Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers aim to be Best Warriors

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers Sgt. Steven Dahl, of Oconto, Wis., and Sgt. Brandon Swanson, of St. Croix Falls, Wis., share the same unit - 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry - and the same long-term goal: to be command sergeant major for the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

They also share the same short-term goal - to win the National Guard Bureau's Best Warrior Competition, which concludes today (Aug. 8) at the Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Ga.

This is the third straight year that the Wisconsin Army National Guard has sent a competitor to the national Best Warrior contest, but the first year that it has sent two competitors. Dahl - who was a specialist with the Menomonee-based Company A when unit-level competition began last fall – is competing for Soldier of the Year honors, while Swanson, of Detachment 1, Headquarters Company in Chippewa Falls, is competing for Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The National Guard Bureau's Soldier and NCO of the Year will advance to the Army-wide Best Warrior Competition at Fort Lee, Va., in October.

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and other senior leaders traveled to Fort Benning on Aug. 5 to encourage their Soldiers.

32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde, whose job Dahl and Swanson covet, said he expected they would do well at the competition. But to be safe, he said they arrived at Fort Benning a week early to acclimate to the hot and humid Georgia summer.

The competition began the evening of Aug. 4 with an essay and written exam. Friday began early with a physical fitness test, followed by weapon qualifications and something called "Warrior Stakes" - a series of tests on various Soldier skills such as clearing, disassembling and reassembling various crew-served weapons, as well as ensuring they function properly afterward. Other tasks tested in Warrior Stakes included medical, communication and protective actions for chemical, biological or nuclear environments.

Both Dahl and Swanson said the event was going well.

"It's not more difficult, but there are changes" from the regional Best Warrior competition, Dahl explained.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Ward, Dahl's sponsor, said that competitors were asked to train each other on some of the upcoming events, which is a change in the competitive mindset.

"When faced with changes, Soldiers adapt and overcome," Ward said.

Conde acknowledged that the competition level was very high and that Dahl and Swanson were competing against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers in the National Guard.

"At this level, the difference between number one and number seven is more mental than anything," Conde said. "They understand that this competition is a marathon, not a sprint."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper wished Dahl and Swanson success.

"We have total confidence in you," he said. "You just have to have confidence in yourselves."

Anderson said that Dahl and Swanson had already accomplished much.

"Whether you're first or not, you're in the top 14 in the entire National Guard," he said. "That's pretty good."

"We're really proud of you," added Col. Martin Seifer, commander of the 32nd Brigade.

The winners of the National Guard Best Warrior event will be announced on Friday (Aug. 12) in Washington, D.C.

Leaders Offer Condolences in Wake of Helicopter Crash

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2011 – Senior U.S. leaders today extended condolences to the families of American and Afghan forces lost in an International Security Assistance Force helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan.

Thirty ISAF service members, a civilian interpreter and seven Afghan commandos were killed when a coalition CH-47 Chinook crashed earlier today, ISAF Joint Command officials said in a news release. All of the ISAF service members on board were from the United States.

The incident, officials said, represents the highest number of U.S. forces killed during a single event in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

An investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the crash, officials added, noting that additional details will be provided as they become available.

In the wake of the crash, senior leaders issued statements to offer their condolences to the service members’ loved ones.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the Americans who were lost earlier today in Afghanistan,” President Barack Obama said. “Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan.

“We also mourn the Afghans who died alongside our troops in pursuit of a more peaceful and hopeful future for their country,” the president added.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta also expressed his sorrow for the loss.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of many outstanding Americans in uniform and of their Afghan counterparts earlier today in Afghanistan,” he said. “Their courage was exemplary, as was their determination to make this a safer world for their countries and for their fellow citizens.

“We will stay the course to complete that mission, for which they and all who have served and lost their lives in Afghanistan have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he continued. “They and their families are in my thoughts, in my prayers and in my heart."

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander, added his condolences.

“No words describe the sorrow we feel in the wake of this tragic loss,” the general said. “All of those killed in this operation were true heroes who had already given so much in the defense of freedom. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are now waiting for their loved ones to return home,” he continued. “We will do everything in our power to support them in this time of need.

“We also mourn the loss of our heroic Afghan partners who fight with us shoulder to shoulder, every day,” Allen added.

The United States will draw inspiration from the lives of those who were lost, Obama said, and continue the work of securing the country and standing up for the values they embodied.

“At this difficult hour," the president added, “all Americans are united in support of our men and women in uniform who serve so that we can live in freedom and security.”

Face of Defense: City Commends Fort Riley Soldier

By Army Sgt. Roland Hale

Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division

FORT RILEY, Kan., Aug. 5, 2011 – A soldier assigned here received a certificate of appreciation Aug. 2 from Mayor Pat Landers of Junction City, Kan., for his help in apprehending a suspect fleeing from local police June 26.

Army Sgt. Steven Zimmerman was on his way home from a store when he saw the suspect running away from Geary County sheriff’s deputies. Zimmerman, who was closer to the suspect, stopped his vehicle and took up the chase.

“There wasn’t much of a thought process,” Zimmerman said. “I just saw some brothers in trouble that needed help, so I put the car in park and did what I could.”

Zimmerman tackled the suspect and detained him until the deputies caught up.

“We worked for several weeks to make the arrest of that individual, and almost lost him,” Police Chief Tim Brown said, “but thanks to Sergeant Zimmerman, we didn’t.”

Zimmerman serves with the 601st Aviation Support Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade. Several senior leaders of the unit turned out to show their support, including Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Thomson, the brigade’s senior enlisted soldier.

“Sergeant Zimmerman’s actions speak volumes about his character and are a great example of our [noncommissioned officer] Corps today,” Thomson said. “His quick thinking and deliberate engagement exemplify our NCO Creed and have made a positive impact on the local community.

“[He] is the type of leader who steps up and takes action,” Thomson continued, whether in the sands of Iraq or on the streets of Junction City. We’re tremendously proud of him.”

Zimmerman has been in the Army for three years, and has prior service in the Marines. He said while his actions were mostly triggered by instinct, his military training also taught him it was the right thing to do.

“The recognition is way more than I thought it would be,” he said. “At the time, it was that quick. I was just helping out someone in trouble. Seeing the command represented out here, and to get the thanks from Junction City police, I really appreciate it.”

Zimmerman also will receive the Army Commendation Medal, which can be presented to individuals who distinguish themselves by heroism, extraordinary achievement or meritorious service, officials said.

Quartermasters Keep Australian/American Exercise Supplied

By Army Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo

New York National Guard

CAMP GROWL, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia (8/5/11) - The uniforms are different, and there are subtle differences in terminology used, but the results are the same for both Australian and American quartermasters: ensuring Soldiers get what they need.

Quartermasters here focused on making sure both U.S. and Australian troops got the gear the needed to train with during Talisman Sabre exercises in Australia, July 11 to 29.

Talisman Sabre brings together over 20,000 personnel from the different branches of the U.S. and Australian military to exchange combat skills and techniques through joint land force, maritime and air operations maneuvers.

The Australians call it a stretcher; the U.S. Soldier calls it a cot. A torch is a flashlight; a skivie, a T-shirt; a swag becomes an individual sleeping tent when translated, and jenny is a generator. Regardless of what it’s called, if it’s needed, the quartermaster team is prepared to provide it.

“Our job is to take care of soldiers, regardless of the uniform - a soldier’s a soldier,” said Sgt. Ernest Kruger, Quartermaster Sergeant assigned to the 9th Combat Services Support Battalion, Australian Defence Force, stationed at Warradale Barracks, Adalaide, South Australia.

“I really enjoy my job because I care about soldiers and like looking after people. It’s quite important because soldiers run on their stomachs, if they don’t eat, they can’t perform their mission,” Krugar added.Krugar added.

Thousands of U.S. and Australian forces landed on beaches or took to the bush in simulated combat field training during Talisman Sabre 2011. Moving together throughout central and northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas, with one goal in mind – defeat a common enemy.

Ground and mounted personnel from both friendly and fictitious enemy forces crossed steep elevations and varied terrains, denying their opponent the capability to conduct counter attacks. Concealing their movements and setting up hasty defense positions.

The biennial training exercises use fictional scenarios incorporated in combined land force maneuvers, amphibious landings, urban and air operations, Special Forces operations, and coordinated firing of live ammunition from a range of in-service weapons systems used by exercise participants.

The multitude of items required to feed, house and keep soldiers on the move can be staggering. The quartermaster provides just about anything needed, from tents and sleeping bags to ration packs and some replacement clothing. They also provide the always needed toilet paper.

For many of the participants it was their first opportunity to train with military personnel from a different culture with different weapons systems.

“It has been great getting to know our Australian counterparts and sharing experiences,” said Army Staff Sgt. Bryan Strother, a radio operator with the California National Guard’s 40th Infantry Division, Sacramento. Strother volunteered to help the supply section for Talisman Sabre and jokingly says he’s learning a new language while he’s here.

Whether its necessities or comfort items, the quartermaster team has gone out of their way to ensure military personnel have what they need to make Talisman Sabre a success.

Here at Camp Growl the quartermaster or the ‘Q-Store’ as it’s called, has become a center hub of activity, open virtually 24-hours a day, ready to assist in soldier care.

They have gone so far as to set up a make-shift shop they call a goffars, were you can purchase the comforts of home, such as a coke and a candy bar.

“It’s a place soldiers can relax for a few minutes and often identify shortages out in the field,” Kruger said. “It works well since we can quickly either provide them what they need or pass the information onto the leadership who can fix it.”

Navy's First Female Master Chief Passes Away at Age 90

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Abraham Essenmacher, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first female master chief died Aug. 4 at the age of 90 while residing at Vinson Hall Retirement Community, in McLean, Va.

Master Chief Yeoman (Ret.) Anna Der-Vartanian began her military career in 1943 when she enlisted in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program, or WAVES. In 1946, she transitioned to the Navy and 13 years later she became the first woman in any of the armed services to advance to E-9, the highest enlisted paygrade.

During her Navy career, Der-Vartanian was stationed in Washington, San Francisco, Boston, Pearl Harbor, and Paris. After retirement she went to work for the CIA as a junior analyst after retiring from the Navy in 1963, and later worked as a counterintelligence specialist.

"We are saddened by the loss of Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "She was an inspirational pioneer in our Navy, and a role model for courage and commitment to every Sailor in uniform during the last 50 years. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

West spoke at length on the impact Der-Vartanian had on the Navy and the chief petty officer community.

"Her life was dedicated to selflessly serving the nation in any way she could, a tireless aspiration that went far beyond the Navy and left a profound impact wherever she was involved," he said. "Anna's contributions as a Sailor, as a citizen, and as a master chief petty officer will long burn as one of the brightest lights in our proud Navy heritage."

"The Navy chief petty officer community will miss Anna's wit, her energy and the deep satisfaction she took in helping others," West continued. "She led people from the front by personal example, a virtue we strive to instill in every chief who wears anchors today. Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with Anna could not help but be impressed by her humility and strength of character. We were privileged to have her at several CPO events in recent years and she captured the undivided attention of everyone in the room when she was there. We won't forget her. "

Der-Vartanian is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was awarded the National Defense Medal and other various other decorations for her service.

Military Writers Society of America Announces the 2011 book awards and Korean War Book Finalists

Military Writers Society of America Announces the 2011 book awards and Korean War Book Finalists

Chairman’s Corner: Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard

By Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2011 – Two hundred and twenty-one years ago today, Congress created the U.S. Revenue-Marine to protect a vulnerable young nation’s shores, on a date we now celebrate as the birthday of the United States Coast Guard.

Since then, generations of Americans have bravely served our oldest continuous seagoing service, keeping our homeland safe, protecting our maritime resources, and indeed benefitting every citizen regardless of whether we live on or near the water or far inland.

In fact, Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, recently observed that, “In the past year, our citizens have witnessed the Coast Guard in action like never before,” and

I would add that this service extends far beyond our Nation’s shores.

From the six cutters and 700 Coast Guardsmen who support operations in the Arabian Gulf, to the men and women fighting piracy off the coast of Africa, to counter-drug operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, the Coast Guard’s global impact continues to grow, all the while keeping our people, our ports and our waterways safe, by responding to situations as diverse as the unprecedented oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to the flood ravaged Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys this spring.

From humble beginnings, the United States Coast Guard has emerged as a model within our government and, indeed, around the world. I am so very proud to serve with you and your families who make possible everything their loved ones do for our Nation.

The Joint Chiefs and I salute the extraordinary men, women, and families of our United States Coast Guard, Reserve and Auxiliary. America is safer and more secure because of you.

Happy Birthday, and Semper Paratus!

Space systems give Australians, U.S. Soldiers edge in Talisman Sabre

By Army Master Sgt Corine LOmbardo

New York National Guard

AUSTRALIAN JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER, Canberra, Australia (8/3/11) - For American and Australian Soldiers taking part in Talisman Sabre, satellites can make the difference between winning or losing.

“Space Operations help the commanders visualize movement on the battlefield using commercial topographical imagery, but it isn’t just about terrain features and maps,” said Army Maj. Courtney Henderson, U.S. Army Pacific Command, Space Support Element, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

“Space capabilities enhance the military’s ability to communicate, navigate terrain, engage the enemy with better accuracy and protect its forces,” Henderson stressed.

Space Operations Soldiers retrieve and interpret data and develop products that help commanders navigate on the battlefield. Whether they’re tracking convoys, establishing landing zones and distribution networks or mapping critical infrastructure to locate obstacles, bridges and crossings, to name a few, Henderson said.

Talisman Sabre is a biennial training exercise designed to bring the different branches of the U.S. and Australian military together in a combined environment to train and enhance their combined and joint war-fighting skills.

As a combined joint task force, roughly 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian military personnel –

including National Guard members from multiple states – conducted maritime, land, and air operations exercises, July 11 to 29.

Satellite and space technologies have a wide range of application, not only as an asset to commanders on the ground in a combat environment and pilots in the air, but also for emergency and humanitarian assistance.

Before a commander can decide which contingent of troops will descend to the east or if they will fan out on a western ridge or which tank formation is chosen to mount a direct assault, he needs to ensure the terrain will support the movement.

Satellite imagery allows him to know in advance if a riverbed is flooding or an area is experiencing extreme drought conditions, both of which have a huge impact on a commander’s decisions.

A significant asset is the ability to use current imagery to visualize and assess battle damage using computer images rather than sending personnel and aircraft to determine how effective weapons systems’ were.

“These systems enhance timing, effectiveness and efficiency for commanders in the air as well as on the ground,” said Squadron Leader Steven Henry from the Australian Defence Forces Air and Space Operations Center, Headquarters, Joint Operations Command.

“Whether it’s the navigation system in a cockpit or a locator beacon during a search and rescue mission, they are critical to our success,” Henry said.

Understanding these capabilities and interpreting the data that’s collected is no easy task.

Army Space Support Teams, or ARSSTs, continually monitor satellite conditions, locations, atmospheric weather conditions and environmental factors, such as solar flares, that may impact their systems' ability to collect or send information.

Teams provide a tailored support package of personnel and equipment including six members, two officers and four enlisted Soldiers, each specializing in their own fields; from communications, intelligence and computer technology to topographic analysis.

Soldiers undergo months of additional training that focuses on space-related knowledge and skills.

“What makes us unique is that every one of our Soldiers can step in and perform any function on the team,” said Army 1st Sgt. Chuck Meens, 1158th SPACE Company, Colorado National Guard, Colorado Springs, Colo.

These highly trained teams use their skills and various systems to advise a commander on precision engagements, geospatial intelligence, and environmental effects on satellite communications and imaging capabilities, said Army Maj. Joseph Paladino, commander, Colorado Army National Guard’s 217th Space Company, Colorado Springs, Colo.

This is the first time Space Operations have been fully integrated in a Talisman Sabre exercise, with components from the U.S. Army and Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

“The ARSST has been a huge benefit in demonstrating space operations capabilities,” Henderson said. “The exchange of this technology with our Australian counterparts through Talisman Sabre has helped demonstrate the need for this asset in a combined ground force campaign.”

“Theater security cooperation is a major initiative for U.S. Army Pacific Command, the relationships we are building and the exchange of information we receive is essential to providing Space Operations professional training and development, which we foresee going beyond this exercise,” Henderson said.

“Space Operations is relatively new to the Australian Defence Force. We have a limited number of personnel at this point, so the training and experience we gain from U.S. Army Pacific Command is critical to our development,” Henry said.

Navy Surgeon General Warns of Health Effects of Spice

By Shoshona Pilip-Florea, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Surgeon General cautioned his commanding officers, medical providers and personnel on the negative health effects and legal consequences of using synthetic marijuana like Spice and other designer drugs in a message sent to all of Navy Medicine Aug. 2.

The purpose of the message was to educate and inform Navy and Marine Corps personnel about these drugs and the very real dangers associated with their use.

"It is paramount all Navy Medicine personnel are aware of the adverse health effects of these drugs," said Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. "Serious side effects have been reported after its use including tremors, panic attacks, delirium, impaired coordination, seizures, paranoid hallucinations, and psychotic symptoms that can last for days, even months in some cases."

Spice looks similar to marijuana or oregano and is used for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. The products contain organic leaves coated with unregulated chemical compounds. Spice and other designer drugs are falsely marketed by manufacturers as a safe way to get high while avoiding drug testing.

The synthetic chemicals in Spice-type products have a more potent effect on the brain than traditional marijuana and the unregulated compounds are often mixed with unknown effects, according to Robinson. These products are not approved for human consumption and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process. Similar to other drugs on the street, experts warn that you never know what mixture of chemicals could be present in the drugs and users are experimenting with the combination of multiple products which can dramatically change or increase its effects on a case by case basis.

Robinson warns that rapid tolerance in some users can lead to increased dosage and addiction and the use of synthetic marijuana has led to a surge in emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers, according to the DEA. This spring, Navy Medicine treated multiple patients at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Calif., for Spice usage, some resulting in months of inpatient treatment for persistent psychotic symptoms.

"Commanding officers must be fully engaged in synthetic drug abuse prevention and do everything in their power to increase awareness within their commands of the serious health consequences and legal ramifications of its use," wrote Robinson.

Spice and other designer drugs fall under the Navy and Marine Corps' Zero Tolerance policy and Robinson further emphasizes that commanding officers do not need a positive urinalysis to begin administrative separation. Personnel found to be using, possessing, distributing or who observe an abuse and do not report the incident can be charged with violating the Navy's policies as well.

As the Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Robinson leads 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel that provide healthcare support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.

U.S. and Vietnam Co-host Military Medical Conference

From Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

HANOI, Vietnam (NNS) -- U.S. and Vietnamese military officers participated in a bilateral military-medical conference Aug. 2 at Vietnam's Ministry of Defense guest house.

The conference was co-hosted by U.S. Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., and Sr. Col. Vu Quoc Binh, director general of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense's Military Medical Department. It brought government and civilian health industry leaders from both countries together to discuss ways to integrate efforts to bolster public health programs and areas of expanded military-medical cooperation.

The conference follows the signing of a statement of intent Aug. 1 by the two military healthcare leaders that builds on a long trend of cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnamese militaries.

"[The SOI] is a very important document between our two military departments and is fundamental to our future cooperation," said Binh. "Today's conference will map out the details of our future cooperation in many areas to include combating infectious disease, HIV infection, undersea medicine and others areas."

Conference attendees included medical and healthcare experts from the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, as well as several Vietnamese military commands from throughout the country.

"This conference will go a long way to strengthening our growing medical work with the people of Vietnam," said U.S. Embassy's Health Affairs Attaché, Navy Capt. Charles Baxter. "It was significant for us to co-host such a noteworthy gathering of so many leading military experts in the field of force health, medicine and research from both our nations."

Many areas of common interest were discussed in depth during the conference including disease surveillance and ways of combating a multitude of public health issues including zoonotic infections, avian influenza, dengue, malaria, and HIV. Additional topics addressed best practices in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response missions, search and rescue, as well as, aerospace and undersea medicine.

"These areas of discussion are of key interest to people throughout the world and our work in facing these health challenges will be of great benefit to our military personnel, our citizens and the world," said Robinson. "Our military-medical partnership with Vietnam is a good example of high-level diplomatic exchanges building stronger and enduring bilateral partnerships to advance the cause of global health."

As the Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Robinson leads 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel that provide healthcare support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.

Don't forget the history and sacrifices of American heroes; discover these Vietnam Veteran books where our heroes tell you their story.

Disabled Americans, Wounded Warriors Key in Reducing FLC Backlog

By Candice Villarreal, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego Corporate Communications

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) San Diego announced Aug. 1 that eight disabled Americans have found full-time employment through an ongoing task order for contract management support (CMS) services between the command and National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

The CMS services, provided to the Navy by NIB through the AbilityOne program, include validation of contract payments and funding status, confirmation of receipt and acceptance of goods and services by government customers, and completion of required documentation to properly close out contracts.

Since the contract was initially awarded to NIB in September 2010, the Navy has seen a 1,000-contract close-out backlog reduction.

The CMS program allows Navy contract professionals to perform essential contract tasks without the additional administrative burdens associated with routine contract close-outs. As of June, NIB personnel have dedicated more than 4,000 hours to the contract close-out process.

"This arrangement with NIB frees up time for our contracting personnel to focus on other important aspects of our operations," said Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and chief of Supply Corps. "Moreover, the citizens performing these beneficial functions — blind Americans, wounded warriors and service-disabled veterans — are getting the chance to contribute to the Nation's defense through this partnership. I couldn't be happier."

The support services also allow the government to recover funds that were obligated, but not expended, during the course of contract completion and return them to the U.S. Treasury.

"Any situation that benefits the Navy and provides jobs for disabled Americans simultaneously is certainly a win-win," Heinrich said.

The program has generated benefits not only for the Navy, but for the AbilityOne Program and individual communities, as well. Between San Diego and Philadelphia, a total of 13 disabled Americans have been placed in full-time positions in the upwardly-mobile contracting profession as a direct result of the award.

Representatives from AbilityOne said they recognize the Navy's support and appreciate the new partnership.

"The Navy, under [Rear Adm.] Mark Heinrich's leadership, was one of the early adopters of the AbilityOne contract close-out program," said Kevin Lynch, president and chief executive officer for NIB. "This single act of advocacy has given several individuals who are blind the opportunity to have meaningful contracting jobs, and to fully utilize their skills and abilities. These knowledge-based jobs are a critical part of NIB's efforts to serve the blindness community and it is through the Navy's support of the CMS program that we can fulfill our employment mission."

NAVSUP FLC San Diego, one of seven fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS), provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS comprises more than 5,700 military and civilian logistics professionals, contractors and foreign nationals operating as a single cohesive team providing global logistics services from 110 locations worldwide.

A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., NAVSUP GLS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, August 04, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen will conduct a briefing today at 2:45 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  All journalists must be seated by 2:35 p.m.  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.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at 9 a.m. EDT at the U.S. Joint Forces Command disestablishment ceremony in the JFCOM Complex, 115 Lakeview Parkway, Suffolk, Va.  Media interested in attending should contact Kathleen Jabs, JFCOM PAO at 757-826-6552.

Army Maj. Gen. James Terry, commanding general for Regional Command South, will brief the media live from Kandahar, 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.

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 03

From the Navy News Service

1804 - American Squadron, including USS Constitution, attacks Tripoli.

1812 - Frigate Essex capture British brig Brothers.

1861 - Construction of USS Monitor authorized.

1861 - First manned ascent in a balloon from a ship, gunboat USS Fanny, to observe Confederate artillery position at Hampton Roads, Va.

1942 - Mildred McAffee (Horton) becomes the first woman officer commissioned into the Naval Reserve.

1950 - First Marine Corps aviation mission against North Korea by VMF-214, from USS Sicily (CVE 118).  Read about this historic event and others from the best Korean War books.

1950 - First helicopter evacuation in Korea by VMO-6.

1958 - USS Nautilus (SSN 571) is first ship to reach the geographic North Pole while submerged.

1970 - USS James Madison (SSBN 627) conducts first submerged launching of Poseidon nuclear missile off Cape Kennedy.

Frank Cable Partners With Locals To Serve Subic Communities

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), completed a week-long series of community service (COMSERV) projects, July 30.

Cable, in port for repairs, provided tended support to the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763). Their duties kept them busy, but many Sailors also dedicated their spare time helping the local communities in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, and Subic City.

Command Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Ronald Rinaldi, who organized many of the COMSERVs, said that these types of projects are seen as an integral part of Navy's mission while in foreign countries, especially in this part of the world.

"COMSERVs exist mostly these days as a part of larger strategy to build partnership and interaction with the people of the nations whose ports we visit," said Rinaldi.

The projects included performing repair work in schools, handing out clothes to local children, organizing a beach clean-up and tree planting effort, and finally, playing soccer with the children in the community.

Sailors also spent time at the International Children's Advocate Orphanage, home to 30 deaf and blind children, painting classrooms and spending time getting to know the children. Frank Cable's medical staff was on hand to conduct medical and dental exams. The children sang and danced to show appreciation and to celebrate all the hard work.

"It is not very often that we have this kind of opportunity," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Lea Devera. "I am fortunate enough that I get to serve my fellow Filipinos, while at the same time doing what I do as part of the Health Services Department."

Devera said that she enjoys the sense of fulfillment she gets from helping the community. Like other Frank Cable Sailors from the Philippines, Devera she just wanted to help make an impact in a unique way by acting as a translator, as well as a caregiver.

At Ilwas Elementary School, Frank Cable's medical staff again conducted medical and dental examinations. The medical staff taught the children about proper nutritional health and exercise, which is the current topic for National Nutrition Month in the Philippines.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Rufino Vegamora, also a Filipino, spoke to the children at the elementary school and led them in group physical training.

"It was a perfect opportunity to focus on its importance, which is basically an everyday norm and culture in the Navy," said Vegamora. "Physical Fitness in the Philippines has suddenly become popular in the past three years, and I'm hoping I can contribute to preventing it from just becoming a trend."

During their stay, 182 Sailors performed over 1,000 hours of community service, while the medical and dental teams treated hundreds of patients. Rinaldi said he was proud of the Sailors and what they accomplished with their service.

"It was an overwhelming and special feeling to be among this elite group of Sailors," said Rinaldi. "Never once did I have a thing to worry about. They understood what needed to be done, and they did it; far exceeding expectations."

Cable performs maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Face of Defense: Graphic Artist Aids Recruiting

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Hillary Stonemetz

Air Force Recruiting Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 3, 2011 – Many of the graphic design images that cover the walls of a Military Entrance Processing Station office here are designed by the sergeant who works there, and his talents are having an impact on Air Force recruiting efforts.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Hahn, the MEPS liaison supervisor, has designed advertising billboards, banners, logos, T-shirts, football jerseys, challenge coins and Web banners for Air Force recruiting.

"As I travel across our zone, I'm consistently reminded of his talents," said Air Force Maj. Anthony Williams, 337th Recruiting Squadron commander. "There are several giant billboards on the interstate highways showcasing [his] work. His Battlefield Airmen poster and design always turns heads, and we continuously reap those rewards every day in the 337th.

Recruiting efforts are going well in those areas, largely due to Hahn's efforts, the major added.

Hahn enlisted in the Air Force in 1991 as an F-111 hydraulics mechanic and then became a crew chief for the B-2 bomber before being assigned to the Charlotte MEPS as a liaison supervisor. By day he manages and schedules applicant processing, then hones his graphic design skills at night and on weekends.

"My training has been self-taught for the most part," said Hahn, who briefly attended college for graphic design and illustration before enlisting in the Air Force.

His skills are appreciated by many of his squadron mates.

"When you see the caliber of Sergeant Hahn's work, you immediately recognize the designs as innovative, relevant and eye-popping," Williams said. "His stylized version of the [squadron’s] logo has been a huge success and a major factor in our unit's team identity and continued success in achieving the recruiting mission.

"As recruiters, we're well aware of the value and positive aspects associated with graphics design and image branding," he continued. "Branding confirms our teaming message here in the 337th RCS, and it emotionally connects our members to a common cause."

In addition to his contributions to the Air Force, Hahn also does freelance design work and has been hired by many nationally recognized companies.

"I've designed the 2002 No. 21 Air Force race car paint scheme, many NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World truck series paint schemes," Hahn said. "I've also designed apparel for motorsports teams from hats, T-shirts, jackets, etc., as well as website designs, logo designs and program covers for Las Vegas Motor Speedway."

After he leaves the Air Force, Hahn said, he plans to use his design skills full-time with his freelance graphic design company.

Soldier Missing from Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Chief Warrant Officer George A. Howes, of Knox, Ind., will be buried Aug. 5 in Arlington National Cemetery.  On Jan. 10, 1970, Howes and three aircrew members were returning to their base at Chu Lai, South Vietnam aboard a UH-1C Huey helicopter. Due to bad weather, their helicopter went down over Quang Nam Province, Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.).  A search was initiated for the crew, but no sign of the helicopter or crew was spotted.

In 1989, the S.R.V. gave to U.S. specialists 25 boxes that reportedly contained the remains of U.S. servicemen related to this incident.  Later that year, additional remains and a military identification tag from one of the other missing servicemen were obtained from a Vietnamese refugee.

Between 1993 and 1999, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted three investigations in Ho Chi Minh City and two investigations in Quang Nam-Da Nang Province (formerly Quang Nam Province).  A Vietnamese citizen in Ho Chi Minh City turned over a military identification tag bearing Howes’ name and told the team he knew where the remains of as many as nine American servicemen were buried.  He agreed to lead the team to the burial site.  In 1994, the team excavated the site and recovered a metal box and several bags containing human remains.  In 2006, the remains of three of the four men were identified and buried.  No remains could be attributed to Howes given the technology of the time.  In 2008, given advances in DNA technology, the remains were reanalyzed.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of Howes’ sister and brother—in the identification of the remains.

U.S. Navy Sponsors X Games 17

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis Mendoza

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy sponsored the 17th annual summer X Games in Los Angeles Thursday, July 28-31.

Thousands showed up to witness some of the world's most extreme athletes as they pushed the limits of their own bodies against gravity, their equipment, and the laws of physics. The games feature some of the world's best skateboarders, rally car drivers, BMX and moto-cross riders.

According to Naval Aircrewman 1st Class (AW) David Matiola, a rescue swimmer instructor, assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HSC) 3, the Navy sponsorship had a strong presence at the games with more than two different recruiting booths, and demonstration booths set up for people to visit.

The Navy's goal was to introduce a younger generation to the many opportunities that a military career has to offer, he said.

"Our ultimate idea is to provide people the opportunity to know that we are just as hardcore as the athletes that participate in the events," said Matiola. "We are out constantly putting our lives on the line."

Matiola, along with several other Sailors spent four days of the event working booths and interacting with civilians who were curious about the lifestyle of the military.

Professional motorsport athlete Brian Deegan said there is nothing more admirable than the service members that serve in today's military.

"In life what's the most hardcore thing," asked Deegan. "I have always thought that it was the action sports. To me however, it's being in the military, putting your life on the line for something that you believe in," he continued. Going over and serving and laying it down for your country. That's hardcore."

With the amount of people who attended the four-day event, it was a prime time for the Navy to show its face, support the community, and offer a chance for anyone interested to join up and serve in the military.

"I think it's perfect," said professional rally car driver Tanner Foust. "There is a time in our young lives that we have all shared. Going into the Navy and service is such an interesting option to have, which can open the doors to so many things you never thought were possible. It's a great connection, the Navy and the X Games."

The weekend came to a finish with both the athletes and recruiters accomplishing their goals. The Navy contacted hundreds of potential future Sailors, while the athletes did their best in the events set forth.

"Being here at the X Games really puts the Navy out there," added Matiola. "It lets everyone know what we are about, and what we do for this country."