American Forces Press Service
Feb. 12, 2010 - Soldiers and airmen of the District of Columbia National Guard continue to help in the wake of back-to-back storms that dumped several feet of snow on the nation's capital. At times, blizzard conditions were so bad that even plows were advised to get off the roads. Meanwhile, Guard members were delivering police, firefighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses to work.
"We have completed more than 500 missions over the course of these two storms," said Army Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard. "We've been operating 12 Humvees stationed at all seven Metro Police precincts throughout the city, fire stations and the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. The missions have been nonstop."
The D.C. Guard's mission included 60 transportation personnel, along with additional soldiers and airmen providing indirect support in the form of logistics, communications, administrative, maintenance and operational support. Guard personnel operated around the clock in 12-hour shifts.
With a possible third storm in the forecast, the D.C. Guard was prepared to continue its mission into next week.
"As long as the district requests our support, we will be there to do our job," Schwartz said. "This is what we do. I'm very proud of our men and women who volunteered to come in and help the district despite the severe conditions, the danger of driving and in lieu of even taking care of their own circumstances."
Guard families always are supportive when their spouses and loved ones are called to duty, the general noted, adding that they deserve just as much credit for supporting this mission.
Despite having two of its major units -- the 547th Transportation Company and the 113th Wing -- deployed in Iraq, and the 113th Security Forces Squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia, the D.C. Guard has been able to do everything district officials asked of it on the home front, Schwartz said.
(From a District of Columbia National Guard news release.)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Utah ANG aircraft, crew participates in Morocco air show
By Airman 1st Class Lillian Chatwin
Utah National Guard
(2/1/10) -- The Utah Air National Guard's KC-135 Stratotanker and flight crew participated in the Aeroexpo Marrakech 2010 here at the Royal Air Forces Military Base from Jan. 27-30. The KC-135 from the 151st Air Refueling Wing was showcased as a static display at the international air and trade show. En route to the show, the KC-135 also refueled two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard. The two F-16s demonstrated their capabilities in the air show.
The objective of U.S. participation in the air show is twofold: to demonstrate support to the Moroccan decision to purchase 24 F-16 aircraft and to support U.S. Africa Command's strategic engagements in the region.
"The Moroccan's purchase of the F-16s is positive," said Col. Dar Craig, commander of the 151st Operations Group. "Their F-16s will have a high impact for maintaining stability in the region."
The Utah National Guard and Morocco have been working together through a NG State Partnership Program (SPP) since 2003. The SPP's mission is to link NG units with partner countries for the purposes of fostering mutual interests and establishing habitual long-term relationships.
The program encourages the development of economic, political and military ties between Utah and Morocco through military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian exchanges. As such, it is one of the Utah ANG's roles to participate in events, like air shows, that help strengthen military ties.
Maj. Gen. Brian L. Tarbet, who has been the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard since 2000, has overseen the Utah SPP since it was first initiated.
"We have learned a great deal from our Moroccan counterparts," said Tarbet. "This is a bi-lateral relationship where we learn from each other. We learn best practices, and it has broadened our perspective."
The Aeroexpo Marrakech 2010, focused on the developing aeronautical industries in Morocco, is hosting more than 40 delegates and diplomatic authorities, mostly from Africa, at the show.
Participation in this event has provided the U.S. government with the opportunity to expand its network of partners by opening dialogue with other Central and West African nations.
The Utah ANG also participated in the first edition Aeroexpo Marrakech in 2008.
The Moroccan military's delivery of F-16s is scheduled for 2011. Tarbet said he anticipates the Utah ANG's KC-135 may be working closely with Morocco in the future.
"We will be working with refueling because the Moroccans refuel with drogues and the F-16s have to be refueled with booms," said Tarbet. "We also want to be a part of the team that ferries the F-16 delivery across."
The Utah ANG also participates in many humanitarian efforts in Morocco, and this trip was no exception. Among the KC-135's additional cargo were 50 school-kits, which were offloaded and given to a local orphanage January 24. The school kits were assembled and donated by the spouses of the Utah NG senior enlisted leaders.
When visiting the KC-135 flight crew at the air show, Tarbet complimented the Utah ANG with a historical perspective.
"Our SPP with Morocco got off to a great start because of the ANG," said Tarbet. "In 2004, the northern coast of Morocco suffered a devastating earthquake. Within 48 hours, there was a Utah ANG KC-135 sitting on the deck filled with donated emergency-response supplies. That got us off to a start that was hard not to succeed with. We've just deepened and strengthened those ties ever since."
The Utah NG also participates in several other humanitarian efforts in Morocco.
As part of Operation African Lion, an annual three-week deployment in Morocco, the Utah NG sends equipped medics to travel to remote locations to treat thousands of locals in need of care.
Other Utah NG projects include building schools, women's centers, and libraries, drilling wells that provide clean water, agriculture and pet-farming education, and most uniquely, a youth exchange program where Moroccan families and American military families exchange youth who participate in the 10-day cultural immersion program.
"Perhaps the highlight of our relationship with Morocco is our youth exchange program," said Tarbet. "We trust each other with our kids, which is very substantial."
Morocco holds the longest standing treaty with the United States. They were also the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States from Great Britain in 1777. The Utah SPP was the first U.S. partnership in North Africa, and the first between a state and a predominantly Muslim nation.
Troops Carry Out 'Cool' Mission in Antarctica
By Ian Graham
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 12, 2010 - While the U.S. East Coast feels the closest it has come in many years to "extreme" weather, some servicemembers are facing real cold as they support the National Science Foundation's efforts in Antarctica. Air Force Col. Paul Sheppard, commander of the 13th Air Expeditionary Group and deputy commander of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, provided details of the mission from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on the Pentagon Channel podcast, "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military."
Sheppard discussed Operation Deep Freeze and the major contributions by servicemembers in support of the National Science Foundation, including coordinating strategic and tactical airlift, sealift, emergency response and aeromedical evacuation.
"Operation Deep Freeze started with the Navy in the mid-'50s and is a military-centric operation on the continent of Antarctica," Sheppard said. "Then, under international treaty, the world community started moving toward declaring the Antarctic an open continent for science research only, and no development. So ... science started to take the lead for all U.S. interests in Antarctica."
The Defense Department provides logistics support, especially heavy airlift and sea power, that can't be contracted elsewhere, Sheppard explained. The military component in Antarctica makes up only about 10 percent of the manpower there, he said.
The extreme climate in Antarctica give Sheppard and his troops some unique challenges.
"Almost everything we work with is a piece of metal equipment. ... We have to worry about metal fatigue and brittleness of metal -- we're talking about ships and airplanes and all the support equipment that goes along with that. And our big problem environmentally is temperature," Sheppard said.
He said the limited weather forecasting available on Antarctica creates a problem or two, both in temperature management and in planning and carrying out operations.
"That's what gives us our biggest problem operationally and safety-wise -- not knowing for certain what the weather trends are going to be over the course of the day or week," he said. "So blizzards -- we call them 'Herbies' down here, the massive blizzards that have hurricane-force winds -- those type of events create a danger for us, for aviation and every aspect of life on the continent."
Newcomers to the camp, military and civilians, undergo a few nights of on-site survival training, a course known at McMurdo as "happy camper school." Program participants camp in the snow, build snowcaves and learn how to protect themselves from extreme conditions. The military crew also goes through barren-land training in Greenland, learning to survive in a number of simulated scenarios.
"If you're going into the field, you get training," Sheppard said. "But if you're staying here in at McMurdo and you're working within the infrastructure of this town, then you don't need the extreme weather survival training."
Sheppard himself has had to use his survival training. During one mission to place a fuel cache in an open-snow area, an axle on his plane shattered.
"Cold weather makes metal brittle, and this axle had been manufactured incorrectly, and it broke," he said. "And the nose wheels went up into the wheel well of the airplane, and the plane fell down on top of the nose ski, luckily.
"I no longer had an airplane," Sheppard said. "I just had a huge snowmobile, and there was no place to go. So, we parked the airplane next to the fuel drums and shut down.
"We set up our camp, not knowing how long we'd stay there," he continued. "And then we started to set up to stay for a long time before someone could come and get us. It was dead silence, and you realized you were someplace in the middle of nowhere and [had] no idea how you were going to get out of there or when you were going to get out of there."
Sheppard's story ends well. A rescue crew arrived 20 hours later and brought everyone to McMurdo safe and sound.
Another danger in Antarctica is crevasses, deep niches in the ice that can be fatal for a person on foot or a ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft in take-off. But the Defense Department and National Science Foundation have been working together for the past eight years on a crevasse detection radar.
They've also been developing equipment for their LC-130s that will allow for easier snow take-offs. By adding high-tech eight-bladed propellers with electronic propeller controls, Sheppard said, they'll be able to actually create some lift on the plane while it's stationary. This will allow a heavily laden plane to take off on snow easier, as the propellers are picking up some of the weight before takeoff.
Advances like these not only help to move cargo and save money on fuel, but also improve safety for the crews in Antarctica, Sheppard said.
"People don't realize that the continent itself has a land mass of the continental U.S., plus Mexico," he said. "It's mind-boggling how large it is." In his survival story, Sheppard recalled that he was relatively close to McMurdo, about 400 miles into the barren snow fields. But without the kinds of advances being made there, he said, "[everyone there is] at the mercy of the continent."
Much of the mystery of Antarctica comes from a broad lack of awareness, Sheppard said. For example, he said, most people don't know that most of the continent is covered with an ice cap that's up to two miles thick.
"The continent is at high altitudes, around 10,000 feet or higher, and that it is the coldest, windiest, driest, cleanest place on Earth," Sheppard said. "And the geography of the continent is truly spectacular, with the ice caps and then the mountain ranges. And that's what the international community wants to do, is keep it that way -- the cleanest place -- and do science.
"And it has every natural resource that you can imagine down here – but no one can have it," he added with a laugh.
(Ian Graham works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 12, 2010 - While the U.S. East Coast feels the closest it has come in many years to "extreme" weather, some servicemembers are facing real cold as they support the National Science Foundation's efforts in Antarctica. Air Force Col. Paul Sheppard, commander of the 13th Air Expeditionary Group and deputy commander of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, provided details of the mission from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on the Pentagon Channel podcast, "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military."
Sheppard discussed Operation Deep Freeze and the major contributions by servicemembers in support of the National Science Foundation, including coordinating strategic and tactical airlift, sealift, emergency response and aeromedical evacuation.
"Operation Deep Freeze started with the Navy in the mid-'50s and is a military-centric operation on the continent of Antarctica," Sheppard said. "Then, under international treaty, the world community started moving toward declaring the Antarctic an open continent for science research only, and no development. So ... science started to take the lead for all U.S. interests in Antarctica."
The Defense Department provides logistics support, especially heavy airlift and sea power, that can't be contracted elsewhere, Sheppard explained. The military component in Antarctica makes up only about 10 percent of the manpower there, he said.
The extreme climate in Antarctica give Sheppard and his troops some unique challenges.
"Almost everything we work with is a piece of metal equipment. ... We have to worry about metal fatigue and brittleness of metal -- we're talking about ships and airplanes and all the support equipment that goes along with that. And our big problem environmentally is temperature," Sheppard said.
He said the limited weather forecasting available on Antarctica creates a problem or two, both in temperature management and in planning and carrying out operations.
"That's what gives us our biggest problem operationally and safety-wise -- not knowing for certain what the weather trends are going to be over the course of the day or week," he said. "So blizzards -- we call them 'Herbies' down here, the massive blizzards that have hurricane-force winds -- those type of events create a danger for us, for aviation and every aspect of life on the continent."
Newcomers to the camp, military and civilians, undergo a few nights of on-site survival training, a course known at McMurdo as "happy camper school." Program participants camp in the snow, build snowcaves and learn how to protect themselves from extreme conditions. The military crew also goes through barren-land training in Greenland, learning to survive in a number of simulated scenarios.
"If you're going into the field, you get training," Sheppard said. "But if you're staying here in at McMurdo and you're working within the infrastructure of this town, then you don't need the extreme weather survival training."
Sheppard himself has had to use his survival training. During one mission to place a fuel cache in an open-snow area, an axle on his plane shattered.
"Cold weather makes metal brittle, and this axle had been manufactured incorrectly, and it broke," he said. "And the nose wheels went up into the wheel well of the airplane, and the plane fell down on top of the nose ski, luckily.
"I no longer had an airplane," Sheppard said. "I just had a huge snowmobile, and there was no place to go. So, we parked the airplane next to the fuel drums and shut down.
"We set up our camp, not knowing how long we'd stay there," he continued. "And then we started to set up to stay for a long time before someone could come and get us. It was dead silence, and you realized you were someplace in the middle of nowhere and [had] no idea how you were going to get out of there or when you were going to get out of there."
Sheppard's story ends well. A rescue crew arrived 20 hours later and brought everyone to McMurdo safe and sound.
Another danger in Antarctica is crevasses, deep niches in the ice that can be fatal for a person on foot or a ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft in take-off. But the Defense Department and National Science Foundation have been working together for the past eight years on a crevasse detection radar.
They've also been developing equipment for their LC-130s that will allow for easier snow take-offs. By adding high-tech eight-bladed propellers with electronic propeller controls, Sheppard said, they'll be able to actually create some lift on the plane while it's stationary. This will allow a heavily laden plane to take off on snow easier, as the propellers are picking up some of the weight before takeoff.
Advances like these not only help to move cargo and save money on fuel, but also improve safety for the crews in Antarctica, Sheppard said.
"People don't realize that the continent itself has a land mass of the continental U.S., plus Mexico," he said. "It's mind-boggling how large it is." In his survival story, Sheppard recalled that he was relatively close to McMurdo, about 400 miles into the barren snow fields. But without the kinds of advances being made there, he said, "[everyone there is] at the mercy of the continent."
Much of the mystery of Antarctica comes from a broad lack of awareness, Sheppard said. For example, he said, most people don't know that most of the continent is covered with an ice cap that's up to two miles thick.
"The continent is at high altitudes, around 10,000 feet or higher, and that it is the coldest, windiest, driest, cleanest place on Earth," Sheppard said. "And the geography of the continent is truly spectacular, with the ice caps and then the mountain ranges. And that's what the international community wants to do, is keep it that way -- the cleanest place -- and do science.
"And it has every natural resource that you can imagine down here – but no one can have it," he added with a laugh.
(Ian Graham works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Airmen, Soldiers Continue Deliveries to Haiti
By Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 12, 2010 - Airmen and soldiers assigned here and at Fort Lee, Va., loaded nearly 70 tons of gear and supplies and more than 70 soldiers aboard two C-17 Globemaster III transports Feb. 8 and 9 in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti. The 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron team worked alongside airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and soldiers from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Forty Lee to load the gear and people aboard C-17s from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Air transporters from the 633rd LRS have worked around the clock since Jan. 14, ensuring the aircraft are properly loaded, said Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony McCray, the squadron's air terminal operations superintendent. The team performed joint inspections with deploying units and validated all aircraft load plans for proper weight distribution and sequencing.
Soldiers loaded vehicles, palletized cargo and gear as troops from Fort Lee's 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion boarded en route to provide security, fuel systems and water purification management in Haiti.
"The Air Force trains soldiers through an affiliation program how to load aircraft properly," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Harris, a 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "They knew exactly what to do and really helped expedite the process."
Airmen use planes that are most readily available to carry cargo and people from support bases to Haiti and back. As a result, crews from around the country man aircraft from different bases, all while visiting installations that serve as hubs.
"We need to be able to respond as quickly as possible, so when the alert comes in, we take whatever plane is available," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Alex Bartels, a loadmaster from Travis who accompanied the Hickam-based C-17. "It saves time and money and helps us be as efficient as possible."
The Haiti relief operation has kept the 633rd's airmen very busy.
"Last year, we moved approximately 1,500 tons of cargo," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Larry Ingersoll, the 633rd LRS officer in charge of air terminal operations. After the Jan. 12 earthquake, the squadron's airmen moved 746 tons of relief supplies in only 25 days, just 7 percent of the year.
Since the beginning of the operation, 633rd LRS Airmen have loaded 24 aircraft with cargo and more than 200 people bound for Haiti.
(Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown serves in the 633rd Air Base Wing public affairs office.)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
WEM administrator named to national FEMA advisory committee
February 11, 2010 - Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) Administrator Ed Wall is one of two state emergency management directors named to a national board that provides oversight and direction on FEMA disaster assistance programs for individuals and families.
The FEMA Individual Assistance Program Board reviews the operational impact of FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) Policies to ensure consistent program implementation. This includes providing guidance and recommendations for FEMA programs and policies that are designed to help those in need during a federal disaster declaration.
The 33-member board meets at least twice a year. In addition to the two state directors, members include emergency management professionals who work at the federal and local levels, as well as federal liaisons with volunteer agencies and tribal nations.
In the last three years, Wisconsin has received two federal disaster declarations for flooding and severe storms. In 2008, more than 40,000 individuals or families applied for federal disaster assistance following major flooding in southern Wisconsin.
Gov. Jim Doyle named Wall as administrator of WEM in September 2009. Wall was a full time law enforcement officer for 25 years, serving as Special Agent in Charge with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation at the time of his appointment by Doyle.
The FEMA Individual Assistance Program Board reviews the operational impact of FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) Policies to ensure consistent program implementation. This includes providing guidance and recommendations for FEMA programs and policies that are designed to help those in need during a federal disaster declaration.
The 33-member board meets at least twice a year. In addition to the two state directors, members include emergency management professionals who work at the federal and local levels, as well as federal liaisons with volunteer agencies and tribal nations.
In the last three years, Wisconsin has received two federal disaster declarations for flooding and severe storms. In 2008, more than 40,000 individuals or families applied for federal disaster assistance following major flooding in southern Wisconsin.
Gov. Jim Doyle named Wall as administrator of WEM in September 2009. Wall was a full time law enforcement officer for 25 years, serving as Special Agent in Charge with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation at the time of his appointment by Doyle.
Military Olympians: Solider Shoots for Olympic First
By Tim Hipps
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 11, 2010 - Army Sgt. Jeremy Teela has returned to the site of the best performance of his three-time Olympic career with sights set on becoming the first U.S. biathlete ever to win an Olympic medal. Teela, a soldier in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, finished third in the men's 20-kilometer individual race at last season's World Cup stop in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The XXI Olympic Winter Games are scheduled for Feb. 12-28, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The biathlon -- a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting – will be held in Whistler.
Teela said he remembers the March 11, 2009 race as if it were yesterday. "That was my day," he said. "I made as close to a perfect race as I could.
"I got down the course and was maybe a half-kilometer out, and Coach was there saying, 'You're in second place.' And I was like, 'No stuff, second place, huh?' I always thought if somebody told me I was podium bound, I would have this extra kick in me – but I had nothing. I was fighting... just going as hard as I could."
With his third-place finish, Teela became the first American biathlete to win a World Cup medal since Josh Thompson in 1992.
"I was coming in second but there was this one German kid who also was having a great race," Teela said. "I don't know if I could have done anything to counter his kick, but all in all, third place, I was psyched. He did get me, but that was the best performance of my career."
U.S. biathlon coach Per Nilsson was impressed with Teela's poise under pressure.
"I am really amazed how 'cool' he was on the shooting range," Nilsson said. "There were two shots that were pretty close to a miss, but nevertheless, he stayed focused and just put his race together."
Teela, 33, who trains in Heber City, Utah, and claims Anchorage as home, expects unprecedented success this year at Whistler. His 14th-place individual finish at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Soldier Hollow remains the second-best U.S. finish at the Olympics.
"I think a podium is within reach," Teela said. "I showed it last year at Vancouver, but you really have to have the mindset. Your mind has to be in the right spot. I think a podium is in the cards for the team. We have four guys that are strong. And even the relay, I think we have a great shot at podium in that competition as well."
He will be competing at the Vancouver Games with Tim Burke, who medaled twice on the 2009-2010 World Cup circuit since Teela's third-place finish at Whistler. Burke, 27, of Paul Smiths, N.Y., headlines this U.S. Olympic biathlon squad, joined by Teela, four-time Olympian Jay Hakkinen, 32, of Kasilof, Alaska, Lowell Bailey, 28, of Lake Placid, N.Y., and first-timer Wynn Roberts, 21, of Battle Creek, Minn.
"You try to be the best that day," Teela said. "You don't have to be the best in the world. All you have to do is be the best at the Olympics on that day.
"I've got two jackets. I want the hardware."
Teela says he's honored to represent soldiers and their families worldwide.
"It's an amazing opportunity given to you to be able to race and compete at the Olympics and to represent the United States, but it's also special for me to race and compete for the Army," he said. "It's hard to explain – just to show up and have so many people rooting for you.
"You show up and you race alone, but there's been a lot of people along the road that's helped you get to where you are. I've got a big, strong team behind me that says U.S. Army on it."
(Tim Hipps works for Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command public affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 11, 2010 - Army Sgt. Jeremy Teela has returned to the site of the best performance of his three-time Olympic career with sights set on becoming the first U.S. biathlete ever to win an Olympic medal. Teela, a soldier in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, finished third in the men's 20-kilometer individual race at last season's World Cup stop in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The XXI Olympic Winter Games are scheduled for Feb. 12-28, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The biathlon -- a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting – will be held in Whistler.
Teela said he remembers the March 11, 2009 race as if it were yesterday. "That was my day," he said. "I made as close to a perfect race as I could.
"I got down the course and was maybe a half-kilometer out, and Coach was there saying, 'You're in second place.' And I was like, 'No stuff, second place, huh?' I always thought if somebody told me I was podium bound, I would have this extra kick in me – but I had nothing. I was fighting... just going as hard as I could."
With his third-place finish, Teela became the first American biathlete to win a World Cup medal since Josh Thompson in 1992.
"I was coming in second but there was this one German kid who also was having a great race," Teela said. "I don't know if I could have done anything to counter his kick, but all in all, third place, I was psyched. He did get me, but that was the best performance of my career."
U.S. biathlon coach Per Nilsson was impressed with Teela's poise under pressure.
"I am really amazed how 'cool' he was on the shooting range," Nilsson said. "There were two shots that were pretty close to a miss, but nevertheless, he stayed focused and just put his race together."
Teela, 33, who trains in Heber City, Utah, and claims Anchorage as home, expects unprecedented success this year at Whistler. His 14th-place individual finish at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Soldier Hollow remains the second-best U.S. finish at the Olympics.
"I think a podium is within reach," Teela said. "I showed it last year at Vancouver, but you really have to have the mindset. Your mind has to be in the right spot. I think a podium is in the cards for the team. We have four guys that are strong. And even the relay, I think we have a great shot at podium in that competition as well."
He will be competing at the Vancouver Games with Tim Burke, who medaled twice on the 2009-2010 World Cup circuit since Teela's third-place finish at Whistler. Burke, 27, of Paul Smiths, N.Y., headlines this U.S. Olympic biathlon squad, joined by Teela, four-time Olympian Jay Hakkinen, 32, of Kasilof, Alaska, Lowell Bailey, 28, of Lake Placid, N.Y., and first-timer Wynn Roberts, 21, of Battle Creek, Minn.
"You try to be the best that day," Teela said. "You don't have to be the best in the world. All you have to do is be the best at the Olympics on that day.
"I've got two jackets. I want the hardware."
Teela says he's honored to represent soldiers and their families worldwide.
"It's an amazing opportunity given to you to be able to race and compete at the Olympics and to represent the United States, but it's also special for me to race and compete for the Army," he said. "It's hard to explain – just to show up and have so many people rooting for you.
"You show up and you race alone, but there's been a lot of people along the road that's helped you get to where you are. I've got a big, strong team behind me that says U.S. Army on it."
(Tim Hipps works for Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command public affairs.)
Nurse Aids Patients in Haiti
By Air Force Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 11, 2010 - The massive earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12 changed the lives of countless people forever. Perhaps no one group has been more exposed to the bare humanity of the disaster than the medics who were on the forefront, providing lifesaving care to those who survived the magnitude 7 earthquake.
Air Force Maj. Jon Earles, one of four critical care nurses with the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron here, treated more than 100 patients during his time in Haiti Jan. 21 through 24, working with other medical technicians at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Before the five-hour flight to Haiti, Earles said he had an idea of what the quake-stricken island would look like.
"I saw the devastation in pictures and on TV, but it was pretty surreal to see it when we were flying over or driving through a city," he said. "There would be one building still standing and 10 in a row were completely leveled. It reminded me of when I saw a building get imploded in Las Vegas. They were that flat."
The quake's aftermath also took its toll on the country's hospitals, with few left to accommodate the large number of survivors needing treatment.
"There were thousands of people just outside the embassy," he said. "The medical facilities still standing were overwhelmed."
Despite his team's willingness to help, they faced limitations from the quantity of resources to meet the needs of so many patients.
"We were not built for that type of sustained mission, to see patient after patient," Earles said. "The supply chain from the [1st Special Operations Wing] was what kept us going, otherwise we would have run out of supplies the first day."
Using the embassy as their central site to treat patients, military medical teams set up the building's conference room for surgeries. Part of Earles' critical care nurse training taught him to perform surgery in any area of opportunity, no matter the conditions. Teams had to use lounge chairs for operations instead of the preferred hospital operating table.
Prior to the arrival of medical teams, survivors were treated with whatever crude resources were available.
"I heard a lot about the Civil War-type medical conditions, with people using hacksaws and no anesthetics for amputations," Earles said.
While his medical teams traveled with all the necessary narcotics and anesthetics to medicate all their patients appropriately, Earles had to treat patients who had already received care from people not surgically trained.
"Some of the people who performed amputations weren't surgeons, and that's something you don't want to see," he said. "We saw some people with bones sticking out with no dressing on it."
Many victims who had amputations and spinal cord injuries will require more help for the rest of their lives, Earles said.
One of the cases that stood out, he recalled, was a woman pulled out of a wrecked hotel who had both of her arms amputated.
"She was a beautiful, young woman and she was left with no arms," he said. "I kept thinking, 'How is she going to feed herself? Who is she going to have to take care of her?' You wonder what's going to happen to her. We have all these social services in the States where people undergo amputations and later get prosthetics. She's not going to have any of that."
Earles said the devastation made him think of all the things he had back home.
"They're without drinkable water and have little to eat," he said. "It's incredible what hardships the people there are going through."
Earles returned here Jan. 24, but was awaiting the call to go back to Haiti and help others.
"No matter how much you do, you wish you could do more because there's such a great need there," he said. "I was only there a short time, but I'm glad we were able to help the people we did."
(Air Force Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden serves with the 1st Special Operations Wing public affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 11, 2010 - The massive earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12 changed the lives of countless people forever. Perhaps no one group has been more exposed to the bare humanity of the disaster than the medics who were on the forefront, providing lifesaving care to those who survived the magnitude 7 earthquake.
Air Force Maj. Jon Earles, one of four critical care nurses with the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron here, treated more than 100 patients during his time in Haiti Jan. 21 through 24, working with other medical technicians at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Before the five-hour flight to Haiti, Earles said he had an idea of what the quake-stricken island would look like.
"I saw the devastation in pictures and on TV, but it was pretty surreal to see it when we were flying over or driving through a city," he said. "There would be one building still standing and 10 in a row were completely leveled. It reminded me of when I saw a building get imploded in Las Vegas. They were that flat."
The quake's aftermath also took its toll on the country's hospitals, with few left to accommodate the large number of survivors needing treatment.
"There were thousands of people just outside the embassy," he said. "The medical facilities still standing were overwhelmed."
Despite his team's willingness to help, they faced limitations from the quantity of resources to meet the needs of so many patients.
"We were not built for that type of sustained mission, to see patient after patient," Earles said. "The supply chain from the [1st Special Operations Wing] was what kept us going, otherwise we would have run out of supplies the first day."
Using the embassy as their central site to treat patients, military medical teams set up the building's conference room for surgeries. Part of Earles' critical care nurse training taught him to perform surgery in any area of opportunity, no matter the conditions. Teams had to use lounge chairs for operations instead of the preferred hospital operating table.
Prior to the arrival of medical teams, survivors were treated with whatever crude resources were available.
"I heard a lot about the Civil War-type medical conditions, with people using hacksaws and no anesthetics for amputations," Earles said.
While his medical teams traveled with all the necessary narcotics and anesthetics to medicate all their patients appropriately, Earles had to treat patients who had already received care from people not surgically trained.
"Some of the people who performed amputations weren't surgeons, and that's something you don't want to see," he said. "We saw some people with bones sticking out with no dressing on it."
Many victims who had amputations and spinal cord injuries will require more help for the rest of their lives, Earles said.
One of the cases that stood out, he recalled, was a woman pulled out of a wrecked hotel who had both of her arms amputated.
"She was a beautiful, young woman and she was left with no arms," he said. "I kept thinking, 'How is she going to feed herself? Who is she going to have to take care of her?' You wonder what's going to happen to her. We have all these social services in the States where people undergo amputations and later get prosthetics. She's not going to have any of that."
Earles said the devastation made him think of all the things he had back home.
"They're without drinkable water and have little to eat," he said. "It's incredible what hardships the people there are going through."
Earles returned here Jan. 24, but was awaiting the call to go back to Haiti and help others.
"No matter how much you do, you wish you could do more because there's such a great need there," he said. "I was only there a short time, but I'm glad we were able to help the people we did."
(Air Force Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden serves with the 1st Special Operations Wing public affairs.)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Respiratory Conditions Investigated for the Deployed
By David Loebsack
Health.mil
February 10, 2010 - A recent study published by DoD researchers in the American Journal of Epidemiology reports that service members who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan are at no increased risk for developing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, as previously hypothesized. However, deployed troops returning home from OIF and OEF were found to suffer increased short-term respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough or shortness of breath.
Dr. Besa Smith from the Defense Center for Deployment Health Research located at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, led the study in order to examine newly reported respiratory conditions in military personnel.
“We’re in the driver seat to follow this. It’s reassuring that we did not see increased rates of asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but we will continue to follow these conditions in the event that there wasn’t enough time for them to develop,” said Smith.
Participants were from the Millennium Cohort Study, a 21-year longitudinal research initiative designed to investigate long-term health consequences related to military service.
Two questionnaires were used to investigate respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma – a baseline survey conducted between 2001 and 2003, and a follow-up survey conducted between 2004 and 2006. More than 55,000 service members participated in both survey assessments.
Participants who deployed reported a four percent higher rate of newly reported, short-term respiratory symptoms; 14 percent of deployed personnel reported new symptoms while 10 percent of non-deployed personnel reported new symptoms. Although the difference may not seem like much, it is statistically significant, and compelling considering that symptoms only arose in Army and Marine Corps personnel. Findings were not significant among Navy and Air Force personnel.
This could be an indication that a correlation exists between these symptoms and land-based deployments. Other factors were also associated with the increase in short-term respiratory symptoms. Among them, being male, being a consistent smoker, having a long, land-based deployment, and deploying to a location within Iraq were the strongest.
Although the research team has come to some groundbreaking discoveries, according to Smith, the best is yet to come. In the coming months, further survey data followed over an additional three years and new data on air pollutants found at operating bases throughout OIF and OEF will be analyzed, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine, and the Defense Manpower Data Center.
Once these particulate matter and burn pit data sets are integrated into the study, researchers will have more answers. But even though the data haven’t been incorporated yet, Smith’s current research seems to say that deployment itself is not causing these symptoms, but that specific exposures in theatre are more likely responsible for the associations found.
Until the new data are released, scientists on Smith’s team are continuing to analyze current and new information they have.
“This is the first time in our military history that we’re able to prospectively assess – at a population level – differences in health outcomes, and not only active-duty service members, but we can also look at reserve and National Guard as well,” said Dr. Tyler Smith, principal investigator for the Millennium Cohort Study. “We have the numbers to do this prospective assessment… and we can control for not only past smoking, but for chronic smoking, and new uptake of smoking, which is obviously associated with respiratory illnesses, and we can do this with personnel no longer in service…That’s a big community that we weren’t able to say anything about after the first Gulf War.”
Health.mil
February 10, 2010 - A recent study published by DoD researchers in the American Journal of Epidemiology reports that service members who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan are at no increased risk for developing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, as previously hypothesized. However, deployed troops returning home from OIF and OEF were found to suffer increased short-term respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough or shortness of breath.
Dr. Besa Smith from the Defense Center for Deployment Health Research located at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, led the study in order to examine newly reported respiratory conditions in military personnel.
“We’re in the driver seat to follow this. It’s reassuring that we did not see increased rates of asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but we will continue to follow these conditions in the event that there wasn’t enough time for them to develop,” said Smith.
Participants were from the Millennium Cohort Study, a 21-year longitudinal research initiative designed to investigate long-term health consequences related to military service.
Two questionnaires were used to investigate respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma – a baseline survey conducted between 2001 and 2003, and a follow-up survey conducted between 2004 and 2006. More than 55,000 service members participated in both survey assessments.
Participants who deployed reported a four percent higher rate of newly reported, short-term respiratory symptoms; 14 percent of deployed personnel reported new symptoms while 10 percent of non-deployed personnel reported new symptoms. Although the difference may not seem like much, it is statistically significant, and compelling considering that symptoms only arose in Army and Marine Corps personnel. Findings were not significant among Navy and Air Force personnel.
This could be an indication that a correlation exists between these symptoms and land-based deployments. Other factors were also associated with the increase in short-term respiratory symptoms. Among them, being male, being a consistent smoker, having a long, land-based deployment, and deploying to a location within Iraq were the strongest.
Although the research team has come to some groundbreaking discoveries, according to Smith, the best is yet to come. In the coming months, further survey data followed over an additional three years and new data on air pollutants found at operating bases throughout OIF and OEF will be analyzed, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine, and the Defense Manpower Data Center.
Once these particulate matter and burn pit data sets are integrated into the study, researchers will have more answers. But even though the data haven’t been incorporated yet, Smith’s current research seems to say that deployment itself is not causing these symptoms, but that specific exposures in theatre are more likely responsible for the associations found.
Until the new data are released, scientists on Smith’s team are continuing to analyze current and new information they have.
“This is the first time in our military history that we’re able to prospectively assess – at a population level – differences in health outcomes, and not only active-duty service members, but we can also look at reserve and National Guard as well,” said Dr. Tyler Smith, principal investigator for the Millennium Cohort Study. “We have the numbers to do this prospective assessment… and we can control for not only past smoking, but for chronic smoking, and new uptake of smoking, which is obviously associated with respiratory illnesses, and we can do this with personnel no longer in service…That’s a big community that we weren’t able to say anything about after the first Gulf War.”
National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of February 9, 2010
February 10, 2010 - This week the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard announced an increase in activated reservists, while the Army announced a decrease. The net collective result is 317 fewer reservists activated than last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 111,478; Navy Reserve, 6,978; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,846; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,435; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 780. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 142,517, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100209ngr.pdf.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 111,478; Navy Reserve, 6,978; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,846; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,435; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 780. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 142,517, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100209ngr.pdf.
MILITARY CONTRACTS February 10, 2010
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded an $8,362,542 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2302) to exercise options for the accomplishment of the follow yard class services for the DDG 51 class AEGIS destroyer Program. Northrop Grumman shipbuilding will provide expert design, planning, and material support services for both DDG 51 ship construction and modernization. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be completed by August 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.
AIR FORCE
Harris Corp. of Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded a $5,882,429 contract which will exercise an option for continued sustainment services under the space control depot support sustainment contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SYSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-08-C-0001, P00047).
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded an $8,362,542 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2302) to exercise options for the accomplishment of the follow yard class services for the DDG 51 class AEGIS destroyer Program. Northrop Grumman shipbuilding will provide expert design, planning, and material support services for both DDG 51 ship construction and modernization. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be completed by August 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.
AIR FORCE
Harris Corp. of Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded a $5,882,429 contract which will exercise an option for continued sustainment services under the space control depot support sustainment contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SYSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-08-C-0001, P00047).
Richmond Man Indicted for Falsely Claiming He Earned Military Medals
Case is Part of 'Operation Stolen Valor'
February 10, 2010 - KANSAS CITY, MO—Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Richmond, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for falsely claiming that he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his military service in Grenada.
Timothy James Watkins, 47, of Richmond, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Watkins allegedly purchased a Purple Heart medal and a Silver Star medal from a pawn shop in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area and falsely claimed that both medals were awarded to him for his military service.
According to the indictment, Watkins served in active duty in the U.S. Army for approximately one month, from July 18 to Aug. 23, 1983, when he was medically discharged. After his discharge, Watkins allegedly began to lie to others regarding his military experiences and background. Watkins falsely claimed that his military service included attending Army Airborne and Ranger training, the indictment says, and falsely claimed that he had served in military operations in Grenada where he was shot by enemy fire and fell off a cliff, injuring his leg. Watkins allegedly claimed that he was medically discharged from the Army as a result of the wounds he sustained in Grenada, but that he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his service. Watkins often wore pins on his civilian clothes that signified a Purple Heart and a Silver Star, the indictment says.
Watkins did not participate in the invasion of Grenada, a Caribbean island nation, in October 1983, according to the indictment, nor was he a member of the Armed Forces at that time.
In March 2005, Watkins allegedly made similar false claims to Adam Kyle, a young boy who was preparing a short paper entitled “The Hero Next Door” for one of his classes at school. Watkins allegedly claimed he was a member of Echo Company of the Second Ranger Battalion and that he parachuted into Grenada with the unit during a nighttime Airborne operation. Watkins allegedly claimed that he scaled a 135-foot rock face with nearly 100 pounds of gear while under enemy fire, and that during his ascent he was shot in the leg and fell approximately 70 feet, breaking his leg. Watkins allegedly told Kyle that he was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star medals as a result of his courage under fire and for the injuries he sustained during the engagement. All of these claims, the indictment says, were completely false.
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving as a member of any branch of the Armed Forces. The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the Armed Forces. It is also the third highest award given for valor in the face of the enemy.
Phillips cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
February 10, 2010 - KANSAS CITY, MO—Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Richmond, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for falsely claiming that he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his military service in Grenada.
Timothy James Watkins, 47, of Richmond, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
Watkins allegedly purchased a Purple Heart medal and a Silver Star medal from a pawn shop in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area and falsely claimed that both medals were awarded to him for his military service.
According to the indictment, Watkins served in active duty in the U.S. Army for approximately one month, from July 18 to Aug. 23, 1983, when he was medically discharged. After his discharge, Watkins allegedly began to lie to others regarding his military experiences and background. Watkins falsely claimed that his military service included attending Army Airborne and Ranger training, the indictment says, and falsely claimed that he had served in military operations in Grenada where he was shot by enemy fire and fell off a cliff, injuring his leg. Watkins allegedly claimed that he was medically discharged from the Army as a result of the wounds he sustained in Grenada, but that he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his service. Watkins often wore pins on his civilian clothes that signified a Purple Heart and a Silver Star, the indictment says.
Watkins did not participate in the invasion of Grenada, a Caribbean island nation, in October 1983, according to the indictment, nor was he a member of the Armed Forces at that time.
In March 2005, Watkins allegedly made similar false claims to Adam Kyle, a young boy who was preparing a short paper entitled “The Hero Next Door” for one of his classes at school. Watkins allegedly claimed he was a member of Echo Company of the Second Ranger Battalion and that he parachuted into Grenada with the unit during a nighttime Airborne operation. Watkins allegedly claimed that he scaled a 135-foot rock face with nearly 100 pounds of gear while under enemy fire, and that during his ascent he was shot in the leg and fell approximately 70 feet, breaking his leg. Watkins allegedly told Kyle that he was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star medals as a result of his courage under fire and for the injuries he sustained during the engagement. All of these claims, the indictment says, were completely false.
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving as a member of any branch of the Armed Forces. The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the Armed Forces. It is also the third highest award given for valor in the face of the enemy.
Phillips cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Monday, Feb. 15
February 10, 2010 - Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis Monday, Feb. 15, as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers in the next two years. President's Day (Feb. 15) is also a federal holiday. DMA will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Feb. 16.
The Department of Military Affairs includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management. Wisconsin National Guard federal employees are not furloughed.
Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, said the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center (JOC) and the 24-Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer System will remain fully operational. Edward Wall, WEM Administrator, has ensured that if a disaster or emergency should occur on Feb. 15, there will be staff available to respond to the scene and to work in the state Emergency Operations Center.
The Department of Military Affairs includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management. Wisconsin National Guard federal employees are not furloughed.
Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, said the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center (JOC) and the 24-Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer System will remain fully operational. Edward Wall, WEM Administrator, has ensured that if a disaster or emergency should occur on Feb. 15, there will be staff available to respond to the scene and to work in the state Emergency Operations Center.
Airman Reaches Out to Ethiopian Children
By Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Stevenson
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 10, 2010 - For one Air Force family stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea, the service's focus on the Year of the Air Force Family means providing an even greater impact by meeting the needs of others through adoption. The Year of the Air Force Family is an initiative focused on enhancing the support and care provided to those who firmly stand behind our airmen on a daily basis.
Air Force Col. John Marselus, commander of the 607th Air and Space Operations Center, and his wife, Kim, traveled to Addis Adaba, Ethiopia, in January where they picked up their newest son, Caleb, a 5-year-old orphan whom they adopted.
"The adoption process took about two years, but in reality this journey started well over two decades ago," Marselus said. The couple's trip to Ethiopia opened yet another opportunity to meet face-to-face with one of the many children they had sponsored worldwide for almost three decades.
As a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the colonel started sponsoring needy children across the globe. The Marselus family was able to provide food, clothing and school supplies for dozens of children over the past 27 years. One of the children they sponsored was an Ethiopian girl named Meseret.
"We first started sponsoring Meseret about a decade ago when she was only 8 years old," Marselus said. "Here was this poor little girl, literally living on the other side of the planet in an environment we couldn't even begin to comprehend, and we were getting these touching letters from her thanking us and telling about the difference our involvement was having in her life."
After 25 years of sponsorship of multiple children, the Marselus family decided it was time to have an even greater impact on a needy child. It was at that point they decided to pursue the option of adoption.
"Sponsoring needy children like Meseret is great, but we were convicted to see if there was a child who needed a family," Marselus said. "We strongly felt that the right thing to do was provide an orphaned little boy or girl the love and nurturing they so desperately deserve."
After contacting an adoption agency and beginning the adoption process, the Marselus family was pleasantly surprised to discover the many programs and benefits the Air Force has in place to support adoptive parents. The National Defense Authorization Act provides for reimbursement of up to $2,000 of expenses per adoption with a maximum of $5,000 reimbursement per year. Additionally, AFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, allows upward of 21 days of permissive temporary duty for travel associated with qualified adoptions.
"These are exactly the types of benefits needed for airmen who are pursuing adoption," Marselus said. "We are extremely pleased to see this commitment from the Air Force to help anyone who would pursue this option."
While in Ethiopia finalizing the adoption of their new son, the couple met Meseret, the girl they started sponsoring 10 years ago.
"It was an incredible experience getting to finally meet this amazing young lady who has changed our lives in so many ways," the colonel said. "We were able to celebrate her 18th birthday with her and were quite impressed with her and how well she was thriving in such an impoverished environment. Sponsorship had obviously had a positive impact as she recently completed high school and now has her eyes on becoming a doctor."
Reflecting on the whirlwind of emotional and life-changing events over the past few weeks, the Marselus family gives the Air Force great credit for their successful adoption of Caleb.
"Beyond the financial support and permissive TDY time provided by our Air Force, several on-base agencies such as the chapel, Aarman and family readiness center, the military personnel section and medical group have been amazing in helping Caleb transition from being an impoverished orphan into a healthy, cared-for and truly happy Air Force dependent," the colonel said. "Without a doubt traveling to Ethiopia, meeting Meseret and having Caleb become a part of our family was the adventure of a lifetime."
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Stevenson is assigned to the 607th Air and Space Operations Center.)
LOWE’S EXPANDS SUPPORT OF THE MILITARY WITH YEAR-ROUND DISCOUNT
10 Percent Discount for Active, Reserve, Retired and Disabled Military Personnel and Immediate Family Members
February 10, 2010 - MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announced today it will expand its support of the military by offering an all day, every day 10 percent discount to all military personnel who are active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members, with a valid, government-issued military ID card.
All other military veterans will receive the discount on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends.
“Lowe’s was founded on the heels of World War II by veterans Jim Lowe and Carl Buchan and has always been a supporter of the military,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president and chief operating officer. “The year-round discount program is one way we are reaffirming our commitment to the thousands of men and women who are serving throughout the world, as well as their family members at home.”
The discount is available on in-stock and Special Order purchases up to $5,000. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards.
While Lowe’s has had a military discount program in the past during select times of year, the new policy will allow those who are serving to benefit from the discount whenever they need it the most.
“What a great way to say thank you,” said Sloan Gibson, president and CEO of the USO. “We salute Lowe’s for the company’s commitment to helping military personnel and their families who served and continue to serve our nation.”
The USO was also selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Lowe’s Employee Giving Campaign in January. This initiative allows Lowe’s employees to donate directly from their paychecks to support those who are serving our country.
In addition to offering military discounts at specific times during the year, Lowe’s has extended benefits for its employees serving in the military and offers employment opportunities to military personnel after their military service has ended. Currently, more than 12,000 Lowe’s employees are military veterans or reservists.
About Lowe’s
With fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,700 home improvement stores in North America. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com. Follow us on Twitter @Lowes or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lowes.
February 10, 2010 - MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announced today it will expand its support of the military by offering an all day, every day 10 percent discount to all military personnel who are active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members, with a valid, government-issued military ID card.
All other military veterans will receive the discount on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends.
“Lowe’s was founded on the heels of World War II by veterans Jim Lowe and Carl Buchan and has always been a supporter of the military,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president and chief operating officer. “The year-round discount program is one way we are reaffirming our commitment to the thousands of men and women who are serving throughout the world, as well as their family members at home.”
The discount is available on in-stock and Special Order purchases up to $5,000. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards.
While Lowe’s has had a military discount program in the past during select times of year, the new policy will allow those who are serving to benefit from the discount whenever they need it the most.
“What a great way to say thank you,” said Sloan Gibson, president and CEO of the USO. “We salute Lowe’s for the company’s commitment to helping military personnel and their families who served and continue to serve our nation.”
The USO was also selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Lowe’s Employee Giving Campaign in January. This initiative allows Lowe’s employees to donate directly from their paychecks to support those who are serving our country.
In addition to offering military discounts at specific times during the year, Lowe’s has extended benefits for its employees serving in the military and offers employment opportunities to military personnel after their military service has ended. Currently, more than 12,000 Lowe’s employees are military veterans or reservists.
About Lowe’s
With fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,700 home improvement stores in North America. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com. Follow us on Twitter @Lowes or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lowes.
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Demands Study, Gates Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 10, 2010 - The Defense Department's review of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which bans gays from serving openly in the military, will help to ensure readiness and unit cohesion remain intact if Congress repeals it, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in an interview aired last night. Gates also discussed the close cooperation he and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have forged between their two departments during an interview with Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren, conducted last week as he visited Rome.
Expressing his personal support for a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law -- support shared by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen -- Gates emphasized the need for a full review to ensure it's done right if it happens.
"This is a force that's been under stress for eight years, been at war for eight years," he said. "And I don't want to do anything that makes the situation more difficult for those men and women in the fight."
Gates conceded that some consider the review a stalling tactic, but he called it critical to the process.
"The review that I am launching is to help inform the legislative process of some facts about the attitudes of our men and women in uniform, what they think about a change in the law, [and] what their families think," he said. "The truth is, we don't have any facts."
The ramifications go beyond the level of acceptance within units, the secretary explained. "We need to understand all of the different things that have to be dealt with in terms of housing and benefits, and regulations and fraternization rules, and conduct and training, and so on," he said.
This way, if Congress does change the law, "we can inform that process and offer some suggestions on mitigation if there are going to be negative consequences so we can figure out how to mitigate those consequences," he said.
"And if the law is passed," he added, "then we're in a much better position to be able to go forward and implement those changes in a way that doesn't undermine unit cohesion and readiness."
Gates emphasized the need for a careful, deliberate process.
"The military culture is a very strong one. It's a very different culture than a civilian culture," he said. "These people do not have choices about who they associate with. They can't just up and walk off the job if they don't like somebody that they're working with. And so we have to take all that into account."
Turning the discussion to enhanced Defense-State cooperation, Gates said the tone he and Clinton are setting at the top will affect both agencies so they're better able to partner to address challenges and threats.
The goal, he said, is to use all elements of the interagency process to prevent conflicts from happening in the first place so U.S. troops don't have to take action.
"So building the capabilities, both civilian and military, of governments around the world who are our friends and partners, is key," he said. "And we've got to cooperate to do that."
Gates pointed to the way former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, when he was commander of Multinational Force Iraq, worked together toward shared goals in Iraq.
"I think Ph.D. dissertations should be written about the relationship between Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus, because it is a model of a relationship between the senior civilian and the senior military officer," Gates said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 10, 2010 - The Defense Department's review of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which bans gays from serving openly in the military, will help to ensure readiness and unit cohesion remain intact if Congress repeals it, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in an interview aired last night. Gates also discussed the close cooperation he and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have forged between their two departments during an interview with Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren, conducted last week as he visited Rome.
Expressing his personal support for a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law -- support shared by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen -- Gates emphasized the need for a full review to ensure it's done right if it happens.
"This is a force that's been under stress for eight years, been at war for eight years," he said. "And I don't want to do anything that makes the situation more difficult for those men and women in the fight."
Gates conceded that some consider the review a stalling tactic, but he called it critical to the process.
"The review that I am launching is to help inform the legislative process of some facts about the attitudes of our men and women in uniform, what they think about a change in the law, [and] what their families think," he said. "The truth is, we don't have any facts."
The ramifications go beyond the level of acceptance within units, the secretary explained. "We need to understand all of the different things that have to be dealt with in terms of housing and benefits, and regulations and fraternization rules, and conduct and training, and so on," he said.
This way, if Congress does change the law, "we can inform that process and offer some suggestions on mitigation if there are going to be negative consequences so we can figure out how to mitigate those consequences," he said.
"And if the law is passed," he added, "then we're in a much better position to be able to go forward and implement those changes in a way that doesn't undermine unit cohesion and readiness."
Gates emphasized the need for a careful, deliberate process.
"The military culture is a very strong one. It's a very different culture than a civilian culture," he said. "These people do not have choices about who they associate with. They can't just up and walk off the job if they don't like somebody that they're working with. And so we have to take all that into account."
Turning the discussion to enhanced Defense-State cooperation, Gates said the tone he and Clinton are setting at the top will affect both agencies so they're better able to partner to address challenges and threats.
The goal, he said, is to use all elements of the interagency process to prevent conflicts from happening in the first place so U.S. troops don't have to take action.
"So building the capabilities, both civilian and military, of governments around the world who are our friends and partners, is key," he said. "And we've got to cooperate to do that."
Gates pointed to the way former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, when he was commander of Multinational Force Iraq, worked together toward shared goals in Iraq.
"I think Ph.D. dissertations should be written about the relationship between Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus, because it is a model of a relationship between the senior civilian and the senior military officer," Gates said.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
U.K. Firm Pleads Guilty to Illegally Exporting Boeing 747 Aircraft to Iran
Firm Agrees to Pay $15 Million in Fines
Balli Aviation Ltd., a subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based Balli Group PLC, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a two-count criminal information in connection with its illegal export of commercial Boeing 747 aircraft from the United States to Iran, announced David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Channing D. Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Thomas Madigan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement; and Adam J. Szubin, Director of the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Under the plea agreement, Balli Aviation Ltd. agreed to pay a $2 million criminal fine and be placed on corporate probation for five years. The $2 million fine, combined with a related $15 million civil settlement among Balli Group PLC, Balli Aviation Ltd., the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), that was also announced today, represents one of the largest fines for an export violation in BIS history. Under the terms of the related civil settlement, Balli Group PLC and Balli Aviation Ltd. have agreed to pay a civil penalty of $15 million of which $2 million will be suspended if there are no further export control violations. In addition, Balli Aviation Ltd. and Balli Group PLC are denied export privileges for five years, although this penalty will be suspended provided that neither Balli Aviation nor Balli Group commits any export violations and pays the civil penalty. Under the terms of the settlement, Balli Group PLC and Balli Aviation, Ltd. will also have to submit the results of an independent audit of its export compliance program to BIS and OFAC for each of the next five years.
According to count one of the information filed with the court, beginning in at least October 2005, through October 2008, Balli Aviation Ltd. conspired to export three Boeing 747 aircraft from the United States to Iran without first having obtained the required export license from BIS or authorization from OFAC, in violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Iranian Transactions Regulations. More particularly, the information states that Balli Aviation Ltd., through its subsidiaries, the Blue Sky Companies, purchased U.S.-origin aircraft with financing obtained from an Iranian airline and caused these aircraft to be exported to Iran without obtaining the required U.S. government licenses. Further, Balli Aviation Ltd. entered into lease arrangements that permitted the Iranian airline to use the U.S.-origin aircraft for flights in and out of Iran.
Count two of the information states that Balli Aviation Ltd. violated a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) issued by BIS on March 17, 2008, that prohibited the company from conducting any transaction involving any item subject to the EAR. Starting in or about March 2008 and continuing through about August 2008, Balli Aviation Ltd. willfully violated the TDO by carrying on negotiations with others concerning buying, receiving, using, selling and delivering U.S.-origin aircraft which went to the Export Administration Regulations.
"As this case demonstrates, corporations that conduct business with Iran in violation of U.S. export laws and sanctions face serious consequences," said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "The many agents, analysts and attorneys who worked on this successful investigation and prosecution deserve special thanks for their efforts."
"These charges reflect the commitment of the United States to vigorously enforce our laws against corporations that illegally seek to acquire U.S. aircraft from the U.S. on behalf of Iranian customers," said Channing Phillips, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. "Those who seek to profit by violating and circumventing U.S. trade laws should take heed of today’s guilty plea by Balli Aviation."
"The significant fine is a direct consequence of the level of deception used to mislead investigators," said Thomas Madigan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement. "The case agents worked through a complex corporate maze to obtain the facts and bring the violators to justice."
"Today’s case should serve as further warning of Iran’s continued efforts to circumvent sanctions and obtain U.S. technology. Together with our colleagues from the Justice and Commerce departments, OFAC will continue to aggressively pursue both domestic and foreign entities that seek to violate U.S. sanctions programs by exporting goods to Iran from the United States." said Adam J. Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
In announcing the plea, Assistant Attorney General Kris, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Madigan and OFAC Director Szubin commended Assistant Director for Operations John Sonderman, Special Agent in Charge Rick Shimon, Special Agent Joseph Varga, and Chief Counsel Attorney Gregory Michelsen, all of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. They also thanked Trial Attorney Jonathan C. Poling of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Asuncion of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are prosecuting this matter.
Balli Aviation Ltd., a subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based Balli Group PLC, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a two-count criminal information in connection with its illegal export of commercial Boeing 747 aircraft from the United States to Iran, announced David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Channing D. Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Thomas Madigan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement; and Adam J. Szubin, Director of the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Under the plea agreement, Balli Aviation Ltd. agreed to pay a $2 million criminal fine and be placed on corporate probation for five years. The $2 million fine, combined with a related $15 million civil settlement among Balli Group PLC, Balli Aviation Ltd., the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), that was also announced today, represents one of the largest fines for an export violation in BIS history. Under the terms of the related civil settlement, Balli Group PLC and Balli Aviation Ltd. have agreed to pay a civil penalty of $15 million of which $2 million will be suspended if there are no further export control violations. In addition, Balli Aviation Ltd. and Balli Group PLC are denied export privileges for five years, although this penalty will be suspended provided that neither Balli Aviation nor Balli Group commits any export violations and pays the civil penalty. Under the terms of the settlement, Balli Group PLC and Balli Aviation, Ltd. will also have to submit the results of an independent audit of its export compliance program to BIS and OFAC for each of the next five years.
According to count one of the information filed with the court, beginning in at least October 2005, through October 2008, Balli Aviation Ltd. conspired to export three Boeing 747 aircraft from the United States to Iran without first having obtained the required export license from BIS or authorization from OFAC, in violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Iranian Transactions Regulations. More particularly, the information states that Balli Aviation Ltd., through its subsidiaries, the Blue Sky Companies, purchased U.S.-origin aircraft with financing obtained from an Iranian airline and caused these aircraft to be exported to Iran without obtaining the required U.S. government licenses. Further, Balli Aviation Ltd. entered into lease arrangements that permitted the Iranian airline to use the U.S.-origin aircraft for flights in and out of Iran.
Count two of the information states that Balli Aviation Ltd. violated a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) issued by BIS on March 17, 2008, that prohibited the company from conducting any transaction involving any item subject to the EAR. Starting in or about March 2008 and continuing through about August 2008, Balli Aviation Ltd. willfully violated the TDO by carrying on negotiations with others concerning buying, receiving, using, selling and delivering U.S.-origin aircraft which went to the Export Administration Regulations.
"As this case demonstrates, corporations that conduct business with Iran in violation of U.S. export laws and sanctions face serious consequences," said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "The many agents, analysts and attorneys who worked on this successful investigation and prosecution deserve special thanks for their efforts."
"These charges reflect the commitment of the United States to vigorously enforce our laws against corporations that illegally seek to acquire U.S. aircraft from the U.S. on behalf of Iranian customers," said Channing Phillips, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. "Those who seek to profit by violating and circumventing U.S. trade laws should take heed of today’s guilty plea by Balli Aviation."
"The significant fine is a direct consequence of the level of deception used to mislead investigators," said Thomas Madigan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement. "The case agents worked through a complex corporate maze to obtain the facts and bring the violators to justice."
"Today’s case should serve as further warning of Iran’s continued efforts to circumvent sanctions and obtain U.S. technology. Together with our colleagues from the Justice and Commerce departments, OFAC will continue to aggressively pursue both domestic and foreign entities that seek to violate U.S. sanctions programs by exporting goods to Iran from the United States." said Adam J. Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
In announcing the plea, Assistant Attorney General Kris, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Madigan and OFAC Director Szubin commended Assistant Director for Operations John Sonderman, Special Agent in Charge Rick Shimon, Special Agent Joseph Varga, and Chief Counsel Attorney Gregory Michelsen, all of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. They also thanked Trial Attorney Jonathan C. Poling of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Asuncion of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are prosecuting this matter.
Gates Remembers Murtha as Champion of Troops
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 9, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he will remember U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania as a patriot and long-time champion of the nation's men and women in uniform. The 77-year-old Vietnam War veteran died yesterday of complications following gall bladder surgery.
Gates issued a statement after learning of Murtha's death while traveling in Europe. "America has lost a true patriot who served his country faithfully," he said, "first in uniform as a decorated combat Marine, and then as an elected representative."
Murtha was the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress, and he rose to become chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense. Gates noted that he had worked with Murtha for more than two decades, since the Reagan administration, when Gates worked at the CIA.
"I will always remember and be grateful for Congressman Murtha's personal efforts on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets - efforts that helped bring about the end of the Cold War," he said.
But the two did not always see eye to eye, Gates acknowledged. Murtha initially advocated the war in Iraq, but reversed his position in 2005, before the troop surge helped to turn the situation there around.
"In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree, but I always respected his candor and knew that he cared deeply about the men and women of America's military and intelligence community," Gates said in his statement. "My condolences to Joyce and the rest of the Murtha family."
According to his congressional biography, Murtha joined the Marine Corps in 1952, and served as a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C., before attending Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Va. He later served with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He left active duty in 1955, but continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve, volunteering for service in Vietnam in 1966 to serve as a battalion staff officer for the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. During his Vietnam service, he earned the Bronze Star with valor device, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Murtha attained the rank of colonel before retiring in 1990, when he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 9, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he will remember U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania as a patriot and long-time champion of the nation's men and women in uniform. The 77-year-old Vietnam War veteran died yesterday of complications following gall bladder surgery.
Gates issued a statement after learning of Murtha's death while traveling in Europe. "America has lost a true patriot who served his country faithfully," he said, "first in uniform as a decorated combat Marine, and then as an elected representative."
Murtha was the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress, and he rose to become chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense. Gates noted that he had worked with Murtha for more than two decades, since the Reagan administration, when Gates worked at the CIA.
"I will always remember and be grateful for Congressman Murtha's personal efforts on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets - efforts that helped bring about the end of the Cold War," he said.
But the two did not always see eye to eye, Gates acknowledged. Murtha initially advocated the war in Iraq, but reversed his position in 2005, before the troop surge helped to turn the situation there around.
"In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree, but I always respected his candor and knew that he cared deeply about the men and women of America's military and intelligence community," Gates said in his statement. "My condolences to Joyce and the rest of the Murtha family."
According to his congressional biography, Murtha joined the Marine Corps in 1952, and served as a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C., before attending Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Va. He later served with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He left active duty in 1955, but continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve, volunteering for service in Vietnam in 1966 to serve as a battalion staff officer for the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. During his Vietnam service, he earned the Bronze Star with valor device, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Murtha attained the rank of colonel before retiring in 1990, when he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Statement by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on the Death of Congressman Jack Murtha
February 8, 2010 - I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Murtha. America has lost a true patriot who served his country faithfully first in uniform as a decorated combat Marine, and then as an elected representative.
I've known Jack and worked with him for more than two decades, starting back in the Reagan administration when I was at CIA. I will always remember and be grateful for Congressman Murtha's personal efforts on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets - efforts that helped bring about the end of the Cold War.
In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree, but I always respected his candor, and knew that he cared deeply about the men and women of America's military and intelligence community. My condolences to Joyce and the rest of the Murtha family.
I've known Jack and worked with him for more than two decades, starting back in the Reagan administration when I was at CIA. I will always remember and be grateful for Congressman Murtha's personal efforts on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets - efforts that helped bring about the end of the Cold War.
In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree, but I always respected his candor, and knew that he cared deeply about the men and women of America's military and intelligence community. My condolences to Joyce and the rest of the Murtha family.
Iran's Nuclear Program Puts Middle East in Danger, Gates Says
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 8, 2010 - Iran's continuing nuclear development program only serves to put the Middle East in danger of nuclear weapons proliferation, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. But, Gates pushed for stronger diplomatic and economic pressure from the international community rather than calling for military conflict.
"I think that everybody's interest is in seeing this issue resolve without resorting to conflict. But it makes it all the more important," he said. "We have to face the reality that if Iran continues and develops nuclear weapons it almost certainly will provoke proliferation in the Middle East. That's a huge danger."
Gates' comments came at a press conference alongside France's Minister of Defense Hervé Morin. Gates flew here today to meet with the ministers of defense and foreign affairs as well as France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, who he will meet for the first time.
Morin backed Gates' comments on Iran, saying that France supports putting international pressure on Iran to stop its current nuclear program.
Since 2006, France has repeatedly publicly stressed the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran and has worked with the United States and other members of the P5+1 group -- China, Russia, the United Kingdom and Germany -- to demand that Iran end its current nuclear program, according to the U.S. State Department.
Gates said that if all international partners would agree on a plan, then sanctions could still work.
"The key is persuading Iranian leaders that their long-term best interests are best served by not having nuclear weapons, as opposed to having them," Gates said. "My hope is that we will then be able to keep this in economic and diplomatic channels.
"The point of the pressure is to bring the Iranians back to the negotiating table and to resolve this issue in a way that prevents Iran from having a nuclear weapon," he added.
Besides Iran, Gates said he talked about France's military support in Afghanistan. The secretary called France "close partners." Gates said that during the past few years the diplomatic relationship with France has "significantly" expanded.
The renewed relationship is in part due to the realization by both of the governments that "security challenges of the 21st century are too large and too complex to be dealt with by any single nation acting alone," he said.
Gates praised France's current efforts in Afghanistan, calling the mission "vitally important to the security of the whole world."
And he said that NATO and non-NATO allies must act quickly to capitalize on momentum noted by the senior commander on the ground this year. This will happen only if the allies provide Afghanistan with mentors and trainers to bolster their force to take over the security mission.
"We must act swiftly to increase the impact of the forces now headed to the theater for this pivotal year," Gates said.
The secretary said there has been a renewed energy among NATO and non-NATO partners with respect to the mission in Afghanistan. As a result, the number of troops committed to the fight by allies has almost tripled since Gates took office.
France has increased their forces by nearly half since the start of the war and has taken on new training responsibilities, fielding six operational and mentoring teams and offering six more. France has about 2,800 troops in Afghanistan.
Among NATO members, France is second only to the United States in terms of total troops deployed abroad. France is one of NATO's top five troop contributors.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 8, 2010 - Iran's continuing nuclear development program only serves to put the Middle East in danger of nuclear weapons proliferation, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. But, Gates pushed for stronger diplomatic and economic pressure from the international community rather than calling for military conflict.
"I think that everybody's interest is in seeing this issue resolve without resorting to conflict. But it makes it all the more important," he said. "We have to face the reality that if Iran continues and develops nuclear weapons it almost certainly will provoke proliferation in the Middle East. That's a huge danger."
Gates' comments came at a press conference alongside France's Minister of Defense Hervé Morin. Gates flew here today to meet with the ministers of defense and foreign affairs as well as France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, who he will meet for the first time.
Morin backed Gates' comments on Iran, saying that France supports putting international pressure on Iran to stop its current nuclear program.
Since 2006, France has repeatedly publicly stressed the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran and has worked with the United States and other members of the P5+1 group -- China, Russia, the United Kingdom and Germany -- to demand that Iran end its current nuclear program, according to the U.S. State Department.
Gates said that if all international partners would agree on a plan, then sanctions could still work.
"The key is persuading Iranian leaders that their long-term best interests are best served by not having nuclear weapons, as opposed to having them," Gates said. "My hope is that we will then be able to keep this in economic and diplomatic channels.
"The point of the pressure is to bring the Iranians back to the negotiating table and to resolve this issue in a way that prevents Iran from having a nuclear weapon," he added.
Besides Iran, Gates said he talked about France's military support in Afghanistan. The secretary called France "close partners." Gates said that during the past few years the diplomatic relationship with France has "significantly" expanded.
The renewed relationship is in part due to the realization by both of the governments that "security challenges of the 21st century are too large and too complex to be dealt with by any single nation acting alone," he said.
Gates praised France's current efforts in Afghanistan, calling the mission "vitally important to the security of the whole world."
And he said that NATO and non-NATO allies must act quickly to capitalize on momentum noted by the senior commander on the ground this year. This will happen only if the allies provide Afghanistan with mentors and trainers to bolster their force to take over the security mission.
"We must act swiftly to increase the impact of the forces now headed to the theater for this pivotal year," Gates said.
The secretary said there has been a renewed energy among NATO and non-NATO partners with respect to the mission in Afghanistan. As a result, the number of troops committed to the fight by allies has almost tripled since Gates took office.
France has increased their forces by nearly half since the start of the war and has taken on new training responsibilities, fielding six operational and mentoring teams and offering six more. France has about 2,800 troops in Afghanistan.
Among NATO members, France is second only to the United States in terms of total troops deployed abroad. France is one of NATO's top five troop contributors.
For Wisconsin Guard members, resiliency is key to returning to life after deployment
February 8, 2010 - Some of that support comes from a new Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program that equips and trains service members, families and civilian employees to maximize their potential and face the physical and psychological challenges of sustained operations. Friday's presentation focused on resiliency.
Dunbar said that resilience, by definition, is an object's ability to withstand force or trauma and rebound. "It's the difference between before we deployed to combat and after," he explained.
He dropped a baseball from shoulder height, noting how it bounced and referred to its "angle of resilience." He repeated this with a golf ball, a tennis ball and a football, each achieving different results.
"Some of us are like baseballs, and some of us are like golf balls," Dunbar observed. "Some of us are better at this than others."
With more than 3,300 Wisconsin Guard Soldiers and Airmen recently returned from a combat zone, it is essential that they are given the tools necessary to help them re-adjust to civilian life, said Dunbar. Because each individual in the National Guard is unique, there is no easy way to determine who may need help adjusting after a deployment.
So everyone is given the same access to the same tools, Dunbar said, referring to those programs as "arrows in a quiver."
Soldiers returning with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat team in January received briefings on some of these tools at "Wisconsin Day" - where the Wisconsin Service Member Support Division joined forces with the state Department of Workforce Development and the state Department of Veterans Affairs, along with several other agencies, to help returning Soldiers and Airmen understand rights and benefits they have earned as veterans - in particular; education, employment, health care, and the opportunity to file service-related Veterans Administration disability claims before leaving active duty. All returning service members receive similar briefings, which continue throughout the year during reintegration events.
Not only is the reintegration required, it is the right thing to do, Dunbar said. And it helps create a comprehensively fit service member; one who is resilient: physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually fit; is part of a family unit.
Dunbar noted that Guard members can face heightened stress levels without being on deployment, and detailed what he does to stay resilient.
"I try to remember my blessings," he said. "We live in the United States of America - it's pretty amazing, and we tend to forget."
He emphasized maintaining balance between work and family: "If all you do is work, you're missing some special time with your family," he said. Vacations can help maintain that balance, along with understanding that no one is irreplaceable.
"If I die tomorrow, I promise you the Wisconsin National Guard will still be a great organization," Dunbar said. "If you die tomorrow, I promise you your last thought will not be 'I should have worked harder.'"
The adjutant general also noted the importance of being true to oneself. "You have to be happy with who you see in the mirror," he explained. "In the end, being true to your self is being honest with God."
He also urged his audience to spend some time in silence, whether in prayer or just listening. "You'll be surprised at what you might hear," he said.
Dunbar said that resilience, by definition, is an object's ability to withstand force or trauma and rebound. "It's the difference between before we deployed to combat and after," he explained.
He dropped a baseball from shoulder height, noting how it bounced and referred to its "angle of resilience." He repeated this with a golf ball, a tennis ball and a football, each achieving different results.
"Some of us are like baseballs, and some of us are like golf balls," Dunbar observed. "Some of us are better at this than others."
With more than 3,300 Wisconsin Guard Soldiers and Airmen recently returned from a combat zone, it is essential that they are given the tools necessary to help them re-adjust to civilian life, said Dunbar. Because each individual in the National Guard is unique, there is no easy way to determine who may need help adjusting after a deployment.
So everyone is given the same access to the same tools, Dunbar said, referring to those programs as "arrows in a quiver."
Soldiers returning with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat team in January received briefings on some of these tools at "Wisconsin Day" - where the Wisconsin Service Member Support Division joined forces with the state Department of Workforce Development and the state Department of Veterans Affairs, along with several other agencies, to help returning Soldiers and Airmen understand rights and benefits they have earned as veterans - in particular; education, employment, health care, and the opportunity to file service-related Veterans Administration disability claims before leaving active duty. All returning service members receive similar briefings, which continue throughout the year during reintegration events.
Not only is the reintegration required, it is the right thing to do, Dunbar said. And it helps create a comprehensively fit service member; one who is resilient: physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually fit; is part of a family unit.
Dunbar noted that Guard members can face heightened stress levels without being on deployment, and detailed what he does to stay resilient.
"I try to remember my blessings," he said. "We live in the United States of America - it's pretty amazing, and we tend to forget."
He emphasized maintaining balance between work and family: "If all you do is work, you're missing some special time with your family," he said. Vacations can help maintain that balance, along with understanding that no one is irreplaceable.
"If I die tomorrow, I promise you the Wisconsin National Guard will still be a great organization," Dunbar said. "If you die tomorrow, I promise you your last thought will not be 'I should have worked harder.'"
The adjutant general also noted the importance of being true to oneself. "You have to be happy with who you see in the mirror," he explained. "In the end, being true to your self is being honest with God."
He also urged his audience to spend some time in silence, whether in prayer or just listening. "You'll be surprised at what you might hear," he said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
