By Air Force Master Sgt. Jim Fisher 17th Air Force Public Affairs DJAERBA, Tunisia, March 4, 2011 - The U.S. military's contribution to an international effort to end the suffering of Libya's evacuees began in Italy today when two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft picked up humanitarian aid and headed to Tunisia.
Air Force Lt. Col. Charles "Doc" Schlegel, commander of the 435th Air Mobility Squadron, is leading a contingency response team working with aircrews from the 37th ALS on the humanitarian missions. He said his team is excited to partner with 17th Air Force to support the State Department. "We know that there are a lot of folks that are currently displaced, that will hopefully soon be able to return to their home countries and, hopefully, we can expedite that and bring humanitarian assistance to people who need it," Schlegel said. "The 17th Air Force did a great job coordinating with the agencies here, making sure the stuff was ready and could be quickly delivered to people who are in need. This is being driven by the State Department and we are ready to support any requests they have." Alberto Chidini, coordinator of the Army's Camp Darby humanitarian Assistance program near Pisa was on the flightline for the pickup in Italy, making sure the humanitarian cargo was ready to load. It's important for people to be willing to help in situations like the one in Libya and its border regions, he said. "I've seen the reports. Everything is lacking," Chidini said. "The situation is very bad and our people are ready to react. It's important because this could happen to anyone and hopefully someone is ready to help. In this case, [it's] us. "It makes you feel good, it makes you feel proud," he added. While waiting for further requests, the team from Ramstein stayed focused on the task at hand, delivering 40,000 wool blankets, 40 units of plastic sheeting and 9,600 water containers to Djaerba. After finishing the first day's work, the teams regrouped to plan more assistance missions for the days ahead. | ||||
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Sunday, March 06, 2011
Air Force Joins Effort to Help Libyan Evacuees
Public Affairs NCO Teams with Iraqi Counterparts
By Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Lee 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force Iraq CAMP VICTORY, Iraq, March 3, 2011 - Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Dean Miller is using his 21 years of military experience to assist Iraqi air force officials in developing their own public affairs professionals. Miller deployed here from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Initially, he served here as the team chief for the Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq public affairs team.
"I was worried that things had become so quiet in Iraq there would not be much of a PA mission," Miller said. "In fact, there was an amazing amount of PA work to be done." Then, Miller received another opportunity during his deployment. He would also serve as the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force PA mentor and be the ground breaker to formalize the Iraqi air force's public affairs advisory program. Miller went full-afterburner with both jobs. "Once I found out I would be serving as an adviser, I knew it would be a great chance to assist another PA team, and strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Iraq," Miller said. "But I also knew I needed to determine the priorities of the Iraqis for their PA program before I could help them." The key challenge at that time was deciding where to start, Miller said. "This was quickly resolved once I met with the Iraqi air force chief of public affairs and we discussed what he wanted to gain for his team," he said. "From there, we moved forward rapidly." Miller worked directly with the Iraqi public affairs team, quickly overcoming language and cultural barriers. After discerning the Iraqi chief's goals, he developed a plan to achieve them. Rapport with the Iraqi team improved throughout his deployment, Miller said, along with the professional accomplishments of the Iraqis. The Iraqi airmen supported the U.S. Forces-Iraq change of command and transition to Operation New Dawn, he said, assisting with the escort and interviews of more than 150 members of the news media at the event ceremony. "This was not merely an advise and train relationship, but a partnership between Iraqi and American military public affairs professionals," Miller said. "Uniting both the U.S. and Iraqi air force PA teams established a trusting partnership and enduring friendship." A highlight from this partnership was the dual Iraqi and U.S. coverage that resulted from the successful Iraqi AC-208 Cessna aircraft Hellfire missile shot. The Iraqi PA team created a professional video news release that the Ministry of Defense PA team released to regional news media. The ACCE-I PA team produced its coverage around the high-quality Iraqi aerial video. Miller said both teams routinely shared video and still photography in a mutually-supportive manner, and joint mission planning leveraged the skills and manpower of both teams. As the relationship developed, he said, the Iraqi PA team members went to great lengths to share their culture with their American partners, introducing local foods and teaching Arabic. Miller said he and his U.S. team reciprocated by bringing the Iraqis to United Service Organizations events and inviting the Iraqi airmen to share meals. "I was surprised at how much they enjoyed one of the country western bands that performed," Miller said. "We always had a great time. Everything we did together really helped us grow as a team." | ||
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Dr.Bhatti released the Souvenir & Abstract Book PESI-2011
The 6th Annual Conference cum Workshop of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons of India (PESI-2011) is continued at CMC hospital Ludhiana. Conference cum Workshop is being organized by the Department of Paediatric Surgery, CMC, Ludhiana. The academic sessions were inaugurated on Friday in the presence of distinguished International Faculty including Mr. Gordon MacKinlay, President of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, Prof. Long Li., Professor of Paediatric Surgery at the Capital Institution of Paediatrics, Beijing, China and Mr. Ashish Minocha, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, UK.
Jasbir Singh Khangura known as Jassi Khangura MLA for Qila Raipur, was the Chief guest for the Inauguration Programme. He complimented the organizers for taking pains to organize such conferences for the upliftment of Medical Sciences and enhancing knowledge amongst the medical fraternity. He extended a warm welcome to delegates from all over the country and abroad to Ludhiana city, known as the “Manchester of India”.
Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal, Member Punjab Medical Council also graced the occasion and promised 10 CME Credit hours to the delegates.
Dr. William Bhatti, Head of Paediatric Surgery, CMCL and Organizing Chairman PESI-2011, welcomed the participants and wished them a pleasant and memorable stay in Ludhiana City as well as an enriching PESI-2011. Dr. Abraham G. Thomas, Director, CMCL lauded the efforts of the Paediatric Surgery department for organizing this prestigious conference cum operative workshop and extended his best wishes to all the participants.
The scientific committee has prepared an exciting programme to suit the delegates with a wide range of expertise in the growing field of paediatric endoscopic surgery. Live operative workshops with interaction between the surgeon and the audience are being organized over the next two days to help improve surgical techniques and skills. The conference will also serve to expose current trends and discuss controversies on various aspects of paediatric endoscopic surgery in the Free Paper Presentation Sessions.
A number of eminent specialists in the field of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgery will be participating in this conference from 4th to 6th March 2011. These include Dr. Reju J. Thomas (CMC, Vellore), Dr. Ketan Parikh (Mumbai), Dr. Mohan K. Abraham (AIMS, Kochi), Prof. K.L.N. Rao (PGI, Chandigarh), Prof. S. Ramesh (Bangalore), Dr. V. Sripathi (Chennai) and Dr. Mona Vashist (Amritsar, Punjab) among others.
Dr. Anirudh Shah, Chairman PESI-IAPS said that this will be a great opportunity for exchange of knowledge in the field of Minimal Access Surgery in children.
Dr. Rasik Shah, Vice Chairman PESI–IAPS praised the efforts of the organizing committee under the leadership of Dr. William Bhatti, Dr. Dhruv Ghosh and Dr. Nandini K. Bedi, who worked hard to get renowned National and International Faculty to participate in the conference.
Dr. Ravindra Ramadwar, Secretary cum Treasurer PESI- IAPS, promised the participants a very informative and simulating CME programme, devoted to various aspects of Endoscopic Surgery in Children.
The programme was also attended by Dr. S. M. Bhatti, Principal, CMCL who released the Souvenir and Abstract Book PESI-2011 and Dr. Kanwal Masih, the Medical Superintendent, who wished the delegates a memorable and rewarding meeting.--:Rector Kathuria & Shalu Arora
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Amnesty International Calls for International Help
The United Nations warned on Tuesday that Tunisia would need help to deal with up to 75,000 people who had fled Libya since February 20. It said many thousands remained stuck at the border between the two countries in freezing conditions.
The U.N. refugee agency said 69,000 people had also crossed into Egypt from Libya since February 19.
“All Libya’s neighboring states must keep their borders open and provide assistance to all those fleeing violence. They are obliged to do this under international law,” said Michael Bochenek, Amnesty International's law and policy director.
“The international community must also do all it can to offer urgent support and assistance to the Tunisian authorities and other states accepting those fleeing the violence, and help migrants return safely to their home countries as quickly as possible if they desire,”
Amnesty International also said it was concerned that migrants in Libya who originate from countries in sub-Saharan Africa were being turned back at the Tunisian border.
“All those fleeing the chaos in Libya must be given sanctuary by neighboring states without discrimination – not refused entry and put at risk of falling victim to further violence.”
About 14,000 Filipinos are trapped in Libya, according to the Philippines Labour Department. The Labour Department estimated that there were 30,000 Filipinos working in Libya before the crisis began there. The Philippine group Migrante-ME has estimated that the total was closer to 150,000.
Migrante-ME has said that some workers have been hiding in Tripoli while many others are stuck in Libya's oil production areas.
Other foreign migrants workers include an estimated 60,000 Bangladeshis and between 2,000 and 5,000 Nepalis with many struggling to find a way out.
It is estimated that were more than a million refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants in Libya before the current crisis, most of them from sub-Saharan Africa.
"The international community must also provide aid to the U.N. High Commission for Refugees and other bodies struggling to deal with this crisis. They must also act quickly, before the problem gets even worse," said Bochenek.
Amnesty International is also calling for:
· Neighboring countries to allow entry to all arrivals from Libya - of Libyan nationals as well as nationals of other states.
· Receiving countries to address the immediate needs of arrivals (shelter and accommodation, food, medical services) pending their referral to appropriate services and procedures that address their situation more directly.
· The international community should assist countries receiving those fleeing Libya with their immediate needs and should assist with resources necessary to ensure that people can reach a place of safety.
· Allow Libyan nationals temporary protection to allow time for the situation in Libya to be clarified and possible longer-term solutions for them to be identified.
· States to screen, separate, and respond appropriately to those who are implicated in serious criminal acts, notably crimes under international law.
· For the referral of those who have been recognized as refugees or are asylum seekers to national asylum procedures or to UNHCR.
· Provide assistance to those third-country nationals who do not claim international protection with assistance to enable them to return in safety to their homes.
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.
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Effective Bomb Attacks Decline in Afghanistan
By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 2, 2011 - Across Afghanistan, the percentage of effective enemy attacks using homemade bombs declined from August to January, the outgoing director of an agency devoted to defeating those devices said yesterday.
"But the most important thing is that ... [the enemy's] percentage of effective attacks is declining. It has come down from 25 percent to 16 percent, and that results in fewer dead soldiers and civilians," Oates said. "The enemy," he added, "is 84 percent ineffective against us." But the high number of homemade bombs still being produced means much work remains, he said. "Because the volume has not dropped, this tells us that the enemy still has the motivation, the financing, the precursor material and the ability to emplace IEDs," Oates said. The aggregate data offers a statistical snapshot of activity across the embattled nation, he said, but it doesn't mean that bomb attacks have been less lethal in hot-spot areas such as the south and southwest regional commands, where deaths and injuries have increased recently. "To understand this war in Afghanistan or the one in Iraq," Oates said, "you have to telescope up and down [inside each nation] to get a full view." Methods of attack for the bombs also differ by area in Afghanistan, he said. In eastern Afghanistan, where the Haqqani terrorist network is the principal adversary, Oates said, more command-wire devices and some limited military explosives are used. "Down south," he said, "it's almost exclusively fertilizer-based bombs and pressure-plate devices that our soldiers have to contend with." Those types of bombs, he added, account for 70 percent of the attacks in Afghanistan. Command-wire, remotely controlled bombs remain a very small percentage of the total, the general said. On the battlefield, Oates said, persistent surveillance is one capability that is helping to reduce enemy effectiveness. Soldiers have equipment such as advanced firearm sighting systems, and airborne platforms -- including fixed-wing, manned and unmanned systems – that provide eyes in the sky. "We've increased significantly the number of aerostats, or blimps," Oates said. "They're ground-tethered and they've got cameras and suites of sensors aboard that can pick up a number of things." Sixty-seven aerostats are in Afghanistan now, Oates said. "Commanders there have asked for more," he added, "and we're probably going to double that number in the next year." This constellation of surveillance sensors that have gone into service over the last nine months is making a significant difference in finding the precursors of homemade explosives, the general said, watching those who try to emplace bombs and understanding how the enemy network is moving things around the battlefield. Good training and better protective equipment also have contributed this year to reducing the enemy's effectiveness, Oates said, offering an example. "Last year at this time, there were 12 or 13 route clearance companies in Afghanistan. Today there are 75," he said. "That's an enormous capability to sweep and clear the road on a much more frequent basis and a much more effective basis." In addition to protecting troops, keeping areas clear of roadside bombs also enables the civilian population to use the roads, Oates said, noting that the enemy kills more civilians than coalition and Afghan forces. On March 4, Oates will transfer authority for the organization to Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero, who is returning from a 13-month deployment with U.S. Forces Iraq as deputy commander for advising and training. The new director "has extensive combat experience, and most importantly, recent experience," Oates said. Barbero "just came from Iraq three weeks ago, ... so he's going to bring that combat relevancy that's so vital to the directorship," he added. Oates pointed out that the organization was chartered to respond rapidly to warfighters' needs. "I think we've met that challenge," he said. "The people we care most about -- the soldiers and Marines overseas -- they're very happy with our work." | ||
| Biographies: Army Lt. Gen. Michael L. Oates Related Sites: Joint IED Defeat Organization Related Articles: General Sees Progress in Counter-IED Fight IED Eradication Needs Global Attention, General Says |
Face of Defense: Crew Chief Earns Citizenship
By Army Sgt. Amanda Jo Brown Task Force Phoenix KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, March 2, 2011 - After months of research and dedication, Army Sgt. Andreas Buttner took the oath of U.S. citizenship with more than 100 other service members Jan. 29 at Kandahar Airfield here.
Originally from Fulda, Germany, Buttner deployed to Afghanistan prepared with all of the paperwork he would need to begin his naturalization packet. He acknowledged he was anxious about the process even though he had been extremely thorough. "I was nervous and excited -- nervous that I was missing any documents, [and] excited that I was on track for citizenship," he said. Buttner mailed the completed packet back to the United States to begin the review process, and naturalization authorities began his background check. Four months after submitting his naturalization packet, Buttner and his escort, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Allan Mace of Sacramento, Calif., flew to Kandahar to finish the immigration process, which included completing an interview. "The interview took about one and a half hours, and I was very nervous, because the decision for citizenship approval or disapproval is made right then and there," Buttner said. "Of course, the thought of missing any paperwork or supporting documents was on my mind." Prior to his interview, Buttner was required to study 100 questions for an exam that covered American history and government. He passed with flying colors. Mace, who has known Buttner for more than four years, said Buttner sacrificed and invested himself in the United States. "It is people like him who tell the world that with hard work, diligence, dedication and love for a nation that the United States continues to be a country of opportunity and compassion," Mace said. Buttner recommends that soldiers who want to become U.S. citizens take advantage of the support the military offers. "I am extremely proud to be a citizen and to continue to fight alongside my fellow citizens for the stabilization of Afghanistan and to ensure the freedom and liberty of all back home," he said. | ||
| Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force |
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti invites you
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti cordially invites you participate in a two-day consultation on PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) on March 2 and 3, 2011 at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat New Delhi. We would be greatly honoured if you accept it.
The core objectives of this consultation are to build understanding about PESA among activists, groups and organisations working in adivasi areas and to integrate demand for implementation of PESA into campaigns and networks on other issues such as FRA. We intend to support these processes across various fora at regional and local levels and to contribute towards building a momentum among various groups for its proper implementation.
We believe that addressing issues and resolving problems related with governance in adivasi areas hold key to solving problems of exploitation, alienation, underdevelopment and extremism. Effective implementation of PESA is an important step in that direction.
There would be around 40 participants ranging from experts on PESA to activists/groups working on adivasi issues from various states. A copy of the schedule of the programme is enclosed.
We do hope you will accept our invitation as we all hope to learn a lot from you.Programme is as under :
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
10.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. Inaugural Session 10.00 a.m.-10.45 a.m. : Welcome Address Dr.Manimala, Director, GSDS 10.45 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. : Inauguration and Shri B.D.Sharma
11.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon Tea Break
12.00 a.m. to 12.15 a.m. : Framework of Discussion Shri Sandeep Patnayak, NCAS
12.15 p.m.-10.00 p.m. Shri Anil Garg
12.45 p.m.-1.15 p.m. Open Discussion
1.15 p.m.-1.30 p.m. Remarks: Smt.Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, VC,GSDS 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. Lunch Break
2.30 p.m.-2.45 p.m. Mehdi Lal, Chhatisgarh3.00pm – 3.15 p.m Shri Sheerath, BIRSA, Jharkhand
3.15 p.m.-3.30 p.m. Shri Akshya Pani, Adivasi Kranti Sanghtan, Odisha
3.30 p.m.-3.45 p.m. Shri Trinadh Rao, Laya, Andhra Pradesh
3.45 p.m.-4.00 p.m. Tea Break
4.00 p.m.-4.15 p.m. Shri Maagan Kalej, KMCS, Ms. Rajakali, EP MP4.15 p.m.-4.30 p.m. Ms. Roma, Mahila Mazdoor Kisan , UP
4.30 p.m.-5.00 p.m. Discussion
5.00 p.m.-5.30 p.m. Tea Break
Thursday, March 3, 2011
9.30 a.m.-10.00 a.m. Tea
10.00 a.m. -12.00 noon Session III
10.30 a.m.-10.45 a.m. Shri Bhanwar Singh, Astha, Rajasthan
11.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. Session IV
11.00 a.m.-11.15 a.m. Shri Vijay Panda, CSD, Delhi
11.15 a.m.-11.30 a.m. Lata P.M, NCAS
11.30 a.m. -12.00 noon Remarks from the Chair - Shri Ashok Chowdhury
12.15 p.m.-2.00 p.m. Session V12.15 p.m.-12.30 p.m. Learning from Van Panchayat, Mallika virdi
12.30 p.m.-12.45 p.m. Learning from Nepal 1.15 p.m.-1.45 p.m. Summing up and Conclusions: Shri Satyendra Ranjan,
1.45 p.m.-2.00 p.m. Vote of Thanks, Dr.Sita Ojha
 |
| Photo Courtesy:Think Quest |
We believe that addressing issues and resolving problems related with governance in adivasi areas hold key to solving problems of exploitation, alienation, underdevelopment and extremism. Effective implementation of PESA is an important step in that direction.
There would be around 40 participants ranging from experts on PESA to activists/groups working on adivasi issues from various states. A copy of the schedule of the programme is enclosed.
We do hope you will accept our invitation as we all hope to learn a lot from you.Programme is as under :
National Consultation on PESA Act and its Implementation
(Organised by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi
Date: March 2-3, 2011
Venue: Tagore Hall, Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, New Delhi
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Programme Schedule
Ms.Sehjo Singh, ED, NCAS
Keynote Address
12.00 noon – 2.00 p.m. Session I
Meaning and Importance of PESA, Current Scenario
Chair Shri B.D.Sharma
2.30 p.m.- 5.30 p.m. Session II
Implementation of PESA – Problems and Prospects
Chair Sehjo Singh, ED NCAS
2.45 pm -3.00 p.m Shri Kumar Chandra Mardi, Jharkhand
Implementation of PESA in the true spirit of the Act
Chair
10.00 a.m. -10.30 a.m. Shri K B Saxena
10.45 a.m. -11.00 a.m. Ms.Richa, Jan Chetna, Rajasthan
Status and Implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006
Chair Shri Ashok Chowdhury,NFFPW
12.00 noon – 12.15 p.m. Tea Break
Making PESA a people’s agenda
Chair Ms. Mari Marcel Thekaekara
.
12.45 pm -1.30 p.m Open discussion
2.00 p.m. -3.00 p.m. Lunch
Departure: 3.00 p.m. (after lunch as per convenience)
For more details you may contact
Manimala
Director,
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti,
Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat,New Delhi
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti,
Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat,New Delhi
Ph: 23392710; 9868261159
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