Las Vegas Cops

Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former U.S. Air Force servicemember.

Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Kim Thomas, Gordon Yach and Harry Fagel.

Kim Thomas is a detective with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, currently assigned to the forgery detail. His other investigative assignments included a joint operation with the FBI targeting an organized crime group of Eastern Europeans who defrauded $34 million from stolen credit cards. Kim Thomas, a former U.S. Air Force enlistee has also been a construction worker, limosine driver and worked in executive protection. In 1992, at the age of 36, Kim Thomas entered the police academy. A sixth-degree black belt in Katai-te Ryu karate, Kim Thomas scored 100 percent on the Metro physical test even though he was one of the older members of his police academy class.

Kim Thomas is the author of the novel Vegas: One Cop’s Journey. According to the book description, “Cam Madden had a good job and a carefree bachelor lifestyle when he impulsively tried out for the police academy of the Las Vegas PD. Now that he's mastered the theories of law enforcement his education in its realities begins with field training and an ugly suicide call. Learning the lessons of the street leaves scars on Cam's ego, but it's even rougher on his off-duty relationships with women. It doesn't matter until he falls for Karrie Mae, a paramedic, whereupon making it work becomes all important. Their romance grows in a world of burglars, bums, purse snatchers, drug dealers, and homicidal idiots, no two of them alike but each to be dealt with according to endless regulations, some of which cannot work without being severely bent.”

Gordon Yach is a 27 year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. During his career, he worked patrol, detectives, vice, narcotics and intelligence. He rose through the ranks and eventually retired as the Director of the Detention Services Division. He is the author of Las Vegas... a Cops View Of... the Glamour, Glitz, Graft, Good & Evil of Sin City.

Harry Fagel has lived in Las Vegas for 30 years. He is a Police Officer with Las Vegas Metropolitan police Department. According to Harry, he has also been a “bartender, a black jack dealer, a college student, and a madman.” Harry Fagel is the author of Street Talk. According to the book description, “Take a ride with Officer Harry Fagel through the streets of Las Vegas as he weaves his black and white from glass - littered alleys to high end mega-resorts pausing along the way to show you a world from the emotionally charged, highly visual perception of a street cop gone poet or maybe poet gone street cop.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 640 police officers (representing 281 police departments) and their 1367 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Military Books

Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing military personnel who have authored books. The website added authors who served in World War II and Vietnam.

Robert B. Heinen was a police officer for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri) from 1946 to 1974. He retired at the rank of Captain. At the beginning of World War II a then 17 year old Robert Heinen enlisted the United States Navy. He served four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Six months after the war he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He is published his autobiography The Battle Behind the Badge in 1997.

According to one reader, “The Battle Behind the Badge takes you on the streets of Kansas City with Captain Heinen as your partner. BEWARE! On your shift you'll not only encounter dangerous street thugs, but high-powered organized crime figures. When you return to the station house to file your reports, be prepared to battle corrupt police officials and egocentric city hall politicians. "The Battle Behind the Badge" is an excellent hardball account of Kansas City during a time when it was difficult to tell who the bad guy was. Captain Heinen is an honest cop who pays for his integrity by being yo-yoed up and down the ranks. He is Kansas City's "Serpico." This is a very good read that took a lot of guts to write.”

In 1966, James R. Kelly served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. James Kelly received his BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1971, he joined the ranks of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; becoming one of the organization's first agents. James Kelly retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 1995. He is the author of two books: Prescription for Murder and Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam.

Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam, “depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.” James Kelly served with A Company, 3rd Amtracs, 1966-67.

John "Jack" Miller applied his first career in Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigations to his second career of Casino Games and their protection. Jack was a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) conducting investigations of felony crimes. These investigations also included counter-intelligence and counter-espionage investigations.

After retiring from the military, he joined the Clark County District Attorneys office as a Special Investigator of "white collar" and conspiratorial crimes. He worked with undercover teams from the local Police and the FBI conducting burglary stings. He then joined the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB) as an Enforcement Agent. He was certified by Nevada State and Federal Courts as an Expert witness during trials of gambling cheats.

John “Jack” Miller is the author of Cold War Warrior, All Crooks Welcome and Master Cheat! According to the book description of the true story, All Crooks Welcome, “the Las Vegas police are plagued with burglaries. Two detectives devise an ingenious scheme to combat the thieves and burglars. Pose as fences and buy the evidence from the crooks. With the help of the District Attorney’s office and the FBI, the sting is on. Join with the undercover law enforcement personnel as they solve the problems associated with a scheme never tried before. Be there as the crooks arrive with their ill-gotten gains. Enjoy the wrap-up party where the thieves expect one thing and get another.”

Military-Writers.com currently lists 28 current or former military members and their 59 books.

Radio Program to Give Troops a Voice

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

July 13, 2007 – Thanks to a Phoenix talk show host and troop-support group, Operation Homefront of Arizona, troops with Internet access will be able to hear what their comrades are saying. Operation Homefront of Arizona's parent organization, Operation Homefront, is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Mike Broomhead, host of the "Mike Broomhead Show" on News Talk KFYI in Phoenix, will dedicate one hour of his two-hour Sunday evening show to "Voice of the Troops." The segment, which will debut July 15 at 7 p.m. PST, will begin as a once monthly feature.

"I hope this segment catches on very quickly with my listeners and becomes the most listened to segment on the radio," Broomhead said. "Our troops deserve the time and attention of the citizens of America."

Not only will the show air over radio waves, those with Internet access will be able to hear it on the station's Web site, www.kfyi.com.

"'Voice of the Troops' is so important to me because my brother (Army) Sgt. Thomas Broomhead was (killed in action) on May 27, 2003 in Fallujah," Broomhead said. "After his sacrifice and hearing stories first hand from many soldiers who have sacrificed a great deal to serve their country, I think it only fitting to give them the platform to tell all of my listeners why they serve.

"I also want to give my listeners a chance to tell these brave men and women thank you!" he added. "There is a huge segment of this country who fully support these troops and I want our soldiers to hear from them."

That was exactly what David Whitten, director of marketing and media relations for Operation Homefront of Arizona, was thinking when he approached his friend about doing the segment.

"We feel that there is not enough of this happening across the country," said Whitten. "I think these personal stories are important to the American people."

Whitten said the program will provide a way for servicemembers to share their stories from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We will discuss topics that the people of this country need to know," he said. "Everything from what our men and women serving in combat need from the citizens of this country (to) their personal stories, updates on progress in both military and diplomatic operations, and how we can help (troops) acclimate back to civilian life when they return."

Whitten said the show already has several great stories lined up and is confident he won't have a problem finding more.

"One of (those stories comes from) an Arizona Army sergeant by the name of Ryan Kenner," Whitten said. "We will share his story of why he feels it's necessary to sign up for this 3rd consecutive tour of duty without a break in between."

Whitten also anticipates hosting Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, commander of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Forth Leavenworth, Kan., as a future guest on 'Voice of the Troops.'

Though the program will begin with a focus on Arizona servicemembers with ties to Arizona, and their families, once a month, Whitten sees it growing. He said he hopes to see it expand to perhaps twice a month before, hopefully, spinning off into its own program.

Severely Wounded Troops Find Meaningful Ways to Continue Serving

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 13, 2007 – Army Sgt. John Keith likes to finish what he starts. So even after a rocket-propelled grenade tore into the door of his Humvee during his deployment to Iraq, leaving his leg dangling, he wasn't willing to give up his 15-year military career. Thanks to a new mentality within the military, and programs to back it up, Keith is among a growing legion of severely wounded troops who are opting to continue their military service. In his case, the former medic is now serving with the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier to help get state-of-the-art equipment to warfighters quickly as possible.

Sixty soldiers with 30 percent or higher disability ratings have applied to stay on active duty, and all have gotten the green light, said Col. Mary Carstensen, director of the Army's Wounded Warrior Program.

There's a growing recognition that these soldiers have leadership experience, specialized skills and, in many cases, combat experience - all qualities they can continue to contribute to the Army, she said.

The Marine Corps shares this recognition, and issued a Marine administrative message in May 2006 that details its program for combat-wounded Marines seeking to remain on active duty.

President Bush advanced this effort while visiting wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here in December 2003. "Americans would be surprised to learn that a grievous injury, such as the loss of a limb, no longer means forced discharge," the president told the soldiers.

"In other words, the medical care is so good and the recovery process is so technologically advanced that people are no longer forced out of the military," Bush said. "When we're talking about forced discharge, we're talking about another age and another army. This is a new age, and this is a new army. Today, if wounded servicemembers want to remain in uniform and can do the job, the military tries to help them stay."

In that "other army" Bush referred to, troops with disabling injuries used to be automatically turned over to the Department of Veterans of Affairs. If they returned to the Defense Department at all, it was generally after being medically retired, then hired as civilian employees.

The concept of enabling wounded troops to stay on duty isn't unprecedented, and examples can be found from every conflict since the Revolutionary War.

Even as the wars were kicking off in Afghanistan, then Iraq, the Army's top officer was serving as living proof of the concept. Gen. Eric Shinseki stepped on a land mine that blew off the front of one of his feet during the Vietnam War. He continued his military service, ultimately serving as the Army's chief of staff from 1999 to 2003.

Troops serving in the global war on terror, even those with severe wounds, have continued Shinseki's example.

One of the better-known examples is Army Capt. David Rozelle. After losing his foot and part of his leg to an anti-tank mine in Iraq, Rozelle not only stayed on active duty; he became the first amputee to return to combat as commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's Headquarters and Headquarters Troop.

Other severely wounded soldiers who have stayed green have pursued a variety of different paths, according to Carstensen.

"They do a little bit of everything," Carstensen said. One is attending a military school; others are on the other side of the podium, teaching their fellow soldiers or ROTC cadets. A couple have returned to their units as first sergeants, and one was accepted into the Army's elite World Class Athlete Program. Still others are doing administrative jobs or serving as retention noncommissioned officers.

What's important, Carstensen said, is that troops who remain on active duty after being wounded continue pursuing military careers that are both professionally and personally fulfilling. "If the Army is still a viable option for them, we want to bring them into the fold and make that possible," she said.

Keith, who was wounded while deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division in November 2004, is among the severely wounded troops seizing that opportunity. A medic at the time of the incident, Keith was responding to a patrol had come under attack when an RPG hit his vehicle.

The events of the day are a bit foggy; he remembers being transported to an emergency room in Baghdad's Green Zone before slipping into a coma. Seventeen days later, he woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The doctors there tried valiantly to save his leg, but so many nerves and tendons had been severed that they ended up having to amputate, just four days before Christmas. An Army board later certified him as 60-percent disabled.

If Keith was distraught about losing his leg, he was even more so about the possibility of losing the career he'd spent the past decade and a half building. "When I was first injured, I knew for sure that my military career was over," he said.

Keith wanted desperately to continue serving. Although emphatic that he didn't want to be a hindrance to anyone, he said he knew he still had something to contribute. "I may not be able to physically do my job, but I have the mind to do my job," he said. "I'm still useful."

The Army agreed and approved his request to remain on active duty.

Keith trained as a contracting specialist and has been working for the Army's PEO Soldier effort at Fort Belvoir, Va., since June 2006. The program was established to design, develop, procure and field state-of-the-art equipment to deployed troops as quickly as possible.

Keith said he gets a lot of gratification knowing that as he serves out his military career until he's eligible to retire, he's also continuing to helping his fellow troops who are at war. "This office is making a difference," he said. "And it's rewarding to be a part of it."

Three Missouri Law Enforcement Officials

Editor's Note: One of the authors is WWII Navy vet.

Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added two Missouri police officers and one state trooper: Robert B. Heinen, Del Gibson and Jeffery Nance.

Robert B. Heinen was a police officer for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri) from 1946 to 1974. He retired at the rank of Captain. At the beginning of World War II a then 17 year old Robert Heinen enlisted the United States Navy. He served four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Six months after the war he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He is published his autobiography The Battle Behind the Badge in 1997.

According to one reader, “The Battle Behind the Badge takes you on the streets of Kansas City with Captain Heinen as your partner. BEWARE! On your shift you'll not only encounter dangerous street thugs, but high-powered organized crime figures. When you return to the station house to file your reports, be prepared to battle corrupt police officials and egocentric city hall politicians. "The Battle Behind the Badge" is an excellent hardball account of Kansas City during a time when it was difficult to tell who the bad guy was. Captain Heinen is an honest cop who pays for his integrity by being yo-yoed up and down the ranks. He is Kansas City's "Serpico." This is a very good read that took a lot of guts to write.”

Del Gibson had a circus act at age fifteen, hitchhiked through forty of the lower 48 states at sixteen, and was a homicide detective with the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). A graduate of Central Missouri State University with an M.S. degree in Criminology, he trained National Police in the Republic of Marshall Islands and was a counter-intelligence investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense in the South Pacific. He has also taught criminology in several colleges and universities.

Del Gibson is the author of the thriller False Sanctuary. According to the book description, “Newly divorced, Kelly Garrison moves to Newton, Colorado, to start a new life. A former policeman, Kelly is hired by the Newton police department. Kelly is befriended by long- time resident, Joel Carson, who is a retired miner and also mayor of Newton. Then Kelly falls in love with Joel’s granddaughter just before stumbling upon a huge drug money laundering operation conducted through the bank where Joel is the major stockholder. The drug cartel attempts to kill Kelly for investigating the laundering operation. Is Joel, Kelly’s new friend, part of the operation? Who in Newton can Kelly trust?”

Jeffery Nance is a certified fraud examiner, former undercover narcotics agent trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He is the author of Conquering Deception. According to the book description, “Conquering Deception delivers the tools to recognize the hidden meanings of what others say using principles originated by America's savviest police investigators. Conquering Deception adapts these principles for use in any setting--business or personal--to be used in an informal and non-confrontational style. A handbook for the savvy conversationalist that is practical, effective, and one-of-a-kind.”

One reader of Conquering Deception said, “This book is quite effective (maybe too effective) at translating police interrogation tactics in a way that you can use in everyday conversations, and like the literature says, you don't have to be overly inquisitive or accusatory to make them work. I say 'maybe too effective' because I'm not sure that the average person needs to be privy to this information. Like the author, I'm a former police officer. I liked the book, and as above, it's highly effective--but this is material that the average officer doesn't even know, much less the average citizen. It is powerful stuff--if these principles of conversation have been used to get suspects to confess to murdering another person, it's easy to see that they would be powerful in everyday conversation.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 631 police officers (representing 277 police departments) and their 1344 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Cops in Mississippi and Missouri

Editor's Note: One of the authors is a Vietnam Vet.

Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added one police officer from Mississippi and two from Missouri: James R. Kelly; Troy Cole; and, F.D. Jordan.

In 1966, James R. Kelly served one tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. James Kelly received his BS degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1971, he joined the ranks of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; becoming one of the organization's first agents. James Kelly retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 1995. He is the author of two books: Prescription for Murder and Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam.

Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam, “depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.” James Kelly served with A Company, 3rd Amtracs, 1966-67.

Troy Cole is a retired homicide investigator from the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). He is the author of Rites Of Burial. According to the book description, “This books tells the gruesome true story of Robert Berdella, a serial killer while inhuman crimes of murder and dismemberment might have served to inspire Jeffrey Dahmer

According to a reader of Rites of Burial, “I was quite shocked by the graphic details and disturbing pictures in this book. Other reviewers have said this book is insensitive and biased. Although I understand this point, I disagree. If you truly want to examine the depravity of serial murderers, you have to know the details of their crimes to be able to understand the things of which these people are capable. In addition, other reviewers have charged the authors with being homophobic. I did not find this to be the case. Rather, the authors did expose how the homophobia of the KC police dept. affected their investigations and their handling of the victims and Berdella”

F.D. Jordan has over 21 years experience as a police officer working for the Kansas City Police Department (Missouri). He has extensive experience working the Kansas City Police Department Special Victims Unit, Sex Crimes Section. His is the author of Sex Crime Investigations: The Complete Investigator's Handbook.

According to the description of, Sex Crime Investigations: The Complete Investigator's Handbook, “when a sexual act occurs in combination with a physical or emotional assault, as in rape or child sexual abuse, highly sensitive issues often get misdirected, especially in the criminal justice system. For this reason, sex crime investigation in one field that investigators can ill afford to learn by trial and error. This book takes you step-by-step through how successful sex crime investigations are conducted and provides a clear and comprehensive look at the complexities and realities of the field that investigators and their agencies must learn to deal with, including selecting appropriate investigative personnel, gathering evidence at crime scenes, interviewing victims, interrogating suspected sex offenders and getting confessions, working with child sexual abuse victims, building solid cases for prosecution and much more. It is a must for investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, social workers, sexual assault victim advocates and the victims and their families.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 628 police officers (representing 276 police departments) and their 1341 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Military Authors

Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing active, former and retired military personnel who have authored books. The website added two former servicemembers who have authored books.

Elmer L. Snow, III is a retired Sergeant from the Prince George’s County Police Department (Maryland). During his career in law enforcement he was a recipient of the Police Officer of the Year Award, Chief’s Award for Valor, Police Officer of the Month Award, and 42 letters of Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty. Prior to his law enforcement career, Elmer Snow honorably served in the United States Army from 1961-1964. He was a Military Policeman in the 101st Airborne Division. He achieved the rank of E-4 Specialist.

Following his retirement, Elmer Snow was employed for five years by the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware where he provided personal protection for the Chairman of the Board, the DuPont Board of Directors, and Key Management. During this time he became involved in terrorism, counter terrorism programs, and counter terrorist driving techniques.

In 2003 he was contacted by Halliburton Corporation to provide personal protection services during the reconstruction of Iraq. As a Security Coordinator with KBR, a Halliburton subsidiary, Snow worked in numerous high risk positions throughout Iraq, including Mosul, Baghdad, Tikrit, Balad, and culminating at Camp Anaconda. Upon his return to the United States, Elmer Snow wrote A View from Iraq.

According to the book description, A View from Iraq “is a must read for soldiers who have served, curious citizens, families of those who served or are in Iraq, as well as security practitioners who are constantly searching for tactics that are used by terrorists and insurgents. The book details various individual acts of courage and bravery that were demonstrated by members of our armed forces, methods of identifying problems that occur, and ways of reducing the level of threat to an acceptable level.” Elmer Snow is also the author of two fiction books Overkill- A Detective’s Story and Revenge Served Cold.

Cory B. Harris has over 13 years of military and law enforcement experience. He has served with The United States Air Force, Little Rock Police Department (Arkansas), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshal Service. Cory Harris served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1996 and was honorably discharged at the rank of E-4. He has training and experience in field training, crime prevention, investigations, operations, apprehension, and protection. He is also a recipient of the Little Rock Police Department’s Medal of Merit.

Cory B. Harris is the author of Zipper Le Series One: Outlook on Leadership And Liability Issues in the Criminal Justice System. According to the book description, Cory B. Harris’ book, “takes you behind the badge to examine tough issues in the criminal justice system. It tackles civil liability, race, and leadership issues to name a few from the outlook of the author. The author gives examples using his own experiences that are simple and easy to understand to give the reader unique insight. The book contains many case studies, and stories that are interesting yet they have a simple meaning. The book explores how different groups of people look at these issues in different ways, as well as how important it is for criminal justice officials to stay mentally fit.”

Military-Writers.com currently lists 25 current or former military members and their 53 books.

Bush Names Deputy EUCOM Commander to Lead AFRICOM

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2007 – President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward today to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander. Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for U.S. forces operating across 92 countries in Europe, Africa, Russia, parts of Asia and the Middle East, the Mediterranean and most of the Atlantic Ocean.

If confirmed to his new post, Ward will help bring AFRICOM to initial operational capacity as a command subordinate to EUCOM by October. AFRICOM is slated to be established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008.

Ward would bring 36 years of military service and sweeping experience to the AFRICOM position. Since his commissioning in 1971, he has served in Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Bosnia, Israel, Germany and at posts throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Before taking the No. 2 job at EUCOM, Ward was deputy commander and chief of staff for U.S. Army, Europe and 7th Army. In that capacity, he served as the U.S. security coordinator for the Israel-Palestine Authority from March to December 2005.

Ward also served as commander of the Stabilization Force during Operation Joint Force in Sarajevo, Bosnia; as commander of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army, Hawaii; and as assistant division commander for the 82nd Airborne Division.

Before that, he was commander of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade and Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia, and as commander of the 6th Infantry Division's 5th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade and the division's logistics staff.

He has served in a long string of staff positions as well, including service as vice director for operations on the Joint Staff, chief of the Office of Military Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, and deputy director of operations for the National Military Command Center.

Ward holds bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Morgan State University in Maryland and Pennsylvania State University, respectively.

If confirmed to lead AFRICOM, Ward will be responsible for consolidating U.S. government efforts and promote partnership arrangements in Africa.

In doing so, he will assume responsibilities on the African content currently shared by three combatant commanders. U.S. Central Command has responsibility for Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. U.S. European Command has responsibility for the rest of the nations in the African mainland. U.S. Pacific Command has responsibility for Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean area off the African coast.

In announcing the AFRICOM command Feb. 6, Bush said it will strengthen security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of African nations. "Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and security to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy and economic growth in Africa," he said.

The motivation behind creating AFRICOM was the increasing importance of Africa strategically, diplomatically and economically, Navy Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, executive director of the U.S. Africa Command implementation planning team, said as the new command was announced.

"The view was that the time has come, in fact, with the increasing importance of the continent to the U.S., that we could better meet our requirements by standing up one unified command to consolidate all of (Defense Department) activities, as opposed to having three separate commands doing that," Moeller said.

Military Pays Tribute to Special Warrior

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2007 – The military paid tribute to a special operations leader at a retirement ceremony for Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown here yesterday. Before Brown turned over command of U.S. Special Operations Command to Navy Adm. Eric Olson, Marine Gen. Peter Pace presided over Brown's retirement ceremony.

"Nobody could have served his country better than Doug Brown," Pace said during the ceremony.

Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. He served on an A-team and in 1970 he attended Officer Candidate School and then went to flight school at Fort Rucker, Ala. It was also the year he married his wife, Penny.

"It has been my experience that those officers who have had the privilege of being enlisted members are the finest officers our nation produces - especially those who do not forget what they learned in the enlisted ranks," Pace said. "Doug Brown, for sure, has always had the welfare of his soldiers and his troops in the forefront of his mind."

In the course of his career, Brown rose from private to general - the first Army aviation officer to wear four stars.

Pace said Brown built on the foundation of previous commanders when he took command of U.S. Special Operations Command in 2003. "He has made (the command) more effective in the crucible of war," Pace said.

In 2001, the command was a force provider to other combatant commands - it did not have operational control of special operations forces personnel.

"In the last four years, not only has he been a force provider, but he is also now a force commander," Pace said. "When it became apparent that we needed somebody to coordinate the actions across the globe of the things that special operations forces were doing, it fell to U.S. Special Operations Command and General Brown to make it happen."

Pace said Brown provided leadership not only for those in the military, but also for the interagency group that works with special operations. Brown took on the mission of understanding and orchestrating the deployment of special operations forces around the world.

Brown also worked to transform special operations, which includes a 20 percent increase in the size of the force and a 50 percent increase in the budget. It also includes "a mindset that brings with it a tenacity that says, 'I have a job to get done. How can I best get it done?'" Pace said.

The chairman said Brown has worked with all concerned to get "the 90 percent solution today, rather than wait for the 100 percent solution in 2017, because the nation needs it today."

None of what the general accomplished would have been possible without the support of his family, Pace said.

"It is true for all of us, but especially for soldiers in special operations community, that our families sit home and wait and pray for us," Pace said. "You worry about us all the time. And when we come home, you stand in the background as we get our awards and you pretend you had nothing to do with it."

Pace told Penny Brown that she was the strength of her family during all of the general's deployments.

"You have kept your family tied together when Doug has been doing the nation's business, and collectively this nation owes you a great debt of gratitude," the chairman said. "You have served this nation as well as anyone who has worn the uniform."

Pace presented Brown with the Distinguished Service Medal, and presented Penny Brown with the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal.

'Hero Hugs' Founder Honored for Supporting Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2007 – She's only 11 years old, but Bailey Reese has logged more community service than many Americans twice her age, all to ensure servicemembers know their sacrifices are appreciated. Since 2003, when she started "Hero Hugs," a group that sends care packages to deployed servicemembers, Bailey has logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours. And now officials at the American Girl doll company have named her a "Real Girl of the Year" for 2007.

"I think taking care of our soldiers and saying thanks is something everyone should be doing, and it isn't something special," Bailey said. "The soldiers are the ones who deserve recognition for all they sacrifice and give, not me."

Hero Hugs is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Bailey said she's always honored when her efforts are recognized, because she hopes any recognition she receives will "inspire someone else to think of our troops and do something to brighten their day."

Bailey is one of three girls chosen as a 2007 Real Girl of the Year. More than 14,000 girls were nominated by their parents or guardian, a program requirement. Diana Reese, Bailey's mom, nominated her.

As an award recipient, Bailey will receive $5,000 for Hero Hugs, which will be a huge help when it comes to shipping holiday care packages to servicemembers, she said. Her Niceville, Fla., school will receive the same amount.

"I am ... really happy my school is getting something too," Bailey said. "They always support what I do, and ... I think it's great the school will be able to do something that will benefit all our students who have helped in ways big and small."

Perhaps the best part of being named a 2007 Real Girl of the Year was the trip to Los Angeles for the award ceremony. While there, she got a taste of what's she's been dishing out to the troops.

"We were walking around (the American Girl Place) store and an employee stops and looks at me and says, 'I know you, don't I?" Bailey remembered. "My mom told him I was their Real American Girl, and he got all excited.

"It was a little weird to have people I didn't even know recognize me," she added.

The star treatment extended beyond the American Girl employee in the store. The company set up a booth for Hero Hugs, and its employees helped other girls attending a volunteer fair to pack boxes for Hero Hugs.

"This part was a little hard, because the managers told me it was my day and since I had worked so hard they just wanted me to enjoy the day," Bailey said. "Before the event, the store employees had all gotten together and packed some packages for the soldiers, too. I think we ended up with over 300 packages for soldiers by the end of the day, and a really huge bag filled with (thank you) cards."

But even after her day of stardom had officially ended, Bailey discovered one more fan at a well-known Los Angeles-area restaurant.

"When we were checking out, I started talking to the manager and was telling him about why we were in L.A.," Bailey said. "I told him all about Hero Hugs and America Supports You. (He) ripped up our check and told me that I was his hero. That was pretty awesome!"

Even Hero, the Hero Hugs program's stuffed bear mascot who has served several "tours" of his own in Iraq, was mesmerized by the glitz of Hollywood, Bailey said.

"People are always wanting their photo with me and Hero, so he is like a celebrity," she said. "I think he was wanting to ... have his own cartoon and ... get his own star in Hollywood."

Guard Plans to Adjust Number of Troops Serving on U.S.-Mexican Border

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2007 – The National Guard plans to adjust the number of personnel performing security duty along the U.S.-Mexican border from about 6,000 to about 3,000 members, a National Guard Bureau spokesman said today. Last year, President Bush directed the National Guard to assist the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency in patrolling the 2,000-mile-long border with Mexico, National Guard Bureau spokesman Army Maj. David Kolarik told American Forces Press Service today during a phone interview from the bureau's headquarters in Arlington, Va.

National Guard members "have performed superbly" in answering the President's call to assist on the border during "Operation Jump Start," Kolarik said. The Customs and Border Protection Agency is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Almost 6,000 Guard members - mostly volunteers -- have been on border security duty in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California in support of the U.S. Border Patrol since June 2006, Kolarik said, noting the reduction was part of original planning.

"It was never meant to be a permanent solution," Kolarik said of the National Guard's participation in Operation Jump Start. "It was just an intermediate measure to provide support for border security efforts until they brought the additional resources and personnel in line that they needed."

The Guard redeployment is slated for completion around Sept. 1, he said.

About 3,000 National Guard members will continue assisting the Customs and Border Protection Agency along the U.S.-Mexican border, Kolarik said.

The National Guard's presence along the U.S.-Mexican border has helped to bolster border-protection efforts to curtail illegal immigration as well as to circumvent narcotics traffic, Kolarik said.

Guard members on border duty do not perform law enforcement missions, but they do conduct surveillance and operate detection equipment, work with border entry identification teams, analyze information, assist with communications and give administrative support to the Border Patrol.

National Guard members "have done just a phenomenal job down there on the border," Kolarik said.

Army Reaches Out to Adult 'Influencers' to Encourage Them to Promote Service

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2007 – Anyone who watched the final episode of HBO's "The Sopranos" series understands what the Army is up against as it works to fill its ranks with high-quality recruits. When young Anthony Soprano Jr., "AJ" to his family and friends, expressed an interest in joining the Army, he met opposition from all corners. His girlfriend balked. His mother, Carmela, tried to dissuade him for fear he's be deployed to Iraq. His father Tony, New Jersey's mob boss, ultimately distracted him with a new BMW and an opportunity to make a movie.

The story may be fictitious, but the gist of the storyline is very real. Army officials are concerned that "influencers" - parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who influence young people's decisions about military service - are increasingly less likely to encourage them to serve, said Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman.

That trend is likely to reflect the protracted war and its declining popularity among the American public, she acknowledged. "Support for the war directly impacts parental support for their children entering the military," she said. "There's a direct correlation."

Army officials fear that correlation is affecting their recruiting efforts, because despite what some adults might think, young people really do listen to them, Edgecomb said.

Recruiting numbers for June, released today, show the Army missed its goal for the second consecutive month. The active Army came up almost 1,400 recruits below its 8,400-person goal, but remains 741 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goal.

The Army Reserve and Army National Guard both came out on the plus side for June. The Army Reserve recruited 5,255 members, almost 400 troops more than its goal, and the Guard met its goal, with 5,342 recruits.

As they seek to boost recruiting numbers, Army officials recognize the importance of reaching out to adult influencers as well as prospective recruits.

They've dedicated an additional $30 million to the "Army Strong" campaign, Edgecomb said. The ads, which convey the concept that Army service boosts not just physical strength, but also strength of character and purpose, speak as much to adults as recruitment-age youth. They also encourage prospects and their influencers to learn more about the Army and what it has to offer.

Meanwhile, the Army is using other avenues to move its recruiting efforts into fifth gear, such as promoting its $2,000 referral bonus program and hiring more contract recruiters, Edgecomb said.

It's also recognized that media headlines, even those about recruiting shortfalls, offer an opportunity to let adult influencers know that Uncle Sam needs them, too. "That's one more way to reach out to the American public to let them know we need their support," Edgecomb said.

"A lot of people have stepped up and joined the military. ... We've got 70,000 soldiers who have made the commitment to serve in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve so far this year," she said. "And we need influencers to continue to support their decisions and to encourage other young people as they consider joining the Army."

Military Recruiting Numbers Show Promise Despite Army Dip

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2007 – The Army fell short of its active-duty recruiting goal for June, but officials noted today that the Army is still ahead of its year-to-date goal and is expected to make its year-end goal. June marked the second month in a row that the Army missed its active-duty recruiting goal, according to statistics released today by the Defense Department. The active Army, with 7,031 accessions, came up almost 1,400 recruits below its 8,400-person goal. However, officials noted that it remains 741 recruits ahead of its year-to-date goal.

The other three services met or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals for June. The Navy recruited 3,999 sailors, 102 percent of its goal. The Marine Corps signed on 4,113 Marines, 110 percent of its goal, and the Air Force met its goal by recruiting 2,233 airmen.

Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their June goals.

The Army Reserve and Army National Guard both came out on the plus side for June. The Army Reserve recruited 5,255 members, almost 400 troops more than its goal, and the Guard met its goal, with 5,342 recruits.

The Navy Reserve recruited 1,013 members, exceeding its goal by 8 percent. The Marine Corps Reserve signed on 1,078 members, 109 percent of its goal. The Air Force Reserve met its 597-airman goal.

Only the Air National Guard, with 779 recruits, missed its goal, by 25 percent.

Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman, expressed optimism that July, August and September will tip the scales toward the plus side for active-duty recruitment. Traditionally, these are the Army's biggest recruiting months due to the new crop of high school graduates.

But Edgecomb emphasized that the Army isn't looking at the situation through rose-colored glasses. "Overall, we are optimistic, but concerned," Edgecomb said.

She noted that the all-volunteer force is facing one of its biggest challenges in light of a protracted war that's becoming increasingly unpopular among the American public.

"One of the greatest challenges to the all-volunteer force is being able to recruit during a period of protracted conflict," agreed Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.

"Recruiting is a tough environment, but the all-volunteer force has served the nation well for over 30 years, providing a military that is experienced, well-trained, disciplined and representative of America," he told Pentagon reporters today. "Since 9-11, we've had more than 900,000 Americans join the Army, and more than 700,000 soldiers have re-enlisted in the Army."

Maintaining that trend has sent the Army into overdrive to ensure a steady supply of high-quality new recruits.

It's added $30 million to its advertising budget to get its "Army Strong" slogan out to young people as well as their parents, teachers, coaches and other adults who influence their decisions about military service. "We've geared our ads to prospective soldiers as well as their parents," Edgecomb said.

It's promoting its $2,000 referral bonus program more vigorously. The program offers the bonus to soldiers, Army retirees and even Army civilian employees who refer a prospective recruit who enlists and successfully completes basic and advanced individual training. "Who can talk about the Army better than those working for the Army?" said Edgecomb.

In addition, the Army is hiring more contract recruiters to increase its outreach efforts. "We have 300,000 leads that need to be followed up on, and this will be a big help," Edgecomb said.

Edgewood praised the Army's recruiting force that's kept its eyes on the ball and continues recruiting top-quality men and women into the Army ranks.

"The story that too often gets overlooked is the fact that in spite of the challenges, we've got about 70,000 soldiers who have made the commitment to serve in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve so far this year," she said. "So we are still very successful in doing that."

In addition, she noted that retention remains high, 101 percent of the goal for the active Army, 119 percent for the Army Reserve and 107 percent for the Army National Guard.

"It's a testament to the quality of our young people that so many have already stepped forward to defend our nation and that so many servicemen and -women have chosen to continue to serve," Edgecomb said.

Marine Missing In Action From Korean War Is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Pfc. Domenico S. Di Salvo, U.S. Marine Corps, of Akron, Ohio. He will be buried July 12 in Seville, Ohio.

In late November 1950, Di Salvo was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division then deployed near Yudam-ni on the western side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 27, three Communist Chinese Divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions. Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south. Di Salvo was lost on Dec. 2, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Yudam-ni. He was among several in his company buried by fellow Marines in a temporary grave near the battlefield.

During Operation Glory in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of U.S. and allied soldiers. Included in this repatriation were sets of remains associated with Di Salvo's burial. That year, U.S. officials identified five of these individuals. One repatriated individual could not be identified at that time and was buried as an unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii. In November 2006, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) exhumed remains from the NMCP believed to be those of Di Salvo.

Among other forensic tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC used dental comparisons in Di Salvo's identification.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.

Army Reserve Soldiers Represent Army at Pepsi 400

By Staff Sgt. Christine L. Andreu-Wilson, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2007 – Though clouds were overhead at the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race July 7, nothing could dampen the spirit of the 49th annual race or its fans. Soldiers of the Army Reserve's 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) from Orlando, Fla., were among the 82 soldiers who took part in presenting the U.S. flag in the pre-race ceremony.

Men and women of the Army Reserve came from units as far away as Massachusetts and Ohio to take part in the ceremony. The soldiers ran the American flag onto the center of the racetrack and then unraveled it while Bianca Ryan, the winner of the "America's Got Talent" television show, sang the "Star-Spangled Banner." Ordinarily, race officials said, it takes at least 150 soldiers to carry the 1,400-pound flag, but the soldiers happily managed the load.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Quinn, 741st Postal Detachment, 143rd Sustainment Command, said it was gratifying not only to carry the flag but to also see the fans who support the troops.

"It's rewarding for us soldiers. Racecar driving is a big American event; it really brings out people's patriotism," Quinn said. "It got me pumped up to hear people shout, 'USA, USA, USA.' The esprit de corps that's here, that's what it's all about -- just knowing that these Americans support us."

The crowd and soldiers cheered as four U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle fighters from Tyndall Air Force Base flew low over the track with their afterburners aglow in the night sky, while on the ground fireworks lit up the infield of the track. Pepsi 400 fans shook the stands with a standing ovation for the troops as the soldiers passed by carrying the U.S. flag.

Sgt. Anthony J. Pekala of the 993rd Medium Truck Palletized Motor System Company, 143rd Sustainment Command, a self-professed NASCAR fan, said he believes it's important for soldiers to be represented in a positive light.

"This event is good exposure for the Army Reserve and the military," Pekala said. "It's good for the public. It's good that Americans see that we're real people."

Staff Sgt. Loretta L. Young, of the 1186th Transportation Terminal Brigade, in Jacksonville, who served with the 143rd Sustainment Command during her deployment to Kuwait, was appreciative of the support.

"It's a privilege to serve. I'm serving my country," Young said. "I'm going to be here no matter what."

After the pre-race ceremonies, soldiers were invited to watch the race from various racing pits, which made some of them feel like celebrities. But some, like Young, got to actually meet some of NASCAR's royalty.

"Richard Petty, he came by and shook our hands," Young said. "That was fantastic. They really show us that there are Americans who support us."

Jamie McMurray won the Pepsi 400 later that night by .005 seconds. Kyle Busch came in second, and Kurt Busch won third place.

(Army Staff Sgt. Christine L. Andreu-Wilson is assigned to the 204th Public Affairs Detachment.)

Navy Admiral Takes Helm of U.S. Special Ops Command

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2007 – Adm. Eric T. Olson became the first Navy SEAL to command U.S. Special Operations Command during a ceremony here today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided as Olson assumed command from Army Gen. Bryan Brown. Brown had led the command since September 2003. Two of the more conspicuous accomplishments during that time were assuming new missions in the war on terror and assimilating Marine forces into the command.

Gates said the command works seamlessly among the services, but that this was not always the case. The command grew phoenix-like from the ashes of a failed attempt in 1980 to rescue American hostages being held in Iran, he said. Eight airmen and Marines were killed in the ill-fated mission, and the lessons learned from it led directly to the establishment of Special Operations Command in 1987.

"Joint capabilities would eventually eclipse parochial service interests," Gates said. "And this year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a command that is at the forefront of the fight to preserve our freedom and our way of life."

Gates thanked the special operators for their work. "Your task is anything but easy," he said. "You have volunteered multiple times to take the most difficult assignments. You do so with courage, determination and skill that leaves the rest of us in awe. The success of special operations begins with the individual warrior - each one of you - and we are eternally grateful for your willingness to serve our nation."

Thousands of special operations veterans, current special operators, and local civic and business leaders attended the ceremony at the Tampa Convention Center.

Also attending was a melange of special operators from around the world. Norway, Great Britain, the Philippines, Japan, Jordan, Australia, Colombia were just a few countries that sent representative to the ceremony.

The worldwide nature of the audience showed that people of the world recognize the threat al Qaeda and like groups pose. Gates said al Qaeda is a nontraditional foe that requires a special type of warrior to fight it.

Though hard military power has its place, longer-term needs can best be served by soft power -- building capabilities in allied forces, building infrastructure, or helping countries develop a legal system based on laws, for example. Brown said his troops understand the need for both hard and soft power and have the intellect to understand when to use both.

Gates recognized Brown for his leadership of the command. "He came to this post four years ago determined to improve the way special operators fight," Gates said. "He has done just that."

Brown also improved the way the command works, the secretary said. He reorganized the command's Center for Special Operations. The changes allowed different special ops specialties to build on each other rather than compete. He praised the intelligence community for working side by side with special operators, "fusing their expertise and planning to greatly improve results."

Brown thanked the coalition allies and interagency partners for their help. "This is an international coalition at its best, supporting each other," he said.

Gates also thanked Brown for the way he has worked with other nations in the fight against terror. The general has emphasized the need for Americans to develop language proficiency and cultural understanding to build trust and bonds with foreign militaries. "And his emphasis on indirect operations aimed to prevent minor problems from growing into much bigger crises," Gates said.

Gates called Olson "a true warrior" and a legend in the special operations community. In 1993, Olson -- then a Navy commander -- fought street by street through Mogadishu, Somalia, leading a ground convoy to fellow special operators surrounded by thousands of enemy.

Olson is the first Navy SEAL to wear three stars, and now four stars. "There is no mistaking his combination of courage, experience and leadership," Gates said.

The secretary encouraged Olson to "continue your custom of giving honest opinions and recommendations -- with the bark off and straight from the shoulder," he said.

For his part, Olson said he will build on the base that Brown has left him. Olson, who served as the command's deputy commander, said he is in awe of special operations forces' skill, intellect and courage.

"I intend to reinforce our enduring priorities: to deter, disrupt and defeat terrorist threats; develop and support our people and take care of their families; and modernize our force."

The admiral said he will work with combatant commanders to meet their needs and will work with service chiefs "in order to ensure that our respective roles and missions are well-defined."

Finally, the admiral vowed to ensure that U.S. Special Operations Forces remain the best-trained, best-equipped, best-led, boldest, bravest, most aware, innovative, responsive and spirited force in the world."

Foundation Lends Helping Hand to Wounded

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2007 – In the month after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Mike Talleda was searching for a way to help the country and motivate others to do the same. His answer was the "9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation."

"The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation's mission is to recognize and support the families of ... fallen and wounded warriors," Talleda, the foundation's president, said. "(It's) huge for families to know that people have not forgotten their sacrifice."

For the past six years, the foundation has focused on providing monthly financial support to wounded servicemembers and families of the fallen. That support comes in the form of $200 a month for an 18-month period, Talleda said.

Volunteers of the California-based 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation also have become much more involved in the lives of the nine families his group supports, he said. Visits with the troops and their families are regular occurrences, as are outings that bring families together.

"Our formula is great," Talleda said. "We just need to have more funds to add more guys to the list."

The group holds golf and poker tournaments and similar events to raise funds, he said. Grants or donations would be a new and welcomed source of much-needed funding, Talleda said.

The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation is one of the newest members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"We are hoping (joining) America Supports You may give us an opportunity to find people that like what we are doing and may be willing to help us," Talleda said.

"What we do is a lot of work, but it is also a labor of love," Talleda said.

China Pursues U.S. Military Ties More Slowly Than Hoped, Official Says

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2007 – China is following up on its stated interest in closer military ties with the United States but not as quickly or completely as initially hoped, an outgoing senior defense official said. "They have been more willing to engage, but it is engagement by millimeters and increments," Richard Lawless told reporters July 6 during a media roundtable. He retired June 30 from his position as deputy assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific affairs.

Of particular concern, he said, is China's failure to accept U.S. offers to engage in nuclear policy talks.

"The offer has been on the table for well over a year and a half for them to engage in a discussion about their strategic nuclear forces," he said. "This is a big deal. And it is a particularly big deal when you see the pace of deployment and the pace of development and where we are going to be in just three or four years."

Despite U.S. urging to discuss these developments now, before China deploys its new systems, "to date, that interest on our part has met with pretty much silence," Lawless said.

China's unwillingness to discuss its intentions -- about its nuclear program or its military expansion overall -- leaves the United States and its allies in the region "with no choice but to assume the worst," he said.

"China is very determined to build up its military capacity. It is demonstrating that," he said. "When you don't know why they are doing it, it is pretty damn threatening."

Lawless called dialog, visits and other interactions important steps toward building understanding between the United States and China.

Progress toward increasing military-to-military engagements between the two countries is "overall, not bad," and educational exchanges are on the rise, he said. But even when these occur, China doesn't reciprocate with the same level of openness the United States offers, Lawless said.

He noted that the United States pulled out all stops for a top Chinese naval officer who visited, providing him "unprecedented access to everything that he asked for." Yet when arrangements were being made for Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chief of naval operations, to visit China, "nowhere near that same level of reciprocity was being discussed or offered," he said.

"So I guess the key word here is 'disappointment,'" Lawless said. "What we expect the Chinese to do is give us the same level of access that we give them here in the United States. ... And if that cannot be reciprocated, then we have a very serious disconnect."

Visits aren't the end-all in a bilateral military relationship, Lawless conceded. "But the visits are an important meter stick or indicator of what this relationship is and what it is not, and it also shows us where we need to go with the relationship," he said. "And we have a long way to go to get where we want to be."

Sled Hockey Scores Goal With Wounded Warriors

By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 6, 2007 – Army Spc. Hollis Richardson glides across the rink, balancing his body on just a slab of metal and two thin blades. He digs two sticks into the ice, kicking up a light mist as he rushes to propel himself to the puck. Veering to the right, he evades an opponent and knocks the puck to a teammate just as he collides with another player, metal slashing metal. He quickly rights himself, gains balance and glides back into the game.

Like his time on the ice, life has been a balancing act for Richardson since he was injured just over a year ago. He was patrolling in Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his right leg and shrapnel riddled his left. The medics were racing to get him on a stretcher and out of danger when he was shot in the back. He suffered massive nerve damage to his right leg and some nerve damage to his left. He also fractured his pelvic bone.

Richardson has spent the last year recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center here, learning how to walk again and tinkering with car engines in his free time. He heard about a sled hockey team from his buddies at the hospital and decided to try it out, although he was a self-proclaimed non-athlete.

"I never played sports before except for some soccer as a kid," the 23-year-old said, a little out of breath after a two-hour practice at the Ice Center at Northwoods here. "It's been fun. I plan to keep it up; I have my own sled now and my name on my gear."

Richardson and his teammates, a mix of wounded warriors and local players, make up the San Antonio Rampage Sled Hockey Team. The sport is a modified version of ice hockey, altered to accommodate physical disabilities. Players propel themselves across the ice with sticks a third of regulation size while riding metal-frame sleds balanced on two skate blades. Aside from the equipment, the rules are about the same, as are the wrenching collisions and puck battles on the ice.

The team's coach, Lonnie Hannah, is well known in the sled hockey scene; he was part of the U.S. sled hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2002 Paralympic Games and bronze in 2006.

"The sport is great therapy, not just physically but mentally," said Hannah, also a former national champion speed skater. "It gets the guys out of the hospital and into society."

Hannah speaks from experience. He was injured in a work-related accident more than 20 years ago. But rather than being bound to a wheelchair, Hannah switched from speed skating to adaptive sports. He played wheelchair tennis and basketball before he discovered a passion for sled hockey.

"In the hospital, people are there to help, to do for you," Hannah said. "But at the rink, you're carrying and putting on your equipment, doing everything for yourself. It builds resilience."

Like the coach, referees also are volunteers. They officiate games and help facilitate weekly practices.

One of the referees stepped onto the rink near the end of a recent afternoon practice and sped across the ice with the ease of a lifelong skater. He moved the puck from the edges of the rink to keep the game going, as he joked with players to keep the mood light. The referee is a familiar face on and off the rink for the players, since he's also the commander of Fort Sam Houston.

"There's a great sense of camaraderie," said Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, who tries to squeeze as much ice time as he can into his busy schedule. "Everyone is out here working together; the sport brings a sense of team and unity.

"It's also an exhausting sport. Not so much for these guys, but for the ones who play them and aren't used to the game," he added with a smile.

Since sled hockey is not a common sport in San Antonio, teammates play each other, or "stand-up" hockey players take a seat for a game. But the game is tough for players who are accustomed to a different version of the sport.

"They had no problem beating us," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Hess, member of the San Antonio Men of War, a local ice hockey team that played the Rampage on June 16; Hess' team lost 3-1. "It's a lot more challenging than it looks. It takes a lot of strength and balance to play on a sled."

The teams' coordinator, Janis Roznowski, is working to beef up opposition for the team. The creator of the nonprofit group Operation Comfort, Roznowski was the driving force behind the sled hockey team. She decided to start a local team after taking a group of wounded warriors on a ski trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2004, where they got their first glimpse of the sport.

"The guys' eyes lit up," Roznowski said. "I thought it would be great to start a team here."

What started out as a few players knocking around a puck has grown into an organized team with national aspirations. "The San Antonio Rampage (local professional ice hockey team) adopted us, donating equipment, and San Antonio Parks and Recreation has been a great help," said Roznowski, who continues to help the players from Brooke Army Medical Center with transportation and funding for rink time. "Our next step is to build the team up and start traveling to other cities for games so we can be competitive on a national level."

In the meantime, the sled hockey team welcomes new players and has an added enticement for aspiring sled hockey enthusiasts.

"You get to go out on the ice and take out your aggression," said retired Sgt. Chris Leverkuhn, an amputee who was injured in Iraq. "I love the sport. It's a great way to keep busy and experience something new."

(Elaine Wilson works at the Fort Sam Houston Public Information Office.)

Canines Offer Healing Therapy to Wounded Warriors

By Jen Rodriguez
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 6, 2007 – Sweetheart, Jackson and Ellie Mae, three pooches, are helping to change the lives of wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center here. The mixed beagle, German shepherd and Lhasa Apso are therapy dogs trained to console soldiers, family members and sometimes medical staff with reassuring hugs and occasionally dog kisses.

"There's a bond between humans and animals," explained dog trainer Charlie Brugnola, of Silver Lakes, Calif. "Pets help us to deal with stress and put us in a mood that is beneficial to us."

Brugnola and his wife, Sally, brought the dogs to the hospital during June as part of the Delta Society of San Antonio Chapter Therapy Dog Program at the medical center.

"In the eyes of the wounded warriors we see a light, a light of determination and tenacity. That light glows when making contact with the eyes of Sweetheart," Brugnola said. "She looks deep into their eyes, conveying a message -- a message only she and the soldier truly comprehend. And therein lies the magic, the wonderment and the connection these animals give to humans, the ability to bond and heal in very profound ways beyond human ability."

Sweetheart, a mixed beagle, has a direct connection with soldiers and anyone who meets her. That connection is tied to a near-fatal incident that occurred several years ago.

Left to die in a burning house, Sweetheart was rescued when a witness saw the terribly burned dog sit up and wag her tail. A doctor performed skin grafts and was amazed by the canine's determination. Several people were involved with Sweetheart's recovery.

"Sweetheart is a burn survivor that inspires, motivates and melts hearts," Brugnola said. "Throughout her life, Sweetheart has repaid this obligation by helping other people."

"A number of patients felt a special kinship with Sweetheart, because of her experience of overcoming severe burns," said Chaplain (Col.) Daniel Moll, chief of the Ministry Department at Brooke Army Medical Center. "A friendly nuzzle or lick from a puppy is always a positive experience for our patients here. There's a special connection for those in the burn treatment ward."

To share Sweetheart's survivor skills, the Brugnolas decided to visit the wounded soldiers at BAMC.

"It's phenomenal what takes place here," Sally said. "We are in awe and humbled by the very men and women we strive to serve. These young soldiers and their families are an inspiration to us."

During a three-week visit, Sweetheart and Jackson, a German shepherd, laid next to soldiers during mat workouts at the Center for the Intrepid, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center here, and Ellie Mae, a Lhasa Apso, rode on the laps of soldiers in wheelchairs, all the while giving kisses.

Also, the dogs wagged a greeting to anyone within petting distance during long strolls through the hallways.

Army Sgt. Joy Nelson, an occupational therapist assistant, knows firsthand about the work of therapy dogs.

"Everyone I saw, I told them about the dogs. When patients talked about the pain, I'd tell them about the dogs. I'd say a dog can't tell you how bad it hurts," Nelson said. "And then the patient's mind would get redirected."

Nelson said one patient with a head injury had not responded as he should have until "he played with the dogs for about five minutes."

"That afternoon, he started talking more," Nelson said. "The next day he was up walking around, called his parents and was discharged from the hospital."

"There's a special connection," Moll said. "Pet therapy brings a sense of home normalcy to patients who are in the healing process.

Brugnola echoed Moll's remarks. "After the patient spent time with the dogs, it triggered that he had a dog and that he needed to take care of it."

"Animals, dogs, have been put on earth for very special reasons," Brugnola added. "We, as humans, are just starting to realize their special purpose."

(Jen Rodriguez works at Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs.)