Thursday, May 22, 2008

Author James H. Lilley

May 22, 2008, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) On May 28, 2008, Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole will feature an interview with James H. Lilley.

Program Date: May 28, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: An Interview with
James H. Lilley
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement

About the Guest
James H. Lilley was selected as the 2008 Police-Writers.com Author of the Year. The author of the year selection was based in part on writing ability and in part on career and community service.

James H. Lilley began his lifetime of public service as a United States Marine, in 1961. Shortly after his discharge, he joined the Howard County Police Department (Maryland), graduating first in his class. During his career his received numerous honors such as Medal of Valor, four Bronze Stars, four Unit Citations and the Governor’s Citation. James H. Lilley has published six novels, articles in Police Chief Magazine and authored an International Association of Chiefs of Police training key. Moreover, he began studying Martial Arts in the early 1960s and is a 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate; the first American to achieve this recognition and honor from Sensei Takeshi Miyagi.

James H. Lilley submitted, for the 2008 Police-Writers.com Author of the Year, as an example of his work, The Eyes of the Hunter (PublishAmerica 1997). One of the Police-Writers.com judges said of James’ writing, “He is a mature writer with strong plot, character and story development.” Another judge said, “easy to read, and it was very good escapism. The writer has some absolutely beautiful passages wherein he describes a sound or a vista. The sex scenes are pretty hot, too.”

James H. Lilley’s current project is a true crime book and he has entered two of his books in the upcoming Hollywood Book Festival.

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant
Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Commission Urges Americans to Pause, Reflect on Memorial Day

By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - While Americans enjoy the traditional summer kick-off weekend with vacations, backyard barbecues, pool openings and picnics, the White House Commission on Remembrance is asking them to take a moment on Memorial Day to remember the true meaning of the holiday. The National Moment of Remembrance was created "to provide a time of remembrance for America's fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory," according to the White House Commission of Remembrance Web site. The moment gives Americans a way to "participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our nation."

Congress voted in December 2000 to set aside 3 p.m. on Memorial Day as the National Moment of Remembrance.

"The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday," the site explains.

According to a Gallup poll, only 28 percent of Americans understand the true meaning of Memorial Day, and the White House Commission on Remembrance is working to underscore the holiday's intent, officials said.

Carmella LaSpada, director of the White House Commission on Remembrance, said she first noticed there was a problem when she was asked some children on a Capitol tour what the meaning of Memorial Day was and they answered that it was the day the pools opened.

Memorial Day, which began after the
Civil War, is observed on the last Monday of May and has also been known as Decoration Day, a day when people went out to leave flowers or patriotic items on the graves of fallen troops.

Though it's appropriate and encouraged for people to observe the moment privately, group observances are planned nationwide. In addition, Major League Baseball games are expected to pause, train whistles will blow, radio stations will play "Taps," and bells will ring around the nation in observance of the Moment of Remembrance

Pentagon Channel, Comcast Team to Air Service Academy Graduations

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - The Pentagon Channel and cable company Comcast are teaming up to offer customers televised coverage of this year's graduation ceremonies at the service academies. "We appreciate Comcast's decision to carry the Pentagon Channel's coverage of the
military service academy graduations," Brian Natwick, general manager of the Pentagon Channel, stated in a Comcast news release.

Featured coverage includes this year's graduation ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the U.S.
Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Comcast digital cable customers throughout New Jersey, Delaware, southeastern and central Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., can access the programs through local video on demand.

The graduation ceremony broadcast schedule is as follows:

-- May 23: U.S. Naval Academy, featuring
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing the keynote address.

-- May 28: U.S.
Air Force Academy, with President Bush providing the keynote address.

-- May 31: U.S.
Military Academy at West Point, with the keynote address by Army Secretary Pete Geren.

The ceremonies will be available on video on demand within four days after the commencements through June 14, Comcast officials said.

Comcast's support, Natwick explained, helps the Pentagon Channel share "the excitement and traditions of academy graduations with our military servicemembers and their families."

Comcast customers can access "Graduations on Demand" by tuning to Channel 1 on their digital cable lineup or by pressing the "On Demand" button on their remote control, then clicking on the "Get Local" category, followed by the "Academy Graduations" folder.

"Offering military graduations on demand underscores Comcast's commitment to supporting the thousands of servicemembers and their families throughout our footprint," said Michael Doyle, president of Comcast's eastern division and founder of CN8, The Comcast Network. "We are pleased to partner with the Pentagon Channel to offer this relevant programming to our customers that Comcast is uniquely qualified to deliver."

The service academy commencement ceremonies aren't the only upcoming graduations that families and friends can see even if they're unable to attend. Hundreds of U.S. troops deployed from Europe in support of the global war on
terrorism will be able to watch their children's high school graduation ceremonies via live webcasts. Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army 5th Signal Command are combining assets and talent to enable the live webcasts for deployed parents of graduating high school seniors.
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 22, 2008
NAVY

Scientific Research Corp.,
Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a $40,269,456 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide acquisition for advanced technology services in the areas of program management, systems engineering, software engineering, technical studies and analysis, modeling and simulation, development and modernization, integration and testing, prototyping and quick reaction production, and life cycle planning and support. This contract includes four one-year option periods, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to an estimated amount of $211,279,349. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by May 2009 (May 2013 with options exercised). Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website and two offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6805).

Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc., Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $22,071,517 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity performance-based contract with hybrid pricing arrangements to provide production engineering, integration product improvement, test and evaluation, and maintenance support as well as the capacity to modernize or introduce transformational technologies into systems and technical support services of various C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications,
Computer, Cryptology, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) programs for fielding on platforms such as: Marine Corps Up-Armored HMMWV, Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Rapid Responded Vehicle, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, other Department of Defense vehicle platforms, Navy C5ISR tactical vehicles, and Marine Corps C5ISR tactical vehicles, in addition to other tactical vehicles. This contract includes four one-year options and three-award terms, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $221,972,342. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by May 2009 (May 2016 with all options and award terms exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-Commerce website, with two offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-2837).

Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems,
El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $21,116,843 firm-fixed-price contract modification # P00030 under previously awarded contract (N00019-06-C-0310) for manufacture of various quantities of line items of ATFLIR Radar System components used on the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems, Armament Systems Division,
Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $15,159,218 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-4156) for Long Lead Time Material for the SSN 784 Virginia-class submarine propulsor and the procurement of a spare tailcone. The procurement will provide for the advanced procurement of LLTM associated with the production of the SSN 784 Virginia-class submarine propulsor and the manufacture, machining, and assembly of a spare tailcone. The manufacture, machining, and assembly of the fixed portion of the SSN 784 propulsor system (propulsor and tailcone) will be completed as part of the option when exercised. Work will be performed in Fridley, Minn., and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Liverpool, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,976,315 fixed-price-incentive with stepladder pricing (for the production units), cost-plus-fixed-fee (for engineering and technical services, test equipment, production representative unit, 3D mock-ups), firm-fixed-price (for Provisioning Item Orders, retrofit kits, refurbishment, and engineering change proposals) contract for Low Cost Conformal Array Production units (LCCA). The LCCA is a passive planar array mounted on the aft submarine sail structure that is integrated with the Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion (A-RCI) AN/BQQ-10 system to provide situational awareness and collision avoidance for improved
tactical control in high density environments. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., (97.5 percent); Walpole, Mass., (1 percent); Forrest Hill, Md., (1 percent); and Millersville, Md. (0.5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with one proposal solicited and two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-6283).

Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems,
El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an $8,717,484 firm-fixed-price contract modification # P00031 under previously awarded contract (N00019-06-C-0310) to manufacture various quantities of line items of Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared Radar System components used on the F/A-18 aircraft for the Government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn. is being awarded a $6,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4003) for services required to staff and operate the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn. Electric Boat will continue to perform project management, engineering and planning, training, inspection and services to accomplish submarine maintenance, modernization and repairs. Work will be performed in New London, Conn., and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $6,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington
Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Co., of Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $29,377,803. The Digital Airport Surveillance System is a combined Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration activity to replace existing radar facilities at
military and civilian airfields worldwide. First fielded nearly 30 years ago, the current analog radar systems are nearly at the end of their life cycle, leading to sporadic loss of airport surveillance radar coverage. The contract being awarded is for approximately 116 fully operational "turn-key" ASR-11 systems. It consists of site activation activities, including engineering and technical support services, site surveys, site preparation and the dismantling of existing radars, as well as all activities related to the production, transportation and installation and check-out of the new radar systems. Spare parts and technical assistance is also included in the contract. At this time $22,033,352 has been obligated. Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8730-08-D-0001).

Watkins Aircraft Support Products of Glenwood, Minn., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,526,980. This action is a delivery order for 158 Ground Handling Trailers (MHU-26 Trailers) against a basic requirements contract. At this time $6,526,980 has been obligated. Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (F08635-02-D-0045 Order RJ01).

Textron Systems Corp., of Wilmington, Mass., is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $5,666,722. This action will provide BRAC Directive to move Sensor Fuzed Weapon Assembly Line in Parsons, Kan., to McAlester, Okla. All new personnel will be trained in the new assembly line in McAlester, Okla. At this time $5,666,722 has been obligated. Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8677-07-C-0001, P00017).

ARMY

Hazard Protection System, Inc., Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on May 20, 2008, a $24,506,524 firm-fixed price contract for external fuel tank fire suppression kits for the heavy equipment transporter, heavy expanded mobility
tactical truck and palletized load system vehicles. Work will be performed primarily in Mount Airy, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 15, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two bids were solicited on Dec. 21, 2007, and two bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0274).

DynCorp International LLC, Falls Church, Va., was awarded on May 13, 2008, a $13,132,285 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a border
police headquarters. Work will be performed in Bermel, Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by May 14, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five bids were solicited on Apr. 18, 2008, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity (W917PM-07-D-0014).

Arriba Corp., Norfolk, Va., was awarded on May 20, 2008, a $5,704,934 firm-fixed price contract for Pentagon Reservation maintenance Wedge II, Phase II backfill construction. Work will be performed in the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on March 20, 2008, and two bids were received. DOD, Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HQ0034-08-D-0002).

DEFENSE LOGISTIC AGENCY

American Material handling Inc., Lilburn, Ga.*, is being awarded a maximum $6,850,714 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for variable reach forklift. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is
Navy. There were originally three proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 19, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0052).

New Program Offers 'Care for Caregivers'

By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - The U.S.
Army Institute of Surgical Research here has launched a program aimed at caring for a segment of the military population much more accustomed to administering care than receiving it. The program, called Care for the Caregivers, is designed to identify and treat a syndrome called "compassion fatigue" in military health care providers.

Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress disorder, is the emotional residue or strain of exposure of working with patients recovering from traumatic events.

The relatively new term, coined by Dr. Charles Figley in the 1990s, is becoming increasingly popular as caregivers are faced with the long-term care of trauma patients surviving the battlefield in greater numbers than ever before.

"We're starting to notice signs of compassion fatigue in caregivers of wounded warriors," said Army Col. Kathryn Gaylord, director of the
Army Institute of Surgical Research's Care for the Caregivers program. "Caregivers are giving everything of themselves to care for patients, but there's a price sometimes associated with that."

Taxed by deployments of their own and the complicated care of severely wounded servicemembers, caregivers are beginning to exhibit signs of trauma normally reserved for patients. With symptoms such as heightened irritability, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances, the syndrome bears a marked resemblance to
post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Compassion fatigue is when caregivers have such deep empathy they develop symptoms of trauma similar to the patient," Gaylord explained.

While similar in nature, Gaylord pointed out the difference between compassion fatigue and "burnout," an emotional exhaustion many people experience due to increased workload and institutional stress. Unlike compassion fatigue, burnout does not contain a trauma element.

Over time, compassion fatigue can lead a caregiver to grow distant from patients or, on the flip side, too close. Both can be detrimental to the patients and families.

Caregivers at the burn center, for instance, treat the same patients for months or even years, which can lead to a strong connection, and a strong sense of failure, guilt and loss if a patient does not survive.

"We treat patients for many weeks to months, during which time they undergo many operations and procedures," Gaylord said. "A strong relationship develops with the patient's family; we get to know them very well."

Army Spc. Antonio Cevallos, a physical therapy technician at the institute, is familiar with the ongoing intensity of day-to-day care. He went from transferring patients wounded in Iraq via ground ambulance in Kuwait to treating wounded warriors in the burn center.

"I see a lot more here [at the institute]," he said. "Compared to minutes or hours of one-on-one contact, it's days and weeks. It has its ups and downs."

Cevallos said he grew close to several patients and was pained to see two patients deteriorate, then pass away.

"It's difficult at times," he said. "But what keeps me going is the fact that I'm helping other people. As long as I keep my purpose, it keeps me above water."

Caregivers are trained to be compassionate, but there is little training in the
military on how to handle the stress of compassion, said Gaylord, who hopes to remedy the problem through the Care for the Caregivers program.

The doctor described the program as a combination of prevention training and treatment through the use of seminars and stress-management techniques.

"We have a series of world-renowned experts coming here to speak on topics such as grief, relaxation, nutrition and exercise," said Gaylord, who said the key to prevention is to find ways to manage and alleviate stress.

The seminars include education on the latest relaxation techniques, including "Alpha Stim," which is cranial electrical stimulation and vibration sounds that trigger the brain to relax.

In addition, Gaylord and her staff are building a respite room at the institute, which will serve as a peaceful haven caregivers can retreat to and regenerate. Wanting a state-of-the-art area, Gaylord contracted an architect who designed relaxation rooms for Nike and Hilton.

"The room will be very relaxing with a waterfall, music, massage chair, special motion chair and a video with headsets," she said.

Gaylord also plans to integrate group sessions and questionnaires that will help identify issues and track the impact of the program.

Cevallos said having a support system at work is beneficial.

"Sometimes you need to talk to someone or relax with a group," he said. "I've sat down in a session, and it was soothing. There's a sense of comfort from being with other people who are going through similar experiences."

Army Chaplain (Maj.) Philip Kochenburger, Brooke Army Medical Center chaplain, attended a compassion fatigue seminar on loss, grief and trauma May 9 and used an air travel safety briefing analogy to describe the importance of caring for caregivers.

"The flight attendants always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first before you help others," he said. "The same is true of caregivers. They have to make sure they take care of themselves along with the patients."

Gaylord said the focus will remain on resiliency and mental well-being.

"We'd like to eventually delve into the research aspects of this so we can determine what makes some people more innately resilient than others."

(Elaine Wilson works in the Fort Sam Houston Public Information Office.)

Chairman Confers 'Full Honors,' Military Award on Polish Counterpart

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - In the first "full honors" ceremony he's hosted as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen welcomed his counterpart from Poland at the Pentagon today. In full-dress Navy "whites," Mullen greeted Gen. Franciszek Gagor, chief of general staff of the Polish armed forces, and his staff when they arrived in black sport-utility vehicles.

In less formal receptions -- known as "honor cordons" -- the
military leaders would have disappeared into the Defense Department headquarters without much fanfare. In contrast, before their closed-door meeting today, Mullen led Gagor onto a podium facing a patch of grass upon which the Marine Band, color guard and several hundred servicemembers in formal uniforms gathered to participate in the afternoon's pageantry.

As band members performed "Four Ruffles and Flourishes" and the "Flag Officer's March," three artillery pieces pointed toward the National Mall fired a volley of blanks in the direction of the sandstone Washington Monument obelisk jutting above the skyline. The Polish general carried out the traditional inspection of troops before returning to Mullen, who placed a Legion of Merit ribbon around Gagor's neck.

"General Gagor's inspired
leadership and extraordinary contributions significantly enhanced understanding, improved cooperation, and greatly strengthened relations between the military of the United States and the Republic of Poland," according to the award's accompanying citation, which was read aloud over speakers.

The Legion of Merit is a
military decoration of the United States armed forces awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued both to United States military personnel and to military and political figures of foreign governments.

The citation lauded Gagor's service in his current role, which he assumed in February 2006. In this position, the Polish general has served as an effective spokesman for his country's government by establishing and maintaining dialogue with Defense Department officials on matters of mutual interest, the citation said.

Over the course of Gagor's tenure, Poland has continued to cooperate closely with
American diplomacy on such issues as democratization, nuclear proliferation, human rights, regional cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe, and United States reform, according to the State Department official Web site. Bilateral military talks during this time have produced agreements on installing U.S. missile defense parts on Polish soil.

The Eastern European republic of 38.5 million also has deployed a percentage of its roughly 140,500 uniformed servicemembers to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and to coalition efforts in Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met his Polish counterpart in the nation's capital of Warsaw last year. On his second visit since 1975, Gates praised the country's contributions to allied operations abroad and remarked on Poland's post-Cold War progress.

"All I can say is that Warsaw is a very different and very much better place today than it was in 1975," Gates said in an April 2007 news conference in the Polish capital. "When I visited here in 1975, I never would have dreamed that 14 years later Poland would be free and that shortly after that the Cold War would be over."

Bush Praises 82nd Paratroopers, Families, Veterans at Fort Bragg

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - President Bush saluted thousands of soldiers of the U.S.
Army's 82nd Airborne Division during his visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., today. The president cited the soldiers' distinguished service in Afghanistan and Iraq. "This is the first time since 2006 that five brigades from your division have assembled together," Bush remarked to troops after performing an in-ranks review of the division. Many of the paratroopers Bush addressed had recently completed 15-month deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"We've asked a lot of you," Bush told the soldiers, noting they've "achieved difficult objectives in a new kind of war."

Bush also cited the 82nd's soldiers for their skill and valor during performance of their overseas duty.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, welcome home," Bush said.

The president also acknowledged the
military families and veterans gathered to hear his address.

"I want to thank all the families of the paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division who are here today," Bush said. "I welcome the families of the fallen
heroes here today. [And] it's such an honor to see the veterans of the 82nd Airborne Division and other veterans who have joined us today."

Bush also saluted the division's members who'd been injured while in harm's way.

"I want to pay a special tribute to the wounded warriors from the 82nd Airborne. Thank you for your courage," the president said.

The 82nd's origins date back to World War I. The division's legacy, Bush said, continued into
World War Two and lives on to the present day.

"When allied forces landed in Normandy, the paratroopers of the 82nd were among the first boots on the ground," Bush pointed out. "When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, this division was among the first units to deploy to Operation Desert Shield."

The division earned added laurels in the new century after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America, Bush recalled.

"At the beginning of the new century, the men and women of the 82nd Airborne have once again stepped forward to advance the cause of liberty," Bush said. "Since the attacks of 9/11, you have deployed on more missions than any other division in the United States Army."

Members of the 82nd served in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, respectively. Today, division soldiers continue to conduct
military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq to defeat terrorists and to establish economic and political stability in those countries.

The 82nd's troopers have "taken the battle to the
terrorists abroad, so we do not have to face them here at home," Bush noted.

Over the past several years during multiple campaigns in Afghanistan, 82nd Division troops soundly drubbed Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents.

"Thanks to you, hundreds of insurgents have been captured in eastern Afghanistan," Bush told gathered soldiers. "Many others have been killed. And, thanks to you, a nation where al-Qaida once plotted the attacks of 9/11 is now a democracy and an ally in the war against these extremists."

Troops from 82nd Airborne Division led the way during the surge of U.S. forces into Iraq that flowed into Baghdad and its environs more than a year ago, Bush recalled.

"Instead of retreating, we sent in more troops, and the first troops in as part of that surge were the troops of the Falcon Brigade of the 82nd Airborne," Bush said.

During the successful surge operations in Iraq, 82nd soldiers pursued and defeated the enemy, Bush recalled.

"You brought
security to neighborhoods that had been in the grip of terror," Bush told the troops. "And, across Iraq violence is down." Civilian deaths, sectarian killings and assaults on U.S. forces in Iraq also have decreased thanks to the surge operations, Bush noted.

"You did the job we sent you to do. You have returned home on success, and all of America is proud of the 82nd Airborne," Bush said.

'Reset' Aims to Standardize Redeployment Services

American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 -
Army officials in Europe are working to develop a standard model to ensure all redeploying soldiers and their families receive the same programs and services regardless of their location. Planning for this summer's redeployment of 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team from Afghanistan, representatives from Installation Management Command Europe and U.S. Army garrisons Vicenza, Italy; and Schweinfurt and Bamberg, Germany, met early this month.

"In addition to fixing and replacing and upgrading our equipment and
training for future missions, we also have to revitalize our soldiers and families by providing them the time and opportunity to recover from the cumulative effects of sustained operations," Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said when he announced the four Army imperatives in October.

Reset, one of the imperatives and the basis for the pilot program, which Installation Management Command and garrison officials hope will be adopted Armywide, will establish a balanced process that systematically restores deployed units to a level of personnel and equipment readiness, which will permit the resumption of
training for future missions.

"Today's
Army family is dramatically affected by operational tempo, and we're excited that the lessons of this pilot ensure the needs and concerns of all audiences impacted by the 15-month redeployment cycle are foundational planning factors in the reset process," said JoAnn Chambers, IMCom-Europe chief of staff. "Through this groundbreaking work, we're able to assure the redeploying unit that IMCOM-Europe and garrison-support structures are fully cocked and ready to deliver a consistent level of excellence of support regardless of where a unit is in the reset process."

Under the reset initiative, IMCom's goal is to ensure that both soldier and family programs, as well as installation facilities and ranges, support the implementation of
Army Force Generation. AFG is the structured progression of increased unit readiness over time, resulting in recurring periods of availability of trained, ready and cohesive units.

At the meeting, garrison and IMCom Europe representatives from a diverse group of specialties, including public works and
morale, welfare and recreation, as well as representatives from the 173rd Airborne BCT's rear detachment and European Regional Medical Center, brainstormed key tasks and developed integrated approaches that will be captured in a model that participants hope will be a benchmark for reset operations involving any unit and any garrison.

The reset pilot focuses on the unit, accelerating the reconstitution of the force, increasing unit readiness, and improving preparation for deployment for subsequent deploying units. Participants discussed issues ranging from creature comforts such as bagged lunches for soldiers disembarking from flights out of the combat theater and synchronizing the implementation of the seven-day soldier-reintegration program to a unit's particular needs. They also discussed consolidated marketing efforts to educate affected audiences, including host-nation communities, of the
Army's priorities during the reset process.

Officials said participants laid the groundwork for a plan that eventually will nest within the
Army's reset model, provide additional accountability through the development of standardized guidance and resources for garrisons to accomplish reintegration tasks, and clearly articulate standards to ensure the same quality level of service at all garrisons.

(From a U.S. Army Installation Management Command Europe news release.)