U.S. RELATIONSHIP TO ASEAN ECONOMIC-POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT

MAP CREDIT:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE/CIA
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC

September 3, 2012
On September 4, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will meet with the ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan and the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, continuing her regular high-level engagement with ASEAN leaders and senior officials.

Along with our continued economic, strategic, and people-to-people engagement with ASEAN, the United States remains committed to supporting ASEAN’s evolution as the foremost regional institution promoting a vision of a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and democratic Southeast Asia. The United States has demonstrated our institutional support for ASEAN in a number of ways.
The U.S. Mission to ASEAN: In June 2010, the United States became the first non-ASEAN country to establish a dedicated Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta. Under the leadership of Ambassador David L. Carden, the United States’ first resident Ambassador to ASEAN, the Mission provides a venue for regular engagement and cooperation with ASEAN as well as the most visible symbol of our commitment to ASEAN’s success.

Support for U.S.-ASEAN Scholarship: In addition to beginning recruitment for the U.S.-ASEAN Fulbright Initiative this year, the United States supports both U.S. and ASEAN Member States’ scholars working on issues central to the region through symposia held at American University’s ASEAN Studies Center in Washington D.C. Our participation in the Brunei-U.S. English Language Enrichment Project reflects a commitment to help unify the diverse members of ASEAN, improve English language capacity, and advance educational and teaching opportunities in the region.

The ASEAN Washington Committee (AWC): To further our coordination with ASEAN, the Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs’ Assistant Secretary Kurt M. Campbell holds monthly meetings with the ASEAN Washington Committee, composed of the ambassadors of ASEAN Member States resident in Washington. These meetings serve as a venue for communication and collaboration on issues and projects within the region, and provide a domestic complement to our engagement in Jakarta.

Institutional Support in Disaster Management: Since mid-2011, the United States has supported a full-time, resident Advisor to the ASEAN Secretariat’s ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Unit and to broader Disaster Management efforts through the Secretariat and ASEAN Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (AHA Centre). The Advisor works closely with ASEAN officials and our fellow ASEAN Dialogue Partners to oversee activities such as:
The installation of a multi-hazard Disaster Monitoring and Response System in the AHA Centre. Along with Japan, the United States is providing the hardware and software AHA Centre operators need to improve response times and use relief resources more efficiently.
Building the search and rescue capacity of ASEAN Member States and creating guidelines for mobilization of assets for disaster relief across the region.
Supporting efforts to share best practices in Peacekeeping Operations.
  Promoting Public-Private Dialogue Economic Partnerships: The United States has partnered with ASEAN in private-sector outreach in several areas:
Secretary Clinton opened the first-ever U.S. – ASEAN Business Forum in July in Siem Reap, which brought government and private actors across the spectrum, including Boeing, Caterpillar, Chevron, DHL, Oracle, Peabody, P&G, ACE, Black & Veatch, Coca-Cola, GE, and Google, among others, together to find ways to further economic engagement and integration.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s first connectivity event, which brought representatives together from ASEAN governments, seven U.S. government agencies, and several private businesses. Participants shared expertise in disaster reduction and disaster recovery, and attendees showcased technology which enables more effective disaster preparation and emergency response.
We have supported the ASEAN Single Window Steering Committee, which incorporates the views of businesses active in the region into the planning for the ASEAN Single Window project, a state-of-the-art regional electronic customs clearance information sharing system, which will help to enable the integration of the broader ASEAN economic community. We look forward to a major ASEAN Single Window Symposium in mid-September at the ASEAN Secretariat.
  Economic Partnerships: We support triennial conferences to encourage private sector engagement with ASEAN’s food security agenda. The U.S.-funded Maximizing Agricultural Revenue through Knowledge, Enterprise Development, and Trade (MARKET) Program is helping to carry these critical private-public partnerships. We will support the Second Annual Dialogue between ASEAN Agriculture Ministers and food industry business leaders in September.

ASEAN Technology Improvement: The United States funded an expert to work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat to improve IT operations and prepare a medium-term IT strategy that was presented to the Committee of Permanent Representatives. In early September, the ASEAN Secretariat and United States will jointly launch a new ASEAN Web Portal with a redesign of the front end of the website, the creation of central repository for past, current and future ASEAN documents, and a user-friendly interface with a searchable function.

U.S. – ASEAN Eminent Persons Group: President Obama announced the names of the three representatives, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky (a former U.S. Trade Representative), Muhtar Kent (Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company) and Ambassador J. Stapleton Roy (former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, China and Indonesia,) in November 2011 at the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting. The group met with their ASEAN counterparts earlier this year in Manila, and will do so again in early September in Rangoon. The group will formulate a report containing recommendations on enhanced U.S.-ASEAN engagement for consideration by President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and ASEAN Leaders. We expect the EPG to offer expert insights on topics including engagement and integration among ASEAN Member States across all three Pillars of the ASEAN Community: Political/Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural. This important Presidential initiative demonstrates our deepening engagement with multilateral institutions in the Asia-Pacific, and specifically with ASEAN, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue this year.

ASEAN Secretariat Committee of Permanent Representatives Visit: This September, the United States will sponsor a trip for the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR), led by U.S. Mission to ASEAN Ambassador David L. Carden. The CPR oversees ASEAN Member States’ interactions with the ASEAN Secretariat and Dialogue Partners such as the United States, and includes one Representative from each of the 10 ASEAN Member States. Their visit will enable the CPR to exchange best practices across a variety of disciplines with officials drawn from U.S. government, the private sector, think tanks, and universities, with the goal of improving ASEAN’s capacity to promote sustainable development, improve regional rule of law, and create an environment conducive to economic growth across Southeast Asia.

Dialogue Partner/Donor Coordination: The United States places a high priority on outreach and collaboration with our development partners in the region and in helping ASEAN strengthen its role in partner coordination. For example, the USAID-AusAID-ASEAN collaboration with the MTV-EXIT campaign is highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to end trafficking in persons in cooperation with its Dialogue Partners. We are also coordinating support to the AHA Centre. The United States, Japan, Australia, the EU, and New Zealand are working directly with the AHA Centre and the ASEAN Secretariat to balance the types of assistance from each partner to cover AHA Centre's priority needs for systems, staffing and training. The United States and Canada also co-chair the working group on human rights cooperation with ASEAN.

Defense Liaison Officer. In 2011 the United States Pacific Command deployed a Liaison Officer to the U.S. Mission to ASEAN with the objectives of encouraging information-sharing between DOD and other U.S. agencies on multi-national security programs in Southeast Asia, and encouraging deepening and sustained engagement by DOD in ASEAN defense-related fora such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+) mechanism. Over the past year the Mission's PACOM liaison has assisted with arrangements for the first informal dialogue between the ASEAN Defense Ministers and U.S. Secretary of Defense; coordinated U.S. co-chairmanship with Indonesia of the ADMM+ Expert Working Group on Counterterrorism; and organized a PACOM-sponsored regional workshop on environmental security.

MARS-TRACK

FROM: NASA
Looking Back at Tracks from Sol 24 Drive
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity drove about 70 feet (about 21 meters) on the mission's 21st Martian day, or sol (Aug. 30, 2012) and then took images with its Navigation Camera that are combined into this scene, which inclues the fresh tracks. The view is centered toward the west-northwest.

Image credit, NASA-JPL-Caltech

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

SECRETARY OF LABOR SOLIS'S STATEMENT ON LABOR DAY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Statement on Labor Day by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement today to commemorate Labor Day on Sept. 3:

"On the first Monday of September, we honor the workers who built the world's strongest economy. This Labor Day, as the U.S. Department of Labor approaches our centennial celebration, I take extra pride in the historic efforts of today's workers to drive our recovery by learning new skills and adapting to new challenges.

"For more than two centuries, the prospect of work has drawn people to our shores to pursue new opportunities and dreams of a better life. The demands on our workers have changed over the generations, but we've always risen to the occasion.

"During the Industrial Age, factory workers saw their knowledge and paychecks grow as they mastered new processes to mass produce everything from automobiles to armaments. Following the Great Depression, more than 6 million women joined the workforce, clocking in at shipyards, lumber mills and foundries, and their production helped us win the Great War. And the Internet age carried the talents of our workers across the globe, as our ideas and products reached new markets and brought the world closer together.

"As I mark my fourth Labor Day as the nation's secretary of labor, I'm inspired by job seekers from all walks of life in this country going back to school and upgrading their skills to match the demands of a 21st century global economy. I'm impressed by communities coming together and new partnerships being formed among employers, labor unions and community colleges. And I'm reminded that for this federal agency and this administration, Labor Day has been, and will always be, every single day.

NASA, NASA WEEKLY RECAP FOR AUGUST 31, 2012

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=151447411

TEXAS FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL ACCUSED OF COOKING THEIR ENROLLMENT BOOKS FOR FEDERAL DOLLARS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Government Files Complaint Against Dallas Area-Based For-profit Chain of Schools for False Claims Act Violations

The United States has intervened and filed a complaint against the private, for-profit chain of schools, ATI Enterprises Inc. based in North Richland, Texas, the Justice Department announced today. ATI Enterprises, Inc., which does business as ATI Technical Training Center, ATI Career Training Center and ATI Career Training, operates career college campuses in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The government’s complaint alleges that from 2007 through 2010, at three campuses in Dallas and North Richland Hills, Texas, ATI Enterprises knowingly misrepresented its job placement statistics to the Texas Workforce Commission in order to maintain its state licensure, and therefore its eligibility for federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. On Aug. 9, 2011, the Texas Workforce Commission revoked licenses for several of ATI’s programs at the three campuses after a third party audit of ATI’s reported placement statistics.

Furthermore, the complaint alleges that ATI employees at the three campuses knowingly enrolled students who were ineligible because they did not have high school diplomas or recognized equivalents; falsified high school diplomas, including five Dallas Independent School District diplomas for students who later defaulted on their federal student loans; fraudulently kept students enrolled even though they should have been dropped because they had poor grades or attendance; and made knowing misrepresentations to students about their future employability. The alleged misrepresentations included telling students that a criminal record would not prevent them from getting jobs in their fields of study, quoting higher salaries than the students would be likely to earn and reporting inflated job placement statistics both to the students and the Texas Workforce Commission. The complaint alleges that the executive directors at each campus, as well as various ATI corporate officers, including the chief operating officer, chief executive officer, executive vice president of operations, national director of career services, regional director of education, regional director of career placements and vice president of recruitment were aware of and in some cases encouraged the alleged conduct.

The complaint further alleges that ATI engaged in these practices in order to induce students to enroll and thereby increase the school’s receipt of federal dollars at the expense of students, who incurred long-term debt, and the taxpayers.

"Federal financial aid is designed to help students obtain an education ," said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. "We are committed to ensuring that educational institutions place the interests of their students ahead of their own financial interests. "

"Misuse of taxpayers’ dollars cannot be tolerated – not only for the sake of taxpayers, but especially in the case of innocent individuals who seek to improve their lives through a quality education," said U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

"Abuse of the federal student aid program is unacceptable" said Kathleen Tighe, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education. "Tracking down and holding accountable companies like ATI that take advantage of students to benefit the companies’ bottom line will continue to be a priority of our office."

The suit was originally filed by Portia Aldridge, Tiffany Turner, Monica Lewis, James Lewis, Nathan Wallace and Lori Jackson, all former employees of the Texas campuses of ATI Enterprises. The False Claims Act allows private citizens to file whistleblower suits to provide the government information about wrongdoing. The government then has a period of time to investigate and decide whether to intervene and take over the litigation or decline to pursue the case and allow the whistleblower to proceed. If the United States proves that a defendant has knowingly submitted false claims, it is entitled to recover three times the damages that resulted and a penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 per claim. When the government intervenes, the whistleblower can collect a share of 15 to 25 percent of the United States' recovery.

This matter was investigated by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division; the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas; and the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General; and Office of General Counsel.

The claims asserted against ATI in the United States’ complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

ESA Bulletin 151 (srpen 2012)

ESA Bulletin 151 (srpen 2012)

U.S. SEC. OF STATE CLINTON AND NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER MEET

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Remarks With New Zealand Prime Minister KeyRemarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

New Zealand High Commissioner's Residence, Cook Islands

August 31, 2012

PRIME MINISTER KEY: Okay, so good afternoon. Welcome to Ngatipa, the New Zealand residence here in the Cook Islands. It’s been a pleasure for me to host Secretary Clinton and her team for lunch today. It’s always wonderful to have Secretary Clinton in this part of the world. New Zealand very warmly remembers your visit to our country back in 2010 when you signed the Wellington Declaration, which describes in celebrating the strategic partnership of our two countries here. In the almost two years since Secretary Clinton’s visit to New Zealand, the bilateral relationship has gone from strength to strength. Earlier this year, the Wellington Declaration was complemented by the Washington Declaration (inaudible) relationship.

Secretary Clinton and I discussed a number of areas of cooperation, and I’ll mention just a few. The (inaudible) and the Cook Islands are the forums and executive office is fully committed to supporting inspirations and initiatives of Pacific Island countries. As the outgoing chair of Cook Islands Forum, New Zealand welcomes the full (inaudible) historically strong engagement with the island nations of the Pacific.

We’ve been pleased to announce this week a number of joint initiatives, including the areas of (inaudible) economic development, clean energy, and maritime surveillance. We discussed Afghanistan. New Zealand has stood alongside the United States as part of an international coalition there since 9/11 joined by other countries to tackle the threats posed by al-Qaida and its allies. We’ve endured the terrible loss of life suffered by our coalition partners in Afghanistan, particularly the recent New Zealand and Australian losses and those of the United States.

Secretary Clinton and I discussed the broad range of issues in the Asia Pacific region as we look towards the APEC summit in Russia in around 10 days time. New Zealand warmly supports the United States rebalancing towards the Asia Pacific, and we welcome the opportunity to cooperate with the U.S. in the next conflicts. We discussed our ongoing (inaudible) along side a number of other countries (inaudible) partnership agreement. Secretary Clinton and I share the goal of securing a high quality, (inaudible) free trade agreement, would be a significant (inaudible) countries involved, indeed to the region as a whole.

Before passing over to Secretary Clinton, I’d like to convey publicly my personal gratitude for all that she’s done for the past relations between our two countries and our two peoples over the past four years. Secretary Clinton’s personal interest and involvement in our country is greatly appreciated by the New Zealand people. You’ve been great friends to New Zealand and you’re always welcome (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Prime Minister, thank you very much for the warm welcome that you have provided. As the first Secretary of State to make this journey, I am especially delighted and honored. I was pleased to meet with leaders of the Pacific Island Forum, member states, to attend the Pacific Island Forum, post-forum dialogue where I had a chance to reaffirm the Obama Administration’s commitment to our engagement in the Asia Pacific with an equal emphasis on the Pacific part of that phrase. The United States is very proud to be a Pacific nation, a long history in this region, and we are committed to be here for the long run.

Today, I’m announcing new programs and new funding to support our friends in this region in three key areas: promoting sustainable economic development and protecting biodiversity; advancing regional security; and supporting women of the Pacific as they reach for greater political, economic, and social opportunities.

To give just a few examples, the United States will work with Kiribati to protect its marine ecosystem and help coastal communities throughout the region adapt to the effects of climate change and to develop renewable energy resources.

We will expand our security partnership so U.S. ships can be of even greater help in preventing illegal and unregulated fishing, and we will take additional steps to clean up unexploded ordnance in the region, much of it still there from World War Two. We will support the Rarotonga Partnership for the Advancement of Pacific Island Women, launched just today, and I’ll be looking forward to meeting with women from the region later this afternoon.

I’m also very committed to expanding investment and trade in the region, in pursuit of sustainable economic growth. Later today, I’ll meet with local pearl vendors from here in the Cook Islands who are running their businesses while also protecting marine resources.

Obviously, I could go on because there’s a lot to do in this very important region of the world, and there is no doubt that our relationship with New Zealand provides a strong foundation for our engagement across the Pacific. I especially want to thank Prime Minister Key for his leadership in revitalizing the partnership between New Zealand and the United States. As he said, we signed the Wellington Declaration two years ago, and then in June our countries signed the Washington Declaration, which emphasized our defense cooperation.

We are working together on a number of important issues, from establishing security in Afghanistan where Kiwi soldiers have made extraordinary sacrifices. Just recently, the losses are ones that we are equally grieved by and offer our condolences to the families as well as the people of New Zealand. We also are very appreciative of New Zealand’s leadership in addressing climate change and conserving natural resources and opening the doors of opportunity.

In particular, I want to thank the Prime Minister for his government’s support of women across the region. And we’re going to create an exchange program connecting women in the Pacific with women in the Caribbean who work in agriculture so they can learn from each other and understand better how to improve the incomes and opportunities for themselves and their families.

The United States welcomes the chance to work with a broad array of partners in the region –Japan, the European Union, China – we all have an interest in advancing security, prosperity, and opportunity. And as I said this morning, the Pacific is certainly big enough for all of us. So thank you Prime Minister, the United States values our relationship. We celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. We feel a special kinship and closeness to New Zealand and your people and we continue to look, as you said, for our relationship to go from strength to strength. So thank you again for your leadership and partnership.

MODERATOR: Secretary Clinton and Prime Minister Key have kindly allowed two questions from each side. May I remind you to please (inaudible)? We’re going to start with New Zealand and (inaudible).

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Madam Secretary. How concerned is the U.S. that China’s growing influence in the region (inaudible) how it administers aid, and also its growing links with (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON: So this is an area that the Prime Minister and I discussed over lunch, and I have to say that we think it is important for the Pacific Island nations to have good relationships with as many partners as possible and that includes China as well as the United States, and we believe there is more that China can do with us, with New Zealand, with Australia, with others, to further sustainable development, improve the health of the people, deal with climate change and the environment, and I look forward to discussing these issues when I am in Beijing next week.

New Zealand sets a good example for the work that we think can be done with China. New Zealand has worked with China on water issues, for example. We want to see more multinational development projects that include the participation of China. And as part of our strategic and economic dialogue with China, we have a section on development. And it’s been my observation over the last four sessions that we have now held that China is becoming more interested in learning from, understanding best practices and cooperating with other countries.

Our policy, as expressed by President Obama and myself many times, is we want a comprehensive, positive, cooperative relationship between the United States and China. We think it is good for our country, it’s good for our people, and in fact, it’s not only good for this region, it’s good for the world. We’ve invested a lot in our strategic and economic dialogue. We speak very frankly about areas where we do not agree. We both raise issues that the other side would prefer perhaps we not, or they not. But I think our dialogue has moved to have a positive arena because we are able to discuss all matters together.

Now here in the Pacific, we want to see China act in a fair and transparent way. We want to see them play a positive role in navigation and maritime security issues. We want to see them contribute to sustainable development for the people of the Pacific; to protect the precious environment, including the ocean; and to pursue economic activity that will benefit the people.

So we think that there’s a great opportunity to work with China, and we’re going to be looking for more ways to do that.

MODERATOR: Next question.

QUESTION: Thank you, Madam Secretary. If I could follow up first a little bit on the previous question. You mentioned that there was room for cooperation between the United States and China in development (inaudible) one introduced here in climate change. Can you tell the leaders of the Pacific Islands that the United States is doing all that it can?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, after the first question, I know Admiral Locklear is here with us and he’s certainly more than capable of speaking for himself about what PACOM is doing. But several things: We are beginning to discuss cooperation with respect to disaster prevention and response. We would like to see China play a role in that. There are a lot of disasters in this region, from earthquakes, which New Zealand knows so well, to tsunamis and cyclones and terrible flooding as we saw in the Philippines just recently. So we think that that is an area that should be explored in more depth.

We also believe, on the aid front, that there is a lot of opportunity for cooperation between us and China. It is something we are modeling after New Zealand. New Zealand has been working on water issues with China, we want to learn the lessons about what works. PACOM has a great reach in the Pacific and is involved in everything from overseeing our hospital ships to working to train local officials in protecting their environment and protecting their water.

We also know that there’s a real threat from climate change, which gets me to your second question. This is real. I will underscore that. It is one that the leaders of these nations speak about with great passion because they are all very low lying land and are worried that they’re going to be swamped in the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years. So we understand very well the feelings that the Pacific Island nations have about climate change. And we stand behind our pledges in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to prompt substantial action to help vulnerable countries adapt.

Among the programs we discussed today at the new coastal community adaptation project. It’s a five-year, $25 million project to help build the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities of the Pacific to withstand extreme weather, and not only in the short run, but rising sea levels over the longer term. USAID, which as you know we brought back to the Pacific and established a headquarters in Papua New Guinea, is contributing $3 million over three years to Germany, coping with climate change in the Pacific Islands programs. And we’re working continually to develop an international consensus on reducing green house gas emissions, and other short – and on the short list – climate pollutants initiative that I started a year ago. As you know, in part because of the economy, U.S. emissions are the lowest that they’ve been in 20 years.

But look, we know we have more to do, and we have made a commitment, we’re going to stick with our commitment. I hope that we’ll be able to go beyond those commitments in the future.

MODERATOR: (Inaudible.)

QUESTION: Australia and New Zealand suffered one of the greatest losses of life since the Vietnam War in Afghanistan. Do you think the sacrifice was worth it, and do you (inaudible) stand by the United States?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well first, let me say to both New Zealand and Australia, we are deeply grateful for their participation in this coalition effort under ISAF. And we’re also very sorry about their losses as we are at the loss of any of our coalition partners and ourselves. But I think it’s important to stress that both New Zealand and Australia have played a crucial role in the ISAF mission. Their soldiers and civilians are highly regarded.

New Zealand’s contributions are far beyond what one would ordinarily expect of a country the size of New Zealand. Prime Minister Key and I of course discussed Afghanistan today. I also called Prime Minister Gillard to express condolences and exchange views with her. And I’m gratified that despite the challenges we’ve all had, including the losses that we have suffered at the hands of insurgents and turncoats, we are all resolved to see this mission through as the commitments we’ve made suggest.

I think it’s important to just reflect on the fact that a lot of progress has been made. Any time we lose the lives or see one of our soldiers or civilians – I mean, I lost an aid worker, I have a seriously injured foreign service officer in – at Walter Reed – every time this happens, soldiers and civilians alike. we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice that our nations are making.

But we should also remind ourselves of the progress we have made since we went into this together. Over lunch, the Prime Minister was sharing some statistics from the New Zealand PRT in (inaudible) province that are really impressive in terms of advances in health, education, and infrastructure. So we are committed to seeing this through as we all agreed to at Lisbon, as we reiterated at Chicago, because we cannot afford see Afghanistan turn back into a haven for terrorism that threatens us all. And the work we have done together to prepare the Afghan national security forces to defend themselves and take the security lead is a much greater positive than negative story.

So we offer our condolences, but we also offer our appreciation to the people of New Zealand – soldiers and civilians alike who have been part of this important global effort.

MODERATOR: One last question. Steve Myers from New York Times.

QUESTION: Thank you. Madam Secretary, (inaudible), can you talk a little bit about the (inaudible) this designation of the Haqqani Network as a terrorist organization? What is your thinking on the pros and cons of that before the deadline next week? And Prime Minister, if you would, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on the prospect of a negotiated settlement with groups like the Haqqani Network or the Taliban as part of the effort to drawing down the war there?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Steve, I’m not going to comment on any stories about any internal discussions, of course. But I’m aware that I have an obligation to report to Congress. Of course, we will meet that commitment. And I’d like to underscore that we are putting steady pressure on the Haqqanis. That is part of what our military does every single day along with our ISAF partners. We are drawing up their resources, we are targeting their military and intelligence personnel. We are pressing the Pakistanis to step up their own efforts. So we’re already taking action and we’ll have more to say about the specific request from Congress next week.

PRIME MINISTER KEY: Well, as Secretary Clinton indicated, from New Zealand’s point of view, we think two goals in Afghanistan have been to try and train both Afghanis (inaudible) crisis response units in the Afghan police. And we’ve done that – (inaudible) we will be doing it in (inaudible) but we hope (inaudible) look after its own security.

In terms of any negotiation with the Taliban or with groups in Afghanistan, we fundamentally believe that will ultimately be a matter for the Afghan Government, but they will (inaudible) find a way through a very difficult situation and its coming to the (inaudible) I wouldn’t be surprised if some part of it attempts to deliver greater security in Afghanistan some discussion. But it’s ultimately up to President Karzai.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT FACT SHEET ON U.S.-PACIFIC ENGAGEMENT

Photo:  Rimpac 2012 Pacific Exercise.  Credit:  U.S. Navy.
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Engagement in the Pacific
Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
August 31, 2012
For over a century, the United States has remained a positive force for development throughout the Pacific region -- from the establishment of Naval Station Pearl Harbor in 1912 to its commitment of over 200 Peace Corps volunteers serving throughout the region today. A Pacific nation itself, the United States not only shares the same values as its neighbors; it understands their hopes and aspirations – and seeks to assist the peoples and nations of the Pacific as they strive to realize them. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Post Forum Dialogue, the first ever by a U.S. Secretary of State, demonstrates the Unites States’ commitment to partnering with the Pacific Island countries to address local and global challenges, such as climate change, economic development, gender equality, education, and peace and security.

Environmental Stewardship: The United States is committed to working with the Pacific Islands to protect the unique marine resources of the Pacific and has stated its intent to explore with Kiribati areas of cooperation to facilitate the protection, preservation, and conservation management of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area and the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, which together account for 244,514 square miles of protected marine areas.

Climate Change: Recognizing that climate change is one of the most pressing concerns for the peoples of the Pacific, the United States is working to build capacity in the region to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change. The United States is launching a Coastal Community Adaption Program that will provide $25 million over five years to build climate and severe weather resilience for vulnerable coastal communities. The United States is also establishing Vocational Training and Education for Clean Energy (VOCTEC), a $1 million program aimed at sustaining renewable energy investments.

Pacific Women’s Empowerment Initiative: In collaboration with Australia, New Zealand and other public and private partners, the Department of State will launch the next phase of the Pacific Women's Empowerment Initiative – the Rarotonga Partnership for the Advancement of Pacific Island Women, an innovative partnership that will sharply expand leadership training, academic scholarships, and other educational opportunities through programs that actively embrace and address gender issues. As the centerpiece of the Initiative, the East-West Center (EWC) will coordinate the Rarotonga Partnership to serve as a catalyst for change and a dynamic collaborative hub among regional educational institutions across the Pacific, creating new opportunities for enhanced participation of Pacific women in public and private leadership roles. The United States and New Zealand will also collaborate on women’s economic empowerment and sustainable agriculture programs at the Caribbean and Pacific Forum in Jamaica in 2013.

Safety and Security: Many Pacific Island countries continue to deal with the legacy of unexploded ordnance and other remnants of the battles of World War II. In cooperation with our Pacific Islands partners, the United States Departments of State and Defense will support a more integrated approach to cleaning up unexploded ordnance by investing over $3.5 million over the next three years for assessment, training and clean-up projects in Pacific Island states. To increase maritime awareness and enforce conservation measures, the United States is expanding the highly successful Ship Rider Agreements, which enable joint law enforcement operations with nine Pacific countries. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard, which maintains readiness to conduct search and rescue operations across 19,600,000 square kilometers in the Pacific, is working with U.S. Pacific Command to explore the possibility of developing enhanced maritime domain awareness training to the Freely Associated States.

Economic Growth and Prosperity: U.S. exports to Pacific Island countries have amounted to more than $17 billion so far in 2012. The U.S. enjoys a trade surplus with all but two PIF members. Economic growth and development in the region is good for U.S. business. Ex-Im Bank is active in the region, and seeks to provide short-, medium- and long-term financing for the procurement of US equipment and services in most PIF countries. Over the past three years Ex-Im has supported financing in the amount of approximately $7 billion dollars for projects in the Pacific, including new liquid natural gas project developments in Australia and Papua New Guinea and commercial aircraft purchases for New Zealand. Since 1980, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has invested over $341 million dollars in the Pacific Islands region, supporting investment and development in Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and Fiji. OPIC currently has over $45 million in investments and insurance in the Pacific Islands region, and is actively looking to support viable projects in the region.

Developing Economic Linkages: In recognition of the cultural and economic ties between the United States and Pacific Islands, the Department of State is partnering with the PIF Secretariat’s Pacific Islands Trade & Invest to launch the Pacific Islands IdEA Marketplace (PIIM). PIIM is being implemented within the context of the International diaspora Engagement Alliance (IdEA), an innovative program that has successfully linked diasporas to local populations in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. PIIM collaborators will develop a competition that seeks out innovative ideas to promote economic development and reduce the vulnerability of populations to natural disaster. Winners will be provided with technical assistance for developing their business plans and access to project financing and entrepreneurial networks.

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to Combat Environmental Crimes: The Department will continue to help link the Pacific Island nations with other countries in the region to increase capacity building for anti-corruption, law enforcement and rule of law communities. The Department, in partnership with DOJ’s Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training, supports a new prosecutor-led Natural Resource Crimes Task Force in Indonesia that could serve as a model for Pacific nations on improving prosecution of natural resource crimes.

Pacific Partnership: Next year, the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Partnership will return to the Pacific. Pacific Partnership deployments collectively have provided medical, dental, and educational services to 250,000 people and completed more than 150 engineering projects in 15 countries.

Constitutional Development and Democracy: This year, USAID provided nearly $2 million to support democratic institutions in Fiji and free and fair elections in Papua New Guinea.

Regional Project Support: The Regional Environmental Office of U.S. Embassy Suva provides between $75,000 and $125,000 per year in numerous small grants for local projects throughout the region tackling both environmental and health issues.

Civil Society Small Grants: The Department of State and USAID provide small grants in the region to help develop civil society. These grants include:
(Koror) 20th Anniversary of the Mechesil Belau Conference: On the 20th anniversary, the achievements of Mechesil Belau will be highlighted and a publication documenting the historical and cultural development of the organization developed.
Majuro) Adopt the Airport Project: This project plans to transform unused land beside the Majuro Airport into the atoll’s largest eco-friendly outdoor exercise facility.
(Koror) Strengthening Democracy to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change on Public Health: This project aims to expand on a newly published book, "Public Health Impacts of Climate Change in Palau" by Southern Illinois University and funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a television and print campaign to raise awareness and foster discussion about the impacts of climate change on public health.
(Kolonia) Economic Innovation Fund: Transition from Substance Living to Market Economy: This program will work in conjunction with the Federated States of Micronesia government’s current program designed to improve income for rural communities and increase household nutrition standards.
People-to-People Ties: In all areas, the United States engages with the people of the Pacific to address their concerns and build lasting relationships. These include:
PIF Youth Conference: This will be a conference, held in New Zealand, for youth leaders from each of the 16 member countries of the PIF to discuss key political, economic, environmental and social issues of the region and create a Pacific youth leaders network that will continue to communicate following the conference.
Pacific Islands Sports Visitor program: Sports Visitors Program focused on hearing-impaired track and field athletes. The program in spring 2013 will reinforce awareness, locally and regionally, about disability inclusion especially for youth.
American Youth Leadership Program with Samoa: Twenty American participants will travel to Samoa for a four-week exchange in December 2013 to study food security and nutrition alongside twenty Samoan teens.
Leadership Development: The East-West Center will partner with other regional donors on a $3 million program to provide leadership development skills training for 125 young Pacific Islanders.

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RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

120831-N-WL435-365 DUBLIN (Aug. 31, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speak to Irish media aboard the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) about the importance of the Emerald Isle Classic NCAA football game between Navy and Notre Dame. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released

　
　

　

120831-N-ZE938-021 WILLEMSTAD, Curacao (August 31, 2012) Sailors heave in a mooring line on the flight deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) as the ship departs Willemstad, Curacao after a scheduled port visit. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Operation Martillo and the U.S. 4th Fleet mission, Southern Seas 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul/Released)

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update: WASTE TO ENERGY PRODUCTS

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

ALLEGED PONZI SCHEME TARGETS MEMBERS OF DEAF COMMUNITY

FROM: COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSIOIN

CFTC Charges California Resident Marc Perlman and his company, iGlobal Strategic Management, LLC, with Solicitation Fraud and Misappropriation in Commodity Pool Ponzi Scheme

Defendants charged with fraudulently soliciting and accepting at least $670,000 from members of the public — largely persons from the deaf community

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today announced the filing of a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, charging Marc Perlman of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and his firm, iGlobal Strategic Management, LLC (iGlobal) with operating a commodity pool Ponzi scheme that fraudulently solicited and accepted at least $670,000 from at least 17 people — largely persons from the deaf community. Perlman was a principal and officer of iGlobal, and neither defendant has ever been registered with the CFTC.

Specifically, the CFTC complaint, filed on August 28, 2012, alleges that from at least March 2009 through at least November 2011, iGlobal and Perlman fraudulently solicited individuals to invest in a pooled investment vehicle to trade leveraged off-exchange foreign currency contracts (forex). Perlman furthered his and iGlobal’s fraudulent scheme by playing upon the Christian faith of certain iGlobal investors, using claims about his own faith and references to scripture to obtain the trust of certain iGlobal investors, according to the complaint.

The complaint further charges that less than half of the funds invested by the iGlobal investors, or approximately $305,000, were used to trade forex, resulting in losses that consumed nearly all of the invested funds. The rest of the funds were allegedly used for unauthorized purposes, including 1) payouts of fictitious "profits" to certain iGlobal investors, 2) cash withdrawals of funds that were not re-deposited into the iGlobal trading or bank accounts, 3) charges at department stores, electronic stores, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 4) payment of rent for Perlman’s personal residence. iGlobal and Perlman misrepresented that the iGlobal investors’ funds would be invested in forex and fraudulently omitted and/or concealed that iGlobal and Perlman used and planned to use investor funds for purposes other than forex investments, according to the complaint.

In addition, iGlobal and Perlman allegedly misrepresented that trades executed in connection with the iGlobal investments were profitable and that certain iGlobal investors were earning and were being paid, or would be paid, profits from the trading. iGlobal and Perlman also allegedly issued false written statements that reported profits and listed the respective iGlobal investors’ full principal when, in fact, more than half of the funds had been misappropriated and the trading resulted in net losses.

In its continuing litigation, the CFTC seeks restitution to defrauded investors, a return of ill-gotten gains, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans, and permanent injunctions against further violations of federal commodities laws, as charged.

The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the U.K. Financial Services Authority.

CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this case are Laura Martin, Christopher Giglio, Manal Sultan, Lenel Hickson, William Tylinski, Stephen Obie, and Vincent McGonagle.

LT. GENERAL BRADSHAW SAID SUSPENSION OF AFGHAN POLICE TRAINING A PRECAUTION

Photo:  Afghanistan.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.  
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

ISAF Deputy: Operations Continue, Relations Remain Strong

From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 2, 2012 - Suspension of training for about 1,000 recruits in the Afghan Local Police program while officials re-vet 16,300 Afghans providing security in remote areas of Afghanistan has no operational impact for Afghan police and other security forces, the International Security Assistance Force's deputy commander said today.

In a written statement, Lt. Gen. Adrian J. Bradshaw of the British army called the suspension a precautionary measure taken in response to concerns by Afghan, U.S. and other coalition commanders over recent insider attacks by gunmen in Afghan uniforms against coalition personnel.

"However, it is stressed that effective ALP operations are continuing to deliver significant results against the insurgency and that the working relationships between ALP, U.S. and other coalition partners continue to be strong," Bradshaw said. Some 8,000 commandos and 3,000 Afghan army special operations forces "continue with their normal and highly effective operational activity," he added.

The vetting status of all Afghan commandos and special operations forces also is being checked, but this has no impact on current operations, the general said.

"The measures being applied to [Afghan army] special forces and [Afghan Local Police] personnel reflects the intensive effort to recheck the vetting status of the some 350,000 [Afghan security forces] personnel as part of a number of actions recently instituted to reinforce existing precautions related to the insider threat," he said. "Much of this re-vetting task has already been completed, and numbers of individuals, where vetting status has been found to be in doubt, have been suspended pending further investigation, or removed from the force."

Senior ISAF and Afghan security forces commanders and Afghan security ministers attended a conference yesterday chaired by Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander, "to develop joint solutions to add to the already intensive effort to protect all of our soldiers, Afghan and coalition, from the insider threat, noting that Afghan and ISAF alike have suffered," Bradshaw said.

Participants in the meeting noted that the campaign continues to move forward, with the insurgents under constant pressure and resorting to ever more desperate measures, such as improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings, while the Afghan forces grow stronger and more confident day by day, the general said. "We expressed confidence that the [Afghan forces] will be more than capable of taking over full responsibility for Afghanistan's security in 2014, and will thereafter enjoy strong international support," he added.

The synergy between the Afghan government and military and the coalition already has resulted in several concrete measures to defeat the insider threat, Bradshaw said, noting several new initiatives being implemented:

-- Improvements to the vetting process for new recruits;

-- Increasing the number of counterintelligence teams;

-- Introduction of interview procedures for Afghan soldiers returning from leave;

-- A new warning and reporting system for insider threats;

-- Enhanced intelligence exchange between Afghan security forces and ISAF;

-- Establishment of an anonymous reporting system;

-- Improved training for counterintelligence agents;

-- Establishment of a joint investigation commission when insider threats occur; and

-- Enhanced cultural training that includes visits to coalition home training centers by Afghan cultural and religious affairs advisors, which were authorized by Afghan President Hamid Karzai this morning.

Bradshaw said that on behalf of Allen, who was away from the capital, he attended a meeting this morning of the Afghan government's National Security Council chaired by Karzai. At the meeting, he said, he presented the ISAF views on tackling the insider threat alongside Afghan security ministers and commanders. Karzai reaffirmed his strong support for the extensive measures being taken, Bradshaw said, and impressed upon his ministers and commanders "his absolute determination that we should work together to eradicate this pernicious threat."

"During the meeting, the nature of the strong and enduring partnership that the coalition and Afghan colleagues enjoy was recognized by all," Bradshaw said, "as was the fact that this common threat is serving to bring us ever closer together in our working relationship as we seek to protect the thousands of Afghan and coalition men and women in our combined force, wherever they may be serving in this theater."

EX-IMPORT BANK TOUTS 276,000 SUPPORTED BY FINANCING

Photo Credit:   Wikimedia.
FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Labor Day 2012 Sees More Than 276,000 Jobs Supported by
Export Financing Provided by Ex-Im Bank
WASHINGTON, DC --- As Americans celebrate the unofficial end of summer this Labor Day, more than 276,000 American workers and their families are benefiting from jobs that are being supported by export financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).

"Export-intensive industries pay higher wages than domestic-oriented industries in large metropolitan areas," said Fred P. Hochberg, chairman and president of Ex-Im. "So this Labor Day Ex-Im Bank is again on track for another record year providing financing for buyers of U.S. goods and services, and in doing so is fulfilling its mission of helping create and sustain American jobs."

As August began Ex-Im Bank had authorized 3,055 separate transactions totaling $25.8 billion, which in turn supported about $39 billion in export sales.

Businesses employing dozens to thousands of Americans are supported by Ex-Im Bank financing. Among the companies benefitting from export financing from Ex-Im are:
· FirmGreen Inc., a small renewable-energy company based in Newport Beach, Calif., and other U.S. green technology suppliers who were able to export equipment and services for an innovative biogas project at the Novo Gramacho land fill near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ex-Im provided the buyers a $46.8 million loan for the project which directly generated 165 new jobs at facilities in seven states: Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, California, Michigan, Missouri and Texas.
· Trench-Tech International, Inc. a small business in Roanoke, Texas is exporting its TT2550 chain trencher to a buyer in Mexico with the support of a $970,000 Ex-Im guaranteed medium-term loan from Citi Commercial Bank.
· Tetra Tech, a small business in Pasadena, Calif. is supplying design and construction services for a desperately-needed water supply system in Sri Lanka because of a $64.9 million Ex-Im Bank direct loan to the Sri Lankan government. The transaction will support approximately 400 American jobs in Denver and Longmont, Colo.; Morris Plains, N.J.; Langhorne, Pa.; and Fairfax, Va.
· The Boeing Co. employed thousands of workers in Washington State and elsewhere to complete and deliver to Ethiopian Airlines the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner delivered to any airline outside of Japan, which is also the first 787 to be financed by Ex-Im Bank.

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TRAINING OF AFGHAN LOCAL POLICE SUSPENDED

Photo:  Afghanistan Landscape.  Credit:  CIA Wold Factbook
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

U.S. Suspends Afghan Local Police Training for Further Vetting
Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force News Releases

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2012 - In light of a recent rise in insider attacks against coalition forces, U.S. Forces Afghanistan officials have suspended the training of about 1,000 Afghan Local Police recruits, pending re-vetting of current participants in the program.

Officials emphasized that partnered operations with Afghan forces will continue, and that NATO training for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police are not affected by the suspension of training for the local police program, in which U.S. forces train recruits, in cooperation with Afghanistan's Interior Ministry and provincial police chiefs, to provide security in remote communities.

"While we have full trust and confidence in our Afghan partners, we believe this is a necessary step to validate our vetting process and ensure the quality indicative of Afghan Local Police," Army Col. Thomas Collins, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman, said in a written statement.

"Special Operations Forces has a strong and trusted relationship with its Afghan partners that has endured more than a decade," Collins added. "Despite the recent rise in insider attacks, they are relatively rare among [special operations] partnered forces. Special operations remains fully committed to a close and productive relationship with our Afghan partners."

Meanwhile, International Security Assistance Force officials announced yesterday that Afghan and Australian troops on a partnered mission in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province had captured a key facilitator who orchestrated an Aug. 29 insider attack that killed three Australian soldiers and wounded two others.

The facilitator also was responsible for the placement of roadside bombs and the kidnapping and murder of Afghan civilians, officials said, adding that the operation was planned and executed in coordination with Afghan officials, including approval by the Uruzgan provincial governor.

Also yesterday, insurgents using vehicle-borne bombs attacked a base shared by Afghan and coalition forces in the Sayed Abad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province.

The attack did not breach the base's perimeter, and there were no follow-on enemy actions, officials said. The explosions caused significant damage to the nearby Sayed Abad district center and killed an undisclosed number of civilians.

"We believe this attack bears the mark of the Haqqani network, which continues to target and kill innocent Afghans and blatantly violates Afghan sovereignty," said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander. "I offer my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in this horrible attack. I condemn these atrocities in the strongest of terms."

ARMY AND NFL WORK TO IMPROVE AWARENESS OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Army, NFL Team Up to Fight Brain Injuries

By David Vergun
Army News Service

WEST POINT, N.Y., Aug. 31, 2012 - The Army and the National Football League are working together to improve awareness of traumatic brain injury and increase research into its causes, prevention and treatment.

The top leaders of both organizations -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell -- met at the U.S. Military Academy Aug. 30 to discuss the issue and sign a letter of agreement to continue sharing resources to combat TBI.

They were joined by a panel of soldiers and retired NFL players who have had concussions while serving on the battlefield and the playing field. About 200 cadets also attended, as well as representatives from Army medicine.

Odierno explained how some of the best traits in soldiers can sometimes prevent them from seeking help following concussions.

"Mental and physical toughness, discipline, team over self and stressing the importance of resilience are fundamental to the cultures of both the NFL and the Army," Odierno said. "We have the Warrior Ethos, reinforced by the Soldier's Creed."

These selfless traits, he said, make it "particularly difficult for individuals to come forward and identify physical and mental issues, especially mental.".

"We are seeking to educate both players and soldiers about TBI, to empower them to seek treatment both on the battlefield and playing field," Odierno said.

The Army and NFL are continuing their dialogue and sharing of research on TBI, said Odierno, citing examples of joint efforts at monitoring TBI, including placing special sensors in the helmets of soldiers and NFL players that can detect a possible concussion following trauma to the head.

NFL players and soldiers are now coordinating strategies and using special types of tests to determine if a concussion has occurred, added Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, chair, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington. He expects research to continue to reduce TBI.

The NFL commissioner then addressed the cadets. "You are the future leaders of Army," Goodell said. "Together, we can make a big difference, sharing medical research, and helping players and fighters and bringing a greater awareness to society as well. I believe we can change our cultures, with athletes and soldiers sharing their experiences."

The cultural shift to which Goodell referred is the reluctance of many football players and soldiers to ask for help after receiving concussions.

"A frank conversation needs to take place at the lowest levels, with the people most powerful in soldiers' lives -- not me, but their platoon sergeants and first sergeants," Odierno said. "Soldiers must be made to realize that there will not be retribution of any kind for asking for help."

"Sometimes the NCOs must make the decision for the soldiers and not penalize them," said Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Hibbard, addressing the reluctance of many soldiers to seek help on their own. "When I got blown up I felt like, 'Hey, I'm mentally still in the fight.' That NCO must check those injured and remove them from the fight so they can get better." Hibbard said he suffered concussions himself during recent combat operations, but was reluctant to seek help.

Maj. Christopher Molino, who also suffered a concussion during recent combat operations, agreed that small unit leaders must step in and take charge. "Removing yourself is counterintuitive to soldiers' instincts. That's why good leadership is important."

Former NFL player Troy Vincent said he had a concussion on the football field so severe, that he was unconscious and didn't recall the event. No one got him to seek help, he explained. "They protected me with some play calls and didn't expose my weakness at the time," he said.

"The coach told me that 70 percent of you is better than 100 percent of the second string [players]," meaning that despite losing 30 percent of his ability to play due to concussion, he was still better than many of the uninjured players. Vincent was a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins.

Bart Oates, who also suffered a concussion on the playing field, agreed that the mindset is hard to change. He played center for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

Goodell said that old school mentality of not asking for help will no longer be tolerated. He stressed the importance of accountability. "Myself, the coaches and other members of this organization have a responsibility to make the lives of players better, both on and off the field," he said, adding that he hopes those in other sports -- especially young athletes -- get the message and provide proper leadership and supervision.

"We need to learn to rely on the players to do the right thing; to raise their hand if they need help or ask others to seek assistance," he said. "Someone needs to say 'Hey, you're not feeling too well,' and allow medical personnel to make the call whether to stay in the game. The coaches or players should not make that call. You can play smart as well as tough. Seeking help is playing smart."

The commissioner said he's not satisfied that enough progress has been made. "We're not going to stop; we're going to continue, we're going to make a difference."

Odierno agreed that more has to be done, despite recent policies and directives designed to protect the health of soldiers.

Army Directive-Type Memorandum 09-033, for instance, stipulates that soldiers have a minimum of 24 hours of downtime and get a medical clearance before returning to duty following a blast or vehicle incident.

Maj. Sarah Goldman, program director of Army Traumatic Brain Injury at the Office of the Surgeon General, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Division, emphasized that seeking help more often than not does not take a soldier "out of the fight." She said more than 13,000 service members sustained some form of concussion since 2010 and 95 percent were returned to duty.

Odierno, who played high school football, admitted that he likely would not have sought medical attention for a concussion. "I wouldn't have taken myself out. Someone else would have had to." He added that kind of thinking is wrong.

"I worry about our leaders more than anyone else. They're the ones who feel the burden of leadership and responsibility. They're the ones who won't take themselves out of the fight. I'm asking that leaders look after leaders," he implored. "First sergeants looking after NCOs, sergeants major looking after commanders, senior commanders looking out for junior commanders. We've got to have a bond to take care of each other."

The Army and the NFL have had a close working relationship over the last few years. "It was my honor to visit soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Goodell. "Our cultures are similar in so many ways. We owe it to our players and soldiers [to remove the stigma of seeking help]."

"Having played football and been the senior commander in Iraq for almost five years, I've personally seen the impact of traumatic brain injury," Odierno said. "Roger and I got together on several occasions. He's passionate about taking care of his players. Our organizations make a really good match. I'm excited."

Odierno said he hopes the initiative helps both soldiers and football players.

U.S. MARSHALS TO AUCTION SEIZED AIRCRAFT

FROM: U.S. U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
U.S. Marshals Preview Seized Aircraft to be Sold at Public Auction
San Juan, PR
–
The U.S. Marshals recently conducted a preview of six aircraft in Aguadilla that will be sold at public auction Sept. 5 in Midland, Texas.

The aircraft were part of a seizure conducted in December 2011 shortly after a search warrant was executed by the Drug Enforcement Administration in relation to the investigation of Santo Seda-Rodriguez.

Seda-Rodriguez, owner and pilot of Jeshua Air Services, was the subject of an investigation by the Dominican National Drug Enforcement authorities as well as a federal investigation in the U.S., after 58 kilograms of cocaine were seized in an aircraft allegedly recorded under his name at the Americas International Airport in the Dominican Republic. The next day Seda-Rodriguez’s body was found in the Dominican Republic by local authorities, allegedly beaten to death.

The auction will take place at the Midland International Airport in the Aeromod hanger at 2506 North Pliska Drive. The U.S. Marshals will sell the aircraft "as is," and reserve the right to pull any aircraft from the auction at any time prior to the sale date without notice.

"The U.S. Marshals Service plays a critical role by managing and selling assets seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies nationwide," said U.S. Marshal Orlando Rivera of the District of Puerto Rico.

Proceeds generated from asset sales are used to compensate victims, supplement funding for law enforcement initiatives, and support community programs.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS EXTRADITION FROM MEXICO IS A MILESTONE

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Friday, August 31, 2012

Eduardo Arellano-Felix Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges

Key Advisor to Arellano-Felix Organization’s Leadership

WASHINGTON - Eduardo Arellano-Felix, 55, one of the alleged members of the Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO), was extradited today by the government of Mexico to the United States to face racketeering, money laundering and narcotics trafficking charges in the Southern District of California.

The extradition was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura E. Duffy and Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department?s Criminal Division. Arellano-Felix was arrested by Mexican authorities in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, on Oct. 25, 2008, following a gun battle with a Mexican Special Tactical Team. A final order of extradition to the United States was granted in 2010. After two years of unsuccessful appeals, Arellano-Felix arrived in the United States this afternoon. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, in U.S. District Court in San Diego before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Lynn Major.

U.S. Attorney Duffy, whose office secured the indictment against Arellano-Felix, said, "This extradition is a significant step in our effort to bring another key figure in the Arellano Felix Organization to answer, in an American court of law, to very serious charges. We are grateful to the Government of Mexico for its assistance in the extradition."

?Today's extradition is a milestone in our fight against the Mexican drug cartels. I want to thank the Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs for its tireless work in helping to ensure that Eduardo Arellano-Felix and numerous of his alleged co-conspirators face justice in the United States,? said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.

?The extradition of Eduardo Arellano-Felix today marks the end of a 20-year DEA investigation into this vicious drug cartel,? said William R . Sherman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). ?This extradition illustrates that DEA and all its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue these drug traffickers until they are brought to justice.?

San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Daphne Hearn said, "The FBI is pleased with Mexico's efforts to bring to justice a leader from one of the most violent criminal enterprises in our history. The spirit of cooperation between our two countries is a powerful force in disrupting the criminal activities of these groups that instill fear and threaten the safety of our citizens in the border regions of the United States."

Long-reputed to be one of the most notorious multi-national drug trafficking organizations, the AFO controlled the flow of cocaine, marijuana and other drugs through the Mexican border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali into the United States. Its operations also extended into southern Mexico as well as Colombia.

The seventh superseding indictment charges Arellano-Felix with conducting the affairs of an illegal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO), conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and marijuana, as well as money laundering. The indictment alleges that the leadership of the AFO negotiated directly with Colombian cocaine-trafficking organizations for the purchase of multi-ton shipments of cocaine, received those shipments by sea and by air, in Mexico, and then arranged for the smuggling of the cocaine into the United States and its further distribution throughout the U.S. The indictment also alleges that the proceeds of the AFO's drug trafficking, estimated by law enforcement to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, were then smuggled back into Mexico.

Brothers and former leaders of the AFO, Benjamin Arellano-Felix and Francisco Javier Arellano Felix, are currently serving sentences in the United States following their convictions for racketeering, drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

This case is being investigated by agents from the DEA, the FBI, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted in the Southern District of California by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Green, James Melendres and Dan Zipp. The Criminal Division=s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in the extradition. The investigation of Arellano-Felix was coordinated by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program was created to consolidate and coordinate all law enforcement resources in this country's battle against major drug trafficking rings, drug kingpins, and money launderers.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

ROAD PATROL ROBBER SENTENCED TO PRISON

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Former Alabama Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Money and Property from Highway Motorists

Jessie Alan Fuller, 25, of Pensacola, Fla., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins to 37 months in prison and two years supervised release, the Justice Department announced. Fuller pleaded guilty on April 26, 2012, to one count of conspiracy against rights, a felony, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, a misdemeanor. These charges stemmed from Fuller’s stealing money and property from motorists on Interstate 65 in central Alabama while he was a police officer with the Fort Deposit Police Department.

During his plea, Fuller admitted that he and another former Fort Deposit police officer agreed to pull over vehicles under the guise of legitimate law enforcement activity and to steal cash from drivers and passengers. Fuller further admitted that between May and June 2009, he and the other officer committed numerous thefts together, including thefts of $200 each from two separate victims and $120 from a third victim. In each of these incidents, Fuller and the other officer worked together, acting with each other’s knowledge and cooperation, and shared the stolen money. In each incident, the two officers used a marked patrol car, wore police clothing and carried a firearm. Fuller also admitted to stealing a GPS device from a driver whom he pulled over and arrested on March 14, 2009.

"This defendant abused his power as a law enforcement officer for his own financial gain. He violated not only the law, but also the public trust," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Division. "The Department of Justice is committed to holding those who abuse their authority and prey on members of the community accountable for their illegal actions."

"It is terrible to see those sworn to uphold the law, break the law and prey on the public," stated George L. Beck, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. "While it is always difficult to prosecute a member of our law enforcement community, my office is dedicated to protecting the community and seeking justice for all."

On June 12, 2012, an eight-count indictment was unsealed charging Carlos Tyson Bennett, of Greenville, Ala., as the other officer. Bennett was charged with one count of conspiracy against rights, four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, and three counts of obstruction of justice. An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Trial is scheduled to begin in Bennett’s case on Sept. 10, 2012.

This case is being investigated by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation; the Butler County, Ala., Sheriff’s Office; and the Lowndes County, Ala., Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gray Borden for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

NAVY SEAL CENSURED FOR NON-DISCLOSURE VIOLATIONN

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Pentagon Censures Ex-Navy Seal Following Non-disclosure Breach

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 - The Defense Department has sent an advisory letter of material breach and non-disclosure violation to a former Navy Seal who authored a book about his participation in the Osama bin Laden raid, Pentagon officials said here today.

In the book "No Easy Day," the author, using the pen name "Mark Owen," divulges information Navy SEALs used during the raid, which Pentagon officials said may contain classified information, putting military members at risk in future operations.

"The letter ... is intended to put on record our very serious concerns about what we believe was a material breach of [a] non-disclosure agreement with the Department of Defense," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said. "We take these agreements and we take our obligation to protect classified information very seriously."

In a letter sent to the publishing company and dated Aug. 30, DOD General Counsel Jeh Charles Johnson explained that Owen signed two separate non-disclosure agreements on Jan. 24, 2007, and that the author has an obligation to "never divulge" classified information.

Owen also signed a "Sensitive Compartmented Information Debriefing Memorandum" following his departure from the Navy in April 2012, and that commitment remains in force even upon leaving active duty, according to the DOD letter.

Since Owen elected to forgo pre-publication review with the department before publishing the book, the DOD is "weighing its options," in terms of what legal actions it will pursue, Little said.

"The Department of Defense has obtained and reviewed an advanced copy of the book ... In the judgment of the Department of Defense, you are in material breach and violation of the non-disclosure agreements you signed," the letter said. "Further public dissemination of your book will aggravate your breach and violation of your agreements."

"The Department is considering pursuing against you, and all those acting in concert with you, all remedies legally available to us in light of this situation," the letter added.

Little said that commendable actions or current status do not indemnify Owen or any other past and present DOD employee from punitive action should they violate the terms of non-disclosure agreements.

"I would ... applaud anyone who participated in one of the most successful military and intelligence operations in history," Little said. "But even those who participated in such a mission have a serious and enduring obligation to follow the process and to help protect classified information."

NATIONAL GUARD SERVING VALIANTLY DURING HURRICANE ISAAC DISASTER

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Soldiers prepare to depart the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Aug. 28, 2012, to support potential emergency operations arising from Hurricane Isaac. The soldiers are assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tarell J. Bilbo
　

National Guardsmen Serving 'Admirably' During Isaac
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 - As Tropical Depression Isaac bounds northward into the Mississippi River valley, National Guardsmen continue to provide critical support to local emergency officials and citizens throughout the Gulf states, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a briefing here today.

"Even through the storm has moved up from the Gulf, there's still work to be done," Little said. "There are still more than 3,600 National Guard personnel on duty in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama."

Little said Louisiana-Mississippi National Guardsmen are "serving admirably during the storm," and have already rescued or evacuated more than 3,400 citizens during ongoing search and rescue operations.

In addition to delivering pallets of generators, water and supplies to key facilities throughout the state, guardsmen have also set up distribution sites to provide meals, ready-to-eat, water and ice, Little said.

Military aircraft evacuated from Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Duke Field, Fla., Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., have returned to base or are in the process of returning to base, Little added.