100TH TEST FLIGHT OF X-48C BLENDED WING BODY RESEARCH AIRCRAFT

FROM: NASA

100th Test Flight
The Boeing X-48 Blended Wing Body subscale research aircraft made its 100th flight in late October at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

The milestone occurred Oct. 30 when the unmanned X-48C aircraft was flown on two separate 25-minute flights -- the seventh and eighth flights for the X-48C since it began flying Aug. 7. Between 2007 and 2010, the aircraft, then in the X-48B configuration, made 92 flights.

Pictured here, Boeing's X-48C Blended Wing Body research aircraft is silhouetted against the morning sky over Edwards Air Force Base on Oct. 16, 2012.

Image Credit: NASA-Carla Thomas

U.S. DOD UPDATE ON STORM RESPONSE TO SUPER STORM SANDY

A sailor from Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 helps to erect a ten-kilowatt light plant at the Hoboken Transit Terminal in Hoboken, N.J., on Nov. 4, 2012. Members of all the Armed Forces are providing relief support to areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Martin Cuaron, U.S. Navy. (Released) 121104-N-QP268-005.jpg

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Pentagon Provides Storm Response Update
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2012 - The Department of Defense is a fully integrated partner in the federal, state, and local response to Hurricane Sandy and is appropriately postured to provide additional assistance to civilian authorities, as a result of the northeaster currently sweeping through the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States, defense officials reported today.

To address potential issues from resulting this northeaster, the release said, DOD has retained significant capacity in the region to provide emergency temporary power and pumping capability and to distribute fuel, food, cold-weather clothing, and other comfort items as requested by civil authorities.

DOD's response to Hurricane Sandy continues, officials said. Significant updates over the past 24 hours, as of 11 a.m. EST, include:

DOD:

-- The Army Reserve's 401st Quartermaster Team pumped approximately seven feet of water out of Long Beach High School and a significant amount of flood water from the Long Beach Recreation Center and Long Beach Development Center on Staten Island. They are currently working to pump water from a submerged housing area in the coastal area of Brooklyn. The Army Reserve's 431st Quartermaster Team is scheduled to begin water pumping in flooded locations around the city today.

-- Air Force teams completed unwatering operations at the Rockaway Waste Water Treatment facility and East School in Long Beach, N.Y. Army divers conducted repairs to the pier system at Caven Point, N.J. A Navy dive detachment continues to support unwatering operations at the World Trade Center site.

-- A Marine detachment continues assessments with Army engineers in Far Rockaway, N.Y. They also pumped 90,000 gallons of water from area apartment buildings and approximately 750,000 gallons of water from homes and parks in Breezy Point, N.Y.

Defense Logistics Agency:

-- In total, more than 6.2 million meals have been shipped or are en route to FEMA facilities in West Virginia, New York and New Jersey. Another 7 million are in production. DLA delivered 48 pallets of bottled water to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. DLA also delivered two portable x-ray machines to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, with four more en route.

-- Nearly a million-and-a-half gallons of fuel have been delivered to Federal Emergency Management Agency distribution locations in New Jersey and New York.

-- Six-hundred thousand meals and 600 cases of water have been delivered to 11 American Red Cross mobile kitchens in New Jersey and New York. 350 pounds of propane per day and 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel per day have also been delivered to the kitchens.

-- Two 1,000-kilowatt generators have been delivered from Lakehurst, N.J., to the Carteret Fuel Terminal, N.J.

Army Corps of Engineers:

The Corps of Engineers continued its support to response operations focusing on unwatering and power generation missions and the transition to recovery operations with the initiation of debris, temporary housing, roofing and infrastructure assessments.

-- Ten of the 14 sites USACE was tasked to unwater have been cleared. Brooklyn Battery Tunnel has been unwatered and maintenance pumping is ongoing. In New York, USACE pumping operations at the Montague Street Tunnel continue. In New Jersey, pumping operations continue at Amtrak's Kearney Rail Substation, the Jersey City PATH train tunnel and the Passaic Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant.

-- USACE continues to support emergency power restoration efforts. USACE has 483 generators staged at forward locations, with an additional 116 en route. USACE has received 500 power restoration actions. 460 assessments have been completed, three are in progress and 37 are not yet started. Currently, 105 generators are installed and 39 are being installed, with 144 installations projected.

National Guard:

-- Nearly 6,000 Army and Air National Guard soldiers and sirmen from 14 states are distributing food, water and fuel throughout the affected area as well as conducting communications, security, sheltering, debris removal and transportation missions in support of recovery efforts.

-- New York National Guard personnel have distributed almost 1.5 million meals from 21 sites since Nov 1. Fifty personnel are supporting Red Cross shelters at six sites in Nassau County. Guardsmen are also sorting and distributing donated goods from the Javits Center and delivering them to three points of distribution.

-- New Jersey National Guard personnel distributed 12,590 blankets, 1,740 cots and 3,648 towels since Nov. 1. Since Nov. 2, they also have distributed 93,229 gallons of fuel to emergency responders from four distribution points in support of FEMA and DLA. The New Jersey National Guard is providing tents and mobile kitchen trailers to shelter and feed emergency management personnel. Guardsmen continue to assist civil authorities at state-run shelters with transportation, meals, water and power generation in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties, at the Jersey City Armory, and in Glen Gardner borough. Unarmed Guardsmen are providing safety and security support to law enforcement agencies in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 3, 2012



Photo:  Sewing Machine.  Credit:  Wikimedia Commons.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA

In the week ending November 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 355,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 363,000. The 4-week moving average was 370,500, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 367,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent for the week ending October 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending October 27 was 3,127,000, a decrease of 135,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,262,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,227,750, a decrease of 38,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,266,250.
UNADJUSTED DATA
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 355,406 in the week ending November 3, an increase of 15,489 from the previous week. There were 402,532 initial claims in the comparable week in 2011.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending October 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,742,581, a decrease of 94,962 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,210,417.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending October 20 was 5,077,231, an increase of 41,864 from the previous week. There were 6,835,604 persons claiming benefits in all programs in the comparable week in 2011.

Extended Benefits were only available in New York during the week ending October 20.

Initial claims for UI benefits filed by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,959 in the week ending October 27, an increase of 373 from the prior week. There were 2,656 initial claims filed by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 161 from the preceding week.

There were 18,401 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending October 20, an increase of 257 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 39,541, a decrease of 177 from the prior week.

States reported 2,117,175 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending October 20, an increase of 18,529 from the prior week. There were 2,953,824 persons claiming EUC in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 20 were in Alaska (4.5), Puerto Rico (4.0), Virgin Islands (3.7), California (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), Connecticut (3.0), Oregon (2.9), Arkansas (2.7), and Nevada (2.7).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 27 were in Oregon (+2,379), Indiana (+1,663), California (+1,139), Minnesota (+592), and Wisconsin (+589), while the largest decreases were in North Carolina (-3,782), Tennessee (-1,756), Maryland (-1,361), Florida (-1,141), and New Jersey (-1,080).

DOD News Briefing with George Little from the Pentagon

DOD News Briefing with George Little from the Pentagon

MARINE WORKS TO ELIMINATE THE FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE

 

Marine Corps Capt. Benjamin Leatherbury is promoted by Navy Capt. Cathal S. O'Connor on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, Nov. 2, 2012. The Bonhomme Richard is part of a U.S. Navy group currently operating in the South China Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Lacordrick Wilson

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Face of Defense: Marine Bridges Communications Gap
By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Karen Blankenship
Amphibious Squadron 11


SOUTH CHINA SEA, Nov. 5, 2012 - Marine Corps Capt. Benjamin Leatherbury, a communications officer, was promoted Nov. 2 while serving aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard on deployment here.

Leatherbury, the officer-in-charge of the Marine Communication Detachment from Expeditionary Strike Group 7 and commander of Task Force 76 aboard the Bonhomme Richard, works to ensure the integration of the Marine Air Ground Task Force's communication structure into the ship's existing communication system.

"Our main responsibilities are keeping the Marines' spaces operational for communications when they come on board," Leatherbury said. "For example, if an antenna on one of the ships used by the Marines does not work, we work to ensure the blue side is working on the issue and follow up until the problem is solved."

Leatherbury, an Indianapolis native, graduated from Indiana University. He said that he joined the Marines because he wanted to serve his country and to travel and see the world.

"I like being around Marines and the cohesiveness of a disciplined unit," he said. "After working in a joint environment, I now have a much better appreciation for the camaraderie that Marines have."

Leatherbury said he enjoys his job and plans to stay in the Marines for a few more years. He added he would eventually like to become a foreign area officer.

"I like the challenge and difficulty that my job presents, and I like working with the extremely bright people who are in my field," Leatherbury said. "They do some pretty amazing work and many outside the field don't realize what goes into making even the basic communications work."

The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, commanded by Navy Capt. Cathal S. O'Connor, is made up of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver. The group is currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. State Department Daily Press Briefing - November 8, 2012

Daily Press Briefing - November 8, 2012

DVIDS - Video - DoD Briefing

DVIDS - Video - DoD Briefing

IRAN ATTACKS AMERICAN DRONE OVER INTERNATIONAL WATERS

Iran Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Iranians Attacked U.S. Drone Over International Waters

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2012 - A recent Iranian attack on a U.S. drone occurred over international waters, but the aircraft suffered no damage and returned safely to base, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters, Little said the Iranian aircraft fired on the drone and followed it as it flew over the Arabian Gulf last week.

"I can confirm that on November 1, at approximately 4:50 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, an unarmed, unmanned MQ-1 U.S. military aircraft conducting routine surveillance over the Arabian Gulf, was intercepted by an Iranian SU-25 Frog-foot aircraft and was fired upon with guns," he said.

"The incident occurred over international waters, approximately 16 nautical miles off of the Iranian coastline," Little said. "The MQ-1 was not hit, and returned to its base safely."

Little provided further details regarding the Iranian attack.

"The aircraft, once it came under fire at approximately the 16 nautical mile range, moved further out," he said. "The Iranian aircraft continued to pursue the MQ-1 for some period of time before letting it return to base."

"We believe they fired at least twice and made at least two passes," Little added.

The press secretary confirmed both Congress and the White House were notified of the incident, and the U.S. responded to Iran through the "Swiss protective powers."

"The United States has communicated to the Iranians that we will continue to conduct surveillance flights over international waters, over the Arabian Gulf, consistent with longstanding practices and our commitment to the security of the region," Little said.

Little emphasized the U.S. can respond using a "wide range of options -- from diplomatic to military -- to protect our military assets and our forces in the region, and will do so when necessary."

"Our aircraft was never in Iranian airspace. It was always flying in international airspace," he said. "The internationally recognized territorial limit is 12 nautical miles off the coast, and we never entered the 12 nautical-mile limit."

Little said Defense Department officials believe this is the first time an unmanned aircraft has been shot at over international waters in the Arabian Gulf.

"There is absolutely no question that the aircraft fired on the U.S. military aircraft," he said.

All 25 Apps From Department Of Health And Human Services

All 25 Apps

U.S. FDA TIPS ON FOOD AND WATER SAFETY DURING DISASTERS

Photo Credit:  U.S. Food And Drug Administration.

FROM: U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
What Consumers Need to Know About Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods

Be Prepared for EmergenciesMake sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.
Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or
below 40 °F.
In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe. Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.
Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer.
Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.
Purchase or make ice cubes in advance and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
Check out local sources to know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased, just in case.
Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.
Make sure to have a supply of bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding.
Power Outages: During and After

When the Power Goes Out . . .

Here are basic tips for keeping food safe:
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
Buy dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot fully-stocked freezer cold for two days. If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish or eggs while it is still at safe temperatures, it's important that each item is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to assure that any foodborne bacteria that may be present is destroyed. However, if at any point the food was above 40 °F for 2 hours or more — discard it.
Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.
For infants, try to use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated or powdered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local water source is potentially contaminated.
Once Power is Restored . . .

You'll need to determine the safety of your food. Here's how:
If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40°F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can't rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4 hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.
Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked.

When Flooding Occurs — Keep Water Safe

Follow these steps to keep your WATER SAFE during — and after — flood conditions.
Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.
If you don't have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present.
If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling.
Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers. If you can't boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water.
If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection.
Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach per each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before you use it.
Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers. If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice. '
When Flooding Occurs — Keep Food Safe

Follow these steps to keep your FOOD SAFE during — and after — flood conditions.
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.
Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps.
Also, discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged cans. Can damage is shown by swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.
Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and "retort pouches" (like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches) can be saved if you follow this procedure:
Remove the labels, if they are the removable kind, since they can harbor dirt and bacteria.
Brush or wipe away any dirt or silt.
Thoroughly wash the cans or retort pouches with soap and water, using hot water if it is available. Rinse the cans or retort pouches with water that is safe for drinking, if available, since dirt or residual soap will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine sanitation.
Sanitize cans and retort pouches by immersion in one of the two following ways:
Place in water and allow the water to come to a boil and continue boiling for 2 min., or
Place in a freshly-made solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available) for 15 minutes. Air dry cans or retort pouches for a minimum of 1 hour before opening or storing.
If the labels were removable, then re-label your cans or retort pouches, including the expiration date (if available), with a marking pen.
Food in reconditioned cans or retort pouches should be used as soon as possible thereafter.
Any concentrated baby formula in reconditioned, all-metal containers must be diluted with clean, drinking water. Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available).
Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available). Allow to air dry.

U.S. ENVOY SPEAKS TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ON NORTH KOREA

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

UNGA Third Committee Interactive Dialogue With the Special
Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
Press Statement
Robert R. King
Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues
Washington, DC
November 5, 2012


The United States appreciates the report by UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, Marzuki Darusman, and finds it regrettable that the DPRK government continues to exclude him from visiting the country. We hope the DPRK will recognize the benefits of cooperating with Mr. Darusman, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other thematic Special Rapporteurs.

The people of the DPRK continue to suffer from widespread human rights violations. The Special Rapporteur notes reports of the extensive use of political prison camps, poor prison conditions and prisoners being subjected to forced labor, and torture, and has called on the UN General Assembly and the international community to consider setting up a more detailed mechanism of inquiry. We look forward to future reporting on this topic by the Special Rapporteur.

The Special Rapporteur also notes severe restrictions on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and assembly, despite constitutional guarantees of these rights. The Special Rapporteur notes deep concerns about several articles in the Criminal Code that are either not in line with international standards or contain vague terms that allow for misinterpretation and abuse by the State.

The United States remains deeply concerned about the well-being of DPRK citizens. Improving conditions for the people in the DPRK requires an integrated and collaborative approach. We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s insights on constructive interventions and how to encourage non-traditional partners to take up the issue of human rights in the DPRK.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2012



Coalition Forces Train Afghan Police in Farah Province A NATO international coalition force member maintains security during an Afghan-led joint security patrol to deny the enemy freedom of movement in Khak-E-Safed in Afghanistan's Farah province, Oct. 30, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Force Arrests Taliban Leader
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 8, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent leader is linked to indirect-fire attacks on Afghan and coalition forces and led several indirect-fire attacks on Forward Operating Base Shank in the province.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Nangarhar province. The force killed one insurgent and wounded a second after being attacked as they approached the Taliban facilitator's location. The arrested facilitator enabled the distribution of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and suicide vests for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested two suspected insurgents and seized several grenades and an assault-style rifle with associated gear and ammunition.

In Nov. 6 operations:

A combined force seized more than three dozen one-liter bottles filled with homemade explosives primed with detonating cord and a number of pressure plates in Helmand province. All of the items were destroyed.

U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND SATELLITE MILESTONE

 

The Air Force Space Command-operated Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites are a key part of North America’s early warning systems. DSP satellites help protect the United States and its allies by detecting missile launches, space launches and nuclear detonations
 

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
30th Anniversary Milestone: First DSP satellite, I MEWS 1, launched aboard a Titan IIIC missile
11/6/2012 - Peterson AFB, Colo. -- Air Force Space Command is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! Here is a significant milestone from the command's history ...

Following the end of the MIDAS program, plans to deploy an operational system led to the Integrated Missile Early Warning Satellite program, or IMEWS. Unlike MIDAS, which was designed to use large numbers of satellites in low Earth orbit, IMEWS consisted of a smaller number of satellites in geosynchronous orbit.

On November 6, 1970, the U.S. Air Force launched a classified satellite on a Titan IIIC rocket from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. This was the first of many DSP satellites to be launched over the next 30 years.

MARINE MACHINE-GUN LEADER



Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Sheets is a machine-gun leader for 4th platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, in Now Zad, Afghanistan. The Enid, Okla., native enlisted in the Marine Corps after three years of study at Oklahoma State University. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Face of Defense: Marine Gunner Relishes Military Service

By Marine Corps Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore
Regional Command Southwest
NOW ZAD, Nov. 2, 2012 - After three years at Oklahoma State University, Michael Sheets took a long, hard look in the mirror and decided he wanted to be a Marine

Today, four years into his six-year enlistment contract with the Marine Corps, Sheets holds a corporal's rank and is a machine-gun leader here with 4th platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines.

Sheets said he has no regrets.

"I got to the point where I had to decide what I wanted to do," said Sheets, who hails from Enid, Okla. "I wanted to be a Marine, so I signed a six-year contract to be infantry. I thought that was the only way to be a Marine."

He said his parents, Tom and Cynda Sheets, were initially surprised, but stood by their son.

"They are very supportive and proud," Sheets said. "They send care packages all the time to show their support."

Sheets joined 2nd Bn., 7th Marines, during March 2009 after completing recruit and infantry training. He has deployed twice with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Okinawa, Japan. During his second deployment with the MEU, he went to Australia. His battalion set up the Marine Corps' new unit deployment program in Australia.

Now Sheets is in Afghanistan where he said he has wanted to be since he enlisted. He said from what he has heard and seen, the Marines have made progress in Now Zad.

"We have definitely helped a great number of people here," Sheets said. "You can tell they feel safer with us and are starting to feel safer with the Afghan forces."

Because of the development of capability and capacity within the Afghan National Security Forces, the Marines of Fox Company have more time on their hands. Sheets said he works on growing as a Marine and a leader, and credits his machine-gun team.

"They keep me on my toes," Sheets said. "They teach me something new constantly, and it makes me a better Marine."

Sheets said he also takes every opportunity he has to catch up on sports.

"I watch any [Oklahoma State] sport and the Cowboys," he said. "I follow the Internet and game tracker whenever I can."

Sheets said he isn't sure whether he is going to make the military a career, but he knows that his ultimate goal is to serve in federal law enforcement. Until then, he said he wants to make the most of being a Marine.

BE PREPARED FOR THE FEMA HOME INSPECTION

BE PREPARED FOR THE FEMA HOME INSPECTION

Preteens, teens and vaccines

Preteens, teens and vaccines

DOD REQUESTS NEW APPLICATIONS FOR MOBILITY DEVICES

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia Commons

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

DOD Issues Request for New Mobility Applications, Devices

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 - Service members could be downloading applications for government BlackBerrys, iPhones, Androids and other "mobility devices" by the beginning of next year, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert E. Wheeler, the deputy chief information officer for the department.

The goal, he said, is to have the "military app store" set up by early 2013. "It all depends on if we get a good bid," Wheeler explained in an interview. The request for procurement closes out at the end of the year, and "it should not take long" to put the store in play once the decision is made, he added.

Wheeler said the needs of the department are at the core of the request.

"We're looking at things from a 'three-bin' perspective," he added.

The first bin, he said, contains mobility devices that don't need to connect with a DOD official or classified network. These include devices used for training, communications in an unclassified nonsecure realm, research and so on, he said.

He said the second bin holds those devices that are connected to the secure but unclassified network. Today, these are mainly BlackBerrys, Wheeler said, but there are pilot programs incorporating Androids, iPhones and tablets in this bin.

The third group connects with the classified network, he said.

The department's future "app store" will feature applications appropriate for each bin, the general said, and he expects the security performance of these items will change to encompass DOD's strict needs. DOD personnel use 271,000 BlackBerrys alone, he noted, and Research In Motion -- the Canadian company that developed BlackBerrys -- has a security protocol the department approves.

"We hope other companies develop this," Wheeler said.

Overall, he said, the larger issue is "as we move forward with technology, we're trying to make sure we are making it less costly to DOD, we're trying to make it more secure and we're trying to jump the productivity curve here."

Jumping the curve is key for the department and to do that, Wheeler said, the department needs to get these devices into the hands of the young men and women to whom they are second nature. The so-called digital generation is developing new uses for these devices every day, the general noted, and this has bridged into the tactical world, as well. These devices have uses "far beyond just talking to each other and e-mail," he said.

The department is "basically going for diversity in our products, and that goes back to trying to get the best price for the government and finding the most secure device," he said. "So we will have a family of options that don't favor any one device."

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS ON PIRATES SENTNCED IN REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES

Republic Of Seychelles Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

Republic of Seychelles Conviction of Pirates

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 7, 2012
We welcome the November 5 sentencing by the Republic of Seychelles to sentence of 15 in connection with an attack on a merchant ship and the abduction of 13 Iranian fishermen rescued by the U.S. Navy. This sentencing brings the total number of convicted pirates to 631 – 98 in Seychelles alone – with 440 other suspected pirates facing justice in 21 countries, including the United States.

We appreciate Seychelles’ regional leadership on counter-piracy, as seen in their willingness to prosecute and incarcerate Somali pirates, as well as their hosting of a regional intelligence coordination center to support future piracy prosecutions. The sentencing marks a positive step forward for building a strong and unified international response against piracy originating from Somalia and for promoting freedom of navigation worldwide.

STOLEN I.D. AND TAX REFUND FRAUDSTER SOUGHT $120 MILLION IN REFUNDS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Barbados National Sentenced to Prison for Using Stolen Identities to Obtain Tax Refunds

Defendant Filed False Returns Seeking Over $120 Million in Fraudulent Refunds
Andrew J. Watts, a Barbados national, was sentenced in Chicago by U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall to 114 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of just under $1.7 million for devising and executing a stolen identity federal income tax refund fraud scheme, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today.

According to court documents, between 2007 and 2011, Watts filed false federal income tax returns in the names of deceased taxpayers seeking fraudulent refunds. Watts either signed the name of the deceased taxpayer to the tax return, or would falsely list himself as the deceased taxpayer’s representative. As part of the scheme, Watts filed over 470 false federal income tax returns, claiming fraudulent refunds in excess of $120 million, and the IRS issued refunds in excess of $10 million. Watts directed the IRS to either mail the refund checks to an address he controlled or to electronically deposit the refund into a bank account under his control.

"While all taxpayers are victims when criminals file false tax returns using stolen identities, those who falsely use the names of deceased individuals add to the grief and burdens of their families," said Kathryn Keneally, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Tax Division. "We will prosecute and seek just punishment against those who seek to commit these crimes."

"IRS-Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority and we will vigorously pursue those who undermine the integrity of the U.S. tax system," said Richard Weber, Chief, IRS-Criminal Investigation. "Individuals who commit refund fraud and identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law."

On July 10, 2012, Watts pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. King, Jr., Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Michelle Petersen, Department of Justice, Tax Division.

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