Face of Defense: Medical Tech Puts Skills to Work

By Air Force Capt. Joe Campbell
386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 6, 2010 : There aren't enough physicians in the Air Force to be placed everywhere they may be needed. However, airmen in certain career fields can perform limited medical treatment in their stead.

Independent duty medical technicians like Air Force Master Sgt. Roberto Gutierrez from the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron here often are attached to units in isolated locations to tend to the units' medical needs. "Since there are fewer than 500 of us in the Air Force, most folks have not even heard of us," Gutierrez said. "We are usually attached to flying units or other units that deploy in remote and austere locations." As a member of a small-in-numbers career field, Gutierrez provides a variety of critical services to his unit, performing numerous jobs to support the mission. "We are physician extenders and force multipliers capable of providing different aspects of medicine with a small footprint," he said. "I have multiple jobs here; IDMTs are like a hospital in a package. I treat patients, do sick call, immunizations, dental [and] bioenvironmental duties, such as checking water quality, public health inspections of eateries and the dining hall." Deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan, the Manila, Philippines, native said there are some aspects of being an independent duty medical technician at a deployed location that differ from his job in garrison. There, he does a lot of training; here, he puts those skills to work. "Being a part of a squadron medical element at home station, we train constantly under the supervision of our medical preceptor," he said. "We have functional area trainers who ensure we are on top of our game, so that we are proficient in all aspects of the job when it comes to medicine and environmental sanitation." A typical day in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility for Gutierrez includes following up on patients at the expeditionary medical support unit and gathering supplies. "My day starts out by visiting [expeditionary medical support] to check for any patients seen after hours, and also to pick up needed supplies," the 22-year Air Force veteran said. "We keep close tabs on our patients, especially the aircrew, to ensure they are fit-to-fly to accomplish the mission. We see a variety of medical conditions just like in EMEDs, but with the convenience [for patients] of being close to the flightline." Gutierrez said that in order to be successful, IDMTs cannot be shy or afraid to tackle differing aspects of the health care profession. Additionally, an IDMT must be able to work independently. "Most essential to successful mission accomplishment here is ensuring personnel are in the best health and condition possible," he said. "I enjoy interacting with people and being involved in their medical care. It is challenging to learn different aspects of the operations world, but I have to be in touch with patients and familiar with their jobs and duties so I may better care for them." Gutierrez said his current deployment is his best, in part, because of the quality-of-life initiatives. "I love deployments, and each one is unique," he said. "I love the fact that I bring my specialty to the fight. This deployment surely has been my best, so far. "The quality of life here is outstanding," Gutierrez continued. He and his fellow servicemembers, he said, enjoy "a great dining hall," and around-the-clock Internet access. Photo detail : Air Force Master Sgt. Roberto Gutierrez listens to a patient's lungs May 1, 2010, at an air base in Southwest Asia. Gutierrez is an independent duty medical technician with the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Joe Campbell

Related Sites: U.S. Air Forces Central

President Barack Obama addresses media

President Barack Obama addresses media at Coast Guard Station Venice, La., May 2, 2010. Obama was in the area to view the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Kelley, U.S. Coast Guard/Released)

Security in the village

A U.S. Soldier provides security in the village of Al Kuthra, Iraq, on the outskirts of Basra, Iraq, April 26, 2010. U.S. Soldiers of the 318th Psychological Operations Company, attached to the 17th Fires Brigade are visiting to speak with the Al Shakamra tribe. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead, U.S. Army/Released)

Condolences during a meeting

 From left, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen offer condolences to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski during a meeting in the Pentagon April 29, 2010. The two expressed their sorrow concerning the plane crash that occurred near Smolensk, Russia, April 10, 2010, killing 97 Polish officials, including President Lech Kaczynski and his wife. (DoD photo by R. D. Ward/Released)

Dumping oyster shells into the mudflats of Little Creek Cove in Virginia Beach

U.S. Sailors with Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 dump oyster shells into the mudflats of Little Creek Cove in Virginia Beach, Va., April 28, 2010, to establish two new artificial oyster reefs. The oysters being used are naturally-occurring eastern oysters that can individually filter 50 gallons of water each day. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Scott Pittman, U.S. Navy/Released)

Learning & teaching

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Becker teaches Afghan boys how to count in English as they teach him Pashtu in a village in the Noorgal district of Kunar, Afghanistan, April 17, 2010. Becker is the leader of 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, Task Force Rock. His unit was in the village to take part in a female shura, which was attended by a female engagement team. (DoD photo by Spc. Albert L. Kelley, U.S. Army/Released)

Lynn Details Approach to Changes in Warfare

By Jim Garamone 
American Forces Press Service
LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2010 - Warfare has changed, and the U.S. military must shift to meet the new threats, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said to the World Affairs Council here last night.

Lynn said he and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates have tried to shift military strategy "to move the tectonic plates of our national security environment." The Defense Department is doing more to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while still preparing for future conflicts, Lynn said. Past strategy, he told the group, did not pay enough attention to current conflicts, and the department has changed the balance toward fighting today's wars. The biggest change in war is that rogue nations, terror groups and even criminal gangs can field increasingly lethal technologies, the deputy secretary told the audience. "Terrorist organizations and rogue states seek weapons of mass destruction, insurgents are armed with [improvised explosive devices] that can penetrate even our most sophisticated armored vehicles," he said. "We even see criminals who have world-class cyber capabilities." The military must be ready to face these challenges, he said, and still maintain the capabilities to take on peer competitors. Another change is that wars, conflicts, emergencies are longer than they used to be, Lynn said. The old strategy was based on fighting two major, nearly simultaneous conflicts. But planners thought the wars would be like Operation Desert Storm in 1991 – a powerful, quick war. "But the concept no longer fits our current reality," Lynn said. "We are already fighting two wars, and it wasn't the intensity of the initial combat phase that proved the most challenging in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rather, after eight years in those two conflicts, we are finding the duration of those conflicts is what places the most stress on American's military. These wars have now lasted longer than the United States' participation in World War I and World War II combined." War has moved more toward asymmetric threats. No nation or group can match the U.S. military's conventional strength, Lynn said, so they don't try. "Rather than fighting us head-to-head, they use IEDs to counter our mechanized advantage or guerilla tactics to avoid direct combat," he explained. Some countries also are investing in weapons such as surface-to-surface missiles, cyber capabilities and anti-satellite technologies to deny U.S. access to battlefields. The cyber threat is another profound change in warfare, Lynn told the group. "There is no exaggerating our nation's dependence on information networks," he said. The Defense Department alone has thousands of networks, millions of computers and more millions of computer users. All major weapons systems, the intelligence and logistics efforts and personnel programs rely on information technology. "The Internet is magical in its ability to connect us to others," Lynn said, "but it is a two-way street. Over the past 10 years, the frequency and sophistication of cyber intrusions has increased exponentially." More than 100 foreign intelligence services are trying to hack into U.S. systems, he said, and foreign militaries are developing offensive cyber capabilities. President Barack Obama has called the cyber threat one of the most serious challenges America faces, Lynn said. Cyber attacks threaten not only the U.S. military, but also the American infrastructure and economy, he added. Lynn said the department is addressing all of these threats. The U.S. military is developing the capabilities to handle the range of conflict from low-end insurgencies to high-end near peer wars. The military services are adjusting the way they recruit, train and retain servicemembers in face of long wars. And the United States is working to counter asymmetric attacks and to continue to enhance asymmetric advantages of its own. The way the Defense Department buys equipment, programs services also has to change, Lynn said, acknowledging that the department has not been a good buyer. Changing the way the acquisition process works is an important part of funding the capabilities to handle future threats, he added. To illustrate his point, Lynn noted that Apple developed the iPhone in 24 months. "That's less time than it would take for us to budget for an IT program," he said. "I'm serious. Just to prepare, defend and receive congressional approval for our budget takes about 24 months." Overall, he added, it takes 81 months – nearly seven years -- from an IT program first being funded until it becomes operational. This means the equipment already is four generations old by the time it gets in the hands of servicemembers. Cancelling programs that don't work, are redundant or are too specialized is another way to shape the budget, Lynn said. Gates has made the hard decisions, he told the group, and the programs he has cancelled or recommended for cancellation would have cost $330 billion if they continued. "By exercising program discipline, we are able to direct resources to the highest priority programs," Lynn said. "These tough decisions enhance our ability to protect the American people." The changing environment places great stress on the military and the department, the deputy secretary said. "Succeeding in these tumultuous times, while prevailing in Afghanistan and Iraq, will not be easy," said he added. "But I'm confident that we have charted a path that will keep out nation safe."

Biographies: William J. Lynn III Related Sites: Special Report: Travels With Lynn

Watches Marines maneuver

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III (red coat) watches Marines maneuver through a combat immersion trainer at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on April 26, 2010. Lynn watched the maneuvers and then visited with Marines in all phases of deployment training. DoD photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

An intensive care unit nurse

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Priscilla Lowe, right, an intensive care unit nurse, prepares an intravenous drip for Sgt. Robert Demus, an infantryman, as Spc. Maricris Davison, a licensed professional nurse, adjusts the flow of fluid during medical training at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) on Fort Polk, La., April 21, 2010. JRTC integrates U.S. military services, coalition partners and civilian role-players into realistic scenarios that reflect today's current conflicts. Lowe and Davison are from the 801st Combat Support Hospital out of Fort Sheridan, Ill., and Demus is from Fort Carson, Colo. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Erica J. Knight, U.S. Air Force/Released)

A boat from the Spanish navy

A rigid-hulled inflatable boat from the Spanish navy Servola-class offshore patrol vessel SPS Centinela (P 72) carries African sailors through the Atlantic Ocean April 21, 2010, during a basic boarding officer course. The sailors, who are from Senegal, Cape Verde, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Togo, are part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West and embarked aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). APS is an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa to improve maritime safety and security on the African continent. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton, U.S. Navy/Released)

SAMAA TV cameraman loses life on duty

Journalists For International Peace expressed grave concern and sorrow over the killing of Senior cameraman SAMAA TV Channel , Malik Arif on Friday in the blast that took place at Civil Hospital, Quetta.

Malik Arif had been in the field of journalism for the past 30 years. He had jeopardized his life on countless occasions to bring the best coverage of events to the public. He was courageous by nature and would always take initiative in covering events. He demonstrated his courage at the Civil Hospital, Quetta Friday also, where he lost his life.

Malik Arif belonged to Sialkot but was currently residing in Makangi Road, Quetta. He had been working with SAMAA for the past two years.

Arif joined PTV in 1975 as a light man and was then promoted to camera man. He raised his voice for the release of media personnel in the Zia-ul Haq regime in 1978; went to Kandahar in 1994 for coverage, where he was kidnapped. He was released two months later. He is survived by 4 sons, a daughter and a widow.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, MQM Chairman Altaf Hussain and Sindh Minister for Tourism Shazia Marri have expressed great sorrow on Malik Arif's death.

Khyber Union of Journalists have demanded the security of journalists while lamenting the death of Malik Arif.

Media persons covering the Sindh Assembly meeting protested on the death of Malik Arif and injury of other media persons. They wore black bands on their arms while performing their duties. Journalists For International and its thousands of members all over the world are praying for his departed soul ,

Iftikhar Chaudri
President
Journalists For International Peace
Islamabad Pakistan

During an interview on KING 5 Morning News

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus answers questions about the current status of the Navy and Marine Corps during an interview on KING 5 Morning News in Seattle, Wash., April 14, 2010. Mabus is on a three-day visit to the Northwest. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien, U.S. Navy/Released)

Gates and Silva Luján in a Museum

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Colombian Minister of National Defense Gabriel Silva Luján tour la Quinta de Bolívar, a museum dedicated to political leader Simón Bolívar, in Bogota, Colombia, April 15, 2010. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released)

Fast inshore attack craft exercises

The guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) conducts fast inshore attack craft exercises in the Atlantic Ocean April 12, 2010, in support of exercise Joint Warrior 10-1. The semi-annual event encompasses multinational and multi-warfare exercises designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darius Jackson, U.S. Navy/Released)

Gates in Lima, Peru

Peruvian officials greet Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates upon his arrival in Lima, Peru, April 13, 2010. Gates is on a four-day trip to South America. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released)

Treads water with Sailors

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West, lower right, treads water with Sailors in a submarine escape trainer at the Naval Submarine School on Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., April 9, 2010. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos, U.S. Navy/Released)

A Letter from Amnesty International USA

Linda Coale died of an embolism a week after giving birth via c-section. The hospital failed to tell her the warning signs even though she was high risk. Our record is abysmal - half the maternal deaths in this country (USA) are preventable. Don't be silent. Take action.

Wed, Apr 14, 2010 at 3:56 AM

Dear Rector,

Linda Coale, a healthy, vibrant 35-year-old woman, gave birth to a baby boy, Benjamin, by c-section in September 2007.

One week later, she died following a blood clot.

Neither the infant welcome packet nor her discharge papers contained detailed information about warning signs and symptoms of serious blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), even though Linda was at high risk because of her pregnancy combined with her age and the surgery.

The packet did contain information on how to acclimate a pet to a new baby.

"I know you can 'what if' until the end of the world, but knowing Linda was once an Emergency Medical Technician, if those discharge papers had said it could be a sign of a blood clot, in my heart of hearts I believe that she would have acted on it," said Linda's twin sister, Lori.


"My parents had to bury a child," Lori added.

Pregnant women and new mothers like Linda are falling through huge gaps in our maternal health care system.

All women, including Linda, have a right to a safe childbirth, yet women in the United States are at greater risk of maternal death than those in forty other countries.

It's time to do something about this silent killer. Contact Congress today.

We are in a maternal health care crisis. More than two women die every day from pregnancy-related causes. Severe complications are up 25 percent, now over 34,000 each year. The situation for pregnant women of color is even more acute.

We have slipped dangerously backward.

Amnesty International traveled all over the country to capture and share stories like Linda's. Our Deadly Delivery report documents discrimination and egregious systemic failures. It reveals an inexcusable failure to defend a woman's right to a safe birth.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius has the authority to dramatically improve conditions for pregnant women and reduce maternal mortality in the U.S. Our government has the obligation to protect pregnant women and guarantee a health care system that ensures their rights universally and equitably.

Contact your Representative to help press Secretary Sebelius into action.

It's astonishing that the US has fallen into this crisis when we spend so much on health care. The way out requires a strong, loud push now to set the solution in motion.

Please stand up today so that we can save lives by protecting women's human rights.


Sincerely,

Sameer Dossani
Director, Demand Dignity Campaign
Amnesty International USA

President Barack Obama conducts a press conference

President Barack Obama conducts a press conference in front of the Navy's “Green Hornet,” an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft powered by a 50/50 biofuel blend, in a hangar on Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington, Md., March 31, 2010. During the conference, the president announced additional measures to boost domestic energy production for the nation to include strategic efforts by the Department of Defense to enhance energy security. The aircraft is slated to conduct its first flight April 22, 2010, on Earth Day. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien, U.S. Navy/Released)

Assault boat during live-fire battle drills

U.S. Navy Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Geoffrey Martin, assigned to Riverine Squadron 1, fires a GAU-17A gun system from the bow of a riverine assault boat during live-fire battle drills at Fort Knox, Ky., March 28, 2010. Sailors with the squadron are participating in a three-day field exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Weyers, U.S. Navy/Released)

Photography of an Iraqi man

U.S. Army Sgt. David Kratzer photographs an Iraqi man in Badoush, Iraq, April, 3, 2010. Kratzer, who is assigned to Crazy Horse Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is gathering information about the local populace along with other members of his unit. (DoD photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon, U.S. Army/Released)

Fire-fighting drills

Afghan National Policemen practice fire-fighting drills during training at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, March 25, 2010. U.S. Soldiers from the 402nd Brigade Support Battalion are conducting the training as part of a two-week academy. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Juan Valdes, U.S. Air Force/Released)

The Military Sealift Command fleet

The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), center, conducts a replenishment at sea with the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), left, and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) March 29, 2010, while off the coast of Djibouti. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky, U.S. Navy/Released)

Review Provides Deterrence, Arms Reduction Roadmap

By Jim Garamone 
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON :  The Nuclear Posture Review is a roadmap for reducing America's nuclear arsenal while maintaining an effective deterrent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at the Pentagon on Tuesday.

The congressionally mandated review charts the steps toward reducing nuclear risks to the United States, U.S. allies and partners, and the international community. "This review describes how the United States will reduce the role and numbers of nuclear weapons with a long-term goal of a nuclear-free world," Gates said. Gates – accompanied by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen – explained some of the changes the review recommends. New declaratory policies have taken the place of intentionally vague policies of the past, Gates said. For example, if a state that does not have nuclear weapons is in compliance with the nonproliferation treaty and its obligations, the United States will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against that state. If such a state were to use chemical or biological weapons against the United States or its allies or partners, however, "it would face the prospect of a devastating conventional military response," the secretary said. Gates said the United States will adjust its policy if circumstances dictate the need. "Given the catastrophic potential of biological weapons and the rapid pace of biotechnology development," he said, "the United States reserves the right to make any adjustment to this policy that may be warranted by the evolution and proliferation of biological weapons." The Cabinet secretaries and the chairman stressed that the Nuclear Posture Review was a collegial interagency and international effort. "The consultations that supported this process included more than 30 of our allies and partners," Clinton said. "For generations, the United States' nuclear deterrent has helped prevent proliferation by providing our non-nuclear allies in NATO, in the Pacific and elsewhere with reassurance and security. The policies outlined in this review allow us to continue that stabilizing role." Officials said this is the most comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear strategy since the end of the Cold War, and that it places the prevention of nuclear terrorism and proliferation at the top of the U.S. nuclear policy agenda. "Given al-Qaida's continued quest for nuclear weapons, Iran's on-going nuclear efforts and North Korea's proliferation, this focus is appropriate, and indeed,... an essential change from previous reviews," Gates said. Gates stressed that the review has strong messages for Iran and North Korea. "Whether it's in declaratory policy or in other elements of the [Nuclear Posture Review], we essentially carve out states like Iran and North Korea that are not in compliance with [the nonproliferation treaty]," he said. "And basically, all options are on the table when it comes to countries in that category, along with nonstate actors who might acquire nuclear weapons." The message to Iran and North Korea is if they play by the rules, then they will be covered by the new recommendations, Gates said. "But if you're not going to play by the rules, if you're going to be a proliferator, then all options are on the table in terms of how we deal with you." The review has the full support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mullen said. "We believe it provides us and our field commanders the opportunity to better shape our nuclear weapons posture, policies and force structure to meet an ever-changing security environment," Mullen said. "This Nuclear Posture Review reaffirms our commitment to defend the vital interests of the United States and those of our partners and allies with a more balanced mix of nuclear and non-nuclear means than we have at our disposal today." The review's conclusion that the United States can maintain deterrence with half of its current nuclear arsenal served as the basis for U.S. negotiations for the new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia that President Barack Obama is scheduled to sign April 8. The United States also will continue an on-going and high-level dialogue with Russia and China aimed at fostering more stable, resilient and transparent strategic relationships, Gates said. Some aspects of the posture will remain static. The United States will continue to field its triad of nuclear-capable missiles, aircraft and submarines. "The United States will continue to hold accountable any state, terrorist group or other nonstate actor that supports or enables terrorist efforts to obtain or use weapons of mass destruction, whether by facilitating, financing, or providing expertise or safe haven for such efforts," Gates said. The United States will continue to develop and improve non-nuclear capabilities – including regional missile defenses – to strengthen deterrence and reduce the role of nuclear weapons, Gates said. "Finally, the United States will continue abiding by its pledge not to conduct nuclear testing," said he added. (Issued on April 6, 2010)

Biographies: Hillary Rodham Clinton  Robert M. Gates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Sites: Special Report: Nuclear Posture Review

Amnesty International Urges Lebanese Authorities to Intervene to Halt Expected Saudi Arabia Execution

Posted on :Apr 1, 2010 12:31 AM
Washington: Amnesty International today urged Saad Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister, to intervene to help halt the possible imminent execution of a Lebanese national in Saudi Arabia, after the organization received reports that an execution is scheduled for tomorrow.

Amnesty International fears that former television presenter ‘Ali Hussain Sibat, convicted on charges of "sorcery" in Saudi Arabia, may be the Lebanese national facing execution.
On March10 a Saudi Arabia court upheld the death sentence against 'Ali Hussain Sibat, after he was convicted in November 2009 on charges of “sorcery”, for giving advice and predictions about the future on a Lebanese satellite TV show.
"‘Ali Hussain Sibat appears to have been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression," said Malcolm Smart, director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa program.
"We urge the Lebanese authorities to do all they can to prevent this execution," said Smart, "and we are calling on King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia not to let this or other executions go ahead. It is high time the Saudi Arabian government joined the international trend towards a worldwide moratorium on executions."
‘Ali Hussain Sibat was arrested by the Mutawa'een (religious police) in May 2008 while he was visiting Saudi Arabia on a form of Muslim pilgrimage, the 'umra.
His lawyer believes that the TV presenter was arrested because members of the Mutawa'een had recognized him from his show, which was broadcast on the Sheherazade TV station.
The police asked 'Ali Hussain Sibat's to write down what he did for a living, reassuring him that he would be allowed to go home after a few weeks if he complied.
The defendant was convicted after the statement he wrote was presented during the trial as a "confession.”
He was sentenced to death by a court in Madina on November 9, 2009 following secret hearings where he was given no legal representation or assistance.
In January 2010, the Court of Appeal in Makkah accepted an appeal against the TV presenter’s death sentence, on grounds that it was a premature verdict.
The Court of Appeal said that all allegations made against 'Ali Hussain Sibat had to be verified, and that if he had really committed the crime he should be asked to repent.
But on March 10, a court in Madina upheld the death sentence. The judges said that he deserved to be sentenced to death because he had practiced “sorcery” publicly for several years before millions of viewers and that his actions “made him an infidel.”
The court also said that there would be no way to verify that his repentance, if he should repent, would be sincere and that imposing the death sentence would deter other people from engaging in “sorcery” at a time when, the court said, there is an increase in the number of “foreign magicians” entering Saudi Arabia.
The crime of "sorcery" is not defined in Saudi Arabian law but is used to punish people for the legitimate exercise of their human rights, including the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, belief and expression.
The Saudi Arabian authorities arrested scores of people for “sorcery” in 2009, and have continued to arrest people on the same charges this year.
The last known execution for "sorcery" was that of Egyptian national Mustafa Ibrahim, on November 2, 2007. He had been arrested in May 2007 in the town of Arar, where he worked as a pharmacist, and accused of "apostasy" for having degraded a copy of the Qur'an.
At least 158 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2007 and at least 102 in 2008. In 2009, 69 people are known to have been executed, including 19 foreign nationals. Since the beginning of 2010, at least eight people have been executed.
Amnesty International called on the authorities to release 'Ali Hussain immediately and unconditionally if he has been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

President Barack Obama in Afghanistan

President Barack Obama, second from left, and National Security Advisor Jim Jones, left, meet with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and other officials at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 28, 2010. During the surprise visit, which is Obama’s first to the region since taking office, the president visited with service members in addition to meeting with Karzai. (DoD photo by Pete Souza/Released)

U.S. Crew Rescues Somali Mariners

By Navy Ensign Colleen M. Flynn 
Combined Maritime Forces
MANAMA, Bahrain :The crew of a U.S. Navy ship saved 30 men, women and children off the coast of Somalia March 25. 

USS McFaul, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer on a seven-month deployment in the Gulf of Aden, was conducting a routine patrol about 100 miles off Somalia's north coast in support of counterpiracy operations when the crew spotted a small skiff. The 30 people onboard had been stranded with no food and very little water for nearly four days since departing the Somali coast, they said. The skiff had suffered engine failures in both outboard motors. "Once we recognized there was no threat, noticeable engine failure and lack of food and water, it was evident they desperately needed our help," the ship's boarding officer said. McFaul's embarked translator facilitated communication between the Somali mariners and the boarding team. The McFaul crew immediately took the Somali mariners onboard and prepared to return them to their homeland, offering them a place to sleep, blankets, water and food to make them feel as comfortable as possible for the two-and-a-half-day journey back to Somalia. Abdulrahman Ali Barhaaye, one of the elders rescued from the skiff, offered thanks. "We gave up hope until we saw you," he said. "We are alive, hopeful, and glad to be here." Helping the Somali mariners became a shipwide event, whether repairing the skiff's engines or supplying the rescued mariners with food, water, shelter, life jackets and blankets. "This was a rewarding experience," one of the boarding team members said. "They appreciated our efforts and were very thankful." On the morning of March 27, McFaul returned the 30 Somalian mariners safely ashore with their repaired skiff at the small fishing village of Ceelaaya. USS McFaul is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, which is a 24-nation task force established in January 2009 to conduct counterpiracy operations. (Issued on :March 29, 2010)-

Related Sites: USS McFaul  Combined Maritime Forces

Motivation

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Morgan Trevarthen motivates a fourth class cadet during Recognition events at the academy in Colorado March 12, 2010. Recognition, which consists of several days of activities that are designed to mentally and physically challenge freshmen cadets, culminates with the ascension of the freshmen into the ranks of upper-classmen. (DoD photo by Bill Evans, U.S. Air Force/Released)

Agency Provides Meals, Supplies for Religious Observances

By Larry Levine
Defense Supply Center Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA : The Defense Logistics Agency's supply center here is ensuring servicemembers around the globe have Passover meals available for observance of the upcoming Jewish holiday and palm fronds for the upcoming Christian observance of Palm Sunday.

In addition to supplying all daily meals, the Defense Logistics Agency also ensures troops receive traditional holiday meals and necessary religious supplies. "As with all our holiday or special-event meals, our personnel begin demand planning and contacting customers as well as potential suppliers several months in advance to ensure timely delivery," said Ray Miller, subsistence deputy director. "Our planning for meals for this Passover holiday began back in November." Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, is observed from sundown March 29 to April 9 this year. Traditionally, many Jewish people refrain from eating many leavened baked goods, including bread and cakes, during Passover. Some also refrain from eating rice or legumes, including beans and peas, during Passover. This can be difficult for military members in remote locations. The four different main courses of the special Passover meals are canned salmon, bone-in chicken, gefilte fish and beef stew, all certified Kosher for Passover. The meals also contain with other Passover extras such as matzo and macaroons. Each meal is in a chemically activated, self-heating package. The 12-meal cases will be distributed to U.S. warfighters throughout the world. While most U.S.-based servicemembers will have access to regular dining facilities or other local options for their Seder meals, most of the domestically delivered meals will go to servicemembers on training missions. The retail value of the 10,932 Passover meals provided this year is $141,988.46. This represents an increase by almost 30 percent from 2009, when 8,424 meals were provided. In addition to food items, the agency's clothing and textiles supply chain provides Passover Seder kits containing special prayer books and robes. The supply chain's ecclesiastical branch provides Seder kits to chaplains and Jewish servicemembers in the field. DLA also supplies Christian and Orthodox Christian celebrants of Palm Sunday with palm leaves. Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter, and it commemorates Jesus Christ's entrance into Jerusalem, when palm fronds were strewn in front of him. Traditional services include a procession of members of the congregation carrying palms. "Whether servicemembers are in the field or on training assignments away from the regular places they would celebrate, Jewish and Christian alike, we offer all the items needed to conduct their respective ceremonies," said Maryann Bonk, an inventory management specialist in the clothing and textiles ecclesiastical branch.  (Issued on Mid night of March 24-25, 2010)

Related Sites: Defense Logistics Agency Defense Supply Center Philadelphia

Indians seems to have forgotten the sacrifice..and it is unfortunate.....

Komal is also one of them who are shocked to know the ignorance of 23rd March. She expressed her pain and protest by sending a message on social site. Message sent to me yesterday but I saw it today and now sharing it with you. Ms. Komal is creating awareness for a long time. 
                               --Rector Kathuria
In her message she says that today 23rd march 2010 would mark 79 years of the sacrifice three young men gave for the nation. Bhagat Singh- Raj Guru- Sukh Dev.
So today no one in news would talk about Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru the three young men who were hanged on this day near Ferozpur near the present India-Pakistan border. These men never cared about religion and fought for the freedom of the nation.

Indians seems to have forgotten the sacrifice. It is definitely an unfortunate thing that people who were not in congress and worked for India’s freedom never got the credit they deserve. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru shall remain in my heart till I die. These are the people whom the young generation should have as idols. Their sacrifice, their patriotism & their principles, we should never forget them.
Jai Hind.....!

Gates, Mullen Extend Military Support to Mexico

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden 
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON: Top U.S. defense officials met with their Mexican counterparts in Mexico City today to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico military partnership in the fight against drug cartels there.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen are in Mexico today as part of a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair also are part of the delegation. The high-level talks are part of the Merida initiative, a partnership promised by President Barack Obama last year to help the region combat drug trafficking and related violence by the cartels. The three-year program provides $1.6 billion to fund drug-fighting initiatives. The talks demonstrate the level of commitment the United States has in aiding Mexico in its struggle against the cartels and to impede the drug trade from crossing the border into the United States, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters at a news conference here today. "Sending a delegation of this stature to Mexico is a clear indication of the critical importance both we and the Mexican government ... place on law enforcement cooperation, strengthening Mexican institutions and other cooperative efforts to support the government of Mexico's campaign against organized crimes," Morrell said. Gates and Mullen met with Mexico's Defense Secretary Guillermo Galvan Galvan and Navy Secretary Mariano Francisco Saynez Mendoza to discuss military-to-military coordination and to develop a comprehensive approach to counternarcotics operations and planning. The meetings focused on bilateral information sharing, joint defense cooperation and the need for transparency and accountability on human rights. Currently, the Pentagon provides intelligence and surveillance support, communications equipment and mobility assets, Morrell said. The talks come at a time when the Mexican government has suffered heavy losses in its war on drugs. Since 2006, some 18,000 people, including security personnel, have lost their lives to drug-related violence. "The government of Mexico has taken strong actions to address these security threats," Morrell said. "They are making some progress, but have paid high prices for their brave stand. Those sacrifices have only made our two nations more determined to work together to combat these criminal groups." Funds allocated to Mexico under the Merida initiative are due to expire in 2011. The remaining funds will go to other countries in Central America. Gates and Mullen are set to return to Washington, D.C., tonight. (Issued on March 22, 2010)

Biographies:  Robert M. Gates  Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

George W. Bush in addresses members of Joint Task Force - Haiti

Former President George W. Bush addresses members of Joint Task Force - Haiti, members of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and staff at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 22, 2010. Former President Bill Clinton and Bush are visiting Haiti to show support after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the country Jan. 12, 2010. (DoD photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call, U.S. Navy/Released)

'Donkey Bloggers' in Azerbaijan lose appeal against fabricated charges

Amnesty International has accused the Azerbaijani government of stifling dissent after a court turned down an appeal by two bloggers against their conviction on fabricated charges of “hooliganism”. originally this press release was posted on 10 March 2010.


A Baku court today (Wednesday) upheld the convictions of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli who were sentenced to two and to two and a half years respectively after they posted a video critical of the government on YouTube. Amnesty International believes their trial was unfair and that the two are prisoners of conscience.


In none of the seven appeal hearings were the two key witnesses called to give evidence. The appeal court upheld the original court decision to reject evidence without explanation, including photographs of the bloggers’ injuries and video footage of the incident.


Andrea Huber, Europe and Central Asia Deputy Programme Director at Amnesty International, said:


“Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli have fallen victim to the increasingly repressive measures taken by the Azerbaijani authorities to crackdown on critics of the government.

“They were convicted on fabricated charges, in a trial falling short of international standards for fairness, solely because they were expressing their views.

“Independent journalists and activists continue to face harassment and imprisonment in Azerbaijan despite the country’s international obligations to uphold the right to freedom of expression.”

The bloggers were arrested on 8 July 2009 after they were attacked by two unknown men and were accused of “hooliganism”. 


The two activists have used online networking tools, including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, to spread information about society and politics in Azerbaijan.


Emin Milli is the co-founder of an online community that discusses politics called Alumni Network, while Adnan Hajizade is a co-ordinator of the youth movement known as OL!, which advocates non-violence and tolerance.


A week before their arrest a video produced by Adnan Hajizade had been posted on YouTube, showing a spoof press conference delivered by a donkey. The video was posted in the wake of a news story about how the Azerbaijani government had allegedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars importing donkeys from Germany, in a deal that may have masked corruption or theft of public funds.


The video questions the purchase of the donkeys, the introduction of restrictive legislation for NGOs and the low priority the government attributes to human rights.
Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Adnan and Emin