HUMAN RIGHTS IN BLEARUS



Map:  Belarus.  Credit:  CIA

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Human Rights in Belarus on the Anniversary of the December 19, 2010 Crackdown
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 18, 2012
　

Two years after the Belarusian Government launched its brutal crackdown on civil society, the democratic opposition, and independent media, we remember the political prisoners who remain in detention and reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release. We note the December 1, 2010 joint statement between our two countries, which affirmed that enhanced respect for democracy and human rights remains central to improving bilateral relations. We regret that Belarus’ leadership has instead followed a path of self-isolation by repressing its own people.

As we mark the second anniversary of the events of December 19, 2010, we note Belarus’ unfulfilled promise and reaffirm our readiness to help the people of Belarus build a democratic, prosperous, and truly independent European state.


　


Locator Map:  Belarus.  Credit:  CIA

ADDITONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion remain in place.

INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FRAUD VENTURES

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Individual Arrested in Connection with Costa Rica-based Business Opportunity Fraud Ventures
Operation Had Connections to Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania

A dual United States and Costa Rican citizen charged in connection with the operation of a series of fraudulent business opportunities was arrested today in Chicago following his indictment by a federal grand jury in Miami on Nov. 29, 2011, the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today. Sean Rosales was arrested based on charges that he and his co-conspirators purported to sell beverage and greeting card business opportunities, including assistance in establishing, maintaining and operating such businesses. The charges in the indictment form part of the government’s continued nationwide crackdown on business opportunity fraud.

Prior to Rosales’ arrest, 11 other individuals were charged in connection with business opportunity fraud ventures based in Costa Rica. Seven of those other individuals have been convicted in the United States.

"Business opportunity fraud imposes significant financial hardship on innocent, hardworking victims who are simply trying to make better lives for themselves and their families ," said Stuart F. Delery, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "The Department of Justice will continue its push to prosecute those who defraud Americans to make a quick buck."

Beginning in May 2005, Rosales and his coconspirators are alleged to have fraudulently induced purchasers in the United States to buy business opportunities in USA Beverages Inc., Twin Peaks Gourmet Coffee Inc., Cards-R-Us Inc., Premier Cards Inc., The Coffee Man Inc. and Powerbrands Distributing Company. According to the indictment, the business opportunities the defendant sold cost thousands of dollars each, and most purchasers paid at least $10,000. Each company operated for several months, and after one company closed, the next opened. The various companies used bank accounts, office space and other services in the Southern District of Florida and elsewhere, according to the indictment.

The indictment alleges that the defendant, using aliases, participated in a conspiracy that used various means to make it appear to potential purchasers that the businesses were located entirely in the United States. In reality, Rosales operated out of Costa Rica to fraudulently induce potential purchasers in the United States to buy the purported business opportunities, the indictment alleges.

According to the indictment, the companies made numerous false statements to potential purchasers of the business opportunities. Among the misrepresentations alleged in the indictment are that purchasers would likely earn substantial profits; that prior purchasers of the business opportunities were earning substantial profits; that purchasers would sell a guaranteed minimum amount of merchandise, such as greeting cards and beverages; and that the business opportunity worked with locators familiar with the potential purchaser’s area who would secure or had already secured high-traffic locations for the potential purchaser’s merchandise stands. The indictment alleges that potential purchasers also were falsely told that the profits of some of the companies were based in part on the profits of the business opportunity purchasers, thus creating the false impression that the companies had a stake in the purchasers’ success and in finding good locations.

The indictment also alleges that the companies employed various types of sales representatives, including fronters, closers, and references. A fronter spoke to potential purchasers when the prospective purchasers initially contacted the company in response to an advertisement. A closer subsequently spoke to potential purchasers to close deals. References spoke to potential purchasers about the financial success they purportedly had experienced since purchasing one of the business opportunities. According to the indictment, the companies also employed locators, who were typically characterized by the sales representatives as third parties who worked with the companies to find high-traffic locations for the prospective purchasers’ merchandise display racks.

The indictment alleges Rosales, using assumed names, was a fronter and reference for USA Beverages, a fronter and reference for Twin Peaks, a fronter, locator and reference for Cards-R-Us, a fronter, locator and reference for Premier Cards, a fronter, locator and reference for Coffee Man, and a locator for Powerbrands.

According to the allegations in the indictment, each of the companies was registered as a corporation and rented office space to make it appear to potential purchasers that its operations were fully in the United States. USA Beverages was registered as a Florida and New Mexico corporation and rented office space in Las Cruces, N.M. Twin Peaks was registered as a Florida and Colorado corporation and rented office space in Fort Collins, Colo., and Cards-R-Us was registered as a Nevada corporation and rented office space in Reno, Nev. Premier Cards was registered as a Colorado and Pennsylvania corporation and rented office space in Philadelphia, and The Coffee Man was registered as a Colorado corporation and rented office space in Denver. Powerbrands was registered as a Wisconsin corporation and rented office space in Glendale, Wis., and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The defendant was charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and with committing this offense via telemarketing. In addition, the defendant was charged with seven counts of mail fraud and 13 counts of wire fraud. If convicted of conspiracy, Rosales faces a maximum statutory term of 25 years in prison, a possible fine and mandatory restitution on the conspiracy count. He also faces a maximum statutory term of imprisonment of 25 years on each of the mail and wire fraud counts, a possible fine and mandatory restitution.

"Fraudulent business opportunity sellers must realize that all financial fraud will be prosecuted vigorously, even if the schemers conduct their fraudulent operations from abroad," said Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida . "Increased international law enforcement cooperation eliminates safe havens for those who cheat American citizens from overseas."

"This international and domestic investigation illuminates the Postal Inspection Service’s resolve to protect the American public from business opportunity scams, and to ensure that the U.S. Mail is not used as a conduit for fraudsters to prey on the American public." said Tony Gomez, Acting U. S. Postal Inspector in Charge in Miami.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Delery commended the investigative efforts of the Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by trial attorneys Jeffrey Steger and Alan Phelps with the U.S. Department of Justice Consumer Protection Branch.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Press Briefing | The White House

Press Briefing | The White House

U.S. CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS DISCUSSES FISCAL TIGHTENING, AND PROGRESS IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Dempsey Discusses Fiscal Tightening, Progress in Afghanistan
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 - U.S. Africa Command's ability to adapt to having fewer resources than its commander would like is an example of the thinking the entire military will need in an era of fiscal restraint, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told service members yesterday during a town hall meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey acknowledged that Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of the Stuttgart-based command, would prefer to have more maritime support, as well as more aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.

"But you are getting it done," Dempsey said. "Africom is forced to network differently -- conventional, special operations forces, other agencies of government -- because of the limited resources." This, he said, means the service members and civilians assigned to the combatant command have to be creative.

The chairman emphasized that all segments of the military are going to have to perform their missions with less resources. The U.S. fiscal condition is changing, he said, and DOD must adapt.

"We don't have to be the solution, but we have to be part of the solution," he said. "We're going to have to think about how we take this wonderful instrument of military power and its most decisive instrument, which is human capital ... to use that capital to influence security around the world."

Just back from a trip to Afghanistan as well as other stops in the Middle East and Europe, the chairman told troops in Stuttgart that progress in Afghanistan has not always been easy to recognize.

"Afghanistan just happens to be one of the most-complex places on the face of the Earth," Dempsey said, noting Afghanistan likely will experience security challenges in the years ahead.

However, he added, Afghanistan also demonstrates signs of progress.

For example, in 2002 "approximately 800,000 boys were going to school in Afghanistan and zero women," the chairman said.

"Today the number is 8 million [Afghan students] and 35 percent of them are women," Dempsey said. "That's got to make a difference over time."

Also in 2002, 15 percent of Afghans had access to medical care, and today that number is 60 percent, he said.

"Child mortality rates are [now] on par with most nations of the world, which is incredible compared with what they were," Dempsey said.

COMPANY BASED IN JAPAN SETTLES FALSE CLAIMS ALLEGATIONS FOR $45 MILLION

 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Monday, December 17, 2012
Japanese-Based Toyo Ink and Affiliates in New Jersey and Illinois Settle False Claims Allegation for $45 Million

United States Alleges Companies Knowingly Evaded Import Duties

Japan-based Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co. Ltd. and various affiliated entities (collectively, Toyo Ink) have agreed to pay $45 million, plus interest, to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly failing to pay antidumping and countervailing duties, the Justice Department announced today.

Toyo Ink, which has operations worldwide, is a leading provider of printing inks. The Toyo Ink parties to the agreement are the Japanese companies Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co. Ltd. (successor in interest to Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co. Ltd.), Toyocolor Co. Ltd., Toyo Ink Co. Ltd. and Toyochem Co. Ltd., and their United States affiliates Toyo Ink Mfg. America LLC (located in New Jersey), Toyo Ink International Corp. (located in New Jersey), and Toyo Ink America LLC (located in Illinois).

The Department of Commerce assesses antidumping and countervailing duties to protect United States businesses by offsetting unfair foreign pricing and government subsidies. The duties are collected by U.S. Customs, which is an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. Import duties may vary depending on a product’s country of origin, which is identified by determining the last country in which the product underwent a substantial transformation. The government alleged that Toyo Ink knowingly misrepresented, or caused to be misrepresented, the country of origin on documents presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to avoid paying duties, particularly antidumping and countervailing duties, on imports of the colorant carbazole violet pigment number 23 (CVP-23) between April 2002 and March 2010.

Specifically, the government alleged that Toyo Ink misrepresented Japan and Mexico as the countries of origin for its CVP-23 imports, rather than the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India which were the company’s sources for raw CVP-23. Imports of CVP-23 from the PRC and India have been subject to these duties since 2004; there are no such duties on imports from Japan or Mexico. Although Toyo Ink’s CVP-23 from the PRC and India underwent a finishing process in Japan and Mexico before it was imported into the United States, the government alleged that this process was insufficient to constitute a substantial transformation to render these countries as the countries of origin.

"Importers seeking access to United States markets must comply with the law, including the payment of customs duties meant to protect domestic companies from unfair competition abroad," said Stuart F. Delery, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "This settlement demonstrates that the Department of Justice will zealously guard the public fisc – taking action not only against those who fraudulently obtain government funds, but also against those who inappropriately avoid paying money owed to the United States."

Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, stated that, "Fair and lawful trade requires importers to truthfully identify their products and pay the appropriate duties. Our office will vigorously investigate and prosecute importers who make false representations and claims designed to avoid the payment of lawful import duties."

The allegations resolved by today’s settlement were initially alleged in a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act by John Dickson, president of a domestic producer of CVP-23. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens can sue on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. Mr. Dickson will receive more than $7,875,000 as his share of the government’s recovery.

The investigation was handled by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

The False Claims Act suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, and is captioned United States ex rel. Dickson v. Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd., et al., No. 09-CV-438 (W.D.N.C.).

THE ANTARTIC VOLCANO



Group led by geologist Raymond Priestley conducts scientific research on Mt. Erebus in 1912

FROM:  NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Atop an Antarctic Volcano, NSF-funded Researcher Finds Camp Site from the "Heroic Age" of Antarctic Exploration


December 13, 2012HD B-Roll of Mt. Erebus is available; please contact
A National Science Foundation-funded research team working on the slopes of the world’s southernmost active volcano appears to have found the remains of a camp used by explorers of the so-called "Heroic Age" of Antarctic exploration, a century after the camp was abandoned.

Although photos of the site, known as "the highest camp", appear to match an archival photograph taken by members of the 1912 Terra Nova expedition led by Royal Navy Captain Robert F. Scott, conservators from the New Zealand-based Antarctic Heritage Trust have been asked to verify the historic find.

The find comes in the closing days of the centennial of the so-called "Race to the Pole" between Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen. Amundsen reached the geographic South Pole on Dec. 14, 1911, five weeks before Scott’s party. In the tragic finish to the race, Scott and his men perished on the ice on their return trip, only a few miles from safety.

A ring of stones, where a tent once stood in what may have been a Terra Nova campsite, was discovered by Clive Oppenheimer, a volcanologist at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Oppenheimer is working on Mt. Erebus, a 14,500-foot, ice-covered volcano, as part of a team of NSF supported researchers led by Phillip Kyle of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

With support from NSF, Kyle has been studying Mt. Erebus for decades. The volcano is unique in the world, not only because of its location, but also because of other features, notably a lake of lava deep in the ice-covered crater.

Oppenheimer is the first known visitor to the site since Scott's men left. He found it using a combination of written accounts and historic images from the Scott Polar Research Institute in Great Britain, which was founded by one of the party that climbed the volcano in 1912.

Although Oppenheimer is working on Erebus as a member of a team supported by the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by NSF, he found the site during a break in the research work.

NSF is taking steps, along with international partners New Zealand and the U.K., to insure that the archeological value of the site is maintained.

A survey will record the area and search for items that may have been left behind in 1912.

A number of the Heroic Age huts used by explorers such as Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton in the early years of the 20th century, have similarly been preserved and contain a wide range of artifacts--from scientific equipment to expedition supplies--that have been extraordinarily well preserved by the extremely cold and dry Antarctic climate.

Records show that a camp was erected in 1912 by a team from the shore party of the Terra Nova Expedition that climbed Mt. Erebus. This was the second group to examine the summit region of Mt Erebus. A group from Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition (1907-1909), including famed Australian geologist Sir Douglas Mawson, was the first to climb Erebus and observe the active lava lake in 1908.

The team that camped at this site was led by geologist Raymond Priestley and included Tryggve Gran, a Norwegian ski specialist; Frederick Hooper, formerly a steward on the Terra Nova; Royal Navy Able Seaman Harry Dickason; Petty Officer George Abbott and geologist Frank Debenham. They undertook mapping and collected geological specimens.

It was during his time on Mt. Erebus that geologist Frank Debenham had the idea of a "Polar Research Institute." After serving in World War I, Debenham was named the founding director of the University of Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute.

Philippe Foster Back, granddaughter of Frank Debenham and chair of the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust, said "Clive Oppenheimer's location of the original 'highest camp' is a wonderful addition to all the activity which has taken place throughout 2012 to mark the centenary of Captain Scott's expedition. It is a reminder of both the dangers and thrills of Antarctic science and a fitting tribute to the great legacies of exploration and discovery left to us by all the brave men of that party."

FORMER NORTH POLE RESIDENT SERVES IN AFGHANISTAN

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, right, with fellow Marine Lance Cpl. Carl Adams at Combat Outpost Taghaz, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

　
FROM: U.S. DPEARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Face of Defense: 'North Pole' Marine Serves in Afghanistan
By Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
Regional Command Southwest

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2012 - Lance Cpl. Kody Broderick, a Marine whose hometown's name is most commonly associated with elves, Santa Claus, reindeer and snow, has heard all the jokes since he joined the Corps.

Broderick hails from North Pole, Alaska, a small town near Fairbanks featuring candy cane-themed street lights, a Santa Claus Lane and a place where thousands of children's letters arrive for Santa each year.

A machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, Broderick is now surrounded by Afghanistan's sand and dirt, a long way from his hometown's wintry snow and ice.

Broderick moved to North Pole when he was in the third grade.

"When I tell people I am from North Pole, they think I'm joking," Broderick said. "I usually have to show them my driver's license to get them to believe me."

Broderick said he's sometimes the butt of good-natured jokes.

Lance Cpl. Carl Adams, a mortar man with the company, said he asks Broderick questions about living in the North Pole and working with elves.

Broderick takes the humor in stride. He understands there is no ill will behind the Marines' comments.

"They'll ask me if my dad is Santa Claus, things like that," he said.

Today, Broderick finds himself thousands of miles from home and in a country that reaches temperatures of more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

"I'm really glad I am not out here during the summer," he said.

Broderick said he has had to adjust to Afghanistan's temperatures as well as the country's wintertime sunrise and sunset.

"During the winters in North Pole we get about 18 hours of darkness," he said. "During the summer the sun almost never goes below the horizon. Now [in Afghanistan] at 7 a.m., the sun is rising and by 7 p.m. it has set."

Broderick said he joined the Marines because he wanted to fight for his country.

"I remember it was 2001 when we moved to North Pole," he recalled. "I remember because of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Ever since then, I thought I'd join the military when I got older. I wanted to be in the Marine Corps and fight in this war before it was over."

Weapons Company functions as a quick-reaction force and the explosive ordnance disposal unit for the Afghan National Security Forces in the area. The Afghans are in the security lead, with the Marines supporting their efforts. The Marines are no longer clearing areas and going house-to-house but that does not stop Broderick from working hard.

"I've known him for about two-and-a-half months," Adams said of his relationship with Broderick. "He tries to help out and make the best out of everything. He's a good Marine."

Broderick stands the guard post almost daily, helping to keep the area secure. Back home in Alaska, the snow has already started, with temperatures reaching minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Broderick has traded Alaska's snow for Afghanistan's sand and his small town of mom and pop shops for an outpost of tents and security barriers. Yet for Broderick, it's the fulfillment of his life's dream.

THE HARVARD BOUND AIRMAN

Air Force Staff Sgt. Katherine Lamb, knowledge operations manager at the Naval Consolidated Brig at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., will pursue a doctorate in chemistry at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., in the fall after six years in the military. Lamb received her master's degree in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also in Cambridge. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tom Brading

  FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, IMPROVEMENT OF LOT IN LIFE

Face of Defense: Airman Receives Harvard Scholarship

By Airman 1st Class Tom Brading
Joint Base Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 14, 2012 - Air Force Staff Sgt. Katherine Lamb has received a full scholarship to Harvard University, which she'll use to pursue a doctorate in chemistry in the fall after completing a successful six-year enlistment.

Lamb is a knowledge operations manager at the Naval Consolidated Brig on Joint Base Charleston here.

Harvard is located in Cambridge, Mass., and is the oldest institution for higher learning in the United States. Eight U.S. presidents, 75 Noble Prize winners and more than 60 living billionaires hold Harvard degrees.

Fellow troops say Lamb is revered throughout the brig for her intelligence, and she encourages and helps others to further their educations.

"Sergeant Lamb's vibrant and friendly personality can light up an entire room," said Master Sgt. Edward Phillips, the brig's Air Force superintendent. "She is just a very positive and outgoing person."

Lamb said she learned the importance of education in Puerto Rico, where she was born. Her parents, who were born into poverty, moved to America seeking a better life when she was nine. Her mother went on to become a college professor, while her father works for NASA.

"My parents used to tell me, it doesn't matter if you have money," Lamb said. "You could lose money; you can never lose an education."

It was a message she took to heart.

Lamb is already familiar with the New England area. Years ago, she took her parents' advice and received her master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

After graduating from MIT, Lamb said she felt a sense of pride and patriotism toward the country that offered her so many opportunities. She surprised her friends and family by enlisting in the Air Force.

"Everyone wonders, 'Why didn't you become an officer?'" Lamb said. "Well, life isn't about money. I was aware of officer programs, but for me, serving my country was enough reason to join. That's why I did, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The enlisted men and women I've served with continue to do amazing things every day."

Lamb said serving her country and building relationships in the Air Force has been as beneficial as any college classroom.

"The Air Force is one team," she said. "College lifestyle, especially [in] an Ivy League-caliber institution, is very competitive -- people are constantly thinking about what's best for themselves. It's just the nature of how challenging those programs can be. But in the Air Force, although still challenging, I've learned how valuable teamwork is and I'll always carry those lessons with me."

Lamb gives back to the military every day by tutoring, mentoring and educating people throughout her squadron.

"She's constantly making sure I'm taking college classes," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer John Nolan, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston security officer. "She inspires everyone to better themselves."

According to Lamb, hard work is the key to success, whether in testing for staff sergeant or applying to Harvard. Every test she successfully passed, she noted, came from hours of studying.

"Enlisted airmen are vital to the success of the Air Force mission," Lamb said. "Education is an essential tool for that success. So, when I see so many people bettering themselves by going to school, I think their stories are as compelling as mine. I'm just lucky to have such amazing and supportive people in my life."

USO AND KELLIE PICKLER

Kellie Pickler, a country singer and former contestant on the television show "American Idol," sits in a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle simulator wearing during a USO holiday tour show stop at the Transit Center of Manas, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 15, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
Pickler, DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

USO Trouper Kellie Pickler Entertains, Salutes Troops

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 - Country music star Kellie Pickler is among the celebrity entertainers taking part in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey's annual USO holiday show tour, which entertained Afghanistan-deployed U.S. troops posted here and at Kandahar Airfield.

On this trip, the USO troupe also has entertained service members aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan.

Pickler, an Albemarle, N.C., native, is traveling on her sixth USO tour and she's keenly aware of the difficulties troops and their families endure during the holiday season.

"It's always different coming here this time of the year," she said. "[During] the holidays -- Thanksgiving has already passed -- everyone wants to be home with their families and loved ones.

"Then, Christmas is right around the corner," Pickler continued. "It's a hard time for all of you."

The country music singer and former "American Idol" contestant said she enjoys touring with the USO and has done so for quite some time.

"I love it," Pickler said. "My very first trip was in [2007] ... and it's by far the most life-changing thing I've ever been a part of."

Pickler performed with her husband, Kyle Jacobs, and with David Michael Baker, who provided the musical backdrop for her vocal performances.

"We look forward to doing shows, but I think that the small intimate moments -- just having breakfast together, lunch together, dinner together ... [are] where we can just sit, talk and listen to one another," Pickler said.

The singer, who said she comes from a military family, "gets" how hard it is for troops being away from their loved ones.

"I know it's just as hard for your families back home, so they're making a sacrifice as well," Pickler said.

Pickler said she always looks forward to USO trips.

"I always take a little something from each place when we go to each base," she said. "I always have a little special memory that I cherish and I never forget about it."

She said the USO tour's visit to a hospital was one example of those special moments.

"We were able to go to the hospital and try to take a little piece of home in there," she said. "[And] that's our goal coming out here. We just want to bring a little piece of home to you all."

Pickler was accompanied on the tour by Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing.

Sloan D. Gibson, president of the USO, and Shane Hudella, of "Defending the Blue Line," an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families, also joined the celebrities.

Pickler praised U.S. troops and their families for their sacrifices, and wished them all happy holidays as she joined Dempsey in serenading the troops with Bing Crosby's "A White Christmas."

"I just want to say thanks so much for all that you do," she said. "Thank you to your families -- we know that they make a huge sacrifice."

"This time of the year is really hard so I hope that you know that we love you," Picker said. "The USO, all of us, we are praying for a safe return home for you all. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

U.S. Department Of State Daily Press Briefing - December 18, 2012

Daily Press Briefing - December 18, 2012

Flu season is here

Flu season is here

U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA HOSTS NOREGIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE COUNTERPART ANNE-GRETE STROM-ERICHSEN

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon welcoming Norwegian Minister of Defense Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen to the Pentagon, Dec. 17, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Panetta Thanks Norwegian Minister for Support in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 - In a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart yesterday, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta thanked Norway for its support in Afghanistan and its "steadfast commitment" to the NATO alliance, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

During his meeting with Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen, the secretary underscored the importance of Norway's involvement in alliance operations and praised Norway for expediting its acquisition of the F-35 joint strike fighter, Little said.

"The secretary highlighted the importance of defense spending and developing future alliance interoperability through the NATO Response Force," the press secretary said. "Having both recently returned from visiting Turkey, the leaders discussed the upcoming NATO deployment of Patriot batteries and strong support for our ally," he added. "They also discussed the strategic importance of access to the Arctic."

Remarks by Secretary Panetta at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.

Remarks by Secretary Panetta at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS MOURN PASSING OF SENATOR INOUYE

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta, Dempsey Mourn Hawaii Senator
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – The Defense Department’s top civilian and military officials issued statements paying tribute to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, who died at age 88 yesterday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said the senator’s life "embodied the essence of the American Dream and the heroism of the greatest generation."

"A World War II veteran of the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, his display of leadership and valor in a gun battle that cost him his arm rightfully earned him the Medal of Honor," Panetta said. "His determination to recover and his extraordinary career that followed continue to inspire wounded warriors today.

"In the U.S. Senate," the secretary continued, "he was one of the most stalwart and effective advocates of the Department of Defense, and a relentless champion of our men and women in uniform and their families. I was honored to have the opportunity to work closely with him when I served as a member of Congress, and in the Clinton and Obama administrations."

Inouye’s legacy will endure in the better quality of life he helped to bring to generations of service members and their families and the people of Hawaii, and for his contributions to a stronger national defense, Panetta said. "The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Department of Defense are with the Inouye family in this time of grief and remembrance," he added.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Inouye "exemplified the role of servant-leader, both in and out of uniform, and served as a role model for so many Americans."

"As a member of the greatest generation, he gave what many would consider the best years of his life to oppose tyranny in Europe, where he received the Medal of Honor while serving with the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment," the chairman said. "After losing his arm, he could have finished his service to our nation, but that was just the beginning."

While serving in the Senate since 1962, Dempsey said, Inouye was a friend to the military and to those who have served the nation in uniform. "His tireless efforts on support for our veterans, particularly in health care and education, will greatly benefit thousands of military service members and our families for years to come," he said.


BRIEF MILITARY HISTORY OF MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER SEN. DANIEL K. INOUYE
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

First Lt. Daniel K. Inouye,
was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on April 21, 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Inouye directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapons and small arms fire to capture an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. The enemy, emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns.

Inouye boldly crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying it. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest with submachine gun fire.

Although wounded by a sniper's bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions.

 

DVIDS - Holiday Greetings - Holiday Season 2012

DVIDS - Holiday Greetings - Holiday Season 2012

CDOs AND MISREPRESENTATION

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., Dec. 17, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a Connecticut-based investment adviser with falsely stating to clients that it was co-investing alongside them in two collateralized debt obligations (CDO).

The SEC’s investigation found that Aladdin Capital Management’s co-investment representation was a key feature and selling point for its Multiple Asset Securitized Tranche (MAST) advisory program involving CDOs and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). For example, Aladdin Capital Management asked in one marketing piece, "Why is an investor better off just investing in Aladdin sponsored CLOs and CDOs?" It then emphasized that the "most powerful response I can give to your question is that Aladdin co-invests alongside MAST investors in every program. Putting meaningful ‘skin in the game’ as we do means our financial interests are aligned with those of our MAST investors." Aladdin Capital Management in fact made no such investments in either CDO, and its affiliated broker-dealer Aladdin Capital collected placement fees from the CDO underwriters.

Aladdin Capital Management and Aladdin Capital agreed to pay more than $1.6 million combined to settle the SEC’s charges. One of the firms’ former executives Joseph Schlim agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty to settle charges against him for his role in the misrepresentations.

"If you sell an investment with the pitch that you are co-investing and have ‘skin in the game,’ then you better actually have ‘skin in the game,’" said Robert Khuzami, Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division. "Such a representation by an investment adviser or broker-dealer is an important consideration to investors in complex products."

Kenneth Lench, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Structured and New Products Unit, added, "Aladdin marketed these CDOs via the co-investment representation, but then did not take steps to ensure that the representation was accurate. This action demonstrates our continuing commitment to holding market participants, including individuals, responsible for their misconduct leading up to the financial crisis."

According to the SEC’s orders instituting settled administrative proceedings, Aladdin Capital Management’s clients committed to investing in upcoming CDO deals that would be managed by the firm. Aladdin Capital Management inaccurately informed a municipal retirement plan, a pension plan, and an individual entrepreneur that it would co-invest alongside them. After those three clients invested in the two CDOs, Aladdin Management erroneously continued to inform clients from 2007 to 2010 that the firm had skin in the game.

According to the SEC’s order against Schlim, he was significantly involved in the MAST program on a day-to-day basis. He made sales calls to potential clients and negotiated with CDO and CLO underwriters about the amount of equity in those securities that Aladdin Capital could place with customers or purchase for itself. Schlim also negotiated the placement fees to be received by Aladdin Capital for securing MAST investments in equity tranches of each CDO or CLO.

The SEC found that Schlim knew that Aladdin used the co-investment representation as a significant marketing feature in its pitches to clients, but he failed to take any action to ensure that such representations were accurate when they were made. As the CFO of Aladdin, Schlim was responsible for reserving funds for Aladdin to co-invest alongside its MAST clients, yet he failed to ensure that funds were reserved or allocated for any co-investments alongside clients in either CDO.

Aladdin Capital Management and Schlim agreed to cease-and-desist orders without admitting or denying the SEC’s allegations. The Aladdin entities agreed to jointly pay $900,000 in disgorgement, $268,831 in prejudgment interest, and a $450,000 penalty. Schlim agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty.

The SEC’s investigation was conducted by James Goldman, Neil Smith, Kathleen Shields, and Kenneth Leung in the SEC’s Boston Regional Office. Mr. Goldman is a member of the Structured and New Products Unit. Mr. Leung participated in a related SEC examination of Aladdin Capital Management.

A MOTIVATED MARINE'S STORY

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Shane Kruse, a Conrad, Iowa, native, decided to follow in his parents' footsteps and become a Marine. Now a driver and machine gunner with the Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, Kruse is now serving in Afghanistan on his first combat deployment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark Garcia

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEVENSE

Face of Defense: Motivated Marine Serves in Afghanistan
By Marine Corps Cpl. Mark Garcia
Regional Command Southwest

MUSA QAL'AH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2012 - Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Shane Kruse decided as a senior in high school that he wanted to join the Corps.

Growing up in the small town of Conrad, Iowa, Kruse had a graduating class of 48 students. He had the opportunity to receive a college education while on scholarship for either football or baseball, but the urge to become a Marine was greater. Kruse was on his way to recruit training four months after graduating from high school.

"Both my parents were in the Marine Corps," said Kruse, a driver and machine gunner with the Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7.

"My cousin was a Marine and was involved in the early stages of Iraq. I figured it was in my blood," Kruse said. "I felt like I needed to become a Marine. I've always been driven to be the best and the Marine Corps offered me the opportunity."

Kruse is currently serving on his second deployment; his first was with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"I joined the Marine Corps because of 9/11, and I wanted to serve my country," Kruse said. "I wanted to be the best and I saw the Marine Corps as the best branch of the military that I could have joined."

Kruse noted the risks involved with his current deployment compared to his previous one.

"This deployment is a lot more serious," Kruse said. "It's more dangerous, this deployment. You just have to take things more seriously because you're in life-and-death situations out here. This deployment is a big eye-opener. It's something you've been training for and preparing for the past two-and-a-half years, and it's finally happening. When you first get blown up or you first get shot at it gives a different perspective."

Kruse has enjoyed his current deployment because of his unit's ability to accomplish its mission in a combat environment.

"This deployment has been nice compared to the MEU," Kruse said. "It's nice to know that you're contributing to the war effort and to your country directly. I feel like we've been doing good things this deployment."

During this deployment, Kruse has had to cope with the difficulties associated with leaving a spouse at home.

"It's a growing experience," he said. "It's part of growing up. It's hard coming straight out of high school and going into the adult world, especially in the military. But you learn to deal with it and take it day-by-day until you can see your loved ones again."

Recently Kruse participated in Operation Helmand Viper, which took place during October in Zamindawar, a known insurgent hotbed between Musa Qal'ah and Kajaki. Kruse is referred to as the Tony Hawk of the drivers in his unit because of his ability to maneuver through dangerous terrain that's sometimes laden with improvised explosive devices.

"Lance Cpl. Kruse, in my eyes, is one of the best machine gunners and drivers we have," said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joseph Dalbec. "He's a great asset to this team and our company. Not only that, but he's a great friend of mine. He's been my best friend for almost three years."

Although Kruse is undecided on whether he will re-enlist, he plans on striving forward during his time in the Marine Corps and answering his nation's call whenever needed.

GENERAL DEMPSEY HOSTS USO HOLIDAY TOUR SHOW AT BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN



Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, onstage, hosts one of his annual USO holiday tour shows at Bagram Airfeld, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, USO TOUR, AFGHANISTAN, CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, GEN. DEMPSEY

Chairman's USO Tour Show Entertains Troops in Afghanistan

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2012 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff greeted and praised troops at two U.S. bases in Afghanistan during his annual USO holiday tour show.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, along with his senior enlisted advisor, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, and their spouses visited Bagram Airfield here, followed by a visit to Kandahar Airfield the following day, entertaining troops with what the general called "some extraordinarily talented people."

"They're great Americans, and they're patriots," Dempsey told troops at Bagram. "And they really care about you. They've given up their holidays. I'm actually very privileged to be traveling with them, and bringing them here to you tonight."

Battaglia, who spoke after the chairman and before the start of the entertainment portion of the show, had a similar message for service members at both bases.

"As our 18th chairman said, it is, indeed, a privilege and honor to spend part of Christmas and the holiday season with you all," he said. "We'd love to stay here with you through Christmas, through New Years, you know we would."

The sergeant major said while it's unfortunate that most of the troops are unable to be home with their families for the holidays, they are certainly not alone.

"While you're not at home or not able to be home with your biological family to spend the holiday season, you're here, by God, with your uniformed military family to spend it," Battaglia said. "And it doesn't get much better than that, right?"

Both senior leaders used different, but effective methods, to energize the crowds. Battaglia led service members in a raucous chant of "U-S-A," while Dempsey highlighted the troops' individual pride of their units and branches of service.

"Those folks that the chairman are going to introduce you to, in just a minute here, are from a country that you love, they're from a country that you protect, and from a country in which you live," Battaglia said. "It's the USA, and that would be the most motivating force right now. Those three letters -- all in unison."

Dempsey introduced each USO celebrity to kick off both shows. Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; and country music singer Kellie Pickler and her band performed on behalf of the USO.

Additionally, the chairman recognized USO President Sloan D. Gibson, and Shane Hudella of "Defending the Blue Line," an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.

Following both shows, Dempsey showcased his own talent, serenading the packed venues with his rendition of singer Bing Crosby's "A White Christmas."

"It is Christmas and I hope that you had a few moments to remember that and to forget about everything else in your life right now," the chairman said.

Dempsey also praised the troops for their service to the nation.

"I hope you know how proud we are of what you do every day for the country," he said. "We're proud of your service. You're all volunteers -- that includes the civilians out there that have come over here to help support the men and women in uniform. And we're really proud of you."

LEBANESE RESIDENT MICHEL SAMAHA DESIGNATED AS SPECIALLY DESIGNATED GLOBAL TERRORIST

Map: Lebanon.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

The Department of State designated Michel Samaha as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224. Samaha, a former Lebanese Minister of Information and Tourism, was arrested by Lebanese authorities in August 2012 for plotting to carry out terrorist attacks in Lebanon.

The Department of Treasury concurrently designated Michel Samaha as a Specially Designated National pursuant to Executive Order 13441 on the grounds that Samaha’s actions had the purpose or effect of undermining Lebanon’s democratic processes or institutions, contributing to the breakdown of the rule of law in Lebanon, supporting the reassertion of Syrian control or otherwise contributing to Syrian interference in Lebanon, or infringing upon or undermining Lebanese sovereignty.

Samaha has remained in Lebanese custody and has been charged with plotting to assassinate political and religious figures in Lebanon through targeted bombings. The goal of these attacks appears to have been an attempt to incite sectarian clashes in Lebanon on behalf of the Syrian regime. Samaha was also accused of transporting explosives for the planned attacks into Lebanon.

According to available information, in July 2012 former Syrian General Intelligence Directorate chief and current head of the Syrian National Security Bureau Ali Mamluk was involved in a plot with Samaha to conduct bombing attacks against Lebanese political and religious figures in northern Lebanon, and Mamluk provided money and explosives to Samaha for that purpose.

In August 2012, Samaha provided the explosives and cash to his paid accomplice at Samaha’s residence in Lebanon. On August 9, 2012, the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) arrested Samaha and brought him to ISF headquarters where, after being confronted with the evidence against him, Samaha admitted to complicity in the plot.

The designations under E.O. 13224 and under E.O. 13441 block all of Samaha’s property interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with or for the benefit of Samaha.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FINDS VIOLATIONS OF LAW AT LOS ANGELES FASHION DISTRICT LOCATION



Credit:  Wikmedia Commons. 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Extensive violations of federal, state laws found among garment contractors at Los Angeles Fashion District location

Shops producing garments sold by major retailers underpaid 185 workers by $326,000

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division and the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement found serious violations of federal and state labor laws by each of 10 garment contractors inspected during a sweep of a single building in the Los Angeles Fashion District earlier this year. Division investigators found widespread violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions, resulting in the recovery of more than $326,200 in back wages for 185 employees.

The garments being produced by violators were destined for sale at more than 30 retailers nationwide, including Aldo Group Inc., Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., Charlotte Russe Holding Inc., Dillard's Inc., Forever 21 Inc., Frasier Clothing Co. (Susan Lawrence), HSN Inc. (Home Shopping Network), Rainbow Apparel Inc., Ross Stores Inc., TJX Cos. Inc. (TJ Maxx and Marshall's), Urban Outfitters Inc. and Wet Seal Inc.

"The extent of the violations discovered by these investigations was disappointing. Retailers need to actively ensure that clothes produced in the U.S. for sale to the American public are made by workers who are paid at least the U.S. minimum wage and proper overtime," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Federal, state, local and industry stakeholders can work together to foster a vibrant, and compliant, domestic fashion industry."

"The garment industry is a vital part of the economy of Los Angeles and California," said Julie Su, California's labor commissioner. "State law prohibits garment manufacturers from operating without a proper license, from violating state minimum wage and overtime laws, and from playing shell games to avoid paying workers properly. We are intent on making sure that sweatshop practices are eliminated so that consumers can proudly purchase garments made in L.A., honest companies can compete and garment workers can thrive."

Teams of federal and state investigators conducted unannounced investigations of employers operating out a large garment building at 830 S. Hill St. in downtown Los Angeles, where previous investigations had revealed significant labor violations and sweatshop-like employment conditions.

Investigators found many garment employees were paid a piece rate — that is, paid for each piece they sewed or cut —without regard to minimum wage or overtime pay requirements. On average, workers' wages amounted to less than $6.50 per hour — well below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and the California minimum wage of $8 per hour. None of these employees received the overtime premium of time and one-half their regular rates of pay for hours worked over 40 per week, as required under the FLSA. Significant record-keeping violations also were disclosed, including falsified time cards and under-reporting or failing to maintain accurate records of actual hours worked by garment employees.

The "hot goods" provision of the FLSA prohibits the shipment in interstate commerce of goods that were produced in violation of the act's minimum wage, overtime or child labor provisions. Upon determining that garments were produced in violation of the FLSA, the division requested that the garment contractors voluntarily not ship the goods until the violations were resolved. Several manufacturers, for whom the violators were producing goods, paid a portion of the back wages due, after which the division lifted its objection to the shipment of the goods.

State investigators issued citations to three establishments not registered as garment contractors and cited the shops for failing to provide itemized deductions, pay the state minimum wage or comply with state overtime pay requirements.

The investigations conducted at this location are part of the Wage and Hour Division's multi-year enforcement initiative focused on Southern California's garment industry, in which it historically has found consistent and widespread violations of the FLSA's minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions. The initiative is concentrating on employers in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including those operating out of large garment buildings in the city's Fashion District.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as well as time and one-half their regular rates for hours worked over 40 per week. In general, "hours worked" includes all time an employee must be on duty, or on the employer's premises or at any other prescribed place of work, from the beginning of the first principal work activity to the end of the last principal activity of the workday. Additionally, the law requires that accurate records of employees' wages, hours and other conditions of employment be maintained. California's minimum wage is $8 per hour, higher than the U.S. minimum wage, and overtime pay is required after eight hours worked in a day under state law. California employers are subject to both standards.