Eighth Annual Citizens’ Academy Comes to a Close

Last Monday, the eighth annual Citizens’ Academy came to a close with a graduation ceremony honoring this year’s participants. Members of the FBI’s New York Office and academy graduates made an unwavering commitment to continue to build on the strong partnerships already developed with alumni of the program. Members of this year’s Citizens’ Academy included civic leaders, religious leaders, doctors, judges, members of the media, financial managers, professors, community organizers, and many others. The class was featured numerous times in the press, including the New York Daily News, NBC New York, and many other outlets.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I believe this class would be so intense. It has provided a glimpse into the lives of the men and women of the FBI. I wish everyone could take this 10-week program to see what goes into protecting the city of New York and the American people,” said Duane Jackson, president of this year’s academy class and one of the street vendors who alerted the NYPD about the suspicious vehicle in Times Square on May 1, 2010.

Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk was quoted as saying, “We had 43 incredible individuals participate in this year’s class, and it is my sincere hope that each and every one of them will continue to be involved as we grow this important partnership.”

The academy is designed to foster increased understanding and cooperation between members of the community and the FBI while developing strengthened relationships between the two groups. The graduates of Citizens' Academy enable the FBI to stay better attuned to the needs and issues of the community, are more willing to pick up the phone and call us with information to solve or prevent crimes, become ambassadors of the FBI who dispel myths and misunderstandings about the Bureau, and often go on to join alumni chapters that work directly with us on numerous public safety initiatives.

The goal is for alumni to leave with a far better understanding of the organization, what we do, and why we do it. It also provides a medium for dialogue on various issues, problems, and creates a system of partnership in times of crisis.

This year’s graduates heard from representatives from all six divisions including: Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, Intelligence, Special Operations, Criminal, and Administrative. They were provided a full day at the firing range in Fort Dix, New Jersey and had the opportunity to hear from retired undercover Special Agent Jack Garcia, in addition to many other presentations and stories by current and former agents.

The Citizens’ Academy was founded more than 15 years ago in Phoenix, Arrizona and has graduated more than 10,000 members. If you are interested in attending the next Citizens’ Academy, please contact your local FBI field office.

Guardian of the Week – LTJG Steven Lewis

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Every now and then a moment comes along that challenges the training, experience and ability of a Coast Guardsman to perform under extraordinary circumstances.

That moment presented itself to then Ensign Steven Lewis, an underway officer of the deck on Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, one of many Coast Guard assets that was on scene to aid Carnival Splendor.

An engine room fire on November 8, left Carnival Splendor unable to operate its engines 250 miles southwest of San Diego, Calif. and its 4,400 passengers and crew were in need of food and supplies. Lewis would play a crucial part in supplying the ship when on the morning of November 9, after Morgenthau had arrived on scene Lewis was tasked to go aboard the cruise ship to conduct helicopter vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations.

While Lewis’ primary job aboard Morgenthau is ship driving, he is also a qualified landing signals officer (LSO). An LSO is a specially trained member of the crew responsible for the safety of aircraft as they take off and land from the ship. As an LSO, Lewis had previously performed VERTREPs in challenging environments, such as the strong winds and seas on the Bering Sea. But, off the coast of Mexico, he was presented with his most challenging VERTREP operation yet.

Lewis found himself on the decks of the 952-foot cruise ship with his team of seven Coast Guard members and five Navy sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan. Together, the team met with the cruise ship’s officers and assessed the decks to find an area to perform VERTREP operations. After the Lido deck was identified as a safe place for the operation, the team focused their attention on identifying hazards on the deck and all exposed decks below it.

Landing a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk helicopter on a Panamanian-flagged cruise ship presented unique challenges. Adding to the complexities of the operation was the need to communicate with multiple entities including the aircraft commander, supply chief and on scene commander. Lewis used his training and experience to assure the team that it could be done safely – besides, the Lido deck was at least twice the size of the VERTREP area on Morgenthau.

By early afternoon, after clearing all tables, chairs and securing all equipment on the exposed weather decks, Lewis, knowing time would be key in the operations, requested 50 personnel from the cruise ship to assist with cargo handling to ensure the safe and quick removal of all supplies dropped. After the careful planning of the operation, all unnecessary crew and passengers were directed into the skin of the ship and operations commenced.

Each VERTREP brought in a helicopter that was directed over the Lido deck in a hover of about ten to 15 feet above the deck. From there, the helicopter dropped supplies through a cargo net and then took off for more supplies.

All together, Lewis and his team delivered 70,000 pounds of supplies through 20 VERTREPs. Each VERTREP was successfully performed supplying 60 palettes of food and water to the passengers and crew of Carnival Splendor.

“Ensign Steven Lewis personified the adaptive nature of the Coast Guard, handling an uncharted, stressful situation with confidence and professionalism,” said Capt. Anthony Gentilella, commanding officer of Morgenthau. “His exceptional actions and leadership are prime examples of the qualities that our junior officers possess – a testament that our young shipmates continue the long tradition of living up to the Coast Guard’s motto – Semper Paratus.”

This past Saturday, Lewis was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Congratulations on your promotion, LTJG Lewis and Bravo Zulu for your performance as LSO ensuring vital supplies were delivered to the Carnival Splendor!

Face of Defense: Iraq-Deployed Tanker Receives Honor

By Army Sgt. Kimberly Johnson

1st Armored Division

BAGHDAD, Nov. 24, 2010 – Army Staff Sgt. Jason Motes is now among an elite brotherhood within the United States Armor Association -- The Order of St. George, symbolizing bravery, dedication and decency.

Motes, the future operations noncommissioned officer-in-charge with Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division, United States Division –- Center, is one of very few staff sergeants who have been inducted into the order.

“The Order of St. George, to me, is the tradition for [tank crewmen],” said Motes, a Delaware, Ohio, native. “It symbolizes one’s long effort toward [excellence in] our branch. It’s a big honor.”

According to the U.S. Armor Association, the history of St. George dates back to about 280 A.D. St. George was a member of the Roman emperor’s mounted guard and was imprisoned, tortured and executed for standing up against the emperor, refusing an order to destroy all Christian churches and sacred writings.

More than 1,000 years later, citizens of a small Italian village claim that St. George appeared and killed a dragon that was tormenting the town. It is that historic image of St. George that symbolizes the heroism and bravery of mounted warriors.

Over the years, soldiers of several nations have given accounts of St. George appearing on battlefields to aid in their victories. St. George is the only saint portrayed as fighting mounted, and in 1986 the U.S. Armor Association established the order to recognize the best tankers and cavalrymen in the Army.

“If anyone of the junior level of leadership deserves the Order of St. George, it is Staff Sgt. Motes,” said Sgt. Maj. Dale Sump, the division master gunner with A Company, DSTB, and a Cherokee, Iowa, native. “Just because of the way he attacks a problem and how adaptable he is … that’s really what the Army needs right now.”

Sump, who nominated Motes for the honor, said the Order of St. George medallion is a new medal for staff sergeants. He said there were previously just three levels of the medallion -- bronze, silver and gold -- given only to senior enlisted soldiers and officers.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sump said, the Army established a new black medallion to recognize junior exceptional armor leaders.

Motes’ family has a tradition of soldiering; his brother and father are both infantrymen. He said he wanted something different and chose the armor branch.

“It’s a brotherhood,” Motes said. “I am now a part of a very few people who have [been inducted into] the Order of St. George. Being knighted during the ceremony is a sign of respect for what I’ve done, what I could do, and what my leaders think I can do more of.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Pat Padua

In the Muse wishes you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. Between mashed potatoes and halftime, the musically inclined among our readership may wish to celebrate the day in song with Geo. W. Morgan’s’ “National Thanksgiving Hymn,” dedicated to then President Rutherford B. Hayes. After dinner, take an invigorating constitutional to work off that second slice of pie, and as ye walk, instead of early Christmas Carols, sing James Blyler’s  ”The Turkey Gobbler’s Ball,” from Ziegfeld Follies of 1911. The lyrics by Havez and Donnelly tell the tale not of a Thanksgiving feast, but of a barnyard animal sing-along led by the eponymous song bird. Gobble gobble!

Mariposa Masonic Lodge Supports Local Charities

(Mariposa, CA) On Saturday November 20th, at their annual Thanksgiving meal, the members of the Mariposa Masonic Lodge #24 donated $4000 to two local charities. Kops for Kids and Coats for Kids each received $2000. Present at the annual meal to receive the donation for Kops for Kids was Mariposa County Sheriff Doug Binneweis and, Deputies Jake Bobman and Jeff Totten. Representing Coats for Kids was Pauline Totten of Mercy Ambulance. Kops for Kids will use the donation to purchase Christmas Gifts for children of families in distress. Coats for Kids ensures that the children in our community have winter coats.

For over 150 years, the Mariposa Lodge has contributed to the community in various ways. As an example, in addition to this charitable work, the lodge provides annual scholarships to local high school seniors. Indeed, in addition to the regular scholarships this year, the Grand Masonic Lodge of California awarded a $10,000 scholar to one of our local seniors.

In other Lodge news, annual elections were held on the same night and William Keller (Mariposa) was elected Master of the lodge for next year; Charles Kendell (Mariposa) was elected Senior Warden; and, Raymond Foster (San Dimas) was elected Junior Warden. For more information about the Lodge you can visit their website at http://www.mariposamasons.org/.

President Obama Awards National Medals of Science to America's Best and Brightest Scientific Minds

On November 17th, President Obama presented 10 researchers with the highest technical and scientific award given by the United States, the the National Medal of Science.

"The achievements of these men and women stand as testament to their ingenuity, to their zeal for discovery and for their willingness to give of themselves and to sacrifice in order to expand the reach of human understanding," the President said at a ceremony at the White House on Wednesday evening. "The scientists and innovators here have saved lives, improved our health and well being, helped unleash whole new industries and millions of jobs, transformed the way we work, learn and communicate ... their contributions serve as proof not only to their creativity and skill, but to the promise of science itself."

The National Medal of Science was created by statute in 1959, and is administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Awarded annually, the medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering. Nominees are selected by a committee of presidential appointees based on their advanced knowledge in, and contributions to, the biological, behavioral/social and physical sciences, as well as chemistry, engineering, computing and mathematics.

NSF Director Subra Suresh addressed the laureates at a black tie awards dinner that followed the formal ceremony at the White House. "Tonight we acknowledge not only the heritage that you received and have carried on, but even more so, we celebrate the legacy that you bestow to coming generations of explorers, discoverers, inventors, and innovators," said Suresh. "You feed our anticipation of continued contributions and leadership. And, we look forward to the future flowering of science and innovation in your hands and in the hearts and minds of those you mentor and train ... To put the minds and the hands of humanity to work in creating a better world for all."

On its 51st anniversary, this year's National Medal of Science recipients are:

Yakir Aharonov, Chapman University, for his work in quantum physics, which ranges from the Aharonov-Bohm effect, to the notion of weak measurement, making him one of the most influential figures in modern physics.

Stephen Benkovic, Pennsylvania State University, for his seminal research that has changed our understanding of how enzymes function, singly or in complexes, and has led to novel pharmaceuticals and biocatalysts.

Esther Conwell, University of Rochester, for promoting women in science, and for contributions to understanding electron and whole transport in semiconducting materials that has helped to enable integrated circuits and organic electronic devices.

Marye Anne Fox, University of California, San Diego, for seminal contributions to chemistry by elucidating the role that non-homogeneous environments can exert on excited-state processes, and enhancing our understanding of charge-transfer reactions and their application to such fields as polymers, solar energy conversion and nanotechnology.

Susan Lindquist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for showing that changes in protein folding can have profound and unexpected influences in fields as wide-ranging as human disease, evolution and nanotechnology, and for providing fundamental experimental support for the prion hypothesis. The prion hypothesis is a key scientific assertion associated with a group of progressive conditions that affect the brain and nervous system of many animals, including humans.

Mortimer Mishkin, National Institutes of Health, for fundamental contributions to understanding the functional organization of the primate brain, including the discovery of the role of the inferior temporal cortex in vision, delineation of the selective contributions of medial temporal lobe structures to memory, and discovery of the neural bases of cognitive and noncognitive memory systems.

David Mumford, Brown University, for extraordinary contributions to the mathematical, engineering and neurobiological sciences.

Stanley Prusiner, University of California, San Francisco, for his discovery of prions representing an unprecedented class of infectious agents comprised only of proteins, which elucidated a novel paradigm of disease in which a single pathogenic process produces infectious, inherited or sporadic illnesses in humans and animals.

Warren Washington, National Center for Atmospheric Research, for his fundamental contributions to the understanding of Earth's coupled climate system through numerical simulation, leadership in U.S. science policy, and inspiring mentorship of young people of all backgrounds and origins.

Amnon Yariv, California Institute of Technology, for scientific and engineering contributions to photonics and quantum electronics that have profoundly impacted lightwave communications and the field of optics as a whole.

Note to regional reporters: For more information about or interviews with local winners of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, please contact the awardees' home institution or agency.

-NSF-

An Early History of Leadership

The search for the characteristics or traits of leaders has been ongoing for centuries. History's greatest philosophical writings from Plato's Republic to Plutarch's Lives have explored the question of "What qualities distinguish an individual as a leader?" Underlying this search was the early recognition of the importance of leadership and the assumption that leadership is rooted in the characteristics that certain individuals possess. This idea that leadership is based on individual attributes is known as the "trait theory of leadership."

This view of leadership, the trait theory, was explored at length in a number of works in the previous century. Most notable are the writings of Thomas Carlyle and Francis Galton, whose works have prompted decades of research. In Heroes and Hero Worship (1841), Carlyle identified the talents, skills, and physical characteristics of men who rose to power. In Galton's (1869) Hereditary Genius, he examined leadership qualities in the families of powerful men. After showing that the numbers of eminent relatives dropped off when moving from first degree to second degree relatives, Galton concluded that leadership was inherited. In other words, leaders were born, not developed. Both of these notable works lent great initial support for the notion that leadership is rooted in characteristics of the leader.

For decades, this trait-based perspective dominated empirical and theoretical work in leadership. Using early research techniques, researchers conducted over a hundred studies proposing a number of characteristics that distinguished leaders from non-leaders: intelligence, dominance, adaptability, persistence, integrity, socioeconomic status, and self-confidence just to name a few.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/Leadership

NAVCENT Hosts Combined Force Maritime Component Commander Course

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) hosted the Naval War College's Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Course for senior international military officers aboard Naval Support Activity, Bahrain Oct. 31 - Nov. 5.

The CFMCC offers a broad perspective of operational and strategic levels of war. It was developed to foster relationships between international maritime leaders and to help prepare them for theater-level leadership.

The course consisted of a series of seminars and discussions, brought together more than 25 officers and officials from 17 nations including, Bahrain, France, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Jordan, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Australia, Yemen, and Iraq.

"The CFMCC course is part of a greater effort to forge bonds that really support regional security and stability," said Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander, U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet. "That greater effort will be achieved through enhanced cooperation, understanding and collaboration with partner nations, friends and allies."

One of this year's participants was British Royal Navy Commodore Tim Fraser, deputy commander, Combined Maritime Forces.

"This course was a great opportunity to enhance cooperative relationships if support of a common

purpose and goal, to increase regional security and prosperity," said Fraser. "This week helped reinforce the coalition's commitment to deter destabilizing activities in the maritime environment."

The course also served as a forum to deepen relationships among nations in the framework of regional challenges, and to evolve combined maritime command and control concepts and mechanisms, while advancing understanding of security issues faced by participating nations.

Experienced subject-matter-experts served as session instructors to develop perspectives necessary to effectively employ naval forces in a joint, coalition, or interagency environment. The course provided a forum for open discussion of issues to facilitate a better understanding of the various perspectives involved in a combined force.

As the senior executive component of the U.S. Navy's Professional Military Education (PME) continuum, and part of the senior joint PME continuum, the CFMCC course addressed practical challenges confronting maritime operational-level commanders.

The first CFMCC course was held in Newport, RI, in 2006, and focused on Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The U.S. Naval War College has also conducted CFMCC courses in Naples, Italy and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Mullen Tells ROTC Students: 'People Make the Difference'

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2010 – Though he never expected he’d have a military career, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer said this week, the people he has served with are the reason he stayed in the service.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told ROTC cadets and midshipmen at UCLA on Nov. 10 that a career wasn’t on his mind when he reported to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 1964.

“The reason I stayed was it became very quickly about the tremendous, tremendous people I met from the first day I showed up at Annapolis,” Mullen said to the officer candidates. “You’re joining a military of great young men and women that is the best we’ve ever had in our history, and I would argue it is the best force in the world, ever.”

The chairman has served 46 years since arriving at Annapolis. He credits the people he has served with and the hankering to see the world -- “even though my first assignment was in Vietnam” -- with keeping him in the Navy.

The men and women who aspire to become commissioned officers in the U.S. military must focus on leadership, the chairman said. He told the ROTC students to study leaders, to examine their styles and take what works for them. The military is involved in two wars and maintains guard around the world, he noted, and the only constant they will see upon entering the force is change.

“Leadership is what getting commissioned is all about,” he said. “You are coming into the military at an unbelievably complex time in our country and our world. The military is not immune. We’ve changed dramatically in this past decade, and we will continue to evolve.”

The future officers will face tough decisions, and they must have good leadership ability to see them through, Mullen said. “Good leaders step forward and solve tough problems at the right time,” he added.

Mullen urged the cadets and midshipmen to keep their options open, and not burn any bridges. “You never know that 10 years down the road you won’t have a different view of what that bridge would have looked like had it still been there,” he said.

“Ask a thousand questions,” he continued. “When you are making big decisions, go to people you respect and get their view. In the end, make them your decisions. Don’t make them anyone else’s, because you are the one who is going to have to live with them every day.”

The military values responsibility and accountability, the chairman said. “From a career advice standpoint, focus on the here and now –- focus on where you are and whatever your assignment is, and it will work out just fine,” he said. “Be curious about your next assignment, but don’t dwell on it.”

The military can guarantee its future if it takes care of its people, Mullen said.

“No matter what our missions are, or where we go, or the stuff that we have, … in the end it’s the people who make the difference,” the chairman said. “We’re the most combat-hardened force we’ve been in our history, and we need to take advantage of that and leverage that for a very bright future.”

A student asked about a “values disconnect” between the military and American society as a whole. Mullen replied that the military recruits from all across the United States.

“I’m not overly concerned about the values disconnect,” he said, but he added that he is concerned that the American people are not connected in other ways. The military is less than 1 percent of the American population, he pointed out, and since the end of the Cold War, bases have been closed and avenues for a connection have dried up.

So the military has to do what it has always done, he said: take in 18 to 24 year olds “and change lives and present opportunity.”

“We as a country benefit from that if you stay in or don’t,” he added.

FBI Presents Director's Community Leadership Award to the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

Sokhom Tauch is the Executive Director

Arthur Balizan, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon, has presented the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award to the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) for the organization’s outstanding efforts in the areas of community cooperation, education and crime prevention efforts, and youth services.

Founded in 1976, IRCO is a community-based organization that assists refugees and immigrants through the various stages of integration into U.S. society. To date, IRCO has empowered more than 100,000 immigrants and refugees to be self-sufficient within our multi-ethnic society.

IRCO is a regional leader in education and crime prevention. It holds workshops on public safety, the legal system, and emergency services for newly-arrived refugees. IRCO has also been instrumental in helping immigrants and refugees become engaged in the civic process through their innovative Civic Engagement Program. This is a four-month program in which community leaders agree to put aside their fears of government in order to be more informed and engaged citizens. It is through educational workshops such as these that IRCO is helping to develop community cooperation and change negative perceptions of government and law enforcement in the immigrant and refugee communities.

“It is with great honor that we recognize IRCO for its work helping to bridge the gap between law enforcement and some of the most vulnerable populations in our community,” said Mr. Balizan. “IRCO teaches people new to our country that they have a right to live without the fear of persecution and retribution by law enforcement that can be all too common in other parts of the world.”

Additionally, IRCO has been a leader in developing programs for local youth, including mentoring programs, employment opportunities, and gang prevention services. IRCO’s goal is to increase graduation rates while lowering criminal activity, truancy, and drug and alcohol abuse. One example of this work is a recent effort to place 228 youth between the ages of 16 and 24 in jobs with the City of Portland, private businesses, and nonprofits. All these youth were at risk for homelessness; were gang-involved or gang-affected; were runaways or in foster homes; were involved in criminal activity; had dropped out of school; were pregnant or were young parents; or were learning or physically disabled. Another example: in 2006, IRCO created Youth Gang Prevention Services for helping Asian/Pacific Islander youth who were at risk for gang activity and violence. Nearly 4,000 youth have since benefited from their services.

Sokhom Tauch is the executive director of IRCO. In his 34 years of work with IRCO, he has helped to grow the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization into serving more than 45 ethnicities with more 60 different languages. Additionally, IRCO has expanded its service in many areas including youth services, senior services, community development, folk arts, domestic violence services, citizenship, environmental justice, and volunteer programming. Mr. Tauch earned his MBA from Marylhurst College in 1993 and has provided numerous fiscal management workshops to refugee self-help organizations in the United States. In addition to his work at IRCO, Sokhom is very active within the Oregon Cambodian community.

You can find out more information about IRCO at www.irco.org.

MCPON Addresses Senior Enlisted Leadership

From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) met with nearly 90 fleet, force and command master chiefs (CMDCM) who are a part of his leadership mess during MCPON's annual Leadership Mess conference in Millington, Tenn., Nov. 1–4.

MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West said Millington was chosen for this year's conference because it the Navy's largest source of policy and programs.

"I communicate regularly with the Leadership Mess through various forms of communication including my Bottom Line Up Front newsletter, emails, phone calls and social media," said West. "This annual conference is our 'meeting of the minds,' if you will, and our chance to be face-to-face in one location."

The four-day conference focused on investing in senior leadership by discussing changes in policy and programs directly with the subject matter experts as well as having a 'think tank' for initiatives affecting the enlisted force.

"The world's most powerful Navy is ever evolving," said West. "It's vital to our success that we continue to train our top leaders who will take the information received here back to their commands and pass the guidance to their chief's mess and their Sailors."

CMC 21 is one of the new initiatives the master chiefs worked on as a panel.

"CMC 21 lays out in detail the expectations of a CMC," said West. "When this pamphlet is pushed to the fleet, Sailors who aspire to become a CMC will have, in their hands, the traits and expectations to strive for, and senior enlisted leaders will know what is expected of them as leaders and that they are the benchmark of standards."

In addition to CMC 21, the leadership mess also discussed fleet issues/concerns including Perform to Serve; enlisted community management and force shaping; suicide awareness/prevention; Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, bystander intervention (Sailors taking care of Sailors); stress on the force; family readiness programs, and various briefs on safety, budget, fitness, detailing and Navy standards.

MCPON and the fleet master chiefs also videotaped a new safety video which will be available to the fleet soon and along with the leadership mess, they videotaped a 'Go Navy, Beat Army' spot for the upcoming Army/Navy football game.

Guardian of the Week – Auxiliary Commodore Nicholas Kerigan

Friday, November 5, 2010

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Nicholas Kerigan served honorably as National Commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the all-volunteer force that continues to set the standard for the resiliency that is so necessary for our service. Kerigan’s commitment to the force resonated through every volunteer member as they forged ahead in keeping the nation’s waterways safer and more secure.

“I have had many great experiences,” said Kerigan reflecting on his two years leading America’s 31,000 auxiliarists. “But the most valuable for me are those occasions when I traveled to visit our districts and had the opportunity to hear directly from members regarding how we could make the changes to make their membership experience better.”

Kerigan’s term as Auxiliary Commodore coincided with a nationwide reorganization for the Auxiliary as well as an increase in membership across local chapters. In fact, during Kerigan’s term as Commodore over 8 million hours occurred in member activity in which they contributed to pivotal events in our service.

Auxiliary members deployed in the after hours of the earthquake in Haiti and revamped response efforts by creating an innovative system in finding those who needed help and where they were stranded. The highly skilled Auxiliary teams used various communication sources to pass information to command centers where rescuers were dispatched.

A team of auxiliary members volunteered to deploy to the northern reaches of the United States as they provided their expertise as part of Operation Arctic Crossroads. The auxiliary crews, with other humanitarian responders, visited Northern Alaskan villages over a period of 20 days and taught imperative boating safety and survival skills.

Auxiliary members also served, and continue to serve, in a range of capacities that support Deepwater Horizon spill operations. Their efforts include over 5,000 hours of work to monitor the readiness of vessels participating in clean-up operations, checking deployed boom, supporting the area command center and augmenting public affairs.

“Commodore Kerigan has done an exceptional job as the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Commodore,” said Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard. “He has brilliantly guided this volunteer force in promoting recreational boating safety, enhancing the security of U.S. waters, and supporting disaster responses like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.”

Kerigan, a member of the Auxiliary since 1992, was busy leading from the top, but showed his constant dedication to all Auxiliary members by his wealth of qualifications. Kerigan maintained qualifications as coxswain, air observer, vessel examiner, instructor and a qualification examiner.

“The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the finest organization of volunteers in the world,” said Kerigan. “Incoming auxiliarists have many choices in the types of programs they wish to participate and my advice to them is to choose the programs they find interesting, become proficient in that program and most importantly have fun.”

Author Honored by Pepperdine

Dr. Andrew J. Harvey, Ed.D, the co-author of Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style, was honored by the Pepperdine University Organizational Leadership Program as the Adjunct of the Year 2009-2010.

About Dr. Andrew Harvey
Andrew Harvey served in law enforcement for 25 years, the last 12 as a captain with a Southern California police agency. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State Los Angeles, and an educational doctorate in the field of organizational leadership from Pepperdine University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the California POST Command College, the West Point Leadership Program, and is recognized in California as a master instructor.

Dr. Harvey is an experienced college educator, currently serving as a professor at the University of Phoenix, and as a faculty advisor at the Union Institute and University. He has been published numerous times in national and international publications. He is a recognized expert in leadership and career development, and has served as an instructor in command leadership at the Los Angeles Police Department Academy. He has appeared as a leadership authority on television and radio, including the internationally-broadcast Bloomberg Business Television Show, and the nationally syndicated Joey Reynolds Radio Show.

About Leadership Texas Hold ‘em Style

Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, "You're dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success."

Gates Accepts Patriot Award on Behalf of Troops

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was awarded the 2010 American Patriot Award last night for outstanding contributions to the intelligence, national security, and defense communities.

In accepting the prestigious award, Gates said he was doing so on behalf of all the young men and women in uniform who serve their country in time of war.

Gates received the National Defense University Foundation’s award at a ceremony here for his contributions during four decades of government service.

“Tonight we sit and enjoy this wonderful occasion and each other’s company, but we must never forget that our comfort and safety are borne on the brave and broad shoulders of those young men and women in uniform,” he said.

In honoring servicemembers, Gates quoted Gen. George C. Marshall, the Army chief of staff during World War II and Nobel Peace Prize winner for whom The Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after the war is named.

“More sacrifices will be required of them to defend the security and freedom of our country in this dangerous new century,” he said. “And it is our duty -- it is, indeed, our sacred obligation -- in Marshall’s words, to make things well for them.”

Their well-being, Gates added, is his continuing highest priority.

Among more than 600 guests were senior defense and military officials, including Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III, senior administration officials, members of Congress and corporate and community leaders.

In his comments, Gates recognized retired Republic of Korea Army Gen. Paik Sun-yup, who traveled from South Korea to attend the gala.

“For those of you who don’t know,” Gates said, “General Paik was the ROK army’s youngest and fiercest division commander during the Korean War and for nearly six decades has been one of America’s most steadfast friends.

“Sir,” Gates told him, “I’m pleased that you came so far to be here, and thank you.”

Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau and others spoke on Gates’ behalf.

“The American Patriot Award is presented each year to a citizen whose sacrifice and dedication stand out as remarkable,” Rondeau, president of National Defense University, said.

“To someone who answers the call to public service, patriotism is not a concept. It is a commitment, it is a duty upon which we act,” she added. “This level of commitment is what National Defense University Foundation prizes above all else. It is what we recognize and acknowledge every year and again this year.”

Cartwright thanked the university staff, professors, executives and the National Defense University Foundation for “making a difference” to all the field-grade officers and general officers who attend the institution, educating themselves and enriching their spirits.

One of several standing ovations of the evening acknowledged the gala’s special guests -- more than 40 members from each military service who were part of the 2010 Sponsor a Patriot program. Their commanders chose them based on character and dedication to country, and some came from around the world.

In a video message played during the celebration, former President George H.W. Bush highlighted Gates’ “monumental” contributions to his country.

“For eight presidents, having gone from raw recruit to CIA director and now secretary of defense, Robert Gates has been wisely and relentlessly fighting and winning America’s wars,” Bush said.

The American Patriot Award recognizes exceptional Americans who demonstrate a love of country and whose leadership and dedication symbolize U.S. ideals, values and democratic principles.

Past award recipients include former President George H.W. Bush; former Secretaries of State retired Army Gen. Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger; Army Gen. David Petraeus and the men and women of Central Command; astronaut and retired U.S. Senator John Glenn; and former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

Beyond honoring the recipients, the gala supports the university and its mission of preparing military and civilian leaders from the United States and other countries to examine national and international security challenges through educational and research programs, professional exchanges and outreach.

The main campus is at Fort Lesley McNair in Washington.

The National Defense University Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has provided private-sector support for the National Defense University for more than 28 years.

CNO Presents Stockdale Leadership Awards at Pentagon

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shannon Burns, Defense Media Activity - Anacostia

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations presented the Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale Leadership Award to two commanders at the Pentagon in the Hall of Heroes Nov. 3.

Adm. Gary Roughead presented the annual award, which is presented to two active duty commanding officers below the rank of captain, to Cmdr. Michael A. McCartney, representing U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Cmdr. Jeffrey M. Grimes, representing U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

McCartney and Grimes were presented the award due to their leadership, personal initiative and exemplary performance and contribution to the overall success of the operational units they command.

McCartney, the former commanding officer (CO) of USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) and Grimes, the current CO of USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Gold Crew), inspire their Sailors and fellow officers to do their best, said Roughead, at the awards ceremony.

"This truly is a significant award in my book for the principle reason that it is not an award that those higher in the chain of command elect to bestow on a particular commanding officer," said Roughead. "This is an award that is recommended by the peers of that individual."

McCartney took command of the Pearl Harbor-based Chung-Hoon in October 2008 and relinquished command in May 2010. While he was in command, the ship completed a six-month, independent cruise in the 7th, 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility, including escort duty in the Suez Canal. Chung-Hoon also served as Destroyer Squadron 31's flagship during Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training with the Singapore and Royal Malaysian navies, as well as during Exercise Koa Kai off the coast of Hawaii. The Chung-Hoon received outstanding ratings from the Board of Inspection and Survey and earned its first red "E," for engineering excellence, and its second blue "E," for logistical excellence.

"This award is important because Vice Adm. Stockdale is a Medal of Honor recipient; he's a hero," said McCartney. "To be considered to have even some of his qualities is quite humbling and quite an honor."

Grimes reported aboard the Kings Bay, Ga.-based Maryland in 2007. During his tour as the CO, Maryland has received the 2008 and 2009 Commander, Submarine Squadron 20 "E" for battle efficiency and the 2008 Omaha Trophy for top performance among Trident submarines. These awards are testaments to both the crew and his superior leadership skills and were one of the many reasons Grimes was chosen to mentor prospective commanding and executive officers as part of the Strategic Programs Prospective Commanding Officer/Executive Officer Course.

"To get this award is very humbling", said Grimes. "This is a great honor to my family, it's a great honor to the ship and a great honor to those people that came before me who taught me, trained me and mentored me."

Both awardees, nominated by their peers, were among a total of nine candidates recommended by their fleet commanders for consideration by a panel of senior officers.

Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale expressed that there were five key roles for a leader – a moralist, a jurist, a teacher, a steward and a philosopher.

Stockdale was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and a pilot. In September 1965, he ejected out of his A-4E Skyhawk over North Vietnam and for eight years was held prisoner and was frequently tortured. In 1976, he received the Medal of Honor. He served as president of the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., from Oct. 1977 until August 1979. In 2005, Stockdale died and is buried at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Navy Supply Chief Discusses Leadership at Hispanic MBAs Conference

By Lt. Jeffrey S. Gray, Navy City Outreach Chicago Public Affairs

CHICAGO, Ill. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command participated in an executive forum during the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) 2010 Conference and Career Expo, "Winds of Opportunity," held at Chicago's

McCormick Place

Oct. 22.

Rear Adm. Michael Lyden, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, sat on the Power and Influence Leadership panel, where he had an opportunity to talk about diversity in the Navy, inspirational leadership, living up to personal expectations, and civic involvement as a form of social networking.

"The Navy's Supply Corps consists of 3,400 professionals," said Lyden. "We're the business managers and premiere logisticians in the Navy. We like to think across the entire Department of Defense in total. We provide some incredible opportunities for leadership. We provide a wide range of business services from procurement, financial management, supply chain management, and distribution—you name it, we're doing it.

"From buying new ships and aircraft, to setting up forward operating bases in the far eastern reaches of Afghanistan on the Pakistan border - right out of the box, when we talk about leadership, what we offer coming out of college and into our business as a junior officer, you're put in charge of anywhere between 10 and 300 people," Lyden said.

The panel also included such corporate leaders as Douglas Conant, chief executive officer of Campbell Soup Company; Manny Favela, chief financial officer of McDonald's Latin America; and Keri Gawrych, executive vice president and division senior credit officer of Sun Trust Bank's South Florida division.

Panelists shared details about their leadership styles and how they were able to enhance their influence by tapping into different sources of power and effectively achieve objectives while motivating their teams toward improved performances.

Lyden also discussed the value of serving in the Navy in terms of being introduced to leadership early in a junior officer's career.

"I remember going to graduate school after being in the business for about seven years, and we were sitting around having leadership discussions and I realized that those of us who had been in the military had been in command, in charge, or responsible for large groups of people and our peers hadn't had that type of experience at that particular point and time," said Lyden. "So right from the start, not only do you get to witness leadership, but you get to live it and be part of it and have leadership responsibility and experience that's really unmatched."

Participants asked the panel about the prospects of Hispanics in leadership as the demographics of the country shift and Hispanics become a larger portion of the U.S. population.

"As a hiring organization, I believe the opportunities for Hispanics are unlimited," said Lyden. "As the demographics of the country evolve, we fully understand that we have to represent society in terms of demographics. Clearly the Hispanic community is poised to take on all types of leadership positions like never before. We certainly look forward to that in the U.S. Navy and we embrace that type of opportunity for those who want to serve."

For Lyden, engaging and connecting with the leadership of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, a prominent professional association that has access to graduate students who might be interested in serving in the U.S. Navy, will pay dividends in the future and be the start of a fruitful relationship.

Lyden's participation at the conference is part of the Navy's initiative to enhance the its branding by creating opportunities for Navy representatives to engage and connect with youth, educational, civic, government, and business leaders in targeted cities and specific professional associations; and, communicate the importance of educating and training future naval officers from diverse backgrounds for leadership roles within the United States Navy.

The goal of NSHMBA is to increase the number of Hispanics graduating from MBA schools through scholarships, awareness programs and mentorship and to enhance career management opportunities for Hispanic MBAs from school to leadership positions.

More than 8,500 Hispanic MBA professionals and students attended the conference, which included professional development seminars, a CEO speaker series, and the nation's largest career expo for Hispanic MBA professionals.

Mobile Division FBI Announces the 2010 Recipient of the Director’s Community Leadership Award

Timothy J. Fuhrman, Special Agent in Charge of the Mobile Division of the FBI, announced today that Mike and Mickey Gottfried and their organization, TEAM FOCUS, have been named the recipients of the 2010 Director’s Community Leadership Award.

Established in 1990, the Director’s Community Leadership Award is presented each year by FBI field offices to individuals whose achievements in the area of crime prevention, drug deterrence, or similar educational programs have made a positive difference in their communities.

Mike and Mickey Gottfried are being recognized for their work in connection with TEAM FOCUS. Many of you may recognize Mike as a former major college football coach at the University of Kansas and University of Pittsburgh, as well as an ESPN major college football game analyst. After leaving ESPN, Mike and Mickey Gottfried established TEAM FOCUS to provide mentoring services to boys throughout the country. Their organization is having a positive impact on so many of today’s youth who need adult male role models.

On behalf of Director Robert S. Mueller, III, the FBI is pleased to present the Director’s Community Leadership Award to Mike and Mickey Gottfried. The presentation will take place during a ceremony to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010, at the FBI’s Mobile Field Office located at

200 North Royal Street

. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to contact Special Agent Douglas Astralaga at the above telephone number.

FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award 2010 Recipient is Girl Scouts-Arizona-Cactus-Pine Council, Inc.

PHOENIX, AZ—Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Nathan Thomas Gray announced today the Girl Scouts-Arizona-Cactus-Pine Council, Inc., is the 2010 recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Each FBI field office selects one individual or organization each year to receive this prestigious award.

Since 1990, the Director's Community Leadership Award has been a principle means for the FBI to publicly recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations who make extraordinary contributions to crime and violence prevention and education in their communities.

The Girls Scouts-Arizona-Cactus-Pine Council, Inc., has taken a creative approach to addressing underage females who have been sexually exploited and are incarcerated for juvenile related offenses at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Black Canyon for Girls. A program called the “Adelante Jovencitas” (Spanish for "Young Women Moving Forward") was created with the assistance of the Arizona State University's College of Education and Service Learning Programs.

This program provides a 16-week school based course, a mentoring program, and a community troop that serves girls from both the community and various justice system housing placements. The goal is to break the dangerous cycle these girls find themselves in by addressing issues of crime and violence, education, gangs, health, homelessness, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse.

This innovative and unique program is a great example of how non-governmental organizations partner with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to address underage child sexual exploitation.

Ms. Barbara Strachan, a staunch advocate against the sexual exploitation of underage females, approached the Girl Scouts-Arizona-Cactus-Pine Council, Inc., and formed a partnership between the Girl Scouts and the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Black Canyon School for Girls.

It was their vision that put into motion a program that reflects the Girl Scouts' mission of "Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place."

SAC Nathan Gray said, “The Girl Scouts-Arizona-Cactus-Pine Council, Inc., epitomizes the spirit of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award by making extraordinary contributions in the lives of these young girls. Their efforts truly embody the mission of the Girl Scouts.”