FBI Director Recognizes Distinguished Community Leaders

In a ceremony held today at FBI Headquarters, Director Robert S. Mueller, III recognized the recipients of the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award. These leaders, selected by their area FBI field offices, have made outstanding contributions to their local communities and demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of their neighbors. The FBI is grateful for the work each of these individuals and organizations have done on behalf of their communities.

“You are all determined to create a safer world for our children. You are all dedicated to protecting our neighborhoods from crime and violence. Just as important, you are all devoted to upholding the rule of law and defending the freedoms we cherish,” said Director Mueller in commending this year’s award recipients.

Recipients of the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award are:

■Sam and Linda Palazzole (Albany)

■Thomas Craig (Albuquerque)

■Covenant House Alaska (Anchorage)

■A Future. Not a Past. (Atlanta)

■Allen “Duffy” Samuels (Baltimore)

■Patricia A. McCay (Birmingham)

■Ted Woo (Boston)

■Joseph M. Tripi (Buffalo)

■Gang Alternative Principles (Charlotte)

■Brent A. King (Chicago)

■Columbus Global Academy (Cincinnati)

■Jimmy Malone (Cleveland)

■Dr. Robert L. Kirton (Columbia)

■William Walsh (Dallas)

■Allan Wick (Denver)

■Edward Deeb (Detroit)

■Gabriella Edwards (El Paso)

■Hawaii Internet Safety Awards Program (Honolulu)

■Stephen Gartrell (Houston)

■2012 Super Bowl Host Committee (Indianapolis)

■The Honorable James E. Graves, Jr. (Jackson)

■Valerie Stanley (Jacksonville)

■Marvin Szneler (Kansas City)

■Regal Entertainment Group (Knoxville)

■Tim Wong (Las Vegas)

■Kathy Manis Findley (Little Rock)

■I Have a Dream Foundation (Los Angeles)

■Norman Mayer (Louisville)

■Greg Lemon (Memphis)

■Essie Reed (Miami)

■Garry Henning (Milwaukee)

■PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center (Minneapolis)

■Bruce L. Brown (Mobile)

■Dr. Joan Rivitz (Newark)

■Dr. Steven Perry (New Haven)

■Herreast Harrison (New Orleans)

■The Honorable Bruce M. Balter (New York)

■Robert E. Stephens (Norfolk)

■Susan Agel (Oklahoma City)

■Willie Barney (Omaha)

■Stacy Irving (Philadelphia)

■Homicide Survivors, Inc. (Phoenix)

■James Krenn (Pittsburgh)

■Musse Olol (Portland)

■Ian M. Danielsen (Richmond)

■Women Escaping a Violent Environment (Sacramento)

■Anthony Thompson (St. Louis)

■Blackfeet Housing Project’s Pikanii Action Team (Salt Lake City)

■Robert B. Grau (San Antonio)

■KSWB-TV Fox 5 San Diego (San Diego)

■Futures Without Violence (San Francisco)

■Angeline Liang (San Juan)

■Paul Bascomb (Seattle)

■Dave Benton (Springfield)

■Rose Ferlita (Tampa)

■Hector R. Sealey (Washington Field)

■Matt Rudder (CJIS)

■Ken Klein (Office of Public Affairs)

San Diego Native with the U.S. Border Patrol to Accept Prestigious CBP Team Award

San Diego — Gerald Wilke, an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent (ACPA), with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector, has been designated to represent team members and receive the CBP Mission Integration Award on their behalf. This award recognizes an important and successful team effort that demonstrates a cross-organizational approach when developing and implementing a solution to address a significant problem. ACPA Wilke will be presented with the award by the CBP Commissioner at the annual CBP 2012 Awards Ceremony today, in Washington D.C.

ACPA Wilke was a team member comprised of high level managers from a diverse group of San Diego based federal agencies formed to collaboratively address the increasing use of the maritime environment by criminal organizations as a method to smuggle drugs and people into the country.

The maritime domain is a high-risk environment that poses significant danger of death and serious injury to human life. Maritime smuggling vessels are often overloaded and not seaworthy. Maritime smuggling generally occurs at hours of darkness and vessel operators rarely use required safety equipment. Maritime vessel operators often intently smuggle during inclement weather and hazardous sea state to evade detection. The team successfully created and implemented a consequence delivery strategy specific to the San Diego region called the Maritime Safety Initiative (MSI) designed to prevent this unsafe and illegal maritime smuggling activity.

Under MSI, all illegal maritime migrants are formally removed, informed of the consequences of re-entering through the maritime domain, and then transported outside of the California corridor to be repatriated to Mexico. Maritime migrants that choose to illegally re-enter through the San Diego maritime domain are referred for prosecution for felony re-entry after deportation. Maritime smugglers are also targeted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for prioritized criminal prosecution.

ACPA Wilke said, “Each team member greatly contributed to the success in the creation, implementation, and execution of the Maritime Safety Initiative with a primary focus to promote the preservation of life at sea and the enforcement of U.S. laws.” He added, “The Maritime Safety Initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies work together and share resources to accomplish a common goal."

After the implementation of the MSI during Fiscal Year 2011, maritime smuggling trends have significantly decreased as witnessed by a reduction in maritime apprehensions from 867 apprehensions in fiscal year 2010 to 631 in fiscal year 2011.

ACPA Wilke will accept the CBP Mission Integration Award on behalf of team members Mark V. Dunbar with the U.S. Border Patrol, William P. Snyder and John E. Garzon with the Office of Field Operations, William Raymond, with the Office of Air and Marine, Michael P. Carney, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Michael Wheat, with the Assistant United States Attorney Office and Patricia L. Hill, with the United States Coast Guard.

Gerald, a San Diego native, served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces from 1980 through 1984 and later attended San Diego Mesa College. In 2010, he successfully completed a CBP Command Leadership Academy. Gerald has worked for the U.S. Border Patrol since 1986.

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

Armando Fernandez Named Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Armando Fernandez special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Division. Mr. Fernandez most recently served as section chief of the Counterterrorism Internet Operations Section, Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters, which manages and targets counterterrorism investigations on the Internet.

After completing New Agent Training in Quantico, Virginia, Mr. Fernandez was assigned to the San Antonio Division, Austin Resident Agency. He investigated organized crime matters and violent crimes. In 1996, he transferred to the Brownsville Resident Agency, where he investigated drug cases.

In April 2001, Mr. Fernandez returned to Headquarters where he was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Drug Section, Special Operations Division. He transferred to the Communication Exploitation Section in January 2003. Later that year, he was promoted to field supervisor of the Criminal Enterprise Squad, Dallas Division. Mr. Fernandez was reassigned as a counterterrorism supervisor in January 2005.

In December 2006, Mr. Fernandez was promoted to assistant special agent in charge in the Phoenix Division, where he was responsible for the National Security Branch. In September 2008, he was the on-scene commander in Afghanistan and also provided support to the U.S. Armed Services Special Operations Units.

In March 2009, he was promoted to section chief in the Counterterrorism Division’s Communications Exploitation Section at Headquarters. This section provides technical and analytical capabilities in support of counterterrorism investigations.

Perrye K. Turner Named Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Perrye Turner special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville Division. Mr. Turner most recently served as deputy assistant director of the Information Technology Engineering Division at FBI Headquarters (FBI HQ).

Mr. Turner entered on duty as a special agent in 1991 and was assigned to the Birmingham Division, Huntsville Resident Agency, and in 1995, the New Orleans Division, Monroe Resident Agency, where he worked criminal investigative matters.

In 1999, Mr. Turner was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Criminal Investigation Division at FBI HQ. Mr. Turner worked in the Drug Section, Mexican/Criminal Syndicates Unit.

Mr. Turner served as a field supervisor in 2001 where he was assigned to the Jackson Division’s Criminal Enterprise Squad. While in Jackson, he later worked in the Field Intelligence Group in August 2004.

In August 2005, Mr. Turner was promoted to assistant special agent in charge in the Memphis Division. He managed the criminal and administrative programs for three years, and all national security branch programs for two years.

Mr. Turner earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and statistics from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana and a masters of business administration from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. He is a native of Shreveport, La.

Edward Deeb Receives 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that Edward Deeb was named the recipient of the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

The DCLA is presented annually by the FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III, to a recipient in each of the FBI’s 56 domestic field offices. Established in 1990, the DCLA is designed to publicly recognize an individual or organization that has helped with crime prevention and educational programs within their community which have furthered the efforts of law enforcement.

In selecting Mr. Deeb as the 2011 recipient of this prestigious award, noted were his many contributions over the years as a community leader who proactively stays on the forefront in an effort to build better relationships between the private sector and the community. Mr. Deeb co-founded and annually coordinates Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD), an event that draws more than 35,000 to Belle Isle each July.

MDYD is the largest youth event in Michigan, and has drawn over 700,000 youth over the years. The youth day event was inspired following altercations in 1980 between youth and area retailers in Detroit. The mayor met with community leaders to calm tensions, and Ed Deeb met with retailers urging them to be more sensitive to youth in an effort to help restore calm to the community. The mayor personally asked Ed Deeb to do something to help resolve the rising tensions between area businesses and youth residing in business communities.

Not only has MDYD become a yearly tradition that is highly anticipated by thousands of youth each year, it has become a national model youth event, and has received countless honors and proclamations from all areas of our state and nation to include the Point of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush.

Co-founder Ed Deeb is the driving force of MDYD. He is chairman and coordinator and donates much of his time and energy to this event.

It is with great pleasure that the Detroit Division awards Mr. Edward Deeb with the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., at the office of the Detroit Division FBI, located at 477 Michigan Avenue, 26th floor, Detroit, Michigan 48226.

If you are interested in attending, please contact PAS Simon Shaykhet.

Futures Without Violence Receives 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award from FBI San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO—Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund, was presented the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award on behalf of the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Douglas announced Feb. 15.

The annual award was created in 1990 as a way to honor and recognize individuals and organizations that go above and beyond the call of duty in service to their community in the area of drug and violence education and prevention.

“I am honored to present this award today to Futures Without Violence for the extraordinary efforts and courageous work they do in our community,” said Douglas. “It is no secret that children and women of all ages are at risk of domestic and sexual violence. The FBI takes crimes against children and women seriously through programs such as the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program, innocent images criminal program which targets child pornography, and in our day-to-day interaction with our local, state, and other federal law enforcement partners in combating these sorts of crimes.”

From domestic and dating violence to child abuse and sexual assault, Futures Without Violence works to end violence against women and children. The organization advances the health, stability, education, and security of women, girls, men, and boys throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more than 30 years, Futures Without Violence has reached new audiences and transformed social norms paving the way for national action campaigns, ground-breaking legislation and professional training programs designed to build the positive relationships that all individuals, families and communities need and deserve. In particular, Futures Without Violence was instrumental in developing the landmark Violence Against Women Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1994.

“Today’s award is an honor and amplifies our efforts to recognize that for people to be healthy, they must be able to live free of violence,” said Esta Soler, director and founder of Futures Without Violence. “We are proud to join the dedicated set of past recipients that share in our mission of creating futures without violence.”

In 2011, Futures Without Violence moved its headquarters to the Presidio of San Francisco, designed as a state-of-the-art global hub for innovation, leadership, and action where individuals and allied organizations from around the world will gather to realize the possibility of a world without violence. With offices in Washington D.C. and Boston as well, Futures Without Violence continues to focus on promoting the safety and wellbeing of all through education, advocacy and prevention programs that teach adolescents about the importance of healthy relationships. The organization also increasingly works on policy and programs that advance the status of women and girls around the globe by investing in their health, education and economic participation.

For more information about the Director’s Community Leadership Award, contact FBI Community Outreach Specialist Alicia Sensibaugh at 415-558-2505.

Vice Chief Talks Strategy and Leadership

From Naval Postgraduate School Public Affairs

MONTEREY, Calif. (NNS) (NNS) -- The vice chief of naval operations delivered a Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture (SGL) to students, faculty and staff of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Feb. 16 in King Auditorium.

Adm. Mark Ferguson's remarks focused on Navy's role in defense strategy and priorities recently announced as part of the Fiscal Year 2013 budget submission. He also discussed other personnel and readiness topics.

Held several times throughout the year, SGLs provide insights into current and emerging national security priorities from the leaders who guide them, and help students and faculty link their study, teaching and research efforts to the defense needs of the nation.

"Our strategy places a premium on global presence with a rebalance toward Asia-Pacific and the Middle East" said Ferguson. "It balances future capability with current readiness."

Ferguson told the audience that while in some cases force structure may be reduced, the Navy and Marine Corps will remain "agile, flexible, ready, and technologically advanced while retaining core Navy-Marine Corps warfighting capabilities."

Emphasizing the Navy's critical role in national security and economic prosperity, Ferguson said that the Chief of Naval Operations' three tenets of warfighting first, operate forward and be ready were the "lenses" that Navy budget priorities where focused through.

Before taking questions from the audience, Ferguson discussed what he believes is expected from Navy leaders and how they must make a difference daily.

"Be ready to lead--each of you are empowered to make contibutions and commitments to make our Navy a better place," he said. "In today's Navy you have to bring your 'A-game' every day."

Ferguson is a 1984 graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, and was honored with the university's Distinguished Alumni Award in December of 2008

In addition to SGL remarks Ferguson and his wife Lauré met with U.S. and international Sailors, civilians and families from NPS and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Monterey.

Sustaining Leadership Hinges on Flexibility, Policy Chief Says

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 – U.S. policymakers today can draw some useful lessons in managing “profound transitions” from President Harry S. Truman’s actions in 1950, the Defense Department’s policy chief said today.

In what she called her last public speech in office, Michèle Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, told an audience at the Reserve Officers Association National Security Symposium here that Truman took a multidimensional response to bring about fundamental changes in America’s foreign policy.

Truman, five years after World War II ended and with a new Cold War icing relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, also had to consider a newly communist China and North Korea’s invasion of neighboring South Korea, she noted.

Truman and a “truly extraordinary” group of his senior advisors responded to the changing security landscape with a series of programs, reviews and initiatives that led to the Marshall Plan, an independent Air Force and the establishment of the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, Flournoy said.

Truman’s efforts also contributed to the founding of NATO and the United Nations and set a foundation for eventual victory in the Cold War, she added.

The nation’s leaders today face an even more complex strategic era, Flournoy said: swift economic and military growth in China, asymmetric and hybrid forms of warfare incorporating growing threats in the cyber domain, proliferation of nuclear weapons, and trends from the Arab Awakening to global climate change.

“As if all this weren’t enough, in 2008 we suffered the most acute financial crisis since the Great Depression, shaking the very foundation of America’s national security -- our economic strength,” she said.

President Barack Obama has led a whole-of-government effort to ensure the nation’s security strategy accounts for all of these factors, Flournoy said. The defense strategic guidance the president announced Jan. 5 and the defense budget decisions Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta rolled out last week reflect a changed approach to America’s global responsibilities, she added.

The strategy emphasizes a focus on the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, reduces force size and protects investment in technology and advanced systems, she said.

Operational concepts are evolving and changing, Flournoy said, but the range of possible missions makes it critical that forces can surge, regenerate and mobilize quickly.

“The underlying theme that runs through all this is an emphasis on flexibility, agility, readiness -- on retaining capability across the full spectrum of missions,” she said. “This is the key to sustaining our leadership in an era of complex challenges and hard fiscal choices.”

One of the most discussed words in the defense strategic guidance is “reversibility,” she noted. Some commentators have seized on the word as a sign “that somehow our principles are not firmly fixed, or that our decisions on key programs are subject to rapid change,” she added.

The truth is completely different, she said: “[Reversibility] refers to our ability to make course corrections in response to strategic, economic or technological change.”

For example, she said, even as DOD reduces force size, “we will keep a relatively high proportion of mid-grade officers, who will be at a particular premium if we need to build up those forces quickly.”

Flournoy, who on Feb. 3 will leave the office she has held since February 2009, said DOD’s civil-military team has grappled with a number of national challenges in an integrated way.

During the recent debate over defense spending priorities, Panetta’s commitment to open communication only intensified as the process developed, she said.

“The strategic trumped the parochial time and time again,” Flournoy added. “This is a remarkable thing to witness.”

Flournoy said as she steps down from her current policy role, she has “a lot of faith” in defense leaders’ ability to make sound decisions as “these very difficult choices have to be made in the months and years ahead.”

“When circumstances are difficult, we as a country, as a people, do find a way to come together for the broader national interest,” she said.

MN BCA Adopts Leadership Book

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has adopted the leadership book I co-authored for use in their Supervision and Management Couse.  You can find out more about the course here:

https://sps.x.state.mn.us/cjte/Shared%20Documents/DisplayManagement.aspx?Page=11&CertificatePrograms

You can find out more about the book http://www.pokerleadership.com

 
Additionally, I will be one of their keynote speakers at the February leadership conference, you can find out more about that conference here:

https://sps.x.state.mn.us/cjte/Lists/Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=85

St. Louis Top Stories: Community Leadership

FBI Surprises Local Executive with Award

ST. LOUIS—At a surprise ceremony today, the FBI presented its Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) to Mr. Anthony Thompson, president and CEO of Kwame Building Group, in front of students he mentors at Mel Carnahan High School of the Future.

Every year, each FBI field office across the country selects only one recipient within its jurisdiction for this prestigious award. FBI Director Robert Mueller, III will personally present the award to each recipient at a national ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on March 16, 2012.

Thomas R. Metz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, presents award to Anthony Thompson.

The DCLA was created in 1990 as the principle means for the FBI to honor individuals or organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence to help keep America and its kids safe. Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas R. Metz of the FBI St. Louis Division said, “Giving back to the community is inherent to Mr. Thompson. He not only serves as a respected role model to young people, he is committed to helping them realize their potential from elementary school all the way through college and at the professional level.”

Mr. Thompson once said, “Steel sharpens steel and men sharpen men. The only way someone will know how to be a good man is to see one.” That’s why he helped establish the “Gentlemen’s Club,” a mentoring program at Carnahan to inspire young men to be gentlemen and leaders. Mr. Thompson and his employees mentor the students at Carnahan every other Wednesday. They haven’t missed one session since Mr. Thompson helped establish the “Gentlemen’s Club” seven years ago.

Mr. Thompson takes time to mentor the students despite his busy schedule as the president and CEO of Kwame Building Group. His company, a construction management firm, has offices in eight states and is headquartered in St. Louis. When he founded Kwame Building Group, Mr. Thompson wanted to provide opportunities for growth, development, and leadership to young professionals in the construction industry. Seventy percent of employees at Kwame are minorities.

To remove any barriers to college, the Kwame Foundation funds $60,000 to $90,000 a year in college scholarships to improve educational opportunities for minorities and first generation college students. The foundation has been funding college scholarships for eight years.

In 2010, Mr. Thompson’s family experienced a tragedy when his brother was shot and killed by a teenager in a random robbery. Instead of withdrawing, the family opened their arms even wider. Through the Kwame Foundation, Mr. Thompson established the Tyrone Thompson Institute for Nonviolence. The institute honors his brother, who also dedicated his life to advocating non-violence and being a role model for young men. The institute has volunteer mentors in five schools with hopes of expanding to all elementary and middle schools in St. Louis. The mentors help suspended students learn non-violence skills and work on materials they are missing by being out of school.

Developing Leaders is ‘Job One,’ Dempsey Tells ROTC Cadets

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

DURHAM, N.C.  – Service equities, the U.S. relationship with Iran and Pakistan, and the future of women in combat topped the questions put to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a town hall meeting here yesterday with ROTC cadets.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey spoke to 400 tri-service cadets from Duke University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine College and Meredith College.

ROTC is a college-based officer-commissioning program that focuses on military leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics.

“Think about leader development as job No. 1 and you’re off to a good start,” the chairman told his audience.

Faced with a dynamic between the two world wars that is similar to the Pentagon’s transitional situation today, Army Gen. George C. Marshall invested most heavily in leader development, Dempsey said.

“He knew that if he had the right leaders, once things clarified he’d call upon them to get it right, and that’s what we’ve got to do,” he added. “It’s about leader development. That’s the biggest lesson we’ve learned.”

The chairman stood alone on the stage. He made the cadets laugh, told them stories and showed them a fast-moving music video of warfighters at work that boomed with the heavy-metal song “Indestructible” by the Chicago band Disturbed.

He reassured them that they had not missed their chance to test themselves on the fields of battle.

“You can see Iraq and Afghanistan stabilizing a bit as you sit there wondering what it means for you,” Dempsey said. “[But] your country, I would suggest, needs you more than ever now to get us through [this] period of transition.”

One cadet asked about complaints that Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan had been doing the same jobs as soldiers. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos has a “great vision” for a lighter, more austere Marine Corps that fundamentally establishes expeditionary capability as its core competency, the chairman said.

The Army lays claim to being both expeditionary and of campaign quality -- meaning they go and stay until the mission is over, Dempsey said. “And I think the distinction is important,” he added, “because here’s the truth: as joint forces, we really can’t do without each other.”

The individual service cultures are a great strength of the joint force, just as diversity is a great strength of the nation, he said. But enemies over the past decade have decentralized, syndicated to work together, networked to improve communication, and gone global, the general noted.

“To defeat a network we have to be a network, so one of the things we’re talking about in our emerging defense strategy is the next document that will be published, which is the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations,” the chairman said.

The title, he added, may refer to a global networked approach to warfare because even the conventional force has adapted. “It’s decentralized, it’s networked, and it’s syndicated with a lot of different partners,” he said.

If the Defense Department accepts the challenge to take a global networked approach between now and 2020, Dempsey said, “I think you’ll see each of the services change its organizing principles and … operating concepts to become networked.”

“I think the nation will be well served by that,” he added, “and we can be a little smaller and pull it off.”

In response to a question about the U.S. relationship with Iran, the chairman acknowledged it’s a difficult problem. “We haven’t yet fully grasped the complexity of the issues, … and that’s where I’m spending most of my time,” he said.

On U.S. dealings with Pakistan, Dempsey said his close personal relationship with that nation’s army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, is helping to get the two nations’ militaries through recent rocky relations brought on in part by the tragic deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers during a November NATO air attack.

Dempsey and Kayani, who once were classmates at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., spoke earlier this week about a U.S. Central Command report on the investigation of the attack.

“When things are most heated in the relationship,” the chairman said, “we have the ability to engage each other on the basis of a personal relationship.”

Another cadet asked about the status of a change in the rules that keep women from serving in combat. Removing such restrictions is a two-step process, Dempsey said.

“I’ll use the Army as an example,” Dempsey said. “If you are a military intelligence analyst, there are some restrictions about where you can serve in the battlefield. For example, you can’t be on a military training team.

“That is completely ludicrous,” he continued, “because that’s not the kind of battlefield on which we operate. It’s not linear; it is circular -- 360 [degrees]. We’re going to knock that out of the way, so if you’re a female soldier, sailor, airman or Marine, you serve where you’re needed.”

The second step is the more challenging one, he added, not just because of military rules but because the issue has attracted congressional interest. It involves lifting a ban on women serving in direct ground combat units -- tanks, artillery and infantry.

“I personally believe that on my watch … I think that will begin to change. … It’ll change on your watch, for sure, if it doesn’t change on mine,” the chairman told the cadets. “And I think we’ll be better for it.”

FBI Salt Lake City Honors Blackfeet Housing with Prestigious Award

Pikanii Action Team Receives Director’s Community Leadership Award for Making a Difference in Montana

Special Agent In Charge David J. Johnson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office congratulates Blackfeet Housing’s Pikanii Action Team in Montana for being selected to receive the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. “The Pikanii Action Team was chosen for this special honor because of its important contributions toward reducing binge drinking and drunk driving in Montana, especially among young people on the Blackfeet Reservation,” said Mr. Johnson. “The FBI is grateful for the Pikanii Action Team’s efforts to pinpoint problems related to alcohol consumption and then jumping into action to successfully address the issues.”

First, the team analyzed data and conducted surveys to better understand the issue and then implemented several initiatives to address alcohol-related incidents among youth on the Blackfeet Reservation. The team determined their efforts should be focused in the communities of Browning, Seville, and Heart Butte, Montana. Among other issues, the group addressed responsible alcohol sales by vendors, a social host law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and supported increased compliance checks by a DUI Task Force. The team organized public forums, youth activities, and sponsored a billboard campaign to enhance community awareness about the dangers associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption. One roadside billboard, which read “Drinking and Driving Lead to Empty Lodges,” could be seen by drivers as they entered Browning.

The Pikanii Action Team is comprised of seven people. According to team leader Dorothy Still Smoking, Ed.D., each member contributed greatly to the team’s success, and being recognized by the FBI is evidence that their efforts left a lasting impression on the community. “Receiving the FBI’s Community Leadership Award has deep meaning,” said Dr. Still Smoking. “It also reminds me our work has just begun, and that we should always be mindful of what it takes to provide an environment where alcohol is not easily accessible to youth. To accomplish this, we must continue to work together.” Although the grant money for the campaign was exhausted in 2011, Dr. Still Smoking believes law enforcement, tribal entities, and parents can continue to play a critical role in reducing alcohol consumption by minors by reminding young members of the tribe to make wise choices and educating them about the consequences of irresponsible actions. According to statistics reported by the Pikanii Action Team, tribal members of all ages are heeding the team’s message. In 2009 there were 484 DUI violations recorded on the Blackfeet Reservation, compared to 199 in 2010.

In recognition of the group’s accomplishments, the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office will present the Pikanii Action Team with a certificate of appreciation. As a recipient of the Director’s Community Leadership Award, the Pikanii Action Team will also be honored by the FBI at an upcoming event scheduled for this spring in Washington D.C.

The Director’s Community Leadership Award is one way FBI special agents in charge thank individuals or organizations for their tremendous efforts. Created in 1990, this special award is presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI to honor individuals and organizations, such as the Pikanii Action Team, for their contributions to our communities. To learn more about current and past award recipients, please visit FBI.gov.

Little Rock Field Office Presents the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2011 to Kathy Manis Findley

Kathy Findley is a tireless advocate for abused women and children. She has devoted her life to promoting nonviolence and helping survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and child abuse achieve physical and mental well-being. That devotion led her to founding in 2002 the charitable, nonprofit organization called Safe Places: The Center for Healing and Hope with only a $3,000 grant.

Findley has dedicated her life to helping children and young adults from abusive environments. The organization she founded, Safe Places (www.safeplaceslr.org), provides support to those who suffer from the physical and emotional effects of violence and provides violence prevention education throughout the community. The mission statement of Safe Places best describes Findley’s life dream—“To create communities where every child is protected, every home is a safe place, and where every person can live free from violence.” Today, Safe Places offers to our community professionally trained staff who can provide a variety of services to victims of violence and abuse, as well as training for parents, other community professionals, and organizations. Some of their services include: 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive services for victims of violence and abuse; advocacy, intervention, education, and traumafocused therapy for child victims of violence; specialized trauma counseling for families experiencing violence or abuse; therapeutic interventions through specialized victim impact statements designed to help children and adolescents deal with the effects of being a victim of violent crime; immediate crisis intervention; long-term child and family advocacy, etc. These are just a few of the types of programs Safe Places provides at no cost to victims of violence and abuse. She and her organization have willingly assisted the FBI and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state in providing counseling and other support services to victims of violence.

Findley holds advanced certification in victim assistance from the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies. She is trained as a child forensic interviewer through the American Prosecutors Research Institute’s National Child Protection Training Center.

Findley was selected by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society as the Arkansas Honoree for the 2008 Above and Beyond Citizen Honors, called the most prestigious civilian award in America. She was named the 2009 Arkansas Business Nonprofit Executive of the Year for her work with Safe Places and was featured in the High Profile section of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on October 24, 2010. She was selected as one of the two Arkansans to receive a $50,000 grant by the Foundation for the MidSouth that considers candidates from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

Findley currently serves on the board of directors of the American Society of Victimology and the National Advisory Council of the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies, and was appointed by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe to serve on the Arkansas State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision. She was appointed by the City of Little Rock Board of Directors to serve on the Little Rock Commission on Domestic Violence and has served as its chairperson for three terms. She has also served on the Little Rock Commission on Children, Youth, and Families as the commissioner for issues related to domestic violence. She is a trainer for the Arkansas Victim Assistance Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She served as the first president of the Crime Victims Assistance Association of Arkansas and served two terms as president of the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Findley is the author of two books—Voices of Our Sisters and the Survivor’s Voice: Healing the Invisible Wounds of Violence and Abuse—as well as numerous publications.

She is committed to making her community better and actively participates in city, state, and national initiatives.

Based on her compassionate vision, her tireless dedication to this community and its defenseless victims, and her accomplishments in a field that often goes unrecognized, Special Agent in Charge Valerie Parlave and the employees of the Little Rock Field Office are proud to present the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award to Kathy Findley.

Below 100

Introduction
It has been a while since I have put fingers to keep board, but I thought this an important article/material to draft.  I recently attended a training which was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota the training vendor was the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center- Rural Policing Institute.  The training was focuses towards Rural Police Officer Safety.  There were three instructor John Bostain, Brian Willis and Mike Sumeracki.  The training focused on W.I.N. (Whats Important Now), Warrior Spirit/Mind Set/ LEOKA and Below 100 .  The training was attended by over 50 police officers from five states.  This training was important for a variety of reasons.

Whats Important Now:
This training sessions was taught by Brian Willis, he is a retired police supervisor from Canada.  He focused on the Warrior Spirit/Winning Mind Set and the principle of W.I.N.  For officers and individuals that are not aware of what this "lifestyle" change movement is about is empowering officers to think about what is important, to focus on safety, to keep ones mind thinking about the choices and how to succeed in the moments in the day,weekly, and yearly.  This training was well received by the audience and to be blunt this was something that most Minnesota Police Officers have not heard and or been familiar with.  Mr. Willis, is a quality trainer/instructor and presenter.  He provided clarity, and advice to the students (officers) in attendance. 

LEOKA
Mike Sumeracki presented on LEOKA, they research behind the hows/whys and whens police officers get killed and injured in the line of duty.  However this important to understand that the assault/ attempted murder might occur on the first call of the day or a rookie officer, or the last call of the day for an officer who is retiring.  The one thing that appeared to be the undertones of the message, dealt with complacency and officers to keep fresh, current on both skills, techniques and the law.

Below 100
Below 100 was a training that Mr. Willis and John Bostain co-taught.  The concept dealt with a initiative that brought out of a dinner at ILEETA.  The initiative is simply- we as a law enforcement society must remember to these five tenants- slow down, buckle up, wear your vest, W.I.N and complacency kills.  To me this was the most powerful session of the day.  Mr. Willis and Mr. Bostain spoke from the heart about a variety of inspirationaland tragic stories.  The main focal point or learning point, take aways was we as culture need to change, we as a culture are our own worst enemy.

Conclusion
First and foremost this training was brought forth by the funding from the United States Congress.  Although we do not bring enough attention to the funding sources, we need to recognize these efforts to protect US (law enforcement officers).  Second I thought we need to thank FLETC-RPI for bringing quality training to law enforcement officers, third and certainly not least is the three trainers who presented to the class.  Finally and the most important is the officers who attended the training because they are a visionary, forward thinking and willing to think outside of the box and change the paradigm.

Navy’s Stockdale Winners – In Their Own Words

The Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Awards, named for the Medal of Honor recipient who epitomized the very essence of leadership during his nearly eight years as a POW in North Vietnam. During that time, Stockdale relied upon his five, self-defined roles of leadership – moralist, jurist, teacher, steward and philosopher – to help himself and a group of about 11 others, survive the camp. The award is presented to only two naval leaders annually and, most importantly, they are only in the running if nominated by their peers. The below remarks are from this year’s winners Cmdr. Robb Chadwick and Cmdr Gerald Miranda. These two fleet leaders were recognized as Sailors who best represent the five roles of leadership that Stockdale displayed-Chadwick for his performance as Commanding Officer, USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), and Miranda for his performance as Commanding Officer, USS Asheville (SSN 758).

 Chadwick on leadership and the significance of this award:

“I am extremely honored to receive the Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership. Admiral Stockdale’s heroic conduct in the harshest of environments will forever stand as an example for our Navy and I am humbled to be associated with his legacy in any way. To be nominated by my peers, for whom I have so much respect, also makes this award very special.

Although this award is being presented to me, I truly view it as a unit award and I share it with the Officers, Chiefs and crew of USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). They were my source of inspiration. It was an honor and a privilege to serve as their commanding officer and it is because of their professionalism and dedication that I am being recognized in this way.

A leader should provide clear guidance and trust his or her subordinates to execute the mission. Stockdale wrote, “As strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.” My trust was rewarded with command achievements that highlighted the remarkable capabilities of United States Navy Sailors that have been proven throughout our history.”

 Miranda’s leadership lesson from his time as XO:

“So here’s a little story about trust and developing a young officer’s confidence: we were getting underway one morning and an hour before we were to set sail, the captain was nowhere to be found. Now I called every number I had and still the captain could not be reached. As XO, the crew turned to me and asked, “What do we do?” I said continue with underway preparations and get the ship ready to sail. Now secretly, I was worried sick and debated on when to call the squadron to let them know my captain was MIA. So up the bridge I went to bring on the tugs and get the main engines ready. The officer of the deck asked me, “Are we really getting underway without the captain?” With confidence, I said, “you worry about the ship; the CO is on his way.” Of course, I could only hope this was the case.

Well, about 30 minutes before casting off lines, here comes the captain walking down the pier with a big smile and a confident and cheerful gait. I see him from the bridge and quickly meet him in his stateroom. Before I could ask any questions, he looks at me and says, “XO, report the status of the ship being ready to get underway on time?” I said, “Yes, but,” before I could get another word out, he said “Very well, Captain to the bridge.” Later that day he brought me in to his stateroom because he knew I had some questions regarding “his late arrival.” He simply smiled and said, “XO, I decided to spend the morning eating breakfast with my wife – I knew you’d have the ship ready so I turned off my phone.” His confidence in me taught me a valuable lesson for command: Do what you think is right and make a decision because you won’t always have someone to ask. This lesson has served me well.”

The 2011 Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Awards will be presented Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m. in the Pentagon hall of heroes by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert.