Dec 14, 2009

TOBYHANNA, Pa. - A town hall meeting was conducted Dec. 2 at Tobyhanna Army Depot in northeastern Pennsylvania for employees who perform the storage and distribution function for the Army industrial mission located here.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- This holiday season a single Christmas tree will light the Afghanistan darkness - and the hearts of the Soldiers of ISAF Joint Command. "The lighting of a tree has always reminded us that there is still hope, there is still light in the midst of darkness," said Lt. Col. Mickey Jett, chaplain for the command in Kabul, Afghanistan. "We will light the tree right before dusk and remember God's blessings upon our nation, remember what we are fighting for, the right to worship God according to the dictates of our heart, the right to sing and know we are blest." The tree lighting won't just bring some Christmas spirit to the Soldiers, but also a special present from Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville community. It was less than two weeks ago that Laura Ayers, headquarters AMC program lead for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages and the Government Industry Data Exchange Program, received an e-mail from Jett, who she had worked with at HQ AMC-forward, letting her know that they were hoping to have a special tree lighting ceremony and wanted to distribute care packages filled with basic necessities to their Soldiers. Ayers responded immediately that 150 special surprises, as well as a Christmas tree would be delivered in time for Christmas.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Leah Shallbetter is bracing herself for another year of separation from her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Rob Shallbetter of the Alabama National Guard's 441st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion. The Toney resident can tell the story of her husband's three deployments based on the ages of the couple's children - 7-year-old Bette was three weeks old when her father deployed to Afghanistan, 5-year-old Josie was three months old when her father deployed to Iraq and, for his upcoming deployment, the family's youngest member, John Robert, is 2 1/2 years old. "I'm nervous about this deployment being a year," Shallbetter said. "But I have a strong faith in the Lord and that keeps me at peace. It's really harder for him because he will be away from the kids for so long." The Shallbetters were among several families and a crowd of 500 who attended the deployment ceremony for the 45 Soldiers of the 441st on Dec. 2 at the Jaycees Building in John Hunt Park. The Soldiers left Dec. 3 for additional training and preparation at Camp Shelby, Miss., before deploying to Baghdad, where they will use their training and "the best equipment money can buy" to protect and defend U.S. troops against explosive ordnance and other enemy attacks, said their commander, Lt. Col. Roger Yearwood.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Since its inception in 2007, Honor Flight Tennessee Valley has flown 1,002 World War II veterans free of charge to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial. The one-day trips, which started with the maiden voyage of 14 veterans flown on a commercial flight, grew into major community events both in Huntsville and D.C., involving hundreds of volunteers and flag-waving well wishers along with a show of patriotism that followed the veterans as they visited their memorial, Arlington Cemetery, the Korean War Memorial, the Marine Corps Memorial and other D.C. sites. Those trips are destined to become part of history in the spring of 2010 as Honor Flight completes its final flight. "This program has been about the recognition of the accomplishments of these veterans. They are the oldest living generation who paid for the freedom we are enjoying. We owe them everything, and we are grateful we've been able to give them Honor Flight," said Joe Fitzgerald, who has spearheaded the local Honor Flight effort and who serves as president of the Honor Flight board of directors. Currently, Honor Flight has a database of almost 200 WW II veterans who will fly on the April 24 and May 29 Honor Flights. The organization will continue to take applications for those flights through Jan. 31.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Max Bennett will be the first to point out that he isn't a one-man show. Although he was recognized as the 2009 Veteran of the Year by the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition during its annual Veterans Day Dinner, Bennett said the real credit goes to the members of the Redstone Arsenal Chapter of the Warrant Officers Association and other organizations who have worked alongside him in serving veterans and providing support for community initiatives. "This is a very personal award, and I am honored and humbled to receive it," he said. "But this award really reflects the hard work that members of the Warrant Officers Association do in this community." Bennett, a retired chief warrant officer 4, is the president of the Warrant Officers Association.

Dec 11, 2009

Entries are being sought for the Fort Monroe Online Heritage Project Photo Contest. Everyone, to include the general public and military families stationed around the world, is encouraged to participate. The contest will continue through the end of January and winning photos will be published in the Fort Monroe newspaper, the "Casemate."

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- This has been a tough year for the Army education system. The Army Continuing Education System lost its contractor employees worldwide in November after a contract dispute. Contractors represented about 60 percent of the system's work force. The only places unaffected were in Europe because their contract wasn't up for bids. At Redstone's Education Center, five of seven workers were lost. The Garrison reduced the impact by providing two interns, bringing the center's staff to four. "Had it not been for the Garrison Model Intern Program that we established, we would not have had these two high-performing employees on our staff," Garrison human resources director Joe Winston said. Fortunately, the contract dispute was resolved Friday and the contractors returned to work Dec. 7.

Dec 11, 2009

Personnel from the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager-Europe off-loaded a three-story cargo ship filled with critical equipment destined for Afghanistan. The TASM-E personnel provided key movement support Oct. 25-27 to the Soldiers of the 3rd Combat Avn. Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. based out of Hunter Army Airfield at Fort Stewart, Ga. The movement included an array of helicopters, containers and various pieces of cargo essential to provide continued support for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dec 9, 2009

Thirty Soldiers as part of the Army Sustainment Command-Reserve Element participated in a Situation Training Exercise (STX) Lanes Training Nov. 15 at Rock Island Arsenal. The STX lane training focused on Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills to hone the Soldiers' skills and confidence to effectively function, survive and win in a combat environment. They departed RIA Nov. 18 for Fort Benning, Ga., for more training. From there, the Soldiers are slated for deployment to Southwest Asia.

Dec 8, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--"We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible," said President Barack Obama.

Dec 8, 2009

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade recently hosted Brig. Gen. Harold J. Greene, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Greene visited the brigade to discuss the integration of military technology, specifically the Field Assistance in Science and Technology team's activities, into the brigade's operations.

Dec 7, 2009

Seats are filling quickly for Army Management Staff College's 5th Annual Leadership Symposium, March 2-4, 2010 at Fort Belvoir, Va., so those wishing to attend should register soon.

Dec 7, 2009

Army Management Staff College extended the application deadline for the 2nd annual Excellence in Education Award.

Dec 4, 2009

Where are you from'" Maj. Gen. Jim Myles asked each of the young Soldiers as he filled their plates with ham. Myles, commander of the Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, was among the servers Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, at the Dining Facility during the annual Thanksgiving feast for the troops. The others included Lt. Gen. Kevin Campbell, commander of the Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. It's a tradition throughout the Army that the senior Soldiers serve the Thanksgiving meal to the troops.

Dec 4, 2009

The best way to understand World War II is through the words of a veteran who actually lived the fight, experienced the battlefield and saw the ugly carnage left behind by a blood-thirsty and threatening enemy. That's the premise of a new book - "Through Eyes of Courage" - recently published by well-known military activist, author and radio personality David Carney and his wife, historian and author Judy Carney. Through the stories of 26 World War II veterans, their book shares a variety of experiences from that war. Every story honors all veterans and the sacrifices they made. And to further honor the veterans, the Carneys are donating all profits from the book to the Tennessee Valley Honor Flight, a program that flies WW II veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge to see their memorial.

Dec 4, 2009

Thanks to Dr. Bill McCorkle, Redstone Arsenal's Thanksgiving week began with a visit from a prestigious group of local, state and national dignitaries, including the mayors of Huntsville and Madison, several retired and active Army generals, Rep. Parker Griffith and Sen. Richard Shelby. They gathered with employees of the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center in Bob Jones Auditorium at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., at 9 a.m. Nov. 23 to congratulate McCorkle on 52 years of civilian service in leading the development of missile, aviation and simulation technology at Redstone. And they sent him into retirement with a rousing rendition of the Army Song. Thanking those in attendance for "all this attention," McCorkle, 81, spent his moments at the podium not glorifying himself, but attempting to throw the attention back on the employees who are committed to AMRDEC's role in supporting the war fighter. "There are a lot of people here who continue to contribute tremendously to what we've done together," he said. "I want to thank you for the opportunity I've had to participate in the many changes that have occurred, particularly since 1980." In November of that year, McCorkle was selected for the dual role as the technical director of the then Missile Command (now Aviation and Missile Command) and the director of the then Army Missile Laboratory (now the 3,100-employee AMRDEC). Since coming to work for the Army at Redstone Arsenal in 1957, McCorkle has had significant involvement in nearly every Army rocket and missile development program, and has established himself and AMRDEC as an international leader in aviation and missile technology.

Dec 3, 2009

Throughout her career, Kathy Hawk has had mentors. Yet, many of the professionals she sought out for guidance and assistance didn't even know they were viewed in that way. Looking back on a civilian and military career that has taken her to the Pentagon, the U.S. embassy in Cairo, Egypt and Iraq, Hawk said most of her mentors were established with professionals she respected and admired through her own informal workplace process. "I had no formal mentor that helped carry me through my career because I worked here and I worked there," said Hawk, who is the chairwoman of the Political Science Department at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and a Navy Reserve commander and executive officer. "Sometimes formal programs create artificial structures. Mentors are people who sincerely want to help others and that's how, in many ways, the bonding starts." Hawk, who spoke at the Women in Defense Mentorship Luncheon on Nov. 6, urged the 85 women attending the event to be mentors in their everyday lives to younger professional women and men who need guidance in their careers.

Dec 3, 2009

There's an old saying that "dead men don't talk." But this is a story about a dead man who did plenty of talking -- and living and breathing - after a car crash that became the impetus for his bestselling book "90 Minutes In Heaven - A True Story of Death and Life." Don Piper is, indeed, a walking miracle, even if some may find it hard to believe he actually went to heaven after a car crash with an 18-wheeler and then returned to life to share his story. That accident crushed nearly every bone in Piper's body, severed two of his limbs and caused emergency personnel to pronounce him dead at the scene. He shared his story with an audience of more than 100 at Redstone Arsenal's Bicentennial Chapel on Nov. 17. "I believe God answers prayers. I believe God is in the miracle business," Piper said. "I'm standing here at Redstone Arsenal because a lot of people prayed and God said 'Yes.' "Sometimes God says 'No.' Sometimes he says 'Maybe.' Sometimes he gives us more than we ask for. But no matter what, He wants to hear from us and that's what prayer is. Prayer is not just asking for stuff. It's about talking to God. God wants to hear from his children." Piper's story is riveting, curious, inspiring and, downright, heavenly. Piper, who grew up in a military family, captivated the Bicentennial Chapel audience as he recounted his experience of that fateful day in January 1989.

Nov 30, 2009

It's the men's 10,000 meter final in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. And America's Billy Mills is running the race of his life. He's in third place entering the final stretch. He surges to the front, past the prerace favorite, Australia's Ron Clarke. Mills wins the gold medal. To this day, he remains the only American to have ever won an Olympic medal in the 10,000 meter race. "That moment was magical," he told the applauding audience Thursday in Bob Jones Auditorium. "I truly felt I had wings on my feet." Mills, a Sioux Indian who ran for Kansas University, was the keynote speaker at Team Redstone's National American Indian Heritage Month celebration.

Nov 30, 2009

After they tried their hand at catapulting missiles and flying airplanes, Emma Gould and Heather Blackwell decided to gather autographs. So, with crayons in hand, they went around the classroom, asking each of their adult leaders to autograph their spiral notebooks. "Ya'll are nice. We just want to remember this moment," Emma told the volunteer teachers, many of whom work at the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center. "This is the best time ever," added Heather. While gathering autographs is decidedly not scientific, the two girls spent most of their day discovering all types of science and engineering challenges in fun classes that grabbed their interest, let them experiment hands-on and gave them the freedom to be, simply, young girls enjoying each other. The first-ever Girls' Science and Engineering Day took place Nov. 14 at the Shelby Center for Science and Technology on the campus of the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Some 454 girls in grades three through five from across Madison County attended the all-day event, which included about 20 classes on such topics as "Fun in a Hospital Laboratory," "Building a Tasty Model with Gumdrops," "The Wacky World of Weather," "Making Your Own Robot Jitterbugs," "Strawberry DNA Extraction," and "Video Games and Science: The Secret Connection."

Nov 30, 2009

The giving spirit of Christmas 2009 has already left its mark on the gravesites of Madison County's veterans and on the hearts of the volunteers who lovingly placed red-bowed wreaths on those gravesites. On a cold, gray fall morning, more than 100 volunteers armed with greenery and hammers walked the grounds of Maple Hill Cemetery to place 2,200 holiday wreaths on veteran gravesites. The next day, they visited Valhalla Memory Gardens where another 560 wreaths were placed on veteran gravesites. Now in its third year, the project - known locally as Wreaths for Veterans and nationally as Wreaths Across America - continues to grow larger in terms of volunteers and organizations involved. "People are so supportive of this," Wreaths for Veterans chairperson Joy Parker said. "It's unbelievable. It warms your heart. "Because the veteran has given us the freedom we enjoy today we want to give back a token in remembrance and honor. We're putting these wreaths on gravesites to honor and remember our fallen veterans here in Madison County. We are doing this to give a little back." Parker and co-chair Jennifer Hames, who are both military wives and members of the Redstone Garden Club, started Wreaths for Veterans after seeing a picture of holiday wreaths decorating the snowy gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery. They started the project with the help of the Redstone Garden Club, although now it involves volunteers from several other local groups. "I saw that beautiful picture at Arlington Cemetery and I thought 'Why can't we do this in Madison County''" Hames said on Nov. 18 as wreath decorating operations were winding down at Maple Hill Cemetery. "I sent the first e-mail that started this whole thing rolling. People are so willing to help us because they are aware of veterans and what they have done for our country."

Nov 30, 2009

Moments after Maj. Gen. James Myles took off in the Corpus Christi Army Depot UH-1H Huey to attend a meeting at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, UH-60A crew members from Fort Rucker, Ala., launched the last A-to-A recapitalized Black Hawk from the depot, Nov. 4.

Nov 24, 2009

The Army marked a historic milestone on Nov. 20 when Brig. Gen. N. Lee S. Price became its first female program executive officer. Price became leader of the Army's Program Executive Office (PEO) Command, Control and Communications-Tactical during a Change of Charter Ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., presided over by the Army Acquisition Executive, Dean G. Popps, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology who leads 13 PEOs, including PEO C3T. This continues a historic trend, marked notably in July 2008 when the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Gen. Ann Dunwoody as the Army's first female four-star general.

Nov 24, 2009

FORT MEYER, Va. - Chap. (Lt. Col.) Barry M. White manages the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Pentagram Chaplain's Corner. Multiple chaplains assigned in the national capital region contribute to the Chaplain's Corner each week. This week, he gave those chaplains a Thanksgiving break and filled in the Chaplain's Corner himself.

Nov 24, 2009

With her recently redeployed husband among those in the audience for the first time in the week-long competition, Lisa Pratt was named winner of the 2009 Operation Rising Star singing contest Nov. 20, on Fort Belvoir, Va.

Nov 24, 2009

America's largest veterans service organization has launched a new Web site, bulging with new content and featuring a completely redesigned look. American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said the new Web site, "is a tremendous addition to our online presence. It's more informative, better-looking, and easier to navigate than our previous site. I encourage Legionnaires to visit www.legion.org and explore the wealth of content in its pages."

Nov 24, 2009

No movie has been made of Otis Sistrunk's life, although he has acted in a few, including "Car Wash," a 1976 comedy produced by Universal Pictures.

Nov 23, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.Aca,!"Safety took center stage on Friday, Nov. 20, at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) here when Commanding General Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell hosted the annual command safety council meeting for all senior leaders.

Nov 23, 2009

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The 3/405th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) recently completed a resupply operation in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Due to recent disasters in the Pacific Rim, USAID's relief supply inventory in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, needed to be restocked.

Nov 20, 2009

First impressions can be lasting ones. And, for a group of 36 wounded warriors, their impressions of Huntsville and North Alabama - its hospitality, the beautiful fall weather, the fun events, the people - will be among their happiest memories for a long time to come. Thanks to the Semper Fi Community Task Force, the local community once again rolled out the red carpet for a group of Soldiers and Marines, and their spouses, who have made tremendous sacrifices for the nation. Heroes Week is in its third year of welcoming wounded warriors to North Alabama for events leading up to and including Huntsville's Veterans Day Parade. "You can tell there's been a lot of effort put into planning this for us," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Landon Ranker during an interview in the lobby of the Westin Hotel, where the group stayed during their visit. "There's a lot behind it. There are a lot of contributions and a lot of people who have made this an overwhelming force of appreciation and thank you. The fact that they are doing this for us is incredible." Besides all the work that many volunteers put into Heroes Week, Marine Staff Sgt. Francisco "Frankie" Quintero said the setting - North Alabama's mountains and lakes, its fall foliage and the scenic attractions - combined with the hospitable people to make it a visit to remember. "I love it here," he said. "It's beautiful. This is my first time in Alabama. The scenery and the people are just wonderful."

Nov 19, 2009

If you look hard enough and ask questions, you can probably find someone with a rich background in Native American Heritage in every organization. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command is no exception.

Nov 18, 2009

The Civilian Education System 3rd and 4th-quarter classes are now open for registration, and those enrolling will see a major change in the application process.

Nov 17, 2009

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. Aca,!" During a ceremony here Nov. 9, Picatinny officials broke ground for a new Naval packaging, handling, storage and transportation facility that will house Navy operations being transferred to Picatinny as a result of 2005 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations.

Nov 16, 2009

Army officials named the Research, Development and Engineering Command as winners of the Superior Unit Award. The award is presented by the U.S. Army for service to the nation "beyond what is expected."

Nov 13, 2009

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Soldiers face stresses unique to their occupation. Time away from home, deployments and heavy workloads cause Soldiers to feel substantial work-related stress.

Nov 13, 2009

Nov 13, 2009

The Great American Smokeout Nov. 19 may be for you, if improving health and saving money interests you.

Nov 13, 2009

Nov 13, 2009

The Northern Alabama Veterans Day parade in Huntsville, the second largest in Alabama, is intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to emphasize the fact that all those who served have sacrificed and done their duty. The parade was Nov. 11, and SMDC/ARSTRAT's commanding general, LTG Kevin T. Campbell, was the key reviewing officer.

Nov 12, 2009

Nov 12, 2009

During his 52 years as an Army civilian, Dr. Bill McCorkle has been recognized countless times for his contributions in the fields of aviation and missile technology. Throughout his career, McCorkle has "had fun" working as a designer, explorer, researcher, developer and manager. He is a scientist, engineer, mathematician, organizer, pilot, teacher, leader and visionary. He is a charter member of the Army's Senior Executive Service, and an internationally recognized leader in aviation and missile technology. He is the director of the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center where, with more than 3,100 employees involved in research and development of missiles, aviation and unmanned aerial vehicle technology, he leads the Army's largest research and development center. As the chief of AMRDEC and its forerunner, the Army Missile Laboratory, McCorkle oversees an organization that has been named the Army's best laboratory eight times since it was formed in 1981. But more than anything else, McCorkle is a physicist. "I've always believed that people should do what they are interested in," he said, as he sat in an office where the table and desk are overflowing with administrative and research reports, shelf space is filled with numerous awards and accolades, and the white board is covered in scientific equations.

Nov 12, 2009

In 2000, Redstone Arsenal's Army Community Service was among the first to go through the Army's three-year accreditation process. Last week ACS became the first to receive its fourth three-year accreditation. "We are the first in the Department of the Army to pass for a fourth time with commendation - which means above and beyond," ACS director Sue Paddock said. "I'm really thrilled. It's very hard work. The ACS team met all of the standards a hundred percent. It's a total team effort with our community partnerships as well. A lot of community agencies played a part which contributed to our success."

Nov 12, 2009

Brick by brick, steel beam by steel beam, Redstone Arsenal is experiencing a fundamental change in its business landscape that is destined to affect its tenants and the entire Tennessee Valley community for years to come. A drive along the Arsenal's main thoroughfares offers plenty of evidence to the expanding footprint of Arsenal facilities. New buildings are going up, renovations are taking place and expansions are under way. Growth is in the air. No one knows that better than Joe Davis, director of the Garrison's Directorate of Public Works, and his busy staff, who are charged with managing, overseeing and maintaining the Arsenal's facilities. "We've got more going on here than I can ever remember," Davis said. "Besides everything we've got going on, other agencies - such as NASA and the FBI - also have construction projects on the Arsenal. Fiscal year 2009 has been a record setting year for construction."

Nov 10, 2009

MCALESTER, Okla.--The United States Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety (USATCES) is dedicated to eliminating ammunition and explosives accidents and chemical agent accidents in every phase of the ammunition life cycle.

Nov 10, 2009

MCALESTER, Okla.-- Quality Assurance Specialist, Ammunition Surveillance, (QASAS), is the oldest career program in the Department of Army. QASAS serve as the primary technical experts providing logistics, quality assurance and explosives safety expertise in direct support of Army units throughout the theater.

Nov 10, 2009

ROCK ISLAND, Ill.--The Defense Ammunition Center (DAC) hosted the 18th Demilitarization Users Group Meeting (DUGM) on 21-22 Oct. 2009, at the downtown Holiday Inn, Rock Island, Ill.

Nov 10, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-- A business case designed to overhaul Army Materiel Command's process of procuring industry and military commercial standards, specifications and parts has resulted in a new contract, streamlined process and significant savings to the entire command.

Nov 6, 2009

Congressional staffers from the Utah delegation visited U.S. Army Materiel Command headquarters Nov. 6 as a way to learn more about the command and its mission. The staffers received a tour of AMC's Tech Gallery, which showcases advancements in research and development for today's warfighter, an AMC overview brief, and a briefing and ration sampling from the DoD Combat Feeding Directorate, located in Natick, Mass. The samples included new foods that are expected to be fielded to warfighters in the future. Later, the delegation visited the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center's Night Vision Labs and the Mine Lanes, located at Fort Belvoir, Va. The staffers were Bill Castle, Military Legislative Assistant and Lt. Col. Lyle Drew, Air Force Military Legislative Fellow, both for Sen. Orrin Hatch, and Clint Satterthwaite, Military Legislative Assistant to Sen. Robert Bennett.

Nov 6, 2009

Tracy Swint is the complete package -- a well-dressed professional, an educated and accomplished physicist, a deeply religious woman, and a confident and happy person who believes in facing the world with her own direct brand of honesty. And yet, she is also the face of addiction. Swint suffered through years of drug and alcohol abuse that started with prescribed medications as a college student. Her addiction was fueled by her memories of growing up in a troubled family, and an unquenchable need to hide her pain and sorrow from herself and those around her. "People confuse addiction with someone who lives under a bridge," Swint told a small group of Redstone Arsenal employees who attended the Red Ribbon drug and alcohol abuse prevention event Oct. 26 at Heiser Hall.

Nov 6, 2009

Hundreds of flag-waving patriots put on quite a celebration Oct. 24 when 122 World War II veterans arrived at Huntsville International Airport after a daylong trip to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial. There were JROTC re-enactors dressed in WW II uniforms and dancing in the halls as families and supporters congregated in the airport's new waiting area. The Huntsville Concert Band and vocalist Margie Cumbie performed patriotic and WW II era music for the crowd and Girl Scout Troop 287 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Volunteers from the Association of the U.S. Army gave out flags and the Patriot Guard Riders stood at attention as the event's color guard. Uncle Sam -- in the form of local military cheerleader retired Sgt. 1st Class David Carney -- made periodic announcements of when the chartered plane would land. Entire families waited eagerly to embrace their returning veterans. When the first WW II veteran finally came through the entry way, a cheer from the crowd went up. As they went down the walkway, the veterans were welcomed, thanked and hugged by hundreds of well-wishers.

Nov 6, 2009

During a question-and-answer session, Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman Gen. James Cartwright was asked a question that cut to the heart of America's concerns related to overseas contingency operations - What have you, general, advised President Barack Obama concerning the future war effort in Afghanistan' The question, asked by Marine reservist Staff Sgt. Jeff Moran, a student at the University of Alabama-Huntsville where Cartwright made a presentation as part of a new distinguished speaker series, gave the Marine Corps general an opportunity to provide a glimpse into the relationship the nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff have with the president. Although he declined to give specifics of his private conversations with President Obama, Cartwright did tell his audience of local community, business and military leaders as well as UAH students at the Oct. 27 gathering at the Shelby Center that any recommendations must be considered in a global context. "We all know things change and war is an engagement in a constantly evolving fight," he answered. "Our number one priority is to stop nations out there with weapons of mass destruction that can fundamentally change our way of life. The second priority is to eliminate extremist groups out there who want to fundamentally change our way of life. Those have to be gotten rid of. They cannot be given sanctuary."

Nov 6, 2009

Members of the total Army family at Redstone had their voices heard last week. They expressed their quality of life concerns during the 21st annual Army Family Action Plan conference Oct. 27-28 at the Officers and Civilians Club. Thirty-four delegates were evenly distributed in three work groups: Consumer Services, Medical/Dental, and Benefits/Entitlements. "This is to have all of the Army family voices heard - whether that be DA (Department of Army) civilians, Soldiers, spouses, retirees," Nicki Swindle, quality of life program manager at Army Community Service, said. "And everyone has an equal voice."

Nov 6, 2009

The red, white and blue will be flying high on Veterans Day when the Huntsville community comes out in full force for its annual Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11. From the Scouting troops with their floats to the Cahaba Shriners with their tiny hot rod cars to the big brass sounds of local school bands, this year's Veterans Day Parade is sure to be fun for both participants and spectators. And in the center of all that fun will be the Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines honored by the festivities. "People love the Soldier marching," said retired Sgt. 1st Class David Carney, operations officer for the parade. "We have the most patriotic community in the nation. I hear from people all across the nation that they've never seen a military and civilian community that works so well together. This is a great patriotic community. And, every year, the Veterans Day Parade is the most exciting parade we've ever had." For sure, every year the parade gets bigger and better. This year, more than 100 entries are expected. There will be seven bands, led off by the impressive Alabama A&M Band; 11 JROTC and ROTC units; and entries by the ever popular Cahaba Shriners, Madison County Heritage Commission, Scouting troops, Vets for Vettes Corvette Club, Patriot Guard Riders, Semper Fi Riders, and dance and twirling groups. There will be several float entries from corporate and community organizations, military hardware and a horse-drawn stagecoach. The 1,000 Soldiers with Redstone Arsenal's 59th Ordnance Brigade/832nd Ordnance Battalion along with the Arsenal's color guard will be a main part of the festivities. "This is a day when everyone is bursting with pride because we get to recognize our veterans," Carney said. "This is a day for them to be proud of their nation, and proud of the servicemembers who have worked to make this the greatest nation on earth. This is a time when parents can show their children and their families what it means to serve their country." The parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Huntsville on Clinton Avenue, extends through downtown on Monroe Street, Williams Street and Lincoln Street, then again on Monroe Street and ends on Holmes Avenue. The theme is "Courage, Sacrifice and Duty - Heroes Among Us."

Nov 5, 2009

Dr. Steven L. Messervy, Deputy to the Commander for Research, Development & Acquisition at USASMDC/ARSTRAT, explains the reorganization of the RDA component of the command.

Nov 5, 2009

Nov 2, 2009

ROTA, Spain - Even before the sun rose over the U.S. naval station in Rota, Spain, personnel from the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager-Europe were working on the mammoth task of off-loading a three-story cargo ship filled with critical equipment destined for Afghanistan.

Nov 2, 2009

The Materiel Enterprise (ME) is one of the Army's four core enterprises and is responsible for materiel management from concept to combat. The ME brings together all of the organizations and stakeholders involved in providing materiel solutions for our Soldiers. It incorporates all the materiel life cycle functions to include research, development, acquisition, testing, distribution, supply, maintenance, industrial base operations and disposal. The goal is to provide Army leadership with information and analysis to enable them to make sound decisions.

Nov 2, 2009

101 CAB historical article

Oct 30, 2009

Flying the skies is more than a hobby for pilot Dennis Boyer. It's also an affirmation of life, a chance to help someone who is suffering, an opportunity to touch someone coping with threatening health issues. Boyer is a Mercy Flight Southeast pilot, volunteering his six-seat, twin engine Cessna 310 to provide free airplane transportation for children and adults who need transportation for medical care in facilities hundreds of miles from Huntsville. He has also provided compassionate flights for Soldiers who need quick transportation to visit a dying relative. "This is something that I can do to give back," said Boyer, the chief engineer for the Kiowa Warrior Product Office, Program Executive Office for Aviation. "I've taken a lot of patients to M.D. Anderson in Houston for cancer treatments. I've made a lot of flights with children out to South Carolina to the Shriners Hospital. And a lot to Memphis to the Memphis Children's Hospital and to St. Jude's Children's Hospital." Mercy Flight Southeast is affiliated with the nationwide Angel Flight program. Its volunteer pilots provide transportation for transplant programs, medical care, compassionate care, domestic violence relocations and disaster relief.

Oct 30, 2009

The annual Special Olympics track and field event just keeps getting better each year. The crowd, events and activities were even bigger than in previous years. So were the smiles. "It's a wonderful team effort between Redstone Arsenal and the local community to be able to support this event," Army Community Service director Sue Paddock said. "For the Soldiers it's a great learning experience. We really enjoy supporting it." Close to a thousand athletes, Soldiers, volunteers and well-wishers turned out at Milton Frank Stadium on Oct. 20 for the four and a half hour event. Among that number were 250 Soldiers from the 832nd Ordnance Battalion. "The Soldiers did a great job as escorts. We are so proud to have them be a part of this annual event."

Oct 30, 2009

Becky Feehan had never considered herself a "survivor." Now, she wears that descriptive title with pride. At age 31, Feehan became a breast cancer survivor. With the help of God, her husband, and her family and friends, she quickly responded by having surgery and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and she won a fight that threatened her life. "When we got the news, my husband told me I had to fight," she said. "He said 'I know you don't have a mean bone in your body, Becky. But you've got to get mean to fight this.' And I was ready to fight." For Feehan, the discovery of breast cancer came at a point in her life when the future held a lot of promise and happiness. Just a couple months earlier, she had married the love of her life, now Air Force Brig. Gen. Terrence Feehan, and the two were settling into their home at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "In March 2003, we were brand new newlyweds," she said. "But it was my very first trip to the base clinic when the cancer was discovered ... "The possibility that this disease could take my life was not so much frightening as it was disappointing. Terry and I had finally found each other less than a year before, and we were planning a full and joyful life together. It just didn't seem fair to me that this dream could be ending even before it had really begun."

Oct 30, 2009

AMCOM commander Maj. Gen. Jim Myles talked informally with the latest participants in the command's mentoring program. Myles asked each protege what he or she had gotten out of the six-month program and also conversed with their mentors. He awarded certificates to all the participants in this ninth cycle of the People Empowering People mentoring program during the award ceremony Oct. 20. "This program is set up so well to allow you to interface with our leaders. We've got some great leaders here," Myles said. he Aviation and Missile Command's latest cycle of the program, conducted by AMCOM G-1 (Human Resources), began April 20.

Oct 30, 2009

Bicentennial Chapel celebrated its annual Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 3. The Blessing of the Animals has been celebrated at the chapel for more than 20 years.

Oct 30, 2009

Nothing says pride like a Soldier in uniform. Today's Soldier has much to be proud of in the current Army Combat Uniform, but the Army is always looking for way to make it better and more well-suited to the needs of the Soldier.

Oct 29, 2009

Scientists, engineers and professors from the United States and India recently met to find ways to solve the critical power and energy challenges faced by both nations.

Oct 29, 2009

Debra Y. Coleman became the new program manager for the "Always a Soldier" program at headquarters, U.S. Army Materiel Command Oct. 26. Coleman was previously a staff action control officer at AMC.

Oct 28, 2009

Redstone Arsenal's "wow" factor was on display Friday for about 120 college juniors and seniors interested in engineering, management information systems, accounting, finance, procurement, operations management, supply chain and enterprise resource planning. During College Day, the students toured the Prototype Integration Facility, Software Engineering Directorate, Redstone Test Center and the propulsion areas at Marshall Space Flight Center to get an idea of the projects they might work on as civilian employees for the Aviation and Missile Command or the other 50 federal agencies located on the Arsenal. "There are a significant number of job opportunities here and there's a lot of opportunity in the midst of the organizations moving here," AMCOM deputy commander Ronnie Chronister told the students. "What all this means is there will be opportunities for you and your peers for employment here." Speaking to the group at Heiser Hall at the beginning of their daylong visit, Chronister told the students that Redstone Arsenal can offer them a lot of hands-on opportunities to make a difference in the nation's overseas contingency operations and the day-to-day survival of Soldiers at war. The students saw some of the Arsenal's aircraft and missile systems perform in an AMCOM video, which included an Apache firing a Hellfire missile, a Black Hawk delivering a box of NLOS missiles to a remote location and a firing of a Patriot missile. "All the science and technology, the engineering, that went into building the Apache helicopter or Hellfire missile ... all the science and technology for aviation and missile systems is managed at this Arsenal," Chronister said.

Oct 28, 2009

Pingpong balls and lava lamps brought the lessons of microgravity down to earth for sixth and seventh grade students who visited educator William Heard's mini-science lab at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center during the third annual Space and Missile Defense Student Day. "You guys ready to learn some cool stuff'" Heard asked students from Randolph School and Fairview Middle School. He asked the students if they knew about Daniel Bernoulli, a Swiss mathematician and scientist who lived in the 18th century and who is remembered for his applications of mathematical equations involving the flow of fluids in terms of speed, pressure and potential energy. Heard told them much of modern technology, especially aerodynamics, is based on Bernoulli's formulas. From the looks on the students' faces, the "stuff" didn't seem so cool anymore. "This guy was French. He lived in the 1700s. Way back then he was talking about some of the forces acting on nature, some of the things that are the principles of how airplanes actually work," Heard said, as he drove his message into the 21st century. "Bernoulli's Principle explains the lift and drag of airplanes, and the effect of air pressure. It's about microgravity." Then the "cool stuff" did happen. The students tried their own "lift and drag" experiment with two cups and a pingpong ball. The idea was to blow over the cup containing the ball so that the ball was pushed up and out of the cup, landing in the second cup. "By blowing over the cup, you are changing the air pressure inside the cup," Heard said. "Blowing across the cup generates a difference in the pressure in the cup and causes the ball to go from one area of high pressure to an area of low pressure." Heard also used 1960s lava lamp entertainment to further demonstrate the effect microgravity has on fluid. The demonstration was among eight exhibits from government and industry representatives that participated in the Space and Missile Defense Student Day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Davidson Center. During the event, more than 250 middle school students from Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and Cullman participated in hands-on demonstrations in robotics, unmanned aerial/ground vehicle aircraft, satellite technology, man's quest to rediscover the moon, and other space and missile defense technologies.

Oct 28, 2009

Disaster contingency plans, antiterrorism and force protection programs, emergency drills and pandemic influenza plans were all on the table for discussion during an annual meeting that brought Alabama's commanders to Redstone Arsenal. The Alabama Commanders' Summit, started by Gov. Bob Riley, involves commanders from the state's three military installations - Redstone Arsenal, Fort Rucker and Maxwell Air Force Base - as well as state commanders and state emergency officials. "The vision of Governor Riley was to bring all of the state, federal and local emergency managers together so that we know each other, and we know each other's assets and capabilities," said Alvin Odoms, the Garrison's director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. "So, now, if we have to call on each other we know who can best help with the emergency that we are dealing with." This is Redstone's second time to host the event, which rotates between the state's three installations. "This is about preparing for a holistic state approach to an emergency or disaster," Odoms said. "Every post and military company in the state has capabilities and it's good to know what those capabilities are in time of need. Because of these summits, we know each other and we can work together as a team. We are part of each other's emergency teams."

Oct 23, 2009

Redstone has its share of high-profile visitors. Last week a presidential appointee visited the post, but he wasn't here to see missile systems or aviation offices. He came to visit custodians, store clerks and sewing machine operators. James Omvig serves as the vice chairperson for the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. He was appointed to the committee in 2003 by former President George W. Bush. The independent federal agency oversees the AbilityOne program, which promotes business relationships for federal agencies with goods and services from blind or disabled people. He spent the morning of Oct. 13 touring facilities operated by the people his committee is charged to assist. "Mr. Omvig's visit is to thank AMCOM and the Huntsville federal community for 36 years of sterling support for the AbilityOne program," said Bryan Dodson, president and CEO for Phoenix Service. "Over the past 36 years, the combined support for AbilityOne in the Huntsville federal community has literally changed thousands of lives for person with disabilities served by Phoenix and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind who operate the base supply center."

Oct 23, 2009

Veterans Day activities will once again be the backdrop for a Tennessee Valley program that extends Southern hospitality to wounded Marines and Soldiers. The Semper Fi Community Task Force will host a group of 16 Marines and 16 Soldiers along with their spouses during Heroes' Week, which will include the Marine Corps Ball, a fishing tournament and boat tour, and the Veterans Day dinner and parade. All events are free for the wounded warriors and their spouses. "This is our way of helping, our way of paying it forward," said retired Marine Lt. Col. Mike Dahl, who is coordinating Heroes' Week. The task force has been raising funds throughout the year for this event. The group has also recruited various local businesses to donate services and products, and volunteers to assist with transportation and other arrangements. "We rely on a lot of local organizations to help us with this," Dahl said. Organizations such as the Patriot Guard, North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organization's Coalition, Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, Still Serving Veterans, Vettes for Vets Corvette Club, Blue Star Moms, Eagles Women's Auxiliary, Hands on Greater Huntsville, the cities of Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and Guntersville, and several local churches support Heroes' Week. Businesses such as Sierra Toyota, the Westin Hotel, Guntersville Yacht Club and Rocket Harley-Davidson are also providing support. "We want to show them that Huntsville and North Alabama is an awesome place. We support our troops and we accept people with open arms," said Reserve Gunnery Sgt. Joe Wittkop, a Heroes' Week volunteer.

Oct 23, 2009

Well-wishers file into the conference room. There's cake on the table and a sign on the wall that says "Welcome home, Valerie." Co-workers celebrated Valerie Robinson's return from Iraq with a reception Thursday afternoon at the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center. The Navy reservist was deployed nearly a year in Al Asad, Iraq, with her unit, Navy Military Construction Battalion 24 out of Huntsville.

Oct 23, 2009

Students from both public and private schools participating in the ninth annual Adventures in Engineering Day were brought by the busload Sept. 30 to tour the Prototype Integration Facility. Some of the attending high schools were Huntsville, Madison, Madison County, Limestone County and Arab. The AIE program allows students the chance to meet engineers who work on Redstone and to learn about their jobs firsthand. The Prototype Integration Facility welcomed the students and offered them the opportunity to see it and to speak with project leads. Once they reached the facility, the students were taken on a tour by government project lead TJ Lapointe who was eager to show and explain what he and other members of the PIF work force do. The bus with students from Bob Jones High was the first to arrive. The students piled in to the Visualization Laboratory where they squeezed between one another to get a better look at the large screens that gave examples of the 3D presentations being created there.

Oct 23, 2009

Barbara Williams spends much of her time attending meetings at school and talking with military parents. She doesn't mind her busy schedule; she just wishes more people knew she's available to help. "I still see people every day that say they don't know about school liaison services," she said. "I would say that's an area that needs improvement." Williams serves as youth education support services director/school liaison officer in Child Youth and School Services under the Garrison. She started in April after 32 years in the Huntsville city schools system. "The position that I'm in is very similar to my position in the Huntsville city schools district where I worked with families and children. I'm still working with families and children," said Williams, who formerly served as the director of pupil services at the city school board. "This one's different in that it's issues that concern schools and military children's education. My primary responsibility is of course military children's education." She has already seen the community's support for military children, whose mobile lifestyle entails frequent school changes. Under a new program this year called Military Operation School Supplies, 20 corporate sponsors provided 375 book bags filled with school supplies. The effort started in June and the book bags were distributed to military families in early August. "It was just an overwhelming project," Williams said. "They poured out a lot of support for our families."

Oct 23, 2009

Huntsville's leadership in the promotion of women in defense-related careers is a perfect fit for a city that is known for its "forward thinking," said a top Army official. "Since 1979, Women in Defense has provided members with forums for professional growth. Today there are 15 chapters for women who work in a primarily male industry and environment," said Brig. Gen. Susan Lawrence, commander of the Army's Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command. "Women in Defense has been adding chapters fast and furious in the last five to 10 years. A Huntsville chapter is only natural for the Huntsville area because it is one of the most forward thinking areas for its time." The Tennessee Valley Chapter of Women in Defense was started in March 2003. Speaking to an audience of about 250 members of the local WID chapter and the National Defense Industrial Association, Lawrence outlined Huntsville's history in the promotion of women in defense-related careers, beginning in the 1940s when women worked in the Army's local chemical and ammunition plants to replace the men who went to fight in World War II. "Their work helped their families financially and their performance was very much related to their own patriotic duty," Lawrence said. "Many of our predecessors recognized the challenges they faced and they all took on those challenges to make our nation a stronger place to live, to serve and to work." Lawrence said there is "no institution more supportive of women then the Department of Defense. It's been two decades since the Department of Defense first allowed women to go to service academies. Now we have 57 women generals or admirals. Five three-star female generals and, the great news last November, is we now have one female four-star. I've served with her and there is no better selection than General Ann Dunwoody."

Oct 23, 2009

Laser technology is taking Chief Warrant Officer Cary Nadeau to Iraq for his fourth deployment in support of overseas contingency operations. It's a deployment that will give Nadeau the opportunity to show the Army's Chinook pilots the benefits of new technology tested by the Redstone Test Center.

Oct 23, 2009

Community leaders from across the Tennessee Valley were given a "bird's eye view" of what growth means for Redstone Arsenal during a briefing from top Redstone officers Oct. 13. That view was an overarching look at the Arsenal's footprint, its growing capabilities and new organizations, and the issues that could threaten future growth. During the Evening at the Arsenal, Maj. Gen. Jim Myles, commander of Redstone Arsenal and the Aviation and Missile Command, joined forces with Col. Steve Kihara, the new commander of the Redstone Test Center, and Garrison commander Col. Bob Pastorelli to share Redstone Arsenal's story with more than 100 community leaders. The Arsenal story included a missile firing of the Javelin, a flyover of Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters, and dinner, exhibits and a presentation at the Redstone Test Center's hangar at the Airfield. "This is an Arsenal that supports the entire country ... The mission of success today is having you get a better feel for your Arsenal and having you get a better feel of what we're all about, what our challenges are and where we're at," Myles told his audience. "Welcome to your Army."

Oct 21, 2009

Scientists, engineers and professors from the United States and India gathered to solve critical power and energy challenges facing both nations at the first U.S.-Indo Bilateral Power and Energy Workshop in Arlington, Va. Sept. 29 - Oct. 1. The three-day workshop provided a forum to identify collaborative research and development opportunities regarding power sources, power storage, cogeneration, and power management equipment and systems.

Oct 21, 2009

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Twenty-five employees and Family members from the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command volunteered to assist with the 42nd Special Olympics at Milton Frank Stadium here Oct. 20.

Oct 20, 2009

Employees enrolling in a Civilian Education System course in the 3rd and 4th quarters of FY10 will notice a major change in the application process.

Oct 19, 2009

Army Management Staff College has signed another articulation agreement, demonstrating university recognition of its Civilian Education System program.

Oct 19, 2009

The Army Management Staff College has rescheduled an upcoming Continuing Education for Senior Leaders class.

Oct 16, 2009

WASHINGTON - Teams and individuals from the Program Executive Office for Aviation were recognized in three out of 16 categories at the 2009 U.S. Army Acquisition annual awards ceremony Oct. 4 at the Crystal City Gateway Marriot. The ceremony paid tribute to the uniformed and civilian professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide combatant commanders and their Soldiers the weapons and equipment they need to execute decisive, full-spectrum operations in support of the overseas contingency operations. Some 139 nominations were received from the field. Only 18 were recognized. "Our people - military and civilians are our most important asset," said Dean Popps, acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. "Tonight, we honor our finest - you." PEO Aviation was recognized in three categories for the Army Acquisition Excellence awards. The AAE recognizes an Army acquisition work force member or team whose performance and contributions set them apart from their peers. The nominees work at all levels of the acquisition community, from senior leadership to newly hired interns. Any Army acquisition work force member, team or joint program, active duty military, including reserve component Soldiers, and civilian employees, are eligible for award nomination. The awards directly reflect the outstanding achievements in support of the Soldiers and the Army's transformation efforts.

Oct 16, 2009

Nicki Swindle is looking for a few good volunteers. And you can be one of those volunteers if you have an association with the military and Redstone Arsenal; the desire to listen, question and follow through with quality of life issues as they are presented; the ability to work in a team to identify, develop and prioritize issues; and, above all, the commitment to making a difference in the lives of servicemembers, retirees, Army civilians and their family members. Oh, and one last requirement - you have to be able to participate in a two-day Team Redstone Army Family Action Plan conference set for Oct. 27-28 at the Officers and Civilians Club. "We need delegate volunteers," said Swindle, the quality of life program manager for Army Community Service. "We already have our facilitators, recorders, transcribers and issue support volunteers. But we need delegates with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We need delegates that represent active duty, DA civilians, retirees, and active duty, retiree or DA civilian spouses." Thirty volunteer delegates are required by the conference. They are divided among three issue groups - medical/dental; benefits and entitlements, including traffic, transportation, personnel, finance and housing; and consumer services, including Commissary, PX and Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation activities. "The delegates do not have to be experts in these areas. We have subject matter experts that will provide them with the information they need to make decisions," Swindle said. Delegates work in their groups to review issues and brainstorm new issues, ask questions and conduct research involving subject matter experts, choose the group's top three issues, write issue statements and then present them at the end of the conference. "Everybody has a role in this process," Swindle said. "We want the delegates to feel comfortable enough to share their opinions. There are no uniforms, no ranks, no last names. Everyone is equal in this process. This conference gives people a voice, a way to get involved in change. But this isn't about personal agendas. We need delegates who want to see positive change come out of the process."

Oct 16, 2009

Oct 16, 2009

At first glance, Taka is a big dog. The German shepherd stands taller than many young children. But, after meeting him, it doesn't take long for Taka's gentle demeanor, high tolerance level and friendly nature to bring his stature down to a child's level, where he is petted, hugged and kissed, and read to. Read to' Taka is a registered therapy dog and a Reading Education Assistance Dog. He spends the first Saturday morning of each month practicing his listening skills with children who read to him at the Redstone Arsenal Library as part of the Tales with Taka program. At his side is his owner and trainer, Jamie Ward, who spends her working days as the acting chief of the acquisition management division, Lower Tier Project Office. "This is all fun for the children. It gets them comfortable around dogs and encourages them with their reading," Ward said. "It's a way for me to support the troops and their families." On a recent Saturday morning, Taka read books with two members of Taka's Pack Readers -- 9-year-old Sofia Rundini and 7-year-old Isabella Fratangelo. Both picked out books that they knew Taka would like.

Oct 16, 2009

Besides information on health, benefits and local volunteer services, attendees of the two-day Military Retiree Appreciation Day at Redstone Arsenal also received an up-close look at the Arsenal and all it has to offer its Soldiers, civilian work force, retirees and their families. And much of that up-close look was provided by Garrison commander Col. Bob Pastorelli during an Oct. 3 presentation in Bob Jones Auditorium. "You are a part of our family," Pastorelli told the retirees. "This is an important event for us. I've been in the Army for 24 years, and as long as I've been in the service, no one does it better than Redstone Arsenal. "We're here to support you and we're going to do our best each and every time. We never forget about you even when you do retire. Our commitment is to provide you with whatever services we are capable of providing." Pastorelli thanked the event's coordinators - the Retiree Council of Redstone Arsenal - and all the organizations, including the Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation, Officers and Civilians Club, and Fox Army Health Center, that made the event possible. "Nothing gets done unless people lean forward, volunteer and make it so," he said. "(Co-chairmen) Henry Oldham and Doug Patrick and all their volunteers do phenomenal work every time." The colonel reviewed with retirees the size and economic impact of Redstone Arsenal - 38,125 acres; 12 million square feet of building space; $2.7 billion annual economic impact from salaries; 33,000-plus employees on Redstone Arsenal; 78,843 military retirees in the immediate area; 118,265 family members; and 55,303 civilian retirees.

Oct 16, 2009

This year's Military Retiree Appreciation Day at Redstone Arsenal was all about life changes -- life changes that make a positive impact, that lead to reassessments and new commitments, that make a difference in the lives of others. Health care exhibitors including Fox Army Health Center, Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center provided information about managing health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Volunteer agencies like Still Serving Veterans and Army Community Service offered both services and volunteer opportunities. And program speakers urged attendees to make the most of their retirement years. The two-day event gave retirees a glimpse of the life changes they can make in their own lives and in the lives of others. Leading those life changes was one of the Army's most active military retirees - Jack Tilley, who prefers to be introduced as the former - not the retired - 12th sergeant major of the Army. Tilley brought his message of life changes to the second day of the annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day event, held Oct. 2 at the Officers and Civilians Club and Oct. 3 at the Sparkman Center's Bob Jones Auditorium and cafeteria. His message - interspersed with personal antidotes - told of his deep faith in God, his belief that the U.S. still stands for hope, peace and equality throughout the world, and his willingness to continue in his service to the nation despite carrying the label "retired." "My name is Jack Tilley. I'm a retiree. I'm a Soldier. And I will never stop serving," he told retirees in closing his presentation on Oct. 3. But before the closing came so much more.

Oct 16, 2009

It all came down to this last test of strength and will. Two Soldiers, a male and female, from Headquarters & Headquarters Company and the NCO Academy squared off to determine who would walk away with the 59th Ordnance Brigade Organizational Day 2009 trophy. When the dust cleared from the rapid succession of pushups, the Academy stood alone. Oct. 2 had provided individual and team heroics as Bravo, Charlie, Headquarters & Alpha, the Marines, HHC 59th and NCO Academy gathered for a fun-filled day of activities to build morale within the companies. HHC 59th and the Academy ended the final event of the day, the tug-o-war, tied for first place and then squared off in the tiebreaking event, the pushup. But the true feat was two companies with the oldest Soldiers in the unit beat out more than 400 privates, with the average age of 20. HHC 59th and the Academy both proved age doesn't matter. "You know, it's kind of hard for the NCOA to compete because we have older Soldiers," 1st Sgt. John Butler, senior leaders course branch chief, said. "Some have injuries, some don't run like they used too. But we came out and competed really well against companies like Bravo and Charlie, who have fresh, young Soldiers. For us to come out on top, this was great. It says a lot for our Soldiers in the NCOA." And this victory for the Academy was indeed important. Though the Academy has dominated when it comes to static display contests, they are not known for their athletic achievements. "This victory is special to us," Butler said. "For the last few years, the NCOA was getting beat pretty bad in these (competitions). It's nice to come out on top."

Oct 16, 2009

Unlike predominately-military installations, Redstone deploys both Soldiers and civilians. It's looking to support them through a non-traditional readiness group. "The concept is new in that our demographic is unique here," said Kathleen Riester, Army Community Service program manager and FRG representative. At other installations, troops deploy as a unit. A traditional family readiness group is in place at their post to meet the needs and answer the questions of their families for the duration of their deployment. At Redstone, however, civilians and Soldiers deploy throughout the year - sometimes individually or in small groups for varying time periods. A traditional readiness group just wouldn't work for them. "That's why our name is the 'Community Family Readiness Group,'" Riester said. "Because we're trying to cover all of our people under this one umbrella. Even if you're an office of only five and you have no one deployed right now, you may have someone deployed in the future. You're welcome to the table." Last year the Community FRG formed to try and meet the needs of Team Redstone, both Soldier and civilian, as they deploy. Along the way, they have identified issues unique to civilian deployments.

Oct 16, 2009

WASHINGTON - After all the congratulations for finishing first for the third straight year, the news got even better for members of Redstone's Army Ten-Miler team. The runners learned they had won two first-place awards for the first time in Redstone Arsenal's history of competing in the 25th annual event. Redstone finished first in the government agency division for the third year in a row at the 10-mile race held Oct. 4 near the Pentagon. Redstone also had an entry in the all-comers division. Preliminary results announced at the awards ceremony had Redstone Two finishing second among the all-comers. However, the official results on the Army Ten-Miler website subsequently had Redstone Two finishing first in that division as well. So, Redstone Arsenal swept both the government agency and all-comers divisions for the first time. The Army Ten-Miler office was notified of its earlier discrepancy and promised to settle the matter by Oct. 15.

Oct 15, 2009

Although the nation is experiencing unemployment levels not seen in decades, Army Contracting Command continues to face a challenge when it comes to recruiting qualified contracting specialists at the mid and senior levels.

Oct 15, 2009

Oct 15, 2009

Oct 15, 2009

Oct 14, 2009

Air Force major receives first check under HAP program enhanced by the Recovery Act ....

Oct 14, 2009

On the morning of Sunday, Oct. 4, more than 30,000 military and civilian runners gathered at the Pentagon to participate in the 25th Annual Army 10-Miler. USASMDC/ARSTRAT participated with two teams as well as individual racers. The race starts and finishes at the Pentagon, passing Washington, D.C., landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the Capitol Building. The event is produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and precedes the AUSA National Conference in Washington, D.C., annually.

Oct 13, 2009

Oct 13, 2009

Oct 8, 2009

The Army celebrated the official full operational capability status of the Army Contracting Command and its subordinate commands with a ceremony on the Army Materiel Command Parade Ground, Fort Belvoir, Va. Created after the need for a dedicated Army contracting command was identified in the 2007 independent report, Aca,!A"Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management In Expeditionary Operations,Aca,!A? also known as the Gansler Commission Report, ACC, AMCAca,!a,,cs newest major subordinate command, brought contracting capabilities from existing Army organizations into a new structure that focuses on professional, ethical, efficient and responsive contracting operations.