By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While 3rd Infantry Division was serving its third deployment to Iraq within five years, its soldiers set records amassing college credits during precious downtime between missions. "Rock of the Marne" soldiers took more than 15,000 college classes during fiscal 2007 while deployed to Iraq as part of the surge force, reported Pam King, post education officer. That trend continued as the soldiers began returning to Fort Stewart in March. They've racked up an additional 11,000 college classes during the first two quarters of this fiscal year, King said.
Robin Ellert, chief of the post's online education program, pointed to the unmistakable trend in college enrollments, from 4,600 in fiscal 2003 to more than three times that level today.
"Our numbers have consistently jumped. There's a clear upward trend in the number of enrollments we're seeing," she said.
"There's a clear recognition that college is a way to get promoted -- both in the military and outside the military," she said.
And contrary to what some may expect, King said, many soldiers are finding deployments, when they're away from their families and home, to be the best opportunity to take classes.
"Education is a wonderful distraction, in a positive sense," she said. "Soldiers are able to -- for a minute -- escape where they are while doing something very positive for themselves, both mentally and for their career."
Thanks to the GoArmyEd.com portal that went online in April 2006, educational services are just a few mouse clicks away. Soldiers at even the most remote outposts can log into the system, tap into the $4,500 in tuition assistance the Army offers every soldier every year, and work toward a degree at one of about 180 colleges, universities and technical schools represented.
Army Sgt. Anthony Wilfong, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, spent much of his downtime during his past deploying taking Army correspondence courses. All but four of his soldiers were signed up for some kind of classes during their 15 months in Iraq. "It beats the time you waste seeing the same movies over and over," he said.
Wilfong and his soldiers have been back at Fort Stewart for about three months and still are awaiting their vehicles' return. Meanwhile, they're squeezing in all the classes they can.
"I've got 12 years to go to retirement, and each credit course is worth one and a half promotion points," Wilfong said as he reviewed the offerings at Central Texas College. "I figure everything I take will help me in the long run."
Meanwhile, many military families pass time during their loved ones' deployments enrolled in college programs, too. Officials estimate close to 4,000 family members at Fort Stewart and nearby Hunter Army Airfield took classes through Army Continuing Education Services during fiscal 2007.
Many attend one of the five colleges represented at Fort Stewart: Savannah Technical College, Central Texas College, Columbia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Webster University.
"It gives them a great mental diversion," King said. "Whether you're talking about soldiers or their families, you know when you're taking courses that you're bettering yourself and bettering your career opportunities."
The $10 million Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Education Center, which opened its doors in December 2004 just outside the post's front gate, sends an unmistakable message that Fort Stewart values education, King said.
Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the 3rd Infantry Division commander and a big fan of educational services, promoted the new center based on the "Field of Dreams" concept, King explained. "The way he saw it, 'If you build it, they will come.'"
And to ensure soldiers do come, the Army Continuing Education Services staff distributes oversized paper checks at the start of every fiscal year for $4,500 to ensure soldiers don't forget about their annual tuition assistance benefit. "If you don't use it, you lose it," King said. "We want to make sure soldiers know it's available to them and encourage them to take advantage of it."
As they build their credentials, King said, soldiers enrolled in educational programs also are building their combat readiness and adaptability for unpredictable environments like Iraq.
"You train for certainty, but you educate for uncertainty," she said. "And regardless of what capabilities you have, the fact is, the brain is ultimately the most important battlefield weapon."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Face of Defense: Soldier Continues Family's Martial Arts Tradition
By Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While growing up in Phoenix, Army Staff Sgt. Dimas Estrada learned the sport of taekwondo from his father, a black belt. Continuing the family tradition, Estrada is passing on the ancient martial arts technique to his own children.
Estrada earned his black belt in 2006 in Afghanistan. Prior to his deployment, Estrada, an air and missile defense operations sergeant, enrolled his children in classes in Watertown, N.Y., to keep them busy while he was gone.
Now Estrada uses taekwondo to keep himself and other soldiers busy, teaching classes in the sport five days a week at the Paul R. Smith Fitness Center here.
Practicing the sport here helps connect him to his kids back home, even though they are thousands of miles away, Estrada said.
"This sport really brings my family together," he said. "The taekwondo school where my kids attend is almost like a family readiness group. Most of the students there are military family members, and the instructor told me that my children [would] be in good hands."
He said the sport is a good way for his children or anyone else to make friends, increase their flexibility, relieve stress and stay in shape.
Estrada's children already are winners in the sport, having collected more than a dozen trophies. His 7-year-old son, Christian, is now a red belt, and his 6-year-old daughter, Christianna, recently earned a blue belt.
"I'm really proud of my children, not just because they are following in my footsteps, but because they really enjoy the sport," Estrada said. "Regardless of how many tournaments they compete in or how many trophies they win, I will always be proud of them."
Estrada understands first-hand the risks involved in the sport. He was unable to compete for several years due to injuries and a knee surgery.
"I was cautious at first of [my children] getting hurt, but now I have confidence in them," he said.
When he redeploys from Iraq, he said, another family member can help him train: His wife, Deanna, has recently taken up the sport.
Taekwondo, which uses only the hands and feet to strike, is regarded as the world's most popular form of martial arts, having the most practitioners.
(Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - While growing up in Phoenix, Army Staff Sgt. Dimas Estrada learned the sport of taekwondo from his father, a black belt. Continuing the family tradition, Estrada is passing on the ancient martial arts technique to his own children.
Estrada earned his black belt in 2006 in Afghanistan. Prior to his deployment, Estrada, an air and missile defense operations sergeant, enrolled his children in classes in Watertown, N.Y., to keep them busy while he was gone.
Now Estrada uses taekwondo to keep himself and other soldiers busy, teaching classes in the sport five days a week at the Paul R. Smith Fitness Center here.
Practicing the sport here helps connect him to his kids back home, even though they are thousands of miles away, Estrada said.
"This sport really brings my family together," he said. "The taekwondo school where my kids attend is almost like a family readiness group. Most of the students there are military family members, and the instructor told me that my children [would] be in good hands."
He said the sport is a good way for his children or anyone else to make friends, increase their flexibility, relieve stress and stay in shape.
Estrada's children already are winners in the sport, having collected more than a dozen trophies. His 7-year-old son, Christian, is now a red belt, and his 6-year-old daughter, Christianna, recently earned a blue belt.
"I'm really proud of my children, not just because they are following in my footsteps, but because they really enjoy the sport," Estrada said. "Regardless of how many tournaments they compete in or how many trophies they win, I will always be proud of them."
Estrada understands first-hand the risks involved in the sport. He was unable to compete for several years due to injuries and a knee surgery.
"I was cautious at first of [my children] getting hurt, but now I have confidence in them," he said.
When he redeploys from Iraq, he said, another family member can help him train: His wife, Deanna, has recently taken up the sport.
Taekwondo, which uses only the hands and feet to strike, is regarded as the world's most popular form of martial arts, having the most practitioners.
(Army Spc. Sophia R. Lopez serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
America Supports You: Group Offers Free Mental Health Counseling
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - Mental Health practitioners nationwide are donating their time and services to provide free, confidential counseling to military people and their families. "Combat affects everyone in one way or another," explained Dr. Barbara Romberg in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio. "Most people react when exposed to a situation where there are extreme or horrific events; it is a human reaction to abnormal situations."
ASY Live is part of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Romberg, founder and president of "Give an Hour," said she started her nonprofit organization to educate servicemembers and their families about the seriousness of post-traumatic stress disorder and the importance of taking steps to combat it.
"When we set up the organization a few years ago, the concept was very simple, she said. "We asked mental health professionals across the country to give an hour of their time."
When one of the program's providers was asked why she joined, Romberg said, her answer was equally simple. "How could I not? It's so little that they are asking of me to give," the practitioner said.
Romberg said a broad spectrum of mental health practitioners participated in Give an Hour. "We have mental health professionals of all kinds -- psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed marriage and family counselors, substance abuse counselors and pastors," she explained. "One size doesn't fit all; people need different things."
Raising awareness about PTSD is as important to the group as providing help to people who need it, she said.
"We are really launching a public education campaign to make sure our entire country understands post-traumatic stress -- what it is and why it's so important to address," she said. "Post-traumatic stress is a condition that will affect most people."
Romberg said there are important signs that a family member can identify that may be an indication that professional help may be a necessary part of the recovery process.
"Anyone might be withdrawn or irritable for awhile, but if those symptoms persist past six or eight weeks, then you need to take action," she said. "If the family member seems to be uninterested in activities that they used to be interested in before, uninterested in relationships with spouses or children, or engaging in persistent drinking or substance abuse as a way of escaping, that's a warning sign," she explained.
Nightmares, anxiety attacks and rage can lead to very serious symptoms if left untreated, she added, "but it doesn't have to become a chronic mental illness at all."
For that reason, Romberg explained, it is important that family members work to recognize symptoms and seek counseling as quickly as possible. Most people want to feel as if they can handle these issues, she said. And in fact, they can, but sometimes they need assistance, she added. That's where Give an Hour comes in.
Give an Hour provides counseling not only for servicemembers, but also for affected family members, whom Romberg defines as "anyone who loves someone who is serving."
"When someone we love is deeply affected, the consequences are usually fairly far-reaching," she explained. "Spouses and children are, of course, an immediate concern, ... but grandparents, aunts and uncles are just as affected by this situation.
"If you, as a family member, feel like you have resources," she continued, "you can put together a plan and you have ... someone else to help you think through it, and eventually encourage [your] loved one to come with [you]."
It is also important, she noted, to keep a close eye on children.
"Spouses that are focused on their husband or wife, it might be really difficult to also be concerned with their children," she said. "We see things such as regression -- a young child that's maybe 3 was potty-trained and all of a sudden starts wetting the bed or isn't eating or sleeping well."
The services offered by Give an Hour are free and ongoing, and providers stay in the network a minimum of a year, Romberg said.
"If their provider has to leave, we provide a replacement," she noted. "They are never told, 'You've used up your services here.' By building such a hard network, it's not a hardship to give an hour. And [the practitioners] are happy and eager to give."
To receive support or to register to become part of this support network, people can visit the organization's Web site, www.giveanhour.org. People seeking help can search for the nearest participating provider by entering their ZIP code.
"It can be an educational conversation or it can be setting up an appointment to meet face to face," Romberg said. "If they don't know what type of assistance they need, they can also click on the 'Contact Us' button, ... and we will help locate a provider.
"It's all about partnering, networking, reaching out, connecting -- helping them to get what they need," she said.
(Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live" on BlogTalkRadio, works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2008 - Mental Health practitioners nationwide are donating their time and services to provide free, confidential counseling to military people and their families. "Combat affects everyone in one way or another," explained Dr. Barbara Romberg in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio. "Most people react when exposed to a situation where there are extreme or horrific events; it is a human reaction to abnormal situations."
ASY Live is part of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Romberg, founder and president of "Give an Hour," said she started her nonprofit organization to educate servicemembers and their families about the seriousness of post-traumatic stress disorder and the importance of taking steps to combat it.
"When we set up the organization a few years ago, the concept was very simple, she said. "We asked mental health professionals across the country to give an hour of their time."
When one of the program's providers was asked why she joined, Romberg said, her answer was equally simple. "How could I not? It's so little that they are asking of me to give," the practitioner said.
Romberg said a broad spectrum of mental health practitioners participated in Give an Hour. "We have mental health professionals of all kinds -- psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed marriage and family counselors, substance abuse counselors and pastors," she explained. "One size doesn't fit all; people need different things."
Raising awareness about PTSD is as important to the group as providing help to people who need it, she said.
"We are really launching a public education campaign to make sure our entire country understands post-traumatic stress -- what it is and why it's so important to address," she said. "Post-traumatic stress is a condition that will affect most people."
Romberg said there are important signs that a family member can identify that may be an indication that professional help may be a necessary part of the recovery process.
"Anyone might be withdrawn or irritable for awhile, but if those symptoms persist past six or eight weeks, then you need to take action," she said. "If the family member seems to be uninterested in activities that they used to be interested in before, uninterested in relationships with spouses or children, or engaging in persistent drinking or substance abuse as a way of escaping, that's a warning sign," she explained.
Nightmares, anxiety attacks and rage can lead to very serious symptoms if left untreated, she added, "but it doesn't have to become a chronic mental illness at all."
For that reason, Romberg explained, it is important that family members work to recognize symptoms and seek counseling as quickly as possible. Most people want to feel as if they can handle these issues, she said. And in fact, they can, but sometimes they need assistance, she added. That's where Give an Hour comes in.
Give an Hour provides counseling not only for servicemembers, but also for affected family members, whom Romberg defines as "anyone who loves someone who is serving."
"When someone we love is deeply affected, the consequences are usually fairly far-reaching," she explained. "Spouses and children are, of course, an immediate concern, ... but grandparents, aunts and uncles are just as affected by this situation.
"If you, as a family member, feel like you have resources," she continued, "you can put together a plan and you have ... someone else to help you think through it, and eventually encourage [your] loved one to come with [you]."
It is also important, she noted, to keep a close eye on children.
"Spouses that are focused on their husband or wife, it might be really difficult to also be concerned with their children," she said. "We see things such as regression -- a young child that's maybe 3 was potty-trained and all of a sudden starts wetting the bed or isn't eating or sleeping well."
The services offered by Give an Hour are free and ongoing, and providers stay in the network a minimum of a year, Romberg said.
"If their provider has to leave, we provide a replacement," she noted. "They are never told, 'You've used up your services here.' By building such a hard network, it's not a hardship to give an hour. And [the practitioners] are happy and eager to give."
To receive support or to register to become part of this support network, people can visit the organization's Web site, www.giveanhour.org. People seeking help can search for the nearest participating provider by entering their ZIP code.
"It can be an educational conversation or it can be setting up an appointment to meet face to face," Romberg said. "If they don't know what type of assistance they need, they can also click on the 'Contact Us' button, ... and we will help locate a provider.
"It's all about partnering, networking, reaching out, connecting -- helping them to get what they need," she said.
(Jamie Findlater, host of "ASY Live" on BlogTalkRadio, works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 17, 2008
Navy
Walsh Construction, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $71,566,848 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a four-story addition to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Ill., the first joint Veterans Affairs (VA)/ Navy care facility. The work also provides for some demolition and renovation work for tie-in connections to the VA Medical Center, North Chicago. Work will be performed in North Chicago, Ill., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0059).
Northrup Grumman Corp Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $48,288,640 firm-fixed-price contract for 20 center barrels, 6 nacelles; 5 for the U.S. Navy and 1 for the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for loose and miscellaneous parts. This contract combines purchases for the United States Navy ($47,233,536; 98 percent), and Government of Finland ($1,055,104; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent); and St. Augustine, Fla. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,508,499 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0052).
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $28,216,207 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. The modification is to extend the schedule by eight and one-half months and increase the level of effort for the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system development and demonstration. At this time, no additional funds are being obligated. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md. (75 percent) and East Syracuse, N.Y. (25 percent) and is expected to be completed December 2016 (if all options are exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072).
Oshkosh Corporation is being awarded a $9,928,694 delivery order #0056 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the installation of reducible height armor kits on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (94 percent) and Oshkosh, Wis. (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Seminole Energy Services, LLC*, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $62,306,346.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas. Other locations of performance are Missouri, Colorado, Kansas and Arkansas. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and Haskell University Indian Nation. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7515).
ARMY
CACI-WGI, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $15,620,733 time and material contract for operational support services to the Joint Improvised Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Joint Expeditionary Team. Work will be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on May 7, 2008, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0027).
Head, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on June 16, 2008, an $8,513,719 fixed price construction contract for an extension to the runway and an additional parking apron. Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on April 11, 2008, and two bids were received. National Guard Bureau, United States Property and Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0008).
Walsh Construction, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $71,566,848 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a four-story addition to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Ill., the first joint Veterans Affairs (VA)/ Navy care facility. The work also provides for some demolition and renovation work for tie-in connections to the VA Medical Center, North Chicago. Work will be performed in North Chicago, Ill., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0059).
Northrup Grumman Corp Integrated Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $48,288,640 firm-fixed-price contract for 20 center barrels, 6 nacelles; 5 for the U.S. Navy and 1 for the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for loose and miscellaneous parts. This contract combines purchases for the United States Navy ($47,233,536; 98 percent), and Government of Finland ($1,055,104; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent); and St. Augustine, Fla. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,508,499 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0052).
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $28,216,207 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. The modification is to extend the schedule by eight and one-half months and increase the level of effort for the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system development and demonstration. At this time, no additional funds are being obligated. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md. (75 percent) and East Syracuse, N.Y. (25 percent) and is expected to be completed December 2016 (if all options are exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072).
Oshkosh Corporation is being awarded a $9,928,694 delivery order #0056 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the installation of reducible height armor kits on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (94 percent) and Oshkosh, Wis. (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Seminole Energy Services, LLC*, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $62,306,346.00 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas. Other locations of performance are Missouri, Colorado, Kansas and Arkansas. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and Haskell University Indian Nation. The original proposal was Web solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7515).
ARMY
CACI-WGI, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $15,620,733 time and material contract for operational support services to the Joint Improvised Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Joint Expeditionary Team. Work will be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on May 7, 2008, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0027).
Head, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on June 16, 2008, an $8,513,719 fixed price construction contract for an extension to the runway and an additional parking apron. Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on April 11, 2008, and two bids were received. National Guard Bureau, United States Property and Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0008).
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 17, 2008
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Hesco Bastion Ltd., Great Britain, is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for facilities maintenance. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 12, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-08-D-0252).
Navy
Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded an $80,252,703 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (99 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (1 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a $25,478,400 firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for procurement of Special Operations Visual Augmentation Systems (SOVAS) Hand-Held Imager-Medium Range (HHI-MR) and associated data. The SOVAS HHI-MRs are hand-held thermal image binoculars that will be used by Special Operations Forces for surveillance and reconnaissance. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $1,240,000will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-JQ04).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $9,079,652 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-08-C-0007) for hardware and services required to operate and maintain AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT Block-2 Pods in support of the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $5,552,387 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to evolve the integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry (iNET) Architecture for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to develop standards based on the framework of established architecture, as well as to perform laboratory simulations to validate the standards for the test and the evaluation community to meet emerging needs. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0052).
ARMY
BBN Technologies Corp., Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $73,845,000 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of 8,131 Boomerang Systems, spares and training services. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2009. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-S202).
Bancroft Construction Co., Wilmington, Del., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $13,292,350 firm fixed price contract for construction of Joint Personal Effects Depot, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del. Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Fifty bids were solicited with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-08-C-0019).
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $7,354,630 Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) with firm fixed price delivery orders, delivery orders from FY07 on have a copper Economic Price Adjustment. This contract is for the production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Caliber .50 small arms ammunition. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the Web with two bids received. HQ, U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-G-0002).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $5,477,618.86 cost plus award fee contract for Black Hawk Helicopters Army UH-60M sustainment stock parts. Work will be performed at Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2008. One bid was solicited with one bid received. USA Aviation & Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH2301C0053).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee contract with InDyne Incorporation of Reston, Va., for $25,744,032. Item and quantity to be procured: Initial Contract Award. The services called for under the Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Services contract support mission requirements for vehicle launches, range operations and the overall 45th Space Wing Mission. Locations of service include Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and locations to include limited services at Patrick Air Force Base, the Florida Annexes, Antigua Air Station, Ascension Auxiliary Airfield and Kennedy Space Center. These services include program management, financial management, customer support services, architectural and engineering services, infrastructure and facilities maintenance and repair, physical plant operations, property management, utilities support, environmental management and other similar services to accomplish the 45 Space Wings mission safely and effectively, while maintaining environmental compliance. The contractor shall plan and execute all preventive maintenance, maintenance engineering and configuration management for facilities, systems equipment and utilities. The contractor shall provide guidance and coordination for base civil engineer functions to ensure effective and economical operation of all activities. Some of the various agencies the contractor may be required to support include; the United States Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, the Department of the Army, the National Reconnaissance Office and other military and civil agencies as directed. A summary of work to be performed at each location are as follow: Operations and Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex; Tower Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Patrick Air Force Base, and the Florida Annexes; Xenon Searchlight Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Trans-Atlantic Landing Sites; Spare Parts support for searchlights at White Sands and Edwards Air Force Base; and Power System Analysis Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Antigua Air Station, and Ascension Auxiliary Airfield. At this time $500,000 has been obligated. 45th Contracting Squadron (45 CONS/LGCZC), Patrick AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2521-08-C-0006).
The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus award fee, and cost reimbursement contract with Jacobs Technology, Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn., for $21,008,524.72. This action will provide Technical, Engineering and Acquisition Support (TEAS) V) at Eglin AFB, Florida and various other tenant organizations. This is to increase work requirement. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006, P00011).
Woodward FST of Zeeland, Mich., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for an estimated $13,955,406. This action will provide repair/overhaul sprayrings, applicable to F100-PW-Engine, F16 and F15 aircraft. This action is for the exercise of option period II. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKB, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-06-D-0019).
Hesco Bastion Ltd., Great Britain, is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for facilities maintenance. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 12, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-08-D-0252).
Navy
Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded an $80,252,703 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (99 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (1 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a $25,478,400 firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for procurement of Special Operations Visual Augmentation Systems (SOVAS) Hand-Held Imager-Medium Range (HHI-MR) and associated data. The SOVAS HHI-MRs are hand-held thermal image binoculars that will be used by Special Operations Forces for surveillance and reconnaissance. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $1,240,000will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-JQ04).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $9,079,652 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-08-C-0007) for hardware and services required to operate and maintain AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT Block-2 Pods in support of the Government of Finland’s F/A-18 Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $5,552,387 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to evolve the integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry (iNET) Architecture for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to develop standards based on the framework of established architecture, as well as to perform laboratory simulations to validate the standards for the test and the evaluation community to meet emerging needs. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0052).
ARMY
BBN Technologies Corp., Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $73,845,000 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of 8,131 Boomerang Systems, spares and training services. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2009. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-S202).
Bancroft Construction Co., Wilmington, Del., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $13,292,350 firm fixed price contract for construction of Joint Personal Effects Depot, Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del. Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Fifty bids were solicited with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-08-C-0019).
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $7,354,630 Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) with firm fixed price delivery orders, delivery orders from FY07 on have a copper Economic Price Adjustment. This contract is for the production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Caliber .50 small arms ammunition. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2010. Bids were solicited on the Web with two bids received. HQ, U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-G-0002).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on June 13, 2008, a $5,477,618.86 cost plus award fee contract for Black Hawk Helicopters Army UH-60M sustainment stock parts. Work will be performed at Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2008. One bid was solicited with one bid received. USA Aviation & Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH2301C0053).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee contract with InDyne Incorporation of Reston, Va., for $25,744,032. Item and quantity to be procured: Initial Contract Award. The services called for under the Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Services contract support mission requirements for vehicle launches, range operations and the overall 45th Space Wing Mission. Locations of service include Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and locations to include limited services at Patrick Air Force Base, the Florida Annexes, Antigua Air Station, Ascension Auxiliary Airfield and Kennedy Space Center. These services include program management, financial management, customer support services, architectural and engineering services, infrastructure and facilities maintenance and repair, physical plant operations, property management, utilities support, environmental management and other similar services to accomplish the 45 Space Wings mission safely and effectively, while maintaining environmental compliance. The contractor shall plan and execute all preventive maintenance, maintenance engineering and configuration management for facilities, systems equipment and utilities. The contractor shall provide guidance and coordination for base civil engineer functions to ensure effective and economical operation of all activities. Some of the various agencies the contractor may be required to support include; the United States Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Naval Ordnance Test Unit, the Department of the Army, the National Reconnaissance Office and other military and civil agencies as directed. A summary of work to be performed at each location are as follow: Operations and Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex; Tower Maintenance Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Patrick Air Force Base, and the Florida Annexes; Xenon Searchlight Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Trans-Atlantic Landing Sites; Spare Parts support for searchlights at White Sands and Edwards Air Force Base; and Power System Analysis Services: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Antigua Air Station, and Ascension Auxiliary Airfield. At this time $500,000 has been obligated. 45th Contracting Squadron (45 CONS/LGCZC), Patrick AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2521-08-C-0006).
The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus award fee, and cost reimbursement contract with Jacobs Technology, Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn., for $21,008,524.72. This action will provide Technical, Engineering and Acquisition Support (TEAS) V) at Eglin AFB, Florida and various other tenant organizations. This is to increase work requirement. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006, P00011).
Woodward FST of Zeeland, Mich., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for an estimated $13,955,406. This action will provide repair/overhaul sprayrings, applicable to F100-PW-Engine, F16 and F15 aircraft. This action is for the exercise of option period II. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKB, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-06-D-0019).
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gates: North America Needs Security to Reach Full Potential
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The United States, Canada and Mexico must establish security to realize their full potential, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We cannot achieve resilience or reach our full potential without security," he told the audience at the fourth North American Forum here. "This is tremendously important, given the kind of threats the North American continent faces at the dawn of the 21st century."
While the "openness" of the nations, which share nearly 7,500 miles of border and together constitute the world's largest free-trade zone, is a celebrated feature of the multilateral relationship, Gates said, it also makes them vulnerable to security threats.
"Nourishing these relationships is our mutual respect for and interest in free markets, democratic practices, and the rule of law," he said. "But what we celebrate as North Americans -- the very openness of our three societies -- is also, perhaps, our biggest vulnerability."
Providing a safe environment for the entire hemisphere is a collective responsibility, the secretary said. He urged officials to capitalize on security and defense interests shared by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, without infringing upon each country's sovereignty.
Gates praised the new Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan, which provides a framework for emergency planning and response to natural and man-made disasters. The plan, which will enable Canada and U.S. militaries to support the armed forces of the other country during a civil emergency, is "a step in the right direction," he added.
The secretary recommended the contiguous countries also focus on expanding the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and continue improving cooperation on counter-narcotics.
Gates outlined several threats stemming from the continent's open societies, including widely available Internet access that connects transnational gangs and supplies operational information to the illegal arms and drug trades.
"In too many instances, these groups are better financed and equipped than some elements of our three governments assigned to combat them," he said. "Freedom of movement allows a nexus between narco-traffickers and terrorists, a security concern made more alarming by weapons of mass destruction."
Drug runners employ low-flying airplanes to transport contraband, and also are building homemade, semi-submersible vessels that are hard to detect on the open seas. "If they can transport drugs, imagine what else they could carry," Gates said.
In recent years, the United States has made important changes to combat such threats, such as the creation of U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Gates said, government at the federal, state, and local levels has put more effort into protecting America's resources, infrastructure and citizens.
"We also have greater cooperation and integration between military and civilian authorities, to include, for example, stronger ties between the National Guard, the state governors, and the federal government," Gates said.
But the secretary warned against nearsighted analyses of threats to the continent that consider only domestic security issues.
"When it comes to transnational threats, the 'far fight' is in many ways inseparable from 'near fight,'" he said. "What happens in the streets of a distant capital in Asia or Africa can affect citizens in Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington, D.C."
Gates praised Canada for its steadfast contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where nearly 3,000 Canadian troops are deployed. Eighty-five members of Canada's military have died in Afghanistan, he added.
"The role of Afghanistan in the 9/11 attacks reminds us that this is no hypothetical scenario. We fight there now and in other distant lands to prevent another attack here at home," he said.
Gates said interactions between the United States and Mexico are few and far between. He said that in the future, he hopes to see more interaction and cooperation between the armed forces of Mexico and those of the United States, where some 30 million Americans list their ancestry as Mexican.
"Close to home, both in and out of government," Gates said, "we are looking to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones with our neighbors to the north and south."
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The United States, Canada and Mexico must establish security to realize their full potential, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We cannot achieve resilience or reach our full potential without security," he told the audience at the fourth North American Forum here. "This is tremendously important, given the kind of threats the North American continent faces at the dawn of the 21st century."
While the "openness" of the nations, which share nearly 7,500 miles of border and together constitute the world's largest free-trade zone, is a celebrated feature of the multilateral relationship, Gates said, it also makes them vulnerable to security threats.
"Nourishing these relationships is our mutual respect for and interest in free markets, democratic practices, and the rule of law," he said. "But what we celebrate as North Americans -- the very openness of our three societies -- is also, perhaps, our biggest vulnerability."
Providing a safe environment for the entire hemisphere is a collective responsibility, the secretary said. He urged officials to capitalize on security and defense interests shared by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, without infringing upon each country's sovereignty.
Gates praised the new Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan, which provides a framework for emergency planning and response to natural and man-made disasters. The plan, which will enable Canada and U.S. militaries to support the armed forces of the other country during a civil emergency, is "a step in the right direction," he added.
The secretary recommended the contiguous countries also focus on expanding the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and continue improving cooperation on counter-narcotics.
Gates outlined several threats stemming from the continent's open societies, including widely available Internet access that connects transnational gangs and supplies operational information to the illegal arms and drug trades.
"In too many instances, these groups are better financed and equipped than some elements of our three governments assigned to combat them," he said. "Freedom of movement allows a nexus between narco-traffickers and terrorists, a security concern made more alarming by weapons of mass destruction."
Drug runners employ low-flying airplanes to transport contraband, and also are building homemade, semi-submersible vessels that are hard to detect on the open seas. "If they can transport drugs, imagine what else they could carry," Gates said.
In recent years, the United States has made important changes to combat such threats, such as the creation of U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Gates said, government at the federal, state, and local levels has put more effort into protecting America's resources, infrastructure and citizens.
"We also have greater cooperation and integration between military and civilian authorities, to include, for example, stronger ties between the National Guard, the state governors, and the federal government," Gates said.
But the secretary warned against nearsighted analyses of threats to the continent that consider only domestic security issues.
"When it comes to transnational threats, the 'far fight' is in many ways inseparable from 'near fight,'" he said. "What happens in the streets of a distant capital in Asia or Africa can affect citizens in Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington, D.C."
Gates praised Canada for its steadfast contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where nearly 3,000 Canadian troops are deployed. Eighty-five members of Canada's military have died in Afghanistan, he added.
"The role of Afghanistan in the 9/11 attacks reminds us that this is no hypothetical scenario. We fight there now and in other distant lands to prevent another attack here at home," he said.
Gates said interactions between the United States and Mexico are few and far between. He said that in the future, he hopes to see more interaction and cooperation between the armed forces of Mexico and those of the United States, where some 30 million Americans list their ancestry as Mexican.
"Close to home, both in and out of government," Gates said, "we are looking to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones with our neighbors to the north and south."
Chairman Launches Four-Day Tour of Western Installations
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff landed here today at the start of a four-day tour of western-U.S. military installations. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will visit airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, about 50 miles northwest of here, and McChord Air Force Base, Wash. He also will travel to visit Marines and sailors at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., and soldiers and family members at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Although this trip has been planned for some time, this will be the first opportunity for the chairman to talk with airmen face-to-face since the June 6 resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.
This is Mullen's first visit to each of these installations as part of the his overall effort to reach out to many of the of the U.S. military bases, but officials expect the topic of the resignations to surface during the "all-hands" meetings scheduled with hundreds of airmen.
In a Pentagon Channel interview last week, Mullen said he had great admiration for Moseley and Wynne, and, while he conceded the service faces some challenges in revamping its nuclear mission, he praised the work of Air Force members.
"Airmen are really making a difference. They're in this global fight. They're pressing hard against the terrorists, [and] they've made a big difference in so many places," Mullen said.
Today, the chairman received mostly operational briefings from senior officers at Creech Air Force Base. The sensitive briefings were closed to the media.
Creech is home to DoD's joint unmanned aircraft systems center of excellence, which overlsees the use of sensors and intelligence gathering assets of U.S. forces in combat. The center was organized there in 2005. Creech also is the training ground for the MQ-1B Predator, the unmanned aircraft used heavily in combat for both attack and reconnaissance.
Since becoming chairman in October, Mullen has traveled frequently to military bases worldwide, hosting candid meetings in which he allows servicemembers to ask questions and voice opinions. He has faced tough questions about combat tour lengths, dwell time at home stations between deployments, and other family support issues. He also frequently visits wounded warrior treatment facilities.
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff landed here today at the start of a four-day tour of western-U.S. military installations. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will visit airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, about 50 miles northwest of here, and McChord Air Force Base, Wash. He also will travel to visit Marines and sailors at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., and soldiers and family members at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Although this trip has been planned for some time, this will be the first opportunity for the chairman to talk with airmen face-to-face since the June 6 resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.
This is Mullen's first visit to each of these installations as part of the his overall effort to reach out to many of the of the U.S. military bases, but officials expect the topic of the resignations to surface during the "all-hands" meetings scheduled with hundreds of airmen.
In a Pentagon Channel interview last week, Mullen said he had great admiration for Moseley and Wynne, and, while he conceded the service faces some challenges in revamping its nuclear mission, he praised the work of Air Force members.
"Airmen are really making a difference. They're in this global fight. They're pressing hard against the terrorists, [and] they've made a big difference in so many places," Mullen said.
Today, the chairman received mostly operational briefings from senior officers at Creech Air Force Base. The sensitive briefings were closed to the media.
Creech is home to DoD's joint unmanned aircraft systems center of excellence, which overlsees the use of sensors and intelligence gathering assets of U.S. forces in combat. The center was organized there in 2005. Creech also is the training ground for the MQ-1B Predator, the unmanned aircraft used heavily in combat for both attack and reconnaissance.
Since becoming chairman in October, Mullen has traveled frequently to military bases worldwide, hosting candid meetings in which he allows servicemembers to ask questions and voice opinions. He has faced tough questions about combat tour lengths, dwell time at home stations between deployments, and other family support issues. He also frequently visits wounded warrior treatment facilities.
America Supports You: 'GI Java' Supports Foundation
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The relationship between servicemembers and their coffee is so storied that the hot black liquid has a role in nearly every war movie ever made. With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.
The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.
U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
June 16, 2008 - The relationship between servicemembers and their coffee is so storied that the hot black liquid has a role in nearly every war movie ever made. With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.
The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.
U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Guard Members in Two States Prepare for Rising Rivers
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen G. Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - More than 600 National Guard members in Illinois and Missouri are continuing sandbagging operations along the Mississippi River today in an effort to thwart the flood waters that are subsiding in Iowa. The Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis. Flooding on those rivers is not as bad as the record levels of 1993, according to local news reports. In St. Louis, flood waters are expected to crest at 39.4 feet June 20, about 10 feet below the 1993 record.
In Illinois, 400 Guard soldiers and airmen were mobilized over the weekend to work on the levees north and south of Quincy, Ill. About 100 Air National Guard personnel from 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and 126th Air Refueling Wing from Scott Air Force Base were mobilized yesterday and directed to the Sny Island Levee, which stretches for more than 50 miles in Adams and Pike counties.
The soldiers and airmen are expected to fill 500,000 sandbags today as they help fortify levees along a 15-mile stretch on their side of the swollen Mississippi River near Quincy.
"Guardsmen are working with local volunteers, Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel, local authorities and other state agencies making heroic efforts to protect critical infrastructures and lives," said Army Maj. Gen. William Enyart, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "[We] have the full support of the governor, state legislators and federal official in coping with the largest flood since the record-breaking flood of 1993."
Enyart said more National Guard troops are available if needed.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has declared 15 Illinois counties as disaster areas.
"We're at a very critical juncture in the fight against the Mighty Mississippi, and I am committed to providing every possible state resource we can to help protect these threatened communities," Blagojevich said. "In addition to our many National Guard troops and other personnel and assets already in the region, I am encouraging my state agency directors to allow their employees who are certified as American Red Cross volunteers to help out during this emergency. We all need to pull together and help our fellow Illinoisans during their time of great need."
In Missouri, about 200 soldiers are monitoring the levees in Canton and West Quincy and sandbagging in Canton, Hannibal and Clarksville. Liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.
An additional 65 soldiers will be mobilized today to support the communities of Clarksville and Hannibal, said Army Capt. Tammy Spicer, the state public affairs officer. Missouri National Guard units supporting the flood response efforts include 1438th Engineer Company from Macon and Kirksville, 1138th Transportation Company from Jefferson Barracks and Centertown, 835th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Jefferson City, and 70th Troop Command and 1035th Maintenance Company, both from Jefferson Barracks.
"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenge of the rising waters," said Army Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. The mobilizations are a result of an executive order signed by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt on June 11. They will remain on duty until released by local authorities and the governor.
"We remain engaged with local officials along the river, working to anticipate future needs," Spicer said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen G. Krenke serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - More than 600 National Guard members in Illinois and Missouri are continuing sandbagging operations along the Mississippi River today in an effort to thwart the flood waters that are subsiding in Iowa. The Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis. Flooding on those rivers is not as bad as the record levels of 1993, according to local news reports. In St. Louis, flood waters are expected to crest at 39.4 feet June 20, about 10 feet below the 1993 record.
In Illinois, 400 Guard soldiers and airmen were mobilized over the weekend to work on the levees north and south of Quincy, Ill. About 100 Air National Guard personnel from 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and 126th Air Refueling Wing from Scott Air Force Base were mobilized yesterday and directed to the Sny Island Levee, which stretches for more than 50 miles in Adams and Pike counties.
The soldiers and airmen are expected to fill 500,000 sandbags today as they help fortify levees along a 15-mile stretch on their side of the swollen Mississippi River near Quincy.
"Guardsmen are working with local volunteers, Illinois Emergency Management Agency personnel, local authorities and other state agencies making heroic efforts to protect critical infrastructures and lives," said Army Maj. Gen. William Enyart, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "[We] have the full support of the governor, state legislators and federal official in coping with the largest flood since the record-breaking flood of 1993."
Enyart said more National Guard troops are available if needed.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has declared 15 Illinois counties as disaster areas.
"We're at a very critical juncture in the fight against the Mighty Mississippi, and I am committed to providing every possible state resource we can to help protect these threatened communities," Blagojevich said. "In addition to our many National Guard troops and other personnel and assets already in the region, I am encouraging my state agency directors to allow their employees who are certified as American Red Cross volunteers to help out during this emergency. We all need to pull together and help our fellow Illinoisans during their time of great need."
In Missouri, about 200 soldiers are monitoring the levees in Canton and West Quincy and sandbagging in Canton, Hannibal and Clarksville. Liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.
An additional 65 soldiers will be mobilized today to support the communities of Clarksville and Hannibal, said Army Capt. Tammy Spicer, the state public affairs officer. Missouri National Guard units supporting the flood response efforts include 1438th Engineer Company from Macon and Kirksville, 1138th Transportation Company from Jefferson Barracks and Centertown, 835th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Jefferson City, and 70th Troop Command and 1035th Maintenance Company, both from Jefferson Barracks.
"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenge of the rising waters," said Army Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. The mobilizations are a result of an executive order signed by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt on June 11. They will remain on duty until released by local authorities and the governor.
"We remain engaged with local officials along the river, working to anticipate future needs," Spicer said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen G. Krenke serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
America Supports You: D.C. United Soccer Team Honors Troops, Veterans
By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2008 - Hundreds of troops and their families were treated to a professional soccer match on Flag Day during D.C. United's 9th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran's Appreciation Day at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation's capital. "A whole night dedicated to servicemembers makes me feel good," said Army Spec. Devin Calcote, a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," who presented the nation's colors at the beginning of the match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls.
The team provided 1,000 free tickets for active-duty servicemembers. Discounted tickets for military identification card holders and their families were also available.
"It is a privilege and an honor for D.C. United to host a special night for military
personnel and veterans each season," said Stephen Zack, D.C. United's executive vice president. "We respect the courage and commitment these individuals display and hope to share with them our support."
Support was on display in the stadium parking before the game. Military recruiters, the U.S.O. and America Supports You greeted troops and soccer fans on their walk from the parking lot.
"I wrote thank you for being in the troops and keeping our nation safe," said D.C. United fan Timothy Murnin, 12, describing what he wrote on a greeting card to the troops at the Department of Defense America Supports You booth.
America Supports you is a Department of Defense program that connects individual citizens, troop-support organizations and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. America Supports you and its local, non-profit homefront groups have been involved with D.C. United's Military Appreciation Night for the past two years.
Before the game, thousands of soccer fans witnessed a swearing-in ceremony for some two dozen new recruits headed into the Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard.
"It's great to be honored here on Flag Day and to enlist some youngsters. The support tonight for servicemembers from all branches in unbelievable," said Marine Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs for the U.S. Marine Corps, before he administered the oath of enlistment.
For one new recruit who will report to the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, S.C., on June 23, being enlisted into the Marine Corps by a three-star general, in front of thousands of people, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"It hit me right in the heart. I really felt like America appreciated me, and I couldn't believe that all those clapping hands were for me," said Dayron Nibblins, an aspiring aviation electrical technician.
A driving rain began pouring down in the minutes between the enlistment ceremony and kickoff, but that didn't stop the action on the field. Some military spectators from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Wounded Warrior Battalion stayed out of the rain and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the game from the Champion's Club overlooking the field.
"It's great to have the opportunity to come here and relax with my family. I know a good part of the country is behind the soldiers because everywhere I go I get that sentiment, people are positive," said Army Maj. David Hanes, an armor officer.
Hanes was a victim of a roadside bomb in October 2006, and has suffered through a litany of broken screws and plates, along with an infection in his right femur.
"The good news is that I hope to be going back on duty in the next month or two," said Hanes as his son, Colin, clung to his side.
For men and women like Hanes eager to serve their country, appreciation for their service can be summed up with the sage words of a an 11-year old soccer fan.
"The troops are fighting for our country and making us free. I want to make them feel appreciated," said Danny Zilevicius as he filled out an America Supports You greeting card for the troops.
By the end of the night, D.C. United and its fans were rewarded for their appreciation of the armed forces and veterans with a 4-1 win over New York.
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2008 - Hundreds of troops and their families were treated to a professional soccer match on Flag Day during D.C. United's 9th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran's Appreciation Day at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation's capital. "A whole night dedicated to servicemembers makes me feel good," said Army Spec. Devin Calcote, a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," who presented the nation's colors at the beginning of the match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls.
The team provided 1,000 free tickets for active-duty servicemembers. Discounted tickets for military identification card holders and their families were also available.
"It is a privilege and an honor for D.C. United to host a special night for military
personnel and veterans each season," said Stephen Zack, D.C. United's executive vice president. "We respect the courage and commitment these individuals display and hope to share with them our support."
Support was on display in the stadium parking before the game. Military recruiters, the U.S.O. and America Supports You greeted troops and soccer fans on their walk from the parking lot.
"I wrote thank you for being in the troops and keeping our nation safe," said D.C. United fan Timothy Murnin, 12, describing what he wrote on a greeting card to the troops at the Department of Defense America Supports You booth.
America Supports you is a Department of Defense program that connects individual citizens, troop-support organizations and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. America Supports you and its local, non-profit homefront groups have been involved with D.C. United's Military Appreciation Night for the past two years.
Before the game, thousands of soccer fans witnessed a swearing-in ceremony for some two dozen new recruits headed into the Marine Corps, Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard.
"It's great to be honored here on Flag Day and to enlist some youngsters. The support tonight for servicemembers from all branches in unbelievable," said Marine Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs for the U.S. Marine Corps, before he administered the oath of enlistment.
For one new recruit who will report to the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, S.C., on June 23, being enlisted into the Marine Corps by a three-star general, in front of thousands of people, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"It hit me right in the heart. I really felt like America appreciated me, and I couldn't believe that all those clapping hands were for me," said Dayron Nibblins, an aspiring aviation electrical technician.
A driving rain began pouring down in the minutes between the enlistment ceremony and kickoff, but that didn't stop the action on the field. Some military spectators from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Wounded Warrior Battalion stayed out of the rain and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the game from the Champion's Club overlooking the field.
"It's great to have the opportunity to come here and relax with my family. I know a good part of the country is behind the soldiers because everywhere I go I get that sentiment, people are positive," said Army Maj. David Hanes, an armor officer.
Hanes was a victim of a roadside bomb in October 2006, and has suffered through a litany of broken screws and plates, along with an infection in his right femur.
"The good news is that I hope to be going back on duty in the next month or two," said Hanes as his son, Colin, clung to his side.
For men and women like Hanes eager to serve their country, appreciation for their service can be summed up with the sage words of a an 11-year old soccer fan.
"The troops are fighting for our country and making us free. I want to make them feel appreciated," said Danny Zilevicius as he filled out an America Supports You greeting card for the troops.
By the end of the night, D.C. United and its fans were rewarded for their appreciation of the armed forces and veterans with a 4-1 win over New York.
Navy Base's Safety Record Goes From Worst to First
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - After being called one of the 100 worst federal workplaces in the United States in terms of safety, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., now is ranked as one of the best. In a ceremony yesterday at the Key West air station, the installation received its "Star Status" flag, the highest recognition in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program.
NAS Key West is the first Defense Department installation to receive this status.
"It is very gratifying to be a part of something that makes such a significant difference in the workplace," Navy Capt. J.R. Brown, NAS Key West commander, said. "Not only did it change how we look at safety, it also changed how we interact with each other. It opened communications even more. We all have taken time to pat ourselves on the back, but excellence in safety is about vigilance."
Ron Cooke, safety manager at NAS Key West, volunteered the naval air station in 2002 to take part in the defense employee Worker Safety Demonstration Program, a congressional mandate to help enforce better safety and health practices among military and civilian employees. The naval air station also used an integrated management system to evaluate and identify problem areas and then effectively and safely run the installation, Cooke said.
With the integrated management system providing management tools and laying the groundwork for progress, Cooke said, mishaps at the installation were reduced by 50 percent in the 2003-2004 time frame.
With the groundwork in place, the installation could take part in OSHA's pilot Voluntary Protection Program, which outlines the requirements needed to develop and implement effective safety and health-management systems through incremental steps.
An OSHA administrator helps lead pilot program participants in stages, checking on progress and evaluating steps taken to improve the workplace.
Any challenge comes with obstacles, the first being a resistance to change. "At first, there was resistance to the kind of change we wanted [employees] to do," Cooke acknowledged.
Cooke also explained that the installation had problems in the retention of personnel and had language and education barriers to overcome.
"We met in the middle," Cooke said. "The management was working down while employees were working up. We were working for the same common goal: going home the way you came to work."
In October 2005, as the installation was preparing to submit paperwork to progress into the second stage of the program, Hurricane Wilma hit. The hurricane flooded the installation, and the paperwork for VPP was lost. But officials recovered from the setback, and on March 2, 2006, they were ready to once again submit paperwork. By Nov. 3, 2007, the third and final stage was complete.
NAS Key West then was recommended to receive a Star Status rating in the Voluntary Protection Program.
"We paved the way for the challenge program," Cooke said. "I think people are proud of the recognition. I think the people are proud of what they do."
Cooke admitted there was a time when he was embarrassed to go to work, but said he became excited about the challenges that VPP would bring. He credits all the installation's employees for bringing about such a profound change in the workplace climate.
"Without [NAS Key West employees], we could have never accomplished this," he said. "This was my goal, but I could never have done this without their help."
Cooke also credited Robert Barnikow of the VPP Center of Excellence for his help in mentoring the naval station. Cooke said he cannot say enough about Barnikow and what he has done for NAS Key West and other military installations.
"I think we are all taken aback somewhat at how successful VPP has been for us," Brown said earlier this week as he prepared to turn over command of the naval air station in a ceremony today, the installation's 350th straight day without a lost work day caused by a work-related safety issue.
"Every day we see the counter at the main entrance reminding us," he said. "We feel great about working at a place that has a safety program that we are all a part of."
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - After being called one of the 100 worst federal workplaces in the United States in terms of safety, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., now is ranked as one of the best. In a ceremony yesterday at the Key West air station, the installation received its "Star Status" flag, the highest recognition in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program.
NAS Key West is the first Defense Department installation to receive this status.
"It is very gratifying to be a part of something that makes such a significant difference in the workplace," Navy Capt. J.R. Brown, NAS Key West commander, said. "Not only did it change how we look at safety, it also changed how we interact with each other. It opened communications even more. We all have taken time to pat ourselves on the back, but excellence in safety is about vigilance."
Ron Cooke, safety manager at NAS Key West, volunteered the naval air station in 2002 to take part in the defense employee Worker Safety Demonstration Program, a congressional mandate to help enforce better safety and health practices among military and civilian employees. The naval air station also used an integrated management system to evaluate and identify problem areas and then effectively and safely run the installation, Cooke said.
With the integrated management system providing management tools and laying the groundwork for progress, Cooke said, mishaps at the installation were reduced by 50 percent in the 2003-2004 time frame.
With the groundwork in place, the installation could take part in OSHA's pilot Voluntary Protection Program, which outlines the requirements needed to develop and implement effective safety and health-management systems through incremental steps.
An OSHA administrator helps lead pilot program participants in stages, checking on progress and evaluating steps taken to improve the workplace.
Any challenge comes with obstacles, the first being a resistance to change. "At first, there was resistance to the kind of change we wanted [employees] to do," Cooke acknowledged.
Cooke also explained that the installation had problems in the retention of personnel and had language and education barriers to overcome.
"We met in the middle," Cooke said. "The management was working down while employees were working up. We were working for the same common goal: going home the way you came to work."
In October 2005, as the installation was preparing to submit paperwork to progress into the second stage of the program, Hurricane Wilma hit. The hurricane flooded the installation, and the paperwork for VPP was lost. But officials recovered from the setback, and on March 2, 2006, they were ready to once again submit paperwork. By Nov. 3, 2007, the third and final stage was complete.
NAS Key West then was recommended to receive a Star Status rating in the Voluntary Protection Program.
"We paved the way for the challenge program," Cooke said. "I think people are proud of the recognition. I think the people are proud of what they do."
Cooke admitted there was a time when he was embarrassed to go to work, but said he became excited about the challenges that VPP would bring. He credits all the installation's employees for bringing about such a profound change in the workplace climate.
"Without [NAS Key West employees], we could have never accomplished this," he said. "This was my goal, but I could never have done this without their help."
Cooke also credited Robert Barnikow of the VPP Center of Excellence for his help in mentoring the naval station. Cooke said he cannot say enough about Barnikow and what he has done for NAS Key West and other military installations.
"I think we are all taken aback somewhat at how successful VPP has been for us," Brown said earlier this week as he prepared to turn over command of the naval air station in a ceremony today, the installation's 350th straight day without a lost work day caused by a work-related safety issue.
"Every day we see the counter at the main entrance reminding us," he said. "We feel great about working at a place that has a safety program that we are all a part of."
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Flag Day: Four Personal Perspectives
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - Tomorrow the United States observes National Flag Day, an annual tribute to the American flag, the ideals it stands for and the sacrifices made to preserve them. President Woodrow Wilson recognized during his first Flag Day address in 1915 that the freedoms the U.S. flag stands for weren't and never would be free.
"The lines of red are lines of blood, nobly and unselfishly shed by men who loved the liberty of their fellowship more than they loved their own lives and fortunes," he said. "God forbid that we should have to use the blood of America to freshen the color of the flag."
But American blood has spilled time and time again to preserve American liberties, most recently in the war against violent extremism. In this year's Flag Day Proclamation, President Bush calls on the nation to remember the troops who carry Old Glory before them "as they defend the liberties for which it stands."
"On Flag Day and during National Flag Week, we remember those in uniform whose courage and sacrifice inspire us here at home," Bush said. "We also remember the rich history of one of our oldest national symbols and reflect on our duty to carry our heritage of freedom into the future."
Four current or retired servicemembers recently shared their personal perspectives about how the flag has inspired them through their proudest as well as darkest days as a symbol of patriotism, strength and resilience.
9/11 Terror Attacks
Few Americans will forget the image of three firefighters raising an American flag over the World Trade Center ruins in New York just hours after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
But for Army Capt. Joe Minning and his fellow New York National Guard soldiers, many of them New York City firefighters and police officers, the Ground Zero flag took on a very personal significance as they desperately sifted through the rubble looking for survivors.
"Seeing the flag raised above all of the rubble and ruins of the World Trade Center instilled a new sense of pride in me for our country," he said. "No matter what happens to the United States -- on foreign ground, on U.S. soil -- we, the American people, will always continue to move forward, rebuild and face any challenges that lie ahead"
Three years later, Minning and the "Fighting 69th" Brigade Combat Team would take that inspiration with them to Iraq, where they lost 19 soldiers securing Route Irish and its surrounding Baghdad neighborhoods during their year-long deployment.
Among those killed was Army Staff Sgt. Christian Engledrum, a New York firefighter who, like Minning, worked amid the dust and smoke immediately following the World Trade Center attack. Engledrum, the first New York City employee to die serving in Iraq, became a symbol of the unit that went from Ground Zero to Iraq's Sunni Triangle, and after his death, to the mountains of Afghanistan.
The flag and what it represents continue to motivate unit members during their current deployment to Afghanistan as embedded trainers for the Afghan National Army, he said.
Minning said he recognizes when he sees Old Glory flying at his tiny forward operating base there that he and his fellow soldiers are following in the footsteps of the earliest U.S. patriots and defending the same values they fought for.
"The flag is a symbol of everything the United States stands for -- from our founding fathers up until now, all that we have accomplished, and the hurtles our country has overcome," he said.
As a soldier, Minning said, he and his fellow soldiers recognize that it's up to them to continue carrying the torch forward.
"It is the American soldier who keeps the country moving forward and will never let it be taken down by any adversity. It is what we fight for and, if we fall in battle, what our coffins are draped with," he said. "And it's what we are committed to protecting and defending, no matter what the price."
The Iraq War
When thousands of people gathered in late April at the Cincinnati Red's Great American Ballpark, all eyes were on a platform at the pitchers' mound covered by the flag-draped casket of Army Sgt. Matt Maupin.
The mourners gathered to remember the 20-year-old Army reservist who went missing more than four years earlier when his convoy came under attack in April 2004. Insurgents released a videotape shortly after the incident showing him in captivity, and his whereabouts remained unknown until the Army found and positively identified his remains in March.
Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, the top enlisted Army Reserve soldier, was among countless people who had hoped and prayed for Maupin's safe return. As he joined the crowd in Ohio to honor and bid farewell to Maupin, Caffie looked out at thousands of hand-held flags waving in the stands, all surrounding Maupin's casket.
"It underscores the meaning and symbolism of the flag when you see it draped over the coffin of this young man who had the world going for him," Caffey said.
Maupin is among thousands of U.S. troops whose lives have been cut short at the hands of terrorists. Back in October 1983, 241 Marines were killed when a terrorist truck bomb struck their barracks in Beirut. In June 1996, 13 airmen died during the terror attack on Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. In October 2000, 17 crewmembers from USS Cole were killed when a terrorist bomb ripped through their ship at Aden, Yemen.
Then came the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the war on terror they ushered in.
Through it all, the flag has served as an unwavering source of inspiration that's unified America, Caffie said.
"It has endured a lot -- being dragged through streets and burned and disrespected and spit on and stepped on," he said.
"And yet it has survived and served as a nucleus that brings this country together across gender, ethnic and religious backgrounds," he said. "It is the American flag that has united us and will continue to inspire patriotism in this country."
Beirut Embassy Bombing
Back in April 1983, rescue workers picking through the rubble of what had been the U.S. Embassy in Beirut following a terrorist attack uncovered the body of 21-year-old Marine Cpl. Robert V. McMaugh. Beside his body lay the tattered remains of the U.S. flag that had once stood proudly beside his guard post in the embassy's main lobby.
McMaugh's fellow Marine security guards draped their fallen comrade in a fresh American flag and carried him away on a stretcher. A squad of Marines snapped to attention and saluted.
"It was a poignant moment," recalled retired Chief Warrant Officer Charles W. "Bill" Henderson, a spokesman attached to 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit in Lebanon at the time of the bombing. "Everyone had been digging and digging, then suddenly, everything stopped. Not a word was said. Seeing the body of a fellow Marine covered with the American flag, ... it was an electrifying moment."
While stationed in Beirut, Henderson said, he came to appreciate the flag, not just as a piece of material, but as a symbol of courage. "Each Marine (in Lebanon) wore an American flag on his shirt," he said. "It did more than show that we were Americans. It showed that we were representing this country and what it stands for: freedom for all people."
Twenty-five years later, Henderson said terrorist attacks that followed that initial salvo and the thousands of Americans who have died as a result have only deepened the flag's symbolism.
"What's behind it are the blood and tears of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who have sacrificed. The symbolism behind the flag is this long tradition of sacrifice to preserve liberty," he said.
"Yes, it is just a piece of cloth," he said. "But what it represents are the lives of thousands of Americans who have given everything for this nation -- who ask nothing in return but felt an obligation of duty to their country."
Henderson said he doesn't take disrespect for the flag lightly. "When you insult our flag, you insult the lives and the sacrifices of all the men and women who have served this country," he said.
On the other hand, honoring the flag is showing respect and appreciation for all they have done. "You are honoring everything that we, as a nation, have accomplished, what America has done, and what America represents to the world," he said.
Iranian Hostage Crisis
Now-retired Col. David M. Roeder remembers living without the freedoms he had worked to protect when he and more than 50 other Americans were taken hostage for 444 days in Iran in November 1979.
Roeder, assistant Air Force attache to the U.S. Embassy in Tehran at the time, watched helplessly as U.S. flag burnings became almost daily media events. His captors taunted the hostages by carrying garbage from one area of the embassy compound to another, wrapped in the American flag.
Through it all, Roeder said, he never lost faith in his country or the flag that symbolizes its ideals. "When you talk about a flag, whether it's standing in a place of honor at a ceremony or draped over a casket or waving from someone's house, you're talking about a symbol," he said.
"But the importance of that symbolism is monumental. It represents what we are, wherever we are in the world," he said.
"And no matter what anyone else says about it or does to it, the flag never loses dignity. It only gains dignity, because when someone attacks the American flag, it's because they recognize all that it represents and the greatness of this country."
Twenty-seven years after his release, Roeder, now 68, holds on to that symbolism with fervor. He flies a flag at his home in Pinehurst, N.C., and a summer home in Wisconsin every day. His pickup truck has not one, but several, flag stickers on it.
Like many Americans, he was moved by the show of Old Glory nationwide in the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, and said he wishes it had never ended. "Wouldn't it be great if you could keep that going?" he said. "It tells everyone who sees it who we are and what we stand for," he said.
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - Tomorrow the United States observes National Flag Day, an annual tribute to the American flag, the ideals it stands for and the sacrifices made to preserve them. President Woodrow Wilson recognized during his first Flag Day address in 1915 that the freedoms the U.S. flag stands for weren't and never would be free.
"The lines of red are lines of blood, nobly and unselfishly shed by men who loved the liberty of their fellowship more than they loved their own lives and fortunes," he said. "God forbid that we should have to use the blood of America to freshen the color of the flag."
But American blood has spilled time and time again to preserve American liberties, most recently in the war against violent extremism. In this year's Flag Day Proclamation, President Bush calls on the nation to remember the troops who carry Old Glory before them "as they defend the liberties for which it stands."
"On Flag Day and during National Flag Week, we remember those in uniform whose courage and sacrifice inspire us here at home," Bush said. "We also remember the rich history of one of our oldest national symbols and reflect on our duty to carry our heritage of freedom into the future."
Four current or retired servicemembers recently shared their personal perspectives about how the flag has inspired them through their proudest as well as darkest days as a symbol of patriotism, strength and resilience.
9/11 Terror Attacks
Few Americans will forget the image of three firefighters raising an American flag over the World Trade Center ruins in New York just hours after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
But for Army Capt. Joe Minning and his fellow New York National Guard soldiers, many of them New York City firefighters and police officers, the Ground Zero flag took on a very personal significance as they desperately sifted through the rubble looking for survivors.
"Seeing the flag raised above all of the rubble and ruins of the World Trade Center instilled a new sense of pride in me for our country," he said. "No matter what happens to the United States -- on foreign ground, on U.S. soil -- we, the American people, will always continue to move forward, rebuild and face any challenges that lie ahead"
Three years later, Minning and the "Fighting 69th" Brigade Combat Team would take that inspiration with them to Iraq, where they lost 19 soldiers securing Route Irish and its surrounding Baghdad neighborhoods during their year-long deployment.
Among those killed was Army Staff Sgt. Christian Engledrum, a New York firefighter who, like Minning, worked amid the dust and smoke immediately following the World Trade Center attack. Engledrum, the first New York City employee to die serving in Iraq, became a symbol of the unit that went from Ground Zero to Iraq's Sunni Triangle, and after his death, to the mountains of Afghanistan.
The flag and what it represents continue to motivate unit members during their current deployment to Afghanistan as embedded trainers for the Afghan National Army, he said.
Minning said he recognizes when he sees Old Glory flying at his tiny forward operating base there that he and his fellow soldiers are following in the footsteps of the earliest U.S. patriots and defending the same values they fought for.
"The flag is a symbol of everything the United States stands for -- from our founding fathers up until now, all that we have accomplished, and the hurtles our country has overcome," he said.
As a soldier, Minning said, he and his fellow soldiers recognize that it's up to them to continue carrying the torch forward.
"It is the American soldier who keeps the country moving forward and will never let it be taken down by any adversity. It is what we fight for and, if we fall in battle, what our coffins are draped with," he said. "And it's what we are committed to protecting and defending, no matter what the price."
The Iraq War
When thousands of people gathered in late April at the Cincinnati Red's Great American Ballpark, all eyes were on a platform at the pitchers' mound covered by the flag-draped casket of Army Sgt. Matt Maupin.
The mourners gathered to remember the 20-year-old Army reservist who went missing more than four years earlier when his convoy came under attack in April 2004. Insurgents released a videotape shortly after the incident showing him in captivity, and his whereabouts remained unknown until the Army found and positively identified his remains in March.
Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, the top enlisted Army Reserve soldier, was among countless people who had hoped and prayed for Maupin's safe return. As he joined the crowd in Ohio to honor and bid farewell to Maupin, Caffie looked out at thousands of hand-held flags waving in the stands, all surrounding Maupin's casket.
"It underscores the meaning and symbolism of the flag when you see it draped over the coffin of this young man who had the world going for him," Caffey said.
Maupin is among thousands of U.S. troops whose lives have been cut short at the hands of terrorists. Back in October 1983, 241 Marines were killed when a terrorist truck bomb struck their barracks in Beirut. In June 1996, 13 airmen died during the terror attack on Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. In October 2000, 17 crewmembers from USS Cole were killed when a terrorist bomb ripped through their ship at Aden, Yemen.
Then came the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the war on terror they ushered in.
Through it all, the flag has served as an unwavering source of inspiration that's unified America, Caffie said.
"It has endured a lot -- being dragged through streets and burned and disrespected and spit on and stepped on," he said.
"And yet it has survived and served as a nucleus that brings this country together across gender, ethnic and religious backgrounds," he said. "It is the American flag that has united us and will continue to inspire patriotism in this country."
Beirut Embassy Bombing
Back in April 1983, rescue workers picking through the rubble of what had been the U.S. Embassy in Beirut following a terrorist attack uncovered the body of 21-year-old Marine Cpl. Robert V. McMaugh. Beside his body lay the tattered remains of the U.S. flag that had once stood proudly beside his guard post in the embassy's main lobby.
McMaugh's fellow Marine security guards draped their fallen comrade in a fresh American flag and carried him away on a stretcher. A squad of Marines snapped to attention and saluted.
"It was a poignant moment," recalled retired Chief Warrant Officer Charles W. "Bill" Henderson, a spokesman attached to 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit in Lebanon at the time of the bombing. "Everyone had been digging and digging, then suddenly, everything stopped. Not a word was said. Seeing the body of a fellow Marine covered with the American flag, ... it was an electrifying moment."
While stationed in Beirut, Henderson said, he came to appreciate the flag, not just as a piece of material, but as a symbol of courage. "Each Marine (in Lebanon) wore an American flag on his shirt," he said. "It did more than show that we were Americans. It showed that we were representing this country and what it stands for: freedom for all people."
Twenty-five years later, Henderson said terrorist attacks that followed that initial salvo and the thousands of Americans who have died as a result have only deepened the flag's symbolism.
"What's behind it are the blood and tears of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who have sacrificed. The symbolism behind the flag is this long tradition of sacrifice to preserve liberty," he said.
"Yes, it is just a piece of cloth," he said. "But what it represents are the lives of thousands of Americans who have given everything for this nation -- who ask nothing in return but felt an obligation of duty to their country."
Henderson said he doesn't take disrespect for the flag lightly. "When you insult our flag, you insult the lives and the sacrifices of all the men and women who have served this country," he said.
On the other hand, honoring the flag is showing respect and appreciation for all they have done. "You are honoring everything that we, as a nation, have accomplished, what America has done, and what America represents to the world," he said.
Iranian Hostage Crisis
Now-retired Col. David M. Roeder remembers living without the freedoms he had worked to protect when he and more than 50 other Americans were taken hostage for 444 days in Iran in November 1979.
Roeder, assistant Air Force attache to the U.S. Embassy in Tehran at the time, watched helplessly as U.S. flag burnings became almost daily media events. His captors taunted the hostages by carrying garbage from one area of the embassy compound to another, wrapped in the American flag.
Through it all, Roeder said, he never lost faith in his country or the flag that symbolizes its ideals. "When you talk about a flag, whether it's standing in a place of honor at a ceremony or draped over a casket or waving from someone's house, you're talking about a symbol," he said.
"But the importance of that symbolism is monumental. It represents what we are, wherever we are in the world," he said.
"And no matter what anyone else says about it or does to it, the flag never loses dignity. It only gains dignity, because when someone attacks the American flag, it's because they recognize all that it represents and the greatness of this country."
Twenty-seven years after his release, Roeder, now 68, holds on to that symbolism with fervor. He flies a flag at his home in Pinehurst, N.C., and a summer home in Wisconsin every day. His pickup truck has not one, but several, flag stickers on it.
Like many Americans, he was moved by the show of Old Glory nationwide in the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, and said he wishes it had never ended. "Wouldn't it be great if you could keep that going?" he said. "It tells everyone who sees it who we are and what we stand for," he said.
The Justice for Sergeant Donald Sowma Petition Drive
On November 19,1976, Don Sowma my husband and father of our four children was shot and murdered in the line of duty as a Police Officer for the City of Cypress. Don was killed by Bobby Joe Denney of Ardmore Oklahoma, Denney was himself a former police officer from Healdton Oklahoma and his father, now deceased was a longtime County Sheriff. During a burglary, Denney dropped his gun from his waistband when he heard police outside, he crawled to the gun and found it and shot my husband as he entered the dark room.
READ ON
http://www.criminaljustice-online.com/forum19/
READ ON
http://www.criminaljustice-online.com/forum19/
America Supports You: Silver Star Families Honor Caregivers
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - For the last few years, a group has fought to have wounded servicemembers recognized with a Silver Star banner for servicemembers wounded in combat, much like a Blue Star banner displayed by those with a loved one deployed on the front lines. Now, Silver Star Families of America has extended its program to honor the medics who treat those wounded on the battlefield with a certificate of appreciation.
"This is a new program for us, but we believe that it is in keeping with our mission to remember and honor our wounded," said Janie Orman, the organization's president. "Those who place their lives on the line to make sure our wounded come home should be thanked, and this is a good start."
To qualify for the certificate, the medic must have been involved in the actual treatment or transportation of wounded servicemembers while serving in a war zone from any war. This honor extends to medics, helicopter pilots, doctors, nurses or anyone directly involved in treating the wounded in a war zone defined by the Defense Department, Orman said.
Silver Star Families of America has honored seven medics to date. Nominations for this certificate can be submitted through the organization's Web site.
The organization is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemember and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - For the last few years, a group has fought to have wounded servicemembers recognized with a Silver Star banner for servicemembers wounded in combat, much like a Blue Star banner displayed by those with a loved one deployed on the front lines. Now, Silver Star Families of America has extended its program to honor the medics who treat those wounded on the battlefield with a certificate of appreciation.
"This is a new program for us, but we believe that it is in keeping with our mission to remember and honor our wounded," said Janie Orman, the organization's president. "Those who place their lives on the line to make sure our wounded come home should be thanked, and this is a good start."
To qualify for the certificate, the medic must have been involved in the actual treatment or transportation of wounded servicemembers while serving in a war zone from any war. This honor extends to medics, helicopter pilots, doctors, nurses or anyone directly involved in treating the wounded in a war zone defined by the Defense Department, Orman said.
Silver Star Families of America has honored seven medics to date. Nominations for this certificate can be submitted through the organization's Web site.
The organization is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemember and their families serving at home and abroad.
MILITARY CONTRACTS June 13, 2008
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Co., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Marietta Ga., not to exceed $470,000,000. This contract modification is an undefinitized contract action for the procurement of six fiscal 2009 HC/MC-130J aircraft and associated long lead material and non-recurring aircraft production effort using fiscal 2008 advance procurement funding. At this time $75,000,000 has been obligated. USAF/AFMC, Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), 657 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456 P00037).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., for $16,300,000. This action will provide Wing Pylon and Fairing, CCP 0586. At this time $8,000,000 has been obligated. 516th AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00185).
Booz Allen and Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract for an estimated $10,562,764. This action will provide lethality and survivability analysis for Terminal Effects Division, Army Research Laboratory. At this time $241,546 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (sP0700-03-D-1380, DO: 0255).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with General Dynamics C4 Systems of Scottsdale, Ariz., for $9,231,217. This action will exercise option 1, system demonstration, of the Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C) Aerospace Vehicle Equipment Increment 1 (AVE I1) contract, FA8307-06-C-0010. Option 1 will continue with the development, qualification, and certification of a National Security Agency approved Type 1 space certified Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) Communication Security (COMSEC) solution. HQ CPSG/PK, Directorate of Contracting, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-06-C-0010 P00011).
NAVY
American Competitiveness Institute, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $99,999,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Benchmarking and Best Practices Center of Excellence. The purpose of this effort is to identify, validate, benchmark, and facilitate the dissemination (sharing) of best-in-class practices, processes, methodologies, systems, and pre-competitiveness technologies. In doing so, enhance and promote communications, corporation, integration, and interdependency across the defense industry that will result in improvements in affordability and performance of defense platforms and weapon systems. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., and work is expected to be completed June 2013. Contract funds will not expire at end of current fiscal year: This contract was competitively procured under solicitation N00014-08-R-0001. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-08-D-0758).
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $29,728,013 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for consolidated planning yard, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarines. The contract modification provides design and installation services required to support planning and execution for installation of design/configuration changes for submarines and designated support activities. The contractor will also provide material aspects of submarine design/configuration change programs to support execution of submarine major alterations. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (73 percent), Quonset, R.I., (12 percent), Kings Bay, Ga., (7 percent), Newport, R.I., (5 percent), and Bangor, Wash., (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds $29,728,013 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Marsh Creek, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, an Alaskan Native Corp., is being awarded a $28,925,233 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research support operations and maintenance services of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) Research Station Gakona, Alaska. The mission of the program is to conduct ionospheric research of a radio science nature in support of both Department of Defense and civilian communication, surveillance and navigations applications. This contract is a follow on effort to contract N00014-02-C-0463 operations and maintenance services of the HAARP Research Station, Gakona, Alaska, competitively awarded to BAE Systems Advanced Technologies. Work will be performed in Gakona, Alaska., and work is expected to be completed June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $100,000 will expire at end of current fiscal year. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-08-C-0395).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $17,594,388 modification to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014). This modification provides for incorporation of engineering change Proposal 6251 and 6251R1 to convert 18 Lot 32 F/A-18F aircraft to EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (70 percent), El Segundo, Calif., (29 percent), and Mesa, Ariz., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $14,320,297 cost plus fixed fee firm fixed price contract for design agent/engineering services and supplemental hardware kits to support the Navy's AN/UYQ-100 Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS). The AN/UYQ-100 USW-DSS provides an integrated near real-time Net-Centric Undersea Warfare (USW) Command and Control capability across multiple platforms. USW-DSS leverages existing communication links, networks, contact pictures and multi-platform sensor data providing an integrated capability to plan, conduct and coordinate USW operations. Options for design agent support are through fiscal 2012. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $66,615,225. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (86.2 percent) and Charleroi, Pa., (13.8 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is being awarded as a Phase III SBIR effort. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5206).
Rolls Royce, Bristol, England, is being awarded a $13,125,121 ceiling priced order under an existing basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-08-G-003M-5040) for procurement of turbine blades, HP ST2 used in support of the F-402 engine. Work will be performed in Bristol, England, and work is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Riviera Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $10,806,178 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6327) for one (1) AN/WLD-1(V) Remote Minehunting Vehicle Low Rate Initial Production System. The Remote Minehunting System is a high endurance, offboard, low-observable system that will be operated and maintained from surface ships. The system will use the AN/AQS-20A minehunting sensors for detection, classification, and localization of mine-like objects and mine identification. It is capable of over-the-horizon operations. The offboard vehicle has self-contained control, propulsion, power, and navigation features. It is capable of real-time communications of mine reconnaissance sensor data as well as automatic search and recording modes. Work will be performed in Riviera Beach, Fla., and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
C&G Boat Works, Inc., Mobile, Ala., is being awarded an $8,370,633 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2236) to exercise an option for the design and construction of one YP training craft for the U.S. Naval Academy. The YP training craft is used to train Navy midshipmen at the academy. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $7,682,783 modification (#P00025) to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00189-02-D-0037) for extension of engineering, technical, and maintenance support services for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and battle group support vessels as required by Commander, Naval Air Forces. Work will be performed in CONUS, and work is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
M.A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $72,125,000 firm-fixed price contract for a design/build project at Fort Lewis, Wash., including two Special Operations Forces complexes. Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash, and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on January 11, 2008, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0053).
AM General LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on June 11, 2008, a $25,741,548.80 firm-fixed contract for reliability enhanced vehicle engineering change engineering change proposals on high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on March 17, 2006 and one bid was received. Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
Plata/Mota Joint Venture, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $23,044,561 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Organizational Maintenance Shop and unheated storage building in Lake County, Ill. Work will be performed in Lake County, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 12, 2008 and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0022).
PCL Construction Service, Inc., Denver, Colo., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $20,862,500 firm-fixed price contract for the Air and Space Integration Facility at Schriever Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo., and is expected to be completed by April 7, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 16, 2008 and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-08-C-0010).
West Coast Contractors of Nevada, Inc., Reno, Nev., was awarded on June 6, 2008, a $10,470,500 firm-fixed price contract for the repair of Air National Guard Hangar Building 9 in Reno, Nev. Work will be performed in Reno, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 10, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 5, 2007, and four bids were received. The National Guard Bureau Nevada, Carson City, Nev., is the contracting activity (W9124X-08-C-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Chevron Global Aviation, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $16,015,179.60 fixed price with economic price adjustment supplemental, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is in Utah. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 200 proposals solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0493).
EA Industries, Inc., San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico* is being awarded a maximum $13,359,573 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, small business set aside contract for combat utility uniforms. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. Date of performance completion is June 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0361).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Co., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Marietta Ga., not to exceed $470,000,000. This contract modification is an undefinitized contract action for the procurement of six fiscal 2009 HC/MC-130J aircraft and associated long lead material and non-recurring aircraft production effort using fiscal 2008 advance procurement funding. At this time $75,000,000 has been obligated. USAF/AFMC, Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), 657 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456 P00037).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., for $16,300,000. This action will provide Wing Pylon and Fairing, CCP 0586. At this time $8,000,000 has been obligated. 516th AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00185).
Booz Allen and Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract for an estimated $10,562,764. This action will provide lethality and survivability analysis for Terminal Effects Division, Army Research Laboratory. At this time $241,546 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (sP0700-03-D-1380, DO: 0255).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with General Dynamics C4 Systems of Scottsdale, Ariz., for $9,231,217. This action will exercise option 1, system demonstration, of the Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C) Aerospace Vehicle Equipment Increment 1 (AVE I1) contract, FA8307-06-C-0010. Option 1 will continue with the development, qualification, and certification of a National Security Agency approved Type 1 space certified Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) Communication Security (COMSEC) solution. HQ CPSG/PK, Directorate of Contracting, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-06-C-0010 P00011).
NAVY
American Competitiveness Institute, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $99,999,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Benchmarking and Best Practices Center of Excellence. The purpose of this effort is to identify, validate, benchmark, and facilitate the dissemination (sharing) of best-in-class practices, processes, methodologies, systems, and pre-competitiveness technologies. In doing so, enhance and promote communications, corporation, integration, and interdependency across the defense industry that will result in improvements in affordability and performance of defense platforms and weapon systems. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., and work is expected to be completed June 2013. Contract funds will not expire at end of current fiscal year: This contract was competitively procured under solicitation N00014-08-R-0001. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-08-D-0758).
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $29,728,013 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for consolidated planning yard, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarines. The contract modification provides design and installation services required to support planning and execution for installation of design/configuration changes for submarines and designated support activities. The contractor will also provide material aspects of submarine design/configuration change programs to support execution of submarine major alterations. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (73 percent), Quonset, R.I., (12 percent), Kings Bay, Ga., (7 percent), Newport, R.I., (5 percent), and Bangor, Wash., (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds $29,728,013 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Marsh Creek, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, an Alaskan Native Corp., is being awarded a $28,925,233 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research support operations and maintenance services of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) Research Station Gakona, Alaska. The mission of the program is to conduct ionospheric research of a radio science nature in support of both Department of Defense and civilian communication, surveillance and navigations applications. This contract is a follow on effort to contract N00014-02-C-0463 operations and maintenance services of the HAARP Research Station, Gakona, Alaska, competitively awarded to BAE Systems Advanced Technologies. Work will be performed in Gakona, Alaska., and work is expected to be completed June 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $100,000 will expire at end of current fiscal year. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-08-C-0395).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $17,594,388 modification to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014). This modification provides for incorporation of engineering change Proposal 6251 and 6251R1 to convert 18 Lot 32 F/A-18F aircraft to EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (70 percent), El Segundo, Calif., (29 percent), and Mesa, Ariz., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $14,320,297 cost plus fixed fee firm fixed price contract for design agent/engineering services and supplemental hardware kits to support the Navy's AN/UYQ-100 Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS). The AN/UYQ-100 USW-DSS provides an integrated near real-time Net-Centric Undersea Warfare (USW) Command and Control capability across multiple platforms. USW-DSS leverages existing communication links, networks, contact pictures and multi-platform sensor data providing an integrated capability to plan, conduct and coordinate USW operations. Options for design agent support are through fiscal 2012. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $66,615,225. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (86.2 percent) and Charleroi, Pa., (13.8 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is being awarded as a Phase III SBIR effort. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5206).
Rolls Royce, Bristol, England, is being awarded a $13,125,121 ceiling priced order under an existing basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-08-G-003M-5040) for procurement of turbine blades, HP ST2 used in support of the F-402 engine. Work will be performed in Bristol, England, and work is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Riviera Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $10,806,178 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6327) for one (1) AN/WLD-1(V) Remote Minehunting Vehicle Low Rate Initial Production System. The Remote Minehunting System is a high endurance, offboard, low-observable system that will be operated and maintained from surface ships. The system will use the AN/AQS-20A minehunting sensors for detection, classification, and localization of mine-like objects and mine identification. It is capable of over-the-horizon operations. The offboard vehicle has self-contained control, propulsion, power, and navigation features. It is capable of real-time communications of mine reconnaissance sensor data as well as automatic search and recording modes. Work will be performed in Riviera Beach, Fla., and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
C&G Boat Works, Inc., Mobile, Ala., is being awarded an $8,370,633 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2236) to exercise an option for the design and construction of one YP training craft for the U.S. Naval Academy. The YP training craft is used to train Navy midshipmen at the academy. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $7,682,783 modification (#P00025) to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00189-02-D-0037) for extension of engineering, technical, and maintenance support services for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and battle group support vessels as required by Commander, Naval Air Forces. Work will be performed in CONUS, and work is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
M.A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $72,125,000 firm-fixed price contract for a design/build project at Fort Lewis, Wash., including two Special Operations Forces complexes. Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash, and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on January 11, 2008, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0053).
AM General LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on June 11, 2008, a $25,741,548.80 firm-fixed contract for reliability enhanced vehicle engineering change engineering change proposals on high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on March 17, 2006 and one bid was received. Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
Plata/Mota Joint Venture, Chicago, Ill., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $23,044,561 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Organizational Maintenance Shop and unheated storage building in Lake County, Ill. Work will be performed in Lake County, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 12, 2008 and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0022).
PCL Construction Service, Inc., Denver, Colo., was awarded on June 12, 2008, a $20,862,500 firm-fixed price contract for the Air and Space Integration Facility at Schriever Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo., and is expected to be completed by April 7, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 16, 2008 and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-08-C-0010).
West Coast Contractors of Nevada, Inc., Reno, Nev., was awarded on June 6, 2008, a $10,470,500 firm-fixed price contract for the repair of Air National Guard Hangar Building 9 in Reno, Nev. Work will be performed in Reno, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 10, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 5, 2007, and four bids were received. The National Guard Bureau Nevada, Carson City, Nev., is the contracting activity (W9124X-08-C-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Chevron Global Aviation, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $16,015,179.60 fixed price with economic price adjustment supplemental, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is in Utah. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 200 proposals solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0493).
EA Industries, Inc., San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico* is being awarded a maximum $13,359,573 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, small business set aside contract for combat utility uniforms. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year. Date of performance completion is June 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0361).
Face of Defense: Cartoonist Drawn to Guantanamo
By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn R. Larson, a syndicated editorial cartoonist, arrived here two months ago as one of 20 members from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Larson is the editor of The Wire, the official weekly publication for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which handles detainee operations at this U.S. Navy base. This mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom provides an opportunity for Larson to use experience gained working as a newspaper editor, chief page designer and editorial cartoonist.
"We were put on alert back in January, so it wasn't much of a surprise," Larson told Editor and Publisher magazine in April. "They needed me, so I'm going."
Larson said this is his third deployment in about 20 years with the National Guard. In 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia as the noncommissioned officer for the three-man 132nd Military History Detachment in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. And in 2006, he deployed as a platoon sergeant with a field artillery unit tasked with convoy security operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Before this deployment, Larson told E&P that he reviewed the work of Bill Mauldin, who drew cartoons while serving in World War Two.
To draw his own cartoons, Larson said, he first draws "roughs" in pencil and then draws the final idea selection on "Bristol" board. He inks the cartoon using a traditional artist pen that resembles a fountain pen and uses a technical pen to ink the lettering.
The cartoon is then scanned, and Larson adds color using computer software. The entire process takes about four hours, he said.
Larson said the cartoons he draws as a civilian reflect local or state issues for a small stable of newspaper clients in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Journal of Madison and the Freeman of Waukesha.
Cartooning on issues relevant to Guantanamo Bay is more challenging, he admitted.
"I was building a list of cartoons to include in the JTF publication during this deployment, following approval from the chain of command," Larson said. "But there's a lot of operational sensitivity, and it's pretty tricky to include anything that might portray a personal opinion in an official military publication."
Larson, a finalist in the national Fischetti cartooning competition in 2000, said he may resume sending cartoons to his clients.
"It all depends on what kind of time I have," he told E&P. "My first responsibility is to the unit."
After this deployment, Larson hopes to return to The Review, a weekly newspaper in his hometown of Plymouth, Wis., which promised that his job will be there when he returns. "They've been nothing short of wonderful," he told E&P.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores serves with Joint Task Force Guantanamo.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 13, 2008 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn R. Larson, a syndicated editorial cartoonist, arrived here two months ago as one of 20 members from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Larson is the editor of The Wire, the official weekly publication for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which handles detainee operations at this U.S. Navy base. This mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom provides an opportunity for Larson to use experience gained working as a newspaper editor, chief page designer and editorial cartoonist.
"We were put on alert back in January, so it wasn't much of a surprise," Larson told Editor and Publisher magazine in April. "They needed me, so I'm going."
Larson said this is his third deployment in about 20 years with the National Guard. In 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia as the noncommissioned officer for the three-man 132nd Military History Detachment in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. And in 2006, he deployed as a platoon sergeant with a field artillery unit tasked with convoy security operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Before this deployment, Larson told E&P that he reviewed the work of Bill Mauldin, who drew cartoons while serving in World War Two.
To draw his own cartoons, Larson said, he first draws "roughs" in pencil and then draws the final idea selection on "Bristol" board. He inks the cartoon using a traditional artist pen that resembles a fountain pen and uses a technical pen to ink the lettering.
The cartoon is then scanned, and Larson adds color using computer software. The entire process takes about four hours, he said.
Larson said the cartoons he draws as a civilian reflect local or state issues for a small stable of newspaper clients in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Journal of Madison and the Freeman of Waukesha.
Cartooning on issues relevant to Guantanamo Bay is more challenging, he admitted.
"I was building a list of cartoons to include in the JTF publication during this deployment, following approval from the chain of command," Larson said. "But there's a lot of operational sensitivity, and it's pretty tricky to include anything that might portray a personal opinion in an official military publication."
Larson, a finalist in the national Fischetti cartooning competition in 2000, said he may resume sending cartoons to his clients.
"It all depends on what kind of time I have," he told E&P. "My first responsibility is to the unit."
After this deployment, Larson hopes to return to The Review, a weekly newspaper in his hometown of Plymouth, Wis., which promised that his job will be there when he returns. "They've been nothing short of wonderful," he told E&P.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores serves with Joint Task Force Guantanamo.)
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