Staff Sgt. Christopher
Fincham, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
NSS
participants share thoughts on issues facing nation
June
8, 2007 -- More than 60 guests came together at the U.S.
Army War College June 4-8 to take part in the 53rd
Annual National Security Seminar.
After welcoming the guests, Maj. Gen. David Huntoon,
U.S. Army War College Commandant, looked forward to what
the week accomplished.
"We are happy that you are here, but we are also very
confident that your time here will be well spent," he
said.
Since the beginning of the NSS program in 1954, the Army
War College has hosted more than 6,000 participants from
all walks of life and all regions of the United States,
according to Huntoon.
"Our diverse backgrounds are met here in a common love
for our country and a common concern for its future,"
said Huntoon.
The
week-long seminar focused around a dialogue and
discussions of various topics and according to Huntoon,
served as a type of "final synthesis" of the year's
education for the Army War College students.
Numerous speakers were on-hand throughout the week
including retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, who
addressed the Global War on Terrorism, and Professor
Alan Stolberg who discussed the U.S. and Europe in the
21st Century. The idea behind the seminar is for the
speakers to address a given topic and then for everyone
- Army War College students and NSS guest alike - to
discuss it thoroughly in order to achieve broader
perspectives and learn from one another.
"Our intent is not solely to speak to you, but also to
listen," Huntoon explained.
During the week NSS guests also took part in a
"world-class staff ride" to the battlefields at
Gettysburg and participated in many social events which
helped to reinforce the day's learning and were designed
to build friendships and cohesion.
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
George W. Bush, President of the United States
2007 U.S. Army birthday
Presidential message
I
send greetings to all those celebrating the 232nd
birthday of the United States Army.
Since our Nation's founding, members of the United
States Army have answered the call to serve in America's
times of need. These brave citizens have triumphed over
brutal enemies, liberated continents, and answered the
prayers of millions around the globe. From Valley
forge, across Europe and Asia, and in Afghanistan and
Iraq, our soldiers have made great sacrifices so that
others could live3 in freedom.
Today, courageous and selfless patriots from every
corner of our Nation continue this proud tradition as
they fight to uphold the ideals that make our country a
beacon of freedom and hope. These find Americans are
answering the call of duty and carrying out an urgent
and noble mission with valor and unrelenting
determination. They are taking their rightful place
among the heroes of our country's history, and their
dedication makes every American proud.
On
behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank the members of the
United States Army and Army veterans for protecting our
citizens and laying a foundation of peace for
generations to come. All of us who live in liberty live
in your debt, and we will never forget your service and
sacrifice.
Laura and I send our best wishes. May God bless you and
your families, and may God bless America.
MHI to celebrate 40th Anniversary
June 7, 2007 -- The U.S. Military History Institute will
celebrate 40 years of preserving and telling the Army's
stories with a celebration on June 16.
MHI, which was officially established on July 27,
1967, mission is to preserve the Army's history and
ensure access to historical research materials. It
serves as the primary facility where researchers study
Army history. MHI holdings include books, manuscripts,
photos, and maps. It was named the U.S. Army Military
History Records Center but was renamed the U.S. Military
History Institute on April1, 1977. It was officially
designated as an institute of the U.S. Army War College
on Oct. 1, 1993.
The significance of the institute has been echoed by
those who have used it for their research.
"I
think Rick Atkinson said it best when he said that 'MHI
is the 'mother lode' of history for the military
historian,'" said Dr. Conrad Crane, MHI director.
Atkinson is a Pulitzer Prize winning author who has used
the institute during his periods of research for his
books.
Crane went on to point out that the same sentiment
has been repeated by others who come to the facility.
"Telling our story and top-notch personal service
are both very important to us and we get constant
feedback that people appreciate what we do," he said.
MHI became a component of the U.S. Army Heritage and
Education Center on Nov. 1, 2002.
In honor of this milestone, the public is invited to
come to the facility for tours and other presentations
on June 16. Tours will be held at 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
and 2:30-5:00 p.m. Dr. Conrad C. Crane, Director of MHI,
will speak on 'The History of the Military History
Institute' at 1:30 p.m..
Schedule of events for June 16
-
10
a.m.- 5 p.m. -Ridgway Hall Open House
-
10
a.m.- 1:30 p.m. ; 2:30-5 p.m. - Organized, "behind the
scenes" tours of Ridgway Hall. See how a
nationally-scoped archive and historical repository
operates.
-
1
p.m. - Ceremonial Cake Cutting in Conference Room
-
1:30
p.m. - An oral history presentation of "The History of
the Military History Institute" by Dr. Conrad Crane,
Director, Military History Institute
MHI is recognized worldwide for its premier Army history
collection of more than 14 million items, which includes
diaries, photographs, letters, official documents,
manuscripts, Army publications and books. The items are
maintained in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled
conditions, easily accessible to the many researchers,
students, faculty, military planners, military history
scholars and veterans who use the facility.
AHEC is a cultural, educational and historical campus
adjacent to Carlisle Barracks on a 56-acre site that
will feature the Military History Institute, a
conservation laboratory, an education center, an outdoor
museum park, and the Army Heritage Museum. The AHEC, a
component of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, is an
institute of the U.S. Army War College and supports the
electives and core curriculum of both the resident and
distance programs. Army War College students benefit
greatly from the wealth of MHI research materials, in
addition to their participation in conducting interviews
as part of the senior leader oral history program.
Ridgway Hall closure June 15
An important note for patrons, the Army Heritage and
Education Center, including the Military History
Institute's Reading Room, will CLOSE at 2:30 p.m.,
Friday, June 15 to celebrate MHI's 40th anniversary. The
MHI Reading Room will be open for full patron service,
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., June 16. Visitors may also view
Army Heritage Museum artifact exhibits inside the AHEC
that Saturday.
The AHEC will resume its regular schedule of 9:00
a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday, (closed Saturdays,
Sundays, and the ten Federal holidays), starting on June
18.
The U.S. Military History Institute is located at
the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Ridgway
Hall, 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013.
AHEC Fast facts
. Army
Heritage and Education Center staff expertise is
routinely sought for historical consultations to
authors, publications and film productions, including
motion pictures such as Gettysburg, Gods and
Generals, Saving Private Ryan, and Cold
Mountain
.
Noted historians and authors Stephen Ambrose, Rick
Atkinson, Ken Burns, Jim Lehrer, and many others credit
the MHI archival source material in their books
. The
Army Heritage Museum (galleries opening in the Visitors
and Education Center in 2006) holds an extensive
collection of uniforms, equipment, accoutrements and
personal items linked to individual Soldiers and their
service to the Army
.
Living history educational programs are conducted on
site throughout the year along the Army Heritage Trail,
a unique open air gallery.
Army News Service
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport celebrates 500,000th R&R
traveler
Army
News Service, June 13, 2007) - A "shower of affection"
greeted an aircraft carrying the 500,000th servicemember
and DOD civilian returning home for R&R from operations
Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Tuesday.
The Army and Dallas/Forth Worth International
Airport celebrated the milestone by recognizing and
thanking the hundreds of volunteers who made the
"Welcome Home a Hero" program a success.
Maj. Gen. Sean Byrne, commanding general of the
Army's Human Resources Command, and dignitaries thanked
the DFW community for their continued support over the
last three years.
DFW International Airport, the USO, the North Texas
Commission, DFW Chaplaincy, Al Shamel SATO and Air
Mobility Command were all presented with certificates of
appreciation for their continued support of the troops
since the inception of the R&R program in 2003.
"We as a nation and as an Army have asked much of
our servicemembers, DOD civilians and their families.
And we, in turn, are doing everything possible to ensure
their well-being today and in the future," said Maj.
Gen. Byrne. "This program would not have been a success
without your help."
Approximately 420 servicemembers travel from combat
zones daily to take part in the R&R leave program. Two
chartered commercial aircrafts fly servicemembers and
DOD civilians from Kuwait City International Airport to
hubs in the United States, one in Atlanta, Ga., and the
other in Dallas, Texas.
DFW was not the only location celebrating this
milestone. Both Kuwait City International Airport and
the R&R team at Atlanta's Hartsfield International
Airport hosted a celebration in support of the historic
event.
In Dallas, servicemembers were greeted by more than
200 dignitaries and special guests as they reunited with
families or caught connecting flights. One of the
returning Soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class Marvin Jackson from
Kansas City, Mo., is assigned to the 524th Combat
Service Support Battalion on Schofield Barracks and has
been deployed to Forward Operating Base Q-West near
Mosul, Iraq, for the past nine months.
"It makes me feel proud knowing I can come into a
place like Dallas and see Americans like these cheering
us on making us feel good. I'm happy to be home," said
Sgt. 1st Class Jackson.
Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
Officials optimistic about Army recruiting despite May
shortfall
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 11, 2007) - Defense
officials said today they're not overly concerned that
the Army fell slightly short of its recruiting goal for
May, noting that the service is still 2,000 recruits
ahead of its year-to-date goals.
Bill Carr, acting deputy undersecretary of defense
for military personnel policy, declared May "a
successful month" for recruiting, noting that three of
the four services met or exceeded their active-duty
goals.
"The Army missed, but is still ahead of the game,
year to date," Mr. Carr said during a conference call
with veterans' service organization members. "And we're
optimistic that the year will close OK."
The Army recruited 5,101 active-duty Soldiers in
May, 399 short of its 5,500-Soldier goal, the Defense
Department announced today. The Navy and Air Force both
met their May goals, with 2,709 and 2,451 recruits,
respectively. The Marine Corps exceeded its May goal by
34 percent, signing on 2,225 new Marines.
Four of the six reserve components met or exceeded
their May goals. The Army Reserve, with 3,929
accessions, topped its goal by 6 percent. The Marine
Corps Reserve brought in 1,043 new members, 111 percent
of its goal. The Navy Reserve recruited 913 sailors, 105
percent of its goal; and the Air Force Reserve signed on
675 airmen, 104 percent of its goal.
The Army National Guard recruited 5,612 Soldiers, 12
percent short of its goal; and the Air National Guard
signed on 736 airmen, 77 percent of its goal.
Carr said retention remains solid across the board,
with all services meeting or exceeding their May goals.
Deployed troops reported during surveys that they are "a
few percentage points" less inclined to reenlist, but
Carr said the "flat" overall retention picture suggests
that current retention trends will continue, at least
for the near term.
That flat projection is expected to apply to
recruiting, too, with no major shifts expected in the
propensity of young people to join the military, he
said.
This outlook isn't as positive among influencers and
parents, those adults who help young people make
decisions about joining the military. Support among this
group "continues to dwindle as the war progresses," Carr
said.
Tori
Hennigan, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Summer
hire program kicks off at Carlisle Barracks
June
7, 2007 -- You may notice a sea of new faces on post as
Spring turns to Summer and local high school and college
students are given an opportunity to hone their skills
and gain experience working for the federal government.
Many of those new faces are the 30 students
participating in the Department of Defense's summer hire
program which started this year on May 29th
at Carlisle Barracks.
"It's a program that allows students to have summer
appointment," said Michelle Deshong human recourses
specialist at the civilian personnel office. "It's an
opportunity to give students a chance to get some
experience, to be able to put on their resume, that they
worked at the Army War College."
Summer hires participating in the program agree.
"I
think it helps with responsibility, it's just a really
nice environment, and everyone's really friendly and
it's productive," said Debbie Canter, a summer hire
working in the security office.
Supervisors said that the program is not only great for
the students, but also them as well.
"It helps us accomplish our mission and provide a great
service and support," said Lewis Moral, administrative
officer at the Army Heritage and Education Center.
A
condition of the program is that the hirees are
attending school and are scheduled for future classes.
"Most of the summer hires end up being college students,
because most of the supervisors want the students in
May, but we do have a couple in high school," said
Deshong.
Although all the students were hired as either office
automation clerks, clerks, or laborers, each varies a
great deal. Some students work in offices, others help
set up equipment for events, or work in labs.
Sean Raymond works as an assistant conservator in the
Army Heritage and Education Center. Raymond was working
to restore a WWI helmet, called a picklehaube.
"Its hands on learning about military artifacts." said
Raymond.
Many of the students said they are very happy to be here
and working.
"I
really like working here, its quiet and the people I
work with are really nice," said Erica Hockenberry, a
first year summer hire working in the library.
Spc.
Chris McCann, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain
Division Public Affairs
Counterinsurgency expert advises Soldiers in Iraq
CAMP
STRIKER, Iraq (Army News Service, June 5, 2007) -
Recruit more Iraqi Soldiers and increase their divisions
from 11 to 20 is what one counterinsurgency expert said
he would do if he was in the shoes of the Multinational
Forces - Iraq commander.
Dr. David Kilcullen, an authority on
counterinsurgency, was appointed to advise the MNF-Iraq
commander, Gen. David Petraeus. Dr. Kilcullen visited
Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade
out of Fort Drum, N.Y., to take stock of the "Commando"
brigade's progress June 2 and 3.
Dr. Kilcullen served 21 years in the Australian army
and has led Timorese troops, was a special advisor for
irregular warfare during the 2005 Quadrennial Defense
Review, and remains a reserve lieutenant colonel in the
Australian army.
Col. Michael Kershaw, 2nd BCT commander, escorted Dr.
Kilcullen around Patrol Base Dragon, the Yusufiyah Joint
Security Station and the Mahmudiyah Iraqi Army Compound.
"They've done a great job just setting it up," said
Dr. Kilcullen of the JSS. "They've got the Iraqi army
and Iraqi police working together, which is a great
start, it's a good setup with the IPs doing municipal
law and order, and the Iraqi army doing rural security.
The next step is to set up a joint-operations room where
they can plan operations together."
He observed that U.S. forces' performance is
improving, although the situation has - at least
temporarily - taken a turn for the worse.
"Your progress since the beginning of the year is
substantial," Dr. Kilcullen said. "The trick now is
putting the Iraqi structures into place. It's about
sustainment and expectation management.
"The 10th Mountain Division is the most-deployed
division in the Army today," said Dr. Kilcullen. "That
experience really shows in your approach to the area of
operations. This is a tough, unforgiving AO which
punishes the slightest tactical mistake. I am extremely
impressed with the way the brigade has approached the
mission, and with the progress in this district, which
is the best I have ever seen it."
Dr. Kilcullen also discussed ways to improve combined
U.S. and Iraqi operations with Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Al-Frejee,
commander of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
"What makes a local sheikh respect coalition forces
more than terrorists?" Dr. Kilcullen asked. "Is it a
case - like the Indonesians say - 'either silver or
lead'?"
"Either way is difficult," said Brig. Gen. Ali.
"People are getting tired of Al-Qaeda in Iraq - they're
tired of the ideology and killing. In Anbar, many tribes
are fighting terrorism. We just need time to re-culture
the people."
"I'm very impressed with your progress here," Dr.
Kilcullen told him. "The last time I came to this area,
we couldn't even drive here. It's very impressive."
Dr. Kilcullen asked Brig. Gen. Ali what he would do
if he were in Gen. Petraeus' shoes.
"More Iraqi army soldiers," Brig. Gen. Ali said
without hesitation. "Right now we have 200,000 troops.
The first reason is that we need more soldiers watching
and protecting the people. The second thing is that it
would improve the economy and reduce the unemployment
rate - and when people are poor, it's easy to recruit
them for terror. In my view, Iraq needs 20 divisions
instead of the 11 (they) have now."
Capt. Blake Keil, commander of Battery A, 2nd
Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, spoke
with Dr. Kilcullen about company-level operations.
"It's great to listen to him speak," said Capt. Keil.
"And it's cool to see him here as an adviser to Gen.
Petraeus."
"Everybody knows that July and August are going to be
bad months," said Dr. Kilcullen, reminding several
company commanders and other officers that Petraeus'
plus up report, expected in September, will be a target
for insurgents. "You should expect a spike in enemy
activity. Civilian and U.S. Soldier deaths will look bad
- I think we'll have a hot summer. But if we break
(terrorists') backs, it might drop right after. You guys
are an important reality check for what's going on, and
you know things before division or corps-level people."
He encouraged lower-level leaders to trust their gut
feelings and their Iraqi army counterparts.
"Even with Iraqi intelligence - if one of your Iraqi
counterparts writes a one or two paragraph summary of
what's going on, even if he can't justify what he
expects, he knows his area."
He also reminded the leaders to keep notes for
handing over to the next unit.
"I encourage you to write stories about your missions
- everything from big issues to just personal
recollections. Share them with the incoming guys,
because they're valuable."
Dr. Kilcullen seemed genuinely impressed by the
Commando leaders' accomplishments.
"You guys are doing one of the toughest jobs in this
country, and I think you're doing it right. This brigade
definitely 'gets it,'" he added. "They're doing it
right. In this form of warfare, though, there are no
shortcuts or gimmicks - it's all about keeping up
constant, unremitting pressure over time. At the same
time, you need to be alert to how the enemy and the
environment is adapting, and constantly come up with
new, entrepreneurial ways to work the area.
"At this stage of your tour, it's all about
consolidation, improvement and getting to steady state
so that you can hand over a well-controlled district to
your successor unit."
Army.mil
Army
Chief of Staff discusses plans for 'Way Ahead'
HEIDELBERG, Germany (Army News Service, June 5, 2007) -
Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, called
the U.S. Army in Europe's mission "an important part of
our overall Army effort" during a stop at Grafenwoehr
June 1, part of a theater-wide visit to talk to troops
about the "way ahead" for the Army.
During a three-day sweep of U.S. Army, Europe, Gen.
Casey, accompanied by his wife, Sheila, visited
Heidelberg, Baumholder, Kaiserslautern, Grafenwoehr,
Hohenfels, Schweinfurt, Kosovo and Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center.
During a press conference in Grafenwoehr, Gen. Casey
outlined his seven initiatives, which he said are
designed to sharpen the focus on transformation efforts:
. Accelerate growth and readiness improvements in the
Army;
. Increase support to Soldiers and Families;
. Maintain continuity and momentum in modernization;
. Enhance the reserve components' operational
capabilities;
. Refine the Army's institutional policies and programs
to better serve an expeditionary Army at war; and
. Improve the Army's strategic communications.
He added, "I was the vice chief of staff of the Army
when we began this transformation effort, and so I
bought into the basic correctness of the direction of
that effort four years ago. So you're not going to see
any sharp right- or left-hand turns in the direction the
U.S. Army is headed in its transformation."
Gen. Casey, who in February completed 32 months as
Multinational Force-Iraq commander, said Army
transformation is closely tied to operations and
preparing Soldiers for conflict, as the war on terrorism
nears the end of its sixth year.
"I can tell you that the Soldiers that I've seen
across the Army, a lot of them preparing to go back to
Iraq or Afghanistan, understand what's at stake here for
the Unites States and for our allies," he said. "I must
say, I saw it on the ground in Iraq every day: the young
men and women of the coalition, they get it. They
understand what they're doing for their countries."
His advice to Soldiers preparing to deploy, he said,
is to pay attention to their training.
"At the small-unit level, success in Iraq and
Afghanistan, much like success in any conflict, is
grounded on effective standards and discipline in the
small units," he said. "We are getting better and better
in ... replicating the environments that these Soldiers
are going into, and if they take full advantage of the
training that they'll get here (in Grafenwoehr and
Hohenfels), I think they'll be quite successful."
The chief of staff also addressed the recent
increase in deployment tour length. He said there were
three primary reasons for instituting 15-month
deployments: first, to give the commanders more
flexibility; second, to give Soldiers and families
predictability; and finally, to ensure deploying
brigades had sufficient training time at home station.
Sheila Casey, in a separate set of interviews, said
spouses across the Army have told her frequency and
duration of deployments is a top concern.
She said her central message to the Soldiers,
spouses and family members of U.S. Army, Europe, is,
"Hang in there. This is tough, I know it's tough. I know
these extended deployments are hard. Thank you for
everything you're doing each and every day."
Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense
Safety message from Secretary of Defense Gates
I
am committed to reducing preventable accidents as one of
the cornerstones of the Department of Defense's Safety
Program. Consistent with the President's Safety,
Health, and Return-To-Employment (SHARE) initiative, I
have set some very specific mishap reduction goals for
the department. We are focused on closely monitoring
our most pressing mishap areas: civilian and military
injuries, aviation accidents, and the number one
non-combat killer of our military, private motor vehicle
accidents.
We
can no longer tolerate the injuries, costs, and
capability losses from preventable accidents. Accidents
cost the Department about $3 billion per year, with
indirect costs up to four times that amount. We have
made progress in reducing aviation accidents and
civilian last work days, but have much more to do to
address military injuies and private motor vehicle
fatalities. Our goal is zero preventable accidents, and
I remain fully committed to achieving the 75% accident
reduction target in 2008.
The current focus of our Safety Council is on increasing
the accountability of individuals and leaders, as well
as pursuing safety technologies. Accountability and
leadership are key to an effective safety program. I
urge you to continue to emphasize safety in the
workplace ad hold leaders accountable for their safety
programs. Your efforts will make the Department a safer
place to work, and more capable of defending the nation
and her interests. We have no greater responsibility
than to take care of those who volunteer to serve.
Mary Tanzer, Installation Management Command's
Mentorship Program Manager
IMCOM
Accepts Applications for Mentoring Program
ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, May 31, 2007) - The
U.S. Army Installation Management Command is accepting
applications through June 11 for the fiscal 2008
Centralized Mentoring Program.
Employees who are GS-11 through GS-13 or
equivalents, to include those covered by the National
Security Personnel System, may apply to be matched with
senior leaders for a one-year mentoring partnership.
Mentees complete a one-week shadow assignment,
stretch assignments, eLearning courses and regular
meetings with their mentors.
The Mentoring Program is designed to develop
high-potential employees into well-rounded managers at
the middle or senior level by preparing them to assume
higher levels of responsibility. Headquarters IMCOM
centrally funds the program.
Senior leader volunteer mentors also are being
solicited, and will be matched with selected mentees.
Applications require supervisors' approval, and
garrison applicants require endorsement from the
garrison commander or manager or the deputy garrison
commander. Region applicants require an endorsement from
region director or designee. Applicants at Headquarters
IMCOM must obtain their supervisors' and division
chiefs' approval.
Announcements and application forms are available at
www.imcom.army.mil/site/hr/wfdhcmp.asp.
Send applications by mail or e-mail to the IMCOM
mentoring program manager, Mary Tanzer. For more
information call Tanzer at (703) 602-5487 or DSN
332-5487, or e-mail Mary.Tanzer@hqda.army.mil.
Applicants selected for the program will attend a
two-day orientation in October.
American Forces Press Service
New
Scam Targets Military Spouses
The American Red Cross is warning
military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that
targets family members of deployed troops.
The Red Cross was alerted of the scam
earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red
Cross.
The scam involves a person with an
American accent calling a military spouse, identifying
herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and
telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and
was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says
that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is
completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the
spouse to verify her husband's social security number
and date of birth.
It is hard to determine how many
spouses have been targeted by this scam, Goldburg said,
as there are many ways for spouses to report problems
like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for
the Red Cross to act, she said.
"We know that it happened to one
person; it was probably going to happen to others, and
we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.
American Red Cross representatives
typically do not contact military members or dependents
directly and almost always go through a commander or
first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release.
Military family members are urged not to give out any
personal information over the phone if contacted by
unknown individuals, including confirmation that their
spouse is deployed.
In addition, Red Cross
representatives contact military members or dependents
directly only in response to an emergency message
initiated by a family member, the news release said. The
Red Cross does not report any type of casualty
information to family members; the Defense Department
will contact families directly about family members'
injuries.
It is a federal crime, punishable by
up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently
pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American
Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or
receiving money or material, according to the news
release. Any military family member that receives such a
call is urged to report it to their local family
readiness group or military personnel flight.
Judd Anstey, Army
Air Force Exchange Service
"Gifts from the
Homefront"
Troops
get the support they want, without all the mess
As the military command charged with
meeting the retail needs of more than 100,000 American
troops deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom
(OEF/OIF), the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES')
leadership has seen it all when it comes to setting up
shop in a war zone.
"If you can go buy it in your corner
store in America, there is a pretty good chance AAFES
has shipped it to the desert," said AAFES' Senior
Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton. "Our
people have learned a lot of lessons most retailers have
never even had to think about since AAFES hit the ground
in April 2003."
Anyone planning on mailing a
traditional care package to a Soldier, Airman, Sailor or
Marine this summer can avoid some potentially messy
situations by listening to the lessons AAFES has learned
in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Sand and electronics don't mix,
chips mailed in the same container as laundry detergent
taste funny and chocolate melts really, really fast when
the temperature is 120 degrees," said Eaton. "The trip
from here to there can be an extremely rough one. As a
result, many items don't look, or work, the same when
they finally reach their destination half way around the
world."
After more than four years serving
troops throughout OEF/OIF, AAFES has refined its
logistics operations to ensure that more than 50 BX/PXs
in the contingency theater have a steady supply of
portable music players, soft drinks and candy bars that
troops can easily access.
"We want to deliver a close to
stateside shopping experience to troops, regardless of
where they are called to serve," said deployed AAFES
Area Manager, Robert Little, from his Operations Center
at Victory Base Camp near Baghdad. "More than 400 AAFES
associates, who have voluntarily deployed to the
contingency theater, work diligently to ensure anything
we put on BX and PX shelves show very little signs of
the long trek to Tikrit, Bagram or Mosul."
Any American can leverage AAFES'
supply chain on behalf of deployed troops through the
"Gifts from the Homefront" program. Started soon after
programs that allowed the general public to send mail
addressed to "Any Service Member" were cancelled due to
security concerns and transportation constraints, AAFES'
troop support campaign allows anyone to make a direct
and tangible contribution to military morale with a gift
certificate that can be redeemed for nearly anything
that a specific service member wants.
"It's the foolproof care package,"
said Eaton. "Whether the service member who receives the
gift certificate wants a Military Exchange phone card
and a tuna 'lunch to go' or a new DVD and some
batteries, the recipient gets support that is tailored
to their need. The BX/PX gift certificates are easy and
convenient and allow troops to shop for items that are
already stocked and in theater."
"Gifts from the Homefront" can be
sent to troops deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and
elsewhere overseas by logging on to
www.aafes.org
<http://www.aafes.org>
or calling 877-770-4438. From there, "Gifts from the
Homefront" are sent to individual service members
(designated by the purchaser) or distributed to "any
service member" through the Air Force Aid Society,
American Red Cross, Coalition to Salute America's
Heroes, Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society,
Operation Homefront, Operation Interdependence® or USO.
As of April 30, 85,204 "Gifts from
the Homefront" gift certificates have been sent since
the Department of Defense approved the exchange support
campaign in March 2003. More than 23,000 of these have
been delivered to service members and their families via
AAFES' 8 charitable partners.
Lori Yerdon, U.S.
Army Combat Readiness Center
Army buckles down to reduce losses
Every year the Army loses Soldiers not only to
combat-related injuries but also to vehicle accidents,
both on- and off- duty vehicle accidents.
In effort to reduce these losses, Army installations
across the globe are joining state and local law
enforcement and highway safety officials in the
nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the
importance of wearing seat belts. The campaign begins
this month and concludes on June 3.
This year's initiative involves an aggressive seat belt
enforcement mobilization that will crack down on low
seat belt use and in an attempt to reduce highway
fatalities with a new emphasis on convincing more
motorists to buckle up - day and night.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, regular seat belt use is the single most
effective way to protect drivers and passengers and
reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. In 2005, 77
percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were buckled
up in a serious crash survived it. When worn correctly,
seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal
injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45
percent (by 60 percent in pickup trucks, sport utility
vehicles and minivans).
However, some Soldiers don't perceive seat belts as a
convenience. A Soldier wearing full "battle-rattle"
might not fit comfortably into a HMMWV seat, especially
on a patrol mission. But seat belts have been proven to
save lives even in combat situations.
Recently in Afghanistan, while driving a 5-Ton wrecker
with two other Soldiers, the driver hit a bump in the
road with the vehicle causing it to flip. All three
Soldiers were ejected from the vehicle. None of the
occupants were wearing seat belts, and two of the
Soldiers died as a result of their injuries.
A separate situation involved a Soldier driving at 3:00
a.m. in Texas. After losing control of his privately
owned vehicle, it flipped three times. Because he wasn't
wearing his seat belt, he too was thrown from the
vehicle and died from injuries sustained in the
accident.
According to the Office of the Provost Marshal General,
traffic fatalities during the summer months involve
three distinctive factors; excessive speed, lack of seat
belt use, and alcohol/drug use. Since these contributing
factors are well known, most installation provost
marshal offices and Directorate of Emergency Services
Traffic Accident Investigation sections focus on
conducting selective enforcement techniques. A few
examples include use of unmarked patrol vehicles, random
safety/DUI/DWI checkpoint at various locations, and
increasing TAI patrols during high-peak traffic times
such as weekends, rush hour and holidays.
Installations also support campaign year-round with
other program and initiatives. Fort Hood, Texas, posts
wrecked vehicles adjacent to its gates to deliver a
valuable seat belt message to the majority of its
motorists; while Fort Stewart, Ga. has posted large
billboard-size slogans and safety messages along its
main roads.
For more driving and POV information, visit the USACRC
Web site at
https://crc.army.mil/DrivingPOV.
For more information on the National Click It or Ticket
campaign visit
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
Lost and found property
The post lost and found
currently has a knife, bicycle, purse and keys
in the Found Property Room. To claim
ownership of lost property or to arrange for turn-in of
found property contact Investigator
Roy Carte, Military Police Investigator at (717)
245-4328.
Annual drinking water quality report
announced
The Annual Drinking Water Quality
Report for 2006 is now available on the Carlisle
Barracks Internet Explorer. Let them know if they have
any questions or comments, please call Mr. Keith Bailey
at 245-3612
Here's how to review the report: Go
to Carlisle Barracks Internet Explorer, click the
spotlight at the top of the page and then go to the
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2006.
Tom
Zimmerman, Public Affairs Office
Priceless piece of Army history now part of Army
Heritage Center
May
18, 2007 - The Lewis and Clark Air Rifle, one of the
most historic pieces of Army history, was donated to the
Army Heritage Education Center Foundation to become a
part of its already unrivaled collection May 18.
The Girandoni Repeating Air Rifle was used by Captains
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their 1803-1807
Corps of Discovery expedition to chart a water route to
the western coast of North America. The rifle was
donated to the Army Heritage Center Foundation on May
18, during a ceremony in Ridgway Hall.
"After inventing an ingenious, but unreliable and
unsafe, multiple feed system for powder burning
firearms, Bartholomäus Girandoni of Vienna very
successfully adapted the system to large bore airguns,"
said Dr. Robert Beeman, who donated the rifle to the
AHEC Foundation. Beeman and his wife
Toshiko attended the ceremony
where the rifle was officially transferred.
According to Beeman, this rifle has been called the key
to the American West.
"It
evidently served as the "Key to the West"- by allowing
the survival of this little band of explorers," he said
in his website. "Because of this key, they were able to
bring back the spark that made the West, formerly a dim
concept - even in Jefferson's mind, and he was way ahead
of the contemporary American public's mental curve, real
as a place of great riches and resources - a place that
actually could be reached. That spark, like the "small
event" of the Wright air flight which made flight by man
real, led to the Western Movement."
The importance of the donation wasn't lost on the
foundation's leadership either.
"This is a very important day in the history of this
facility," said Mike Perry, executive director of the
AHEC Foundation.
The significance of the weapon was also stressed by
others at the ceremony.
"This is an early example of how the American Soldier
used technology to their advantage," said retired Maj.
Gen. Robert Scales, former U.S. Army War College
Commandant and current Capital Campaign Director for the
AHEC Foundation.
Scales pointed out that the expedition was another
example of what Soldiers have been doing since the
inception of the country.
"This is another example of what Soldiers have done for
our nation for more than 200 years," he said.
The donation was very important to Beeman.
"The donation matter was a very big decision for us. We
are now feeling how it feels to give up the star item of
a collection developed over four decades; a wonderful
and beloved artifact which had become like a family
member," he said.
He
went on to say on his website that the AHEC was the
perfect place to donate the air rifle.
"Especially important were the extremely strong
professional opinions in favor of this rifle's role in
the L&C expedition expressed by John Giblin, Curator,
and Christopher Semancik, Arms Curator, both at the U.S.
Army War College's Army Heritage and Education Center at
Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania," said Beeman. "Their
strong professional opinions and their huge desire to
have this rifle led to our surprise donation."
Dr. Jeffrey Clare, Chief Historian at the U.S. Army
Center of Military History, accepted the air rifle on
behalf of Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey.
Air
Rifle Background
The 1803 Corps of Discovery, an Army expedition under
the command of Captain Merriwether Lewis and William
Clark, embarked on a four year journey at the direction
of President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly
acquired Louisiana Purchase. Along the way, Lewis
carried a unique weapon, a .46 caliber air rifle that
fired without using gunpowder and made almost no sound.
Now, 200 years after the Corps of Discovery's
voyage, the Lewis and Clark air rifle returned to the
control of the U.S. Army. This air rifle, designed by
the Austrian clock maker Bartolomeus Girandoni, was
donated to the Army Heritage Center Foundation in
September 2006 by its former owners, Beeman and his
wife, Toshiko, founders of Beeman Precision Airguns. On
loan to the National Firearms Museum in Virginia until
recently, the Beeman-Girandoni was officially
transferred to the custody of the U.S. Army at the
ceremony.
This military technology was beyond comprehension to
the Indian tribes that the Corps of Discovery
encountered, and became a symbol of "powerful magic."
Impressive firing demonstrations of the weapon created
great respect for the travelers and significantly
contributed to the ultimate success of the expedition.
Over time the Lewis and Clark air rifle became one of
the more mythic weapons in American military history.
After the expedition the air rifle was last recorded as
part of a Philadelphia estate in 1847 before
disappearing from the pages of history. Recent forensic
examination of an Austrian Girandoni air rifle owned for
over 30 years by Beeman and his wife Toshiko, founders
of Beeman Precision Air Guns, revealed that this rifle
perfectly matched the damage and repairs to Captain
Lewis's weapon as recorded in the journals of the
expedition.
More information of the history of the air rifle can be
found on
http://www.beemans.net/lewis-assault-rifle.htm
Army Heritage Center Foundation background
With the mission of
helping the Army to bring the Army Heritage and
Education Center to life, the Army Heritage Center
Foundation provides the following:
·
Helps provide the mechanism for generating funds for
construction of the Education Center and Army Heritage
Museum portion of the USAHEC
·
Create and sustain an endowment to fund educational
programs, acquisitions and selected unprogrammed
expenses of the USAHEC.
·
Manage business operations and selected visitor
services.
AHEC Background
The Army Heritage and Education Center archives a unique
and extensive collection of military history documents,
photos and personal memoirs; and sponsors educational
programs in military history for students of history,
veterans of military service, and the American public.
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Army Heritage Day celebrates history of post, U.S.
military
May
19, 2007 - Under a beautiful and sunny May sky, visitors
to the Army Heritage and Education Center were able to
immerse themselves in more 200 years of Carlisle
Barracks and U.S. Army history during the 2007 Army
Heritage Day.
Among the displays at the day-long event were a French
and Indian War artillery demonstration, a flag-raising
to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of
Carlisle Barracks and a Union Calvary Operations
demonstration.
The big hit for most visitors were the helicopters that
were on display.
"It was a real treat to be able to show my kids exactly
what kind of choppers they fly nowadays, which are a lot
different than those I flew during Vietnam, said James
Henderson, a retired major who flew during the Vietnam
War. "This event is great it really gives us old guys an
opportunity to share our past with our family." On
display were an Apache and BlackHawk helicopters.
One of the key events was the raising of the Kings
Colors at Redoubt #10 on the Heritage Trail. The event
was one of the events held to commemorate the 250th
Anniversary of Carlisle Barracks.
"For 250 years Carlisle Barracks has been a major part
of this heritage, and today we begin a yearlong
commemoration of our important and timeless contribution
to the Army," said Col. Tom Torrance, U.S. Army War
College Deputy Commandant. "'Honoring the past, and
shaping the future,' that is our theme this year, and we
want to recognize 250 years of excellent
military-civilian co-existence and partnership at
Carlisle."
During
the ceremony living historians portraying the 77th
Regiment, Muskets of the Crown raised the flag over the
structure.
Also part of the day's events was an opportunity to talk
with men who created history as members of the famous
Tuskegee Airmen. Retired Air Force Maj. John Harrison
Jr., retired Staff Sgt. Henry L. Moore and retired 2nd
Lt. Dr. Eugene J. Richardson each took part in the event
and shared their experiences with visitors. Harrison was
one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and served during
World War II.
"This is a great opportunity to let people today know
what it was like to serve our country during the war,"
said Harrison. "Life was much different then, and we had
many obstacles to overcome, but I'm proud of what we
accomplished."
Overall, the day was a great opportunity to get out,
enjoy the weather and learn a little more about our
nations' military said one of then attendees.
"This couldn't be a more beautiful day," said Jayne
Porter, who attended the event with her husband Steve
and 15-year-old son James. "My son is thinking about
joining the military when he graduates and I would be
proud to have him serve and continue the tradition that
I've been able to see here today."
Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs
Office
Empowerment key message of Carlisle Barracks Women's
Symposium
May
22, 2007 -- "Establish your credibility" "Empower your
future" are just a few of the key messages addressed to
attendees at the second annual Women's Professional
Development Symposium.
Approximately 60 women from Carlisle Barracks and
Carlisle Communities, Letterkenny Army Depot in
Chambersburg and the Mechanicsburg Naval Logistics
Support Activity attended the Symposium on Wednesday,
May 16 at the Letort View Community Center, according to
Dot Overcash, Federal Women's Program manager.
The
symposium was co-sponsored by the Carlisle Barracks
Equal Employment Opportunity and Equal Opportunity
Offices.
Symposium topics ranged from social and economic
conditions for women in Iraq to the changes that are
ahead as a result of the conversion to the National
Security Personnel System.
Challenges faced by women in Iraq
Dr.
Sherifa Zuhur, Strategic Studies Institute, presented an
eye-opening discussion on the many challenges Iraqi
women face on a daily basis ranging from economic and
educational to kidnappings and honor killings.
"Literacy has slipped tremendously for rural women and
older women and something has to be done," said Zuhur.
"Criminal gangs have kidnapped women for prostitution
rings, because of this, a lot of women stopped going to
school and work."
In
her USAWC publication, Iraq, Women's Empowerment and
Public Policy, Zuhur states that as of 2006, Iraqi
women face many new obstacles. Nadje Al-Ali, founding
member of Act Together: Women's Action for Iraq,
hypothesizes that women "might be the biggest losers of
regime change."
Zuhur informed attendees that if they want to help the
women in Iraq, charities exist such as the Iraqi Women's
Coalition and Act Together.
How
did I get here as a farmer's wife
"Try
something new," "Push yourself past your comfort zone"
are a few of the positive thoughts discussed by Brenda
Davidson, a farmer's wife, mother, grandmother and
professional woman.
In
1977 Davidson was involved in an automobile accident
which left her with severe head injuries, broken bones
and loss of memory.
"I
had to start over," she said. "I tried to go back to
work but couldn't because of the dizziness."
After learning to manage her physical problems, Davidson
went back to work and was hired as a GS-2 motor pool
dispatcher through the handicapped program on Carlisle
Barracks in 1984. She held numerous positions in the
USAWC from file clerk in the Admin Office, to teaching
word processing classes in the Executive Skills Center
before leaving Carlisle Barracks for job opportunities
at Letterkenny Army Depot.
Today, Davidson is a GS-15 and the chief, Strategic
Certification section, Defense Information Systems
Agency in Chambersburg.
Even with all of her professional accomplishments, she
said that her biggest success is her family of 17.
Predicting your future
"The
best way to predict your future is to invent it," said
Lynn Ramsey, director of civilian personnel services
here.
Ramsey and Rhonda Newcomer, Human Resources specialist,
provided information on the NSPS, the new personnel
system for Department of Defense civilian employees.
"I
see a lot of positive and negative aspects of it," said
Ramsey.
Under NSPS pay increases will be based on performance,
rather than longevity, and the pay banding structure
will allow flexibility in assigning work.
They also touched on Assessment Boards, promotions
and reassignments.
Employees will not lose pay when converting to the NSPS
pay system. Some Garrison employees have already
transitioned to NSPS in April and the USAWC will
transition on November 11, according to Ramsey.
Ramsey and Newcomer advised employees to educate
themselves on NSPS prior to the conversion. For more
information visit the DoD's NSPS website: http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps
Women leading change
Col. Susan Myers, director of First Year Studies,
Department of Distance Education, spoke to attendees
about "Women Leading Change," and how to accomplish this
through development of leadership competencies,
leadership feedback systems and leadership skills.
"We
generally get synergism in considering both a male and
female perspective in leadership issues since both
genders have different approaches in the way we get
things accomplished," said Myers.
The
Power of Self-talk
Self-talk is the "internal dialogue we use to view the
world, our daily perception," said Dr. Pamela Lemons,
director, joint applications and development, Motorola.
Lemons communicated to the audience the process needed
to attain this power through our thoughts and feelings.
"Replace the negative with positive," she said. Lemons
also stressed that instead of expecting the worst, or
focusing only on the problems and not solutions, learn
to change. Learn to make positive statements,
personalize your affirmations with I, me, my. Write the
affirmations down and repeat them.
Midway through her presentation, Lemons distributed hula
hoops for attendees to use to reinforce the idea of
being positive about trying new and old activities.
Transitioning
during mid-life
"You
can get there from here, you just need to know what to
do," said Col. Lisa Windsor, DDE. "All that matters is
how you see yourself."
Her
message was that transitioning is difficult for
everyone, but for a woman over 40 there are many
roadblocks-age discrimination, relocation, physical
limitations and more.
The
briefing also asked attendees to ask questions of
themselves -- Ask yourself where do I want to be - take
an inventory of your skills and competencies, and wants
versus needs and decide on a plan of action whether it
be education, financial resources or support from
family.
Remember, do it for you.
Attendees said that the program was a success.
"It
was an excellent program as far as touching upon a wide
variety of current issues regarding women," said
Marianne Cowling, Strategic Studies Institute.
According to Janet Jacobs, AHEC, "I was glad I took
the time to attend the Women's Symposium. It was
excellent. The sessions were all very interesting and
informative."
Carlisle Barracks Army Substance Abuse Office
Summer Sense: Throwing a party responsibly
While everyone loves a great party, it's the hosts'
responsibility to ensure everything runs smoothly. The
following are some tips to make sure everyone has a safe
AND fun time:
-
Get
together a list of emergency numbers (police, fire,
etc) as well as that of some taxi companies to have
available beforehand
-
Have
a bartender (someone not drinking) to help keep an eye
on how much everyone is drinking
-
Make
sure you have non-alcoholic beverages available
-
Keep
food available throughout the entire time you have
guests (high protein foods like meat and cheese are
best)
-
Avoid having drinks that mix alcohol and carbonated
beverages available. Carbonations speeds up the
body's alcohol consumption rate
-
Stop
serving alcohol about 2 hrs before the party's
anticipated end
-
Encourage the Designated Driver Program
-
Never ever let anyone who's had too much to drink
drive!
Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs
Office
2007
Senior Games to be held on Carlisle Barracks
June
3, 2007 -- The 2007 Senior Games for adults 50+ will be
held on Carlisle Barracks on Thursday, June 14.
Presented by the Cumberland County Office of the Aging &
Community Services, and hosted by Carlisle Barracks, the
senior games combine sports, recreation, friendly
competition and fellowship into one fun-filled day.
Events include golf, darts, bowling, basketball (foul
shooting) horseshoes, track and field, pinochle and
more. Non-sports events include tours of the Army
Heritage Center, ballroom & line dancing lessons, health
and wellness services, yoga and Tai Chi demonstrations
and much more.
Awards will be presented by gender and age categories,
in each event, to the 1st, 2nd and
3rd place winners. A free commemorative 2007
Senior Games T-shirt will be given to the first 100-paid
participants.
All
participants must pre-register by filling out the
registration form, signing the participant waiver and
mailing $10 payment prior to the registration
deadline of June 12 to HQ Carlisle Barracks, Attn:
Sports Branch, 120 Forbes Avenue, Carlisle, PA 17013.
For
additional information on the event and to register,
contact the Carlisle Barracks Sports Office,
717-245-4343/4375 or the Cumberland County Office of
Aging and Community Services, Heather DeWire,
717-240-6110 or hdewire@ccpa.net
Flag Day ceremony to be
held June 14
A
Flag Day Ceremony will be held at the Carlisle Elks
Lodge on June 16 at 11 a.m. This event is open to the
public. The Elks Lodge is located at 120 West Ridge
Street in Carlisle .
School Liaison services
-
Do
you have questions about the schools at your gaining
installation?
-
Are
you interested in contacting the SLO at your gaining
installation?
-
Do
your children have questions about what it will be
like at your gaining installation?
For school transition assistance contact Jacqueline
Schultz, School Liaison Officer at 717-245-4638 or email
Jacqueline.Schultz@carlisle.army.mil
Public Affairs staff report
Army
to celebrate 232 birthday June 14
The U.S. Army will
celebrate its 232nd birthday on June 14, 2007. The birth
of the U.S. Army took place on June 14, 1775, when
Congress adopted "the American continental army."
In honor of this
historic event, Carlisle Barracks will celebrate an
installation-wide event to commemorate the 232nd
birthday in the Bliss Hall Foyer at 11:30 a.m. on June
14.
The master of
ceremonies, Lt. Col Patrick Sweeney, U.S. Army War
College operations officer, will provide opening remarks
followed by the invocation from Chaplain (Col.) Arthur
Pace, remarks by the Commandant, Maj. Gen. David
Huntoon, a cutting of the birthday cake by Huntoon and
assisted by Spc. Ryan Tuazon, chaplain assistant, the
playing of the Army Song, and refreshments.
Army-wide celebrations slated for
June 14
Installations and commands all over the world will
celebrate the Army's 232nd birthday June 14.
With the theme "Call to Duty - Boots on the Ground -
Army Strong," the celebration honors Soldiers answering
the call to duty during one of the most dangerous
periods in history.
"Today's Soldiers symbolize the nobility of selfless
service," said Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O.
Preston, reflecting the Army's heritage. "Today's
Soldiers are motivated by an unwavering belief that they
will be victorious on the field of battle, because we
have fought this way since 1775 and always will."
Special birthday events will begin on June 9 and run
through the following week, with a cake-cutting ceremony
at Walter Reed Army Medical Center June 12 and a
Twilight Tattoo June 13 at the Washington Monument.
Major League Baseball will pay tribute to the men and
women in uniform by hosting birthday activities during
several of its games. A veteran of the war on terror
will throw out the first pitch of a Florida Marlins vs.
Cleveland Indians game in Miami June 14. New recruits
will also be inducted into the Army during a pre-game
ceremony.
Similar events are scheduled for a Tampa Bay Devil
Rays' home game June 13, and a member of the Army Ground
Forces Band will lead "Take me out to the ball game"
during an Atlanta Braves game June 10.
The Army's precision parachute demonstration team,
the Golden Knights, will jump June 14 into Camden Yards,
where a Soldier will throw the first pitch of an
inter-league game between the Washington Nationals and
the Baltimore Orioles.
Lt. Gen. John Brown III will host U.S. Army Pacific's
Birthday Ball in Waikiki on June 9. The U.S. Army Band's
Strolling Strings will perform during the event to an
expected crowd of nearly a thousand Soldiers and
civilians.
On June 14, Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren,
Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and SMA
Preston will participate in the annual wreath laying
ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the
Unknowns.
Department of Army-level birthday events will
continue June 15 with a Birthday Run that starts at Fort
Myer, Va., and culminate with the Army Birthday Ball on
June 16 in Washington, D.C.
"The U.S. Army is a brotherhood of warrior leaders
dedicated to the cause of freedom. To me, celebrating
the Army's Birthday is celebrating my freedom and
brotherhood," said Capt. Chris Joyner, North Carolina
National Guard public affairs officer.
A full list of Army birthday events and birthday
messages from Army leaders are available at
www.army.mil/birthday/232.
Class of 2007 Graduation information
Graduation
exercises for the U.S. Army War College Class of 2007
will take place at 9 a.m., on Saturday, June 9, at
Wheelock
Bandstand.
All guests and friends are invited to
the guest seating areas to observe the ceremony. In case
of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Bliss
Hall with guest seating in Reynolds Theatre and
throughout Root Hall.
Information on the graduation
location will be recorded on the Carlisle Barracks
Information Line 245-3700 and DA Police will make
announcements at post entry gates, and signs will be
posted at entrances.
Change to normal traffic flow
Lovell Ave will be one-way traffic
from Pratt to Guardhouse Lane and Flower Road will be
changed to two-way traffic from 8 a.m. until the
ceremony is concluded. Traffic will remain two lanes on
Garrison Lane. Several main intersections on Carlisle
Barracks will be controlled by Military Police, and you
are asked to obey all directions given. Normal traffic
routes are expected to open by noon.
Shuttle bus for graduation ceremony
Bus service will be provided from
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. to transport students and guests
to the USAWC graduation ceremony. Shuttles will pick up
guests from the PX parking lot, housing areas and other
parking lots on post. The graduation site
unloading/loading point will be behind Anne Ely Hall.
Return shuttle will be provided following the ceremony.
In the event of inclement weather, the bus route will
change to drop off guests in front of Reynolds Theatre
and graduates at Bliss Hall.
Reserved parking for USAWC graduation
On Sat, June 9, the following parking
areas will be reserved for graduation: DRM (Bldgs
314/315) parking lot for parking of VIPs and the
handicapped; parking lot adjacent to Reynolds Theatre
for the civilian press; Anne Ely Hall (Bldg 46) parking
lot for guests. Guests may also park in the PX parking
lot and Collins Hall Parking lot, which will have
shuttle service to the graduation site. These lots
should be open to the public after noon. Please use
alternate parking areas on graduation day. Off-post
students may park in the College Arms housing area and
use the shuttle service to the graduation site.
Child care available for graduation
The Child Development Center will be
open on Saturday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to noon for child
care. The charge will be $14.00 per child and must be
paid in advance by check when you sign up for care.
There will be no refunds and no discounts for second
child. If your child is not registered you will need to
fill out a short registration form and provide your
child's shot records.
There will be activities and a
morning snack will be provided.
For more information on child care
call 245-3701.
Attention residents of Coren
apartments and area adjacent to the Wheelock bandstand
Preparation of the USAWC graduation
site will begin Wed, June 6. It will encompass the area
bounded by Lovell Avenue, Quarters 2, Coren Apartments,
and the Thorpe tennis courts. Residents are asked not to
walk pets in the area of the USAWC graduation site Wed -
Sat, June 6-9.
Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs
Office
Identity theft brought to light in a program sponsored
by local FEW chapter
May
16, 2007 -- Everyone has seen the specials on TV, read
stories in the newspaper and online about the millions
of cases of identity theft across the world, but
Carlisle Barracks employees
recently had the opportunity to learn how to protect
themselves from being the next victim.
On
May 16 in the Post Chapel Assembly room, Joyce O'Brien,
from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General,
provided eye-opening information on identity theft to
attendees of the Carlisle Chapter of Federally Employed
Women's May Program.
"The tools of this trade are your name and Social
Security Number," she said. "Protect your Social
Security number like your child or anything else - it
stays with you forever."
O'Brien provided important information to protect
oneself from identity thieves who can rob you blind.
Listed below are a few steps to help you from becoming a
victim:
-
Do
not carry your Social Security card with you. If
asked for your Social Security number remember to ask
three questions-why do you need it, what protection do
I have if I give it to you, and what will happen if I
don't give it to you. There are times when it is
necessary to provide this information, e.g., obtaining
bank loans and credit cards, but if you have any
doubt, remember the three questions.
-
Do
not carry all credit cards in your wallet or purse at
all times, only when needed.
-
Monitor your credit report by obtaining a copy of the
report periodically to check for unauthorized
activity. You may obtain one free credit report from
each major credit bureau per year.
-
Place your mail in a secured mailbox, not your "steal
me flag" mailboxes.
-
Never give out your credit card number or bank account
number over the phone to a business or organization
unless you are sure they are reputable.
-
Remember, identity thieves obtain information by
theft, trickery and carelessness.
"Ten million Americans have their identity stolen each
year," said O'Brien. "And we pay $54 billion a year in
identify theft."
A
Carlisle Barracks employee had a recent first-hand
experience with identity theft.
"I
had my identity stolen in February," said Rita Rummel of
the Strategic Studies Institute. "If I would have known
to check my credit report on a yearly basis, this could
have been avoided. You have to become aggressive in
protecting yourself and also in dealing with the results
created by identity theft."
If
you become a victim, make sure you immediately contact
the police and the Federal Trade Commission, close all
accounts at all institutions, and open a new account
with a different personal identification number,
according to O'Brien.
Don't allow yourself to become a victim of identity
theft, think before you act, be proactive.
To
obtain a free annual credit report, contact the Annual
Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105283, Atlanta,
Ga. 30348-5283, phone number 1-877-322-8228, or website:
http://www.annualcreditreport.com
O'Brien also told the group about a new
law that
allows consumers to place limited "freezes" on their
credit reports with the three major reporting
agencies. For more information on this law and identity
theft protection, visit the attorney general's website
at
www.attorneygeneral.gov
Michael Hotovcin,
Internal Review Director, Internal Review and Audit
Compliance Office
Fraud prevention: What
can one person do?
May 17, 2007 --
According with the Association of Certified Fraud
Examiners (ACFE) surveys, the most powerful tool
available for stopping a cycle of abuse are the
employees. Individual comments make the difference.
ACFE statistics
-
48% of fraud cases in
government agencies are uncovered through a tip
-
Agencies lose an average
of $45,000 per fraud scheme
Fraud burdens our
budgets, and disrupts our ethical culture. The
Secretary of the Army has directed that all the Army's
federal employees be trained and educated regarding
their ethical obligations and responsibilities. Ethics
Training creates an awareness of workplace ethics, which
diminishes fraudulent activity. Government agencies now
demand compliance with ethical standards and, government
employees and our customers expect us to comply with our
ethical and legal obligations, including the reporting
of fraud, waste and abuse.
The Internal Review
email hotline is an option for those who wish to remain
anonymous and file a confidential report on questionable
activities. Support your organization's core values,
and report fraud, waste, and abuse. Simply click on the
Anonymous Reporting/Audit Request Form on the Internal
Review page on the Carlisle Barracks website, or go
directly to the Internal Review page by clicking on the
following link:
http://carlislebarracks.carlisle.army.mil/sites/installation/ir.asp
Employees can be assured
that this hotline has been designed with the express
purpose of keeping your identity anonymous. Any action
against an employee for reporting fraud, waste and abuse
would be a violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act
and subject to prosecution and disciplinary action.
Department of Defense
release
Department takes steps to ensure DoD computer networks
available for operations
May 16, 2007 -- To ensure DoD networks are available for
combat operations and critical support activities, the
Department issued a directive May 14 that prohibits DoD
computers from accessing specific recreational web
sites. The measure preserves military bandwidth for
operational missions and enhances DoD computer network
security.
The selection of these particular sites was based on
the volume of traffic moving from official DoD networks
to the Internet. The sites include: YouTube; 1.fm;
Pandora; MySpace; PhotoBucket; Live365; hi5; Metacafe;
MTV; ifilm.com; Blackplanet; stupidvideos; and filecabi.
Additional sites may be added in the future as part
of ongoing efforts to ensure DoD networks have
sufficient throughput available to conduct operational
and supporting missions as well as enhance DoD network
security.
This directive does not prohibit any individual,
including DoD personnel or their families, from posting
to or accessing these sites from personal or commercial
network providers; it only restricts the use of DoD
computer network resources to access these sites.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, many of these sites as well
as others have been blocked by DoD for more than two
years, some for as long as four years. Consequently,
this directive does not prevent deployed DoD personnel
from communicating with family members or loved
ones. There are a wide variety of commercial
communication services such as e-mail, telephone calls
and video teleconferencing at many locations in
Southwest Asia. In addition, the Army Knowledge
Online/Defense Knowledge Online network is available to
military members and their families providing a rich
information sharing environment, including email, file
sharing (pictures, videos, and documents), discussion
forums (blogging), instant messaging chatrooms, and
video messaging.
Commercial Internet services are also provided by
DoD Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities,
which are widely available throughout Iraq and
Afghanistan and are not affected by this
directive. Deployed personnel can access recreational
Internet web sites from Internet cafes and other
facilities in many locations around the world. These
alternative sites do not rely on military bandwidth.
Post residents reminded
to clean up after pets
Post residents are
reminded that they are required to clean up after their
pets, in accordance with Carlisle Barracks regulations.
Tim
Kilbride, New Media, American Forces Information Service
Soldiers' armor best in the
world, General says
May 22,
2007 - The Army spares no expense or effort to provide
soldiers the top level of protection technology
available, the officer in charge of outfitting and
equipping Army soldiers said yesterday.
The
service has fielded the most effective body armor tested
thus far, said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Brown, Program
Executive Officer Soldier, on a call with "bloggers" and
online journalists.
His comments came in response to May 17 and 20 NBC
News reports challenging the Army's use of Interceptor
body armor vs. the newer "Dragon Skin" armor developed
by Pinnacle Armor Inc.
The NBC reports claimed Dragon Skin performed
better in independent testing than the body armor
currently in use by Soldiers deployed to Iraq and
Afghanistan.
That was not the case in a series of Army-run tests,
Brown stated.
In Army testing conducted May 16 to 19, 2006, the
Dragon Skin armor "failed catastrophically," Brown said.
The armor sustained "13 out of 48 complete penetrations
under a variety of conditions," Brown explained.
When comparing armor manufacturers, "it's a
sudden-death playoff," the general noted. "One failure
is failure."
As a matter of policy, the Army does not publicly
release testing information, Brown said, but in this
case, leaders believed the value of reassuring soldiers'
families and loved ones trumped other concerns.
"We generally don't talk about our vulnerabilities
and our counters to those vulnerabilities in public
because we believe that informs a very media-savvy and
Internet-savvy al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, etc.," Brown
said.
"However, there's a balance to be struck," he said,
"and we think the NBC reporting tipped the balance in
favor of 'we had to go public in order to support the
soldiers' confidence in their equipment.'"
Even the opening shots of the NBC segments showed a
soldier wearing Interceptor armor, taking a shot from an
enemy round, falling over, and getting up to re-engage
the enemy, Brown described. "If one picture is worth a
thousand words, that should have been quite impressive
right there," he said.
Furthermore, the general noted, his organization
operates with all of the financial and leadership
support it requires to best equip deployed forces by
actively pursuing new measures and technologies.
"We are always researching for the next best thing,"
he said, with expenditures for basic research,
nanotechnology, off-the-shelf systems and other avenues
for research and development.
In the case of body armor, Brown explained, "It is
about the bullet, but it's not all about the bullet. It
also has to cover the maximum amount of area. It also
has to be light enough for the soldier to use. And, it
has to work in conjunction with all the other soldier
equipment."
Interceptor armor weighs 28 pounds; while the Dragon
Skin equivalent weighs 47 pounds.
"You should not load up the human body with more than
one third of their body weight for extended periods of
time," Brown said. "For a 150-pound soldier, a 47-pound
vest would be the entire one third of their body weight"
before accounting for other equipment such as helmet,
rifle, boots and canteen, he explained.
Those demands recommend use of the Interceptor armor
over and above its stronger performance in testing,
Brown said.
"Today we have the best body armor in the world, bar
none," he stated. "It is live-fire tested; it is proven
in combat."
Ann
Marie Wolf, Army Substance Abuse Program
Summer Sense Campaign: Drinking, Boating & the Law
May 23, 2007 -- The following information is provided by
the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
It's a bright sunny day on the water. It might seem like
an ice-cold beer or a mixed drink would make your day of
boating just about perfect, but think again. Alcohol and
boating are a dangerous combination. Each year, about
800 people die in boating accidents, and about half of
these fatalities involve alcohol.
Long before a person becomes legally intoxicated,
alcohol impairs his or her balance, reaction time,
vision, and judgment. On the water, elements like
motion, vibration, sun, wind, and spray can intensify
alcohol's effects. Alcohol can affect a boater much more
quickly than it would an automobile driver, but with the
same tragic results.
Know the Basics.
-
Balance:
A
1.5 ounce shot of liquor, 5 ounce glass of wine, or a
12 ounce can of beer, can impair a person's sense of
balance. When combined with the motion of the boat,
this may be enough to cause a boater who has been
drinking to fall overboard. Alcohol can also confuse a
person to the point where he or she is unable to swim
to the surface.
-
Reaction time:
Alcohol slows the reaction time. It is difficult to
process the sights and sounds around you in time to
react after you've been drinking.
-
Judgment:
Alcohol can keep a person from making sound decisions.
A boater who has been drinking may take risks her or
she normally would not.
-
Vision:
Alcohol causes tunnel vision and makes it harder to
focus. It can also impair depth perception, night
vision, and peripheral vision, making it harder to
judge speed, distance, and follow moving objects.
-
Illegal:
It
is illegal to operate a watercraft (including personal
watercraft and jet-skis) on all waters of the
Commonwealth while under the influence of alcohol or a
controlled substance.
What Happens if I Get Caught?
If
you are arrested for operating a watercraft while under
the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, you
could face:
If
you refuse to take a breath, blood, or urine test, the
Boating Commission will suspend your boating privileges
for one year.
Homicide by watercraft carries fines up to $15,000, and
three to seven years in prison.
Boaters who drink can often face other charges, such as:
Boat Safely
Whether you're operating a sail boat, a motorboat, or a
jet-ski, safe boating requires a clear heard, steady
hand, and observant eye. A boater who has been drinking
cannot function as sharply as one who has not. If you
drink before or while operating a boat, you risk your
own life, as well as the lives of your passengers, crew,
and others on the water.
Stay safe. Don't operate a boat under the influence of
alcohol.
For additional information contact the Substance Abuse
Office at 245 - 4576 or visit the Pennsylvania Liquor
Control Board web site at
www.lcb.state.pa.us/edu/
Lt.
Col. Robert Whetstone, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs
Officer
250
Years and Growing -- Carlisle Barracks set to celebrate
milestone
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw coined the phrase,
"Youth is wasted on the young." Those words seem to be a
perfect fit for humans, but what about a military
installation? Maybe the opposite is true, "The older you
are, the younger you look."
Much has been written
about Carlisle Barracks, the nation's second, oldest,
active military installation, but one thing is for sure,
age has only made this quaint post more attractive to
the eye and to the military community as time passes.
Established in 1757,
Carlisle Barracks has seen much change over the years,
and there is more change on the horizon. If you're doing
the math, it is easy to calculate that this year marks
the 250th anniversary of Carlisle Barracks.
Carlisle Barracks has a
deep, unique history. Originally known as
"Washingtonburg during the War for Independence, the
post served as an arsenal for the Continental Army, was
later home to the Carlisle Indian Industrial school,
several military schools, including the prestigious Army
War College. For 250 years, Carlisle Barracks has been a
community partner through good citizenship, an Army
leader through education, and a servant to our Nation.
Beginning in May, a number of events
will take place in and around the Carlisle Barracks
community to commemorate the 250th anniversary. Keep an
eye on the community calendar located on our website,
http://carlislebarracks.carlisle.army.mil
the message boards on post, and always read the Banner
to stay current and up to date!
Be sure to help us
celebrate as we honor the past while shaping the future.
Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, USAWC Commandant
Memorial Day safety message
May 13, 2007 -- On Memorial Day, we honor those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. With the
Global War on Terror, this day takes on an even greater
meaning. We need all of our team members to be safe
during this important holiday. Our country depends on
your continued contribution.
Memorial Day also begins the 101 days of summer
(Memorial Day to Labor Day), with its myriad of fun and
work experiences. With this new season comes a greater
potential for accidents. More driving increases the
possibility of traffic accidents. More outdoor time
exposes us to heat, humidity, lightning storms, and lawn
equipment accidents. Warm weather allows us to use
pools, lakes and the ocean more, thus exposing us to
boating and swimming danger. Be mindful of the hazards
of the season, obey the laws of the road, buckle up, and
don't drink and drive.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend activities in a safe and
responsible manner.
Memorial Day Events 2007
Memorial Day events scheduled throughout Cumberland and
nearby counties by Veterans Organizations and Townships.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Newburg
(Newburg Area Veterans Association) will hold
their annual Memorial Day observance with a morning
worship service at 10:30 a.m. on the Village Green. A
prayer service, rifle salute and Taps will take place at
the cemetery at 1:15 p.m. The annual Memorial Day parade
will form at 1:30 p.m. at the former Newburg-Hopewell
Elementary School and move through town promptly at 2
p.m. Inclement weather schedule: same, except the 10:30
a.m. Memorial Service will be at the New-Hope United
Methodist Church. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col.
Todd Wheeler, CSL, U.S. Army War College.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Mt. Tabor
(sponsored by the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church)
will hold their Memorial Day observance at 6 p.m. The
parade will start at the church followed by the service
at the cemetery. In the event of inclement weather, the
service will be held in the church. The guest
speaker will be Col. Dennis Young, U.S. Army War College
Class of 2007.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Bendersville (sponsored by the Biglerville American
Legion)
will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 3 p.m. The parade
will form at 2:45 p.m. at the Fire hall. The guest
speaker will be Col. Chad Rotzien, U.S. Army War College
Class of 2007.
Halifax (sponsored by Riverview Memorial Gardens)
will hold a Memorial Day Tribute at 2 p.m. to remember
all Veterans and PA Soldiers who have fallen since 2003.
The
guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Richard Price, U.S. Army
War College Class of 2007.
Mt. Holly Springs (American Legion Post 674 and VFW Post
7343) will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m.
at the Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery on Watts St. In the
event of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at
the American Legion Post 674 at 601 Pine St. The
guest speaker will be Earl Schorpp II, a Vietnam
veteran.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Arendtsville (Biglerville American Legion)
will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m. The parade
will form at 12:45 p.m. at the Fire hall. The guest
speaker will be Mr. Dan French, U. S. Army War College
Class of 2007.
Biglerville (Biglerville American Legion)
will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 3 p.m. The parade
will form at 2:45 p.m. at the Fire hall. The guest
speaker will be Lt. Col Scott Horton, U.S. Army War
College Class of 2007.
Boiling Springs (Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8851)
will hold a memorial service at Otterbein United
Methodist Church, 647 Forge Rd. beginning at 9 a.m. The
annual parade will form at 1 p.m. at the Iron forge
Elementary School on Forge Road and start promptly at
1:30 p.m. The parade will end at the Memorial Clock
Tower at Children's Lake where ceremonies will be held.
In the event of inclement weather the ceremonies will be
held in the Boiling Springs High School Auditorium.
After the ceremonies a cookout will be held in the
Boiling Springs Tavern parking lot. The guest
speaker will be retired Army Sgt. 1st Class
Larry Babitts.
Codoras (Jefferson Community)
will hold a Memorial Day community service with a parade
beginning at 1:15 p.m. followed by a service at the
cemetery. The guest speaker will be Col. Darin
Talkington, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.
Landisville (Landisville-Salunga Community) will
hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 2 p.m., Hempfield Fire
Department park pavilion. The guest speaker will be
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Basham, U.S. Army War
College Class of 2007.
Spring Grove (Pvt. Allen J. Beck, Jr., Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post 5265)
will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Post,
1st Water Street. The guest speaker will
be Lt. Col. Christopher Bentley, U.S. Army War College
Class of 2007.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Carlisle (The Joint Veterans Council of Carlisle)
will hold the Annual Memorial Day Parade forming at 8:30
a.m. and starting promptly at 9 a.m. with services
following the parade at Veterans' Memorial Courtyard.
In the event of inclement weather the parade will be
cancelled and the ceremonies will be held in the Old
Courthouse. The guest speaker will be Col. John
Maietta, PAANG.
Carlisle (American Legion Post 826)
will
hold a memorial service in Memorial Park at 11 a.m.
followed immediately by a roll call and service at Union
Cemetery at noon. The guest speaker will be
Col. Bobby Lipscomb, U.S. Army War College Class
of 2007.
Elizabethville (American Legion Post 404) will hold
a Memorial Day service and parade at 10:30 a.m. The
guest speaker will be Col. Roger Wilson, U.S. Army War
College Class of 2007.
Maytown (Donegal American Legion Post 809) will hold
a Memorial Day parade at 5 p.m. followed by a Memorial
Service at the Square at 5:45 p.m. The guest speaker
will be Col. Joseph Gill, U.S. Army War College Class of
2007.
Glen
Rock (American Legion)
will hold a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. at the
cemetery followed by a parade at 12:30 p.m. The
guest speaker will be Col. Darrell Fountain, U.S. Army
War College Class of 2007.
McConnellsburg (American Legion Post 561)
will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at Union Cemetery at
10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Col. Joseph
Lofgren, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.
Mechanicsburg (The Mechanicsburg Area Veterans Council)
will hold a Memorial Day Parade starting at 9:30
a.m. from behind St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The
parade will be followed by a ceremony at the
Mechanicsburg Cemetery on Marble Street at 11 a.m. In
case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at
VFW Post 6704, 4907 Carlisle Pike. Lunch will be served
at the VFW after the memorial service. The guest
speaker will be retired Army Col. Thomas Faley.
Mechanicsburg (Lower Allen VFW Post 7530) will hold
Memorial Day services at 11 a.m. at the Post
Headquarters, 4545 Westport Drive. Cedar Cliff High
School Jr. ROTC will participate. In case of inclement
weather the ceremonies will be held in the Post
Headquarters. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col.
Timothy Clarke, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.
Mechanicsburg (Vietnam Veterans)
will hold a memorial service at the Lincoln Cemetery,
Upper Allen Township on Winding Hill Road in honor of 12
Civil War veterans buried there. The service will be
conducted rain or shine.
Mercersburg (VFW and American
Legion) will hold a Memorial Day service and parade
at 8:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Crismon
Brayman, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.
Newville (The Joint Veterans Council of Newville)
will hold a Memorial Day parade starting at 1 p.m.
Memorial Day services will immediately follow the
parade. In the event of inclement weather, the parade
will be cancelled and the Memorial Day services will be
held in the Big Springs Community Center. The guest
speaker will be Mr. Jim McNally, AHEC, U.S. Army War
College.
Red Lion (American Legion Post 543) will hold a
Memorial Day ceremony. The parade will form at 9 a.m.
followed by a service at Fairmount Park at 10:45 a.m.
The inclement weather site will be Red Lion High
School. The guest speaker will be Col. Bruce
Foreman, U.S. Army War College Class of 2007.
Shippensburg (The Joint Veterans Council of
Shippensburg) will hold the annual Memorial Day
Parade beginning at 1:15 p.m.
Tuesday, May 30, 2007
Littlestown (Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6994)
will hold a Memorial Day ceremony beginning with a
parade at 5:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be U.S.
Marines Lt. Col. Mary Choate, U.S. Army War College
Class of 2007.
Suzanne Reynolds, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs
Office
Carlisle Theatre hosting Memorial Day salute to veterans
May
17, 2007 -- The Hollywood on High film program at the
Carlisle Theatre will show two-time Academy Award winner
Clint Eastwood's critically acclaimed and Oscar
nominated films--Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from
Iwo Jima beginning on Friday, May 25, through Thursday,
May 31.
The
double feature Memorial Day Holiday event salute to
veterans includes the film showings, a discussion by a
noted military historian, displays, and dinner tie-ins
at neighborhood restaurants. The film schedule includes
one of the country's only "double-feature" screenings of
the companion movies shown back-to-back on Saturday, May
26, beginning at 3 p.m.
World War II Veterans will be admitted free, and all
other Veterans pay half-price for any of the showings.
Film
Schedule:
Friday, May 25
- Flags of Our Fathers - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 26
- Flags of Our Fathers - 3 p.m.; Letters from Iwo Jima -
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 27
- Letters from Iwo Jima - 2 p.m.; Discussion, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 30
- Flags of Our Fathers - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 31
- Letters from Iwo Jima - 7:30 p.m.
A discussion by Retired Maj. Gen. Robert H.
Scales, Jr., former commandant of the U.S. Army War
College and a military analyst for Fox News and National
Public Radio, will follow the Sunday matinee of
Letters from Iwo Jima at approximately 4:30 p.m.
The
Army Heritage Center Foundation will have a display in
the theater's inner lobby throughout the run, and the
publisher of America in WWII magazine will distribute
complimentary copies of the publication while supplies
last.
Sponsors who helped make this salute possible include
Members 1st Federal Credit Union, VFW Post 477
(Carlisle, Pa.), Carlisle Barracks & Cumberland Valley
Chapter of the Association of the United States Army,
the United States Army War College Alumni Assn., the
Army Heritage Center Foundation, Hamilton Restaurant,
America in WWII Magazine, First Command Financial
Planning, VFW Post 7343 (Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.), and
Marine Corps League Detachment 524.
Neighborhood restaurants are participating in this
salute to veterans by offering specials to filmgoers.
Hollywood on High is the film component of The Carlisle
Regional Performing Arts Center, bringing critically
acclaimed foreign and independent films to the Carlisle
Theatre. The center also features live performances of
music, comedy, and dance plus programs for children in a
restored art deco theater in historic downtown Carlisle.
For more information, call the box office at
717-258-0666 or visit the theater website at
www.carlisletheatre.org.
John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service
Six
arrested for plotting to kill Soldiers at Fort Dix, N.J.
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2007 - FBI agents arrested five
radical Islamists for allegedly plotting to "kill as
many U.S. soldiers as they could" at the Army's Fort
Dix, N.J., and a sixth defendant is charged with aiding
and abetting members of the domestic terror group,
authorities announced today.
The arrests occurred last night in Cherry Hill, N.J., as
suspects tried to buy three AK47 assault rifles and four
semi-automatic M-16s from a confidential government
witness. These apprehensions culminate a 16-month FBI
investigation into the groups' alleged plot to kill
soldiers with assault rifles and rocket propelled
grenades, according to a complaint filed in the Camden,
N.J. Federal court.
"The philosophy that supports and encourages jihad
around the world against Americans came to live here in
New Jersey and threatened the lives of our citizens
through these defendants. Fortunately, law enforcement
in New Jersey was here to stop them," Christopher
Christie, U.S. Attorney for the district of New Jersey,
told reporters outside the courthouse.
"We were able to do what American law enforcement is
supposed to do in the post 9/11 era, and that is to be
one step ahead of those who are attempting to do harm to
American citizens," he said.
The special agent in charge of the FBI in
Philadelphia, Jody Weis, described the "homegrown" group
as new brand of terrorism that's inspired by al Qaeda,
but not necessarily affiliated with the international
organization.
Weiss called the suspects a platoon that sought to
take on an Army.
"They identified their target, they did their
reconnaissance, they had maps, and they were in the
process of buying weapons," he said. "Today we dodged a
bullet. In fact, when you look at the type of weapons
this group was trying to purchase, we may have dodged a
lot of bullets."
The FBI's investigation began January 2006 when a
video store representative tipped off officials after a
man brought a "disturbing" video to be converted to DVD
format. Weiss thanked the unnamed clerk for displaying
vigilance, calling the worker an "unsung hero."
According to the court complaint, the video
"depicted 10 young men who appeared to be in their early
twenties shooting assault weapons at a firing range in a
militia-like style while calling for jihad and shouting
in Arabic 'Allahu Akbar,'" or God is Great.
Three of these men were suspects Dritan, Eljvir and
Shain Duka, brothers born in former Yugoslavia who have
been living in the U.S. illegally and operating a
roofing company. Other suspects include legal U.S.
residents Serdar Tatar, a convenience store clerk born
in Turkey, and Mohamad Irahim Shnewar, a Jordanian-born
taxi driver.
Agron Abdullahu, a shop clerk born in former
Yugoslavia, is charged only with aiding and abetting the
Duka brothers' illegal possession of weapons, which
carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison,
Justice Department officials said.
Transcripts of the recorded conversations between
two witnesses and suspects appear in the court
complaint. During one conversation, Shnewer stated that
he and the first witness, called CW-1, should view a
video stored on the suspect's computer, but that they
had to do so in private because "it's about something
that can lead to prison."
"The DVD contains video footage of various jihadist
images while a narrator recruits the observer to the
jihadist movement," the court complaint states. The
court document describes another video that contained
what appears to be the last will and testament of at
least two of the highjackers involved in the Sept. 11,
2001, terrorist attacks.
After undergoing weapons training in Gouldsboro,
Pa., in January 2006, Shnewer and the witness conducted
surveillance on several military bases, including Fort
Dix; Fort Monmouth, N.J.; Dover Air Force Base, Del.;
and the U.S. Coast Guard Building in Philadelphia.
Shnewer explained to the witness in August 2006 that
he and the other suspects had saved up money to purchase
weapons and were "not afraid to die." The document
describes Shnewer lamenting the missed opportunity to
attack U.S. military personnel during the Army-Navy
football game that had been recently played in
Philadelphia.
He recommended to CW-1 they use six or seven
jihadists to attack and kill at least 100 soldiers with
rocket-propelled grenades or other weapons, the court
document states.
"If you want to do anything here, there is Fort Dix,
and I don't want to exaggerate, and I assure you that
you can hit an American base very easily," Shnewer is
quoted as saying in the court complaint. "You take a map
and draw it, and then you calculate that there are areas
where there are 100-200 individuals and you should
allocate six to seven persons for this alone."
When asked how he would obtain a map of the base,
Shnewer told the witness that the suspect Serdar used to
deliver pizzas nearby. "I know that Serdar knows it like
the palm of his hand," Shnewer allegedly said.
In a conversation recorded March 2007 between the
second informant, CW-2, and two of the Duka brothers,
Shain Duka "explained that (the suspect) Tatar wanted to
join the U.S. Army so that he could kill U.S. soldiers
from the 'inside,'" the court document states. The
complaint includes no evidence suggesting Tatar tried to
enlist in U.S. Armed Forces, however.
In January 2007, three of the suspects obtained
handguns, shotguns and semi-automatic assault weapons to
be used for further training, according to the court
complaint.
Honorable Pete Geren, Acting Secretary of the Army
Message from the Acting Secretary of the Army
May
10, 2007 -- For the second consecutive year, Soldier
accidental fatalities are on the decline. Nevertheless,
the estimated 220 soldiers we will lose this year to
accidents are 220 too many. Moreover, our active and
reserve force will suffer over a half million non-battle
injuries - an average of one per Soldier - and our
civilian workforce injuries are rising, resulting in
personal tragedies and degraded abilities of a valuable
component of our Army team.
Two thirds of our major accidents occur off duty, and
even for those on duty, poor decisions are at the heart
of most incidents. The vast majority of military and
civilian mishaps are clearly preventable. It is our
obligation to ensure that our Soldiers, Civilian
Employees, Family members and Contractors have a safe,
healthy working and living environment.
To
best preserve our combat power, our strategy is to fully
achieve what we have already begun through
implementation of the following.
-
Establish a culture where safety is a way of life
during training, operations and off-duty
-
Build a command climate where preventable loss is
unacceptable
-
Ensure Leader engagement and accountability for their
programs
-
Develop executable safety plans for mission success
We
will institutionalize these tenets through all Army
commands, with our ultimate aim to personalize safety
for each individual. The lynchpin for our success is the
leader, and we expect leaders at all levels to
personally engage those you lead. Know your Soldiers and
civilian employees. Coach, teach, and mentor them.
As
we continue to fight terror across the globe, we can not
squander our precious human capital on senseless losses.
Through firm resolve in this most vital endeavor,
together we will stay ARMY STRONG.
Carrie Williams, Defense Commissary Agency
Online health and wellness forum puts customers in touch
with DeCA dietitian
FORT LEE,
Va. -
Defense Commissary Agency officials are excited to
announce the start of a new, interactive health and
wellness page on the agency's Web site,
http://www.commissaries.com.
The forum, hosted by DeCA dietitian Maj. Karen Fauber,
is scheduled to "go live" May 14.
"More
and more consumers indicate they look to grocery stores
for nutrition education and guidance,"
said Patrick Nixon, DeCA
Director and Chief Executive Officer. "Now that we have
a dietitian on staff, it's
critical that she has a forum for discussing health and
wellness with commissary customers."
According to Nixon, the page will include a
weekly
column, "The Dietitian's Voice," and a discussion forum,
"Ask the DeCA Dietitian," which will allow customers to
exchange comments, experiences, views and opinions
regarding nutrition topics with the DeCA dietitian and
other registered users.
"DeCA has made great strides in promoting health and
wellness within the military community," Nixon
explained. "We've partnered with TRICARE for the past
several years in educating commissary customers on the
importance of weight maintenance, and we feel that
making DeCA's staff dietitian readily available to the
millions of people who shop in commissaries worldwide
will strengthen our position as the nutritional leader
for the military community."
Fauber says she is thrilled to be touching base with
commissary customers and hopes that the forum will
encourage an open-ended conversation about the very
thing many of us take for granted: good health.
"Working with commissary customers is the best part of
my job," she said. "Nutrition science becomes the real
thing when it is applied and makes a difference in
people's lives. Our goal is to accomplish this with the
health and wellness forum."
In
her role as host of the forum, Fauber will tap into her
extensive education and experience. She is a registered
and licensed dietitian with more than 16 years of
military service: 10 as an Army Reserve dietitian and
six on active duty, including experience as a certified
diabetes educator in Army medical facilities and public
health clinics. Fauber developed, coordinated and
evaluated health and nutrition programs in Virginia, and
served as the state's "5 A Day for Better Health"
program coordinator.
Fauber has a bachelor's degree in dietetics from Georgia
Southern University, Statesboro, Ga., and a master's
degree in education and human development from George
Washington University, Washington, D.C. She interned at
Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Continuing
her studies, Fauber is currently enrolled in an online
doctoral program in health education through A.T. Still
University, Kirksville, Mo.
Sgt. Sara Wood, American Forces Press Service
National Guard responds to Kansas tornado
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 8, 2007) - More than
300 members of the Kansas National Guard have been
activated in response to a powerful tornado that almost
destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan., May 4.
Guard members are assisting in search-and-rescue
efforts in the wake of the tornado, which was classified
as an F-5, the highest rating given by the National
Weather Service.
The tornado wiped out much of the small town,
knocking out power, water, natural gas and
communications. To date, 10 deaths and more than 100
injuries have been reported.
The Kansas National Guard's 278th Sustainment Brigade
has established a joint task force near the incident
site. In addition to search-and-rescue efforts, the
troops are working on power generation, logistical
support, debris clearing, support to law enforcement,
supporting establishment of shelters and distribution of
food and water.
Currently, the Kansas National Guard has 88 percent
of its forces available, 60 percent of its Army Guard
dual-use equipment on hand, and more than 85 percent of
its Air Guard equipment on hand, said Randal Noller,
public affairs officer for the National Guard Bureau.
Under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a
national partnership agreement that allows
state-to-state assistance during governor or federally
declared emergencies, Kansas has more than 400,000
Guardsmen available to it, he pointed out. However,
Kansas has not yet requested assistance from other
states.
The National Guard Bureau has offered liaison,
operational, communications, contracting,
search-and-rescue, public affairs and community
relations support, and is prepared to support the
governor in any way possible, Mr. Noller said.
The National Guard also has been activated in
response to other severe weather in the Midwest. In
South Dakota, 27 Guardsmen were activated in response to
severe storms that moved through the region yesterday,
destroying high voltage transmission lines and power
poles and leaving several thousand customers without
electricity. The Guard troops are transporting water
pumps and generators and providing sandbags to prevent
flooding.
In response to heavy rainfall Sunday night and
yesterday, the Iowa National Guard deployed 47 troops in
support of local authorities to assist in sandbagging
operations in the city of Red Oak, Iowa. Iowa National
Guard troops worked with civilian first responders
moving sand, filling sand bags and building temporary
dams to mitigate the effects of the rising waters.
Debi Dawson, Program Executive Office Soldier Strategic
Communications Office
PEO
Soldier to unveil new Army combat shirt
FORT
BELVOIR, Va. (Army News Service, May 4, 2007) -- The
Army Program Executive Office Soldier will soon provide
an improved Army combat shirt to Soldiers deploying to
Iraq and Afghanistan.
The flame-resistant long-sleeved shirt, which retains
the moisture-wicking capability, breathability, and
durability of other components in the ACU, also has many
of its other features, including cargo pockets, infrared
identification tabs, and hook-and-loop fasteners for the
American flag.
The new shirt has a foliage green torso and sleeves
in the universal camouflage pattern, and sports seamless
shoulders and side panels for comfort, along with
integrated anti-abrasion elbow pads, and a small Army
Strong logo centered on the chest.
The high performance shirt, designed to be a base
layer, can be worn directly under the Interceptor Body
Armor, according to Maj. Clay Williamson, assistant
product manager for clothing and individual equipment.
The ACS is made of an anti-microbial cotton and
rayon blend fabric treated with a new process that
penetrates to the fiber level. It provides
fire-resistance for the life of the garment. "It is
completely safe, non-toxic, and allows us to treat
fibers that were once not treatable," Maj. Williamson
said.
The shirt integrates with other flame-resistant
components, such as the Army combat pants, to provide
head-to-toe protection against burns. The Army combat
pants are the same as the ACU pants, except they are
made of a flame-resistant material, according to the
major. Soldiers' hands are protected by flame-resistant
gloves that have been a part of the Army's Rapid
Fielding Initiative.
This ensemble further complements the Army's
system-of-systems approach to force protection, which
integrates layers of protection for Soldiers on the
battlefield.
"I want to assure the American public, the Soldiers,
and their Families that they have the best equipment
when and where they need it. If there were something
better, we would buy it; and we're always looking for
something better," said Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown,
Program Executive Officer Soldier.
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
RCI:
Young Hall progression, plan for other housing areas
May
14, 2007 - The coming months will see periods of
large-scale change for Carlisle Barracks housing as the
Residential Communities Initiative kicks into high gear.
Work is progressing on Young Hall, and everything is on
track for a June completion and July occupancy for
residents in the newly renovated C and D bays.
"Most of the major renovation work in those two bays is
done," said Ty McPhillips, project director for GMH
Military Housing. "The tile has been put down, the
kitchen cabinets are being installed now, and the
carpets are being installed next week." The elevator for
the buildings are also en route and will be installed in
the coming weeks.
Once work has been completed in the C and D bays, work
will commence on the A and B bays of the building. It's
anticipated that the entire building will be renovated
and available in May of 2008 for the AY09 USAWC Class.
The
Meadows
The Young Hall project isn't the only part of RCI that's
going on at Carlisle Barracks. Residents and employees
of Carlisle Barracks have probably also noticed the work
that has started for the Meadows housing area, located
off of Claremont Road.
"Right now the focus has been to remove the top soil,
which should be done in about two weeks," said
McPhillips, "After that work is done, the property will
be marked, trenching for utilities will begin and
framing will begin in the fall." Once complete, the
housing area will consists of 52 duplex units. 26 of the
units will have three bedrooms, and the other 26 will
have four bedrooms. The first turnover of housing units
will begin in April 2008, with the remainder turned over
in June 2008.
Marshall Ridge
Once the topsoil is removed from the Meadows, work will
begin on the first phase of the Marshall Ridge project.
"The process will be very similar to the work done at
the Meadows," said McPhillips. "In about two weeks we
will see the topsoil being removed, with the same steps
to follow." Site and concrete work will begin as early
as the end of May, with the first housing units being
available in July 2008. There will be a total of 58 new
units in the Marshall Ridge project, 27 four bedroom,
single family houses, 37 duplex units (17 three bedroom,
20 four bedroom). 24 of the duplex units are what is
being constructed in phase one of the project. The new
houses are being constructed on the area that used to be
called Heritage Park.
Phase two on the Marshall Ridge project is slated to
start in July 2008. This phase of the project will
involve the demolition of the current housing on
Marshall Ridge.
"The red houses that are there now will be replaced by
21 four bedroom single family houses and 13 duplex
units," said McPhillips. This area is scheduled to be
fully complete by August 2009.
Delaney Field Club House
Another important piece of the RCI project is slated to
kick off in the next few weeks as well.
"Site work on the Delaney Field Club House will start to
take place once the topsoil is removed at the Meadows as
well," said McPhillips.
The club house is a 6,000 square foot office and
activities center that is scheduled to open in April of
2008.
"The club house will have a large reception area, sports
fields, conference rooms and also will be the home of
the community management offices," said McPhillips.
New
construction only one part of overall project
McPhillips pointed out that the new housing construction
is only one part of the overall RCI project.
"Once the new housing units are complete and available
for occupation, we'll begin the second phase, which is
the renovations of the historic housing on post," said
McPhillips. "There will be 67 historic renovated units
across the Installation that also include Forbes Avenue
homes. Additionally, 58 other units are scheduled for
renovation in the College Arms area as part of the
project." When the additional Army funding is available
in the out years, College Arms is also scheduled to be
razed and rebuilt. The upfront new construction allows
the project to maintain enough housing on post for new
U.S. Army War College students, staff and faculty and
other Carlisle Barracks personnel.
"Our goal is to always have 277 housing units available
on post," said McPhillips.
At the conclusion of the project, Carlisle Barracks
will have 277 housing units and a community center.
Previously, there were 316 housing units on post.
RCI background
Carlisle Barracks and Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., are part
of a combined project under the RCI, a partnership
between the Department of the Army and the private
sector to improve housing for military families.
Carlisle Barracks was originally partnered with
Picatinny Arsenal and Ft. Monmouth, N.J. but the project
was delayed due to Ft. Monmouth being scheduled for
closure under the latest Base Realignment and Closure
Recommendations in 2005.
More updates on the RCI project can be found each month
in the Carlisle Barracks Banner and at the next
community town hall meeting, which is slated for August.
Tom Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks
Public Affairs Office
Heart health topic of APFRI lecture
May 7,
2007 - We all know that a long, stressful day can lead
to a headache, but did you also know that prolonged
periods of stress can also affect your heart?
That was one of the messages relayed to students, staff
and faculty who gathered in Bliss Hall on May 7 during a
noon-time lecture given by Dr. Jeffrey Boone.
Boone, a well-known consultant in preventive
cardiology, stress medicine and hypertension counts the
Denver Broncos among his many clients.
"Dealing with professional athletes and their health
really isn't any different that any other person's,"
said Boone. "We all need to take steps to help make
ourselves healthier."
Boone pointed out that heart health is a life-long
effort, not something that happens overnight.
"There is no magic bullet or technique that will fix
damage that may have been done, you can just take steps
to mitigate further damage and live a longer and
healthier life," said Boone.
During the talk, Boone addressed the cardiovascular
consequences of mental stress and ways to identify how
people can help lower the impact of such stress. He
pointed out that simple lifestyle changes, like
exercise, weight control and stress management can help
mitigate these factors.
"Exercise, good nutrition, and weight control provide
the basic physiological strategies for stress
Control," said Boone. "These efforts allow the stress to
occur in a lean, sleek, well-oiled body that can stand a
lot of punishment."
How
to lower your risk of having a heart attack
According to the American Heart Association,
by following
these simple steps people can reduce risk factors for
heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
·
Stop smoking
·
Reduce blood
cholesterol
·
Total
Cholesterol
- Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL (bad) Cholesterol - LDL cholesterol goals
vary.
o
Low risk for
heart disease - Less than 160 mg/dL
o
Intermediate
risk for heart disease - Less than 130 mg/dL
o
High risk for
heart disease including those with heart disease or
diabetes - Less than 100mg/dL
HDL (good)
Cholesterol
- 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for
women
Triglycerides - Less than 150 mg/dL
·
Lower high
blood pressure, your goal is less than 120/80 mmHg
·
Be physically
active every day
·
Aim for a
healthy weight
·
Manage
diabetes
·
Reduce stress
·
Limit alcohol
For
more information or to find the latest schedule of APFRI
lecture, check
https://apfri.carlisle.army.mil/ or the
Carlisle Barracks Community Calendar
Tom Zimmerman,
Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Accreditation
consultant visits USAWC
May 4, 2007 -- Dr. Andrea Lex, Vice President, Middle
States Commission on Higher Education, visited the U.S.
Army War College
on May
3 to learn more about the current status of the
college's curriculum and acquainting individuals and
groups that will have crucial roles in the self-study
with the purposes and procedures of the accreditation
process.
"Dr. Lex is helping us identify relevant issues and find
the most appropriate means of addressing them,
discussing USAWC plans for self-study, and otherwise
assisting with preparations for self-study and peer
review," said Dr. Anna Waggener, MSCHE Steering
Committee chairman.
"MSCHE is the accrediting
body for all academic institutions in our geographical
region," said Waggener. "Accreditation is the way of
self-regulating and peer review adopted by the
educational community. It's to make sure that an
institution has the resources necessary to do the job."
Accreditation for the USAWC certifies that the
program has the means and resources to offer graduate
level education comparable to other graduate
institutions across the nation.
"Every graduate program, no matter if it is military
or civilian goes through this process," said Waggener.
She explained that the commission has 14 standards that
it uses to measure each institution. These measures
include students, faculty and curriculum data.
"Her visit was helpful in setting the tone and climate
of the next steps of USAWC in the accreditation
process," said Waggener.
When an institution receives
accreditation, it is subject to periodic reviews, with
the first coming five years after accreditation, and
then every 10 years after that. The War College was
accredited in June 2004 and covers both the resident and
distance education programs.
Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
DOD
Announces Army Units Up for Next Iraq Troop Rotation
May
8, 2007 - Defense Department officials today announced
the next 10 Army brigade combat teams to deploy to Iraq
to replace units currently operating there.
The announcement affects about 35,000 active-duty
troops, who all will deploy between August and the
year's end to serve as replacement forces for those
returning home, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told
reporters.
The units will deploy for up to 15 months.
Whitman emphasized that the announcement is
unrelated to the troop surge under way to increase
security in and around Baghdad.
"Let me be real clear about this," he said. "This
deployment ... is not a decision with respect to the
surge. It is simply identifying the next 10 units that
will receive deployment orders and to provide the kind
of predictability" they need to prepare.
Any decision regarding the surge will be based
"entirely upon the conditions on the ground," Mr.
Whitman said.
Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of Multinational
Force Iraq, is expected to assess those conditions later
this year and make recommendations regarding the surge
to the commander of U.S. Central Command, chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, defense secretary and
president, Mr. Whitman said.
Major Army units receiving deployment orders
include:
- 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas;
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigades, 101st Airborne Division,
Fort Campbell, Ky.;
- 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.;
- 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood;
- 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.;
- 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii;
- 2nd Cavalry Regiment (Stryker), Vilseck, Germany; and
- 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Army
War College again captures Commandants Cup with Jim
Thorpe win
May
1, 2007 -- The U.S.
Army War College continued its recent dominance of Jim
Thorpe Sports Days with a 120-94 win over the second
place finisher the Air War College. The Naval War
College finished in third place, followed by the
National War College and the Industrial College of the
Armed Forces.
The win marked the ninth
time in the last ten years that the Army War College won
the sports competition pitting the nation's military
service schools against each other in events like
basketball, soccer and softball.
"Congratulations on your
outstanding victory in the Jim Thorpe Sports Days
competition. You won the Commandants Cup through
exceptional athletic skill, commitment, and teamwork,"
said Maj. Gen. David Huntoon, USAWC commandant, in a
message to the students, staff and faculty. "Those
attributes will serve you well in accomplishing the
tough strategic missions that lie ahead. I am proud of
all of you, and equally proud of the same qualities I
saw in your classmates from every service college --
comrades with whom you will serve on the same team very
soon."
The event is named in
honor of Olympian Jim Thorpe, among the top athletes of
the 20th century and a student of the Carlisle Indian
Industrial School at the turn of the 20th century.
Carol Kerr, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
USAWC faculty member inducted into South Carolina State
Hall of Fame
May 1, 2007 -- An Army War College faculty member
celebrated a legacy of service at South Carolina State
University on its 60th anniversary, April 21. "It was a
day to celebrate the nation's leading producer of
African-American officers in the U.S. Army," reported
Charlene Slaughter in the Orangeburg Times and Democrat
newspaper.
Col. Nicholas J. Anderson was inducted into the Army
ROTC Hall of Fame at SCSU, with a bronze plaque and bust
to be featured in the ROTC Department's Soldiers Hall.
As the USAWC director of sustainment operations since
2002, he is the senior logistician for the War College,
according to his department chair, Col. Paul Jussel.
"Nick is the epitome of a dedicated professional officer
who is always giving of himself to get a mission
accomplished," said Jussel. He takes the lead in all
things associated with Army and joint logistics and
sustainment for the full range of War College classes,
the majors' Basic Strategic Art Program, the general
officers' courses such as JFLCC, and for regional
military coordination with the National Defense
Transportation Association, added Jussel.
"This is a great honor and well deserved," said SCSU
President Andrew Hugine Jr. at the ceremony that
spotlighted the ROTC program's contributions to the SCSU
story. "You represent the legacy and excellence of South
Carolina State. You made and continue to make a great
sacrifice for the freedom of the world. We do not take
that lightly."
As keynote speaker, Anderson urged community support
for Soldiers engaged in the war on terror. "We are
serving in difficult times. Make sure when Soldiers come
home, they receive a warm welcome and take care of their
families while they are away."
Anderson is a graduate of the SCSU Class of 1979; he
has since earned two master's degrees from Webster
University and the Army War College, and is a PhD
candidate in organizational management from Capella
University.
-- excerpted in part from a T&D news article by Charlene
Slaughter, with her permission
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Carlisle Barracks, Army history focus of May 19 AHEC
event
Army Heritage Day kick-off of posts' 250th Anniversary
celebration
May 17, 2007 -- Visitors to the 2007
Army Heritage Day on May 19 will be able to step back in
time and re-live and learn more about the 250 year
history of Carlisle Barracks and the events that helped
to shape the nation.
The day-long series of events,
starting at 9 a.m., includes a lecture on the history of
Carlisle Barracks at 10:15, and a flag raising to
commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Carlisle Barracks
at noon, as well as numerous other demonstrations and
exhibits from the French and Indian War to World War II.
Another highlight gives visitors
a rare opportunity to meet, ask questions and hear the
experiences of retired Staff Sgt. Henry L. Moore and
retired 2nd Lt. Dr. Eugene J. Richardson. Both Moore and
Richardson were not only World War II veterans, but two
veterans of the famous Army Air Corps unit known as the
Tuskegee Airmen.
This opportunity to meet and
relive the experiences of these two veterans is just one
part of a full program looking at the history of the
American Soldier. Visitors to the Army Heritage Trail at
AHEC can also see the men of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry as
they demonstrate warfare tactics of the Civil War period
for mounted Soldiers. Introduce yourself to a World War
II U.S. Army nurse as she prepares her belongings for
service overseas. Talk with World War I Soldiers as they
work on the trenches of Mont Sec.
Also during the event the World
War II-era barracks building on the Heritage Trail will
be unveiled. Army Heritage Day is free and open to the
public. The hours of the event from 9 am to 5 pm. For
more information, go to to www.usahec.org or contact the
AHEC at 717-245-4491.
Public Affairs staff report
2007 Safety and Awareness Fair set for May 18
May
17, 2007 -- Not only should you have a safe summer, but
you should also have fun while you're at it! Plan now
to attend the Safety Awareness and Leisure Time Fair
Friday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. at the Letort
View Community Center.
The fair gives attendees the opportunity
to find out what summertime activities are available in
the local area and how they can make sure they're safe
at the same time.
Post activities participating include: Fire
Department, Veterinary Services, Provost Marshal Office,
Environmental Health, Army Substance Abuse Program, Army
Physical Fitness Research Institute, Force Protection,
Environmental Management Office and Dunham U.S. Army
Health Clinic ,Carlisle Barracks Post Exchange,
Many off-post organizations are slated to come,
including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Cumberland
Valley Visitors Bureau and the South Central
Pennsylvania Highway Safety department.
Door
prizes are also available for those who attend. Prizes
include Ski Roundtop Paintball, Learn to Ski packages,
Baltimore Aquarium tickets, Lake Tobias family five pack
admission, Six Flags America tickets, Six Flags Great
adventure tickets, PA Renaissance Faire Tickets and
more.
The
Safety Office and the Information, Ticketing and
Registration Office are sponsoring this event. For more
information, contact Jim Aiello, Safety Manager, at
245-4353.
United In Freedom: Armed Forces Day 2007 returns to City
Island
On
May 19th, Armed Forces Day 2007 will make its return to
Harrisburg's City Island. This FREE, fun-filled, family
event is a salute to both the men and women now serving
our nation and our veterans.
Now in its sixth year, Armed Forces Day 2007 will
transform City Island into a sprawling and bustling
military base for the day. Visitors will experience
nearly 80 indoor and outdoor military displays,
exhibitions, living history demonstrations, speakers,
family and children's activities, and musical
performances, all of which are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and
will take place rain or shine.
The day's activities kick off with a YMCA 5-K Run at
8:00 am followed by joint service military displays from
9 am to 4 pm.
This year's opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in the
North parking lot and will feature an A-10 Thunderbolt
flyover, a 21 gun salute by the 108th Field Artillery,
local dignitaries and military speakers, and
performances by the American Legion Post 733 Youth Soul
Steppers and the 307th Army Band.
A new and exciting element at this year's event is
the addition of musical performances including the
Army's rock band "Checkmate" and contemporary gospel and
patriotic singer/songwriter, Jim Worthing. Worhting will
début his new song "Soul of Liberty" written to show his
gratitude to our veterans.
There will be a wide variety of static and
interactive displays and activities including Chinook
and Apache helicopters; the Stryker Infantry Carrier
Vehicle, M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, and the M2
Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle; the Air Force's F-22
Raptor mini-jet/interactive display; Navy SEABEE demos,
the Navy Ship Models and other displays. The famous
Schmidt's Army Challenge Obstacle Course returns and
many information booths, including blood pressure checks
and veterans benefits counselors from the Lebanon VA
Hospital, will be other highlights of the event.
Also new this year will be a special "Make and Take"
model program for young people five to 14 years old,
sponsored by The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the
International Plastic Modelers Society.
For more information please visit
www.harrisburgevents.com and click on the Armed Forces
Day logo or contact Mike Randazzo at the Naval Support
Activity Mechanicsburg Public Affairs Office at
717-605-2448.
Army Heritage Center Foundation release
Lewis & Clark Air Rifle to transfer to AHEC Foundation
Lost Army artifact
returns to Army control
May 16, 2007 -- A 200-year journey is nearly over
for one of the most historic pieces of military
equipment as the Lewis and Clark Air Gun is set to
return to the U.S. Army during a ceremony May 18, 3:30
p.m., at the Army Heritage and Education Center.
Accepting the weapon on behalf of the U.S. Army will be
Dr. Jeffrey Clarke, Chief of Military History, U.S. Army
Center of Military History. Dr. Robert Beeman and
retired Maj. Gen. Robert Scales, former Commandant of
the Army War College, will make remarks. Beeman and his
wife Toshiko will formally donate the weapon to the Army
Heritage and Education Center Foundation.
Air
Gun Background
The
1803 Corps of Discovery, an Army expedition under the
command of Captain Merriwether Lewis and William Clark,
embarked on a four year journey at the direction of
President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired
Louisiana Purchase. Along the way, Lewis carried a
unique weapon, a .46 caliber air rifle that fired
without using gunpowder and made almost no sound.
Now, 200 years after the Corps of Discovery's voyage,
the Lewis and Clark air gun returns to the control of
the U.S. Army. This
air rifle, designed by the Austrian clock maker
Bartolomeus Girandoni, was donated to the Army Heritage
Center Foundation in September 2006 by its former
owners, Beeman and his wife, Toshiko, founders of
Beeman Precision Airguns. On loan to the National
Firearms Museum in Virginia until recently, the
Beeman-Girandoni is being transferred officially to the
custody of the U.S. Army at the ceremony.
This military technology was beyond comprehension to the
Indian tribes that the Corps of Discovery encountered,
and became a symbol of "powerful magic." Impressive
firing demonstrations of the weapon created great
respect for the travelers and significantly contributed
to the ultimate success of the expedition.
Over time the Lewis and Clark air rifle became one of
the more mythic weapons in American military history.
After the expedition the air rifle was last recorded as
part of a Philadelphia estate in 1847 before
disappearing from the pages of history. Recent forensic
examination of an Austrian Girandoni air rifle owned for
over 30 years by Beeman and his wife Toshiko, founders
of Beeman Precision Air Guns, revealed that this rifle
perfectly matched the damage and repairs to Captain
Lewis's weapon as recorded in the journals of the
expedition.
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Campaign to stomp out drunken driving kicks off May 18
May
8, 2007 -- Summer is upon us and once again the Army
Substance Abuse Program will support the Summer Sense
Campaign, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
"For
many people summer time means more time outside with
friends and family. Be it at the beach, the pool, a BBQ
or any other outdoor activity, summer means more social
time for many," said Anne Wolf, Carlisle Barracks Army
Substance Abuse Office. "Unfortunately, summer brings
with it an increased rate of alcohol abuse and drunk
driving."
Wolf points out that there are steps to be taken to help
avoid these types of incidents.
"Increased education combined with an increased law
enforcement presence on the roads and at sobriety
checkpoints, will result in more people realizing that
if they're going to drink they need to stay at home or
identify a sober designated driver," she said.
This
summer program will emphasize healthy and safe ways to
engage in summer activities. The event kicks off this
year at the Installation Safety Awareness Day, May 18 at
the Letort View Community Center.
"Information about safe and healthy activities; laws
regarding drinking and driving, drinking and boating
will be available," said Wolf.
To
raise the awareness level of the community, the Army
Substance Abuse Program will be highlighting a variety
of topics and venues.
"Check the Banner, Current Events, and bulletin boards
throughout the installation for important facts and
information that will help you and your family enjoy a
safe summer," said Wolf.
Additional information on both campaigns can be found
at:
www.acsap.army.mil. You can schedule unit or
organization training by contacting the ASAP office at
245-4576.
Michael Knapp, US Army Military History Institute, US
Army Heritage and Education Center
General Pershing Creates an American Expeditionary Force
April
29, 2007 -- Ninety years ago this week, General John J.
Pershing was selected to lead an American Expeditionary
Force to France to assist the Allies in their fight
against the Central Powers of Germany and the
Austro-Hungarian Empire. Freshly recalled to Washington
from the Mexican border where he was involved in the
Punitive Expedition chasing the bandit Pancho Villa,
Pershing would have to create a force unlike any
previous force in the history of the U.S. Army.
The U.S. Army entered the 20th Century still using
the basic structure it used in the Civil War. During the
Spanish-American War , this was found to be unwieldy and
slow to mobilize and move large numbers of men overseas.
War Department studies, commissioned early in the
century by Secretary of War Elihu Root , and the
National Defense Act of 1916 had begun to address this
problem, yet serious challenges still faced Pershing. He
would have to craft a plan to use the small Regular Army
along with the mobilized National Guard as well as the
newly created National Army of draftees and form these
into Divisions which would fight this new war.
Just as today's Army is undergoing a transformation
to more mobile, lethal and self-contained units, the
Army of the First World War became Pershing's vision of
the force needed to fight for America's cause among the
Great Powers of Europe. He began to build a 100 Division
force; the same divisions are still with us today,
having seen service in all of America's wars since 1918.
The American Expeditionary Force was crafted to address
the new realities of modern war. The technological leaps
forward in weapons gave rise to new formations in the
Army Air Service , the birth of the Tank Corps , and the
Chemical Corps . Another field which evolved to meet new
and horrendous aspects of this war was military medicine
, and an enormous logistic need arose to supply the
millions of men in army bases and on the front lines
overseas. Pershing realized that such a force would
require a great deal of organization and leadership. In
response to this, he created the concept of a General
Staff , complete with staff sections dealing with the
various aspects of an army in the field.
Chosen as a proven leader, with a strong personality
and known public persona from his service with the 10th
Cavalry and most recently on the Mexican Border, "Black
Jack" Pershing seemed the obvious choice to lead a
fledgling force to France. Few could have foreseen his
strenuous efforts to avoid sending American soldiers
piecemeal to fill the ranks of the depleted British and
French armies. Instead, he insisted on maintaining the
integrity of American divisions, and he eventually
formed them into the American First , Second , and Third
Armies. The structure which he created would be the
template for the American Army as we know it. Just as it
did in 1917-18, the Army is once again transforming
itself to meet the challenges of warfare in the 21st
Century. Pershing would be proud.
The
AHEC has joined with Army.mil to bring to the Army, to
veterans, to the American public, and to the world the
continuing history of the United States Army. Please
visit this weekly feature for insights into the past,
present, and future of America's senior military
service.
http://www.army.mil/history/
Gleason, American Forces Press Service
Month of May
dedicated to appreciating Servicemembers
May 1,
2007 - In an effort to draw attention to the personal
sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces and
their families, Congress has designated May as National
Military Appreciation Month.
"Our military has played a major role in the
development of our country chronicled through their
unbending honor, their dedication to duty and their love
of country," the National Military Appreciation Month
Web site states. "Federal, state and local governments
and private sector entities are invited to participate
in this special month and to encourage everyone to
sponsor and participate in programs."
The Web site,
www.nmam.org, encourages citizens to draw attention
and express appreciation to military families across the
nation by engaging schools, civic organizations and
businesses to organize events like visiting veterans
hospitals, making trips to military memorials and
museums, and decorating with patriotic themes.
The site also features a map of the United States
which lists local Military Appreciation Month events in
each state.
The Defense Department is taking part in the
month-long celebration with America Supports You, a DoD
program highlighting the support of grassroots groups
and corporate partners to the armed forces, co-hosting
events throughout the nation.
The program will take part in events like the
McDonald's Air & Sea Show in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; the
Joint Services Open House at Andrews Air Force Base,
Md.; and Professional Golfers' Association events across
the nation. An America Supports You concert featuring
singer Jenny Boyle is slated for May 4 at the Pentagon.
NASCAR will unveil an ASY car at Lowe's Motor Speedway
in Charlotte, N.C., on May 8.
The Washington Capitals hockey team have scheduled a
Military Appreciation Day at RFK Stadium in Washington,
D.C., for May 11.
ASY team member Shauna Fleming, founder of A Million
Thanks has teamed up with Buick, Pontiac and GMC
divisions of General Motors to collect thank you letters
from the public for the troops. People can drop off
their letters in Shauna's red, white and blue boxes at
GM car dealers across the nation. For more information
and to see Shauna's videos go to
www.amillionthanks.org.
Discovery is producing a series of "Thank You's" for
The Military Channel where citizens from all over the
country will be "thanking the troops" for all their
service to our country.
The months of May and June host a number of other
patriotic commemorations, including Victory in Europe
Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces
Week, Memorial Day, Flag Day and the observance of the
Navy and Army birthdays.
Staff Sgt. Christopher Fincham, Carlisle Barracks Public
Affairs Office
College pauses to remember fallen graduate Col. Brian D.
Allgood
April 24, 2007 -- Leaders, Soldiers and members of the
Carlisle Barracks community paused April 24 to honor the
service of U.S. Army War College graduate Col. Brian D.
Allgood in a memorial dedication ceremony.
Allgood, a graduate of the U.S. Army War College class
of 2002, was serving as the top medical officer for U.S.
troops in Iraq when he was killed after the UH-60
Blackhawk helicopter he and 12 other Soldiers were
riding in crashed Jan. 17, in northeast Baghdad.
Quoting Robert Ingersoll, U.S. Army War College
Commandant Maj. Gen. David Huntoon said that, "When the
will defies fear, when duty throws the gauntlet down to
fate, when honor scorns to compromise with death - this
is heroism."
"Brian Allgood was the very measure of a hero, and his
life honors all of us today," said Huntoon.
The son of an Army doctor, Allgood was remembered as a
dedicated, natural leader and friend by his classmates
and as an exceptional military medical professional by
the commandant of the Army War College.
"He
loved this Army, this Nation, and taking care of
Soldiers - both under his command and those sick and
wounded entrusted to his care. Steadfast in his
commitment to living the Army Values, he answered the
call to duty time and again and lived the warrior ethos
every day," recalled retired Army Col. Joe Curtin, who
was a classmate of Allgood while at the Army War
College.
Dubbed a "Soldier's Soldier," Allgood always looked for
a challenge. Graduating from the U.S. Military Academy
in 1982, he went on to the University of Oklahoma where
he received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1986. After
completing his internship and residency, Allgood went on
to serve as, among other assignments, the battalion
surgeon in the 75th Ranger Regiment and
parachuted into Panama in 1989 for Operation Just Cause.
Though his time at Carlisle Barracks was brief, Allgood
left his mark and will forever be remembered as a leader
who used his exceptional military and medical skills to
bring hope and healing to those for which he cared so
deeply, according to his classmates at the ceremony.
"Today we remember Brian by placing his name on this
plaque that memorializes those graduates who have given
their lives in this dangerous fight. And here at
Carlisle Barracks as we pass by in the future, we should
pause for a moment, and remember that this man, more so
than many, understood the cost and the sacrifice of this
struggle," said Huntoon. "Because we will never forget
his shining example of courage, compassion and
commitment that gives us all breathtaking pause."
An
endowment in his name, The Allgood Medical Scholarship,
is being established at the University of Oklahoma.
Tom
Zimmerman, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Sweet sixteen
Carlisle Barracks
celebrates 16 years of being a Tree City USA
April
25, 2007 - Under a bright and sunny spring sky, Carlisle
Barracks celebrated it's recognition of being named a
Tree City USA for the 16th straight year during a
ceremony April 25, in front of the post chapel.
Pennsylvania State Forester Bruce Kile, who was
presented for the very first Tree City presentation at
Carlisle Barracks in 1991, was pleased to be present for
the latest award.
"Being named a Tree City USA for a sixteenth straight
year is quite an accomplishment," said Kile. "This just
shows the dedication the people of Carlisle Barracks
have to the environment."
To
qualify for the Tree City USA award, the post had to
meet certain criteria. The installation established a
tree board, a community tree ordinance and a
comprehensive community forestry program. Each year the
post must apply for the certification.
A
moment was also taken during the ceremony to recognize
Keith Bailey, who is credited with helping to keep the
post beautiful by caring for the trees.
"I
know we wouldn't be here without him," said Tom Kelly,
head of the post public works department. "His work with
this and other projects will be missed." Bailey is
planning to retire later this year.
To celebrate Arbor Day the CDC children created art,
learned and sang songs and came out to plant a tree at
the Arbor Day event. Each person in attendance was also
given a tree to plant. The trees were donated by GMH
Military Housing.
Arbor Day history
The idea for Arbor Day originally came from Nebraska. A
visit to Nebraska today wouldn't disclose that the state
was once a treeless plain. Yet, it was the lack of trees
that led to the founding of Arbor Day in the 1800's.
Among pioneers moving into the Nebraska territory in
1854 was J. Sterling Morton. He and his wife had a great
love of nature. As Morton was a journalist and soon
became editor of Nebraska's first newspaper, he was able
to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm
for trees to an equally enthusiastic audience.
Arbor Day was officially proclaimed by the young state's
Governor Robert W. Furnas on March 12, 1874. Later in
1885, the date was switched to Morton's birthday, April
22, for permanent observance.
Carol Kerr, Public Carlisle Barracks Affairs Office
Anne
Ely Personnel Service Center open at 46 Ashburn Drive
May 1,
2007 -- With yet another mission, Anne Ely Hall is
rehab'd, refreshed, and recreated as the post's new
Personnel Service Center at 46 Ashburn Drive - a
one-stop center for ID Cards, military records, civilian
personnel help, EO/EEO guidance and more.
The
Personnel Service Center will streamline
in/out-processing and dozens of service actions for
military, retired military and civilian employees. A
central location and 30-minute parking spots will make
access easier for employees, residents, and the
Pennsylvania military community.
Call
ahead to confirm services during the early May
transition period. Phone service will transfer with the
phone numbers listed here. Moving vans are scheduled to
move the following offices during the first week of May.
Headed for new Anne Ely
PSC location
The
Transportation Office
leads the way in moving from its 635 Wright Avenue
office to fully resume operations in Anne Ely PSC no
later than May 2. Call 717-245-3172 for
questions about transportation or passports.
Army Community Services
will transfer operations and be ready for clients as of
May 3. A range of Soldier and Army Family
programs available at Anne Ely PSC includes family
advocacy, Army Emergency Relief, financial readiness,
employment assistance, relocation assistance. Call
717-245-3775.
Civilian Personnel Services
will open no later than May 4 at Anne Ely PSC.
Phone 717-245-3942.
The
offices of the USAWC
Human Resources
Directorate for
out-processing, leave forms, 'bio book' entries, and a
wealth of local personnel actions for USAWC military
faculty and students and Garrison military staff;
Equal
Opportunity for
military personnel; and
Equal Employment
Opportunity for
civilian employees -- will be ready for business in
Anne Ely by May 4. To phone ahead: HRD at
717-245-4159, EO at 717-245-3661, and EEO at
717-245-3950.
The
Carlisle Barracks
Directorate of Human
Resources includes
Military
Personnel Services
and the Army Substance Abuse Program. The office of HR
director Elton Manske will remain in Upton Hall; ASAP
will remain at 632 Wright Avenue.
Personnel Services Division will be fully functioning in
Anne Ely by May 7 for records, awards,
promotions, reassignments, personnel actions, retirement
services, transition center. Phone 717-245-3889 to check
schedules and location.
ID
Cards
are provided by the Personnel Services Division, but the
additional steps to reestablish online DEERS service is
expected to delay start-up of ID card services until
May 9. Beneficiaries should call ahead to
717-245-3533 to check operations during early May, and
will be referred to other Pennsylvania locations for
emergency needs.
United States Postal Service
operations remain in Anne Ely Hall.
Carol Kerr, Carlisle Barracks Public Affairs Office
Ssshhhhh . NSPS is here ...
May 1,
2007 -- With all the fanfare of a shadow crossing a pool
of light, civilian employees of the Army Garrison here
passed into the National Security Personnel System on
April 15. Just as the familiarization and training
occurred quietly at dozens of work stations, so too will
new NSPS processes seem transparent to those who are not
yet in NSPS.
Don't let the quiet fool you.
NSPS employees are in the thick of the important new
ways of doing business, with an emphasis on
employee-supervisor communication.
Joe Manning, the deputy garrison commander, has asked
those he supervises to send him bullets on a biweekly
basis, to keep him up-to-date on accomplishments. His
system helps the employee because keeping track of
accomplishments becomes a requirement, rather than a
good idea. Every employee-supervisor partnership will be
working out ways to track accomplishments throughout the
year.
"We're telling everyone that they really should on a
biweekly basis write down achievements to make it easier
for evaluation time when they do self-assessments," said
George Fritz, a key NSPS trainer here. Self-assessments
initiate the evaluation process, and the next step is
for supervisors to add an assessment that will confirm
or strengthen - or minimize - the employee's comments.
It's essential that achievements be clearly tracked by
the employee, directly linked to performance objectives,
and recognized by the supervisor.
What's the secret to living with NSPS?
"The secret is to be focused on the mission," said Lynn
Ramsey, the director of civilian personnel services
here. "I need to be able to sit with an employee and
say, 'you're a great person, but let's talk about the
mission and your contributions to it," he explained.
As
members of the Civilian Human Resources Agency, Ramsey
and civilian personnelist Rhonda Newcomer have been NSPS
employees for more than a year, and they admit they're
still getting the hang of it.
"We have a running dialogue, but we'll get better at
this," said Ramsey, whose office is next to Newcomer's.
They plan to start meeting weekly to discuss goals and
accomplishments. "We'll talk about things that I can do
to help her meet objectives," said Ramsey.
"The secret to NSPS is keeping track of what you do,"
said Newcomer. "How else can you explain why you're a
valued performer, or better?"
It
doesn't come easily to government workers to be rated in
the middle, or a '3,' but under NSPS, employees who work
to standard are considered a 'valued performer' with a 3
rating. "We think of ourselves, and have been rated in
the past, as 5s but in NSPS, 5s are 'role models,' and
we really aren't all role models," noted Newcomer.
On
the day of this interview, Newcomer was finishing her
mid-year self-assessment. Ramsey had started the
process as supervisor, prompting her to enter MyBiz
online. She reviews her performance objectives, and does
a self-assessment by identifying achievements relevant
to each objective. She pointed to calendars and her
Outlook files as examples of the systems she uses to
track what she does and what she accomplishes. Her final
step is to send it back to Ramsey, who adds a
supervisor's assessment.
The
goal? No surprises for employer or supervisor.
Garrison employees will test the processes sometime this
summer when Carlisle Barracks will run a mock pay pool.
It's planned for some time after the pay pool training
that George Fritz and Rhonda Newcomer will give to pay
pool managers in June.
What are Pay Pools and Pay Pool Panels?
Pay pools are groups of employees who work in an
organization and share funding for performance payouts.
Each employee is in only one pay pool at a time, and
employees are informed about the pay pool they are in.
Pay pools vary in size from approximately 50 members to
over 300 members and are typically structured by
organization or function. Regardless of pay pool size or
configuration, under NSPS, performance is the key
determinant of any salary increases or awards received,
and work performance is evaluated within the context of
the mission.
Pay pool panels are groups of managers/supervisors that
gather to review employee evaluations to ensure that the
same standards for evaluating performance are applied,
and that performance payouts are consistent with the
ratings. Each pay pool has a designated pay pool manager
who is responsible for managing the pay pool. The pay
pool manager oversees the process of reconciling the
rating and reward decisions and settles discrepancies
between pay pool panel members.
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