Sailors aboard IKE Participate In Autism Awareness Day

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ridge Leoni, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va, (NNS) -- Sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) participated in Autism Awareness Day, April 1.

The event is intended to acknowledge autism as a growing public health crisis and to inform those who simply may not know what the disorder is.

"For the first of April there will be blue lights illuminated on various iconic structures all over the U.S.; such as the White House and the Empire State Building in New York City to support autism awareness, and I thought to myself 'how about [have] the IKE show support by lighting up the island on the flight deck?'" said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Henry Cooper, the founder of IKE's Autism Support Group. "I feel that it will make a huge statement and spark a lot of conversation when people see an aircraft carrier is also taking part in Autism Awareness Day.

"There are a lot of Sailors in the IKE family that have children who are diagnosed with autism and overall the majority of the IKE family at least indirectly knows someone diagnosed with the disorder," said Cooper. "IKE's participation with Autism Awareness Day will ultimately bring us closer and may promote early detection of the disorder."

Along with lighting the "69" on the carrier's island, Cooper and other members of IKE's Autism Support Group passed out blue ribbons that are recognized as a part of Autism Awareness Day. The ribbons were worn under the crew's "I Like IKE" pins on their uniforms.

"We have ordered blue ribbons for those who would like to wear it," said Cooper. "The blue ribbon is another way to promote awareness. I remember when the NFL was wearing pink gloves and cleats during the game to promote breast cancer awareness; that type of advertisement is very effective and raises that question 'what's the ribbon for?'"

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood.

Autism affects one out of every 117 children in the U.S., and IKE's crew represents approximately the same rate of children diagnosed with autism. Cooper encouraged everyone to learn as much as they can about the disorder and welcomes anyone who has questions about autism.

"As a parent of two kids diagnosed with autism, I feel that we should be able to lean on one another that also may have kids with autism," said Cooper.

U.S. Marine Team to Aid Japan Recovery Effort

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2011 – A team of Marines specifically trained to operate in chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological environments is deploying to Japan, Defense Department officials said today.

A 155-member initial response force composed of Marines from Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Md., could arrive in Japan as early as tomorrow, said Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

The unit is part of the Chemical, Biological, and Incident Response Force. The initial response force will support the U.S. on-scene commander by providing a rapid response capability. If requested, it could also advise Japanese authorities.

The Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant is leaking radioactive materials, and the extent of the damage to the plant is not known. The Marine force will bring equipment for agent detection and identification; casualty search, rescue and personnel decontamination; and emergency medical care and stabilization of contaminated personnel.

As part of Operation Tomodachi, U.S. personnel continue to help the Japanese following the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated large areas of northern Japan.

U.S. Navy divers helped to reopen the harbor at Hachinohe. American ships used side-scan sonar to survey the harbor’s waterway, enabling divers to remove obstacles such as vehicles, a small storage building, 20-foot storage containers and 100-ton concrete blocks the tsunami washed out to sea.

Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force and commercial divers are coordinating with U.S. 7th Fleet units to assess the port of Miyako and plan for clearance operations there. The U.S. units include the USNS Safeguard, the USS Tortuga, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 and Underwater Construction Team 2. The Navy teams may do the same in the port of Oshima after completion of operations at Miyako, officials said.

U.S. Navy barges containing 500,000 gallons of fresh water from Yokosuka are being used at the crippled nuclear power plant. The water will be used to replace salt water in the reactor cooling system to lessen the corrosive impact of salt from the sea water still being used for emergency cooling.

SPS 2011 Concludes in Nicaragua

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams, High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Public Affairs

CORINTO, Nicaragua (NNS) -- U.S. Sailors and Marines supporting Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011, joined Nicaraguan sailors at a closing ceremony and celebration at the local school where they completed a five-day construction subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) in Corinto, Nicaragua, March 31.

Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 and Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) were honored during a farewell ceremony and certificate presentation at Instituto Parroquial Pbro. Emilio S. Chavarria, to recognize and thank them for constructing a classroom and library at the school.

The event marked the conclusion of a 10-day visit to Corinto that included medical, security and construction SMEEs with Nicaraguan military counterparts.

Indiouis Reyes, school director, presented Cmdr. Mark Becker, SPS 2011 mission commander, and Lt. Rama Mutyala, NMCB 28 detail bravo officer-in-charge, with certificates of appreciation for the construction work completed by Sailors and Marines from NMCB 28 and 2nd MLG, as well as the Nicaraguan navy.

"We can't express how thankful and grateful we are to these men who have taken the time to provide us with the tools we need to teach these kids," said Reyes.

The SPS 2011 construction team partnered with their Nicaraguan counterparts to build two 16-by-32-foot wood frame Southeast Asia (SEA) huts as part of an information exchange designed to build and strengthen ties with the Nicaraguan government.

"We could not have completed this task in such a short period of time without the exceptional assistance of the Nicaraguan sailors who helped us build these two structures," said Mutyala. "The cross training which took place between the two services was a testament to professionalism and partnership."

"Throughout our visit to Nicaragua, the local people have been so receptive and helpful, and we thank them for hosting this event for us," said Becker. "We're committed to continuing to develop enduring relationships with the people of Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan government."

This project is just one of the projects the Seabees and Marines have completed in six South and Central America countries since SPS 2011 began in November 2010. They have also conducted SMEEs with foreign militaries in Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru.

SPS 11 is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information-sharing with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout the region.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) is the naval component command for U.S. Southern Command and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility.

COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations, and counter-illicit trafficking operations.

Riverine Squadron 3, Royal Netherlands Marines Conduct Cross Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW) Paul D. Williams, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3, Det. 1, Sailors spent three weeks aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., cross-training with Dutch marines from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps to exchange tactics and refine their skills as combat boat crewmen, March 14 through April 1.

The training was the first portion of a six-week cross-training schedule providing riverines the opportunity to share their knowledge of river warfare. The next phase of training focuses on amphibious ship-to-shore operations provided by the Netherlands marines.

"As Riverines we haven't done over-the-horizon or amphibious operations," said Lt. j.g. Michael Diehl, RIVRON 3, detachment 1 officer-in-charge. "We can give them our experience and knowledge in the brown water, and when we train with the Dutch later this year, they can pass along their experiences and educate us."

The Caribbean-based Dutch marines conduct amphibious based missions out of Aruba and Curassow including hurricane preparation and relief, anti-piracy interdictions and boarding operations. The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps recently purchased boats allowing them to integrate river based operations as a part of their mission skill sets.

"We are setting up a riverine capability," said Royal Netherlands Marine Corps Lt. Macheal Bussemaker, platoon commander. "We are primarily trained in using amphibious ships off coastal waters, and we are now bringing up the notion of pushing through to brown water delta areas. We don't have any operational experience in using the brown water, but the Riverines, with their experiences in Iraq, do."

During the three-week training, RIVRON 3 provided Dutch marines with the chance to practice riverine boat maneuvers using the Riverine Patrol Boat and the Riverine Assault Boat. They also provided training on riverine security tactics and combat skills.

This isn't the first time Riverines have trained with other nations' militaries on river combat tactics. In May 2008, Riverines in Iraq shifted their mission from combat operations to a training mission to assist in the turnover of inland waterways control back to the Iraqi military.

Since then they have performed other cross-training missions with the British and the Panamanians, providing a unique capability that allows the U.S. and its allies the ability to conduct maritime security on rivers and inland waterways.

"The capabilities and the equipment that Riverines have are specially made for riverine operations; they are built for combat," said Bussemaker. "Seeing how the Riverines operate is very helpful to us because we can use it ourselves when we are going into our own rivers of operation."

According to Diehl, the Dutch marines have adopted the training provided by RIVRON 3 very quickly.

"The Dutch have been amazing, and these guys are seasoned operators," said Diehl. "They came to the table prepared, and they're well versed warfighters. These guys are now deploying tactics and making smart decisions that, in real river combat, will save people's lives."

Riverine Sailors continue to build allies around the world and create multinational expertise that can be applied across the spectrum of warfare.

DOD Celebrates Month of the Military Child

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 – Children of U.S. service members around the world will be honored throughout the month for their contributions to their families’ well-being and sacrifices on behalf of the nation, a Defense Department official said.

Each April, Americans pause to recognize the nation’s 1.8 million military children during the Month of the Military Child, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

“It’s really exciting that the Department of Defense, the White House and civic leaders recognize the sacrifices that military children make,” Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon’s office of family policy, children and youth, told American Forces Press Service. “It’s particularly important during these times of conflict, when children are missing their parents and are sacrificing a lot, to say your sacrifice is recognized and we want to commend you for what you do for your family.”

Throughout the month, military installations worldwide will host programs and activities for military children, including fairs, picnics, carnivals and parades, Thompson said. Communities also can get involved by sponsoring fun events to celebrate military children, she added.

Military children’s sacrifices and contributions have risen to the forefront in recent years, Thompson said, as people have become increasingly aware of the impact a decade of war is having on military families. Along with the typical military-related stressors of multiple moves and schools, children also have had to deal with long-term, multiple deployments and separations from one, or both, parents over the past 10-plus years, Thompson said.

More than 900,000 military children have had a parent deploy multiple times, she added.

Military children have known only war since 9/11, Thompson noted, and recent research suggests deployments and the length of time separated have an impact on children’s academic success and psychological well-being. Other research regarding children and attachment indicates that “this has to be a difficult time for military children,” she said.

Just as important as caring for children is caring for their parents, Thompson added. “We know that if the parent is taken care of, the children are taken care of,” she said.

Thompson praised the introduction of programs such as the Defense Department’s military family life consultants, who provide coaching and nonmedical counseling to children, families and staff in schools and child development and youth programs. Sports and camps offer other opportunities for children to thrive and grow, she said.

However, she said, the Defense Department can’t tackle all of these issues alone.

The nation took an important step forward in January, Thompson said, when President Barack Obama unveiled a governmentwide plan to strengthen military family support. Federal agencies committed to nearly 50 new programs and cooperative efforts to improve quality of life and well-being for military families.

Thompson also called for a strong “circle of support,” in which schools, communities, health care providers and federal agencies come together to support military families. “We know that it takes a village,” she said.

“Without a doubt, when we can recognize their sacrifices, when we can tell them that we’ll reach out and help them, that we care about them and will connect them with the resources they need, then we’re doing right by them,” she said.

Mullen Assesses Global Security Environment

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen provided his assessment of the global security environment during the annual Rostov Lecture at Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies here last night.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke about the challenges facing the world and the role that militaries play.

The United States and its military cannot be complacent, Mullen said. “If past is prologue,” he added, “there will be challenges this century that we cannot imagine today.”

Military power alone cannot solve the problems facing the world, the chairman said, but it should be seen as one piece of the whole-of-government approach. “While military power may prove to be the best first tool of the state,” he said, “it should never be the only one.”

When it’s used, Mullen told the students and faculty, military power must be applied in a precise and principled manner, “even against enemies that may not demonstrate similar restraint.”

These realities are daunting as they occur at a time of constraints –- fiscal and otherwise, the admiral said, repeating his assertion made last year that America’s national debt represents the greatest threat to national security.

The Defense Department has to adjust to this more constrained environment, Mullen said, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ efficiencies program is a start. The efficiencies effort “cancels costly programs, improves business practices and even eliminates more than 100 flag and general officer jobs and more than 200 senior executive service jobs from our rolls,” Mullen said. “All told, we believe this will result in a total reduction of $78 billion from the five-year defense plan submitted last year.”

While money is one constraint, another is energy, the chairman told the group.

“In my profession, … the cost of fossil fuel manifests itself far more profoundly than just a heftier bill at the gas pump,” he said. “I’m acutely aware of the cost in blood and treasure of providing energy to our forces in Afghanistan today.”

The military is responding to the challenge. The Navy is building a “green fleet,” the Marines are deploying solar panels with units, and the Army is insulating roofs to save millions in fuel costs. And the military’s efforts may affect climate change, Mullen said.

“Whatever the root cause, climate change’s potential impacts are sobering and far-reaching,” the admiral said. “Glaciers are melting at a faster rate, causing water supplies to diminish in Asia. Rising sea levels could lead to a mass migration and displacement similar to what we saw in Pakistan’s floods last year.”

Other shifts could pull thousands of square miles of arable land from Africa, the chairman noted. “Scarcity of water, food and space could create not only a humanitarian crisis, but conditions that could lead to failed states, instability and potentially radicalization,” he said.

These constraints could place the United States at a strategic turning point, Mullen said, noting that the National Military Strategy released earlier this year takes these issues into account.

“How we lead will be as important as the military capabilities we provide,” Mullen said.

The emerging security environment calls for more extensive and broader security partnerships “within government, between public and private, and most importantly, internationally,” Mullen said. The United States, he said, must ensure its military can operate across the full spectrum of its capabilities -- from stability and counterinsurgency operations to more traditional capabilities.

“Underpinning this strategy is the belief that there is a place and a need in this world for America’s leadership,” Mullen said. “But in leading, our military must be ready to play a number of roles –- facilitator, enabler, convener and guarantor -- sometimes simultaneously.”

Military-to-military contacts are enabling nations to deepen relationships and address challenges, the chairman said.

“We saw these connections pay very real dividends recently in Egypt –- a nation we’ve shared a strong military-to-military relationship with for decades,” Mullen said. “While the situation is still evolving, Egypt’s military -- their professionalism and restraint -- help lend stability to an incredibly dynamic situation, and our relationship provided mutual benefits to this challenging time.”

This, Mullen said, is why he visits his counterparts in Pakistan and China.

“When a crisis or misunderstanding occurs, it is too late to build a relationship,” he said. “It must be cultivated beforehand over time, one conversation and one friendship at a time.”

Mullen asked the students and faculty to remember the sacrifices service members make as they look for ways to solve the problems confronting the nation.

“This decade at war has included some very tough fights, and tragically, we have lost some tremendous young men and women,” he said.

This Day in Naval History - April 01

From the Navy News Service

1893 - Navy General Order 409 of Feb. 25, 1893, establishes the rate of "chief petty officer".

1942 - The first Naval Air Transportation Service (NATS) squadron for Pacific operations is commissioned.

1945 - More than 1,200 Navy ships and Army troops begin invasion of Okinawa.

1966 - U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam established as a command.

1967 - Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3 is activated at Vung Tau.

Kearsarge Engineering Plant Reaches A Milestone

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four Public Affairs

AT SEA (NNS) -- The engineering department aboard amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) reached 225 consecutive days of operations on 29 March.

Kearsarge has been underway for all but eight days of its current deployment which is in its seventh month. The Sailors charged with the daunting task of maintaining and operating the propulsion plant of Kearsarge belongs to the main propulsion divisions of engineering department. They are responsible for the two boilers that provide steam to two main engines and five generators used to generate the ships electrical power.

"We're trying a new concept where we have fewer watchstanders in our main space than past deployments," said Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Machinist's Mate John Tucker. "This allows us to have a maintenance team to supplement our three watch teams. It enables a 'four on, eight off' watch rotation, which allows propulsion engineers an opportunity for more time to study, rate training, and personal time while underway."

The modified watch organization is modeled after a program used by the Military Sealift Command. Since the boilers aboard Kearsarge were lit on August 25, 2010 they have been running, barring planned maintenance, with exceptional proficiency. That much time at sea does result in general "wear and tear" on systems and equipment so Kearsarge engineers plan accordingly.

"We've been able to conduct all of our routine preventative maintenance repairs by strategically securing boilers without impacting the ship's propulsion requirements," said Kearsarge Chief Engineering Officer, Cmdr. Jerry Chapmon.

The hard work and planning of Kearsarge's engineering department has kept the ship functioning without any time taken away from operational commitments. This effort has not gone unrecognized, as Kearsarge was awarded its fifth Command Engineering/Survivability Excellence Award on Febuary 11. The Navy gives this award annually to recognize sustained superior engineering and damage control readiness.

"I have never seen an engineering department, as a whole, overcome as many obstacles as these Sailors have with only eight days in port during a deployment," said Chapmon.

With 225 days and counting the men and women of Kearsarge engineering department are steaming toward the future, ready for anything and any mission.

Kearsarge is the command ship of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, currently deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

VA Makes Progress to End Veteran Homelessness

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2011 – They served their country in uniform -– many on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. And now that they’ve returned home and rejoined civilian life, an alarming number of veterans have found themselves on the streets and living under bridges.

The Veterans Affairs Department is making progress on its commitment to end homelessness among veterans, Deputy VA Secretary W. Scott Gould told American Forces Press Service, striving to achieve that goal ahead of its original 2015 timetable.

“This is a big, bold goal,” Gould said of the pledge President Barack Obama and VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced in 2009.

“What I see there is the president and secretary willing to do something that rarely happens in government, which is to set a clear, measurable and time-phased goal -- zero homelessness by 2015 for our veterans -- and then apply the resources, the planning and the leadership to make that happen,” Gould said.

Shinseki has become even more forward-leaning on the issue, vowing to achieve those aims a year ahead of schedule.

“As the president has said, ‘We’re not going to be satisfied until every veteran who has fought for America has a home in America,’” he told the Marine Corps League in February. “If you wonder what I will be working on for the next several years, this is it. We will end veteran homelessness in 2014.”

Also last month, Shinseki told the Disabled American Veterans that major progress has been made. The number of homeless veterans has dropped from about 195,000 six years ago to about 76,000, he reported. VA is working to bring that figure below 59,000 by the end of June 2012, and ultimately, to zero.

VA’s fiscal 2012 budget request includes $939 million – up more than $140 million from last year -- for programs to support this mission and build on progress made.

A comprehensive review is under way to identify vacant or underused buildings in VA’s inventory that could house homeless and at-risk veterans and their families, Shinseki told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee earlier this month.

So far, VA has identified 94 sites that, once renovated with funds allocated by Congress, could add another 6,300 housing units through public-private ventures using VA’s enhanced-use lease authority, he reported. With this authority scheduled to lapse Dec. 31, Shinseki has urged Congress to provide the reauthorization needed for VA to continue increasing housing for homeless veterans and their families.

Meanwhile, the most flexible and responsive option remains the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher program, Shinseki said. The program combines Housing Voice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services by VA.

Shinseki said it’s the only option currently available to provide housing for homeless veterans with families.

Gould, attending the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., earlier this week, recognized that homelessness is more than a housing issue and typically stems from health and mental-health problems.

“Homelessness is really a symptom and the end step in a long stage of deterioration,” he said, citing issues ranging from job loss or economic duress to lack of access to health care, relationship problems or chemical dependence.

“So we have invested a lot in improving access to the health care that prevents homelessness,” Gould said. He cited growth in VA’s Veterans Health Administration budget to provide more proactive, preventive mental health and psychological counseling, as well as other health care.

This care helps veterans tackle problems at their root and introduces them to the broad array of programs in place to help in preventing them from slipping into homelessness, he said. “Once they are [at VA], we have the tools and capabilities to be able to help them,” he said.

Gould personally has witnessed the homelessness problem. On a cold, wintery night in late January, he joined Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Interagency Council on Homelessness Director Barbara Poppe, walking the downtown streets of the nation’s capital as part of a national count of homeless persons and families.

“It was a striking experience,” Gould said of his opportunity to meet personally with homeless veterans during HUD’s national “Let’s Make Everybody Count!” campaign.

Equally striking, he said, is that when he asked a homeless man he met if he was a veteran, the man responded that he wasn’t –- “but I wish I were, because of all the great programs you have.”

Defense leaders have joined VA and the president in calling veteran homelessness a scourge on America that must be addressed.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been particularly outspoken on the issue, concerned that a new generation of combat veterans is slipping into the same situation plaguing too many of his Vietnam-era contemporaries.

Mullen said he’s troubled by the number of homeless veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan he has met during his visits to Veterans Affairs hospitals.

"And they are every bit as homeless and every bit as tragic as any homeless vet we've ever had,” Mullen told a Hudson Union Society group in April 2009. “We as a country should not allow that to happen.”

At a National Guard family program volunteer workshop last summer, Mullen shared the story of meeting a young homeless veteran in Los Angeles who had served in both operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Mullen said the veteran told him, “I gave a 100 percent; I’d just like 100 percent back.”

Working with their federal, state and local partners in both the public and private sectors, Gould said VA is committed to providing veterans exactly that.

“Veteran homelessness is not solved by VA alone, but with our HUD partners in federal government, our state governments’ veterans administrations and nongovernmental organizations and local governments,” he said. “It is everyone working together.”

Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Monday for Army Reserve Cpl. Justin D. Ross

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Monday (April 4) in honor of Army Reserve Cpl. Justin D. Ross of Green Bay, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 23 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Corporal Justin David Ross of the United States Army Reserve Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan

WHEREAS, on March 26, 2011, Corporal Justin David Ross, a member of 428th Engineer Company, 863rd Engineer Battalion, Wausau, Wisconsin, United States Army Reserve, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Justin David Ross provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Corporal Justin David Ross; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Corporal Justin David Ross on April 4, 2011;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Monday, April 4, 2011, and ending at sunset on that date.

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor's order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Cpl. Justin Ross by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on April 4.

We all play a role in allowing — or stopping — sexual assault

By Capt. Kristin Boustany

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator

If your daughter had a one-in-four chance of being a victim of a violent robbery just because she went to college, do you think you would let her go?

Renowned speaker, sexual assault prevention advocate and military consultant Anne Munch asked our leaders this question at a recent senior leader conference.

Now consider that one in four women, in a survey of more than 6,000 students from 32 U.S. colleges and universities, were victims of rape or attempted rape.  

Safe Helpline

In a study that included 558 female veterans, 79 percent admitted sexual harassment while in the military; 54 percent experienced unwanted sexual contact and 30 percent experienced one or more rape or attempted rapes! 

In FY2010, military services received 3,158 reports of sexual assault. 

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said, “The department has a no-tolerance policy toward sexual assault. This type of act not only does unconscionable harm to the victim; it destabilized the workplace and threatens national security.”

But how do we enforce this policy? By changing the culture in which we allow ourselves to operate in.

We can start by examining our beliefs and attitudes and how they influence our reaction to — and acceptance of — this senseless crime, and name the "Unnamed Conspirator," Anne explained.

Even though 99 percent of sexual assaults are committed by men, many of us have grown up believing that sexual assault is a woman's issue. Anne cited one study where 88 percent of men whose actions met the legal definition of rape were adamant that what they did was not rape. How has our society influenced those men into thinking that their behavior is acceptable? 

This is the work of the unnamed conspirator.

Some women have bought into the belief that if they invited their assailant over, or if they were drunk, or if they chose to go home with their assailant — but did not in any way give consent — then the assault is not rape because "it’s their own fault," and they don’t report.   How does our culture support victim blaming?

That is the voice of the unnamed conspirator.

Do we hold robbery victims accountable for being robbed because they own a nice house with expensive items inside? Would the police say, "Why did you keep your valuables in plain sight where anyone could see them? You're just asking to be robbed."

Fellow Soldiers and Airmen, this is unacceptable. We must create a climate where the unnamed conspirator will not thrive!  We must all be aware of the potential signs of a sexual assault and know how to intervene as an active bystander. 

Consider Anne’s analysis of her study about women’s risk of sexual assault within the military:

-A climate hostile to women (demeaning, reduced to body parts et cetera) increases the risk of rape six times

-Officers initiating or allowing sexually demeaning comments or gestures toward women increases the risk of rape five times

-Ranking officer or immediate supervisor behaviors were strongly associated with the frequency of rape

This information tells me that there is a direct link between our command climate and reducing this crime.

But our leaders can't fix this problem by themselves.  I encourage you to take that same stance at your armories, wings, in the field and even in social environments, and protect your battle buddies and wingmen.

As a woman in the military for nearly eleven years, and a mother, I truly believe that we have to start holding ourselves accountable for the sometimes lack of intervention in preventing this crime.  As a woman there is not a day that goes by that this crime does not cross my mind in some way shape or form.  Men, do you think about being raped every day or how to protect yourself?  We must change our culture from thinking this is a women’s issue to this is a “people” issue and know that as comrades we will intervene and foster a culture where sexism can’t thrive.  

Have you ever been at a club and notice that one of your battle buddy/wingman is really drunk? Not just buzzed — she can barely stand and is slurring her words? A guy you know asks her if she wants to go back to his place where it is quieter so that they can get to know each other. You believe he's a good guy so you're not worried, but you don't know what to do, so you do nothing. You reassure yourself by saying, “It’s really none of my business — they're both adults.”

Or is it time that we all make this our business?   What actions could you have taken to intervene?

We all play a role in allowing — or stopping — sexual assault

By Capt. Kristin Boustany

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator

If your daughter had a one-in-four chance of being a victim of a violent robbery just because she went to college, do you think you would let her go?

Renowned speaker, sexual assault prevention advocate and military consultant Anne Munch asked our leaders this question at a recent senior leader conference.

Now consider that one in four women, in a survey of more than 6,000 students from 32 U.S. colleges and universities, were victims of rape or attempted rape.  

Safe Helpline

In a study that included 558 female veterans, 79 percent admitted sexual harassment while in the military; 54 percent experienced unwanted sexual contact and 30 percent experienced one or more rape or attempted rapes! 

In FY2010, military services received 3,158 reports of sexual assault. 

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said, “The department has a no-tolerance policy toward sexual assault. This type of act not only does unconscionable harm to the victim; it destabilized the workplace and threatens national security.”

But how do we enforce this policy? By changing the culture in which we allow ourselves to operate in.

We can start by examining our beliefs and attitudes and how they influence our reaction to — and acceptance of — this senseless crime, and name the "Unnamed Conspirator," Anne explained.

Even though 99 percent of sexual assaults are committed by men, many of us have grown up believing that sexual assault is a woman's issue. Anne cited one study where 88 percent of men whose actions met the legal definition of rape were adamant that what they did was not rape. How has our society influenced those men into thinking that their behavior is acceptable? 

This is the work of the unnamed conspirator.

Some women have bought into the belief that if they invited their assailant over, or if they were drunk, or if they chose to go home with their assailant — but did not in any way give consent — then the assault is not rape because "it’s their own fault," and they don’t report.   How does our culture support victim blaming?

That is the voice of the unnamed conspirator.

Do we hold robbery victims accountable for being robbed because they own a nice house with expensive items inside? Would the police say, "Why did you keep your valuables in plain sight where anyone could see them? You're just asking to be robbed."

Fellow Soldiers and Airmen, this is unacceptable. We must create a climate where the unnamed conspirator will not thrive!  We must all be aware of the potential signs of a sexual assault and know how to intervene as an active bystander. 

Consider Anne’s analysis of her study about women’s risk of sexual assault within the military:

-A climate hostile to women (demeaning, reduced to body parts et cetera) increases the risk of rape six times

-Officers initiating or allowing sexually demeaning comments or gestures toward women increases the risk of rape five times

-Ranking officer or immediate supervisor behaviors were strongly associated with the frequency of rape

This information tells me that there is a direct link between our command climate and reducing this crime.

But our leaders can't fix this problem by themselves.  I encourage you to take that same stance at your armories, wings, in the field and even in social environments, and protect your battle buddies and wingmen.

As a woman in the military for nearly eleven years, and a mother, I truly believe that we have to start holding ourselves accountable for the sometimes lack of intervention in preventing this crime.  As a woman there is not a day that goes by that this crime does not cross my mind in some way shape or form.  Men, do you think about being raped every day or how to protect yourself?  We must change our culture from thinking this is a women’s issue to this is a “people” issue and know that as comrades we will intervene and foster a culture where sexism can’t thrive.  

Have you ever been at a club and notice that one of your battle buddy/wingman is really drunk? Not just buzzed — she can barely stand and is slurring her words? A guy you know asks her if she wants to go back to his place where it is quieter so that they can get to know each other. You believe he's a good guy so you're not worried, but you don't know what to do, so you do nothing. You reassure yourself by saying, “It’s really none of my business — they're both adults.”

Or is it time that we all make this our business?   What actions could you have taken to intervene?

Family Matters Blog: Kids Serve Too

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 – Robert L. Gordon III is the deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. In this blog, Mr. Gordon thanks military children for their contributions, and highlights a few of the Defense Department programs available to support them.

By Robert L. Gordon III

Military Community and Family Policy

April 1, 2011

Military children continually amaze us as they rise to the challenges of military life. It’s a life of frequent moves, changing schools, leaving friends and making new friends.

During April, the Month of the Military Child, we applaud their character and maturity, and we acknowledge that kids serve too.

Our military community includes 1.8 million American children and youth under 18 years old. The Defense Department offers a wide range of programs and services to support military families and their kids. Just a few of the things we’re working on include:

-- Working with states to minimize school disruption for military children during transition and deployment. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children provides common guidelines for participating states to follow in handling issues including initial enrollment age, records transfer, graduation requirements and much more. So far, 35 states have adopted the compact, covering 88 percent of students.

-- Increasing access to quality, affordable child care for military families. Today’s National Guard and Reserve forces mobilize and deploy at historic rates. Many military children -- of all branches and components -- live away from military installations, and even when they do live near to one, many locations are unable to meet the demand for care at military child development facilities. The DOD Child Care Expansion Initiative will help answer this growing need by ensuring their access to quality child care in the communities in which they reside.

-- The Department of Defense Education Activity launched an online preregistration application. Through the site, parents can preregister their children in a DOD school from anywhere in the world, and even while on the move from one installation to another.

-- A new, 365-page deployment guide is now available. This guide prepares families for deployment and has chapters dedicated to preparing children for deployment, helping them to cope with separation and the adjustment when the deployed parent comes home.

Additionally, installations around the world offer a huge range of activities for military kids at child care centers, youth centers, clubs and camps.

The professionals at these programs get vital support from volunteers. I see the enormous amount of good done by the hands and hearts of volunteers. Their selfless work changes lives and strengthens our nation.

During the Month of the Military Child, I also encourage you to consider volunteering at any of the many organizations dedicated to military kids. From the Boys and Girls Club of America, 4-H Youth Development and the Armed Services YMCA, these and many other organizations provide quality programs to military families and their children.

Have you volunteered with youth in your community? Where do you volunteer? What inspired you to get started? What experiences have you had? How would you inspire someone else to serve as a volunteer? We'd like you to share your stories on the Facebook wall of Serve.gov.

Is the organization you support listed on Serve.gov? This is a nationwide resource for finding volunteer opportunities in your community and creating your own. Listing the organization on this website allows other people to sign up and join you.

It’s hard to imagine a local t-ball league without volunteers. Who would prepare the field, coach the players or call the plays? Children are first in the mind of their parents, and during Month of the Military Child, we hope they become first in the minds of their communities as well.

There are many ways to serve, and many reasons. No matter your age or background, your education or interests, your experience or abilities, Serve.gov has a volunteer opportunity that's right for you.

DoD Spouses Hold Appreciation Luncheon for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Vivian Blakely, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Department of Defense family members based at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi held a luncheon in appreciation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) efforts in Operation Tomodachi April 1.

"The JMSDF have done so much for the people here that I wanted to do one little thing to help them" said Cherada Weaver, an NAF Atsugi spouse. "They're so appreciative of everything. It's just one nice thing I can do for them."

Through Ruthie Clearwater of the American Red Cross office and officials in the Host Nation Relations Office, the spouses residing on NAF Atsugi were able to organize the luncheon.

"The food drives are really to show our support as those left on base for our Sailors, our Marines and JMSDF," said Clearwater.

Lt. Taketsugu Matsumoto, officer in charge (OIC) of Multi-Purpose Helicopter Squadron (HM) 111 expressed his deep gratitude for the luncheon.

"Our situation is very severe but the United States helps us. That is very important. So thank you very much, deeply."

The luncheon was sponsored by the base American Red Cross office and NAF Atsugi's Spouses Association and attended by more than 200 JMSDF personnel.

Navy Exchange System Celebrates Its 65th Anniversary

By Kristine M. Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange System (NEX) will celebrate its anniversary April 1 commemorating 65 years of working diligently to support Sailors and their families around the world.

"The Navy Exchange System has changed over the years, but the one thing that hasn't changed is our mission to serve our military service members and their families," said Rear Adm. (Sel) Glenn Robillard, Commander, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM). "We are part of the Navy and proudly serve alongside our service members wherever we're needed. We have been an important benefit for the past 65 years and will continue to be for many years to come."

NEXs have come a long way since the days when bumboats sold their wares to Sailors aboard Naval vessels in the 1800s. Back then, Sailors had to depend on these unreliable boats to get their personal items while aboard ship. Unfortunately, goods sold by the bumboats were typically inferior and sold at very high prices. As an alternate to bumboats, many Navy ships operated canteens so that the money spent by the crew members stayed on the boat to improve the quality of the food served by the general mess. The first canteen opened on board USS INDIANA in 1896.

By 1909, the Naval Appropriations Act established the first official resale activity, the Ships Stores and Commissary Stores. The act allowed the Navy to procure and sell merchandise to Navy and Marine Corps officer and enlisted men and to civilian employees at naval stations outside the continental United States and Alaska. In 1925, the Ships Service was created to provide Navy crew members nearly any legal article of merchandise without the profit restrictions placed on the Ships Store. These Ships Services, however, had no foundation in law.

It became clear by 1942 that there was no need, or space, for two ships service type stores aboard Navy ships. A recommendation was made to the Chief of Naval Operations by the Supply Officer, U.S. Atlantic Fleet to merge the two stores into one official ships store operation. The recommendation was accepted and by 1944, the Secretary of the Navy made the establishment of the merged stores mandatory on all ships that had a supply officer and permissive on all Naval activities.

Ships Service Stores ashore also began steps towards centralization in 1945 when a committee was formed to study the resale activities. The recommendation of the committee, headed by Capt. Wheelock H. Bingham, SC, USNR, was that all resale activities be operated like a large chain of retail stores and that a central office be established to oversee the operation of the Navy Resale System. The new central office for the Navy Ships Store Office was established in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 1, 1946. This office was later renamed NEXCOM and relocated to Virginia Beach, Va., in 1993.

Today, NEXCOM provides oversight for 102 NEX complexes with nearly 300 stores, as well as Navy Lodges, ship's stores and the Uniform Program Management Office. Worldwide, the Navy Exchange System employs over 14,000 associates, 27 percent of whom are military family members.

Wisconsin Guard members vie for Soldier of the Year honors

At 5 a.m. today [April 1], 15 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers began their day with push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run - the first three events in a grueling three-day span that will test their abilities in marksmanship, physical fitness, land navigation, Soldier task knowledge and military bearing. Each competitor's composure will also be tested through the weekend's long hours and demanding schedule.

Last year, Pfc. Randy Fendryk of Waukesha, Wis., won the annual Soldier of the Year competition, and Sgt. Cody Brueggen of Oconomowoc, Wis., won the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Fendryk, now an officer candidate, is a member of Battery C, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery in Sussex, Wis., and will serve as a sponsor for a new competitor this year. Brueggen is a member of Detachment 1, 107th Maintenance Company in Sparta, Wis.

Fendryk advanced to the Army National Guard's best warrior Competition last August at the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Ga. Two years ago, Spc. John Wiernasz of Detachment 1, 950th Engineer Company, also represented the Wisconsin Army National Guard at the National Guard's Best Warrior Competition.

The competition is not open to the public, but check out photos from each day of the competition at http://www.flickr.com/photos/wiguardpics/.

Competitors include: Sgt. Steven Dahl (Oconto), Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry (Menomonie); Spc. Wayne Diedrich (Milwaukee), Battery A, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery (Racine); Sgt. John Eckert (St. Francis), Battery A, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery (Racine); Spc. Kimberly Gass (Wausau), 106th Engineer Detachment (Tomah); Spc. Alex Goehring (Dresser); 64th Rear Operations Center Support Detachment (Monroe); Sgt. Jessica Gray (Milwaukee), Detachment 1, Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Merrill); Staff Sgt. Charles Hensen (Lake Mills), Troop A, 1st Battalion, 105th Cavalry (Fort Atkinson); Staff Sgt. Jason Kirch (Prairie du Sac), 106th Engineer Detachment (Tomah); Spc. Shelby Reynolds (Stitzer), 229th Engineer Company (Prairie du Chien); Sgt. Jonathan Shufflebotham (Sheboygan); 1157th Transportation Company (Oshkosh); Sgt. Brandon Swanson (St. Croix Falls), Detachment 1, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry (Chippewa Falls); Staff Sgt. Paul Vaillancourt (De Forest), Rear Detachment, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation (Madison); Staff Sgt. Benjamin Van Auken (Sparta), Headquarters Detachment, 1st Battalion, 426th Field Artillery Regiment (Fort McCoy); Staff Sgt. Jon Vandebogert (De Forest), Joint Force Headquarters (Madison); and Spc. Joseph Wong (Milwaukee), Troop A, 1st Battalion, 105th Cavalry (Fort Atkinson).

Brain Injury Awareness Month: Did You Know…

DCoE Strategic Communications

Today isn’t just the opening day for major league baseball, it’s the end of March—the month we’ve spent talking and sharing information about brain injury awareness. Brain injury awareness is an important topic not only for service members and veterans in combat situations, but also for those who play sports or most anyone—did you know that more than 35 percent of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result from falls? Did you know…

…about these numbers?

■1.7 million estimated people sustain a TBI each year

■275,000 people are hospitalized annually because of a TBI

■30.5% of all injury-related deaths in the United States have TBI as the contributing factor

Click here for more TBI Stats.

…about these resources?

■Mild TBI Pocket Guide: it’s a quick reference, all-encompassing resource on the treatment and management of patients with mild TBI and related symptoms.

■Co-occurring Conditions Toolkit: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health: this toolkit helps providers assess and manage patients with co-occurring mild TBI and psychological health disorders.

■ICD-9 TBI Coding Guidance Pocket Card: a very cool flashcard that helps providers quickly, accurately document and track diagnosis of a service member who has been treated, or is in the process of being treated, for a TBI.

■Mild TBI Web-Based Case Studies: these online tools include modules with real scenarios to help military and civilian health care professionals better understand mild TBI to include screening, diagnosis and management of symptoms in the non-deployed setting. The latest case study “Assessing the Individual with Persistent Headaches” is available now.

■TBI Family Caregiver Curriculum: because we know people with a TBI aren’t the only ones who live with it, this resource was created especially for families of service members and veterans. The guide provides support, education on TBI and guidance on symptom management.

■DCoE Outreach Center: this resource provides 24/7 customized support to service members, their families and providers who have questions and concerns related to traumatic brain injury or psychological health by phone at 866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org. The center is operated by trained health resource consultants who work to get people to the right resources.

In case you’ve missed some of the valuable information we’ve shared during the month, don’t worry, you can find most of it on the DCoE Brain Injury Awareness page on the DCoE website. You can also download the resources mentioned above from the ‘For Health Professionals’ section of the DCoE website. Or, if you’d like hard copies, please contact the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center at info@dvbic.org or call 800-870-9244.

Living with a TBI is a challenge, but there are tips, resources and people available to help. Early detection is key to a better recovery, so stay informed about TBI signs and symptoms – this new DCoE information sheet on TBI may help.

Pop quiz!

OK history buffs, just to see if you’ve been paying attention, who patented the first steel helmets worn in World War I? If you don’t know, or perhaps simply forgot, check out DCoE’s “Helmets Throughout History” virtual timeline to learn fun facts about head protection that’s been worn in several different shapes, sizes and styles.

Brain Injury Awareness Month may be over, but DCoE will continue to share current and important information about traumatic brain injury, and we are always interested in your feedback, so please leave us a comment.

Candlelight Vigil Held For Japan Earthquake, Tsunami Victims

By Joe Schmitt, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Chapel of Hope held a candlelight vigil March 19, for the victims and people who are suffering from the aftermath of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred in northern Japan March 11.

"The reason we put this program together was to join the community of many faiths in prayer concerning one event that affects many people," said CFAY Chapel of Hope Chaplain Cmdr. Barry Metzger. "So, our goal is pray for the people of Japan who have been so affected by this tragedy and by these events, for those who are helping in the process in so many ways and also for military and family members who gathered here as part of this community."

The service was conducted in English with a Japanese translation for some of the speeches given by members of the CFAY community. Chapel of Hope organist Tamami Hatakeyama, performed the translations for the event.

"The Japanese words were touching and the English words were touching. Even though they were different language, you could get the heart feeling," said Hatakeyama.

Speaking on behalf of the Buddhist faith, Chapel of Hope Buddhist lay leader Merlyn Hirata, recited writings from the 13th century Japanese monk Nichiren.

Chapel of Hope Chaplain Lt. Sharon Reives performed a song during a candlelight vigil.

"No matter where a person is or what his situation may be, a person who lives based on faith will be able to open up a fresh start. Such a person will be able to clear the way towards a future of unlimited hope from now. A person of faith definitely will be able to adorn his life with happiness for himself and for others by reviving his own spirit and his community," said Hirata while reading a passage to the audience.

The gathered group sang songs that emphasized coming together as a community as example of how the attendees felt towards their Japanese neighbor who were suffering from the disasters. The words to one of the songs said "I need you, you need me, stand with me" and "you are all important to me, I need you to survive."

The event finished with attendees lighting their candles from the candles of "hope" and "healing" while singing the closing song.

"I really appreciate this and I really thank them. I'm really glad America is friendly and supportive to Japan," said Hatakeyama. "That's why I'm so thankful; I really believe that this feeling will reach all the people especially those who are suffering."

The community members were welcomed to stay after the event as long as they wanted to stay. Some of the attendees who stayed behind wrote their feelings and thoughts on a large piece of paper that will be sent with donations to the Sendai, Japan area.

General Officer Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Army Col. Norvell V. Coots has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.  Coots is currently serving as commander, Walter Reed Army Medical Center/North Atlantic Regional Medical Command, Washington, D.C.

Army Col. Dennis D. Doyle has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.  Doyle is currently serving as commander, 30th Medical Command, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany.

Army Col. Brian C. Lein has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.  Lein is currently serving as command surgeon, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Ga.