What’s Happening In Congress?

Details of Senate NDAA Made Public
The Senate report on S.1547, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of FY 08, was released this week, providing further insight as to the status of such issues as empowerment, retirement, and the Insurrection Act. Included in the bill are several provisions that translate into progress for the Guard and our legislative goals. These include:

* Requiring the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to prescribe a charter for the National Guard Bureau.

* Increasing the grade of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from lieutenant general to general.

* Reducing the age at which a member of the Ready Reserve could draw retired pay below the age of 60 by 3 months for every aggregate 90 days of active duty performed under certain mobilization authorities during a fiscal year.

* Repealing section 1076 (relating to the Insurrection Act) of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 and reviving the provisions amended by that section as they were in effect prior to the effective date of that act.

One major concern with the retirement provision is that it did not make the qualifying active duty retroactive to September 11, 2001 as provided for in Senator Chambliss’ bill (S. 648). Because the House Armed Services Committee rejected the House version of the Chambliss bill (H.R. 1428), in its markup, the retirement provision will face a major challenge should it clear the Senate and move to conference.

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves MILCON-VA Spending
The Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday approved a $109.2 billion spending bill for military construction and veterans’ affairs. The bill includes $4 billion more than the President requested, with the bulk of the increase slated for use on veterans’ health care with a particular focus on traumatic brain injuries and stress disorders. Military construction accounts were appropriated $21.6 billion, $400 million more than the President’s budget request, an increase driven the results of the 2005 BRAC process. The House bill had been held up by a party dispute over earmarks (special member projects) and although House Democratic leaders say they will include earmarks in the measure, they will not disclose them for several weeks. The White House issued a statement Wednesday that lawmakers must find offsets in other spending bills if they seek more than the amount requested by the President or else face a veto of the other bills. It is not known when the Senate will debate the military construction and veterans’ spending bill but the House is expected to consider their version on Friday.

JCA Selection
The Army and Air Force Wednesday announced their selection of the C-27J Spartan cargo aircraft as the vehicle of choice for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program. The JCA contract, worth up to $7 billion, was awarded to L3 Communications Integrated Systems - Alenia North American team, which also includes U. S. partner Boeing.

Ken Krieg, the Pentagon’s head weapons buyer, approved a request by the Army and Air Force to move forward in a “low rate initial production” capacity. The services received approval to buy 78 planes over the next six years, with 54 going to the Army and 24 to the Air Force. Also approved was funding to cover the first round of low rate initial production, which is expected to deliver 13 planes.

National Governors Association Holds Forum on the FY08 NDAA
On Thursday, 14 June, the National Governors Association (NGA) hosted a panel discussion on the provisions of the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) pertaining to the National Guard. NGAUS joined participants in the forum, including Military Legislative Assistants (MLA) from the offices of Rep. Tom Davis and Senators Bond and Leahy. Representatives from the National Guard Bureau’s Legislative Liaison office (NGB/LL), Major General Frank Vavala, TAG-Delaware and President of AGAUS, as well as Major General Fred Rees, TAG-Oregon, and Major General Bill Libby, TAG-Maine. The topics discussed included a review of the Senate and House versions of the bill, the impact of included provisions, and upcoming action on the bills.

What’s Happening at NGAUS?
NGAUS has continued to aggressively lobby Congress for support to reduce the age in which National Guard members begin to receive retirement pay. The “Pay-Go” rules requiring an “offset” are a major barrier to the adoption of this provision. However, the Senate version does contain provisions as described earlier in this newsletter. We need your help to move this through conference and into the final defense authorization bill. Visit our web site to learn more about this issue and then contact your representatives to express your concerns and solicit their support. The best way to do this is by using our Write to Congress feature found on our web site, but any form of communication will help (phone, fax, letter, personal visit, etc.).

What Can You Do?

Capwiz Update
17,360 messages sent this year.
295 messages sent this week.
3593 messages on Guard Empowerment.
4326 messages on TRICARE fee increases.
7771 messages on retirement.
929 messages on JCA

Top 5 States:
1. Georgia – 2342 messages
2. Tennessee – 2162 messages
3. Mississippi – 1188 messages
4. Ohio – 674 messages
5. Indiana 570 messages

Our Goal for 2007: 54,000 messages - Only 36,640 messages to go!

Rich Green, Director
Pete Duffy, Deputy Director
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Emily Breitbach, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Gareth Vaughan, Legislative Analyst

For more information on NGAUS, check out our website: NGAUS.org.

NGAUS Notes: 6/15/2007

C-27J Spartan Tapped as New Joint Cargo Aircraft

The U. S. Army announced a $2.04 billion contract award Wednesday to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Boeing and Alenia North America for their C-27J Spartan to be the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA).

An initial purchase of 78 aircraft will replace aging air platforms. But officials said they imagine the total number of aircraft will reach, if not exceed, the originally planned purchase of 145 aircraft.

The Army will receive 54 and the Air Force will receive the other 24 aircraft in the initial purchase to replace the C-23 Sherpa and C-12 Huron.

With the bulk of older airframes in the Guard, officials said the Guard would relieve many new aircraft.

And they would be available for much more than wartime utilization, particularly for governors to use them for crucial airlift tasks in state operations, such as for a natural or manmade disaster.

“You’re always going to be short of airlift no matter where you go, and when we flew these [older] airplanes, we were sending airplanes forward that could have carried a lot more, but we were carrying what they needed now, and that was maybe one or two passengers, maybe one pallet of medical goods,” said Maj. Gen. Marshall K. Sabol, an Air Force spokesman.

“Where this airplane will fit extremely well is it’ll be able to do that kind of mission [with a] smaller cargo bay ... [and] relieve the C-130s to be able to do the missions they were not able to do,” he added.

The first two C-27Js will arrive late this year. After fiscal year 2008 funds come through, the next four aircraft should arrive around January 2009.

The first operational JCA unit will stand up in late 2010.

Gates Recommends Mullen as JCS Chairman

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will recommend that President Bush nominate Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chief of Naval operations, to replace outgoing Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In news conference last week, Mr. Gates said he also will recommend Gen. James E. Cartwright for the position of vice chairman. General Cartwright is the commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., the current vice chairman, announced his decision to retire two weeks ago.

“I have become well acquainted with Admiral Mullen over the last six months and believe he has the strategic insight, experience and integrity to lead America’s armed forces,” Mr. Gates said.

Admiral Mullen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968.

He has served in leadership positions at the Naval Academy, the Navy’s Bureau of Personnel, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and on the Navy Staff.

He became the 28th Chief of Naval Operations in July 2005.
Mr. Gates had intended to re-nominate General Pace and Admiral Giambastiani, but after consulting with senators of both parties came to the conclusions “that because General Pace has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the last six years, the focus of his confirmation process would have been on the past rather than the future.”

General Pace will continue to serve as chairman until his term ends Sept. 30. He is the first Marine to hold the position.|

Calling Cards Bring Troops Overseas a Little Closer to Home

To help bridge the gap between the front lines and the home front, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) actively engages the American public every day troops are far from home.

Available to the public since April 2004, “Help Our Troops Call Home” allows anyone, even non-authorized exchange shoppers, to send military exchange global prepaid phone cards to deployed troops.

Since the program’s inception, individuals have purchased more than 206,000 phone cards.

“From the soldier with a young child back home to the airman who will spend his first Father’s Day away from dad, being able to reach out and speak to loved ones is critical,” said Lt. Col. Steven Dean, AAFES contingency planning chief. “During my deployment, being able to talk to my family was my first priority.”

Dads, aunts, neighbors and even civic groups can take part in the effort by sending any one of three military exchange global prepaid phone cards to troops.

Among them is a 550-minute denomination card capable of providing more than two hours of call time from any of 72 phone centers in Iraq, Afghanistan or Kuwait to the United States.

The phone card may be sent to an individual service member designated by the sender or distributed to “any service member.” Facilitators of the program include the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House Foundation, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, Soldier and Family Assistance Center and United Service Organizations.

More information on the program is available at AAFES.

Commuication Department Needs Staff Writer

The National Guard Association has an immediate opening for an experienced staff writer. Selected candidate will contribute to NATIONAL GUARD, the association’s monthly magazine, NGAUS Notes and the NGAUS Web site.

Duties include writing short news stories and covering a variety of hearings on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. For the magazine, the successful candidate will contribute at least one substantial feature story each month and assist in editing and producing the final product. Some travel is required.

Candidates must have five years of reporting experience. Familiarity with the military and the National Guard is preferred.

Interest in writing about military/legislative topics a must. Car required. Salary: low- to mid-40s. Excellent benefits include health and dental coverage and a 401K. plan. Convenient Capitol Hill location.

Send cover letter, résumé and three writing samples to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Communications Department
One Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C., 20001.

Fax: 202-682-9358
E-mail: Chris Prawdzik.

NGAUS History

NGAUS launched the Special Committee on Manpower in the spring of 1973, to help find ways to recruit new members of the National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Henry W. McMillan, NGAUS president and committee member, thought the group should look into what the association could do “to assist in developing a greater sense of duty and patriotism — to serve in a volunteer military organization.”

He saw “every indication” that the Guard’s problem of maintaining units strength in the new zero-draft environment “will be critical” for the upcoming years.

This Week in Guard History

June 13, 1966: Oahu, Hawaii—With the onset of the Cold War and the threat of long-range Soviet nuclear bombers, the National Guard writes a new chapter in its history of homeland defense.

Beginning in 1954, thousands of Army Guardsmen manned anti-aircraft artillery positions across the country, adopting for the first time a federal mission while in a state status. In the late 1950s the Guard began transitioning from guns to longer-ranged and more lethal missiles.

For exactly 16 years, from September 1958 to September 1974, the Army Guard manned Nike-Ajax and Nike-Hercules missile batteries in an operational status. At the height of the program in 1969, 17 states provided more than 7,000 soldiers to staff 54 missile batteries around sixteen key metropolitan areas.

Hawaii’s 298th Artillery Group was the first Guard unit to adopt the Nike-Hercules missile, becoming operational in 1960.

Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department. Comments and questions should be directed to e-mail NGAUS.

NGAUS Legit: 10 June 07

What’s Happening In Congress?

House Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on Body Armor
On Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing relating to Pinnacle Dragon Skin, a form of body armor that was the subject of a recent investigative report by NBC. Murray Neal, President of Pinnacle Armor, appeared with Phillip Coyle, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense, who observed the testing conducted by NBC, to discuss their claim that Dragon Skin is a superior product to the Interceptor body armor that is currently utilized by U.S. service members in combat.

In his opening statement, Mr. Neal made reference to a history of “anti-Dragon Skin misinformation” coming from the Department of Defense and members of the committee, in turn, accused Mr. Neal of impugning the integrity of the Army, badmouthing Armed Services committee staff, alarming service members and their families, and hyping his company’s product. “Everywhere you go,” said Representative Duncan Hunter, “you leave the implication that everybody is the devil.” While Mr. Neal said it was not his intention to do so, he could not provide an answer as to why the Department of Defense would intentionally seek to mislead the public and the Armed Forces on the issue of Dragon Skin body armor.

Members of the committee also heard testimony from Pentagon officials, who noted discrepancies in the tests performed by NBC. Lt. General Ross Thompson III, Deputy Director of the Army Acquisition Corps, noted that, “body armor that was provided for the NBC test was not from one of the six certified and tested producers of the body armor that is used by the military.” General Brown, commander of the Soldier Systems Center in Natick Massachusetts, stated that, “in Honorable Coyle's own testimony, he said they were using the 7.62-by-54 round, which is not the test round. The 7.62-by-63 APM two round is the test round which we specifically selected to put in a wider margin of safety into the plates.”

Mr. Douglas Thomas, executive director for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations also informed the committee that Pinnacle Armor is currently the subject of a criminal investigation. The Air Force is currently investigating Pinnacle’s claim that its Dragon Skin body armor had been certified by the National Institute of Justice in April 2006. According to a letter read by Chairman Skelton, this certification did not actually occur until December 2006. Pentagon officials noted the seriousness of such a fraudulent claim. “It is my hope,” said Lt. General Thompson, “that the investigation results in the appropriate consequences.''

Despite an admission by Mr. Coyle that the armor was “not ready for prime time”, Rep. Hunter said that the technology “may be of some value” and urged further comparison testing. He was ready, he said, to get “an M-14 and some 7.62 stuff to the Marine Corps lab and try to get some shots off in the next week or so.”

House Appropriations Committee Approves Military Construction-VA Spending
The House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved $109.2 billion in funding for military construction and veterans affairs programs. This amounts to $4 billion more than that requested by President Bush and includes increases in spending for healthcare and claims processing.

Senate NDAA Status
As of today, no information has been made available regarding the Senate version of S.1547, the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While the bill passed out of the Armed Services Committee two weeks ago, a report on its contents is still forthcoming. On June 5, 2007, it was reported to the Senate as an original bill and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. NGAUS will provide an update on the bill as soon as possible.

What’s Happening at NGAUS?

NGAUS President Attends Alaska Conference
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Koper, President of NGAUS, attended this week’s Adjutants General Association of the United States conference in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss issues of importance to the National Guard. The conference runs from June 4 to June 8, 2007.

2008 NGAUS CACO Conference
The 2008 NGAUS Congressional Action Contact Officer (CACO) conference will be held March 3 and 4 at NGAUS. Please mark your schedules. More information will follow on lodging arrangements for attendees.

What Can You Do?
Capwiz Update

17,071 messages sent this year.
239 messages sent this week.
3663 messages on Guard Empowerment.
4292 messages on TRICARE fee increases.
7646 messages on retirement.
881 messages on JCA

Top 5 States:

1. Georgia – 2209 messages
2. Tennessee – 2131 messages
3. Mississippi – 1182 messages
4. Ohio – 665 messages
5. Indiana 555 messages

Our Goal for 2007: 54,000 messages

Only 36,929 messages to go!

NGAUS Legislative Staff
Rich Green, Director
Pete Duffy, Deputy Director
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Emily Breitbach, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Gareth Vaughan, Legislative Analyst

For more information on NGAUS, check out our website here.

This Week in Guard History: 10 June 2007

June 7, 1968: Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam - New Mexico's 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) arrives, becoming the third Air National Guard unit to serve in Vietnam.

Combined with New York's 136th TFS into the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, both squadrons immediately begin flying close ground support missions for American troops.

The two units are the only Guard units assigned to the same operational headquarters while serving in Vietnam. During the course of its tour, the 188th flies 6,029 sorties and loses three pilots in combat, including two missing in action and later declared killed.

The 136th flies nearly as many sorties and fortunately loses no members to combat, although it did have three pilots killed in stateside training. One member of the 188th, Sgt. Melvyn S. Montano, becomes a commissioned officer after the unit returns home, and in December 1994 he is appointed the adjutant general of New Mexico.

NGAUS History: 10 June 2007

Seven National Guard officers who had roles in the Normandy invasion represented NGAUS at a ceremony in France for the 10th anniversary of D-Day in 1954.

Maj. Gen. Ellard A. Walsh, NGAUS president, assembled the contingent after a resolution was adopted a year earlier at the 75th NGAUS General Conference in San Diego, Calif.

The delegation included Maj. Gen. Milton A. Reckord, Maj. Gen. William H. Harrison Jr., Maj. Gen. Karl F. Hausauer, Maj. Gen. William H. Sands, Maj. Gen. Jim Dan Hill, Maj. Gen. Donald W. McGowan and Brig. Gen. John M. Donalson.

Communication Department Seeks Staff Writer

The National Guard Association has an immediate opening for an experienced staff writer. Selected candidate will contribute to National Guard, the association's monthly magazine, NGAUS Notes and the NGAUS Web site.

Duties include writing short news stories and covering a variety of hearings on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. For the magazine, the successful candidate will contribute at least one substantial feature story each month and assist in editing and producing the final product. Some travel is required.

Candidates must have five years of reporting experience. Familiarity with the military and the National Guard is preferred.

Interest in writing about military/legislative topics a must. Car required. Salary: low- to mid-40s. Excellent benefits include health and dental coverage and a 401K. plan. Convenient Capitol Hill location.

Send cover letter, resume and three writing samples to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Communications Department
One Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C., 20001.

Fax: 202-682-9358
E-mail: Chris Prawdzik.

Pentagon Fitness Show Offers Intense 30-minute Workout

Hosts of a new show coming to the Pentagon Channel want to make troops hurt, make them sweat and push them to their limits.

Fit for Duty takes viewers through a high-energy, 30-minute workout led by service members with fitness training expertise. A military sports medicine physician also offers tips for preventing injuries and avoiding career-ending accidents during each episode.

"Fitness is as much a part of the military as the uniform," said retired Master Sgt. Jim Langdon, Pentagon Channel director of operations and programming as well as executive producer of Fit for Duty.

Fitness instructors on the show represent each branch of the military and were selected after a nationwide call for auditions was launched through advertisement on the Pentagon Channel's Web site, e-mails to public affairs officers across the country and word of mouth.

"The most challenging part was trying to come up with routines that will keep someone motivated and are actually enjoyable to do, and are able to be watched and done in less than 30 minutes," said Sgt. Clint Reynolds, a Marine and martial arts expert. "I hope it will show that there are many different ways of working out and staying fit."

Fit for Duty is just one of many lifestyle shows the Pentagon Channel plans to present soon. An upcoming military cooking show, Combat Kitchen, will introduce viewers to the Grill Sergeant.

The show debuts June 18 on the Pentagon Channel, via podcast and video on demand.

More information, is available at Pentagon Channel.

Fallen Hero Exhibit Closes After Extended Run

After an extended two-year run, the Faces of the Fallen exhibit, which features 1,139 portraits of fallen service members, will close Sunday.

The portraits, painted by 200 professional artists from across the country, adorned the walls of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va., and will be sent home to the families of the troops to serve as a lasting tribute to their service.

Family members, military leaders and visitors gathered yesterday to pay tribute to those whose memories are honored and to thank those who made the exhibit possible.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the day a chance to remember that "for some 232 years, incredible men and women have volunteered to serve our nation, all knowing the dangers involved, some giving their lives."

General Pace said the exhibit reminds him of a photo he keeps on his desk of Marine Lance Cpl. Guido Farinaro, the first Marine under his command to die in Vietnam.

"I know how much his picture means to me; I know how much these portraits mean to the families," he said.

Faces of the Fallen opened in March 2005, and the exhibit has welcomed more than 650,000 visitors since. The portraits, produced for free by the artists, honor the memories of the first 1,319 service members to die in Iraq and Afghanistan.

General Pace said he hopes the exhibit has demonstrated that the nation cares, and will always care, about the sacrifices they have made.

Army Contributes Equipment to 2007 Hurricane Season

As a result of chronic equipment shortages in the Guard, the Army announced June 1 it would either issue or loan 2,600 pieces of equipment to some coastal states, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The contribution is based on equipment shortages identified by Guard commanders in the given states and territories.

The equipment includes relief necessities, such as generators, trucks, Humvees and radios.

Some of the equipment will be permanently assigned to fill shortages at the states, according to Brig. Gen. David Halverson, an Army spokesman.

Equipment on loan is temporarily assigned and positioned within the state and will be returned at the end of hurricane season in November.

The Army started issuing the equipment in May and expects that all will be in place by mid-June, General Halverson said. Right now, a little more than half of the equipment is in place, he said. Some equipment is in transit to Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

General Halverson said that Army officials asked National Guard commanders in March for equipment assessments. With the supplemental equipping, General Halverson said, commanders reported to senior Army leaders that they can manage storms up to Category 3.

Announced on the opening day of hurricane season, officials hope the equipment support will head off potential problems in a season the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts "above normal," with up to five major hurricanes - Category 3 or above.

Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005 was a Category 5 storm.

NGAUS's History

NGAUS History
The National Guard's 340th birthday Oct. 7, 1976, prompted a telegram from President Ford to Maj. Gen. Francis S. Greenlief, NGAUS vice president.

"The National Guard continues to carry on a splendid tradition of service," stated Mr. Ford. "Its members ... draw inspiration from their glorious past but they also look ever forward to an equally illustrious future."

The parties continue, but the date has changed. The National Guard Bureau now recognizes Dec. 13 as the Guard's birthday - the date the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered militia companies from the towns surrounding Boston to form into three regiments: North, South and East.

This Week in Guard History
Spring 1999: The composite 104th Expeditionary Operations Group (EOG) - the "Killer Bees" - with personnel and A-10s from the Idaho, Massachusetts and Michigan Air Guard assemble to fly missions over Kosovo, a province in the former Yugoslavia.

The unit flies 439 combat sorties, expending 64 AGM-65s Maverick air-to-surface missiles, 539 MK-82 general purpose 500-pound bombs, 49 CBU-87 "Combined Effects Munitions" and 14,300 rounds of machine gun ammunition while attacking enemy convoys, armor, artillery, supply and ammunition during the NATO-led Operation Allied Force.

Its pilots also fly combat airborne forward control missions. The 104th EOG accumulated 3,300 flying hours in 45 days without losing a single pilot or aircraft.

Calendar
June 14 - Flag Day
June 30 - NGAUS dues deadline for conference seating priority
July 20 to 22 - NGAUS Board Meeting
Aug 25 to 27 - 129th NGAUS General Conference - San Juan, PR

Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department. Comments and questions should be directed to NGAUS e-mail. NGAUS members can sign up for electronic delivery of NGAUS NOTES at NGAUS Notes.

Communication Department Needs Staff Writer

The National Guard Association has an immediate opening for an experienced staff writer. Selected candidate will contribute to National Guard, the association's monthly magazine, NGAUS Notes and the NGAUS Web site.

Duties include writing short news stories and covering a variety of hearings on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. For the magazine, the successful candidate will contribute at least one substantial feature story each month and assist in editing and producing the final product. Some travel is required.

Candidates must have five years of reporting experience. Familiarity with the military and the National Guard is preferred.

Interest in writing about military/legislative topics a must. Car required. Salary: low- to mid-40s. Excellent benefits include health and dental coverage and a 401K. plan. Convenient Capitol Hill location.

Send cover letter, resume and three writing samples to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Communications Department
One Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, D.C., 20001.

Fax: 202-682-9358.
E-mail: Chris Prawdzik.

Scam Uses Red Cross Name to Defraud Military SpousesScam Uses Red Cross Name to Defraud Military Spouses

The American Red Cross reported this week that an individual or group of individuals are fraudulently using the Red Cross' name in a scam to steal military spouses identities.

According to the organization, a person with an American accent will call a military spouse, identify herself as a Red Cross representative and tell the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and evacuated to Germany.

The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth.

Devorah Goldburg, a Red Cross spokesperson, said it was difficult to determine the number of people targeted by the scam, but one confirmed report was enough.

"We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.

Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant.

Officials also urge military family members not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.

In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member. For more information, spouses can visit the Red Cross Web site at Red Cross.

DoD Health Study Has Become Timely Tool

When a landmark Defense Department-sponsored health study was launched six years ago, one of its goals was to evaluate the impact of future deployments on long-term health. The investigators did not know how timely the project would be.

Today, the Millennium Cohort Study has enrolled tens of thousands of participants who have deployed in support of the war on terrorism, said Navy Cmdr. Margaret Ryan, director of the Defense Department Center for Deployment Health Research in San Diego.

The study was designed in the late 1990s "in the wake of the first Gulf War to answer some of the most difficult questions that couldn't really be answered retrospectively after that conflict," Commander Ryan said.

The joint-service study was established to evaluate the health risks of military deployments, occupational exposures and general military service.

About 108,000 service members have signed up to take part since program enrollment began in July 2001.

Participants' health is evaluated over a 21-year period. And Commander Ryan said the group participating in the study likely will total more than 147,000 people.

The study is providing data to help military epidemiologists understand possible cause-and-effect relationships between combat-zone deployments and problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

"About 40 percent of our cohort has deployed to one of the more recent operations, either in Iraq or Afghanistan or surrounding regions, in support of the global war on terrorism," Commander Ryan said.

Participants report their health status every three years. More information on the study and how to participate is available at Millennium Cohort.

DoD to Release Flu Pandemic Guide for Civilians

On the heels of its Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan released in April, the Defense Department is preparing a pandemic flu guide for civilian managers and rank-and-file employees.

Patricia S. Bradshaw, deputy undersecretary of defense for civilian personnel policy, said May 25 that the department's plan is part of the president's overall response to a potential mass outbreak of the flu.

The guide, scheduled for issue in the summer, will outline tasks that managers, supervisors and employees must do to prepare themselves for a possible flu pandemic or any other type of crisis.

In the event of a flu pandemic, the Guard would be instrumental in the initial response.

In fact, the Guard began preparation for a possible flu pandemic nearly two years ago, particularly the threat of Influenza Type A, subtype H5N1 (bird flu), a highly pathogenic viral lung infection.

At the time, adjutants general were informed that such an outbreak likely would affect all states, and troops would probably stay under state control, or Title 32 status.

While the directive for the Guard was vague, their goal would be to help mitigate the spread of such a virus and ensure operational readiness and stability of forces.

"I think the challenges are not unlike any [other] work force," Ms. Bradshaw said last week. "If we have a crisis such as a pandemic, the real challenge here is maximizing social distancing as the preferred technique to employ, because it's a contagious disease."

More information on defense department's pandemic flu response is available at Deployment Link.

Legit: 1 June 2007

What’s Happening In Congress?

Senate Approves Markup of Defense Authorization Bill
In a closed hearing on Thursday, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act (S.567). Due to the Memorial Day recess, specific details and language pertaining to the bill are not presently available, but an early summary of the bill released by the committee revealed positive language such as a 3.5 percent pay increase for military personnel.

The approved version of the bill also included several provisions specific to the National Guard. In the Airland Committee, an increase in the grade of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to general was approved. Other provisions would expand “the duties of and eligibility requirements for” the Chief of the Bureau; require the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to prescribe the charter for the National Guard Bureau; and enhance “the authority for National Guard … officers to serve on active duty.”

A positive step was also taken in the Personnel Subcommittee where language was inserted in the bill to reduce the age to receive retirement pay using S.628 (Chambliss) and H.R. 1428 (Latham) principles. The bill language reduces the age to begin receiving retirement pay by three months for every 90 days (in a fiscal year) of Title 10 combat duty, or duty in response to a Presidential declared emergency (Title 32). However, since specifics of this legislation have not been released, it is unclear if it will be retroactive to September 11, 2001. As the House version of the NDAA did not include any language relating to retirement, this issue will be resolved during the conference process, slated to begin sometime in the coming weeks. More specific details on the markup will be made available in the near future.

Empowerment Act Continues Progress Through Congress
As noted above, the Senate version of the NDAA includes several provisions of the National Guard Empowerment Act. These provisions (increasing Chief of NGB to general and authorizing Secretary of Defense to prescribe the NGB charter) were also included in the House version of the bill.

Several other aspects of the Empowerment Act made their way into the House version of the NDAA and, while it is not known at this time just what the Senate version includes, it is hoped they will concur with a majority of the House’s recommendations on this issue.

The House version (H.R.1585) authorized several key aspects of the Empowerment Act, to include:

* Establishing NGB as a joint activity of the Department of Defense
* Allows the Chief - NGB to serve as a principal advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
* Allows a member of the National Guard to serve as Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).

Look for further updates on the National Guard Empowerment Act provisions as details on the Senate version of the NDAA are released.

Adjutants General Association Holds Annual Spring Conference
The Adjutants General Association of the United States will hold its annual Spring Conference this coming week, from June 4-9, 2007, in Anchorage, AK.

What’s Happening at NGAUS?

Submission Process for Resolutions Ends
The resolution deadline of June 1 has arrived and, as of today, we have received submissions from 24 states. Resolutions received after today, but before the annual conference, are considered late resolutions. These resolutions require a 75 percent favorable vote in order to be accorded regular status consideration by the resolutions committee at conference.

What Can You Do?

Capwiz Update:
16,841 messages sent this year.
555 messages sent this week.
3626 messages on Guard Empowerment.
4274 messages on TRICARE fee increases.
7506 messages on retirement.
859 messages on JCA

Top 5 States:
1. Georgia – 2196 messages
2. Tennessee – 2118 messages
3. Mississippi – 1148 messages
4. Ohio – 665 messages
5. Indiana 549 messages

Our Goal for 2007: 54,000 messages

Only 37,159 messages to go!

Rich Green, Director
Pete Duffy, Deputy Director
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Emily Breitbach, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Gareth Vaughan, Legislative Analyst

For more information on NGAUS, check out our website: NGAUS.org.

NGAUS Legit: 25 May 2007

What’s Happening In Congress?.

House Removes Deadlines from War Funding Bill.
The House Thursday voted on a new war funding bill that included benchmarks for Iraq’s government but contained no timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the embattled region. In a reversal of their previous position, House Democrats conceded on the issue of a deadline for troop withdrawal in an effort to pass the legislation by Memorial Day. The new legislation includes additional military funding which was conspicuously absent from the version that passed last Thursday. That bill served only as a “placeholder” and asserted the House’s intention to support the troops.

There were several additions to the bill, including a measure that raised the national minimum wage and $22.2 billion in funding that was not requested by the White House. The bill’s passage in the House cleared its way for approval by the Senate on Thursday night.

Senate Begins Markup of Defense Authorization Bill.
In committee hearings this week, the Senate began its deliberations on the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The subcommittees on Airland, Personnel, Emerging Threats and Capabilities, and Strategic Forces approved their respective portions of the NDAA.

In a positive move for the Air Force, Senate authorizers on the Airland subcommittee voted to shift all funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program to that department’s budget line. In a move that differs greatly from the House version of the bill, the committee did not include any restrictions on the program.

The Senate authorizers also differed from their House counterparts and opted not to fund the purchase of any additional C17s. The House had authorized $2.4 billion to buy 10 planes that were not a part of the Air Force’s request.

House Passes Bills to Improve Veterans’ Health Care and Benefits.
On Wednesday, the House passed a number of bills that will expand health care and benefits for veterans. Designed to coincide with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, the bills easily met the two-thirds majority required under the suspension of the rules. H.R. 612 (highlighted in last week’s LEGIT) extends the term of free health care for returning veterans from two to five years; H.R. 2199 authorizes research and funding for traumatic brain injuries; H.R. 1470 allows for improved chiropractic care; H.R. 67 authorizes a new grant program for veterans’ outreach services; H.R. 1660 authorizes a national veterans’ cemetery in Colorado; and H.R. 2239 expands vocational rehabilitation benefits to disabled servicemembers for a select group of personnel.

What’s Happening at NGAUS?

Legislative Alerts are New and Improved.
We’ve made it easier than ever. A link to our “Write to Congress” feature is now contained in the text of legislative alerts posted on the NGAUS website. This new feature alleviates the need to back out of the alerts and move to a separate page in order to send messages to Congress. The addition of the Capwiz link within the alerts will enhance ease of use and should lead to a substantial increase in the number of letters sent to Members of Congress.

One Week Remains for State Resolutions
The resolutions deadline of June 1 is just 5 business days away and we have only received input from 16 states. Please be sure to send your finalized, approved resolutions to Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst at B. Phelps as soon as possible. Any resolutions received after the June 1 deadline will be treated as emergency resolutions.

What Can You Do?

Capwiz Update:
16,331 messages have been sent this year.
2135 messages were sent this week.
3375 messages on Guard Empowerment.
4193 messages were sent on TRICARE fee increases.
7296 messages were sent on retirement.
752 messages were sent on JCA

Top 5 States:
1. Georgia – 2118 messages
2. Tennessee – 2001 messages
3. Mississippi – 1096 messages
4. Ohio – 656 messages
5. Indiana 540 messages

Our Goal for 2007: 54,000 messages,
Only 37,669 messages to go!
____________________

Rich Green, Director
Pete Duffy, Deputy Director
Chris DeBatt, Army Programs
Emily Breitbach, Air Programs
Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst
Gareth Vaughan, Legislative Analyst.

PS: These are emails that I receive. I do not write them myself. The Notes are broken up into different sections over at DoD Daily News. Have a wonderful Memorial Day, thank you for your service, welcome to those of you whom have made it home and God bless you.

NGAUS Legislative Update: 5/18/2007

What’s Happening In Congress?

House Approves Defense Authorization Bill
Thursday, the House approved the FY08 National Defense Authorization Bill (NDAA), H.R.1585, by a vote of 397 to 27. The final version contains authorizations in the amount of $645 billion, including $141 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released a statement noting the inclusion of $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment, “ensuring that the National Guard is able to meet its homeland and civil support missions, and adding a range of authorities through the National Guard Empowerment Act.”

Following passage, the White House conveyed its objection to several provisions that originated in the National Guard Empowerment Act. Specifically, the administration opposes the appointment of a National Guard officer to the position of commander or deputy commander of Northern Command and the transition of the National Guard Bureau into a joint activity of the Department of Defense. Both provisions remained in the bill as of Thursday. The Senate is expected to begin its consideration of their FY08 NDAA in the coming week.

BRAC is Back!
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report to Congressional Committees, #07-641, dealing with Military Base Closures released this week has caused Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), Ranking Member of the House Government Reform Committee, to request the U.S. Controller General to prepare and report on the full implications of ANG BRAC actions. See our BRAC page for a copy of Rep. Davis’ announcement, his letter, and a copy of the GAO report.

Senate Passes Second War Supplemental bill
On Thursday, the Senate passed a second version of the Iraq war supplemental funding bill. The legislation, passed by voice vote, contains no funding but expresses the intent of the Congress to “support the troops.” The bill’s passage sets the stage for a conference with the House, where the two sides are expected to come to an agreement on language that will be palatable to the White House. An amendment to the bill mandating the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region was rejected during deliberations Wednesday. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Feingold (D-CA) called for the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops by March 2008 and was defeated by a vote of 29-67.

Guard Retired Pay Faces Trouble in the House
Adherence to a “pay go” rule meant that the House would not consider an amendment to the FY08 NDAA that would have included Rep. Latham’s legislation, (H.R. 1428), that would lower the 60 year age for receipt of retired pay by 3 months for every aggregate 90 days of deployment during a fiscal year. House rules would not allow the language to be considered without offsetting deductions from other existing military retirement benefits that would fund the projected $400 million dollar cost of the bill. Unless the House leadership is willing to waive the “pay go” rule that is blocking these legislative efforts, or the sponsors can identify offsets, the House will not legislate to for National Guard retired pay receipt. Let your Representatives know of the importance of this issue to the future of the National Guard and ask them to consider whether it should be subject to a blanket rule. Representative Saxton and the co-sponsors of H.R. 690 did not seek an amendment to the FY08 NDAA that would have included the provisions of the Saxton bill that would lower the retired pay receipt age to age 55. Senator Chambliss’ version of the bill, S.648, still has life in that chamber.

What’s Happening at NGAUS?

Joint Cargo Legislative Alert #07-04
The purpose of the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program is to procure a small cargo aircraft that provides responsive, flexible, and tailored airlift for combat, humanitarian operations, and homeland defense. Funding for this important program was not included in the House version of the FY08 NDAA. Use our “Write to Congress” feature to contact your Senators and urge them to provide funding for the JCA in the FY08 Senate Armed Services Committee NDAA that was removed by the House Armed Services Committee in the FY08 NDAA.

Resolutions Deadline Draws Closer
The resolutions deadline of June 1 is just two weeks away. Please be sure to send your finalized, approved resolutions to Bernie Phelps, Senior Legislative Analyst at B. Phelps. Any resolutions received after the June 1 deadline will be treated as emergency resolutions.

What Can You Do?
Keep sending those letters to Congress! In recent weeks, we have seen an outstanding response, with more than 6,000 messages sent to members. Use our “Write to Congress” link on the NGAUS website to let your Senators and Representative know what National Guard issues are important to you.

Capwiz Update
14,145 messages have been sent this year.
919 messages were sent this week.
3032 messages on Guard Empowerment.
3963 messages were sent on TRICARE fee increases.
6526 messages were sent on retirement.

Top 5 States:
1. Georgia – 1823 messages
2. Tennessee – 1638 messages
3. Mississippi – 960 messages
4. Ohio – 561 messages
5. Indiana 492 messages

Our Goal for 2007: 54,000 messages. Only 39,855 messages to go! For more information on NGAUS, check out our website: NGAUS.

Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) Legislative Alert: #07-04

The Issue: Restoring Funding for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA)

Immediate Action Required: Contact your Senators and urge them to provide funding for the JCA in the FY08 SASC NDAA that was removed by the HASC in the FY08 NDAA (H.R.1585).

The purpose of the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program is to procure a small cargo aircraft for both the Army and the Air Force that provides responsive, flexible, and tailored airlift for combat, humanitarian operations, and homeland defense. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the Army and Air Force on 20 Jun 06, establishing an initial joint requirement. NGAUS supports procurement of the JCA.

Members of the both House and Senate Armed Services Committees have been requesting Air Force lift capabilities studies for some time, believing the Air Force has a greater requirement for airlift than it has identified in its budget request. Those studies have not been delivered.

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) inserted language in the FY08 Defense Authorizations Bill (20 Mar 07 House Report 110-146, Section 132, page 41) prohibiting the Secretary of the Air Force or Army from obligating or expending funds for the development or procurement of the JCA until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) submits to Congress a series of airlift capabilities and fleet-mix analysis studies. The SECDEF must also certify that there is a valid requirement for the JCA. The restrictive language in the House version of the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act could delay the program for up to one year, adding unnecessary cost and time to the development of a much needed, validated program. For a complete analysis and summary of the reports and studies Congress is requesting related to the JCA program see our NGAUS Fact Sheet attached here.

NGAUS urges the responsible agencies to provide to the Congress final reports on all completed studies and interim reports on those studies still ongoing. Further we urge the Senate to include funding for the JCA program in the Senate Armed Services Committee and further to ensure this funding is included in the Defense Authorization conference.

TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION:

By using the “Write to Congress” feature on the NGAUS Web site at NGAUS, you can IMMEDIATELY e-mail your elected representatives. A sample letter is included in our “Write to Congress” feature. You can e-mail the pre-written message or edit the sample letter as you desire. This is the quickest and most effective method of expressing your views to Congress. Also, contact your friends and family and urge them to “Write to Congress” as well. For more in-depth information and background visit our web site at NGAUS. Please direct any questions concerning this issue to Pete Duffy, NGAUS Deputy Legislative Director at 202-454-5307 or via email: Pete Duffy.

NGAUS Notes: 5/18/2007

Gates Moves on Guard Commission Recommendations
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has charged his staff to take quick action on 20 recommendations made March 1 by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves. He also has presented alternatives to other commission recommendations. In a May 10 memorandum, Mr. Gates charged the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the undersecretary of defense for policy, the Guard Bureau chief and the commanders of U.S. Northern, Southern and Pacific commands with advocating for reserve-component civil support requirements and resources. Mr. Gates also agreed with the commission’s recommendation that the Guard Bureau chief not be a member of the Joint Chiefs of staff. Instead, the Defense Department recommends that policy changes name the Guard chief an adviser to the defense secretary and the Joint Chiefs chairman. Mr. Gates also proposed a legislative change that would not limit the grade of the Guard chief to a three-star position. In addition, the DoD disagreed with the commission on making either the U.S. Northern Command’s commander or deputy position a mandatory reserve-component officer’s billet. Instead, the Pentagon calls for a policy change to modify officer military education and assignments that will allow any position in the military to be filled with the best qualified officer, regardless of component. Mr. Gates also is directing an executive order that will establish a council of governors that would advise his office and the secretary of homeland security. Defense Department leaders must respond within two weeks to Mr. Gates’ call for action.

Popular Web Sites Blocked on DoD Computers
The Defense Department announced Monday it is blocking access to many popular Internet sites from departmentowned computers due to bandwidth issues. Joint Task Force Global Network Operations, which directs the operation and defense of the Defense Department’s global information grid, blocked youtube.com and pandora.com, as well as photobucket.com, myspace.com, live365.com, hi5.com, metacafe.com, mtv.com, ifilm.com, blackplanet.com, stupidvideos.com and filecabi.com. The popularity of the sites has not affected operations yet, but blocking them prevents them from causing such a problem, officials said. “It is a proactive measure; we do not want a problem with demand for these sites clogging the networks,” a U.S. Strategic Command official said. The blocks affect only Defense Department computers and local area networks that are part of the department’s global information grid. The department has more than 15,000 local and regional networks and more than 5 million computers in the grid. Blocking the sites “is in no way a comment on the content, purpose or uses of the Web sites themselves,” the official said. “It is solely a bandwidth/network management issue.” But DoD has voiced concerns in the past about sensitive information emerging from military personnel in combat theaters using the Internet. Those needing access these sites from government computers can request exceptions to the policy. Global network operations officials said they will continue to assess the stresses and strains on the global information grid.

Operation Gratitude Set for Annual Care Package Drive
As Memorial Day nears, so does the start of Operation Gratitude’s fourth Patriotic Drive to send care packages to troops serving overseas. The California-based troop support group has been collecting and sorting items for the drive since March, Carolyn Blashek, the group’s founder said. Volunteers will begin assembling the packages during the Memorial Day weekend and continue to do so for three additional weekends, concluding the project on June 30 and July 1. The group has shipped more than 210,000 packages since its founding about four years ago. Ms. Blashek said she expects the group will send another 50,000-60,000 packages during this drive. “We will be sending our quarter-millionth care package on June 16,” she said. “The contents of that package are a surprise and will be revealed...on that day.” In addition, each package sent as part of this year’s Patriotic Drive will contain a special item, which will be revealed on the first packing day. The packages always contain letters to the troops as well as food, personal and comfort items. Ms. Blashek said Operation Gratitude is accepting donations of items from its wish list, which can be viewed on its Web site, and will continue to do so through June 15. “We welcome all items on our wish list and especially would like DVDs, CDs, Beanie Babies, Bandana Cool-ties or mini fans, small packages of beef jerky, and personal letters of appreciation,” she said. Those interested in donating packages or material can visit Operation Gratitude for more information.

Communication Department Needs Staff Writer
The National Guard Association has an immediate opening for an experienced staff writer. Selected candidate will contribute to NATIONAL GUARD, the association’s monthly magazine, NGAUS Notes and the NGAUS Web site. Duties include writing short news stories and covering a variety of hearings on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. For the magazine, the successful candidate will contribute at least one substantial feature story each month and assist in editing and producing the final product. Some travel is required. Candidates must have five years of reporting experience. Familiarity with the military and the National Guard is preferred. Interest in writing about military/legislative topics a must. Car required. Salary: low- to mid-40s. Excellent benefits include health and dental coverage and a 401K. plan. Convenient Capitol Hill location. Send cover letter, resume and three writing samples to:

National Guard Association of the United States
Communications Department
One Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C., 20001.
Fax: 202-682-9358

E-mail: Chris Prawdzik.

NGAUS History
In March 1993, retired Maj. Gen. Robert F. Ensslin, NGAUS executive director, said he believed that the current dialogues between the Army and the Army Guard were encouraging; however, improvements were still needed for the the continuance of Total Army Policy as it applies to the Total Army. “National Guard units can produce any level of readiness for which they are resourced,” he said at the Brookings Institution’s National Issues Forum on the U.S. military in transition. He also emphasized the Guard’s dual role and the value it adds to the local communities across America. “The National Guard is America,” General Ensslin said.

This Week in Guard History
May 14, 1945: Mindanao Island, Philippines — Elements of Florida’s 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division repel several Japanese suicide attacks. The 31st “Dixie” Division first entered combat when, in March 1944, it took part in the fighting in New Guinea. Elements of it made an assault landing near Aitape causing a diversion of Japanese defenders while the main portion of the division landed at Maffin Bay almost unopposed. The 31st then moved to secure Morotai Island, cutting off 40,000 enemy soldiers based on Halmahera Island from reinforcements and supply from the Philippines. The 31st proved its mettle when it captured a Japanese airfield at Valencia, which led to the banzai attacks as fanatical Japanese soldiers tried in vain to recapture it. During the course of the war the division suffered 414 men killed in action with another 1,400 wounded.
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Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department. Comments and questions should be directed to NGAUS's email. NGAUS members can sign up for electronic delivery of NGAUS Notes at NGAUS's site.

NGAUS Notes: 5/5/2007

Gates Tries to Reassure After War Supplemental Fails
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Wednesday that the Defense Department will do all it can to ensure troops Iraq are not affected by delays in passage of a war funding supplemental. President Bush vetoed a supplemental funding bill this week that provided troop funds but also imposed a timeline on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. The bill also contained billions in additional funding for projects unrelated to the war effort, which opponents of the bill say were necessary to convince more conservative Democrats to actually approve a withdrawal timeline. Congress then tried to override the veto, but fell well short of the two-thirds vote needed for the override. Mr. Gates said the longer the supplemental funding goes unapproved, the greater the financial disruptions are on the Army. But he also said most of those will be absorbed as monies are transferred from accounts for construction, training, hiring and travel and funneled to support the war. Mr. Bush called the bill unacceptable because it mandates artificial timelines for troop withdrawal, which he said would embolden the enemy and discourage the Iraqi people. Mr. Gates said that preset timelines for troop withdrawal would be a mistake. “If you pick a certain date and say the troops are coming out on a certain date, everybody basically just gets to sitback and say, ‘OK, we got 90 or 100 days that we’ve got to wait,’” he said.“As long as there’s some uncertainty about that, it seems to me that they don’t have that luxury.”

Online Training Reduces Time Away From Home
The Defense Department unveiled a new online joint education program last week to better prepare service members to operate with other services, government agencies, foreign militaries and non-governmental organizations, while reducing class time and time away from home for military personnel. Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) went live April 30 to deliver coursework and learning tools for people involved in joint operations. At an unveiling April 27, David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the new program recognizes that operations now and in the future will include more than military personnel. JKO’s distance-learning classes will give users a chance to learn or brush up on skills they need to operate in a challenging and constantly changing environment, he said. Air Force Gen. Lance L. Smith, commander of U.S. Joint forces command, noted the program’s consideration for the heavy demands now placed on military personnel. “This will allow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to be able to train in many areas at their own pace, in their own houses or their own workspace without having to take more time away from their family and their units,” he said. For example, one of the portal’s first offerings is the Joint Individual Augmentee Module, which will replace a week-long resident course that was offered in Suffolk, Va. Other offerings will shorten resident course time by giving students the basics online before they show up for the first day of class.

For more information, military personnel interested in the program should visit JFCOM.mil.

National Military Appreciation Month Recognizes War Sacrifices
In an effort to draw attention to the sacrifices the armed forces and their families experience, Congress has designated May as National Military Appreciation Month. The resolution, passed in 2004, urges the president to issue a proclamation encouraging people in U.S. localities, organizations and media to annually observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. May and June host a number of other patriotic commemorations, including Victory in Europe Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Week, Memorial Day, Flag Day and the observance of the Navy and Army birthdays. A group of volunteers has worked for nine years to establish a month dedicated to the nation’s active-duty personnel including Guard and Reserve troops, in addition to retirees and veterans. They encourage citizens to express appreciation to military families across the nation by engaging schools, civic organizations and businesses to organize events like visiting veterans’ hospitals and decorating with patriotic themes. The Defense Department is taking part in the month-long celebration with America Supports You, a DoD program highlighting the support of grassroots groups and corporate partners to the armed forces, co-hosting events throughout the nation. The program will take part in events like the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; the Joint Services Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; and several NASCAR and Professional Golfers’ Association events across the nation.

NGAUS All Stars Complete Capital Challenge Run
Five members of the NGAUS staff participated in the 26th Annual ACLI Capital Challenge on Wednesday to benefit D.C. Special Olympics. The race, held in Washington’s Anacostia Park, featured coed teams representing the three branches of the federal government and members of the media. The NGAUS All Stars represented NATIONAL GUARD magazine and finished 17th out of 34 teams in the print media standings. “We accomplished our goal of finishing in the top half of the team competition,” said Rich Arnold, NGAUS public affairs specialist. Mr. Arnold was NGAUS’ top finisher at 17 minutes 44 seconds. Other NGAUS runners included Gareth Vaughan (27:45), Pete Duffy(22:47), Maureen Hearn (29:19) and Emily Breitbach (29:38).

NGAUS History
In 1914, Boston Mayor James M. Curry welcomed the NGAUS General Conference for a week of social activities that the historic city was well equipped to offer. Following the business sessions, the delegates boarded special cars for Faneuil Hall, where they were lunch guests of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. The delegates then proceeded to the Eastern Avenue wharf, where the city steamer Monitor was waiting to take them down the harbor to Fort Andrews. The following afternoon, the Boston Braves invited several delegates to attend a game at South End Grounds as guests of the baseball club.

This Week in Guard History
May 1, 1813: Fort Meigs, Ohio—British forces, which have had a loose siege around the post for weeks finally bring up artillery and begin a bombardment. The forces in the fort consist of a mix of regulars and militia from Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia under the command of Gen. William Henry Harrison, who had earlier been a general in the Indiana Territorial militia. When the enemy artillery starts to pound the fort, Gen. Harrison dispatches 800 Kentucky militiamen to cross the Maumee River, attack the guns and spike them so they can no longer fire. Once accomplished, the militia pursues what appears to be retreating Indians under the leadership of Tecumseh. After entering the woods, the Indians counterattack while the British forces swing around their flanks, cutting most off from the river. Only about 150 escape with the remainder killed or captured. Of those captured, about 50 are murdered by the Indians before Tecumseh put a stop to it. The British, without use of their artillery, soon lift the siege.
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Produced weekly by the NGAUS communications department. Comments and questions should be directed to NGAUS e-mail. NGAUS members can sign up for electronic delivery of NGAUS NOTES at www.ngaus.org.