Gates, South Korean Counterpart to Discuss Exercises, Plans

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and his South Korean counterpart will assess during meetings later this week the recent joint military exercises designed to send a deterrent message to North Korea, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters yesterday.

Gates will host National Defense Minister Kim Tae-young tomorrow and Oct. 8 at the 42nd annual Security Consultative Meeting, Morrell announced.

The session, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, reflects the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance and its commitment to South Korea’s security, Morrell told reporters.

Among other security-related topics, Gates and Kim will discuss the two recent Invincible Spirit exercises initiated in response to North Korea’s sinking of the South Korean navy ship Cheonan in March, Morrell said. Forty-six crewmembers were killed in the attack.

Morrell said the two leaders will “reaffirm, in the wake of the Cheonan sinking, that we will not tolerate North Korean provocation and aggression.”

The U.S. and South Korean navies wrapped up five days of anti-submarine warfare exercises in the waters off the Korean peninsula earlier this month. The exercises, the second in a series, focused on anti-submarine tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. Forces Korea officials reported. The first Invincible Spirit exercise, conducted in the seas east of the Korean peninsula in July, focused on naval and air readiness.

During this week’s session, Gates and Lee also are expected to review details leading to the planned transfer of wartime operational control of forces on the Korean peninsula to South Korea’s military in 2015. The transfer, originally scheduled for 2012, was delayed until 2015 at South Korea’s request.

This plan is embodied in the new Strategic Alliance 2015 agreement that will shape their alliance for the future, Army Gen. Walter L. “Skip” Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command, told American Forces Press Service.

The new plan covers a broad range of initiatives: transferring wartime operational control to South Korea, developing new war plans, introducing broader and more realistic exercises, reviewing both countries’ military organizational structures and timing the movement of U.S. forces south of Seoul, and ensuring South Korean forces are ready, he explained.

Sharp said the plan also will help to identify military capabilities South Korean forces will need in 2015, and to ensure that South Korean acquisition, training and organizational efforts are geared toward achieving them.

In addition, he said, the plan will establish “bridging capabilities” the U.S. military will continue to provide after initial operational control transfer, and what both countries will contribute for the long term.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has no public or media events on his schedule.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn will receive the World Affairs Council - Washington, D.C. International Outstanding Public Service Award at 11:30 a.m. EDT at its 2nd annual “Speaks to America” luncheon at The McLean Hilton - Tysons Corner, Va.  Lynn will deliver the keynote address on “Achieving Effective Defense: Lean Budgets, Superior Forces.”

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen participates in a panel discussion with Gen. Ann Dunwoody and Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau at the 2010 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit at 9:45 a.m. EDT at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington D.C.  Media contact is Emily Edmonds, 212-522-3651, emily_edmonds@timeinc.com.  Media can also register for the virtual conference at http://events.unisfair.com/index.jsp?eid=661&seid=30.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz participates in a “Government Executive” discussion at 7:30 am EDT at the National Press Club about how the Air Force plans to meet the budgetary, technological and workforce challenges confronting all federal agencies.

Senior Executive Service Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service reassignments.

David M. Wennergren has been assigned as assistant deputy chief management officer, Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.  Wennergren previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense, information management, integration and technology, and deputy chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.

David Bennett has been assigned as program executive officer for Global Information Grid (GIG) Enterprise Services Engineering, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.  Bennett previously served as deputy program executive officer for GIG Enterprise Services Engineering, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.

Rebecca Harris has been assigned as deputy component acquisition executive, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.  Harris previously served as program executive officer for GIG Enterprise Services Engineering, Defense Information Systems Agency, Falls Church, Va.

Wilderness Challenge: Grueling, Dirty and Fun

By Lt. Gail M. Mulleavy, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Regional Supply Office-Oceana

I was first introduced to the Wilderness Challenge back in 2004. I read an All Hands magazine article and shortly after a fellow Supply Corps officer asked if I would be interested in being part of his team. Each team consists of four active duty military members with at least one female. The challenge sounded interesting and challenging! That year started me down the path of participating in the Wilderness Challenge every year since, except one year due to operational commitments.

That first year our team “Pork Chops III” finished 3rd for the Navy.

The Wilderness Challenge is organized by Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. Mike Bond and his team do an EXCELLENT job every year, which is one of the main reasons I continue to return.

The events are planned so the most athletic or the athletically challenged can participate. Teams range from the extremely competitive, those who tether their slower runner to the faster runners, to those out for fun, the guys who did most events in speedos and capes. Or as the Wilderness Challenge website claims “This event has been designed so that every active duty member already possesses the skills needed.” I have found that some have more skills than others!

The challenge is spread out over two days. Day one consists of an 8K run along the New River Gorge in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains finishing out with a 14 mile two-hour white water raft trip of continuous paddling down class III-V rapids. Day two starts very early, we meet when it’s still dark, so we can get lined up for the 12-14 mile mountain bike portion, followed by a 7-mile run down Class I-III rapids in a rubber ducky (inflatable kayak). The final event is a 15-mile hike/run through some of the highest and most beautiful parts of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a shame we can’t “stop to smell the roses.”

The teams I’ve been on are middle-of-the-road in competitiveness. We push ourselves and always remain together as a team “encouraging” each other along the way. Along with the physical challenges there are always mechanical challenges, from a bike chain that broke only four miles into the 12 mile mountain bike portion, to major rain the night before and during the mountain bike portion which caked mud on your brakes leaving you with no braking power while going downhill at breakneck speed!

Most of our team training consisted of ensuring everyone felt comfortable enough on a mountain bike and getting in some decent runs in preparation for the final event. There isn’t much training we can do to prepare for the white water rafting or the rubber ducky and although the rapids do most of the work in getting us down the river we are continuously paddling in sync as a team to get there faster. The challenge is to keep our raft in the fast water, maintain a straight line in the rubber ducky and pray we don’t dump the raft!

The Wilderness Challenge is all about teamwork, camaraderie and having fun – and getting the all important coin!

Sitka aircrew outflies competition at Canadian exercise

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

A shared border and increasing importance on arctic waterways makes a partnership between U.S. and Canadian forces critical to our joint security. That partnership has resulted in successful search and rescue missions, pollution response and security zone enforcements. It has also resulted in a friendly rivalry between the two nations that was highlighted during the 2010 Royal Canadian Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX).

Last week’s SAREX provided an opportunity to showcase aviation rescue skills, and amongst the complex events of parachuting accuracy, medical triage and mountainous terrain searches, an aircrew from Air Station Sitka brought home the top prize in the marine rescue event.

Competing against Royal Canadian Forces and the U.S. Air Force was the Air Station Sitka crew of LT Geoff Barela, LT Brooks Crawford, AET1 Bryson Rectenwald, AMT2 Kristopher Foglia, AET2 Jamie Flood, AST2 Jonathan Kline and AST3 David Paquin.

As a testament to the international collaboration that was fostered through the duration of the SAREX, the Coast Guard was short one rescue swimmer to compete in the marine rescue event and was joined by an honorary crewmember, William Ternes. Ternes is a Canadian search and rescue technician, commonly known as a “SAR tech” who is stationed at the 442 squadron in Comox, Canada.

“In preparation for the exercise we learned the similarities and differences between our operating procedures,” said Crawford. “The help of the Canadian SAR tech was instrumental in our crew being able to participate and win the event.”

The marine rescue event was a complex competition that had the aircrews showing their airmanship skills the second they received the “go” order. After briefing, the aircrews flew to a nearby lake in their MH-60 Jayhawk, where they located three separate buoys with a life-sized dummy attached to each.

Barela and Brooks as aircraft commander and co-pilot flew a tight circle and came to a hover over the first buoy where they free-fall deployed a rescue swimmer. The height and distance was key in deploying the first swimmer, as they had to do so within ten feet of the buoy. Left alone in the water, the swimmer detached the dummy from the buoy and swam his 175-pound “survivor” to shore, 75 yards away.

The aircrew then moved onto the second buoy where Ternes was free-fall deployed into the lake’s water and began to prepare his “survivor” to be hoisted by a rescue basket.

Over the third buoy, the Jayhawk was placed in a hover as they deployed the rescue swimmer with a harness. The exemplary precision of both pilots and swimmer were shown as the swimmer touched the buoy with his fins prior to entering the water. The accuracy of the deployment allowed the crew to subtract four minutes from their total time – something no other team accomplished.

After the successful deployment of the third swimmer, the pilots maneuvered back to the second buoy where they retrieved the SAR tech and “survivor” by hoisting them in a rescue basket.

Now in the home stretch, the aircrew retrieved the third rescue swimmer and dummy in a sling recovery, and as the third and final swimmer was brought into the helicopter’s cabin, the clock was stopped.

“The exercise was fantastic training that really challenged our crew,” said Barela. “It is also great to collaborate with international partners. We learned from them and they learned from us.”

While the marine rescue event brought home a win for the Coast Guard, the trophy serves as a symbol of the staggering skill and training, coupled with partnerships that go into aviation missions.

Royal Canadian Forces hosted the annual search and rescue exercise, held in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, to discuss techniques and standardized practices, as well as enable the key partnerships that are so crucial during search and rescue operations.

Amos Confirmed as Marine Corps Commandant

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 – The Senate yesterday confirmed Gen. James F. Amos as the 35th Marine Corps commandant, to replace retiring Gen. James T. Conway who has served in the post since November 2006.

The voice vote makes Amos the first career aviation officer to hold the top Marine post. He is slated to be sworn at an Oct. 22 ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, officials reported.

The Senate’s confirmation vote makes Amos, who has served as assistant commandant since July 2008, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Senate yesterday also confirmed Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Joseph Dunford, commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, to serve as Amos’ deputy.

During his Sept. 21 confirmation hearing, Amos vowed to make winning the war in Afghanistan his top priority. Amos added that he’ll be forthright in assessing the Marine Corps’ needs.

“I am keenly aware of the challenges our nation faces today, and likely will face in the future,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “And, I understand the critical role of our expeditionary forces.”

In the biggest headline-making comments during the hearing, Amos told questioning lawmakers he personally opposes repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military. He vowed, however, to ensure that whatever is decided regarding the law, he would ensure that it is enforced.

Amos credited Conway with producing what he said are the best Marines in decades.

“Our Marines have never been better trained, or better led,” he said. “They are simply magnificent.”

MCAS Miramar Opens Door for Air Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kimara Johnson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

MIRAMAR, Calif. (NNS) -- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar opened its gates to the San Diego community to host its annual air show Oct. 1-3.

An estimated 500,000 people came to watch this year's show over a 3-day period.

This year's theme, "Marines: A Tradition of Uncommon Valor" honors the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The show began with the Army Golden Knights, the Army's parachute team, followed by a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demonstration that had ground forces and airplanes simulating an attack. The MAGTF demonstrators rappelled from a helicopter while F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers roared past, while infantry platoons in armored vehicles moved in on their ground target. From there, pilots took to the sky to demonstrate their platform's abilities.

Also taking part in the air show were the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, an air demonstration team flying the CT-114 Tutor. The Legacy Flight featured vintage World War II, Korean War and Vietnam- era Navy and Marine Corps fighter planes fly alongside the F/A-18 Hornet.

Many people took time out to take part in the Navy SEAL Challenge kiosk. Participants could see if they could score high enough to qualify as a SEAL by doing a rope climb, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Some participants were able to try on some of the actual equipment used by SEAL Team 12.

"He loves this military stuff," said Darin Smith about his son, Jacob, who he brought from Escondido, Calif. "He can name all the planes they have on display here. He is so excited because he gets to see the things from the 'Call of Duty' game. It's the same stuff."

The crowd was able to interact with hands-on displays such as the Raptor Virtual Reality fighter game and some spectators got to help repack the Golden Knights and Navy Leap Frogs' parachutes after their joint performance.

"The boys love the airplanes and activities here," said Tony Attallah of his sons, who traveled from Los Angeles to spend the day. "They love the Navy, Air Force or anything military."

The U.S. Navy Band Southwest entertained the crowd throughout the show. The band travels around the world performing pop music at events to help boost interest in the service.

"We play a lot of pop music with funk and soul," said Musician 3rd Class Michael Santos, of the Navy Band South West. "It appeals to a broad spectrum of the people who may join the Navy. "

Thousands lined up along the flight line to see the world-famous U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels. This year's team would feature their first female pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Amy Tomlinson, flying the #8 F/A-18 Hornet. The program also featured an evening twilight show.

Lincoln Strike Group Trains With Silent Partner

By Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USS Shoup (DDG 86) Public Affairs

USS Shoup, At Sea (NNS) -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, with the assistance of fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776), conducted an anti-submarine warfare exercise off the coast of Guam Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

The 30-hour exercise encompassed four unique back-to-back training events, with Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, commander of the carrier strike group, observing the events on board USS Shoup (DDG 86).

"It's great to be here today to see Shoup's professional warriors at work," said Guadagnini while addressing Shoup's crew.

For Shoup's anti-submarine warfare team, the exercise presented a welcome opportunity to prove their abilities against a live submarine "adversary" of considerable skill. Ensign Greg Emry, anti-submarine warfare officer on Shoup, was very pleased with the division's performance.

"They did outstanding work," said Emry. "All operators were focused and performed like pros."

Hawaii was a formidable opponent. The newest of the Navy's Virginia-class submarines, Hawaii uses a vast network of fiber optics, digital cameras, and high definition video for surveillance, and can carry more torpedoes than previous submarine classes.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently on a routine deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. Hawaii's deployment to the Pacific marks the first to the region by a Virginia-class submarine.

Jessica Simpson Embarks Truman

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonnie Hobby, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Singer and actress Jessica Simpson visited USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Oct. 1 during the ship's current deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The visit, sponsored by Navy Entertainment and the United Services Organization (USO), included several autograph sessions, meals with the crew, and a performance in the ship's hangar bay.

During her visit, eight Truman Sailors and Marines performed for Jessica and several hundred of their shipmates for the chance to perform a duet with her at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting in November.

The eight Sailors had been selected to sing based on the results of their audition during the carrier's "Truman Idol" talent search, a program modeled after the popular TV show.

Although temperatures in the hangar bay reached well into the upper 90s, the gifted singers had no trouble singing Jessica's special request song: "I'll be Home for Christmas".

"When I auditioned for her I was nervous at first," said Yeoman Seaman Marshondra Miller, the contest runner-up. "After a little while, I realized that she's a person too, so I became more comfortable. I had a really good time singing in front of her, and she gave all the singers nothing but compliments."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class John Britt, USS Harry S. Truman Air department, V-2 division, emerged as the contest winner. Britt's wife and child will be accompanying him to New York to watch his performance and share the experience.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm honored to be part of it," said Britt. "I'm excited to be able to represent Truman, as well as the entire Navy. My family and shipmates are proud of me, and I couldn't ask for anything better."

Britt's duet with Jessica will also be featured in her upcoming Christmas album.

"She knows the sacrifices the military men and women are making on behalf of their country, and she wants to do what she can in return," said Joe Simpson, Jessica's father and manager. "She's proud to be able to sing with someone fighting for our freedom."

Capt. Craig Clapperton, USS Harry S. Truman executive officer, said he was honored to have Jessica on board as a guest, and felt she boosted the crew's morale with her heartfelt appreciation of their professionalism and service.

"I got to get my picture taken with her," said Operations Specialist Seaman Jeroy Williams. "It was really amazing to meet a celebrity. She's a lot prettier in real life, but she's shorter than I thought she'd be. She was really nice to everybody, and I'm really glad I was able to meet her."

During a performance in the ship's hangar bay, Jessica thanked the hundreds of Sailors and Marines for their service and shared love of country and sang "God Bless America."

"I've never meet anybody famous before," said Operation Specialist Seaman Alison Wagner. "It's really great that she took the time to come out here to visit us while we were deployed. It definitely lifted my spirits and made me feel a lot better being on deployment."

During a tour of the ship, Jessica also participated in a 50 cal. gun shoot, served as a helmsman on the bridge, and spoke to the crew on the 1-MC. Although she enjoyed everything during her visit, her favorite part, she said, was meeting the crew members.

"I've been on many USO trips," she said, "and I always enjoy sitting and talking with service members. To be on board Truman has been a blessing. I've met so many amazing people, and everybody has been so welcoming and made me feel like I'm at home. I can't express enough how much I appreciate the sacrifices you make for our country."

Face of Defense: Guardsman Serves in the Classroom

By Army Sgt. Blake Pittman

224th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Oct. 1,

2010 – Georgia National Guard Spc. Doug Lane

didn’t quit his day teaching job when he deployed earlier this year to Iraq.

An intelligence analyst by night, Lane, who hails from Jacksonville, Fla., spends his days at the education center here teaching college algebra to service members for the University of Maryland.

Lane has worked for 20 years as an educator, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of South Florida as well as a Master’s degree in administration.

“I love working with soldiers and helping students,” he said. “I’m really in my element when I’m teaching.”

Here in Iraq, Lane serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

Besides teaching his scheduled classes, Lane spends much of his free time at the education center offering extra tutoring for students. He also teaches an online course for Strayer University.

Some of Lane’s students at the education center are fellow soldiers from his company. Spc. Alexandria Dean, a transportation coordination manager from Valdosta, Ga., is taking her first college course with Lane. When she heard that he was going to be her professor, she was a little apprehensive.

“He seemed boring and drawn out,” Dean said. But she noted her opinion of Lane has since changed.

“He’s a really good teacher,” Dean said of Lane’s ability and classroom demeanor. “His stories are funny and he’s smart. He likes to communicate a lot.”

Dean said she is “not good with math,” but added that Lane’s teaching ability and personality have made the class easier for her to understand. Compared to other math teachers she’s had, Dean said she has had to ask fewer questions than in the past.

Though his teaching career spans two decades, Lane also has been a lifelong student. In addition to his degrees in education, he also has earned a Masters of Divinity degree, which he plans to put to good use by becoming a military chaplain candidate upon redeployment.

Dangers Abound With Huffing Chemicals, Using 'Spice'

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 – The practice seems harmless enough. Servicemembers, looking to dull the edge of a stressful day, walk into a head shop after work and buy a small package of K2, the brand name of a smokeable concoction that is perfectly legal in the state in which they are residing. It is not, however, legal in the military.

Such “designer drugs,” often marketed as herbal remedies, are banned under military law and policies by the Defense Department and all of the services. As one example, DOD Directive 1010-3.4 precludes wrongful use of “any intoxicating substance not intended for human ingestion,” and the use of substances “contrary to the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing health-care provider.”

Military officials, having seen a spike in servicemembers’ use of otherwise legal substances, including prescription drugs, are trying to get the word out that the practice has serious ramifications. Besides leading to a court- martial and a less-than-honorable discharge, such practices also can be dangerous.

That is especially true of the practice of sniffing, or “huffing,” products such as glue, paint thinner, and gases such as Freon, butane, propane and helium, all of which are known to cause disorientation, euphoria and other symptoms, Navy Lt. Cdr. Sean Swiackowski, deputy medical examiner for the Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s Office, said in a recent interview with The Pentagon Channel.

Several servicemembers have died recently from huffing, and the use, while mostly associated with young, unmarried people, appears to cut across age and socioeconomic backgrounds, Swiackowski said.

“We’ve found it’s actually a broad range of people” using, Swiackowski said. A 40-year-old Army colonel -- who otherwise appeared to be healthy and fit -- died from huffing, he said.

Swiackowski believes the deaths, and occasions when other users were left brain-damaged, were accidents caused by people who didn’t realize how harmful misusing such products can be.

“People think it’s not harmful because they use it to clean their homes and desktops,” he said. “To them, there’s no potential injuries to themselves because these are things you get around the house, or buy in the store.”

Many products used in huffing contain 1,1 dichloroethane, a chemical highly toxic to the heart that is produced to remove grease, paint and varnish, and to make other chemicals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The problem, Swiackowski said, is that the chemical’s reaction in the body is volatile, and people can get a false sense of security from using it without experiencing a toxic reaction. “You could use it one time and it causes a toxic event, or you can use it a hundred times, and on the 101st, it kills you,” he said.

Swiackowski has made it his mission to educate servicemembers about the dangers of inhalants.

“The biggest part of my job is in preventing me from having to see anyone else” in the morgue due to substance abuse, he said. “The biggest part of my job to the community is education.

“People don’t realize this is drug abuse,” he added. “You may say you’re just going do it one more time, but that time could be your last.”

Army Col. Timothy Lyons, chief of toxicology in the medical examiner’s office, said even so-called designer drugs such as synthetic marijuana, marketed as “Spice,” or “K-2,” and salvia divinorum, a variation of the sage plant known as “salvia,” are dangerous.

“A lot of these products are made in garages and homes, so you don’t have quality control,” Lyons told The Pentagon Channel. “Each package, even under the same name, has different levels of compounds. So you really just don’t know what you’re getting.”

Designer drugs are not regulated or properly tested, and sellers often don’t reveal their full ingredients, Lyons said. Toxicologists know, however, that the compounds bind in the central nervous system, “and some of these synthetics bind even greater than marijuana,” he said.

Servicemembers who think they know someone with a substance abuse problem should reach out to them and ask if they can help, Swiackowski said. If they refuse or deny the problem, consider telling their commanding officer you think they have a problem, he said.

“Confront it like you would in any system where you want to get help,” Swiackowski said. “The nice thing about the military is you can always ask to see someone and get help and have it not be in your record.

“The problem is, you have to admit you need help,” he added. “Lots of times, they don’t think they need help because they don’t know what a big issue it is. They don’t realize it’s so dangerous to do these drugs.”

Servicemembers struggling with substance abuse, or who are self-medicating for problems like depression and anxiety, should see a doctor, military officials say, adding that treatment is confidential.

Face of Defense: Bulldog Helps Airman Cope

By Brian Brackens

377th Air Base Wing

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., Oct. 4, 2010 – Arriving home after deploying to a war zone can bring new challenges to military members. Many discover that their fight is not over. They end up facing an unseen enemy, with sometimes serious consequences. That enemy is post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can affect people who have experienced extremely stressful and traumatic events, such as witnessing the loss of human life or as being a victim of a violent attack.

Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Jordan, the Air Force support integration superintendent with the Air Force Inspection Agency here, lives with PTSD. The 17-year Air Force veteran has served numerous overseas deployments and assignments with mortuary affairs.

"Constantly dealing with death, dismay and putting soldiers in the ground at record pace is what led me to having PTSD," Jordan said. "Your brain is just not equipped to take that all the time."

Those closest to Johnson couldn't tell he was dealing with PTSD, because the signs are not always obvious.

"People who worked around me had no idea that I had these issues," he said. "I could be totally freaking out and holding a conversation with them at the same time."

His symptoms, he said, include zoning out for hours at a time, flashbacks to stressful events, fear of crowds, avoidance and constant worry.

"There were times when I would drive 20 [mph] down the highway because I was positively certain that a tire would pop."

His family was affected by his condition as well.

"My children suffered, for there were times when I didn't let them go outside to play because I was so worried that something was going to happen," Jordan said.

All of these things led his friends and family to tell him something was wrong and he needed help. While attending an event on base with his daughter, Jordan met Jim and Lindsey Stanek, founders of a nonprofit organization called "Paws and Stripes." The organization trains and provides service dogs at no cost for veterans dealing with PTSD and other mental and cognitive disabilities.

Jordan said talking with the Staneks gave him hope that this could be exactly what he needed, and after extensive research and consulting with his doctor, he decided to enroll in the program.

Paws and Stripes trains dogs to be constant companions of their owners, so wherever the owner goes, the dog goes. Because they are service dogs, in the same category as seeing-eye dogs for the blind, business establishments and airlines must, by law, admit them.

Though Paws and Stripes provides veterans with service dogs, Jordan elected to have the organization train a dog he already had, a 2-year-old female English bulldog named "Dallas."

Having a canine companion in the workplace is an important part of the therapy that the dogs provide. Because leaving the dog at home would be the equivalent of not taking daily medication, Jordan sought and received approval from his chain of command to bring Dallas to work.

"I got a lot of support all the way from chiefs to colonels, who told me that they knew exactly what I was going through," he said.

Jordan said taking Dallas to work every day mitigates the effects of PTSD. She has an area next to his desk, and to keep him from zoning out, she is trained to tug on his sleeve several times an hour as well as pace back and forth catch his attention.

In the same way that dogs are trained to detect seizures before they occur, "Dallas is being trained to detect if I'm about to have an issue, and if so, she'll do something to distract me," Jordan said.

Dallas also is trained to watch Jordan's back. When his back is turned to a door, she is trained to face the door so she will be able to alert him if anyone comes in. Also, if Jordan is in a line, Dallas will position herself behind him to give him space and prevent others from getting too close. All of this is done in a nonaggressive matter. She does not bark, bite or threaten people in any way.

Having a dog at work can create challenges, because Dallas is on a leash with Jordan at all times. If someone in the office needs assistance lifting or moving something, Jordan ties Dallas' leash to his belt and then helps out.

"I don't want to be treated 'special,'" Jordan said. "I have a dog and she helps me, just like someone with a wheelchair. I don't want anyone saying that because I have a dog I can't do something. Whatever it is that I have to do, me and Dallas will make it happen."

Jordan sometimes faces odd stares and sometimes is stopped by people wanting to know why he has a dog in the building. He turns these challenges into opportunities to talk about PTSD and organizations like Paws and Stripes that help veterans assimilate into society.

"I've suffered a lot of guilt," Jordan said. "But I'm old enough now to know if you need help, get it. Dallas provides that help. She's got my ‘6’ every day."

Navy SEAL Remembered at Hometown Memorial in Missouri

From Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Public Affairs

MACON, Mo. (NNS) -- A Navy SEAL was laid to rest Oct. 2, after being honored by thousands of people during a ceremony and funeral procession in his hometown of Macon, Mo.

Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Smith died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan along with one Navy support technician, two other Navy SEALs, and five Army aircrew members Sept. 21.

Hundreds of people packed the First Baptist Church during a funeral service for the fallen SEAL, where Smith was remembered as a hometown hero.

"Adam was a courageous warrior with an unflappable attitude who earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fellow citizens alike, and he took great pride and passion in being a Navy SEAL," said Capt. Tim Szymanski, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO.

Szymanski also thanked the Macon community for rallying around the Smith family during a time of need, and for their hospitality toward visiting service members who were present for the memorial events.

After the service, the citizens of Macon came out by the thousands to pay their last respects to Smith as his funeral procession made its way through the town.

During the burial ceremony, the national ensign was folded by a team of fellow SEALs and given to Smith's parents, followed by a gun salute by a Navy honor guard.

"Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 2nd Class Adam Smith now joins a long list of military members who have given their lives so all of us can enjoy the rights and privileges in this country; this is a harsh reminder that the price of freedom comes at a terrible cost," said Pastor Scott Dalrymple of the First Baptist Church, who presided over the ceremony. "Adam was born to be a SEAL and he found his place in life with the SEALs."

Smith was assigned to an East Coast based SEAL team out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, Va.

This Day in Naval History - Oct. 04

From the Navy News Service

1821 - Lt. Robert F. Stockton sails from Boston for Africa to carry out orders to help stop the international slave trade.

1944 - Aircraft from USS Ranger (CV 4) sink five German ships and damage three others in Operation Leader, the only U.S. Navy carrier operation in northern European waters during World War II.

1952 - Task Force 77 aircraft encounter MIG-15 aircraft for the first time.

1976 - USS Jonas Ingram (DD 938) rescues seven survivors of a Finnish motor craft that sank in the Baltic Sea.

1991 - USS Arkansas (CGN 41), USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171), USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG 34) and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 6 rescue personnel on merchant ships in three different rescue operations in the Arabian Sea.

1998 - U.S. and Algierian navies conduct the first bilateral exercise since Algeria gained independendence from France in 1962. It was a search and rescue operation involving USS Mitscher (DDG 57).

DOD to Hold Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller will be inducted into the Hall of Heroes on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Auditorium (Room BH650).  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and Miller’s family will participate in the ceremony.

President Barack Obama is expected to present the Medal of Honor to Miller’s family at a ceremony at the White House on Oct. 6, 2010.

On Sept. 9, 2010, the White House announced Miller would be posthumously awarded the nation’s highest military honor for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty on Jan. 25, 2008.

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Media interested in covering this event should call Army public affairs at 703-697-3447 for escort into the building.

Guantanamo Bay Media Invitation Announced

The Department of Defense and the Office of Military Commissions will provide seats for news media aboard military aircraft for travel to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Oct. 16, 2010, for a military commissions hearing in the case of United States vs. Omar Khadr.  Return travel is planned for Nov. 12, 2010.

Media reservation requests should be e-mailed to tanya.bradsher@osd.mil.  All requests must be received by 5 p.m. EDT, Oct. 8, 2010.  Due to a limited number of seats aboard the flight and limited accommodations at Guantanamo Bay, media travel is not guaranteed.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Lindy Cameron, the United Kingdom’s Senior Representative in Southern Afghanistan and Head of the Civil-Military Mission and Provincial Reconstruction Team, Helmand, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell will conduct a press briefing at 1 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

“Books as Weapons” During World War II Subject of Author Discussion

How U.S. Publishers Won Hearts, Minds and Wallets of Allied Nations’ Readers

"Books as Weapons: Propaganda, Publishing and the Battle for Global Markets in the Era of World War II" tells the little-known story of the vital partnership between American book publishers and the United States government to put carefully selected recent books highlighting American history and values into the hands of civilians liberated from Axis forces.

The book’s author, John B. Hench, will discuss and sign his work on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at noon in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building,

101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The event, sponsored by the Center for the Book, is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Hench is the former vice-president for Collections and Programs at the American Antiquarian Society and is co-editor of "The Press and the American Revolution" (1981) and "Printing and Society in Early America" (1983).

The government used books to help "disintoxicate" people from Nazi and Japanese propaganda and censorship and to win their friendship. This objective dovetailed perfectly with U.S. publishers’ ambitions to find new profits in international markets, which had been dominated by Britain, France and Germany before their book trades were devastated by the war.

Hench’s book is also the subject of a discussion on Facebook. The new Books & Beyond Book Club is available at www.facebook.com/booksandbeyond/. Here readers can discuss books, the authors of which have appeared or will appear in this series. The site also offers links to webcasts of these events and asks readers to talk about what they have seen and heard.

The Center for the Book (www.loc.gov/cfbook/) was established by Congress in 1977 "to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress to promote books, reading, literacy and libraries." With its many educational programs that reach readers of all ages, through its support of the National Book Festival and through its dynamic state centers in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Center for the Book has developed a nationwide network of organizational partners dedicated to promoting the wonders and benefits of reading.

Operation Homefront & Operation Gratitude Join Forces for Pepsi Refresh Project

Online Contest Gives Supporters Chance to Vote on Recipients of Grants up to $300,000

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – It won’t cost a dime in October to help military service members and their families.  Thanks to Operation Homefront and Operation Gratitude, patriotic Americans can give real support with the click of a mouse.  By selecting the organizations’ joint grant proposal in the Pepsi Refresh Project, online voters can help the two military support groups win up to $300,000 for holiday programs supporting the men and women serving in harm’s way and their families back home.  

The two nonprofits are competing in two separate grant categories -- $250,000 and $50,000. Winners are determined solely by the final vote count. The top two charities in the running for $250,000 will win the grand prize. The top 10 charities competing for $50,000 will win that amount.

Voting on the joint proposal is open every day through the month of October. Supporters are encouraged to vote each of three different ways daily:  

1.  On the Operation Homefront/Operation Gratitude applications in the $250,000 and $50,000 categories at  http://www.RefreshEverything.com/MilitaryFamilySupport

2.  Through the Pepsi Refresh Facebook application

3.  By texting 103268 for the 250K grant and 103144 for the 50K grant to PEPSI (73774).  (Standard text messaging rates apply.)

Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance to military families and wounded warriors, and  Operation Gratitude sends care packages to deployed service members.  If successful in winning a grant, the two organizations will use the funds to send holiday care packages to troops deployed in Afghanistan,  give holiday toys to military children and provide food to wounded warriors and military families throughout the holiday season.

“We know we’re on the same page when it comes to our commitment to military families, but we also know the competition for this grant money is intense,” said Jim Knotts, CEO of Operation Homefront. “We really believe that by working together and pooling our supporters, we can win this.”

“This is what social networking truly is all about,” said Carolyn Blashek, president of Operation Gratitude. “We’re both nonprofits with limited finances and boots on the ground. We have to do more with less. Through this partnership, we now have more than we could ever muster on our own.”

About Operation Homefront

A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002.  A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.  More information is available at www.OperationHomefront.net.

About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000-plus care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. service members deployed in hostile regions. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our armed forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at $125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 560,000 packages to American military deployed overseas.  For more information: www.OperationGratitude.com.

A moonlit search, a remarkable rescue

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

As a family of seven cast their lines 25 miles off the coast of Charleston, S.C., for a day of fishing over Labor Day weekend, their 38-foot Fountain boat began to flood with water. They called “mayday” on their VHF radio and gave details of their location, but their call for help was distorted.

With no choice but to abandon ship, they quickly put on their life jackets and tied everyone together using the boat’s anchor line hoping that their call for help was heard.

Having only received a single “mayday” without a position, the Coast Guard searched the coast of South Carolina for four hours but without any signs of distress or further details, the tough call was made to suspend the active search. The case was reopened later that evening, when the Sector Charleston Command Center received a call with information about an overdue boat that was fishing off the coast of Charleston.

Using the caller’s details, the search recommenced with helicopters from Air Station Savannah and Air Facility Charleston as well as a C-130 search plane from Elizabeth City, N.C. and an 87-foot patrol boat, CGC Yellowfin.

On board the 6565, an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter from Air Facility Charleston, was the crew of LCDR Jeffrey Graham, LTJG Joe Forgeng, AET2 Benjamin Rosen and AST2 Jason Booher.

The 6565 flew through the night without finding any signs of the missing family. As hope was diminishing, a low ambient light began to show just before the sun’s rising as the crew approached the last stretch, of their last search pattern.

Aided by the ambient light, Rosen glimpsed an object with his night vision goggles. As a junior member of the aircrew, this was Rosen’s first time aboard an aircraft for a search and rescue mission, and in disbelief, he began to scan behind the aircraft. He again saw an object in the water.

The aircrew marked the position, turned around and confirmed the object was a debris field – with survivors. Booher was lowered into the water and found the entire family clinging to a cooler. Remarkably, after 20 hours in the water, all seven were alive and accounted for.

“The largest amount of people in the water I had dealt with in my training was six people at the most,” said Booher. “I looked to my left and looked to my right and there were kids. An adult was holding one of the kids so I just put them in the basket first.”

As the first hoist went up, with an adult and a child that was just five, Booher knew he was going to need assistance from other assets. He asked the adult to relay to the aircrew that all people in the water were accounted for and to divert assets to their position.

The enveloping darkness of night made the already difficult challenge of hoisting seven survivors more complicated.

 “As I was trying to hover during one of the hoists, I flipped up the night vision goggles to see what I could see, and it was pitch black,” said Graham.

One by one, as the moon retreated and the sun rose, the dehydrated and hypothermic survivors were hoisted into the helicopter, but one last challenge was presented to the aircrew – as the fifth survivor was hoisted into the 6565 the aircraft reached its hoisting weight limitation leaving two survivors in the water.

Coordinating with the crew aboard the 6604 from Air Station Savannah, the 6565 remained on scene as the last two survivors were hoisted into the 6604. Both helicopters safely landed in Charleston, where ambulances awaited and cared for the survivors.

Together the 6565 and 6604 crews flew for 15 hours, but the realities of the rescue did not hit the crews until they landed with both aircrafts on scarce fuel levels and maximum hours in flight.

The aircrews, flying through the darkness of night and with limited information, turned what some may deem the impossible into a reality.