SAVING CHILDREN FROM DRUG ENVIRONMENTS

Photo Credit:  U.S. FDA.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENTOF JUSTICE

Working Together to Help Drug Endangered Children

It is estimated that over 9 million children live in homes where a parent or other adult use illegal drugs. Children growing up in such a challenging environment are 3 times more likely to be verbally, physically, or sexually abused and 4 times more likely to be neglected.

This week, Deputy Attorney General James Cole, Community Oriented Policing Services Office Director Bernard Melekian, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Barry Grissom, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, Nicholas Klinefeldt, and interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Sean Berry attended the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Conference in Des Moines, Iowa to support the efforts to find and help children growing up in dangerous drug environments.

Dputy Attorney General James Cole
spoke with urgency about the importance and responsibility we have to ensure the justice, health and safety of these vulnerable young members of our communities:
This work is difficult and gut-wrenching. We cannot simply arrest and prosecute our way out of the growing epidemic of drug abuse, trafficking, and addiction by parents and childcare providers. Saving these children requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving coordinated teams comprised of law enforcement, child protective services, healthcare professionals, educators, victim service specialists, child advocates, courts, and the community. It requires all of us.

As Chairman of the Federal Interagency Task Force on Drug Endangered Children, Deputy Attorney General Cole has led the efforts to raise awareness; increase coordination at the federal, state, tribal and local levels; and provide assistance to the field.

The DEC Task Force recently developed a combined resource CD for law enforcement and child welfare agencies; new training courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and developed a drug endangered children resource website.

The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (National DEC) is one of the DEC Task Force’s best allies. This year they received a $1.2 million in grants from the department. With this funding, they’ve transformed from an informal association of state leaders to a national voice for training, technical assistance, and advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.

COPS Director Melekian:

The better the availability of training opportunities focused on identifying and helping drug endangered children, the better chance we have of making this a central part of law enforcement’s mission to serve and protect. And it needs to be clear that there is an alternative to the violence and fear that is part of the daily lives of these children…With the right tools and information, we can reduce the incidences of children’s exposure to violence and intervene more effectively.
In addition to the national organization, state-level DEC groups are finding innovative solutions to share with their state and federal partners.

For example, the COPS Office awarded the Colorado Alliance for Drug Endangered Children funding to expand their Drug Endangered Children Tracking System (DECSYS). DECSYS is an easy-to-use, web-based system that allows law enforcement and child protection agencies an automated process for identifying children at risk.

This can expedite the identification of children in danger and bring them the assistance they need. In the last two years, DECSYS has been credited with a 150 percent increase in the number of drug endangered children identified for child protective services. It will soon launch in Nevada and Wisconsin.

U.S. Attorney Grissom spoke about coordination and collaboration:
Our coordination and collaboration with the Southern District of Iowa and the National DEC Alliance serves as an example of the power of partnerships; this training will encourage partnerships, and provide tools for law enforcement, victim service providers, medical personnel, welfare workers, educators and other professionals to protect our most valuable resource, our children.
While investigation and prosecution will be discussed at this conference, the conference will focus on the importance of partnerships to assure the safety of children, enforce state and federal laws, and identify alternatives to incarceration that are designed to maintain, or reunite families.
By bringing together federal, state and local resources with advocates, experts and community leaders, we can raise awareness of the plight of drug endangered children nationwide. We can increase coordination and intervene early to stop the cycle of violence and ensure these vulnerable citizens have the bright future full of promise they deserve.

People with Medicare save $4.8 billion on prescription drugs because of the health care law

People with Medicare save $4.8 billion on prescription drugs because of the health care law

DOD News Briefing with Secretary Panetta and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon

DOD News Briefing with Secretary Panetta and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon

FORMER GEORGIA SHERIFF PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULTING INMATE

 FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Monday, October 22, 2012

Former Wilcox County, Georgia, Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Inmate
The Justice Department and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Michael J. Moore announced today that Stacy Bloodsworth, the former sheriff of Wilcox County, Ga., pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate inside the Wilcox County jail and subsequently conspiring to cover up the assault. Bloodsworth’s son, Austin Bloodsworth, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the same assault. Three other defendants had previously pleaded guilty to civil rights and obstruction of justice crimes in connection with the July 23, 2009, assault.

During his plea hearing, Stacy Bloodsworth admitted that on July 23, 2009, while he was acting as sheriff, he was inside the Wilcox County Jail with several other individuals, including his son, Austin Bloodsworth; a Wilcox County inmate-trustee, Willie James Caruthers; a South Central Georgia Drug Task Force agent, Timothy King, Jr.; and a Wilcox County Jailer, Casey Owens. Stacy Bloodsworth ordered three inmates out of their cells because he was angry about reports that one of the inmates had a cell phone, which is in violation of jail regulations. Bloodsworth hit all three inmates, and also watched as other people, including the sheriff’s son, struck and kicked one of the inmates in the face. After it appeared that that inmate’s jaw was broken, the sheriff used a wrench in an attempt to put his broken jaw back into place.

Approximately one week later, the inmate was brought to a local hospital, where his jaw had to be wired shut. The other two inmates assaulted on the same day suffered lacerations, bruising, and pain.

During the plea hearing, Stacy Bloodsworth further admitted that he and the others conspired to cover up the July 23, 2009, assault. The following day, Bloodsworth concocted a false cover story about the assaults in order to cover up the involvement of the law enforcement officials. Specifically, the sheriff instructed Caruthers, Austin Bloodsworth, King and Owens that, if they were ever questioned about the incident, they should say that inmate Caruthers and the victim got into a physical altercation after the inmate used a racial slur against Caruthers. Stacy Bloodsworth, knowing that this statement was false, instructed Caruthers and Owens to write this false cover story in a report. In addition, in August 2010, after learning that the inmate whose jaw had been broken had hired an attorney and had begun to initiate a lawsuit, Sheriff Bloodsworth met with King and Owens and again instructed them that to relay the false story about the cause of the inmate’s broken jaw. In April 2011, Stacy Bloodsworth, who was then still the sheriff of Wilcox County, relayed the false cover story regarding the cause of the inmate’s broken jaw to special agents of the FBI.

Austin Bloodsworth also pleaded guilty today to conspiring to cover up the July 23, 2009, assault. During his plea hearing, Austin Bloodsworth admitted that he kicked the inmate in the face multiple times. In addition, he admitted that he relayed the sheriff’s false cover story about the assault to special agents of the FBI who questioned him in April 2011.

"The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who cross the line and engage in criminal misconduct," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

"We expect our law enforcement officials to uphold the law – and to protect those they serve," said Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. "Today’s guilty pleas by former Sheriff Bloodsworth and Austin Bloodsworth remind us that no one, not even an elected sheriff, is above the law."

When Stacy Bloodsworth is sentenced, he faces a maximum of ten years on the civil rights charge, and a maximum of five years on the conspiracy charge. Austin Bloodsworth faces a maximum of five years on the conspiracy charge.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard V. Hogan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY OPENING STATEMENT

Photo Credit:  U.S. State Department 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Opening Statement for the Pathways to Prosperity Conference

Remarks
William J. Burns
Deputy Secretary
Cali, Colombia
October 23, 2012

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you for this fifth Ministerial meeting of Pathways to Prosperity. I would like to thank the government of Colombia for their gracious hospitality. Your country’s own pathway toward prosperity and peace is an inspiration to the world and a credit to your leadership.

Latin America’s record of democratic development and social advancement stands as a model for a world whose citizens are reaching for dignity and economic hope. The success of the Americas is measured not just by the growth of its GDP, but by the number and strength of its middle classes, rights, freedoms and democratic institutions.

The intellectual heart of democratic development is the recognition that these successes—political, economic and social—can and must be mutually reinforcing. That is why together we have worked to build societies where the benefits of trade and investment are broadly felt, where rights and rules are respected, where what you know is more important than who you know, where democratic good governance is a force for economic growth; and where financial and social inclusion ensure that even struggling communities produce successful men and women.

Many in the Americas have already found their own Pathways to Prosperity, but many more can benefit from the dialogue and partnerships we are here to build and strengthen today.

I am hopeful that, by sharing ideas, innovative business practices and social policies and lessons learned, every country here—including my own—can find ways to better serve our people. Local successes that affect several hundred can be leveraged into sustainable change for millions throughout the region. That is what brings us together.

And as Colombia has shown, in word and deed, democratic development works best when the work is shared: when governments, businesses, civil society, educational institutions and ordinary citizens work together. I congratulate Colombia for linking the Pathways Ministerial with the Americas Competitiveness Forum, or ACF. This continues an important innovation made by the Dominican Republic last year, and one that will be carried forward by Panama in 2013. The goals of ACF and Pathways are distinct but complementary: ACF provides a forum for political, economic, and business leaders to exchange ideas about how to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy. Pathways seeks to ensure that all our people reap the benefits of this exchange.

Let me highlight two particular areas of interest to the United States.

First, we should be focused on training and financing small-scale entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses and reach markets around the world. Through Pathways, we hope to build on the successful U.S. model of small business development centers to empower businessmen and women in Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and across the region. Last April, President Obama launched the Small Business Network of the Americas to link more than 2,000 small business development centers throughout the Western Hemisphere. And as we offer our own stories, we also know that innovation flows north, and we are eager to learn from your experiences.

Second, we should sustain our focus on women entrepreneurs, which has become a signature accomplishment of this forum. We know that investing in women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises is one of the best ways to achieve our economic, financial and social goals. The Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Americas (WEAmericas) initiative, launched by Secretary Clinton and her counterparts at the Summit earlier this year, uses public-private partnerships to increase women’s economic participation and improve women’s access to markets, finance, and training and networks. This effort builds on the progress Pathways has made through the Pathways Access Initiative (PAI), providing training to women entrepreneurs through WeConnect International, and bringing U.S. businesses together with women-owned businesses in Peru. Today, the Colombian women entrepreneurs of the Colempresarias network will have the opportunity to break further barriers, by displaying their products for this gathering and connecting with private sector partners tomorrow to increase their exports.

The fundamental message I want to leave you with is one of optimism about what we can accomplish if we work together. We are eager to share ideas and come together around a Declaration and Plan of Action to guide our efforts in the year ahead. We are excited about the new Pathways Clearinghouse announced today to expand our network of stakeholders and further engage private businesses. We value this forum.

There is an old proverb, sometimes quoted in American politics, that says: "If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with others." We have already come a long way together. This important meeting is another reminder of how much further we can go, how much more we can accomplish together. Let us use this moment to redouble our efforts to build better societies and to leave behind, for our children, a better Hemisphere and a better world. Thank you.

HURRICANE SANDY MAKES LANDFALL AT NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Hurricane Sandy makes landfall at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Hurricane Condition of Readiness 3 (COR III) was set base-wide in preparation for storm winds greater than 50 knots. Among a myriad of precautionary measures taken at the installation, all beaches were closed and all boating, diving and recreational swimming was suspended. All schools, roads and facilities were closed. Base residents were reminded on the importance of being prepared with a essential supplies and were advised to remain within their residence until the "all clear" was passed. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Ailes (Released) 121024-N-WW127-319

VIETNAM VETERAN SEVING IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Jones is a 61-year-old native of Clarksville, Tenn., who serves with Company D, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, in eastern Afghanistan. Jones is a Vietnam veteran with more than 30 years of service. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Christina Wright
Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet Continues Service in Afghanistan

By Army Capt. Christina Wright
101st Combat Aviation Brigade

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 23, 2012 - Ask Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Jones why he serves, and he will tell you, "It's all about flying and soldiers."

Jones, born in Mountain Home, Idaho, is serving in Afghanistan as an aviation maintenance officer with Company D, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He enlisted in the Army at 18, and after completing basic training in 1969, he went on to Fort Rucker, Ala., to become a UH-1 "Huey" helicopter crew chief. Soon after that, he found himself assigned to the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company in Can Tu, Vietnam.

During a mission, his aircraft took small-arms fire. Rounds struck the helicopter's fuel cell, and the aircraft immediately caught fire. The helicopter began to spin about 200 feet above the ground.

Jones braced for impact and was knocked unconscious. During his 10-month recovery in the hospital, he made an important decision.

"That experience really made me focus on what I wanted to do with my life," Jones said. "I wanted to make a career out of the Army."

The Army re-classified him as a telephone line repairman and stationed him with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. But having valuable combat experience as a Huey crew chief in Vietnam, he quickly found his way back into aviation. During the Arab-Israeli War in 1973, Jones said, he remembers sitting on the green ramp being on standby to support Israel if needed, but Israel did not require it.

While at Fort Bragg, he saw the experimental full-scale model of the future UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Pointing to the balsa-wood model, he said, he told one of his buddies, "I am going to fly that one day."

"And I did," said Jones, now a veteran Black Hawk pilot.

In 1975, he graduated from flight school, and the 101st Airborne Division was next on his horizon. Assigned to Company D, 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, his dream of flying Black Hawks became a reality. Company D was the first unit in the Army to receive the UH-60, and in 1979 Jones became one of the first pilots to go through the UH-60 qualification course.

"The 101st set the standard as far as Army aviation goes," Jones said. "The 101st is the only way to go. It sets the standards for air assaults."

After assignments in Korea, Hawaii and Texas, Jones found his way back to Fort Campbell, Ky., when the 6th Attack Training Battalion returned to the home of the 101st to become the 2nd/101st Attack Battalion.

Jones retired from active duty service at Fort Campbell in 1993. After his retirement, he went to work for contractors in Saudi Arabia, where he continued to fly.

In 1999, his wife, Diane, gave him an ultimatum.

"She told me, 'If you are going to leave again, don't bother coming home,'" Jones recalled. So in 2001, he took a job working for a contractor at Fort Campbell. Jones worked around soldiers and was only responsible for the maintenance of aircraft under his purview.

"Being around the [soldiers] and working a 9-to-5 job as a civilian is different," he said. "When you are working as a civilian, nine times out of 10, the people you work with don't associate with [you] off the job. Whenever your shift is done, you are on your way."

Jones said he started to miss the camaraderie and sense of family that comes with military service. Diane could also sense that her husband missed his old life.

"When he retired, I did not think that he would serve again," she said, "but it wasn't long before I knew that he missed it and regretted retiring."

Walter and Diane, who just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, grew up in military families. Both of their fathers served in the Air Force.

"To be honest, I had missed the military also," Diane said. "Growing up in the Air Force, the military is all we both had ever known."

In 2004, Jones decided it was time to make a change. He made a plan and decided to talk to Diane about the financial benefits of going back to active duty service.

"I get emotional when I think about it," Walter said. "She looked me in the eyes and said, 'You want to fly again.' If I ever mention going contract maintenance overseas again, she will say no. But I can deploy as many times as I want. She is a military wife all the way through."

Walter applied to come back on active duty through the voluntary recall program. One of the forms he was had to fill out was the Army "dream sheet," for his assignment preferences. When asked to fill out his top three choices, he had one place he wanted to go: Fort Campbell.

"I told them it was 101st -- no ifs, ands or buts about it," Jones said. In January 2005, he went to the replacement company at Fort Campbell and was sent to his unit -- the same unit he had served in almost 30 years before. It was something he did not expect to happen.

"When I came back in, I did not ask for any unit in particular. I just wanted to get back into the air assault, back into the 'Hawks, flying again," he said. "Whoever did it, I thank them." It was a homecoming for Jones, and he said he could not have been happier about it.

Having served with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade for the past seven years, Jones has deployed with the unit four times. This current deployment is his third to Afghanistan.

With 32 years of active duty service under his belt, Jones said not much has changed since his days of serving in Vietnam.

"I look back, and the biggest difference is that the equipment and technology is so much more complicated," he said. "I think it was a simpler time back then. Young soldiers have to be a lot smarter to do the same job we did back then. I admire these young soldiers so much for what they are dealing and working with."

Diane said she's glad her husband is continuing his service.

"He has been happy being back in the Army and doing a job that he loves," she said. "I am happy that he has been able to do what he loves."

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK GUARANTEES $50 MILLION LOAN PROMOTING SALE OF HELICOPTERS TO MEXICAN COMPANY

The Chacchoben Maya temple pyramid dates to about AD 700; it was originally painted red and yellow.

FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Ex-Im Approves Over $50 million
to Finance Export of U.S. Aircraft to Mexico
Washington, D.C. – The board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) authorized more than $50 million to guarantee a loan extended by Apple Bank to Aeroservicios Especializados S.A. DE C.V. (ASESA) of Mexico that will finance the export of a fleet of Sikorsky S-76D (TM) helicopters to Mexico.

Ex-Im Bank’s credit will support approximately 450 U.S. jobs, according to bank estimates derived from Departments of Commerce and Labor data and methodology.

The loan guarantee formally inaugurates Ex-Im Bank's Business Aircraft and Helicopter Qualified Advisor program, which was first announced by Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in May of 2012. San Francisco-based AirFinance served as the qualified advisor and facilitated the application and authorization process.

Additionally, the transaction is the Bank’s first involving the new Sikorsky S-76D helicopter.

"Ex-Im Bank is pleased to back the export of Sikorsky helicopters once again, this time to Mexico, one of our nine key markets," said Chairman Hochberg. "We are also pleased that our Qualified Advisor program has proven helpful in expediting innovative U.S. exports and supporting U.S. jobs."

Headquartered in Stratford, Conn., Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation manufactures both commercial and military helicopters. Its S-76D model, the latest variant of the S-76, is a medium-lift helicopter designed for offshore oil operations, EMS, executive transport, and search-and-rescue missions. In terms of capabilities, the helicopter provides increased range and a quieter cabin. Upon further certification to come, the helicopter will boast the ability to operate in known icing conditions.

"We are very happy Ex-Im Bank has approved the financing of S-76D helicopters to ASESA, a decision that will support U.S. jobs. Mexico is an extremely important market for all of our Sikorsky products and we are pleased to welcome ASESA to our family of S-76 fleet operators," said Adam Schierholz, Sikorsky’s regional sales director for Mexico. "The S-76 model has a long and successful history serving the offshore oil markets, and the D model is the latest variation of this very popular platform of aircraft. We are thrilled that ASESA will be introducing it to the Mexican market."

AirFinance is a global company focused on the financing of general aviation aircraft, including business jets, turboprops, and helicopters, with an emphasis on transactions outside of the United States. It is currently the only approved general aviation qualified advisor for Ex-Im Bank focused on providing greater support to U.S.-made aircraft.


"The Qualified Advisor Program is a great example of the public-private partnership so frequently held up as a model for how government can partner with the private sector. We are honored to partner with Ex-Im’s experienced aircraft financing team to help Sikorsky expand in Mexico and to support U.S. jobs," said Kirsten Bartok, AirFinance managing partner.

ASESA is a leading helicopter-services provider for the oil and gas industry in Mexico and South America. The Monterrey, Mexico-based company was founded in 1977 and has accumulated more than 470,000 flight hours. It plans to employ the Sikorsky helicopters to ferry personnel to and from deep-water drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

"We are very excited that Ex-Im bank trusts ASESA by approving the first S-76D helicopter financing package. We think this important event will mark the beginning of a long lasting relationship between ASESA and Ex-Im Bank for the coming years," said Humberto Lobo, CEO of Grupo Lomex (parent company of ASESA).

As of the end of FY 2011, Ex-Im Bank’s credit exposure in Mexico amounted to $8.3 billion.

AL-QAIDA IN MALI





 

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Countering al-Qaida in Mali Requires Regional Cooperation

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2012 - Al-Qaida is establishing a presence in Mali, and the United States is working with regional and international partners to deal with the terrorist organization, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

"I've made clear ... we have to ensure that al-Qaida has no place to hide and that we have to continue to go after them ... wherever they try to develop a command-and-control capability from which they could conduct attacks, either on Europe or on this country," the secretary said during a news conference with South Korean Minister of National Defense Kim Kwan-jin.



Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook

Al-Qaida is trying to establish a safe area in northern Mali. The United States will continue to work with the nations of the region to put pressure on the terror group, just as America has done in other areas. "We're doing it in Yemen. We're doing it in Somalia. We're obviously continuing to do it in the [Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan]," Panetta said. "And I believe the effort now ought to be to work with nations in that region to ensure that al-Qaida does not develop that kind of base in Mali."

But this cannot be something imposed by nations outside the area, the secretary said. "It ought to be an effort that is developed in conjunction with other countries in the region that share the same concern," he said.

Discussions about an international response to issues facing Mali continue. For the United States, the State Department is the lead agency. This week, the French Ministry of Defense hosted an international discussion in Paris to evaluate proposals and options for intervention in Mali and the Sahel, DOD officials said.

Mali faces four overlapping problems. First there are questions of the legitimacy of the government following a coup in March. Since the coup, there has been an increase in criminal traffickers or people drugs and contraband. The Tuareg -- a nomadic people of the desert -- and al-Qaida in the Mahgreb are rising against the government, and there is a Sahel-wide humanitarian crisis stretching from Sudan almost to the Atlantic coast.

The United Nations Security Council is considering a resolution to address Mali's problems. One part of the resolution would create a western-backed, African-led international force to meet security threats in Mali.

The Economic Community of West African States -- which Mali is a member -- said it would lead this force.

"I think what we're prepared to do is to discuss with our regional partners a plan that ... would deal with that threat and how to respond to it," Panetta said.

THE LAUNCH AND ON TO THE NEXT MISSION

THE NATIONAL GUARD PREPARES FOR PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

The U.S. Navy Honor Guard marches in front of President George W. Bush during the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2005. More than 5,000 U.S. service members are participating in inaugural events. Military ceremonial support traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, firing details and salute batteries honoring the newly sworn in Commander-in-Chief. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tracy DeMarco

 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

From a District of Columbia National Guard News Release
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2012 - The District of Columbia National Guard is well under way in planning for January's presidential inauguration.

More than 6,000 National Guard airmen and soldiers from at least 11 states and two territories are expected to provide support that includes crowd management, traffic control, communications, emergency services and ceremonial duties.

"The National Guard is home to a wide variety of capabilities, which can seamlessly integrate with our interagency partners for the inauguration," said Army Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters. "We are proud to support the peaceful transition of power and ensure safety and the well-being of our fellow Americans during this nationally symbolic event."

In addition to supporting local law enforcement personnel with crowd management and traffic control, the National Guard will provide medical evacuation support; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive detection; and around-the-clock F-16 fighter alert over the national capital region.

Military involvement in the presidential inauguration dates back to April 30, 1789, when members of the Army, the National Guard and Revolutionary War veterans escorted President George Washington to his first inauguration ceremony. The D.C. National Guard has participated in every inauguration since President Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration, where Lincoln received his first salute from a D.C. Guardsman.

AUSTRIA'S NATIONAL DAY

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

On the Occasion of Austria's National Day

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
October 25, 2012
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Austria as you celebrate your 57th National Day this October 26th.

Today we have the chance to reflect on the contributions Austria has made towards the advancement of peace and prosperity in the world. From your strong support of international organizations, to your historic achievements in the arts, science, business, and technology, Austrians are a shining example of the power of a free and prosperous people. Our work together in the Balkans has provided millions of people with the prospect of a more tolerant and peaceful future.

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

The United States is fortunate to have a strong and enduring partner in Austria, and I look forward to an even stronger relationship in the years to come.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995 have altered the meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

 Approaching Schoenbrunn, the most popular tourist destination in Vienna. The 1,400-room Rococo palace served as the imperial summer residence beginning in the mid-18th century. In 1996, UNESCO added the palace and its gardens to its World Heritage List.  From:  CIA World Factbook.

Daily Press Briefing - October 25, 2012

Daily Press Briefing - October 25, 2012

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update: Now Available: Insect-repelling ACUs!

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 20, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Bureau Of Land Management

  FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending October 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 369,000, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 392,000. The 4-week moving average was 368,000, an increase of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 366,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending October 13, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending October 13 was 3,254,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,256,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,269,750, a decrease of 6,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,276,500.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 342,702 in the week ending October 20, a decrease of 20,032 from the previous week. There were 377,156 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending October 13, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,811,504, an increase of 63,421 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,196,554.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending October 6 was 4,917,460, a decrease of 84,525 from the previous week. There were 6,679,024 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending October 6.

Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,991 in the week ending October 13, an increase of 49 from the prior week. There were 2,824 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 638 from the preceding week.

There were 17,559 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending October 6, an increase of 680 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 38,069, a decrease of 393 from the prior week.

States reported 2,052,957 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending October 6, a decrease of 45,836 from the prior week. There were 2,921,937 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 6 were in Alaska (3.9), Puerto Rico (3.8), Virgin Islands (3.8), California (3.0), New Jersey (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), Oregon (2.8), Nevada (2.7), New York (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), Connecticut (2.5), Illinois (2.5), and North Carolina (2.5).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 13 were in California (+26,935), Florida (+3,947), Ohio (+1,936), Washington (+1,435), and Alaska (+1,383), while the largest decreases were in New York (-3,395), New Jersey (-1,311), Georgia (-1,285), Massachusetts (-1,141), and Kentucky (-982).

TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE

Photo:  Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Army.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Officials Improve Process for Transition to Civilian Life

By David Vergun
Army News ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2012 - Officials from the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments participated in a panel discussion here Oct. 19 on efforts to prepare service members for the transition to civilian life.

Danny Pummill, director of VA/DOD liaison for Veterans Affairs, and Susan S. Kelly, director of DOD's Transition to Veterans Program Office, explained the new Transition Assistance Program during the 10th annual Military Reporters and Editors Conference.

"This isn't your death-by-PowerPoint TAP from the 1990s," Pummill said, referring to a side-intensive one-day seminar for transitioning service members in days gone by. "[The new TAP] is well planned and thought out.

"[TAP] is an adult, interactive learning environment similar to college, with small-group [discussions], as well as one-on-one-counseling," he said. "It used to be we had a classroom of upwards of 350 people. Now, our max is 50, and spouses are encouraged to attend."

A number of pilot studies were conducted over the past year, Kelly said, including with the National Guard and reserves.

"We found that the needs of singles separating from a first tour were different than, say, a career soldier with a family getting ready to retire," she said. "We also found that each of the services have different cultures and 'personalities.' For example, soldiers and Marines respond to [information] differently than a roomful of airmen."

The new TAP will feature pre-separation classes ranging from health care, life insurance and disability to higher education, vocational training and home loans, Kelly said, and other parts of the VOWS Act will be implemented in phases through 2014.

By the end of 2013, Transition Goals-Plans-Success, known as GPS, will replace TAP, Kelly said. She explained that GPS is a classroom and one-on-one session with service members and their spouses to formulate a plan, including a detailed budget.

The plan could be vocational training or college, she explained, in which case the service member would meet with a representative from that institution and begin the paperwork process. Service members wanting to start a business would meet with a representative from the Small Business Administration to go over the feasibility of their business plan and funding resources.

For those wanting to enter the private or government sector workforce, she said, career planners would assist with resume writing and job searches, and meetings could be arranged with subject-matter experts in the targeted occupational fields. Service members also would have a "Plan B" in place in case something didn't work out.

Other aspects of the plan include meetings with counselors to focus on the social and psychological factors, which Kelly said are just as important to transitioning service members because they are used to living in a structured environment and need to be better prepared to be on their own.

Kelly said special efforts are being made to reach out to Guard and reserve service members to ensure they are getting all the assistance they need. For those living far from military installations, she said, transition teams would be sent out, and some training that otherwise would take place in a classroom could be done in a "virtual classroom" setting.

By the end of 2014, service members will prepare for transitioning "across their military life cycle," Kelly said. In other words, training programs with timetables will be formally instituted as soon as a service member enters the military. "In addition to being 'military ready,' they will now be 'career ready,'" she added.

The transition effort established by the VOW Act is a joint effort of the Defense Labor, VA, and Education departments, along with the Small Business Administration, the Office of Personnel Management and the White House Domestic Policy Council.

"If someone told me six government agencies would come up with a plan, I wouldn't have believed it would work," said Pummill, who served in the Army for 34 years. "I've been meeting with them for a year now, and we're working things through.

"It's a model for how government agencies can get together and share manpower and resources and do the right thing, in this case for service member, and this is best plan possible to take care of our service members," he added.

THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS

President John F. Kennedy. Photo From: U.S. Department Of Defense.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Historian Analyzes Immediate Aftermath of Cuban Missile Crisis
By John Valceanu
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2012 - Fifty years after the United States stood on the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, a historian spoke to a Pentagon audience about how President John F. Kennedy and other American leaders dealt with a still-dangerous situation immediately following the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.

David G. Coleman, a professor of history at the University of Virginia, delivered his lecture Oct. 23 as part of the History Speaker Series sponsored by the Defense Department's historical office. Coleman is chairman of the presidential recordings program at the university's Miller Center of Public Affairs, described on its website as a "nonpartisan institute that seeks to expand understanding of the presidency, policy, and political history, providing critical insights for the nation's governance challenges."

Coleman employed secret recordings Kennedy made to provide glimpses into how the president dealt with difficult situations while consulting with leaders such as Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk and National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy. Coleman used the recordings as a source for a new book titled "The Fourteenth Day: JFK and the Aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis."

The crisis was a 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles deployed to Cuba that were capable of carrying nuclear warheads and able to reach of the U.S. mainland. The event began Oct. 16, 1962, when Kennedy first received intelligence proving there were missile sites on Cuba. This led to a U.S. military quarantine of the Caribbean nation. The crisis is considered to have ended Oct. 28, 1962, when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev sent a message to Kennedy promising that he would withdraw the missiles.

Coleman pointed out that the president and the United States still faced a slew of challenges on the 14th day and in the following weeks. Chief among the problems was how to deal with all the other Soviet assets on the island, Coleman said.

The historian pointed out that, in addition to 42 medium-range ballistic missiles in the communist island nation, there were also 42,000 Soviet troops, 98 tactical nuclear weapons, 42 IL-28 jet bombers and 24 SA-2 surface-to-air missile sites with 500 missiles, as well as torpedo boats, nuclear submarines and MiG-21 jet fighters.

"Cuba is still heavily armed on the 14th day; most of it is under Soviet control," Coleman said. "This is not a crisis that simply evaporated. ... There was still a very serious situation on the ground, and the administration is uncertain how to deal with it."

A big part of the problem lay with a deep distrust of the Soviets on the part of U.S. leaders, based on past dealings, the historian said.

"Significantly, the Soviets had lied directly to the Americans before, and this led to a major trust issue in the wake of the crisis. This is one of the things that really dominated the initial discussions," Coleman said, noting that since Kennedy knew he couldn't trust the Soviets, he would have to find a way to verify that they followed up on their promise to remove the missiles.

This posed a challenge, as Cuban dictator Fidel Castro had said he wouldn't allow any inspectors into the country, and American surveillance aircraft potentially could be shot down.

"Anti-aircraft batteries were still firing on low-level U.S. surveillance planes. The thought was, in the White House and elsewhere, that the Soviets could probably be trusted not to shoot down another plane, but [with] the Cubans, all bets were off," Coleman said.

The historian noted that the president had to make daily decisions about sending out surveillance planes and try to determine what the response would be if they were to be shot down. In fact, an American U-2 surveillance plane was shot down on Oct. 27, 1962, by a Soviet surface-to-air missile.
The plane's pilot, Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr., was the only person killed during the crisis.

The United States had begun running low-level surveillance flights over Cuba on Oct. 23, 1962, which yielded intelligence indicating the Soviets had deployed four heavily armed combat brigades to Cuba, likely armed with tactical nuclear weapons. Kennedy received this information on Oct. 26, Coleman said, noting that the commander in chief now knew that if he sent troops into Cuba, he could be sending them into a nuclear battlefield.

Coleman said Kennedy thought it would be absurd for the Soviets to hand over nuclear weapons to the Cubans, though subsequent revelations indicate this was exactly what they had planned. They abandoned the idea because they started perceiving Castro as potentially unstable and capable of starting a nuclear war, the historian said.

But the issue wasn't just about removing the missiles. Coleman said the United States and the Soviets disagreed about what exactly constituted offensive weapons, and there were tense negotiations that lasted until Nov. 20, 1962, when the military quarantine of Cuba was formally ended, about removing the IL-28 bombers from the island.

Kennedy at first didn't believe the issue of removing the aircraft was worth jeopardizing the agreement with the Soviets, Coleman said, but he was reluctantly convinced by his defense secretary, secretary of state and national security advisor.

The historian played snippets of Kennedy's recordings to give the audience a look into the deliberative processes used by the president to work his way through these issues and arrive at courses of action and decisions. The audience listened as Kennedy essentially thought out loud, attempting to see things through Khrushchev's point of view while developing a strategy for dealing with the problems.

In the end, an agreement was reached in which the missiles and the bombers would have to be removed from Cuba, while some troops and tactical weapons were allowed to stay.

Coleman said the crisis and the period immediately afterward was a "pivot point" in the Kennedy administration in which the president stood firm on some things and compromised on others, while simultaneously struggling with how much information to release to the press and the American people. In the end, Kennedy is remembered as a hero for his handling of the situation, and Coleman noted that many consider the peaceful resolution of this crisis one of the high points of presidential accomplishments during the 20th century.

At the time, however, the outcome was far from certain, the historian said.

"We have learned since that neither Kennedy nor Khrushchev had any intention of getting into nuclear war over this," Coleman said. "But, at the same time, we've also learned about how many other things could have gone wrong, since it was hard to control the events down on the ground."

DVIDS - Video - DoD Briefing

DVIDS - Video - DoD Briefing

U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY AND SOUTH KOREAN DEFENSE MINISTER MEET REGARDING NORTH KOREAN MILITARY THREAT

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, left, and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin, right, pose for an official photo at the Pentagon, Oct. 24, 2012. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Leaders: North Korea Remains Threat to Peace

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2012 - North Korea remains a threat to regional and global peace, U.S. and South Korean defense leaders said here today, adding that they still are unsure what North Korea's new leader, Kim Jong Un, will do.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin spoke to reporters following the 44th annual Security Consultative Meeting at the Pentagon today.

U.S. and South Korean defense leaders discussed the threat from North Korea and reaffirmed that both nations are concerned about North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities.

"Secretary Panetta and I reaffirmed our shared view that North Korea's asymmetric military capabilities, such as [its] nuclear weapons program and missiles, pose a serious threat not only to the security of the Korean peninsula, but also to that of Northeast Asia and the world as a whole," Kim said.

The United States and South Korea will continue to work together to deter North Korea, the defense leaders said. Specifically, they will continue to work on "the concepts and principles for a bilateral deterrence strategy of the North Korean nuclear and [weapons of mass destruction] threats," Kim said. The two countries will work together to develop a tailored deterrence strategy based on these concepts and principles.

Panetta and Kim also agreed on South Korean missile guidelines.

The defense leaders also addressed the planning that will lead to the transfer of wartime operational control for forces on the peninsula to South Korea. This milestone is set for December 2015. "In particular, the two countries agreed to jointly develop a future command structure that will ensure military efficiency after the transition of wartime operational control," Kim said.

Panetta said South Korea will continue to be an exporter of peace -- continuing to work with the international community in places such as Haiti, Afghanistan, the Gulf of Aden, Lebanon and South Sudan -- but that its focus at home must remain North Korea.

"With regards to any provocations from the North," he said, "I think it's very clear that South Korea and the United States have a strong cooperative relationship, and that when those provocations occur, that we will work together to determine ... [what] kind of response should be provided, if necessary."

Kim said that for now, Kim Jong Un's regime "seems to be quite stable." But he noted signs that the regime will conduct another nuclear test.

"In fact, North Korea has been preparing for this for quite a long time," he said. "And when the time comes for a political decision, it may in fact resort to this third nuclear test."

Since taking over, Kim Jong Un has been trying to introduce economic reform measures, the defense minister said. "He seems to be making attempts to bringing a better life to his people, but the likelihood of success is yet to be seen," he added.

Kim said the 29-year-old North Korean leader will continue hang on to the "military first" policy that has been the mainstay of North Korea since the end of World War II. "He may be a lot more aggressive compared to old people, because he's still young," the South Korean defense minister said.

Panetta agreed that much remains to be known about Kim Jung Un's regime. "We still don't know whether or not he will simply follow in the steps of his father or whether he represents a different kind of leadership for the future," he said.

The U.S. concern is that North Korea continues to prepare for missile and nuclear testing, the secretary said.

"They continue to engage in enrichment of uranium, against all international rules," he said. "They continue to behave in a provocative way that threatens the security of our country and, obviously, of South Korea and the region."

NATO FLAGSHIP ATTACKED BY PIRATES, PIRATE VESSEL DESTROYED

Map: Somalia. Credit: CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Counterpiracy Flagship Comes Under Fire Off Somalia's Coast

From a Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe News Release

MONS, Belgium, Oct. 25, 2012 - The flagship for NATO's Ocean Shield counterpiracy mission came under sustained fire from suspected pirates off Somalia's coast yesterday, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe officials reported today.

The Dutch warship HNMLS Rotterdam was attacked while conducting routine surveillance, officials said.

A boarding team from Rotterdam was approaching a suspect dhow near the coast when they came under fire from ashore and from the dhow itself. When Rotterdam returned fire in accordance with rules of engagement, officials said, the dhow ignited and crew members were seen leaping into the water. One dhow crew member was killed in this action, and 25 people were subsequently rescued from the water by Rotterdam crew members, officials said.

Commodore Ben Bekkering of the Dutch navy, commander of the NATO Task Force, said that the Rotterdam and her boats remained under sustained fire from the shore throughout the incident, even while attempting to rescue the crew of the stricken dhow. One of Rotterdam's rigid inflatable boats was damaged, he said.

Those rescued were transferred to the NATO flagship, where those who required it were given prompt medical attention. No Rotterdam crew members were injured.

"We know that pirates are increasingly using larger dhows as mother ships," Bekkering said. "Therefore, we routinely inspect them. In this instance, the pirates openly choose confrontation. This does not happen often, and it indicates that we are, indeed, impeding their operations and in doing so, pushing them to take more extreme options."

Bekkering praised the "calm professionalism" of the Rotterdam crew and said this incident, together with Rotterdam's successful Oct. 11 interdiction of seven pirates, made two things very clear.

"Firstly, it is obvious that the scourge of piracy has not gone away, and we need to maintain our vigilance," he said. "Secondly, the risks to the pirates themselves are becoming much greater, and while we regret any loss of life, we will deal with any threat we encounter in a firm, robust, but always proportionate, manner."

2012 AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH BEGINS NOVEMBER 1, 2012

111123-N-PD773-057 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 23, 2011) The Native American cultural dance group, Soaring Eagles, performs traditional dances and educates members of Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific and the Navy Public Affairs Support Element West about their heritage. The event was part of the Navy-wide recognition of Native American History Month. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

FROM: U.S. NAVY
2012 American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month Observance Begins Nov. 1
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will join the nation in celebrating American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, which will be observed Nov. 1 through Nov. 30.

The 2012 national theme, Serving Our People, Serving Our Nations: Native Visions for Future Generations encourages the nation to reflect and celebrate the cultures, histories and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North America, including parts of Alaska and the island state of Hawaii.

Today, more than 14,000 Sailors and 1,200 civilians of Native American and Alaska Native heritage serve in the Navy. According to the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs 565 federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives reside in the United States, composed of nearly 4.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, or 1.5 percent of the nation's population.

"American Indians have served in our military ranks from the birth of our country, and they continue to lend their numerous skills, abilities, and gifts to help make our Navy better," said Cmdr. Angela Katson, director of the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Most widely remembered for their critical role as World War II Navajo Code Talkers, American Indians have served in key roles through every major U.S. military engagement both on land and at sea. Native American seamen served on continental and state vessels during the War of Independence, and even during the Civil War, as many as 20,000 Native Americans contributed to both Union and Confederate forces as auxiliary troops.

Despite being ineligible for the draft in 1917, as many as 15,000 American Indians enlisted to fight overseas during World War I. American Indians took part in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, and more than 44,000 American Indians fought in World War II, including 1,910 Sailors and several dozen WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Over 41,500 American Indians, of which more than 90 percent of them were volunteers, fought in the Vietnam War; between 10,000 and 15,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives fought in the Korean War and during the Cold War.

Recognized annually, Native American Heritage Month first began with the establishment of American Indian Day by the governor of New York in May of 1916. Several additional states enacted celebrations during the fourth Friday in September, but the celebration did not gain official national recognition until President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations under different names, including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month," have been issued each year since 1994.

Mature games, immature driving

Mature games, immature driving

U.S. GOVERNMENT RELIEF FOR HAITI

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARMENT

Fast Facts on the U.S. Government's Work in Haiti: FundingFact Sheet
Office of the Haiti Special Coordinator
October 22, 2012

Following the tragic January 12, 2010, earthquake, the U.S. government (USG) has committed over $3.6 billion toward relief, recovery, and reconstruction, of which $2.3 billion has been disbursed as of June 30, 2012.
Relief Assistance:
The USG committed $1.3 billion in humanitarian relief assistance (rapid, life-saving emergency assistance). This support includes funding provided to fight the October 2010 cholera outbreak. USG relief assistance supported the deployment of search-and-rescue teams, provided emergency food assistance and safe drinking water, installed latrines and water systems, provided emergency shelter, re-established medical supply chains, restocked medical supply inventories, and helped to treat and prevent cholera.
Reconstruction and Development Assistance:
The USG has also committed $2.3 billion in reconstruction and development assistance to support recovery and long-term reconstruction activities in key development pillars identified in the five-year USG Haiti strategy. The USG implemented recovery activities in order to bridge the gap from emergency assistance to reconstruction, including rubble removal and shelter solution activities; construction of semi-permanent classrooms to allow students to return to school; support and technical assistance for the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission; and funding for Haitian debt relief. Reconstruction activities require in-depth exchanges with new partners and Government of Haiti (GOH) officials to design and implement projects toward a more stable and economically viable Haiti. Reconstruction assistance supports new post-earthquake initiatives, as well as projects that began prior to the earthquake, and continues to support Haiti’s economic recovery. To promote sustainable, long-term development, the USG has initiated construction of permanent houses in Haiti’s north and near Port-au-Prince, reconstructed the Ennery Bridge, initiated energy activities for the new Caracol Industrial Park, encouraged public-private partnerships to raise revenues for farmers, pioneered mobile banking, supported food security activities to increase crop yields, provided a basic health package to beneficiaries, increased physical access for disabled students and teachers, and supported first- and second- round presidential elections.
How the USG Provides Assistance

The majority of USG funds in the first year following the earthquake were used to respond quickly to emergencies and humanitarian crises. Funding to respond to crises worldwide is pre-contracted or provided to traditional partners to respond quickly to save lives.

Since the earthquake, the USG, through USAID, has worked directly or through sub-awards with over 400 Haitian non-governmental organizations and firms, and hundreds of local vendors. Moving forward, the USG is increasing local contracting as reconstruction programs continue to be designed and awarded. The USG will work specifically to build the capacity of Haitian organizations to receive direct funding for implementing USG projects and will provide technical assistance directly to the GOH, local governments, and Haiti’s Parliament to build government capacity.

The USG is also funding new and innovative projects and encouraging Haitian entrepreneurship through USAID’s new Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) program and a new Leveraging Effective Application of Direct (LEAD) Investments Program which facilitates investments. USAID’s DIV program offers funding to new projects that have potential to address Haiti’s significant challenges and substantively improve development outcomes. The DIV Haiti initiative will invest in innovations tailored to the Haitian context, measure their impact, and scale up those that are successful. The LEAD program will partner with Haitian businesses and U.S.-based investors to increase the development impact of remittances.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
120627-N-RU628-198 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as a C-2A Greyhound from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 prepares to launch. Nimitz is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the world's largest international maritime exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/Released)


120701-N-FB292-131 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 1, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) performs during an air demonstration for a group of distinguished visitors. Dwight D. Eisenhower is on deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Robert Fluegel/Released)

PRESIDENT OF COSTA RICAN COMPANY SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR HALF-BILLION DOLLAR FRAUD SCHEME

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Tuesday, October 23, 2012
President of Costa Rican Company Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Half-Billion Dollar Fraud Scheme with Thousands of Victims Worldwide

WASHINGTON – The president of a Costa Rican company that sold reinsurance bonds to life settlement companies was sentenced today in Richmond, Va., to 60 years in prison for carrying out a half-billion-dollar fraud scheme that affected more than 3,500 victims throughout the United States and abroad, announced U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Neil H. MacBride and Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Minor Vargas Calvo, 61, a citizen and resident of Costa Rica, is the majority owner of Provident Capital Indemnity (PCI) Ltd., an insurance and reinsurance company registered in the Commonwealth of Dominica and doing business in Costa Rica. He was convicted on April 30, 2012, of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.

"Mr. Vargas masterminded a criminal reinsurance company that fraudulently claimed to guarantee almost half a billion dollars of life settlement investments sold to thousands of investors worldwide," said U.S. Attorney MacBride. "Many of these investors lost their life savings because of the worthless guarantees PCI made. Mr. Vargas mistakenly believed that he could avoid punishment for the countless lives he destroyed because he operated his scheme from a non-extradition country. But, this prosecution demonstrates our resolve and ability to pursue justice on behalf of U.S. victims regardless of where the fraudsters may be hiding."

"Mr. Vargas’s reinsurance company was a house of cards, built on a foundation of deception and lies," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "He reaped millions in profit from his scheme to sell nearly $500 million worth of guarantee bonds to more than 3,500 victims, and then spent his spoils on his soccer team and himself. Today’s sentence reflects the determination of our agents and prosecutors to bring sham artists like Mr. Vargas to justice."

According to court records and evidence at trial, PCI sold financial guarantee bonds to companies selling life settlements, or securities backed by life settlements, to investors. These bonds were marketed to PCI’s clients as a way to alleviate the risk of insured beneficiaries living beyond their life expectancy. PCI’s clients, in turn, typically explained to their investors that the financial guarantee bonds ensured that the investors would receive their expected return on investment irrespective of whether the insured on the underlying life settlement lived beyond his or her life expectancy.

Evidence at trial showed that Vargas and PCI’s purported independent auditor for PCI, Jorge Castillo, 57, of New Jersey, used lies and omissions to mislead PCI’s clients and investors regarding PCI’s ability to pay claims when due on the financial guarantee bonds that PCI issued. Vargas caused Castillo to prepare audited financial statements that falsely claimed that PCI had entered into reinsurance contracts with major reinsurance companies. These false claims, which were supported by a letter from Castillo stating that he conducted an audit of PCI’s financial records, were used to assure PCI’s clients that the reinsurance companies were backstopping the majority of the risk that PCI had insured through its financial guarantee bonds. The fraudulent financial statements PCI distributed also showed significant assets and relatively small liabilities.

From 2004 through 2010, PCI sold at least $485 million of bonds to life settlement investment companies located in various countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada and elsewhere. PCI’s clients, in turn, sold investment offerings backed by PCI’s bonds to thousands of investors around the world. Purchasers of PCI’s bonds were required to pay up-front payments of six to 11 percent of the underlying settlement as "premium" payments to PCI before the company would issue the bonds.

Evidence at trial showed that Vargas spent more than $23 million of his ill-gotten gains on his professional soccer teams in Costa Rica, his unrelated companies, his family and himself. Due, in part, to these expenditures, when it came time to make good on PCI’s promises to pay bond holders, Vargas resorted to yet more lies to justify PCI’s inability to do so.

Castillo, who was a PCI employee prior to becoming PCI’s "outside auditor," pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2011, to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Castillo is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 30, 2012. In addition, PCI pleaded guilty on April 18, 2012, to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud. PCI was sentenced on Sept. 6, 2012, to one year of probation.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and FBI, with assistance from the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the Texas State Securities Board and the New Jersey Bureau of Securities. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. Dry and Jessica Aber Brumberg of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Chief Albert B. Stieglitz Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) conducted a parallel investigation and in January 2011 filed a parallel civil enforcement action against PCI, Vargas and Castillo. The department thanks the SEC for its assistance in this matter.

The investigation has been coordinated by the Virginia Financial and Securities Fraud Task Force, an unprecedented partnership between criminal investigators and civil regulators to investigate and prosecute complex financial fraud cases in the nation and in Virginia specifically. The task force is an investigative arm of the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, an interagency national task force.

President Obama established the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.

FORMER POLICE GOES TO PRISON FOR ATTACKING RESTRAINED PRISONER

FROM: U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Monday, October 22, 2012
Former Georgia Police Chief Sentenced for Assaulting Restrained Inmate
Former chief of the Omega, Ga., Police Department, Walter Young, 54, was sentenced today for physically abusing a man in his custody, the Justice Department announced.

U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson sentenced Young to 24 months in prison for violating the civil rights of a pretrial detainee while acting in his capacity as the chief of police.

According to evidence presented at trial, on March 24, 2011, the former police chief assaulted the detainee, Alfonso Moreno, by repeatedly slapping and punching him in the head and face while he was fully restrained in a restraint chair. Young struck Mr. Moreno a total of eight times, breaking Moreno’s nose. Young’s excessive use of force was captured by the jail’s video surveillance system. A federal jury convicted Young on Aug. 1, 2012.

"There was no excuse for this use of force on a restrained individual and excessive force by those sworn to uphold the law will not be tolerated," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute law enforcement officers who violate the constitutional rights of others."

"We trust our law enforcement officers to protect and serve the people of their community," said Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. When we discover violations of that trust, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will use all of our resources to see that those officers who broke the law are made to account for their actions."

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Tona Boyd of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the support of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.