NGAUS Legislative Update 9/25/2006

Congress’ Final Weeks

Congress is working to complete action on several legislative items before adjourning for mid-term elections. Of importance to the Guard--the fate of the FY07 Defense Authorization and FY07 Defense Appropriations bill. Both the House and Senate are making plans to adjourn on September 29, to allow members of both chambers to return home for the final critical weeks before the November 7th elections.

Defense Authorization Update

Both the House and Senate are in final negotiations trying to find compromises on the differences included within each report. One difference includes language contained in the House report that would allow military chaplains to end their prayers with the phrase "in Jesus’ name." In an effort to avoid legal entanglements, some military commanders are allowing only non-secular prayers to be used at military functions. Final agreements on the conference report are expected next week. Included within the Defense Authorization bill are provisions important to the National Guard. They include:

National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 (Alert #06-21)

Within the Senate version of the Authorization bill, legislation is included that would elevate the Chief of the Guard Bureau to a four-star position, would designate the Deputy Commander at NORTHCOM a Guard member, and establishes Guard service as a “joint.” These provisions were added as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill, which is currently in conference between the House and Senate. Contact your member of Congress and ask that this legislation be included in the final version of the Authorization Bill.

TRICARE (Alert #06-16)

The House version of the Authorization bill contains a measure that would provide TRICARE access to all members of the National Guard. The provision would set a Guard member’s premium cost-share of 28 percent while the Department of Defense would pay 72 percent of the premium regardless of duty status. Urge your Senator to support this language and keep it in the final bill.

Section 511 of the Defense Authorization Bill (Alert #06-13)

Another item included within H.R. 5122, the House version of the defense authorization bill, is a provision that would allow the President to federalize National Guard members during a “serious natural or man-made disaster, accident or catastrophe that occurs in the United States, its territories and possessions, or Puerto Rico,” without prior consultation with the governor. This would allow the federal government to control National Guard members during times when governors will need those troops the most, thereby negating the inherent line of authority from governor to adjutant general to individual Army and Air National Guard units. The National Guard Association of the United States strongly opposes Section 511 of H.R. 5122. Conference committee members should be made aware of the dangerous precedent set by this proposal.

Joint Cargo Aircraft (Alert #06-19)

The House version of the Authorization bill includes funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program while the Senate does not. NGAUS supports the House language to fund JCA. As you know, the Army National Guard is scheduled to field the JCA to replace aging and lesser performing C-23 and C-26 aircraft. The National Guard Bureau is also promoting the JCA as a follow-on mission for Air National Guard wings that will lose aircraft as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). When not deployed in support of the Global War on Terror or other contingencies, these aircraft will be available for state missions such as disaster response and homeland security. Write your member of Congress to urge their support for this important issue.

Defense Appropriations Update

Both chambers are in negotiations to finalize the FY07 Defense Appropriations bill before adjourning next Friday. At issue are the differing funding allocations between the two bills. The Senate would reduce the President’s request by $9 billion while the House cuts $4.1 billion. The final measure includes $70 billion in emergency funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and includes funding for equipment lost or damaged while overseas. One issue of particular concern to the future of the Air National Guard was funding for the C-17 Globemaster which is included in the Defense Appropriations conference report. Both the House and Senate supported funds that would continue the aircraft’s production for future procurement, but purchasing 10 more aircraft. NGAUS supports Congress’ efforts to keep the line open in the hopes that additional future C-17s will be assigned to the Air Guard.

NGAUS Conference

The 128th General Conference wrapped up on Monday of this week in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the conference, a total of 57 resolutions were passed by the membership. These resolutions and their related issues will be prioritized to form our legislative agenda before being presented to Congress as part of NGAUS 2007 lobbying efforts. The NGAUS task forces will be working to prioritize the resolutions; if you are interested in participating--contact the Task Force Chairs listed on the NGAUS website.

"We Serve"

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NGAUS Legislative: Congress Returns

Both the House and Senate returned to work after the month long August recess.

The Senate reconvened and immediately resumed action on the FY07 Defense Appropriations Act. The chamber is expected to pass the bill before the end of the week. Once complete, both the House and Senate must reconcile the differences between the two bills. With the end of the fiscal year looming, both the House and Senate Defense Appropriations members are hoping to complete the final bill before the end of September. Election year politics might overtake final action on the bill, delaying its final passage, NGAUS will continue to update you as the bill progresses.

Some of the items of importance to NGAUS in the Appropriations bill for the Army Guard include: restoring funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft, funding for Light Utility Helicopter, recapitalization of tracked vehicles for the Army Guard. On the Air National Guard side, maximum funding for F-15 advanced electronic scanned array radars; maintaining funding for F-16 Engine Upgrades; and funding for C-130 color weather radar. NGAUS is also focusing on requesting increased funding for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account.

Defense Authorization

The conference between the House and Senate on the Defense Authorization bill continues. Both chambers are expected to wrap up work on the Authorization bill during the next few weeks.

NGAUS top issues in the Authorization conference include:
-Reconciling differences between House and Senate language on TRICARE. NGAUS supports the more enhanced House version of TRICARE; encourage your Senators to recede to the House language (see Legislative Alert #06-16).

-Addressing Guard Early Access to retirement—the Senate provision would reduce the age in which Guard and Reserve members can access their retirement by 3 months for every 90 days served on active duty since 2001. NGAUS supports the Senate version, as the House does not contain such a provision.

-Guard Empowerment—the Senate included language introduced by Senators Bond and Leahy (provisions of the Guard Empowerment Act) that would promote the Chief of the Guard Bureau to a four-star position, and designate that the deputy commander at NORTHCOM be a Guard member. NGAUS supports the Senate language. To take action, check out our legislative alert #06-18 on the NGAUS Web site.

Guard Caucus Leaders Object to Language

On Thursday, Senators Bond (Mo.) and Leahy (Vt.) addressed a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee requesting that language in the Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 5122) be removed by the committee conferees. The language, Section 511, would authorize the President to take control of the Guard in “a serious natural or manmade disaster, accident, or catastrophe that occurs in the United States, its territories and possession, or Puerto Rico”, without their consent.

NGAUS is opposed to the language included in Section 511 and is working to get the language removed from the final conference bill. See additional information on the NGAUS homepage, #06-13.

NGAUS Conference

The 128th NGAUS General Conference begins next week in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the uninitiated, the Conference runs from Saturday, September 16 thru Monday, September 18. The conference, hosted by the New Mexico National Guard, will showcase Guard industry contractors, guest speakers at the Business sessions, professional development breakouts and the annual all states’ dinner. For details on the conference, visit our NGAUS Web site: www.ngaus.org.

NGAUS Job Openings

NGAUS has two job openings in its Legislative Affairs department. See the link on the NGAUS homepage for complete details.

“We Serve”

Providing NGAUS members with effective and knowledgeable representation on Capitol Hill.

Published by the NGAUS Legislative Staff:
Brig Gen (ret) Richard M. Green, Legislative Director
Scott Hommel, Deputy Director
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Andy Vanlandingham, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Emily Breitbach, Legislative Analyst

For more information on NGAUS, check out our Web site: www.ngaus.org/.

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NGAUS Notes: Sept. 9, 2006

Planning Now Set for 128th Conference and Exhibition
With the confirmation of all speakers for the business and professional-development sessions, planning is now complete for the 128th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition next week in Albuquerque, N.M.

Open conference events begin Friday morning, Sept. 15 with the NGAUS Golf Tournament. Play will be on two championship 18-hole courses: the University of New Mexico Golf Course and the Santa Ana Golf Course. The exhibition opens at 4 p.m. the same day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an all-comers reception at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

This year's trade show features more than 500 companies and organizations that either currently supply products and services to the Guard or are interested in becoming a provider.

The business sessions begin at noon Saturday, Sept. 16 in the convention center's Kiva Auditorium with a local cultural celebration and the colorful Roll Call of States.

Featured speakers the First Business Session include Gen. Ronald E. Keyes, commander, Air Combat Command, and Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief.

Guest speakers the next two days include Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey.

The Albuquerque Zoo will host this year's Governor's Reception next Saturday evening, Sept. 16.

For the fourth consecutive year, NGAUS will hold separate professional development sessions the Sunday and Monday of the conference. Topics include transformation leadership, emergency response and developing tomorrow's adaptive leaders.

A complete conference agenda and list of exhibitors is available at www.ngaus.org.

Equipment Reimbursement Deadline Looms
The Army's reimbursement claim filing deadline for the protective gear reimbursement program is Oct. 3.

Last year the Army began reimbursing soldiers who purchased body armor and certain other protective, health and safety equipment for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.

A reimbursable purchase is a qualifying item bought after Sept. 10, 2001, and before April 2, 2006.

The Army reimburses a claimant for the full purchase price plus shipping costs for each item - up to $1,100 for any single item - if proof of purchase is provided. Without it, the Defense Department reimburses at a rate pre-established for the item's category.

Soldiers are to file claims with the first field grade commander in their current chain of command.

Former soldiers and deceased soldiers' survivors may file by mail to the U.S. Army Claims Service (USARCS) at the address in block 12 of the claims form, DD Form 2902.

The U.S. Army Claims Service in Fort Meade, Md., has received 138 Army claims, says Maj. Paul Cucuzzella, USARCS project officer. He estimates that 25 percent of those are Guard claims.

A few claims for items such as knives or scopes for M-16 rifles have been declined. Overall, "we've been liberal about approving claims," he said.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will pay claimants after the USARCS processes the claims. Current soldiers receive direct deposits in their regular pay accounts; DFAS sends checks to the others.

To get the list of reimbursable items and download claim forms, visit www.jagcnet.army.mil.

Pentagon to Hold Limited Tours as Before the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
As the fifth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Pentagon officials will briefly reprise the pre-Sept. 11 tour program, conducting tours for the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday.

Pentagon tour guides will greet guests near the Memorial Gate, in the Pentagon's south parking lot, and escort them to the site where American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building.

Just inside that entrance is the America's Heroes Memorial. Visitors also will view the site under construction that will contain the Pentagon memorial.

Parking restrictions will remain in effect, however. Those wishing to take the tour and who have a Pentagon parking pass may park in their designated areas. All other visitors should use Metrorail and exit at the Pentagon stop.

The public tours are part of events commemorating the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. The weekend's highlight is the America Supports You Freedom Walk on Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The walk starts near the Washington Monument and ends at the Pentagon. More than 120 similar walks in all 50 states are scheduled to commemorate that day.

America Supports You spotlights ways the American people and corporate sector support U.S. service members.

Job Openings in Legislative Department
Deputy Director of Legislative Programs
Candidate will be responsible for assisting legislative director in the daily operations and execution of legislative agenda. Duties will include direct lobbying, strategy development and implementation, conducting and overseeing administrative duties, and assisting in staff management. Successful candidate will have 3-5 years of legislative experience and strong knowledge of the defense community. Those interested must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in political science or government affairs, strong communication skills, experience in legislative campaign project development and the ability to supervise personnel and lobbying efforts.

Joint Programs Lobbyist
Candidate will be responsible for lobbying for Army and Air National Guard personnel and benefits issues on Capitol Hill. Duties include direct lobbying, strategy formulation and implementation, coalition development and administrative duties relevant to the joint programs issue area. Successful candidate will have 3-5 years of legislative experience and strong knowledge of the defense community. Interested candidates must possess a bachelor's degree, preferably in political science and/or government affairs, strong advocacy and communication skills. Military experience a plus.

Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume to:

NGAUS
Legislative Director
One Massachusetts Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
or e-mail Richard Green.

Closing date for both positions is Sept. 22, 2006.

NGAUS History
In January 1957, NGAUS formed two new committees: Army Affairs and retired officers. Those additions brought the number of committees up to 12, including legislation; finance; membership; publication; public relations; constitution and by-laws; building; construction, criteria and technicians; history of the National Guard.

The committee members represented all areas of the Army and all of the numbered Air Forces bracketing the Air National Guard - all grades from one bars to two stars.

A major consideration in their selection was their availability to drop everything and come to Washington, D.C. - sometimes on short notice - to tackle matters affecting the Guard's and the National Guard Association's welfare.

This Week in Guard History
Sept. 9, 1943: Salerno, Italy - As part of the Allied invasion of Italy, the Americans land four divisions south of Naples. Three of these were the Guard's 34th (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota), 36th (Texas) and 45th (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma) infantry divisions.

Little resistance was expected since the Italian government had surrendered just prior to the landings. However, strong German forces contest the invasion and inflict heavy causalities on the Americans. During this operation the 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division earns a Presidential Unit Citation for its determined advance in spite of concentrated enemy fire.

The 36th and 45th divisions would later take part in the invasion of southern France and end the war deep inside of Germany, while the 34th Division would continue fighting up the Italian "boot" securing the Po River Valley by war's end.

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Team Member of the Week

Operation Paperback, founded in 1999, provides gently used books to help entertain our troops while they are deployed overseas. Originally serving only Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the program has expanded to send more than 300,000 paperbacks all over the world, from Iceland to Afghanistan. The organization will also be involved with the second annual Freedom Walk taking place in Washington, D.C. this weekend with a table on-site at the Pentagon along with other America Supports You members. To learn more, visit Operation Paperback.

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Corporation Targets Group for Support

By Samantha L. Quigley / American Forces Press Service.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2006 - Target Corporation, a national retailer, has taken aim at a Washington area troops support group, providing it with a $20,000 donation, the founder and president of Our Military Kids said.

"I actually approached Target to see if they, as a corporation, would be interested in providing us with any financial support for our program," Linda Davidson said. "They ... evaluated the program and came back to us and said they would be very interested in helping to support the fine-arts portion of our grant program."

Our Military Kids, Inc., works to ensure children of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard members, in kindergarten through the 12th grade, can afford to participate in youth sports, fine-arts and tutoring programs, according to the group's Web site.

The organization is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways the American people and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers.

The Target Foundation donation will provide for about 60 additional grants for children wishing to participate in a fine-arts activity, Davidson said. The grants can be up to $500 per person for six months of an activity, but usually average $320.

"We were hopeful that we could get them to cover the fine-arts portion, because that seemed to fall into the focus of their foundation," she said. "We're hoping to develop an ongoing relationship with (Target), that they might help us with at least the fine arts portion of our program."

Davidson said most requests her group receives center on sports, and especially martial arts.

Initially founded in March 2005, Our Military Kids set out to help the children of deployed or injured reserve-component personnel just in the greater Washington area, she said.

"The military grapevine is very fluid and we were receiving calls from all over the country from families that had heard about our program and were asking us when we were coming to their state," Davidson said.

Since they had the money and had not had to turn down a grant request to that point, Davidson said, she her two-person staff decided to entertain the widespread requests and see how the program continued to grow.

"Knock on wood, so far, we've not had to turn any applicant down, and we've awarded grants in ... 35 or 36 states now," she said. "So, in just a little over a year, it has grown tremendously. We're hoping as the number of applications increase, so do the donations that we receive ... from the corporate world and from individuals."

Original contributors, including Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics and the Freddie Mac Foundation, have stepped up to the plate and either renewed or increased their initial donations.

"(General Dynamics) said that was one of the best investments that they had made in charitable dollars and they were very happy to give us additional funds to expand the program," Davidson said. The defense contractor increased its initial $25,000 donation to $100,000 this year.

The commonwealth of Virginia has given Our Military Kids one of its biggest assists, Davidson said. Thanks to Virginia's former and current governors, Mark Warner and Timothy Kaine, respectively, children of Virginia's reserve-component personnel can apply for a second grant. This is a luxury Our Military Kids can't afford to offer in other states without federal or state funding, Davidson said.

"Governor Warner, before he left office, became aware of our program, and he had authorized $100,000 in the state budget for the 2006-2007 fiscal year," she said. "Governor Kane kept that in the budget, and we have received that money to help us fund the program in the state of Virginia.

"It's a goal of ours to get enough funding so that we can offer second grants to children across the country," she added.

Throughout its short existence, Our Military Kids has continued to grow and has given nearly 500 grants, Davidson said. And though it's been a busy year, she said it's all worth it.

"It's very rewarding. The stories we hear and the 'Thank You' notes and the calls that we get are very touching," she said. "It's worked out to be all that we had hoped and more."

Information on how to apply for an Our Military Kids grant is available on the organization's Web site

Source: America Supports You.

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Teens Nominated for Charitable Work Award

By Samantha L. Quigley / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2006 - Americans can help the nation's servicemembers by helping Brittany and Robbie Bergquist and their organization, Cell Phones for Soldiers, win one of three $50,000 Volvo for Life Awards.

Cell Phones for Soldiers recycles used cell phones, personal data assistants, iPods and ink printer cartridges, and uses the profits to buy prepaid calling cards for deployed servicemembers. The Bergquists have raised more than $1 million and have distributed more than 100,000 prepaid cards to date.

"Winning the Volvo for Life Award would mean that more of our troops can be helped by our organization," Brittany said in a telephone interview from her family's home in Norwell, Mass. "It would be an incredible honor to receive this award and would give Cell Phones for Soldiers the recognition that it needs to let people all across the country know about what we are doing to help our military and their families keep in touch."

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that spotlights ways the American people and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers.

The annual Volvo for Life Awards program recognizes and rewards everyday, real-life heroes across America, according to the car company's Web site.

The teens are among 250 finalists, five per state, competing for one of three top prizes. The state finalists were chosen from among the semi-finalists of Volvo's past four contests. The Bergquists were chosen as semi-finalists last year after their mother entered them in 2005.

The siblings were encouraged to reapply this year because Volvo, the administrator of the awards, has added a twist to the contest. In a switch from the previous four years, Volvo is asking Americans to weigh in on which of the 250 state finalists should go on to compete for the top prizes.

"A vote for Brittany and Robbie is a vote for the troops!" Brittany Bergquist said.

A panel of celebrity judges will choose the top three winners after Americans narrow down the field of 250. If the Bergquists finish in the top three, it would mean a $50,000 charitable contribution to Cell Phones for Soldiers. That would equal about 10,000 prepaid phone cards with 60 minutes of "talk time" for deployed servicemembers, Brittany said.

If chosen as the grand award recipient, the siblings also would win a lease on a new Volvo every three years for the rest of their lives. Brittany said that one car wouldn't be a problem, at least for a while.

"I'll get my license before Robbie, so I guess I'll have to drive the Volvo," she said. "When he gets his license, maybe I'll consider sharing!"

The Bergquists have numerous awards to their credit for their work keeping deployed servicemembers connected to loved ones. In October, they will receive a National Caring Award from the Caring Institute.

But the siblings, who started out to help one deployed soldier who racked up a tremendous cell phone bill, don't do it for the accolades. Their reasoning today is the same as it was in 2004 when they started their nonprofit organization: to help servicemembers.

"It would be an award that wouldn't be just for Robbie and me," Brittany said, of the Volvo for Life Award. "It would be an award for the troops and the thousands of Americans who support them because ... there wouldn't be a Cell Phones for Soldiers without the assistance of Americans who are helping us recycle (cell phones) all across the country."

The Bergquists' cousin, Army 1st Lt. Quentin Charmichael of the 182nd Cavalry Regiment, recently deployed to Kosovo on an 18-month peacekeeping mission, Brittany said, and her family attended the deployment ceremony. "We gave him and his unit phone cards to call home," she said. "I'm going to miss him so much. I can really understand how important it is to hear a loved one's voice and know that they're OK."

To help Brittany and Robbie get the chance to keep an additional 10,000 deployed servicemembers in touch with their families, visit the Volvo for Life Awards Web site. Follow the "Vote for your hero now" link to the map, choose Massachusetts, and follow the voting instructions. Their story also appears on the site.

Voting is under way and will continue through Feb. 4. The top three finalists will attend the 5th Annual Awards Gala in New York on April 4, where the winner of a Volvo for life will be announced.

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NASCAR Fans in California Support Our Troops

By American Forces Press Service.

Rick Lalor, manager of motorsports and events for the Automobile Club, and Shauna Fleming, founder of A Million Thanks.org, stand by Mark Martin's No. 6 Nextel Cup car at California Speedway, Sept. 4. Fleming's A Million Thanks booth at the race collected hundreds of thank you letters for U.S. troops thanks to Lalor's donation of booth space. Courtesy photo.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2006 - For the sixth time since a California teenager began her quest two and a half years ago to collect and distribute a million thank you letters to U.S. servicemembers, the “A Million Thanks” organization set up its booth at a Nextel Cup NASCAR race.

This race was the Sony HD 500 NASCAR Race at California Speedway here over Labor Day weekend. Shauna Fleming, now 17, set up A Million Thanks to collect thank you letters for troops.

The Labor Day weekend race had temperatures over 110 degrees, but hundreds of letters were collected from the thousands of race fans who attended the races.

The booth space, donated by the club that sponsors champion driver Mark Martin's No. 6 car, owned by Roush Racing, allowed Fleming's organization to collect thank you letters at the race.

Rick Lalor, Automobile Club's motorsports manager, is responsible for the A Million Thanks presence at the races. Rick is also a member of the California National Guard.

"It's great having Shauna's A Million Thanks booth with us at the races. It gives race fans a place to say thank you to our troops," Lalor said.

The A Million Thanks booth will collect letters at upcoming drag races in November. Lalor has invited Shauna to bring her booth to the NHRA Winter Nationals in Pomona. The Auto Club sponsors the race, as well as the funny car driven by champion John Force.

A Million Thanks is a member of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program, which highlights corporate and grassroots support for U.S. military members and their families.

Shauna was challenged last year by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers to collect 2.6 million thank you letters and e-mails for the troops. She is only 75,000 letters from that goal, which has been nicknamed "2.6 in 2006." Fleming said she expects to reach that milestone very soon.

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ASY: Freedom Walk

The America Supports You Freedom Walk has grown to 120 walks in 50 states nationwide and the District of Columbia. Local highlights include:

**Students at College Gate Elementary School, in Anchorage, Alaska, will honor and remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 by walking around the campus five times in silence to reflect upon what freedom means to them. After the walk, the students will compose essays on freedom that will be displayed throughout the school's halls before being sent to troops serving overseas. A kindergartener, whose father is slated for deployment to Iraq in January for one year, will help complete the planting of a freedom tree by adding the last soil.

**More than 800 walkers are expected at Corona, California's Luiseno Elementary School to participate in a Freedom Walk that will coincide with Grandparents' Day. Two hundred grandparents will join hands with 600 students to commemorate the victims of Sept. 11 and honor veterans, past and present. The walk will trek through the campus and will commence on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m.

**More than 150 students at Sand Fork Elementary School in Sand Fork, West Virginia will take time on September 11th to walk around their school track to commemorate the day. A returned soldier from Iraq as well as a retired school teacher veteran will also speak to the students and share their stories and pictures.

To find a Freedom Walk near you, or to register to participate in the National Freedom Walk, go to America Supports You.mil.

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Iraqi & US SF capture 30 terrorists, 38 suspected

I would like to comment on this report especially. This is fantastic news. Just as we in America know all about the gang problem we have, it is very difficult to clean up a neighborhood in one day or in one raid.

These men have been out there arresting terrorists day in and day out without a word in the press. All we get to know is how many people died. That includes terrorists! For shame, media.

I would like to my hat off to all the people in the Public Affairs Office. You are doing a fabulous job getting the news out. It is not your fault the media chooses not to report it. I, on the hand, will. Thank you.

Release Date: 9/5/2006
Release Number: 06-09-05P
Created by: Sharbe L. Clark.

CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq - Iraqi police and soldiers, along with U.S. Marines and soldiers from Regimental Combat Team 7, detained 30 confirmed insurgents and 38 suspected insurgents over the weekend throughout the western Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

RCT-7 is the U.S. military unit responsible for western Anbar Province, an area of more than 30,000 square-miles which stretches from the Jordanian and Syrian borders hundreds of miles east to Hit, a city about 70 miles northwest of Ramadi.

U.S. and Iraqi forces detained the known and suspected insurgents through a series of pre-planned and routine counterinsurgency operations.

Iraqi police identified and detained 18 of the 38 captured suspected insurgents in Rawah, Iraq – a city of about 20,000 along the Euphrates River, about 50 miles east of the Iraqi-Syrian border.

One of the suspects captured by Rawah police officers is wanted for suspected involvement with a vehicle suicide bombing against a U.S. military check point in the region July 29. Several more captured in Rawah are suspected of involvement with a recent attack on a Rawah police officer’s family. Police officers in Rawah also discovered two improvised explosive devices there Sunday.

Iraqi and U.S. soldiers detained one known insurgent and 10 suspected insurgents Sunday in Hit, a city of about 60,000, located approximately 70 miles northwest of Ramadi.

Through a variety of counterinsurgency operations Saturday and Sunday, Iraqi police, Iraqi soldiers, and U.S. Marines captured 27 known insurgents and four suspected insurgents in the Haditha Triad, a cluster of three cities – Haditha, Barwanah, and Haqlaniyah – with a combined population of about 90,000. One captured insurgent was part of a four-man insurgent cell operating in Hadithah, another is suspected of having involvement with various small arms attacks against a U.S. base in Barwanah.

U.S. Marines captured six more suspected insurgents Saturday in Sa’dah, a town just east of the Iraqi-Syrian border. Marines also discovered an ordnance cache near the border on Saturday. The cache consisted of 120 mm rockets, 155 mm rockets, and 122 mm rockets.

Text provided by the Public Affairs Officer for MNF-WEST. For more information, contact: mnfwcepaowo AT cemnf-wiraq.usmc DOT mil.

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No. 2 al-Qaeda in Iraq Arrested

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Iraqi authorities have arrested the second most senior operative in al-Qaida in Iraq, the national security adviser said Sunday.

Hamed Jumaa Farid al-Saeedi, known as Abu Humam or Abu Rana, was arrested a few days ago, Mouwaffak al-Rubaie said.

"We believe that al-Qaida in Iraq suffers from a serious leadership crisis. Our troops have dealt fatal and painful blows to this organization," he said.

Al-Saeedi was the second most important figure in al-Qaida in Iraq after Abu Ayyub al-Masri, all-Rubaie said.

Al-Masri succeeded Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as head of al-Qaida in Iraq after al-Zarqawi was killed by a U.S. airstrike north of Baghdad on June 7.

Al-Saeedi was "directly responsible" for the person who carried out the bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra in February, al-Rubaie added.

The bombing inflamed tensions between Shiite and Sunni Muslims and triggered reprisal attacks.

"Al-Saeedi carried out al-Qaida's policies in Iraq and the orders of the slain al-Zarqawi to incite sectarian violence in the country, through attempting to start a civil war between Shiites and Sunnis - but their wishes did not materialize," al-Rubaie added.

He said authorities had obtained information about al-Saeedi after al-Zarqawi was killed. The information indicated he had been operating in Salahuddin province, then moved south to northern Baghdad and had been operating outside Baqouba, the same area where al-Zarqawi was killed.

Al-Saeedi had been hiding in a residential building.

"He wanted to use children and women as human shields during the arrest, which is why the operation was based on a very precise military plan to preserve the lives of women and children in the building," al-Rubaie said, adding that there had been no casualties during the arrest.

He said al-Saeedi also gave up information that led to the arrest or killing of 11 top al-Qaida in Iraq figures, and nine lower-level members. The security adviser said he would not reveal the identities of the other suspects arrested, or where al-Saeedi was caught, for security reasons.

"Hamed al-Saeedi supervised terrorist groups that kidnapped people for ransom, and killed policemen after they received their salaries in order to finance terrorist operations," the security adviser said. "He used to order terrorist operations using mortars and roadside bombs, which led to the killing of several troops and innocent civilians."

He said al-Saeedi also supervised the creation of death squads and ordered assassinations, bombings, kidnappings and attacks on Iraqi police and army checkpoints.

"The operations were brutal and merciless," he said.

This post was written @ DoD Daily News-2. It is no longer there.

NGAUS Notes: Sept. 1, 2006

DoD Electronic Health Records Provide Better Care

The Defense Department is using electronic medical record keeping to better the quality of medical care, the flow of medical information for the military and for cost monitoring. The Web site for Tricare, the department's managed health care system, now displays the maximum allowable charges it pays for certain types of vendor-provided health care services, said Dr. William J. Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, Aug. 24. "If people want to better understand the price and the cost of what they're receiving - maybe shop around a little bit," Dr. Winkenwerder said. He noted that active duty military members aren't required to pay for their personal medical care. However, it's educational for everyone to realize how much health care costs today. "Part of keeping that cost down is to create some competition and to create the incentives for people to use health care efficiently," Dr. Winkenwerder said.

President Bush's Aug. 22 order, "Promoting Quality and Efficient Health Care In Federal Government Administered or Sponsored Health Care Programs," stipulates that health care programs administered or sponsored by the federal government "promote quality and efficient delivery of health care through use of health information technology, transparency regarding health care quality and price, and better incentives for program beneficiaries, enrollees and providers." It also stipulates that federal health-care providers "make relevant information available to these beneficiaries, enrollees and providers in a readily usable manner and in collaboration with similar initiatives in the private sector and non-federal public sector."
----------
Women Choose Family Over Military After Five Years

The Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) is now examining why female military doctors, lawyers and chaplains have higher rates of separation after five to eight years of service, compared to their male counterparts. Mary Nelson, DACOWITS chairwoman, spoke about this issue Aug. 25. She said it's important to retain more women; finding out why they leave during that time frame may help with retention. So far, the main reason women are getting out after five to eight years of service is to start a family. A possible solution is establishing opportunities for service members to take a leave of absence. "If we have these off-ramps, where people can get out and take a two-year leave, then it becomes an issue of when they come back, where are they?" she said. "Are they still with their same class they entered with? If so, then they're at a great disadvantage and aren't going to be promoted through the ranks." That means adjustments to date of rank. She mentioned provisions for service members leaving for educational reasons and then returning and suggested the possibility of extensions. Committee members question female service members in focus groups about their reasons for wanting separation. The committee's 2005 report studied issues related to work/life balance and found that most women put their families first. Numerous high-ranking military officials of both genders have stressed to Ms. Nelson that women offer something the military would not have without them - a different perspective.
----------
Pentagon Implements Changes for Improved Agency Cooperation

Pentagon officials unveiled a reorganization of the Defense Department's policy office Aug. 28. The reason: more interagency cooperation needed. The reorganized office changes the geographic responsibility for policy, and it places cross-cutting functions under one chief. Eric Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, said that the reorganization will allow DoD to better partner with colleagues in other agencies as well as focus on developing the capabilities needed for the war on terror. The geographic area of responsibility regarding policy has shifted. Europe and NATO, the Middle East and Africa will come under the assistant defense secretary for international security affairs. Asia Pacific, South Asia and Central Asia will come under the assistant defense secretary for Asian and Pacific security affairs. Western hemisphere policy decisions will come under the assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' security affairs.

The assistant secretary for special operations/low intensity conflict will pick up responsibility for strategic capabilities and forces transformation. The reorganization calls for appointing an assistant secretary for global security affairs. This cross-cutting office will oversee policy guidance for building partners capabilities, security cooperation, technical security policy, detainee affairs and POW/MIA affairs. This is the first reorganization of the policy office since the fiscal 2002 National Defense Authorization Act established the assistant secretary for Homeland Defense. Mr. Edelman said the reorganization will be phased in beginning Oct. 1, and conclude by March 2007.
----------
NGAUS Seeks Deputy Legislative Director

NGAUS is looking for a deputy director of legislative programs. The candidate will be responsible for assisting legislative director in the daily operations and execution of legislative agenda. Duties include direct lobbying, strategy development and implementation, conducting and overseeing administrative duties and assisting in staff management. The successful candidate will have three to five years of legislative and/or political experience and a strong knowledge of the defense community. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in political science and government affairs. Strong advocacy and communication skills are a must; experience in legislative campaign project development and the ability to supervise personnel and lobbying efforts are also required. Closing Date: September 15, 2006. Send cover letter and resume to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Legislative Director
One Massachusetts Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001.

You can also send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to: Richard Green.
----------
NGAUS History

Maj. Gen. Thomas E. Rilea, a former NGAUS president and adjutant general of Oregon, gave 45 years of service to his state and the nation. He served as president of NGAUS from 1935 to 1936, as vice president from 1934 to 1935, and on the executive council for 13 years. His active-duty service record bracketed the Mexican Border Campaign and both World Wars. His awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Commendation Ribbon, Purple Heart, and Legion of Merit. At the NGAUS "Diamond Jubilee" General Conference in 1953, General Rilea received the association's gold Distinguished Service Medal for "outstanding and distinguished service to the National Guard of the State of Oregon, the National Guard of the United States, the Army of the United States and the National Guard Association of the United States."
----------
This Week in Guard History

Sept. 2, 1995: Oahu, Hawaii - In a special ceremony held in the National Memorial Cemetery (commonly referred to as the "Punchbowl"), NGAUS, in conjunction with the National Guard Bureau, dedicates a plaque honoring the tens of thousands of National Guard personnel who have served in Pacific conflicts from the Spanish-American War in 1898 to the present. This plaque was dedicated following an earlier such event in Normandy, France, to honor Guard members who served in Europe during the two world wars.
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Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department Comments and questions should be directed to NGAUS.

This post has moved here from DoD Daily News-2.

A Collection of My Links Jan.-Mar.

Maybe some of you will understand what I'm doing. Maybe some of you won't. That's okay. You see, I've already lost 27 post-addresses (which I shall retrieve from my archives), because I am only allowed to view and work on the last 300. For this reason, I am going to pull the posts from the DoD Daily News over to this site.

I am just going put their links here, so it shouldn't take up that much room.

January
New Counter. Mon, Jan. 9, 2006.
War on Terror Update Tue, Jan. 10, 2006.
Links to CounterTerrorismBlog.
War on Terror Update Part 2 1/10/2006.
Links-Newest to CounterTerrorismBlog.
ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean 1/10/2006.
Links to ASY.
Kabul People Support the Removing of Security Barriers 1/10/2006.
Afghan Warrior.
UN Realizes Iran to Make Nuclear Bomb 1/10/2006.
Daily Briefing on Iran.
*New link for Daily Briefing on Iran.
Is the OBL-itch Dead? 1/10/2006.
Link to Daily Briefing on Iran.
NSA Russell Tice Was FIRED in May 2005 Wed, Jan. 11, 2006.
Link to ABC News investigation.
The Thai Insurgency: Two Years On Thu. Jan. 12, 2006.
Link to CounterTerrorismBlog's 'The Thai Insurgency'.
Article of Concern 1/12/2006. (DoD Daily News)
Coallition Bulletin Fri, 1/13/2006. (DoD Daily News)
Link to CENTCOM.
My Money's on Iraqis: al Qaeda v. Iraqis Mon, Jan. 16, 2006.
Iraq the Model: Dispute over Federalism resurfaces.
Defend America Link. Wed. 1/18/2006. (DoD Daily News)
Facts: Plots, Casings and Infilitrations 1/18/2006. (DoD Daily News)
Links to the White House.
Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service 1/18/2006.
Links to Blackfive.
So You Want to Deal, OBL? Die! Thu, Jan. 19, 2006.
Links to CounterTerrorismBlog.
No Truce with al-Qaida or Osama bin Laden Possible, Cheney Says Fri, Jan. 20, 2006.
Links to US Info.state.gov.
I'm So Excited About Sunday Night! Sat, Jan. 21, 2006.
Links to Pundit Review.
Camp Katrina is Spreading His Wings Sun, Jan. 22, 2006.
Links to Camp Katrina.
Joel Stein VERSUS the USA Military Tue, Jan. 24, 2006.
Links to the LA Times.
NGAUS Legislative Alert Sat, Jan. 28, 2006.
Links to NGAUS.
Breaking News: Two Newsmen Injured in Iraq Sun, Jan. 29, 2006.
Links to AP.

Now we have February:

February
Camp Katrina Spreads It's WingsFri, Feb. 3, 2006.
Links to Camp Katrina.
Michael Yon Won the Victory! Sat, Feb. 4, 2006.
Links to Pundit Review.
Armed Forces Service Center, Minneapolis - St Paul does not support retirees. 2/4/2006.
SuperBowl XL Sun, 2/5/2006.
Links to NFL.com.
MVP: Pittsburgh's Hines Ward Mon. 2/6/2006.
Links to SportsLine.com.
News from CENTCOM Wed. 2/8/2006.
Now for the rest of the story... 2/8/2006.
News from Iran Thu. 2/9/2006.
President Bush Speaks at NGAUS Today 2/9/2006.
Cpt. Ed on Pundit Review Radio Tonight! Sun. 2/12/2006.
Links to Pundit Review.
Iran's Call for England to Leave Iraq Angers Iraqis Sat. 2/18/2006.
Links to Iraq the Model.
Ramblings of a Wandering Coyote Sun. 2/19/2006.
Iraq's Long Term Strategy: Join NATO Mon. 2/20/2006.
Links to Iraq the Model.
The Truth About Iraq Sat. 2/25/2006.
Links to Iraq the Model.
Daily Briefing on Iran Sun. 2/26/2006.
Doing Well Mon. 2/27/2006.
Links to Centcom.
Afghanis and Animals See Doctor 2/27/2006.
Links to Centcom.
Army Corps of Engineers Finish in Diwaniyah Province 2/27/2006.
Links to Centcom.
Organizers of Protests 2/27/2006.
Links to Iraq the Model.
What do the Taliban and Yale have in common? Tue. 2/28/2006.
Links to the Opinion Journal.

And here is March:

March
President Bush Visits MacDill Air Force Base. Wed. 3/1/2006.
America Supports You. Thu. 3/2/2006.
NewsMax Exclusive: Gary Sinise Salutes Troops 3/2/2006.
Celebrate the Life and Honor the Memory of a Fallen Hero 3/2/2006.
Links to Save the Soldiers.com.
Council Discusses the Future of Rawah Fri. 3/3/2006.
Links to DVIDSHub.
NGAUS Legislative Update 3/3/2006.
Nations Gather in Atlanta for Symposium Sat. 3/4/2006.
Links to DVIDSHub.
Iraqi Army Medics Install Confidence in Locals 3/4/2006.
Links to DVIDSHub.
Should the Axis of Evil Extend to Chavez? Sun. 3/5/2006.
Links to www.LaNuevaCuba.com.
It's Unanimous...SCOTUS Rules for ROTC Mon. 3/6/2006.
Links to AP.
Sunshine from Afghanistan Wed. 3/8/2006.
Rumsfeld Visit Surprises Wounded Troops Fri. 3/10/2006.
Two Stories, Two Countries, One Goal 3/10/2006.
US Navy Retires their F-14 'Tomcats". 3/10/2006.
A Century's Defining Moment Sun. 3/12/2006.
Links to Pittsburgh Live.
French Civil War Under Reported 3/12/2006.
Links to CounterTerrorismBlog.
DNI, not Bush, determines what you need to know Mon. 3/13/2006.
Links to the Weekly Standard.
Nassrollah and Sadr in Tehran Tue. 3/14/2006.
Links to RoozOnline.
CENTCOM Adds 'Annual Statement on Posture' Thu. 3/16/2006.
Links to Centcom.
An Iraqi Letter You Should Read Fri. 3/17/2006.
Links to The Online Chaplain.
National Guard Legislation 3/17/2006.
Cache Found in Soccer Field Sat. 3/18/2006.
Links to DVIDSHub.
Iraqi Army Provides Free Clinic 3/18/2006.
Links to DVIDSHub.
The Life and Times of Saddam 3/18/2006.
Links to Iraq the Model.
Navy Returns Fire on Suspected Pirates 3/18/2006.
Links to The Bos'un Locker.
Citizen Reporter Michael Yon Speaks on Iraq Sun. 3/19/2006.
CENTCOM: Week in Review 3/20/2006.
USS Reagan rendering honors USS Arizona. 3/20/2006.
Iraq: The Middle East Model 3/20/2006.
Links to Iraq the Model.
New CVN 21 design: Northrop Grumman. Mon. 3/21/2006.
Bush: Sept. 11 Lessons Still Relevant in War on Terror Tue. 3/22/2006.
Links to DefenseLink.mil.
NGAUS Legislative Update 24 March 2006 Thu. 3/24/2006.
Links to NGAUS.
NGEF & NGAUS Work Toward New Exhibit 3/24.
Iraqi Army Soldiers Find Multiple Weapons Caches 3/24.
Links to Centcom.
Spirit of America Honored by President Bush 3/24.
What Casey Sheehan Died For Fri. 3/25.
The Burning Situation of Belarus. Sun. 3/26.
Marines Can't Use Political Armor Mon. 3/27.
Links to Yahoo News.
The 'USA Raid' 3/27.
Links to Iraq the Model.
A Soldier's Diary Tue. 3/28.
Links to Big Dog.
Christian Reporter Jill Carroll Free! Fri. 3/31.
Links to CNSNews.com.
Army Bans 'Non-Issue' Armor. 3/31.
USA Cuts ALL Aid to Terrorist Hamas. 3/31.

Well. I screwed up. I have to go back and get the other posts. lol. I would say, "I'll be back", but I'm pretty ticked off at Arnold. What else is new?

Okay. I will admit it. I had no idea there was this much work put into this site. After all, I was rewriting the Bible, writing in my site, editing and writing for a newspaper, and writing for a couple other groups. I think I am going to faint, but I WON'T! Not as long as our men and women are in harms way. This is the very least I can do. :)

I am, however, going to end this post here. I will start the next post with my links from April forward. I will have to see how many posts are there to determine how many months will go into it. Have a great day!

Cross-posted from DoD Daily News-2. It is no longer at that site, but there is a link holding its place.

Legislative Update 8/25/2006

Congress’ Returns to Unfinished Business.

When the House of Representatives and the Senate returns to work on September 5, members will have plenty of unfinished business to address. Though conferees have not been named on the House side for the Authorization bill, unofficially conference continues in earnest to complete work on a final compromise bill before the Oct. 6th targeted adjournment. The Appropriations bill is also behind schedule with the Senate expected to resume debate on the Defense Appropriations bill before the measure moves on to conference.

Though Congress is expected to adjourn on or around the October 6th deadline, that does not mean that work will be completed. As it is an election season, both parties will be trying to score political points before the November election. And with polls suggesting a possible change in leadership in either chamber, work on critical legislation may be put on hold until after the election. With the session in its final weeks, now is the time to take action! Your Member of Congress is at home in your district campaigning for the fall elections. Make a point to call or visit their local offices and urge support of National Guard issues. In the following section, NGAUS Alerts, you can find several of the top issues that NGAUS is working on Capitol Hill. Check it out and take action!

NGAUS Alerts.

NGAUS has issued several legislative alerts throughout the past several weeks in an effort to keep pressure on Congress to support Guard related issues. Each legislative alert is posted on the NGAUS website (www.ngaus.org) and includes directions on actions that you can take as well as letters that you can email, mail, or fax to your member of Congress.

Alert # 06-18: National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006.

Within the Senate version of the Authorization bill, legislation is included that would elevate the Chief of the Guard Bureau to a four-star position, would designate the Deputy Commander at NORTHCOM a Guard member, and establishes Guard service as a joint service. These provisions were added as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill, which is currently in conference between the House and Senate. Contact your member of Congress and ask that this legislation be included in the final version of the Authorization Bill. It is imperative that the Guard have a seat at the table to impact decisions on behalf of the Army and Air National Guard.

Alert # 06-16: TRICARE.

The House version of the Authorization bill contains a measure that would enhance TRICARE access to all members of the National Guard. The provision would set a Guard members a premium cost-share of 28 percent while the Department of Defense would pay 72 percent of the premium regardless of duty status. Urge your Senator to support this language and keep it in the final bill.

Alert #06-13: Section 511 of the Defense Authorization Bill.

Another item included within H.R. 5122, the House version of the defense authorization bill, is a provision that would allow the President to federalize National Guard members during a “serious natural or man-made disaster, accident or catastrophe that occurs in the United States, its territories and possessions, or Puerto Rico,” without prior consultation with the governor. This would allow the federal government to control National Guard members during times when governors will need those troops most, thereby negating the inherent line of authority from governor to adjutant general to individual Army and Air National Guard members. The National Guard Association of the United States is strongly opposed to Section 511 of H.R. 5122. Conference committee members should be made aware of the dangerous precedent set by section 511 of H.R. 5122 and be asked to oppose it.

Alert #06-12: Joint Cargo Aircraft.

The House version of the Authorization bill includes funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program while the Senate does not. NGAUS supports the House language that funds JCA. As you know, the Army National Guard is scheduled to field the JCA to replace aging and lesser performing C-23 and C-26 aircraft. The National Guard Bureau is also promoting the JCA as a follow-on mission for Air National Guard wings that will lose aircraft as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). When not deployed in support of the Global War on Terror or other contingencies, these aircraft will be available for state missions such as disaster response and homeland security needs. This system is critical for states and units around the country who have need for this capability. Write your member of Congress on this important issue.

NGAUS Task Forces.
NGAUS has established Task Forces as a mechanism to provide advice and expertise to the NGAUS legislative staff in development of legislative priorities based on the resolutions that are passed each year at the annual conference. Task Forces will be meeting at the 128th NGAUS General Conference in Albuquerque on Sunday, September 17 at 1300 hours. If you are interested in attending a task force meeting, let us know! NGAUS has eleven Task Forces and they are listed below:

Joint Task Forces.
Personnel/Benefits
Medical Task Force

Army Task Forces.
Fire Support Task Force
Combat Vehicle Task Force
Combat Support/Combat Service Support Task Force
Army Aviation Task Force
C4I Task Force
Engineer Task Force

Air Task Forces.
Airlift/Tanker/Rescue
Fighter Task Force
C4I Task Force

The Task Forces are comprised of Chairs and Vice Chairs and are expected to meet two times a year. NGAUS is seeking interested volunteers to serve on the Task Forces. If you are interested, contact the NGAUS legislative staff or contact the Task Force Chairs listed on our website.

“We Serve”

Providing NGAUS members with effective and knowledgeable representation on Capitol Hill.

Published by the NGAUS Legislative Staff:

Brig Gen (ret) Richard M. Green, Legislative Director
Scott Hommel, Deputy Director
Michele Traficante, Joint Programs
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Andy Vanlandingham, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Emily Breitbach, Legislative Analyst.

This post moved here from DoD Daily News-2.

NGAUS Notes: Aug. 25, 2006

NGAUS General Conference Business Agenda Set for Albuquerque

Elected officials, cabinet-level secretaries, a service secretary and senior commanders headline the list of those speaking at the 128th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition, Sept. 15 to 18, in Albuquerque, N.M. Among those accepting speaking invitations are New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson. All three will address the conference's Third Business Session, Sept. 18. Speakers in the First Business Session Sept. 16 include Gen. Ronald E. Keys, Air Force Air Command commander, and Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief. The opening session will also feature New Mexico cultural presentations, the Roll Call of States and some special welcomes from local elected officials. Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey and Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Force Air Mobility Command commander, headline presentations in the Second Business Session Sept. 17.

The Army and Air separate sessions Sept. 18 are also attracting prominent speakers. They include Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, Army Guard director, Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, First U.S. Army commander, Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Army Reserve chief, Gen. Bruce Carlson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, Air Guard director. Speakers are expected to reflect on this year's conference theme: National Guard: Pathway to America's Defense. A complete conference agenda is available at www.ngaus.org. As always, the agenda is subject to change, most notably from world and domestic events. Last year, the response to Hurricane Katrina dramatically altered the availability of several defense leaders.
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Health Policy Benefits Deployed Guardsmen and Civilians

Senior Defense Department officials said Aug. 23 that DoD civilians and contractors who are deployed overseas are to be included in military health protection measures as part of a new policy, "Deployment Health," DoD Instruction 6490.03. National Guard and Reserve members also are included in the new deployment health policy, said Ellen P. Embrey, deputy assistant secretary of defense for force health protection and readiness. The policy leverages technological advances like electronic medical recordkeeping in the quest to improve the quality of military healthcare, added Dr. William J. Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. The new policy specifies mandatory post-deployment health reassessments across the services and updates health care policies for overseas deployments. It also improves the capability of computerized records to keep track of localized health trends among deployed service members, defense civilians and contractors. Use of pre- and post-deployment health assessments and the implementation of globally transmittable electronic health care records are making a major impact on preventing, identifying and treating health care problems for deployed service members, Dr. Winkenwerder said. The new policy's intent is to document the deployed reserve-component members' health care information while they're on active duty, Ms. Embrey said. After they depart active-duty status, reserve-component members can work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to address post-deployment health care concerns, she said. The VA provides health care for veterans of combat operations for up to two years following their deployment, according to Ms. Embrey.
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Real Estate Company Provides Opportunity for Military Spouses

International realty company RE/MAX announced the launch of a new program, "Operation RE/MAX" Aug. 14, which assists military spouses in developing careers in real estate. RE/MAX personnel are examining the program's needs and services, and explaining it at military installation's career fairs around the country. The company's vice president of training, LaVerne Bintner, said they began discussing the idea with the Department of Defense nearly a year ago. "They have determined that offering career opportunities for spouses may help accomplish one of their highest priorities - retention of quality military personnel." Local real estate license training schools are handling license preparation for spouses participating in "Operation RE/MAX." Spouses can take advanced sales training courses via the RE/MAX Satellite Network.

A recent American National Standards Institute survey indicated real estate as one of the top five careers suited for military spouses, due to its shorter educational and licensing period as well as high-income potential and portability. Other career paths recommended to military spouses include paralegal, nursing, dental assistant/technician, and teaching. "RE/MAX is an ideal career field for military spouses because of our focus on technology, including the RE/MAX Satellite Network, our brand reputation and our extensive network of offices and agents around the world," Mr. Bintner said.

Spouses who would like to more information should contact the Spouse Employment Office or Family Center at their military installation. They also can visit www.military.com/spouse or send inquiries to operationremax@remax.net.
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NGAUS Seeks Deputy Legislative Director

NGAUS is looking for a deputy director of legislative programs. The candidate will be responsible for assisting legislative director in the daily operations and execution of legislative agenda. Duties include direct lobbying, strategy development and implementation, conducting and overseeing administrative duties and assisting in staff management. The successful candidate will have three to five years of legislative and/or political experience and a strong knowledge of the defense community. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in political science and government affairs. Strong advocacy and communication skills are a must; experience in legislative campaign project development and the ability to supervise personnel and lobbying efforts are also required.

Closing Date: September 15, 2006.

Send cover letter and resume to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Legislative Director
One Massachusetts Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001.

You can also send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to: Richard Green.
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This Week in Guard History

August 26, 1969: In Lia Khe, Vietnam, New Hampshire's 3rd Battalion, 197th Artillery suffers its highest loss of life when a truck carrying soldiers is blown up by a landmine less than two weeks before the unit was scheduled to return home.

Five men, all Guardsmen from Manchester's Battery A, are immediately killed. The shock wave to hit the city was devastating. These deaths brought to six the total number of Guard members from the battalion killed in action.

A bronze plaque now stands in front of the Manchester Armory to their memory.
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NGAUS History

"One cannot serve in the position of high responsibility in a national organization such as ours without learning a great deal. "Certainly, I am no exception to that. Particularly in the area of legislation I have learned that one must have patience because the legislative process is a mill, which grinds slowly and the passage of a bill, no matter how worthy, takes a great deal of time. "We look to the Congress for support in nearly every area of our program. By and large, general support for the Guard has been forthcoming and generous. "I have learned that we cannot expect to get action on every request even though we may be convinced of the merits of the request."

-Maj. Gen. James F. Cantwell, NGAUS president, August 1972

Technorati tag: NGAUS.
Category: NGAUS.

This post was moved here from DoD Daily News-2.

Chavez is back in the news with his delusions

Once again, Venezuelans has been given to delusional thoughts of granduer by their president, Mr. Chavez. He is a very unstable leader, and this unstability leads to dangerous situations.

Mr. Chavez has been trying to tighten ties with Iran and North Korea. He hates the United States, and he believes we are trying to crush him. I only wish we would.

Fox News has an article today: Chavez Says Venezuela Captured Four U.S. Spies. Quite interesting, if you have been keeping up with the calamity known as Venezuela. Unfortunately, I have not written articles about what I've read.

I do, however, have a a few links that will allow you to keep up to date if you would like. Caracas News, Full Coverage: Venezuela (Yahoo News), and Planeta.com. This last one covers all the countries in South America, so if you are interested in other countries, help yourself.

There are many stories out there right now that may be of concern:
Venezuela’s Candidacy for UNSC Appears on Track. Thu, Aug. 17, 2006.

Chavez's challenger rallies thousands in Venezuelan capital.

I am not interested in telling the world how lovey-dovey Chavez and Castro are/were. There are some articles about that in Caracas.com. If you'd like, that's were you'll find them. Have a great day.

This was first posted at My Newz 'n Ideas.

NGAUS Notes: Aug. 11, 2006

Guard Called Up to Airport Security after Foiled U.K. Terror Plot

Three governors activated National Guardsmen to augment airport security in the wake of yesterday's announcement by British authorities of the arrest of several people involved in a plot to blow up commercial airliners bound for the United States. The governors of California, Massachusetts and New York called up troops to help secure several airports in their states in support of the federal Transportation Security Administration(TSA) and local law enforcement agencies. This came as U.S. Department of Homeland Security raised the terror level for flights from Great Britain to red (severe).National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in California received authorization from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to use Guardsmen on state active duty to support TSA airport security. Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney put Guardsmen on state active duty to assist at Boston's Logan International Airport. New York received Gov. George Pataki's authorization to mobilize 75 Guardsmen to supplement critical infrastructure security already in place. These call-ups came as all U.S. domestic flights were under orange alert, the Department of Homeland Security’s second highest security ranking. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the British plot involved the use of liquid explosives that could be carried on board aircraft disguised as beverages, electronic devices and other common objects. It's not the first time the Guard has been called up to help secure commercial airports. After the 9/11 attacks, 52 states and territories activated more than 7,000 Guardsmen for similar missions in 442 airports across the country.
----------------------------------------
Few Benefit from New Income-Replacement Program

A New Defense Department program announced this month should ease the financial hardships of some activated National Guardsmen and Reservists who suffer income loss when on active duty. But program rules limit eligibility, in most cases, to only those at the very end of the longest mobilizations. The Reserve Income Replacement Program (RIRP) will pay those eligible the difference between their total monthly military pay and their 12-month average civilian income (if greater than $50) up to a maximum of $3,000 per month. Congress created RIRP in the fiscal year 2006 defense authorization act. The program expires at the end of 2008. Various studies indicate that from 25 to 50 percent of Guardsmen and Reservists suffer income loss when on active duty. They now become eligible RIRP for any full month following the date they complete the requisite eligibility service requirements, which include one of the following:

*Be serving on active duty in an involuntary status and have completed 18 continuous months of involuntary active duty, or

*Have completed 24 cumulative months of involuntary active duty within the last 60 months, or

*Be serving on involuntary active duty for a period of 180 days or more that starts within six months of separation from a previous period on involuntary active duty for at least 180 days.

Program payments, however, are not automatic. Guardsmen and Reservists must apply for the RIRP payments through their service personnel offices.Complete RIRP information, including a downloadable eligibility verification form, can be found at www.defenselink.mil/ra/.
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President: National Guard Improving Southwest Border Security

The deployment of more than 6,000 National Guardsmen to the U.S. southwest border met a key objective in the government's efforts to secure the border, President Bush said in Washington, D.C., Monday. The president visited the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector in Texas Aug. 3, and saw firsthand how Guardsmen are working with Border Patrol agents. "National Guard troops are helping with surveillance, construction and logistics," he said in his weekly radio address. "They're building and repairing fences, maintaining vehicles, and manning detection equipment on the border and in command centers." The arrival of National Guard units has allowed the Border Patrol to move more agents into front-line positions, and this additional manpower is delivering results, Mr. Bush said. He credited the Guard with helping the Border Patrol seize 17,000 pounds of illegal drugs and apprehend 2,500 illegal immigrants since Operation Jump Start began. The president told Guardsmen during a speech in Mission, Texas, Aug. 3 that he had ordered them to the border while the Border Patrol beefs up its force and technology assets. "We're going to train 6,000 additional agents," he said. "The reason we brought the Guard down here was because we knew we had an immediate need to enforce the border. "And the plan is working. It makes sense," Mr. Bush added. "If we need more manpower and the need for manpower is immediate, it makes sense to call upon our Guard troops to come and help the Border Patrol do the job. "Officials indicate the Guard presence on the border will last up to two years.
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Officials Accept Conference Speaking Invites

Several elected and senior military officials have accepted invitations to address the 128th NGAUS Conference and Exhibition next month in Albuquerque, N.M. The list includes New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey, Gen. Bruce Carlson, Air Materiel Command commander, Gen. Ronald F. Keys, Air Combat Command commander, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, First U.S. Army commander, and Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief. They will speak during one of the three main business sessions or at either the Army or Air separate sessions. NGAUS officials anticipate adding two or three more prominent speakers in the days ahead. A preliminary agenda will be posted to www.ngaus.org later this month. Agenda and other conference updates also will be included in NGAUS NOTES. For the fourth consecutive year, NGAUS is also scheduling special professional development sessions during the conference. Topics this year include transformational leadership and emergency response.
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Association History

In 1939, General George C. Marshall was invited to address the NGAUS General Conference in Baltimore. He came up from Washington, D.C., dressed in a business suit and apologized at the outset that his remarks might be disjointed since he would be talking without notes. "We have been busy up to the last moment before coming here," he noted, and requested that his remarks "be considered as off the record." At the conclusion of his speech — which was in the nature of a situation report with respect to the role of the National Guard in the modernization of the Army — he was thanked by Maj. Gen. James C. Dozier, NGAUS president. "Your remarks," General Dozier assured him, "will be kept in confidence. "Nothing appeared in the official proceedings of the 1939 conference nor was any transcript ever retained in NGAUS files. Eleven months later, the first "peacetime" mobilization of the Guard got underway.
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Week In Guard History

Aug. 9, 1945: A single B-29 bomber named "Bock's Car" dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, the second to be dropped following Hiroshima, killing about 73,000 people. The pilot of "Bock's Car", Maj. Charles W. Sweeney, would in 1956, at age 37, become the youngest brigadier general in the entire peacetime Air Force when he was appointed by the governor of Massachusetts to command the 102nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard. Japan surrendered Aug. 12, 1945, formally signing the agreement aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Sept. 2, 1945.
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Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department. Comments and questions should be directed to NGAUS.

This post was moved here from DoD Daily News-2.

4th Iraqi Army to take the lead

Iraqi soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division conduct a cordon and search for weapons caches at Al Anbar University in Ramadi, Iraq.

BAGHDAD — As further evidence to the continued progress of Iraqi security forces, the 4th Iraqi Army Division will officially assume the lead for security operations Aug. 8 in most of Salah ad Din and Kirkuk provinces, previously controlled by units from the 101st Airborne Division.

The handover of forward operating bases and security lead demonstrates the progress being made by the Iraqi security forces, reiterates successes, and highlights the progress of the legitimate Iraqi government as a positive move toward full national sovereignty and self-reliance, said a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman.

This transfer occurs as the Iraqi security force takes charge and shows it is capable of coordinating, planning and conducting security operations with Coalition forces acting in a support role. According to a 101st Airborne Division spokesman, the 4th IAD has demonstrated it is fully capable of assuming security responsibility by taking over security operations in provinces covering major cities of Tikrit, Kirkuk and Samarra.

The 4th IAD is the fifth of 10 Iraqi army divisions to assume security responsibility, which represents the halfway mark of Iraqi divisions assuming responsibility for providing security in their country. In total, Iraqi security forces are in the lead with five Iraqi army divisions, 22 army brigades, and 76 army battalions, and the Iraqi National Police have two battalions, for a total of about 275,000 trained forces.

According to Coalition officials, 48 of 110 Forward Operating Bases have been transferred to the Iraqis; the result of the increased capacity of the Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government.

“This (handover) is a brave quest and significant milestone toward garnering security self-reliance for the Iraqi citizens, the Iraqi security force, and the government of Iraq,” said Coalition officials.

According to a fact sheet released by the 101st Airborne Division, “more than 275,000 trained and equipped Iraqi security personnel work every day to protect Iraq and its people. These numbers continue to grow as more troops are scheduled to assume independent control in the coming months.”

As evidence to the 4th IAD’s capabilities, about 3,000 Iraqi security forces, with support from Coalition troops, recently detained 154 terror suspects and seized a large weapon cache during Operation Gaugamela west of Kirkuk.

The 10-day operation was conducted to search for suspected al-Qaida terrorists in and around the cities of Hawaija and Riyadh.

Following a request from local Arab leaders to rid the area outside Kirkuk of terrorists, the 10-day operation - covering 25 cities and villages spanning more than 900 square miles - began with a series of smaller Iraqi Army operations targeting 20 objectives in the Rashad area, southwest of Kirkuk.

Using their own intelligence information, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division planned and conducted the missions, detaining nine terror suspects and seizing a cache of weapons.

"This was the first time the Iraqis in our area have self-sustained during an operation," said Capt. Krista Jekielek, a U.S. logistics representative to the Iraqi security forces. "It was a significant validation, showing they are capable of moving the necessary personnel and supplies required to perform their mission."

Capt. Lyn Graves, an Army spokesman who patrolled Hawija with the Iraqi security forces during the operation, said the Iraqi forces were extremely proficient and professional.

In addition to taking terrorists and weapons off the street, the discipline of the soldiers involved in the mission truly stands out, according to Maj. Greg Bishop, a 1st BCT spokesman.

“The Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers went into two of the most contentious cities in the Kirkuk province, searched hundreds of homes and buildings and detained more than 150 suspects with no violence whatsoever,” said Bishop. “That’s an incredible success and a true measure of the professionalism of everyone involved in the operations.”

U.S. Central Command
Public Affairs
Spc. Patrick Ziegler
Spc. Chris Erickson
1Lt. Anthony Deiss.

Category: Press Release.

ORIGINALLY POSTED @ DoD Daily News-2.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.