By Elaine Sanchez American Forces Press Service COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 15, 2011 - Calling out over thousands of screaming fans, Elmo introduced a few new friends to Sesame Street here yesterday.
Obama and Biden hosted a concert-style event here yesterday to thank military families as well as to encourage community members to support and honor them as part of their "Joining Forces" military family support initiative. The event also helped to kick off the fifth installment of the Sesame Street and USO Experience for Military Families, a free traveling tour exclusively for military families. Sloan Gibson, USO president, who also stopped by the event, thanked the military children in the audience for their contributions to the family, especially during deployments. "It's a big job, it's a hard job sometimes, and it's a very important job," he said. "Thank you for what you do for your moms and your dads." "When a soldier is deployed, the entire family is deployed," added Gary E. Knell, Sesame Workshop CEO and president. "We care about you [and] what it's like to be a kid in the military." The Sesame Street Muppets offered the audience a preview of the traveling show, which features a new theme and a new character named Katie, a military child who is about to move. During the musical show, Katie opens up to her Muppet friends about her fears, and excitement, over her upcoming move. With the help of a few songs, Elmo and other Sesame pals reassure her that she'll make new friends while still remaining close with old ones. The show also was a big hit with the crowd. But while the older children enjoyed a special performance by singer Nick Jonas, the younger children had a clear favorite: Elmo. The show will kick off its around-the-world tour with a stop in Alaska later this month, and will continue with stops in Hawaii, Guam, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Spain. The show made its debut in July 2008 to help families cope with military-related challenges, including deployments and homecomings, a USO news release said, and is part of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative for military families. Since the tour's inception four years ago, The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families has logged more than 61,200 miles to 90 bases in 33 different states and nine countries, a USO news release said. The tour also has performed 315 shows for more than 192,600 service members and their families. For up-to-date tour information, people can visit the USO website at http://www.uso.org. | ||||
| Related Sites: Special Report: Joining Forces USO Talk, Listen, Connect | ||||
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Monday, April 18, 2011
First Lady, Dr. Biden Kick Off Sesame, USO Tour
Face of Defense: Soldier Builds Ostomy Awareness
By Army Sgt. 1st Class J.R. Williams Task Force Falcon BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, April 15, 2011 - Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bob Cuyler is on a quest. The 10th Mountain Division tactical operations officer for Task Force Falcon runs a half-marathon every week -- 13.1 miles in a single outing every seven days. For some avid runners, a half-marathon a week might not seem like much. But Cuyler runs his weekly 13.1 miles while deployed to Afghanistan -- not an easy task, given the operations tempo, altitude and rugged terrain. But for Cuyler, the miles are just a small part of a larger, personal quest.
The UOAA is a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States. The veterans outreach program seeks to help military veterans, young and old, live with their ostomies. "Unfortunately, many people limit their activities because of the fear of the unknown when dealing with their ostomy," Cuyler said, "and others just need to know that they are not alone with this condition." The Hannibal, N.Y., knows all about living with an ostomy. In July 2007, following a seven-year battle with ulcerative colitis, doctors removed his entire colon. The surgery left him with a stoma -- an opening through his abdomen with an appliance bag attached. It also marked the start of Cuyler's quest for understanding. "My first thought following the surgery was just shock," he said. "I remember looking down and seeing I was cut open, and this appliance was attached to me. I just couldn't believe this was happening to me." At the time, this type of surgery meant a discharge from the military. "I came back to work with the mindset that I was getting out -- that it was over for me," Cuyler said. "Then, my nurse gave me this book, 'Great Comebacks' by Rolf Benirschke, a professional football player who continued his NFL career after his ostomy surgery." Benirschke's book details the inspirational achievements of people who'd had ostomy surgeries. Though the stories encouraged him during that initial recovery period, Cuyler said, he thought the end of the road was near. "My first day back to work was 30 days after the surgery," he said. "I could only do one pushup and one situp. That's it." Yet, each day following that first physical training session, the warrant officer discovered he could do a little bit more. "After a couple of months, I was getting back to my old self," he said. The book began to plant a seed in his mind. "One day, I was working out at the gym and the brigade commander at that time, Col. Erik Peterson, gave me a funny look and asked, 'Are you really disabled?' And I started to wonder the same thing," Cuyler said. He set his sights on continuing his Army aviation career, focusing on regaining his strength and proving he still could serve as a soldier and pilot. "Colonel Peterson said he would support me to fight the system," Cuyler said. "He took a risk. I'll never forget that." Peterson, now serving as the 10th Mountain Division chief of staff in Regional Command South, said it was apparent from the outset that Cuyler needed to stay in the Army. "Bob was an exceptionally valuable member of the Falcon Brigade team, but what was most compelling was his determination," he said. "He had a clearly defined goal. He understood the physical and bureaucratic obstacles to that goal, and he endeavored to overcome them. The rules said 'No,' but in Bob's case, they made no sense. He was clearly capable of serving and contributing, without limitation." The brigade surgeon at that time, Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Edward Bailey of Sackets Harbor, N.Y., agreed. "Bob is one of the most gratifying patients I have ever had the privilege to work with," Bailey said. "The words 'no,' 'won't' and 'can't' aren't in his vocabulary. He overcame every hurdle to return to the cockpit. A 30-day summer rotation at [the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La.] convinced us that he was more than capable of returning to the fight." So instead of ending, it appeared the road ahead for the pilot was merely bending. "You know, the warrior transition units sometimes get a bad rap," Cuyler said. "But in my case, the Fort Drum WTU did exactly what it was supposed to do. The [organization] gave me a chance to get well. It was the best thing for me and the Army." Fifteen months after surgery, Cuyler hit his first milestone when a medical board cleared him to remain on active duty with flight status. "It was incredible," he said. "You know, I actually went to the board. I wasn't allowed in the room during the panel, but they all saw me waiting outside the room. It was important to me, and to Colonel Peterson and Lieutenant Colonel Bailey, for the members of the board to see me for themselves, to wonder if I looked disabled." The next benchmark immediately followed the board, with a 12-month deployment to Iraq. "A year in Iraq confirmed that his medical condition is an inconvenience, not an impediment," said Bailey, now the 10th Mountain Division's surgeon. The deployment not only proved Cuyler could handle the rigors of combat, but also marked the first time any U.S. soldier had deployed with an ostomy and the first time any aviator flew into combat with an ostomy. Yet, the path to understanding continued after his return from Iraq. "During the deployment to Iraq, I was awarded the Tony Snow Public Service Award from the Great Comebacks program," Cuyler said. "Receiving that award changed things for me. Before, everything was for me. Now, I feel what it means." The exposure Cuyler received following the award inspired a new turn in the road. "People hide [the condition]. They're embarrassed," he said. "A month or two after I received the award, people around the world contacted me for advice." As each person contacted Cuyler, he shared everything he could to help: medical records, experiences, advice and hope. "There was a pilot from India who was fighting to keep his job after his ostomy," Cuyler said. "Using my medical records as an example, he was able to prove that flying with an ostomy was possible -- and done -- so he's still flying." While helping a fellow pilot brought some satisfaction, Cuyler said, his latest milestone affected him a little more deeply. At the end of this month, Cuyler will welcome a fellow ostomate -- and soldier -- to Afghanistan. "Lt. Col. William O'Brien first learned of my struggle to stay in the military after ostomy surgery by speaking with Lisa Becker, a Great Comebacks Award recipient," Cuyler said. "He then found me by doing the same thing I had done; [he] did a search for 'military' and 'ostomy.' But instead of finding discharge stories, he found mine." Down-to-earth and humble, Cuyler does not consider himself a trailblazer. "That's the big thing -- the gratitude I feel that my despair was able to help someone else," he said. Realizing how his fight helped another soldier, Cuyler decided to continue down the path toward educating others about the surgery and what to expect afterward. "I was contacted by the UOAA about a new program, the Veterans Outreach Program, involving other Great Comeback vets to assist fellow ostomates through their recovery at [Veterans Affairs] hospitals," Cuyler said. "Very few VA hospitals have support groups." Besides sharing his experiences and advice, Cuyler raises awareness of the program doing the one thing he once thought he'd never do again: long-distance running. "I've been running a half-marathon every week since January," he said. "It's a challenge, but it's a challenge that helps others. For every sponsor who pledges a dollar per half-marathon -- or any amount, really -- that's another dollar towards helping someone else." Cuyler has run 15 half-marathons. That adds up to 196.5 miles for the man who once could perform only one pushup and one situp. The miles also pave the path toward understanding life after an ostomy. "Bob personifies our Army values of duty, selfless service and personal courage," said Peterson, who calls Watertown, N.Y., home. "It doesn't surprise me that he's, once again, accomplishing something very difficult in order to benefit others and call attention to something important." | ||
| Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force |
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A special HR report to be release on Monday
On 7-9 October 1991 at first International Workshop on National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Paris when the United Nations Human Rights Commission as Resolution 1992/54 of 1992 and Resolution 48/134 of 1993 adopted the Paris Principle. It was a historic moment and a new definition of civilization was reintroduced in the human conscience. Following the path of Paris Principle, The Protection of Human Rights Act was drafted at 1993 by which Nation Human Rights Commission, West Bengal Human Rights Commission and as well as various other Human Rights Institutions were established in India where the duties and functions of the commissions are enumerated.
To monitor the performances of the HRIs of the countries, a new mechanism was developed at the UN. (ICC). In South Asia, ANNI(Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions) was formed. To follow this process, AiNNI (All India Network of NGOs & Individuals working with National and State Human Rights Institutions) was also formed, wherein MASUM is an active member.
This is the demand of the hour that the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, West Bengal Women Commission, West Bengal Minority Commission and other Human Rights Institutions of this state work more actively and significantly in the field of protection of human rights. But it seems that they often failed to show such responsibilities.
We believe the Fourth Estate, the Press and Media, has strong role in forming public opinion in a positive way and they are morally bound to advocate and highlight the social causes.
A special report on Human Rights situation to be release at a press meet on 18th April, 2011 Monday at Kolkata Press Club at 3 - 4 pm. This Press meet has been announced for the release of the background paper and more information, data and evidence of non-fulfilling the duties of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission and other Human Rights Institutions in India and in particular, in West Bengal.
Honourable Justice Malay Sengupta, ex Judge of Kolkata High Court, Ex Acting Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court and present Chairman of OBC Commission of West Bengal will preside over the session. Veteran writer and social activist, Ms. Mahasweta Devi will be present there as Chief Guest. Many other academics, social activists, organisations will share their experiences.
Kirity Roy
Secretary
Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM)
&
National Convenor (PACTI)
Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity
40A, Barabagan Lane (4th Floor)
Balaji Place, Shibtala,Srirampur
Hooghly PIN- 712203
Secretary
Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM)
&
National Convenor (PACTI)
Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity
40A, Barabagan Lane (4th Floor)
Balaji Place, Shibtala,Srirampur
Hooghly PIN- 712203
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Soldier Mentors Kids on Drug Dangers
By Rick Scavetta
U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany: As Army Sgt. Mark Arnett wraps up his tenure here teaching kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, he can look back knowing he made an impact on children's lives.
Army Sgt. Mark Arnett and Army Spc. Kathy Ogburn, military police officers assigned to U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern, Germany, examine a lesson plan for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. National D.A.R.E. Day was April 7, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Rick Scavetta
For the past two years, Arnett has taught the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in the Kaiserslautern Military Community's fours elementary schools.
"It's been great for me to see the difference D.A.R.E. is making in kids' lives," Arnett said. "The light bulb goes on and the wheels are turning," he said of how quickly children understand the message about the risks of drug and alcohol use.
Since 1983, D.A.R.E. has taught millions of students worldwide about the dangers associated with using alcohol and drugs. National D.A.R.E. Day is observed each April in the United States by a presidential proclamation, community events and other activities. This year, President Barrack Obama declared April 7 as National D.A.R.E. Day.
It's been a few weeks since Arnett taught his final D.A.R.E. class here. He departs Kaiserslautern soon for Fort Knox, Ky., where he'll serve with the 1st Infantry Division.
Meanwhile, Arnett said when kids see him in the Kaiserslautern community, they ask him to come back.
"That's rewarding, to know that they learned and that it was a fun experience for them," he said.
During a previous duty tour at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Arnett donned the McGruff the Crime Dog suit and shook hands with kids. He had never been in front of a classroom, but in becoming Kaiserslautern's D.A.R.E. instructor, Arnett learned the subtleties of teaching.
"As a soldier, you instruct your peers," he said. "It's totally different in front of fifth graders, trying to get them to listen to you."
Department of Defense Dependents Schools students here complete 10 lessons over several weeks, working from D.A.R.E. planners, Arnett said. Weekly lessons include students acting out skits on peer pressure and watching videos about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
In Europe, where beer and wine are often part of the local culture, alcohol is easier to obtain at a younger age. Children living overseas know that, Arnett said.
"We stress the impacts alcohol has on young bodies, the adverse effects that it can have," he said. "Kids are pretty smart. They know it's bad for you, just not how bad it can be."
What kids learn in D.A.R.E. can have a ripple effect within their families, Arnett said. One Kaiserslautern fifth-grader recently brought her lessons home and helped her mother quit smoking, he said.
Staffing a D.A.R.E. officer for Kaiserslautern Military Community schools make sense, as police in military communities mirror the work of their civilian counterparts, said Master Sgt. Kenneth Pryor, U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern's provost sergeant.
"It gives us an opportunity to have an officer go into the classroom, so the kids don't just see a police officer as a cop," Pryor said. "It humanizes the individual."
In February, Lt. Col. Kevin Hutchison, commander of U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern, spoke at the Kaiserslautern Elementary School graduation. He thanked Arnett for his efforts in making the D.A.R.E. program a success.
"He is the face of D.A.R.E. in our community," Hutchison said.
Arnett will pass the D.A.R.E. teaching reins to Army Spc. Kathy Ogburn. In less than four years as a military police officer, Ogburn has served at Fort Hood, Texas, and helped train local police in Afghanistan. She said she's excited about taking on new challenges here.
"I've worked the road and I've deployed," Ogburn said. "Now, I get a chance to do something completely different." (Issued on: April 12, 2011)
 Army Sgt. Mark Arnett and Army Spc. Kathy Ogburn, military police officers assigned to U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern, Germany, examine a lesson plan for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. National D.A.R.E. Day was April 7, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Rick Scavetta |
Monday, April 11, 2011
Women in France Banned From Wearing the Veil in Public
Women in France Banned From Wearing the Veil in Public, says Amnesty International
Organization Condemns Arrest of Protesters, Calls for Law to be Scrapped
Organization Condemns Arrest of Protesters, Calls for Law to be Scrapped
Washington, D.C.:Monday, April 11, 2011:: Amnesty International condemns the detention of several people, including two women wearing the full-face veil, who were protesting against the law banning the wearing of any form of clothing concealing one's face in public. Amnesty International understands that those taken in for questioning by police have subsequently been released.
The law came into force today. Police said the people were detained for joining an unauthorized protest in central Paris.
"Women in France have the right to freedom of religion and expression. They must also be free to protest when this right is violated," said John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia Program director at Amnesty International. "This law puts France to shame – a country that prides itself on the human rights it claims to promote and protect, freedom of expression included."
"The law preventing women in France from expressing their values, beliefs and identity should be scrapped," said Dalhuisen. # # #
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 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. # # #
First Lady Cites Military Children's Resilience
By Elaine Sanchez American Forces Press Service ARLINGTON, VA, April 8, 2011 - Melissa Howland, a high school senior, was diagnosed with a blood-clotting disorder the year her Navy father deployed to Iraq.
Last year, she donated nearly 500 volunteer hours to 12 causes, including the hospital where she was treated. Howland was one of the five military children –- one from each service -- honored last night for their resilience, strength of character and leadership during Operation Homefront's 2011 Military Child of the Year award ceremony here. First Lady Michelle Obama, keynote speaker for the event, called Howland and the other recipients "shining examples" of what youth can accomplish with "a little will, a little passion, and a little determination." Obama said Howland could have chosen to feel sorry for herself, instead, "she decided –- and these are her words -– 'You can't go wrong giving back.'" "Each of you young people already knows that your families are proud of you. You know that your communities are proud of you. Your parents' services are proud of you," the first lady said. "But tonight I want you to know that my husband and I are proud of you -- very proud." Obama said she and her husband know of the honorees' achievements in school -– "they're amazing" -- and the countless hours they've spent volunteering in their communities and caring for their families. "I'm here tonight because I want our country to know about you all, as well," she said. "I want our country to know about the five of you and about all the military kids and families all across this country." Obama said it's time for every American to step up and show gratitude for military families. Next week, the first lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, plan to launch a nationwide campaign that will call on all Americans to honor, recognize and support military families. "Our message is very clear: It's that every American has the ability -- and the obligation -- to give something back to our military families," she said. Obama said she and Biden will hit the road in the coming months to highlight the nation's stand-out businesses, nonprofits and community efforts. "We're going to be doing everything that we can to tell the stories of our military families," she said. Most people are aware of the sacrifices military members make, Obama said, but may be less aware that the military force is "largely a force of families." More than half of the active-duty force is married, she noted, and there are nearly 2 million military children. "A lot of folks don't realize that when our troops are called to serve, their families serve, too," she said. "A lot of folks simply don't know the stories of our military families and their kids." Obama shared the story of 17-year-old Nicole Goetz, the Air Force's Military Child of the Year. Goetz tutors her younger brother, cheers him up while their father is deployed, and has performed 500 hours of community service -- all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, the first lady said. Obama pointed out that the teen's father, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Goetz, traveled here from Afghanistan to see his daughter get her award in person. Military children shoulder additional responsibilities not only when their parents are deployed, but when they return home as well, the first lady said. "And when a parent comes home wounded, the result can be a real role reversal," she said. "It can mean taking care of Mom or Dad who once took care of you; taking on responsibilities that would be overwhelming for most adults, let alone for most kids." That's exactly what 17-year-old Taylor Dahl-Sims, the Marine Corps' Military Child of the Year did, Obama said. Dahl-Sims' baby brother was injured at birth and her house flooded –- all while her stepfather was on his fifth deployment. She helped care for the baby, clean up the house and, when her stepfather returned home with a traumatic brain injury, she continued to pitch in to care for her family. "So when we talk about service to our country, when we talk about all that sacrifice for a cause, when we talk about patriotism and courage and resilience, we're not just talking about our troops and our veterans," Obama said, "we're talking about our military families, as well." And military children, she said, "play their own very unique role in keeping our country safe and preserving the freedoms that we all hold dear. "I think we could learn a thing or two from a couple of our honorees tonight," she added. Following the first lady's remarks, top military leaders presented an award to their service's award recipient. The recipients include: -- For the Army, 16-year-old Kyle Hoeye, of Tucson, Ariz., who worked to help other military children become more resilient during each of his father's three deployments. He's one of only two teens in Arizona certified to teach military kids how to use advanced technology through the 4-H program. He was instrumental in putting together Operation Military Kid's Hero Packs and has handwritten hundreds of letters to local military children, thanking them for their service. -- For the Navy, Howland, of Millis, Mass., volunteers in the local hospital's maternity ward every Sunday. Her father was deployed to Iraq in 2009 and stationed, unaccompanied, in California in 2007 and 2008. Howland keeps her spirits up during her father's absences by doing community service. In 2010, she donated 498 volunteer hours to 12 causes. -- For the Air Force, Goetz, of Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., volunteered at the local youth center, her church, veterans and nursing homes, and joined a variety of high school clubs. She also organized 21 local schools to create and send hundreds of homemade Christmas cards, cookies and care packages to troops overseas. At home, she helps her 10-year-old brother with his school work. And when he's feeling down and missing their dad, who is deployed in Afghanistan, she takes him to the movies. -- For the Marine Corps, Dahl-Sims, of Oceanside, Calif., helped her mother with her baby brother's medical care after an injury. Her stepfather returned home from his fifth deployment with a traumatic brain injury and, again, she stepped in to help during his recovery. She also pitches in with her parents' nonprofit, The North Star Group, helping to host baby showers on base and provide pampering for pregnant spouses whose husbands are deployed. -- For the Coast Guard, 17-year-old Margaret Rochon, of Jacksonville, N.C., organized a seminar about the stresses of wartime deployment on students and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on families. The seminar was required for all teachers in her county and included a panel of six nationally known experts, including a retired major general. School administrators taped the session and have made it part of the formal annual training for teachers in her county. A committee of active-duty service members, family readiness support assistants, teachers, military mothers and community members chose the award recipients. The winners received $5,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony. | ||
| Related Sites: Operation Homefront Related Articles: Army Child of Year Develops Deployment Kit Tyndall Teenager Selected as Air Force Military Child of the Year | ||
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Conducting maintenance
Friday, April 08, 2011
Skeena.....Skeena
According to media Fauzia is a South Asian Canadian writer of fiction and poetry. Her English and Punjabi writings have been published in Canada, Pakistan, and on the Web. Print titles include novel ‘Skeena’ (Punjabi, Lahore 2007) and anthology ‘Aurat Durbar’ (English, Toronto 1995).She maintains sites and blogs on Punjabi literature and art, ‘honour-killings’, blasphemy laws, and the environment. 
It moves flowingly almost screenplay like reproducing vivid scenes, such as the punishment of a villager in Skeena’s village, in the reader’s imagination.
Telling a story of discovery, death and determination, Skeena is inspiring without being overblown, political without being ideological, and heart-rending without being tragic.Skeena is a novel by Fauzia Rafique to be launch on Saturday, April 9 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Surrey Public Library, Newton Branch. Fauzia started this novel in 1991 and continued the writing till it's completion in 2004. Fauzia devoted the golden period of her life to write this novel. After completing the pen work she started the next face of struggle for its publication. it was her good luck due to her continued devotion Amjad Saleem of Sanjh publication took the pains and novel published in 2007 by Sanjh publications Lahore in Punjabi with Shahmukhi script. Novel was published in a beautiful form, released in 9 cities and hit the stalls.  |
| Click & enlarge for story intro |
Novel Skeena touched the sky at all book counters. Fauzia was happy but not satisfied. its publication is Gurmukhi script was still a challenge. she was not in the mood to compromise for its publication without royalty. ultimately novel published in Gurmukhi script also by the same publisher Sanjh of Lahore. Now you may read it in English (Roman words) also. If possible must partricipate the event. You wil meet and listen the Guest Speakers like Ajmer Rode, Bhupinder Dhaliwal, Sadhu Binning, Surjeet Kalsey, Dr. Saif Khalid and Shahzad Nazir Khan.Poetry Manolis Readings will also take place by Yannis Ritsos and 'Vernal Equinox') Event Host at Facebook is Sana'a Janjua.
Guard Should Remain an Operational Reserve, Leaders Say
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell National Guard Bureau WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 – As part of the Total Force, the National Guard has successfully transformed into an operational force and must not be put back on the shelf in a strategic reserve status, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here last week.
McKinley, along with Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard; Army Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, acting director of the Army National Guard; and Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve; spoke about the important roles the National Guard and reserve have performed during the last decade. McKinley said remaining a fully operational force relies on the service components’ willingness to keep the Air and Army National Guard operational. “I believe very strongly that [Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen.] Norton Schwartz and [Chief of Staff of the Army Gen.] George Casey believe that access and availability to call on the Guard is vital to their future, especially in an era of persistent conflict,” he said. “From a strategic vantage point, we in the National Guard believe that care must be taken not to break this magnificent force that has been there when needed these last 10 years,” McKinley said. “We have proven that this reserve component can be an operational force. We have demonstrated the capabilities,” Stultz said. “We have demonstrated the fact that we are a good return on investment.” That return on investment, he added, can be seen in all reserve component branches. “We have created an Army that has to have an operational reserve,” Stultz said. “Just in raw numbers, 75 percent of your engineering capabilities … 80 percent of your logistics capability … 75 percent of your medical capability … and 85 of your civil affairs capability, which is in high demand, is in the reserve or Guard.” Wyatt said the Air Guard provides a high percentage of Air Force mission capability relative to the total budget the Air Force provides to the Air Guard. “The Air National Guard provides about 34 percent of the total capability of the Air Force on about 7 percent of the budget,” Wyatt said. “That’s probably the most cost-effective arm of the Air Force that we have.” Wyatt said one of the biggest issues the Air National Guard faces in remaining a relevant operational force is the recapitalization of older aircraft. “That’s the same problem that the United States Air Force has,” he said. “Our goal is to continue to be an equal partner through the Air Force’s recapitalization and modernization process. “The proper way to do that when recapitalizing the Air Force, Wyatt continued, “is to embark upon recapitalizing the Air National Guard at the same time that we do our active component proportionately and balanced across all three of the components so that the Air National Guard can remain relevant and remain an operational force.” To prepare for the future, the Air National Guard must build upon the lessons of the past, he said. “Today’s Air National Guard integrates seamlessly into the Air Force global operations because we have the same equipment with similar capabilities and Air Guard airmen maintain the same standards of training and education as our active duty brothers and sisters,” Wyatt said. “With continued support from Congress,” he added, “we will continue to improve and enhance our ability to support civil authorities through prudent investments and dual-use capabilities.” McKinley broke down some of the fiscal year 2012 requirements the Guard is looking for. “Overall, we can say that the budget request for fiscal year 2012 meets the critical needs of the Army and the Air National Guard in the era of persistent conflict overseas and on-going threats to American lives and property here in the homeland,” he said. “As the FY12 budget was developed,” McKinley added, “we worked closely with [the Office of the Secretary of Defense] to ensure adequate funding for the entire [Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives] enterprise, including standing up the remaining eight new Homeland Response Forces.” Carpenter said soldier resiliency also is vital to the continuation of the operational force and the Army National Guard looks to achieve this through comprehensive soldier mental health initiatives and soldier and family outreach programs. Carpenter emphasized the importance of keeping the Guard and Reserve operational. “General Casey has made the statements, ‘We’ve served together, we’ve bled together and we can’t go back’,” Carpenter said. “We have to be ready, we cannot sit back and wait for something and then respond, so from that standpoint the operational Reserve is critical for this nation.” | ||
| Biographies: Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz Army Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III Related Sites: National Guard Bureau |
.jpg "Click photo for screen-resolution image")
Operation Tomodachi Mission Continues Strong
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 5, 2011 - The U.S. military will continue to stand squarely with Japan for as long as needed following the devastating earthquake, tsunami and radiological crisis, the U.S. Pacific Fleet commander told American Forces Press Service.
"This is an enduring commitment. This is an enduring relationship," Walsh said. "So we are posturing ourselves for a long-term support and an enduring commitment." Walsh said the longstanding U.S.-Japan relationship that underpins the mission runs deeper than many people realize. "In this case, we live here. We have homes here," the admiral said. "And so we want to be here, side by side or one step behind, wherever they would like us to be as they go through this very cathartic process. It's one we want to be in a position to support." The U.S. military remains heavily involved in the mission. Since the operation started, U.S. 7th Fleet forces have delivered more than 260 tons of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies to survivors in support of Japan Self-Defense Force efforts. Yesterday, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and other senior Japanese officials visited the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to thank U.S. service members personally for their support. "When you consider the burden that all these men have carried for the past three weeks, to give us that amount of time was quite extraordinary," Walsh said. "And I think it's representative of how they feel about the contribution we have made that they wanted to make this kind of personal connection with us." Walsh emphasized that maintenance and re-provisioning on some of these ships, and in some cases, the reassignment of some of their forces, in no way signals a drawdown of Operation Tomodachi. In fact, he said, "we have more people who have come to Japan than have left Japan in support of this operation." Any reposturing taking place now, Walsh said, is only to ensure U.S. forces are prepared to sustain operations for the long haul. "From the fleet perspective, we have every ship we have here under way. ... That has gone on for 30 days," the admiral said. Now, he said, it's time to consider the best way to "present ourselves and posture ourselves so we can sustain this level of support over time -- maybe refocus it, reprioritize it as events and conditions on the ground change." Walsh praised progress taking place as Japan begins to recover from the disaster. "There is an extraordinary level of development that has taken place in a very short period of time," the admiral said. He called the reopening of Sendai Airport -- initially considered unsalvageable but quickly turned operational for support of humanitarian flights "one of those seminal sorts of stories that will go down as truly remarkable." "Because we were able to work with the Japanese government to get the runway up and running, we were able to develop a logistics hub," Walsh continued. "And with a logistics hub now, all kinds of things are possible." Even as Japan begins rebuilding, he said, it's still dealing with the heartbreaking recovery mission. Japan's Self-Defense Forces are methodically going from location to location and house to house, searching for and recovering victims' remains, Walsh said. U.S. support is expected to shift more toward helping Japan deal with nuclear consequence management and radiological issues, Walsh said. However, he added, the U.S. military will continue to "be on call when they need us to do more support for logistics or humanitarian assistance or disaster relief up north." About 400 U.S. service members are currently supporting consequence management missions in Japan, Walsh said, noting that an initial response force recently arrived to provide support. Its members aren't physically going into Japan's nuclear reactors, he noted, but are serving in an advise-and-assist role. "The ability to pivot from the humanitarian assistance [mission] to the consequence management piece, I think, is an important element of an agile organization," Walsh said. "Being able to adapt to a changing condition on the ground is reflective of our ability to work with Self-Defense Forces and the government of Japan, to listen closely to what their needs are and to do what they want us to do in order to support them." The complexity of the mission in Japan underscores the level of the U.S. commitment, Walsh said. "To use the term 'Operation Tomodachi' in an environment where it is radiologically contaminated, that is where you find out who your friends are," he said. "We are here, and we are right in the middle of this thing with Japan when it comes to fighting this problem here with the nuclear power plant. And once again we are in a position to support. We will go where they need us to go and we will support them as they need us to support them." Walsh said Japan has been extremely forthcoming about radiation levels, posting data collected by 80 sensors arrayed around the country on a public website. This information sharing helps guide U.S. support missions, he said, so those involved know where it's safe to operate and where it's not and take necessary precautions. "This is the environment we are in, so we are going to go into it smart and learn how to stay alert to changes in the environment," Walsh said. "And our ability to characterize that environment over time is what helps our men and women." As the United States works with Japan to abate the crisis, Walsh said it's drawing heavily on the benefits of their long, shared history. "There is nothing that can replace relationships," he said. "To have those established relationships, whether working with logistics or communications or armed forces working side by side, to have insight into what each other's capabilities are, as well as what each other's needs are, is very, very important." The complexity of the disaster in Japan -- the earthquake, then tsunami, then radiological crisis -- makes that foundation even more critical, Walsh said. "One of the lessons important to draw from this is how important it is to be armed with information and knowledge," he said, "and to understand the environment or battle space in which we operate, because if you don't, then it can be very intimidating." Ultimately, Walsh said, the lessons being learned during Operation Tomodachi will posture the U.S. military for future crises in the earthquake-prone region known as the "Ring of Fire." "This is the 'Ring of Fire' and it keeps our head on a swivel," he said. "We have to keep working to understand what the environment is telling us and how to be prepared for it. I think it makes us better prepared as operators in the long run." | ||
| Biographies: Navy Adm. Patrick M. Walsh Related Sites: Special Report: Earthquake in Japan – U.S. Military Responds Operation Tomodachi U.S. Pacific Fleet |
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Corruption is a serious roadblock
Anna Hazare Calling
Dear friends,
Corruption is not an issue to be discussed in the drawing rooms or parks.
It is a serious roadblock for a progressive nation. Be a crusader & join the
leader Anna Hazare in his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar Delhi. Be there for
at least one day to lend support for the legitimate demand of an effective
LOKPAL Bill. Similar struggle should be started earnestly at all city & State levels.
-- Dr Amrit Sethi
Past President,IMA Pb.State
Sethi Eye Hospital,
155 Veer Colony,
Bathinda-151001
Ph. 164 2251500, 9814032953
SABSE BADA ROG;
Past President,IMA Pb.State
Sethi Eye Hospital,
155 Veer Colony,
Bathinda-151001
Ph. 164 2251500, 9814032953
SABSE BADA ROG;
KYA KAHENGE LOG.....
A State Level Convention on Sunday, April 10
A State Level Convention on Democratic Rights & Against Conviction of Dr. Binayak Sen
| Time | Sunday, April 10 · 11:00 am - 2:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Location | PUNJABI BHAWAN, BHARAT NAGAR CHOWK LUDHIANA |
|---|---|
| Created By | |
|---|---|
Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Singh, Delhi University
Organised by: DEMOCRATIC FRONT AGAINST OPERATION GREEN HUNT, PUNJAB
Convenor:
S.Gursharan Singh
Co Convenors: Dr.Parminder Singh
Prof.A.K. Maleri
Yash Pal
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