Valerie Korenek
I saw this on a friend of a friend's page and thought it was worth a repost...
I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,
and looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.
The laundry wasn't finished and the dinner I had to fix,
... The dishwasher wouldn't work, and now it's all in bits
And so with only minutes till my son got home from school,
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,
and so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.
I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.
And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh,
eight hummers ran a column right behind an M1A.
A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens,
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.
They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,
their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.
Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again.
There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MRE's.
They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see,
They didn't need an ornament-- they lacked a Christmas Tree.
They didn't have a present even though it was tradition,
the only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition".
I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.
I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near
and kissed him on the forehead as I whispered in his ear.
There's nothing wrong, my little son, for safe we sleep tonight.
Our heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right,
to worry about the things in life that really mean nothing at all,
instead of wondering each day if we will be the next to fall.
He looked at me as children do and said it's always right,
to thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write.
And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,
to thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote,
"God bless you all and keep you safe, and speed your way back home.
Remember that we love you so, and that you're not alone.
The gift you give, you share with all, a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty and that we can't repay. "
Author Unknown
Sunday, December 18, 2011
What I Have Seen
DonneMairi MacKillop
I hope this is appropriate to post here. It was written about my grandson, injured in Afghanistan July 11, 2011.
Pete Vlahos, a soldier from Marcus’ unit wrote and posted this on his Facebook page on Friday, December 16.
What have I have seen….
... Seen a man, the day of his marriage cry from happiness.
Seen a man, cry the day he held his family one last time.
Seen a man, work, sweat, and collapse from exhaustion for the memory of love back home.
Seen a man, shake in terror, and still stood to fight, time and time again.
Seen a man never give up.
Seen a man, hold another man offering comfort, and a shoulder.
Seen a man, give up sleep just for the sake of a brother needing to talk.
Seen a man, bring a little happiness to hell with a simple song.
Seen a man, apologize for having to be carried on stretcher.
Seen a man, ask about his brothers, while he was slowly dying.
Seen a man, beat death for love back home.
Seen a man left alone by one who couldn’t see past their own selfish desires.
I have seen much much more, but this is Marcus’s story. Bomb buggy pilot, my brother, and I’m proud to say HE IS MY FRIEND!!!
I hope this is appropriate to post here. It was written about my grandson, injured in Afghanistan July 11, 2011.
Pete Vlahos, a soldier from Marcus’ unit wrote and posted this on his Facebook page on Friday, December 16.
What have I have seen….
... Seen a man, the day of his marriage cry from happiness.
Seen a man, cry the day he held his family one last time.
Seen a man, work, sweat, and collapse from exhaustion for the memory of love back home.
Seen a man, shake in terror, and still stood to fight, time and time again.
Seen a man never give up.
Seen a man, hold another man offering comfort, and a shoulder.
Seen a man, give up sleep just for the sake of a brother needing to talk.
Seen a man, bring a little happiness to hell with a simple song.
Seen a man, apologize for having to be carried on stretcher.
Seen a man, ask about his brothers, while he was slowly dying.
Seen a man, beat death for love back home.
Seen a man left alone by one who couldn’t see past their own selfish desires.
I have seen much much more, but this is Marcus’s story. Bomb buggy pilot, my brother, and I’m proud to say HE IS MY FRIEND!!!
FRG + Angel = ?
FRG + Angel = ?
12/12/11
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Military children are sometimes called “the littlest draftees” because when parents choose to serve, their children join the military without having the opportunity to make that same choice. Often the hardest time of year for these children of a deployed parent is Christmas, Hanukkah, etc—whether they are too young to understand why mom or dad is gone, or are old enough to recognize the danger of deployment and the loss of milestones met together.
Across the country in coming days, Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) of every deployed unit will be hosting holiday parties especially for the children of deployed parents (most all FRGs—whether the unit is deployed or not—will be having a party for their families as well). These parties and special events are designed to give the children something to smile about and some special memories amid a very difficult time.
FRGs often operate on very tight budgets and gifts from the community can be a big help—such as gift cards to be used to buy supplies for parties or given to families or children as gifts. To contact the FRG of a local unit, reach out to the nearest recruiting station or call your local military base and ask for the base FRG or chaplain’s office. Be sure to tell them, "Soldiers' Angels sent me!"
Your gift can help a military child smile, and make a very Merry Christmas for a military family!
12/12/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Military children are sometimes called “the littlest draftees” because when parents choose to serve, their children join the military without having the opportunity to make that same choice. Often the hardest time of year for these children of a deployed parent is Christmas, Hanukkah, etc—whether they are too young to understand why mom or dad is gone, or are old enough to recognize the danger of deployment and the loss of milestones met together.
Across the country in coming days, Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) of every deployed unit will be hosting holiday parties especially for the children of deployed parents (most all FRGs—whether the unit is deployed or not—will be having a party for their families as well). These parties and special events are designed to give the children something to smile about and some special memories amid a very difficult time.
FRGs often operate on very tight budgets and gifts from the community can be a big help—such as gift cards to be used to buy supplies for parties or given to families or children as gifts. To contact the FRG of a local unit, reach out to the nearest recruiting station or call your local military base and ask for the base FRG or chaplain’s office. Be sure to tell them, "Soldiers' Angels sent me!"
Your gift can help a military child smile, and make a very Merry Christmas for a military family!
Soldiers' Angels Germany: A Soldier's Dream
Soldiers' Angels Germany: A Soldier's Dream: See how one Soldier's dream changed the Iraq war. Please take a moment to learn about Travis Patriquin... and to remember this Hero. Se...
google365642e1ccc49ca9.html
google365642e1ccc49ca9.html
Lighting up for Care Packages
Lighting Up for Care Packages
12/14/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leave it to a veteran to find a brand new way to support his fellow service members…
Chris Withrow deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 as an Army officer and now lives in Southern California after leaving military service last May. This holiday season, he and his wife have put their penchant for amazing Christmas light displays to the work of supporting his brothers and sisters in arms still deploying.
“We’ve always gotten into Christmas displays,” Chris says, “but this year we doubled our efforts.” It’s the second year he has used computer-generated lights, and the display is drawing a lot of attention. That attention is the whole point, as right outside his light-festooned home he has created a collection point for care package supplies that will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels.
Chris’ amazing display uses 1,450 feet of extension cords to power 8,840 lights dancing to five different Christmas songs, drawing visitors from throughout his new hometown. It was recently covered in a local news paper, resulting in a bigger-than-expected jump in donations. Chris expects the rise to continue as word spreads.
Surprisingly, Chris never encountered Soldier’s Angels while on active duty. When he came up with the idea of supporting the troops this way, he reached out to the FRG (Family Readiness Group) coordinator of his old unit for advice on choosing a nonprofit to receive the expected donations. She suggested two different organizations and—after researching Soldier’ Angels online—Chris decided the Angels would be the best fit for his plans.
So far, Chris has collected one large storage bin’s worth of donations and expects to collect much more. Fortunately for his pocket book, he won’t have to ship everything to Soldiers’ Angels. He lives about 1.5 hours from the Pasadena office and hopes to be able to drive everything over there after Christmas.
Thank you to Chris for both his continuing service and his amazing creativity!
12/14/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leave it to a veteran to find a brand new way to support his fellow service members…
Chris Withrow deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 as an Army officer and now lives in Southern California after leaving military service last May. This holiday season, he and his wife have put their penchant for amazing Christmas light displays to the work of supporting his brothers and sisters in arms still deploying.
“We’ve always gotten into Christmas displays,” Chris says, “but this year we doubled our efforts.” It’s the second year he has used computer-generated lights, and the display is drawing a lot of attention. That attention is the whole point, as right outside his light-festooned home he has created a collection point for care package supplies that will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels.
Chris’ amazing display uses 1,450 feet of extension cords to power 8,840 lights dancing to five different Christmas songs, drawing visitors from throughout his new hometown. It was recently covered in a local news paper, resulting in a bigger-than-expected jump in donations. Chris expects the rise to continue as word spreads.
Surprisingly, Chris never encountered Soldier’s Angels while on active duty. When he came up with the idea of supporting the troops this way, he reached out to the FRG (Family Readiness Group) coordinator of his old unit for advice on choosing a nonprofit to receive the expected donations. She suggested two different organizations and—after researching Soldier’ Angels online—Chris decided the Angels would be the best fit for his plans.
So far, Chris has collected one large storage bin’s worth of donations and expects to collect much more. Fortunately for his pocket book, he won’t have to ship everything to Soldiers’ Angels. He lives about 1.5 hours from the Pasadena office and hopes to be able to drive everything over there after Christmas.
Thank you to Chris for both his continuing service and his amazing creativity!
Adopt A Soldier
Adopt a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine
Sure you might not be here on the front line...your heart going a mile a minute, not knowing what's coming next...But, what you all do with those cards, care packages, cookies is just as important... - from a Soldier's thank you
When you adopt you are committing to sending a card or letter each week, and a minimum of 1 or 2 care packages a month. This is one of the most important things that can be done to help bring home a healthy hero; it is so very important for each of them to know they are loved and supported, and your letters and care packages prove just that. The length of each adoption depends on the branch of service your soldier is in and a number of other factors, but generally averages between six (6) months to twelve (12) months. On occasion, they can be extended, but this is the average. To get started, click here.
Care packages do not have to be expensive: you can put together your own (we have a detailed list of the most-requested items for you--snacks, hygiene products, and games or magazines). We have also have some exciting themed care packages in the Angel Store (they are sold at cost and shipped directly to your soldier, complete with a personal note from you).
Important: This is a serious job for serious people. This is not a dating service, and we do not tolerate improper or inappropriate behavior. Our soldiers need us and the last thing we want to do is cause any additional stress in their lives or the lives of their families.
For more information about adopting a soldier, please see our Frequently Asked (adoption) Questions, or email the Adoptions Team.
Sure you might not be here on the front line...your heart going a mile a minute, not knowing what's coming next...But, what you all do with those cards, care packages, cookies is just as important... - from a Soldier's thank you
When you adopt you are committing to sending a card or letter each week, and a minimum of 1 or 2 care packages a month. This is one of the most important things that can be done to help bring home a healthy hero; it is so very important for each of them to know they are loved and supported, and your letters and care packages prove just that. The length of each adoption depends on the branch of service your soldier is in and a number of other factors, but generally averages between six (6) months to twelve (12) months. On occasion, they can be extended, but this is the average. To get started, click here.
Care packages do not have to be expensive: you can put together your own (we have a detailed list of the most-requested items for you--snacks, hygiene products, and games or magazines). We have also have some exciting themed care packages in the Angel Store (they are sold at cost and shipped directly to your soldier, complete with a personal note from you).
Important: This is a serious job for serious people. This is not a dating service, and we do not tolerate improper or inappropriate behavior. Our soldiers need us and the last thing we want to do is cause any additional stress in their lives or the lives of their families.
For more information about adopting a soldier, please see our Frequently Asked (adoption) Questions, or email the Adoptions Team.
From the Front to Soldiers' Angels
From the Front Merry Christmas!
.by Soldiers' Angels (Official) on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 8:31am.Thank you so much for the package we received for my platoon last week.
All the Soldiers in my platoon had the choice to pick the blanket they
wanted. We had a few blankets left over, so I passed them out to other
Soldiers in the Company. We are doing as best as we can considering the
circumstances. My platoon basically battle tracks what our Battalion
does for our Task Force. I get a chance to go out with the Line Units
who go out on the front lines on a daily basis and they are doing a
great job. We have had some bad days here due to the enemy, but for the
most part our Soldiers are motivated in conducting the missions we are
asked to do. The one thing that I know that Soldiers look forward to is
when the mail handler comes back with mail. We have mail hours and for
the most part Soldiers get to see at least 12 hours in advance if there
is mail for them. At times I see the disappointment in their eyes when
no mail addressed to them. But when I receive packages I share and I see
the excitement in opening the packages even though they are not
addressed to them. Mail is definitely one of the highlights of the day
around here. As the Holiday Season approaches, we get to see the
generosity of the American People in Support for Us. I can tell you that
my weight loss goal has been put off for at least one more month. Our
Battalion area over flows with so much cookies and candy from both
Halloween and Christmas. Therefore it was a pleasant Surprise that we
received blankets. Not only was it well received, but it is fitting
since the temperature drops quite a bit at night here. Once again thank
you for everything you do and thank the people back home who support
your Organization. Everything sent is well received and if we can't use
it we pass along to some of our Companies that are living in the most
horrific of places here in the Mountains of Afghanistan.
Thank you for your support.
V/R
SSG D.
Task Force Red Devils
7th Engineer Battalion
.by Soldiers' Angels (Official) on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 8:31am.Thank you so much for the package we received for my platoon last week.
All the Soldiers in my platoon had the choice to pick the blanket they
wanted. We had a few blankets left over, so I passed them out to other
Soldiers in the Company. We are doing as best as we can considering the
circumstances. My platoon basically battle tracks what our Battalion
does for our Task Force. I get a chance to go out with the Line Units
who go out on the front lines on a daily basis and they are doing a
great job. We have had some bad days here due to the enemy, but for the
most part our Soldiers are motivated in conducting the missions we are
asked to do. The one thing that I know that Soldiers look forward to is
when the mail handler comes back with mail. We have mail hours and for
the most part Soldiers get to see at least 12 hours in advance if there
is mail for them. At times I see the disappointment in their eyes when
no mail addressed to them. But when I receive packages I share and I see
the excitement in opening the packages even though they are not
addressed to them. Mail is definitely one of the highlights of the day
around here. As the Holiday Season approaches, we get to see the
generosity of the American People in Support for Us. I can tell you that
my weight loss goal has been put off for at least one more month. Our
Battalion area over flows with so much cookies and candy from both
Halloween and Christmas. Therefore it was a pleasant Surprise that we
received blankets. Not only was it well received, but it is fitting
since the temperature drops quite a bit at night here. Once again thank
you for everything you do and thank the people back home who support
your Organization. Everything sent is well received and if we can't use
it we pass along to some of our Companies that are living in the most
horrific of places here in the Mountains of Afghanistan.
Thank you for your support.
V/R
SSG D.
Task Force Red Devils
7th Engineer Battalion
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Soldiers' Angels
On this Sunday let us all post a note for those that have sacrificed for us, "No one can fathom the emotions running through the family and friends of these brave soldiers. We can only hope when these horrifying times become history pages that it was all for something, that the world is a more peaceful place and these deaths are praised for the heroism it was. To die in a strange land with hatred and viciousness makes this all the more
daunting and hard to stay the course. If we break now, though, it will have been for naught. We reach out to the loved ones of the slain, and with hope and faith hold them in our hearts forever."See More
By: Soldiers' Angels (Official)
daunting and hard to stay the course. If we break now, though, it will have been for naught. We reach out to the loved ones of the slain, and with hope and faith hold them in our hearts forever."See More
By: Soldiers' Angels (Official)
Sesame Street and the military
New York Army National Guard
When Families Grieve presents families' personal stories about coping with the death of a parent, as well as strategies that have helped these families move forward.
Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes - Sesame Workshop
www.sesameworkshop.org
Discover how Sesame Street is bringing some sunny days to military families with young children.
When Families Grieve presents families' personal stories about coping with the death of a parent, as well as strategies that have helped these families move forward.
Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes - Sesame Workshop
www.sesameworkshop.org
Discover how Sesame Street is bringing some sunny days to military families with young children.
National Guard unveils peer hotline
National Guard unveils peer hotline
Posted 12/13/2011 Email story Print story
by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
Air National Guard American Forces Press Service
12/13/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The National Guard unveiled its Vets4Warriors service members' counseling program at a Capitol Hill ceremony Dec. 13.
Vets4Warriors is a toll-free, peer-to-peer counseling hotline that provides Guard members and Reserve component members with the ability to speak with counselors on the phone or online.
Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, said he believes it's important to find any and all means to help Guard members.
"Now service members need our help to properly and safely reintegrate back with their loved ones and employers," McKinley said. "This unique program will give our Guard and Reserve veterans the care and support they so selflessly earned."
The counselors are former service members who can provide a wide variety of tools to help today's service members fight the fight on the front lines and the home front, said Army Col. Gregg Bliss, the Army National Guard's Soldiers and Families Support Division chief.
The hotline enables members of any Reserve component to call the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Bliss said, to discuss with a peer counselor any issues, challenges or problems they may have.
Having a program dedicated to strictly anonymous, peer-to-peer counseling is a key step in letting people know there's no stigma in asking for help, Bliss said.
"You have got to be open, honest and candid if you're having challenges, and share them with somebody who you believe is there or willing to support you," he said. "We expect most of our (service members), at some point and time in their career, to have some challenges that are bigger than themselves, and the only real thing that we ask you to do is acknowledge that."
Once the service member reaches out to Vets4Warriors, the counselor will try to match them to any of the resources available.
The program, to be run by the Army National Guard, will be based at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, N.J., which has an extensive background in helplines. The university created a similar program designed for law enforcement officers in New Jersey.
"The past experiences and research ... (shows) that peer support is a very effective way of really helping people decompress or deal with issues or resolve challenges," Bliss said. "There's an inherent understanding of what the individual may be going through, plus you have the empathy and the mutual camaraderie when talking to a peer or someone with a similar background or experiences.
"We think this is a great way of doing it, kind of leveraging the Soldier-to-Soldier model ... to develop a more structured peer-to-peer program."
The helpline will be staffed with people selected for their counseling skills who are willing to share their backgrounds and experiences to help service members resolve their problems more effectively.
Bliss said Vets4Warriors is not a suicide prevention hotline.
"This is not considered a suicide prevention hotline, nor is it intended to provide clinical behavioral health services," he said. "This is just a hotline you can call, as a service member, and talk to somebody with a comparable background."
Service members can talk to the counselors about a variety of topics and not have to worry about their privacy, Bliss said.
"It had to be anonymous, it had to be a relationship between the service members and their peer counselor," Bliss said. "And while (it is) encouraged you utilize your peer support network and your family and your chain of command, it's not a requirement."
New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, an Army veteran, said he feels the Vets4Warriors program is an unprecedented approach to veterans outreach.
"We can't just stand behind our military on the battlefield -- we must also stand behind them when they return home," Lautenberg said. "Too many veterans are coming home with mental wounds and they are suffering in silence."
Bliss worked with the office of the secretary of defense, the National Guard Bureau and the Air National Guard to create the initiative.
"I think we've taken a very effective and proven model, based upon the way that the police officers dealt with some of the traumas and challenges in their work-life balance ... and the proof has been confirmed for us," he said.
To learn more about Vets4Warriors, or to speak with a counselor, service and family members can call the Vets4Warriors toll-free hotline at 1-855-VET-TALK (838-8255) or go to the Vets4Warriors website.
Posted 12/13/2011 Email story Print story
by Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
Air National Guard American Forces Press Service
12/13/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The National Guard unveiled its Vets4Warriors service members' counseling program at a Capitol Hill ceremony Dec. 13.
Vets4Warriors is a toll-free, peer-to-peer counseling hotline that provides Guard members and Reserve component members with the ability to speak with counselors on the phone or online.
Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, said he believes it's important to find any and all means to help Guard members.
"Now service members need our help to properly and safely reintegrate back with their loved ones and employers," McKinley said. "This unique program will give our Guard and Reserve veterans the care and support they so selflessly earned."
The counselors are former service members who can provide a wide variety of tools to help today's service members fight the fight on the front lines and the home front, said Army Col. Gregg Bliss, the Army National Guard's Soldiers and Families Support Division chief.
The hotline enables members of any Reserve component to call the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Bliss said, to discuss with a peer counselor any issues, challenges or problems they may have.
Having a program dedicated to strictly anonymous, peer-to-peer counseling is a key step in letting people know there's no stigma in asking for help, Bliss said.
"You have got to be open, honest and candid if you're having challenges, and share them with somebody who you believe is there or willing to support you," he said. "We expect most of our (service members), at some point and time in their career, to have some challenges that are bigger than themselves, and the only real thing that we ask you to do is acknowledge that."
Once the service member reaches out to Vets4Warriors, the counselor will try to match them to any of the resources available.
The program, to be run by the Army National Guard, will be based at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, N.J., which has an extensive background in helplines. The university created a similar program designed for law enforcement officers in New Jersey.
"The past experiences and research ... (shows) that peer support is a very effective way of really helping people decompress or deal with issues or resolve challenges," Bliss said. "There's an inherent understanding of what the individual may be going through, plus you have the empathy and the mutual camaraderie when talking to a peer or someone with a similar background or experiences.
"We think this is a great way of doing it, kind of leveraging the Soldier-to-Soldier model ... to develop a more structured peer-to-peer program."
The helpline will be staffed with people selected for their counseling skills who are willing to share their backgrounds and experiences to help service members resolve their problems more effectively.
Bliss said Vets4Warriors is not a suicide prevention hotline.
"This is not considered a suicide prevention hotline, nor is it intended to provide clinical behavioral health services," he said. "This is just a hotline you can call, as a service member, and talk to somebody with a comparable background."
Service members can talk to the counselors about a variety of topics and not have to worry about their privacy, Bliss said.
"It had to be anonymous, it had to be a relationship between the service members and their peer counselor," Bliss said. "And while (it is) encouraged you utilize your peer support network and your family and your chain of command, it's not a requirement."
New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, an Army veteran, said he feels the Vets4Warriors program is an unprecedented approach to veterans outreach.
"We can't just stand behind our military on the battlefield -- we must also stand behind them when they return home," Lautenberg said. "Too many veterans are coming home with mental wounds and they are suffering in silence."
Bliss worked with the office of the secretary of defense, the National Guard Bureau and the Air National Guard to create the initiative.
"I think we've taken a very effective and proven model, based upon the way that the police officers dealt with some of the traumas and challenges in their work-life balance ... and the proof has been confirmed for us," he said.
To learn more about Vets4Warriors, or to speak with a counselor, service and family members can call the Vets4Warriors toll-free hotline at 1-855-VET-TALK (838-8255) or go to the Vets4Warriors website.
News: Marines plunge into frigid canal to save nine
News: Marines plunge into frigid canal to save nine
AfghansLogin to Vote!
12345Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Follow This UnitStory by Cpl. Reece Lodder Follow This Journalist
Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder
U.S. Marines from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment stand atop Patrol Base Barcha following a security patrol here, Dec. 12. The Marines pictured (left to right) are Lance Cpl. James Blomstran and his improvised explosive device detection dog Sage, Sgt. Matt Garst and Lance Cpls. Ryan Gerrity and Nicholas Dumke. The four Marines saved nine Afghans from a canal during a Dec. 2 night patrol. Near the end of their patrol, a vehicle carrying an Afghan family struck an Afghan National Army soldier and sent both plunging into the frigid canal. The ANA soldiers provided security while the 2nd Platoon Marines braved the swiftly moving current to recover the accident victims. Blomstran, 22, is from Cortland, Ohio; Garst, 23, is from Charlotte, N.C.; Gerrity, 21, is from Cranford, N.J.; and Dumke, 20, is from Huron, S.D.
KUCHINEY DARVISHAN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Dimly illuminated by a sliver of moonlight, eight shadowy figures quietly patrolled a gravel road set against a swiftly flowing canal.
At the front of the squad, Afghan National Army soldier Zaheed deliberately moved a metal detector from side to side, cautiously sweeping the road for improvised explosive devices. Fellow ANA soldiers and Marines from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment followed closely behind.
As daylight fell into dusk here Dec. 2, they had departed Patrol Base Barcha to re-supply Marines at a nearby observation post. With their mission complete, the partnered patrol trekked through the chilly night back toward the PB.
A vehicle approached, and its once-distant headlights rapidly became larger. Zaheed stopped sweeping and stepped into the middle of the road. He waved his arms and yelled for it to stop, but the driver seemed to be unaware.
The vehicle barreled toward the patrol and became uncomfortably close, so Zaheed stepped to the left and reached for his weapon. The speeding driver panicked, swerved the same way and smashed into him. Both plunged into the canal.
“When the vehicle hit Zaheed, I thought briefly, ‘What if this was one of my Marines?’” said Sgt. Matt Garst, a 23-year-old squad leader from Charlotte, N.C.
Garst shouted for his Marines to drop their gear. He instructed three ANA soldiers to provide security and jumped into the frigid, murky water as the vehicle rapidly submerged beneath it.
“I saw the problem, saw the security we needed and sent everyone else into the canal,” Garst said.
Lance Cpl. James Blomstran wanted to jump in, but he was accompanied by his IED detection dog, Sage, and decided to stay on the road to provide security. Lance Cpls. Ryan Gerrity and Nicholas Dumke jumped in behind Garst.
“It took a split second to realize what happened,” said Dumke, a 20-year-old rifleman from Huron, S.D. “We train for firefights, not for a vehicle going into a canal … we just snapped into reacting to a high-stress situation and did what we had to do.”
Gerrity grabbed the ANA soldier and swam to shore. To no avail, Dumke fought against the wild, sweeping current. He returned to the shore, grabbed a four-foot piece of cloth and began pulling a child in, and then a man.
Garst reached the vehicle as passengers struggled to exit the shattered windshield. He saw two women and an infant drowning. He dove beneath the surface to push them above water, wrapped them in his arms and kicked toward shore.
Gerrity and Blomstran used a sickle stick — a bamboo pole used to detect IED wires — to bring in another woman and child. Garst quickly returned to the vehicle, grabbed a man and dragged him to safety. He pulled himself onto the shore and then drew out Gerrity and Dumke.
Protected by Blomstran and the ANA security, Gerrity treated the injured Zaheed.
“The vehicle’s windshield had shattered from his head,” Gerrity, a 21-year-old fire team leader and native of Cranford, N.J., said. “I didn’t know what injuries he might’ve had, so I wanted to help him right away.”
Gerrity grabbed a heavy, boxy electronic countermeasure device the Marines had been carrying and elevated Zaheed’s shattered left ankle. He then dug a gauze wrap out of his first aid kit, using it to cover several lacerations on the soldier’s head.
Out of the canal, the Marines quickly donned their gear. In the absence of an interpreter, Garst used hand signals and his limited Pashto vocabulary to ask the driver if his entire family was now safe. They counted two men, three women, two children and an infant. The man nodded ‘yes’.
“Once we got the family out and on the shore, I felt good … like I hadn’t let anybody down,” Garst said.
Zaheed was badly injured, so Garst aided Gerrity in treating him. Using what was available, Garst removed two antennas from the ECM device. He fashioned a makeshift splint by setting them alongside Zaheed’s shattered ankle and wrapping it with gauze.
As Garst radioed in the casualty report to PB Barcha, Gerrity stopped a passing vehicle and asked the driver to take Zaheed there, escorted by fellow ANA soldier Zakirullah.
The patrol returned to the PB with the driver of the submerged vehicle to speak with an interpreter and ensure all the passengers had gotten out. Meanwhile, Garst had the rest of the family stay with a neighbor in a compound close to the canal.
Only an hour after the accident, a helicopter arrived to evacuate Zaheed to Camp Dwyer’s Combat Support Hospital.
Though the people they helped didn’t wear the Marine uniform, all that mattered was that lives needed to be saved, Garst said. The Marines were ready to do “whatever it takes.”
“We don’t really train for a situation like this, besides doing vehicle rollover drills,” Garst said. “Even so, we weren’t the ones trapped … it was other people. The Marines didn’t hesitate for their own safety at all. They helped those who needed it at the time.”
Upon mention of the word ‘hero,’ the Marines of Lima Company’s 2nd Platoon smile and shake their heads. They say they’re just Marines — men “ingrained with a willingness to help people and who think on their feet under high stress,” said Blomstran, a 22-year-old native of Cortland, Ohio.
“If any one of the Marines from our platoon was put in that situation, they would’ve done the same thing,” his friend Gerrity added. Their confidence is echoed by the rest of the platoon, and the Afghan soldiers they’re working hard to mentor are noticing.
“We’re proud to serve with the 2nd Platoon Marines,” Zakirullah said. “They’re training us well but we’re also improving because of their example. The Marines are warriors and heroes for saving those lives.”
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12345Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Follow This UnitStory by Cpl. Reece Lodder Follow This Journalist
Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder
U.S. Marines from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment stand atop Patrol Base Barcha following a security patrol here, Dec. 12. The Marines pictured (left to right) are Lance Cpl. James Blomstran and his improvised explosive device detection dog Sage, Sgt. Matt Garst and Lance Cpls. Ryan Gerrity and Nicholas Dumke. The four Marines saved nine Afghans from a canal during a Dec. 2 night patrol. Near the end of their patrol, a vehicle carrying an Afghan family struck an Afghan National Army soldier and sent both plunging into the frigid canal. The ANA soldiers provided security while the 2nd Platoon Marines braved the swiftly moving current to recover the accident victims. Blomstran, 22, is from Cortland, Ohio; Garst, 23, is from Charlotte, N.C.; Gerrity, 21, is from Cranford, N.J.; and Dumke, 20, is from Huron, S.D.
KUCHINEY DARVISHAN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Dimly illuminated by a sliver of moonlight, eight shadowy figures quietly patrolled a gravel road set against a swiftly flowing canal.
At the front of the squad, Afghan National Army soldier Zaheed deliberately moved a metal detector from side to side, cautiously sweeping the road for improvised explosive devices. Fellow ANA soldiers and Marines from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment followed closely behind.
As daylight fell into dusk here Dec. 2, they had departed Patrol Base Barcha to re-supply Marines at a nearby observation post. With their mission complete, the partnered patrol trekked through the chilly night back toward the PB.
A vehicle approached, and its once-distant headlights rapidly became larger. Zaheed stopped sweeping and stepped into the middle of the road. He waved his arms and yelled for it to stop, but the driver seemed to be unaware.
The vehicle barreled toward the patrol and became uncomfortably close, so Zaheed stepped to the left and reached for his weapon. The speeding driver panicked, swerved the same way and smashed into him. Both plunged into the canal.
“When the vehicle hit Zaheed, I thought briefly, ‘What if this was one of my Marines?’” said Sgt. Matt Garst, a 23-year-old squad leader from Charlotte, N.C.
Garst shouted for his Marines to drop their gear. He instructed three ANA soldiers to provide security and jumped into the frigid, murky water as the vehicle rapidly submerged beneath it.
“I saw the problem, saw the security we needed and sent everyone else into the canal,” Garst said.
Lance Cpl. James Blomstran wanted to jump in, but he was accompanied by his IED detection dog, Sage, and decided to stay on the road to provide security. Lance Cpls. Ryan Gerrity and Nicholas Dumke jumped in behind Garst.
“It took a split second to realize what happened,” said Dumke, a 20-year-old rifleman from Huron, S.D. “We train for firefights, not for a vehicle going into a canal … we just snapped into reacting to a high-stress situation and did what we had to do.”
Gerrity grabbed the ANA soldier and swam to shore. To no avail, Dumke fought against the wild, sweeping current. He returned to the shore, grabbed a four-foot piece of cloth and began pulling a child in, and then a man.
Garst reached the vehicle as passengers struggled to exit the shattered windshield. He saw two women and an infant drowning. He dove beneath the surface to push them above water, wrapped them in his arms and kicked toward shore.
Gerrity and Blomstran used a sickle stick — a bamboo pole used to detect IED wires — to bring in another woman and child. Garst quickly returned to the vehicle, grabbed a man and dragged him to safety. He pulled himself onto the shore and then drew out Gerrity and Dumke.
Protected by Blomstran and the ANA security, Gerrity treated the injured Zaheed.
“The vehicle’s windshield had shattered from his head,” Gerrity, a 21-year-old fire team leader and native of Cranford, N.J., said. “I didn’t know what injuries he might’ve had, so I wanted to help him right away.”
Gerrity grabbed a heavy, boxy electronic countermeasure device the Marines had been carrying and elevated Zaheed’s shattered left ankle. He then dug a gauze wrap out of his first aid kit, using it to cover several lacerations on the soldier’s head.
Out of the canal, the Marines quickly donned their gear. In the absence of an interpreter, Garst used hand signals and his limited Pashto vocabulary to ask the driver if his entire family was now safe. They counted two men, three women, two children and an infant. The man nodded ‘yes’.
“Once we got the family out and on the shore, I felt good … like I hadn’t let anybody down,” Garst said.
Zaheed was badly injured, so Garst aided Gerrity in treating him. Using what was available, Garst removed two antennas from the ECM device. He fashioned a makeshift splint by setting them alongside Zaheed’s shattered ankle and wrapping it with gauze.
As Garst radioed in the casualty report to PB Barcha, Gerrity stopped a passing vehicle and asked the driver to take Zaheed there, escorted by fellow ANA soldier Zakirullah.
The patrol returned to the PB with the driver of the submerged vehicle to speak with an interpreter and ensure all the passengers had gotten out. Meanwhile, Garst had the rest of the family stay with a neighbor in a compound close to the canal.
Only an hour after the accident, a helicopter arrived to evacuate Zaheed to Camp Dwyer’s Combat Support Hospital.
Though the people they helped didn’t wear the Marine uniform, all that mattered was that lives needed to be saved, Garst said. The Marines were ready to do “whatever it takes.”
“We don’t really train for a situation like this, besides doing vehicle rollover drills,” Garst said. “Even so, we weren’t the ones trapped … it was other people. The Marines didn’t hesitate for their own safety at all. They helped those who needed it at the time.”
Upon mention of the word ‘hero,’ the Marines of Lima Company’s 2nd Platoon smile and shake their heads. They say they’re just Marines — men “ingrained with a willingness to help people and who think on their feet under high stress,” said Blomstran, a 22-year-old native of Cortland, Ohio.
“If any one of the Marines from our platoon was put in that situation, they would’ve done the same thing,” his friend Gerrity added. Their confidence is echoed by the rest of the platoon, and the Afghan soldiers they’re working hard to mentor are noticing.
“We’re proud to serve with the 2nd Platoon Marines,” Zakirullah said. “They’re training us well but we’re also improving because of their example. The Marines are warriors and heroes for saving those lives.”
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Marketing for Work at Home Military Wives
Marketing for Work at Home Military WivesFamily Matters
Military Spouses — 13 December 2011 — 34 views
Military wives are constantly packing up their lives and careers to follow their husbands. With this, comes a saturation of specific businesses located in a small area. If you sell Scentsy, body wraps, Silpada, Pampered Chef, Avon and so forth, or if you are photographer, there are probably a hundred other wives doing the same thing.
In most cases, you are moving to a post that already has this home based businesses and established sellers, so you need to set yourself apart from your competition and market yourself. I’m going to give you a few examples of how to get your name out there.
Website
A Facebook page is not a website. It is a great way to update your friends with new products and deals, but it isn’t a professional website. This is particularly important for military wives that are offering professional services such as photography, catering or baked goods. The downfall to Facebook is you could do so many updates; people tend to skip over them and not read them at all.
When I say website, I don’t mean a free website that acts as a blog. If you can manage to adjust your budget for $5.00-$20.00 a year, there are website services that allow you to purchase a domain name and a step by step set up, so you are sure to have a professional appearing site.
Get Your Name Out There
There are several ways to promote you, some will cost money, others will not.
•Facebook (the people you tend to market, already know you)
•Adopt-A-Highway in your area. This will cause drivers to see your name and business, and you can help keep the community litter free.
•Place advertisements on Facebook and Google.
•Put your business logo on your vehicle. That’s a moving billboard.
•Join a trade industry or organization related to your industry. This will provide you with more credibility and allow you to network.
•Submit ads to local newspapers, trade magazines or other publications in your area (you can also do this before you move to your new post, if you know where you are going.)
•List your business in the yellow pages and on their website.
•Start a blog and link it with your website.
•Business cards and flyers. Ask local businesses if you can hang a flyer or leave your cards to people to pick up.
Take Care of Your Customers
The best way to generate new business is to take care of your old business. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising.
•Offer a referral program; for every 5 email addresses your customer provides you, offer them 5% off their next order.
•Offer drawings for products or gift certificates send out a flyer to neighbors and surrounding areas.
•As soon as someone purchases from you, send a handwritten thank you note with a special discount or offer.
There are several things that a military wife can do to help bring in income with the right marketing skills. Also, because there are so many people who think they can cook or take photos, it will be beneficial to those with degrees to make it known in business cards and your website that you are certified or have a degree. That will help people decide who to hire when the time arrives.
Military Spouses — 13 December 2011 — 34 views
Military wives are constantly packing up their lives and careers to follow their husbands. With this, comes a saturation of specific businesses located in a small area. If you sell Scentsy, body wraps, Silpada, Pampered Chef, Avon and so forth, or if you are photographer, there are probably a hundred other wives doing the same thing.
In most cases, you are moving to a post that already has this home based businesses and established sellers, so you need to set yourself apart from your competition and market yourself. I’m going to give you a few examples of how to get your name out there.
Website
A Facebook page is not a website. It is a great way to update your friends with new products and deals, but it isn’t a professional website. This is particularly important for military wives that are offering professional services such as photography, catering or baked goods. The downfall to Facebook is you could do so many updates; people tend to skip over them and not read them at all.
When I say website, I don’t mean a free website that acts as a blog. If you can manage to adjust your budget for $5.00-$20.00 a year, there are website services that allow you to purchase a domain name and a step by step set up, so you are sure to have a professional appearing site.
Get Your Name Out There
There are several ways to promote you, some will cost money, others will not.
•Facebook (the people you tend to market, already know you)
•Adopt-A-Highway in your area. This will cause drivers to see your name and business, and you can help keep the community litter free.
•Place advertisements on Facebook and Google.
•Put your business logo on your vehicle. That’s a moving billboard.
•Join a trade industry or organization related to your industry. This will provide you with more credibility and allow you to network.
•Submit ads to local newspapers, trade magazines or other publications in your area (you can also do this before you move to your new post, if you know where you are going.)
•List your business in the yellow pages and on their website.
•Start a blog and link it with your website.
•Business cards and flyers. Ask local businesses if you can hang a flyer or leave your cards to people to pick up.
Take Care of Your Customers
The best way to generate new business is to take care of your old business. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising.
•Offer a referral program; for every 5 email addresses your customer provides you, offer them 5% off their next order.
•Offer drawings for products or gift certificates send out a flyer to neighbors and surrounding areas.
•As soon as someone purchases from you, send a handwritten thank you note with a special discount or offer.
There are several things that a military wife can do to help bring in income with the right marketing skills. Also, because there are so many people who think they can cook or take photos, it will be beneficial to those with degrees to make it known in business cards and your website that you are certified or have a degree. That will help people decide who to hire when the time arrives.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Soldiers leave home for war but leave their words and thoughts behind.
Soldiers leave home for war but leave their words and thoughts behind.
DMNA Home page More News Stories
727th Military Police Law and Order Detachment heads for training and then Afghanistan
Story by: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo - Joint Force Headquarters-- New York
Dated: Mon, Nov 28, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAMP SMITH, Cortlandt Manor, NY -- Just because Sgt. Joseph Calleja, a member of the 727th Military Police (Law and Order) Detachment, left home on Sunday, Nov. 27, it doesn’t mean his 2 year-old son Joseph Jr. won’t hear from him on a nightly basis.
Thanks to hundreds of community members, dozens of “Soldier” Build-A-Bears were donated to the unit and each of the 45 Soldiers who departed for post-mobilizationa training on Nov. 27 was able to record a personalized message to their loved ones.
“This was a wonderful gift. My son will know that if he misses daddy, all he has to do is hug his bear and he will hear me say I love you,” Calleja said .
Calleja and the other 727th Sodliers left for Ft. Bliss, Texas where they will spend roughly a month conducting overseas deployment training and receive their final police certification before leaving for Afghanistan. Once in northern Afghanistan, the unit will provide safety and security for operations bases there.
“From our chain of command to our family readiness group to our community volunteers, we have a terrific support group,” said Capt. Richard Powell, Commander of the 727th MP Detachment. “They have been with us throughout our training and will remain with us throughout the deployment, so we know they will take care of things here while we take care of business over there.”
The unit is expected to depart for Afghanistan in late December, returning back to New York in the fall of 2012.
DMNA Home page More News Stories
727th Military Police Law and Order Detachment heads for training and then Afghanistan
Story by: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo - Joint Force Headquarters-- New York
Dated: Mon, Nov 28, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAMP SMITH, Cortlandt Manor, NY -- Just because Sgt. Joseph Calleja, a member of the 727th Military Police (Law and Order) Detachment, left home on Sunday, Nov. 27, it doesn’t mean his 2 year-old son Joseph Jr. won’t hear from him on a nightly basis.
Thanks to hundreds of community members, dozens of “Soldier” Build-A-Bears were donated to the unit and each of the 45 Soldiers who departed for post-mobilizationa training on Nov. 27 was able to record a personalized message to their loved ones.
“This was a wonderful gift. My son will know that if he misses daddy, all he has to do is hug his bear and he will hear me say I love you,” Calleja said .
Calleja and the other 727th Sodliers left for Ft. Bliss, Texas where they will spend roughly a month conducting overseas deployment training and receive their final police certification before leaving for Afghanistan. Once in northern Afghanistan, the unit will provide safety and security for operations bases there.
“From our chain of command to our family readiness group to our community volunteers, we have a terrific support group,” said Capt. Richard Powell, Commander of the 727th MP Detachment. “They have been with us throughout our training and will remain with us throughout the deployment, so we know they will take care of things here while we take care of business over there.”
The unit is expected to depart for Afghanistan in late December, returning back to New York in the fall of 2012.
Eastern Air Defense Sector Volunteers Join Rome Rescue Mission to Deliver Thanksgiving Baskets
Eastern Air Defense Sector Volunteers Join Rome Rescue Mission to Deliver Thanksgiving Baskets by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
Technical Sgt. Tracy Blum and Lt. Col. Dave Pletz, the Canadian Forces commander at EADS, select canned goods for the Thanksgiving baskets. – Master Sgt. John Mills, left in civilian clothes, and Col. John Bartholf, Eastern Air Defense Sector Commander, fill a box with food as part of the Rome Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving basket project.
full size ROME, NY (11/22/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 450 families and individuals in the Rome area will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year thanks in part to the support of New York Air National Guardsmen and Canadian Forces members from the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS).
Nearly 30 EADS volunteers joined Rome Rescue Mission staff over the last week to prepare more than 200 Thanksgiving baskets and 250 individual meals. Most of the food was donated by local businesses and from food drives held at schools and clubs in the area.
"I'm pleased that so many of our Air National Guardsmen and Canadian Forces members volunteered their time to help the Rome Rescue Mission with this worthy cause," said Col. John Bartholf, EADs commander. "This type of volunteer effort demonstrates our commitment to the community and helps us strengthen our local ties."
EADS' volunteer effort was coordinated by Senior Master Sgt. Maureen "Mo" Dooley, a Rome resident who has worked on the Thanksgiving basket project for the last 17 years. "The key to our volunteer effort is that the Airmen and Canadian Forces members truly want to be here," Dooley said. The best part of the project, according to Dooley, is watching children receive baskets with their parents. "There's nothing better than seeing the smiles on their faces," she said.
A typical basket – it's actually a medium-sized box – includes rolls, potatoes, several types of canned vegetables and stuffing. Turkeys, ranging in size from 10 to 20 pounds, are placed in the boxes just before delivery and are distributed according to family size.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.
Related Media
Technical Sgt. Tracy Blum and Lt. Col. Dave Pletz, the Canadian Forces commander at EADS, select canned goods for the Thanksgiving baskets. – Master Sgt. John Mills, left in civilian clothes, and Col. John Bartholf, Eastern Air Defense Sector Commander, fill a box with food as part of the Rome Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving basket project.
full size ROME, NY (11/22/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 450 families and individuals in the Rome area will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year thanks in part to the support of New York Air National Guardsmen and Canadian Forces members from the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS).
Nearly 30 EADS volunteers joined Rome Rescue Mission staff over the last week to prepare more than 200 Thanksgiving baskets and 250 individual meals. Most of the food was donated by local businesses and from food drives held at schools and clubs in the area.
"I'm pleased that so many of our Air National Guardsmen and Canadian Forces members volunteered their time to help the Rome Rescue Mission with this worthy cause," said Col. John Bartholf, EADs commander. "This type of volunteer effort demonstrates our commitment to the community and helps us strengthen our local ties."
EADS' volunteer effort was coordinated by Senior Master Sgt. Maureen "Mo" Dooley, a Rome resident who has worked on the Thanksgiving basket project for the last 17 years. "The key to our volunteer effort is that the Airmen and Canadian Forces members truly want to be here," Dooley said. The best part of the project, according to Dooley, is watching children receive baskets with their parents. "There's nothing better than seeing the smiles on their faces," she said.
A typical basket – it's actually a medium-sized box – includes rolls, potatoes, several types of canned vegetables and stuffing. Turkeys, ranging in size from 10 to 20 pounds, are placed in the boxes just before delivery and are distributed according to family size.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.
USO Honors Servicemembers' Leadership
USO Honors Servicemembers' Leadership
12/08/2011 08:13 AM CST
USO Honors Servicemembers' Leadership
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2011 - Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan in August, a soldier and an Air Force search-and-rescue team member who repeatedly exposed themselves to enemy fire to save their wounded comrades, and a Coast Guardsman who led maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf received the USO's most prestigious leadership award last night.
The USO presented its George Van Cleave Military Leadership Awards at its 50th annual gala here to one member of each service who demonstrated outstanding commitment and exceptional service, sacrifice and achievement.
In addition to Meyer, this year's recipients included Army Sgt. 1st Class Ty Carter, the late Navy Chief Special Operator Brian Bill, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait, and Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jason Mortiz.
Here are their stories:
Army Sgt. 1st Class Ty Carter, a section leader assigned to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was honored for distinguishing himself while serving as a scout in Afghanistan. When his fellow soldiers and a nearby combat outpost came under attack from a battalion-sized enemy force, Carter, a specialist at the time, ran repeatedly through heavy enemy fire to bring critical ammunition to his position.
Armed only with only an M4 carbine, he beat back the assault force for several hours. Despite being wounded, he disregarded his own personal safety to assist a critically wounded comrade. He administered first aid and carried the wounded soldier through withering enemy fire. Throughout the battle, Carter exposed himself to the enemy no fewer than six times as he crossed treacherous ground where eight fellow soldiers were killed.
Carter's cavalry troop is slated to deploy next spring.
Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer , who received the Medal of Honor during Sept. 15 ceremonies at the White House, is the third living recipient of the nation's highest honor for valor since the Vietnam War and the first living Marine honoree in 41 years. Deployed twice for combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Meyer gained national attention for his heroic actions in Afghanistan's Kunar province with an embedded training team.
Entering a "kill zone" five times during a six-hour firefight with well-armed insurgents, Meyer extracted the bodies of four fallen comrades, evacuated the wounded and provided essential aid despite his own extensive shrapnel wounds. Ultimately, he single-handedly turned the tide of battle, saving the lives of 13 U.S. service members and 23 Afghan soldiers.
In addition to heroism, presence of mind amid chaos and death, and unselfish devotion to his comrades in the face of danger, Meyer also demonstrated a deep sense of humility. When President Barack Obama honored him, Meyer requested simultaneous commemorative services at other locations to honor the memory of his colleagues killed during the ambush.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Brian Bill was one of 30 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan Aug. 6 when a Taliban fighter shot down their helicopter during a mission to rescue Army Rangers locked in an intense firefight.
His USO honor, however, was presented for the way he lived his life -- personifying exceptional leadership, team spirit, courage and heart.
Graduating from Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training, the world's most difficult military training, he quickly excelled as a SEAL operator in combat, coordinating and leading 60 direct-action missions, often under fire. After completing a seven-month advanced SEAL Operator Selection Course, Bill earned three Bronze Star Medals with the combat "V" device for Valor. Quoting from his second Bronze Star citation, "As an assistant team leader and sniper on a helo/vehicle interdiction mission, his instant quick thinking ensured the safety of the helo assault force and resulted in elimination of all the enemy fighters." As noted in his third Bronze Star citation during Operation Enduring Freedom, during a night raid against a heavily barricaded enemy position, Bill fought his way under fire to pull a teammate back to safety.
Bill was honored as a gallant warrior who fought with valor and died with honor.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait was honored for demonstrating exceptional leadership and heroism as a special tactics combat controller in Afghanistan. He has maintained more than 3,000 hours of combat search-and-rescue coverage for an elite special operations force and provided helicopter services for 48 resupply missions, including crucial humanitarian assistance to a local Afghanistan village.
During a four-day operation in an insurgent village, Brait was the lead joint terminal attack controller for a combined U.S. Army Special Forces operational detachment. In that role, he conducted a critical nighttime water resupply for severely dehydrated forces, despite extreme heat and the threat of enemy ambush. The following morning, he responded to an attack on naval special forces, using an overhead Predator and Hellfire missile against the insurgents. While under heavy machine gun fire from multiple locations, he helped evacuate injured personnel while continuing to identify and attack enemy forces.
Brait also trained 140 Afghan soldiers on the front line of the U.S. security effort and led a six-month training plan to prepare combat-ready troops. For his bravery and leadership, he received the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and tAir Force Combat Action Medal.
Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jason Mortiz distinguished himself as a leader and superior performer while assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, 5th U.S. Fleet, as the force intelligence officer in support of maritime security operations throughout the region.
His duties included monitoring and analyzing terrorism, smuggling, narcotics and geo-political issues for command decision-making. Moritz also coordinated training and advisory missions with counterpart services throughout the region. The Iraqi program he helped develop and implement was the first of its kind for the new Iraqi military. He was lauded for increasing the command's situational awareness of regional events, for his sensitivity to the region's volatile political infrastructure, and insight into cultural and local issues and for superb teamwork.
Moritz's awards and decorations include three awards of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He is currently assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector New York as a ccommand duty officer.
12/08/2011 08:13 AM CST
USO Honors Servicemembers' Leadership
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2011 - Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan in August, a soldier and an Air Force search-and-rescue team member who repeatedly exposed themselves to enemy fire to save their wounded comrades, and a Coast Guardsman who led maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf received the USO's most prestigious leadership award last night.
The USO presented its George Van Cleave Military Leadership Awards at its 50th annual gala here to one member of each service who demonstrated outstanding commitment and exceptional service, sacrifice and achievement.
In addition to Meyer, this year's recipients included Army Sgt. 1st Class Ty Carter, the late Navy Chief Special Operator Brian Bill, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait, and Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jason Mortiz.
Here are their stories:
Army Sgt. 1st Class Ty Carter, a section leader assigned to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was honored for distinguishing himself while serving as a scout in Afghanistan. When his fellow soldiers and a nearby combat outpost came under attack from a battalion-sized enemy force, Carter, a specialist at the time, ran repeatedly through heavy enemy fire to bring critical ammunition to his position.
Armed only with only an M4 carbine, he beat back the assault force for several hours. Despite being wounded, he disregarded his own personal safety to assist a critically wounded comrade. He administered first aid and carried the wounded soldier through withering enemy fire. Throughout the battle, Carter exposed himself to the enemy no fewer than six times as he crossed treacherous ground where eight fellow soldiers were killed.
Carter's cavalry troop is slated to deploy next spring.
Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer , who received the Medal of Honor during Sept. 15 ceremonies at the White House, is the third living recipient of the nation's highest honor for valor since the Vietnam War and the first living Marine honoree in 41 years. Deployed twice for combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Meyer gained national attention for his heroic actions in Afghanistan's Kunar province with an embedded training team.
Entering a "kill zone" five times during a six-hour firefight with well-armed insurgents, Meyer extracted the bodies of four fallen comrades, evacuated the wounded and provided essential aid despite his own extensive shrapnel wounds. Ultimately, he single-handedly turned the tide of battle, saving the lives of 13 U.S. service members and 23 Afghan soldiers.
In addition to heroism, presence of mind amid chaos and death, and unselfish devotion to his comrades in the face of danger, Meyer also demonstrated a deep sense of humility. When President Barack Obama honored him, Meyer requested simultaneous commemorative services at other locations to honor the memory of his colleagues killed during the ambush.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Brian Bill was one of 30 U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan Aug. 6 when a Taliban fighter shot down their helicopter during a mission to rescue Army Rangers locked in an intense firefight.
His USO honor, however, was presented for the way he lived his life -- personifying exceptional leadership, team spirit, courage and heart.
Graduating from Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training, the world's most difficult military training, he quickly excelled as a SEAL operator in combat, coordinating and leading 60 direct-action missions, often under fire. After completing a seven-month advanced SEAL Operator Selection Course, Bill earned three Bronze Star Medals with the combat "V" device for Valor. Quoting from his second Bronze Star citation, "As an assistant team leader and sniper on a helo/vehicle interdiction mission, his instant quick thinking ensured the safety of the helo assault force and resulted in elimination of all the enemy fighters." As noted in his third Bronze Star citation during Operation Enduring Freedom, during a night raid against a heavily barricaded enemy position, Bill fought his way under fire to pull a teammate back to safety.
Bill was honored as a gallant warrior who fought with valor and died with honor.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Brait was honored for demonstrating exceptional leadership and heroism as a special tactics combat controller in Afghanistan. He has maintained more than 3,000 hours of combat search-and-rescue coverage for an elite special operations force and provided helicopter services for 48 resupply missions, including crucial humanitarian assistance to a local Afghanistan village.
During a four-day operation in an insurgent village, Brait was the lead joint terminal attack controller for a combined U.S. Army Special Forces operational detachment. In that role, he conducted a critical nighttime water resupply for severely dehydrated forces, despite extreme heat and the threat of enemy ambush. The following morning, he responded to an attack on naval special forces, using an overhead Predator and Hellfire missile against the insurgents. While under heavy machine gun fire from multiple locations, he helped evacuate injured personnel while continuing to identify and attack enemy forces.
Brait also trained 140 Afghan soldiers on the front line of the U.S. security effort and led a six-month training plan to prepare combat-ready troops. For his bravery and leadership, he received the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and tAir Force Combat Action Medal.
Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jason Mortiz distinguished himself as a leader and superior performer while assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, 5th U.S. Fleet, as the force intelligence officer in support of maritime security operations throughout the region.
His duties included monitoring and analyzing terrorism, smuggling, narcotics and geo-political issues for command decision-making. Moritz also coordinated training and advisory missions with counterpart services throughout the region. The Iraqi program he helped develop and implement was the first of its kind for the new Iraqi military. He was lauded for increasing the command's situational awareness of regional events, for his sensitivity to the region's volatile political infrastructure, and insight into cultural and local issues and for superb teamwork.
Moritz's awards and decorations include three awards of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He is currently assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector New York as a ccommand duty officer.
Soldiers in Iraq Pack Gear for Departure
Soldiers in Iraq Pack Gear for Departure
11/29/2011 12:28 PM CST
Soldiers in Iraq Pack Gear for Departure
By Army Spc. Anthony T. Zane
362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2011 - Quartermaster soldiers here are busy packing up pallets of military equipment prior to shipment out of Iraq.
Army Spc. Sirlen Arriaza secures a pallet of equipment at the redistribution property assistance team yard on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anthony T. Zane
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"Our mission here was to take all the units' equipment [and] send them to Afghanistan or send them back to the states to get remanufactured," said Army Staff Sgt. Gene Taylor, a Morton, Miss., native and the yard's noncommissioned officer in charge assigned to the 227th Quartermaster Company.
Taylor said the redistribution property assistance team processes equipment from various base units.
"Units turn in all their nonrolling stock and their rolling stock to us. ... We're processing all the nonrolling stock in here," he said. "My guys here ... get everything together, banded up, boxed up and ship it to where it needs to go so we can get it out of the country."
Rolling stock consists of all military vehicles, Taylor said, while nonrolling stock includes all other equipment. The pallets include radios, computer equipment and hospital equipment, said Army Pfc. Tye Spinks, a customer service representative who hails from Bandera, Texas.
"It's mainly stuff that the units can't take back with them," Spinks explained.
Mobile teams are dispatched to units on base that are unable to get to the yard to process their equipment.
"We have two mobile teams here as well," Spinks said. "They're going out to them and doing the same turn-in process as we were doing here."
Once all the equipment is processed and shipped out, he said, the team will do a final cleanup of the yard and will close up shop.
"Our leadership is wonderful," Spinks said. "If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be able to do the stuff that we do."
11/29/2011 12:28 PM CST
Soldiers in Iraq Pack Gear for Departure
By Army Spc. Anthony T. Zane
362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2011 - Quartermaster soldiers here are busy packing up pallets of military equipment prior to shipment out of Iraq.
Army Spc. Sirlen Arriaza secures a pallet of equipment at the redistribution property assistance team yard on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anthony T. Zane
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"Our mission here was to take all the units' equipment [and] send them to Afghanistan or send them back to the states to get remanufactured," said Army Staff Sgt. Gene Taylor, a Morton, Miss., native and the yard's noncommissioned officer in charge assigned to the 227th Quartermaster Company.
Taylor said the redistribution property assistance team processes equipment from various base units.
"Units turn in all their nonrolling stock and their rolling stock to us. ... We're processing all the nonrolling stock in here," he said. "My guys here ... get everything together, banded up, boxed up and ship it to where it needs to go so we can get it out of the country."
Rolling stock consists of all military vehicles, Taylor said, while nonrolling stock includes all other equipment. The pallets include radios, computer equipment and hospital equipment, said Army Pfc. Tye Spinks, a customer service representative who hails from Bandera, Texas.
"It's mainly stuff that the units can't take back with them," Spinks explained.
Mobile teams are dispatched to units on base that are unable to get to the yard to process their equipment.
"We have two mobile teams here as well," Spinks said. "They're going out to them and doing the same turn-in process as we were doing here."
Once all the equipment is processed and shipped out, he said, the team will do a final cleanup of the yard and will close up shop.
"Our leadership is wonderful," Spinks said. "If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be able to do the stuff that we do."
Family Matters Blog: Scholarship Paves Way to Better Future for Army Spouse
Family Matters Blog: Scholarship Paves Way to Better Future for Army Spouse
12/08/2011 02:53 PM CST
Family Matters Blog: Scholarship Paves Way to Better Future for Army Spouse
By Alicia Brown
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2011 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Lizandro Mateo-Ortiz suffered serious injuries when he was run over while serving in Iraq in 2007. At the time, he was the family's sole breadwinner, supporting his wife and two teenage daughters.
Milena Mateo-Ortiz earned her bachelor's degree in health administration with help from a National Military Family Association scholarship. Courtesy photo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
Suddenly, Milena Mateo-Ortiz found her life changed. She now had to find a way to support her family, and knew education was the answer. Their daughter, Stephanie, decided to postpone her college experience so that her mom could earn a degree.
Milena now has a bachelor's degree in health administration, and is working on her master's degree, thanks to the generosity of companies and organizations such as Dominion Virginia Power, which recently presented $250,000 to the National Military Family Association. NMFA provides scholarships to military spouses like Milena, who wish to improve their education and become more employable.
Military spouses don't always fare well against the civilian workforce. According to the Defense Department's Military Spouse Employment Partnership, 85 percent of military spouses want or need to work, and military wives earn 25 percent less than their civilian counterparts. The program is one of many that experts encourage spouses to seek out for guidance, information and empowerment.
Without the assistance, Milena said, she couldn't have afforded to pursue a degree that will land her a good enough job to support her daughters and her husband, who remains on a feeding tube. Now she's also well on her way to what will be a proud accomplishment when she graduates in 2013.
12/08/2011 02:53 PM CST
Family Matters Blog: Scholarship Paves Way to Better Future for Army Spouse
By Alicia Brown
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2011 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Lizandro Mateo-Ortiz suffered serious injuries when he was run over while serving in Iraq in 2007. At the time, he was the family's sole breadwinner, supporting his wife and two teenage daughters.
Milena Mateo-Ortiz earned her bachelor's degree in health administration with help from a National Military Family Association scholarship. Courtesy photo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
Suddenly, Milena Mateo-Ortiz found her life changed. She now had to find a way to support her family, and knew education was the answer. Their daughter, Stephanie, decided to postpone her college experience so that her mom could earn a degree.
Milena now has a bachelor's degree in health administration, and is working on her master's degree, thanks to the generosity of companies and organizations such as Dominion Virginia Power, which recently presented $250,000 to the National Military Family Association. NMFA provides scholarships to military spouses like Milena, who wish to improve their education and become more employable.
Military spouses don't always fare well against the civilian workforce. According to the Defense Department's Military Spouse Employment Partnership, 85 percent of military spouses want or need to work, and military wives earn 25 percent less than their civilian counterparts. The program is one of many that experts encourage spouses to seek out for guidance, information and empowerment.
Without the assistance, Milena said, she couldn't have afforded to pursue a degree that will land her a good enough job to support her daughters and her husband, who remains on a feeding tube. Now she's also well on her way to what will be a proud accomplishment when she graduates in 2013.
Troops Get Supplies Despite Pakistan’s Border Closing
Troops Get Supplies Despite Pakistan’s Border Closing
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2011 – U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan will receive the supplies they need to perform their missions regardless of Pakistan’s closure of its border with Afghanistan, Pentagon officials said today.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little and Navy Capt. John Kirby hope that Pakistan will reopen the border between the countries and return its troops to the border coordination centers. The centers are designed to avoid incidents like that of Nov. 26 when NATO ordnance accidently killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
The two spoke during a Pentagon news conference.
The war effort in Afghanistan continues unabated by the closures, Little said. “We’re well-aware of the closures and potential impacts,” he said. “To date, there’s been no significant impact to our ability to provide for the war effort. That being said, we do believe that these are important supply routes, and we hope that in the near future they can be reopened.”
Good logistics systems are among the crucial factors for success in any military operation, and redundancy is key to logistics. About 30 percent of the supplies to NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan travel through Pakistan. Other routes are taking up the slack.
NATO International Security Assistance Force commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen “is comfortable” with his supply situation now, Kirby said. “So there have been no major muscle movements to alter the flow of logistics,” he said.
Kirby also discussed China and reports that Chinese leaders have ordered their navy to be operationally ready. This does not mean that China is girding for war. “Nobody is looking for that kind of conflict with China,” he said.
Navies exist to protect the national security interests of their countries, Kirby said.
“All navies have to be ready for operation; our navy is ready for operations,” he said. “We certainly wouldn’t begrudge the Chinese government from wanting to ensure that their navy was fit for sea.”
U.S. military relations with China are improving. Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, has just left China after holding defense consultative talks with military and governmental leaders there.
“This is a country that we have been trying very hard to develop a good, constructive military relationship with,” Kirby said. “We’re taking steps in the right direction, and it is moving in the right direction.”
The peaceful rise of China is not only good for the region, it’s good for the world, Kirby said.
“This is a country that we want to have a good, constructive, productive relationship with,” he said.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2011 – U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan will receive the supplies they need to perform their missions regardless of Pakistan’s closure of its border with Afghanistan, Pentagon officials said today.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little and Navy Capt. John Kirby hope that Pakistan will reopen the border between the countries and return its troops to the border coordination centers. The centers are designed to avoid incidents like that of Nov. 26 when NATO ordnance accidently killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
The two spoke during a Pentagon news conference.
The war effort in Afghanistan continues unabated by the closures, Little said. “We’re well-aware of the closures and potential impacts,” he said. “To date, there’s been no significant impact to our ability to provide for the war effort. That being said, we do believe that these are important supply routes, and we hope that in the near future they can be reopened.”
Good logistics systems are among the crucial factors for success in any military operation, and redundancy is key to logistics. About 30 percent of the supplies to NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan travel through Pakistan. Other routes are taking up the slack.
NATO International Security Assistance Force commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen “is comfortable” with his supply situation now, Kirby said. “So there have been no major muscle movements to alter the flow of logistics,” he said.
Kirby also discussed China and reports that Chinese leaders have ordered their navy to be operationally ready. This does not mean that China is girding for war. “Nobody is looking for that kind of conflict with China,” he said.
Navies exist to protect the national security interests of their countries, Kirby said.
“All navies have to be ready for operation; our navy is ready for operations,” he said. “We certainly wouldn’t begrudge the Chinese government from wanting to ensure that their navy was fit for sea.”
U.S. military relations with China are improving. Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, has just left China after holding defense consultative talks with military and governmental leaders there.
“This is a country that we have been trying very hard to develop a good, constructive military relationship with,” Kirby said. “We’re taking steps in the right direction, and it is moving in the right direction.”
The peaceful rise of China is not only good for the region, it’s good for the world, Kirby said.
“This is a country that we want to have a good, constructive, productive relationship with,” he said.
Air Guard col. Honored by Red Cross
Air Guard Col. Honored by Red Cross
12/07/2011 07:00 PM EST
SYRACUSE-- New York Air National Guard Col. Tim Lunderman, commander of the 222nd Command and Control Squadron, poses with Rick and Lori Schneider after receiving "Real Heroes" awards from the American Red Cross. The three worked together to aid an elderly woman suffering a medical emergency at Hancock Airport on July 10. Only after the emergency was over did they realize theyd met at the funeral of the Schneiders son, Marine Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider two days earlier. Cpl. Schneider was killed in Action on June 30, 2011.
12/07/2011 07:00 PM EST
SYRACUSE-- New York Air National Guard Col. Tim Lunderman, commander of the 222nd Command and Control Squadron, poses with Rick and Lori Schneider after receiving "Real Heroes" awards from the American Red Cross. The three worked together to aid an elderly woman suffering a medical emergency at Hancock Airport on July 10. Only after the emergency was over did they realize theyd met at the funeral of the Schneiders son, Marine Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider two days earlier. Cpl. Schneider was killed in Action on June 30, 2011.
Warrior Games Competition Plans Return to Colorado Springs
Warrior Games Competition Plans Return to Colorado Springs
12/09/2011 01:10 PM CST
Warrior Games Competition Plans Return to Colorado Springs
From a U.S. Olympic Committee News Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Dec. 9, 2011 - The annual Warrior Games, featuring wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competing in several sporting events, will return here in 2012, U.S. Olympic Committee officials announced Dec. 6.
The USOC-hosted games will take place April 30 to May 5. The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, the USO, the Fisher House Foundation, the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Deloitte also support the event.
"We are excited to welcome our service members and veterans back to Colorado Springs for the third annual competition," said Scott Blackmun, USOC's chief executive officer. "These games truly exemplify the fighting spirit within each and every one of these athletes, all who have sacrificed for our great country."
The Warrior Games event was created in 2010 as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members and veterans. The games have become a springboard for many service members and veterans to continue participating in sports programs in their communities.
Since the games' inception, officials said, medical treatment facilities, warrior transition units and wounded warrior battalions have seen a more than 20-percent increase in sports program participation by wounded, ill and injured service members, officials said.
More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans are expected to compete in seven sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball. All eligible athletes will be drawn proportionately from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations based on their disability.
The U.S. Marine Corps has earned the Chairman's Cup as the service branch that won the most medals in the two previous Warrior Games.
12/09/2011 01:10 PM CST
Warrior Games Competition Plans Return to Colorado Springs
From a U.S. Olympic Committee News Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Dec. 9, 2011 - The annual Warrior Games, featuring wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competing in several sporting events, will return here in 2012, U.S. Olympic Committee officials announced Dec. 6.
The USOC-hosted games will take place April 30 to May 5. The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, the USO, the Fisher House Foundation, the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Deloitte also support the event.
"We are excited to welcome our service members and veterans back to Colorado Springs for the third annual competition," said Scott Blackmun, USOC's chief executive officer. "These games truly exemplify the fighting spirit within each and every one of these athletes, all who have sacrificed for our great country."
The Warrior Games event was created in 2010 as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members and veterans. The games have become a springboard for many service members and veterans to continue participating in sports programs in their communities.
Since the games' inception, officials said, medical treatment facilities, warrior transition units and wounded warrior battalions have seen a more than 20-percent increase in sports program participation by wounded, ill and injured service members, officials said.
More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans are expected to compete in seven sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball. All eligible athletes will be drawn proportionately from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations based on their disability.
The U.S. Marine Corps has earned the Chairman's Cup as the service branch that won the most medals in the two previous Warrior Games.
Military Moms Learning to Live in a Post Deployment World
Military Moms Learning to Live in a Post Deployment WorldFamily Matters
Military Concerns — 01 December 2011 — 562 views
In the years that have passed since our nation was attacked on September 11, 2001, moms across this country had to learn an entirely new way of life. We stumbled our way through a new vocabulary as totally foreign words and initials became a daily part of our lives. OIF, OEF, IED, NCO, OPSEC, DS, BC, Bradley, Abrams, Humvee, pre-deployment roll out, deployment, stop loss, care packages, Blue Star Mom, Silver Star Mom, Gold Star Mom, Westboro Protestors and many others became so common place that frequently we would forget when talking to “civilian parents” that they had no clue who or what we were talking about.
We found or created online support groups, opened non-profits to support our troops, learned to not strangle some thoughtless idiot in a grocery store – or even ignorant family members who made rude or disparaging remarks about our military personnel. For the first time in our lives we covered our vehicles with bumper-stickers telling the world how we felt about our specific soldier as well as every other military member serving. We forged friendships with other moms who were going through the same things we were and we depended on one another for everything, including our own sanity. Many of these friendships will last throughout our lifetimes, these women have been our battle buddy’s for eight or ten years now.
During these past ten years our lives have been irreversibly changed forever. We see things through new eyes, the experiences and emotions of the past decade have left indelible scars. Bottom line is, even as our babies grew up and changed – so did we.
For many of us, we are now facing yet another life changing aspect of life as military moms. Post-deployment and/or post-discharge life. Unfortunately we are also learning about TBI’s, PTSD, anti-depressant/anxiety medications, “clinical trials,” flashbacks, prosthetics, retro-fitting homes or vehicles, art therapy, physical therapy, service connected vs. non-service connected disabilities, self-medicating and so much more.
We are finding our sons and daughters pace the floors all night long, peer out windows, check the locks forty-five times a night, take long walks at 3:00 in the morning, jump out of the skin at the sound of a car back-firing or drive like the devil is chasing them just to go to the local grocery store. Some are drinking from sun up until passing out, having major adjustment issues, suddenly have hair trigger tempers or keep to themselves and share nothing with anyone.
Nothing is the same any more. Our children are not the same. They haven’t figured out yet that we are not the same either.
Some families do not understand that the beloved son that once loved nothing more than spending an afternoon hanging with his friends, watching a basketball game or going to the school and shooting hoops – no longer has anything in common with those friends. The court is “too exposed” or the game is no longer appealing because it only serves as a reminder that he was shooting hoops on their makeshift court at the FOB when that RPG hit and three of his brothers were killed or seriously maimed that day.
Holidays, birthdays and little sister’s soccer games just don’t matter anymore. Not because he doesn’t care. In his heart of hearts he really does. It’s just that they are so trivial and he should “be there with his brothers” not here being useless.
Everything is different. We prayed, oh how we prayed for when our soldier was home. Now he is and we have no more of a clue how to relate to him than he does to us! So what do we do?
First, remember those military mom groups that have kept you sane for the past several years. THEY are still there. These women have helped you through some of the worst times of your life, don’t ignore that resource now. Chances are some of them are going through the same types of things you are and they too don’t want to “burden” anyone with what’s happening now that their soldier is home. Sometimes it is just embarrassment that keeps us from going to our sister moms. We don’t want to admit that after multiple years and multiple deployments, now that our soldier is home – life is hell instead of perfect.
Second, try with everything you have to get your soldier help, but remember ultimately that is his or her responsibility and not yours. There are a great number of resources out there to help the soldier, his spouse and kids in both the private and military sectors.
The military doesn’t provide any type of support for parents of soldiers. Isn’t that why we started all these military moms groups to start with? Utilize those resources by reaching out to your sister moms. More than likely, there are more than a few of them that are trying to deal with some of the same issues you are dealing with. Over the past eight or ten years you have formed a strong bond with these women, allow them the opportunity to be there for you now.
Sometimes being an Army Strong Army Mom means asking for help.
Military Concerns — 01 December 2011 — 562 views
In the years that have passed since our nation was attacked on September 11, 2001, moms across this country had to learn an entirely new way of life. We stumbled our way through a new vocabulary as totally foreign words and initials became a daily part of our lives. OIF, OEF, IED, NCO, OPSEC, DS, BC, Bradley, Abrams, Humvee, pre-deployment roll out, deployment, stop loss, care packages, Blue Star Mom, Silver Star Mom, Gold Star Mom, Westboro Protestors and many others became so common place that frequently we would forget when talking to “civilian parents” that they had no clue who or what we were talking about.
We found or created online support groups, opened non-profits to support our troops, learned to not strangle some thoughtless idiot in a grocery store – or even ignorant family members who made rude or disparaging remarks about our military personnel. For the first time in our lives we covered our vehicles with bumper-stickers telling the world how we felt about our specific soldier as well as every other military member serving. We forged friendships with other moms who were going through the same things we were and we depended on one another for everything, including our own sanity. Many of these friendships will last throughout our lifetimes, these women have been our battle buddy’s for eight or ten years now.
During these past ten years our lives have been irreversibly changed forever. We see things through new eyes, the experiences and emotions of the past decade have left indelible scars. Bottom line is, even as our babies grew up and changed – so did we.
For many of us, we are now facing yet another life changing aspect of life as military moms. Post-deployment and/or post-discharge life. Unfortunately we are also learning about TBI’s, PTSD, anti-depressant/anxiety medications, “clinical trials,” flashbacks, prosthetics, retro-fitting homes or vehicles, art therapy, physical therapy, service connected vs. non-service connected disabilities, self-medicating and so much more.
We are finding our sons and daughters pace the floors all night long, peer out windows, check the locks forty-five times a night, take long walks at 3:00 in the morning, jump out of the skin at the sound of a car back-firing or drive like the devil is chasing them just to go to the local grocery store. Some are drinking from sun up until passing out, having major adjustment issues, suddenly have hair trigger tempers or keep to themselves and share nothing with anyone.
Nothing is the same any more. Our children are not the same. They haven’t figured out yet that we are not the same either.
Some families do not understand that the beloved son that once loved nothing more than spending an afternoon hanging with his friends, watching a basketball game or going to the school and shooting hoops – no longer has anything in common with those friends. The court is “too exposed” or the game is no longer appealing because it only serves as a reminder that he was shooting hoops on their makeshift court at the FOB when that RPG hit and three of his brothers were killed or seriously maimed that day.
Holidays, birthdays and little sister’s soccer games just don’t matter anymore. Not because he doesn’t care. In his heart of hearts he really does. It’s just that they are so trivial and he should “be there with his brothers” not here being useless.
Everything is different. We prayed, oh how we prayed for when our soldier was home. Now he is and we have no more of a clue how to relate to him than he does to us! So what do we do?
First, remember those military mom groups that have kept you sane for the past several years. THEY are still there. These women have helped you through some of the worst times of your life, don’t ignore that resource now. Chances are some of them are going through the same types of things you are and they too don’t want to “burden” anyone with what’s happening now that their soldier is home. Sometimes it is just embarrassment that keeps us from going to our sister moms. We don’t want to admit that after multiple years and multiple deployments, now that our soldier is home – life is hell instead of perfect.
Second, try with everything you have to get your soldier help, but remember ultimately that is his or her responsibility and not yours. There are a great number of resources out there to help the soldier, his spouse and kids in both the private and military sectors.
The military doesn’t provide any type of support for parents of soldiers. Isn’t that why we started all these military moms groups to start with? Utilize those resources by reaching out to your sister moms. More than likely, there are more than a few of them that are trying to deal with some of the same issues you are dealing with. Over the past eight or ten years you have formed a strong bond with these women, allow them the opportunity to be there for you now.
Sometimes being an Army Strong Army Mom means asking for help.
Friday, December 9, 2011
From the Front
Patti Patton-Bader
FROM THE FRONT
Thank you so much for the stocking. I love the paper angel and will hang it up in my room. Thank you for all the goodies. The socks are my favorite, since it is getting cold here and with the snow. I really abuse them. Lol
I pray you all have a blessed Christmas and GOD will bless and increase all you have for blessing others.
...
John SGT
FROM THE FRONT
Thank you so much for the stocking. I love the paper angel and will hang it up in my room. Thank you for all the goodies. The socks are my favorite, since it is getting cold here and with the snow. I really abuse them. Lol
I pray you all have a blessed Christmas and GOD will bless and increase all you have for blessing others.
...
John SGT
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Little Ones With Big Hearts
Little Ones with Big Hearts
12/06/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a very special Texas elementary school, children who don't have much themselves didn’t let that keep them from showing America’s heroes their love and support this holiday season. They gave from their hearts and together collected over 100 pounds of candy, snacks and hygiene items for holiday care packages!
The project was conducted in November through the school’s PALs (Peer Assistant Leaders) program. Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade brought toothpaste, soap, lotion, candy, crackers, cookies and other items to help the troops enjoy a holiday gift from the school. The items were sent along with pictures, letters and cards of support and Christmas wishes to a Marine unit serving in an isolated area of Afghanistan.
Angel Julia, a member of the Living Legends and Letter Writing teams and a counselor at the school, inspired the project. A couple of years ago the school had conducted a similar campaign for her deployed son’s unit, so she suggested they do it again. “It’s important for our military members to know that the children in this country support them,” she explains. “Most of these kids have never lived in a country that wasn’t at war.”
Over a span of two weeks, students were invited to each bring one item from a list that was sent to their homes. The class that brought the most won a popcorn party (two classes tied—a 4th grade class and a kindergarten class).
Many classes made writing cards and letters a class project and teachers helped by donating money for postage, but it was the students themselves who most touched Julia’s heart. “Almost 100% of these children are eligible for free lunches,” she says, explaining that bringing just one thing to donate is a major sacrifice for them. “Some kids just brought individual pieces of candy, etc. One even brought two pieces from a pack of gum--she was so proud she was contributing.”
This year as many of us are faced with a smaller Holiday budget than in the past, let’s keep in mind the children of this special Texas school who gave what they could to help make sure the troops know they are loved and remembered. Thank you for the gifts and lessons, Julia and students!
12/06/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a very special Texas elementary school, children who don't have much themselves didn’t let that keep them from showing America’s heroes their love and support this holiday season. They gave from their hearts and together collected over 100 pounds of candy, snacks and hygiene items for holiday care packages!
The project was conducted in November through the school’s PALs (Peer Assistant Leaders) program. Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade brought toothpaste, soap, lotion, candy, crackers, cookies and other items to help the troops enjoy a holiday gift from the school. The items were sent along with pictures, letters and cards of support and Christmas wishes to a Marine unit serving in an isolated area of Afghanistan.
Angel Julia, a member of the Living Legends and Letter Writing teams and a counselor at the school, inspired the project. A couple of years ago the school had conducted a similar campaign for her deployed son’s unit, so she suggested they do it again. “It’s important for our military members to know that the children in this country support them,” she explains. “Most of these kids have never lived in a country that wasn’t at war.”
Over a span of two weeks, students were invited to each bring one item from a list that was sent to their homes. The class that brought the most won a popcorn party (two classes tied—a 4th grade class and a kindergarten class).
Many classes made writing cards and letters a class project and teachers helped by donating money for postage, but it was the students themselves who most touched Julia’s heart. “Almost 100% of these children are eligible for free lunches,” she says, explaining that bringing just one thing to donate is a major sacrifice for them. “Some kids just brought individual pieces of candy, etc. One even brought two pieces from a pack of gum--she was so proud she was contributing.”
This year as many of us are faced with a smaller Holiday budget than in the past, let’s keep in mind the children of this special Texas school who gave what they could to help make sure the troops know they are loved and remembered. Thank you for the gifts and lessons, Julia and students!
Christmas Eve March by SFC Coon in Glens Falls
SFC Coon's Christmas Eve Road March
a 3.2 mile Road March (Walk), on Glens Falls city sidewalks, to show our support. On a day we could be home in our warm houses, we are showing those deployed (or just not home) that we remember their sacrifices!! Contact SFC Coon (518) 542-4726 or Julie Coon (518) 378-9518. Everyone is welcome!! HOOAH!
a 3.2 mile Road March (Walk), on Glens Falls city sidewalks, to show our support. On a day we could be home in our warm houses, we are showing those deployed (or just not home) that we remember their sacrifices!! Contact SFC Coon (518) 542-4726 or Julie Coon (518) 378-9518. Everyone is welcome!! HOOAH!
Soldiers' Angels December Newsletter
EXTRA! EXTRA! Thank you for you your patience December's Newsletter is now available
http://soldiersangels.org/newsletters/1211.pdf
soldiersangels.org
By Amy Krome
http://soldiersangels.org/newsletters/1211.pdf
soldiersangels.org
By Amy Krome
National Guard Does Demolition in Kingston
Local Demolition Paved Way for Disaster Response Trainingby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
National Guard demoliton of the former King's Inn in Kingston Oct. 21. Soldiers will complete the demolition Dec. 6. KINGSTON, N.Y. (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 204th Engineer Battalion finish their demolition work on former Kings Inn on Tuesday, December 6.
The Army National Guard 's demolition of the deserted motel, located on Broadway, eliminates an eyesore and paves the way for development of the site.
The demolition also allowed the New York National Guard and Ulster County emergency responders to use the site for a joint civil-military emergency response drill held on Nov. 5.
Work on the site was conducted by about 25 Soldiers of the Kingston-based 1156th Vertical Engineering Company and the 827th Horizontal Construction Company, which has elements in Walton and Horseheads.
The Soldiers partially demolished the buildings on the site back in October, allowing New York National Guard emergency units and local civilian first responders to exercise a scenario in which a building has been hit by a suspected bomb.
The demolition work was also valuable training for the engineering Soldiers.
The Nov. 5 exercise involved a New York National Guard unit specially trained to respond to terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, or radiological weapons, rescue victims, decontaminate them, and provide immediate medical care.
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office and Ulster County Health Department, as well as Kingston Police and Fire, Kingston Hospital, the New York State Police and New York City Department of Environmental Protection also participated in the Nov. 5 drill.
For more imagery related to the initial demolition visit the New York National Guard Flickr set at www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/sets/72157628057288882/ and for imagery related to the Nov. 5 exercise, visit www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/sets/72157627812574965/.
Related Media
National Guard demoliton of the former King's Inn in Kingston Oct. 21. Soldiers will complete the demolition Dec. 6. KINGSTON, N.Y. (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 204th Engineer Battalion finish their demolition work on former Kings Inn on Tuesday, December 6.
The Army National Guard 's demolition of the deserted motel, located on Broadway, eliminates an eyesore and paves the way for development of the site.
The demolition also allowed the New York National Guard and Ulster County emergency responders to use the site for a joint civil-military emergency response drill held on Nov. 5.
Work on the site was conducted by about 25 Soldiers of the Kingston-based 1156th Vertical Engineering Company and the 827th Horizontal Construction Company, which has elements in Walton and Horseheads.
The Soldiers partially demolished the buildings on the site back in October, allowing New York National Guard emergency units and local civilian first responders to exercise a scenario in which a building has been hit by a suspected bomb.
The demolition work was also valuable training for the engineering Soldiers.
The Nov. 5 exercise involved a New York National Guard unit specially trained to respond to terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, or radiological weapons, rescue victims, decontaminate them, and provide immediate medical care.
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office and Ulster County Health Department, as well as Kingston Police and Fire, Kingston Hospital, the New York State Police and New York City Department of Environmental Protection also participated in the Nov. 5 drill.
For more imagery related to the initial demolition visit the New York National Guard Flickr set at www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/sets/72157628057288882/ and for imagery related to the Nov. 5 exercise, visit www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/sets/72157627812574965/.
Governor Cuomo's Experience Counts for Veterans
Governor Cuomo Launches "Experience Counts" Campaign to Help Veterans Qualify for Jobs Upon Their Return to New York
DMNA Home page More News Stories
Reforms Will Ensure Veterans’ Military Training Is Rightfully Recognized; Governor Expands NYS Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families to Better Address Issues Affecting Servicemembers
Story by: Governor Cuomo’s Press Office -
Dated: Thu, Nov 10, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany, NY (November 10, 2011)--Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched a new initiative that will help ensure that veterans’ valuable and specialized military experience is recognized when they transition to the civilian workforce. The Governor’s "Experience Counts" campaign will facilitate the transfer of military skills to the public and private sectors. Governor Cuomo also announced the expansion of the state’s Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families and tasked the Council with finding more ways to properly credit military experience in the civilian workforce.
Military veterans are highly trained, often in specialized skills that are in great demand in the public and private sectors. However, veterans’ training is often unacknowledged when they pursue licenses, degrees, and certifications in the civilian workforce. Through the Governor’s "Experience Counts" campaign, state agencies will now identify ways that New York can better recognize the skills and training that veterans possess.
"As our veterans return home to New York, we must do everything within our power to ease their transition back into civilian life," Governor Cuomo said. "That is precisely what the ’Experience Counts’ campaign and the newly revitalized Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families have been set up to accomplish. With this campaign, we can give veterans the credit they deserve for their military training and ensure that the state government works efficiently and effectively on their behalf."
As a first step in the "Experience Counts" campaign, the Governor announced a series of reforms to state licensing and higher education that will ensure military experience is appropriately credited when servicemembers return to civilian life:
�The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) will each launch "Experience Counts" programs to improve their processes for awarding credit for military training. Both campuses will implement new systems to flag applications by veterans and active duty military and will provide centralized guidance to increase the likelihood of awarding veterans college credit for previous military training and coursework.
�The Department of Motor Vehicles will make it easier and less costly for military members who have gained experience driving trucks and heavy equipment during their military service to obtain a New York commercial driver’s license by waiving the road test.
�The Department of Health will allow military training and experience as a medic to count toward certification for home health aides and nursing home aides, as it already does for certification as a paramedic.
The Governor also announced the expansion of the state’s Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families, a group of state agencies and civilians that advises the Governor on issues that affect New York servicemembers and assists with the efficient coordination of state services for veterans.
Current membership of the Council consists of the Director of the Division of Veterans’ Affairs, the Adjutant General of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the Commissioner of the Department of Health, the Commissioner of the Department of Labor, the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, and the Commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, or their designees. The Council also includes two additional members appointed by the Governor.
Governor Cuomo is expanding the Council to add other state agencies that provide services to veterans and additional civilians who have expertise in issues that affect veterans. The additions include:
�Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal, to assist with housing needs and difficulties experienced by returning veterans
�Commissioner of State Education Department, to assist with credentialing of military specialties into civilian occupations
�President of Higher Education Services Corporation, to assist with scholarship and other higher education needs
�Commissioner of Department of Economic Development
�Director of Office for the Aging
�A representative of an organization that provides behavioral health services to veterans
�A representative of an organization that provides substance abuse services to veterans
�An academic who specializes in Veterans Affairs
The Governor has tasked the Council to work across state agencies to determine how the state can further recognize and credit military training and experience, especially in licensure and educational credit programs.
Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, said "Governor Cuomo’s ’Experience Counts’ campaign is an excellent way to get our veterans the rightful credit for their specialized training and unique skill sets. Additionally, the Governor’s actions to revitalize and expand the Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families are a further testament to his dedication to our service members."
Acting Director of the Division of Veterans’ Affairs Bill Kraus said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo for this common sense approach to getting these brave men and women the acknowledgement and certifications they have earned. With this new campaign, our service members will be better equipped to find good paying jobs and return to civilian life."
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "It is only fitting that our returning veterans receive the recognition they earned during their service to our country, and we applaud the Governor for his ’Experience Counts’ campaign. It is critically important that veterans are given ample opportunity to return to the state workforce as they transition back into civilian life. SUNY is proud to partner with Governor Cuomo as we seek to provide all veterans with access to higher education and employment."
CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein said, "CUNY is very pleased to join Governor Cuomo’s ’Experience Counts’ campaign to provide New York’s veterans with the credit they have earned through their military training. This timely initiative will go a long way toward helping veterans and their families and CUNY is proud to be a part of it."
© NYS DMNA News Story: Governor Cuomo Launches "Experience Counts" Campaign to Help Veterans Qualify for Jobs Upon Their Return to New York
URL: http://dmna.state.ny.us/news/news.php?id=1320962400
Page Last Modified: Thu, Nov 10, 2011
DMNA Home page More News Stories
Reforms Will Ensure Veterans’ Military Training Is Rightfully Recognized; Governor Expands NYS Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families to Better Address Issues Affecting Servicemembers
Story by: Governor Cuomo’s Press Office -
Dated: Thu, Nov 10, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany, NY (November 10, 2011)--Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched a new initiative that will help ensure that veterans’ valuable and specialized military experience is recognized when they transition to the civilian workforce. The Governor’s "Experience Counts" campaign will facilitate the transfer of military skills to the public and private sectors. Governor Cuomo also announced the expansion of the state’s Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families and tasked the Council with finding more ways to properly credit military experience in the civilian workforce.
Military veterans are highly trained, often in specialized skills that are in great demand in the public and private sectors. However, veterans’ training is often unacknowledged when they pursue licenses, degrees, and certifications in the civilian workforce. Through the Governor’s "Experience Counts" campaign, state agencies will now identify ways that New York can better recognize the skills and training that veterans possess.
"As our veterans return home to New York, we must do everything within our power to ease their transition back into civilian life," Governor Cuomo said. "That is precisely what the ’Experience Counts’ campaign and the newly revitalized Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families have been set up to accomplish. With this campaign, we can give veterans the credit they deserve for their military training and ensure that the state government works efficiently and effectively on their behalf."
As a first step in the "Experience Counts" campaign, the Governor announced a series of reforms to state licensing and higher education that will ensure military experience is appropriately credited when servicemembers return to civilian life:
�The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) will each launch "Experience Counts" programs to improve their processes for awarding credit for military training. Both campuses will implement new systems to flag applications by veterans and active duty military and will provide centralized guidance to increase the likelihood of awarding veterans college credit for previous military training and coursework.
�The Department of Motor Vehicles will make it easier and less costly for military members who have gained experience driving trucks and heavy equipment during their military service to obtain a New York commercial driver’s license by waiving the road test.
�The Department of Health will allow military training and experience as a medic to count toward certification for home health aides and nursing home aides, as it already does for certification as a paramedic.
The Governor also announced the expansion of the state’s Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families, a group of state agencies and civilians that advises the Governor on issues that affect New York servicemembers and assists with the efficient coordination of state services for veterans.
Current membership of the Council consists of the Director of the Division of Veterans’ Affairs, the Adjutant General of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the Commissioner of the Department of Health, the Commissioner of the Department of Labor, the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, and the Commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, or their designees. The Council also includes two additional members appointed by the Governor.
Governor Cuomo is expanding the Council to add other state agencies that provide services to veterans and additional civilians who have expertise in issues that affect veterans. The additions include:
�Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal, to assist with housing needs and difficulties experienced by returning veterans
�Commissioner of State Education Department, to assist with credentialing of military specialties into civilian occupations
�President of Higher Education Services Corporation, to assist with scholarship and other higher education needs
�Commissioner of Department of Economic Development
�Director of Office for the Aging
�A representative of an organization that provides behavioral health services to veterans
�A representative of an organization that provides substance abuse services to veterans
�An academic who specializes in Veterans Affairs
The Governor has tasked the Council to work across state agencies to determine how the state can further recognize and credit military training and experience, especially in licensure and educational credit programs.
Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, said "Governor Cuomo’s ’Experience Counts’ campaign is an excellent way to get our veterans the rightful credit for their specialized training and unique skill sets. Additionally, the Governor’s actions to revitalize and expand the Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families are a further testament to his dedication to our service members."
Acting Director of the Division of Veterans’ Affairs Bill Kraus said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo for this common sense approach to getting these brave men and women the acknowledgement and certifications they have earned. With this new campaign, our service members will be better equipped to find good paying jobs and return to civilian life."
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "It is only fitting that our returning veterans receive the recognition they earned during their service to our country, and we applaud the Governor for his ’Experience Counts’ campaign. It is critically important that veterans are given ample opportunity to return to the state workforce as they transition back into civilian life. SUNY is proud to partner with Governor Cuomo as we seek to provide all veterans with access to higher education and employment."
CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein said, "CUNY is very pleased to join Governor Cuomo’s ’Experience Counts’ campaign to provide New York’s veterans with the credit they have earned through their military training. This timely initiative will go a long way toward helping veterans and their families and CUNY is proud to be a part of it."
© NYS DMNA News Story: Governor Cuomo Launches "Experience Counts" Campaign to Help Veterans Qualify for Jobs Upon Their Return to New York
URL: http://dmna.state.ny.us/news/news.php?id=1320962400
Page Last Modified: Thu, Nov 10, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
NY National Guard Leave for Afghanistan
National Guard Soldiers Depart for Afghanistan
NYC Finance Soldiers by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
LATHAM, NY (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Twenty Six Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 14th Finance Detachment departed for Afghanistan Monday evening, Dec. 5 for their tour of duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The unit completed its predeployment training at Fort Dix after their mobilization one month ago on Nov. 5.
The 14th Finance Detachment is part of the New York Army National Guard's 27th Finance Company which, while deployed, provides financial support, disbursing operations, commercial vendor services, military pay, travel, and internal control to assigned personnel.
In 2005, the 14th Finance mobilized to Iraq for 18 months.
NYC Finance Soldiers by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
LATHAM, NY (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Twenty Six Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 14th Finance Detachment departed for Afghanistan Monday evening, Dec. 5 for their tour of duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The unit completed its predeployment training at Fort Dix after their mobilization one month ago on Nov. 5.
The 14th Finance Detachment is part of the New York Army National Guard's 27th Finance Company which, while deployed, provides financial support, disbursing operations, commercial vendor services, military pay, travel, and internal control to assigned personnel.
In 2005, the 14th Finance mobilized to Iraq for 18 months.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
NY Kids Make a Quilt to Honor Service Members
Kids take time on Veterans Day to make a quilt to honor service members
November 11, 2011
By New York National Guard
Related Links
Army.mil: Army National Guard
STAND-TO!: Month of the Military Child
Operation: Military Kids
Army.mil: U.S. Army Veterans
LATHAM, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2011 -- Kids participating in Operation Military Kids will join forces with the 4-H and Boys and Girls Club to honor veterans by putting together a quilt that will be sent to soldiers serving overseas to remind them of their families back home at New York National Guard headquarters on Friday, Nov. 11.
The 4-H and Boys and Girls Club members will also be assembling "Hero Packs": backpacks full of useful items to be given to children of soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, a Latham-based unit.
WHO: Fifty military and non-military kids involved with Operation Military Kids, 4-H, and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
WHAT: Assembling a quilt made from approx. 300 fabric squares created during a half-dozen New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon events. The 4-H and Boys and Girls Clubs members will also assemble "Hero Packs" to be given to children of soldiers in the 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion.There will also be activities for all, including a rock climbing wall, face painting, military vehicle displays, pizza, ice cream, veteran speakers and a flag presentation.
The event is being hosted by the New York National Guard Youth program, which offers programs and services to military youth through safe activities, skills training and peer mentorship.
WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 (Event runs until 2 p.m.)
WHERE: NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs, 330 Old Niskayuna Rd., Latham, N.Y. 12110-2224
For access to this secure military facility contact Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo at 518-528-4770.
November 11, 2011
By New York National Guard
Related Links
Army.mil: Army National Guard
STAND-TO!: Month of the Military Child
Operation: Military Kids
Army.mil: U.S. Army Veterans
LATHAM, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2011 -- Kids participating in Operation Military Kids will join forces with the 4-H and Boys and Girls Club to honor veterans by putting together a quilt that will be sent to soldiers serving overseas to remind them of their families back home at New York National Guard headquarters on Friday, Nov. 11.
The 4-H and Boys and Girls Club members will also be assembling "Hero Packs": backpacks full of useful items to be given to children of soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, a Latham-based unit.
WHO: Fifty military and non-military kids involved with Operation Military Kids, 4-H, and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
WHAT: Assembling a quilt made from approx. 300 fabric squares created during a half-dozen New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon events. The 4-H and Boys and Girls Clubs members will also assemble "Hero Packs" to be given to children of soldiers in the 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion.There will also be activities for all, including a rock climbing wall, face painting, military vehicle displays, pizza, ice cream, veteran speakers and a flag presentation.
The event is being hosted by the New York National Guard Youth program, which offers programs and services to military youth through safe activities, skills training and peer mentorship.
WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 (Event runs until 2 p.m.)
WHERE: NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs, 330 Old Niskayuna Rd., Latham, N.Y. 12110-2224
For access to this secure military facility contact Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo at 518-528-4770.
Crash Recovery Exercise At Stewart ANGB
Crash Recovery Exercise at Stewart ANGB
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Lee Guagenti, 105th Airlift Wing (Released)STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- A team of 105th Airlift Wing maintainers hone their skills by participating in a Crash, Damaged, Disabled, Aircraft, Recovery exercise during the Unit Training Assembly Nov. 6, 2011. The exercise is an annual requirement for CCDAR team proficiency which also lets Airmen use the palletized equipment and ensures it is ready for use. Recover kits are made up of inflatable air bags, protective mats, air manifolds, hoses and air compressors. Recovery of a damaged or disabled aircraft is not as simple as just inflating some bags under the plane. CCDAR teams use instructions called Technical Orders which instruct them on locating the proper lift points, how to prepare the ground under the lift points, maximum bag height, bag inflation order and air pressures to name a few of the requirements.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Lee Guagenti, 105th Airlift Wing (Released)STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- A team of 105th Airlift Wing maintainers hone their skills by participating in a Crash, Damaged, Disabled, Aircraft, Recovery exercise during the Unit Training Assembly Nov. 6, 2011. The exercise is an annual requirement for CCDAR team proficiency which also lets Airmen use the palletized equipment and ensures it is ready for use. Recover kits are made up of inflatable air bags, protective mats, air manifolds, hoses and air compressors. Recovery of a damaged or disabled aircraft is not as simple as just inflating some bags under the plane. CCDAR teams use instructions called Technical Orders which instruct them on locating the proper lift points, how to prepare the ground under the lift points, maximum bag height, bag inflation order and air pressures to name a few of the requirements.
Buffalo Military Police Arrives Back in States
Western New York Military Police Company Arrives Back in United States from Iraqby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURTS, NJ (11/25/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 100 members of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company arrived back in the United States on Thanksgiving Day after a seven month deployment to Iraq.
The Buffalo-based Military Police Company arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to begin out processing from active duty. The Soldiers are expected to return to their home armories in Auburn and Buffalo next weekend.
The Buffalo-based Military Police unit was the first New York Army National Guard lement to deploy to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the president's decision to withdraw forces from Iraq is now also the last New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq.
In 2004-2005 the New York Army National Guard had more than 4000 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq.
The company which was based in the Iraq cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, was mobilized in March and was originally expected home in February 2012.
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURTS, NJ (11/25/2011)(readMedia)-- More than 100 members of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company arrived back in the United States on Thanksgiving Day after a seven month deployment to Iraq.
The Buffalo-based Military Police Company arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to begin out processing from active duty. The Soldiers are expected to return to their home armories in Auburn and Buffalo next weekend.
The Buffalo-based Military Police unit was the first New York Army National Guard lement to deploy to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the president's decision to withdraw forces from Iraq is now also the last New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq.
In 2004-2005 the New York Army National Guard had more than 4000 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq.
The company which was based in the Iraq cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, was mobilized in March and was originally expected home in February 2012.
NY Army National Guard Soldiers to Help Load Christmas Trees for troops and families
NY National Guard Soldiers Volunteer to Assist Trees for Troops
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (11/25/2011)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the Capital District's 42nd Infantry Division based in Troy will be on hand Monday morning at the Ellms Tree Farm to help load about 100 Christmas trees being donated and sent to military bases around the country to support troops and military families this holiday season.
WHO: Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division volunteer their time from work to assist the loadout of holiday trees at Ellms Tree Farm for Trees for Troops.
WHAT: Loading of about 100 Christmas Trees on Fed Ex trucks for the "Trees for Troops" Program
WHEN: 9 a.m. Monday, November 28.
WHERE: Ellms Family Tree Farm, 468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, N.Y., 12020
Coverage Opportunity:
Video and images of the volunteers loading trees into the FedEx truck. There will be opportunities to speak with Garth Ellms and the half dozen Army National Guard volunteers.
Additional Information:
This year marks the seventh season that Trees for Troops will be loaded at Ellms Tree Farm.
Last holiday season, Trees for Troops is collected and delivered 17,224 real Christmas Trees to 59 military bases in the U.S. and another seven overseas.
For the past several years FedEx has helped to deliver, on average, 17,000 Real Christmas Trees each year to 60+ military bases throughout the U.S. and overseas. This year, the goal is to reach 100,000 Christmas Trees delivered since 2005.
The Trees for Troops program was launched in 2005, and with the help of FedEx Corp., delivered more than 4,300 Christmas Trees to five U.S. military bases, as well as an overseas shipment to the Middle East that year. More information is also available at www.TreesforTroops.org.
For more information about the program, contact Garth Ellms at 518-339-6333, garthellms@aol.com.
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (11/25/2011)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the Capital District's 42nd Infantry Division based in Troy will be on hand Monday morning at the Ellms Tree Farm to help load about 100 Christmas trees being donated and sent to military bases around the country to support troops and military families this holiday season.
WHO: Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division volunteer their time from work to assist the loadout of holiday trees at Ellms Tree Farm for Trees for Troops.
WHAT: Loading of about 100 Christmas Trees on Fed Ex trucks for the "Trees for Troops" Program
WHEN: 9 a.m. Monday, November 28.
WHERE: Ellms Family Tree Farm, 468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, N.Y., 12020
Coverage Opportunity:
Video and images of the volunteers loading trees into the FedEx truck. There will be opportunities to speak with Garth Ellms and the half dozen Army National Guard volunteers.
Additional Information:
This year marks the seventh season that Trees for Troops will be loaded at Ellms Tree Farm.
Last holiday season, Trees for Troops is collected and delivered 17,224 real Christmas Trees to 59 military bases in the U.S. and another seven overseas.
For the past several years FedEx has helped to deliver, on average, 17,000 Real Christmas Trees each year to 60+ military bases throughout the U.S. and overseas. This year, the goal is to reach 100,000 Christmas Trees delivered since 2005.
The Trees for Troops program was launched in 2005, and with the help of FedEx Corp., delivered more than 4,300 Christmas Trees to five U.S. military bases, as well as an overseas shipment to the Middle East that year. More information is also available at www.TreesforTroops.org.
For more information about the program, contact Garth Ellms at 518-339-6333, garthellms@aol.com.
Camp Smith Military Police Holds Farewell Event before deploying
Military Police Detachment Holds Farewell Event At Camp Smith Before Deploying
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLAND MANOR, NY (11/25/2011)(readMedia)-- Forty-five Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 727th Military Police Law and Order Detachment mobilize this week for service in support of contingency operations overseas. The unit will provide safety and security for operations bases in northern Afghanistan later this year.
The unit will train for overseas deployment and receive their police certification at Fort Bliss, Texas. The unit is expected to depart for Afghanistan in late December, returning back to New York in the fall of 2012.
WHAT: Departure ceremony for the 727th Military Police Law and Order Detachment. The unit physically leaves home on Sunday, Nov 27th.
WHO: Forty-five New York Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers from across the Capital Region to Long Island, their families and community supporters. Approximately 200 family members are also expected to attend.
WHERE: National Guard Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Camp Smith Training Site, Peekskill, NY
WHEN: Sunday, November 27 at 11:30 a.m.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Videographers and still photographers can capture imagery of the Soldiers and their families as they prepare for deployment. There will be opportunities for short interviews with Soldiers and their family members.
For access to the secure military installation, news media must contact Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo at 518-528-4770 for entry through the main security gate prior to 11 a.m.
BACKGROUND
727th Military Police (Law and Order) Detachment:
Based at Camp Smith the 727th Military Police Detachment is designed to provide safety and security for military personnel using basic law and order procedures. The unit deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007, conducting personal and traffic safety at Camp Victory, Baghdad International Airport. Roughly one quarter of the unit is currently employed in local law enforcement agencies throughout the Capital District area, NYC and Long Island.
The unit completed its pre-deployment training this fall in preparation for the deployment.
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLAND MANOR, NY (11/25/2011)(readMedia)-- Forty-five Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 727th Military Police Law and Order Detachment mobilize this week for service in support of contingency operations overseas. The unit will provide safety and security for operations bases in northern Afghanistan later this year.
The unit will train for overseas deployment and receive their police certification at Fort Bliss, Texas. The unit is expected to depart for Afghanistan in late December, returning back to New York in the fall of 2012.
WHAT: Departure ceremony for the 727th Military Police Law and Order Detachment. The unit physically leaves home on Sunday, Nov 27th.
WHO: Forty-five New York Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers from across the Capital Region to Long Island, their families and community supporters. Approximately 200 family members are also expected to attend.
WHERE: National Guard Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Camp Smith Training Site, Peekskill, NY
WHEN: Sunday, November 27 at 11:30 a.m.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Videographers and still photographers can capture imagery of the Soldiers and their families as they prepare for deployment. There will be opportunities for short interviews with Soldiers and their family members.
For access to the secure military installation, news media must contact Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo at 518-528-4770 for entry through the main security gate prior to 11 a.m.
BACKGROUND
727th Military Police (Law and Order) Detachment:
Based at Camp Smith the 727th Military Police Detachment is designed to provide safety and security for military personnel using basic law and order procedures. The unit deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007, conducting personal and traffic safety at Camp Victory, Baghdad International Airport. Roughly one quarter of the unit is currently employed in local law enforcement agencies throughout the Capital District area, NYC and Long Island.
The unit completed its pre-deployment training this fall in preparation for the deployment.
Auburn Soldiers Home From Iraq
Auburn-area Soldiers Home from Iraq
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
Staff Sgt. Amanda Wheeler, from the 105th Military Police Company, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, in Iraq on July 6, 2011. AUBURN, N.Y. (12/02/2011)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company arrive back home in Central New York this weekend after a seven month deployment to Iraq.
WHAT: Homecoming of the Auburn area Army National Guard Soldiers from their deployment to Iraq.
WHO: 12 Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company.
WHEN: Between 2 and 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.
WHERE: New York National Guard Armory, 174 South Street, Auburn, N.Y.13021
Media Opportunity
Visual opportunities for family reunions for the Soldiers of the 105th Militiary Police Company along with interviews of family members. Media are advised to arrive early as the Soldiers will be released as quickly as possible following their return.
Background:
The Buffalo-based 105th Military Police Company arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Thanksgiving Day and completed their out processing from active duty.
More than 100 additional Soldiers will return to their home armories in Utica, Rochester and Buffalo on December 3.
The Buffalo-based Military Police unit was the first New York Army National Guard element to deploy to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the president's decision to withdraw forces from Iraq is now also the last New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq.
In 2004-2005 the New York Army National Guard had more than 4,000 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq.
The company which was based in the Iraq cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, was mobilized in March and was originally expected home in February 2012. Their early return is part of the Army's final drawdown from Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
Full Photo cutline:
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Wheeler, a supply sergeant assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, part of Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 6, 2011. Wheeler, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., earned recognition for her contributions in reducing her unit's footprint in Iraq. Wheeler turned in more than $8.6 million dollars worth of Army equipment since arriving in country in the spring of 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North.
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
Staff Sgt. Amanda Wheeler, from the 105th Military Police Company, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, in Iraq on July 6, 2011. AUBURN, N.Y. (12/02/2011)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company arrive back home in Central New York this weekend after a seven month deployment to Iraq.
WHAT: Homecoming of the Auburn area Army National Guard Soldiers from their deployment to Iraq.
WHO: 12 Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company.
WHEN: Between 2 and 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.
WHERE: New York National Guard Armory, 174 South Street, Auburn, N.Y.13021
Media Opportunity
Visual opportunities for family reunions for the Soldiers of the 105th Militiary Police Company along with interviews of family members. Media are advised to arrive early as the Soldiers will be released as quickly as possible following their return.
Background:
The Buffalo-based 105th Military Police Company arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Thanksgiving Day and completed their out processing from active duty.
More than 100 additional Soldiers will return to their home armories in Utica, Rochester and Buffalo on December 3.
The Buffalo-based Military Police unit was the first New York Army National Guard element to deploy to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the president's decision to withdraw forces from Iraq is now also the last New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq.
In 2004-2005 the New York Army National Guard had more than 4,000 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq.
The company which was based in the Iraq cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, was mobilized in March and was originally expected home in February 2012. Their early return is part of the Army's final drawdown from Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
Full Photo cutline:
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Wheeler, a supply sergeant assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, part of Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 6, 2011. Wheeler, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., earned recognition for her contributions in reducing her unit's footprint in Iraq. Wheeler turned in more than $8.6 million dollars worth of Army equipment since arriving in country in the spring of 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North.
Utica-area Soldiers Home from Iraq
Utica-area Soldiers Home from Iraq
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
Staff Sgt. Amanda Wheeler, from the 105th Military Police Company, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, in Iraq on July 6, 2011. UTICA, N.Y. (12/02/2011)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company arrive back home in Central New York this weekend after a seven month deployment to Iraq.
WHAT: Homecoming of the Utica area Army National Guard Soldiers from their deployment to Iraq.
WHO: 21 Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company.
WHEN: Between 3 and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.
WHERE: New York National Guard Armory, 1700 Parkway East, Utica, N.Y. 13501
Media Opportunity
Visual opportunities for family reunions for the Soldiers of the 105th Militiary Police Company along with interviews of family members. Media are advised to arrive early as the Soldiers will be released as quickly as possible following their return.
Background:
The Buffalo-based 105th Military Police Company arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Thanksgiving Day and completed their out processing from active duty.
About 100 additional Soldiers will also return to their home armories in Auburn, Rochester and Buffalo on December 3.
The Buffalo-based Military Police unit was the first New York Army National Guard element to deploy to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the president's decision to withdraw forces from Iraq is now also the last New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq.
In 2004-2005 the New York Army National Guard had more than 4,000 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq.
The company which was based in the Iraq cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, was mobilized in March and was originally expected home in February 2012. Their early return is part of the Army's final drawdown from Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
Full Photo cutline:
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Wheeler, a supply sergeant assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, part of Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 6, 2011. Wheeler, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., earned recognition for her contributions in reducing her unit's footprint in Iraq. Wheeler turned in more than $8.6 million dollars worth of Army equipment since arriving in country in the spring of 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North.
Media Advisoryby New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
Staff Sgt. Amanda Wheeler, from the 105th Military Police Company, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, in Iraq on July 6, 2011. UTICA, N.Y. (12/02/2011)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company arrive back home in Central New York this weekend after a seven month deployment to Iraq.
WHAT: Homecoming of the Utica area Army National Guard Soldiers from their deployment to Iraq.
WHO: 21 Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company.
WHEN: Between 3 and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.
WHERE: New York National Guard Armory, 1700 Parkway East, Utica, N.Y. 13501
Media Opportunity
Visual opportunities for family reunions for the Soldiers of the 105th Militiary Police Company along with interviews of family members. Media are advised to arrive early as the Soldiers will be released as quickly as possible following their return.
Background:
The Buffalo-based 105th Military Police Company arrived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Thanksgiving Day and completed their out processing from active duty.
About 100 additional Soldiers will also return to their home armories in Auburn, Rochester and Buffalo on December 3.
The Buffalo-based Military Police unit was the first New York Army National Guard element to deploy to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the president's decision to withdraw forces from Iraq is now also the last New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq.
In 2004-2005 the New York Army National Guard had more than 4,000 Soldiers, including the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq.
The company which was based in the Iraq cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, was mobilized in March and was originally expected home in February 2012. Their early return is part of the Army's final drawdown from Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
Full Photo cutline:
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Wheeler, a supply sergeant assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, part of Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, counts smoke cartridges during an inventory at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 6, 2011. Wheeler, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., earned recognition for her contributions in reducing her unit's footprint in Iraq. Wheeler turned in more than $8.6 million dollars worth of Army equipment since arriving in country in the spring of 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North.
NY General is Grand Marshall at Ballston Spa
New York Adjutant General Serves As Grand Marshall of Ballston Spa Holiday Parade by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Related Media
Major General Patrick Murphy BALSTON SPA, NY (11/30/2011)(readMedia)-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, responsible for the 16,500 men and women of the New York Army and Air National Guard, will serve as Grand Marshal of the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 2.
Murphy, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has served as the top officer of the New York National Guard since February 2010. He and his wife Cherie are residents of Malta.
The annual parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with a Tree Lighting in Wiswall Park.
Related Media
Major General Patrick Murphy BALSTON SPA, NY (11/30/2011)(readMedia)-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, responsible for the 16,500 men and women of the New York Army and Air National Guard, will serve as Grand Marshal of the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 2.
Murphy, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has served as the top officer of the New York National Guard since February 2010. He and his wife Cherie are residents of Malta.
The annual parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with a Tree Lighting in Wiswall Park.
Friday, December 2, 2011
New Health and Wellness Center
174th Fighter Wing Opens Joint Deployment Health and Wellness Center on Sunday
12/02/2011 12:00 PM EST
The New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing will officially open its new Joint Deployment Health and Wellness Center on Sunday, Dec. 4.
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12/02/2011 12:00 PM EST
The New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing will officially open its new Joint Deployment Health and Wellness Center on Sunday, Dec. 4.
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Fort Drum Soldier: Pvt Jackie Diener II
Army Pvt. Jackie L. Diener II
Died November 21, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20, of Boyne City, Mich., assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Nov. 21 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy small-arms fire.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N.Y. lowers flags for fallen Drum soldier
The Associated Press
BOYNE CITY, Mich. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered flags in his state lowered for a soldier from northern Michigan who was killed in Afghanistan.
Army Pvt. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of Boyne City was based at Fort Drum, N.Y. Cuomo said flags should be lowered Nov. 29 in his honor.
The Pentagon said Diener died Nov. 21 in Kandahar province after insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
Diener was part of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
Diener enlisted in March and was deployed to Afghanistan in September, according to WWTV/WWUP. He was a 2009 graduate of Boyne City High School.
Died November 21, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20, of Boyne City, Mich., assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Nov. 21 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by enemy small-arms fire.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N.Y. lowers flags for fallen Drum soldier
The Associated Press
BOYNE CITY, Mich. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered flags in his state lowered for a soldier from northern Michigan who was killed in Afghanistan.
Army Pvt. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of Boyne City was based at Fort Drum, N.Y. Cuomo said flags should be lowered Nov. 29 in his honor.
The Pentagon said Diener died Nov. 21 in Kandahar province after insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.
Diener was part of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
Diener enlisted in March and was deployed to Afghanistan in September, according to WWTV/WWUP. He was a 2009 graduate of Boyne City High School.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
First Lady and Military Families
News
American Forces Press Service
First Lady Kicks Off Holiday Season With Military Families
By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011 – In a gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice, First Lady Michelle Obama today invited military families – including families of the military fallen -- to be among the first to see the White House decked out for this year’s holiday season.
First Lady Michelle Obama invites military children to decorate cookies and create ornaments with her during a special holiday event at the White House in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2011. The first lady invited military families, including families of the fallen, to be among the first to view the White House's holiday decorations this year. By the first lady’s side is Jennifer Jackman of the American Gold Star Mothers. DOD photo by Elaine Sanchez
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"I know for some of you this holiday season will be tough," the first lady said. "But hopefully it’s times like this that make you know that you live in a grateful nation, and that we are just so inspired by your sacrifice."
This holiday season, she said, the White House is offering a special tribute to those who serve. Among the White House’s 37 Christmas trees scattered along the visitor tour route are two special Christmas trees intended to honor service members and their families.
The official White House Christmas tree – a towering 18-foot balsam fir in the Blue Room – is a salute to service members of all branches. The tree is decorated with holiday cards created by military children around the world; service medals, badges and patches; and military images adorned with pinecone frames and ribbons.
Some of those cards are inspiring, Obama said, sharing one of the written messages. Five children in Medical Lake, Wash., wrote, “No matter how many Christmases our dad misses, he makes every Christmas special and we love him.”
In another card is a more matter-of-fact message, the first lady noted. "Hey Dad, it's cool you're in Italy. So when are you coming back, because I already know what I want for Christmas."
A Gold Star Christmas tree, bright with gold star ornaments and framed Purple Heart medals, graces the visitor’s entrance on the East Wing landing. The tree was decorated by families of military fallen and features photos of fallen heroes and messages from their loved ones.
A mom from Anchorage, Alaska, wrote this note to her son, Obama said: “I love and miss you, son. Thank you for all of the great memories we shared.”
The tree is surrounded with photos and stories from more than 800 Gold Star families, the first lady noted. “Each one showcases the strength and resilience that characterizes our Gold Star families,” she said.
In the coming weeks, visitors to the White House will be able to write notes to service members to express their gratitude, and Gold Star families will be invited to inscribe a ceramic gold star ornament with a personalized note.
These families deserve the gratitude of a thankful nation, the first lady said, particularly in light of the sacrifices they make each day. Spouses are raising kids alone while their loved ones are deployed and their children are taking on extra responsibilities to help. And she’s been inspired, she said, by the survivors of the fallen who continue to give back to their communities.
Americans need to hear these stories, she said, and to understand what it’s like to be a military family.
The Joining Forces campaign is intended to do just that, she said. The first lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, started the initiative earlier this year to raise awareness of military families’ sacrifices and to rally Americans around them.
“We wanted to make sure that never again would someone have to ask the question: What is a Gold Star family and what does that sacrifice mean,” she said. “We all should know.”
Obama said that’s one of the reasons the troops and their families are highlighted at the White House this holiday season.
The first lady wrapped up with her own message of gratitude.
“I want to thank all of the Gold Star families for your enduring strength and commitment to this country,” she said. “And I want to thank all of the troops, all of our veterans, all of our military families, whose service and sacrifice inspires us all.”
The first lady then invited the military children lining the front rows to decorate holiday cookies and ornaments with her in the State Dining Room. She iced cookies alongside them as she praised their festive creations.
The military families also toured holiday decorations in several of the White House’s ornate rooms. A big attraction was the White House gingerbread house, which is made up of 400 pounds of gingerbread, white chocolate and marzipan. But Obama’s dog, Bo, upstaged even the gingerbread house. Scattered throughout the tour route are five Bo topiaries made of various materials such as felt, buttons, pom-poms, candy, and even trash bags.
As the children did their crafts, they had the opportunity to compare the fake first dogs with the real deal when the first lady brought Bo to the State Dining Room for a visit.
American Forces Press Service
First Lady Kicks Off Holiday Season With Military Families
By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011 – In a gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice, First Lady Michelle Obama today invited military families – including families of the military fallen -- to be among the first to see the White House decked out for this year’s holiday season.
First Lady Michelle Obama invites military children to decorate cookies and create ornaments with her during a special holiday event at the White House in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2011. The first lady invited military families, including families of the fallen, to be among the first to view the White House's holiday decorations this year. By the first lady’s side is Jennifer Jackman of the American Gold Star Mothers. DOD photo by Elaine Sanchez
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"I know for some of you this holiday season will be tough," the first lady said. "But hopefully it’s times like this that make you know that you live in a grateful nation, and that we are just so inspired by your sacrifice."
This holiday season, she said, the White House is offering a special tribute to those who serve. Among the White House’s 37 Christmas trees scattered along the visitor tour route are two special Christmas trees intended to honor service members and their families.
The official White House Christmas tree – a towering 18-foot balsam fir in the Blue Room – is a salute to service members of all branches. The tree is decorated with holiday cards created by military children around the world; service medals, badges and patches; and military images adorned with pinecone frames and ribbons.
Some of those cards are inspiring, Obama said, sharing one of the written messages. Five children in Medical Lake, Wash., wrote, “No matter how many Christmases our dad misses, he makes every Christmas special and we love him.”
In another card is a more matter-of-fact message, the first lady noted. "Hey Dad, it's cool you're in Italy. So when are you coming back, because I already know what I want for Christmas."
A Gold Star Christmas tree, bright with gold star ornaments and framed Purple Heart medals, graces the visitor’s entrance on the East Wing landing. The tree was decorated by families of military fallen and features photos of fallen heroes and messages from their loved ones.
A mom from Anchorage, Alaska, wrote this note to her son, Obama said: “I love and miss you, son. Thank you for all of the great memories we shared.”
The tree is surrounded with photos and stories from more than 800 Gold Star families, the first lady noted. “Each one showcases the strength and resilience that characterizes our Gold Star families,” she said.
In the coming weeks, visitors to the White House will be able to write notes to service members to express their gratitude, and Gold Star families will be invited to inscribe a ceramic gold star ornament with a personalized note.
These families deserve the gratitude of a thankful nation, the first lady said, particularly in light of the sacrifices they make each day. Spouses are raising kids alone while their loved ones are deployed and their children are taking on extra responsibilities to help. And she’s been inspired, she said, by the survivors of the fallen who continue to give back to their communities.
Americans need to hear these stories, she said, and to understand what it’s like to be a military family.
The Joining Forces campaign is intended to do just that, she said. The first lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, started the initiative earlier this year to raise awareness of military families’ sacrifices and to rally Americans around them.
“We wanted to make sure that never again would someone have to ask the question: What is a Gold Star family and what does that sacrifice mean,” she said. “We all should know.”
Obama said that’s one of the reasons the troops and their families are highlighted at the White House this holiday season.
The first lady wrapped up with her own message of gratitude.
“I want to thank all of the Gold Star families for your enduring strength and commitment to this country,” she said. “And I want to thank all of the troops, all of our veterans, all of our military families, whose service and sacrifice inspires us all.”
The first lady then invited the military children lining the front rows to decorate holiday cookies and ornaments with her in the State Dining Room. She iced cookies alongside them as she praised their festive creations.
The military families also toured holiday decorations in several of the White House’s ornate rooms. A big attraction was the White House gingerbread house, which is made up of 400 pounds of gingerbread, white chocolate and marzipan. But Obama’s dog, Bo, upstaged even the gingerbread house. Scattered throughout the tour route are five Bo topiaries made of various materials such as felt, buttons, pom-poms, candy, and even trash bags.
As the children did their crafts, they had the opportunity to compare the fake first dogs with the real deal when the first lady brought Bo to the State Dining Room for a visit.
Free Christmas Tree
914th Airlift Wing
FREE CHRISTMAS TREES!! Through the generosity of the Trees for Troops Program, we will have a limited number of live Christmas trees to give away,first preference to junior enlisted (E6 and below).
Call Airman and Family Readiness, 236-2097, to reserve your tree (military members only). Distribution starts 8 December 2011.
FREE CHRISTMAS TREES!! Through the generosity of the Trees for Troops Program, we will have a limited number of live Christmas trees to give away,first preference to junior enlisted (E6 and below).
Call Airman and Family Readiness, 236-2097, to reserve your tree (military members only). Distribution starts 8 December 2011.
The Lonely time of Year
Tribute To Our Soldiers
The “loneliest” time of the year for the military is rapidly approaching. Many of our heroes will be in the battlefields far from home. Many will be silently thinking of their loved ones stressing back home. As we battle the hassles with traffic and malls, let’s cherish the silence of our quiet nights. Let’s remember to pray for…
“the many who lay alone, this cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
They fight for our freedom, and don’t ask for more.”
Their lives sworn to God, our country, our core.
The “loneliest” time of the year for the military is rapidly approaching. Many of our heroes will be in the battlefields far from home. Many will be silently thinking of their loved ones stressing back home. As we battle the hassles with traffic and malls, let’s cherish the silence of our quiet nights. Let’s remember to pray for…
“the many who lay alone, this cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
They fight for our freedom, and don’t ask for more.”
Their lives sworn to God, our country, our core.
Christmas Party for the 914th Airlift Wing
914th Airlift Wing
107th and 914th AW members. Bring your kids to the joint Children's Holiday Party Saturday, 17 December 2011 at Skateland in Lockport.
5:30-7:30 pm. Free roller skating and skate rental. Laser tag games. Inflatable obstacle course & bounce house. Pizza & pop! Special visit by Santa. Call 236-2097 to register your family! Registrations accepted until 13 December.
107th and 914th AW members. Bring your kids to the joint Children's Holiday Party Saturday, 17 December 2011 at Skateland in Lockport.
5:30-7:30 pm. Free roller skating and skate rental. Laser tag games. Inflatable obstacle course & bounce house. Pizza & pop! Special visit by Santa. Call 236-2097 to register your family! Registrations accepted until 13 December.
Top Knot Giving Tree
The OP Top Knot Giving Tree
11/29/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel Karen Walaitis has hit upon an amazing way to combine Holiday giving traditions at her son’s elementary school with her support for expectant military families as Team Leader of Operation Top Knot (OTK provides handmade gifts and other items to assist military families expecting a baby, especially those with a deployed dad).
Each year, students at her son’s school participate in a “giving tree” to support local struggling families at a neighboring under-privileged school. As a board member of the Parent-Teacher Club, Karen is deeply involved in the effort, but lamented recently to a friend who heads of the giving tree project that it was a shame the tree couldn’t include young military families coping with the expenses of a new child. Karen envisioned being able to select needy families from Operation Top Knot for additional support.
Karen’s friend jumped at the idea, and so did the rest of the people in charge. “It took like 30 minutes to get approval,” Karen recalls.
Now the giving tree at Garfield Elementary School in Clovis, CA includes a substantial number of military families. In a twist, Karen has arranged for each family to receive specific kinds of gift cards instead of gifts, to reduce the cost of shipping to military families across the country.
Currently 79 families names are waiting on the Garfield giving tree. Blue ornaments signal a new family with a deployed father, gold star ornaments indicate families of infants whose fathers have died, and purple-colored heart ornaments indicate families of a wounded hero who are expecting a child. Gift cards donated by the elementary students will go to these families to purchase much-needed baby items at stores where the family is registered. Small-denomination cards for something fun for the whole family, such as Starbucks or McDonalds, are suggested as well.
The military-themed giving tree started yesterday, and gift cards will be collected up through December 16. With a well-organized PR campain, including take-home flyers for each child explaining Top Knot and Soldiers’ Angels, the school newspaper, email and the school Facebook page, the hope is that all of 79 military families with babies will quickly be “adopted.” If you would like to learn more about the project to get involved from a distance, email optopknot@soldiersangels.org.
Congratulations to Karen for a brilliant and meaningful idea!
11/29/11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel Karen Walaitis has hit upon an amazing way to combine Holiday giving traditions at her son’s elementary school with her support for expectant military families as Team Leader of Operation Top Knot (OTK provides handmade gifts and other items to assist military families expecting a baby, especially those with a deployed dad).
Each year, students at her son’s school participate in a “giving tree” to support local struggling families at a neighboring under-privileged school. As a board member of the Parent-Teacher Club, Karen is deeply involved in the effort, but lamented recently to a friend who heads of the giving tree project that it was a shame the tree couldn’t include young military families coping with the expenses of a new child. Karen envisioned being able to select needy families from Operation Top Knot for additional support.
Karen’s friend jumped at the idea, and so did the rest of the people in charge. “It took like 30 minutes to get approval,” Karen recalls.
Now the giving tree at Garfield Elementary School in Clovis, CA includes a substantial number of military families. In a twist, Karen has arranged for each family to receive specific kinds of gift cards instead of gifts, to reduce the cost of shipping to military families across the country.
Currently 79 families names are waiting on the Garfield giving tree. Blue ornaments signal a new family with a deployed father, gold star ornaments indicate families of infants whose fathers have died, and purple-colored heart ornaments indicate families of a wounded hero who are expecting a child. Gift cards donated by the elementary students will go to these families to purchase much-needed baby items at stores where the family is registered. Small-denomination cards for something fun for the whole family, such as Starbucks or McDonalds, are suggested as well.
The military-themed giving tree started yesterday, and gift cards will be collected up through December 16. With a well-organized PR campain, including take-home flyers for each child explaining Top Knot and Soldiers’ Angels, the school newspaper, email and the school Facebook page, the hope is that all of 79 military families with babies will quickly be “adopted.” If you would like to learn more about the project to get involved from a distance, email optopknot@soldiersangels.org.
Congratulations to Karen for a brilliant and meaningful idea!
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