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“A Passion and Desire to Get Things Done Right” DoD Blogger Roundtable
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been tough on the men and women of our armed services! We have suffered casualties, multiple long deployments and families have sacrificed too with impacts on spouse employment, child care help from a spouse, missed /holidays/birthdays/anniversaries, etc. But often we forget about the equipment that is used to fight and protect our combatants. AH-64 – See below for photo credit The desert environment has been particularly hard on all the services’ equipment and will need to be taken care in an austere budget time frame. From ground transportation vehicles, to helicopters, other aircraft, weapons and ground equipment like generators the toll has been…
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The Ultimate Adventure Cruise! DoD Roundtable
Some TV programs and cruise line ads describe their programs and trips as the “ultimate” something or other. Today I talked with two senior officers who I think can claim the ultimate cruise: They visited 22 countries, 5 continents, saved lives, fought pirates, delivered relief supplies, rescued folks at sea, supported combat ops in Afghanistan and … I think you are getting the picture of what Captain Dale Fuller and Colonel Roy Osborn’s adventure looked like but they told us a lot more about their 7 months at sea commanding the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) respectively. Of course, they are always looking for…
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“Cooperation, friendship, partnership…” Extraordinary Effort in Pakistan to Save Lives – DoD Roundtable
“Far reaching, devastating, … biggest challenge is scale of disaster” is how U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Nagata, deputy commander, Office of the Defense Representative, Pakistan described the flooding in Pakistan during this mornings Roundatable! I was privileged to speak with him and hear how the US is again helping out during a disaster. Since the initial flooding two weeks ago US Army aircraft (2 UH-60 Blackhawks and 4 CH-47 Chinooks) from units in Afghanistan have responded with life saving efforts in the Swat Valley of Pakistan! More than 3,000 lives saved through their efforts, 500,000+ rations delivered and 160 metric tons of relief supplies provided with “a steady stream”…
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Task Force Kout Men (Helping Hands) in Haiti – DoD Roundtable
With so many things grabbing our attention in this very busy world little notice was made of the recent deployment of forces to continue with the humanitarian assistance programs in Haiti following that country’s devastating earthquake. What is particularly surprising is that the Louisiana National Guard is leading this effort while facing its own disaster at home with the oil spill. Showing our national spirit of supporting those in need once again, the Guard is leading a joint force of responders with components from active, Reserves and Guard forces. Col Michael Borrel, is the Commander of “Task Force Kout Men”, Creole for Helping Hands. Despite an extremely busy schedule he…
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Tasty Tuesday: Pesto Cheesecake
After working in the garden on a perfectly ‘perfect weather’ day, the deck chairs seems to summon us, and the idea of a simple dinner with the neighbors is about as good as it gets. IN preparation for this event… this pesto cheesecake can be made from ordinary items in the back of the refrigerator. I tend to do a commissary shopping trip and load up on essentials…so having 4 packages of cream cheese on hand is not unusual. Understand we do not live close to a commissary, so when I go… I go for carts! I hope you have the occasion to sit outside, enjoy your work and enjoy…
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Haiti Naval Task Force Commander – DoD Roundtable
The DoD Blogger Roundtable hosted U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Carrier Strike Group One aboard USS Carl Vinson off the coast of Port-au-Prince to discuss the overall naval effort to Operation Unified Response-Haiti. Admiral Branch said the effort of the sailors and marines has been outstanding and that they felt that it was “important work” and they did “make a difference in peoples’ lives”. He felt that it was “heartwarming” for those making contact with the Haitians to see their response and appreciation. The ships engineer groups have been able to assist with infrastructure problems such as generators, wells, pumps, roads, etc to better provide resources and reduce…
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The Aircraft Carrier, USS Carl Vinson is off Haiti – DoD Roundtable
During this afternoon’s DoD Blogger’s Roundtable U.S. Navy Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson explained the aircraft carrier’s pivotal role for operations in support of Operation Unified Response (Haiti). A great opportunity to talk to the Captain while he was directing operations on the carrier located in Port-au-Prince bay area. I am going to start off with a great story of technology and with a twist that will touch the hearts and souls of America. I asked the Captain to relay something to America that would in fact touch our hearts and he said he had a great one. A group in Grand Rapids, Michigan emailed the…
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DoD Roundtable on 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit “Compassionate Warriors” to Haiti
The DoD New Media Directorate arranged for a DoDLive Roundtable with Captain Clark Carpenter, US Marine Corps, the Public Affairs Officer for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit which is currently preparing to embark for Haiti. Capt Clark said that unit morale is extremely high as they prepare to assist the Haitian people with humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquake. The unit just returned from a seven month deployment in early December and has responded to the crisis with a “Compassionate Warrior” attitude and are eager to help. In addition, many of the personnel have previously participated in humanitarian relief and are prepared for the situations they will face when arriving…
