Posted on Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 7:27 PM By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Nathanael Miller U.S. Naval Forces Central Command ARABIAN GULF, Jan. 19, 2011 - Armed with scissors, clippers, keys to the ship's store and laundry detergent, the sailors who wear the crossed quill and key of the ship's serviceman, or SH, rating badge provide a multitude of services to the crew of amphibious transport dock USS Ponce. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Harlan Jones, clad in a black barber's smock and awaiting his next customer, said the ship's serviceman rating brings a variety of services to Ponce. "Ship's servicemen provide services to the crew, generally anything other than what the culinary specialists provide and general parts the logistical specialists provide," he explained. Culinary specialists provide food service for the crew, while logistical specialists are responsible for all supply matters, but a gap still exists, Jones added, and the ship's serviceman rating fills that gap.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Chandler noted that sailors require several skill sets to be successful in handling the rating's diverse responsibilities. Security, laundry, sales, retail management and barber services are some of the skills a sailor must master to qualify, he said. One example of the daily challenges ship's servicemen face is keeping the ship's store stocked. "You can never know exactly how much you need in the ship's store," Chandler said. "You're constantly going up there to check up on it." Although the ship's laundry is not as labor-intensive as the ship's store or barber shop, it is just as critical to the crew's readiness. Even though Ponce has a "self service" laundry, a ship's serviceman has to man the space to ensure the machines are functioning and assist shipmates if there is a problem. Noting that clean uniforms are as much a part of daily hygiene and sanitary living conditions at sea as daily showers are, Jones said the ship's laundry affects more than morale. The crew's health can be at stake as well, he explained. In the ship's barber shop with their clippers buzzing and scissors snipping, ship's servicemen help to keep their shipmates' hair within standards and boost morale at the same time. "I love being able to help people out," Jones said. "There are little things about your self-esteem that start when you wake up in the morning. You look at yourself in the mirror, and if you have a messed-up haircut that takes a little bit off. Those little things start to turn into bigger things as you go along during the day." With the broad range of duties required, the ship's servicemen stay busy. Their efforts affect readiness as well as morale. Whether it's keeping the laundry running, selling candy in the ship's store or chatting with shipmates while cutting hair, the ship's servicemen said, they provide a valuable service to the fleet. | ||
| Related Sites: USS Ponce U.S. Naval Forces Central Command |
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
They do all at once
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
She has been a role model to the women in our office
Posted on Fri, Jan 14, 2011 at 7:02 PM
By Army Pfc. Karina Paraoan of Alaska National Guard
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2011 - An Alaska National Guardsman will compete in the figure bodybuilding competition at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, March 3-5.
By Army Pfc. Karina Paraoan of Alaska National Guard
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| Army Staff Sgt. Diane Singh of the Alaska National Guard works on her form when pulling weights with the help of her personal trainer, Valentina Chepiga. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Karina Paraoan (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. |
The festival, founded by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is billed as the nation's largest multisport event and features competition in archery, boxing, amateur bodybuilding, cheerleading and dance, and other sports. Army Staff Sgt. Diane Singh, an Alaska National Guard drug demand reduction noncommissioned officer, will compete in the amateur figure bodybuilding category. One way to qualify for the category is to be a nationally qualified bodybuilder, a qualification Singh met when she competed in the Emerald Cup amateur figure bodybuilding competition in Seattle on April 16. "This competition is different [from] the others I have competed in, because everything I have done up to this point is going to culminate in this show," Singh said. "Every show I have done so far has been a stepping stone and learning experience. For me to say that I'm competing in the Arnold is a dream come true." Along with a strenuous workout schedule, Singh said, her diet plan is a challenge. For the next few weeks, Singh is limited to eating only grilled chicken, fish or turkey with green vegetables, brown rice and sweet potatoes. Another key to staying healthy with her workout plan, she added, is to drink a lot of water. "I have always been impressed with Staff Sergeant Singh's enthusiasm before, during and after her competitions," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Theulen, also an Alaska National Guard drug demand reduction NCO. "Even if she wins fifth place, her smile never disappears and she only has positive things to say about the experience." Singh has represented the Alaska National Guard for the past two years in various bodybuilding competitions in and out of state, including two nationwide events. "Ever since I started competing, I've had so many soldiers ask me questions," Singh said. "They've asked me questions about bodybuilding and what to eat. I'm always happy to help Guardsmen out, and I love sharing that information with them." Singh said she'll continue to compete after the Arnold event, and plans to take part in the Alaska National Physique Committee State Championships on April 30. "She has been a role model to the women in our office, as she is always sharing fitness regimens and techniques," Theulen said. |
| Related Sites: Alaska National Guard |
Friday, January 14, 2011
Now TV journalist Wali Khan Shot dead in Karachi
Posted on :January 14 at 12:32am
KARACHI: Pakistan A young talented , Wali Khan Babar,repoter of a privte TV Channel GEO NEWS has been shot dead in a terrorist attack in Liaquatabad, Geo News reported Thursday.Reportedly , the reporter journalist was on his way back home from Geo News office, when he was attacked by terrorists.
According to initial report, he was intercepted by unidentified saboteurs, who on recognizing him, opened gunshots at him point blank, leaving him dead on the spot. His body was recovered from a car.
Geo News said it was an incident of target killing, as Wali Khan received at least five bullets—two in forehead, one in jaw and two gunshots hit his neck. According to hospital sources, Wali Khan received at least five bullets.
It should be mentioned here that Wali Khan Babar was covering operation against drug-traffickers in Pehalwan Goth. He filed his report at Geo News office and was on way back home, when he was gunned down.
Journalists For Internatioal Peace strongly condemned murder of a journalist, who fell prey to ongoing terrorists' activities in Karachi . JIP condoles the family of martyred reporter and pray for the departed soul- JIP demands immediate arrest of the culprits. Pakistan is considered as one of the most dangerous country for working journalists , as projected by various national and International Journalists Bodies.
Iftikhar Chaudri
President
Journalists For International Peace
Islamabad, Pakitsan
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Saturday, January 08, 2011
4 Northeast Youths and One Woman Assaulted in Delhi
New Delhi, January 8, 2011:Four North-East youths were allegedly assaulted by a landlord on Friday night at Munirka in New Delhi. Culprits arrested under pressure from Police Officer.
The victims John (25), Richard (23), Calvin (24) and Jenny (24) belong to Manipur. All names are changed. John and Kalvin are working in private companies in New Delhi. Jenny is a mother of one-year old child. The victims were temporarily residing in Munirka.
Madhu Chandra Spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline reported the matter to Joint Commissioner of Police for Southern Range of Delhi Amulya Patnaik and Deputy Commission of Police for South Delhi Mr. Daliwal, who responded to instruct the police officers on duty to take action.
Man accused arrested by Vasant Vihar Police station and a case registered under FIR 12/2011 under section of 323/341/506/34 of Indian Penal Court.
According to John, the incident occurred on Friday at around 9.30 pm when he visited his cousin brother to inform about a job vacancy. While he left his cousin’s room, he met the landlord Dinesh on the road in Munirka, near by Dinesh’s building. John, an old tenant of Dinesh, rented a room from March 2010 to November 2010 in Dinesh’s building.
John said: “Dinesh call me, saying he want to speak to me. At that moment, I left him hurriedly to pick-up some of my friends who are already waiting for me. I told my old landlord politely that I’ll be back soon and have a talk with him”.
“Suddenly Dinesh felt annoyed and started thrashing me. In the meantime, some of the locals also joined him in assaulting me. I sought help, but to no avail. I bleed profusely. At least I could manage to escape from their irony hands,” said John.
John was soaked with blood. John’s forehead and left cheek wounded severely. However, he luckily escapes the brutal attacked by running away.
When his sister Jenny, his brother-in-law Calvin and Richard knew the incident, they approached Dinesh politely to enquiring about the matter.
Dinesh and some of his friends were still there on the road near his building where the incident occurred. While seeing the couple, Dinesh and his friends began thrashing and smashing them mercilessly. Jenny, Calvin and Richard got injured.
Jenny, a mother of one-year old baby felt down on the road while her husband Kalvin was continuously beaten with iron rods and sticks by Dinesh and his associates.
According to Jenny, Dinesh said: “I beat your brother because he came to my building. What can you do with me? Do whatever you want; I’m not afraid at all. He used abusive and lewd comments”.
John’s mobile phone was forcibly snatched away and crushed on the road by Dinesh and his friends.
The victims call the leaders of Kuki Students Organisation Delhi. KSOD general secretary T Douminlian, KSOD member Mangkai Haokip and Bruce K Thangkhal, reported to North East Support Centre & Helpline rushed to the spot immediately from JNU campus.
KSOD leaders met the victims and discussed the matter. Then they lodged a formal complaint at the Vasant Vihar police station around 1.30 am.
The victims were taken to Safdarjung hospital for medical examination (MLC). At 4.30 am this morning, one of the victims Jenny informed this reporter that the seriously injured John and Calvin were still in the hospital for X-ray test. They were left alone without the police.
Jenny and Richard after medical test, were dropped near Aggarwal Sweet shop in Munirka by the police.
“I am really afraid of Dinesh. Earlier he had assaulted two North East guys. The first one suffered a broken head and the second fractured arms. I’m afraid he might target us,” said Jenny, the distress victim.
“Dinesh is accused of assaulting the North East frequently which went unreported,” says Bruce.
North East Support Centre & Helpline is a joint initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to North East People and tribal communities of other states.
Released by
Angam Haokip
Media In-charge
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Fisher House Program Still Growing After 20 Years
By Donna Miles of AFPS BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 4, 2011 - The Fisher House Foundation isn't basking in past achievements as it prepares to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of its first home on the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center here.
The Fisher House program started as a relatively modest endeavor, with Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher donating a home to provide free temporary lodging for military families while their loved ones received care at the Navy's flagship medical center, foundation president Dave Coker told American Forces Press Service. That original Fisher House, perched on a hillside overlooking the towering hospital, opened its doors June 24, 1991. Soon the Fishers presented the second Fisher House, which opened a month later on the grounds of the Army's Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Within a few short months, the third opened at the Air Force's Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. The project snowballed, Coker said. Three Fisher Houses led to five, then 10. By the time of Zachary Fisher's death in 1999, he and his wife had personally financed more than 20 Fisher Houses. The Fisher House Foundation, led by the Fishers' grandnephew, Ken Fisher, is keeping their vision alive. Today, 53 Fisher Houses grace the grounds of dozens of major military and Veterans Affairs medical facilities in the United States and in Landstuhl, Germany. Collectively, they have served more than 142,000 families since the program's inception. During 2010, their 651 guest suites accommodated 12,000 families. With the last of 10 Fisher Houses donated in late 2010 about to begin receiving families, and more houses under construction, Coker said, he hopes to see capacity increase to 16,000 families this year. Among the newest Fisher Houses is one at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Coker called it "one of our greatest achievements," because of its impact on families of the fallen. Unlike other Fisher Houses that accommodate families of hospitalized service members and veterans, the Dover house serves grieving families as they prepare to witness the dignified transfer of their loved ones. "Having the house there lets us how these families how much we appreciate their loved one's sacrifice. That's No. 1," Coker said. "Hopefully, it provides an environment where they can receive a little bit of comfort." Loving comfort always has been at the heart of the Fisher House mission. "When you have a loved one who is catastrophically injured or has died, your world turns upside down," Coker said. "So if we can help provide a little stability during that time, something to make these families' loads a little lighter, that's our priority. "This isn't charity," Coker said, borrowing Ken Fisher's mantra. "It's our duty, our way of giving back for all that the military has enabled us to do, and for protecting our freedoms." For the Fisher House Foundation, that mission requires always looking ahead so it's ready to respond to military families' needs. For example, three new Fisher Houses were built here to accommodate an expected surge in demand as the hospital merges with Walter Reed Army Medical Center later this year. "It was very important for us to have these open before Walter Reed closed," Coker said. "[Washington] D.C. has always been underserved, and we wanted to get ahead of the game." One of the new Bethesda houses already is accommodating families, and another is expected to accept its first families this week. The third, to be dedicated to families whose loved ones are being treated at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence for Traumatic Brain Injuries and Psychological Health Problems, will house its first families soon. Meanwhile, a new Fisher House is being built at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The foundation will be laid as soon as the weather allows so the project can be completed by year's end, Coker said. Another new Fisher House, under construction at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, will replace the Nightingale House, which is scheduled to be torn down along with the aging family housing that surrounds it. Coker said he hopes to see the new house finished by late March and dedicated in April. In addition, several Fisher House projects are under way at VA medical facilities. While they weren't part of the Fisher House Foundation's original vision, Coker said, he called the VA houses a natural extension of the support provided at military hospitals. "What we didn't foresee in the beginning was the continuity that exists between DOD and the VA," he said. "DOD focuses on saving the lives, and VA is rehabbing, giving these veterans back their life and regaining and optimizing their potential for recovery. "These young people getting hurt are going to need care throughout their lives," he continued. "And so we have a chance to support them through the VA health care system." The Minneapolis VA Medical Center in Minnesota will receive its second Fisher House in the spring to accommodate families whose loved ones are receiving Level 1 polytrauma care. The initial Fisher House there has eight suites. "But we understand that on any given night, there are 30 families making do in hotels," Coker said. "So getting a house like this one will better allow them to meet the needs of the community. We're going to open it as soon as we get it furnished." Also in the April-May time frame, other Fisher Houses are expected to open at VA medical centers in Washington, D.C., and Augusta, Ga. As these houses take shape, construction is expected to begin on new Fisher Houses at VA medical centers in Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, and Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Fisher House Foundation also is looking into building a replacement house in the fall at Fort Bragg, N.C. While numbers tell the story of the Fisher House Foundation's growth, one has to step inside a Fisher House to appreciate fully just how well it delivers on its pledge to support military families in their time of need. Fisher Houses aren't simply cozy. They're upscale. When you open the door, your eyes go in every direction trying to take it all in: the magazine-quality décor, the gleaming stainless-steel-and-granite kitchens, the attention to detail in every nook and cranny. "When somebody walks through the door, we want them to know there are others who care about them in their time of need, and we think we achieve that," Coker said as walked through one of the new Bethesda houses. "If they walk in and they can inhale twice, it is going to hopefully make it a little more manageable when life starts beating them down. And if there is one thing we have learned, it's that life happens." Each new Fisher House incorporates lessons learned from other houses. Coker remembers visiting one facility and overhearing several wives discussing using a sheet to carry a husband who had been released from the hospital to his wife's upstairs room just long enough to see where she had been staying. "You hear that once and you recognize that we can do better," Coker said, "and that the right thing is to put in an elevator and make all the rooms handicapped-accessible." Today, all new Fisher Houses now have elevators as well as wheelchair-accessible rooms and kitchen facilities. The military services and VA, who manage the facilities after the Fisher House Foundation turns them over, have renovated many of the original Fisher Houses to accommodate wheelchairs. Coker called their dedicated staffs, along with armies of volunteers, the unsung heroes who maintain what the Fisher House Foundation set out to accomplish. They ensure the pantries and refrigerators are stocked, the rooms are clean and the washing machines are in working order, complete with complimentary laundry soap. And as families gather to share morning coffee or a quick dinner between hospital visits, they're close at hand, ready to provide an understanding ear or, when needed, a shoulder to cry on. Even after passing control of the Fisher Houses at the dedication ceremonies, the Fisher House Foundation quietly maintains contact with its houses by picking up the $10 per night fee the services must charge by regulation for families to stay in a Fisher House. This year alone, the foundation will pay more than $1 million to cover that cost. The idea, Coker said, is to enable families to forget everything else and focus on what's most important: their loved one's recovery. "I believe Fisher House is something that improved the quality of health care," he said. "And the reason it improves it is you [as a patient] are not concerned about your family. [Patients] are getting the same world-class health care, but because they know their families are being taken care of, the quality of care, in the eye of the patient and the family, has just increased." As the Fisher House Foundation looks ahead to future projects, Coker said it's working closely with the military surgeons general and VA to ensure it builds where the long-term need is greatest. And as many charities have struggled since the economic downturn, Coker reports that the Fisher House Foundation has weathered the storm intact. The foundation doesn't do direct-mail marketing, yet receives more than $40 million a year in donations. Last month, its online donations averaged $400 to $500. "The American public has been phenomenal," Coker said. "Part of it is the model. We are always going to new communities and bringing something exciting to town. That inspires giving. "But the other thing is the tremendous respect that the American people have for those who serve," he continued. "We have a program that focuses on helping people when they need to most, when their world is turned upside down. And people appreciate the opportunity to be able to support people at that point." Becky Wood, manager of the five Bethesda Fisher Houses, sees the families' appreciation firsthand every day. "Over and over, I have heard families say, 'I can't believe somebody who doesn't know us has done this for us' – from the Fisher House itself, to the bakery items and home-cooked meals volunteers bring to the families," Wood said. "They just can't believe that they are staying here, at no cost to themselves," she said. "They're overwhelmed by the beauty of the home and the spirit of generosity that's here." Wood said she gets tremendous gratification knowing that Fisher House Foundation and the Fisher House staff and volunteers are helping fulfill Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher's dream. "There's great satisfaction in knowing that we have provided these families comfort at what might for many of them be the hardest time they will every have in their life, and hearing them say thank you over and over again, and know that in some way, we've made a difference," she said. | ||
| Related Sites: Fisher House Foundation |
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Air Force Secretary Visits Bases in Wyoming, North Dakota
Posted on : Fri, Dec 31, 2010 at 11:45 PM By Air Force Capt. Mary Danner-Jones and Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2010 - Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley thanked airmen for their service during holiday visits to bases in Wyoming and North Dakota. He praised the troops' commitment, skill and achievements while visiting F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., on Dec. 23 and Minot Air Force Base, N.D., on Dec. 23 and 24.
While visiting F.E. Warren, Donley recognized Air Force Global Strike Command airmen who carry out the nuclear deterrence mission. "We have missile crews and Airmen standing alert over the holidays, and we want them to know their leaders appreciate the sacrifices they make," Donley said. "We appreciate our Airmen and their families for the support they provide every day of the year, but especially during the holiday period when some of our Airmen can't be with their families," he said. Capt. Mike Ralph, 319th Missile Squadron flight commander, was one of those on hand to meet the secretary. "A visit such as this shows how much our senior leadership cares about the nuclear mission and our Airmen here," Ralph said. "It means a lot that Secretary Donley took time out of his busy schedule to come here." During his visit, the secretary met with 20th Air Force and 90th Missile Wing maintainers, operators, security forces, support personnel, and leaders to express his appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of everyone who supports the mission here. Donley said the great performance of the 90th Missile Wing during the first Global Strike Challenge in November was reflective of the training, precision, dedication and professionalism of F.E. Warren airmen. "This was a major accomplishment for the 'Mighty Ninety,'" he said. "Awards in several different areas really indicate you have some stand-out units and performers here." Those honors included the Blanchard Trophy recognizing the best ICBM wing, as well as three other top Global Strike Challenge awards. Secretary Donley said the work performed by Warren professionals is "critical" and "truly remarkable," adding that the mission across the nuclear enterprise is nonstop. Acknowledging the Air Force's 50-plus years of nuclear heritage, he added that nuclear deterrence remains the backbone not only of the Air Force, but also of national military capabilities. This is the second year in a row an Air Force senior leader has traveled to F.E. Warren during the holiday season. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force's top uniformed leader, made a holiday visit here last year. During his trip to Minot, Secretary Donley visited several of the base's key facilities, including a missile alert facility, Dock 7, and the Dakota Inn Dining Facility. He also met with several key community leaders during a dinner meeting in the city of Minot. "The airmen here are doing an outstanding job," Donley said. "Minot carries a heavy load and is always very busy, but I feel the airmen and leadership team here are very supportive of each other and key to accomplishing the Air Force mission." Donley said what impressed him the most was the dedication and professionalism of all who served at the base, particularly given the challenging mission and weather climate. "Minot has a very important mission of two dimensions -- bombers and missiles," Donley said. "This two-dimensional mission can be complicated to support. It is complicated even more by the harsh environment our Airmen face here." Donley noted the support of family and community is important to Airmen being able to accomplish the nuclear deterrence and global strike mission. "Our Air Force is hardworking -- 24/7 for 365 days a year," he said. "We can't do what we do, as efficiently and productively, without the support of our families and the communities we live in." As such, the secretary said Minot bears a great responsibility and expressed his appreciation for Team Minot's performance. "This community serves a very important mission and Minot is doing an outstanding job," he said. "I would like to say thank you for your integrity and commitment to service." (Air Force Capt. Mary Danner-Jones is assigned to the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs Office, and Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton is assigned to the Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs Office.) | ||
| Biographies: Michael B. Donley Related Sites: F.E. Warren Air Force Base Minot Air Force Base |
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