performance are in Missouri. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.
(SPM200-05-D-0010).
Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $40,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations for supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising third one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP12).
CAM International USA, Inc., Flowery Branch, Ga. is being awarded a minimum $26,681,920.80 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1255).
Icaro Diecisiete, LTDA, Bogota, Colombia is being awarded a minimum $11,867,489.60 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expie at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1256).
Avalon Fuel Limatada, Bogota, Colombia is being awarded a minimum $10,800,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire in the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1254).
S&H Air Land Fuels Co., Inc., Bogota, Colombia is being awarded a minimum $8,752,241.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire in the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1257).
Navy
Straub Construction, Bonsall Calif., is being awarded $21,445,000 for firm-fixed-price design-build task order #0002 under previously awarded contract (N62473-08-D-8610) for site preparation and interim facilities, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. The total task order amount is not to exceed $48,739,188 (base item and seven options). Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This task order was competitively procured under the Commercial and Institutional Building Multiple Award Construction Contract (N62473-07-D-2002) and five proposals were received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $20,477,265 for firm-fixed price task order #0006 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1056) to design and build Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. The Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Building comprises 150 rooms with semi-private bathrooms in the standard 2x0 configuration and telecommunications room. The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to perform all work described in the specifications. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed January 2010. 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.
Cubic Applications, Inc., Lacey, Wash., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $16,324,665 cost-plus-fix-fee contract to provide investigative research and analysis to explore emerging technology and developing proof-of-concept/prototype solutions to the shortfalls in realistic Nuclear, Chemical and Biological training and to enable a single, more realistic operational and training environment for the Live Virtual Constructive. Work will be performed in Shalimar, Fla., and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,020,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement with one offer received. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-C-0024).
3S Group, Inc.,* Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $11,493,819 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed price contract to provide Type 2 Cryptographic Support Servers, Certification Authority Workstations peripherals and associated hardware and software for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., and all Department of Defense services and agencies. Work will be performed in Vienna, Va., and work is expected to be completed July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded after announcement via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6015).
Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) of McLean, Va.; MacAulay Brown, Inc. (MacB) of Dayton, Ohio; Client/Server Software Solutions, Inc. (CSSS.NET) of Bellevue, Neb.; ITT Corp., Advanced Engineering & Sciences Div (ITT AES) of Herndon, Va.; Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) of San Diego, Calif.; and CACI Technologies, Inc. of Chantilly, Va., are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for a maximum of $900 million. The six multiple award ID/IQ contracts are for Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) in support of USSTRATCOM to provide support for necessary information and advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, training and engineering services. The six contracts will have shared capacity of $900 million (maximum) to include the base year and four option years for all contracts combined. At this time no funds have been obligated (obligations will be via task orders). 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (BAH – FA4600-08-D-9000; CSSS.NET – FA4600-08-D-9002; ITT AES – FA4600-08-D-9003; SAIC – FA4600-08-D-9004; CACI – FA4600-08-D-9005).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas, for $13,500,174. This contract action is for procurement of 21 additional depot partnering assessments and the activation activities associated with the following projects: Airframe Mounted Accessory Drive (AMAD); Auxiliary Power Generation Systems (APGS); On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS); and Heads-Down Display (HDD). At this time all funds have been obligated. 478 AESW/PK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2897 P00002).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with TYBRIN Corp., of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for an estimated $11,249,014. This contract modification provides systems engineering and technical assistance support for a variety of research, test and evaluation, and training programs at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The types of support include requirements definition, engineering management, risk reduction, developmental engineering, verification and validation, technical analysis, master planning, program management support, and acquisition management support. At this time $3,017,855 has been obligated. AFFTC/PKTJ, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04611-00-C-0001/P00168).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Graybar Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo. is being awarded a maximum $660,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations for supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising third one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP11).
$320,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO). There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 6 responses. This contract is exercising third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP10).
Universal Sodexho, Tacoma, Wash. is being awarded a maximum $180,000,000.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations for the Korea Zone of the Pacific Region. Other locations of performance are in South Korea. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with four responses. This contract is exercising second option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-05-D-BP07).
Meridian medical Technologies Inc., Columbia, Md. is being awarded a maximum $49,134,996.00 firm fixed price contract for nerve agent antidotes, morphine and related medical services and supplies. Other locations of performance are in Missouri. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.
(SPM200-05-D-0010).
Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $40,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations for supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising third one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP12).
CAM International USA, Inc., Flowery Branch, Ga. is being awarded a minimum $26,681,920.80 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1255).
Icaro Diecisiete, LTDA, Bogota, Colombia is being awarded a minimum $11,867,489.60 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expie at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1256).
Avalon Fuel Limatada, Bogota, Colombia is being awarded a minimum $10,800,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire in the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1254).
S&H Air Land Fuels Co., Inc., Bogota, Colombia is being awarded a minimum $8,752,241.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire in the current fiscal year. The date of performance is July 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1257).
Navy
Straub Construction, Bonsall Calif., is being awarded $21,445,000 for firm-fixed-price design-build task order #0002 under previously awarded contract (N62473-08-D-8610) for site preparation and interim facilities, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. The total task order amount is not to exceed $48,739,188 (base item and seven options). Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This task order was competitively procured under the Commercial and Institutional Building Multiple Award Construction Contract (N62473-07-D-2002) and five proposals were received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $20,477,265 for firm-fixed price task order #0006 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1056) to design and build Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. The Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Building comprises 150 rooms with semi-private bathrooms in the standard 2x0 configuration and telecommunications room. The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to perform all work described in the specifications. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed January 2010. 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.
Cubic Applications, Inc., Lacey, Wash., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $16,324,665 cost-plus-fix-fee contract to provide investigative research and analysis to explore emerging technology and developing proof-of-concept/prototype solutions to the shortfalls in realistic Nuclear, Chemical and Biological training and to enable a single, more realistic operational and training environment for the Live Virtual Constructive. Work will be performed in Shalimar, Fla., and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,020,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement with one offer received. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-C-0024).
3S Group, Inc.,* Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $11,493,819 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed price contract to provide Type 2 Cryptographic Support Servers, Certification Authority Workstations peripherals and associated hardware and software for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., and all Department of Defense services and agencies. Work will be performed in Vienna, Va., and work is expected to be completed July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded after announcement via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6015).
Army Personnel Official Calls Diversity a National Security Issue
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
July 25, 2008 - Ensuring the Army's force is diverse now goes far beyond the initial integration of blacks into the service 60 years ago, the Army's top personnel officer said today. While the presidential order in 1948 desegregating the military was monumental in its time, diversity in the force now takes on a national security context and serves as a combat multiplier on the battlefield, Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, the service's deputy chief of staff for personnel, said.
"We tend to think rather narrowly about diversity sometimes -- it's a black-white or it's a Hispanic-black-white issue. It's not," Rochelle said in an interview at the Pentagon.
"Diversity is a national security issue and one that every one of us should be concerned about, frankly, because it is a force multiplier for our soldiers," he said.
In 2002, as the Army was preparing for the possibility of war in Iraq, the Army's recruiting command was given the mission to recruit Arabic linguists that would be needed for troops on the ground to communicate with local citizens. But the service couldn't recruit and train them fast enough, said Rochelle, who headed the command from 2002 to 2005
"We were somewhat ill-prepared to do that, and it took quite a long time to spin the system up to the point of where we are today," he said.
The Army now has nearly 1,000 Arabic linguists in its ranks, Rochelle said. But this is nearly six years into the war, and the Army needs to be prepared for the next point of conflict, he said.
"Primarily, the question we should ask ourselves is, 'Where may we need those skills tomorrow?' And let's not wait until we are there and our soldiers are having to confront the populations of those locations. Let's reach out," Rochelle said.
"It's really a national security issue that is large; it's complex; ... it's all about ensuring our soldiers are successful wherever our nation sends them," he said.
When Rochelle entered the Army in 1972, there were four African-American generals, he said. Today there are 26. Diversity adds to the strength of the military as a force, and the U.S. Army now serves as a model for diversity for many foreign militaries, he said.
Iraqi forces "marvel" at a typical American infantry squad and how different races and ethnicities work together, the general said.
"America's Army is the best in the world at what we do. And we are significantly the best because of our diversity. Diversity strengthens us," Rochelle said. "It certainly makes us better in terms of bringing together the richness of backgrounds, the richness of language, the richness of culture, and inevitably the outcome of that diversity is a better product."
Before military operations began in Iraq, the Army had seen success in its goal of reflecting the demographics of America as a whole within its ranks. But since then, there has been a slowdown in minority recruits entering the service.
The change is not entirely due to the war, but partially because a boost in the economy led to more opportunities for minorities in employment and higher education, Rochelle said.
Also, part of the problem is that minorities are not equally represented demographically among today's high school and college graduates, Rochelle said.
"The challenge is a national one," he said.
Now, though, minority recruiting numbers are "tipping up," he said.
Even though the Army strives to maintain a diverse fighting and civilian employee force, Rochelle was quick to point out that no special recruiting plans or incentives target minorities.
"There are no quotas; there are no goals with respect to representation in an all-volunteer force. It's just that -- an all-volunteer force," he said.
Instead, the Army tries to encourage potential high school dropouts to stay in school. As an example, in cities around Army installations soldiers serve as mentors, role models and tutors within local school systems, he said.
Also, Army officials position recruiters geographically to ensure they are recruiting within large minority demographics.
"How do we position our recruiters so that, as they go about their normal day-to-day business, the outcome is as close as we can get it to that mirror image of the United States?" Rochelle said.
Another effort is to push messages out to what the Army calls "influencers," or those who have a say in a potential recruit's decision, such as parents, teachers, coaches and relatives.
"The challenge is communicating to the person or persons who influence that young man or woman," Rochelle said.
After six years of war, though, that barrier is becoming harder to break through.
"We live in the richest nation on earth, and if every American simply recognized just how fortunate we are, I think more would be inclined to serve," Rochelle said.
American Forces Press Service
July 25, 2008 - Ensuring the Army's force is diverse now goes far beyond the initial integration of blacks into the service 60 years ago, the Army's top personnel officer said today. While the presidential order in 1948 desegregating the military was monumental in its time, diversity in the force now takes on a national security context and serves as a combat multiplier on the battlefield, Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, the service's deputy chief of staff for personnel, said.
"We tend to think rather narrowly about diversity sometimes -- it's a black-white or it's a Hispanic-black-white issue. It's not," Rochelle said in an interview at the Pentagon.
"Diversity is a national security issue and one that every one of us should be concerned about, frankly, because it is a force multiplier for our soldiers," he said.
In 2002, as the Army was preparing for the possibility of war in Iraq, the Army's recruiting command was given the mission to recruit Arabic linguists that would be needed for troops on the ground to communicate with local citizens. But the service couldn't recruit and train them fast enough, said Rochelle, who headed the command from 2002 to 2005
"We were somewhat ill-prepared to do that, and it took quite a long time to spin the system up to the point of where we are today," he said.
The Army now has nearly 1,000 Arabic linguists in its ranks, Rochelle said. But this is nearly six years into the war, and the Army needs to be prepared for the next point of conflict, he said.
"Primarily, the question we should ask ourselves is, 'Where may we need those skills tomorrow?' And let's not wait until we are there and our soldiers are having to confront the populations of those locations. Let's reach out," Rochelle said.
"It's really a national security issue that is large; it's complex; ... it's all about ensuring our soldiers are successful wherever our nation sends them," he said.
When Rochelle entered the Army in 1972, there were four African-American generals, he said. Today there are 26. Diversity adds to the strength of the military as a force, and the U.S. Army now serves as a model for diversity for many foreign militaries, he said.
Iraqi forces "marvel" at a typical American infantry squad and how different races and ethnicities work together, the general said.
"America's Army is the best in the world at what we do. And we are significantly the best because of our diversity. Diversity strengthens us," Rochelle said. "It certainly makes us better in terms of bringing together the richness of backgrounds, the richness of language, the richness of culture, and inevitably the outcome of that diversity is a better product."
Before military operations began in Iraq, the Army had seen success in its goal of reflecting the demographics of America as a whole within its ranks. But since then, there has been a slowdown in minority recruits entering the service.
The change is not entirely due to the war, but partially because a boost in the economy led to more opportunities for minorities in employment and higher education, Rochelle said.
Also, part of the problem is that minorities are not equally represented demographically among today's high school and college graduates, Rochelle said.
"The challenge is a national one," he said.
Now, though, minority recruiting numbers are "tipping up," he said.
Even though the Army strives to maintain a diverse fighting and civilian employee force, Rochelle was quick to point out that no special recruiting plans or incentives target minorities.
"There are no quotas; there are no goals with respect to representation in an all-volunteer force. It's just that -- an all-volunteer force," he said.
Instead, the Army tries to encourage potential high school dropouts to stay in school. As an example, in cities around Army installations soldiers serve as mentors, role models and tutors within local school systems, he said.
Also, Army officials position recruiters geographically to ensure they are recruiting within large minority demographics.
"How do we position our recruiters so that, as they go about their normal day-to-day business, the outcome is as close as we can get it to that mirror image of the United States?" Rochelle said.
Another effort is to push messages out to what the Army calls "influencers," or those who have a say in a potential recruit's decision, such as parents, teachers, coaches and relatives.
"The challenge is communicating to the person or persons who influence that young man or woman," Rochelle said.
After six years of war, though, that barrier is becoming harder to break through.
"We live in the richest nation on earth, and if every American simply recognized just how fortunate we are, I think more would be inclined to serve," Rochelle said.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Soldier Missing in Action from Korean War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office 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 Master Sgt. Cirildo Valencio, U.S. Army, of Carrizo Springs, Texas. He will be buried on Aug. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with Valencio's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
Valencio was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then occupying a defensive position near Unsan, North Korea in an area known as the "Camel's Head." On Nov. 1, 1950, parts of two Chinese Communist Forces divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division's lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. In the process, the 3rd Battalion was surrounded and effectively ceased to exist as a fighting unit. Valencio was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.
In 2002, a joint U.S.-Democratic People's Republic of Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a burial site south of Unsan near the nose of the "Camel's Head" formed by the joining of the Nammyon and Kuryong rivers. The team recovered human remains.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.
He is Master Sgt. Cirildo Valencio, U.S. Army, of Carrizo Springs, Texas. He will be buried on Aug. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with Valencio's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
Valencio was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then occupying a defensive position near Unsan, North Korea in an area known as the "Camel's Head." On Nov. 1, 1950, parts of two Chinese Communist Forces divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division's lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. In the process, the 3rd Battalion was surrounded and effectively ceased to exist as a fighting unit. Valencio was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.
In 2002, a joint U.S.-Democratic People's Republic of Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a burial site south of Unsan near the nose of the "Camel's Head" formed by the joining of the Nammyon and Kuryong rivers. The team recovered human remains.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.
America Supports You: Contest Brings Kudos to Teen, Support Group
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2008 - The founder of a Texas-based troop-support group proved volunteer work can be glamorous when she was chosen as one of five winners of a contest to honor women involved in their communities. Tania Foster, founder of "Dallas is Love," was flipping through a magazine when she saw information about the contest.
"I have a subscription to Glamour magazine, and about a year ago I applied for a contest listed in the magazine for the Sally Hansen [beauty products company's] 'Best of You' contest," she said. "Sally Hansen sponsored the award and partnered with Glamour to fly all five winners to New York to participate in a photo shoot and meet representatives from both Glamour and Sally Hansen."
The trip to the "Big Apple" wasn't all business, however. Foster and her mother took time to see "Chicago" on Broadway and do a little shopping before heading home.
"I would have to say the best part was being able to share the experience with the other four winners, as well as meeting the amazing people from Glamour and Sally Hansen," she said.
That opinion might change once the September issue featuring the winners hits the newsstands.
"Through our trip to New York, Dallas is Love gained a ... sponsorship from Sally Hansen, and hopefully the article in Glamour reaches many people that don't know about Dallas is Love," Foster said. "[I hope] we will reach our goal of being nationwide."
The sponsorship resulted in a large donation of Sally Hansen products to Dallas is Love, which will get them into the hands of deployed servicewomen. That will be in addition to the organization's regular mission of providing Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards to deployed servicemembers.
The organization is preparing for the upcoming holiday season and is hoping for public support so it can send "tons of AAFES gift cards to troops worldwide," Foster said.
The organization is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2008 - The founder of a Texas-based troop-support group proved volunteer work can be glamorous when she was chosen as one of five winners of a contest to honor women involved in their communities. Tania Foster, founder of "Dallas is Love," was flipping through a magazine when she saw information about the contest.
"I have a subscription to Glamour magazine, and about a year ago I applied for a contest listed in the magazine for the Sally Hansen [beauty products company's] 'Best of You' contest," she said. "Sally Hansen sponsored the award and partnered with Glamour to fly all five winners to New York to participate in a photo shoot and meet representatives from both Glamour and Sally Hansen."
The trip to the "Big Apple" wasn't all business, however. Foster and her mother took time to see "Chicago" on Broadway and do a little shopping before heading home.
"I would have to say the best part was being able to share the experience with the other four winners, as well as meeting the amazing people from Glamour and Sally Hansen," she said.
That opinion might change once the September issue featuring the winners hits the newsstands.
"Through our trip to New York, Dallas is Love gained a ... sponsorship from Sally Hansen, and hopefully the article in Glamour reaches many people that don't know about Dallas is Love," Foster said. "[I hope] we will reach our goal of being nationwide."
The sponsorship resulted in a large donation of Sally Hansen products to Dallas is Love, which will get them into the hands of deployed servicewomen. That will be in addition to the organization's regular mission of providing Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards to deployed servicemembers.
The organization is preparing for the upcoming holiday season and is hoping for public support so it can send "tons of AAFES gift cards to troops worldwide," Foster said.
The organization is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 24, 2008
Army
SRCTec, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, a $159,011,900 firm-fixed price contract for adjunct systems as a result of an engineering change proposal. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jul. 18, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-05-D-S205).
Canadian Commercial Corp., Ontario, Canada, was awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, a $15,778,311 firm-fixed price contract for MRAP sustainment spare parts. Work will be performed in Guateng, South Africa, Trenton, N.J., and Ontario, Canada, and is expected to be completed by Jul. 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 17, 2008. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0514).
BAE Survivability Systems, LLC, Fairfield, Ohio, was awarded on Jul. 22, 2008, a $15, 301,626 firm-fixed price contract for M1116 and M1114s with gun shield. Work will be performed in Fairfield, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Apr. 10, 2000. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-C-S019).
Trevicos and Soletanche, in a joint venture, were awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, an $8,000,000 firm-fixed price best value contract for the construction of a sub-surface seepage wall barrier to address foundation seepage problems. Work will be performed at the Wolf Creek Dam Seepage Project, Jamestown, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 10, 2007, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville, Tenn., is the contracting activity (W912P5-08-C-0008).
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, for and estimated $18,495,272. This Foreign Military Sales contract is for the modification of Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S aircraft maintenance trainer and integrated avionics trainer devices to provide for General Electric re-engine training capability. At this time all funds have been obligated. 558 ACSG/PK, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8223-08-C-0006).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery, requirements contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for and estimated $15,156,632. This contract action is for U.S. Coast Guard small boats acquisition program analysis. At this time $1,449,275 is being obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO 0260).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for and estimated $6,986,978. This contract action is for submarine exercise and tactical operation analysis for survivability and combat effectiveness. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, Delivery Order 0256).
NAVY
Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc., Bellingham Wash., is being awarded a $12,824,070 firm-fixed-priced order no. M67854-08-F-5038 under GSA contract no. GS-07-F-0133M for 42 bridge erection boats, 42 trailers, 42 technical manuals, and 42 warranties. Work will be performed in Bellingham Wash., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competed on GSA. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
SRCTec, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, a $159,011,900 firm-fixed price contract for adjunct systems as a result of an engineering change proposal. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jul. 18, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-05-D-S205).
Canadian Commercial Corp., Ontario, Canada, was awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, a $15,778,311 firm-fixed price contract for MRAP sustainment spare parts. Work will be performed in Guateng, South Africa, Trenton, N.J., and Ontario, Canada, and is expected to be completed by Jul. 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 17, 2008. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0514).
BAE Survivability Systems, LLC, Fairfield, Ohio, was awarded on Jul. 22, 2008, a $15, 301,626 firm-fixed price contract for M1116 and M1114s with gun shield. Work will be performed in Fairfield, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Apr. 10, 2000. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-C-S019).
Trevicos and Soletanche, in a joint venture, were awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, an $8,000,000 firm-fixed price best value contract for the construction of a sub-surface seepage wall barrier to address foundation seepage problems. Work will be performed at the Wolf Creek Dam Seepage Project, Jamestown, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 10, 2007, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville, Tenn., is the contracting activity (W912P5-08-C-0008).
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, for and estimated $18,495,272. This Foreign Military Sales contract is for the modification of Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S aircraft maintenance trainer and integrated avionics trainer devices to provide for General Electric re-engine training capability. At this time all funds have been obligated. 558 ACSG/PK, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8223-08-C-0006).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery, requirements contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for and estimated $15,156,632. This contract action is for U.S. Coast Guard small boats acquisition program analysis. At this time $1,449,275 is being obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO 0260).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., for and estimated $6,986,978. This contract action is for submarine exercise and tactical operation analysis for survivability and combat effectiveness. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, Delivery Order 0256).
NAVY
Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc., Bellingham Wash., is being awarded a $12,824,070 firm-fixed-priced order no. M67854-08-F-5038 under GSA contract no. GS-07-F-0133M for 42 bridge erection boats, 42 trailers, 42 technical manuals, and 42 warranties. Work will be performed in Bellingham Wash., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competed on GSA. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Marksman Soldiers Prepare for Olympics
By Paula J. Randall
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2008 - Six soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit are living out their wildest dreams. Maj. Michael E. Anti, Sgt. 1st Class Jason A. Parker, Sgt. 1st Class Daryl L. Szarenski, Spc. Walton Glenn Eller III, Spc. Jeffrey G. Holguin and Pfc. Vincent C. Hancock made the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and will represent the United States at the Olympics Games in Beijing in August.
"The first time I watched the Olympics on TV, I knew I wanted to be an Olympian," said Anti, who won a Silver Medal in the 2004 Olympics. "I have been to three Olympics, all of which have been an amazing experience."
Anti, 43, who joined the Army in January 1988, is attached to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit through the World Class Athlete Program. The infantry officer, from Winterville, N.C., outshot 48 competitors to make the Olympic Team in prone rifle. Competitors in prone rifle lie on their stomachs and shoot .22-caliber rifles at targets 50 meters away. The bull's eye is 10.4 millimeters wide -- much smaller than a dime.
Parker, 34, is a 2008, 2004 and 2000 air rifle Olympian. This year, he defeated 34 competitors to make the Olympic Team in men's air rifle, in which competitors shoot lead pellets from .177-caliber guns at targets 10 meters away. The bull's eye is a half millimeter wide, the size of the period at the end of this sentence. He finished in eighth place at the 2004 Games and in fifth place in 2000, missing an Olympic medal by seven tenths of a point.
"It has been a goal of mine since I was a kid to be an Olympic gold medalist," Parker said. "The Army and the Army Marksmanship Unit have provided me with everything I've needed to be successful -- the best coaches, gunsmiths and equipment -- but it also has taken a lot of hard work and dedication."
Parker, who joined the Army in January 1997, made the Olympic Team in men's three-position rifle, in which competitors shoot the same rifles at the same targets as in prone rifle, except they shoot in three positions: standing, kneeling and prone. The Omaha, Neb., native said he feels confident about his chances for a medal in Beijing.
"I have more experience and better equipment this time around," Parker explained. "My coaches have prepared me for a successful Olympic Games, and the AMU gunsmiths have found the best possible rifle and ammunition for me to use."
Holguin, 29, from Yorba Linda, Calif., joined the Army in September 2006 along with his friend Eller. Holguin and Eller defeated 12 competitors to get on the Olympic double trap team.
In double trap, competitors fire their shotguns at two clay targets thrown simultaneously from an underground bunker at speeds up to 50 mph; competitors get one shot per target.
"The hardest part of this Olympic experience is waiting for the day to get here," Holguin said. "I wanted to compete at the highest level of clay target shooting; to do that, I had to commit myself to the sport. The U.S. Army and the USAMU have given me the necessary resources to compete and win at the level required to win an Olympic medal."
A Katy, Texas, native, Eller, 26, will be competing in his third Olympics in double trap. He finished in 17th place in 2004 and in 12th place in 2000. He joined the Army in September 2006.
"Growing up, I had always wanted to be an Olympian," Eller said. "The Olympics were greater in every aspect than I had anticipated, both in highs and lows. The emotions involved are so great because of the years of training that go into that one day of competition.
"I joined the Army to better myself as a person and as a soldier," Eller continued. "It is my way to serve the country in a time of war and to continue my Olympic career."
Hancock, of Eatonton, Ga., joined the Army Reserve in June 2006. As a junior in high school, he went through basic training and then returned to school to finish his senior year. After he graduated, Hancock went to his advanced individual training and then joined the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.
The 19-year-old triumphed over 65 competitors to make the skeet Olympic Team. In skeet, competitors fire their shotguns at clay targets thrown from high and low houses at 55 mph.
"I wanted to be an Olympian because it is the pinnacle of all competition in sports," Hancock said. "The Army and the Army Marksmanship Unit have given me the opportunity to do what I love and the means to do it. They have made me more determined to achieve my goal of a gold medal.
"I joined to be part of a team of soldiers helping to bring our country medals and wins," Hancock continued. "The shotgun team has the best marksmen in the world, and being a part of that team helped me to become the best I can be."
Szarenski, 40, also competed in the 2004 and 2000 Olympics. He finished in 13th place in air pistol and 15th place in free pistol in 2004, which was a great improvement over his 25th place finish in free pistol in 2000.
"The high point of my Olympic experience was just being able to shoot at the Olympics, and the low point was the disappointment of not getting a medal when I thought I shot a good performance," Szarenski said. "I felt that I had the ability to win the Olympics, but things had to go right; unfortunately they didn't."
The Saginaw, Mich., native joined the Army in October 1991. After three days and 200 shots of grueling competition at the Olympic trials last month, it came down to the last shot, but Szarenski prevailed to beat 25 competitors and make the Olympic Team. In free pistol, competitors shoot .22-caliber pistols from 50 meters away at bull's eye targets with a center about 50 millimeters in diameter.
"Staying focused on the competition and not being carried away with the hype of the Olympics will be the hardest part of the Games," Szarenski said, "but the training, mindset and events that I have won are what is going to help me in this Olympics. I have always loved shooting, and winning the Olympics is the pinnacle of the sport."
(Paula J. Randall works at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Accessions Support Brigade.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2008 - Six soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit are living out their wildest dreams. Maj. Michael E. Anti, Sgt. 1st Class Jason A. Parker, Sgt. 1st Class Daryl L. Szarenski, Spc. Walton Glenn Eller III, Spc. Jeffrey G. Holguin and Pfc. Vincent C. Hancock made the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and will represent the United States at the Olympics Games in Beijing in August.
"The first time I watched the Olympics on TV, I knew I wanted to be an Olympian," said Anti, who won a Silver Medal in the 2004 Olympics. "I have been to three Olympics, all of which have been an amazing experience."
Anti, 43, who joined the Army in January 1988, is attached to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit through the World Class Athlete Program. The infantry officer, from Winterville, N.C., outshot 48 competitors to make the Olympic Team in prone rifle. Competitors in prone rifle lie on their stomachs and shoot .22-caliber rifles at targets 50 meters away. The bull's eye is 10.4 millimeters wide -- much smaller than a dime.
Parker, 34, is a 2008, 2004 and 2000 air rifle Olympian. This year, he defeated 34 competitors to make the Olympic Team in men's air rifle, in which competitors shoot lead pellets from .177-caliber guns at targets 10 meters away. The bull's eye is a half millimeter wide, the size of the period at the end of this sentence. He finished in eighth place at the 2004 Games and in fifth place in 2000, missing an Olympic medal by seven tenths of a point.
"It has been a goal of mine since I was a kid to be an Olympic gold medalist," Parker said. "The Army and the Army Marksmanship Unit have provided me with everything I've needed to be successful -- the best coaches, gunsmiths and equipment -- but it also has taken a lot of hard work and dedication."
Parker, who joined the Army in January 1997, made the Olympic Team in men's three-position rifle, in which competitors shoot the same rifles at the same targets as in prone rifle, except they shoot in three positions: standing, kneeling and prone. The Omaha, Neb., native said he feels confident about his chances for a medal in Beijing.
"I have more experience and better equipment this time around," Parker explained. "My coaches have prepared me for a successful Olympic Games, and the AMU gunsmiths have found the best possible rifle and ammunition for me to use."
Holguin, 29, from Yorba Linda, Calif., joined the Army in September 2006 along with his friend Eller. Holguin and Eller defeated 12 competitors to get on the Olympic double trap team.
In double trap, competitors fire their shotguns at two clay targets thrown simultaneously from an underground bunker at speeds up to 50 mph; competitors get one shot per target.
"The hardest part of this Olympic experience is waiting for the day to get here," Holguin said. "I wanted to compete at the highest level of clay target shooting; to do that, I had to commit myself to the sport. The U.S. Army and the USAMU have given me the necessary resources to compete and win at the level required to win an Olympic medal."
A Katy, Texas, native, Eller, 26, will be competing in his third Olympics in double trap. He finished in 17th place in 2004 and in 12th place in 2000. He joined the Army in September 2006.
"Growing up, I had always wanted to be an Olympian," Eller said. "The Olympics were greater in every aspect than I had anticipated, both in highs and lows. The emotions involved are so great because of the years of training that go into that one day of competition.
"I joined the Army to better myself as a person and as a soldier," Eller continued. "It is my way to serve the country in a time of war and to continue my Olympic career."
Hancock, of Eatonton, Ga., joined the Army Reserve in June 2006. As a junior in high school, he went through basic training and then returned to school to finish his senior year. After he graduated, Hancock went to his advanced individual training and then joined the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.
The 19-year-old triumphed over 65 competitors to make the skeet Olympic Team. In skeet, competitors fire their shotguns at clay targets thrown from high and low houses at 55 mph.
"I wanted to be an Olympian because it is the pinnacle of all competition in sports," Hancock said. "The Army and the Army Marksmanship Unit have given me the opportunity to do what I love and the means to do it. They have made me more determined to achieve my goal of a gold medal.
"I joined to be part of a team of soldiers helping to bring our country medals and wins," Hancock continued. "The shotgun team has the best marksmen in the world, and being a part of that team helped me to become the best I can be."
Szarenski, 40, also competed in the 2004 and 2000 Olympics. He finished in 13th place in air pistol and 15th place in free pistol in 2004, which was a great improvement over his 25th place finish in free pistol in 2000.
"The high point of my Olympic experience was just being able to shoot at the Olympics, and the low point was the disappointment of not getting a medal when I thought I shot a good performance," Szarenski said. "I felt that I had the ability to win the Olympics, but things had to go right; unfortunately they didn't."
The Saginaw, Mich., native joined the Army in October 1991. After three days and 200 shots of grueling competition at the Olympic trials last month, it came down to the last shot, but Szarenski prevailed to beat 25 competitors and make the Olympic Team. In free pistol, competitors shoot .22-caliber pistols from 50 meters away at bull's eye targets with a center about 50 millimeters in diameter.
"Staying focused on the competition and not being carried away with the hype of the Olympics will be the hardest part of the Games," Szarenski said, "but the training, mindset and events that I have won are what is going to help me in this Olympics. I have always loved shooting, and winning the Olympics is the pinnacle of the sport."
(Paula J. Randall works at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Accessions Support Brigade.)
Historian Charts Six Decades of Racial Integration in U.S. Military
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 23, 2008 - July 26 marks the 60th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman's executive order that integrated the U.S. armed forces. Conrad Crane, director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., said the order recognized a basic tenet of warfare.
"When your life depends on your buddy, the color of their skin tends to become less important; it's how good they are," he said.
The order came five years before the Supreme Court's decision in Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education that struck down the idea of "separate, but equal" and ushered in integration of American schools.
Looking back on the order after 60 years, one might think it was a slam-dunk decision, but it was not. In fact, Truman and Defense Secretary James Forrestal were about the only two U.S. leaders who favored the proposal.
"Everyone expected Truman to lose the 1948 election," Crane said in a telephone interview from his office. "The Navy and Air Force already had plans to integrate, but the Army maintained a rigid policy of segregation."
The executive order didn't really change much at first, Crane said. It took a war for integration to become a reality.
"Both the Army and Marine Corps integrated because of the Korean War," Crane said. "That's because in combat they became desperate for troops, and they found that black soldiers fight better in integrated units. The pressures of combat and the need to find people to fight is what really pushed the Army and Marine Corps into it."
The Army integrated in Korea before it did in noncombat areas. Fort Benning, Ga., and other posts in the United States still were segregated, as were units in Europe and areas of the Pacific, Crane said.
But the war changed that, and by 1953, 95 percent of African-American servicemembers were serving as members of integrated units.
But while the posts were integrated, going off post meant going back to a segregated world. In the 1950s, blacks and whites used separate drinking fountains and bathrooms. Schools, transportation systems, theaters and sporting events all were segregated.
The education system worked against African-Americans when they were drafted or enlisted in the military. The Army classification system sent soldiers with the highest scores to service units and those with lower scores to combat units.
"African-Americans did not have the educational opportunities in the civilian world," Crane said. "We know now that the tests themselves were culturally unfair, and these educational inequalities continued through Vietnam."
African-Americans took a slightly higher rate of casualties during the Vietnam War than their percentage of the U.S. population – 13.5 percent of casualties, 11 percent of the population – and this became a bone of contention.
From the 1960s through the early 1970s, race relations in the military mirrored those of society in general. Race riots occurred in the streets of America and on military bases around the world.
But the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973 helped break the cycle, as all members of the military wanted to be in the service. The military offered many African-Americans a way out of poverty, Crane said.
"In the 1970s, there were all kinds of racial problems," he said. "But as society settled down, the situation in the military improved. You can't break the link between the Army and the society it serves.
"Having said that, the military should get credit for its integration policies," he continued.
The military instituted orders forbidding discrimination. All servicemembers went to classes, and as a new generation of African-American commissioned and noncommissioned officers rose to positions of responsibility, it became commonplace for white servicemembers to serve under black leaders.
"When the military puts out orders for racial awareness programs, everybody does it," Crane said. "And there is immediate and nasty retribution for anyone who breaks the tenets, as well. The military maintains discipline."
By the 1980s, the public viewed the U.S. military as a true meritocracy, where integration actually worked, Crane noted.
"And that perception reinforced the reality," he said. "And when [Army Gen.] Colin Powell becomes chairman of the Joint Chiefs, it's a pretty amazing statement to the world at large and the military specifically." Today, it is accepted in the military that "you will work for black officers or NCOs," Crane said.
African-Americans make up roughly 17 percent of today's military. In addition to serving their country, black servicemembers see the military as a place to gain an education and learn skills.
The military is not perfect, and there are ugly racial incidents occasionally, but the problem is not systemic, Crane said. The military simply does not tolerate discrimination.
"The military is quick to respond to problems," he said. "Prejudice is far more prevalent outside [the military] than in."
Today, platoons patrolling in Mosul or Kandahar show Iraqis and Afghans the benefits of diversity and the ability of many different people to work together.
The lesson of the history of integration in the military really comes down to individuals of all races making moral decisions, Crane said.
"If you force people together, they figure out how to get along," he said. "It's as true on the streets of Baghdad or the mountains of Afghanistan as it was on the frontlines of Korea."
American Forces Press Service
July 23, 2008 - July 26 marks the 60th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman's executive order that integrated the U.S. armed forces. Conrad Crane, director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., said the order recognized a basic tenet of warfare.
"When your life depends on your buddy, the color of their skin tends to become less important; it's how good they are," he said.
The order came five years before the Supreme Court's decision in Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education that struck down the idea of "separate, but equal" and ushered in integration of American schools.
Looking back on the order after 60 years, one might think it was a slam-dunk decision, but it was not. In fact, Truman and Defense Secretary James Forrestal were about the only two U.S. leaders who favored the proposal.
"Everyone expected Truman to lose the 1948 election," Crane said in a telephone interview from his office. "The Navy and Air Force already had plans to integrate, but the Army maintained a rigid policy of segregation."
The executive order didn't really change much at first, Crane said. It took a war for integration to become a reality.
"Both the Army and Marine Corps integrated because of the Korean War," Crane said. "That's because in combat they became desperate for troops, and they found that black soldiers fight better in integrated units. The pressures of combat and the need to find people to fight is what really pushed the Army and Marine Corps into it."
The Army integrated in Korea before it did in noncombat areas. Fort Benning, Ga., and other posts in the United States still were segregated, as were units in Europe and areas of the Pacific, Crane said.
But the war changed that, and by 1953, 95 percent of African-American servicemembers were serving as members of integrated units.
But while the posts were integrated, going off post meant going back to a segregated world. In the 1950s, blacks and whites used separate drinking fountains and bathrooms. Schools, transportation systems, theaters and sporting events all were segregated.
The education system worked against African-Americans when they were drafted or enlisted in the military. The Army classification system sent soldiers with the highest scores to service units and those with lower scores to combat units.
"African-Americans did not have the educational opportunities in the civilian world," Crane said. "We know now that the tests themselves were culturally unfair, and these educational inequalities continued through Vietnam."
African-Americans took a slightly higher rate of casualties during the Vietnam War than their percentage of the U.S. population – 13.5 percent of casualties, 11 percent of the population – and this became a bone of contention.
From the 1960s through the early 1970s, race relations in the military mirrored those of society in general. Race riots occurred in the streets of America and on military bases around the world.
But the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973 helped break the cycle, as all members of the military wanted to be in the service. The military offered many African-Americans a way out of poverty, Crane said.
"In the 1970s, there were all kinds of racial problems," he said. "But as society settled down, the situation in the military improved. You can't break the link between the Army and the society it serves.
"Having said that, the military should get credit for its integration policies," he continued.
The military instituted orders forbidding discrimination. All servicemembers went to classes, and as a new generation of African-American commissioned and noncommissioned officers rose to positions of responsibility, it became commonplace for white servicemembers to serve under black leaders.
"When the military puts out orders for racial awareness programs, everybody does it," Crane said. "And there is immediate and nasty retribution for anyone who breaks the tenets, as well. The military maintains discipline."
By the 1980s, the public viewed the U.S. military as a true meritocracy, where integration actually worked, Crane noted.
"And that perception reinforced the reality," he said. "And when [Army Gen.] Colin Powell becomes chairman of the Joint Chiefs, it's a pretty amazing statement to the world at large and the military specifically." Today, it is accepted in the military that "you will work for black officers or NCOs," Crane said.
African-Americans make up roughly 17 percent of today's military. In addition to serving their country, black servicemembers see the military as a place to gain an education and learn skills.
The military is not perfect, and there are ugly racial incidents occasionally, but the problem is not systemic, Crane said. The military simply does not tolerate discrimination.
"The military is quick to respond to problems," he said. "Prejudice is far more prevalent outside [the military] than in."
Today, platoons patrolling in Mosul or Kandahar show Iraqis and Afghans the benefits of diversity and the ability of many different people to work together.
The lesson of the history of integration in the military really comes down to individuals of all races making moral decisions, Crane said.
"If you force people together, they figure out how to get along," he said. "It's as true on the streets of Baghdad or the mountains of Afghanistan as it was on the frontlines of Korea."
President Truman Championed Military Integration
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 23, 2008 - The idea that President Harry S. Truman would integrate the armed forces in 1948 was counterintuitive. Truman, after all, was the product of a segregated society in Missouri. He served as an artillery captain in the segregated World War I Army. He had a reputation as a machine politician who didn't rock the boat.
There was really nothing in his biography to suggest he would champion integration.
Yet less than four months before the 1948 presidential election, Truman signed Executive Order 9981.
"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin," the July 26, 1948, executive order read in part.
The sweeping change virtually guaranteed that Truman would not win the so-called "Solid South" in the elections. The Southern states were reliable wins for Democratic politicians at the time. Truman's stand on race relations caused many politicians to bolt the Democratic Party and run as "Dixiecrats."
Strom Thurmond -- who later would represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate for almost a half century -- opposed Truman in the election, garnering 39 electoral votes as the candidate for the segregationist States Rights Democratic Party.
New York Gov. Thomas E. Dewey, the Republican nominee, was considered a shoo-in for election. Thurmond took four states that normally would have voted Democratic in the November election, but Truman still won.
Through the next four years, Truman battled with military and civilian leaders to ensure they carried out Executive Order 9981. The Truman order was a landmark in American history. It intimated that separate was not equal five years before the Supreme Court agreed.
American Forces Press Service
July 23, 2008 - The idea that President Harry S. Truman would integrate the armed forces in 1948 was counterintuitive. Truman, after all, was the product of a segregated society in Missouri. He served as an artillery captain in the segregated World War I Army. He had a reputation as a machine politician who didn't rock the boat.
There was really nothing in his biography to suggest he would champion integration.
Yet less than four months before the 1948 presidential election, Truman signed Executive Order 9981.
"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin," the July 26, 1948, executive order read in part.
The sweeping change virtually guaranteed that Truman would not win the so-called "Solid South" in the elections. The Southern states were reliable wins for Democratic politicians at the time. Truman's stand on race relations caused many politicians to bolt the Democratic Party and run as "Dixiecrats."
Strom Thurmond -- who later would represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate for almost a half century -- opposed Truman in the election, garnering 39 electoral votes as the candidate for the segregationist States Rights Democratic Party.
New York Gov. Thomas E. Dewey, the Republican nominee, was considered a shoo-in for election. Thurmond took four states that normally would have voted Democratic in the November election, but Truman still won.
Through the next four years, Truman battled with military and civilian leaders to ensure they carried out Executive Order 9981. The Truman order was a landmark in American history. It intimated that separate was not equal five years before the Supreme Court agreed.
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