By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2006 - The new Iraqi government has taken several steps in recent days and weeks to move the country toward peace and prosperity, a senior U.S. military officer said yesterday.
Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, described some of these initiatives to reporters at a Baghdad news conference.
For example, the Iraqi government's Council of Representatives passed a "Region's Law" on Oct. 11. The law that focuses on an equable distribution of wealth and political power among Iraq's multifaceted citizenry, Caldwell said. It also outlines procedures provinces would use in forming political regions as the result of voter referendums."This is a great beginning to addressing the worries of many Iraqis on fair distribution of wealth and political power," Caldwell said.
The Council of Representatives also passed an investment law on Oct. 10. "This law will provide a legal and regulatory framework for companies -- foreign companies -- interested in investing in Iraq," Caldwell explained. "The Iraqi government is also drafting a hydrocarbon law to ensure fair and equitable distribution of the natures of this country's future oil revenues."
In September, the Council of Representatives passed a law designed to thwart the black-marketing of gasoline and other fuels, Caldwell said. The new law also will bolster fuel supplies and cut corruption by opening up the country's energy sector to private investment. Regulations pursuant to the new law are being developed and should be in place by the end of this year, Caldwell said.
Additionally, Iraqi and Turkish diplomats agreed Oct. 4 to resolve a three-year-old dispute over payments for fuel imports, Caldwell said. The funds involved in the dispute amounted to some $200 million.Resolution of the Turkish-Iraqi dispute "was desperately needed to help open trade and alleviate Iraq's fuel shortage," Caldwell said.
In September, Iraq produced an average of 2.4 million barrels of oil per day, Caldwell noted. This rate surpasses the daily production goal of 2.2 million barrels of oil for the past six consecutive months. Through September, Iraqi oil sales revenues have exceeded projected estimates by about $1.5 billion, he said.
The Iraqi government also is working to reduce a national unemployment rate that's now estimated to be 30 percent, Caldwell said. To support that effort, the government is assembling funding for an employment program that would train and employ 100,000 young men for two years.
All of these initiatives "are critical to Iraq's future," Caldwell said, noting that establishing security and raising the standard of living for Iraq's citizens are closely related."
As we have stated, if you want prosperity, you must have security," Caldwell emphasized. "And, if you want security, you must have unity. We know this, and (Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki) knows this."
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1596]
Friday, October 13, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Welcome Home, 1st Lt James L. Hull, U.S. Air Force - Vietnam
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense
No. 1025-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711
Air Force Pilot Missing in Action From Vietnam War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will soon be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is 1st Lt. James L. Hull, U.S. Air Force, of Lubbock, Texas. He will be buried Nov. 13 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
On Feb. 19, 1971, Hull and a fellow crew member were flying a mission near the Laos/Vietnam border when their O-2A Skymaster crashed. Both men died, but Hull's body was buried in the wreckage and could not be recovered because of hostile enemy action.
Between 1993 and 1997, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) led three investigations with U.S. and Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, and one trilateral investigation with a Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team. During the first investigation, the team interviewed a Vietnamese citizen who produced human remains and an identification tag for Hull that he claimed to have recovered from a crash site located just inside Laos. The joint team was not allowed to cross the border and the investigation was suspended. The Vietnamese turned over the bone fragment to U.S. officials, but the ID tag's whereabouts are still unknown.
Additional investigations yielded some information concerning a crash site located just inside the Laotian border. The S.R.V. allowed a Vietnamese national to walk to the purported crash site and collect a fragment of the wreckage. Based on the location, type of aircraft and retrieved wreckage, analysts determined it was Hull's crash site.
In May 2006, a joint U.S. and L.P.D.R. team excavated the site where they recovered additional evidence and human remains.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA from a known maternal relative in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10071]
No. 1025-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711
Air Force Pilot Missing in Action From Vietnam War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will soon be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is 1st Lt. James L. Hull, U.S. Air Force, of Lubbock, Texas. He will be buried Nov. 13 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
On Feb. 19, 1971, Hull and a fellow crew member were flying a mission near the Laos/Vietnam border when their O-2A Skymaster crashed. Both men died, but Hull's body was buried in the wreckage and could not be recovered because of hostile enemy action.
Between 1993 and 1997, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) led three investigations with U.S. and Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, and one trilateral investigation with a Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team. During the first investigation, the team interviewed a Vietnamese citizen who produced human remains and an identification tag for Hull that he claimed to have recovered from a crash site located just inside Laos. The joint team was not allowed to cross the border and the investigation was suspended. The Vietnamese turned over the bone fragment to U.S. officials, but the ID tag's whereabouts are still unknown.
Additional investigations yielded some information concerning a crash site located just inside the Laotian border. The S.R.V. allowed a Vietnamese national to walk to the purported crash site and collect a fragment of the wreckage. Based on the location, type of aircraft and retrieved wreckage, analysts determined it was Hull's crash site.
In May 2006, a joint U.S. and L.P.D.R. team excavated the site where they recovered additional evidence and human remains.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA from a known maternal relative in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10071]
All Hail The United States Air Force
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 - The nation's youngest military service will kick off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the U.S. Air Force Memorial here.
The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the nation by the Air Force Memorial Foundation at an official ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 on a three-acre promontory next to Arlington National Cemetery and a short walk from the Pentagon.
Officials said the memorial honors the millions of men and women who have served in the Air Force and its predecessor organizations, including the U.S. Signal Corps, the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces. It pays tribute to the dedication, sacrifice and contributions of those who pioneered the skies, those who shape the air, space and cyberspace victories of today, and those who will continue to do so in the future, officials added.
The memorial hosts a paved "Runway to Glory" at the site entrance, a larger-than-life bronze Honor Guard statue, two granite inscription walls located at either end of a central lawn, and a glass contemplation wall that reflects the missing-man formation, the final tribute given to fallen airmen. The memorial's surrounding spaces will be landscaped to create a memorial park and parade ground overlooking the nation's capital.
The dedication ceremony will include an aerial review consisting of aircraft from the 1930s through modern day, from the B-17 and B-24 of World War II fame to the B-2 Spirit and C-17 Globemaster III of the global war on terror, as well as a five-ship "Heritage Flight" featuring the P-51 Mustang, the F-86 Sabre, the F-4 Phantom, the F-15C Eagle and the F-22A Raptor. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will also perform a flyover and "bomb-burst" maneuver reflecting the design of the memorial's three spires.
Due to space limitations at the Memorial site, overflow seating will be available in Pentagon South Parking with live simulcast of the dedication.
The Air Force also will host an open house in Pentagon South Parking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. In addition to the live simulcast of the dedication from 1:30 to 3 p.m., the open house will feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Drill Team and the U.S. Air Force Band's high-energy "Max Impact" ensemble, a "Heritage Parade of Uniforms," a concert by country singer Lee Ann Womack and a wide variety of interactive displays and exhibits showcasing America's airmen, Air Force equipment, technology and aircraft.
Static aircraft displays will include the Predator and Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles; UH-1, HH-60, MH-53 helicopters; the CV-22 tiltrotor aircraft; and an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter display model.
The weekend will conclude with a memorial service Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the memorial site. Officials will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony punctuated by a missing-man formation flown by F-16s. Again, due to space limitations at the site, overflow seating will be available in Pentagon South Parking with live simulcast of the service.
Immediately following both the official dedication ceremony Oct. 14 and the memorial service Oct. 15, shuttles will transport the public from Pentagon South Parking to the Memorial site to view the Memorial.
The weekend's events are easily accessible from the Pentagon Metro station, and the public is highly encouraged to use the Metro as there will be numerous road closures in the area and parking will be extremely limited, officials said.
The Memorial will be closed to the public Oct. 16 while the grounds are restored following the weekend's activities.
(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1573]
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 - The nation's youngest military service will kick off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the U.S. Air Force Memorial here.
The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the nation by the Air Force Memorial Foundation at an official ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 on a three-acre promontory next to Arlington National Cemetery and a short walk from the Pentagon.
Officials said the memorial honors the millions of men and women who have served in the Air Force and its predecessor organizations, including the U.S. Signal Corps, the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces. It pays tribute to the dedication, sacrifice and contributions of those who pioneered the skies, those who shape the air, space and cyberspace victories of today, and those who will continue to do so in the future, officials added.
The memorial hosts a paved "Runway to Glory" at the site entrance, a larger-than-life bronze Honor Guard statue, two granite inscription walls located at either end of a central lawn, and a glass contemplation wall that reflects the missing-man formation, the final tribute given to fallen airmen. The memorial's surrounding spaces will be landscaped to create a memorial park and parade ground overlooking the nation's capital.
The dedication ceremony will include an aerial review consisting of aircraft from the 1930s through modern day, from the B-17 and B-24 of World War II fame to the B-2 Spirit and C-17 Globemaster III of the global war on terror, as well as a five-ship "Heritage Flight" featuring the P-51 Mustang, the F-86 Sabre, the F-4 Phantom, the F-15C Eagle and the F-22A Raptor. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will also perform a flyover and "bomb-burst" maneuver reflecting the design of the memorial's three spires.
Due to space limitations at the Memorial site, overflow seating will be available in Pentagon South Parking with live simulcast of the dedication.
The Air Force also will host an open house in Pentagon South Parking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. In addition to the live simulcast of the dedication from 1:30 to 3 p.m., the open house will feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Drill Team and the U.S. Air Force Band's high-energy "Max Impact" ensemble, a "Heritage Parade of Uniforms," a concert by country singer Lee Ann Womack and a wide variety of interactive displays and exhibits showcasing America's airmen, Air Force equipment, technology and aircraft.
Static aircraft displays will include the Predator and Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles; UH-1, HH-60, MH-53 helicopters; the CV-22 tiltrotor aircraft; and an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter display model.
The weekend will conclude with a memorial service Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the memorial site. Officials will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony punctuated by a missing-man formation flown by F-16s. Again, due to space limitations at the site, overflow seating will be available in Pentagon South Parking with live simulcast of the service.
Immediately following both the official dedication ceremony Oct. 14 and the memorial service Oct. 15, shuttles will transport the public from Pentagon South Parking to the Memorial site to view the Memorial.
The weekend's events are easily accessible from the Pentagon Metro station, and the public is highly encouraged to use the Metro as there will be numerous road closures in the area and parking will be extremely limited, officials said.
The Memorial will be closed to the public Oct. 16 while the grounds are restored following the weekend's activities.
(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1573]
Golfers Drive Home Their Support For Our Wounded Warriors
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
CROMWELL, Conn., Oct. 11, 2006 - Nearly 150 golfers hit the links at River Highlands TPC golf club here yesterday to support wounded servicemembers.
The day began with opening ceremonies that included a color guard from the Connecticut Recruiting and Retention Command, out of Hartford. Army Spc. Meric Martin, a Connecticut National Guardsman with the 102nd Army Band out of Bristol, performed the national anthem.
"I think (the event) is great," Connecticut Army National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Robert Beloff, with Joint Forces Headquarters for the state of Connecticut, said. "When you see the news and you see people protesting (the war) and things like that, something like this almost cancels that all out.
"It's a good feeling," he added.
The Pratt & Whitney America Supports You Tournament raised about $110,000 through donations and golf fees. Three organizations that offer support to wounded servicemembers and their families -- Homes For Our Troops, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund -- will share the funds, Tammy Young, director of special events and catering for River Highlands, said.
The groups, respectively, also benefit from the efforts of PGA players Phil Mickelson, Rory Sabbatini and Frank Lickliter, throughout the season. They're also members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers.
Pratt & Whitney, a defense contractor and major sponsor of last year's River Highlands event returned to sponsor this year's event. Mike Field, a senior vice president in sales and marketing with Pratt & Whitney, said the company has an ongoing relationship with River Highlands and liked that the event allows people to interact with servicemembers.
"PGA has set out, through these series of America Supports You events, to create awareness in perhaps a nontraditional location and appeal to people's interest to come out and ... have the opportunity to recognize what the men and women of our services do," Field said.
About a dozen servicemembers took advantage of an unusually temperate fall day to play 18 holes of golf on the PGA course. The importance of the event and the visibility it brings to the needs of their wounded comrades was not lost on them.
"Being with the recruiting and retention command, our main thing is to get the word out there to the veterans, the guys that are actually over there ... serving their country," Army Master Sgt. Michael Dezi, said. "The more people that we can get involved and (showing) patriotism, that's our goal.
"While the day was a lighthearted outing with prizes for shooting holes-in-one, getting the closest to the pin, and placing first, second and third overall, it had a serious note, as well. For the civilians involved, it was about honoring servicemembers, Young said.
"It gives a chance for the people that are out there to meet (servicemembers), shake their hands, raise their morale, (and) let them know that they care about them," Young said. "Hopefully the people that participate will take away that feeling and tell other people.
"I think that there's a great ripple effect that comes out of this type of a feel-good day," she said.
As a further show of support, River Highlands has adopted a unit currently serving in Iraq, Young said. The club will send monthly care packages to the servicemembers until they return home.
The America Supports You/TPC partnership began in 2005 and has raised $450,000 in donations through events at all 24 TPC locations nationwide. While each club holds fundraisers, it's up to them to decide the details of each event, Young said.
The River Highlands fundraiser grew considerably from last year's, which was impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Many servicemembers scheduled to participate were deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi, Young said.
This year the event sold out in June, prompting the club to add a smaller-scale event on July 31 to accommodate all those who wished to participate. Plans are already in the works for the 2007 event, which will take place Oct. 9.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS IN THESE CRITICAL TIMES.
God Bless our fighting men and women.
God Bless America.
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1542]
http://woundedwarriors.org
http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer
http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/fallenheroes/index.php
American Forces Press Service
CROMWELL, Conn., Oct. 11, 2006 - Nearly 150 golfers hit the links at River Highlands TPC golf club here yesterday to support wounded servicemembers.
The day began with opening ceremonies that included a color guard from the Connecticut Recruiting and Retention Command, out of Hartford. Army Spc. Meric Martin, a Connecticut National Guardsman with the 102nd Army Band out of Bristol, performed the national anthem.
"I think (the event) is great," Connecticut Army National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Robert Beloff, with Joint Forces Headquarters for the state of Connecticut, said. "When you see the news and you see people protesting (the war) and things like that, something like this almost cancels that all out.
"It's a good feeling," he added.
The Pratt & Whitney America Supports You Tournament raised about $110,000 through donations and golf fees. Three organizations that offer support to wounded servicemembers and their families -- Homes For Our Troops, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund -- will share the funds, Tammy Young, director of special events and catering for River Highlands, said.
The groups, respectively, also benefit from the efforts of PGA players Phil Mickelson, Rory Sabbatini and Frank Lickliter, throughout the season. They're also members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers.
Pratt & Whitney, a defense contractor and major sponsor of last year's River Highlands event returned to sponsor this year's event. Mike Field, a senior vice president in sales and marketing with Pratt & Whitney, said the company has an ongoing relationship with River Highlands and liked that the event allows people to interact with servicemembers.
"PGA has set out, through these series of America Supports You events, to create awareness in perhaps a nontraditional location and appeal to people's interest to come out and ... have the opportunity to recognize what the men and women of our services do," Field said.
About a dozen servicemembers took advantage of an unusually temperate fall day to play 18 holes of golf on the PGA course. The importance of the event and the visibility it brings to the needs of their wounded comrades was not lost on them.
"Being with the recruiting and retention command, our main thing is to get the word out there to the veterans, the guys that are actually over there ... serving their country," Army Master Sgt. Michael Dezi, said. "The more people that we can get involved and (showing) patriotism, that's our goal.
"While the day was a lighthearted outing with prizes for shooting holes-in-one, getting the closest to the pin, and placing first, second and third overall, it had a serious note, as well. For the civilians involved, it was about honoring servicemembers, Young said.
"It gives a chance for the people that are out there to meet (servicemembers), shake their hands, raise their morale, (and) let them know that they care about them," Young said. "Hopefully the people that participate will take away that feeling and tell other people.
"I think that there's a great ripple effect that comes out of this type of a feel-good day," she said.
As a further show of support, River Highlands has adopted a unit currently serving in Iraq, Young said. The club will send monthly care packages to the servicemembers until they return home.
The America Supports You/TPC partnership began in 2005 and has raised $450,000 in donations through events at all 24 TPC locations nationwide. While each club holds fundraisers, it's up to them to decide the details of each event, Young said.
The River Highlands fundraiser grew considerably from last year's, which was impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Many servicemembers scheduled to participate were deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi, Young said.
This year the event sold out in June, prompting the club to add a smaller-scale event on July 31 to accommodate all those who wished to participate. Plans are already in the works for the 2007 event, which will take place Oct. 9.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS IN THESE CRITICAL TIMES.
God Bless our fighting men and women.
God Bless America.
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1542]
http://woundedwarriors.org
http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer
http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/fallenheroes/index.php
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
And for the ladies ...
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - Women have served in the Air Force for years, making valuable contributions, but gender and race differences have never been an important factor in accomplishing the Air Force mission, the first woman pilot on the Air Force Thunderbirds said here today.
"What we need to concentrate on is what we have in common, which is that warrior spirit that's in all of our hearts, that has created us the way we are -- to choose to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves," Air Force Maj. Nicole Malachowski said during a speech at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, at Arlington National Cemetery.
Malachowski, who flies the No. 3 jet as the right wing pilot in the Thunderbirds' diamond formation, is in town with the team for the dedication of the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14. She has been with the Thunderbirds for a year, and this will be her 55th demonstration.
Being the first woman Thunderbird pilot is an honor, Malachowski said, but the more important thing for her is the opportunity to serve with so many talented men and women and share the Air Force story with the public.
"We are a team whose job is to go out there and represent the United States Air Force and the 530,000 men and women who wear Air Force blue with the honor, the respect and the dignity that they deserve," she said. "We're out there to represent what we know to be true -- the fantastic hard work, dedication and professionalism of the men and women in our Air Force that we have the privilege to work alongside."
The Thunderbirds spend a majority of their time doing community outreach. As part of that, they speak to a lot of children, Malachowski said. Meeting with these children, especially those who are part of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, is a blessing for her, she said, and gives her a healthy dose of humility. She recalled meeting one young boy who had only a month to live and whose wish was to meet a Thunderbird pilot.
"People talk about our military people being so courageous and heroic, and they are, and I'm very proud to be a part of the Air Force, but you look at a kid like this and you think, 'What is courage? What is heroism? It's standing right in front of us,'" she said. "This is why we wear these uniforms and why we go out and defend our nation."
Malachowski first became interested in flying at the age of 5, when she saw an air show in her native Las Vegas. She set her sights on becoming an Air Force pilot and never looked back. She started flying with the Civil Air Patrol when she was 12, and by 16 was doing solo flights. After high school, she attended the Air Force Academy and has since seen various assignments as an F-15E pilot, including a tour in Iraq. She said she hopes her service in the Thunderbirds is an example to young girls and to all children that they can achieve their dreams.
"The message to all young Americans is that it's great to have a dream; it's great to have goals," she said. "Pursue something that you are passionate about, and then pursue excellence in that. And surround yourself with a positive team. I hope that when they see the Air Force Thunderbirds, they realize they can achieve any dream, and that a great team to have is certainly the Air Force."
Women have served in the Thunderbirds since 1974, just not in a pilot capacity, Malachowski said. Of the 130 officers and enlisted personnel on the Thunderbird team, 15 are women. Besides the six demonstration pilots, the Thunderbirds are made up of support personnel from about 25 different career fields.
The Thunderbirds have a grueling schedule, as they are on the road about 220 days during their eight-month air show season, but every team member considers it a privilege to serve and share the Air Force story, Malachowski said. For her part, she said she is just glad to have been born into a time of opportunities for women in the military.
"Women love their country too, and there are a lot of us who choose to do that by wearing a military uniform," she said. "I have seen and traveled the world, and it is just a wonderful thing to be a woman living in a country that provides you so many wonderful opportunities and freedoms that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. And the Air Force simply takes that to another level."
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1553]====================================================Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - Women have served in the Air Force for years, making valuable contributions, but gender and race differences have never been an important factor in accomplishing the Air Force mission, the first woman pilot on the Air Force Thunderbirds said here today.
"What we need to concentrate on is what we have in common, which is that warrior spirit that's in all of our hearts, that has created us the way we are -- to choose to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves," Air Force Maj. Nicole Malachowski said during a speech at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, at Arlington National Cemetery.
Malachowski, who flies the No. 3 jet as the right wing pilot in the Thunderbirds' diamond formation, is in town with the team for the dedication of the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14. She has been with the Thunderbirds for a year, and this will be her 55th demonstration.
Being the first woman Thunderbird pilot is an honor, Malachowski said, but the more important thing for her is the opportunity to serve with so many talented men and women and share the Air Force story with the public.
"We are a team whose job is to go out there and represent the United States Air Force and the 530,000 men and women who wear Air Force blue with the honor, the respect and the dignity that they deserve," she said. "We're out there to represent what we know to be true -- the fantastic hard work, dedication and professionalism of the men and women in our Air Force that we have the privilege to work alongside."
The Thunderbirds spend a majority of their time doing community outreach. As part of that, they speak to a lot of children, Malachowski said. Meeting with these children, especially those who are part of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, is a blessing for her, she said, and gives her a healthy dose of humility. She recalled meeting one young boy who had only a month to live and whose wish was to meet a Thunderbird pilot.
"People talk about our military people being so courageous and heroic, and they are, and I'm very proud to be a part of the Air Force, but you look at a kid like this and you think, 'What is courage? What is heroism? It's standing right in front of us,'" she said. "This is why we wear these uniforms and why we go out and defend our nation."
Malachowski first became interested in flying at the age of 5, when she saw an air show in her native Las Vegas. She set her sights on becoming an Air Force pilot and never looked back. She started flying with the Civil Air Patrol when she was 12, and by 16 was doing solo flights. After high school, she attended the Air Force Academy and has since seen various assignments as an F-15E pilot, including a tour in Iraq. She said she hopes her service in the Thunderbirds is an example to young girls and to all children that they can achieve their dreams.
"The message to all young Americans is that it's great to have a dream; it's great to have goals," she said. "Pursue something that you are passionate about, and then pursue excellence in that. And surround yourself with a positive team. I hope that when they see the Air Force Thunderbirds, they realize they can achieve any dream, and that a great team to have is certainly the Air Force."
Women have served in the Thunderbirds since 1974, just not in a pilot capacity, Malachowski said. Of the 130 officers and enlisted personnel on the Thunderbird team, 15 are women. Besides the six demonstration pilots, the Thunderbirds are made up of support personnel from about 25 different career fields.
The Thunderbirds have a grueling schedule, as they are on the road about 220 days during their eight-month air show season, but every team member considers it a privilege to serve and share the Air Force story, Malachowski said. For her part, she said she is just glad to have been born into a time of opportunities for women in the military.
"Women love their country too, and there are a lot of us who choose to do that by wearing a military uniform," she said. "I have seen and traveled the world, and it is just a wonderful thing to be a woman living in a country that provides you so many wonderful opportunities and freedoms that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. And the Air Force simply takes that to another level."
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1553]====================================================Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.
Iraqi Leaders Step Up To Meet Tough Challenges
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2006 - Iraq's elected leaders are taking measures to address the sectarian strife that has gripped Baghdad and other parts of that country in recent weeks, a senior U.S. military officer said yesterday.
"The most telling sign of progress towards reconciliation is that the leaders from diverse factions with different interests are working together and are communicating with each other," Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.
Caldwell, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, cited a meeting chaired by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Oct. 8 in which senior Iraqi government officials and tribal sheikhs discussed possible solutions for quelling sectarian and insurgent violence in Anbar province.
Caldwell also cited an Oct. 1 event in which Maliki and leaders of political parties and religious sects "signed a pledge aimed at ending internal battles and sectarian violence in Baghdad by setting up district committees representing community leaders from all sects."
Later this month, hundreds of civil society representatives will gather at the third of four meetings aimed at reducing violence as part of Maliki's reconciliation and national dialogue plan, Caldwell said.
In addition, "there have been number other tribal and civil society conferences at the provincial and local levels to address the same security issues," he said.
Iraqi Sunni and Shiite religious leaders are in Saudi Arabia discussing inter-Islamic fighting at a meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The Iraqi government also hosted a recent conference in Baghdad in which international and Iraqi officials discussed the establishment of an International Compact for Iraq that would promote foreign investment in the Iraqi economy, Caldwell said.
"So, since the (Iraqi) government formed a few short months ago, Iraqis have made strides towards unity, but it is not easy," Caldwell acknowledged. "Progress takes time, and it is hard to be patient ... when we see innocent people dying.
"With American help, the Iraqi government is "proactively and independently" working to find solutions to stem sectarian strife and insurgent violence, as well as to revive Iraq's economy, Caldwell said.
However, stopping violence in Iraq requires more than just a military solution, Caldwell emphasized. Achieving security in Iraq ultimately depends upon Iraqis supporting their government and reconciliation among the country's tribal and religious factions, he said.
Caldwell offered his condolences to the family of Iraqi Gen. Amir al-Hashimi, who was murdered yesterday in Baghdad. The slain Iraqi general was the brother of Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, Caldwell noted. "Details around this incident are emerging," Caldwell said, noting the Iraqi government "will seek justice against the perpetrators of this deplorable crime.
"Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces are making a difference, Caldwell said, noting they are increasingly taking on independent operations, thereby becoming less dependent on coalition forces.
Caldwell introduced Robert Tillery, the chief of staff from the (Iraq) National Coordination Team, who's working with provincial reconstruction teams throughout Iraq. The PRTs work with local Iraqis in assisting local officials and municipalities to prioritize security and basic services needs for their citizens, Caldwell explained.
The PRT concept was first successfully applied in Afghanistan after the Taliban government was removed from power, Tillery said. PRTs are employed in Iraq "to enforce and bolster the ability of the provincial governments to lead and to respond to the needs of their people," he explained.
Teams of military and civilian reconstruction experts work with provincial reconstruction development committees that in 15 provinces across Iraq, Tillery said.
The system was originally set up to act on Iraq reconstruction needs as determined by U.S. and international officials, he noted.
"The PRDC helped prioritize and identify those electrical, water and roads and bridges projects that required repair, redevelopment and reconstruction," Tillery explained. After prioritization and identification the U.S. government submitted projects for funding, he said.
Today's PRDC program centers on local elected Iraqi officials determining what needs to be built in their cities, towns and villages, Tillery said, noting Iraqi officials have identified 135 projects in 15 provinces valued at more than $100 million.
"By helping local governments more effectively address the needs of their citizens, they will gain the support of their people," Tillery said. "Citizen support and confidence in government institutions is critical to a successful democracy.
"Today's Iraqi economy is breaking new ground, Tillery said, noting it was state-run and badly managed from Baghdad during Saddam Hussein's rule.
"As Iraq emerges from a generation of centralized control from Baghdad, it is essential that constructive relations are developed between the center (of government) and the provinces," Tillery said. "There are a few mechanisms in place to support this, but the PRTs are helping to stimulate constructive dialogue that will build these relationships."
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1512]====================================================Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2006 - Iraq's elected leaders are taking measures to address the sectarian strife that has gripped Baghdad and other parts of that country in recent weeks, a senior U.S. military officer said yesterday.
"The most telling sign of progress towards reconciliation is that the leaders from diverse factions with different interests are working together and are communicating with each other," Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.
Caldwell, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, cited a meeting chaired by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Oct. 8 in which senior Iraqi government officials and tribal sheikhs discussed possible solutions for quelling sectarian and insurgent violence in Anbar province.
Caldwell also cited an Oct. 1 event in which Maliki and leaders of political parties and religious sects "signed a pledge aimed at ending internal battles and sectarian violence in Baghdad by setting up district committees representing community leaders from all sects."
Later this month, hundreds of civil society representatives will gather at the third of four meetings aimed at reducing violence as part of Maliki's reconciliation and national dialogue plan, Caldwell said.
In addition, "there have been number other tribal and civil society conferences at the provincial and local levels to address the same security issues," he said.
Iraqi Sunni and Shiite religious leaders are in Saudi Arabia discussing inter-Islamic fighting at a meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The Iraqi government also hosted a recent conference in Baghdad in which international and Iraqi officials discussed the establishment of an International Compact for Iraq that would promote foreign investment in the Iraqi economy, Caldwell said.
"So, since the (Iraqi) government formed a few short months ago, Iraqis have made strides towards unity, but it is not easy," Caldwell acknowledged. "Progress takes time, and it is hard to be patient ... when we see innocent people dying.
"With American help, the Iraqi government is "proactively and independently" working to find solutions to stem sectarian strife and insurgent violence, as well as to revive Iraq's economy, Caldwell said.
However, stopping violence in Iraq requires more than just a military solution, Caldwell emphasized. Achieving security in Iraq ultimately depends upon Iraqis supporting their government and reconciliation among the country's tribal and religious factions, he said.
Caldwell offered his condolences to the family of Iraqi Gen. Amir al-Hashimi, who was murdered yesterday in Baghdad. The slain Iraqi general was the brother of Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, Caldwell noted. "Details around this incident are emerging," Caldwell said, noting the Iraqi government "will seek justice against the perpetrators of this deplorable crime.
"Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces are making a difference, Caldwell said, noting they are increasingly taking on independent operations, thereby becoming less dependent on coalition forces.
Caldwell introduced Robert Tillery, the chief of staff from the (Iraq) National Coordination Team, who's working with provincial reconstruction teams throughout Iraq. The PRTs work with local Iraqis in assisting local officials and municipalities to prioritize security and basic services needs for their citizens, Caldwell explained.
The PRT concept was first successfully applied in Afghanistan after the Taliban government was removed from power, Tillery said. PRTs are employed in Iraq "to enforce and bolster the ability of the provincial governments to lead and to respond to the needs of their people," he explained.
Teams of military and civilian reconstruction experts work with provincial reconstruction development committees that in 15 provinces across Iraq, Tillery said.
The system was originally set up to act on Iraq reconstruction needs as determined by U.S. and international officials, he noted.
"The PRDC helped prioritize and identify those electrical, water and roads and bridges projects that required repair, redevelopment and reconstruction," Tillery explained. After prioritization and identification the U.S. government submitted projects for funding, he said.
Today's PRDC program centers on local elected Iraqi officials determining what needs to be built in their cities, towns and villages, Tillery said, noting Iraqi officials have identified 135 projects in 15 provinces valued at more than $100 million.
"By helping local governments more effectively address the needs of their citizens, they will gain the support of their people," Tillery said. "Citizen support and confidence in government institutions is critical to a successful democracy.
"Today's Iraqi economy is breaking new ground, Tillery said, noting it was state-run and badly managed from Baghdad during Saddam Hussein's rule.
"As Iraq emerges from a generation of centralized control from Baghdad, it is essential that constructive relations are developed between the center (of government) and the provinces," Tillery said. "There are a few mechanisms in place to support this, but the PRTs are helping to stimulate constructive dialogue that will build these relationships."
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1512]====================================================Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.
A Little Goes A Long Way
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - American soldiers in Iraq accomplish wonders during their tours in Iraq, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said here today.
At a Pentagon news conference with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today, Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. used the 101st Airborne Division as an example of what a division can do.
The 101st deployed from Fort Campbell, Ky., and took over responsibility for northwest Iraq in November 2005. The division redeployed in September.
"Over that period they detained over 150 high-value individuals," Casey said. "Each one of these (was) a painstaking intelligence collection and development effort that resulted in the capture of an individual."
The division secured more than 200 election sites that allowed 1.5 million Iraqis to vote. The 101st moved two Iraqi divisions, nine brigades and 35 battalions into the lead in their area.
On the police side, division soldiers brought five provincial and 11 district police headquarters up to the second-highest level of preparation. "They oversaw the training integration of over 32,000 police, and they supported the development of two strategic infrastructure brigades with 14 battalions," the general said.
The division supervised building 100 police stations, 130 border forts and improved seven international ports of entry along the borders. The progress the division made with Iraqi security forces allowed coalition officials to reduce forces in the area by a two-star headquarters and two brigades. This means a total of 10,000 fewer coalition forces in the region and 25 fewer bases.
"It's not insignificant what a division can get done taking small steps every day, and that's what we say -- we make progress in Iraq every day by taking small steps," Casey said.
JOBS WELL DONE.
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1562]
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - American soldiers in Iraq accomplish wonders during their tours in Iraq, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said here today.
At a Pentagon news conference with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today, Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. used the 101st Airborne Division as an example of what a division can do.
The 101st deployed from Fort Campbell, Ky., and took over responsibility for northwest Iraq in November 2005. The division redeployed in September.
"Over that period they detained over 150 high-value individuals," Casey said. "Each one of these (was) a painstaking intelligence collection and development effort that resulted in the capture of an individual."
The division secured more than 200 election sites that allowed 1.5 million Iraqis to vote. The 101st moved two Iraqi divisions, nine brigades and 35 battalions into the lead in their area.
On the police side, division soldiers brought five provincial and 11 district police headquarters up to the second-highest level of preparation. "They oversaw the training integration of over 32,000 police, and they supported the development of two strategic infrastructure brigades with 14 battalions," the general said.
The division supervised building 100 police stations, 130 border forts and improved seven international ports of entry along the borders. The progress the division made with Iraqi security forces allowed coalition officials to reduce forces in the area by a two-star headquarters and two brigades. This means a total of 10,000 fewer coalition forces in the region and 25 fewer bases.
"It's not insignificant what a division can get done taking small steps every day, and that's what we say -- we make progress in Iraq every day by taking small steps," Casey said.
JOBS WELL DONE.
[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1562]
Monday, October 09, 2006
Welcome Home, First Lt. Shannon E. Estill, WWII Pilot
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense
No. 1007-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 09, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711
Missing WWII Airmen is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is 1st Lt. Shannon E. Estill, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He will be buried on October 10 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
On April 13, 1945, Estill's P-38J Lightning was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire while attacking targets in eastern Germany. Another U.S. pilot reported seeing Estill's aircraft explode and crash. Because the location of the crash site was within the Russian-controlled sector of occupied Germany, U.S. military personnel could not recover Estill's remains after the war.
In 2003, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigated a crash site near the town of Elsnig in eastern Germany. The site had been reported by two German nationals whose hobby is finding the location of World War II crash sites. They also claimed to have found remains at the site, which they turned over to U.S. Army officials. The team surveyed the site and interviewed two more men who witnessed the crash as children.
In 2005, another JPAC team excavated the crash site and recovered additional human remains as well as P-38 wreckage. Included in the recovered wreckage was an aircraft data plate from Estill's plane.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains, matching DNA sequences from a maternal relative.
JOB WELL DONE.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site athttp://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.
No. 1007-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 09, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711
Missing WWII Airmen is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is 1st Lt. Shannon E. Estill, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He will be buried on October 10 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
On April 13, 1945, Estill's P-38J Lightning was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire while attacking targets in eastern Germany. Another U.S. pilot reported seeing Estill's aircraft explode and crash. Because the location of the crash site was within the Russian-controlled sector of occupied Germany, U.S. military personnel could not recover Estill's remains after the war.
In 2003, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigated a crash site near the town of Elsnig in eastern Germany. The site had been reported by two German nationals whose hobby is finding the location of World War II crash sites. They also claimed to have found remains at the site, which they turned over to U.S. Army officials. The team surveyed the site and interviewed two more men who witnessed the crash as children.
In 2005, another JPAC team excavated the crash site and recovered additional human remains as well as P-38 wreckage. Included in the recovered wreckage was an aircraft data plate from Estill's plane.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains, matching DNA sequences from a maternal relative.
JOB WELL DONE.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site athttp://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.
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