THE WATCHERS: NORTH AMERICAN AEROSPACE DEFENSE COMMAND

The 9/11 memorial on the grounds of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., provides a daily reminder to members of the dual commands of the importance of their mission. The memorial includes a steel beam from the World Trade Center in New York, rubble from the Pentagon and soil from the crash site in Shanksville, Pa. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
People Provide Foundation for NORAD, Northcom Homeland Defense
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Jan. 28, 2013 - Ask the commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and he'll tell you that beyond the technology, systems and processes that drive the dual commands, it's people who form the foundation of their homeland defense mission.

Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. calls his diverse, highly integrated command team the strength of an enterprise entrusted to maintain the watch to safeguard North America. The command team here includes more than 1,700 full-time service members and Defense Department civilians, about 300 reserve-component members, more than 100 Canadian military forces, two Mexican liaison officers and representatives of more than 60 federal mission partner organizations.

"We have the watch," Jacoby says of the two separate, but inextricably linked, commands he leads. Together, they fulfill what he calls "a sacred trust" in protecting the homeland.

Nowhere is the magnitude of that mission -- and the close personal and organizational cooperation required to fulfill it -- more evident than in the NORAD and Northcom Current Operations Center.

When terrorists struck the United States on 9/11, which led to the standup of Northcom the following year, the NORAD command center was located deep within nearby Cheyenne Mountain. Its focus was aimed outward, on missile launches and enemy aircraft approaching the United States and Canada.

"We were standing with our backs to the fire, looking out against the threat," explained Army Col. Joseph Southcott, a command center director. "But now we are in the fire, looking 360 degrees, because it is all around us. In fact, we are looking in more ways than anybody could ever have thought of."

Located in the lower level of the Eberhart-Findley Building that houses the NORAD and Northcom headquarters, the "N2C2" is a bustling operation that maintains an around-the-clock watch, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

It's the hub where every spoke in the two commands' missions converge: NORAD's mission of maintaining aerospace warning and control and maritime warning for North America and Northcom's mission of conducting homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation in defense of the United States and its interests.

Twenty-seven to 30 people man the center during every eight-hour shift, each studying as many as three computer monitors at a time while listening to the chatter of air traffic control feeds.

Each staff member is selected for expertise in specific domains -- air, missile and space, land, maritime and cyber -- or in integrating these perspectives into a "big picture" for command decision-makers, Southcott explained.

Serving as NORAD's and Northcom's eyes and ears, they ensure the command leadership is prepared for what Southcott calls a "quick-twitch mission" that demands an immediate, decisive response, such as a missile attack or menacing or suspicious aircraft than need to be intercepted.

"These are the 'no-kidding' events, the things that you have to be ready for the second they happen," Southcott said.

To keep on top of events that could affect North America, the N2C2 staff monitors satellite and sensor feeds to detect missile launches, such as the one North Korea conducted last month. They track space junk to identify items that could threaten the United States or are in jeopardy of falling out of orbit and crashing back to Earth. They follow Federal Aviation Administration reports to identify an errant aircraft among an estimated 60,000 daily civilian flights.

In support of the maritime mission NORAD adopted in 2006, they keep tabs on suspicious ships approaching the U.S. and Canadian coasts or operating in their sovereign waters.

Since the standup of Northcom, they also keep watch over Washington, D.C., and anywhere the president travels. They keep tabs on U.S. military operations along the Mexican border or in support of Mexican troops as part of U.S.-Mexican theater security cooperation agreements.

They also now watch for hurricanes, earthquakes and severe storms that could affect U.S. security or could cause civil authorities to call for military assistance.

Southcott calls these "slow-twitch missions" -- ones Northcom tracks closely to be ready to respond to, but typically gets called on only when and if local and state first responders need military help or capabilities. "You can prepare for those, but you have to wait for them to happen, then wait to be asked to help," Southcott said. "So that means we have to always be watching."

A domestic events network, created after 9/11, enhances these efforts by tying together the myriad agency partners that would play a role in an air-related problem or incident. The network, operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, provides a 24/7 open phone line that links all of the air traffic control centers in the United States and other governmental agencies.

Southcott said he's been amazed at the close collaboration across the staff and mission partners, all recognizing their role in painting the most complete situational awareness picture possible.

"The integration of the domains is really what drives what we do. It's the linkage, the interaction," Southcott said. "When events happen, it amazes even me how much cross-talk is happening between action officers on the floor, each making sure the other knows what is going on."

Southcott called the collective capability they bring a combat multiplier that far exceeds the sum of their individual contributions.

"That's what makes this place so strong," he said. "It's all of us coming together, bringing their varied backgrounds and expertise to the effort. And when the stuff hits the fan, it's everyone pulling hard, rowing hard together and sharing the common goal of defending the homeland."

AN ARMY MEDIC'S ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN

Navy Petty Officer Jay Thrailkill serves as a pair of extra eyes in a convoy in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2013. He is the senior enlisted medic for the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Neff

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Face of Defense: Navy Corpsman Supports Joint Team
By Army Sgt. Jeff Neff
Provincial Reconstruction Team Kandahar

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan. 23, 2013 - During normal combat patrol missions, an Army medic accompanies an Army unit. But the provincial reconstruction team for Afghanistan's Kandahar province is not a normal unit.

Composed of soldiers, sailors and civilians from the State and Agriculture departments, the U.S. Agency for International Development and other entities, the team is a joint organization.

When Afghans in Kandahar see the team, it is likely that Navy corpsman Chief Petty Officer Jay Thrailkill is nearby.

"Corpsmen are like jumper cables," Thrailkill said. "We aren't needed until the battery goes, but no matter what, we're always ready."

A prior X-ray technician, Thrailkill is the provincial reconstruction team's senior enlisted corpsman and has completed more than half of all mounted combat missions since October. He must be familiar with Army infantry tactics and procedures to be effective.

"Chief makes my job easier by going above and beyond what is expected of him," said Navy Lt. j.g. Jessica Friddle, the team's senior medical officer. "His background in preventive medicine helps to ensure that the safety of our unit is always a priority."

Friddle, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., teaches combat lifesaver refresher classes to ensure that members are fully prepared if medical personnel are not immediately available in an emergency.

The team's Army medic, Spc. Jerome Jaquis, is serving as a member of the team's security force and covers the missions that Thrailkill isn't on. And with most of the team certified in combat lifesaving, ample assistance is available if it's needed.

Thrailkill said his best times in Afghanistan are when he is out on mission.

"My primary role is to be ready," he said. "Most of my work is done from the vehicle, unless the mission requires that we have a long walk."

Various duties keep Thrailkill busy as he medically prepares the vehicles for anything that could go wrong. He checks his equipment before each mission, and inventories each week.

This is not the first time Thrailkill has worked in the interservice realm, with seven deployments under his belt. He has served in Japan, Kuwait and Williamsburg, Va., as well as on the USS Kittyhawk, USS Kearsarge and USS Theodore Roosevelt. His service brings more than 22 years of medical experience working in the joint environment to the Kandahar team.

When he's not out on missions, Thrailkill volunteers at the post exchange. He also is completing the few remaining courses for his bachelor's degree in health care management.

ALLEGED 9-11 MASTERMIND AND FOUR OTHERS FACE PRETRIAL HEARINGS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE,
More Pretrial Hearings Kick Off for 9/11 Suspects
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md., Jan. 28, 2013 - Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, along with four co-defendants charged with planning and carrying out the attacks, acknowledged to the judge today that they understand and have no questions about their rights.

Army Col. James Pohl, the judge, opened four days of pretrial hearings at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, affirming that the defendants understand they have the right to attend the proceedings and may voluntarily skip most proceedings. In outlining the rights, Pohl also made clear that opting out of court could hurt the defense, while recognizing that the accused could be compelled to come to court when specific issues are discussed.

Pohl asked each defendant -- Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi -- to affirm that they understand these rights.

Bin Attash, the only defendant to offer more than a simple "Yes," told Pohl he and his fellow defendants have "no motivating factors to come to court." He complained that the prosecution does not want the defendants to hear or understand what is going on or to speak during the proceedings.

Bin Attash also expressed frustration that after a year and a half of association, the defendants have not established trust in the attorneys involved. "The attorneys are bound, but we are bound also," he told the court.

Much of today's discussions involved whether the prosecution and defense teams need to go into a closed session to discuss what issues they can address in open court. That includes one of the most controversial aspects of the hearing: information about the defendants' detention at so-called "black sites" operated by the CIA before they were transferred to the Guantanamo Bay facility.

Portions of the proceedings were blocked out by loud static to keep the statements out of the public record. This also prevented the audio from being heard by families of 9/11 victims at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and watching via closed-circuit television here and at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; Fort Hamilton, N.Y.; and Fort Devens, Mass.

Reporters covering the proceedings at Guantanamo Bay and from a media center at Fort Meade also heard the static.

This led Pohl to question during the hearing who has a right to turn on a light that generates the static sound and also institutes a 40-second delay in the audio feed. After closing today's opening session, he brought together the prosecution and defense teams to work through these issues.

All five defendants at today's hearing were captured in Pakistan in 2002 and 2003 and have been confined at Guantanamo Bay since 2006. They were charged during their arraignment in May 2012 with terrorism, conspiracy, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, murder in violation of the law of war, destruction of property in violation of the law of war, hijacking or hazarding a vessel or aircraft.

This round of commission hearings will continue through Jan. 31, with the next slated for Feb. 11 to 14.

Today's hearings began three days after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned the conviction of Ali Hamza Ahmad Suliman al Bahlul of Yemen. The court ruled that the charges of conspiracy, providing material support for terrorism and soliciting murder did not qualify as war crimes when Bahlul committed them.

A military commission found him guilty of conspiracy with Osama bin Laden and others to commit murder of protected persons, attacking civilians and other crimes in November 2008. He was also found guilty of solicitation to commit murder of protected persons, to attack civilian objects, and to commit acts of terrorism.

In addition, the commission found him guilty of providing material support for terrorism by supporting al-Qaida through meeting with the highest-ranking members of the organization and creating al-Qaida propaganda, including a widely distributed propaganda video, "The Destruction of the American Destroyer U.S.S. Cole." All offenses were in violation of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

He was sentenced to life in prison.

NASA VIDEO: TDRS-K READY FOR FLIGHT

FROM: NASA

　

TDRS-K ReadY for Flight

The first spacecraft in the next generation of space communications is ready to take its place in NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, or TDRS.

Press Briefing For January 28, 2013 | The White House

Press Briefing | The White House

U.S. AMBASSADOR DAVIES REMARKS ON U.S.-CHINA AND THE NORTH KOREAN PROBLEM

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Remarks to Reporters at Four Seasons Hotel
Remarks
Glyn Davies
Special Representative for North Korea Policy
Beijing, China
January 25, 2013

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Hello everybody, my name is Glyn Davies, it’s very good to see you. Thanks for coming out. I’m sorry that it is so late in the evening but I promise that I won’t take up too much of your time. What I wanted to do was simply report to you a bit on our activities today. You know that we arrived this morning from Seoul, South Korea. I’m here with Sydney Seiler from the National Security Staff at the White House, Ambassador Clifford Hart, who is the Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, as well as colleagues from the State Department. We’ve had a series of meetings with Chinese officials today. We began at the Central Committee International Department, met with Vice Minister Liu Jieyi, then went on to the Foreign Ministry where we met with Vice Minister Fu Ying, and then I had a meeting and a dinner with my counterpart, Ambassador Wu Dawei.

Now, we come here in the wake of some dramatic steps that have been reported on and I know many of you have read the reaction of the White House to the announcements made by North Korea. The White House Spokesman, of course, described the North Korean statements as needlessly provocative, a significant violation of UN Security Council resolutions and warned that this would only increase the isolation of North Korea and divert resources from the North Korean people were they to go ahead with a nuclear test. With Chinese counterparts today, we had very wide-ranging discussions, talked about all aspects of the North Korean challenge, the North Korea issue. We achieved, I think, with our Chinese colleagues a very strong degree of consensus on the issue. We agreed that Resolution 2087 is an appropriate response, and an important and strong response, to the North Koreans’ launch, on December 12, of a multi-stage rocket. We reached a strong degree of consensus that a nuclear test would be deeply troubling and would set back efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. And, of course, you all know that denuclearization is a necessary precondition to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

So, in addition to that, of course, from the North Koreans came further troubling statements of their intent to renounce their commitment to denuclearization, to walk away from the Six-Party Talks, and from their commitments that were made and contained in the September 2005 Joint Statement. So we are very pleased with the discussions we’ve had today here in Beijing. Tomorrow morning, very early, too early for any of you to worry about getting up, I think, we will get on a plane and go off to Tokyo for consultations with counterparts and colleagues of the Japanese government. So with that, let me take whatever questions you might have. Over to you.

QUESTION: Hi, from Reuters. Is North Korea’s threat to start war with South Korea if there are further economic sanctions, is that a credible threat?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, I don’t know that it’s for me to comment on the credibility or incredibility of North Korean statements. The fundamental point about North Korea is that we will judge North Korea by its actions, not its words. These types of inflammatory statements by North Korea do nothing to contribute to peace and stability on the peninsula. Now is a moment I think, when all parties in the Six-Party process, and in particular, North Korea should turn their attention to how to peacefully and diplomatically address challenges that concern them so we find this rhetoric troubling and counterproductive.

QUESTION: Ambassador, CNN here. So, China and North Korea are very close allies, so did the Chinese during your meetings give you any clarification or confirmation about how credible the North Korean threats have been, and did you ask for any of their clarification or confirmation and secondly, having joined in to approve that new, latest resolution at the UN, did the Chinese tell you they would follow up with more concrete steps now that North Koreans have unilaterally had these provocative statements.

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: No, I understand those questions, but what I don’t want to do is get into too specifically characterizing the Chinese position. What I said earlier about the degree of consensus we achieved today is about as far as I want to go today. I would direct you to the Chinese authorities for questions about their views about the credibility of threats, or what China’s next steps are. We talked about the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution, and the Chinese told us, assured us, that they would, of course, follow through and implement that Resolution, and we take them at their word.

QUESTION: What other measures will the U.S. take besides sanctions to solve the issue?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, I think the Security Council result is a powerful statement in and of itself and, of course, the first steps we take will be to implement the provisions of the Security Council resolution and you will have already seen today some announcements made out of government departments in Washington to conform to our law, our procedure, to those resolutions. So, that’s what we’re focusing on in the immediate future, we’ll see what events come about in the near-term. And I think it’s very important for all members of the international community to work hard to implement the provisions of not just Resolution 2087, but all of the prior resolutions that pertain to North Korea.

QUESTION: Is your position with the Chinese government this week has been to try to restart the Six-Party Talks despite its failure, I was wondering if in your talks with your Chinese counterparts have you considered any other option?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: Well, we talked about possible diplomatic ways forward, but I think that the immediate challenge we face is dealing with the very provocative language from North Korea and what North Korea has done through its actions, in particular through the launch on December 12 of the rocket in contravention of Security Council resolutions, is they have made it that much more difficult to contemplate getting back to a diplomatic process.

Our policy, articulated by officials from President Obama on down — he gave a speech in Burma just at the end of last year that made this clear — is of course, to be prepared to respond to concrete steps taken by North Korea in order to engage in the diplomatic process going forward. If they reach out their hand, we’re quite prepared to reciprocate. So that’s where we are right now. This is a difficult moment that North Korea has put all of us in. It will require a lot of hard work, not just on the part of the partners in the Six-Party process, but all members of the international community, to make clear to North Korea that it faces a choice, and the choice is between further isolation, and indeed impoverishment of its people, or fulfilling its commitments, living up to the expectations that it set when it signed up to the September 2005 Joint Statement, and that’s really the state of play.

So we’re concentrating our efforts right on dealing with those issues. And we’ll see whether there will be room for diplomacy in the future. That’s up to North Korea. They’re the ones who have the choice and can take the steps to make that happen.

QUESTION: Brian Spegele from the Wall Street Journal. You mentioned a moment ago you need to differentiate North Korea’s actions from its words, take the two separately. In this case, can you explain a little more what you mean by that is specifically related to what’s been going on over the last few days and weeks, do we have any reason in this case to, and why we need to do that specifically here?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: What I don’t want to do, because I don’t think it would be helpful at this stage, is get into any kind of proscriptive laying out of steps that North Korea needs to take. We’ve been engaged in discussions with North Korea bilaterally, multilaterally, over a period of many years. There are a number of documents that one can look at that encapsulate the undertakings that North Korea have made, so I think it’s well understood what North Korea must do if it is to come back into compliance with Security Council resolutions and come back to fulfilling the commitments that it itself has made. So at this juncture, I’m not going to get into, I’m certainly not going to try to negotiate with North Korea through the press.

Are there any other questions?

QUESTION: Is there a sense that China is becoming exasperated with North Korea?

AMBASSADOR DAVIES: That’s a question that you really ought to put to the Chinese. What I’d like to put the focus on right now is the fact that with the Chinese, over a period of time in New York, we were able to achieve a resolution that I think helps clarify for North Korea the choice they face and it’s an expression of the views of the international community, that can help all members of the international system understand better how they can play a role in conveying to North Korea the importance of North Korea living up to its expectations and meeting its commitments.

It’s very late. I don’t want to keep you here tonight. I want to thank you very much. At some point I’ll be back in Beijing and I hope I have a chance to talk with you again and answer your questions.

Thanks very much, talk to you again, bye-bye.

　

US Navy Videos: WWII VETERAN RECOUNTS SERVICE ON THE ENTERPRISE

US Navy Videos

President Obama Welcomes the 2012 NBA Champion Miami Heat | The White House

President Obama Welcomes the 2012 NBA Champion Miami Heat | The White House

The President and Vice President Discuss Reducing Gun Violence with Law Enforcement Officials | The White House

The President and Vice President Discuss Reducing Gun Violence with Law Enforcement Officials | The White House

MOTOR TRANSPORT OPERATOR IN AFGHANISTAN

Marine Corps Cpl. Stephen Karavolos is serving in Afghanistan as a convoy commander, motor transport chief and operations chief, all billets typically held by officers or staff noncommissioned officers. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Face of Defense: Marine Shoulders Heavy Responsibilities
By Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Ward
Regional Command Southwest

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Jan. 22, 2013 - Vehicle convoys are one of the easiest ways to supply Marines in combat with essential gear and equipment. These logistics trains can carry more supplies than a helicopter and can reach areas that may not be feasible to reach by air.

The responsibility of orchestrating these multiple vehicle trips usually doesn't fall upon the shoulders of a junior noncommissioned officer, but Marine Corps Cpl. Stephen Karavolos is an exception, serving as an asset to the Regimental Combat Team 7's liaison team with the Georgian military in Regional Command Southwest.

Karavolos, a motor transport operator by trade, enlisted into the Marine Corps in September 2009 after an unfortunate injury opened the door for him.

"I wrestled for Longwood High School in New York," said Karavolos, 22. "I injured my neck, so I wasn't able to go to college. I had a scholarship to go to Penn State. I decided to take my next step and join the Marine Corps. I wanted to serve my country honorably."

Karavolos served in Afghanistan for his first time with Combat Logistics Battalion 8. "On my first deployment, I was an MK-19 gunner and a vehicle commander," he said. "That's pretty much all I did."

He was in Afghanistan from January to August last year. He volunteered to return, and was sent back as a part of the Georgian liaison team in September.

A seasoned veteran, Karavolos said, he has a much higher workload than his previous deployment and is expected to conduct work above his pay grade.

"This time around, I'm the convoy commander," he explained. "I'm the motor transport chief, as well as the operations chief."

A convoy commander billet usually is held by a junior officer. The motor transport chief and operations chief billets usually are held by staff noncommissioned officers, usually staff sergeants or gunnery sergeants. Karavolos holds all these billets and the responsibility that comes with them.

"As a convoy commander, you're responsible for the entire convoy -- every person, every action the Marines do -- and getting the mission done," he said. "As a motor [transport] chief, all the operators and personnel have to be accounted for. As the operations chief, I have to be accountable for all the convoys, patrols and operations that are going on."

Karavolos keeps track of nearly 47 Marines and 150 pieces of gear, and he provides logistical support for the Georgian battalions and the bases they have nearby.

His efforts and dedication to mission accomplishment has impressed his leadership.

"For him to step up as a junior NCO says a lot," said Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Robert E. Dzvonick, supply officer for the Georgian liaison team. "He oversees everything, and he is in charge of the logistics train that keeps things going."

As his deployment draws closer to an end, Karavolos said, he will continue to serve honorably and provide his unit with the support they need.

ANTARTICA AIRCRAFT CRASH : NO SURVIVORS FOUND

FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Loss of Three Canadian Aircrew Members in Antarctica Is Confirmed
January 28, 2013

On behalf of the U.S. National Science Foundation and all in the U. S. Antarctic Program, I wish to extend our profound sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three Kenn Borek Twin Otter crew, whose deaths in Antarctica while en route to support the Italian national Antarctic science program have recently been confirmed.

We have been privileged to experience first-hand their professionalism, skill, and dedication to the arduous task of supporting science in an extremely remote and inhospitable environment. In many ways, their contributions make possible hard won but vital advances in scientific knowledge that serve all of mankind. Although everyone associated with the pursuit of science in Antarctica makes personal sacrifices to do so, very infrequently and sadly, some make the ultimate sacrifice.

While it may come as little consolation at this very sorrowful time, the families, friends, and colleagues of the crew members should know that the thoughts of everyone in the U.S. Antarctic Program were with them through the long ordeal of the past few days and remain so now.

To the families and friends of the crew, I commend your loved ones for their commitment and dedication to their profession and offer our condolences. The sense of loss is keenly felt throughout the U.S. program and no doubt throughout the international Antarctic community.

USDA MOVES AGAINST RETAILER CHEATS OF SNAP PROGRAM

Photo Credit:  NIH

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

USDA Announces Latest Actions to Enhance Integrity in America’s Most Critical Nutrition Assistance Program
Measures Help Fight Retailer Misuse, Preserve Taxpayer Investment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2013 – USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced results of USDA’s efforts to identify and eliminate fraudulent retailers from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in fiscal year 2012. Last year, USDA compliance analysts and investigators took action to:

• Review over 15,000 stores;

• Conduct investigations on more than 5,000 stores nationwide;

• Impose sanctions, through fines or temporary disqualifications, on 692 stores found violating program rules; and

• Permanently disqualify 1,387 stores for trafficking in SNAP benefits (i.e. exchanging SNAP benefits for cash) or falsifying an application.


"Our message today is clear and firm: abuse of SNAP benefits—and the American taxpayer’s trust—will not be tolerated and carries severe consequences," said Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon. "In the coming year, we will take further steps to strengthen SNAP integrity and continue to hold accountable those few bad actors that try to take advantage of the program. We are committed to ensuring these dollars are spent as intended - helping millions of American families put healthy food on the table."

In addition, as part of its ongoing effort to combat fraud among SNAP-authorized retailers, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service published a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting cost-effective, automated solutions from all current and potential partners to help identify fraudulent activity and exclude retailers who violate the rules from participating in SNAP. The USDA is looking for innovative solutions which will identify connections between stores applying to accept SNAP benefits and store owners who have been previously disqualified from accepting SNAP benefits. The RFI also seeks to identify store owners applying or already authorized to accept SNAP benefits who have business integrity violations such as a criminal conviction, a history of fraud, violations of certain laws, or a history of non-compliance with other government programs.

"Enforcing SNAP business integrity is critically important," added Concannon. "The RFI continues our efforts to look at how improvements in commercial technology may be used to obtain accurate information on ownership so that fraudulent retailers can be excluded or removed from SNAP."

USDA continues to work with local, state and federal partners to root out fraud, waste and abuse in SNAP and ensure the integrity of our nation's most important food assistance program. Recent actions include:

• Published a proposed rule that allows USDA to not only permanently disqualify a retailer who traffics, but also assess a monetary penalty in addition to the disqualification.

• Published a final rule to establish standards and expectations regarding State matching requirements to prevent ineligible people from participating in the program. The final rule sets expectations for States to conduct matches against persons in prison, those who are currently disqualified from participating due to past program violations, and deceased persons.

• Updated the Agency’s Anti-fraud Locator using EBT Retailer Transactions (ALERT) system. The re-designed ALERT system, which monitors electronic transaction activity and identifies suspicious stores for analysis and investigation, allows USDA to quickly implement fraud detection scans as new schemes are identified, better target high risk areas, and incorporate better data mining driven models.

• Helped State Agencies conduct automated searches to monitor social media websites for attempts by individuals to buy or sell SNAP benefits online. Notified state social service agencies and federal agency partners about violators to better protect our public programs. This includes information on program recipients with suspicious transactions at stores that have been sanctioned for trafficking so that the recipients can be further investigated by States.

SNAP—the nation's first line of defense against hunger—helps put food on the table for millions of low income families and individuals every month. SNAP is a vital supplement to the monthly food budget for low-income individuals. Nearly half of SNAP participants are children and more than 40 percent of recipients live in households with earnings.

CRASHED IN ANTARTICA: MISSING AIRCRAFT FOUND

FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
January 26, 2013

The wreckage of a Twin Otter aircraft that was reported missing earlier this week in Antarctica has been found in a remote and mountainous area of the continent.

An initial assessment by Kenn Borek Air Ltd. of Calgary, Canada, the owner of the plane, deemed the crash "not survivable."

Weather has prevented search-and-rescue personnel from landing at the site.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), as manager of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), has been cooperating with the Rescue Coordination Centre in Wellington, New Zealand, since the search-and-rescue effort to locate the missing aircraft--a de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter--began earlier this week.

Communication with the Twin Otter was lost on Wednesday night, New Zealand time, and search-and-rescue operations have been hampered by bad weather and poor visibility since that time.

The plane was flying in support of the Italian Antarctic Program under the logistical responsibility of the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA). The aircraft was enroute from NSF's Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to the Italian research station at Terra Nova Bay when contact was lost.

The three crew members were the only people aboard the plane at the time.

On the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 26, local time, a ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft--operated by the New York Air National Guard for the USAP and flying from NSF's McMurdo Station--overflew the last known position from the aircraft emergency beacon and spotted the aircraft tail at an elevation of about 3,900 meters (13,000 feet) on Mt. Elizabeth, a 4,480-meter (14,500-foot) summit in the Queen Alexandra Range of the Transantarctic Mountains.

Subsequently, a Twin Otter carrying U.S. and New Zealand search-and-rescue personnel conducted an aerial survey of the site and determined that a landing by fixed-wing aircraft was not possible.

Later, two helicopters--one under New Zealand charter and the other flown for the USAP by PHI, Inc. of Lafayette, Louisiana--arrived at a small camp established roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the crash location to support the operation.

The rescue teams will attempt to reach the site, if conditions permit, before returning to McMurdo Station.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 28, 2013

U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers run to a compound to take cover while receiving enemy fire during Operation New Hope in Kajaki, Afghanistan, Jan. 16, 2013. The Marines are assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7. During the three-day operation, Afghan forces cleared weapons caches, improvised explosive devices and enemy fighting positions from the area. Marine advisors accompanied the Afghan forces, providing call for fires and tactical input when needed. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark Garc　

 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghan, Coalition Troops Arrest Taliban IED Expert
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.

The leader built and distributed IEDs and acquired bomb components for insurgents. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent in the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In Kandahar province's Kandahar district, Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who planned and executed IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and assisted in the transfer and delivery of IEDs, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized nearly $3,000 in the operation.

-- A combined force in Helmand province's Nad-e Ali district arrested a Taliban leader who equipped insurgents with weapons and supplies for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He directed the distribution of heavy machine guns and rockets to his insurgent fighters. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent.

-- In Logar province's Pul-e Alam district, a combined force arrested a Haqqani network financier who funded Haqqani insurgents operating in the district and coordinated the purchase and transfer of weapons with insurgent leaders.

In operations yesterday:

-- An Afghan-led security force in Khost province's Khost district, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban facilitator who acquired and transferred weapons and ammunition to Taliban and Haqqani network cells operating in Logar province and sold and delivered machine guns, rockets and IEDs to insurgents throughout the Kabul, Pul-e Alam and Baraki Barak districts.

-- In Nangarhar province's Khugyani district, a combined force detained two insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader who executes attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.

In Jan. 26 operations:

-- A combined force in Helmand province's Lashkar Gah district arrested a Taliban leader who facilitated the movement of weapons, ammunition, fighters and equipment into Washer district for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also directed the emplacement of IEDs and targeted Afghan army officers for assassination. The security force also detained three suspected insurgents.

-- In Pakyia province's Zurmat district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who planted IEDs and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also oversaw the movement of suicide bombers in the district.

In other news, Afghan and coalition forces searching a vehicle during a partnered drug-interdiction mission Jan. 25 in Helmand province's Garm Ser district seized and destroyed more than 1,600 pounds of dry opium.

FLORIDA FINANCIAL ADVISER CHARGED BY SEC WITH TIPPING INSIDE INFORMATION

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., Jan. 25, 2013 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a financial adviser in Boca Raton, Fla., with illegally tipping inside information he learned about the upcoming sale of a pharmaceutical company in exchange for $35,000 and a jet ski dock.

The SEC alleges that Kevin L. Dowd got details about the impeding acquisition of Princeton, N.J.-based Pharmasset Inc. by California-based Gilead Sciences from one of his supervisors at the brokerage firm where he worked. The supervisor learned about the deal from a customer who sat on Pharmasset’s board of directors. Dowd, who knew the customer, breached his duty to keep the information confidential by tipping a friend in the penny stock promotion business who bought Pharmasset stock on the last trading day before the public announcement of the deal. The trader also tipped another individual who bought Pharmasset call options, and collectively they made $708,327 in illicit insider trading profits in just two trading days. The SEC’s investigation is continuing.

The SEC alleges that Dowd profited from the scheme in a roundabout way, receiving the jet ski dock from his tippee and a cashier’s check for $35,000, which he used for expensive upgrades to a pool at his home.

"As an industry professional, Dowd surely knew what he was doing was wrong, but he incorrectly thought that his scheme was clever enough to avoid detection by investigators," said Daniel M. Hawke, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Market Abuse Unit. "Professionals in the securities industry or any sector should know that you’ll be held accountable for violating insider trading laws, even if you don’t trade the securities yourself."

In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey today announced criminal charges against Dowd.

According to the SEC’s complaint filed in federal court in New Jersey, the Pharmasset director told Dowd’s supervisor in confidence as his financial adviser that Pharmasset was going to be sold and the price would be in the high $130s per share. Dowd’s supervisor provided Dowd with the information along with an instruction that he was restricted from trading or recommending Pharmasset securities. Despite the warning, Dowd tipped his penny stock promoter friend, who wired $196,000 into a brokerage account with a zero balance and bought 2,700 shares of Pharmasset stock on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Dowd’s friend tipped another individual who bought 100 out-of-the-money call options, which are securities that derive their value from the underlying common stock of the issuer and give the purchaser the right to buy the underlying stock at a specific price within a specified time period. Investors typically purchase call options when they believe the value of the underlying securities is going up.

According to the SEC’s complaint, Gilead and Pharmasset announced the acquisition on Monday, November 21. Dowd’s tippees immediately sold all of their Pharmasset securities to obtain their illegal profits.

The SEC alleges that Dowd violated Sections 10(b) and (14)(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rules 10b-5 and 14e-3 thereunder. The SEC is seeking disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, a financial penalty, and a permanent injunction against Dowd.

The SEC’s investigation is being conducted by Market Abuse Unit staff Mary P. Hansen, Paul T. Chryssikos, and John S. Rymas in the Philadelphia Regional Office. The litigation will be handled by G. Jeffrey Boujoukos and Christopher R. Kelly. The SEC has coordinated its action with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and appreciates the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Options Regulatory Surveillance Authority.

FEMA AWARDES CLOSE TO $3.3 MILLION TO LOUISIANA DPS FOR HURRICANE ISAAC EMERGENCY MEASURES

FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FEMA Obligates Nearly $3.3 Million to Louisiana Department of Public Safety for Hurricane Isaac Emergency Measures
January 24, 2013

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Public Safety will receive a nearly $3.3 million federal grant to reimburse the costs it incurred to provide measures to save lives and property before, during and after Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Thursday.

"When disasters strike, the men and women of the Department of Public Safety are on the front lines to help protect Louisiana and its residents," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. "This grant helps reimburse the department for its efforts to protect the health, safety and property of Louisianians during Hurricane Isaac."

Between Aug. 26 and Sept. 10, Hurricane Isaac produced high winds, rain and flooding throughout the state. The department and its divisions provided emergency protective measures necessary to eliminate and reduce immediate threats to life, public health and safety, and public and private property. The FEMA Public Assistance grant, totaling $3,277,030, helps reimburse the department for the costs of equipment, personnel and supplies used during the Hurricane Isaac response and recovery effort.

The newly obligated funds are a portion of the $189 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT EXTRADITED TO U.S. FOR ALLEGED SCHEME TO DEFRAUD EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Friday, January 25, 2013
Financial Consultant Extradited to the United States for Alleged Scheme to Defraud the U.S. Export-import Bank

Manuel Ernesto Ortiz-Barraza, an independent financial consultant, was extradited to the United States today for his alleged role in a scheme to defraud the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) of over $2.5 million, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Robert Pitman and Osvaldo L. Gratacos, Inspector General of the Ex-Im Bank.

Ortiz-Barraza, 56, was charged in an indictment unsealed on Oct. 19, 2011, in the Western District of Texas with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud for his alleged role in a scheme with several others to defraud the Ex-Im Bank. Based on a provisional arrest warrant, Mexican authorities arrested Ortiz-Barraza in Mexico on Feb. 13, 2012, and he has been awaiting extradition to the United States, a process which was recently finalized by the Mexican courts.

According to the U.S. indictment and court documents, Ortiz-Barraza and his co-conspirators allegedly conspired to obtain Ex-Im Bank guaranteed loans through banks by creating false loan applications, false financial statements and other documents purportedly for the purchase and export of U.S. goods into Mexico. Ortiz-Barraza and his co-conspirators allegedly falsified shipping records to support their claims of doing legitimate business and did not ship the goods that were guaranteed by the Ex-Im Bank. After the loan proceeds were received, Ortiz-Barraza and his co-conspirators allegedly split the loan proceeds among themselves. As a result of the alleged fraud, the conspirators’ loans defaulted, causing the Ex-Im Bank to pay claims to lending banks on a loss of over $2.5 million.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing. The Ex-Im Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Patrick Donley and Trial Attorney William Bowne of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer of the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division. The case was investigated by the Ex-Im Bank Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso, under the leadership of Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis Ulrich; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Rick A. Raven; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Inspector in Charge Daniel S. Cortez. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs in Washington, D.C. The Department of Justice is particularly grateful to the government of Mexico for their assistance in this matter.

DEALING WITH THE ACTIVE SHOOTER SCENARIO

A team of 50th Security Forces Squadron Airmen clears a room in the shoot house during an active-shooter response live training scenario Aug. 20, 2012, as part of its annual training program. The 50th Space Wing Antiterrorism office, 50th Security Forces Squadron and the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Flight recently issued guidance on how to survive an active-shooter incident. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes)

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Schriever issues active-shooter guidance
by Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/24/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- Every emergency scenario requires having a plan, including an active-shooter scenario. The 50th Space Wing Antiterrorism office, 50th Security Forces Squadron and the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Flight recently issued guidance on how to survive an active-shooter incident.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and/or populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are typically unpredictable and can evolve quickly.

"The active shooter phenomenon represents a significant change in criminal methodology, and has in turn required a significant change in tactics for both responders and potential victims," said Lt. Col. Jasin Cooley, 50 SFS commander. "In decades past, bystanders were only a tool for acquiring another target, now they are the target. With this in mind, escape and compartmentalization need to be the primary motivation of bystanders. Everyone should have a plan for escape, and assist others if forced to escape."

How individuals respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter, bearing in mind there could be more than one shooter involved in the same situation.

"As active-shooter scenarios become more and more prevalent, people need to realize that it can happen to them at any time," said Lou Fischer, 50th Space Wing antiterrorism officer. "Now is the time to think about it, not when the crisis is happening. "

Increased attention should be placed on personnel who have been involuntarily discharged or fired from their job, awaiting disciplinary action, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and making unsolicited comments about violence, firearms or death. People should also observe individuals who have been served with a restraining order, are known to be mentally or emotionally unstable, made comments about being disenchanted with the military and displayed anti-war or anti-military sentiments.

"Personnel need to maintain a reasonable level of awareness at all times and to have a plan in place if presented with this situation," Fischer said. "It's all about going home to your family at the end of the day."

The following are tips on how to survive an active-shooter scenario:

If caught outside in the open:
- Seek cover and concealment. Use whatever is available, such as walls, trees or buildings, to obscure yourself from the shooter. Hide behind something capable of stopping a bullet such as masonry or brick wall.
- Run if safe. Do not run in a straight line.
- Play dead if unable to run or hide, then wait for help.
- Summon help when safe.
- Fight as a last option; use any object to disable the shooter.
- Upon arrival of security forces, leave hands in plain view. Do not make sudden movements. Wait for all clear signal from recognized authority.

If shooter is outside the building:
- Lock doors and windows; close curtains and shades.
- Lay down on floor or crouch below the window line out of the line of fire.
- If safe, move to a central secure area.
- Stay in place until all clear signal issued by recognized authority.
- Follow all directions of police and security personnel.

If shooter is inside the building:
- If safe to exit, flee the area; if not safe, stay in place (do not roam hallways).
- Do not pull the fire alarm.
- Lock and barricade door; stay low; remain silent; use furniture for cover; if possible hide behind something capable of stopping a bullet.
- Stay in place until all clear signal issued by recognized authority.
- Follow all directions of police and security personnel.

If shooter enters room or office:
- Immediately drop to the floor; seek cover and concealment; play dead.
- As a last resort, fight the shooter. Rush with available people, throw things or use improvised weapons to take shooter to the ground.
- Stay in place until all clear signal issued by recognized authority.
- Follow all directions of police and security personnel.

After the scenario
- Follow the direction of emergency responders.
- Do not speak to the media. Information will be released to the community and media as quickly as possible by official sources. Refer inquiries to the 50 SW Public Affairs office at 567-5040. Straight Talk Line, 567-8255, is also available for accurate information about the status of any disturbance or crisis situation and the actions taken or being taken
- The entire area will be treated as a crime scene.
- Once evacuated, people will not be permitted to retrieve items or access the crime scene.
- After evacuation, people will be taken to a holding area for medical care, interviewing, counseling, etc.

For all situations, dial 911 from a landline or 567-3911 from a personal phone and give information, such as location, incident details such as number of shooters, physical description, type of weapons and number of potential victims.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES OBLIGATIONS OF SCHOOLS TO OFFER EXTRACURRICULAR ATHLETICS TO DISABLIED STUDENTS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics

Today, the Department's Office for Civil Rights issued guidance clarifying school districts' existing legal obligations to provide equal access to extracurricular athletic activities to students with disabilities. In addition to explaining those legal obligations, the guidance urges school districts to work with community organizations to increase athletic opportunities for students with disabilities, such as opportunities outside of the existing extracurricular athletic program.

Students with disabilities have the right, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, to an equal opportunity to participate in their schools' extracurricular activities. A 2010 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that many students with disabilities are not afforded an equal opportunity to participate in athletics, and therefore may not have equitable access to the health and social benefits of athletic participation.

"Sports can provide invaluable lessons in discipline, selflessness, passion and courage, and this guidance will help schools ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to benefit from the life lessons they can learn on the playing field or on the court," said Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

The guidance letter provides examples of the types of reasonable modifications that schools may be required to make to existing policies, practices, or procedures for students with intellectual, developmental, physical, or any other type of disability. Examples of such modifications include:
The allowance of a visual cue alongside a starter pistol to allow a student with a hearing impairment who is fast enough to qualify for the track team the opportunity to compete.
The waiver of a rule requiring the "two-hand touch" finish in swim events so that a one-armed swimmer with the requisite ability can participate at swim meets.
The guidance also notes that the law does not require that a student with a disability be allowed to participate in any selective or competitive program offered by a school district, so long as the selection or competition criteria are not discriminatory.

"Participation in extracurricular athletics can be a critical part of a student's overall educational experience, said Seth Galanter, acting assistant secretary for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). "Schools must ensure equal access to that rewarding experience for students with disabilities."

The mission of the Office for Civil Rights ("OCR") is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through the vigorous enforcement of civil rights. Among the federal civil rights laws OCR is responsible for enforcing are Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

FEMA SAYS NEW JERSEY HURRICANE SANDY ASSISTANCE HAS REACHED $800 MILLION

Belmar, N.J., Jan. 21, 2013 -- As recovery measures continue, residents in this coastal community construct a memorial in honor of those who lost their lives and property due to Hurricane Sandy. At the direction of President Barack Obama, FEMA continues to lead the federal government's effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, and tribal communities in affected areas. Adam DuBrowa-FEMA

　
FROM: U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Hurricane Sandy Assistance Reaches Nearly $800 Million In New Jersey
January 26, 2013

TRENTON, N.J. -- While New Jersey survivors of Hurricane Sandy have until March 1 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance, more than $780 million in disaster assistance has been approved to speed recovery.

FEMA has approved more than $300 million in housing assistance for more than 52,000 people. Housing assistance includes temporary rental assistance and grants to repair and replace storm-damaged primary residences. More than $42 million has been approved to help survivors replace hurricane-damaged personal property and to help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.

In rare cases, FEMA is providing temporary housing to Sandy survivors. Empty apartments at Fort Monmouth are being renovated to house some survivors. More than 40 apartments are occupied and when work is complete, there will be 115 units ranging from one bedroom to four bedrooms. FEMA is also installing a limited number of manufactured homes at commercial mobile home parks.

Homeowners and renters are also being helped with low-interest disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $277 million in loans to individuals. Another $31.7 million has been approved for New Jersey businesses.

More than $129 million has been channeled to state and local governments to help remove hurricane debris and restore disaster-damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Among the largest grants was $11.2 million to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for emergency repairs to a wastewater treatment plant that serves 48 communities and treats 330 million gallons of sewage daily.

FEMA and federal partners such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have helped local communities replace critical public facilities damaged by the hurricane. The Sea Bright Fire Department, for example, was knocked out of commission by storm damage. The Corps set up a temporary fire station with a four-bay fire truck tent and a 56-foot trailer in a beach access parking lot.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.