By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 27, 2007 - Ask the second-highest military officer to reflect on his 37-year Navy career and he doesn't talk about fascinating assignments or the challenges of modern warfare. Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani talks about people. As he approached his retirement today, "Admiral G," as he's known throughout the ranks, said his relationships with his fellow servicemembers boil down to an expression he learned as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy here: "Every day is a holiday; every meal is a banquet; and every formation is a family gathering," he said.
"We're all a family," he said, noting that sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines celebrate each others' successes and grieve each others' losses. "That is what the military is all about."
It's a constant Giambastiani said has remained with him through his career -- from his "incredibly bewildering first day" as a midshipman here until he returned 41 years later to retire as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Change has been the other constant in his career. Gone are the days when changes in the military came in bursts, followed by periods of relative calm, he said. "Today, the world turns over so rapidly that you have to build in a culture of change and innovation on a day-to-day basis," he said. "Innovation is an every-single-day part of a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman's life."
Giambastiani encourages servicemembers to embrace change, but he acknowledged that not all changes he's witnessed during his career have been so well-received. He recalled the angst that surrounded two of the most sweeping changes of his career: the advent of the all-volunteer force in the early 1970s and passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986.
While initially unpopular among many people within the ranks, both measures set the stage for revolutionary improvements in the force, he said.
Giambastiani was an enlisted program manager at the Navy Recruiting Command headquarters in the early days of the all-volunteer force, when many in the military were convinced the system would fail.
Yet today, he credits it with creating a military that's second to none and a model that other countries around the world seek to emulate. "It is remarkable what that has done for the U.S. military and how professional our forces are today," he said. "The quality of the people and what we do today in this all-volunteer force is quite remarkable."
Similarly, he said, the Goldwater-Nichols Act ushered in a new level of cooperation and interoperability never before imagined within the military. As commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command from 2002 to 2005, Giambastiani advanced this concept to ensure all U.S. troops were trained, equipped and led as members of a joint team.
At the same time, as NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation, he led the transformation of NATO's military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines to improve its military effectiveness.
Nowhere is the impact of that effort more striking than in Afghanistan, where NATO forces are helping Afghan authorities provide security and stability and helping pave the way for reconstruction and effective governance.
Giambastiani observed firsthand during his most recent visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, in June, how U.S. and NATO forces on the battlefield are applying groundwork he helped lay. He said he takes great pride seeing U.S. servicemembers in action, inspired not just by their skills, but also by their can-do attitude. "They are focused on their goals and what missions they have been given (and) they want to complete them," he said.
Giambastiani said he came away from the visit feeling "rejuvenated" and confident in the state of the U.S. military. "You feel good because they are doing what they know how to do, and they do it so exceptionally well," he said.
He said he's impressed by the quality of their leaders, too. Giambastiani traces his own leadership style to the Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1970 with leadership distinction, and to his early years in the Navy's elite submarine force.
He encapsulates his leadership philosophy into a list of four basic qualities he said all good leaders possess: confidence, competence, integrity and stamina. "I don't think those change with time. I don't think those change with technology," he said. "I think they are very, very important to how you work with your people."
And if there's a single leadership lesson he said he's learned during his military career, it's the importance of looking out for those under your charge. "I have learned that you take care of your people and they'll take care of you and they'll take care of this country," he said. "And they do."
Friday, July 27, 2007
Group's 'Horseplay' Benefits Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 27, 2007 - There's no horsing around when it comes to helping servicemembers down the road to recovery, as far as one troop-support group is concerned. "'Back in the Saddle Bit by Bit' ... helps wounded military heroes and their families regain physical and mental fitness by riding and working with horses," Jeanie Clifford, the organization's founder, said. "BITS is a (nonprofit) entity and operates as a clearinghouse that identifies qualified programs around the country so that these heroes can participate in these programs close to home."
Case studies have proven that equine therapy helps improve self-esteem, coordination, problem-solving skills, balance and strength, according to the organization's Web site.
"Equine therapy techniques have achieved great success in cases of individuals suffering severe physical injuries and brain trauma," Clifford said on the group's Web site. "These individuals have succeeded in reaching goals that others would take for granted, such as sitting unaided, standing for extended periods of time, and the ability to move a body part at will."
BITS, a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, makes sure these newly minted "cowboys" have a chance to show their stuff, as well. Servicemembers working with BITS have been invited to participate in local equine events.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
BITS, a Colorado-based group, also works to help veterans in its program find employment. The organization's members are turning to a network of corporations, local companies and nonprofit groups.
The group's officials hope to expand its program to reach as many servicemembers as possible through fundraising efforts. The money raised will allow programs across the country to provide the unique therapy to servicemembers at little or no cost, Clifford said.
BITS recently launched its first national fundraiser. Those wishing to participate need do nothing more than flip open their cell phones and text message the word "BITS" to the number 90999. Each message costs $9.99, with the net proceeds benefiting the organization. Each entry also puts the participant in the running to win a new truck. The final drawing will be Dec. 15.
American Forces Press Service
July 27, 2007 - There's no horsing around when it comes to helping servicemembers down the road to recovery, as far as one troop-support group is concerned. "'Back in the Saddle Bit by Bit' ... helps wounded military heroes and their families regain physical and mental fitness by riding and working with horses," Jeanie Clifford, the organization's founder, said. "BITS is a (nonprofit) entity and operates as a clearinghouse that identifies qualified programs around the country so that these heroes can participate in these programs close to home."
Case studies have proven that equine therapy helps improve self-esteem, coordination, problem-solving skills, balance and strength, according to the organization's Web site.
"Equine therapy techniques have achieved great success in cases of individuals suffering severe physical injuries and brain trauma," Clifford said on the group's Web site. "These individuals have succeeded in reaching goals that others would take for granted, such as sitting unaided, standing for extended periods of time, and the ability to move a body part at will."
BITS, a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, makes sure these newly minted "cowboys" have a chance to show their stuff, as well. Servicemembers working with BITS have been invited to participate in local equine events.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
BITS, a Colorado-based group, also works to help veterans in its program find employment. The organization's members are turning to a network of corporations, local companies and nonprofit groups.
The group's officials hope to expand its program to reach as many servicemembers as possible through fundraising efforts. The money raised will allow programs across the country to provide the unique therapy to servicemembers at little or no cost, Clifford said.
BITS recently launched its first national fundraiser. Those wishing to participate need do nothing more than flip open their cell phones and text message the word "BITS" to the number 90999. Each message costs $9.99, with the net proceeds benefiting the organization. Each entry also puts the participant in the running to win a new truck. The final drawing will be Dec. 15.
Vice Chairman Lauded for Vision, Service During Retirement Ceremony
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 27, 2007 - Cannons boomed, honor guards marched -- their multicolored flags rippling in the wind -- and a Macaw parrot made a surprise appearance today as defense, military and U.S. leaders gathered here to honor the retiring vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pageantry reigned at today's ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy for Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, who retired after 37 years of commissioned service.
Hosted by Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the event attracted a virtual "Who's Who" of well-wishers who feted Giambastiani and honored his service and contributions. Among them were Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, national security advisor Stephen Hadley, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders from around the world, and foreign ambassadors.
Pace led the four speakers who took the podium in the "yard" of the Naval Academy -- where not only Giambastiani, but also his late brother Chick and his son Pete earned their Navy commissions -- to praise his vice chairman. But before uttering a single accolade, Pace let it be known that "if you put together all that we say (about Giambastiani), we still will have only scratched the surface."
Pace said he took great confidence knowing that he could always turn to Giambastiani to do the hard jobs and that he could always count on him for straight-forward, clear-sighted guidance.
"It has been a blessing to know that no matter how short a timeline I gave you or how short the notice, that if I turned to you and said, 'Ed, could you do this?"... you never blinked, (and) you always did it with a smile on your face," Pace said.
"You always made me feel that whatever I had just dumped on you was a privilege for you to receive," he added, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Pace said he most valued the counsel Giambastiani offered him. "You always looked me in the eye and told me what you believed, what should be done next and how it should be done," he said. "To have you side by side ... (and) to know that your brain and your energy has been available to this country has been a blessing."
Cheney praised Pace and Giambastiani as "a remarkable team" that has given the Defense Department and the nation "extraordinary leadership and accomplishment."
He called Giambastiani "a man of ability, a man of discernment and a man of character" who could be counted on "time and time again to accept the most demanding assignments."
Cheney noted some of those assignments: commanding a nuclear-powered deep-research submarine, a fast-attack sub, a submarine-development squadron, and the Atlantic submarine fleet. "In every station, he excelled, bringing competence, reliability, courage and something more," the vice president said.
But Cheney had special praise for Giambastiani's ability to look ahead, recognize what's needed and help forge the path to getting there. "This is a man who gets to where he is going by virtue of perseverance and clear-focused thinking," the vice president said.
He pointed to Giambastiani's insight in leading transformation as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO's first supreme allied commander for transformation. From there, he went on to serve as vice chairman, leading the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and "making the decisions that design the armed forces of the future."
"Ed Giambastiani stands out as a visionary and a strategic thinker of the first order," Cheney said.
Gates offered high praise for Giambastiani's professionalism, remembering back to the days when they served together at the Central Intelligence Agency "in the middle of a virtual intelligence war."
He noted the direct impact Giambastiani has had on men and women and uniform. At Joint Forces Command, he worked closely with Army Gen. Tommy Franks, former commander of U.S. Central Command, and his successors to convert battlefield information into lessons learned "with unprecedented speed," Gates said.
But Giambastiani did more than get lessons learned to troops on the battlefield, he said. Leading the JROC committee, he "did an outstanding job of getting vital equipment to those on the front lines quickly," Gates said.
England, who worked closely with Giambastiani in "running the business of business" within the Defense Department, gave the most personal sendoff at today's ceremony.
Noting their strong friendship and the mutual respect they share, England called Giambastiani a smart, ethical, diplomatic leader who understands technology and defense programs as well as Pentagon and Washington, D.C., dynamics.
"And I am going to miss you in all those situations -- but I am really going to miss you at congressional hearings!" he joked.
England said he and Giambastiani laugh together all the time. "We share a philosophy that no matter how hard you work and no matter how hard the problem, you can have fun doing it," he said.
Part of that fun includes a story the two have shared for the past two years about a parrot, England said. In what he acknowledged was an unusual twist during a solemn retirement ceremony, England presented Giambastiani with his own Macaw parrot, "Sweetie Pie."
England closed his remarks with Morse code, a throwback to his and Giambastiani's earlier days as Ham radio operators. To those in the crowd who don't know Morse code, England read aloud his thanks to the Giambastianis for their service and his wish that the future holds fair winds and following seas.
"Today, their fantastic voyage is not ending," England concluded. "Rather, it is only tacking onto a new course as they run with the wind in the years ahead."
American Forces Press Service
July 27, 2007 - Cannons boomed, honor guards marched -- their multicolored flags rippling in the wind -- and a Macaw parrot made a surprise appearance today as defense, military and U.S. leaders gathered here to honor the retiring vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pageantry reigned at today's ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy for Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, who retired after 37 years of commissioned service.
Hosted by Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the event attracted a virtual "Who's Who" of well-wishers who feted Giambastiani and honored his service and contributions. Among them were Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, national security advisor Stephen Hadley, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders from around the world, and foreign ambassadors.
Pace led the four speakers who took the podium in the "yard" of the Naval Academy -- where not only Giambastiani, but also his late brother Chick and his son Pete earned their Navy commissions -- to praise his vice chairman. But before uttering a single accolade, Pace let it be known that "if you put together all that we say (about Giambastiani), we still will have only scratched the surface."
Pace said he took great confidence knowing that he could always turn to Giambastiani to do the hard jobs and that he could always count on him for straight-forward, clear-sighted guidance.
"It has been a blessing to know that no matter how short a timeline I gave you or how short the notice, that if I turned to you and said, 'Ed, could you do this?"... you never blinked, (and) you always did it with a smile on your face," Pace said.
"You always made me feel that whatever I had just dumped on you was a privilege for you to receive," he added, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Pace said he most valued the counsel Giambastiani offered him. "You always looked me in the eye and told me what you believed, what should be done next and how it should be done," he said. "To have you side by side ... (and) to know that your brain and your energy has been available to this country has been a blessing."
Cheney praised Pace and Giambastiani as "a remarkable team" that has given the Defense Department and the nation "extraordinary leadership and accomplishment."
He called Giambastiani "a man of ability, a man of discernment and a man of character" who could be counted on "time and time again to accept the most demanding assignments."
Cheney noted some of those assignments: commanding a nuclear-powered deep-research submarine, a fast-attack sub, a submarine-development squadron, and the Atlantic submarine fleet. "In every station, he excelled, bringing competence, reliability, courage and something more," the vice president said.
But Cheney had special praise for Giambastiani's ability to look ahead, recognize what's needed and help forge the path to getting there. "This is a man who gets to where he is going by virtue of perseverance and clear-focused thinking," the vice president said.
He pointed to Giambastiani's insight in leading transformation as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO's first supreme allied commander for transformation. From there, he went on to serve as vice chairman, leading the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and "making the decisions that design the armed forces of the future."
"Ed Giambastiani stands out as a visionary and a strategic thinker of the first order," Cheney said.
Gates offered high praise for Giambastiani's professionalism, remembering back to the days when they served together at the Central Intelligence Agency "in the middle of a virtual intelligence war."
He noted the direct impact Giambastiani has had on men and women and uniform. At Joint Forces Command, he worked closely with Army Gen. Tommy Franks, former commander of U.S. Central Command, and his successors to convert battlefield information into lessons learned "with unprecedented speed," Gates said.
But Giambastiani did more than get lessons learned to troops on the battlefield, he said. Leading the JROC committee, he "did an outstanding job of getting vital equipment to those on the front lines quickly," Gates said.
England, who worked closely with Giambastiani in "running the business of business" within the Defense Department, gave the most personal sendoff at today's ceremony.
Noting their strong friendship and the mutual respect they share, England called Giambastiani a smart, ethical, diplomatic leader who understands technology and defense programs as well as Pentagon and Washington, D.C., dynamics.
"And I am going to miss you in all those situations -- but I am really going to miss you at congressional hearings!" he joked.
England said he and Giambastiani laugh together all the time. "We share a philosophy that no matter how hard you work and no matter how hard the problem, you can have fun doing it," he said.
Part of that fun includes a story the two have shared for the past two years about a parrot, England said. In what he acknowledged was an unusual twist during a solemn retirement ceremony, England presented Giambastiani with his own Macaw parrot, "Sweetie Pie."
England closed his remarks with Morse code, a throwback to his and Giambastiani's earlier days as Ham radio operators. To those in the crowd who don't know Morse code, England read aloud his thanks to the Giambastianis for their service and his wish that the future holds fair winds and following seas.
"Today, their fantastic voyage is not ending," England concluded. "Rather, it is only tacking onto a new course as they run with the wind in the years ahead."
USNS Comfort Arrives in El Salvador After Completing Nicaragua Visit
American Forces Press Service
July 27, 2007 - USNS Comfort has arrived in El Salvador, the hospital ship's fifth port of call during a four-month humanitarian deployment to more than a dozen Latin American and Caribbean nations. Before arriving in El Salvador July 25, the ship provided medical and veterinary care in Belize, Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua. As of July 23, medical specialists aboard the Comfort had seen more than 83,000 patients, and veterinary specialists had seen 2,800 animals.
The Comfort set sail from Norfolk, Va., June 15, as part of U.S. Southern Command's "Partnership for the Americas," a training and readiness operation designed to strengthen multinational partnerships and improve interoperability. The floating hospital is also scheduled to visit Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago before completing its voyage in September.
In El Salvador, U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Public Health Service specialists, along with Canadian forces and non-government organizations like Project Hope, are providing free health care services -- adult and pediatric primary care, dentistry, optometry and veterinary services.
"Comfort's humanitarian mission has been a tremendous success so far and I know the men and women who work aboard Comfort will continue the outstanding job they've been doing by providing needed medical care to the people of El Salvador," said Capt. Bob Kapcio, Comfort's mission commander.
Comfort will be in El Salvador for seven days, treating patients at Unidad de Salud Acajutla, Caseria Costa Brava School, and Delfina Rivas School. Servicemembers from Comfort will also repair medical equipment at Hospital Sonsonate. Construction Battalion Maintenance 202 will renovate several of the work sites in El Salvador by repairing water systems, roofing, and re-building certain structures. Project Hope will train at Casa Comunal in Acajulta.
In Nicaragua, Vice President Jaime Morales and other local government officials visited the Comfort July 23 to tour the ship's facilities and meet crew members and patients.
"Having Vice President Morales here was a great honor," said Comfort's mission commander Capt. Bob Kapcio. "This really gave us a chance to show the Nicaraguan leadership our commitment to the people of Nicaragua and we hope that this visit strengthened the bond between us."
Following the tour, Morales and his party along with U.S. officials from the Comfort, visited the Realejo Health Care Center in Realejo, one of three Comfort work sites in Nicaragua. Comfort also provided medical assistance at the Jose Schendal Hospital in Corinto and the Quince de Julio Health Care Center in Chinandega.
U.S. Navy Seabees from aboard the Comfort spent July 20 to 24 repairing and restoring the water system at the 15 de Julio Health Care Center in Chinandega. For three years, the 15 de Julio Health Care Center, a facility that cares for 150 patients a day, has been without running potable water. All water used by the center comes from three 55-gallon drums, filled from a neighborhood water tank located down the road, then transported back by an aging pick-up truck.
"The water is vital for everything, most importantly sterilization and hygiene," said Eddy Artola Vasquez, director of the center. "It has to be rationed for the most serious patients that come to the clinic."
"The major city that supplies this village with water is 16 miles away. Ruptures and a lack of pressure have plagued the piping system. The people in charge have limited funds to provide an adequate water system with enough pressure to reach the center," he said.
The Seabees replaced a broken pump and created a piping system to take water from a newly-dug well to an elevated tank. The tank will provide running water with enough water pressure to accommodate the facility's needs.
"This job is important. It will better the lives and the living situation of these people that are trying to provide medical help to the people of Nicaragua," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Burton, with Construction Battalion Maintenance 202.
"By us completing our mission, the clinic staff can better complete their mission," continued Burton.
The veterinary team aboard Comfort provided services to more than 1,200 cattle, horses, pigs, and dogs at seven ranches in the Chinandega region of Nicaragua from July 20 to 23.
The team, comprised of U.S. Public Health Service officer Lt. Cmdr. Gregg Langham and Army Sgt. Leona Thomas, visited farms throughout the region providing preventive medicine including tetanus shots, deworming, flea and tick treatments, and anti-parasite vaccinations along with minor care for sick and injured animals.
"Since we've arrived here, we've been to several beef cattle farms and we've been deworming and vaccinating the cattle because either the people don't have access to these services or these services are too costly for the local people," Langham said.
Nicaraguan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials worked alongside the Comfort veterinarian team. The ministry, an organization partially funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provided instructors from a veterinary school in Managua, along with a veterinarian and fourth-year veterinary school students for this cooperative mission with Comfort.
"It's such a positive collection of so many different talents and we all came together," Langham said. "Fortunately we have veterinarian instructors and students -- that's been a tremendous help to us. They're hungry to learn and we're both hungry to pass along information."
"I am delighted with the impact the veterinarian team is making in just a matter of a few days in Nicaragua," said Capt. Craig A. Shepherd, USPHS chief environmental health officer and officer in charge of USPHS aboard Comfort. "In addition to deworming and vaccinating hundreds of farm animals, a great opportunity to train and work with local veterinarians and third- and fourth-year veterinarian students occurred as well, and we look forward to doing the same in other countries we will visit."
Nicaragua is the first location that Comfort staff treated cattle. The inspection of cattle plays a vital role in regional public health as the cattle is destined for human consumption.
"These cattle are going to be consumed by the people so I think that it's a great service for the people," Thomas said. "The Comfort mission is a great place to be. I think it's great that the Army is participating in this and providing humanitarian services for the people of Nicaragua."
"I think that this is one of the most satisfying missions I've been doing so far in my military career and I'm glad to be here," Thomas said.
(Petty Officers 2nd Class Brandon Shelander, Steven King and Joshua Karsten of USNS Comfort Public Affairs contributed to this article.)
July 27, 2007 - USNS Comfort has arrived in El Salvador, the hospital ship's fifth port of call during a four-month humanitarian deployment to more than a dozen Latin American and Caribbean nations. Before arriving in El Salvador July 25, the ship provided medical and veterinary care in Belize, Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua. As of July 23, medical specialists aboard the Comfort had seen more than 83,000 patients, and veterinary specialists had seen 2,800 animals.
The Comfort set sail from Norfolk, Va., June 15, as part of U.S. Southern Command's "Partnership for the Americas," a training and readiness operation designed to strengthen multinational partnerships and improve interoperability. The floating hospital is also scheduled to visit Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago before completing its voyage in September.
In El Salvador, U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Public Health Service specialists, along with Canadian forces and non-government organizations like Project Hope, are providing free health care services -- adult and pediatric primary care, dentistry, optometry and veterinary services.
"Comfort's humanitarian mission has been a tremendous success so far and I know the men and women who work aboard Comfort will continue the outstanding job they've been doing by providing needed medical care to the people of El Salvador," said Capt. Bob Kapcio, Comfort's mission commander.
Comfort will be in El Salvador for seven days, treating patients at Unidad de Salud Acajutla, Caseria Costa Brava School, and Delfina Rivas School. Servicemembers from Comfort will also repair medical equipment at Hospital Sonsonate. Construction Battalion Maintenance 202 will renovate several of the work sites in El Salvador by repairing water systems, roofing, and re-building certain structures. Project Hope will train at Casa Comunal in Acajulta.
In Nicaragua, Vice President Jaime Morales and other local government officials visited the Comfort July 23 to tour the ship's facilities and meet crew members and patients.
"Having Vice President Morales here was a great honor," said Comfort's mission commander Capt. Bob Kapcio. "This really gave us a chance to show the Nicaraguan leadership our commitment to the people of Nicaragua and we hope that this visit strengthened the bond between us."
Following the tour, Morales and his party along with U.S. officials from the Comfort, visited the Realejo Health Care Center in Realejo, one of three Comfort work sites in Nicaragua. Comfort also provided medical assistance at the Jose Schendal Hospital in Corinto and the Quince de Julio Health Care Center in Chinandega.
U.S. Navy Seabees from aboard the Comfort spent July 20 to 24 repairing and restoring the water system at the 15 de Julio Health Care Center in Chinandega. For three years, the 15 de Julio Health Care Center, a facility that cares for 150 patients a day, has been without running potable water. All water used by the center comes from three 55-gallon drums, filled from a neighborhood water tank located down the road, then transported back by an aging pick-up truck.
"The water is vital for everything, most importantly sterilization and hygiene," said Eddy Artola Vasquez, director of the center. "It has to be rationed for the most serious patients that come to the clinic."
"The major city that supplies this village with water is 16 miles away. Ruptures and a lack of pressure have plagued the piping system. The people in charge have limited funds to provide an adequate water system with enough pressure to reach the center," he said.
The Seabees replaced a broken pump and created a piping system to take water from a newly-dug well to an elevated tank. The tank will provide running water with enough water pressure to accommodate the facility's needs.
"This job is important. It will better the lives and the living situation of these people that are trying to provide medical help to the people of Nicaragua," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Burton, with Construction Battalion Maintenance 202.
"By us completing our mission, the clinic staff can better complete their mission," continued Burton.
The veterinary team aboard Comfort provided services to more than 1,200 cattle, horses, pigs, and dogs at seven ranches in the Chinandega region of Nicaragua from July 20 to 23.
The team, comprised of U.S. Public Health Service officer Lt. Cmdr. Gregg Langham and Army Sgt. Leona Thomas, visited farms throughout the region providing preventive medicine including tetanus shots, deworming, flea and tick treatments, and anti-parasite vaccinations along with minor care for sick and injured animals.
"Since we've arrived here, we've been to several beef cattle farms and we've been deworming and vaccinating the cattle because either the people don't have access to these services or these services are too costly for the local people," Langham said.
Nicaraguan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials worked alongside the Comfort veterinarian team. The ministry, an organization partially funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provided instructors from a veterinary school in Managua, along with a veterinarian and fourth-year veterinary school students for this cooperative mission with Comfort.
"It's such a positive collection of so many different talents and we all came together," Langham said. "Fortunately we have veterinarian instructors and students -- that's been a tremendous help to us. They're hungry to learn and we're both hungry to pass along information."
"I am delighted with the impact the veterinarian team is making in just a matter of a few days in Nicaragua," said Capt. Craig A. Shepherd, USPHS chief environmental health officer and officer in charge of USPHS aboard Comfort. "In addition to deworming and vaccinating hundreds of farm animals, a great opportunity to train and work with local veterinarians and third- and fourth-year veterinarian students occurred as well, and we look forward to doing the same in other countries we will visit."
Nicaragua is the first location that Comfort staff treated cattle. The inspection of cattle plays a vital role in regional public health as the cattle is destined for human consumption.
"These cattle are going to be consumed by the people so I think that it's a great service for the people," Thomas said. "The Comfort mission is a great place to be. I think it's great that the Army is participating in this and providing humanitarian services for the people of Nicaragua."
"I think that this is one of the most satisfying missions I've been doing so far in my military career and I'm glad to be here," Thomas said.
(Petty Officers 2nd Class Brandon Shelander, Steven King and Joshua Karsten of USNS Comfort Public Affairs contributed to this article.)
Why We Serve: Navy Lieutenant Promotes Volunteerism
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
July 26, 2007 - Growing up in Mobile, Ala., Judith L. Lemley never imagined being in the military. But after graduating with a bachelor's degree in secondary education, Lemley was inspired to follow in the footsteps of her father and enlisted in the Navy. "My father was proud of his time in the military, and he spoke highly of it," Lemley, now a Navy lieutenant, said.
Lemley enlisted 15 years ago and received her officer commission after completing the Limited Duty Officer Program.
Lemley has deployed four times on ships in the Persian Gulf and recently returned from a seven-month tour to Afghanistan, where she helped train Afghan National Army soldiers to use and maintain field radios.
The Afghan soldiers' training also incorporated cryptography to secure communications. It also established automatic link systems so soldiers could communicate without having to change wavelengths throughout the day.
After taking initiative and looking over program cost projections, Lemley was able to carve out $240 million, saving 41 percent over initial projections, when she realized things were being purchased haphazardly.
"I came in and said, 'Nope, I'm going to take this over," Lemley said. "And I carved it out, and I said, 'You know what? This is what we are going to do. We are not going to buy all this excess; we are going to trim the fat and make it happen.' And that's what we did; we stayed focused. What you save in one area someone can always use in another."
Lemley is one of eight servicemembers who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa selected to share their individual stories to Americans across the country through the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
The "Why We Serve" program was initially the idea of Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program began in fall of 2006. Groups that comprise two military servicemembers from each branch are selected to participate in the program for about 90 days.
"My experience will only help other people grow and stir interest to support the troops, and that's what it's about," Lemley said.
Holding a leadership position in the military, where women only make up a small percentage, can be a challenge. But training Afghan soldiers in a country where women and men are not treated equally can be intimidating, she said.
"The part I find fulfilling is that I did have to meet with (Afghan National Army) generals and colonels on an almost daily basis, and I was the one who kept the key to the kingdom because I fielded all communication equipment," Lemley said. "They found out early on that they couldn't yell at me and order me around. But as a woman, I learned all you have to do is stand your ground and be logical. Women do have value and can make sound decisions."
Lemley said she wants Americans to know that job satisfaction and challenging work are key components of success. "Job satisfaction is the most critical thing," she said. "Respect yourself, and others will respect you."
Lemley also said she wants people to understand the importance of volunteerism and of supporting the troops.
"I want Americans to know that the servicemembers are trying to do as we've been directed, and we really need their support," Lemley said. "Whether they agree with the war or not, we are Americans trying to protect their safety and security in the United States, and we would greatly appreciate their support."
American Forces Press Service
July 26, 2007 - Growing up in Mobile, Ala., Judith L. Lemley never imagined being in the military. But after graduating with a bachelor's degree in secondary education, Lemley was inspired to follow in the footsteps of her father and enlisted in the Navy. "My father was proud of his time in the military, and he spoke highly of it," Lemley, now a Navy lieutenant, said.
Lemley enlisted 15 years ago and received her officer commission after completing the Limited Duty Officer Program.
Lemley has deployed four times on ships in the Persian Gulf and recently returned from a seven-month tour to Afghanistan, where she helped train Afghan National Army soldiers to use and maintain field radios.
The Afghan soldiers' training also incorporated cryptography to secure communications. It also established automatic link systems so soldiers could communicate without having to change wavelengths throughout the day.
After taking initiative and looking over program cost projections, Lemley was able to carve out $240 million, saving 41 percent over initial projections, when she realized things were being purchased haphazardly.
"I came in and said, 'Nope, I'm going to take this over," Lemley said. "And I carved it out, and I said, 'You know what? This is what we are going to do. We are not going to buy all this excess; we are going to trim the fat and make it happen.' And that's what we did; we stayed focused. What you save in one area someone can always use in another."
Lemley is one of eight servicemembers who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa selected to share their individual stories to Americans across the country through the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
The "Why We Serve" program was initially the idea of Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program began in fall of 2006. Groups that comprise two military servicemembers from each branch are selected to participate in the program for about 90 days.
"My experience will only help other people grow and stir interest to support the troops, and that's what it's about," Lemley said.
Holding a leadership position in the military, where women only make up a small percentage, can be a challenge. But training Afghan soldiers in a country where women and men are not treated equally can be intimidating, she said.
"The part I find fulfilling is that I did have to meet with (Afghan National Army) generals and colonels on an almost daily basis, and I was the one who kept the key to the kingdom because I fielded all communication equipment," Lemley said. "They found out early on that they couldn't yell at me and order me around. But as a woman, I learned all you have to do is stand your ground and be logical. Women do have value and can make sound decisions."
Lemley said she wants Americans to know that job satisfaction and challenging work are key components of success. "Job satisfaction is the most critical thing," she said. "Respect yourself, and others will respect you."
Lemley also said she wants people to understand the importance of volunteerism and of supporting the troops.
"I want Americans to know that the servicemembers are trying to do as we've been directed, and we really need their support," Lemley said. "Whether they agree with the war or not, we are Americans trying to protect their safety and security in the United States, and we would greatly appreciate their support."
Course Offers 'Big Picture' Perspective for Future Guard, Reserve Leaders
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 26, 2007 - Recognizing that their missions are global in scope and often have strategic implications, about 140 reservists and National Guardsmen from every service are wrapping up a course here that's widening their operational apertures. The National Defense University here presents the Reserve Components National Security Course twice each year for senior reserve-component members moving on to joint command management and staff jobs in multinational, intergovernmental or joint national security settings, explained Army Col. Kashi Yatto, course director.
The current two-week class concludes tomorrow, with its graduates representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard reserves and the Army and Air National Guard. A small percentage of the group hails from other U.S. government agencies, as well as from Peru, Malta and Korea.
All have broad experience in the tactical and operational aspects of their missions. The vast majority have combat deployments under their belts.
Here, through a schedule chock-full of seminars, workshops and notional exercises, they're expanding their horizons to think strategically, said Col. Danny Bubp, a Marine Corps reservist who's serving as senior seminar leader.
"We're exposing the students to that next level" and preparing them to take on increasingly responsible positions within their organizations, he said.
Like Bubp, an Ohio state legislator, the students all bring civilian skills to their military jobs. They're teachers, farmers, doctors, lawyers and firemen, as well as reserve and Guard leaders. "We want to send them back to their communities with a broader perspective so they can take that knowledge with them when they're mobilized to be part of a staff," Bubp said.
Toward that end, the course takes a broad view of world affairs, helping students see the big picture and implications of military operations. "We're trying to produce more strategic leaders with a better grounding in what's going on in the world," Bubp said. "The smarter your people are, the better they are going to function, especially in a stressful environment."
Much of the course focuses on the importance of incorporating all aspects of national power, not just military power, into U.S. national strategy, Yatto said. Instructors here refer to it as the "DIME" principle -- diplomatic, informational, military and economic -- and say all play important and complementary roles.
"We're military, so the first option we think of is military," Yatto said. "But this course helps the students better appreciate the other entities, too."
Students at the course call it an eye-opening experience. "It gives you a whole different way of thinking about things," said Air Force Col. Chip Mattingly, a maintenance group commander for the Kansas Air National Guard. "I feel like a sponge here, and it's really giving me an appreciation of the bigger picture."
Mattingly said his military career, which hasn't yet exposed him to joint staff operations, has focused heavily on the "M" or "military" aspects of the DIME principle. "This course is great because it gives you an understanding that there are other ways to shape the world than boots on the ground -- and possibly more effectively," he said.
Navy Cmdr. Angela Brady, administrative officer for Florida's Volunteer Training Unit, said she sees great value in providing reservists and Guardsmen a strategic view of operations they could be called on to help lead.
"You definitely have to have a grasp of the big picture, and you don't always get that on the operational side," she said. "If everybody understands the overall objective, where you're headed and how they fit into it, you can get there a lot more effectively."
American Forces Press Service
July 26, 2007 - Recognizing that their missions are global in scope and often have strategic implications, about 140 reservists and National Guardsmen from every service are wrapping up a course here that's widening their operational apertures. The National Defense University here presents the Reserve Components National Security Course twice each year for senior reserve-component members moving on to joint command management and staff jobs in multinational, intergovernmental or joint national security settings, explained Army Col. Kashi Yatto, course director.
The current two-week class concludes tomorrow, with its graduates representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard reserves and the Army and Air National Guard. A small percentage of the group hails from other U.S. government agencies, as well as from Peru, Malta and Korea.
All have broad experience in the tactical and operational aspects of their missions. The vast majority have combat deployments under their belts.
Here, through a schedule chock-full of seminars, workshops and notional exercises, they're expanding their horizons to think strategically, said Col. Danny Bubp, a Marine Corps reservist who's serving as senior seminar leader.
"We're exposing the students to that next level" and preparing them to take on increasingly responsible positions within their organizations, he said.
Like Bubp, an Ohio state legislator, the students all bring civilian skills to their military jobs. They're teachers, farmers, doctors, lawyers and firemen, as well as reserve and Guard leaders. "We want to send them back to their communities with a broader perspective so they can take that knowledge with them when they're mobilized to be part of a staff," Bubp said.
Toward that end, the course takes a broad view of world affairs, helping students see the big picture and implications of military operations. "We're trying to produce more strategic leaders with a better grounding in what's going on in the world," Bubp said. "The smarter your people are, the better they are going to function, especially in a stressful environment."
Much of the course focuses on the importance of incorporating all aspects of national power, not just military power, into U.S. national strategy, Yatto said. Instructors here refer to it as the "DIME" principle -- diplomatic, informational, military and economic -- and say all play important and complementary roles.
"We're military, so the first option we think of is military," Yatto said. "But this course helps the students better appreciate the other entities, too."
Students at the course call it an eye-opening experience. "It gives you a whole different way of thinking about things," said Air Force Col. Chip Mattingly, a maintenance group commander for the Kansas Air National Guard. "I feel like a sponge here, and it's really giving me an appreciation of the bigger picture."
Mattingly said his military career, which hasn't yet exposed him to joint staff operations, has focused heavily on the "M" or "military" aspects of the DIME principle. "This course is great because it gives you an understanding that there are other ways to shape the world than boots on the ground -- and possibly more effectively," he said.
Navy Cmdr. Angela Brady, administrative officer for Florida's Volunteer Training Unit, said she sees great value in providing reservists and Guardsmen a strategic view of operations they could be called on to help lead.
"You definitely have to have a grasp of the big picture, and you don't always get that on the operational side," she said. "If everybody understands the overall objective, where you're headed and how they fit into it, you can get there a lot more effectively."
'Sesame Street' Deployment Show Nominated for Emmy
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 26, 2007 - A television special that looks closely at challenges military families face when a parent is deployed has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program. Defense Department officials were thrilled to hear the program, called "When Parents Are Deployed" and produced by Sesame Workshop, received such recognition.
"We were delighted to hear of the Emmy nomination of Sesame Workshop's 'When Parents Are Deployed,'" said Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy. "For those who are not part of the military family, the impact of deployments and how families cope may be difficult to understand.
"The program ... helps bridge that gap in powerful ways and -- to borrow a phrase from 'Sesame Street' -- it shows that a servicemember and his or her family are 'people in your neighborhood,'" she added.
Of course, the program's creators were ecstatic about the recognition, as well. "It was really very exciting just to hear about it and the fact that it was nominated," said Jeanette Betancourt, the vice president for outreach and educational practices at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind "Sesame Street."
The primetime special, hosted by actor Cuba Gooding Jr., evolved from the Sesame Workshop's initial outreach initiative, "Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment." The DVD was created and distributed to military families with the help of Wal-Mart and Military OneSource.
Military OneSource is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, toll-free information and referral telephone service, as well as a supporter of the America Supports You network. America Support You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"What started to happen is that a lot of families started to really open up to us," Betancourt said. "We had that sudden awareness that there was so much more that we can do. As a result, we created a separate primetime special through PBS."
"When Parents Are Deployed," geared toward parents, depicts the challenges of military families enduring deployments through the stories of those who have been there, some more than once. The program originally aired Dec. 29, 2006, on PBS and will continue to air periodically for two years from that date. PBS has scheduled the next airings for July 29 and Aug. 2.
"Its intent was for both military families, as well as the general public, to understand ... the challenges as well as the dedication military families have during this time of deployment," Betancourt said.
The program offers strategies for coping with the different stages of deployment. For example, some of the military parents who shared their stories also shared how they prepare their children for deployment.
A clip from the "Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment," DVD also appears in the primetime special. It shows how Elmo, a popular fuzzy, red Sesame Street character, and his dad, who is preparing to deploy, will keep up special routines while they're apart.
"This topic of military families and how they are impacted is so relevant right now. We're glad that we're able to at least fulfill a niche that I think was missing for quite a long time," Betancourt said.
She added that the military community responded very positively to the program.
"When Parents Are Deployed" is keeping good company as a primetime Emmy nominee. The Hallmark Channel's original movie "The Christmas Card" also received a nomination. The movie tells of a soldier who is home on leave visiting a small town where he falls for the woman who wrote an anonymous Christmas card that buoyed his morale while he was deployed overseas.
The Hallmark Channel is a corporate supporter of the America Supports You program
American Forces Press Service
July 26, 2007 - A television special that looks closely at challenges military families face when a parent is deployed has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program. Defense Department officials were thrilled to hear the program, called "When Parents Are Deployed" and produced by Sesame Workshop, received such recognition.
"We were delighted to hear of the Emmy nomination of Sesame Workshop's 'When Parents Are Deployed,'" said Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy. "For those who are not part of the military family, the impact of deployments and how families cope may be difficult to understand.
"The program ... helps bridge that gap in powerful ways and -- to borrow a phrase from 'Sesame Street' -- it shows that a servicemember and his or her family are 'people in your neighborhood,'" she added.
Of course, the program's creators were ecstatic about the recognition, as well. "It was really very exciting just to hear about it and the fact that it was nominated," said Jeanette Betancourt, the vice president for outreach and educational practices at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind "Sesame Street."
The primetime special, hosted by actor Cuba Gooding Jr., evolved from the Sesame Workshop's initial outreach initiative, "Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment." The DVD was created and distributed to military families with the help of Wal-Mart and Military OneSource.
Military OneSource is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, toll-free information and referral telephone service, as well as a supporter of the America Supports You network. America Support You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"What started to happen is that a lot of families started to really open up to us," Betancourt said. "We had that sudden awareness that there was so much more that we can do. As a result, we created a separate primetime special through PBS."
"When Parents Are Deployed," geared toward parents, depicts the challenges of military families enduring deployments through the stories of those who have been there, some more than once. The program originally aired Dec. 29, 2006, on PBS and will continue to air periodically for two years from that date. PBS has scheduled the next airings for July 29 and Aug. 2.
"Its intent was for both military families, as well as the general public, to understand ... the challenges as well as the dedication military families have during this time of deployment," Betancourt said.
The program offers strategies for coping with the different stages of deployment. For example, some of the military parents who shared their stories also shared how they prepare their children for deployment.
A clip from the "Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment," DVD also appears in the primetime special. It shows how Elmo, a popular fuzzy, red Sesame Street character, and his dad, who is preparing to deploy, will keep up special routines while they're apart.
"This topic of military families and how they are impacted is so relevant right now. We're glad that we're able to at least fulfill a niche that I think was missing for quite a long time," Betancourt said.
She added that the military community responded very positively to the program.
"When Parents Are Deployed" is keeping good company as a primetime Emmy nominee. The Hallmark Channel's original movie "The Christmas Card" also received a nomination. The movie tells of a soldier who is home on leave visiting a small town where he falls for the woman who wrote an anonymous Christmas card that buoyed his morale while he was deployed overseas.
The Hallmark Channel is a corporate supporter of the America Supports You program
Tactics and Use of Force
Editor's Note: One the writers is former US Army.
July 26, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers: Dennis Nasci; Howard Rahtz; and, Robert D. Emerson.
In February 2007, Dennis Nasci joined the Village of West Milwaukee Police Department (Wisconsin) as its first assistant chief of police. Assistant Chief Dennis Nasci began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy sheriff with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department (New Mexico). He retired in 2002 at the rank of lieutenant. Moving to Wisconsin, he was appointed lieutenant and second-in-command of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Police Department. Dennis Nasci holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the 190th session of the FBI National Academy. He possesses numerous police instructor certifications and is the co-author of Tactical Attitude.
According to one reader/review of Tactical Attitude, “This book is about surviving a deadly encounter, mainly at the mental perspective. The book covers such topics as command presence, mental rehearsal, off-duty survival, sudden stress syndrome, and many others. Almost half of the text is real-life stories told by cops. This makes the book an interesting read. The most interesting chapter tells about sudden stress syndrome.”
In August of 2005, Howard Rahtz was promoted to Captain on the Cincinnati Police Department. He hold a BA in business administration and a master's degree in counseling; and, he also completed the program at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and the Law Enforcement Foundation's Police Executive Leadership College. In 1988 Howard Rahtz joined the Cincinnati Police Department. He has held progressively responsible law enforcement and leadership positions within the police department. Prior to his promotion, he was the Cincinnati Police Department’s coordinator for the SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team.
Outside of his department career he is an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati and the Tri-State Regional Community Policing Institute; a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association; and, editor of their Use of Force Journal. Captain Howard Rahtz has authored two books on law enforcement: Understanding Police Use of Force and Community Policing: A Handbook for Beat Cops and Supervisors.
According to the book description of Understanding Police Use of Force, “This even-handed and comprehensive discussion is intended to facilitate informed discussion among citizens, police and students on the use of force in law enforcement. Topics include: definitions; the legal framework; options for the use of force; steps to minimize the use of force; what to do when the worst happens; the racial divide; and towards better policy and understanding.”
Robert D. Emerson entered the United States Army in 1953. His lengthy law enforcement career began when he worked as a Special Agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). In 1957, after leaving the ONI he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 1963, he joined the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. He left the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations to enter the realm of private corporate security. Robert Emerson is the author of Dancing with Devils.
According to one reader/reviewer of Dancing with Devils, Emerson's series of law enforcement "tales" presents an interesting weave of the inner thoughts of man who was "born" into law enforcement and made law enforcement his vocation and his passion. I was reared in Chatham County, North Carolina and grew up under the jurisdiction of the author's father, the long term Sheriff of Chatham County, John Emerson. Many stories still circulate of the integrity and ability of Sheriff Emerson.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 668 police officers (representing 298 police departments) and their 1428 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
July 26, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers: Dennis Nasci; Howard Rahtz; and, Robert D. Emerson.
In February 2007, Dennis Nasci joined the Village of West Milwaukee Police Department (Wisconsin) as its first assistant chief of police. Assistant Chief Dennis Nasci began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy sheriff with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department (New Mexico). He retired in 2002 at the rank of lieutenant. Moving to Wisconsin, he was appointed lieutenant and second-in-command of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Police Department. Dennis Nasci holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the 190th session of the FBI National Academy. He possesses numerous police instructor certifications and is the co-author of Tactical Attitude.
According to one reader/review of Tactical Attitude, “This book is about surviving a deadly encounter, mainly at the mental perspective. The book covers such topics as command presence, mental rehearsal, off-duty survival, sudden stress syndrome, and many others. Almost half of the text is real-life stories told by cops. This makes the book an interesting read. The most interesting chapter tells about sudden stress syndrome.”
In August of 2005, Howard Rahtz was promoted to Captain on the Cincinnati Police Department. He hold a BA in business administration and a master's degree in counseling; and, he also completed the program at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and the Law Enforcement Foundation's Police Executive Leadership College. In 1988 Howard Rahtz joined the Cincinnati Police Department. He has held progressively responsible law enforcement and leadership positions within the police department. Prior to his promotion, he was the Cincinnati Police Department’s coordinator for the SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team.
Outside of his department career he is an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati and the Tri-State Regional Community Policing Institute; a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association; and, editor of their Use of Force Journal. Captain Howard Rahtz has authored two books on law enforcement: Understanding Police Use of Force and Community Policing: A Handbook for Beat Cops and Supervisors.
According to the book description of Understanding Police Use of Force, “This even-handed and comprehensive discussion is intended to facilitate informed discussion among citizens, police and students on the use of force in law enforcement. Topics include: definitions; the legal framework; options for the use of force; steps to minimize the use of force; what to do when the worst happens; the racial divide; and towards better policy and understanding.”
Robert D. Emerson entered the United States Army in 1953. His lengthy law enforcement career began when he worked as a Special Agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). In 1957, after leaving the ONI he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 1963, he joined the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. He left the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations to enter the realm of private corporate security. Robert Emerson is the author of Dancing with Devils.
According to one reader/reviewer of Dancing with Devils, Emerson's series of law enforcement "tales" presents an interesting weave of the inner thoughts of man who was "born" into law enforcement and made law enforcement his vocation and his passion. I was reared in Chatham County, North Carolina and grew up under the jurisdiction of the author's father, the long term Sheriff of Chatham County, John Emerson. Many stories still circulate of the integrity and ability of Sheriff Emerson.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 668 police officers (representing 298 police departments) and their 1428 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
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