MCPON Holds Leadership Mess Symposium

Become like the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy by learning from these military leadership books written by real military leaders to educate you!

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Abraham Essenmacher, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) concluded his annual Leadership Mess Symposium in Suffolk, Va., Oct. 28, which included more than 100 Fleet, Force and flag-level command master chiefs.

The goal of the symposium was to deliver clear, concise communication on Navy programs and practices to the Navy's top enlisted leaders for continued force effectiveness. They received a full spectrum of timely information regarding policies and processes affecting today's Navy.

"Our Navy's greatest asset is our Sailors and it's critical for the Chief's Mess to be on the same page with challenging, leading and mentoring Sailors," said MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "A key part of our ability to achieve those objectives is awareness of the issues affecting our service and the resources available to make the team successful."

MCPON's Leadership Mess received briefs from several flag officers including Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources Vice Adm. John T. Blake.

Current topics including energy, budget and programming, suicide prevention, operational stress control, strategic communication, Spice, Fleet manning initiatives, uniform matters and the different phases of the CPO 365 program. Attendees also participated in group breakout sessions to focus on several current Fleet priorities.

"Our master chiefs are working hard with their commanders to ensure we are always mission-ready and looking forward to the next target on the horizon," said West. "This forum allows us to hear firsthand from senior leaders and subject-matter experts, and then to discuss those issues among deckplate leaders. The objective is for our command master chiefs to have the latest information that they can share with the Sailors in their areas of responsibility."

With significant budget concerns and other challenges facing the Armed Forces, West believes senior enlisted leaders need to possess a solid understanding of the Navy's approach to effectively balancing combat readiness with fiscal realities, and to shaping the force in a manner that preserves quality of service for Sailors and their families.

"We serve in a Navy that is always evolving and changing to meet current and future global requirements," said West. "If we are going to continue to be the best Navy ever, the Chiefs' Mess and our senior enlisted leaders must grow professionally and be familiar with every aspect of our Navy," said West.

Border Patrol Agent Receives Prestigious Award

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NAU Honors Sabri Dikman as Distinguished Citizen of the Year

Tucson, Ariz. – The “Dr. Cliff Harkins Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award” was presented to current Branch Chief of Operations for the Joint Field Command-Arizona during a ceremony at the NAU Homecoming football game held at the Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff on October 22.

Sabri Dikman was honored by the Northern Arizona University Alumni Association for his “exemplary service to community and strong leadership” for his tenure as deputy patrol agent in charge of the Nogales Station throughout 2010.

 “I am truly honored to be named the 2011 recipient of the Cliff Harkins Distinguished Citizen of the Year award” said Dikman “This honor brings the hard work of the men and women of the Border Patrol especially those assigned to the Tucson Sector, and more specifically the Nogales Station, into the public light.”

The Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award was established in 2002 to recognize individuals working for nonprofit organizations; governmental assignments at the municipal, county, state or federal level; or other outstanding service as a citizen.

In June of 2010, Dikman assumed the role of interim Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge of the Nogales Station, the largest and one of the busiest stations in the United States. His interim status was made permanent in October 2010. Two months later, on Dec. 7, he was promoted to Acting Patrol Agent in Charge of the Nogales Station; a position he held until July 2011.

Dikman was nominated for the award by R. Alan Booth, then Branch Chief of Operations for Joint Field Command-Arizona. He said Dikman led his men and women through a tragic and challenging time shortly after taking charge when Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered.

Booth wrote in his recommendation that Dikman ensured every resource was effectively applied to facilitate the investigation and bring the responsible parties to justice. At the same time, Dikman ensured his other employees received emotional support. “The hallmark of his leadership was demonstrated in the selfless way he lead his team through the worst possible circumstances any law enforcement family can encounter,” said Booth.

Under Dikman’s leadership, according to Booth’s recommendation, the Nogales Station significantly reduced illicit cross border traffic by acquiring much-needed additional resources, personnel and key technology. Through his leadership and vision, these resources were deployed to maximize efficiency and create an optimum enforcement posture.

Booth said he has been Dikman’s colleague for several years and has come to know him on and off duty. “Aside from working 12-hour days to secure the Nation’s border,” said Booth, “he also engaged the Nogales community by regularly meeting with a community advisory board, comprised of key stakeholders and influential residents, to ensure the best possible relationship between the Border Patrol and local residents.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Andrew Weissmann Appointed as FBI’s General Counsel

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller has named Andrew Weissmann as the general counsel. He joined the FBI after five-and-a-half years as a partner at Jenner & Block LLP in New York City. Mr. Weissmann is returning to the FBI, having previously served as special (police leadership) counsel to the Director in 2005.

Mr. Weissmann was a federal prosecutor for 15 years in the Eastern District of New York, where he served as the deputy chief and then chief of the criminal division. He prosecuted numerous members of the Colombo, Gambino, and Genovese families, including the bosses of the Colombo and Genovese families. He also prosecuted or oversaw white-collar crime and terrorism cases. He later served as the director of the Enron Task Force in Washington, D.C., where he supervised the prosecution of more than 30 individuals in connection with the company’s collapse.

Mr. Weissmann has extensive experience in private practice. He has represented both U.S. and foreign corporations and executives in connection with criminal and civil investigations and lawsuits. Mr. Weissmann won the largest Financial Industry Regulatory Authority arbitration award in history. He also has taught criminal law and procedure at two law schools.

Mr. Weissmann has a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School and was on the managing board of the Columbia Law Review. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and attended the University of Geneva for one year on a Fulbright Fellowship.

Teresa Carlson Named Special Agent in Charge of the Milwaukee Division

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Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Teresa L. Carlson special agent in charge of the FBI’s Milwaukee Division. Ms. Carlson most recently served as section chief in the Directorate of Intelligence, which is responsible for collecting, producing, and disseminating actionable intelligence that enables the FBI to identify and counter current and emerging threats.

Ms. Carlson is a 19-year veteran of the FBI. She entered on duty as a special agent and was first assigned to the Chicago Division, where she investigated violent crimes and public corruption matters. Ms. Carlson was a case agent for Operation Silver Shovel, an undercover investigation that involved bribery, drug trafficking, and organized crime activity. It resulted in more than 20 convictions, including elected officials.

She was later promoted to the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters. Ms. Carlson then transferred to the Birmingham Division, where she served as a supervisor in the white-collar crime program.

After serving in the Birmingham Division, Ms. Carlson was appointed assistant special agent in charge (ASAC) of the white-collar crime and cyber programs in the New York Division. While in this role, she oversaw high-profile investigations and subsequently was in charge of the intelligence program for the division.

She returned to FBI Headquarters after working as ASAC in the New York Division. Ms. Carlson worked in the FBI’s National Security Branch, which is responsible for national security matters, including budget matters and liaison with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Congress, and the White House.

Ms. Carlson is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. Prior to her career in the FBI, she did legal research for the Michigan Legislature.

Teresa Carlson Named Special Agent in Charge of the Milwaukee Division

Become a police leader like Teresa Carlson by learning from the best police leadership books written by real police leaders!

Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Teresa L. Carlson special agent in charge of the FBI’s Milwaukee Division. Ms. Carlson most recently served as section chief in the Directorate of Intelligence, which is responsible for collecting, producing, and disseminating actionable intelligence that enables the FBI to identify and counter current and emerging threats.

Ms. Carlson is a 19-year veteran of the FBI. She entered on duty as a special agent and was first assigned to the Chicago Division, where she investigated violent crimes and public corruption matters. Ms. Carlson was a case agent for Operation Silver Shovel, an undercover investigation that involved bribery, drug trafficking, and organized crime activity. It resulted in more than 20 convictions, including elected officials.

She was later promoted to the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters. Ms. Carlson then transferred to the Birmingham Division, where she served as a supervisor in the white-collar crime program.

After serving in the Birmingham Division, Ms. Carlson was appointed assistant special agent in charge (ASAC) of the white-collar crime and cyber programs in the New York Division. While in this role, she oversaw high-profile investigations and subsequently was in charge of the intelligence program for the division.

She returned to FBI Headquarters after working as ASAC in the New York Division. Ms. Carlson worked in the FBI’s National Security Branch, which is responsible for national security matters, including budget matters and liaison with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Congress, and the White House.

Ms. Carlson is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. Prior to her career in the FBI, she did legal research for the Michigan Legislature.

Robert J. Holley Named Special Agent in Charge of Indianapolis Division

Robert J. Holley is one of many distinguished police leaders. Become like him or even better by checking out the best police leadership books, all written by police leaders.

Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Robert J. Holley special agent in charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. Mr. Holley most recently served as a section chief in the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters, where he was involved in the management of the FBI’s U.S. based international terrorism investigations.

Mr. Holley began his career as a special agent in 1995, and reported to the Chicago Division after graduation from New Agents Training in Quantico, Virginia.

While in Chicago, he was assigned to investigate domestic and international terrorism matters. He also served as a member of the Chicago Division’s SWAT team and a special agent bomb technician. During his time in the division, he was promoted to supervisory special agent and supervised an international terrorism squad.

In November 2005, Mr. Holley was promoted and assigned to FBI Headquarters as a unit chief in the Counterterrorism Division. He was deployed to Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Tanzania, and Israel in support of the FBI’s number one priority, counterterrorism.

Mr. Holley transferred back to the Chicago Division, where he served as assistant special agent in charge of the National Security Branch from 2008-2010.

Prior to his FBI career, he served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer.

Mr. Holley is a native of Indiana. He graduated from Peru High School in 1977, and from Ball State University in 1981. He and his wife Toni have one son, Dakota.

CBP Field Operations at Port of Brownsville Graduates Second Citizen's Academy Class

Only well-respected community leaders make it to the Citizen's Academy. Check out the best leadership book and learn how to be like them!

Brownsville, TX – On October 6, Michael Freeman, Port Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Brownsville Port of Entry announced the graduation of a second class of the CBP Field Operations Brownsville Citizen’s Academy. 

The CBP Field Operations Brownsville Citizen’s Academy is part of a continuing aggressive plan by Port Director Freeman to foster a better working relationship with the communities in which officers live and work.

The eight-week course provides class participants with a better working knowledge and understanding of CBP.

The academy consists of a series of classroom discussions and several hands-on scenarios. The citizen’s academy is a field training that was held once a week on Wednesday evenings for eight weeks.

The BCA continues to create a better understanding, improves communication, and helps solidify a better partnership between the citizen academy participants and CBP through education. Brownsville Port of Entry Citizen’s Academy graduates have assisted us in identifying potential problems and solutions to border issues.

This second Brownsville Citizen’s Academy graduating class consisted of members from throughout the community. Represented in this academy class were members from the following organizations:

U.S. Consulate, Matamoros: Andrew Crosson, Jennifer Nilson and Jeremy Monks

Mexico Consulate, Brownsville: Raul Gomez and Efrain Hernandez Parra
Mexico Customs: Zaida Villarreal Snyder and Hector Eduardo Castillo
Brownsville & Rio Grande Railroad: Norma Torres and Eric Hinojosa
Union Pacific Railroad: Fernando GarzaZ
Port of Brownsville: Antonio Rodriguez

“Participants of our Citizen’s Academies will assist us in getting our message out into the communities. I applaud these academy participants for attending each session and getting a first-hand, hands-on, behind-the-scenes look into the CBP mission on the frontlines,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville port of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

ONR Cultivates Next Generation of Talent at Hispanic Engineering Conference

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From Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Students will gain new insights about science and technology opportunities with the Department of the Navy at the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation's (HENAAC) 2011 Career Conference, Oct. 6-8, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will exhibit with displays and information to support the Navy's push to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers.

"HENAAC affords ONR the chance to make meaningful connections with the Hispanic community. We want to establish long-term relationships that produce the unique technical talent the Navy will need in the future," said Dr. Anthony Junior, ONR's education programs manager.

The ONR booth also will highlight professional research opportunities at Navy laboratories for university faculty members who may be considering interim pursuits during summer breaks and sabbaticals.

"We are contributing to the STEM literacy of the nation with the expectation that some of these students will come to work for the Department of the Navy, whether on active-duty or as a civilian," said Junior.

The 23rd annual HENAAC event is expected to bring 5,000 visitors to this year's venue located at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. It will feature exhibits, seminars and activities, including a career fair, technical poster competition and the HENAAC College Bowl, a competition where students apply their technical knowledge and skills to compete for scholarship prizes.

The conference is hosted by Great Minds in STEM, the Los Angeles-based organization formally known as HENAAC-the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation. Established in 1989, the nonprofit organization is promoting STEM careers in underserved communities to help bolster the nation's technological strength.

ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

Norfolk FBI Announces 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award Recipient

Robert Stephens in but one example of leadership in American communities.  Check out the best leadership book to learn how to be like him or better.

Special Agent in Charge Alex J. Turner of the Norfolk Field Office of the FBI announced his selection of Mr. Robert Stephens, co-founder and facilitator of the Community Action Coalition of Suffolk, Virginia, as the local recipient of the FBI’s 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award for his commitment to positive community relations.

Mr. Stephens, a pragmatic visionary, has been working with the community of Suffolk, Virginia since 2009 when he began to solicit community input to establish a community-wide youth development and violence prevention strategy. In 2010, Mr. Stephens formed the Community Action Committee (CAC), a non-profit organization, in response to continued youth violence, juvenile delinquency, lack of responsive prevention, and, ultimately, the citizens’ call for change. Today, the CAC serves as a catalyst for a series of programs and convener of initiatives that address socio-cultural and economic issues in the City of Suffolk.

Under the leadership of Mr. Stephens, the CAC was instrumental in launching a student-led, anti-violence campaign known as Be Fight Free (BFF) during the 2010-2011 school year to develop youth leaders that would spread awareness of violence in schools and in the community of Suffolk. As BFF student committees were formed in schools, students began to garner additional support from the school division and local law enforcement. Furthermore, students planned and executed rallies, distributed BFF wristbands and buttons, and placed campaign banners in schools. In January 2011, Suffolk Public Schools designated January as Violence Prevention Month to coordinate with the BFF Campaign. As a result of this effort, students have reportedly become more vocal and willing to reach outside of the boundaries of schools and challenge the community at large to address violence. In King’s Fork High School, over 700 students signed pledges to remain violence free. In addition, Lakeland High School has witnessed a 70 percent decrease in the amount of violent acts.

Mr. Stephens will be formally presented with the award on Monday, October 3, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at the office of the Norfolk FBI, located at 150 Corporate Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Members of the press and media are invited to attend.