STAR IN PROTOPLANETARY NEBULA STAGE

FROM:  NASA
Within the Realm of a Dying Star
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has been on the forefront of research into the lives of stars like our sun. At the ends of their lives, these stars run out of nuclear fuel in a phase that is called the preplanetary or protoplanetary nebula stage. This Hubble image of the Egg Nebula shows one of the best views to date of this brief, but dramatic, phase in a star’s life.

During the preplanetary nebula phase, the hot remains of an aging star in the center of the nebula heat it up, excite the gas and make it glow over several thousand years. The short lifespan of preplanetary nebulae means there are relatively few of them in existence at any one time. Moreover, they are very dim, requiring powerful telescopes to be seen. This combination of rarity and faintness means they were only discovered comparatively recently.  The Egg Nebula, the first to be discovered, was first spotted less than 40 years ago, and many aspects of this class of object remain shrouded in mystery.

t the center of this image, and hidden in a thick cloud of dust, is the nebula’s central star. While scientists can’t see the star directly, four searchlight beams of light coming from it shine out through the nebula. Researchers hypothesize that ring-shaped holes in the thick cocoon of dust, carved by jets coming from the star, let the beams of light emerge through the otherwise opaque cloud.  The precise mechanism by which stellar jets produce these holes is not known, but one explanation is that a binary star system, rather than a single star, exists at the center of the nebula.

The onion-like layered structure of the more diffuse cloud surrounding the central cocoon is caused by periodic bursts of material being ejected from the dying star. The bursts typically occur every few hundred years.

This image is produced from exposures in visible and infrared light from Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3. Image Credit ESA/Hubble, NASA

CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF DISCUSSES MILITARY MOVES

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Dempsey Discusses Challenges, Benefits of Military Moves
By Lisa Daniel
GRAPEVINE, Texas, June 27, 2012 - The frequent relocations common to military life may be challenging to families, but they also are one way children become resilient and adaptable -- attributes critical to the military of the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey made the comments as part of an informal "fireside chat" at the National Military Child Education Coalition's 14th national training seminar. He was joined by his wife, Deanie, and retired Army Col. Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient and vice chairman of the Medal of Honor Foundation, who asked the couple broad questions about today's military.

The Dempseys moved 22 times in 36 years of service, they said, and all three of their children have served in the Army.

"In some ways, it is a burden," the general said, "but it also is how our kids become resilient and adaptable. Part of being adaptable is being introduced to unfamiliar circumstances."

It is those attributes that the military is "really going to need," Dempsey said, "because we never [predict] the future right.

"In some ways, the military profession and its values and the versatility you have to have as a military family is really quite strengthening," he added.

That resilience and adaptability starts with how parents handle the moves with their children, Mrs. Dempsey said. "It starts with the family and if you make each move an adventure -- and you've got to really sell some places," she said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Also, "it's the fraternity of the military family," she said. "You can say [to the kids], 'You will make new friends,' or 'You'll be with Johnny and Susie from two moves ago.'"
Many military children grow up to enter the military themselves, Mrs. Dempsey noted.
"If it were that bad, they wouldn't serve, too," she said.

Military families also have more support than ever, the Dempseys said. As demands on military families skyrocketed after the 9/11 attacks and through 10 years of war, Americans have responded, many through public-private partnerships, which the chairman described as the best form of support. He credited the nonprofit education coalition as being one example of such support.

The chairman also credited the "Joining Forces" campaign created last year by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, for its efforts to raise public awareness of military families' challenges and sacrifices and to call on all sectors of society to support them.

Such organizations are "making a difference," Dempsey said.

"This is about public-private partnerships. This is not the government imposing the idea that we should take care of service members and their families," he said. "It's about the government advocating that [support of military members and their families], and about the people of the United States' communities and corporations stepping up.

"That's partly a reflection of what we've asked our service members and their families to step up and do in these past 10 years, which is remarkable," he added.
It also has helped, Mrs. Dempsey said, that there are many more programs today to help military families, and fewer divisions among rank.

"It used to be that officers and enlisted wives were separate," she said. "At the end of the day, we're all military spouses and we all just want them home."

U.S. CO. SUBSIDIARY PLEADS GUILTY TO VIOLATING ARMS EXPORT CONTROL ACT

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 
Thursday, June 28, 2012
United Technologies Subsidiary Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges for Helping China Develop New Attack Helicopter United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Hamilton Sundstrand Corporations Also Agree to Pay More Than $75 Million to U.S. Government

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (PWC), a Canadian subsidiary of the Connecticut-based defense contractor United Technologies Corporation (UTC), today pleaded guilty to violating the Arms Export Control Act and making false statements in connection with its illegal export to China of U.S.-origin military software used in the development of China’s first modern military attack helicopter, the Z-10.

In addition, UTC, its U.S.-based subsidiary Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (HSC) and PWC have all agreed to pay more than $75 million as part of a global settlement with the Justice Department and State Department in connection with the China arms export violations and for making false and belated disclosures to the U.S. government about these illegal exports.  Roughly $20.7 million of this sum is to be paid to the Justice Department.  The remaining $55 million is payable to the State Department as part of a separate consent agreement to resolve outstanding export issues, including those related to the Z-10.  Up to $20 million of this penalty can be suspended if applied by UTC to remedial compliance measures.  As part of the settlement, the companies admitted conduct set forth in a stipulated and publicly filed statement of facts.
 
Today’s actions were announced by David B. Fein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; John Morton, Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Ed Bradley, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New Haven Division; David Mills, Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement; and Andrew J. Shapiro, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs.

The Charges
Today in the District of Connecticut, the Justice Department filed a three-count criminal information charging UTC, PWC and HSC.  Count One charges PWC with violating the Arms Export Control Act in connection with the illegal export of defense articles to China for the Z-10 helicopter.  Count Two charges PWC, UTC and HSC with making false statements to the U.S. government in their belated disclosures relating to the illegal exports.  Count Three charges PWC and HSC with failure to timely inform the U.S. government of exports of defense articles to China.

While PWC has pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two, the Justice Department has recommended that prosecution of UTC and HSC on Count Two, and PWC and HSC on Count Three be deferred for two years, provided the companies abide by the terms of a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department.  As part of the agreement, the companies must pay $75 million and retain an Independent Monitor to monitor and assess their compliance with export laws for the next two years.
The Export Scheme

Since 1989, the United States has imposed a prohibition upon the export to China of all U.S. defense articles and associated technical data as a result of the conduct in June 1989 at Tiananmen Square by the military of the People’s Republic of China.  In February 1990, the U.S. Congress imposed a prohibition upon licenses or approvals for the export of defense articles to the People’s Republic of China.  In codifying the embargo, Congress specifically named helicopters for inclusion in the ban.

Dating back to the 1980s, China sought to develop a military attack helicopter.  Beginning in the 1990s, after Congress had imposed the prohibition on exports to China, China sought to develop its attack helicopter under the guise of a civilian medium helicopter program in order to secure Western assistance.  The Z-10, developed with assistance from Western suppliers, is China’s first modern military attack helicopter.

During the development phases of China’s Z-10 program, each Z-10 helicopter was powered by engines supplied by PWC.  PWC delivered 10 of these development engines to China in 2001 and 2002.  Despite the military nature of the Z-10 helicopter, PWC determined on its own that these development engines for the Z-10 did not constitute “defense articles,” requiring a U.S. export license, because they were identical to those engines PWC was already supplying China for a commercial helicopter.

Because the Electronic Engine Control software, made by HSC in the United States to test and operate the PWC engines, was modified for a military helicopter application, it was a defense article and required a U.S. export license.  Still, PWC knowingly and willfully caused this software to be exported to China for the Z-10 without any U.S. export license.  In 2002 and 2003, PWC caused six versions of the military software to be illegally exported from HSC in the United States to PWC in Canada, and then to China, where it was used in the PWC engines for the Z-10.

According to court documents, PWC knew from the start of the Z-10 project in 2000 that the Chinese were developing an attack helicopter and that supplying it with U.S.-origin components would be illegal.  When the Chinese claimed that a civil version of the helicopter would be developed in parallel, PWC marketing personnel expressed skepticism internally about the “sudden appearance” of the civil program, the timing of which they questioned as “real or imagined.”  PWC nevertheless saw an opening for PWC “to insist on exclusivity in [the] civil version of this helicopter,” and stated that the Chinese would “no longer make reference to the military program.” PWC failed to notify UTC or HSC about the attack helicopter until years later and purposely turned a blind eye to the helicopter’s military application.

HSC in the United States had believed it was providing its software to PWC for a civilian helicopter in China, based on claims from PWC.  By early 2004, HSC learned there might an export problem and stopped working on the Z-10 project.  UTC also began to ask PWC about the exports to China for the Z-10.  Regardless, PWC on its own modified the software and continued to export it to China through June 2005.

According to court documents, PWC’s illegal conduct was driven by profit.  PWC anticipated that its work on the Z-10 military attack helicopter in China would open the door to a far more lucrative civilian helicopter market in China, which according to PWC estimates, was potentially worth as much as $2 billion to PWC.
Belated and False Disclosures to U.S. Government

These companies failed to disclose to the U.S. government the illegal exports to China for several years and only did so after an investor group queried UTC in early 2006 about whether PWC’s role in China’s Z-10 attack helicopter might violate U.S. laws.  The companies then made an initial disclosure to the State Department in July 2006, with follow-up submissions in August and September 2006.

The 2006 disclosures contained numerous false statements.  Among other things, the companies falsely asserted that they were unaware until 2003 or 2004 that the Z-10 program involved a military helicopter.  In fact, by the time of the disclosures, all three companies were aware that PWC officials knew at the project’s inception in 2000 that the Z-10 program involved an attack helicopter.

Today, the Z-10 helicopter is in production and initial batches were delivered to the People’s Liberation Army of China in 2009 and 2010.  The primary mission of the Z-10 is anti-armor and battlefield interdiction.  Weapons of the Z-10 have included 30 mm cannons, anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles and unguided rockets.

“PWC exported controlled U.S. technology to China, knowing it would be used in the development of a military attack helicopter in violation of the U.S. arms embargo with China,” said U.S. Attorney Fein.  “PWC took what it described internally as a ‘calculated risk,’ because it wanted to become the exclusive supplier for a civil helicopter market in China with projected revenues of up to two billion dollars.  Several years after the violations were known, UTC, HSC and PWC disclosed the violations to the government and made false statements in doing so.  The guilty pleas by PWC and the agreement reached with all three companies should send a clear message that any corporation that willfully sends export controlled material to an embargoed nation will be prosecuted and punished, as will those who know about it and fail to make a timely and truthful disclosure.”

“Due in part to the efforts of these companies, China was able to develop its first modern military attack helicopter with restricted U.S. defense technology.  As today’s case demonstrates, the Justice Department will spare no effort to hold accountable those who compromise U.S. national security for the sake of profits and then lie about it to the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Monaco.  “I thank the agents, analysts and prosecutors who helped bring about this important case.”

“This case is a clear example of how the illegal export of sensitive technology reduces the advantages our military currently possesses,” said ICE Director Morton.  “I am hopeful that the conviction of Pratt & Whitney Canada and the substantial penalty levied against United Technologies and its subsidiaries will deter other companies from considering similarly ill-conceived business practices in the future.  American military prowess depends on lawful, controlled exports of sensitive technology by U.S. industries and their subsidiaries, which is why ICE will continue its present campaign to aggressively investigate and prosecute criminal violations of U.S. export laws relating to national security.”

“Today’s charges and settlement demonstrate the continued commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and fellow agencies to protect sensitive U.S. defense technology from being illegally exported,” said DCIS Special Agent in Charge Bradley.  “Safeguarding our military technology is vital to our nation’s defense and the protection of our war fighters both home and abroad.  We know that foreign governments are actively seeking U.S. defense technology for their own development.  Thwarting these efforts is a top priority for DCIS.  I applaud the agents and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to bring about this result.”

“Preventing the loss of critical U.S. information and technologies is one of the most important investigative priorities of the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “Our adversaries routinely target sensitive research and development data and intellectual property from universities, government agencies, manufacturers, and defense contractors.  While the thefts associated with economic espionage and illegal technology transfers may not capture the same level of attention as a terrorist incident, the costs to the U.S. economy and our national security are substantial.  Violations of the Arms Export Control Act put our nation at risk and the FBI, along with all of our federal agency partners, are committed to ensuring that embargoed technologies do not fall into the wrong hands.  Those who violate these laws should expect to be held accountable.  An important part of the FBI’s strategy in this area involves the development of strategic partnerships.  In that regard, the FBI looks forward to future coordination with UTC and its subsidiaries to strengthen information sharing and counterintelligence awareness.”

“Protecting national security is our top priority,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement Mills.  “Today’s action sends a clear signal that federal law enforcement agencies will work together diligently to prevent U.S. technology from falling into the wrong hands.”

Assistant Secretary Shapiro, of the State Department’s Bureau of Political and Military Affairs, said, “Today’s $75 million settlement with United Technologies Corporation sends a clear message:  willful violators of U.S. arms export control regulations will be pursued and punished.  The successful resolution of this case is the byproduct of the tireless work of our compliance officers and highlights the relentless commitment of the State Department to protect sensitive American technologies from being illegally transferred.”

U.S. Attorney Fein commended the many agencies involved in this investigation, including ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Haven; the DCIS in New Haven; the New Haven Division of the FBI; the Department of Commerce’s Boston Office of Export Enforcement.  He also praised the Office of the HSI Attaché in Toronto, which was essential to the initiation and investigation of this matter, and the State Department’s Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, for its critical role in the global resolution of this matter.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen B. Reynolds and Michael J. Gustafson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, with assistance from Steven Pelak and Ryan Fayhee of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

PRESS STATEMENT BY SEC. OF STATE CLINTON ON IRANIAN CRUDE OIL PURCHASES

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Regarding Significant Reductions of Iranian Crude Oil Purchases
Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State Washington, DC
June 28, 2012
Today I have made the determination that two additional countries, China and Singapore, have significantly reduced their volume of crude oil purchases from Iran. As a result, I will report to the Congress that sanctions pursuant to Section 1245(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012 will not apply to their financial institutions for a potentially renewable period of 180 days.

A total of 20 world economies have now qualified for such an exception. Their cumulative actions are a clear demonstration to Iran’s government that Iran’s continued violation of its international nuclear obligations carries an enormous economic cost. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Iran’s crude oil exports in 2011 were approximately 2.5 million barrels per day, and have dropped to roughly 1.5 million barrels per day, which in real terms means almost $8 billion in lost revenues every quarter. When the European Union oil embargo goes into effect July 1, Iran’s leaders will understand even more fully the urgency of the choice they face and the unity of the international community.

Today marks an important milestone in the implementation of the NDAA and U.S. sanctions toward Iran. Following the President’s determinations on March 30 and June 11 on the availability of non-Iranian supplies of oil, as of today, any foreign financial institution based in a country that has not received an NDAA exception is subject to U.S. sanctions if it knowingly conducts a significant transaction with the Central Bank of Iran for the sale or purchase of petroleum or petroleum products to or from Iran.

We have been clear all along that there is a path for Iran to fully re-join the global economy. Iran’s leaders have the opportunity to address international concerns by engaging seriously and substantively in negotiations with the P5+1. I urge Iran to demonstrate its willingness to take concrete steps toward resolving the nuclear issue during the expert-level talks scheduled in Istanbul on July 3. Failure to do so will result in continuing pressure and isolation from the international community.

U.S. AIR FORCE WAGES WAR AGAINST WALDO CANYON FIRE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Air Force firefighters taking fight to Colorado Springs wildfire 
6/28/2012 - Helicopters dump water on the Waldo Canyon Fire that has spread to the outskirts of the Air Force Academy, Colo., June 28. The Waldo Canyon fire has destroyed more than 18,000 acres in the Colorado Springs area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

ACCOUNTING FOR NAVAL FAMILIES IN COLORADO

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
120627-N-WR119-014 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2012) The Waldo Canyon fire burns on the south end of the United States Air Force Academy campus. The fire displaced 15 Navy Operational Support Center Fort Carson personnel and burned 15,324 acres as 32,000 people were evacuated. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gilbert Bolibol/Released)


Navy Issues Order To Account For Navy Families In Colorado
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy has issued an order to account for Navy personnel and their families affected by the Colorado wildfires according to a Navy message released June 28.

NAVADMIN 196/12 requires commanders to conduct a personnel accountability muster of all Navy personnel and families in the Colorado counties of El Paso, Douglas, and Teller. Navy figures show approximately 3,100 Navy personnel residing in the affected geographical area.

This order includes active and Reserve component Sailors, Navy government service employees and family members.

Additionally, commanding officers are responsible for ensuring the muster is entered in the Navy Family Accountably and Assessment System (NFASS) at https://navyfamily.navy.mil.

Individuals who are unable to contact their command should log on to NFAAS and muster on the Navy Family Members' section. Impacted personnel unable to contact their command or the NFAAS website can call the NFASS Help Desk at (866) 946-9183.

Navy personnel and families, who are severely impacted, must log into NFAAS athttps://navyfamily.navy.mil to update contact information and complete a needs assessment survey at their earliest convenience. Affected personnel can contact the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) (877) 414-5358 for further assistance once their needs assessment survey is submitted.

NFAAS standardizes a method for the Navy to account, manage, and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a wide-spread catastrophic event.

For more information read the NAVADMIN at www.npc.navy.mil

DOD News Briefing with Gen. Edward Rice Jr. from the Pentagon

DOD News Briefing with Gen. Edward Rice Jr. from the Pentagon

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S REMARKS ON SUPREME COURT RULING REGARDING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE
President Barack Obama talks on the phone with Solicitor General Donald Verrilli in the Oval Office, after learning of the Supreme Court's ruling on the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” June 28, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) 

Remarks by the President on Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act
East Room
12:15 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  Earlier today, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act -- the name of the health care reform we passed two years ago.  In doing so, they've reaffirmed a fundamental principle that here in America -- in the wealthiest nation on Earth – no illness or accident should lead to any family’s financial ruin.

I know there will be a lot of discussion today about the politics of all this, about who won and who lost.  That’s how these things tend to be viewed here in Washington.  But that discussion completely misses the point.  Whatever the politics, today’s decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold it.

And because this law has a direct impact on so many Americans, I want to take this opportunity to talk about exactly what it means for you.

First, if you’re one of the more than 250 million Americans who already have health insurance, you will keep your health insurance -- this law will only make it more secure and more affordable.  Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime limits on the amount of care you receive.  They can no longer discriminate against children with preexisting conditions.  They can no longer drop your coverage if you get sick.  They can no longer jack up your premiums without reason.  They are required to provide free preventive care like check-ups and mammograms -- a provision that's already helped 54 million Americans with private insurance.  And by this August, nearly 13 million of you will receive a rebate from your insurance company because it spent too much on things like administrative costs and CEO bonuses, and not enough on your health care.
There’s more.  Because of the Affordable Care Act, young adults under the age of 26 are able to stay on their parent's health care plans -- a provision that's already helped 6 million young Americans.  And because of the Affordable Care Act, seniors receive a discount on their prescription drugs -- a discount that's already saved more than 5 million seniors on Medicare about $600 each.

All of this is happening because of the Affordable Care Act. These provisions provide common-sense protections for middle class families, and they enjoy broad popular support.  And thanks to today’s decision, all of these benefits and protections will continue for Americans who already have health insurance.  

Now, if you’re one of the 30 million Americans who don’t yet have health insurance, starting in 2014 this law will offer you an array of quality, affordable, private health insurance plans to choose from.  Each state will take the lead in designing their own menu of options, and if states can come up with even better ways of covering more people at the same quality and cost, this law allows them to do that, too.  And I’ve asked Congress to help speed up that process, and give states this flexibility in year one.

Once states set up these health insurance marketplaces, known as exchanges, insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against any American with a preexisting health condition.  They won’t be able to charge you more just because you’re a woman.  They won’t be able to bill you into bankruptcy. If you’re sick, you’ll finally have the same chance to get quality, affordable health care as everyone else.  And if you can’t afford the premiums, you'll receive a credit that helps pay for it.

Today, the Supreme Court also upheld the principle that people who can afford health insurance should take the responsibility to buy health insurance.  This is important for two reasons.

First, when uninsured people who can afford coverage get sick, and show up at the emergency room for care, the rest of us end up paying for their care in the form of higher premiums.

And second, if you ask insurance companies to cover people with preexisting conditions, but don’t require people who can afford it to buy their own insurance, some folks might wait until they’re sick to buy the care they need -- which would also drive up everybody else’s premiums.

That’s why, even though I knew it wouldn’t be politically popular, and resisted the idea when I ran for this office, we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so.  In fact, this idea has enjoyed support from members of both parties, including the current Republican nominee for President.

Still, I know the debate over this law has been divisive.  I respect the very real concerns that millions of Americans have shared.  And I know a lot of coverage through this health care debate has focused on what it means politically.

Well, it should be pretty clear by now that I didn’t do this because it was good politics.  I did it because I believed it was good for the country.  I did it because I believed it was good for the American people.

There’s a framed letter that hangs in my office right now.  It was sent to me during the health care debate by a woman named Natoma Canfield.  For years and years, Natoma did everything right.  She bought health insurance.  She paid her premiums on time.  But 18 years ago, Natoma was diagnosed with cancer.  And even though she’d been cancer-free for more than a decade, her insurance company kept jacking up her rates, year after year.  And despite her desire to keep her coverage -- despite her fears that she would get sick again -- she had to surrender her health insurance, and was forced to hang her fortunes on chance.

I carried Natoma’s story with me every day of the fight to pass this law.  It reminded me of all the Americans, all across the country, who have had to worry not only about getting sick, but about the cost of getting well.

Natoma is well today.  And because of this law, there are other Americans -- other sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers -- who will not have to hang their fortunes on chance.  These are the Americans for whom we passed this law.
The highest Court in the land has now spoken.  We will continue to implement this law.  And we'll work together to improve on it where we can.  But what we won’t do -- what the country can’t afford to do -- is refight the political battles of two years ago, or go back to the way things were.

With today’s announcement, it’s time for us to move forward -- to implement and, where necessary, improve on this law.  And now is the time to keep our focus on the most urgent challenge of our time:  putting people back to work, paying down our debt, and building an economy where people can have confidence that if they work hard, they can get ahead.

But today, I’m as confident as ever that when we look back five years from now, or 10 years from now, or 20 years from now, we’ll be better off because we had the courage to pass this law and keep moving forward.

Thank you.  God bless you, and God bless America.

ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER ISSUES STATEMENT ON HOUSE CONTEMPT VOTE

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the U.S. House of Representatives Vote
Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement today:

“Today’s vote is the regrettable culmination of what became a misguided – and politically motivated – investigation during an election year.   By advancing it over the past year and a half, Congressman Issa and others have focused on politics over public safety.   Instead of trying to correct the problems that led to a series of flawed law enforcement operations, and instead of helping us find ways to better protect the brave law enforcement officers, like Agent Brian Terry, who keep us safe – they have led us to this unnecessary and unwarranted outcome.

“During this time, the men and women of the Department of Justice – and I – have remained focused on what should and must be our government’s top priority: protecting the American people.

“When concerns about Operation Fast and Furious first came to light, I took action – and ordered an independent investigation into what happened.   We learned that the flawed tactics used in this operation began in the previous administration – but I made sure that they ended under this one.   I also made sure that agents and prosecutors around the country knew that such tactics must never be used again.   I put in place new policies, new safeguards, and new leadership to make certain of this – and took extraordinary steps to facilitate robust congressional oversight.   Let me be very clear – that was my response to Operation Fast and Furious.   Any suggestion to the contrary simply ignores the facts.

“I had hoped that Congressional leaders would be good-faith partners in this work.   Some have.  Others, however, have devoted their time and attention to making reckless charges – unsupported by fact – and to advancing truly absurd conspiracy theories.   Unfortunately, these same members of Congress were nowhere to be found when the Justice Department and others invited them to help look for real solutions to the terrible problem of violence on both sides of our Southwest Border.   That’s tragic, and it’s irresponsible.  The problem of drugs and weapons trafficking across this border is a real and significant public safety threat – and it deserves the attention of every leader in Washington.

“In the face of these and other challenges, the Justice Department has continued to move forward in fulfilling its critical law enforcement responsibilities. Whether it is with regard to prosecuting financial and health care fraud, achieving a record mortgage settlement, taking aggressive action in protecting the most vulnerable among us, or challenging proposed voting changes and redistricting maps that could disenfranchise millions of voters – this Department of Justice has not been afraid to act.

“Some of these enforcement decisions were not politically popular and help to explain the action taken today by the House.   As Attorney General, I do not look to do that which is politically expedient – on behalf of the American people whom I am privileged to serve, I seek justice.

“In recent weeks, the Justice Department secured its seventh conviction in the most serious terrorist plot our nation has faced since 9/11.   And just two days ago, the Department awarded more than $100 million in grants to save or create law enforcement jobs, including more than 600 jobs for recent veterans.

“This is the kind of work that leaders in Washington should be striving together to advance.   At a time when so many Americans are in need of our help, I refuse to be deterred from it.   And I will not let election-year politics and gamesmanship stand in the way of continued progress.

“Today’s vote may make for good political theater in the minds of some, but it is – at base – both a crass effort and a grave disservice to the American people.   They expect – and deserve – far better.

“As a result of the action taken today by the House, an unnecessary court conflict will ensue.  My efforts to resolve this matter short of such a battle were rebuffed by Congressman Issa and his supporters.  It’s clear that they were not interested in bringing an end to this dispute or obtaining the information they claimed to seek.  Ultimately, their goal was the vote that – with the help of special interests – they now have engineered.

“Whatever the path that this matter will now follow, it will not distract me or the men and women of the Department of Justice from the important tasks that are our responsibility.   A great deal of work for the American people remains to be done – I’m getting back to it.   I suggest that those who orchestrated today’s vote do the same."

U.S.-DENMARK RELATIONS

Map:  U.S. Department Of State
FROM:  U.S DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. Relations With Denmark
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
June 15, 2012
Denmark and the United States have long enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship. The two countries consult closely on European and other regional political and security matters and cooperate extensively to promote peace and stability well beyond Europe’s borders. Denmark largely shares U.S. views on the positive ramifications of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) enlargement. Danish troops support International Security Assistance Force-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Air Force base and early warning radar facility at Thule, in northwest Greenland, serves as a vital link in Western and NATO defenses. In 2004, the Danish and Greenland Home Rule governments signed agreements allowing for an upgrade of the Thule early warning radar in connection with a role in the U.S. ballistic missile defense system. The same agreements also created new opportunities for both sides to enhance economic, technical, and environmental cooperation between the United States and Greenland.
American culture--and particularly popular culture, from jazz, rock, and rap to television shows and literature--is very popular in Denmark. More than 300,000 U.S. tourists visit Denmark annually.

Bilateral Economic Relations
Denmark's active liberal trade policy in the European Union (EU), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and World Trade Organization largely coincides with U.S. interests. There have been differences of opinion between the U.S. and the EU on how to manage and resolve recent global and regional financial crises, but not on the importance of action. Denmark's role in European environmental and agricultural issues and its strategic location at the entrance to the Baltic Sea have made Copenhagen a center for U.S. agencies and the private sector dealing with the Nordic/Baltic region.
The U.S. is Denmark's largest non-European trade partner. Among major Danish exports to the United States are industrial machinery, chemical products, furniture, pharmaceuticals, canned ham and pork, windmills, and plastic toy blocks (Lego). In addition, Denmark has a significant services trade with the U.S., a major share of it stemming from Danish-controlled ships engaged in container traffic to and from the United States (notably by Maersk-Line). Over 400 U.S. companies have subsidiaries in Denmark.

Denmark's Membership in International Organizations
Danish foreign policy is founded upon four cornerstones: the United Nations, NATO, the EU, and Nordic cooperation. Denmark and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

HAUS EVACUATED BECAUSE OF WALDO CANYON FIRE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Default Cutline BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Haus, a military working dog from the 10th Security Forces Squadron, waits in his kennel June 27, 2012. Haus is one of eight military working dogs recently evacuated from the U.S. Air Force Academy due to the Waldo Canyon Fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk)  

Buckley lodges Air Force Academy military working dogs
by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk
460th Space Wing Public Affairs
6/27/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- Eight military working dogs and two handlers were given orders to evacuate the Air Force Academy June 26, and were relocated here where their dogs are currently being provided shelter.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Bailey, 10th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, said, "Due to their sensitivity, the primary mission was to get the dogs out due to the smoke and possible fire."

As evacuation plans were being established, Tech. Sgt. Justin Baker, 460th SFS kennel master, reached out and began making arrangements for their fellow dog handlers to come here.

"I started calling the chain of command and got their full support. We were just helping out the Academy," Baker said. "It's what we do."

Evacuation began yesterday afternoon and  progressed without issue. Within two hours of arrival, the dogs were housed and their handlers were placed in the dormitories.

"It all went very smoothly," said Bailey. "We are very thankful that Buckley was able to set us up, because we were not sure what to do next."

In addition to housing military working dogs, Buckley has provided the Air Force Academy a fire truck to assist in structural fires as needed.

ESA Portal - Portugal - Rochas marcianas que chegaram à superfície mostram que houve água debaixo da superfície de Marte

ESA Portal - Portugal - Rochas marcianas que chegaram à superfície mostram que houve água debaixo da superfície de Marte

Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Law

Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Law

2ND GENERATION AEGIS BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM INTERCEPT FLIGHT TEST

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
120627-N-ZZ999-003 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2012) A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) for the second time during a Missile Defense Agency test in the Pacific Ocean. The SM-3 Block 1B successfully intercepted a short-range ballistic missile target that had been launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, located on Kauai, Hawaii. (U.S. Navy photo/Released) 

Second-Generation Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System Completes Second Successful Intercept Flight Test
From Missile Defense Agency Public Affairs
PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Sailors of USS Lake Erie (CG 70) successfully conducted a flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system June 26.

The test resulted in the intercept of a separating ballistic missile target over the Pacific Ocean by the Navy's newest missile defense interceptor missile, the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B.

At 11:15 pm Hawaii Standard Time (5:15 am EDT June 27), the target missile was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, located on Kauai, Hawaii. The target flew on a northwesterly trajectory towards a broad ocean area of the Pacific Ocean. Following target launch, USS Lake Erie detected and tracked the missile with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar. The ship, equipped with the second-generation Aegis BMD 4.0.1 weapon system, developed a fire control solution and launched the SM-3 Block IB missile.

Lake Erie continued to track the target and sent trajectory information to the SM-3 Block IB missile in-flight. The SM-3 maneuvered to a point in space, as designated by the fire control solution, and released its kinetic warhead. The kinetic warhead acquired the target, diverted into its path, and, using only the force of a direct impact, engaged and destroyed the threat in a hit-to-kill intercept.

Today's test event was the second consecutive successful intercept test of the SM-3 Block IB missile and the second-generation Aegis BMD 4.0.1 weapon system. The first successful SM-3 Block IB intercept occurred May 9, 2012. Today's intercept is a critical accomplishment for the second phase of the President's European Phased Adaptive Approach consisting of the SM-3 Block 1B interceptor employed in an Aegis Ashore system in Romania in 2015.

Initial indications are that all components performed as designed resulting in a very accurate intercept.

This was the 23rd successful intercept in 28 flight test firings for the Aegis BMD program. Across all Ballistic Missile Defense System programs, it is the 54th successful hit-to-kill intercept in 68 flight tests since 2001.

Aegis BMD is the sea-based midcourse component of the MDA's Ballistic Missile Defense System and is designed to intercept and destroy short to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD Program.

SEC ALLEGES MISAPPROPRIATION OF ASSETS AND MARKET MANIPULATION SCHEME

FROM:  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C., June 27, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today filed fraud charges against New York-based hedge fund adviser Philip A. Falcone and his advisory firm, Harbinger Capital Partners LLC for illicit conduct that included misappropriation of client assets, market manipulation, and betraying clients. The SEC also charged Peter A. Jenson, Harbinger’s former Chief Operating Officer, for aiding and abetting the misappropriation scheme. Additionally, the SEC reached a settlement with Harbinger for unlawful trading.

In a separate, settled action, the SEC charged Harbert Management Corporation, whose affiliates served as the managing members of two Harbinger-related entities, as a controlling person in the market manipulation.

The SEC alleges that Falcone used fund assets to pay his taxes, conducted an illegal “short squeeze” to manipulate bond prices, secretly favored certain customers at the expense of others, and that Harbinger unlawfully bought equity securities in a public offering, after having sold short the same security during a restricted period.

“Today’s charges read like the final exam in a graduate school course in how to operate a hedge fund unlawfully,” said Robert Khuzami, Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.  “Clients and market participants alike were victimized as Falcone unscrupulously used fund assets to pay his personal taxes, manipulated the market for certain bonds, favored some clients at the expense of others, and violated trading rules intended to prohibit manipulative short sales.”

The SEC filed actions in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Falcone, Jenson, and Harbinger, and, in connection with the illegal trading scheme, separately instituted and settled administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings against Harbinger.

In particular, the SEC alleges that: Falcone fraudulently obtained $113.2 million from a hedge fund that he advised and misappropriated the proceeds to pay his personal taxes;

Falcone and two Harbinger investment managers through which Falcone operated manipulated the price and availability of a series of distressed high-yield bonds by engaging in an illegal “short squeeze;”

Falcone and Harbinger secretly offered and granted favorable redemption and liquidity rights to certain strategically-important investors in exchange for those investors’ consent to restrict redemption rights of other fund investors, and concealed the arrangement from the fund’s directors and investors; and

Harbinger engaged in illegal trades in connection with the purchase of common stock in three public offerings after having sold the same securities short during a restricted period.

“Not only are hedge fund managers expected to be savvy investors, they are supposed to serve the interests of their clients. Here, in addition to raiding a fund for personal benefit and cutting secret deals with favored investors, Falcone then lied to investors about what he had done,” said Bruce Karpati, Chief of the Asset Management Unit in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.

Describing the illegal short squeeze, Gerald W. Hodgkins, Associate Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement said, “After he took control of an entire issue of high-yield bonds, Falcone kept buying with an eye toward rigging the market and punishing short sellers to settle a score. In the process, Falcone hijacked the market for the bonds and illegally manipulated their price and availability. The Division will continue to police the bond market to make sure it operates as an efficient market, free of the corrosive effects of manipulators such as Falcone.”

Misappropriation Scheme
In the misappropriation scheme, the SEC alleges that Falcone unlawfully used fund assets to pay his personal taxes. In 2009 Falcone owed federal and state authorities $113.2 million in taxes. Declining to pursue other financing options, such as pledging his personal assets as collateral for a bank loan, Falcone elected instead to take a $113.2 million loan from the Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. – the same fund from which Harbinger had earlier suspended investors from redeeming.

Falcone authorized the transfer of fund assets to himself in a transaction that Jenson helped structure. Falcone and Harbinger never sought or obtained consent from investors prior to using the fund's assets to benefit Falcone.

As part of the misappropriation scheme, the SEC alleges that Falcone and Harbinger, aided by Jenson, made several material misrepresentations and omissions in seeking legal advice regarding the loan and in subsequent communications with investors, including, among other things:
the financing alternatives available to Falcone; the circumstances that led to Falcone’s need for the loan; the ability of the Special Situations Fund to furnish the loan, without disadvantaging investors;

the terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate charged and the amount of collateral posted by Falcone; and the role of Harbinger’s outside legal counsel in vetting the transaction.
The SEC also alleges that Falcone and Harbinger delayed disclosing the loan for approximately five months because of their concern that disclosure of Falcone’s financial condition might have a negative impact on investor withdrawals and on Falcone’s ability to attract more investments for other Harbinger funds. Falcone repaid the loan in 2011, after the Commission commenced its investigation.

Market Manipulation / Illegal Short Squeeze
In a separate civil action, the SEC alleges that from 2006 through early 2008 Falcone and two Harbinger investment management entities manipulated the market in a series of distressed high-yield bonds issued by MAAX Holdings Inc. In this fraudulent scheme, Falcone and the Harbinger entities allegedly orchestrated an illegal “short squeeze” – a market manipulation scheme in which an investor constricts the supply of a security, through large purchases or other means, with the intent of forcing settlement from short sellers at arbitrary and inflated prices.

The SEC’s complaint alleges that at Falcone’s direction, Harbinger purchased a large position in the MAAX bonds during April and June of 2006. After hearing rumors that a Wall Street financial services firm was shorting the MAAX bonds and also encouraging its customers to do the same, Falcone decided to seek revenge. In September 2006, Falcone directed the Harbinger-managed funds to buy every available bond in the market, often purchasing the bonds from short sellers. Ultimately, Falcone raised the funds’ stake to approximately 13 percent more than the available supply of the MAAX bonds.

At one point, Harbinger had purchased 22 million more bonds than MAAX had ever issued. Contemporaneously with these purchases, Falcone locked up the MAAX bonds the Harbinger funds had purchased in a custodial account at a bank in Georgia to prevent his brokers from lending out the bonds to sellers seeking to deliver the bonds to purchasers after short sales.

Having seized control of the supply of the MAAX bonds, Falcone then demanded that the Wall Street firm and its customers settle their outstanding MAAX short sales, not disclosing that it would be virtually impossible to find bonds available for delivery. The Wall Street firm bid daily for the bonds, which quickly doubled in price. Then, Falcone engaged in a series of transactions with certain short sellers at arbitrary, inflated prices, while at the same time valuing the funds’ holdings on his books at a small fraction of the prices he charged the covering short sellers.

Preferential Redemption Scheme
In its action alleging misappropriation, the SEC also alleges that in a further breach of Falcone and Harbinger’s fiduciary duties to their clients, Falcone and Harbinger engaged in unlawful preferential redemptions for the benefit of certain favored investors.

In 2009, while soliciting required investor approval to restrict withdrawals from another Harbinger fund, Falcone and Harbinger secretly exempted certain large investors that Falcone deemed to be strategically important from soon-to-be imposed liquidity restrictions – provided those investors voted to approve restrictions that would temporarily stabilize the decline in Harbinger’s assets under management.

Ultimately, pursuant to these ‘vote buying’ agreements, Falcone and Harbinger allegedly permitted these investors who were connected to certain favored institutional investors to withdraw a total of approximately $169 million. Harbinger concealed these quid pro quo arrangements from the independent directors and from fund investors.

Other Illegal Trading by Harbinger
In a separate administrative and cease-and-desist proceeding, the SEC found that between April and June 2009, Harbinger violated Rule 105 of Regulation M of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). Rule 105 is an anti-manipulation rule that prohibits short selling securities during a restricted period and then purchasing the same securities in a public offering.

The Commission’s Order censures Harbinger and requires the firm to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of Rule 105 now or in the future. Harbinger will pay disgorgement in the amount of $857,950, prejudgment interest in the amount of $91,838, and a civil monetary penalty in the amount of $428,975. Harbinger consented to the issuance of the Order without admitting or denying any of the Commission’s findings.

Settlement with Harbert Management Company
In a separate complaint also filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the SEC filed a settled civil action against Harbert and two related investment entities – HMC-New York Inc. and HMC Investors, LLC – for their role in the illegal short squeeze described above.

The SEC alleges in its complaint against Harbert that during the entire period of the short squeeze, Defendants Harbert, HMC-NY and HMC Investors, directly or indirectly, possessed the power to control Falcone and the investment managers through which he operated. HMC-NY and HMC Investors, two entities controlled by Harbert, served as the managing members of two limited liability companies that acted as the general partners of the funds advised by Falcone.

Harbert and its affiliates also provided hedge fund administrative, legal, compliance, risk assessment and other services to the funds. In these capacities, Harbert, HMC-NY and HMC Investors knew of Falcone’s trades in the MAAX bonds, but failed to take appropriate steps to address Falcone’s manipulative conduct. The SEC charged the Harbert defendants as controlling persons pursuant to Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, alleging that they are jointly and severally liable for Falcone’s and the Harbinger investment managers’ violations of the antifraud provisions of the Exchange Act.

Without admitting or denying the allegations of the complaint, Defendants Harbert, HMC-NY and HMC Investors have agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $1 million. The Harbert defendants also have consented to the entry of a judgment enjoining them from violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The proposed settlement with Harbert is subject to approval by the court.

In the pending federal court actions concerning the first three fraudulent schemes described above, the Commission seeks a variety of sanctions and relief including injunctions against Falcone and Harbinger from violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, the Exchange Act, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

In addition, the Commission seeks to enjoin Harbinger and Falcone from controlling any person who violates the anti-fraud provisions of the Exchange Act. As for monetary relief, the Commission seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, prejudgment interest, and civil money penalties from Falcone and Harbinger. The Commission further seeks to prohibit Falcone from serving as an officer and director of any public company. Against Jenson, the Commission seeks to enjoin Jenson from aiding and abetting future violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the Exchange Act and Advisers Act and seeks to obtain monetary penalties.

The SEC’s investigation was a coordinated effort between teams from the SEC’s headquarters and the New York Regional Office, including Conway T. Dodge, Jr., Robert C. Besse, Ken C. Joseph, Mark Salzberg, Brian Fitzpatrick, and David Stoelting. Messrs. Joseph, Salzberg, and Fitzpatrick are members of the Enforcement Division’s Asset Management Unit. Mr. Stoelting and David Gottesman will lead the SEC’s litigation team.

MILITARY FAMILIES OFFERED FREE ANNUAL PASS TO NATIONAL PARKS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
National Park Service Offers Military, Families Free Annual Pass
By Amaani Lyle
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2012 - The National Park Service extends free annual park passes far beyond the droves of Pentagon employees who lined up to take advantage of the offer today.

Through its America the Beautiful series, the National Park Service grants complimentary access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, national parks and wildlife refuges to active duty service members and activated Guardsmen and reservists and their families, said Kathy Kupper, National Park Service spokeswoman.

"The park service is just so grateful for the service of the military, so we've been looking for a way to show our gratitude," Kupper said. "It's taken a couple of years to get all the details worked out, but we're honored that we can pay back a little bit."
Service members can get a pass, valued at $80, by showing their military identification card. Family members can obtain their own passes, even if the service member is deployed or if they are traveling separately, Kupper explained.

A pass covers entry and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, or up to four adults at sites that charge per person. Children age 15 or under are admitted free. Wounded warriors or any American citizen with a disability can get a free lifetime pass to all national parks.

A 25-year National Park Service employee, Kupper recalled the organization's decades-long military ties, specifically to the Army, which oversaw national parks between the 1876 establishment of Yellowstone, the first national park, and the 1916 stand-up of NPS.
"For about 40 years, you had the U.S. Army, particularly the U.S. Cavalry, including Buffalo Soldiers, care for our first national parks," Kupper said. "Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon all had roads set up, built, with trails established and wildlife protected ... by the U.S. Army."

Kupper added that even park ranger uniforms are inspired by the cavalry uniform, symbolizing the enduring bond.

"Many national parks were set aside for use strictly by military, whether for rest and relaxation trips ... or for training," the spokeswoman said, adding that through the years, the parks have been home to some of America's most iconic images of freedom.
"Our service members are fighting to protect our freedoms and a lot of them are manifested in these symbols like the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore -- all sites cared for by the Park Service," Kupper said. "These places inspire the military and remind them what they're fighting for so where better for them and their families to visit?"

SEC. OF DEFENSE PANETTA ANNOUNCES $60 MILLION IN GRANTS TO MILITARY SCHOOLS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Panetta Announces $60M in Grants to Military Schools
By Lisa Daniel
GRAPEVINE, Texas, June 27, 2012 - The Defense Department recently awarded $60 million to three public schools on two military installations, the latest example of its efforts to invest in the education of military children, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said at an education seminar here today.

The grants, to schools serving children at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., are the first -- with more to come this summer – of a $500 million congressional appropriation for the department to improve facilities at 161 public schools on military installations, Panetta announced at the Military Child Education Coalition's 14th national seminar.

DOD also has awarded an additional $180 million in grants to more than 900 public schools that support 80 percent of the 1.5 million school-age military children, the secretary said. It has done that while also strengthening and modernizing the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, which serve 86,000 military children, he added.
"Educating military children is not only important to their future – and it is important their future – but it's critically important to the future of our military and our nation," Panetta told seminar participants. The coalition works to improve the education of all school-age military children, whether they are in DOD, public or private schools.

To underscore his point, Panetta noted that he is joined at the two-day seminar in this Dallas suburb by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and the vice commandant of the Marine Corps.

"That tells you a lot," he told the hundreds of participants. "What you do relates to our ability to carry out the mission of defending the country. We are all here to say 'thank you.'
"In a democracy, we are dependent on good education," he added. "Education is the key to self-governance, the key to opportunity, the key to equality; and education is the key to freedom. It is the key to a better life."

Panetta told of his own parents' immigration thousands of miles from their home in Italy to the United States, where his father's occupation was marked as "peasant" at Ellis Island, N.Y., all so their children could have a better life.

"That's the American dream," he said. "That's what all of us want for our children, and hopefully what they want for their children."

Helping to give future generations a better quality of life goes to the very heart of the military and what everyone at the seminar is doing, Panetta said, and a quality education is essential to a better life.

"I've long believed this country has an obligation to make education a top national priority," the secretary told the audience, adding that he has tried to do that in his four decades in government.

"I would not be here as secretary of defense were it not for the opportunities given to me by education," he said. "Now, as secretary of defense, I'm determined to do everything possible to give our military children the tools they need to succeed in the future."
About 44 percent of service members are parents, and they consistently rate the availability of quality education for their children as a high priority in their career decisions, Panetta said. "The quality of education available to our military children affects our overall readiness, our retention, and it affects the very morale of our force," he added.
"In equipping our military children with the best education, the best knowledge, the best skills they need for the future, the department is investing in its own future," he said. "Many of these young men and women will follow in the tracks of their parents and join the military themselves."

Education also is a national security priority, Panetta said, causing the department to support efforts such as those by the National Math and Science Initiative to build technical proficiency and to emphasize the need for foreign language skills.

"Our military is better able to defend our country when we address the long-term education needs of those who serve and their children," the secretary said.
Military children have many challenges, Panetta noted. More than a million have had a parent deploy to combat since 2001, and many are forever changed by war, he said. Most will move six to nine times before they graduate from high school, and 195,000 of them have special needs, he said.

The department can't meet the education needs of military children without the "active support and cooperation of all the stakeholders" – teachers, parents, community leaders, and state and local governments, the secretary said. Through such partnerships, the department has prompted 43 state governments to pass laws easing the transfer of school credits for military children as they move from state to state and from outside the country, he added.

"I want you to know that the Department of Defense has listened," he said. "It's not always easy to get that big bureaucracy to listen, but we have listened -- to school districts to organizations, to parents -- and we've listened to you. We will continue to fight to give our military children the best in educational opportunities."

DOD AND IMPORTANCE OF PTSD TREATMENT FOR SERVICE MEMBERS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 
Officials Say Progress Must Continue in PTSD Treatment
By Terri Moon Cronk
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2012 - Great strides have been made in treating service members with post-traumatic stress disorder, but progress must continue, military and medical leaders told an audience here today. The military's three surgeons general and the Army's senior sergeant major spoke at an event to mark the third-annual National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.

Raymond Chandler III, the sergeant major of the army, called himself the poster child of someone with PTSD who is concerned about the stigma associated with seeking treatment, something which he says is an on-going issue for many.

His first brush with a life-threatening event in Iraq became life-altering, he said, adding that it caused him to do things that led to a "downward spiral."  For example, during his post-deployment health risk assessment, he wasn't completely honest about his situation because he was being redeployed.

"I felt that if I said truthfully what happened and what I was feeling, I wouldn't be able to succeed and move on. I've come a long way since 2005," he added, noting that he had turned off a good part of his life -- the emotional, spiritual and physical elements to deal with being the professional soldier.

Chandler finally entered a two-week behavioral health program which he said made a significant difference.

In 2011, when he interviewed with then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. for the job as Sergeant Major of the Army, he said Casey was glad to have him onboard with his experience in PTSD counseling, because Chandler could speak to the challenges and treatment.

Chandler got the job and went on to tell his story to service members and families.
"I think we've made a difference," Chandler said. "I know in many of our soldiers' lives and the many challenges of the past 10 years, we've made tremendous strides in our behavioral health care access, and our care and quality of care, [but] we still have a long way to go."

"I believe we will work through this and we will be better as a nation," he said.
Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho told the audience "As a society in military medicine we must be able to provide care for the invisible wounds of war in the long run. As a nation, it is our opportunity to partner and lead the way in breaking the silence [of the invisible wounds].".

"While it is difficult to ask [for help], it is more difficult, and frankly, tragic to lose a loved one ... to suicide or any high-risk behavior," Horoho said. "Soldiers and families must come to realize that [cases of PTSD] resulting from deployment are curable with the proper care."

The majority of service members with PTSD return to productive and engaging lives, and remain on active duty, she said.

"We will not leave anyone behind," Horoho vowed.

Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan said it "takes a village" to conquer PTSD -- and it begins with awareness across the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the private sector.

Nathan, who also is the chief of the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, said he is encouraged by the embedded teams of mental health care providers who treat service members, and that service members know what to look for in their battle buddies for signs of PTSD.

Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Charles Green noted that the good news is that there is recovery from PTSD, and veterans have access to the very best evidence-based care in both the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"The hard part is choosing to share your experience, and choosing to recover from something you might not recognize, Green said, noting that more than 75 percent of service members treated for PTSD are returned to active duty.

COMPANY SETTLES CHARGES OF ALLEGED BRIBERY

FROM:  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C., June 27, 2012 –The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged that FalconStor Software, Inc., a Long Island, N.Y., data storage company, misled investors about bribes it paid to obtain business with a subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

FalconStor admitted to the bribery scheme and agreed to pay a $2.9 million penalty and to institute enhanced compliance measures to settle the SEC’s civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The settlement is subject to court approval. FalconStor will pay an additional $2.9 million as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the EDNY, which filed a related criminal case against the Melville, N.Y., company.

According to the SEC, FalconStor’s now deceased co-founder, chairman, and former chief executive ordered the bribes, which were paid to three executives of the subsidiary, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, and their relatives, starting in October 2007. Lavish entertainment at casinos, and payments in cash, traveler’s checks, gift cards, and grants of FalconStor options and restricted stock, helped FalconStor secure a multi-million dollar contract with the J.P. Morgan Chase subsidiary, the SEC said.

The J.P. Morgan Chase subsidiary became one of FalconStor’s largest customers and FalconStor touted the relationship in earnings calls and releases as proof of the strength of its products and its strides in moving to direct sales rather than relying on third-party distributors. The SEC said FalconStor never told investors about the bribes and inaccurately recorded the payments as “compensation,” “sales promotion,” or “entertainment” expenses.

“FalconStor overstepped the bounds in its pursuit of business. This case shows that when such conduct results in securities law violations, the Commission will not hesitate to hold wrongdoers accountable,” said David Rosenfeld, Associate Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office, adding, “FalconStor claimed the contract was a vindication of the company’s technology, but neglected to tell investors that the contract derived from the bribes that it paid.”

FalconStor’s CEO resigned in September 2010, after admitting that he had been involved in improper payments to a customer, and FalconStor’s stock fell by more than 22 percent on the news.

According to the SEC’s complaint, FalconStor made materially misleading statements in earnings releases filed with the SEC in April 2008 and February 2009. The SEC said FalconStor also granted restricted stock and options to relatives of two of the JP Morgan Chase executives even though they provided no bona fide services to the company, making the grants ineligible under FalconStor’s incentive stock plan. In addition, the SEC said FalconStor failed to accurately record the expenses associated with the bribes on its books and records, and lacked effective internal controls to detect or prevent bribery, which violated state law and FalconStor’s own policies. The complaint charges FalconStor with violating the books-and-records and internal controls provisions of U.S. securities laws, and violations of the offering registration provisions and certain antifraud provisions.

The SEC thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this matter, and acknowledges the cooperation of the New York County District Attorney’s Office in the investigation.

Leslie Kazon, Joseph P. Ceglio, Christopher C. Mele, and Preethi Krishnamurthy of the SEC’s New York Regional Office conducted the SEC’s investigation.

THE HORNET IN THE HANGER

An F/A-18C Hornet is in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is 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 Ian A. Cotter (Released) 120625-N-IR734-00