National Guard Association honors Wisconsinites

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Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Two Wisconsin residents - a National Guard officer and a civilian - received awards today (Aug. 29) at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) annual convention in Milwaukee.

Capt. Jason Crabb, of Verona, chief of future operations with the Wisconsin National Guard Joint Staff, is one of six national recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for Company Grade Officers. A Wisconsin Air National Guard member for 14 years with three years in the active component Air Force, he spent many years as the officer in charge of the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center. His performance in that role prompted his nomination.

"It's an honor and a privilege to receive this award," he said. "I'm glad to have the opportunity to represent Wisconsin on our home turf."

Lt. Col. David May, with the Wisconsin National Guard's operations directorate for military support, has supervised Crabb for nearly three years in the Joint Operations Center.

"When I saw the award, Jason was the first one I thought of," May said. "He's an outstanding leader. He understands operations, he's a strategic thinker, he's mature beyond his years and has the experience to back him up."

According to the award citation, "His ardent and steadfast efforts, combined with shrewd resource management and development of assigned personnel, has enabled the Wisconsin Joint Operations Center to grow into a robust and mature asset critical to the Wisconsin National Guard's response capability."

Crabb said the award is not an individual achievement, noting that outstanding officers and noncommissioned officers are responsible for a successful Joint Operations Center.

Jennifer Van Kirk, of Brookfield, a partner in the Milwaukee law firm Peckerman, Klein and Van Kirk since 2009, is one of five national recipients of the Patrick Henry Award. A Wisconsin National Guard Family Program volunteer since 2004, Van Kirk has served in several volunteer positions and on the Family Program's state advisory council. In 2010 she was named to the Pro Bono Honor Roll for providing pro bono legal services to service members, veterans and families of service members in Wisconsin.

"Those who know me well know that I am rarely speechless," she said. "However, I am at a loss for words because of the magnitude of this recognition. The National Guard family, both service members and volunteers, is filled with kind and hardworking people, full of integrity and courage. To be chosen by that same National Guard family, and nominated by people for whom I have great respect, is an unparalleled honor for me."

Van Kirk said she volunteers because she enjoys helping families and service members, and has enjoyed opportunities to learn, observe deployment training, and hear Gen. William Casey, Jr., former Army Chief of Staff.

"I have also had the distinct pleasure of meeting amazing service members, family members and volunteers who will be my lifelong friends," she said.

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said both recipients deserved their awards.

"The Wisconsin National Guard is blessed to have individuals such as Capt. Crabb and Ms. Van Kirk who embody the dedication and devotion of our organization," Dunbar said. "The bedrock of the National Guard rests upon professionalism, volunteerism and family. Without those vital components, we could not succeed in our mission to safeguard community and country."

The Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award, first presented in 2006, recognizes the achievements and dedicated service of Army and Air junior officers who demonstrate outstanding leadership and professionalism in their service to country and community. The Patrick Henry Award, created in 1989, recognizes local officials and civic leaders who distinguish themselves by exceptional service to the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or NGAUS.

The 133rd NGAUS Convention is a three-day conference including keynote speakers, discussion on important legislative issues, and access to the largest defense industry trade show. The event began Saturday (Aug. 27) at the Frontier Airlines Center Exhibit Hall in downtown Milwaukee.

Timothy J. Delaney Named Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the Los Angeles Field Office

Tim Delaney is not only an excellent FBI leader, but he was a military leader.  Check out these military leadership books and become one of the best!

Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Timothy J. Delaney special agent in charge of the FBI’s Criminal Division at the Los Angeles Field Office. Mr. Delaney most recently served as section chief for the New Agent’s Training Program Section in the FBI’s Training Division. In this role, he was responsible for the development and delivery of training programs for new special agents.

Mr. Delaney completed new agent training in Quantico, Virginia in 1991. He worked in the New York Field Office for nine years, where was assigned to the Manhattan office and investigated a variety of white-collar crime matters.

After serving in New York, Mr. Delaney was promoted to unit chief at FBI Headquarters in the Criminal Investigative Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit from July 2000 to December 2004. He oversaw the efforts of more than 400 investigators and managed a budget of more than $114 million. In this role, he was also a frequent lecturer on health care fraud at major conferences and training sessions.

From January 2005 to June 2008, Mr. Delaney served as assistant special agent in charge in the Miami Field Office. He managed division’s white-collar crime, cyber, and civil rights programs. In addition to this, he oversaw the efforts of special agents and intelligence analysts. While in Miami, the division dismantled criminal enterprises resulting in convictions of Washington, D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramoff, several county commissioners, and three police corruption rings.

Mr. Delaney is a native of Queens, New York. Prior to the start of his FBI career in 1991, he graduated from Sienna College in Albany, New York with a degree in accounting. He worked in investment banking at Banque Paribas in New York City and served five years in the U.S. Army Reserves, leaving as a first lieutenant. Mr. Delaney is married and has three children.

Department of Justice Announces New Acting Director of ATF and Senior Advisor in the Office of Legal Policy

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced the appointments of U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota B. Todd Jones to serve as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson to become Senior Advisor on forensic science in the Office of Legal Policy (OLP).

“As a seasoned prosecutor and former military judge advocate, U.S. Attorney Jones is a demonstrated leader who brings a wealth of experience to this position,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.  “I have great confidence that he will be a strong and steady influence guiding ATF in fulfilling its mission of combating violent crime by enforcing federal criminal laws and regulations in the firearms and explosives industries.”

Jones will continue to serve in the capacity of U.S. Attorney when he assumes the role of ATF acting director on Aug. 31, 2011.

A veteran of the Justice Department, Jones has served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota under two presidential administrations.  He first served from 1998 to 2001.  He was nominated again in 2009 by President Obama and has been in that role since being confirmed that year.

In 2009, the Attorney General appointed him to serve as chair of the Attorney General Advisory Committee (AGAC), a group of U.S. Attorneys appointed to advise the Attorney General on policy, management and operational issues affecting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country.  Jones previously served as a member, vice chair and chair of the AGAC from 1999 to 2001.

During his several years as a federal prosecutor, Jones conducted grand jury investigations and has been the lead trial lawyer in many federal prosecutions involving drug trafficking, firearms, financial fraud and violent crime.

Throughout his career, Jones has served as a partner with Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi (2001-2009); a partner with Greene Espel, PLLP (2001; 1994-1997); First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota (1997-1998); and Assistant U.S. Attorney (1992-1994). 

Following admission to the Minnesota bar, Jones went on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as both a trial defense counsel and prosecutor in a number of courts martial proceedings.

Jones received his B.A. from Macalester College in 1979 and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1983.

Melson will join OLP on Aug. 31, 2011, in his new role as senior advisor where he will focus on issues relating to policy development in forensic science.

“Ken brings decades of experience at the department and extensive knowledge in forensic science to his new role and I know he will be a valuable contributor on these issues,” said Attorney General Holder.  “As he moves into this new role, I want to thank Ken for his dedication to the department over the last three decades.”

He is a past president and distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and currently participates on behalf of the department on the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board.  He has been an adjunct professor at George Washington University for almost 30 years teaching both law and forensic science courses.

Melson was appointed acting director of ATF in 2009.  Prior to that, he was director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and served several years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Melson received his B.A. from Denison University in 1970 and his J.D. from George Washington University in 1973.

Leadership the FBI Way

Kathleen McChesney “is the only female special agent to be named the Bureau’s executive assistant director. After a thirty-year career in law enforcement, she held leadership positions at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Walt Disney Company, and since 2007 she has consulted with businesses and non-profit organizations. She lives in Los Angeles.” Kathleen McChesney is the co-author of Pick Up Your Own Brass: Leadership the FBI Way.

William Gavin “is a twenty-eight-year veteran of the FBI who attained the agency’s highest rank of assistant director in charge. He has held executive positions in the health care industry and for a security services provider, and has been a commentator for MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. He currently serves as a business consultant. He lives in Boston. William Gavin is the co-author of Pick Up Your Own Brass: Leadership the FBI Way.

According to the book description of Pick Up Your Own Brass: Leadership the FBI Way, “In FBI terms, leaders who pick up their own brass casings at the firing range are more effective than those who expect someone else to do it for them. To those at the bureau, this small action speaks louder than words and is largely indicative of a person’s overall management style. Through a host of real-life FBI stories, from the streets to the corner offices, Pick Up Your Own Brass: Leadership the FBI Way reveals the leadership qualities that have enabled the bureau to successfully navigate through a century of war, espionage, organized crime, terrorism, fraud, and corruption. Offering fifty essential leadership lessons based on challenges that FBI officials have faced over the course of their careers, this book can help anyone—established leaders, aspiring leaders, minority leaders, and even “accidental executives” who find themselves managing more than they imagined—build a culture of leadership.”

One reader of Pick Up Your Own Brass: Leadership the FBI Way said, “Pick Up Your Own Brass, with its fascinating human-interest stories of the FBI, and valuable insights into human behavior, is far more than a guidance book to effective leadership in a topnotch organization. Each chapter is thoughtfully laid out to teach valuable lessons by setting down memorable examples of the decision making process, and reinforcing the major points raised at the end of each anecdote. In doing so, this book is effectively instructional, but flows seamlessly like a fast-paced novel. In gaining the 'inside scoop' on leadership from the managers who worked at the highest level of the FBI organization, Kathy McChesney and Bill Gavin lay out the leadership traits necessary for an effective, cohesive unit in any organization, paralleling many of the traits that our founding fathers adhered to in governing: integrity, measured forethought, well-planned out action, prideful humbleness, healthy pliable ego, true love of leadership, cooperative spirit, calculated articulateness, and above all surrendering one's personal gain, acclaim, and hubris for the good of the whole. This book is not only for law enforcement institutions and business managers, but also for anyone who wants advice on how to lead effectively in any area of life--how to take direct charge when it's called for, but to reverentially step back and lead indirectly through capable and talented subordinates at other times; and, most importantly, to give credit where credit is due. The leadership examples set forth in this book, the basis of FBI success since the early 1900s, have been shown by vast experience to be effective strategies in keeping this country safe from criminal and terrorist elements. The authors should be commended for creating an eloquent and structured work comprising some very personal inside experiences of the FBI, both pros and cons, so that others may learn how to effectively lead.”

Jennifer S. Love Named Assistant Director of the Security Division

Jennifer Love exemplifies leadership in her duties.  Check out these police leadership books and learn how you can become a leader in any sector.

Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Jennifer S. Love assistant director of the FBI’s Security Division. Ms. Love most recently served as acting assistant director of the FBI’s Inspection Division.

Ms. Love began her career with the FBI as a financial analyst in the St. Louis Division and completed new agents training in Quantico, Virginia in 1987. She started her career as an FBI special agent in the New Orleans Division, then the Chicago Division, and later returned to the New Orleans Division’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency. Ms. Love investigated white-collar crime, violent crime, and civil rights matters.

In 1997, she was appointed as a supervisory special agent in the Office of Professional Responsibility at FBI Headquarters. Ms. Love transferred to the Philadelphia Division in 1999 in a supervisory role, where she led a white-collar crime/computer intrusions squad.

Ms. Love was named assistant special agent in charge in the Baltimore Field Office in 2002. Then in 2005, she returned to Headquarters as section chief in the Counterterrorism Division. She oversaw administrative functions and programs, and later oversaw the Counterterrorism Division’s Communication Exploitation Section.

In 2006, Ms. Love reported to the Washington Field Office as special agent in charge of the Criminal Division. She was appointed as special agent in charge of the Richmond Division in 2008. In 2010, she served as deputy assistant director in the Inspection Division, where she oversaw the Office of Inspections, Inspection Strategic Analysis Section, Internal Investigations Section, and External Audit Section.

Ms. Love is native of Mississippi and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Jackson State University. Ms. Love worked in the private sector prior to her FBI career.

Guardian of Justice Award

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FBI Agent Honored for Mortgage Fraud, Credit History Fraud Investigations; Buchanan County/St. Joseph Team Honored for Arrest of Violent Fugitive Under Fire

KANSAS CITY, MO—Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, presented area law enforcement officers with the Guardian of Justice Award last night during the 9th annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo.

The annual Guardian of Justice Award recognizes a state or local officer as well as a federal agent for investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented by the U.S. Attorney each year during the law enforcement training conference.

FBI Special Agent Julia Jensen was the federal recipient of the Guardian of Justice Award. This is based on her work investigating mortgage fraud and credit history fraud cases during the past year, but also reflects her work on many other mortgage fraud cases in prior years. Mortgage fraud has been a scourge on Kansas City in recent years, but Jensen’s work has helped to stem the tide. Due largely to her tireless investigations, the Western District of Missouri has been among the leading districts in the country in terms of number of defendants prosecuted for mortgage fraud. She was among the first in the nation to identify credit history fraud and, as a result, this district charged the first credit history fraud case in the country in August 2010, which received nationwide media attention. In the process, Jensen has become a leading national expert on this subject.

Five members of the Buchanan County/St. Joseph Police Department Special Response Team—Detective Sergeant Eric Protzman, Detectives Steve McClintick and Shane Luikart, Officer Jason Stron, and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Tiger Parsons—were the state and local recipients of the Guardian of Justice Award. These Special Response Team members distinguished themselves during their arrest of an armed federal fugitive and violent offender who fired upon the officers before he was taken into custody.

Buchanan County/St. Joseph Police Department Special Response Team

An arrest warrant had been issued for Christopher A. Punzo for both a state violation as well as a violation of his supervised release on a prior federal conviction. Armed with two loaded firearms, Punzo had barricaded himself in a small bedroom of a St. Joseph, Mo., residence. The Buchanan County/St. Joseph Police Department Special Response Team responded to the scene, but Punzo resisted hostage negotiators attempts to peacefully arrest him.

After several hours of negotiation and deployment of tear gas in an attempt to force Punzo to surrender, team members Protzman, McClintick, Luikart, Strong, and Parsons entered the bedroom to take Punzo into custody. Punzo aimed a loaded revolver at the approaching officers, which they knocked from his hand by shooting him with bean bags. Punzo then pointed a loaded assault rifle at the officers and fired a round, striking Strong in the leg and hitting his thigh holster and sidearm.

Punzo tried to fire additional rounds from the assault rifle at the officers before one of the officers grabbed the barrel of the rifle and forcibly took it from him while another team member grabbed Punzo.

On June 29, 2010, Punzo was indicted for being a felon in possession of firearms. He was sentenced on April 7, 2011, to 10 years in federal prison without parole, the maximum penalty. Because Punzo had violated conditions of his supervised release in the earlier federal case, he was also sentenced to a consecutive two years in federal prison without parole, for a total prison term of 12 years.

FBI Special Agent Julia Jensen

It is likely that in no other area of local law enforcement has one agent made a broader impact to deter a specific type of crime than Jensen has in the area of mortgage fraud. She spots new trends and stays on the pulse of what types of fraud are going on, and who the perpetrators are, and then one by one, she prepares strong, winning cases against them. Preparing successful mortgage fraud cases requires laborious work to gather all of the myriad necessary documents, and painstaking attention to detail to uncover the scheme and prepare it for prosecution. Usually, dozens of witnesses must be carefully interviewed.

Jensen frequently lectures to professionals in the mortgage and real estate industry and others about how to avoid these fraud schemes, which are constantly being reinvented.

While investigating mortgage fraud, Jensen noticed that subjects appeared to be doing things that affected their credit histories. She began investigating this conduct and came to realize the subjects were manipulating and falsifying their credit histories as a way to circumvent the protections and increased credit requirements imposed following the mortgage meltdown. Credit history fraud is extremely problematic since lenders rely heavily on credit scores and credit histories in making lending decisions, and most lenders have not realized the possibility that credit histories and scores may be manipulated and falsified. Her investigation resulted in the first federal indictment for credit history fraud (U.S. v. Washam-Hawkins, et al).

Among her most recent cases, Jensen investigated a significant mortgage fraud scheme with 19 defendants in a $12.6 million conspiracy that involved 25 upscale residential properties in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Raymore, Mo. All of the defendants have pleaded guilty (U.S. v. Clark, et al). Jensen also investigated an $11 million mortgage fraud scheme with nine defendants (U.S. v. Turner, et al), several of whom have pleaded guilty.

Face of Defense: Motivated Marine Succeeds in Afghanistan

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By Marine Corps Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde

2nd Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2011 – Marine Corps Cpl. Austin Barton of Charleston, S.C., keeps his “ear to the ground” here as he monitors enemy activity to inform and safeguard his fellow service members.

Barton serves as the combat operations center watch chief with the 2nd Marine Division’s intelligence section here, analyzing activity in the division’s area of operations and briefing the intelligence section. He also acts as a liaison to ground commanders.

“I focus on what is going on in the battle space on a constant basis -- where the enemy is, where they are attacking,” Barton explained. “I have to analyze that and provide [an] operational picture to the intelligence section. While doing that, I also provide an intelligence picture to the operations side.”

Barton was recognized as his battalion’s noncommissioned officer of the 3rd quarter for fiscal 2011, but he had built a reputation for being a stellar Marine before deploying to Afghanistan in February, said Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Richard Pinner, the collections chief for the division’s intelligence section.

Knowing this, Pinner said, Barton’s supervisors wanted him to assume high-profile tasks and responsibilities typically reserved for much higher-ranking Marines.

“He was put in the combat operations center, which is not a desirable billet; however, it’s something that has to get done,” said Pinner, who hails from Pensacola, Fla. “He was performing the duties and tasks of a lieutenant.”

Barton, 22, has served in the Marine Corps for five years. He is a former rifleman who switched to the intelligence field when he re-enlisted. His infantry experience, Barton said, has given him an ability to see through the eyes of Marines on the ground without actually being there, a skill that prepared him well for the intelligence field.

“Understanding what [the infantryman] is looking for and understanding what they’re seeing on the battlefield without actually being there aids you significantly when trying to provide an intelligence picture,” he said. “[It] really helps, because you have the opportunity to speak from both sides and bring that middle ground when ideas don’t meet.”

Barton’s job proficiency and leadership ability are well known in the intelligence section, said Marine Corps 1st Lt. Joseph Timoteo, the division’s intelligence operations center watch officer.

“Corporal Barton is the most intense and enthusiastic Marine that I’ve met in the [intelligence section],” said Timoteo, a Philadelphia native. “The longer he’s been here, the more enthusiastic he’s become about his job. Then he pushes that off on others, and it’s refreshing to see.”

Barton said his drive to perform comes from his love of being a Marine in what he believes is the pinnacle of any Marine’s career -- being deployed.

“My motivation comes from being out here [in Afghanistan],” he said. “Being deployed is the greatest part of [a Marine’s] career, because that’s when [they] are really affecting the rest of the world.”

Face of Defense: British NCO Trains Future Marine Leaders

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By Marine Corps Cpl. Jahn R. Kuiper

The Quantico Sentry

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va., Aug. 16, 2011 – British Royal Marine Colour Sgt. Richy Asson strives to provide challenging, safe and proper training in his job as the physical training advisor at the U.S. Marine Officer Candidate School here.

Asson works directly with the commanding officer to decide the most effective and safest way for candidates to train, and he also oversees the U.S. Marine physical training instructors.

Few people know how a British Royal Marine earned the position where he helps train future American officers. It began in 1972, Asson said, when two high-ranking officers from OCS and the Royal Marines Commando Training Center in Devon, England, got together.

“The story goes that because the [U.S. Marine Corps] doesn’t have a [military specialty] that’s a physical training expert, the American officer asked us to send one of our physical training instructors to head up training here at OCS,” Asson said. “In exchange, they would send an infantry trained gunnery sergeant to be the advisor to one of our platoon commanders and help administrate one of our platoons of enlisted recruits going through the Royal Marines Commando Training Center. It was a classic ‘switcharoo.’”

After 20 years of service in the British Royal Marines, 15 of them as a physical training instructor, and after heading the physical training course at the Royal Marines Commando Training Center, Asson was told he would be making the trip across the pond in 2010.

Asson said he was delighted to be chosen.

“In our field, this is the most prestigious job, and I’m honored to be here,” he said. “This is the job everyone wants, because you get to come to America and be an advisor to the colonel, you’re pretty much on your own, and [you] get to run things how you see fit. And you get to help mold the candidates here at OCS.”

It’s important for the officer candidates to train safely, Asson said.

“I make sure the courses here are safe to train on. For example, if the obstacle course has ice on it, I’ll shut it down,” he said. “I make sure the candidates stay safe and see to it that the instructors conduct training properly.”

The leadership at OCS considers Asson’s role to be vital.

“The Marine Corps doesn’t have a physical training expert as a job, so the knowledge and experience he brings is crucial,” said Col. Rick Jackson, the OCS commanding officer. “He is the one that ensures the candidates are meeting the physical standards expected of our graduates and recommends if they are prepared for the rigors of the basic school.

“He is the duty expert,” the colonel continued, “and without him we would really just be guessing on what the best training would be. Just like a battalion has a gunner as a weapons expert, he is our expert, and I consult with him on all physical training matters.”

But this wasn’t only a commitment for the colour sergeant, but also for his wife and famil,y who came to America with him on the two-year tour.

“I have my wife, Nickey, and my 13-year-old twins, Billy and Megan, here with me,” Asson said. “It was hard, especially for the twins, to adjust with school and all, but now they all are really enjoying being here in America.”

Asson said he strives to excel at his mission at OCS.

“I always make sure I give 100 percent and give a good showing of myself,” Asson said. “If I drop my standard, it looks bad on not only OCS but also the Royal Marines. I’m the only one here, so I must give my all to maintain the image of my service. I approach my mission here with the utmost importance.”

Norfolk Sailor Honored by National Corrections Association

By Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Naval Brig Norfolk was recognized as Navy Corrections Service Member of the Year by the American Correctional Association (ACA) in Kissimmee, Fla., Aug 8.

Chief Gunner's Mate (EXW/SW/AW) Antoine O. Flood, who serves as the senior corrections counselor at Naval Brig Norfolk, received his award during a banquet at the ACA's annual Congress of Correction.

"Chief Flood is phenomenal. His inner strength and tireless motivation has set him at the top of the corrections specialist field," said Capt. Ken Dalton, commander, Naval Brig Norfolk. "His influence significantly increased the potential for more than 350 prisoners to return to duty or civilian life with the correct attitude to succeed in the future."

Navy brigs are staffed by officers and enlisted Sailors who volunteer for brig duty during shore rotations. Flood reported to Naval Brig Norfolk February 2009 after completing corrections training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Soon after he joined the staff at Naval Brig Norfolk, Flood assumed greater responsibly when he qualified as a correctional counselor working to rehabilitate prisoners in his charge.

"Assignment to brig staff provides exceptional opportunities for members to enhance their leadership qualities without regard to their military specialty," said Timothy Purcell, deputy director Corrections & Programs, Navy Personnel Command, who joined Flood at the ACA conference. "The Navy has taken an assertive role in military corrections by notable commitment to professionalism, application to rehabilitation programs, and adherence to standards of the American Correctional Association."

Flood is one of 600 Sailors currently staffing the Navy's consolidated brigs, pretrial confinement facilities and brig detachments around the world. Brig assignments fall under shore special programs detailing and provide Sailors an opportunity to gain experience outside their enlisted rating.

Flood said the driving philosophy of Navy corrections is to return prisoners back to the Navy or society better prepared to be productive and offense-free individuals.

"Rehabilitating these individuals back into society or giving them a second chance at serving their country is a win/win situation for them and for society as a whole," said Flood. "As brig staff you aren't just keepers of the gate, you are the gateway to a better society.

Sailors can learn more about brig duty in the shore special programs section of the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website at npc.navy.mil.

FBI to Hire More Special Agents

NEWARK, NJ—The FBI is now accepting applications for the special agent position from now until September 23, 2011. In addition to the traditional background in law or accounting, the FBI is also seeking individuals with skill sets in information technology or computer science, intelligence, engineering, science (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.), foreign language fluency (particularly in languages that involve our national security interests, such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Farsi, Punjabi, etc.), military and law enforcement. Applicants may also apply under what the Bureau terms the “Diversified” category, which encompasses all other disciplines.

Applicants should be U.S. citizens and have at least a four year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional work experience. If the applicant has a master’s degree or higher, a minimum of two years of professional work experience is required. Selections of new agent candidates are based on the applicant’s demonstrated experience in the special agent core competencies: leadership, oral and written communication, initiative and motivation, interpersonal skills, adaptability and flexibility, organizing, planning and prioritizing, and evaluating information and making decisions. Applicants must also pass a written examination, a panel interview, a thorough background check to include a polygraph examination, and a strenuous physical fitness test. The application process for all FBI positions begins with an online questionnaire. Once the questionnaire is satisfactorily completed, the FBI will contact that applicant for further information and instruction. A further explanation of these requirements and the entire application process can be found at fbijobs.gov. Anyone interested in applying for the special agent position should thoroughly review this website, including FBI Employment Disqualifiers, FBI Drug Policy and FBI Background Investigation process, to ensure compliance prior to applying. Please do not call the field office with application questions as the answers to the most commonly asked questions can be found online.

Save the Cat

As a writer I am sometimes asked questions about the process of writing. I do my share of asking, also. Recently, I participated in the filming of an episode of Killer Minds hosted by best-selling author Marcus Sakey. I spent a couple of hours with him and grilled him on his storytelling. One of the best tidbits I took out of the conversation was the book Save the Cat. Marcus highly recommended as the best explanation of the Three Act Structure. I have learned more in this book than ANY other I have read. While author focuses on writing screen plays, the information is easily transferable to novels, etc. With nine non-fiction books to my credit, it’s time to take a crack at a different kind of storytelling.


I am now passing the recommendation to you; if you want to write, get Save the Cat.

Senior Wisconsin Army Guard leaders visit basic training recruits

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Basic training is where most Soldiers first learn about the "battle buddy" concept - a partnership where two Soldiers watch out for each other in training, combat and non-combat environments. This mutually beneficial arrangement provides accountability, safety and companionship.

If two is good, two dozen might be even better. Last week, senior Wisconsin Army National Guard leaders visited 24 of their young Soldiers assigned to the same basic training company at Fort Benning. Ga., to see the "buddy platoon" concept in action.

According to Lt. Col. Eric Killen, recruiting and retention battalion commander, the buddy platoon is not a new concept, but the Wisconsin Army National Guard has not employed it since 1985.

"In fact, I was a member of a buddy platoon in 1985," Killen recalled. "Maj. Gen. Raymond Matera, the adjutant general, came to visit us."

The idea is to ease the sometimes daunting transition from civilian to Soldier by surrounding young recruits with others that may be in their same National Guard unit or from the same hometown.

"[The Recruiting and Retention Battalion] decided to bring it back as we felt it would be a good way to provide our Soldiers instant camaraderie and a support structure," Killen said.

The concept may have merit, considering that the 24 buddy platoon recruits will be high school seniors less than a week after graduating basic training.

"The sense I got ... was that they liked being in a buddy platoon," Killen said, adding that the recruits he asked liked having someone at basic that they knew, and indicated the buddy platoon system should continue.

"I'm actually having fun with it," Pvt. Jonathan Huston of Algoma, Wis. - a member of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry in Green Bay - said about boot camp.

"I've been learning a lot," added Pvt. Jordan Hauge of Willard, Wis. - a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry in Arcadia, Wis.

"It's been fast, but hot," said Pvt. Stephan Shambrook of Argyle, Wis. - a member of Troop C, 105th Cavalry in Reedsburg, Wis. "I can't wait until we're done. Overall, it's hard, but if I could choose to do it over again, I would."

All three indicated that they are considering serving for 20 years. Hauge said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Jim Hauge, a World War II veteran who served more than 20 years in the Army.

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, commended the Wisconsin National Guard recruits during the visit.

"The fact that you signed up while our country is actively engaged in two wars says a lot about your character," Anderson said. "Thank you."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper told the recruits that they had matured as a result of good leaders who guided them to the right path. He urged them, once they return to the Recruit Sustainment Program before attending their advanced individual training courses next summer, to help their fellow recruits.

"Take the time to share what you've learned," he said.

32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde cautioned the recruits - who all belong to subordinate units of the 32nd Brigade - that their classmates will seem different.

"When you get back, you'll have changed," he said. "You'll be a Soldier. When you get back to school, you'll see things that will make you shake your head. You're different, so relax and let it go."

Huston indicated that he would feel like a "tough guy - superior to my peers" upon his return to high school. Hauge said he felt he would be "more developed" than his classmates.

"We'll have accomplished more than our friends," Shambrook said.

Conde told the recruits he was proud to wear the same uniform. Col. Martin Seifer, 32nd Brigade commander, noted that less than one percent of Americans wear the uniform of the Armed Forces.

"I'm looking forward to having you in our formations and being part of the Red Arrow," he said.

Mullen Talks Change, Leadership With Troops in Mosul

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

MOSUL, Iraq, Aug. 1, 2011 – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen today got a taste of the ground truth that American service members live every day in this northern Iraqi city.

It was more than 125 degrees outside when the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke to about 400 service members at the Marez gym here. He thanked them for their service, and said America was “blessed” to have them.

Mosul was a concern when he took office in 2007, the chairman noted. “Mosul was in really, really tough shape,” he said. “The violence was high, and it was al-Qaida Central.”

The change in the city is striking, Mullen said, and he thanked the service members for what they do day in and day out to give the Iraqis the chance for a democratic and free future.

The chairman also spoke to the 1st Cavalry Division’s 4th Advise and Assist Brigade about change. “There are opportunities in change, but change can also be very challenging,” he said.

The service members have made changes in Mosul, the chairman added, but change also is going to be felt in the U.S. military writ large. “Change has become a way of life for us across the board,” he said.

Mullen told the troops that a deal had been struck in the debt-ceiling debate, but that the message of the debate will have far-reaching effects for the military, repeating an opinion he frequently has expressed.

“I believe that debt is the biggest threat to our national security,” he said. “We cannot keep increasing our debt and expect the Pentagon … to get the resources we need.”

While the nation will get through these debt problems, Mullen said, the money for national defense is not an unlimited pot. “There will be tough decisions to make,” he added. “It is the first time we have been through a cycle like this when we have two wars, an all-volunteer force, the numbers of deployments and the challenges we have to deal with this.”

Retention and recruiting are high, but they will be constrained, he said. The services must keep the best people, he told the service members. He urged them to diversify their experience and get more education, because the services need highly qualified, highly educated personnel to weather this cycle.

Today’s force is the most combat-experienced force in American history, with many soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. “One of the questions is ‘How do we sustain this over time?” he said.

Leadership will see the military through a lot of these problems, the chairman said, adding that he wants leaders at all levels to step forward.

“Anybody who is out there … [in the] front, middle or back can make a difference,” he said. “You’ve seen that in combat, [and] you’ve seen it in peace.”

Part of leadership at all levels is taking care of each other, the chairman said. All, he added, must work to eliminate sexual assaults in the military and to help service members contemplating suicide, and all have to work to eliminate any stigma associated with seeking help for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

Mullen told the noncommissioned officers in the audience that they had succeeded because someone made a difference in their lives. “I ask that you do the same,” he said. “Figure it out. Pay it back that way.

“Prepare them,” he continued. “Give them opportunities for leadership, give them opportunities for responsibility, [and] give them opportunities for education and training.”

Gregory A. Fowler Named Special Agent in Charge of the Portland Field Office

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Director Robert S. Mueller III has named Gregory A. Fowler the special agent in charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Portland Division. Mr. Fowler has most recently served as the SAC for counterterrorism in the FBI’s New York Division.

Mr. Fowler entered on duty as a special agent with the FBI in April 1988. Upon completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to the New York Division, specializing in organized crime and drug investigations. In February 1998, he was promoted to supervisory special agent and assigned to FBI Headquarters, where he managed the Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area programs. Mr. Fowler also traveled abroad to provide training to foreign law enforcement officers on organized crime and drug investigations through the International Law Enforcement Academy.

In February 2000, Mr. Fowler transferred to the Seattle Division, where he supervised the organized crime/drug squad, the Special Operations Group, the cyber squad, and two resident agencies. He also supervised the division’s Evidence Response Team and Hazardous Materials Response Team. In August 2004, he was temporarily assigned to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served as the deputy on-scene commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Fowler was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago Division in August 2005, assigned to lead the operations of the division’s counterterrorism program, which includes the Joint Terrorism Task Force. His duties also involved oversight responsibility for the intelligence, cyber, bomb technician, hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, crisis management, and special events programs.

David J. Johnson Appointed Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City Division

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller has named David J. Johnson special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Division. Since 2009, he has been the chief of the Violent Crimes Section in the Criminal Investigative Division, responsible for managing programs that involve federal violations such as bank robberies, kidnappings, extortions, crimes against children, Indian country matters, fugitives, major thefts, transportation crimes, and special jurisdiction matters.

Mr. Johnson entered on duty with the FBI in 1991 and was assigned to a violent crime squad in the San Jose Resident Agency. In 1994, he was assigned to the high-technology squad, which was responsible for investigating all matters impacting high-tech companies. Mr. Johnson served as a case agent on a complex theft of proprietary information matter with a sensitive counterintelligence component; this case became the first to be prosecuted under the economic espionage classification.

In 1997, Mr. Johnson was assigned to a Mexican drug trafficking organization squad. Two years later, he became a supervisory special agent of the Asian organized crime squad in the San Jose office and led two successful multi-agency task forces that targeted human trafficking and police corruption and racketeering cases.

As the chief of the Crimes Against Children Unit, he developed the Innocence Lost National Initiative, which identifies and rescues minors involved in prostitution and investigates the pimps who profit from their exploitation. He established the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Teams, technology to assist in locating registered sex offenders, and collaborated with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in Northern Virginia.

He was promoted to the assistant special agent in charge of the San Francisco Division and managed all criminal programs, the Victim Witness Program, and the SWAT team. In 2008, Mr. Johnson was promoted to inspector in charge and led the task force created by the Attorney General to conduct a criminal investigation into the destruction of interrogation videotapes by the CIA.

Mr. Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1990 and practiced insurance defense law before joining the FBI.

Gregory A. Fowler Named Special Agent in Charge of the Portland Field Office

Director Robert S. Mueller III has named Gregory A. Fowler the special agent in charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Portland Division. Mr. Fowler has most recently served as the SAC for counterterrorism in the FBI’s New York Division.

Mr. Fowler entered on duty as a special agent with the FBI in April 1988. Upon completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to the New York Division, specializing in organized crime and drug investigations. In February 1998, he was promoted to supervisory special agent and assigned to FBI Headquarters, where he managed the Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area programs. Mr. Fowler also traveled abroad to provide training to foreign law enforcement officers on organized crime and drug investigations through the International Law Enforcement Academy.

In February 2000, Mr. Fowler transferred to the Seattle Division, where he supervised the organized crime/drug squad, the Special Operations Group, the cyber squad, and two resident agencies. He also supervised the division’s Evidence Response Team and Hazardous Materials Response Team. In August 2004, he was temporarily assigned to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served as the deputy on-scene commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Fowler was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago Division in August 2005, assigned to lead the operations of the division’s counterterrorism program, which includes the Joint Terrorism Task Force. His duties also involved oversight responsibility for the intelligence, cyber, bomb technician, hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, crisis management, and special events programs.

Behind the Scenes at the FBI: Salt Lake City Division Celebrates Diversity in the Workplace

The FBI is known for solving complex cases and keeping society safe from criminals. But what the public may not be aware of is the ongoing emphasis placed on equality and diversity inside the FBI. To help raise employees’ awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversity, the FBI Salt Lake City Office holds lunchtime meetings seven times a year. All employees are welcome to attend the hour-long sessions and listen to guest speakers address a wide variety of topics. Over the past two years, speakers have educated FBI employees in the Salt Lake City division about important issues related to people with disabilities, women’s history, Asian and Black history, and much more. In June, the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office welcomed Brandie Balken, the Executive Director of Equality Utah. Equality Utah is the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equal rights group. Ms. Balken expressed her appreciation for the work that goes on at the FBI. “You have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. You are charged with upholding the constitution and one of the core tenants is that all people are created equal,” said Balken. She went on to discuss the importance of equal access for all, engaging in respectful conversations about issues, and creating positive solutions to problems.

Solving problems is exactly what Pamela Atkinson does best. Ms. Atkinson is an advocate for Utah’s homeless population. She provides free meals, free clothing, and makes sure the homeless have access to services they need. Ms. Atkinson recently spent time discussing her work with FBI employees. She paid a visit to the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office as part of Women’s History Month. Ms. Atkinson emphasized acceptance and understanding of others. She recalled the first time she volunteered at a local kitchen that served hot meals to the homeless. She greeted all who entered. When a homeless man named Phil came through the door he thanked her for shaking his hand. Phil told her she was the first person who had touched him in more than a year.

To celebrate Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Salt Lake City Field Office welcomed the Bobby Lawrence Karate School in May. Students spent almost an hour demonstrating karate. By discussing the Asian culture, the performers did more than put on an excellent show, they also helped raise awareness about Asian traditions.

In their ongoing commitment to workplace diversity, FBI employees are arranging future visits by members of Special Olympics, a local judge who will address issues important to Utah’s Hispanic community, and a member of the Native American community.