FDIC LAUNCHES ECONOMIC INCLUSION PROGRAM IN WEST VIRGINA

Map West Virgina.  Credit:  Wikimedia.

FDIC Launches Alliance for Economic Inclusion Coalition in West Virginia

FROM: U.S. FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today launched an Alliance for Economic Inclusion (AEI) initiative in West Virginia in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), other state and federal agencies, financial institutions, and community-based stakeholders.
　
"The West Virginia Small and Micro Business AEI will provide a forum in which West Virginia's small business service providers can work together and foster productive collaborations with other partners," said Acting Chairman Martin Gruenberg. "These collaborations have the potential to develop stronger lending opportunities for financial institutions and a better future for small businesses."
　
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl said, "I want to commend Chairman Gruenberg for bringing this initiative to Southern West Virginia. Having the FDIC interested in the capital and credit needs of small and micro business in this part of the Appalachian Region speaks volumes and helps to provide a pathway to access full service banking and other financial services. ARC is looking forward to working with the FDIC and its other partners in this effort."
　
This AEI Coalition is designed to provide a mechanism to identify small and micro business needs in West Virginia associated with obtaining credit, technical assistance and educational opportunities. The AEI and its members will then develop and implement strategies to enhance existing resources and develop additional resources and capacity to fill the identified needs.
　
The next steps for the AEI include fostering Money Smart for Small Business alliance networks with rural Small Business Development Centers and conducting small business symposiums in collaboration with other partners.
　
Existing AEI coalitions have focused on bringing unbanked and underserved populations into the financial mainstream through financial education and establishing consumer friendly bank accounts. The West Virginia Small and Micro Business AEI is the first AEI to focus specifically on building resources to further small and micro business formation and growth. This focus was selected after feedback from consultations with the Appalachian Regional Commission and other local stakeholders.
　
The Alliance for Economic Inclusion (AEI) is the FDIC's national initiative to establish broad-based coalitions of financial institutions, community-based organizations and other partners in several markets across the country to bring all unbanked and underserved populations into the financial mainstream markets. The more than 1,300 AEI members have opened more than 400,000 bank accounts through the FDIC's AEI program.

SBSS Satellite Reaches Operational Acceptance and IOC

SBSS Satellite Reaches Operational Acceptance and IOC

U.S.-YEMEN RELATIONS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The United States established diplomatic relations with North Yemen in 1946 and South Yemen in 1967. The North had previously been part of the Ottoman Empire, and the South had been ruled by the United Kingdom. The Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) severed relations with the United States on June 7, 1967 in the wake of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Diplomatic relations were reestablished in July 1972 after a visit to Sana’a by U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The U.S. embassy in Aden closed when the People’s Republic of Southern Yemen severed diplomatic relations with the United States on October 24, 1969. In 1970, the People’s Republic of Southern Yemen changed its name to the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen and on April 30, 1990, the United States resumed diplomatic relations with the country. The Yemen Arab Republic and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen unified under the Republic of Yemen in 1990. In 1994 civil war broke out in Yemen over North-South contentions and the country continues to struggle with issues over unification. After reunification Yemen elected Ali Abdullah Saleh, former president of the Yemen Arab Republic, to lead the country.
　
In early 2011 demonstrations against the Saleh government began and later led to the president's ouster through a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) negotiated agreement giving temporary power to then Vice President, Abdo Rabo Mansour Hadi.
　
In February 2012 Hadi was elected by the Yemeni people to serve as president during the two-year transition period at which point new leadership will be elected. Since the signing of the GCC-led agreement Yemen has experienced a significant transformation and is charting a path to democracy. A successful democratic transition will require the country to overcome a number of serious, complex, and interrelated challenges. Currently, the United States enjoys a close and collaborative relationship with the Republic of Yemen government and the Yemeni people. The United States supports Yemen's efforts to achieve this goal through a comprehensive strategy that promotes political, economic, and security sector reforms that will enable the government to respond to the needs and aspirations of the Yemeni people.
　
U.S. Assistance to Yemen
Yemen continues to face significant humanitarian and economic obstacles in a security environment that is increasingly unstable. Over the next two years, the Yemeni government has committed to convene a National Dialogue Conference representing all Yemen’s people, establish a constitutional reform process, present an amended constitution for approval by the Yemeni people in a referendum, reform the electoral system including an updated voter registration list, and hold presidential and parliamentary elections as determined by the new constitution.
　
As the Republic of Yemen government (RoYG) continues to make progress on their political transition, the United States will seek to support Yemen by providing humanitarian assistance, delivering economic assistance, supporting good governance, encouraging expanded political participation, assisting with the development of a professional and capable security sector, and providing security assistance to combat the threat of violent extremism. The U.S. government will also continue to support the Yemeni private sector and non-governmental partners, in conjunction with the ROYG, to improve standards of living, reduce poverty and unemployment, expand infrastructure and access to services by advocating for improved policies and regulations in order to enhance the business investment and operational climate in the country. A fact sheet on fiscal year 2012 U.S. assistance to Yemen, as of August 2012, can be found here.
　
Bilateral Economic Relations
Energy exports generate the majority of Yemen's governmental revenue. Most U.S. investment in Yemen is in the oil and gas exploration and production sectors. The United States and Yemen have signed a trade and investment framework agreement. The two also have concluded bilateral market access negotiations as part of Yemen's efforts to accede to the World Trade Organization. The bilateral agreement provides new market access opportunities for U.S. providers of agriculture, goods, and services.
　
Yemen's Membership in International Organizations
Yemen and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Yemen also is an observer to the World Trade Organization and the Organization of American States. Additionally, Yemen is a member of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Yemen also participates in the nonaligned movement; and, although not a member of the GCC, is allowed limited participation in some organizational affairs.

ARMY GENERAL DEMPSEY SAYS AFGHANS CONCERNED OVER INSIDER ATTACKS

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
Dempsey: Afghans Share Concern Over Insider Attacks

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 20, 2012 - Afghan leaders are just as concerned as coalition authorities are about insider attacks, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said today after meetings here.
　
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said this is the first time in his dozens of trips to the region that Afghans have exhibited this same level of concern.
　
"I am reassured that the Afghan military and civilian leaders understand how important this moment is," he said.
　
This year has seen 32 incidents of Afghan soldiers and police turning weapons on coalition personnel, said Brig. Gen. Gunter Katz of the German air force, a NATO spokesman. The alliance is taking precautions and will continue to study the situation, he said.
　
Dempsey said his meeting with Gen. Sher Muhammad Karimi, Afghanistan's defense chief, showed him the Afghans recognize the problem.
　
"In the past, it's been us pushing on them to make sure they do more," Dempsey said at Kabul Air Base. "This time, without prompting, when I met General Karimi, he started with a conversation about insider attacks – and, importantly, insider attacks not just against us, but insider attacks against the Afghans, too."
　
Dempsey said he does not anticipate changing the basic way coalition forces work with their Afghan allies, but acknowledged that remains to be determined. "The actual key to this might not be to pull back and isolate ourselves, but [to] reach out and embrace them even more," the general said. "Again, this is my instinct based on conversations today that I now have to flesh out with our leaders."
　
In addition to meeting with Karimi, Dempsey met with Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command; Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force; and Army Lt. Gen. James Terry, the commander of ISAF Joint Command.

Dempsey also discussed the nascent anti-Taliban movement in Afghanistan's Ghazni province and other areas in the country.
　
A senior NATO intelligence official told reporters residents of Ghazni's Andar district protested against the local Taliban closing schools and attacking village leaders. In April, they banded together and forced the Taliban out. The movement has since spread, and residents have spontaneously banded against the Taliban in 26 other areas of the country.
　
Dempsey called the movement "a very positive step, and one that should be encouraged."
　
The chairman said he does not want to overstate the importance of the movement, because it is somewhat isolated. But it indicates the Taliban's message is being rejected, he added.
　
Dempsey said the Taliban started the fighting season with three objectives: discrediting Afghanistan's central government, impeding the development of the national security forces, and recapturing lost territory.
　
"In every one of those objectives they've failed," he said. "We have given a real opportunity for the Afghan government to establish its governance by allowing the security environment to show progress and, therefore, hope."

U.S. AIR FORCE HISTORICAL AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
1st Lt Thomas E. Williams was the earliest known African-American Pilot in the ANG. He joined in NJ on 7 May 1954 and was killed during a routine training mission on 15 January 1955 when his F-86A went into an unrecoverable spin

While escorting B-29s near "MiG Alley" over North Korea on 26 June 1951, 1st Lt. Arthur E. Olinger and Capt. Harry Underwood of the 182nd FBS, Texas, shared credit for the Air Guard’s first jet kill, a MiG-15.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR AUGUST 20, 2012

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Helmand Province

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.
　
The leader acted as a go-between for senior Taliban leadership in the province, communicating orders for attacks to subordinate Taliban fighters in the area, officials said. He also oversaw the placement and activation of improvised explosive devices in the area so insurgents were able to operate safely, they added.
　
The security force also detained a suspected insurgent and seized more than $3,400 in cash during the operation.
　
In other operations today:
-- A combined force detained numerous suspected insurgents in Kandahar province's Kandahar district while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for directing roadside bomb placement in the Panjwai and Zharay districts.
　
-- In Logar province's Mohammad Aghah district, a combined force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani network arms supplier who provides weapons, explosives and bomb components to Haqqani fighters throughout the province.
　
Meanwhile, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today that one of several insurgents killed in an Aug. 17 airstrike in Kunar province's Watahpur district was Taliban leader Yasir, who had ties to al-Qaida. Yasir organized and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and was involved in an Aug. 8 suicide attack in Asadabad district, which killed three U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian.
　
Yesterday, Afghan and coalition officials confirmed that a senior Taliban leader, Maulawi Nur Mohammad, and his deputy, Atiqullah, were among dozens of heavily armed insurgents killed in an Aug. 18 airstrike in a remote area of Kunar province's Chapah Darah district.
　
In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force in Laghman province's Alisheng district searching for a Taliban leader who acquires weapons and ammunition for insurgents and facilitates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces came under attack. The force engaged the insurgents, killing three attackers, and detained three suspected insurgents.
　
-- A combined force in Khost province's Khost district detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Haqqani network leader who plans and coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

　
In Aug. 18 operations:
-- A combined force in Helmand province's Nad-e Ali district found 220 pounds of opium, $1,000 in cash and communications equipment.
　
-- In Kandahar's Kandahar district, a combined force arrested a Taliban weapons dealer and two other insurgents. The weapons facilitator was trying to deliver a roadside bomb to insurgents when he was arrested.
　
-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar's Kandahar district while searching for a Taliban weapons dealer.
　
-- In Helmand's Now Zad district, security combined force found and destroyed 4,850 pounds of wet opium, 38 IEDs and 55 pounds of explosives.
　
-- A combined force arrested several suspected insurgents and killed an insurgent after he threatened to attack them during an operation to arrest Haqqani network-affiliated insurgent leaders in Logar province's Baraki Barak district. The security force also found heavy weapons, ammunition, bomb components and homemade explosives.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE DAILY PRESS BRIEFING

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RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY, USS NEW YORK
120816-N-NN926-070 GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 16, 2012) A landing craft air cushion prepares to enter the well deck aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) during amphibious operations. New York, with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund/Released)

PENTAGON HELPS SEARCH FOR MISSING PHILIPPINE INTERIOR SECRETARY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Pentagon Aids Search for Missing Philippine Official
　
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2012 - The Defense Department is helping the Philippine government search for the nation's interior secretary, who has been missing since his plane crashed two days ago, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.
　
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and two pilots have not been heard from since their small plane crashed about 500 meters offshore Aug. 18, Little told reporters. An aide escaped the plane after the crash, he added.
　
The Philippine government asked the United States for help in the search and rescue operation, Little said.
　
"Secretary Robredo is a respected and valuable leader and partner in the Philippines," he said. "Our thoughts are with those in the aircraft, their families, and with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time."
　
Little noted the United States provided initial aerial support following the plane crash upon request and is preparing to provide additional assistance. The Philippine government also has requested underwater assistance, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has approved that assistance, Little said.
　
"We're finalizing plans to support the search and rescue operation with underwater salvage assets," he added.

LASER RESEARCH MAY YIELD CANCER TREATMENT

FROM: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY

Laser Research Shows Promise for Cancer Treatment
New insights gained on how lasers generate ions in dense plasmas

　
LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO, August 20, 2012—Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have observed for the first time how a laser penetrates dense, electron-rich plasma to generate ions. The process has applications for developing next generation particle accelerators and new cancer treatments.
　
The results, published online August 19 in Nature Physics, also confirm predictions made more than 60 years ago about the fundamental physics of laser-plasma interaction. Plasmas dense with electrons normally reflect laser light like a mirror. But a strong laser can drive those electrons to near the speed of light, making the plasma transparent and accelerating the plasma ions.
　
"That idea has been met with some skepticism in the field," said Rahul Shah of LANL’s plasma physics group. "We think that we’ve settled that controversy."
　
The team, which also included researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Garching, Germany and Queens University in Belfast, UK, used the 200 trillion-watt short-pulse TRIDENT laser at Los Alamos National Laboratory to observe the transparency phenomenon at 50 femtosecond resolution. Until now, those dynamics have been witnessed only in computer simulations.
　
The team found close agreement between the model and their experiments, which confirms what Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have long suspected—that directing a short-pulse laser at a very thin carbon foil target will make the foil transparent to the laser.
　
"In a sense it also validates the simulation code that researchers have been using for some time," said Sasi Palaniyappan of LANL’s plasma physics group. "At the same time it also tells us that we’re doing an experiment that’s as close as possible to simulation."
　
The results will help advance work to control the shape and timing of laser pulses, precision that is necessary for developing next-generation, laser-driven particle accelerators, he said. The researchers have recently been awarded internal laboratory funding from the office of Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) to pursue these applications.
　
They now plan to add a second foil target, which could benefit from further focusing and faster turn-on of the laser light transmitted through the first foil. One application of the resulting ultra-short ion bunches is to rapidly heat material and study the ensuing dynamics.
　
Particles accelerated by conventional accelerators aren’t fast enough for such physics experiments. Also, energetic ions are applicable to cancer therapy. A more compact, laser-driven ion source would make treatment less expensive and more accessible to patients.
　
This work was sponsored by the Los Alamos National Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Office of Fusion Energy Sciences and the U.S. Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. The paper is titled "Dynamics of relativistic transparency and optical shuttering in expanding overdense plasmas."

VIDEO: Introducing the new Recreation.Gov

VIDEO: Introducing the new Recreation.Gov

DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS AT EMPLOYMENT AGENCY SETTLED

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Justice Department Settles Claims of Discrimination Against Philadelphia Employment Agency

The Justice Department announced today that it reached a settlement agreement with Best Packing Services Employment Agency Inc., which is based in Philadelphia, resolving allegations that the company discriminated under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), when it impermissibly delayed the start date of two refugees after requiring them to provide specific Form I-9 documentation.
　
In two charges filed with the department, the refugees alleged that they were not allowed to begin employment until they produced unexpired, Department of Homeland Security-issued employment authorization documents, despite the fact that they initially presented sufficient documentation for employment eligibility verification purposes. The charging parties had presented unexpired state identification cards and unrestricted Social Security cards at the time of hire. Both were permanently work-authorized but lost several weeks’ worth of wages as a result of Best Packing’s practices. The department’s investigation revealed that Best Packing did not demand specific Form I-9 documentation from U.S. citizens, but allowed them to provide state identification cards and unrestricted Social Security cards. The anti-discrimination provision prohibits treating employees differently in the employment eligibility verification and reverification processes based on citizenship status or national origin.
　
As part of the settlement, Best Packing will undertake immediate corrective action to address and rectify its employment eligibility verification policies and practices. As part of its corrective action, Best Packing will provide full back pay to both victims. Under the settlement agreement, the company agrees to pay $4,379 in back pay, to conform all of its actions to ensure compliance with the INA’s anti-discrimination provision and to train its human resources personnel about the company’s responsibility to avoid discrimination in the employment eligibility verification process.
　
"The Civil Rights Division is pleased that Best Packing has prioritized compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "We encourage all employers to evaluate their policies and practices to ensure compliance with the INA’s anti-discrimination provision."
　
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA, which protects work-authorized individuals from employment discrimination on the basis of citizenship status or national origin discrimination, including discrimination in hiring and the employment eligibility verification process.

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

U.S. Department of Defense Armed with Science Update

ESA Portal - Belgium - Nederlands - Nieuwe weersatelliet MSG 3 moet continuïteit verzekeren

ESA Portal - Belgium - Nederlands - Nieuwe weersatelliet MSG 3 moet continuïteit verzekeren

U.S.-CAMEROON RELATIONS

Map Credit:  U.S. State Department
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The United States established diplomatic relations with Cameroon in 1960, following its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. Cameroon has had two presidents since independence. U.S. relations with Cameroon are positive, although from time to time they have been affected by concerns over human rights abuses and the pace of political and economic liberalization. The two countries are partners in addressing issues of democracy, good governance, and economic development. The United States hopes to continue to work with Cameroon to consolidate democratic gains and economic growth, particularly as Cameroon embarks upon municipal and legislative elections planned for 2013. The United States supports Cameroon's efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, enhance transparency, and allow for contestation of results.
　
U.S. Assistance to Cameroon
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) runs a number of programs in Cameroon, mainly through its regional office in Ghana, and primarily in the health sector. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also has activities in Cameroon, mainly in HIV/AIDS prevention. Peace Corps volunteers work in five program sectors: agroforestry, community health, education and information technology, small business development, and youth development (focused primarily on girls and young women). The Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon organizes and funds diverse cultural, educational, and informational exchanges. It maintains a library and helps foster the development of Cameroon's independent press by providing information in a number of areas, including U.S. human rights and democratization policies. The Embassy administers both the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help and Democracy and Human Rights Fund programs and the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Through several State Department and USAID regional funds, the Embassy also provides funds for biodiversity protection, refugees, HIV/AIDS, democratization, and girl's scholarships.
　
Bilateral Economic Relations
Cameroon is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Cameroon's exports to the United States include mineral fuel and oil, cocoa, rubber, wood, and coffee while imports from the United States include machinery, articles for donation, aircraft, vehicles, and plastics. The United States is a leading investor in Cameroon, largely through the Chad-Cameroon petroleum pipeline project and energy provider AES Sonel. The United States and Cameroon have a bilateral investment treaty.
　
Cameroon's Membership in International Organizations
Cameroon supports the principle of noninterference in the affairs of third countries and increased assistance to underdeveloped countries. Cameroon and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

CHAIRWOMAN OF SENATE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION AND FORESTRY COMMITTEE DISCUSSES FARM BILL REFORMS

FROM: U.S. SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW'S WEBSITE
Senator Stabenow Joins Community Leaders in Traverse City to Discuss Farm Bill Reforms

Friday, Aug 17
　
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today met with dozens of local community leaders in Traverse City on the impact of Farm Bill reforms on the region and urged passage of the bill in the House of Representatives. Stabenow discussed how the 2012 Senate Farm Bill benefits the local community and creates jobs at a roundtable with local farmers, agribusiness owners, conservation leaders and other interested citizens.
　
"When we make things here and grow things here, we have jobs here," said Stabenow. "This Farm Bill is a big win for Michigan's economy, providing critical disaster relief and long-term certainty to help agriculture continue to grow here in Michigan. The Senate passed the Farm Bill by a wide bipartisan margin and it's time for the House to follow suit to help create jobs, reform programs and reduce the deficit."
　
Stabenow authored the five-year Farm Bill, which passed the Senate in June 64-35, but has not yet been taken up by the House of Representatives. The current Farm Bill expires Sept. 30. If Congress does not act by the deadline, the current Farm Bill will expire and the country will revert back to 1940s agriculture policy, an antiquated system of subsidies and price supports born in the depression-era.
　
National media outlets have called Stabenow's Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act, also known as the Farm Bill, the most significant reform to agriculture programs in decades. The bill ends payments to farmers for crops they don't grow and streamlines programs to cut $23 billion in spending while strengthening initiatives that help Michigan farmers and agriculture businesses create jobs. For more information on the Farm Bill, click here.
　
Stabenow's bipartisan Farm Bill makes sure disaster assistance is available this year for growers impacted by weather who did not have adequate access to crop insurance and strengthens crop insurance to better protect Michigan farmers from disasters in future years. It also includes relief for livestock producers, expands crop insurance for specialty crops, strengthens conservation efforts to help mitigate future disasters, and provides increased access to crop insurance for beginning farmers and ranchers.

HEPATITIS C TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS

FROM: U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
PERCENT HEPATITIS C INFECTIONS BY AGE AND SEX

Digital Press Kit
Expanded Hepatitis C Testing Recommendations

To identify more hidden infections, provide prompt and appropriate care and treatment, and avoid tens of thousands of hepatitis C-related illnesses and deaths, CDC now recommends that all U.S. baby boomers get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus.
Hepatitis C is an unrecognized health crisis in the United States. This life-threatening infection affects an estimated 3.2 million Americans, most of whom are "baby boomers" (those born from 1945 through 1965). One in 30 baby boomers has been infected with hepatitis C, and most don’t know it. Hepatitis C causes serious liver diseases, including liver cancer (the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths) and is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.


More than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, and deaths have been increasing steadily for more than a decade and are projected to grow significantly in coming years.


CDC estimates one-time hepatitis C testing of baby boomers could identify more than 800,000 additional people with the virus. And with newly available therapies that can cure up to 75 percent of infections, expanded testing – along with linkage to appropriate care and treatment – would prevent the costly consequences of liver cancer and other chronic liver diseases and could save more than 120,000 lives.

FIRSTS FOR WOMEN IN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
　
On 1 August 1956, Captain Norma Parsons became the first woman to join the Air National Guard when she was sworn in as a nurse in the 106th Tactical Hospital, New York Air National Guard. Two days earlier, Congress had enacted Public Law 845 allowing the participation of women in the Guard, albeit only as officers serving in nursing and other medical fields; women were not allowed to enlist until 1967. Before joining the Air Guard, Capt Parsons had served on active duty with the Army Air Force in the China-Burma-India Theater and as an Air Force nurse in-theater Korea during the conflict.
　
　

　
2nd Lt Marilyn Koon became the Air National Guard’s first female pilot in January 1978 when she pinned on her silver wings. Flew with AZ ANG.

CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS TRAVELS TO AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ

Photo:  Afghanistan.  From:  U.S. Air Force.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Dempsey Arrives in Afghanistan to Meet with Leaders
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2012 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrived here today for consultations with coalition and Afghan leaders.
　
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said he tries to come to Afghanistan every 60 to 90 days to hold face-to-face meetings with leaders. The chairman spoke to reporters traveling with him aboard his C-17.
　
During this visit, Dempsey will hold meetings at the highest coalition levels – Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, commander of NATO forces here, and Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command. The chairman will also meet with "the new players" on the U.S. side, including Army Lt. Gen. James Terry, the commander of the corps command here.
　
"They've been in country about 60 to 75 days and I want to get some insights from them on how they think the campaign is coming," Dempsey said. "Then I'll talk to John about the same thing."
　
The chairman will also hold meetings with his counterpart, Afghan Army Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi.
　
The general said he is coming to Afghanistan with an open mind and wants to hear the ground truth.
　
"I don't have any new insights to share with you before I get there, but I hope to leave with some new insights," Dempsey told the reporters.
　
The coalition leaders will discuss the problem of insider attacks – where members of the Afghan forces turn their weapons on coalition personnel. There have been 40 such insider attacks, and 23 Americans have been killed. The most recent was today in southern Afghanistan.
　
Dempsey said he was pleased that Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly spoke out against these attacks.
　
"The president speaking on it was tremendously important, and I hope it permeates to the lowest levels of the Afghan government and military," he said. "We speak out about it, and we take measures to mitigate the risk."
　
But the more Afghan leaders speak out about this, "the better off we will be," Dempsey said.
　
Coalition and Afghan leaders are looking at the vetting process for Afghan soldiers and police. "We've had an eight-step vetting process in place in earnest for about a year, but we haven't turned the corner on it," he said.
　
Officials are examining the vetting process and investigating where it failed. This includes going back to village leaders who vouched for these men and asking them what happened.
　
In his conversations with Allen, the chairman said he will ask if he the commander has all he needs to combat the problem of insider attacks.
　
The Afghan police are the group most susceptible to launching insider attacks. In discussing the issue, the chairman drew on his experience building the Iraqi police forces.
　
"The vulnerability of local police to (terrorist) influence is great ... They don't move around the country the way the Army does, so they live at the point of corruption. I'm sure that's the case here too," Dempsey said.
　
"Are the local police more vulnerable to those kind of activities? Absolutely," he said.
　
　

Dempsey to Visit Iraq to Check Security Cooperation

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2012 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he will visit Iraq to check the status of security cooperation between the United States and Iraq.
　
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey will meet with the commander of the U.S. Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq, Army Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen.
　
Dempsey will also meet with his Iraqi counterpart, Gen. Zebari Babakir, and get his insights on how the transition is working. "How's that campaign going?" Dempsey asked. "Do they have the resources they need?"
　
Dempsey said the stop will give him a general idea of security environment in Iraq. There has been some violence in the country recently recently, including a series of attacks timed to the end of Ramadan that killed 92 people.
　
The chairman said he may or may not meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "If I do I will take the opportunity to renew my friendship with him, but also get his insights on Syria," he said. "We'll see how that goes."
　
There are indications that Iran is helping set up a Shiia pro-regime militia in Syria, the general said. "You can tell which forces are conventional military and which are militia," he said.
　
The conflict in Syria has been going on for 18 months, and Dempsey said the conventional Syrian military is losing capabilities. "I've actually been watching to see if they would go the route of creating a militia to take some of the pressure off the conventional military," he said.
　
The general said he will express the U.S. military's concern about Iranian influence in Syria, "but it's a message being delivered not as a matter of policy but as someone who has invested quite a bit of their life in Iraq."
　
Acting Iraqi Defense Minister Sadun Farhan al-Dulaymi Babakir has visited Washington looking to establish more security cooperation, joint exercises and professional development. Dempsey said he has the impression "that after seeing what the last eight months without us looks like – and I don't mean we are coming back to Iraq – but their capabilities may require yet additional development and they are reaching out to us to see if we can help with that."
　
Iran absolutely seeks economic influence in Iraq, and they seek to influence the direction that Iraqi government takes, Dempsey said.
　

"My judgment is that if Iran's position erodes in Syria, they will try to increase it in Iraq," he said.

FUGITIVE CAUGHT IN CANADA AND INDICTED FOR FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Friday, August 17, 2012
Twelve-Year Federal Fugitive Indicted for Fraud and Identity Theft in Nationwide Foreclosure Rescue Scam
Defendant Arrested by Canadian Authorities; Allegedly Collected More Than $1 Million from More Than 800 Distressed Homeowners
　
WASHINGTON – Federal authorities have charged a former Los Angeles man with aggravated identity theft and having operated a foreclosure-rescue scam in Southern California and elsewhere that promised to postpone foreclosure sales for more than 800 distressed homeowners.
　

Glen Alan Ward, 47, of Canada, was indicted today in the Central District of California on two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of mail fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
　
In 2000, Ward became a federal fugitive when he failed to appear in court after signing a plea agreement, which stemmed from federal charges in the Central District of California associated with a similar scheme. On April 5, 2012, Ward was arrested in Canada on a U.S. provisional arrest warrant based on the charges in the Central District of California. His extradition to the United States is pending.
　
Today’s indictment charges the defendant with identity theft and a scheme to defraud that took place from July 2007 to April 5, 2012, while he was a fugitive. According to the indictment, Ward led a scheme that solicited and recruited homeowners whose properties were in danger of imminent foreclosure. Ward allegedly promised to delay their foreclosures for as long as the homeowners could afford his $700 monthly fee. Once a homeowner paid the fee, Ward accessed a public bankruptcy database and retrieved the name of an individual debtor who recently filed bankruptcy. The indictment alleges that Ward also obtained a copy of the debtor’s bankruptcy petition and directed his clients to execute, notarize and record a grant deed transferring a 1/100th fractional interest in their distressed home into the name of the debtor he provided. Then, Ward allegedly faxed a copy of the bankruptcy petition, the notarized grant deed and a cover letter to the homeowner’s lender or the lender’s representative, directing it to stop the impending foreclosure sale due to the bankruptcy.
　
Because bankruptcy filings give rise to automatic stays that protect debtors’ properties, the receipt of the bankruptcy petitions and deeds in the debtors’ names forced lenders to cancel foreclosure sales. The lenders, which included banks that received government funds under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), could not move forward to collect money that was owed to them until getting permission from the bankruptcy courts, thereby repeatedly delaying the lenders’ recovery of their money.
　
As part of the scheme, Ward delayed the foreclosure sales of approximately 824 distressed properties by using at least 414 bankruptcies filed in 26 judicial districts across the country. During that same period, Ward collected more than $1 million from his clients who paid for his illegal foreclosure-delay services.
　
The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California, Acting Assistant Director in Charge Timothy Delaney of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, and Christy Romero, Deputy Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP).
　
"Today’s charges underscore our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who prey on the vulnerabilities of distressed homeowners to defraud lenders and pad their own pockets," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "As this case illustrates, we will not stop pursuing them, no matter where they are, and no matter how long it takes.
　
"Con artists who seek to victimize homeowners in distress are truly shameless," said U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California André Birotte Jr. "The long arm of the law can and will find and reach such financial pirates wherever they hide, and we will be tireless in our pursuit of justice for the people they victimize."
　
"Ward was on the lam for 12 years running from earlier charges of bankruptcy fraud, and it’s time he answered for his alleged conduct," said Christy Romero, Special Inspector General at SIGTARP. "In order to advance his scheme, from at least July 2007 until the time of his arrest in Canada in April, Ward allegedly stole the identities of unsuspecting U.S. taxpayers already in the dire straits of bankruptcy proceedings and exploited civil protections under bankruptcy law to defraud lenders, including multiple TARP recipients, and distressed homeowners facing foreclosure. SIGTARP and our partners in law enforcement will continue to hold accountable those responsible for all fraud related to TARP."
　
"Mr. Ward’s fugitive odyssey is over, in large part thanks to our Canadian law enforcement partners," said Timothy Delaney, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. "The charges against Mr. Ward tell a disturbing tale of avarice whereby scores of homeowners facing foreclosure were further victimized. The FBI will continue to work with our partners at SIGTARP and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to tackle this reprehensible crime problem facing Americans."
　
The crime of bankruptcy fraud carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Mail fraud carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Each aggravated identity theft charge carries a two-year mandatory, consecutive sentence.
　
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Paul Rosen of the Fraud Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Davis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The investigation was conducted by the SIGTARP and the FBI, which received substantial assistance from the U.S. Trustee’s Office.
　
This prosecution is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created 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.