Operation Just Cause ...for as long as it takes
From: Press Service
by way of Veterans News & Information Service
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2000 -- The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People presented top service awards to eight uniformed members and two civilians recently at its 25th annual Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Awards dinner in Baltimore.
The NAACP is one of the strongest outside forces demanding fair treatment of the men and women in the armed forces, guest speaker Alphonso Maldon told the dinner audience.
"When a soldier, sailor, Marine or airman was denied enlistment based on race, or falsely accused of crimes he didn't commit, or barred from serving in the air and on the battlefield when he was able and eager to do so, the NAACP was there," said Maldon, assistant secretary of defense for force management policy.
Maldon said the NAACP was sometimes there with money or a lawyer, and "sometimes just with the support and encouragement to say, 'You're right. You can do it. We'll make sure you get the chance.'"
He said the honorees personify the essence of the Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award each received. Their services selected them as the most worthy of the award, given annually since 1980 to military personnel who made distinguishing contributions to military equal opportunity policies and programs, he noted. The award honors NAACP leader Roy Wilkins, who established the association's Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Department in 1969.
Wilkins Award winners were:
o Army Maj. Gen. Robert L. Nabors was honored for his "personal commitment to civil rights and equal opportunity," particularly during his tenure as commander of the Army Communications- Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J.
The citation read that Nabors' vision, as commanding general is humanity and promoting diversity and fairness worldwide. When he was commander of the 5th Signal Command, "he championed humanitarianism and spearheaded efforts to create professional opportunities for all employees regardless of race, gender or national origin," the citation states.
Among other efforts, Nabors directed the Communications- Electronics Command to develop innovative management practices that facilitated diversity within the command and in minority advancement and attainment of several key promotion goals, according to the citation.
o Navy Dr. (Cmdr.) Linda A. Murakata was recognized for being "committed, involved and dedicated to the civil rights movement in the federal sector." She has made personal sacrifices resulting in significant contributions to civil and human rights, her citation states.
"Dr. Murakata founded the Afrikasian Scholars Foundation Inc. in 1991 after entering active duty as a Navy lieutenant in May 1990. The foundation has awarded 20 scholarships to minority, teen, single mothers and fathers who graduated from high school and continued their education in college, technical, or trade school. She awarded 15 scholarships from her personal paycheck."
Murakata is also a mentor and role model who frequently speaks at local high schools, colleges and special education groups. "Her frank discussions of her own journey from single welfare parent to a medical doctor and naval officer has inspired thousands," according to the citation.
The full story about Murakata's journey can be found at:
From Welfare Mom to Navy Medical 'Detective
o His award citation calls Marine Corps Maj. Don M. Thanars "a staple for human rights." As provost marshal at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Thanars "promotes civil and human rights, equal opportunity and public service on a daily basis," the citation reads. He also serves as the chairman for the Tri-Command Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Committee.
The citation reads in part that Thanars ensures the committee provides a variety of diverse, educational and entertaining programs which teach minority and nonminority members each other's culture.
"His efforts made it possible for students to receive scholarships for college," the citation reads. "He also coordinates voter registration drives and other forums to increase awareness and to encourage local residents to be more involved in the community."
o Air Force Maj. Sherry L. Stearns-Boles was cited for participating in "programs and activities that have fostered a better understanding among minority and nonminority members of the military and civilian population."
As a charter member and treasurer for the local Air Force Cadet and Officer Mentoring Action Program chapter, Stearns-Boles "promoted the professional and leadership development of future Air Force officers by assisting candidates with their transition into the Air Force Officer Corps."
As the executive adviser for the 1999 Peterson Air Force Base (Colo.) Black Heritage Committee, she helped educate both the base and surrounding local community on the contributions of African Americans throughout American history.
Stearns-Boles was also honored for outstanding contributions as a member of the Colorado Springs Youth Leadership Conference Committee, president of the Wyoming Buffalo Soldiers Association, and for spearheading the 1998 Martin Luther King Memorial Service at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.
The citation also states that, "as a charter member for first- ever Wyoming Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she promoted community service and improved educational opportunities for both women and minorities."
o Army Maj. Richard Donnell Kingsberry of the National Guard Bureau was honored for his service as a mentor for at-risk youth and his participation in the after-school enrichment program at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N.C.
"To fight against juvenile delinquency," Kingsberry served as the chairperson of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, composed of public officials and volunteers appointed by the Mecklenburg County (N.C.) Commissioners, his citation states.
An avid member of the Federal Executive Association, Kingsberry is also the founder and immediate past president of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association of "The Buffalo Soldiers" Greater North Carolina Chapter.
o Second Lt. Pamela Denise Townsend was recognized for her accomplishments since enlisting as an airman in the Connecticut Air National Guard on June 12, 1991. She earned a dual bachelor of science in psychology and sociology in 1997 from Charter Oak State College. Townsend earned a master's degree in education in 1998 and another in management in 1999 from Cambridge College.
In the civilian community, Townsend serves as the advisory chairperson of the Southwest Boys and Girls Club in Hartford, Conn., where she has overseen the Smart Girl and Keystone Programs.
She also serves on the Diversity in Our Schools Committee in Windsor, Conn. The committee imparts values to students regarding their race, color, class or physical appearance. Townsend was also an active leader and participant on the Air National Guard People Potential 2000 Diversity Committee and Connecticut National Guard Black History Month Celebration Committee.
In 1998, Townsend established the "In Pursuit of a Dream Campaign" exposing urban youth to career opportunities in the Connecticut Air National Guard.
o Shirley L. Fields received her Wilkins Award for "unparalleled leadership in human and civil rights, equal opportunity and human resource development" at the Defense Information Systems Agency, Arlington, Va. The citation cites her unwavering community support and her establishment of annual college scholarship funds through Saint Timothy's Episcopal and Cedar Hill Baptist Churches that helps disadvantaged minority students.
She also established a technology support services contract for minority institutions valued at $24 million -- the first of its kind in the history of the Department of Defense.
Fields is chairperson of Government Information Technology Council's Scholarship Committee, and serves as an advisory on the board of the Washington chapter of the Armed Forced Communications and Electronic Association, administering scholarships to promote technical studies.
Members of the Coast Guard accounted for two Wilkins Awards and a Meritorious Service Award, the NAACP's highest to a military policy maker.
o Retired Coast Guard Vice Adm. James C. Card, former vice commandant, received a Wilkins Award for his commitment to excellence, diversity and civil rights, the citation states. He was credited for leadership of the Coast Guard "Managing Diversity as a Process" study, "the seminal 'road map' used by the Coast Guard to improve its organizational environment."
"The study report established guidelines for ensuring that all people, regardless of race, color, gender, physical ability, or ethnicity, have the opportunity to achieve their full potential," the citation reads.
Card championed the findings of the study and mainstreams it throughout the service. to help provide support for equal opportunity, civil rights and diversity. He also focuses on building greater diversity in the highest decision levels of the Coast Guard, according to the citation.
o Houston "Jerry" Jones of the Headquarters Support Command Staff in Washington is "committed and dedicated to helping others and was instrumental in making the Coast Guard the employer of choice for women, minorities and persons with disabilities," his citations reads.
"Known for his commitment to diversity," it continues, "Jones helps to create an environment where all of the people who work for the Coast Guard will have the opportunity to reach his or her maximum potential."
Jones is credited with helping the Coast Guard participate in the national "Take Your Daughters-to-Work Day," to include a "Take Your Sons-to-Work Day" program. His community activities include the NAACP, National Capital Area Crisis Intervention team and Interagency Disability Educational Awareness Showcase. He also volunteers in local civic associations and serves meals to the homeless.
In a special tribute, Adm. James M. Loy, Coast Guard commandant, received the NAACP Meritorious Service Award from Julian Bond, president of the organization's national board of directors. The NAACP cited Loy for "championing equal opportunity, affirmative action, civil rights and public service in the Coast Guard."
"As commandant, one of his initial acts was to appoint the first African American to the position of master chief petty officer (Vincent W. Patton III) of the Coast Guard," the citation read.
Loy was also honored for establishing two outreach programs that are making strong contributions to minority officer recruiting. The College Student Pre-commissioning Initiative is a scholarship program concentrated primarily on the campuses of historically black colleges and universities. More than 205 African American college graduates entered the Coast Guard as commissioned officers through the program.
The Coast Guard Recruiting Initiative for the 21st Century has recruited 59 students as candidates for the Coast Guard Academy. Loy was also honored for embracing the secretary of transportation's Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program, named after the son of a slave who invented the traffic light, the citation states.
"The Coast Guard's program has reached over one million students who have been exposed to math, science and technology -- skills required for military and transportation careers," according to the citation.
From: Veterans News & Information Service
Submitted by: Headquarters Marine Corps
Story by Sgt. A.C. Strong
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 4) -- The Secretary of Defense recently approved the wearing of the NATO medal for servicemembers and civilians who participated in operations related to Kosovo.
Only one NATO medal is authorized for wear as wearing two or more NATO medals or ribbons is prohibited for the U.S. military.
A bronze service star on the first NATO award is to be used to indicate multiple awards.
Currently, there are two NATO medals - Yugoslavia and Kosovo.
Marines and fellow servicemembers who participated NATO operations for a minimum of 30 days in the area of eligibility are qualified to wear the medal.
The AOE is the land, sea, or air space of Kosovo, other territories of the republic of Yugoslavia, Albania, Macedonia, and the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
The operations include: Allied Force; Joint Guardian; Allied Harbor; Sustain Hope/Shining Hope; Noble Anvil; and Kosovo Task Forces Hawk, Saber, Falcon, or Hunter.
Aircrew members participating in operation Allied Force between Mar. 24, 1999 and June 24, 1999, qualify after flying 15 sorties in Kosovo and territories of the former Republic of Yugoslavia.
In addition, individuals who were injured requiring evacuation from the defined AOE, regardless of time length, qualify.
The award will not be available until January 2001. However, commands should process applicants and make the required service record entries, according to NAVADMIN 162/00.
A MARADMIN is expected to be released soon, with clarification on Marine specific issues.
From: Press Service
by way of Veterans News & Information Service
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2000 -- President Clinton thanked U.S. service members stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for their service, but reminded them they must be good neighbors to the Okinawans.
Clinton, on the island for the G-8 summit, told service members July 22 at Camp Foster Marine Base that they are the reason Asia is at peace.
"You will never know how many wars you have deterred, how many deaths you have prevented," he said. "But you know the number of wars that have been fought in these waters since the United States forces have been stationed here. That number is zero. You should be very, very proud."
While the U.S. presence is crucial to peace in the region, U.S. service members must understand Okinawans' concerns and be good neighbors. U.S.-Japanese relations have been rocked by misdeeds of American service members. The most heinous was the rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl by three service members five years ago. Earlier in July, a Marine was arrested for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl while she slept at her home, and an airman was detained in a hit-and-run accident. Both incidents sparked demonstrations against U.S. presence on the island.
About 26,000 of the 47,000 American service members stationed in Japan are based on Okinawa. Japanese officials estimated more than 25,000 protesters gathered July 20 around Kadena Air Base, one of the Air Force's largest overseas installations.
"We know our hosts in Okinawa have borne a heavy burden, hosting half our forces in Japan on less than one percent of its land," Clinton said. "They, too, have paid a price to preserve the peace, and that is why we need to be good neighbors to them in addition to being good allies, why each one of us has a personal obligation to do everything that we can to strengthen our friendship and to do nothing to harm it."
He complimented the many American service members who volunteer to help at local schools, orphanages, hospitals and retirement homes.
Earlier in the week Clinton visited the Cornerstone of Peace Park on the island. The park commemorates the World War II Battle of Okinawa. The black walls of the monument in the park bear the names of 237,318 soldiers -- Japanese, American and British -- and civilians who perished in a ferocious 82-day battle.
"It is a remarkable memorial, not just to one side in a battle, but to all the people who lost their lives," Clinton said. "It is a stirring statement of our common humanity. And it strengthens our commitment to see that such a terrible thing never occurs again. That is why you are here. I don't want you to ever forget it, and I want you to always be very, very proud of what you are doing."
From: Press Service
by way of Veterans News & Information Service
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, August 4, 2000 Soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, and Marines from Camp Pendleton, Calif., will join with civilian firefighters to combat the worst wildfires in the western United States in more than a half-century.
About 500 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery and a similar number of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, will take their positions on fire lines in Idaho, said Department of Defense spokesman Kenneth Bacon Thursday. The soldiers will assist fire-fighting efforts near Burgdorf Junction, about two hours north of Boise. The Marines are scheduled to fight fires at the Clear Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
The soldiers and Marines “will really help us out a lot,” said Mary C. Apple, a spokesperson for the National Interagency Fire Center, which requested DoD assistance Monday. The soldiers, said Apple, have completed fire- fighting training.
“[August 4] will be their first day on the fire lines,” she said.
This year’s western wildfires have destroyed 3.8 million acres of forest, said Apple.
In fact, Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt noted today that the fires were the worst in more than 50 years.
Active duty service members are rarely called in to fight forest fires, said Bacon. He noted that state Guardsmen are often used in such emergencies, since “that can, of course, be done at the governor’s discretion.”
“We are clearly a backup force and [have been] called in to help supplement and relieve civilian fire fighters,” he said.
The soldiers and Marines are mostly providing ground “mop- up” fire containment and other support behind front-line civilian firefighters, said Pentagon spokesman Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Milord on Thursday. More than 1,800 active duty and reserve component troops are now involved in the operation, including 500-600 Air and Army National Guardsmen on state active duty, he said.
Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units deployed from California, Colorado, Wyoming, and North Carolina have “been actually at work for some time and have flown a number of missions in the last several days,” said Bacon. They have flown missions in eight C-130s specially outfitted to drop water or flame retardant on the fires, he said.
Less than normal amounts of winter snowfall and little rain during the spring have left many states like Idaho, parts of Utah and Nevada, western Montana, and parts of California bone dry and susceptible to forest fires, said Michelle M. Barret, another NIFC spokesperson.
Even U.S. military assistance may not be enough to combat this year’s wildfires, said Apple. Canadian firefighters are expected to join the fray and fire-fighting experts from New Zealand and Australia will also join the effort, she said.
From: Milton Bell
(by way of Veterans News & Information Service
The TRICARE Europe Health Services Region, comprised of Europe, the Middle East, the former Soviet block countries and Africa, gained a new leader as the Army's Europe Regional Medical Command (ERMC) changed commanders in a ceremony held in Heidelberg, Germany on June 13, 2000.
Brig. Gen. Richard L. Ursone took command from Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Michael J. Kussman, who commanded ERMC and served as US Army Europe's Command Surgeon from April 1998 through June 2000. Kussman served as TRICARE Europe's Lead Agent from August 1998 through June 2000.
Ursone, whose most recent assignment was executive officer to the Army Surgeon General, is the first non-physician to command ERMC.
In addition to a new Lead Agent, the TRICARE Europe Lead Agent Organization will experience other major changes in leadership this summer. Serving on an executive committee to provide critical leadership and support to the TRICARE Program in Europe, all of the Service Command Surgeons in theater will be rotating this summer, bringing in new leadership, ideas and experiences to the medical community in this region.
On 26 June 2000, the United States Air Forces in Europe Command Surgeon at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) George "Peach" Taylor passed command to Colonel (Dr.) Thomas J. Loftus, former commander of the 60th Medical Group, David Grant Medical Center, and Lead Agent for Health Service Region 10 located at Travis Air Force Base, California.
Colonel (Dr.) Russell Kilpatrick, Command Surgeon for European Command (EUCOM), passes command to Captain (Dr.) Robert B. Hall, current 6th Fleet Surgeon, on 13 July.
Captain (Dr.) R. Tom Sizemore III, CINCUSNAVEUR Fleet Medical Officer based in London, will pass command to Captain (Dr.) Thomas K. Burkhard, currently Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Calif., on 31 July 2000.
"TRICARE Europe is looking forward to working with our new Executive Steering Committee," says Colonel Debra Cerha, Executive Director of the TRICARE Europe Office at Sembach Air Base, Germany. "We had excellent support and direction from our former committee members. They took us from a fledgling organization that began supporting the European military population back in the mid-90's to a highly coordinated team consolidating Service assets to deliver the highest quality medical care to the more than 300,000 beneficiaries in theater. The wealth of experience these individuals bring to our organization will aid us as we continue to shape the TRICARE health plan to better meet the needs of our overseas population."
SOURCE: TRICARE Europe Office
Unit 10310
Sembach AB, Germany
APO AE 09136-0005
