The Army announced today the decision to relocate Headquarters, Army Contracting Command and Headquarters, Expeditionary Contracting Command from Fort Belvoir, Va., to Redstone Arsenal, Ala. These force structure actions will result in the reassignment of 79 soldiers and 234 civilians to Redstone Arsenal. The move is expected to be completed in August 2011. Headquarters, Army Contracting Command provides global contracting support to combatant commanders, and Headquarters, Expeditionary Contracting Command plans and executes contracting support for Army service component commanders in support of Army and joint operations. Headquarters, Expeditionary Contracting Command also provides support for multi-national contracting requirements.
Both contracting commands will collocate with the U.S. Army Materiel Command and the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, which are also moving to Redstone Arsenal as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
The collocation of these organizations will serve to improve the integration of contracting services within the continental United States, overseas installations, and theater operations.
Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, 703-614-2487, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army
Thursday, January 07, 2010
F-15s Scramble to Escort Hawaiian Airlines Flight
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 7, 2010 - Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 fighters, under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command, intercepted Hawaiian Airlines Flight 39 yesterday after a passenger caused a disturbance on the plane and the pilot decided to return the aircraft to Portland. The F-15s, stationed at Portland Air National Guard Base, escorted the aircraft until it landed at Portland International Airport without incident at about 1:15 p.m. PST, where the plane was met by law enforcement and the Transportation Security Administration.
The Oregon National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing guards the skies from northern California to the Canadian border on 24-hour alert as part of the North American Air Defense system. The F-15 fighter jets become a federal asset once alerted, placing them under presidential authority, officials said.
(From an Oregon National Guard news release.)
U.S. Army Africa Focuses on Long-term Threat Reduction
By Ian Graham
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 6, 2010 - Since the thwarted terrorist attack against Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on Christmas Day, news reports detailed the possibilities of security threats from Africa. Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa, spoke to that topic and his unit's ongoing initiatives during a Jan. 5 "DoDLive" Blogger's Roundtable.
In the past year, U.S. Army Africa has built relationships with African partner nations that will set conditions for ongoing security threats on the continent, said Garrett, speaking via teleconference from the command's headquarters in Vicenza, Italy.
"U.S. Army Africa, as the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command, enables full-spectrum operations while conducting sustained security engagement with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace," Garrett said.
The work of U.S. Army Africa soldiers and civilians includes small advise-and-assist teams with niche capabilities to help partner nations in a variety of mentorship programs that build African capacity in everything from security and logistics to small-unit operations and leadership development.
With some African countries in on-going turmoil, assisting partner nations to establish effective security is key to U.S. Army Africa's efforts, Garrett said. The command shares its responsibilities with a host of partners, including national and international agencies, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the African Union.
The command conducts sustained security engagements in Africa as part of a comprehensive approach to making the nations self-sustaining in their security, Garrett said.
"This approach is especially important when we're discussing transnational threats that can form parasitic relationships with weak or ineffective governments, insurgencies or criminal organizations," he said.
U.S. Army Africa's job, however, is not to take over security operations across the continent. Nor is it to make African land forces into U.S. Army-style military units, which might be inappropriate or counterproductive to a partner nation's needs, the general said.
The U.S. Army's role is to help strengthen the capabilities and capacity of its partners in Africa.
"Professional military education is and will be the U.S. Army's Number One engagement tool in Africa," he said. "[It] gives us the biggest bang for the buck, allowing us to help build entire generations of leaders at relatively low costs."
Such education programs are "a hit," Garrett said, whether conducted in the United States during immersion programs or in classrooms in Africa. Often that means peer-to-peer environments.
"Wherever we go, our soldiers typically teach, coach, mentor, advise and assist," he said.
No single approach is correct when facing threats on a continent as diverse as Africa, Garrett said. During interactions with African forces, learning extends to both sides of the partnership, with U.S. soldiers often gaining a broader perspective from their African counterparts, he said.
"In the end, our partners may not choose to emulate us, but my bet is some mutual respect is in place," he said. "More importantly, we've built up some trust, the one thing that can change everything."
(Ian Graham is assigned to Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media Directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 6, 2010 - Since the thwarted terrorist attack against Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on Christmas Day, news reports detailed the possibilities of security threats from Africa. Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa, spoke to that topic and his unit's ongoing initiatives during a Jan. 5 "DoDLive" Blogger's Roundtable.
In the past year, U.S. Army Africa has built relationships with African partner nations that will set conditions for ongoing security threats on the continent, said Garrett, speaking via teleconference from the command's headquarters in Vicenza, Italy.
"U.S. Army Africa, as the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command, enables full-spectrum operations while conducting sustained security engagement with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace," Garrett said.
The work of U.S. Army Africa soldiers and civilians includes small advise-and-assist teams with niche capabilities to help partner nations in a variety of mentorship programs that build African capacity in everything from security and logistics to small-unit operations and leadership development.
With some African countries in on-going turmoil, assisting partner nations to establish effective security is key to U.S. Army Africa's efforts, Garrett said. The command shares its responsibilities with a host of partners, including national and international agencies, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the African Union.
The command conducts sustained security engagements in Africa as part of a comprehensive approach to making the nations self-sustaining in their security, Garrett said.
"This approach is especially important when we're discussing transnational threats that can form parasitic relationships with weak or ineffective governments, insurgencies or criminal organizations," he said.
U.S. Army Africa's job, however, is not to take over security operations across the continent. Nor is it to make African land forces into U.S. Army-style military units, which might be inappropriate or counterproductive to a partner nation's needs, the general said.
The U.S. Army's role is to help strengthen the capabilities and capacity of its partners in Africa.
"Professional military education is and will be the U.S. Army's Number One engagement tool in Africa," he said. "[It] gives us the biggest bang for the buck, allowing us to help build entire generations of leaders at relatively low costs."
Such education programs are "a hit," Garrett said, whether conducted in the United States during immersion programs or in classrooms in Africa. Often that means peer-to-peer environments.
"Wherever we go, our soldiers typically teach, coach, mentor, advise and assist," he said.
No single approach is correct when facing threats on a continent as diverse as Africa, Garrett said. During interactions with African forces, learning extends to both sides of the partnership, with U.S. soldiers often gaining a broader perspective from their African counterparts, he said.
"In the end, our partners may not choose to emulate us, but my bet is some mutual respect is in place," he said. "More importantly, we've built up some trust, the one thing that can change everything."
(Ian Graham is assigned to Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media Directorate.)
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
No Need to Feel SAD During the Winter
January 06, 2010: Occasionally feeling depressed is normal. Everyone has days when they feel low, irritable or sad, but these moods usually last a few days and As the season changes and the days get shorter, some people develop symptoms of depression. Sadness and lack of energy and motivation are not a normal part of the transition to fall and winter, however, studies show an increase in these symptoms during darker months.
This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it usually happens during the winter. Symptoms of winter SAD normally begin in October or November and end in March or April.
The symptoms of SAD sound familiar to many and include:
• Oversleeping
• Daytime fatigue
• Carbohydrate craving
• Weight gain
TRICARE beneficiaries suffering from SAD can be optimistic about recovering and living normal lives in the winter with the many options available.
Non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries can schedule a behavioral health care appointment and can receive the first eight behavioral health care outpatient visits per fiscal year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30) from a TRICARE provider without a referral or pre-authorization. Primary care providers can give an initial assessment and possibly treatment. To find out more about getting help go to TRICARE’s Mental Health Resource Center at http://tricare.mil/mentalhealth.
TRICARE also recently launched the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) to help service members and their families get the behavioral health assistance they need, when it’s needed.
TRIAP provides short-term, problem solving counseling assistance 24 hours a day to beneficiaries dealing with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health and well-being. Eligible beneficiaries can access TRIAP from any location in the United States, provided they have the necessary computer hardware and software. TRIAP includes assessments, short-term counseling and referrals to more comprehensive levels of care if needed. Learn more about TRIAP at www.tricare.mil/TRIAP.
This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it usually happens during the winter. Symptoms of winter SAD normally begin in October or November and end in March or April.
The symptoms of SAD sound familiar to many and include:
• Oversleeping
• Daytime fatigue
• Carbohydrate craving
• Weight gain
TRICARE beneficiaries suffering from SAD can be optimistic about recovering and living normal lives in the winter with the many options available.
Non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries can schedule a behavioral health care appointment and can receive the first eight behavioral health care outpatient visits per fiscal year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30) from a TRICARE provider without a referral or pre-authorization. Primary care providers can give an initial assessment and possibly treatment. To find out more about getting help go to TRICARE’s Mental Health Resource Center at http://tricare.mil/mentalhealth.
TRICARE also recently launched the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) to help service members and their families get the behavioral health assistance they need, when it’s needed.
TRIAP provides short-term, problem solving counseling assistance 24 hours a day to beneficiaries dealing with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health and well-being. Eligible beneficiaries can access TRIAP from any location in the United States, provided they have the necessary computer hardware and software. TRIAP includes assessments, short-term counseling and referrals to more comprehensive levels of care if needed. Learn more about TRIAP at www.tricare.mil/TRIAP.
California Boosts Support to Combat Vets
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
Jan. 6, 2010 - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced a new state initiative to better help returning combat veterans to land jobs and get whatever help they need in securing housing, health care and other veterans' services. Schwarzenegger unveiled the Operation Welcome Home outreach campaign during his State of the State address in Sacramento, citing "a fundamental obligation to anyone who has shed or risked blood for this country."
The new program charges state agencies with providing better support for veterans.
"California has more returning veterans than any other state. So our state, as well as the federal government, has a special responsibility," he said. "We have a fundamental obligation to anyone who has shed or risked blood for this country."
The state plans to hire 325 combat veterans to make contact with recently discharged troops in need of job assistance. Other plans call for recruiting 1,000 volunteers to help veterans cut through red tape so they can better tap into services provided by the Department of Veterans
Affairs and state and municipal programs, as well as non-government organizations.
Sparked by his pre-Thanksgiving visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Schwarzenegger said he felt compelled – despite the state's financial crisis -- to find better ways to help troops returning from the combat theater transition to civilian life.
"They have seen and experienced some hard things. Many have served tour after tour after tour. As a result, some have lost homes, spouses, limbs and lives," he said. "Too often our soldiers bring back the enemy with them in their heads," noting cases of post-traumatic stress and suicides.
Schwarzenegger acknowledged troops in uniform who recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and attended today's address, and thanked them for their service.
'To each of you, I say, 'Welcome home,'" he said.
Jan. 6, 2010 - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced a new state initiative to better help returning combat veterans to land jobs and get whatever help they need in securing housing, health care and other veterans' services. Schwarzenegger unveiled the Operation Welcome Home outreach campaign during his State of the State address in Sacramento, citing "a fundamental obligation to anyone who has shed or risked blood for this country."
The new program charges state agencies with providing better support for veterans.
"California has more returning veterans than any other state. So our state, as well as the federal government, has a special responsibility," he said. "We have a fundamental obligation to anyone who has shed or risked blood for this country."
The state plans to hire 325 combat veterans to make contact with recently discharged troops in need of job assistance. Other plans call for recruiting 1,000 volunteers to help veterans cut through red tape so they can better tap into services provided by the Department of Veterans
Affairs and state and municipal programs, as well as non-government organizations.
Sparked by his pre-Thanksgiving visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Schwarzenegger said he felt compelled – despite the state's financial crisis -- to find better ways to help troops returning from the combat theater transition to civilian life.
"They have seen and experienced some hard things. Many have served tour after tour after tour. As a result, some have lost homes, spouses, limbs and lives," he said. "Too often our soldiers bring back the enemy with them in their heads," noting cases of post-traumatic stress and suicides.
Schwarzenegger acknowledged troops in uniform who recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and attended today's address, and thanked them for their service.
'To each of you, I say, 'Welcome home,'" he said.
Dashing Through the Snow, Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
By Michael M. Gleeson
TRICARE Management Activity
January 06, 2010: Winter is here, and with the colder weather comes a different set of challenges for those who enjoy spending time out-of-doors. Being adequately prepared for cool or colder weather can help TRICARE beneficiaries avoid some potentially dangerous situations. Listed below are a few serious health conditions that can occur during the winter months, the symptoms of each and information about what to do.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when body temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. In the winter months, this condition often occurs during prolonged periods outdoors, either in wet clothes or without proper layering.
Signs of hypothermia include: a decline in body temperature, shivering and increasingly lethargic or clumsy speech. If any of these signs are detected, call 911 immediately, remove any wet clothing, wrap up in a dry blanket if possible and get indoors.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and body’s outer tissues. The condition happens most often on the body’s extremities: fingers, toes, ears and nose. Individuals with frostbite will feel a burning or numb sensation and the affected area will become pale, gray and blistered.
If frostbite occurs, do not rub the affected area. Place the affected body part in warm, but not hot, water. Continue this treatment for five minutes. Seek medical help if normal feeling and color do not return promptly after home treatment for mild frostbite.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body does not have as much water and fluids as it should, and can be brought on by losing too much fluid, not drinking enough water or fluids, or both. The condition is most closely associated with exposure to extreme heat, but during the winter it can be an often overlooked danger.
The symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headache and dark urine. If these symptoms are detected, drinking fluids is usually sufficient. It is better to have frequent, small amounts of fluid (using a teaspoon or syringe for an infant or child) rather than trying to force large amounts of fluid at one time. For more serious cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be necessary.
Sunburns
Many people associate sunburns with long days on the beach, but the sun’s rays can still cause sunburn during winter, especially when reflected off snow. To prevent sunburn, cover exposed skin and wear sunscreen.
Being aware of and prepared for the current and forecasted weather during the winter can help prevent illness and injury from cold weather. For more information about winter weather and cold-weather safety go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter
TRICARE Management Activity
January 06, 2010: Winter is here, and with the colder weather comes a different set of challenges for those who enjoy spending time out-of-doors. Being adequately prepared for cool or colder weather can help TRICARE beneficiaries avoid some potentially dangerous situations. Listed below are a few serious health conditions that can occur during the winter months, the symptoms of each and information about what to do.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when body temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. In the winter months, this condition often occurs during prolonged periods outdoors, either in wet clothes or without proper layering.
Signs of hypothermia include: a decline in body temperature, shivering and increasingly lethargic or clumsy speech. If any of these signs are detected, call 911 immediately, remove any wet clothing, wrap up in a dry blanket if possible and get indoors.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and body’s outer tissues. The condition happens most often on the body’s extremities: fingers, toes, ears and nose. Individuals with frostbite will feel a burning or numb sensation and the affected area will become pale, gray and blistered.
If frostbite occurs, do not rub the affected area. Place the affected body part in warm, but not hot, water. Continue this treatment for five minutes. Seek medical help if normal feeling and color do not return promptly after home treatment for mild frostbite.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body does not have as much water and fluids as it should, and can be brought on by losing too much fluid, not drinking enough water or fluids, or both. The condition is most closely associated with exposure to extreme heat, but during the winter it can be an often overlooked danger.
The symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headache and dark urine. If these symptoms are detected, drinking fluids is usually sufficient. It is better to have frequent, small amounts of fluid (using a teaspoon or syringe for an infant or child) rather than trying to force large amounts of fluid at one time. For more serious cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be necessary.
Sunburns
Many people associate sunburns with long days on the beach, but the sun’s rays can still cause sunburn during winter, especially when reflected off snow. To prevent sunburn, cover exposed skin and wear sunscreen.
Being aware of and prepared for the current and forecasted weather during the winter can help prevent illness and injury from cold weather. For more information about winter weather and cold-weather safety go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter
Walt Disney World celebrates U.S. military in 2010
(1/5/10) - As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2010, America's military personnel will have more reasons to celebrate: Special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations. With Disney's Armed Forces Salute, from Jan. 3 to July 31, 2010, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard or Reservists) or their spouses can purchase Disney's 4-Day Military Promotional Base Tickets for $99, plus tax, for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends for use at Walt Disney World Resort. The Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options can be added for an additional $26, plus tax, per option, per ticket. No more than six Disney's 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets (with or without options) may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (and/or spouse) pursuant to this offer.
All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Sept. 30, 2010. However, the tickets and options are not valid for use on the following blockout dates: March 27, 2010, to April 9, 2010, for all Walt Disney World theme parks and other gated attractions; and July 3 to July 4, 2010, for the Magic Kingdom park.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel also can save up to 40 percent on rooms at select Disney resorts! This offer is good for stays most nights Jan. 3-Sept. 30, 2010, except not available 3/28-4/10/10 and 7/1-7/5/10, and can be booked through July 31, 2010.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room.
For information regarding Disney's 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets, or to make room reservations, military personnel may call 407-939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military
All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Sept. 30, 2010. However, the tickets and options are not valid for use on the following blockout dates: March 27, 2010, to April 9, 2010, for all Walt Disney World theme parks and other gated attractions; and July 3 to July 4, 2010, for the Magic Kingdom park.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel also can save up to 40 percent on rooms at select Disney resorts! This offer is good for stays most nights Jan. 3-Sept. 30, 2010, except not available 3/28-4/10/10 and 7/1-7/5/10, and can be booked through July 31, 2010.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room.
For information regarding Disney's 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets, or to make room reservations, military personnel may call 407-939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military
Challenges for U.S. Military
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 6, 2010 - The broader Middle East, taking care of troops and their families and managing risk remain the military's top priorities, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told participants in the Inside Washington Seminar held at George Washington University here that his goals for the coming years mirror the goals he set when he took office in October 2007.
The seminar, which includes students from 75 colleges and universities around the country, is a way for the chairman to reach out to the next generation of American leaders.
Mullen told the students that two wars in the greater Middle East are the highest priority for the Defense Department. In addition to Iraq and Afghanistan, the focus is on the Gulf states and Iran.
The chairman said he welcomed the vigorous debate over the Afghanistan strategy. "I've learned a lot, and I think we all have," he said. "Very instructive to me has been the policy debate that we had late last year for almost three months about the strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan."
The strategy encompasses both Afghanistan and Pakistan and under it, President Barack Obama ordered another 30,000 U.S. servicemembers to Afghanistan. "Now we're in the execution phase of that," Mullen said.
The chairman called the president's decision "courageous," and said that the commanders in the region have all they need to reverse the Taliban's momentum and disrupt and defeat al-Qaida.
The chairman stressed to the students that they need to look at international problems and challenges not just through U.S. eyes, but that of other countries. Before taking office, Mullen had been to Pakistan once. Since taking office, he has traveled to Pakistan 14 times.
"It's a critical country in a critical part of the world," he said. "I encouraged the debate and I think we should always have debate on issues of this magnitude in this country."
Taking care of the people of the armed services is another priority. Putting the best people where they are needed most is a big part of that push, Mullen said.
"Putting my best people on my No. 1 priority is an absolute requirement," he said. "In the end, so much of what we do boils down to leadership and it boils down to how leaders lead, how they lead in times of change. And you are going to grow up learning leadership as things change."
The U.S. Army is deploying now as the Navy and Marine Corps always have, Mullen said. Servicemembers are deploying more and spending less time at home, and this has placed great strain on servicemembers and their families.
"Multiple deployments, stress on individuals, stress on families, a dramatically increased suicide rate across all the services" -- all are problems, he said. "But the military has taken significant steps to address those issues."
Managing risk is the chairman's third priority. This means looking at the rest of the world and making an educated guess where more risk can be accepted. The entire Pacific Basin is posed to be a sustaining economic engine for the globe, he said. Other areas, such as Africa, have similar potential, but also enormous challenges.
The chairman said his early military experience trained him to look east and west. But Mexico and the rest of Latin America are crucial to American well-being, with Brazil being another global economic engine, he said. "We as Americans are going to have to focus more and more on our partners," he said.
Mullen already is looking at what will happen once the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are over. "What does our military look like? What will our challenges be for the future?" he said.
"Part of my charter is to look out 10 and 20 years to see what we need to do, with my first priority being the missions I've got, the second priority, making sure we take care of the people, and then the third really is to look to the future in terms of how does it look, and knowing in the incredibly challenging times in which we exist that the military will be a big part of this."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 6, 2010 - The broader Middle East, taking care of troops and their families and managing risk remain the military's top priorities, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told participants in the Inside Washington Seminar held at George Washington University here that his goals for the coming years mirror the goals he set when he took office in October 2007.
The seminar, which includes students from 75 colleges and universities around the country, is a way for the chairman to reach out to the next generation of American leaders.
Mullen told the students that two wars in the greater Middle East are the highest priority for the Defense Department. In addition to Iraq and Afghanistan, the focus is on the Gulf states and Iran.
The chairman said he welcomed the vigorous debate over the Afghanistan strategy. "I've learned a lot, and I think we all have," he said. "Very instructive to me has been the policy debate that we had late last year for almost three months about the strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan."
The strategy encompasses both Afghanistan and Pakistan and under it, President Barack Obama ordered another 30,000 U.S. servicemembers to Afghanistan. "Now we're in the execution phase of that," Mullen said.
The chairman called the president's decision "courageous," and said that the commanders in the region have all they need to reverse the Taliban's momentum and disrupt and defeat al-Qaida.
The chairman stressed to the students that they need to look at international problems and challenges not just through U.S. eyes, but that of other countries. Before taking office, Mullen had been to Pakistan once. Since taking office, he has traveled to Pakistan 14 times.
"It's a critical country in a critical part of the world," he said. "I encouraged the debate and I think we should always have debate on issues of this magnitude in this country."
Taking care of the people of the armed services is another priority. Putting the best people where they are needed most is a big part of that push, Mullen said.
"Putting my best people on my No. 1 priority is an absolute requirement," he said. "In the end, so much of what we do boils down to leadership and it boils down to how leaders lead, how they lead in times of change. And you are going to grow up learning leadership as things change."
The U.S. Army is deploying now as the Navy and Marine Corps always have, Mullen said. Servicemembers are deploying more and spending less time at home, and this has placed great strain on servicemembers and their families.
"Multiple deployments, stress on individuals, stress on families, a dramatically increased suicide rate across all the services" -- all are problems, he said. "But the military has taken significant steps to address those issues."
Managing risk is the chairman's third priority. This means looking at the rest of the world and making an educated guess where more risk can be accepted. The entire Pacific Basin is posed to be a sustaining economic engine for the globe, he said. Other areas, such as Africa, have similar potential, but also enormous challenges.
The chairman said his early military experience trained him to look east and west. But Mexico and the rest of Latin America are crucial to American well-being, with Brazil being another global economic engine, he said. "We as Americans are going to have to focus more and more on our partners," he said.
Mullen already is looking at what will happen once the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are over. "What does our military look like? What will our challenges be for the future?" he said.
"Part of my charter is to look out 10 and 20 years to see what we need to do, with my first priority being the missions I've got, the second priority, making sure we take care of the people, and then the third really is to look to the future in terms of how does it look, and knowing in the incredibly challenging times in which we exist that the military will be a big part of this."
MILITARY CONTRACTS January 6, 2010
ARMY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 30, 2009, a $968,727,585 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 fiscal year 10 production buy for 253 tactical missiles, 5 test missiles, 20 launcher modification kits, 15 motor control units, 13 fire solution computers, 13 programmable array logic systems, 13 shorting plugs, 6 telemetry kits, and 1 lot each of the following: United States storage and aging, replenishment spares, obsolescence; United States/United Arab Emirates/Taiwan basic missile tooling upgrades, command and launch control tooling; United Arab Emirates unique cost; Taiwan unique cost; Taiwan spares, ground support equipment; German concurrent spares; and United States contractor field support and data items. Work is to be performed in Dallas, Texas (88.7 percent); Camden, Ark. (4.0 percent); Lufkin, Texas (2.4 percent); Chelmsford, Mass. (3.5 percent); and Ocala, Fla. (1.4 percent), with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0002).
KCI Construction Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $20,680,000 firm-fixed-price design build contract. This project is to renovate three existing three-story barracks buildings, a dining hall and a battalion HQ/OPS building. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of June 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-4002).
BAE Government Services, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a$19,396,162 firm-fixed-price contract to provide vehicle maintenance and training for the Afghan National Army for one calendar year. Work is to be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. Kabul Regional Contracting Center, Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity (W91B4M-08-C-0009).
Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, La., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $16,134,750 firm-fixed-price-contract. The contract consists of maintenance dredging, approximately 2,500,000 cubic yards using a pipeline dredge. Work is to be performed in Cameron County, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. 14 bids were solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District-Galveston, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-10-C-0009).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded a $10,000,000 undefinitized contract action, letter contract, cost contract, for procurement of long-lead equipment, program management services and travel for the facilitization of a production plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the M1A2S program. At completion of this facilitization effort in December 2012, this production plant will be used to convert 315 M1A2 Saudi tanks to M1A2S Saudi tank configuration. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0160).
Didlake, Inc., Manassas, Va., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $9,827,909 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract provides custodial services to non-sensitive areas of the Pentagon. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Washington Headquarter Services, Acquisition and Procurement Office, Rosslyn, Va., is the contracting activity (HQ0034-08-C-1021).
L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems, Muskegon, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $9,250,945 fixed-price with award-fee options for system technical support services; 20 new Bradley transmissions; 1,001 repaired Bradley transmissions; 8 transmission control tests; 481 electronic assemblies; 4 electronic assembly control tests; 481 adapters; 481 TEC cables; 481 shift towers; 1,170 transmission repair parts kits; and $5,394,209 incentives. Work is to be completed in Muskegon, Mich. (76.95 percent); Texarkana, Texas (16.51 percent); and Huddersfield, United Kingdom (6.54 percent), with an estimated completion date of December 2013. One bid wassolicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0098).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec, 31, 2009, an $8,219,728 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the UH-60 Blackhawk for 22 transmissions. Work is to be perfomed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AL-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (N00383-06-G-006F).
Anderson Excavating Co., Omaha, Neb., was awarded on Dec. 31 2009, a $7,868,475 firm-fixed- price construction contract for the Western Sarpy Levee Improvement Project, Segment 3, on Platte and Elkhorn Rivers. Work is to be performed in Sarpy County, Neb., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 5 2011. Bids were solicited via the FedBizOpps Web site with nine bids received. US Army Corp of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0004).
Carahsoft Technology Corp., Reston, Va., was awarded on Dec. 31 2009, a $6,780,000 non-competitive, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, single award, firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for Rule Point enterprise software license and maintenance product developed by Agent Logic. Work is to be performed in Reston Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2014. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Geospatial Contracting Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W5J9CQ-10-D-0001).
NAVY
Lex Products Corp., Stamford, Conn., is being awarded $8,000,000 for a task order under blanket purchase agreement (M67854-07-A-5016) for the mobile electric power distribution replacement that distributes efficient electrical power from all standard tactical generators to military shelters and systems requiring power. Work will be performed in Stamford, Conn., and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The blanket purchase agreement was awarded on a competitive basis. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $6,862,387 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) to exercise an option for additional systems engineering and class logistics services associated with the detail design and construction of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer. Systems engineering efforts include detail design excursions, shock qualification, production process prototype manufacturing, and life cycle support services prior to post shakedown availability. Class logistics efforts provide for the continued development of integrated logistics support for the DDG 1000 class, including development of training curriculum, supply support documentation, maintenance analyses, and configuration status accounting. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 30, 2009, a $968,727,585 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 fiscal year 10 production buy for 253 tactical missiles, 5 test missiles, 20 launcher modification kits, 15 motor control units, 13 fire solution computers, 13 programmable array logic systems, 13 shorting plugs, 6 telemetry kits, and 1 lot each of the following: United States storage and aging, replenishment spares, obsolescence; United States/United Arab Emirates/Taiwan basic missile tooling upgrades, command and launch control tooling; United Arab Emirates unique cost; Taiwan unique cost; Taiwan spares, ground support equipment; German concurrent spares; and United States contractor field support and data items. Work is to be performed in Dallas, Texas (88.7 percent); Camden, Ark. (4.0 percent); Lufkin, Texas (2.4 percent); Chelmsford, Mass. (3.5 percent); and Ocala, Fla. (1.4 percent), with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0002).
KCI Construction Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $20,680,000 firm-fixed-price design build contract. This project is to renovate three existing three-story barracks buildings, a dining hall and a battalion HQ/OPS building. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of June 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-4002).
BAE Government Services, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a$19,396,162 firm-fixed-price contract to provide vehicle maintenance and training for the Afghan National Army for one calendar year. Work is to be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. Kabul Regional Contracting Center, Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity (W91B4M-08-C-0009).
Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, La., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $16,134,750 firm-fixed-price-contract. The contract consists of maintenance dredging, approximately 2,500,000 cubic yards using a pipeline dredge. Work is to be performed in Cameron County, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. 14 bids were solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District-Galveston, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-10-C-0009).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded a $10,000,000 undefinitized contract action, letter contract, cost contract, for procurement of long-lead equipment, program management services and travel for the facilitization of a production plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the M1A2S program. At completion of this facilitization effort in December 2012, this production plant will be used to convert 315 M1A2 Saudi tanks to M1A2S Saudi tank configuration. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0160).
Didlake, Inc., Manassas, Va., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $9,827,909 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract provides custodial services to non-sensitive areas of the Pentagon. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Washington Headquarter Services, Acquisition and Procurement Office, Rosslyn, Va., is the contracting activity (HQ0034-08-C-1021).
L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems, Muskegon, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 31, 2009, a $9,250,945 fixed-price with award-fee options for system technical support services; 20 new Bradley transmissions; 1,001 repaired Bradley transmissions; 8 transmission control tests; 481 electronic assemblies; 4 electronic assembly control tests; 481 adapters; 481 TEC cables; 481 shift towers; 1,170 transmission repair parts kits; and $5,394,209 incentives. Work is to be completed in Muskegon, Mich. (76.95 percent); Texarkana, Texas (16.51 percent); and Huddersfield, United Kingdom (6.54 percent), with an estimated completion date of December 2013. One bid wassolicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0098).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec, 31, 2009, an $8,219,728 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the UH-60 Blackhawk for 22 transmissions. Work is to be perfomed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AL-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (N00383-06-G-006F).
Anderson Excavating Co., Omaha, Neb., was awarded on Dec. 31 2009, a $7,868,475 firm-fixed- price construction contract for the Western Sarpy Levee Improvement Project, Segment 3, on Platte and Elkhorn Rivers. Work is to be performed in Sarpy County, Neb., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 5 2011. Bids were solicited via the FedBizOpps Web site with nine bids received. US Army Corp of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0004).
Carahsoft Technology Corp., Reston, Va., was awarded on Dec. 31 2009, a $6,780,000 non-competitive, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, single award, firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for Rule Point enterprise software license and maintenance product developed by Agent Logic. Work is to be performed in Reston Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2014. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Geospatial Contracting Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W5J9CQ-10-D-0001).
NAVY
Lex Products Corp., Stamford, Conn., is being awarded $8,000,000 for a task order under blanket purchase agreement (M67854-07-A-5016) for the mobile electric power distribution replacement that distributes efficient electrical power from all standard tactical generators to military shelters and systems requiring power. Work will be performed in Stamford, Conn., and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The blanket purchase agreement was awarded on a competitive basis. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $6,862,387 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) to exercise an option for additional systems engineering and class logistics services associated with the detail design and construction of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer. Systems engineering efforts include detail design excursions, shock qualification, production process prototype manufacturing, and life cycle support services prior to post shakedown availability. Class logistics efforts provide for the continued development of integrated logistics support for the DDG 1000 class, including development of training curriculum, supply support documentation, maintenance analyses, and configuration status accounting. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Alaska Guardsmen save 48 lives in 2009
By Maj. Guy Hayes
Alaska National Guard
(1/6/10) - Army and Air National Guardsmen saved 48 lives here in Alaska in 2009 and assisted 12 others to safety during another busy year for the Alaska National Guard.
The 11th Rescue Coordination Center, the Alaska representative responsible for most aeronautical search and rescue cases in Alaska, released its end of year statistics Jan 2. It lists annual search and rescue data for the state.
Since 1994, Alaska National Guardsmen have supported RCC calls with search and rescue assets, flying 19,400 mission hours, while logging 1,718 saves and 720 assists.
Supporting an unforgiving land that is twice as large as the next largest state, Texas, with a road system that covers a relatively small area of the state, Alaska National Guardsmen provide a sense of security in a place where too often the National Guard represents the last chance for survival.
"Our Alaska National Guardsmen are called on to perform rescues in the worst conditions and because of their expertise, many Alaskans have received the emergency medical support they've desperately needed," said Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard.
Requirements for search and rescue in Alaska have increased over the last two years after the Department of Army's Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic or MAST program ended in 2008. Started in 1973, MAST provided valuable training to Soldiers and life saving benefits to communities throughout interior Alaska, with about two rescue calls per week. This void created additional demands on Alaska National Guard resources, but they continue to meet the challenge.
"Medical evacuation support continues to increase for Alaska National Guardsmen after the MAST program ended and is critical to the citizens of Alaska living in our rural communities," Katkus said.
This support came amid another busy year of deployments around the world for the Alaska National Guard, including Air National Guard deployments to Afghanistan and Army National Guard deployments to Kosovo and Iraq.
"Whether it's here in Alaska supporting search and rescue efforts or defending our country in the Global War on Terrorism, Alaska Guardsmen are highly trained and recognized for their exceptional professionalism," Katkus said. "And for 48 people in Alaska in 2009, they're glad we're ready and always there."
(1/6/10) - Army and Air National Guardsmen saved 48 lives here in Alaska in 2009 and assisted 12 others to safety during another busy year for the Alaska National Guard.
The 11th Rescue Coordination Center, the Alaska representative responsible for most aeronautical search and rescue cases in Alaska, released its end of year statistics Jan 2. It lists annual search and rescue data for the state.
Since 1994, Alaska National Guardsmen have supported RCC calls with search and rescue assets, flying 19,400 mission hours, while logging 1,718 saves and 720 assists.
Supporting an unforgiving land that is twice as large as the next largest state, Texas, with a road system that covers a relatively small area of the state, Alaska National Guardsmen provide a sense of security in a place where too often the National Guard represents the last chance for survival.
"Our Alaska National Guardsmen are called on to perform rescues in the worst conditions and because of their expertise, many Alaskans have received the emergency medical support they've desperately needed," said Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard.
Requirements for search and rescue in Alaska have increased over the last two years after the Department of Army's Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic or MAST program ended in 2008. Started in 1973, MAST provided valuable training to Soldiers and life saving benefits to communities throughout interior Alaska, with about two rescue calls per week. This void created additional demands on Alaska National Guard resources, but they continue to meet the challenge.
"Medical evacuation support continues to increase for Alaska National Guardsmen after the MAST program ended and is critical to the citizens of Alaska living in our rural communities," Katkus said.
This support came amid another busy year of deployments around the world for the Alaska National Guard, including Air National Guard deployments to Afghanistan and Army National Guard deployments to Kosovo and Iraq.
"Whether it's here in Alaska supporting search and rescue efforts or defending our country in the Global War on Terrorism, Alaska Guardsmen are highly trained and recognized for their exceptional professionalism," Katkus said. "And for 48 people in Alaska in 2009, they're glad we're ready and always there."
New Iraq post office honors four Illinois Guardsmen
By Sgt. Ryan Twist
139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
(12/2/09) - Four fallen Illinois Soldiers from the 1544th Transportation Company based in Paris, Ill., were honored for their support of postal operations in Iraq during the dedication of a new post office Dec. 17 here at Joint Base Balad (JBB), Iraq. Nine Soldiers and civilians names are written on a bronze plaque that is a replication of the one from Camp Liberty, Baghdad. The original plaque’s location was destroyed and a replica of the plaque was made for the dedication.
The Illinois National Guard Soldiers on the plaque are Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, 23, of Moroa, Ill., killed in action May 23, 2004; Spc. Charles Lamb, 23, of Casey, Ill., killed in action Sept. 5, 2004; Sgt. Shawna Morrison, 26, of Paris, Ill., killed in action Sept. 5, 2004 and Sgt. Jessica Cawvey, 21, of Normal, Ill., killed in action Oct. 6, 2004.
Capt. David W. Laes, commander of the 847th Human Resources Company based in Fort Snelling, Okla., with the 90th Special Troops Battalion, 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), spoke of the nine Soldiers and civilians who voluntarily give their life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as proud American citizens.
He said their brave and vital tasks create a stable and secure environment for communities worldwide.
At JBB, those tasks sometimes involve placing themselves in harm’s way by conducting missions that range from route clearance and reconnaissance to postal operations and logistical support convoys.
“Since the beginning of operations in Iraq, there have been numerous casualties,” Laes said. “We honor our fallen daily by continuing to serve and conduct our mission with integrity, bravery and honor. The postal personnel at Joint Base Balad are dedicating the newly built post office on east Balad to our fallen postal heroes (who) gave their lives in support of the United States of America.”
Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, said he was honored to be at the dedication.
“I think it’s fitting and appropriate that the plaque down in (Camp) Liberty got moved up here and recognizes the nine fallen postal workers that paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Wentz said. “It really represents the postal community and the folks that have been dedicated to providing mail services to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians in this theater for a long time.”
Laes reminded everyone present at the ceremony what the building, and the plaque, symbolized.
“(Americans) have given their lives in sacrifice for something that they believe will bring a better, more promising future for our children, grandchildren and generations to come,” Laes said. “We come together in the most difficult of times to help one another, whether in financial crisis, natural disaster or armed conflict.”
The other five Soldiers and civilians on the plaque include Spc. Darryl Dent, 21, 547th Transportation Company, Washington, killed in action Aug. 26, 2003; Vernon Gaston, 45, Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR) Inc., Lampasas, Texas, killed in action Sept. 3, 2003; Pfc. Isaiah Hunt, 20, 497th Transportation Company, 1st Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash., Green Bay, Wis., killed in action Nov. 15, 2004; Sgt. Rocky Payne, 26, 497th Transportation Company, 1st Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash., Howell, Utah, killed in action March 16, 2005 and Fred Bryant, 39, KBR Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., killed in action Aug. 5, 2003.
(12/2/09) - Four fallen Illinois Soldiers from the 1544th Transportation Company based in Paris, Ill., were honored for their support of postal operations in Iraq during the dedication of a new post office Dec. 17 here at Joint Base Balad (JBB), Iraq. Nine Soldiers and civilians names are written on a bronze plaque that is a replication of the one from Camp Liberty, Baghdad. The original plaque’s location was destroyed and a replica of the plaque was made for the dedication.
The Illinois National Guard Soldiers on the plaque are Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, 23, of Moroa, Ill., killed in action May 23, 2004; Spc. Charles Lamb, 23, of Casey, Ill., killed in action Sept. 5, 2004; Sgt. Shawna Morrison, 26, of Paris, Ill., killed in action Sept. 5, 2004 and Sgt. Jessica Cawvey, 21, of Normal, Ill., killed in action Oct. 6, 2004.
Capt. David W. Laes, commander of the 847th Human Resources Company based in Fort Snelling, Okla., with the 90th Special Troops Battalion, 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), spoke of the nine Soldiers and civilians who voluntarily give their life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as proud American citizens.
He said their brave and vital tasks create a stable and secure environment for communities worldwide.
At JBB, those tasks sometimes involve placing themselves in harm’s way by conducting missions that range from route clearance and reconnaissance to postal operations and logistical support convoys.
“Since the beginning of operations in Iraq, there have been numerous casualties,” Laes said. “We honor our fallen daily by continuing to serve and conduct our mission with integrity, bravery and honor. The postal personnel at Joint Base Balad are dedicating the newly built post office on east Balad to our fallen postal heroes (who) gave their lives in support of the United States of America.”
Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, said he was honored to be at the dedication.
“I think it’s fitting and appropriate that the plaque down in (Camp) Liberty got moved up here and recognizes the nine fallen postal workers that paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Wentz said. “It really represents the postal community and the folks that have been dedicated to providing mail services to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians in this theater for a long time.”
Laes reminded everyone present at the ceremony what the building, and the plaque, symbolized.
“(Americans) have given their lives in sacrifice for something that they believe will bring a better, more promising future for our children, grandchildren and generations to come,” Laes said. “We come together in the most difficult of times to help one another, whether in financial crisis, natural disaster or armed conflict.”
The other five Soldiers and civilians on the plaque include Spc. Darryl Dent, 21, 547th Transportation Company, Washington, killed in action Aug. 26, 2003; Vernon Gaston, 45, Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR) Inc., Lampasas, Texas, killed in action Sept. 3, 2003; Pfc. Isaiah Hunt, 20, 497th Transportation Company, 1st Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash., Green Bay, Wis., killed in action Nov. 15, 2004; Sgt. Rocky Payne, 26, 497th Transportation Company, 1st Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash., Howell, Utah, killed in action March 16, 2005 and Fred Bryant, 39, KBR Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., killed in action Aug. 5, 2003.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Kentucky aviation unit trains with Greek force in Kosovo
By Sgt. Jill Fischer
(12/30/09) - Members of a Kentucky National Guard aviation unit offered up its time and helicopters recently to help train peacekeeping partners from another nation here in Kosovo. The 2-147th Aviation Battalion, based out of Frankfort, Ky., provided two UH-60 Blackhawk lift helicopters and one medevac chopper and pilots this week so the Greek's quick reaction force could complete hot and cold-load training and get a little practice loading and unloading casualties from the aircraft.
"This training is to help both our and their teams become familiar with each other, our communication and equipment and learn to work together," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dennis Brown, pilot and commander of the mission.
The Soldiers of the 2-147th and the Greece contingent are part of KFOR's (Kosovo Forces) Multi-National Task Force-East (MNTF-E), the U.S.-led sector of NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo. The Greeks, known as "Task Force Hellas," along with the U.S., Poland, Ukraine and Romania make up the force structure of MNTF-E.
MNTF-E teams often work together on emergency evacuations. The U.S. helicopters provide a means for the Greeks' quick reaction force to respond to any type of emergency, typically on very short notice.
The Greece Soldiers learned how to correctly load and unload a UH-60 Blackhawk lift helicopter with personnel, and also how to load a simulated casualty onto aUH-60 Blackhawk medevac helicopter.
This training must not only be done properly, but also in a quick and cautious manner, first, while the helicopter is idle and then on a helicopter just after landing and right before take-off.
"It is crucial that they know how to load a casualty for those times when medevac and quick reaction teams are called out," Brown said.
U.S. and Greek Soldiers will continue to train together to become more proficient at their jobs while in Kosovo.
"Multinational partners are the key to our success in Multi-National Task Force-East, as well s for the overall KFOR mission," said Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, MNTF-E commander from the North Dakota National Guard. "It's essential that we continue to work together so that we can complete our missions, safe lives and accomplish our goal of maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo."
Father, son team up at Satellite NCO Academy
By Master Sgt. Mavi Smith
The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center
(12/15/09) - A father and son from the New York Air National Guard were among 130 Airmen from 14 units, who graduated from the Satellite Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy Class 10-2, in a ceremony held at The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center here Dec. 15. Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Helligrass and his son Tech. Sgt. Adam C. Helligrass, both aerospace maintenance craftsmen or crew chiefs, are members of the 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, N.Y.
Their unit operates the LC-130H, a ski-equipped version of the C-130 aircraft, and provides airlift in support of Arctic and Antarctic operations.
Robert is a traditional guardsman and a full-time police officer with the Bethlehem Police Department. Adam is an active guard and reserve member at the unit.
"We are very close," said Robert of his relationship with his son. "We're always together and we get along so great that people sometimes think we're brothers."
"When our unit started getting involved in the Satellite NCO Academy program," said Robert. "We thought it would be a good idea to do it together. It was a good way to get it done and we had a lot of fun with it."
The NCO Academy is a requirement for promotion to master sergeant. Air Force members must take the course in-residence but Air National Guardsmen have the option of taking the correspondence course or attending either the traditional 6-week in-residence school or the satellite program.
A 12-week distance learning version of the NCO Academy, the satellite program was specifically designed for Airmen who cannot attend the six-week program for whatever reason, but still want the education, experience and credit of attending the program in-residence.
During the first phase, students attend four-hour training sessions two nights a week at their home station. Trained facilitators at their unit help them participate in interactive training lessons which are broadcast over the Air National Guard's Warrior Network satellite system.
"The home station portion was really good," said Adam. "We had a good dynamic in our class and our facilitators were great. They were really involved in what was going on and they went above and beyond to make sure we were prepared."
In the second phase of the program, students travel to McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn., for a two-week capstone in-residence experience at the Training and Education Center. Here, they are separated from their fellow home station students and mixed in with the other units participating in the program.
"It was a great experience," said Adam, who was also selected as a flight leader during the in-residence portion of the class. "The instructor interaction and learning from other people's experience and input was great."
Both men excelled during the class but ultimately, the Satellite NCO Academy was an opportunity for them to meet their unit's mission objectives.
Robert may be a traditional guardsman but he is dedicated to his military responsibilities. He performs more than 30 days per year in support of his unit's Antarctica mission and this year he also spent several weeks in Greenland. He and Adam frequently travel together.
"I do commit a lot of time to the unit but I also have responsibilities at home," said Robert, whose duties as a police officer are similar to those of a military first sergeant. "For people that have those responsibilities, the Satellite NCO Academy program is a good way to (fulfill the requirement for professional military education)."
"It's not just a personal benefit," added Robert. "It's a benefit for the mission. It's a win-win for everybody."
Both father and son said they enjoyed the experience of studying, hanging out and helping each other through the program.
"I think it's fantastic that I got to take this class with my father," said Adam. "We've always had a good relationship and doing this is just one more thing we can put under our belt as something we've experienced together."
(12/15/09) - A father and son from the New York Air National Guard were among 130 Airmen from 14 units, who graduated from the Satellite Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy Class 10-2, in a ceremony held at The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center here Dec. 15. Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Helligrass and his son Tech. Sgt. Adam C. Helligrass, both aerospace maintenance craftsmen or crew chiefs, are members of the 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, N.Y.
Their unit operates the LC-130H, a ski-equipped version of the C-130 aircraft, and provides airlift in support of Arctic and Antarctic operations.
Robert is a traditional guardsman and a full-time police officer with the Bethlehem Police Department. Adam is an active guard and reserve member at the unit.
"We are very close," said Robert of his relationship with his son. "We're always together and we get along so great that people sometimes think we're brothers."
"When our unit started getting involved in the Satellite NCO Academy program," said Robert. "We thought it would be a good idea to do it together. It was a good way to get it done and we had a lot of fun with it."
The NCO Academy is a requirement for promotion to master sergeant. Air Force members must take the course in-residence but Air National Guardsmen have the option of taking the correspondence course or attending either the traditional 6-week in-residence school or the satellite program.
A 12-week distance learning version of the NCO Academy, the satellite program was specifically designed for Airmen who cannot attend the six-week program for whatever reason, but still want the education, experience and credit of attending the program in-residence.
During the first phase, students attend four-hour training sessions two nights a week at their home station. Trained facilitators at their unit help them participate in interactive training lessons which are broadcast over the Air National Guard's Warrior Network satellite system.
"The home station portion was really good," said Adam. "We had a good dynamic in our class and our facilitators were great. They were really involved in what was going on and they went above and beyond to make sure we were prepared."
In the second phase of the program, students travel to McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn., for a two-week capstone in-residence experience at the Training and Education Center. Here, they are separated from their fellow home station students and mixed in with the other units participating in the program.
"It was a great experience," said Adam, who was also selected as a flight leader during the in-residence portion of the class. "The instructor interaction and learning from other people's experience and input was great."
Both men excelled during the class but ultimately, the Satellite NCO Academy was an opportunity for them to meet their unit's mission objectives.
Robert may be a traditional guardsman but he is dedicated to his military responsibilities. He performs more than 30 days per year in support of his unit's Antarctica mission and this year he also spent several weeks in Greenland. He and Adam frequently travel together.
"I do commit a lot of time to the unit but I also have responsibilities at home," said Robert, whose duties as a police officer are similar to those of a military first sergeant. "For people that have those responsibilities, the Satellite NCO Academy program is a good way to (fulfill the requirement for professional military education)."
"It's not just a personal benefit," added Robert. "It's a benefit for the mission. It's a win-win for everybody."
Both father and son said they enjoyed the experience of studying, hanging out and helping each other through the program.
"I think it's fantastic that I got to take this class with my father," said Adam. "We've always had a good relationship and doing this is just one more thing we can put under our belt as something we've experienced together."
KFOR drawing down to 10,000 troops
By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hagburg
North Dakota National Guard
(1/4/10) - The Kosovo Force will transition from about 14,000 to 10,000 NATO forces by Jan. 31, due to improvements in security, said the commander of Multi-National Task Force-East. Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann told media in Kosovo last week that improvements in security have prompted the Kosovo Force to move its posture to a "deterrent presence."
"KFOR will rely more heavily on reserve forces that are able to quickly and decisively respond whenever and wherever necessary in support of local structures as a third responder," Dohrmann said.
Dohrmann, a member of the North Dakota National Guard, assumed command of MNTF-East Nov. 14. He commands about 2,200 Soldiers, including the Greek troops of Task Force Hellas and Polish/Ukrainian troops of Task Force POL/UKR; along with North Dakota's 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. KFOR is commanded by German Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler and is currently in its 12th rotation of forces.
"You may notice fewer KFOR patrols, but that is directly related to the abilities of the Kosovo Police," Dohrmann said. "Any adjustments made will not decrease KFOR's operational capability."
Dohrmann was asked whether the move to a deterrent presence would affect security in Kosovo. He responded by stating that while there still are challenges ahead in Kosovo, progress continues every day.
"It's teamwork between EULEX (European Rule of Law in Kosovo) and the KP, with KFOR, as a third responder, that makes success possible." Dohrmann said, "As we move forward to 2010, MNTF-E will continue to work with the institutions to maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo."
Dohrmann spoke with media in Gjilan/Gnjilane and Ferizaj/Urosevac during informal press events, called "press coffees," Dec. 29 and 30. He said it was a pleasure to sit down with the local media from both cities, two of the largest in the MNTF-East sector, to discuss important issues.
In his opening statement, Dohrmann said that conditions in Kosovo had improved greatly since 2005, when he was in Kosovo as member of KFOR. He pointed out that there had been no major security incidents in Kosovo in 2009 and that both NATO and the North Atlantic Council have noted the "positive evolution" of the security situation.
"Transparency, cooperation, communication and respect for one another are the keys to the success of our mission," said Dohrmann. "It is evident that there has been a steady improvement in the security situation in Kosovo, due, in large part, to the increased capability of the institutions in Kosovo."
Dohrmann said his forces in MNTF-E will continue to pay special attention to illegal trafficking of arms, ammunition and explosives per the mandates of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement.
The media also asked about KFOR's role in economic development and civil projects in Kosovo, and specifically, how that might change with fewer forces on the ground.
"As we move to deterrent presence, the way we do civil affairs projects is going to change," Dohrmann said. "Our focus will be on connecting donor organizations with Kosovo communities. My expectation is to that we will work to put a system in place that will last long after KFOR.
"Kosovo is headed toward a brighter future and that is something we can all be extremely proud of."
North Dakota National Guard
(1/4/10) - The Kosovo Force will transition from about 14,000 to 10,000 NATO forces by Jan. 31, due to improvements in security, said the commander of Multi-National Task Force-East. Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann told media in Kosovo last week that improvements in security have prompted the Kosovo Force to move its posture to a "deterrent presence."
"KFOR will rely more heavily on reserve forces that are able to quickly and decisively respond whenever and wherever necessary in support of local structures as a third responder," Dohrmann said.
Dohrmann, a member of the North Dakota National Guard, assumed command of MNTF-East Nov. 14. He commands about 2,200 Soldiers, including the Greek troops of Task Force Hellas and Polish/Ukrainian troops of Task Force POL/UKR; along with North Dakota's 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. KFOR is commanded by German Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler and is currently in its 12th rotation of forces.
"You may notice fewer KFOR patrols, but that is directly related to the abilities of the Kosovo Police," Dohrmann said. "Any adjustments made will not decrease KFOR's operational capability."
Dohrmann was asked whether the move to a deterrent presence would affect security in Kosovo. He responded by stating that while there still are challenges ahead in Kosovo, progress continues every day.
"It's teamwork between EULEX (European Rule of Law in Kosovo) and the KP, with KFOR, as a third responder, that makes success possible." Dohrmann said, "As we move forward to 2010, MNTF-E will continue to work with the institutions to maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo."
Dohrmann spoke with media in Gjilan/Gnjilane and Ferizaj/Urosevac during informal press events, called "press coffees," Dec. 29 and 30. He said it was a pleasure to sit down with the local media from both cities, two of the largest in the MNTF-East sector, to discuss important issues.
In his opening statement, Dohrmann said that conditions in Kosovo had improved greatly since 2005, when he was in Kosovo as member of KFOR. He pointed out that there had been no major security incidents in Kosovo in 2009 and that both NATO and the North Atlantic Council have noted the "positive evolution" of the security situation.
"Transparency, cooperation, communication and respect for one another are the keys to the success of our mission," said Dohrmann. "It is evident that there has been a steady improvement in the security situation in Kosovo, due, in large part, to the increased capability of the institutions in Kosovo."
Dohrmann said his forces in MNTF-E will continue to pay special attention to illegal trafficking of arms, ammunition and explosives per the mandates of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement.
The media also asked about KFOR's role in economic development and civil projects in Kosovo, and specifically, how that might change with fewer forces on the ground.
"As we move to deterrent presence, the way we do civil affairs projects is going to change," Dohrmann said. "Our focus will be on connecting donor organizations with Kosovo communities. My expectation is to that we will work to put a system in place that will last long after KFOR.
"Kosovo is headed toward a brighter future and that is something we can all be extremely proud of."
Stop-Loss Payments Continue, But Some No Longer Eligible
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 5, 2010 - The fiscal 2010 defense budget extends payments to servicemembers involuntarily extended on active duty under the so-called "Stop Loss" program, but those who received a bonus for voluntarily re-enlisting or extending their service no longer qualify for retroactive Stop Loss pay. The Defense Department put the new policy into effect today, modifying eligibility for retroactive special pay to comply with Section 8108 of the 2010 Defense Department Appropriations Act, which took effect Dec. 19.
Servicemembers affected by the new policy who already received Stop Loss payments will not be required to repay them, defense officials said. However, all outstanding applications from affected servicemembers will be returned, along with an explanation of the change in law that makes them no longer eligible to receive the payments, officials said.
Department officials announced in March their intention to eliminate the Stop Loss policy, which kept servicemembers on active duty beyond their contracted end-of–service date.
While the services work to phase out the policy, officials authorized a special pay of $500 a month for anyone retained on active duty due to Stop Loss. Retroactive payments applied for anyone who served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, and the fiscal 2010 defense budget extended that authority through September 2010.
Servicemembers were able to begin submitting their claims for retroactive Stop Loss special pay on Oct. 21.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 5, 2010 - The fiscal 2010 defense budget extends payments to servicemembers involuntarily extended on active duty under the so-called "Stop Loss" program, but those who received a bonus for voluntarily re-enlisting or extending their service no longer qualify for retroactive Stop Loss pay. The Defense Department put the new policy into effect today, modifying eligibility for retroactive special pay to comply with Section 8108 of the 2010 Defense Department Appropriations Act, which took effect Dec. 19.
Servicemembers affected by the new policy who already received Stop Loss payments will not be required to repay them, defense officials said. However, all outstanding applications from affected servicemembers will be returned, along with an explanation of the change in law that makes them no longer eligible to receive the payments, officials said.
Department officials announced in March their intention to eliminate the Stop Loss policy, which kept servicemembers on active duty beyond their contracted end-of–service date.
While the services work to phase out the policy, officials authorized a special pay of $500 a month for anyone retained on active duty due to Stop Loss. Retroactive payments applied for anyone who served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, and the fiscal 2010 defense budget extended that authority through September 2010.
Servicemembers were able to begin submitting their claims for retroactive Stop Loss special pay on Oct. 21.
MILITARY CONTRACTS January 5, 2010
ARMY
Insight Technology Inc., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of a miniature reflex sight (MRS) in two configurations along with cleaning kits and spare parts. MRS is a small, passive, reflex weapon sight intended for close quarters combat applications. The sight is mounted on top of existing day sights, night optics, or other sighting devices to provide a secondary rapid aiming and engagement capability. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by January 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with nine offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JN02).
General Dynamics Information Technology, Needham, Mass., is being awarded $8,622,329 for delivery order #0010 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-09-D-4726) to provide a capability for the fielding of Marine Corps Enterprise IT Services, a Marine Corps enterprise transformation and modernization initiative. Work will be performed in Stafford, Va. (5 percent); Needham, Mass. (5 percent); and Kansas City, Mo. (90 percent). Work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $8,622,329 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $6,319,488 contract to provide for C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engineering Program engine maintenance training device, integration effort, and contract change proposal. At this time, $3,857,161 has been obligated. 716 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (33657-02-C-2000, P00207).
Insight Technology Inc., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of a miniature reflex sight (MRS) in two configurations along with cleaning kits and spare parts. MRS is a small, passive, reflex weapon sight intended for close quarters combat applications. The sight is mounted on top of existing day sights, night optics, or other sighting devices to provide a secondary rapid aiming and engagement capability. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by January 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with nine offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JN02).
General Dynamics Information Technology, Needham, Mass., is being awarded $8,622,329 for delivery order #0010 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-09-D-4726) to provide a capability for the fielding of Marine Corps Enterprise IT Services, a Marine Corps enterprise transformation and modernization initiative. Work will be performed in Stafford, Va. (5 percent); Needham, Mass. (5 percent); and Kansas City, Mo. (90 percent). Work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $8,622,329 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $6,319,488 contract to provide for C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engineering Program engine maintenance training device, integration effort, and contract change proposal. At this time, $3,857,161 has been obligated. 716 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (33657-02-C-2000, P00207).
DoD announces top family readiness groups
Compiled from state releases
(1/5/10) - The Department of Defense announced recently its top Guard and Reserve family readiness groups for 2009, and the awardees include an Army Guard group from Wisconsin and an Air Guard group from Minnesota. Family readiness group members from both states will be honored at the DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony at the Pentagon Feb. 12. They will receive an engraved plaque and a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America.
The Army National Guard’s top family readiness group represents the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Wisconsin.
"It's pretty exciting," said Janell Kellett, lead volunteer for the 32nd Brigade's family readiness group. "I've been calling all my volunteers."
Kellett oversees volunteers representing family readiness groups for 27 units deployed with the 32nd Brigade - including units from the 64th Troop Command and the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade - along with some additional groups representing units that provided individual Soldiers to augment the brigade.
"I am so thankful our Red Arrow Soldiers have the best family readiness program in the nation," said Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade from Iraq. "Our soldiers did a great job over here because of the great work done to support their families back in Wisconsin."
The Air Guard’s award-winning family readiness group is located at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, Minn.
"The 148th Fighter Wing 'Bulldogs' are very honored to be selected for this award," said Col. Frank Stokes, the wing commander. "Our mission success is critically dependent on the training and well-being of our Airmen. Whether they are preparing to leave, currently deployed, or returning, our members & their families need & deserve the very best care and support. It's imperative that we do all we can to take care of them, and ensure their families are supported."
The family readiness group is currently supporting the deployment of civil engineers from the wing to Afghanistan and a group of security forces specialists, who deployed to Southwest Asia in October for six months, among others.
Earlier in 2009, the Wing’s FRG also supported the return of 60 Airmen conducting theater airborne reconnaissance from Joint Air Base Balad, Iraq. At that time, it was the Wing’s third deployment there since 2005.
The DoD FRG awards were established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each Reserve component that demonstrates outstanding family readiness while maintaining superior mission readiness.
Each Reserve component selects its winner from among a large pool of nominees; final nominees are forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs for final approval.
The panel that determined the final Army Guard selection said the Wisconsin Guard’s FRG “exceeded their criteria guidance.”
"The incredible amount of time and effort our family volunteers gave is overwhelming," said Bensend. "There is no award that can adequately thank them for that sacrifice."
Kellett said that the award shows the volunteers that their hard work is recognized.
"This reinforces that they've done phenomenal work,” she said. “Everyone pitches in to have a successful program. This shows that the Army National Guard leadership here appreciates what we do. We want to serve the families; we want to serve the community."
"When our Soldiers know their families are being supported back home, they can focus on their missions overseas," said Kellett. "Family readiness groups are really supporting the mission too.”
(1/5/10) - The Department of Defense announced recently its top Guard and Reserve family readiness groups for 2009, and the awardees include an Army Guard group from Wisconsin and an Air Guard group from Minnesota. Family readiness group members from both states will be honored at the DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony at the Pentagon Feb. 12. They will receive an engraved plaque and a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America.
The Army National Guard’s top family readiness group represents the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Wisconsin.
"It's pretty exciting," said Janell Kellett, lead volunteer for the 32nd Brigade's family readiness group. "I've been calling all my volunteers."
Kellett oversees volunteers representing family readiness groups for 27 units deployed with the 32nd Brigade - including units from the 64th Troop Command and the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade - along with some additional groups representing units that provided individual Soldiers to augment the brigade.
"I am so thankful our Red Arrow Soldiers have the best family readiness program in the nation," said Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade from Iraq. "Our soldiers did a great job over here because of the great work done to support their families back in Wisconsin."
The Air Guard’s award-winning family readiness group is located at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, Minn.
"The 148th Fighter Wing 'Bulldogs' are very honored to be selected for this award," said Col. Frank Stokes, the wing commander. "Our mission success is critically dependent on the training and well-being of our Airmen. Whether they are preparing to leave, currently deployed, or returning, our members & their families need & deserve the very best care and support. It's imperative that we do all we can to take care of them, and ensure their families are supported."
The family readiness group is currently supporting the deployment of civil engineers from the wing to Afghanistan and a group of security forces specialists, who deployed to Southwest Asia in October for six months, among others.
Earlier in 2009, the Wing’s FRG also supported the return of 60 Airmen conducting theater airborne reconnaissance from Joint Air Base Balad, Iraq. At that time, it was the Wing’s third deployment there since 2005.
The DoD FRG awards were established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each Reserve component that demonstrates outstanding family readiness while maintaining superior mission readiness.
Each Reserve component selects its winner from among a large pool of nominees; final nominees are forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs for final approval.
The panel that determined the final Army Guard selection said the Wisconsin Guard’s FRG “exceeded their criteria guidance.”
"The incredible amount of time and effort our family volunteers gave is overwhelming," said Bensend. "There is no award that can adequately thank them for that sacrifice."
Kellett said that the award shows the volunteers that their hard work is recognized.
"This reinforces that they've done phenomenal work,” she said. “Everyone pitches in to have a successful program. This shows that the Army National Guard leadership here appreciates what we do. We want to serve the families; we want to serve the community."
"When our Soldiers know their families are being supported back home, they can focus on their missions overseas," said Kellett. "Family readiness groups are really supporting the mission too.”
Army Studies High Altitude Health Effects
By Rob Anastasio
FHP&R Staff Writer
Climate and altitude commonly inhibits the optimal effectiveness of service members in many theater operations. In the mountainous country of Afghanistan in particular, service members are asked to perform at thousands of feet above sea level, oftentimes hindering their cognitive and physical performance.
At the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division in Natick, Mass., researchers are studying the causes and medical effects of high altitude exposure. Researchers are offering information and products to increase resiliency and performance of service members deployed at high altitudes.
Dr. Stephen R. Muza, research physiologist at USARIEM, a laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), explains that there are measurable decrements by which physical and cognitive performance can be gauged as an environment increases in elevation. Humans begin to lose their optimal performance as the altitude of the environment increases. This is due to the reduced air and oxygen pressures that decrease the availability of oxygen. The result is hypoxia, an inadequate oxygenation of the blood.
“At 4,000 ft. above sea level you first start seeing a lack of physical performance. 8,000 ft. is usually the altitude at which cognitive performance is affected. And we’ve found that 10,000 ft. is the threshold where judgment starts to become impaired,” said Muza.
When a human reaches 8,000 ft. above sea level certain altitude sicknesses are born. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), in particular, is characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. AMS is common, but recovery is quick with descent and rest. Two more serious but rare altitude sicknesses require medical treatment and can be very dangerous for troops in combat.
There are several ways service members can prepare for high altitude conditions prior to deployment. A soldier can start by training at a higher altitude to physically prepare for deployment. High altitude training facilities can be found at military installations in CONUS including Fort Carson, Colo., the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., and at Hawthorne Army Proving Ground, Nev.
“However, physical training for deployment will not reduce the risk of developing altitude sickness in theater,” said Muza. The training will prepare service members to recognize the symptoms of AMS and react appropriately.
In addition to high altitude training before deployment, service members can practice a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced diet and not smoking.
“Since the carbon dioxide in cigarettes decreases the amount of oxygen the hemoglobin in your blood can carry, you’re getting even less oxygen and putting yourself at a greater risk at a higher altitude,” said Muza. This can be critical when engaged in high altitude warfare.
High altitude research is simulated by researchers in a controlled environment with hypobaric chambers. At USARIEM these decompression chambers are used by researchers to control the barometric pressure and oxygen concentration in an enclosed environment to simulate high altitude conditions. The simulation gives researchers the data they need to draw conclusions about acclimatization, acute mountain sickness, hypoxia, and human performance metrics. USARIEM is also studying the effectiveness of hypoxic chambers used by athletes across the world to help their bodies perform better at higher altitudes.
As a result of the research conducted by Muza and his team at USARIEM, several products have been developed. Because there is relatively little data accumulated in regards to altitude sickness, several models are being created to be used as tools for the military. The research team at USARIEM is working on several predictive models which will pivot around the results and findings of three main topics of research: altitude sickness, work performance and altitude acclimatization.
“Information is our major product,” said Muza. “In 2010 we will release the Altitude Acclimatization and Illness Management Guidelines (TB Med 505).” This is a collection of much of our work surrounding altitude illnesses and will act as a tool for service members deploying to higher altitudes.
Another product is an “eat-on-the-move” nutrition supplement that allows service members to receive necessary hydration and carbohydrate-based nutrition essential to optimal performance at a high altitude.
here is only one drug which has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for prevention of altitude illnesses. Diamox helps speed up the process of adjusting to higher altitudes, and reduces minor symptoms. The drug is given to service members to prevent AMS; there is currently no FDA-sanctioned drug to improve cognitive performance.
“Researchers have worked over the past decade to study a variety of drugs as an effective medicine to combat altitude sicknesses. There have been several drugs studied, but all of them have proven to be ineffective,” said Muza.
While several significant advances have been made in the field of high altitude research, there are still several capability gaps that present themselves. “Our main gap is a lack of substantial predictive models. There are several controlled variables that affect one’s susceptibility to AMS, making it tough to develop an accurate model around the specific altitude thresholds at which different physical and cognitive effects start to set in,” said Muza.
There are also other factors that play a role in identifying research needs. Researchers have found that hydration and nutrition is integral to higher altitude performance. All too often military personnel will restrict their fluid intake because of the long trips to different deployment locations in vehicles and aircraft that have no toilets. “Troops are arriving with dehydration and other related symptoms because of this and are therefore more susceptible to altitude sickness,” said Muza.
Researchers are working to remedy many of these capability gaps in their research areas. “We’re working to identify and optimize acclimatization strategies that are applicable to military units in an effort to improve their capabilities,” said Muza.
USARIEM works with the Human Performance laboratory at the Air Force Academy to study altitude sicknesses and related subject areas. USARIEM also works in collaboration with several other health facilities in related research studies. They work with Massachusetts General Hospital with the early diagnosis of acute mountain sickness; Brigham Women’s Hospital Center on MRI neuroimaging studies; Stanford University with diet and nutrition studies; Oklahoma State University with acute mountain sickness studies; as well as the University of Colorado’s Health Science Center.
USARIEM is the only U.S. military organization with a mission focused solely on environmental research issues. With continued research revolving around high altitude sickness and its related effects, researchers are making fast headway on preparing service members for deployment in high altitude locations.
FHP&R Staff Writer
Climate and altitude commonly inhibits the optimal effectiveness of service members in many theater operations. In the mountainous country of Afghanistan in particular, service members are asked to perform at thousands of feet above sea level, oftentimes hindering their cognitive and physical performance.
At the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division in Natick, Mass., researchers are studying the causes and medical effects of high altitude exposure. Researchers are offering information and products to increase resiliency and performance of service members deployed at high altitudes.
Dr. Stephen R. Muza, research physiologist at USARIEM, a laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), explains that there are measurable decrements by which physical and cognitive performance can be gauged as an environment increases in elevation. Humans begin to lose their optimal performance as the altitude of the environment increases. This is due to the reduced air and oxygen pressures that decrease the availability of oxygen. The result is hypoxia, an inadequate oxygenation of the blood.
“At 4,000 ft. above sea level you first start seeing a lack of physical performance. 8,000 ft. is usually the altitude at which cognitive performance is affected. And we’ve found that 10,000 ft. is the threshold where judgment starts to become impaired,” said Muza.
When a human reaches 8,000 ft. above sea level certain altitude sicknesses are born. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), in particular, is characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. AMS is common, but recovery is quick with descent and rest. Two more serious but rare altitude sicknesses require medical treatment and can be very dangerous for troops in combat.
There are several ways service members can prepare for high altitude conditions prior to deployment. A soldier can start by training at a higher altitude to physically prepare for deployment. High altitude training facilities can be found at military installations in CONUS including Fort Carson, Colo., the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., and at Hawthorne Army Proving Ground, Nev.
“However, physical training for deployment will not reduce the risk of developing altitude sickness in theater,” said Muza. The training will prepare service members to recognize the symptoms of AMS and react appropriately.
In addition to high altitude training before deployment, service members can practice a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced diet and not smoking.
“Since the carbon dioxide in cigarettes decreases the amount of oxygen the hemoglobin in your blood can carry, you’re getting even less oxygen and putting yourself at a greater risk at a higher altitude,” said Muza. This can be critical when engaged in high altitude warfare.
High altitude research is simulated by researchers in a controlled environment with hypobaric chambers. At USARIEM these decompression chambers are used by researchers to control the barometric pressure and oxygen concentration in an enclosed environment to simulate high altitude conditions. The simulation gives researchers the data they need to draw conclusions about acclimatization, acute mountain sickness, hypoxia, and human performance metrics. USARIEM is also studying the effectiveness of hypoxic chambers used by athletes across the world to help their bodies perform better at higher altitudes.
As a result of the research conducted by Muza and his team at USARIEM, several products have been developed. Because there is relatively little data accumulated in regards to altitude sickness, several models are being created to be used as tools for the military. The research team at USARIEM is working on several predictive models which will pivot around the results and findings of three main topics of research: altitude sickness, work performance and altitude acclimatization.
“Information is our major product,” said Muza. “In 2010 we will release the Altitude Acclimatization and Illness Management Guidelines (TB Med 505).” This is a collection of much of our work surrounding altitude illnesses and will act as a tool for service members deploying to higher altitudes.
Another product is an “eat-on-the-move” nutrition supplement that allows service members to receive necessary hydration and carbohydrate-based nutrition essential to optimal performance at a high altitude.
here is only one drug which has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for prevention of altitude illnesses. Diamox helps speed up the process of adjusting to higher altitudes, and reduces minor symptoms. The drug is given to service members to prevent AMS; there is currently no FDA-sanctioned drug to improve cognitive performance.
“Researchers have worked over the past decade to study a variety of drugs as an effective medicine to combat altitude sicknesses. There have been several drugs studied, but all of them have proven to be ineffective,” said Muza.
While several significant advances have been made in the field of high altitude research, there are still several capability gaps that present themselves. “Our main gap is a lack of substantial predictive models. There are several controlled variables that affect one’s susceptibility to AMS, making it tough to develop an accurate model around the specific altitude thresholds at which different physical and cognitive effects start to set in,” said Muza.
There are also other factors that play a role in identifying research needs. Researchers have found that hydration and nutrition is integral to higher altitude performance. All too often military personnel will restrict their fluid intake because of the long trips to different deployment locations in vehicles and aircraft that have no toilets. “Troops are arriving with dehydration and other related symptoms because of this and are therefore more susceptible to altitude sickness,” said Muza.
Researchers are working to remedy many of these capability gaps in their research areas. “We’re working to identify and optimize acclimatization strategies that are applicable to military units in an effort to improve their capabilities,” said Muza.
USARIEM works with the Human Performance laboratory at the Air Force Academy to study altitude sicknesses and related subject areas. USARIEM also works in collaboration with several other health facilities in related research studies. They work with Massachusetts General Hospital with the early diagnosis of acute mountain sickness; Brigham Women’s Hospital Center on MRI neuroimaging studies; Stanford University with diet and nutrition studies; Oklahoma State University with acute mountain sickness studies; as well as the University of Colorado’s Health Science Center.
USARIEM is the only U.S. military organization with a mission focused solely on environmental research issues. With continued research revolving around high altitude sickness and its related effects, researchers are making fast headway on preparing service members for deployment in high altitude locations.
The Power of Blood Belongs to Donors
By Julie Oliveri
Armed Services Blood Program
National Blood Donor Month is here, and I wonder, what does the thought of blood conjure for you? There are more references to blood throughout history and scattered throughout popular culture, than references to food or air: blood libel, thicker than water, power in the blood, blood of the lamb, blood of our forefathers, blood brothers, blood feud, true blood, blue blood, and, of course, cold blooded.
The list is endless. Or maybe not, as Google has “blood” down for 338 million hits with “food” at 774 million and “air” at 917 million. Nevertheless, the notion of blood is visceral and powerful, perhaps because it is also nearly interchangeable with the concept of life.
According to the Web site How Stuff Works, blood is the most tested part of the body. Doctors, therefore, see blood as a marvelous detective tool of sorts, but also as a kind of superhero when faced with a patient suffering blood loss. As most people know, there is no substitute for blood, so transfusion science, or hematology, is utterly vital to any emergency medical set up. Once again, blood easily equates to life.
People who are so badly hurt or so ill that they need blood transfusions certainly see blood as life; and it’s very simple to understand that their loved ones do as well.
It is also easy, then, to see why an entire month at the beginning of every year is set aside to honor and thank blood donors. Musing on the part that blood—which makes up nearly eight percent of a person's body weight—plays in our society, what with vampires running amuck and blood memorialized in song, story and rhyme, rounding up this elixir should be simple. But it’s not, and there are many reasons.
To begin with, the collection process itself is regulated and painstakingly monitored to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Transfusion science has come a long way, and so whole blood, once collected, is manufactured into components to more efficiently use the product and treat the patient. This is referred to as component therapy. Therefore, from the arm of the donor, to the arm of the patient, the collection, manufacturing and transfusion process is rigorous and tightly controlled; and requires highly trained staff, specialized equipment and proper lab conditions.
Without donors, this whole process would be fruitless. And donors, though in high demand, are not as plentiful as was once assumed. A study that came out in 2007 from the University of Minnesota found that instead of the 60 percent of Americans who were previously thought to be eligible to donate, only 38 percent are, in fact, eligible blood donors.
Again, to ensure the safety of our nation’s blood supply, the Food and Drug Administration, the governing body for blood and blood products in the U.S., has rules in place that determine donor eligibility or criteria. As new blood borne pathogens or potential threats to the safety of the patient being transfused, are discovered, more safeguards are put in place continuing to decrease the donor pool. Even so, of the percentage of Americans who are eligible, a little less than 10 percent give blood. And that means that those who do give blood are responsible for savings the lives of thousands and thousands of people, mostly strangers.
This is why here at the Armed Services Blood Program we go all out during National Blood Donor Month to say thank you. Many of our 22 blood donor centers here at home and around the world hold special ceremonies throughout the month of January where plaques, military coins and certificates are awarded to those who make it part of their routine to give blood.
Military leadership attends these ceremonies to say thank you in person and we write stories, make videos, posters and t-shirts to honor our donors and to say thank you loud and long. We know that our donors, along with all of those who would happily donate but cannot and so find other ways to support blood drives and get the word out, are very special people. We salute and honor you during National Blood Donor Month.
Like Atlas, you hold the world of blood supply on your shoulders. Come on Dracula, say it with us! Bless you and thank you!!! The power of blood truly belongs to donors.
To find out more about the Armed Services Blood Program or to schedule your appointment to donate visit us online: http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/.
Armed Services Blood Program
National Blood Donor Month is here, and I wonder, what does the thought of blood conjure for you? There are more references to blood throughout history and scattered throughout popular culture, than references to food or air: blood libel, thicker than water, power in the blood, blood of the lamb, blood of our forefathers, blood brothers, blood feud, true blood, blue blood, and, of course, cold blooded.
The list is endless. Or maybe not, as Google has “blood” down for 338 million hits with “food” at 774 million and “air” at 917 million. Nevertheless, the notion of blood is visceral and powerful, perhaps because it is also nearly interchangeable with the concept of life.
According to the Web site How Stuff Works, blood is the most tested part of the body. Doctors, therefore, see blood as a marvelous detective tool of sorts, but also as a kind of superhero when faced with a patient suffering blood loss. As most people know, there is no substitute for blood, so transfusion science, or hematology, is utterly vital to any emergency medical set up. Once again, blood easily equates to life.
People who are so badly hurt or so ill that they need blood transfusions certainly see blood as life; and it’s very simple to understand that their loved ones do as well.
It is also easy, then, to see why an entire month at the beginning of every year is set aside to honor and thank blood donors. Musing on the part that blood—which makes up nearly eight percent of a person's body weight—plays in our society, what with vampires running amuck and blood memorialized in song, story and rhyme, rounding up this elixir should be simple. But it’s not, and there are many reasons.
To begin with, the collection process itself is regulated and painstakingly monitored to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Transfusion science has come a long way, and so whole blood, once collected, is manufactured into components to more efficiently use the product and treat the patient. This is referred to as component therapy. Therefore, from the arm of the donor, to the arm of the patient, the collection, manufacturing and transfusion process is rigorous and tightly controlled; and requires highly trained staff, specialized equipment and proper lab conditions.
Without donors, this whole process would be fruitless. And donors, though in high demand, are not as plentiful as was once assumed. A study that came out in 2007 from the University of Minnesota found that instead of the 60 percent of Americans who were previously thought to be eligible to donate, only 38 percent are, in fact, eligible blood donors.
Again, to ensure the safety of our nation’s blood supply, the Food and Drug Administration, the governing body for blood and blood products in the U.S., has rules in place that determine donor eligibility or criteria. As new blood borne pathogens or potential threats to the safety of the patient being transfused, are discovered, more safeguards are put in place continuing to decrease the donor pool. Even so, of the percentage of Americans who are eligible, a little less than 10 percent give blood. And that means that those who do give blood are responsible for savings the lives of thousands and thousands of people, mostly strangers.
This is why here at the Armed Services Blood Program we go all out during National Blood Donor Month to say thank you. Many of our 22 blood donor centers here at home and around the world hold special ceremonies throughout the month of January where plaques, military coins and certificates are awarded to those who make it part of their routine to give blood.
Military leadership attends these ceremonies to say thank you in person and we write stories, make videos, posters and t-shirts to honor our donors and to say thank you loud and long. We know that our donors, along with all of those who would happily donate but cannot and so find other ways to support blood drives and get the word out, are very special people. We salute and honor you during National Blood Donor Month.
Like Atlas, you hold the world of blood supply on your shoulders. Come on Dracula, say it with us! Bless you and thank you!!! The power of blood truly belongs to donors.
To find out more about the Armed Services Blood Program or to schedule your appointment to donate visit us online: http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/.
DoD Studies PTSD, TBI Methods
A recent study funded by the Department of Defense compared methods of assessing and diagnosing traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found that current practices for assessment and diagnosis of these mental health conditions are hindered by biases and complications, but they remain the most effective tools to study and assess brain injuries. The study was conducted in part by researchers from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) and was published in the journal Rehabilitation Psychology. An abstract of the study is available on the APA PsycNET website. ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uNVaCfOTXuuobhs823AL1Yjl5qJ7x1uK01tnnu-7ewtSKs5kicOc-qcqhl05eQTjfDHJ1wKmlbUA6kLUe8aniWeMkDQUPxzppPa3OXROm90oTinc5Xy2izL5jdfEJwD0hwIACdDDZdHZx0KvlKsbEL=s0-d)
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