Proof of a Positive Impact in Gode, Ethiopa

November 20, 2006
Story by SSgt Anne O’Neill
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

GODE, Ethiopia – One man’s return to Gode is positive proof of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa success in eastern Ethiopia. The story began when U.S. Navy Master Chief Andrew Smith spent four months in the sometimes-austere Ogaden region from April to the end of July this year.

During his time at Contingency Operating Location Gode, he served as the noncommissioned officer in charge. Smith oversaw the support for humanitarian missions in the region.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Andrew Smith greets old friends at the former COL Gode, Ethiopia. Master Chief Smith participated in a humanitarian mission airlifting flood relief supplies to Gode when he had the opportunity meet old friends from COL Gode. An Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) delivered humanitarian aid to flood victims in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Philip A. Fortnam.

Some of these projects included building improvements on clinics, schools, dormitories, medical civic affairs projects and veterinary civic affairs projects. Work also included a new irrigation system, a new clinic in Kunka Village and two new school buildings in Badal Segal. People of CJTF-HOA also provided employment to surrounding villagers and boosted the local economy, providing people a much-needed source of income.

So it was a welcome-home party of sorts when Smith participated in relief flight support for the Gode region Nov. 10. This time, an U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo plane delivered food and relief supplies to flood victims there. Smith served as the assistant commander and oversaw the logistics of moving a lot of materials in a short time.

The people of CJTF-HOA made several deliveries in a two-day operation and delivered 23 pallets of supplies such as food, high energy biscuits, rice, water containers, plastic sheeting, bedding and water purification materials.

The supplies were donated by Ethiopia's Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency, and U.S. Agency for International Development. The DPPA representative in Gode is in charge of disbursing the supplies from the Airfield to the affected areas.

For Smith, returning to Gode was quite a unique experience.

“Going back there was sort of a small homecoming,” Smith said. “I had wondered if we had a positive impact on their lives. When we landed there we were pleasantly surprised. People who remembered me came from all over to shake my hand, some came from miles away.”

“Flying in the C-130 and getting to look out and see the amount of flooding, it was easy to see why they were in need,” he said. “They were extremely displaced from food and water.”

Ethiopia's DPPA said the flooding had killed at least 80 people and left more than 217,000 homeless in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. In total, more than 360,000 people were affected.

“It was a great mission to be on for two reasons,” Smith concluded. “The first part was delivering supplies to people in need. The second best part of the mission was being thanked [by local citizens] for the work we did there from April to the end of July.”

ORIGINALLY POSTED @ DoD Daily News-2.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

What Extremists Are Saying 10/2/06

Ayman Al-Zawahiri Reacts to Bush, Pope; Urges Muslims to Support Mujahidin.

On 29 September, a jihadist website has been observed to post several links to a new videotape for Ayman al-Zawahiri, second-in-command of Al-Qa'ida, produced by Al-Sahab Media, an underground media organization that produces Al-Qa'ida tapes. The tape is entitled "Bush, Pope of the Vatican, Darfur, and the Crusader Wars" and is dated "Sha'ban 1427 Hegira."

The following is the translation of Al-Zawahiri's statement:

[Al-Zawahiri first appears wearing a white robe and dark brown turban with an office setting in the background. He begins to speak in Arabic, with English subtitles appearing on the tape.]

In the name of God, praise be to God, and may peace and prayers be upon the Messenger of God, his family, companions, and allies.

Muslim brothers everywhere, peace be upon you and the mercy of God and His blessings.

The murderer and spiller of Muslim blood, Bush, has stated that he has secret prisons, in which he holds the dangerous leaders of the group of Qa'idat al-Jihad [Al-Qa'ida of jihad], including the mujahid brother Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, may God free him, and he has stated that during the three years after Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad's arrest, the interrogators have been able to get from Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad valuable information which has helped the Crusaders to kill and arrest a number of leaders of Al-Qa'ida. I want to ask this lying failure: Who are those leaders of Al-Qa'ida whose killing or capture was facilitated by the information extracted from Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad? And I say to him: You lying failure, what is the size of your losses after the capture of Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, may God free him?

Bush, you deceitful charlatan, three and a half years have passed since you captured Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, so how have you found us during this time? Losing and surrendering? Or, by the grace of God, attacking, seeking martyrdom, advancing, and injuring you on a daily basis. The strikes of the mujahidin deprived you of the pleasure of quenching your thirst for revenge with the capture of our champions, those who repeat what [Islamic poet] Abu-Firas [al-Hamadani] said:

I have been captured, although my
Friends are not defenseless in war
Nor is my horse a foal
Or, its master unskilled
But if the elimination
Of a man is decreed Then neither earth
Nor sea can save him
And my friends said
Either fight or death.

So I said they are two things
The sweetest of which is bitter.
But I will go to that
In which there is no shame
And enough for you are two things,
The best of which is captivity.
They say to me,
You've sold safety for death.
So, I said:
By God I have not suffered loss.
And will death abandon
Me for an hour
If captivity does not abandon me?
Death is loss, so choose that
Which preserves your memory
For a man has not dies as long
As his memory is preserved.

And I tell him: You lying failure: Why can't you be brave at least once in your life and inform your nation of the disasters, which your forces are facing in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why don't you tell them how many million citizens of America and its allies you intend to kill in search of the imaginary victory and in breathless pursuit of the mirage towards which you are driving your people's sons in order to increase your profits? Can't you be honest at least once in your life, and admit that you are a deceitful liar, who intentionally deceived your nation, when you drove them to war in Iraq under the pretext of the presence of nuclear weapons there and under the pretext of Al-Qa'ida's connections with Saddam Husayn, following which evidence proved that you intentionally lied and misled? And do you have the courage to stand in front of your people and tell your nation that you lied to them and drove them -- and continued to drive them -- to terrible things for the sake of stupid fantasies?

And I tell him: You frivolous charlatan, if the arrest of Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, may God free him, has helped you in the war on terror, why then are your forces retreating in secret from the south and east of Afghanistan and handing over their tasks to the NATO forces, which are screaming for help due to the horribleness of what is happening to them at the hands of the Taliban and Al-Qa'ida?

I tell him that if arresting Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, may God set him free, enabled you to deal painful blows to Al-Qa'ida, why then your troops are making quick arrangements for withdrawal from Iraq? I also tell him that Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, may God set him free, has hurt you thou sands of times more than you hurt him.

Abu-Firas says:

They boast of removing my clothes
while my clothes are red with their blood
and a sword whose blade broke in them
and a butt of a spear whose head is destroyed in their chests.

Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad is a soldier of Islam who has been fighting its enemy; first the Russians, and then the Americans, for more than 20 years.

I also tell him that Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad is the leader of the march, the pioneer of an awakening, and the vanguard of a nation, and he has left behind him thousands others who have learned from him or those who learned from those who learned from him and who take their example his life story and his continuous sacrifices and giving in the path of God so that the word of God be the highest and the word of the unbelievers be the lowest.

I also tell him that what you have committed against Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad and the other Muslim captives in your prisons and the jails of your slaves in Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, and elsewhere is not a secret to anyone and we are a people who do not tolerate oppression and we do not abandon our revenge until our chests are healed of those who aggressed against us. By the grace of God, we are seeking to extract revenge on behalf of Islam and Muslims from you, your soldiers, and your allies. So be patient if you can when you face the horrors of war because we, with God's help, will tolerate it.

Al-Barudi [an Egyptian poet] may God have mercy on his soul said:
When the people call on each other,
And the spears cross and war rages on,
When the people want to flee from death
And the horses chests heave,
And when the blows become severe,
And when the empty earth turns with us
As if we have drunk of a glass from which no one awakes,
I tolerate it until its sky becomes clear
And I am patient when misfortune strikes.

Bush, you deceitful charlatan: You have captured Ramzi Yusuf, Umar Abd-al-Rahman, Wali Khan, Ibn al-Shaykh, Ramzi Bin-al-Shibah, Khalid al-Shaykh Muhammad, Abu-al-Faraj al-Libi, and hundreds of Islam's mujahidin and heroes in your war against Islam which you call the war on terror. And your agents in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have captured thousands of the youth and soldiers of Islam. You have let them taste various types of torture at the hands of your tormentors and agents. But, by the grace of God, we are taking revenge on their behalf on a daily basis from your soldiers and the soldiers of your allies and agents in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, and all Muslim countries from Indonesia to Morocco and even in your own country every day. The horror of fighting only increases our determination to sacrifice and give more of ourselves in the path of God.

Abd-al-Rahman Bin-Hassan Bin Thabit [an old Arab poet], may God be pleased with him, said:

I am from honorable people who increase in their courage with the severity of events.

Bush, you deceitful charlatan: Be aware that the liberation of our captives is a debt on our shoulders, which we must fulfill, with God's help and power. You should know, O deceitful charlatan, that you are not facing individuals or organizations but you are facing the Muslim nation in which the spirit of jihad flows and which rejects humiliation under Zionist-Crusader arrogance. So are you able to kill or capture the nation of Islam. Therefore, stop bluffing by saying that you have captured this one or killed that one because your soldiers who have been killed are filling the fields in Iraq and Afghanistan and their colleagues are fleeing from death to death by committing suicide out of despair.

[Here the setting changes: Al-Zawahiri now appears in a white robe and a white turban with a light brown cloth covering the background. Also, in this part, there are no English subtitles]

The second issue that I want to talk about is the statement made by the pope of the Vatican, who blasphemed God and insulted the reverend Prophet [Muhammad], peace and prayers be upon him, and what this charlatan said; that Islam is unreasonable. The pope with his contradictive remarks has pretended to have forgotten that his Christianity cannot be accepted by a sound mind because it includes superstitions like the trinity, the crucifixion, redemption, the original sin, the infallibility of the pope, and the church's forgiveness of sins. He forgot that the book he deems holy does not have an authentic source and did not descend on Jesus, peace be upon him. Rather, it is about what was written about Jesus, peace be upon him, without specifically identifying its writers, translators, or original texts. After the bishops selected parts of the book and accepted them as legal, they considered other parts as illegal, without having clear justifications or intelligible proofs for this.

O our Muslim nation, these acts of insolence did not come single. Rather, they were part of a series of insults targeting Islam, such as the writings of Salman Rushdie, the honored guest of the White House, France prohibiting wearing scarves in schools, US desecration of the Holy Koran, the US pressure to hold Wafa'i Qustantin and her sisters to the vaults of torture in the monasteries that are protected by the US-Crusader influence, and the cartoons insulting the character of the reverend messenger, peace and prayers be upon him. All of these insults coincide with the Crusade on Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, including the carpet bombing of villages, violation of the women's honor, torture, secret jails, and other forms of the dirty Crusader-Zionist series of the Crusader US campaign against Islam and Muslims.

The charlatan Benedict XVI reminds us of the speech delivered by his predecessor Pope Urban II in the 11th century in Claremont in France, in which he instigated the people of European to fight Muslims and wage Crusade wars because the pagan Muslims, the enemies of Christians, as he claimed, desecrate the grave of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. He deliberately lied to the mob of the West and ignored the crystal-clear facts; namely, that Muslims are not pagan and that they eradicated paganism wherever they go. They are monotheists who worship the One and Only God who begot not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him. He also ignored the fact that Muslims cannot be enemies of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, because they believe in his prophecy and consider him an apostle messenger of inflexible purpose. They believe in the Bible that descended on him and believe in all God's prophets, messengers, and books.

The result of this charlatanism was Crusade wars that lasted for about two centuries and ended with the utter defeat upon the Crusader West.

Benedict XVI fabricated lies against us, but we respond to this insult by benevolence, inviting him and all Christians to Islam, religion of monotheism, which does not know trinity, the superstition of crucifixion, redemption, and incarnation. It is the religion the well-guarded book of which has not been distorted or changed and defies humans to create a book of its like.

However, if they insist on their failed Crusader war, let them have the same fate of Urban II and those who obeyed him and believed his lies.
The third issue that I want to talk about is the Crusader plan to send Crusader forces to Darfur, which is about to become a new field for the Crusader wars. O nation of Islam, rise to defend your land and sanctities against the aggression of the Crusaders who are using the cover of the United Nations. You will only be protected by a popular jihadist war which the mujahidin are undertaking.

As for the government of Khartoum, which conceded the south, is too week to defend Darfur after inciting wars and seditions in it. This government permits the impermissible, seeks its own interest, and ga rners spoils. How can a government of a defeated belief be steadfast in the face of the gravity of wars?

Is it not the government that had dissolved the popular defense forces so as to hand over the south to the US-Zionist influence? So it cannot be farther from leading popular jihad. So, honorable and noble people of Darfur, cling to your religion, and resolve your differences among yourselves. Do not allow the conniving and deceitful government of Khartoum or the anti-Islam Crusader West to intervene among you. Be prepared to fend off the Crusader campaign against you.

Our Muslim nation, at the end of my speech, I would like to emphasize a number of things to you:

First, you should realize the powerlessness of the governments in control of the Muslim land against the forces of Crusader invasion. These governments are suffering two kinds of impotence. The first is ideological, for they accepted the legitimacy of the Unit ed Nations, which is in violation of Islam. This organization obliges all those governments to maintain Israel's sovereignty and territorial integrity, for it is a member, like them, to the United Nations. They also suffer behavioral impotence, for they agreed to remain in power through submission to the will of the Crusader West and allowing it to occupy the Muslim land in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.

Second, you should realize the impotence of many resounding names who install themselves as leaders of the Muslim masses. I will specifically mention three categories: The category of those who are ideologically-defeated, those who accepted the governance of the masses instead of the governance of the Shari'ah [Islamic law]. They acknowledged the legitimacy of the corrupt rulers and accepted the national bond instead of Muslim brotherhood and the Sykes-Picot borders instead of the Islamic caliphate. They entered Kabul aboard America's tanks, under the cover of its Cross, and the protection of its bombers. They participated in the councils of the occupation, and then in the rigged elections and referendums in Iraq and Afghanistan. The second category is the category of the deceptive merchants of religion, those who colluded with the US occupation of Iraq, before, during, and after the invasion. They also participated in defending the US occupiers and waged a war against the Muslims and mujahdin in the name of Islam in the service of the US master. The third category is the category of the clerics of beggary, those who sold their religion for salaries and posts. They approved of recognizing Israel and reconciliation with it. They sold off Palestine, and installed their rulers as pious followers of God. They labeled those who confront their corruption as being extremists and infidels.

Third, we should renounce all the resolutions and treaties of capitulation, beginning with the resolution on the partition of Palestine, and ending with Resolution 1701, passing through the Camp David and Oslo accords. All these are resolutions and treaties that hand over the land of Islam to its enemies, recognize the legitimacy of the Zionist entity, and incriminate those who wage jihad against it.

Fourth, the Muslim nation should wage a popular jihadist war against the Crusader campaign. What the enemies of Islam fear most is the popular jihadist war.

Fifth, the Muslim nation should realize that Afghanistan and Iraq are the most two important fields for confronting the contemporary Crusader war. Therefore, the Muslim nation should support the mujahdin in these two countries with all its power. God, be He blessed, says: Those who believe, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith, in the cause of Allah as well as those who give (them) asylum and aid,- these are (all) in very tru th the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous. [Koranic verse]

Our last prayer is: Praise be to God, Lord of the universe. May God's peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his household, and companions.

ORIGINALLY POSTED @ DoD Daily News-2.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

NGAUS Legislative Update: 9/29/2006

What’s Happening In Congress?

With the new fiscal year 2007 approaching rapidly, Congress is in a fury to finish up appropriations legislation and avoid a year-end omnibus spending bill. The Defense appropriations measure and the Homeland Security appropriations measure are most likely to clear prior to Oct. 1 avoiding this not so uncommon rush to clear the spending bills. Ideas are still generating on how to pass the remaining appropriations measures. Possible scenarios include a long-term continuing resolution, a stopgap spending measure, working through the holidays, or of course the multi-bill omnibus opposed by both sides of the aisle.

Defense Authorization Update.

Previously delaying the enactment was the possible attachment of unrelated provisions. House Speaker, Representative Dennis Hastert, wanted conferees to include language that would have simplified deporting and denying entry to illegal immigrant gang members and language that would have tightened security at courthouses and stiffened penalties for the intimidation of or attacking of court personnel. Late last night, Representative Hastert agreed to drop his demands. The conferees are expected to sign the conference report today, which will allow House Armed Services Chairman, Representative Duncan Hunter, to file the conference report.

National Guard Items of Interest in Defense Authorization.
-National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 Alert #06-21)
-TRICARE access to all members of the National Guard (Alert #06-16)
-Presidential Reserve Call-up (Alert #06-13)
-Joint Cargo Aircraft (Alert #06-19)

Defense Appropriations Update.
Conferees have reached an agreement on the fiscal 2007 Defense Spending bill at a level of $447.4 billion dollars. Floor action is expected to be timely with Senate passage being the only task to clear. As soon as the Senate moves on this bill, the President is likely to sign the measure into law soon after.

Highlights of the Defense Spending.
-2.2 percent military pay raise.
-$5.7 billion total for pay and allowances for mobilized Reserve and Guard soldiers: These funds would also be used towards special pay levels, including imminent danger pay to active, Reserve and Guard soldiers who are deployed to support the war on terror.
-$2.9 billion toward replenishing the Guard’s equipment stock.
-$290 million in emergency funding explicitly for repairing and replacing National Guard and Reserve component equipment lost or damaged in the wars.

Replenishing of National Guard Equipment Stock.
Out of the $2.9 billion set aside for Guard equipment, approximately $2.4 billion comes directly from an amendment that Senator Bond and Senator Leahy included in the Senate version of the spending bill. $500 million of the nearly $3 billion will be secured to allow for the Guard to purchase vehicles, communications systems, and other miscellaneous gear that is essential to the Guard’s homeland security mission. Also, included in the bill is a provision that requires the Pentagon to provide to Congress a detailed accounting of the funding spent across the entire DoD budget to procure Guard equipment. This provision will ensure that the funds reach the appropriate accounts directed by Congress.

Overall the Defense Spending bill will provide $19.1 billion more than the fiscal 2006 appropriation and $4.1 billion less than the president requested. And, most important, it will substantially increase funding for the National Guard.

What’s Happening At NGAUS?

While one legislative cycle is winding down to the last few days, another one is approaching rapidly. Following the 128th General Conference, the NGAUS legislative staff is beginning the process of preparing the Legislative Objectives booklet, the legislative fact sheets, and the Congressional Red Book for the Fiscal Year 2008 budget cycle. Each year brings many new legislative accomplishments for NGAUS and even more legislative obstacles to overcome for the next year. The staff at NGAUS continues to focus on their mission to procure better equipment, standardized training, and a more combat ready National Guard force by petitioning Congress for the resources.

What Can You Do?

With the potential delay in passage of both the Defense Appropriations bill and the Defense Authorizations bill, you still have time to use our “Write To Congress” feature, located on our website. Contact your Representatives and ask them to support the National Guard issues. Simply visit our website at www.ngaus.org, type in your zip code, and follow the directions given.

We would also like to thank all of our members who took advantage of this feature during our 128th General Conference. You set a new record of over 3500 messages sent on a single legislative alert. Congratulations on your accomplishment! We hope to see this same participation in the future.

We Serve

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

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

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"

This post moved here from DoD Daily News-2.

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/.

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

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.

This post was moved from DoD Daily News-2.

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.

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

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.

This was first posted at DoD Daily News-2, but it has moved to here.

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.

This was first posted at DoD Daily News-2, which has moved over to here.

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.

This was posted at DoD Daily News-2. It is no longer there.

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.

This was originally posted @ DoD Daily News-2, but has moved over to here.

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.

This post has been moved from DoD Daily News-2. It is no longer there.

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.