Buddy's Concern Saves Soldier's Life

By Zach Morgan
Fort Polk Guardian

May 18, 2010 - Aug. 7, 2008, was a hot day in Iraq, and it seemed as if the walls were closing in on Army Spc. Joe Sanders. Sanders had deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division's 5th Battalion, 25th Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. Sander's wife was leaving him, and he had several months left to serve in Iraq when he attempted suicide by turning his weapon on himself.

His battle buddy, Army Spc. Albert Godding, had seen the signs of Sanders' stress, and removed the firing pin from his friend's rifle earlier that day. The weapon misfired and Godding confronted his friend about the attempt. Sanders sought counseling and made it home alive.

On April 27 here, Godding received the Meritorious Service Medal for his actions. He is now with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson, Colo., and was at Fort Polk for a pre-deployment rotation with his unit when he received the award.

Sanders is thankful his friend had intervened in Iraq.

"Every day I wake up, I have to thank Godding," he said. "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have gotten to experience my fiancée. I wouldn't have gotten to lead troops, or attend schools and learn. Those are things I love to do."

Since redeploying in 2009, Sanders has attended the Warrior Leaders Course, been promoted to corporal and was selected for marksmanship school. He is with the same battery, is leading troops, and he'll deploy this year to Afghanistan. He also is engaged to be married this month.

Helping others, Godding said, is something everyone should do.

"A lot of people crack jokes and call me hero, but if I ever see anybody who looks like they're feeling down, I talk to them just to make sure everything's OK," he said. "I'm not just trying to stop people from committing suicide. I'm trying to help them any way I can."

Though he appreciates the recognition, Gooding said, the important thing is that his friend is alive and thriving. "It's been a long time since the event, and I didn't think I was going to get an award this big," he said. "I didn't need an award; I thought what I did was reward enough."

The officer who commanded 5th Battalion, 25th Artillery, at the time of the incident noted that one person can make a huge difference. "Godding is circumspect about his role," said Army Lt. Col. Dennis Yates, now the senior fire support trainer and mentor at the Joint Readiness Training Center here. "He says it was just the right thing to do, but it is an illustration of the power that one person can have in another's life."

Yates sees "unlimited potential" for Sanders and Godding.

"They're both great soldiers," he said. "Sanders has big plans - no matter what he sets his mind to, he'll do well. This experience is going to help form both of them long-term. The taste of success will be that much sweeter for Sanders from here on out because of what his friend did for him."

Despite his low-key manner, Godding realizes the seriousness of suicide and Sanders' actions.

"It made me realize that suicide is real," he said. "Sanders is not the type of soldier who would do that. It could happen to anybody."

Friends and supervisors who notice changes in behavior should address it, Sanders said. "It doesn't hurt to ask how a person is feeling," he said.

And, he added, soldiers shouldn't be timid about seeking help.

"Don't be afraid to get help, even if you have to take a battle buddy with you," Sanders said. "It made me feel a thousand times better when I was able to talk to someone about my trouble. Don't be afraid about what people will think about you, either. I did not hear any negativity in my unit about being a weak soldier. If anything, I was a lot stronger for going to get help."

Yates said a unit's climate is a big factor when it comes to soldiers looking out for one another, and that climate starts with leadership.

"Commanders have to constantly ask themselves, 'Am I creating the type of environment that encourages leaders and soldiers to take care of each other?'" he said. "Not only did Sanders have a battle buddy who was on the ball, but he had a platoon leader and platoon sergeant who understood what was going on in their soldiers' lives."

Sanders happened to be on the forward operating base with Godding because his platoon leadership saw him struggling and sent him back for counseling. "It was a stroke of luck that Godding happened to be on the [base] at the same time," Yates said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about it. It was that significant."

Yates pointed out that Army culture has shifted from the old model, in which soldiers were expected to 'tough it out' and seeking help was a sign of weakness.

"As we become more experienced, we get a more mature view of what it means to be tough and temper it with compassion," he said. "There is still a stigma among family members that they can't let their units know about their problems. That's nonsense. No one will look down on you for coming forward. It was a big challenge for me to convince the spouses that they don't have to suffer in silence."

Godding addressed the other difficulty of dealing with potential suicide.

"It's hard sometimes to ask your friend about how they feel, because you don't want to intrude," he said. "When you spend time with your battle buddies during field training or [readiness training] rotations, you know when something's off and they're not acting right. It doesn't hurt to ask if they are OK and invite them to talk about it."

Sanders said the kinds of issues that resulted in his suicide attempt have become more common, so talking about them no longer creates a potentially negative spotlight. "Because we deploy so often, soldiers are losing their friends and wives," he explained. "It's not uncommon to feel the way I did. Because more people are experiencing this, it's not such a taboo subject."

As he prepares for his deployment, Sanders said he hopes to pass along the help he received to the soldiers he now leads. "I have more experience now," he said. "I know what to expect and talked to my fiancée about it. She's from a military family, so she knows about deployments. I got lucky in that respect."

Sanders said being away from family and friends often is the hardest part of a deployment. "Fighting doesn't bother soldiers," he said. "We do that all day long. What gets to us is being away from our loved ones. It will be tough, but I'm ready. I know what my soldiers are going through. I will be able to help them cope."

Many resources are available for soldiers and family members who are dealing with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems, officials here noted. The chain of command, unit chaplains and Army Community Service can provide help, and Military OneSource is a free service available by phone at 800- 342-9647 or online at http://www.militaryonesource.com.

Air National Guard names 2010 Youth of the Year

By Kathleen Flaherty
North Carolina National Guard

ephanie Johnson who are members of the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Medical Group, was recently selected as the Air National Guard 2010 Youth of the Year.

The senior at Highland School of Technology, along with 10 other Air Force Youths of the Year winners will be flown to Washington, D.C., to attend a ceremony and teen forum at the Pentagon.

Dakota also has an older brother, Staff Sgt. Chris Johnson, who is also a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard.

Guard officials said Dakota consistently demonstrates both leadership and service at home, at school and in the community. He is very active in sports, church, and community service, while juggling a very rigorous school schedule and still maintains the top ranking in a class of 139 students.

Dakota also volunteers through Union Road Church of God's Soup Kitchen and through the Salvation Army, where he prepares and serves meals to the homeless and needy of Gaston County. This summer, Dakota will embark on his first mission trip to Jamaica to work with churches of Montego Bay Area and at the Blossom Garden Orphanage.

As a member of the Health Occupations Students of America organization for three years, he recently placed in the top 10 at the HOSA State competition for his work in creating a book about childhood diabetes and presenting it to preschoolers around Gaston County.

Since 2007, Dakota has served with NCANG's "Operation Santa Claus" in providing Christmas presents for underprivileged children in surrounding areas. He has also served with Special Olympics through both his high school and the North Carolina Air Guard and served as a camp counselor and team member with Camp Sertoma, a five-week summer camp for mentally handicapped children and adults.

"[We are] always looking for ladies and gentlemen that have great personalities, are team players, have leadership qualities, are dependable and dedicated. I believe Dakota possesses all of these qualities," said Janet McGee, Camp Sertoma's executive director.

Dakota's parents say they are extremely proud of him and all of his outstanding accomplishments.

After high school, Dakota plans to follow in his parent's "bootsteps" by joining the North Carolina Air Guard and attending the University of North Carolina to become a physician.

NAS Whidbey Island Graduates DEFY Class of 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

May 18, 2010 - OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Forty-two students graduated from Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) during a ceremony at Cliffside Park on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island May 15.

According to the DEFY website, the goal of the Department of Defense (DoD) sponsored program is to produce 9 to 12 year olds with character, leadership, and confidence so they are equipped to engage in positive, healthy lifestyles as drug-free citizens and have the necessary skills to be successful in their lives through coordinated community participation, commitment and leadership.

"They're getting the right information about drugs and alcohol. They're going to learn this stuff when they get into high school and probably in a negative way. This way they have an informed decision about what it is and how to say no. I think this gives them a good background prior to all that," said Naval Aircrewman 1st Class (NAC/AW) Ted Mansikka, assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1, from Bozeman, Mont. and had two children in the program.

According to NAS Whidbey Island Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Darin Hand, almost 65,000 Navy and Marine Corps dependents participated in the program this year and 377,901 children total participated for the DoD.

Hand and Cmdr. Kimberly Schulz, Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRC NW) commanding officer, served as guest speakers.

"The fact that you've dedicated yourself to staying off drugs and alcohol at an early age, getting the knowledge about what those things do to your body, mind and spirit, it's tremendous that you took the challenge," said Hand. "You are our future. Knowing that you are going to be there to take care of me when I'm in my 60s and 80s and seeing you all here now, I'm grateful for what you're doing."

The program is a two-phase process that begins with a summer camp and continues throughout the school year with mentors meeting weekly with students, culminating in the graduation according to Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW) Cody Allen, the program manager assigned to FRC NW, from Fort Worth, Texas.

"The title is Drug Education For Youth, but we do a lot more than that. We teach them life skills," said Allen. "We try to give them the opportunity to identify [adverse situations] so they can make the right choice and decide to do the right thing."

The parents who get involved in the program have not only seen how it affects their children's lives, but theirs as well.

"The main thing that I like about the program is so many children come in with different attitudes and, having kids of my own, I can see some of the stuff they do and things that help them. If I can't help them as a mentor maybe one of the other mentors can address their problem, and it helps me as a parent dealing with my children," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW/SW) Daniel Graham, the assistant program coordinator assigned to NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue, from Tampa, Fla. "Also, as a Sailor, I see some of the things they may be lacking from their parents since they might be deployed, and we can give it to them here; that helps me to know what to give my children to prepare them before I go on deployment."

Approximately 20 volunteers from NAS Whidbey Island supported the program and served as senior mentors to the children throughout the year.

"I've got to thank the volunteers; you guys have devoted a year of your time to make sure that these young folks get the educations they needed," said Schulz.

Graham said the program helps to provide peace of mind for deploying parents by ensuring their children are getting the right message while they are away.

"That's part of how this program got founded, helping the readiness of the Sailors because it's known that, being in the military, when a parent [deploys] it's going to be one parent doing the whole job of taking care of the family. They may not have that extra time to educate them on drugs, alcohol and all the other stuff that the program has to offer," said Graham.

Graham said he feels proud to be a part of the program and, as the year progresses, can see the children involved developing a more positive mentality.

"The program has been very successful," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Kristopher Burris, the camp director assigned to FRC NW, from St. Louis, Mo. "It's a good program and I think more people should get involved with it."

SECNAV Awards 2009 Secretariat Sailor, Junior Sailor Awards

By Chinara Lucas, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

May 17, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) recognized two distinguished Sailors for their sustained, exemplary leadership and performance May 17 in Washington.

SECNAV Ray Mabus presented Information Systems Technician 1st Class Tamika Simmons and Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Derek Roll with the 2009 Office of the SECNAV Sailor of the Year and Junior Sailor of the Year Awards respectively.

The awards "emphasize the great job you've done over the course of the year and over the course of your career," said Mabus.

As the command network administrator and leading petty officer for the Navy Office of Information, Simmons maintained one million dollars worth of information technology equipment at 13 field activities. She increased productivity exponentially by solving more than 500 trouble calls, completing 450 system requests and conducting network training for more than 500 users. Additionally, Simmons implemented career development boards to assist her Sailors in their career management.

Simmons thanked Chief of Information, Rear Adm. Dennis Moynihan, fellow Sailors and mentors for supporting her in achieving the accomplishment of 2009 Office of the SECNAV Sailor of the Year.

Roll is the assistant private dining room supervisor for the SECNAV's Executive Dining Facility. In 2009, Roll flawlessly served more than 350 five-star quality meals to the SECNAV and distinguished guests of the secretary of defense, commandant of the Marine Corps and the chief of naval operations. As volunteer coordinator, he promoted and organized community service opportunities resulting in a divisional total of 85 hours supporting the United Service Organizations (USO) care packages program.

Roll thanked his fellow Sailors in helping him attain the 2009 Office of the SECNAV Junior Sailor of the Year award.

"SECNAV mess staff, it's not just me up here; I'm representing the staff." said Roll.

Junior Officers Honored at MOAA Luncheon – NHB Critical Care Nurse Highlighted

By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Kitsap Chapter, in conjunction with the community's annual Armed Forces Day events, recognized the achievements of several junior officers from local commands May 14.

Representing Naval Hospital Bremerton was Lt. James Croft, Navy Nurse Corps and critical care nurse, who was acknowledged for his accomplishments at home and on deployment. Lt. Kyle Leslie, assistant air operations officer, USS John C Stennis (CVN 74) and Ensign Eric Schon, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest were also honored.

"Being able to honor deserving young officers and support them in their careers is a hallmark of MOAA since the Vietnam War-era," said retired Cmdr. Jerome Turner, Navy Chaplain Corps, and current MOAA president.

"The best part of my job is recognizing our people for the great work they accomplish, especially on deployment," said Capt. Mark E. Brouker, Naval Hospital Bremerton commanding officer. "Some of our staff and the jobs they do when they are in harm's way takes my breath away. One such is Lt. Croft."

Croft recently returned from an Individual Augmentee assignment with the 3rd Medical Expeditionary Force, Special Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Much of his time was spent in southern Afghanistan as a trauma nurse for a Shock Trauma Platoon in an isolated Marine Forward Operating Base. It was there that Croft assisted in the development of new medical tactics and procedures to bring advanced trauma care to the forward line of contact by helping to design an armored Mobile Trauma Bay.

The concept was built on the premise that the terrain made it difficult at times for Marines in the field to get a casualty out of the line of fire to the needed medical care in a timely manner. So Croft and a team worked to develop a way to bring the needed emergency medical assistance directly to the injured. Therefore, a wounded Marine would receive lifesaving care hours sooner.

"I was just a small part of the team that made the idea work. We were given a problem and we worked with what we had to work it out," Croft said. "To be honored here today by MOAA is very humbling and I'm grateful and touched."

Upon his return from Afghanistan, he was selected for the team to develop and deploy the Mobile Trauma Bay and Tactical Trauma Team Project to provide resuscitative trauma care far forward in the combat zone in an unprecedented four-month timeframe.

"I had to let him go help on the planning," Brouker said. "Gen. James T. Conway, the commandant of the Marine Corps was very proud of the project. That's high praise indeed."

Croft continued to be instrumental in the project. He assisted the development of nine prototype Mobile Trauma Bays by designing the interior for bed and equipment placement. He then researched and procured all necessary equipment to ensure battlefield readiness of the Mobile Trauma Bays once deployed. Additionally, he authored Navy Medicine-mandated Mobile Trauma Bay training curriculum for supply and equipment placement, radio operations, and emergency procedures in the combat zone.

Croft also personally trained more than 150 Marines, physicians, nurses, and hospital corpsmen deploying with the 1st and 2nd Medical Battalion, ensuring their readiness to utilize the Mobile Trauma Bays in support of the troop surge to Afghanistan.

While in Afghanistan, he also established and maintained supplies for two mobile teams and continuously trained corpsmen in patient resuscitation. He somehow found the time to enact the first ever Forward Operating Base blood program in Afghanistan that ensured a critical blood supply was readily available at all times. On multiple missions, Croft took care of patients under both direct and indirect fire.

"He is an exemplary officer," said Capt. Brenda Davis, NHB director of Nursing Services. "Lt. Croft's selfless devotion to duty and exceptional work ethic were vital to the provision of the highest calibre of care to our warfighters and their families.

"At NHB, Lt. Croft is an outstanding officer, leader, and clinician. He has exceptional clinical expertise and has had a remarkable impact in both the hospital inpatient and operational arenas. He is recognized as possessing advanced critical care knowledge and leadership abilities and was selected over more senior personnel to serve as the department head of the Intensive Care Unit."

According to Davis, Croft superbly oversaw junior nurses and corpsmen, 40 percent of whom had less than one year experience in critical care. He was also instrumental in the development, implementation and staff training for numerous clinical protocols that ensured the delivery of the highest quality care, compliance with current practice standards, and optimal outcomes through efforts to increase patient safety. "In addition to being a talented nurse, Croft is a passionate clinical educator," Davis said. "He serves as a command Advanced Adult and Pediatric Life Support instructor, program director for the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation course, and has instructed countless residents, nurses, corpsmen, and students to the fundamentals of critical care. Croft is currently involved in the development of a critical care training manual incorporating state-of-the-art simulation training to best prepare our personnel for the provision of outstanding critical care at the bedside and on the battlefield."

Glew Keeps Company Together

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde
1st Marine Division

May 17, 2010 - Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jason Glew is a workhorse. He serves as the company gunnery sergeant for India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and thrives at juggling multiple tasks at once as India Company fights the Taliban insurgency here.

As the company's logistician Glew is responsible for delivering all supplies, including food, water and clothing, to India's Marines out on the front lines. The 34-year-old noncommissioned officer also mentors India Company's platoon sergeants.

"It's hard to explain all the different roles and things [Glew] does to make the entire company successful," said Marine Corps Capt. Bill Hefty, India Company's commanding officer. "He gets less sleep than anybody while on deployment."

Glew has deployed often in his career. His current journey to Afghanistan marks the seventh time he has gone overseas since joining the Marine Corps. He has traveled to several different countries with the Marines, including Japan, Norway and Iraq. Deploying, Glew said, is satisfying -- especially being "outside the wire" of a base.

"Just going out there and doing everything that you've learned while you've been in [the Marine Corps], it's the culminating point," Glew said. "It's like the Super Bowl for football players. Being outside the wire is the Marines' Super Bowl. You get to put everything you know to the test -- all your skills."

Glew is no stranger to combat either, having fought in Iraq in the battle of Fallujah in 2004.

"That was the first time I was ever scared while I've been in the Marine Corps," he said. "I definitely thought many of us weren't going to make it out of that one, myself included."

Glew recalled that Fallujah was a constant fight from the get-go, with the Marines having to battle for every square inch of the city. He said that his platoon was attacked with machine-gun fire upon entering Fallujah's first half-block.

"The whole platoon was pinned down for about 30 minutes, until one of the squad leaders single-handedly ran up and fragged two of the machine-gun bunkers, which enabled us to roll," the Pittsburgh native said. "Being stuck in a two-foot-deep canal with machine-gun rounds hitting right next to you is pretty scary."

Glew's experience in Fallujah has given him the knowledge needed to serve as company gunnery sergeant and lead his Marines here.

"Falling back on experiences in Fallujah helped me know what [our Marines] needed to be both mentally and physically prepared for [Operation Moshtarak]," Glew said. "I was able to look back to when I was a platoon sergeant in the kinetic fight and remember what [supplies] I needed and how important it was to me that the company pushed those needs quickly.

"I [drew] from that experience," he added, "and was able to forecast what equipment the Marines needed and how much of it."

Glew also used knowledge gained from Fallujah to ensure that the senior Marines in the company's line platoons were ready to deal with the stress of a combat deployment.

"I was able to mentor the platoon leadership we currently have and give them a mental picture of how intense it could get," he said. "I talked with them and showed them how to put the intensity of the fight aside."

Glew's Marines have responded to his leadership.

"Gunny Glew has so much wisdom to pass," said Marine Corps Pfc. Anthony Cotto, a rifleman who works with Glew on a daily basis. "He's the jack-of-all-trades for the company."

Hefty said Glew's work has made other Marines' jobs much easier and has played a major part in the company's success during Operation Moshtarak.

"We're lucky Gunny Glew can change roles on a dime and take care of any number of issues before it's one more thing that clutters up my to-do list," Hefty said. "He's completely pro-active, all the time."

"He does it all," Cotto agreed. "The guy is awesome."

Mentors Give Warriors Chance to See Beyond Injuries

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

May 14, 2010 - As the action on the volleyball court heated up here this week, U.S. Paralympic athlete James Stuck watched from the sidelines, checking out the military talent. "That one girl has potential, but we need to know more about her injuries," he said to a fellow Paralympic athlete.

Across the U.S. Olympic Training Center campus, Paralympian Russell Wolfe wheeled up and down the archery line, bumping fists and encouraging the troops competing for the gold medal at the inaugural Warrior Games here.

"I saw great potential. It makes me think that maybe 2012 will be my last year with the Paralympics, because if these guys are coming up and I'm getting old, it might be time to pass the reins," Wolfe joked.

Stuck and Wolfe are part of the Paralympics ambassador program and have worked as mentors with troops before. They're both military veterans, and they can connect with the troops off the court as well.

They understand what it's like to serve in uniform. They know what it's like to face life-threatening injuries, and they understand the desire to become "normal" again. More importantly, they have gone beyond normal to show the troops that they can do everything they did before, and sometimes more.

"I've been where they've been. I know how hard it is," Wolfe said. "I don't give anybody pity. I've been paralyzed for 13 years. I know these people are new injuries. I know they've come back from a war. But you know what? Life goes on. So you've got to start living again. You can't live in the past. You've got to get up and go."

The U.S. Paralympics has had some type of ambassador program since its inception, but it formalized its efforts about three years ago. About 30 of its athletes serve as ambassadors traveling the country, talking in schools, visiting hospitals and rehabilitation facilities and working with the roughly 150 Paralympics sports clubs. Officials hope to expand the number of sports clubs across the United States to 250 by 2012.

Stuck said he met a Paralympics ambassador at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., in 2006 while he was recovering from a roadside bomb blast. Stuck was serving in the Army in Iraq in 2005 when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb.

While recovering, Stuck started attending Paralympics camps, working with the athlete mentors. A former soccer player, Stuck said he enjoyed sitting volleyball, because the teamwork and camaraderie reminded him of his favorite sport.

He kept in contact with the Paralympic coach and team captain and eventually expressed his desire to train for the team. In February 2007, he was invited to train full-time with the team.

Now, Stuck is in a position to help those who are where he was a handful of years ago.

"A lot of people get down on themselves," he said. "Some guys blame other people. It's a big snowball effect, and you hit a downward spiral. We try to avoid that. We try to turn it around to bring them back up."

The majority of the mentors' influence is not wielded in their words, though, but more by their presence on the court or the field. They work with the servicemembers, giving them pointers on the sport.

It is their example that speaks louder than any motivational speech, Stuck said.

"We try to show people that there is life after amputation. You can go about your normal daily activities after you get injured," Stuck said. "Even if you don't want to go into sports and become an athlete, you can still go on doing everything."

In fact, Stuck said, the athletes often end up doing more than they could before their injuries. Before his leg was amputated, Stuck said, he had never skied or snowboarded. Now, he is active in both sports.

Charlie Huebner, chief of Paralympics for the U.S. Olympic Committee, called the ambassador program one of the organization's most-important roles.

"We need to do more of it," he said. "We need to get those ambassadors out to more installations, more schools, more communities. They are great role models. They've been there. They've had the struggles. They understand the obstacles."

The veterans especially connect to the soldiers during their recovery, he said.

"I can't go and talk to a kid at Walter Reed [and say], 'You're going to be OK. Just get out there and work hard," Huebner said. "A veteran can, because they've been there."

Wolfe is a veteran who medically retired after 11 years on active duty when noncombat injuries left him paralyzed. When he first wheeled into the archery training session here, most of the troops thought he was just another "Joe" in a wheelchair, he said.

When troops find out he's a Paralympic athlete, something deep down registers that life goes on past their injury, Wolfe said.

"I love to see their eyes light up. Something clicks. It's like a light switch: 'If he can do it, I can do it,'" Wolfe said.

Wolfe said he tries to pass on what it takes to compete at his level.

"It's not something that you can just go out and do," he explained. "It's hours upon hours of training. It's more than I thought [it would be]. The hours I put in are unreal."

Wolfe spent three years spending his own money for coaches and training, just to be able to put his name in the hat for the team.

Finally, he got the call.

"All I want to do is give [the Warrior Games athletes] the knowledge I have," he said, "because I know how hard it was for me to get it."

Both Wolfe and Stuck said troops have the core makeup of a Paralympian: discipline, fitness and motivation. Though that is just a start, they said, they try to pass on to the troops that the "sky is the limit."

"I'd love to see them out there trying to compete for my spot on the team," Wolfe said. But competitor that he is, he has no intention of relinquishing his spot. "They're not going to get it. But they can try," he added.

Naval Aviation Enterprise Leaders Plot the Course for the Year Ahead

By Mass Communication 1st Class Sandra M. Palumbo, Navy Public Afffairs Support Element, West

May 14, 2010 - PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The core leadership of the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) met to discuss future challenges and current demands at its annual Executive Committee meeting as they charted the NAE's course for the coming year.

"Every time we do this meeting, we find that there is continuing relevance and there is a continuing reason for the Naval Aviation Enterprise," said Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline, Jr., commander, Naval Air Forces. "The NAE is maturing, and every year over the last six years, we have taken a really good hard look at what we are doing and how we can improve. This year, as in the past, we questioned the assumptions that underline what we do and why we do it."

During the meeting the NAE Executive Committee members discussed current and future Naval Aviation issues while setting the agenda for a larger NAE Extended Air Board meeting that will take place in August.

"The NAE is relevant, if not more relevant today, in championing the processes that deliver a warfighting capability. The purpose of this meeting is to bring together a core group of leaders that have an impact on naval aviation," said James Beebe, executive director for Commander, Naval Air Forces. "It is all about communication and understanding the equities that we all have in supporting naval aviation requirements."

For the duration of two days, NAE Executive Board members, including about a dozen flag officers and Senior Executive Service (SES) civilians from across the naval aviation community discussed the future of the NAE. The board reviewed not only the NAE's structure and processes but also the impact on naval aviation of the current high op-tempo demand combined with constrained budgets. Also discussed was whether or not the Enterprise was using the right indicators to properly measure the many complex processes that produce the current naval aviation combat readiness.

"There are challenges in regards to funding, to readiness and aircraft that we need to get our arms around. We need to create more up aircraft and more operational capability to overcome those funding challenges," Kilcline said. "The Naval Aviation Enterprise has to focus on the processes that help manage the dollars we are given and then focus on how best to deliver more aircraft. We have to sustain those capabilities and then allow the Navy and Marine Corps to move forward in the future with enough dollars to do so."

The NAE consists of three cross-functional teams: current readiness, total force and future readiness. Working across traditional command boundaries, these teams use transparency, metrics-based decisions, and accountability to efficiently synchronize naval aviation's readiness delivery processes and help naval aviation leadership to make smarter risk-balanced decisions.

"The Naval Aviation Enterprise has helped Marine Corps Aviation perform far better than we could on our own and is our main mechanism to exchange information and to ensure that there is transparency among all the stakeholders who contribute to our complex enterprise," said Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman III, deputy commandant for aviation. "Navy and Marine Corps aviation are inextricably linked inside naval aviation. We contribute something that is very valuable to our nation."

Naval Aviation today includes more than 180,000 Sailors and Marines, 3,800 aircraft, 11 aircraft carriers and executes a budget in excess of $40 billion annually. The NAE's mission is to support naval aviation readiness requirements with transparent, cross-functional processes, which inform risk-balanced decisions.

"Today things are moving forward at a rapid pace. We have challenges associated with combat operations and transitioning to new types of aircraft, and it is absolutely imperative we communicate and talk with those who contribute to our success," Trautman said. "You can not be successful on your own, you must interact with others, and share your perspectives with them. This is what the NAE has done and will continue to do in the future."

At the conclusion of the meeting, NAE leadership had identified focus areas for the coming year. They included approving a strategic direction for Fiscal Year 2011, refining the NAE's measurements and key thresholds, assessing successes and challenges, reviewing the relationship to other enterprises and setting the course for the Extended Air Board meeting.

Gen Lorenz on Leadership -- Sustaining a wingman culture

On April 20, a 22-year-old man with a history of violence walked into a bookstore in Wichita Falls, Texas, and started shooting. He wounded four women, then drove to a bar and killed an employee outside before he drove home and took his own life.

This tragedy sounds like so many we hear about on the news each and every night. We’ve almost become desensitized to the horror and emotional aftermath, but this type of violence is something we cannot ignore – especially this event in Wichita Falls. You see, this time it wasn’t just a news headline. It was an event that touched our Air Force family directly.

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ttp://www.au.af.mil/au/aunews/archive/2010/0510/0510Articles/Lorenz0510.htm

A different angle on coaching

by Staff Sgt. J. Paul Croxon
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

5/12/2010 - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- As a basketball coach, 1st Lt. Dan Taylor has used a number of techniques to help his teams play better. Speed drills, sprints and fundamentals work are some of the usual tools he uses to help players reach their potential. However, coaching basketball at the Warrior Games here required this communications officer to change his perspective before he could even begin.

Lieutenant Taylor is one of the Air Force coaches helping disabled servicemembers participate in the first Warrior Games that run May 10 through May 14.

Warrior Games athletes play wheelchair basketball. In addition to the obvious difficulty of playing basketball in a seated position, the wounded players have injuries that range from paraplegia to post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The whole (coaching) thing is different," Lieutenant Taylor said. "Everyone's different; different injuries, different skills, so I have to take that into account."

Though the mechanics of the game and the rules may be different, there are many things that remain the same for this coach who played basketball both at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and during his education at the Academy.

"At its heart, it's the same game," he said. "Guys are still competitive, guys still want to win and they still want to learn. A lot of them have never played wheelchair basketball before. Some have fresh injuries. Those are the types of guys you work just the fundamentals with. That's the same everywhere in basketball."

As a coach, Lieutenant Taylor is used to motivating people. He said with this team, he's working with players who need no motivation--a fact they show daily by beating the odds in recovering from their injuries.

"They are very easy to coach," he said. "Just seeing these guys and knowing they've made these sacrifices, to go out there and do what they did on the battlefield and to come here and still want to compete, I'm really humbled. You can't take anything for granted."

Lieutenant Taylor is a hands-on coach. He's the kind of guy who runs with his players, shoots with his players and drills with his players. At the Warrior Games, his hands-on approach means strapping himself into a wheelchair.

"I told myself I was going to stay in the chair and practice with them the whole time," he said. "I wanted to get a little perspective. It's definitely difficult. I thought it was easier than it was, but I needed to feel what they feel."

Basketball Coach Adapts Techniques for Warrior Games

By Air Force Staff Sgt. J. Paul Croxon
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

May 12, 2010 - As a basketball coach, Air Force 1st Lt. Dan Taylor has used a number of techniques to help his teams play better. Speed drills, sprints and fundamentals work are routine tools he uses to help players reach their potential. However, coaching basketball at the Warrior Games required this communication officer to change his perspective before he could even begin.

Warrior Games athletes play wheelchair basketball, among other sports. In addition to the obvious difficulty of playing basketball in a seated position, the players have injuries that range from paraplegia to post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The whole [coaching] thing is different," Taylor said. "Everyone's different -- different injuries, different skills -- so I have to take that into account."

Though the mechanics of the game and the rules may be different, many things remain the same for this coach, who played basketball at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and during his education at the academy.

"At its heart, it's the same game," Taylor said. "Guys are still competitive, guys still want to win, and they still want to learn. A lot of them have never played wheelchair basketball before. Some have fresh injuries. Those are the types of guys you work just the fundamentals with. That's the same everywhere in basketball."

As a coach, Taylor is used to motivating people. But the players on the Air Force's Warrior Games team need no motivation, Taylor said. His players, he said, routinely maintain can-do attitudes and perseverance as part of beating the odds in recovering from their injuries.

"They are very easy to coach," Taylor said. "Just seeing these guys and knowing they've made these sacrifices, to go out there and do what they did on the battlefield and to come here and still want to compete, I'm really humbled. You can't take anything for granted."

Taylor is a hands-on coach. He's the kind of guy who runs with his players, shoots with his players and drills with his players. At the Warrior Games, his hands-on approach means strapping himself into a wheelchair.

"I told myself I was going to stay in the chair and practice with them the whole time," he said. "I wanted to get a little perspective. It's definitely difficult. I thought it was easier than it was, but I needed to feel what they feel."

Madison Federal Agency Association recognizes Wisconsin National Guard for outstanding public service

Two teams of Wisconsin National Guard members totaling 18 people, responsible for providing vital services to 10,000 Guard members statewide, were recognized by the Greater Madison Federal Agency Association during a May 6 ceremony at Madison's Edgewater Hotel.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard's Health Systems Services Branch, of the Personnel Directorate, was recognized for exemplary customer service to 7,800 Soldiers in the state. The 15-person team ensures medical certifications are up to date for each medical professional within the force and manages services for medical and dental appointment coordination, TriCare insurance support, wounded warrior transition care and medical record maintenance for each Soldier.

Health Systems Services Branch Chief Lt. Col. Leah Moore, with the Wisconsin Army National Guard state leadership, recognized HSS as "deserving of the nomination."

"I'm extremely proud of the [HSS team] - I knew they would do a good job," Moore said. "I think it's terrific that the state leadership recognized them and that they exceeded every expectation. Whether we're [supporting] one Soldier or 100, we work just as hard, every day. It's a nice pat on the back today, but tomorrow we will get [back] to work and do it again."

Maj. Rebecca Giese, an HSS case manager who served as the officer-in-charge while Moore was deployed, accepted the award for the team.

"We were nominated because we put in a lot of work for the [32nd] Brigade deployment," Giese said. "Successfully getting 3,200 Soldiers out the door was very rewarding for us - we had a lot of support from the leadership and it went really smooth despite a lot of challenges."

Personnel assigned to Wisconsin Air National Guard Headquarters received the "Administrative Employee of the Year" award for their direct contribution to mission readiness, improved recruiting efforts, mentorship of traditional guard members and a strong ethic of community service.

Col. Murry Mitten, director of staff, and Lt. Col. Brian Buhler, military personnel management officer - both for the Air National Guard - recommended the three-member team for the award because of the hard work and dedication they provide at the unit level.

"They are the ones that everyone call to get their questions answered," Buhler said. "Their day-to- day job is pretty tough - they take care of the 2,200 men and women of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. These three folks who won the award work long hours to make everything happen and do it with a positive attitude."

Senior Master Sgt. Connie Bacik, a recruiting and retention superintendant, accepted the award for the team and said, "We've done a fantastic job motivating our recruiters and retainers to bring quality people into the Air National Guard and maintain a high level of strength to complete mission requirements.

"It feels great to win the award," she added. "[The GMFAA] is a great organization and it's a [privilege] to be recognized among other federal agencies."

Wisconsin Soldier presented national leadership award at Pentagon

Date: May 12, 2010
By Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau

Wisconsin National Guard Capt. Bill Barthen was one of seven Army National Guard officers presented with the MacArthur Leadership Award from the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation during a ceremony at the Pentagon May 7.

Barthen, a Waukesha native, is a training officer with the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion in Portage. At the time of his nomination, he was serving as the executive officer for the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team rear detachment, where he was responsible for personnel, operations and training, logistics and supply issues at the brigade level. He also coordinated with battalion-level officers and non-commissioned officers concerning those issues. He recently commanded Company E, 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation.

Barthen has served more than 16 years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and has deployed twice in the global war on terror. He volunteered to deploy with the Louisiana Army National Guard from August 2004 to October 2005, where he served on a Military Transition Team that trained the Iraqi Army in Baghdad. Barthen deployed again, this time as an executive officer with Troop E, 105th Cavalry, Wisconsin Army National Guard, to conduct convoy security missions out of Logistical Support Area Anaconda near Baghdad from June 2007 to June 2008.

The MacArthur Award recognizes company-grade officers like Barthen who demonstrate the ideals for which MacArthur stood - duty, honor, country. Barthen joins three recent Wisconsin Guard officers - Capt. Douglas Kolb, 2007; Capt. Josephine (Jerome) Daniels, 2006; and Capt. Scott Southworth, 2005 - who have earned the award. Each year, only seven National Guard Soldiers are chosen for the national honor, along with seven from the Army Reserve and 14 from the Active Army.

"It's awfully humbling to receive this award," Barthen said. "Just being nominated was huge in and of itself, and I was quite shocked to learn I was the nominee for the state of Wisconsin."

Leadership is what it will take to get the Army through the challenges of the 21st century, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, said during the ceremony.

"The one thing that rings clear to us is that it's going to take leadership and leaders of character and competence to chart our way through the challenges [ahead]," he said. "All of these award winners have demonstrated the tremendous quality that we're privileged to have in our Army today." Guard award recipients indicated they stuck to the basics, and didn't believe they had done anything above and beyond what the Army asked of them.

"The basic Army values and warrior ethos that you learn at basic training and [advanced individual training] is what makes [a good leader]," Barthen said. "It sounds simple, but it's very difficult to live these values - incorporate them into who you are, and then exude that amongst your Soldiers, admit your faults when wrong, and always do what's right and move forward." Casey told the awardees that they "embody the spirit that our country will need to lead it forward in the decades ahead.

"Our nation can continue to be proud that we can bring forward generation after generation of Americans who believe so strongly in the values and ideals that this country stands for," Casey continued.

Barthen said he is not trying to be the best leader. "I'm just trying to do what's right by my Soldiers all the time," he said. "Apparently, in the end, they appreciate that and the leadership appreciates that I do that, too."

"Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be," MacArthur told cadets at the U.S. Military Academy in 1962. "They are your rallying points - to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn."

Cheyney University Honors NAVSUP With Outreach Award

By Tim Christmann, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Cheyney University presented Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) with an Outreach Award during commencement ceremonies May 8.

Capt. Robert Gilbeau, deputy commander for aviation at NAVSUP's Naval Inventory Control Point, in Philadelphia, Pa., accepted the honor on behalf of Rear Adm. Mike Lyden, NAVSUP commander, in front of an audience of more than 2,000 people, including 342 graduates.

The university presented the award to recognize NAVSUP for their recruiting efforts and hiring 14 Cheyney graduates over the past seven years.

The command's hiring of the graduates is a testament to Cheyney University and to NAVSUP's commitment to a diverse workforce, which contributes to the strength of our great nation, said Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital, university president.

NAVSUP's Commander's Guidance includes a Strategic Focus Area called "Strategy for Our People," which promotes a mission-focused, highly skilled, and diverse workforce.

"It is a great honor to receive this award," said Lyden. "The NAVSUP workforce is a talented, dedicated cadre of professionals who have chosen a lifestyle of service. The challenge is not just ensuring we have the right workforce for today's needs, but also for tomorrow's, by anticipating future requirements and preparing to meet them with new hires from our superb partners such as Cheyney University."

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

2010 Female Physician Leader Award: Call for Nominations

Posted by: Maureen O. Viall
MHS Chief Human Capital Officer

As we look forward to summer, it's time to begin thinking about the "Building Stronger Female Physician Leaders in the MHS" award and your nominees for that award. As with last year, nominees should be those female physicians who have made significant contributions to the practice of medicine and/or who have served as exemplary role models for other female physicians. The award will be given at the MHS Conference in January 2011.

The deadline for award submission to Chief Human Capital Office is Oct. 30, 2010. The services will collect all nominations and vet them through their chain before they are forwarded to the award POC. The services will set their own internal suspense but awards will not be accepted after midnight on Oct. 30, 2010. Then, a panel made up of a senior female physician leader for each service, an OSD/HA representative and last years' winners will meet in November, screen packages and select the winners.

There will be two main categories of award winners: one junior (03-05) winner from each service and one overall MHS-wide senior (06) winner.

The criteria and nomination forms can be found at the MHS Office of Human Capital website: Click here. Please use strict adherence to the nomination form. Failure to follow the form may result in a lower score for your nominee.

Senior Enlisted Leader Summit participants discuss Airmen's global influence

by Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish
Air University Public Affairs

5/11/2010 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- More than 370 senior enlisted leaders from the Air Force, joint and coalition community gathered for the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit to focus on strategic enlisted issues the first week of May here.

The theme of this year's summit, "Deliberately Developing Airmen for Global Response," included 30 presentations from representatives of combatant and unified commands, and by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy said building partnerships with the international community, one of the main focuses of the summit, will benefit Airmen at all levels.

"As we look at deliberately developing Airmen of the future, what is it that they need to be exposed to?" Chief Roy said. "In our view, they need to be exposed to other members of other nation's militaries."

Chief Roy said having senior enlisted leaders from the Air Force and international community together in the same auditorium provided a unique opportunity for learning and sharing.

"We were able to bring all the senior enlisted leaders from around the world, together and give them an update of what's going on around the world and share ideas," Chief Roy said. "Having those partner nations here is all about building relationships. When we desire access to a location, having those relationships helps foster that access."

Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer Jason Van Rysbergen said the summit allowed him to network with other senior enlisted leaders and provided him with a new perspective of the U.S. Air Force.

"I was extremely impressed by how empowered the chief master sergeants are, and how respected and revered they are by the senior commanders," he said. "It seems that every commander knows every chief in the room. The summit allowed me to expand my spider's web of networks and form relationships, and friendships that I can take with me."

Chief Roy said he hopes all of the attendees come away with a shared sense of learning and understanding.

"I hope that what they get out of this is that we are here to provide help and learn from one another," Chief Roy said.

Navy to Receive National Award for Work-Life Balance Programs

By Lt. j.g. Laura Stegherr, Diversity Directorate Public Affairs

May 10, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's Task Force Life/Work (TFLW) initiatives will be recognized May 18 by the Association for Work Life Progress (AWLP) through the organization's Work-Life Innovative Excellence Award.

Capt. Ken Barrett, director of the Navy Diversity Directorate and TFLW, will accept the award at the 2010 Total Rewards Conference, sponsored by WorldatWork, AWLP's parent company, in Dallas.

As the highest honor offered by AWLP, the Work-Life innovative Excellence Award was created in 1996 to showcase programs and policies that demonstrate excellence in enhancing and promoting work-life effectiveness while achieving organizational goals. Past recipients include Pepsi Bottling Group, Ernst & Young, Verizon Wireless and IBM. Competitors for the award are evaluated on their program's responsiveness to employees' needs, innovation in overcoming barriers to implementation, and measurable benefits to the well-being of employees.

The Navy's TFLW program began in 2007 to address the professional and personal development needs of Sailors and to enhance healthy life/work balance. Since its inception, several TFLW initiatives have been launched, including greatly expanded telework programs, flexible work schedules, paternity and adoptive leave, and one year deferment of sea duty for new mothers. The Navy's TFLW and quality of life programs have previously been awarded by both the Families and Work Institute and the Telework Exchange.

National Guard Challenge Academy plans Open House in Milwaukee

May 10, 2010 - Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy representatives will conduct an open house and informational session Monday, May 17 for applicants to the academy's next class, which begins July 22. The event will be held at the National Guard armory, 4108 N. Richards Street, Milwaukee, from 3 to 7 p.m.

From 3 to 5 p.m. Challenge Academy staff members, cadets, and parents of cadets will be available to speak with teens and parents who have an interest in the academy and to assist them with the application process. Educators, health and social services personnel, and juvenile justice officers are also welcome to visit at that time. A presentation by Academy Directors for potential candidates will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The tuition-free Challenge Academy offers "at-risk" youths the opportunity to change the direction of their lives. Challenge Academy cadets participate in the academy's eight core components: academic instruction leading to a Wisconsin High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED); job skills training; physical fitness; health, hygiene and nutrition; leadership; lifecoping skills; responsible citizenship; and service to community.

The program is for male and female applicants at least 16 years, 9 months, but not yet 19 years old, who have dropped out of high school or due to truancy, have fallen more than one year behind in credits. Applicants must not be currently charged with or previously convicted of a felony and must not be on adult parole or probation. Cadets attend voluntarily; the academy is not open to placement by court order.

For further information, contact the Challenge Academy toll free at 1-866-968-8422 or visit the academy's Web site at www.challengeacademy.org.

Commander, Navy Region Northwest Recognizes Friends of the Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

May 9, 2010 - EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Community members from Puget Sound were recognized for their contributions to Navy installations and personnel in the area at the 2010 Commander, Navy Region Northwest (CNRNW) Friends of the Navy and Olympic Brass Choir Concert on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett May 6.

Members of the Navy League of the United States, city officials, former Navy service members, representatives of Navy installation partners, business owners and volunteers were among the 30 people recognized. Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, NRNW, said those being recognized were as varied as their contributions, and their efforts all left an indelible impression on those serving in the Northwest improving quality of life and letting them know their service is appreciated.

"Today is a very special day for the Navy in the Northwest," said Symonds. "We do this to recognize and thank the many people who help us to do what we do best and that is to deploy ready forces forward to defend our country and make the world a better place. The U.S. Navy is truly a global force for good, and the people we are recognizing today are an enabling force for good; volunteers who gladly give of themselves in order to keep the Navy vibrant and viable in the Northwest and, by extension, throughout the Pacific and Indian Ocean theaters. Moreover, every day you do honor to the service of our Sailors and families."

"A lot of these people do this not for business purposes, not for financial purposes, they do it because they believe and want to give back," said Capt. Mark Olson, Naval Base Kitsap commanding officer.

"These are some of the heart and soul (members) of the community, and it's important that we tell them that we do recognize their contributions. It's also important for me to be here to meet with people from the east side of the sound supporting [NAVSTA] Whidbey Island and [NAVSTA] Everett."

Capt. Thomas Mascolo, NAVSTA Everett commanding officer, and Capt. Gerral David, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island commanding officer are scheduled to transfer this summer, and Symonds is scheduled to soon retire. With the upcoming departure of these members of Navy leadership in the Northwest, they said it was important to recognize these "friends" impact on their time here.

Of the 18 recipients who received their appreciation plaques from Symonds at the event, many said that they appreciated the recognition, but would have shown the same support even without it.

"My passion comes from my love of country and my deep admiration for these young men and women; for the sacrifices that they give every day so that we can enjoy the freedom that we so cherish," said Kathy Gambill past president of the Navy League of the United States Everett Council. "I just feel that everyone should want to contribute to humanity and to give back. That's why we're here. It's not about what we can get; it's about what we can give. These young men and women do such an amazing job, I'm in awe of their talent, their desire, their devotion and it's always heartfelt when you see someone that loves their country so much they would give their life. It's humbling, it's not about my contributions, it's about what they do every day; I don't know if I could do it. It's a difficult job, but I feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity to serve my country."

"If we don't [preserve history] now it will be lost, including all of the records of heroism of the flight crews who trained here from back in World War II up to now," said Win Stites, president of the PBY Memorial Foundation in Oak Harbor, who was recognized for his efforts in preserving the history of naval aviation with the foundation's command display on the NAS Whidbey Island Seaplane Base. "We have to keep this history alive because it's not in the history books. It's a memory of those who have gone before us."

The general consensus by those in attendance was that the military and civilian communities in the region show great support to each other and answer each other's calls for assistance.

"Naval Base Kitsap influences eight different local communities going all the way up to Poulsbo down to Gig Harbor and going out to the town of Shelton," said Olson. "We have a working, social and neighborly relationship with each one of them to a varying degree. In every case we have great community involvement, we have great community activism and every one of these towns has great support for the military."

"I think it's a very good, strong relationship. What's amazing is that probably 98 percent of our volunteers for everything in Oak Harbor are the military," said Beth Munns, of the Oak Harbor City Council and a past president of the Navy League of the United States, Oak Harbor Council, who was recognized for her efforts in both entities as well as assisting to organize an annual military appreciation picnic. "The city owes a huge thanks to that, but the city also tries to be attuned to the needs of the base and what's going on there. I think it's a give-and-give relationship on both sides."

Wisconsin Guard top finisher in Army Communities of Excellence

May 7, 2010 - The Wisconsin Army National Guard continues its record of top finishes in the Army Communities of Excellence awards competition.

"We have a very fine quality organization, and being consistently recognized at the Bureau level means that our organization is not stagnant," said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. "It really is, top to bottom, all the men and women who make up the Wisconsin Army National Guard. It's not just one individual. Every Soldier in our organization has equal value - we just shoulder different levels of responsibility."

The Wisconsin Army National Guard won a Silver Second Place finish this year, sixth in the Army National Guard. The state earned a Gold Third Place award last year (fourth overall), and a Silver 1st Place award (fifth overall) in 2008.

The ACOE Awards follow a 12-month evaluation in which Army, National Guard and Reserve installations are judged against Army priorities and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria. Participants are not judged against each other. The assessment considers the overall quality of military environment, facilities and services.

Anderson said the ACOE award provides Wisconsin Army Guard leadership with an understanding of the organization's direction.

"It's a system of processes that allows an organization to look at itself in a critical way, which leads to a better organization overall," he explained. "It reinforces our ability to look at ourselves and improve."

The Minnesota Army National Guard was the overall winner under a category dedicated to the National Guard, and will receive a $400,000 cash prize. The Texas Army National Guard was named first place winner in the Gold Category, followed by Georgia and Iowa. The Arkansas Army National Guard finished ahead of Wisconsin in the Silver category.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard also received a monetary award for its finish. Anderson said that these funds are applied toward tangible benefits for Soldiers, such as new fitness equipment and machines for individual armories.

"I'm confident we have Soldiers who do not realize we are active in ACOE, but realize the benefits from it," Anderson said.

Anderson accepted the award on behalf of Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, during a Monday (May 3) ceremony at National Guard Bureau.

Mentorship Program Helps Junior Sailors Learn About Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

May 7, 2010 - BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Sailors are encouraged to take charge of their personal and professional development through a mentorship program where junior Sailors receive guidance and direction from senior Sailors.

At the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), any Sailor may join the program, in the role of a mentor or mentee, to share knowledge, skills, information and general perspectives to help boost a Sailor's growth and understanding of Navy life.

"This program is so important to the command and its staff because it offers Sailors a place to find guidance and leadership in a way that makes them feel comfortable and in control," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Joanne Houde, the main point of contact for the mentorship program at NNMC. "Sometimes Sailors may want to seek answers outside of their immediate chain of command and a good mentor will always encourage them to do the right thing."

The mentorship program is not designed to give Sailors a definitive answer to a question, she said, but rather to impart knowledge to enable the Sailors to make an educated decision themselves.

"I can not even count the number of times that I went to my mentor for answers or even advice on which path to take for my career and it was always on my terms," Houde said. "The NNMC mentorship program is designed to provide Sailors with the opportunity to choose a mentor who fits their goals and ambitions by making the appropriate tools available."

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Marvin Maramil, a radiology technician at NNMC, is a 10-year veteran and a mentor.

"I have had a good career so far and my progress up the ranks has been better than average," Maramil said.

"People are curious as to how they can succeed and get to where they want to be."

Maramil has been a mentor since February and is sponsoring three junior Sailors.

"Mentors have always been available, but people don't always take advantage of [the opportunity]," Maramil said. "Young Sailors just starting off need guidance and will have questions about the career path of [senior] Sailors. A mentor steers them in the right direction."

A mentor may give guidance in an official or unofficial manner to educate a junior Sailor by identifying their expectations of the Navy, short- and long-term goals, the benefits of submitting an officer package or answering general questions about Navy life.

"It is based on trust. They come to you," Maramil said. "[Mentoring] is done on an individual basis, but it's put out command-wide, so we can encourage more people to join the program."

The program will eventually be open to civilians at NNMC, but currently, the primary focus is on the junior Sailors, Houde said. Once the junior Sailors have a mentor in place, the program will be expanded to include all staff members.

Houde suggests Sailors take full advantage of the program, especially if they're looking for additional guidance. She added that the program is spearheaded by NNMC's First Class Association and aims to help as many individuals as possible.

"Everyone could use a mentor," Houde said. "My mentor was always there for me."

"Regardless of whether he was there to guide me in my naval career or just there to listen when I needed someone to talk to, he always answered that call regardless of where in the world either of us were," Houde said.

A strong match between the mentor and mentee is based on the accomplishments of the senior Sailor and the junior Sailor wanting to follow that lead, according to Mamaril.

Emergency Manager Earns Volunteer Award

By Sarah Fortney, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- The Carroll Manor Fire Company presented the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda emergency manager with the 2009 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award April 17.

Ron Kunz, NSA Bethesda emergency manager, knows how to plan for disasters and has years of firsthand experience responding to them. After 30 years in the Navy, he retired last year as a master chief hospital corpsman and recently began working in support of NSA Bethesda. When he's not busy putting emergency preparedness plans in place, he spends as much time as he can volunteering at the Carroll Manor Fire Company near his home in Frederick County, roughly 40 miles north of Bethesda.

While he is proud of this achievement, Kunz said he couldn't see himself doing anything but giving back to his community.

"I enjoy volunteering," he said. "It's a whole different experience."

Volunteer fire departments usually have it tough, operating under a tight budget with high expenses. A new fire engine and equipment, for example, can cost about $400,000.

Kunz encourages others to help their community fire departments in some capacity, be it in administration or fundraising.

"Everybody can help in some way," he said."Training is free to those who want to become a nationally accredited volunteer firefighter."

For Kunz, volunteerism runs in the family — he met his wife while she was working as an emergency medical technician and he was a firefighter in Virginia Beach, Va., and now both of his daughters are cadet firefighters. He added that the family has always made it a point to volunteer for their local fire station everywhere they traveled while Kunz was in the Navy.

"Not only does it help the community, it can also be helpful to you and your family," Kunz said.

As a trained firefighter, he said, an individual can help in an emergency situation should something happen at home or in public to a bystander.

Kunz said he has also been able to translate his experience as a firefighter — responding to all types of emergency situations — into his work at NSA Bethesda.

"It helps me a lot here, especially being in the emergency management field," he said.

Kunz joined Carroll Manor in October 2008. He has been a volunteer firefighter since he was 14 and has seen it all, he said, even delivering a baby as a cadet firefighter at age 16. At the time, he was riding in the back of an ambulance en route to the hospital with a woman in labor.

"The baby decided it didn't want to wait, and that's where she delivered," he said.

Carroll Manor Fire Company Chief Ed Johnson said Kunz has made an impact not only on the communities that the station serves, but also the lives he has saved. He has gone above and beyond, helping in any way possible, running calls, sitting on committees and participating in most station fundraisers.

"He brings a wealth of EMS knowledge and leadership skills that are greatly appreciated and recognized by the company - always willing to pitch in, whether it's crawling into a mangled vehicle to reach a victim, providing support functions on working fires, or providing support to a family member who is in need during probably one of the most critical times in their life," Johnson said. "He has a deep desire to help his fellow man."

Johnson said the station has also benefited from his family's dedication with their help in fundraisers and responding to emergencies.

"It was a great pleasure and honor to present Ron with this award," Johnson said. "We could only wish that his family moved to our station long ago because of their abilities, knowledge and just good common sense. I am very excited and proud to say Ron Kunz is a friend, and one that means a great deal to me. Ron is a credit to his family, our community, our military and country."

McKeague: Diversity strengthens military

by Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy
National Guard Bureau

5/6/2010 - NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- The strength of the military is improved by the diverse backgrounds of those who make up the organization, a senior National Guard officer said May 3.

"I'd like to think that (for) the success of the United States military, one of its essential elements is diversity," said Maj. Gen. Kelly K. McKeague, assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard Matters, while speaking here during the annual conference of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council here. "It's made us who we are. It's made us into, literally, the greatest military force on earth."

Success is dependent upon the contributions of many, according to General McKeague.

"It requires contributions from different genders, from people from different walks of life, different religions, different creeds, different nationalities, all coming together for one stated purpose: the security of our great nation," he said.

General McKeague added that diversity also contributes to good leadership.

"Diversity is about leadership, diversity is about engagement," he said, adding that in order for diversity to be successful in an organization, hands-on leadership, as well as a strategic vision, is needed or "it will just be another program."

General McKeague also said that he learned the importance of diversity at an early age. He is the child of a Caucasian father and a Hawaiian mother.

"If you know Hawaii, they don't call Hawaii the 'Crossroads of the Pacific' for nothing," he said. "If the United States is a melting pot, then Hawaii is the garnish on that melting pot. Every race is in Hawaii, especially from the Pacific Rim region. For me, diversity was something I grew up with; it was part of my nature. It was part of everybody's nature."

When it was time to attend college, General McKeague chose one very different from his native Hawaii: Georgia Tech. He said that the move allowed him to get out of his comfort zone and expand his horizons, which is one of the keys to being successful.

"If there is a thread in my career since going to college, it would be getting out of your comfort zone," he said. "That is truly important for you to make a difference in your organization, because when you broaden your horizons, what happens is you open up the aperture of experience."

For General McKeague, who spent the first 14 years of his career as an Air Force civil engineer, having a diverse background of experience translates into having more than one perspective.

"When I was an engineer, I saw the world from an engineer's perspective," he said. "I knew a lot about engineering. I knew a lot about military construction. But, I didn't know a lot about anything else. When I got out of my comfort zone, expanded my horizons, my aperture is now much larger.

"That, I believe, is essential to a leader, either military or civilian," he said.

The importance of diversity and expanding your comfort zone is something that can be applied to working with not only those from different racial, religious or skill sets or backgrounds, but also to working with those from different governmental agencies, General McKeague said.

"Joint-agency, inter-governmental and international (working environments are) here to stay," he said. "Whether it's a single service, whether it's the Department of Defense, whether it's the United States itself, we need joint, we need inter-agency, we need inter-governmental and we need international.

"If you have an opportunity to shape or influence your ability to work within that environment, I would encourage you to do so."

General McKeague continued to encourage the audience to take advantage of any and all opportunities.

"Never miss an opportunity to grow, whether it's personally or professionally," he said. "Those are the bases for success in anything that you do."

NCIS Hawaii Special Agents, Staff Awarded

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

May 6, 2010 - PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Personnel assigned to Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Field Office Hawaii were awarded the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) medal for the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) during an awards ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial May 3.

Mark Clookie, director of NCIS, presented the award to 12 special agents and staff.

"We are here to express appreciation to our personnel that have gone in harm's way to protect the freedom of our country," said Clookie. "Today, we pay a special tribute for everything that you all have achieved."

The honorable Edward H. Kubo Jr., circuit court judge of the first circuit (Oahu), served as the guest speaker for the ceremony and thanked the awardees for their service.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you've done for our country, the military and the state of Hawaii," Kubo said. "I am extremely honored to be a part of this great event as we honor our special agents and staff for their service to their country."

Kubo also talked about the significance of NCIS's work throughout the world.

"The NCIS has established itself as an elite organization providing top-notch security, counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism anywhere they are needed," said Kubo

Special Agent (SA) Henry Roney, special agent in charge of NCIS Field Office Hawaii, noted the importance of paying tribute to the agents and staff.

"Our agents sacrifice their time and their family's time, putting themselves through danger to protect our country," said Roney. "It really is an honor to recognize the awardees with the SECDEF GWOT medal and in a well-deserved way."

The awardees included Mr. Wayne Chang; Ms. Elizabeth Faulkner; SA Robert Flannery; SA James Heddlesten; SA Louis Lockhard; SA Tony Richardson; SA Glenn Roessler; SA John Smallman; SA Amanda Smoot Tolentino; SA Peter Tolentino; SA Christopher Leaden; and SA James Nettleton.

The Secretary of Defense medal for the Global War on Terrorism was created to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense in direct support of the nation's armed forces, whose members are engaged in operations to combat terrorism.

Pentagon Leaders Recognize Best Installations

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

May 5, 2010 - Representatives from five military bases deemed the "best of the best" were awarded the highest award for excellence among installations at a Pentagon ceremony today.

The Army's Fort Bragg in North Carolina; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Naval Base San Diego; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; and Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna, Pa., received the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.

"The personnel we recognize today embody courage, integrity and initiative," Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told the recipients before announcing them. "I hope they inspire others to rise to new levels of excellence in the coming years."

The recipients also were honored by the man who created the award 25 years ago. Bob Stone, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for installations, said he created the award in 1985 to encourage and recognize excellence at a time when troops were "poorly housed and poorly cared for."

The traditional approach was to provide just enough comfort so that troops wouldn't leave the military en masse, Stone said. "Excellence wasn't a concept, let alone a policy," he said.

Stone, who lives in Los Angeles, said Hollywood movies forever remind us of the courage and sacrifices of troops at war, but not those who support them back home. "They don't make movies about you, but you own a part of the heroic experience," he said. "You continue to set new standards of innovation, dedication and management. You were environmentalists before the word existed."

President Barack Obama submitted a statement for the event. "Our military installations ... are the power projection platforms for securing our freedom, and they serve as home stations for thousands of dedicated servicemembers and their civilian counterparts," the president said in the statement. "These installations also enhance mission performance and increase quality of life by fostering a strong spirit of community."

Fort Bragg, under the command of Army Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick, is receiving the award for keeping the Army's airborne and special operations forces – more than 10 percent of the service – mission ready, while also absorbing the first of nearly 10,000 additional soldiers who will be assigned to the base by 2013, officials said.

The post's leaders "employed creative solutions to address this growth head-on, focusing on sustainability and long-term viability" in new construction and transportation projects, officials said. They also expanded family satellite programs and offices in the local community to serve the 80 percent of families living off post while saving millions of dollars through strategic planning and new business processes.

Twentynine Palms, under the command of Brig. Gen. Herman S. Clardy III, was cited as the Marine Corps' premier live-fire and maneuver training center, providing training to more than 45,000 Marines and sailors who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2009. Also, the combat center improved the quality of life for families even while dealing with funding and work force cutbacks, officials said.

Naval Base San Diego, commanded by Capt. Ricky L. Williamson, was named for using proactive and creative management practices to enhance readiness, business processes and quality of life last year. Base leaders synchronized initiatives to realize unity of effort, leveraged technology to improve communications and improved contract requirements for significant cost savings, officials said.

Elmendorf, under the command of Col. Thomas K. Bergeson, was recognized for being the first installation to implement a Veterans Affairs itemized billing process, serving as a model for others, while also executing the largest construction program in base history last year. Elmendorf's hospital was rated best in the Air Force for the second consecutive year, and it was named as having Pacific Air Forces' best environmental program, officials said.

Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna, under the command of Navy Capt. J.G. King, was recognized for its service in providing commodities to all armed forces, federal agencies, and other defense depots in the eastern half of the United States, as well as Central and South America, Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.

As the Defense Department's largest distribution center, the depot last year built more than 28,600 air pallets, filled more than 9,990 sea containers, loaded more than 6,300 trucks for delivery to more than 50 military installations, officials said. At the same time, the depot completed "massive re-warehousing" in preparation to receive material repositioned from the base realignment and closure process, giving it stewardship of more than a million different stock items.

Chief of staff to senior enlisted leaders: 'Maximize potential of Airmen'

by Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish
Air University Public Affairs

5/5/2010 - MAXWELL AFB, Ala. (AFNS) -- The Air Force's top uniformed officer told senior enlisted leaders from across the Air Force here May 4 that the case to maximize the potential and performance of every Airman has never been more compelling.

"Today, more than ever, tactical effects can have strategic consequences," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. "In many instances, mission success hinges on Airmen outside the wire, making split-second decisions in a highly dynamic environment in which black and white choices are rare, and the many shades of gray can challenge even the most brilliant and competent among us."

Speaking to about 375 Air Force, joint and coalition attendees at the 2010 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit, General Schwartz noted that fiscal constraints and the smallest active-duty force in the Air Force's 63-year history requires leaders to focus on deliberate development -- the right experience, training and education at the right time -- to sustain the service's ability to perform assigned missions.

"We must be creative in our approach, utilizing a variety of ways and means to deliver the appropriate technical, cultural, or corporate information in a timely and effective manner," he said. "That means that we must innovate, even when it makes us uncomfortable."

General Schwartz advised enlisted leaders to emphasize and inspire performance while demonstrating genuine concern for Airmen.

The mediums available to leaders can range from "old-fashioned mentoring" and "face-to-face chats" to newer, Internet-based methods of communication, he said. Whatever the medium, guidance, motivation and leadership are critical.

"However you do it, remember this: every moment that you take to impart knowledge and experience to junior Airmen who look up to you, you are in fact mentoring," the general said. "We must all take every opportunity to do so, and ensure that our expectations are crystal clear."

In closing, the general asked the group of leaders to focus on not just the professional development of their Airmen, but also on their personal well-being.

Acknowledging a rise in suicides throughout the Air Force family over the past three years, General Schwartz called on enlisted leaders to act. He encouraged them to arrest the trend by identifying stresses and failed relationships among people and intervening, even if they are reluctant to ask for help.

"Do not, for a single moment, accept the needless loss of a teammate as the cost of doing business," he said. "It isn't the cost of doing business -- not now, not ever. This is a leadership issue for our Air Force. Let's apply -- you and me -- our collective will to this problem, as we do so well in our other military missions."

2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced


May 3, 2010 - U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the selection of 141 outstanding high school seniors as the 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars. The students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 19-22.

"These student leaders and scholars show that setting high expectations and striving for excellence pays off," Duncan said. "Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities, and the challenges of today's job market."

The 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the President selected the scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

For the past 46 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation's top-performing students. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,000 candidates qualified on the basis of outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, or by nomination through the nationwide YoungArts™ competition conducted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.