Guard leaders thank Stevens Point officials for hosting Red Arrow homecoming

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

Wisconsin National Guard leaders expressed gratitude to Stevens Point officials and other Wisconsin Army Guard supporters before a packed City Council meeting Monday (Sept. 20) for the city's role in the "Back from The Sand" celebration held in downtown Stevens Point in July.

The homecoming event featured more than 3,200 Soldiers marching through Stevens Point, down streets lined with community and family members, to a staging area that included static equipment, food, entertainment - including two national-level country artists - and no shortage of patriotic fans.

Every aspect of the event took a lot of planning, approval, coordination and execution. For that, Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, Wisconsin Army National Guard commander, and leaders of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team presented awards to many of the event's key players - including Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson.

"Our citizens were honored to have been the host community for the welcoming," Halverson said. "It was a complete success and made the citizens feel so proud to have such wonderful Soldiers serving and sacrificing for them. It was the citizen's way of saying thank you."

Anderson acknowledged the significance of the city's willingness to open its gates for such a large and prestigious event.

"It really did make our job a lot easier," Anderson said. "The city of Stevens Point absolutely came through and I want to say thank you for that."

Halverson admits the two-way relationship has blossomed throughout the entire process.

"Our relationship has become one of complete friendship and complete support of one another," Halverson said. "Communities need to be there for the Wisconsin National Guard, just as much as the Wisconsin National Guard needs to be there for the communities. It is truly a complete partnership."

Dunbar presented the Wisconsin Meritorious Service Medal to Halverson and Larry Frostman, honorary chairman of the Point Committee, for their integral roles in seeing the event through fruition.

"I have never been more proud or more humbled, as a non-military person, then to have the adjutant general of Wisconsin pin that medal on my chest," Halverson said. "I, in fact, told my wife that evening that should I pass away, I want that medal in my casket with me. That medal meant more to me than any award or recognition I have ever received."

Frostman, a Vietnam veteran, came up with the idea for a homecoming event. He proposed the idea to Halverson, who endorsed it. Halverson created a committee to coordinate the event.

Other key players recognized for their contributions were Tom Schrader, director of parks and recreation; Tom Barrett and Sara Brish of the planning committee; four members of the Stevens Point Police Department; the Civil Air Patrol Stevens Point Composite Squadron; Stevens Point Convention and Visitor's Bureau; American Red Cross of North Central Wisconsin; Portage County Veteran's Services, and Sentry Insurance.

Dunbar said everyone, from the volunteers and committee members to the citizens of Stevens Point, really made this event possible. To have a welcome home like that is uniquely American, Dunbar said.

"We will always be thankful for what you did," Dunbar said at the meeting.

Col. Martin Sieffer, 32nd Brigade commander, also gave his appreciation to the council.

"It was a special moment for the Brigade and it was a special moment for us," Sieffer said.

Meet the Authors Discussion and Booksigning—Sept. 23, 2010

Six women authors, five of whom are graduates of the nation’s prestigious military academies, will participate in a discussion and booksigning at the Women’s Memorial on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 23. The program, which is free and open to the public, is to commemorate the 30th anniversary of women graduating from the Academies.

Authors include Coast Guard Reserve CDR Martha LaGuardia-Kotite (USCG Academy 1989); retired Navy CDR Darlene M. Iskra; Sharon Hanley Disher (US Naval Academy 1980); Gail O’Sullivan Dwyer (West Point 1981); Donna McAleer (West Point 1987); and Amy Efaw (West Point 1989). The authors will discuss their books as well as offer their first-hand perspective of the young women who have come of age over the past 30 years at the Service Academies—their contributions to the military and to today’s combat team. The event is co-hosted by the Women’s Research & Education Institute (WREI). To reserve a seat, RSVP by calling 703-533-1155 or email hq@womensmemorial.org. Please include the number attending.  

Common Misunderstandings May Harm Disaster Survivors

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- In the first few weeks following a disaster, residents may be confused or misled by rumors and half-truths about how to get help from the various assistance programs that are available.

While state and federal programs are not intended to make storm survivors whole, they can provide the kinds of assistance that helps those affected by the summer storms to begin the recovery process.

Officials of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) point to two easy ways to begin the recovery process:

•Go to www.disasterassistance.gov to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, or

•Call 1 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1 800-462-7585. Phone lines are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Following are clarifications of some common misunderstandings about disaster assistance and answers to some frequently asked questions:

I got help from the American Red Cross, but I still need to apply to FEMA if I need assistance.

TRUE. FEMA programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other voluntary agencies. Registration with the Red Cross or other voluntary agency is not the same as applying with FEMA.

I have insurance. I hear there may be other help available to me.

TRUE. Insurance is your main source to cover emergencies or to put your life back in order after a disaster. But there are some things that insurance may not cover. That is where federal disaster programs may be able to help.

I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance.

FALSE. You do not have to wait for an agent or adjuster's inspection before applying for assistance or beginning repairs needed to make your house safe, sanitary and functional. If you wait, you could miss the deadline to apply to FEMA. However, if you have insurance, you must file an insurance claim, find out what your policy covers, and be sure to keep papers and receipts for any work done. If you still have unmet disaster-related needs, you may be considered for FEMA assistance. To avoid a duplication of benefits, please submit your insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA along with an appeal letter.

I already repaired my home, so it is too late to apply.

FALSE. You may be eligible for FEMA assistance for expenses not covered by your insurance.

I have to make a reservation and go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply for assistance.

FALSE. There are two ways to apply for assistance. Individuals with Internet access can apply on the agency's website at www.disasterassistance.gov. You may apply by calling FEMA's toll-free number at 1 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. DRCs are designed to provide additional information or assistance. No appointment is necessary and you may visit any DRC even if it is not located in your town or county.

I have already applied to FEMA for assistance; there’s no reason for me to go to a DRC.

FALSE.  You can meet face-to-face with FEMA disaster recovery specialists. Other federal and state disaster recovery information is available in the centers. SBA customer service representatives are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program and assist with the completion of loan applications that are essential to the FEMA application process.

I have to be poor to qualify for disaster assistance.

FALSE. Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. The programs are not "welfare." The kinds of help provided depend on the applicant's circumstances and unmet disaster-related needs.

I can apply for a loan from the SBA even if I'm not a business owner.

TRUE. Renters, homeowners and private nonprofit organizations—as well as businesses—may be eligible for low-interest loans for disaster-related losses. Homeowners may be eligible for damages to real estate. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for personal property damages, including automobiles. Don't let the name fool you. In a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration, the SBA is the primary source of federal financial assistance.

I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan.

FALSE. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) handles low-interest disaster loans and has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant's eligibility. If you, as a homeowner or renter, do not qualify for an SBA loan, you may be eligible for referral to FEMA for other assistance. It is necessary for homeowners and renters to return the SBA application, if one was received, to be eligible for referral back to FEMA.

I don't really want a loan, but I've heard I need to fill out the SBA loan application.

TRUE. If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be considered for other forms of assistance from FEMA designed to help meet serious, disaster-related needs. However, you must complete and return the SBA loan application, even if you don’t want a loan. If the loan application is not returned you may not be eligible for further disaster assistance.

I rent an apartment, so I can't get help to replace my damaged personal property.

FALSE. A renter may also qualify for a grant from FEMA or an SBA low-interest disaster loan to replace personal property. One type of grant may cover temporary housing needs. Another type of grant may be available to an eligible individual or families with serious disaster-related needs and expenses that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs.

I have to be a legal U.S. resident to receive Individual Assistance.

TRUE. To be considered for federal assistance from FEMA, you must be a U.S. citizen, a qualified alien or a non-citizen national. A qualified alien generally includes individuals who are lawful permanent residents (possessing an alien registration receipt card) or those with legal status due to asylum, refugee, parole (admission into the U.S. for humanitarian purposes), withholding of deportation, or domestic violence. Check with an immigration expert if you have questions about your legal status.

I am an undocumented immigrant, is there any assistance available?

POSSIBLY. You may apply for Individual Assistance on behalf of your child who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. Or another adult household member may qualify for household assistance if he or she is a documented immigrant. You may also be eligible under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance. An undocumented immigrant may be eligible for short-term, non-cash emergency aid provided by FEMA.

I have applied, what happens next?

After you apply, FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and "Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program," a useful booklet that will answer many of your questions. This publication explains how FEMA's disaster assistance program works; and describes additional kinds of help you may qualify for from other federal, state and voluntary agencies.

If your home or its contents are damaged and you are uninsured or underinsured, an inspector may contact you within 10 days after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home. All inspectors carry a photo ID that shows they are affiliated with the U.S. government. If you receive an SBA Disaster Loan application in the mail, you must complete and return the application to the SBA to be considered for a loan and to continue the referral and eligibility process.

I need to check the status of my case.

Go to www.disasterassistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621- FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Face of Defense: Couple Gives Soldier New Family

By Army Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger

U.S. Division Center

BAGHDAD, Sept. 20, 2010 – When Army Spc. Christopher Sandri travels home for leave this month, he plans on enjoying home-cooked meals and fishing for bass.

Sandri, an infantryman serving in U.S. Division Center with the 3rd Infantry Division’s Company A, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, said the best moments of leave, however, will be those spent with his parents, John and Dorean Sandri of Green Bay, Wis.

Sandri didn’t have parents to visit while on leave or to send him care packages while he was deployed to Iraq’s Anbar province from October 2007 to April 2008. When his unit returned to Fort Stewart, Ga., he stood alone on the parade field while other soldiers went home with their families.

“I pretty much sucked it up and went to the barracks,” he said.

The Laurel, Md., native was born Christopher Kroll on Oct. 14, 1983. He was practically raised by his grandparents, because his biological mother was unable to do so.

He maintained a strained relationship with his mother after joining the military and leaving Maryland, he said, but the relationship worsened after he left the United States for an assignment in Germany.

“She wasn’t happy I couldn’t contact her all the time,” Sandri said. “The longer and longer I was over in Germany, the more and more she just grew away from me.”

After three years and a six-month deployment to Afghanistan, Chris moved to Fort Stewart. It was then, over a phone call, that his biological mother ended all contact.

“Her exact words that day when I called her were, ‘I have no son anymore,’” he said. “At the time, it didn’t bother me, because we were in the middle of training. It didn’t click.”

Two “rough” years later, he said, he met his future adoptive mother through an online chat server.

Dorean Sandri, an executive secretary for the not-for-profit organization “Adopt a U.S. Soldier,” read the soldier’s profile and suggested he meet her husband, a Vietnam War veteran. The three adults became very close and talked frequently.

Through months of communication, the Sandris heard about Chris’ family history. Knowing he had nowhere to go over the holidays, the couple invited him to spend Christmas of 2008 with them in Green Bay.

One evening during the visit, John Sandri asked the soldier if he would consider becoming his and Dorean’s son. The question caught Chris off guard at first, he said, and he told them he needed to think about it. It took him only two days to decide.

“It was like, ‘All right, I’m going to do it, I don’t have anybody else to trace back to,’” he said. Finding out the couple couldn’t have children, he said, contributed to his decision.

Chris Kroll and his soon-to-be parents submitted the necessary paperwork to the courthouse, and in early 2009, the soldier officially became known as Christopher Sandri.

Since the adoption, Chris said, it has been easy fitting in with his new family.

“Their whole family — every last one of them — is nuts,” he said with a laugh.

Chris said he especially has appreciated being able to talk to his adoptive father about things that have happened during his deployments. On the soldier’s last visit to the Sandri household before his current deployment, he said, his adoptive father broke down into tears when sharing some of his memories from the Vietnam War, in which he served as a medical evacuation pilot.

“It brought me to tears,” Chris said. “He sat down and he looked at me, and figured it’s only fair that if he spilled it all out to me, then it won’t make me feel awkward if, for some reason during my career, I need to talk to somebody.”

Chris said Dorean always lets him know he’s wanted and that she loves him completely.

“It makes a difference knowing that if I have a hard day at work, I can get online and gripe to my parents,” he said. “My father will take it like a champ and find a way to make me laugh, and my mother will be not too far behind with a promise of fresh-made cookies coming in the mail.

“All in all,” he added, “John and Dorean are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

2009 Defense Message System (DMS) Service/Agency Excellence Award

By DCMS Log -- Guest Post by Mr. Steven Wolf, Chief, Coast Guard Telecommunications Systems Infrastructure Division Commandant (CG-642)

Communications Area Master Station Pacific (CAMSPAC) was the Coast Guard recipient of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) 2009 Defense Message System (DMS) Service/Agency Excellence Award. The award was scheduled to be presented at the 2010 DISA Customer Partnership Conference in Nashville on 3 May, but major flooding of the Cumberland River resulted in the cancellation of the conference. Instead, Mr. Steve Wolf (CG-642), DMS Program Manager, presented the award plaque to the station and crew of CAMSPAC on 26 August 2010.

The award citation reads: The DMS Award of Excellence is presented to the U.S. Coast Guard Communications Area Master Station (CAMS) Pacific for exemplifying professionalism, dedication, diligence and a high degree of technical competence as they accomplished essential mission critical goals on the path to fully implement DMS in the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Their work as one of the Coast Guard's premiere service providers for DMS services, most especially as a key node in providing key intelligence data to the Intelligence Coordination Center via DMS, was key to the Coast Guard's ability to effectively and agilely perform its missions. CAMSPAC maintained a better than 99% Coast Guard DMS Component Site Availability rating for 2009 while maintaining a consistently low Non-Delivery Notice (NDN) percentage.

Congratulations to the station and crew of CAMSPAC for a job well done. Bravo Zulu!

Photo: LCDR Dan Connolly, CAMSPAC XO & Mr. Steven Wolf.

Acting Out: Outlining Specific Behaviors and Actions for Effective Leadership

The author of Acting Out: Outlining Specific Behaviors and Actions for Effective Leadership, Michell P. Weinzetl has the best mix of academic credentials and real-world leadership experience. The book reflects his strong academic command of the subject matter as well as his practical work-a-day experience. Moreover, the book his well-written, cited and edited.

The thrust of book can be summed up on page 13 were Weinzetl tells the reader that “leadership is what we do. It is action-based.” He follows up with this by providing a strong academic foundation for recommended leadership actions. Unlike some text which may only provide theory or those that center solely on practice, Weinzetl provides the leader with information (such as theory and research) on why certain actions are necessary.

The first part of the book is about leadership communication. He succulently brings us 50 years of research and advice on communication and also brings it into the 21st century with discussions on the use of modern communication tools (such as email). In my opinion, the two pages on “contrastive stress” are worth more to a leader than the price of the book. I am convinced if a leader reads and heeds those two pages, alone, they will be prevent a major headache in the future.

In the second part of the book, Mitchel P. Weinzetl launches into leadership as “action based.” He begins this section with a relevant discussion on vision and direction. What struck me is how extraordinarily relevant the information is to leaders at all stations within organizations. This middle section of the book is the meat for leaders – it includes many specific recommendations for positive action all designed to support the organizational vision.

The last section of the book is about Weinzetl entitles the “Leadership Replication Cycle.” This is an original creation by the author and a stellar way to think about all sorts of organizational activities from grooming new leaders to creating an institutional knowledge base.

Mitchell P. Weinzetl, a long-time law enforcement executive avoids the pitfall of writing to his law enforcement colleagues alone. The information is presented so that a leader in any organization would find the information valuable as well as intelligible – there is no secret jargon!

Lastly, one of the best features of the book the “Weinzetl’s Perspectives.” The book is laced with these personal experiences that help to understand, digest and place in context the information. A well deserved five star recommendation.

Guardian of the Week – ME2 Nick Antis

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Post co-authored by LT Bryan Burkhalter, executive officer of Marine Safety and Security Team (MSST) Los Angeles/Long Beach

Executing missions in the Coast Guard requires extensive teamwork and partnership, and for Petty Officer Second Class Nick Antis his partnership comes in the form of Ryder, a 60-pound Belgian Malinois.

ME2 Antis his partner Ryder, a Belgian Malinois. Together they completed the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

On September 3, Antis, a maritime enforcement specialist, was designated the honor graduate upon his completion of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program.

“For me to receive the distinguished honor graduate award was a huge honor,” said Antis. “I feel privileged to be one of the first of three Coast Guard members to attend the class and have an opportunity to further put our service’s name out there as one that is dedicated to doing our part to protect our country.”

The 10-week program, located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, led Antis and his canine Ryder through a rigorous curriculum that included canine handler and explosive detection skills in a myriad of training and real-world environments.

The graduating class was the first to include prospective canine handlers from the Coast Guard, and Antis was selected as honor graduate due to his performance on practical and written exams, as well as his demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement policy.

ME2 Antis was designated the honor graduate of his class upon completion of the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Together the handlers and their canine partners trained in active transportation warehouses, realistic mock-ups of airport terminals, rail transportation and other scenarios.

The training and curriculum is vital for Antis and Ryder, as they will serve together in a Coast Guard Canine Explosive Detection Team (CEDT) for the service life of the dog.

Antis and his canine Ryder will be one of two teams at MSST Los Angeles/Long Beach charged with explosive detection missions in the maritime environment and partnering with federal, state and local agencies.

“Petty Officer Antis & Ryder’s teamwork and the outstanding training they received will be a critical part of the Deployable Operations Group’s adaptive force packages,” said LT Bryan Burkhalter, executive officer of MSST Los Angeles/Long Beach. “I am extremely proud of how Petty Officer Antis represented the Coast Guard, the ME rating and himself by his outstanding performance in this highly challenging training environment.”

As a deployable asset, Antis and Ryder are capable of operating in a variety of geographic locations and environments with the ability to work ashore or aboard vessels, and deploy from helicopters by vertical delivery. Recently, canine teams from MSST Los Angeles/Long Beach provided support to the commissioning of the CGC Waesche, the Super Bowl, and the Rose Bowl, among other events.

Bravo Zulu to Petty Officer Second Class Nick Antis, and his canine Ryder. We look forward to hearing about your operational achievements in the future!

Face of Defense: Airman Gives Boy Bike, Hope

By Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby

436th Airlift Wing

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., Sept. 17, 2010 – When Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Meinhold heard about a boy known as L.J. who might benefit from a bone marrow transplant, he set up a donor registry drive in the hope of finding a match for the boy.

But Meinhold didn't stop there in his efforts to help L.J.

The boy was suffering from erythroblastic leukemia, which is very rare in children. But in addition, his bicycle had been stolen. Riding his bike had been one of L.J.’s favorite activities before his cancer had rendered him unable to play outdoors.

Meinhold, who is assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron here, posted the child’s story on Facebook and raised enough money to add to his own contribution to get a new bike that L.J. could ride when he gets better.

But an ordinary bike wouldn't do.

Meinhold contacted Frank Russo, 436th Force Support Squadron community activity center director, to see if he could get the bicycle signed by a few NASCAR drivers.

Russo arranged to ship the bike to Richmond, Va., to be signed by NASCAR drivers Jimmy Johnson and Denny Hamlin. Also included with the bike were the photos of the drivers who signed it.

"Kids are resilient, but having something to look forward to when they get better helps," Meinhold said. "This is the fifth time I've run into a story like this, and I really couldn't get it done without Mr. Russo. The first time I spoke with him, I didn't have a clue how to get these things done."

Getting the bike to and from Richmond was no small endeavor. It had to be taken apart for shipment and reassembled so it would be ready for the drivers to sign.

"Whatever Sergeant Meinhold asks me to do, I get it done," Russo said. "I have a lot of respect for Sergeant Meinhold. He not only works his job and takes care of his family, but he also takes the time to help out those who need his help with the bone marrow drives. You can't say no to a guy who puts that much effort into helping others.

"This entire project has been Air Force all the way," Russo added. "I would love to see Dover Air Force Base help be a part of this great humanitarian story."

The leukemia L.J. suffers from causes his body's immune system to destroy all the cells it can find. It cannot differentiate between noncancer cells and cancer cells, Meinhold said.

Meinhold said he’s happy to do anything he can to help. "It makes living with what they are going through a little easier,” he said. “L.J. is definitely in for a long fight. He's gone through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and they caught it pretty early. However, most children who have this form of leukemia rarely make it to adulthood.

"Right now, our hope is to find L.J. a matching donor,” Meinhold continued, “and also get the word out about being a bone marrow donor to those who might have the wrong information. There are two drives that I am working with: the Department of Defense program, and a civilian program. I highly encourage all [Defense Department] card holders to register when the next drive starts."

EPA Honors Awardees for Preserving the Ozone Layer

WASHINGTON – Scientists, federal investigators, international government officials, and a pop music artist are among the recipients of the 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Montreal Protocol Awards. Honorees are being announced today to commemorate the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

"Recognizing these accomplishments is important to foster innovation and inspire others to make a difference in protecting the environment," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. "Today's awards prove again that the Montreal Protocol has been instrumental in accelerating international commitments that will leave our planet a healthier, safer place for our children and grandchildren."

This year’s winners have made outstanding contributions in protecting the ozone layer, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving public awareness about environmental issues. In addition, they have established successful cancer prevention programs and helped countries develop effective strategies to comply with the Montreal Protocol.  

Several awardees are being honored for lifetime achievements, including the team of scientists who documented the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole 25 years ago: Joe Farman, Brian Gardiner and Jonathan Shanklin.

The Montreal Protocol, signed by 196 countries, was designed to reduce and eventually eliminate ozone-depleting substances.  The phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, necessitates a long-term commitment from all developed and developing countries alike. HCFCs and some of the alternatives, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are global warming gases, and their continued production contributes to climate change.

Earlier this year, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico jointly submitted a proposal to amend the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs globally, with the potential of reducing 88,000 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, the equivalent of removing 420 million passenger cars each year through 2050. This proposal will be considered at the November Meeting of the Parties in Uganda.

Face of Defense: Air Guard Exterminator Handles Pests

By Army Sgt. Mike Getten

Nevada National Guard

RENO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Nev., Sept. 15, 2010 – “Pest” is a four-letter word to Air Force Staff Sgt. Damien Falconer of the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Civil Engineering Squadron.

As the lone pest management specialist in the Nevada Air Guard, it’s his job to eliminate all of the creepy-crawly nuisances here.

Falconer continually works to get rid of insects, rodents, weeds and an occasional bird from the base’s environment to prevent the pests from calling base equipment and facilities their permanent home.

“A pest is a plant or animal that’s out of place,” Falconer said. “We currently don’t have a lot of problems with pests on base. My biggest problem here is wasps, which can build a new home overnight. But those are even a small issue.”

Falconer spent 10 years in food service before cross-training into pest management last year.

“When I first joined, I just wanted a quick school and to enlist,” Falconer said. “About a year ago, I found I wasn’t having much fun in food service anymore and just wanted a change. I began looking for something else and discovered the pest control job and decided it could be interesting. Pest control is a big piece of food service, so I thought this would be a good fit.”

During his initial training period, Falconer received classroom and field instruction in how to conduct surveys for and identify pests and how to select and apply proper management techniques to control or eliminate infestations.

“We always look for the least impact on the environment,” Falconer said. “If a frightening device or other nonpollutant can be used, it is the preferred method.”

Working with pesticides can be dangerous to the environment as well as individuals. Falconer is required to obtain a state hazardous materials handling certification. The Air Force also requires Falconer to attend regular military certification training at various air bases throughout the United States.

“Most people don’t realize the stuff you buy at the hardware store can pollute the environment if used improperly,” he said. “We are trained to properly mix the chemicals as well as properly apply the soup.”

Air Force Master Sgt. Pat Speth, one of squadron’s supervisors, said Falconer must stay on his toes even when there are no pest invasions on base.

“Falconer has one of those jobs where he must keep his skills sharp at all times,” Speth said. “Then, when [he] deploys, he is the subject matter expert and must be ready to deal with any type of situation.”

Falconer is at the apprentice level in the pest control management specialty, and he said he expects to attend his next school late this year to become a journeyman.

Like many other airmen in the squadron’s utilities section, Falconer performs other utility-related jobs and spends a significant part of each drill working on tasks besides pest control.

“I spend most drills helping the utilities airmen wherever I can,” he said. “But there are those times during drill I receive the call to take care of a wasp infestation or something.”

Library of Congress Provides Online Content For Scholastic’s Re-Launch of Dear America Series

The Library of Congress is providing historical content from its vast and unparalleled collections to enhance a new interactive website for Scholastic’s Dear America historical fiction book series.

Scholastic, the children’s publishing, education and media company, will re-launch the acclaimed and bestselling Dear America historical fiction series this fall with a combination of all-new publishing and re-issues of the classic Dear America titles plus the new website with content provided by the Library.

"The Library of Congress is excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Scholastic on the re-release of the classic Dear America series," said Laura Campbell, Associate Librarian of Strategic Initiatives. "Combining these compelling stories with the Library’s extraordinary primary source collections will help make history more accessible and engaging for teachers and students alike."

Originally launched in 1996, the Dear America series for readers ages 8-14 was written by an array of award-winning band bestselling writers. The books are presented in diary format from the perspective of girls living at different times in American history. Publication of the series ended in 2004, but fans, booksellers, educators and parents have requested that the series be brought back into print. The series will re-launch in September 2010 with "The Fences Between us," an all-new story set in the Pacific Northwest during World War II by Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson. Also, two classics in the series will be reissued in the fall: "A Journey to the New World" and "The Winter of Red Snow."

In cooperation with the Library, Scholastic will further expand the series with two new dedicated "Dear America" websites: one for fans and one for educators, both launching in September 2010. The website for fans, www.scholastic.com/teachdearamerica, will be a fully interactive online community. The site will feature interactive scrapbooks for each Dear America character with online fashion galleries, crafts, recipes and fun downloads. In addition to games, quizzes, book excerpts and author interviews, there will be a moderated "living diary" blog and message board for fans.

Simultaneously, Scholastic and the Library of Congress will offer teachers and librarians a wealth of lesson plans, historical documents and archival photos and other teaching resources at the educator site, www.scholastic.com/teachdearamerica.   The site also features timelines, author videos, discussion guides and more, bringing the history in each book to life.

"We are pleased to reintroduce this beloved book series with the added dimension of a rich online experience through our relationship with the Library of Congress," said Ellie Berger, president of the Trade Publishing division of Scholastic.

Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools and libraries, on-air and online at www.scholastic.com. 

The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and the largest library in the world, holds nearly 145 million items in various languages, disciplines and formats. The Library serves the U.S. Congress and the nation both on-site in its reading rooms on Capitol Hill and through its award-winning website at www.loc.gov. Many of the Library’s rich resources and treasures may also be accessed via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myLOC.gov.

Roger White to Discuss Policy Analysis and Public Policy, Sept. 23

Roger S. White, in a lecture at the Library of Congress, will discuss how the field of policy analysis informs policymaking.

White, a scholar in residence in the John W. Kluge Center, will present "Professional Help for Public Policy: Policy Analysis as a Field of Intellectual Inquiry and Practice" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building,

10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by the Kluge Center, the lecture is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are needed.

According to White, policy analysis, which has emerged over the past half-century as a field of intellectual inquiry and practice, is one of a number of sources that inform the public and policymakers about policy needs, options and operations. Special interests, scholars from other fields, the courts, the media, the public and policymakers themselves also play important roles.

White will discuss the nature of distinctive contributions from the field of policy analysis. He will explore key research approaches and researcher attributes that can make contributions from policy analysts not only distinctive but particularly valuable. His presentation offers a framework for assessing and enhancing effectiveness in policymaking.

White has devoted most of his professional life to supporting public policy work of the U.S. Congress as a policy analyst and research manager in the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a department of the Library of Congress. He has served as a senior research manager for nearly 30 years, most recently as associate director for research. He also served as assistant chief of the economics division of CRS.

White has developed and administered approaches for managing public policy research that anticipate and meet critical policymaking needs of Congress. White’s extensive experience includes conceptualizing immediate and continuing policy research needs stemming from significant unanticipated events, such as the terrorist attacks of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, to ensure timely, relevant and continuing support for Congress.

White holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois and was a member of the faculty at the University of Connecticut and consultant to the First National Bank of Boston before joining CRS in 1975.

Through a generous endowment from John W. Kluge, the Library of Congress established the Kluge Center in 2000 to bring together the world’s best thinkers to stimulate and energize one another to distill wisdom from the Library’s rich resources and to interact with policymakers in Washington. For further information on the Kluge Center, visit www.loc.gov/kluge/.

“Three Presidents, Three Policies: Nixon, Bush, Obama and Europe”

Lecture by Klaus Larres

Distinguished scholar Klaus Larres will analyze the approach taken by Presidents Richard Nixon, George W. Bush and Barack Obama in managing and exploiting relations with Washington’s European allies at crucial points in world affairs.

Larres will present the lecture "Three Presidents, Three Policies: Nixon, Bush, Obama and Europe" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Library of Congress in Room 119 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center, the event is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are needed.

According to Larres, the continuing importance of America’s relations with Europe has been demonstrated again by transatlantic cooperation in the Great Recession, the Greek crisis and the war in Afghanistan, to name a few. Presidents Nixon, G.W. Bush and Obama have used very distinct approaches in dealing with the increasingly self-confident and independently minded Europeans. Although U.S. policy makers publicly have approved of the development of an ever-more-united Europe, privately the White House in particular has had a significantly more ambiguous and skeptical view.

A former holder of the Henry Alfred Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Kluge Center, Larres has returned to the center as a distinguished visiting scholar. Larres is also a visiting professor at The Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a senior research fellow at the SAIS Center for Transatlantic Relations.

Larres, a professor of history and international affairs at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, is frequently called upon as a speaker, panelist and commentator on both current and past European-American relations and the history of the Cold War. Previously, he was a professor in international relations at the University of London and the Jean Monnet Professor at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Larres has published widely on transatlantic relations and European and American foreign policies during the Cold War and the post-Cold-War years. At present he is completing a book titled "Enlightened Self-Interest: The United States and the Unity of Europe from Truman to Obama."

Through a generous endowment from John W. Kluge, the Library of Congress established the Kluge Center in 2000 to bring together the world’s best thinkers to stimulate and energize one another to distill wisdom from the Library’s rich resources and to interact with policymakers in Washington. For further information on the Kluge Center, visit www.loc.gov/kluge/.

Leadership changes, vision remains same for award-winning training institute

By Staff Sgt. Andy Poquette

Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin Army National Guard's highly regarded 426th Regiment Regional Training Institute, based at the Wisconsin Military Academy at Fort McCoy, has an old hand for its new commander.

Col. Kenneth A. Koon of Waunakee, who commanded the 426th Regiment for 30 months, passed the colors to Col. Richard Borkowski, Lake Geneva, during a change of command ceremony held Sept. 11.

This isn't the first time that Borkowski has followed in Koon's footsteps - five years earlier, to the day, Koon relinquished command of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 426th Regiment to Borkowski in a similar ceremony. Saturday's ceremony, like five years ago, was bittersweet for both the outgoing and incoming commander. Speaking to the Soldiers of the 426th, Koon said he will truly miss the camaraderie he has shared with his Soldiers.

"You have much to be proud of - I know you will continue to serve well supporting Col. Borkowski as you did for me and honor the heritage and lineage from which the regiment came," Koon said. "Thank you for the best years of my military career."

Under Koon's leadership, the regiment earned many accolades and logged thousands of hours of training: The 1st Field Artillery Battalion of the 426th Regiment became the country's first National Guard field artillery battalion to earn the title of Institute of Excellence; Headquarters Company ,127th Infantry assembled a team of certified instructors and established a satellite school in Kosovo to train more than 100 soldiers in the infantry career field - a first-time event; and the 426th Regional Training Command completed 357,929 training man-days - including 250 by Marines, 1,050 by Sailors, 4,200 by Airmen, 3,350 by active component Soldiers including ROTC, 79,232 by the Army Reserve, and 16,895 by civilians.

Borkowski plans to complete an initiative begun under Koon's watch - launching a third training battalion at the 426th, dedicated to state priority training missions. This will allow the second battalion greater opportunity to focus on military occupational specialty courses.

Borkowski said he intends to continue the regiment's success. As a history teacher in his civilian career, Borkowski brings unique qualifications to the command of the training institute.

"I don't think instructors realize the impact they have on Soldiers," Borkowski said. "Education is the key component of maintaining our operational tempo in this era of uncertainty. The benefit these instructors can provide is immeasurable. Soldiers will remember the lessons they learn here for the rest of their careers."

Face of Defense: Airman's Hobby Boosts Performance

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah

8th Fighter Wing

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea, Sept. 13, 2010 – An 8th Security Forces Squadron airman here has found an off-duty activity that helps him develop his leadership skills while achieving an ultimate personal goal.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Duriel Howard, the squadron’s standardization and evaluations noncommissioned officer, is proving he is as much an asset to his Brazilian jiu-jitsu group as he is to the squadron.

Howard is responsible for certifying every airman in the squadron on their duty tasks, whether they’re patrolmen, desk sergeants, entry controllers or others. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu teammate and fellow squadron member said this means Howard must be a highly trained and valued member of the squadron.

"In order to be a stan-eval NCO, you have to be the tip of the spear, and he is," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Troester, a military working dog handler.

After only three months on the Brazilian jiu-jitsu team, the 32-year-old Austin, Texas, native has proven his dedication isn't limited to his duty performance. Howard recently claimed two gold medals at the fifth annual De La Riva Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Cup in South Korea’s capital of Seoul, one in his weight class and the other for the absolute division, involving all the weight classes combined.

"It felt good to win the medals," Howard said. "But it's all thanks to my group. I absolutely couldn't have done this myself. I had no experience, but the entire team helped me achieve this."

Being a part of the group and winning the medals also will help the 10-year Air Force veteran reach his ultimate goal: to be an Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter.

"To be a UFC fighter, I need to learn martial arts, so this is one step to doing that," said Howard, a two-stripe white belt martial artist.

Although he's achieved so much so quickly, he acknowledged, he still has a way to go. Martial arts experience takes a person through five belt colors as they progress - white to blue to purple to brown to black. Howard said he plans to continue practicing and reaching for his goal long after he leaves here in six months. But in the meantime, in addition to aiming for a personal goal, Howard said, he is developing himself as an airman and a security forces member, and also is remaining fit to fight.

"What I am learning I can apply at work," Howard said. "If I'm in a bad situation, I can apply what I've learned and take someone down with only as much force as necessary."

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is designed so that even the weakest person can have the same chances in a fight, said Troester, a purple-belt martial artist who started the Brazilian jiu-jitsu group here.

"Using leverage and technique, even the weakest person can win," he said. "It may not always be the biggest and strongest person."

Troester, a martial artist for more than two years, said he started the local group to help his fellow security forces airmen develop their skills and because of the intensity of the workout.

"This training helps us for our job - the security forces career field has the most possibility for being in an altercation, so it gives us good self-defense to fall back on," he said. "But it's also a great workout.” Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the only physical training he does, he added, and he scored a 95 on his last fitness test.

Howard agreed the hobby provides significant value.

"I'd like to see more people join our group, because it's a great workout and a great way to relieve stress," he said.

The group practices off base with a local gym's team. When they aren't hard at work, Howard said, they enjoy spending time hanging out with the members of the gym's team.

"[It] gets me away from my daily grind and keeps me fit and focused," he s

aid. "The group works together and practices so we all get better."

Tomkiewicz, a one-stripe white belt martial artist, joked that he wasn't sure about Howard needing the practice.

"He's a great member of the team - a hard worker and a team player. … But he squashes me," he said.

Obama Commemorates 9/11 in Weekly Address

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2010 – On the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, President Barack Obama today used his weekly address to the nation to commemorate the tragedy.

Here is the text of the president’s message:

Today, we pause to remember a day that tested our country. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the deadliest attack on American soil in our history. We will never forget the images of planes vanishing into buildings; of photos hung by the families of the missing. We will never forget the anger and sadness we felt. And while nine years have come and gone since that September morning, the passage of time will never diminish the pain and loss forever seared in the consciousness of our nation.

That is why, on this day, we pray with the families of those who died. We mourn with husbands and wives, children and parents, friends and loved ones. We think about the milestones that have passed over the course of nine years – births and christenings, weddings and graduations – all with an empty chair.

On this day, we also honor those who died so that others might live: the firefighters and first responders who climbed the stairs of two burning towers; the passengers who stormed a cockpit; and the men and women who have, in the years since, borne the uniform of this country and given their lives so that our children could grow up in a safer world. In acts of courage and decency, they defended a simple precept: I am my brother’s keeper; I am my sister’s keeper.

And on this day, we recall that at our darkest moment, we summoned a sense of unity and common purpose. We responded to the worst kind of depravity with the best of our humanity.

So, each year at this time, we renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act of terror and who continue to plot against us – for we will never waver in defense of this nation. We renew our commitment to our troops and all who serve to protect this country, and to their families. But we also renew the true spirit of that day. Not the human capacity for evil, but the human capacity for good. Not the desire to destroy, but the impulse to save.

That is why we mark September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. For if there is a lesson to be drawn on this anniversary, it is this: we are one nation – one people – bound not only by grief, but by a set of common ideals. And that by giving back to our communities, by serving people in need, we reaffirm our ideals – in defiance of those who would do us grave harm. We prove that the sense of responsibility that we felt for one another was not a fleeting passion – but a lasting virtue.

This is a time of difficulty for our country. And it is often in such moments that some try to stoke bitterness – to divide us based on our differences, to blind us to what we have in common. But on this day, we are reminded that at our best, we do not give in to this temptation. We stand with one another. We fight alongside one another. We do not allow ourselves to be defined by fear, but by the hopes we have for our families, for our nation, and for a brighter future. So let us grieve for those we’ve lost, honor those who have sacrificed, and do our best to live up to the values we share – on this day, and every day that follows.

Grandmother Graduates From Explosive Ordnance Disposal School

By Rich Lamance
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 10, 2010 – The Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is one of the toughest schools in the military, with a dropout rate that often exceeds 50 percent. But an Army specialist and 42-year-old grandmother from North Carolina has proven that when it comes to meeting tough challenges, age sometimes is just a state of mind.

Spc. Jennifer E. Moore graduated today from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, where she has spent close to a year learning the delicate techniques of how to recover, evaluate, safely render harmless and dispose of live ordnance.

For Moore, paying attention to the details of such things as ordnance identification, disarmament, transportation and disposal, as well as rigging principles, reconnaissance procedures and nuclear, biological and chemical training can literally help save lives on the battlefield.

Moore entered the Army after graduating from high school in Charlotte, N.C., in 1986 and finished her first stint in 1990. She admitted that the year-long training has been tough.

"Training, for me, has been mentally and physically exhausting,” she said. “There is so much you need to learn to make it through this school, and so little time to learn it.

"The extreme heat and high humidity here in Florida added to the challenge when we had to perform EOD procedures wearing our protective clothing that included the bomb suit and chemical suit,” she continued. “However, the school has been one of the most awesome experiences of my life."

The Navy EOD school trains close to 2,000 students each year from all branches of service, and while each person volunteers for a different reason, Moore said, she had reservations at first.

"I enlisted in the Army after a 19-year separation,” she said, “and due to my high test scores, I figured I would have a long list of jobs available to me."

However, Moore said, at the time she enlisted, the EOD specialty was the only one on the table.

"I had wanted to come back into the Army for years, and EOD school was the only one available to me at the time, so, I took it,” she said. “I decided to continue with the training and see if I liked it. I stayed in EOD because I love it."

Moore and many of her fellow students believe that the extensive training they endure will play an important part in their future, especially during upcoming deployments.

"I'm hoping that the training I had here, along with my continued training in the field, will help me part of a team that has an impact in saving lives," she said.

While youth has its advantages in the military, Moore acknowledged, much of her success lies in having the right attitude.

"I have learned that age and gender won't stop you from finishing a tough school like this one,” she said. “But a lack of will can. The most challenging part of this training, for me, was stepping out of the civilian world and into the ordnance world with absolutely no background. I have to say, that my favorite part of the course was dealing with nukes and weapons of mass destruction."

Moore said that while her family was supportive, early on they had definite reservations. "My family initially thought I was crazy to come to EOD school,” she said. “They seem to have accepted it over time and look forward to having me back now that I've graduated. Of course, my friends still think I'm nuts."

Her first assignment is scheduled to be Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Remembering 9/11, Nine Years Later – CDR Michael Day

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

As the nation reflects on the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we bring you the story of a Coast Guardsmen who helped organize one of the largest mass evacuations in U.S. history.

On September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Michael Day was working at Coast Guard Activities New York preparing to leave for a meeting at Tower One of the World Trade Center when the command center alert came in. A plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers. Then another hit.

“We were unable to get any reports from lower Manhattan since all the communications systems failed. It was chaotic. People from multiple agencies were responding to the scene without any unity of purpose,” he said. “There wasn’t a pre-planned response; there was no CONOP for how to respond to two planes crashing into the Towers.”

Not having a specific response plan for this situation, Day grabbed the closest thing he could think of to help – the OPSAIL 2000 plan.

“I knew it had a lot of ambulance staging areas. We had a lot of evacuation points identified. Although it wasn’t necessarily a full-scale evacuation plan, it had information,” he said.

As Day rushed out the door to head to the waterfront, Andrew McGovern, pilot of the 100-foot pilot boat NEW YORK, showed up for the meeting. They grabbed a bunch of extra lifejackets, the OPSAIL plan, a Coast Guard Ensign and headed for the pilot boat.

“I remember listening to the radio because by this time we were underway on the boat and it was just… chaos. Every channel you clicked to people were screaming, ‘Help, people are here… I’ve got someone hurt here’,” he said.

With a front row seat to the collapsing buildings, frightened people and distressing devastation, Day only momentarily worried about his own safety. With thousands of citizens needing help, he didn’t have time to stop and think about what was happening.

Despite poor radio communication and unreliable cellular reception, Day began dispatching Coast Guardsmen with handheld radios to the piers to help coordinate a more organized evacuation effort. Meanwhile, he hoisted the Coast Guard Ensign on the pilot boat and began broadcasting to all available boats willing to help with the evacuation to assemble off the tip of Governors Island and await further assignment.

The process of transporting the crowds of people from Manhattan to safety, one boat load at a time, continued into the evening. With the pilot boat docked in lower Manhattan, still flying the Coast Guard Ensign, first responders began asking them for help.

Establishing communications with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, he was able to start getting some supplies brought over to the pier… first water, then ice and meals. Soon, more specific items like tools, equipment and fuel began to arrive.

“We were quickly overrun with relief supplies,” he said. “It was just such a ‘can do’ effort. Everyone wanted to help.”

In what he called, “hands-on VTS,” Day and a Chief Boatswain’s Mate managed the hundreds of vessels bringing supplies to the pier.

“We set up three different staging areas because the supplies were coming in so fast and furious that we were running out of room, and we couldn’t distribute them fast enough,” he added.

The pure scope of the event and lack of communication with his superiors meant making decisions wasn’t always easy for Day, nor were his actions always by the book, but he looks at the response as great example of initiative and teamwork. Getting more than one hundred boats and dozens of response crews to work together cohesively is not an easy task. But for Day, it just sort of happened under what he describes as a “common purpose.”

“One is the value of partnering and partnerships, and building your bridges before you need them,” he said. “Two, making your people feel empowered. I really felt when I worked for Admiral Bennis that I was totally empowered to do the right thing. And three, to have faith in your people and the power of the concept of unity of purpose.”

After four days of responding with only about three hours of sleep total, Day finally had some time to reflect on what had happened.

“And it’s when I had quiet time, you know, a little bit alone to myself that it really, really struck home,” he said. “I think being in the Coast Guard we kind of shut things off at times of stress; it’s like a defense mechanism.”

Nine years later, Commander Day’s career and 9/11 experience have come full circle as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

First Lady Urges ‘National Day of Service’

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2010 – First Lady Michelle Obama issued a statement today urging Americans to participate in a “National Day of Service” tomorrow on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

Here is the first lady’s statement:

Nine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Like many Americans, I was shocked and horrified by the attacks on our country. But I was also inspired by the heroism and selflessness of so many of my fellow Americans in the wake of this tragedy.

From the brave men and women of Flight 93 who sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of others, to the first responders who rushed without hesitation to help those in need, to the young men and women who chose to join our Armed Forces following the attacks - these tragic events united Americans in a remarkable spirit of solidarity and compassion.

It’s that spirit of selflessness and service that inspired the first September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance last year. On this day all Americans can honor the brave men and women who lost and risked their lives by serving others in their community.

Tomorrow, I will be volunteering with Mission Serve, an initiative bringing together civilian and military communities through service and volunteerism. Working alongside active duty members of the military, wounded warriors, veterans, military spouses and students, I’ll help renovate a community center at a retirement community for veterans in McLean, Virginia.

You can join me in participating in the National Day of Service by finding a service opportunity in your area on Serve.gov.

Whether you help clean up a local park, participate in a food drive, or help out in a local soup kitchen or school, volunteering strengthens our communities and our country. The National Day of Service presents an opportunity to take time to make a difference in your area and make a commitment to serve your community throughout the year.

On the anniversary of this tragic day in our history, I hope you will join me in honoring all those who put the needs of others before their own by serving in your community.

To all Americans mourning the loss of their loved ones on September 11th, the President and I extend our sincerest condolences. Your courage and sacrifice is an inspiration to all Americans.

Sincerely,

Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United State