NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2012

Photo:  Refueling Over Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 23, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.

The arrested Taliban leader coordinated improvised explosive device emplacements and ambushes against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

The security force detained two other suspected insurgents.

In Nov. 21 Afghanistan operations:

-- Three Taliban senior leaders, including the No. 1 Taliban leader in western Logar province, were killed Nov. 21 during a security operation in Logar province. At the time of his death, Abu Baker was the top Taliban leader in western Logar province. Abu Baker facilitated weapons to insurgents, planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and was directly involved in foreign fighter facilitation. Deceased Taliban leader Bashir was involved in the Aug. 7 suicide-vehicle IED attack on Forward Operating Base Shank, and directly linked to the final, pre-execution stages of planning for an impending vehicle-borne IED attack targeting Afghan and coalition forces in Logar province, officials said. Deceased Taliban leader Zarqawi facilitated weapons to execute IED as well as direct- and indirect-fire attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. A number of additional insurgents were also killed. One suspect was detained and several rocket-propelled grenades and multiple assault rifles were confiscated.

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Kunduz province. The arrested facilitator is suspected of being directly involved in the purchasing and distribution of weapons to Taliban fighters. The security force also detained one other suspect and seized rocket-propelled grenades, mortars, hand grenades, assault rifles and ammunition.

-- Combined forces arrested a Taliban senior leader in Nimroz province. The arrested insurgent leader is suspected of being involved in the purchasing and movement of weapons and providing intelligence to other Taliban senior leaders. The security force also detained a number of other suspects.

U.S. WELCOMES THAILAND'S ENDORSEMENT OF PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE



A Yaksha demon guards the Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Credit: CIA World Factbook.

 

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

 Thailand Endorses the Proliferation Security Initiative
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 19, 2012
　

The United States welcomes the Kingdom of Thailand’s decision to endorse the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). President Obama has commended Thailand for its decision to participate in the Initiative, which advances our shared vision of a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific where the rights and responsibilities of all nations are upheld. The United States looks forward to working with the Royal Thai Government to advance the nonproliferation goals of the PSI and its Statement of Interdiction Principles. Thailand is the 102nd state to become a PSI participant.

Launched in Krakow, Poland in 2003, the PSI will mark its tenth anniversary in May 2013. PSI participants commit to undertake measures, on a voluntary basis and consistent with their authorities and resources, to interdict illicit transfers of weapons of mass destruction- and missile-related items, exchange relevant information, and strengthen legal authorities to conduct interdictions. They also conduct exercises, workshops, and other activities to improve their capacities to fulfill their PSI commitments. The addition of each new participating state strengthens the Initiative and helps ensure that it will remain a durable international effort in the years ahead.



 

U.S. Department of Defense Contracts for November 23, 2012

Contracts for November 23, 2012

U.S.- MISSISSIPPI ANNOUNCE CLEAN WATER ACT AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF JACKSON

Photo Credit:  Wikimedia.

FROM: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY


WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice, and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) announced today a comprehensive Clean Water Act settlement with the city of Jackson, Miss. Jackson has agreed to make improvements to its sewer systems to eliminate unauthorized overflows of untreated raw sewage and unauthorized bypasses of treatment at the Savanna Street Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), the city’s largest wastewater treatment facility. When wastewater systems overflow, they can release untreated sewage and other pollutants into local waterways, threatening water quality and contributing to beach closures and disease outbreaks.

"EPA is working with cities to protect the nation’s waters from raw sewage overflows that can have significant impacts on people’s health and the environment," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Today’s settlement will lead to improvements in the management of wastewater overflows, which will reduce water pollution and benefit the Jackson community for years to come."

"This agreement will bring lasting benefits to the people of Jackson by reducing the threats to public health posed by untreated sewage overflows," said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. "The settlement will bring the city into compliance with the nation’s Clean Water Act, requiring significant upgrades to the existing sewer system. Under the settlement, assistance will be provided to residents to repair sewer connections in lower-income areas that have suffered historically from overflows of untreated sewage"

The consent decree requires Jackson to implement specific programs designed to ensure proper management, operation and maintenance of its sewer systems. In order to address the problem of wet weather overflows of raw sewage from the sewer lines, Jackson will develop and implement a comprehensive sewer system assessment and rehabilitation program. The city will also develop and implement a comprehensive performance evaluation and composite correction program to reduce the bypasses of treatment at the Savanna Street WWTP.

The consent decree also requires Jackson to develop and implement numerous sewer system capacity, management, operations and maintenance programs, including a pump station operation and preventive maintenance program, a WWTP operation and maintenance program and a water quality monitoring program.

In addition to the control requirements, the consent decree requires Jackson to pay a civil penalty of $437,916. As part of the settlement, Jackson has also agreed to implement a supplemental environmental project valued at $875,000 that will provide additional environmental benefits to the local community. The project involves reducing the flow of water from entering the sewer system by eliminating illicit stormwater connections and repairing defective private lateral sewer lines from the low-income residential properties.

Keeping raw sewage and contaminated stormwater out of the waters of the United States is one of the EPA’s national enforcement initiatives for 2011 to 2013. The initiative focuses on reducing sewer overflows, which can present a significant threat to human health and the environment. These reductions are accomplished by obtaining cities’ commitments to implement timely, affordable solutions to these problems, including the increased use of green infrastructure and other innovative approaches.

The United States has reached similar agreements in the past with numerous municipal entities across the country including Mobile and Jefferson County (Birmingham), Ala.; Atlanta and Dekalb County, Ga.; Memphis, Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn.; Miami-Dade County, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Oh.; Northern Kentucky Sanitation District #1 and Louisville MSD, Ky.

The proposed consent decree with Jackson is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval before becoming effective.


　

U.S. RESPONDS TO CONCENTRATION OF POWER IN EGYPT

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force.



FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
The United States' Reaction to Egypt's November 22 Decisions
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 23, 2012


The decisions and declarations announced on November 22 raise concerns for many Egyptians and for the international community. One of the aspirations of the revolution was to ensure that power would not be overly concentrated in the hands of any one person or institution. The current constitutional vacuum in Egypt can only be resolved by the adoption of a constitution that includes checks and balances, and respects fundamental freedoms, individual rights, and the rule of law consistent with Egypt's international commitments. We call for calm and encourage all parties to work together and call for all Egyptians to resolve their differences over these important issues peacefully and through democratic dialogue.

CHARGES FILED IN SEC'S LARGEST EVER INSIDER TRADING CASE

Photo Credit:  SEC

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

November 20, 2012

The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Stamford, Conn.-based hedge fund advisory firm CR Intrinsic Investors LLC and its former portfolio manager along with a medical consultant for an expert network firm for their roles in a $276 million insider trading scheme involving a clinical trial for an Alzheimer's drug being jointly developed by two pharmaceutical companies. The illicit gains generated in this scheme make it the largest insider trading case ever charged by the SEC.

The SEC alleges that Mathew Martoma illegally obtained confidential details about the clinical trial from Dr. Sidney Gilman, who served as chairman of the safety monitoring committee overseeing the trial. Dr. Gilman was selected by Elan Corporation and Wyeth to present the final drug trial results to the public. In phone calls that were arranged by a New York-based expert network firm for which he moonlighted as a medical consultant, Dr. Gilman tipped Martoma with safety data and eventually details about negative results in the trial about two weeks before they were made public in July 2008. Martoma then caused several hedge funds to sell more than $960 million in Elan and Wyeth securities in just over a week.

Dr. Gilman, who lives in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he works as a medical school professor, has agreed to settle the SEC's charges and cooperate in this action and related SEC investigations. In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York today announced criminal charges against Martoma and a non-prosecution agreement with Dr. Gilman. Martoma lives in Boca Raton, Fla.

According to the SEC's complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan, Martoma first met Dr. Gilman through paid consultations arranged by the expert network firm. Dr. Gilman provided Martoma with material nonpublic information concerning the Phase II trial of the potential Alzheimer's drug called bapineuzumab (bapi). They coordinated their expert network consultations around scheduled safety monitoring committee meetings, and during their phone calls they discussed PowerPoint presentations made during the meetings and Dr. Gilman provided Martoma with his perspective on the results. Dr. Gilman developed a personal relationship with Martoma, eventually coming to view Martoma as a friend and pupil.

The SEC alleges that Martoma caused hedge funds managed by CR Intrinsic as well as hedge funds managed by an affiliated investment adviser to trade on the negative inside information he received from Dr. Gilman. Although Elan and Wyeth's shares rose on June 17, 2008, on the public release of top-line results of the Phase II trial, market participants were disappointed by the detailed final results issued on July 29, 2008. Double-digit declines in Elan and Wyeth shares ensued. After Martoma was tipped, the hedge funds not only liquidated their combined long position in Elan and Wyeth of more than $700 million, but went on to hold substantial short positions in both securities. This massive repositioning allowed CR Intrinsic and the affiliated advisory firm to reap approximately $82 million in profits and $194 million in avoided losses for a total of more than $276 million in illicit gains.

According to the SEC's complaint, Martoma received a $9.3 million bonus at the end of 2008 - a significant portion of which was attributable to the illegal profits that the hedge funds managed by CR Intrinsic and the other investment advisory firm had generated in this scheme. Dr. Gilman, who was generally paid $1,000 per hour as a consultant for the expert network firm, received more than $100,000 for his consultations with Martoma and others at the hedge fund advisory firms. Dr. Gilman also received approximately $79,000 from Elan for his consultations concerning bapi in 2007 and 2008.

The SEC's complaint charges each of the defendants with violating Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5, and seeks a final judgment ordering them to disgorge their ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, ordering them to pay financial penalties, and permanently enjoining them from future violations of these provisions of the federal securities laws.

Dr. Gilman has agreed to pay more than $234,000 in disgorgement and prejudgment interest. He also agreed to a permanent injunction against further violations of the federal securities laws. The proposed settlement is subject to approval by the court, which also will determine at a later date whether any additional financial penalty is appropriate.

TWIN SUNS AND MULTIPLE PLANETS

FROM:  NASA

　

NASA's Kepler Mission Discovers Multiple Planets Orbiting Twin Suns

NASA's Kepler mission has discovered the first transiting circumbinary system -- multiple planets orbiting two suns -- 4,900 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Cygnus, proving that more than one planets can form and survive in orbit around a binary star. The inner planet, Kepler-47b, orbits the pair of stars in less than 50 days. It is thought to be a sweltering world, where the destruction of methane in its super-heated atmosphere might lead to a thick haze that could blanket the planet. At three times the radius of Earth, Kepler-47b is the smallest known transiting circumbinary planet. The outer planet, Kepler-47c, orbits its host pair every 303 days, placing it in the so-called 'habitable zone,' the region in a planetary system where liquid water might exist on the surface of a planet. While not a world hospitable for life, Kepler-47c is thought to be a gaseous giant, slightly larger than Neptune, where an atmosphere of thick bright water clouds might exist.

HOSPITALS AGREE TO PAY $10.1 MILLION TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS ALLEGATIONS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Group of Owned and Affiliated Florida Hospitals Agree to Pay US $10.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

Morton Plant Mease Health Care Inc. and its affiliated hospitals (Morton Plant) have agreed to pay $10,169,114 to the federal government to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for services rendered to Medicare patients, the Justice Department announced today. Morton Plant owns and operates, or is affiliated with, Morton Plant Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Mease Countryside Hospital and Mease Dunedin Hospital. These hospitals are part of the BayCare Health System in Florida’s Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, between July 1, 2006 and July 31, 2008, Morton Plant improperly billed for certain interventional cardiac and vascular procedures as inpatient care when those services should have been billed as less costly outpatient care or as observational status.

"Overbilling the government for routine procedures wastes valuable resources that could be used to care for other patients," said Stuart F. Delery, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "At a time when we are trying to reduce public spending, it is especially important to ensure that hospitals do not overcharge the government by improperly inflating their billing."

"We hold medical providers to a high standard in our district, and we will not hesitate to hold them to account when we find evidence of serious misconduct," said Robert O’Neill, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. "This settlement should send a strong message that health care fraud enforcement is a growing priority in our office."

Today’s settlement resolves a qui tam, or whistleblower, lawsuit filed by Randi Ferrare, a former director of Health Management Services at Morton Plant Hospital. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens, known as relators, can bring suit on behalf of the United States and

share in any recovery. Ms. Ferrare will receive over $1.8 million as her share of the government’s recovery.

"When hospitals attempt to boost profits with improper inpatient admissions, they squander scarce dollars from Medicare and Medicaid," said Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the Department of Health & Human Services. "Our corporate integrity agreements hold providers accountable for preventing such abuse of government health care programs."

This resolution is part of the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and another step for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced by Attorney General Eric Holder and Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in May 2009. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in that effort is the False Claims Act, which the Justice Department has used to recover $10.1 billion since January 2009 in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs. The Justice Department’s total recoveries in False Claims Act cases since January 2009 are over $13.8 billion

The United States’ investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

ESA Portal - Spain - Astronautas regresan con nuevas formas de vida

ESA Portal - Spain - Astronautas regresan con nuevas formas de vida

SURINAME NATIONAL DAY

From:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Suriname National Day Message
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 20, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Suriname as you celebrate 37 years of independence this November 25.

Our two countries share a rich tradition of cultural and religious diversity that is a foundation for a stronger future. Your efforts to preserve your natural resources and environment are setting an example for others. Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, our two countries are increasing security for the people of the region, strengthening democracy, rule of law and transparent government, and expanding the circle of human rights.

I wish you a happy, safe, and prosperous independence day as you enjoy some of Suriname’s festivities held for the first time in Nickerie, and honor your country’s heritage during the annual parade.

　

Locator Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party coalition - returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and ruled until August 2010, when voters returned former military leader Desire BOUTERSE and his opposition coalition to power.

　

Aktuelle Karrierechancen bei der ESA

Aktuelle Karrierechancen bei der ESA

THE OLD GUARD INFANTRY REGIMENT

Army Spc. Dmitry Malkov, an infantryman with Caisson Platoon, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), trains a soldier on how to prepare and maintain equipment at the horse stables on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Oct. 18, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Face of Defense: 'Old Guard' Soldiers Gain Unique Skills
By Army Sgt. Luisito Brooks
3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14, 2012 - For many soldiers, serving in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is an opportunity to experience and perform missions that are truly unique.

Many of these opportunities can be found within the regiment's specialty platoons, such as the U.S. Army Drill Team and the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon.

Often, soldiers will come into these units with little to no experience in the required skills. That's why each of these platoons has very specific training programs to turn these soldiers into experts at what they do.

"We are always looking for [soldiers] that show good initiative and discipline to join our platoon," said Sgt. Drew Hilliard, Caisson Platoon's basic horsemanship course noncommissioned officer in charge. "No matter what platoon you are in, the preparation and guidance you're given allows you to grow and learn skills."

The Caisson Platoon has the solemn mission of conveying fallen soldiers to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. For soldiers with no horseback riding experience, training is critical.

"Everyone struggles at first, but if they push themselves then any mission is possible," Hilliard said. "It is my job to help them be the best caisson soldiers they can be. I get to help other soldiers appreciate the unit and caisson because of what we represent."

Spc. Dmitry Malkov went into his training with the Caisson Platoon with no previous experience in his new skill set. During the training, Malkov learned how to perform ground work, gear maintenance, horse care and riding. Now he's an instructor in the nine-week-long course.

"If you would have told me about two years ago that I was going to join the Army and go to a unit where I could train and take care of horses, I would have said that you were a little crazy," said Malkov, who hails from the Ukraine. "I used to be a little worried around all these large animals, but I quickly learned that they are no more dangerous to me than I am to them."

With a less-solemn task, but no less rigid standards of performance, the Drill Team also tailors its training to meet the needs of the team and its newest members. Tasked with showcasing the U.S. Army at home and abroad, the team must know its routines and techniques inside-out and be able to perform them flawlessly in front of huge crowds.

Sgt. Mychael Begaye, an infantryman with no prior training in rifle drilling, related how he found the instruction.

"The training was great, not only because it covers the basic fundamentals to be successful, but it also has great practices that I can apply in other areas of my career and in life," Begaye said.

"Basic rifle manual teaches us discipline on and off the front stage," he added. "Some of the routines require you to use muscles that have never been used before. I learned how to overcome challenges mentally and physically, and now I am a better soldier because of it."

With the team's high-flying aerial displays of bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles, there are very small margins for error. Begaye said the most important aspect for these soldiers is the pursuit of perfection.

"Each move requires the highest amount of focus for us to be successful," he said. "I was a little nervous with the rifle at first because I have never done anything like it, but I learned to just take control of it and execute the maneuvers. Even though it can be very dangerous, we train enough that many possible injuries are prevented."

With his newfound confidence, Begaye has set even bigger goals for himself.

"One of my goals now is to perform in front of thousands of people and showcase the Army," Begaye said. "This team travels the world to show how disciplined, tough and trained we are."

Having overcome their own obstacles to earn positions in The Old Guard's specialty platoons, Hillard and Begaye said they are grateful they took that chance.

"Having the opportunity to do a job not found anywhere [else] in the Army is really fortunate for the soldiers of this unit," Begaye said. "All of these different platoons can be found in one unit, and only one percent of the Army does what we are able to learn and do."

WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ONLINE MARKETPLACE FRAUD

Online Auto Auction

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Hungarian Woman Pleads Guilty in Tennessee for Role in International Fraud Scheme Involving Online Marketplace Websites

WASHINGTON – A Hungarian woman pleaded guilty today in Nashville, Tenn., for her role in moving approximately $550,000 in illicit proceeds derived from an international online marketplace fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Beatrix Boka, 34, of Hungary, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger in the Middle District of Tennessee to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Boka and co-conspirator Aleksandar Kunkin, also of Hungary, were charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury in August 2012. Kunkin pleaded guilty on Nov. 15, 2012.

Boka admitted in her plea hearing today that members of the conspiracy fraudulently listed vehicles for sale at online marketplaces such as eBay. When victims expressed interest in purchasing the vehicles, co-conspirators sent emails that directed victims to wire payments to certain bank accounts, and victims never received the vehicles for which they paid.

Boka further admitted that, from May to June 2012, she and Kunkin visited Bank of America branches in North Carolina and South Carolina and opened bank accounts under false identities, which were supported by fraudulent identity documents including counterfeit Hungarian passports. Boka pleaded guilty to opening 17 such accounts, each under a different name. In total, 36 victims sent approximately $550,102 to accounts opened by Boka and Kunkin. Boka admitted that she and Kunkin subsequently sent the bulk of the money to co-conspirators located abroad.

According to the criminal complaint affidavit, in June 2012, Boka and Kunkin traveled together to Madison, Tenn., where Kunkin was apprehended as he attempted to open an account at a Bank of America branch using a Hungarian passport bearing an alias. Boka was subsequently apprehended in Kennesaw, Ga., when she attempted to open an account at a Bank of America branch using a Hungarian passport bearing an alias.

Boka faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2013.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron M. Jones of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Mysti Degani of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and the Cobb County, Ga., Sheriff’s Department.

SUMMIT ON THE LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY

Photo:  Ugandan Countryside.  Photo Credit:  CIA World Factbook 

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

Global Summit on the Lord's Resistance Army
Remarks
Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
Hosted by Invisible Children
Washington, DC
November 17, 2012

Thank you for the kind introduction. Let me express my warm welcome to the distinguished ministers, foreign officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, advocates and activists here today. For those of you visiting, welcome to Washington D.C.

I’m inspired to be here with you today. Your presence sends a strong signal that people across the globe, especially young people, will not stand by and be silent as armed groups commit senseless atrocities and terrorize innocent communities. The results may not always be direct or immediate, but know this – your voices make a difference. As the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Great distances and different worldviews often divide us. However, particular events in history break down those barriers and connect us on a personal level, on a human level. They touch our sense of what is fundamentally right and wrong. The Lord’s Resistance Army is one such phenomenon. As President Obama said two years ago, the LRA’s actions are an affront to human dignity. Those abducted must be freed, those wounded must heal, and those responsible must be brought to justice.

Over the last several years, the people and governments of Uganda, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan have worked to bring an end to the threat posed by the LRA. They have endured difficult circumstances and made sacrifices in search of peace. In coordination with the African Union, the United Nations, and other international partners, the United States has provided cross-cutting support to these regional efforts. We believe it is in our collective interest to help our African partners to strengthen their capacity to resolve conflicts and establish lasting security.

When it comes to the LRA, it is tempting to talk about a silver bullet or a ready-made solution. However, history has taught us that it is not that simple or straightforward. Anyone who has spent time in the remote areas where the LRA operates or studied the LRA over the years can testify to that. That is why we are pursuing a comprehensive approach, supporting both military and civilian efforts. Over the past year, the United States has deployed military advisors and increased our logistical support to regional military operations. At the same time, we have deployed civilian officers and expanded programs to promote defections from the LRA, establish communications networks, and empower affected communities.

Despite enormous challenges, the region is making progress in addressing this threat. The LRA has been weakened and pushed out of many areas. Hundreds of abductees have been rescued. There has not been a reported LRA attack in South Sudan for over a year. In May, the Ugandan military captured LRA senior commander Ceasar Acellam, long considered one of the LRA’s top five commanders. In August, the Ugandan military attacked the group led by senior LRA commander Dominic Ongwen, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, and seized their campsite.

Defections are also on the rise. Since Acellam’s capture, several mid-level officers have left the group. In the last month alone, more than 19 people have defected or escaped from the LRA. We are working with a range of partners in the region, including Invisible Children, to airdrop more leaflets, expand radio broadcasts, and establish safe reporting sites to encourage the remaining LRA to peacefully surrender from the group. We are also supporting communities in establishing new strategies and networks, incorporating High Frequency Radios, to increase their own security. And our delivery of humanitarian relief continues.

This is not to suggest that the situation is resolved or that Joseph Kony will be apprehended tomorrow. Communities remain vulnerable, the top fugitives remain at large, and the LRA continues to have a significant physical and psychological impact across multiple countries. Ending the LRA threat will require more effort, more time, and even a little bit of luck. But as we gather today, I think we can confidently say that we are moving in the right direction. We have come a long way over the last several years and with the support of international partners, the AU, UN, and NGOs, the region is moving closer to turning the page on this tragic chapter.

Achieving that ultimate goal of ending the LRA threat and establishing security will require the sustained resolve and collaboration of all those involved, beginning first and foremost with the governments in the region. Although CAR, the DRC, South Sudan and Uganda may have their differences, they are bound together by a desire to protect their people from this regional threat. Their troops and their citizens are on the frontlines. Their continued partnership and leadership, more than anything else, will determine the success of this effort. We believe the African Union’s involvement can help to solidify that regional cooperation.

At the same time though, there are many other stakeholders who have critical roles to play. One of the remarkable things about this effort is that it has brought together an unusual, non-traditional coalition – involving UN peacekeepers and civil affairs officers, former abductees, community radio operators, religious leaders, local self-defense groups, aid workers, international diplomats, peace mediators, philanthropists, and not to forget, all of you here today. As we move forward, we must continue to strengthen this coalition and to grow it by reaching out to new groups and forging new partnerships.

The theme of your Summit is "move." But when you think about it, just moving is not enough. It’s how and where you move that matters. And when we move together, we can have a resounding impact. That is what has made this regional effort, this movement, and this coalition so effective over the past several years, and that’s what is needed to sustain this progress.

So let’s keep moving together. If we continue to do so, I believe we’ll continue to move in the right direction toward a future free of the LRA, and ultimately a future where civilians are protected and such horrific abuses are deterred. Thank you for being here and for your commitment to this important work.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN CALIFORNIA

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Cracking Down on Traffickers

With California stakeholders convening Nov. 16 to discuss a sobering new report about the problem of human trafficking in the state, Secretary Solis appeared with state Attorney General Kamala Harris to discuss the administration's commitment to fight what President Obama has called "modern-day" slavery. In a keynote address at the University of Southern California, Solis outlined department-led efforts to train wage and hour investigators to spot warning signs of trafficking and help survivors recover lost wages and find employment to get back on their feet. She also reviewed efforts by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs to combat forced labor and the trafficking of children around the world. She noted that the department is part of a multi-agency anti-trafficking coordination team in Los Angeles and shared stories of efforts to partner with law enforcement to put traffickers behind bars. "We have to change the perverse calculus of gangs and smugglers who believe the rewards of trafficking outweigh the criminal risks," Solis said. "Only by working together can we bring these criminals to justice. Only by working together can we give their innocent victims the courage to escape and start over."

FOOTBALL HELMETS AND THE BATTLEFIELD

Don Lee of the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center’s Headgear Thrust Area, is looking at football helmet technology that could one day help protect Soldiers in the field

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Written on November 22, 2012 at 7:17 am by jtozer
Using Football Technology To Improve Helmets
Whether someone absorbs a hit by an improvised explosive device or a charging linebacker, the effect can be devastating on the human brain.
Knowing that, researchers from the
Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center are examining technology developed at the University of Southern Mississippi for football helmets that could one day also help protect soldiers.

A liner system designed at the Southern Mississippi polymer science laboratory, with assistance from the school’s sports medicine department, has been used in the Neuro Responsive Gear, or NRG, helmet produced by Rawlings Sporting Goods. The NRG features a system that combines foam and air bladders to more effectively absorb impacts. The helmet is being used in the National Football League and in the college ranks.

Don Lee, a project engineer in the Headgear Thrust Area of NSRDEC, is now looking at how that technology could apply to military helmets.

"I was approached by the University of Southern Mississippi early last summer," Lee said. "They had gotten wind that we were doing helmet work, and they had been doing a lot of work with Rawlings on a pneumatic liner system for football helmets, mainly.

"They ended up coming up here and bringing one of their prototype liner systems, and we went over to the helmet lab here at the base and we tested the helmet. It actually showed some good preliminary data for an un-optimized system."

Lee works to prevent traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. He understands that once damaged, the brain can’t repair itself and the injury is permanent. He sees potential in the University of Southern Mississippi system.

As Lee has pointed out, soldiers and athletes are equally vulnerable to TBI. Increasingly, the military, academia and the sports industry are sharing information on the subject.

"We’re all tied in together, supporting each other," Lee said. "It’s not like we’re all working inside a vacuum. Right now, the commonality is protecting the head, and that’s what’s tying everything together.

"There’s a lot of talk of crossover (in) protecting soldiers, protecting players. I think that’s what led Southern Mississippi to us. That’s the commonality, is the (mild traumatic brain injury). I just think it’s going to be an issue that’s going to be going on for a long time."

Lee visited University of Southern Mississippi’s polymers lab and sports medicine department and came away impressed with the work they are doing together, and with Rawlings.

"What they had initially showed in the data they provided showed that there was promise for an improved liner protection," said Lee, "and I didn’t want to let the opportunity pass me by."

Because the University of Southern Mississippi liner system uses different air-filled chambers, it has possible advantages that other pneumatic systems lacked.

"If you put a large weight in your helmet like a night-vision device, all the air would be pushed out of that bag into bags in the back," said Lee of the old systems, "and then you’d have a stability issue when you actually have the helmet sliding down your face."

Leveraging different polymers, chambering and their relationship with Rawlings, the University of Southern Mississippi "actually produced a liner that received a five-star safety rating for football helmets. It just shows that we’re all fighting the same fight — trying to mitigate brain injury."

Lee said he’s reluctant to ignore any system that shows potential for helping soldiers.
"You get people (saying), ‘Why are you looking at all this stuff?’" Lee said. "It’s turning over all the rocks and leaving no stone unturned."
By Bob Reinert, USAG-Natick Public Affairs

NAVY ACCEPTS A NEXT-GENERATION SATELLITE

120224-N-UN340-001 SAN DIEGO (Feb.24, 2012) Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), Program Executive Office for Space Systems (PEO Space) and PMW-146 personnel watch the launch of the Navy's first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite at Cape Canaveral Air Force Base live from San Diego. MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical communications system designed to improve communications for U.S. forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Rick Naystatt/Released)

FROM: U.S. NAVY

Navy Announces First MUOS Satellite Accepted for Initial Operatioal Use
Story Number: NNS121121-07 Release Date: 11/21/2012 10:08:00 AM
From Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet Public Affairs

FORT MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- The Navy announced today that U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) has accepted the first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for initial operational use.

MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical communications system designed to improve communications for U.S. forces on the move. The Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) at Point Mugu, Calif., began "flying" the satellite in June.

"This provides the warfighter with powerful capability," said Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/ U.S. 10th Fleet. "The hard work of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, NAVSOC, and other teammates continues to benefit Navy and joint warfighting missions."

The Navy is responsible for providing narrowband satellite communication for the Department of Defense and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command is assigned to serve as the Navy Component Command to USSTRATCOM for space, cyberspace, and information operations.

USSTRATCOM Joint Functional Component Command for Space (JFCC Space) is responsible for executing continuous, integrated space operations to deliver theater and global effects in support of national and combatant commander objectives. It coordinates space operational-level planning, integration, and coordination to ensure a unified effort in supporting military and national security operations as well as civil authorities.

"MUOS-1 allows JFCC Space to continue optimal tactical communications support for the joint war fighter and the nation," said Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, commander of JFCC Space and 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic).

In addition to providing continuous communication for all branches of the U.S. military, Navy delivered space-based narrowband capability that MUOS provides also ensures reliable worldwide coverage for national emergency assistance, disaster response, and humanitarian relief.

"Whether it's in vehicles, on ships, in submarines, in aircraft, or simply carried by service members who are dismounted from vehicles and on the move, this system was designed to bring them voice and data communication services, both in point-to-point mode and through networked communications. Those capabilities have not existed with previous programs," said Navy Capt. Paul Ghyzel, the MUOS program manager at SPAWAR.

The MUOS constellation will consist of four satellites and an on-orbit spare. The system also includes four ground stations strategically located around the globe, which provide worldwide coverage and the ability to connect users wherever they are. The ground system transports data, manages the worldwide network and controls the satellites.

With today's narrowband communication system, users have to be stationary with an antenna up and pointed toward a satellite. MUOS will allow the warfighter to move around the battlespace while communicating and send data at 10 times more capacity than now.

After the launch of the second satellite, projected for July 2013, MUOS will provide military users simultaneous voice, video and data capability by leveraging 3G mobile communications technology.

The MUOS constellation is expected to achieve full operational capability in 2015, extending narrowband availability well past 2025.

The MUOS program is managed by the Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office in San Diego.


　

THE NASA PHONESAT SELECTED FOR A "BEST OF WHAT'S NEW" AWARD

FROM: NASA, PHONESAT

PhoneSat Selected As One of "Best of What's New 2012"
Popular Science Magazine has chosen NASA Ames' PhoneSat project as one of the winners in the Aerospace category for their "Best of What's New 2012" awards. PhoneSat is a demonstration project to build, launch and fly one of the lowest-cost, easiest-to-build satellites in space.

The awards highlight innovations that once seemed impossible, but are in use today.

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