Tuesday, July 2, 2013
THREE ARRESTED FOR ROLES IN ALLEGED FRAUDULENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SCHEME
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Monday, July 1, 2013
Three Florida Residents Arrested on Charges of Fraud
Indictment Alleges That Defendants Operated Fraudulent Companies for Years Despite December 2000 Court Order
Three individuals charged in connection with operating a series of fraudulent business opportunity companies were arrested Friday following their indictment by a federal grand jury in Miami on June 25, 2013, the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today. Mitchell Berman (aka Brian Griffin), of Boca Raton, Fla., Robert Gallo (aka Bobby Pace, Vincent Pastone, Joe Barone, Bobby Marino, Anthony Russo), of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Steven Axelrod (aka Michael Hutton), of Wellington, Fla., were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. Mitchell Berman was also charged with criminal contempt of court.
The indictment alleges that the defendants operated a series of fraudulent companies that sold coffee display racks business opportunities. Buyers were told they would receive display racks and packets of coffee, as well as assistance in establishing and maintaining a business selling the coffee.
Beginning in August 2000 and continuing through October 2011, the indictment charges that Berman, Gallo, and Axelrod operated a series of five coffee display rack business opportunity companies: Selective Services Business, Best Gourmet Coffee, Cambridge Coffee, Royal Gourmet Coffee and South Beach Coffee. The business opportunities the defendants sold cost a minimum of approximately $10,000. Each company operated for six months to a year, and after one company closed, the next opened.
The indictment alleges that Berman and Gallo ran the companies, while working as salesman together with Axelrod. All three defendants allegedly made numerous false statements to potential purchasers of the business opportunities to induce them to buy. Among the misrepresentations alleged in the indictment are that purchasers would likely earn substantial profits, that prior purchasers of the business opportunities were earning substantial profits, that purchasers would be given lucrative "commercial accounts," and that the company would provide assistance in establishing and maintaining the business. According to the indictment, purchasers made little to no money on their investments, were unable to find profitable locations or accounts, and were not provided the support promised by defendants. In making misrepresentations to potential purchasers, Berman was violating a December 2000 federal court order barring him from misrepresenting profits, locations, and other aspects of business opportunities.
According to the indictment, once purchasers began filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau or state authorities, the defendants shut down each of their companies in turn, and opened the next one. In order to evade detection, all the defendants allegedly used aliases and gave out false addresses for the company. The indictment alleges that Berman and Gallo also avoided listing their own names on corporate and promotional documents, and instead paid people who did not work at the companies to be titular presidents.
"The Department of Justice is committed to protecting consumers from business opportunity fraud schemes," said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "As this indictment demonstrates, we will continue to prosecute individuals who seek to swindle innocent Americans out of their hard-earned money."
All three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In addition, Berman was charged with 8 counts of mail fraud and 9 counts of criminal contempt; Gallo was charged with 8 counts of mail fraud; and Axelrod was charged with 4 counts of mail fraud. If convicted, Berman, Gallo, and Axelrod face a maximum statutory term of 20 years in prison, a possible fine, and mandatory restitution on each conspiracy and mail fraud count. Berman faces a maximum statutory term of up to life in prison, a possible fine, and mandatory restitution on each of the criminal contempt counts.
"Business opportunity schemers use deceit to target and victimize hard-working Americans who are seeking opportunities to better provide for themselves and their families," said Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. "We will continue to vigorously pursue these individuals who seek to steal the American Dream from their victims."
"Cases like this one illustrate the Postal Inspection Service’s dedication to investigating business opportunity fraud that insidiously targets innocent victims," said Ronald Verocchio, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge in Miami.
The charges in the indictment form part of the government’s continued nationwide crackdown on business opportunity fraud.
This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants.
Acting Assistant Attorney Stuart Delery commended the investigative efforts of the Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Director Richard Goldberg and Trial Attorney Cindy Cho of the Consumer Protection Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Three Florida Residents Arrested on Charges of Fraud
Indictment Alleges That Defendants Operated Fraudulent Companies for Years Despite December 2000 Court Order
Three individuals charged in connection with operating a series of fraudulent business opportunity companies were arrested Friday following their indictment by a federal grand jury in Miami on June 25, 2013, the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today. Mitchell Berman (aka Brian Griffin), of Boca Raton, Fla., Robert Gallo (aka Bobby Pace, Vincent Pastone, Joe Barone, Bobby Marino, Anthony Russo), of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Steven Axelrod (aka Michael Hutton), of Wellington, Fla., were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. Mitchell Berman was also charged with criminal contempt of court.
The indictment alleges that the defendants operated a series of fraudulent companies that sold coffee display racks business opportunities. Buyers were told they would receive display racks and packets of coffee, as well as assistance in establishing and maintaining a business selling the coffee.
Beginning in August 2000 and continuing through October 2011, the indictment charges that Berman, Gallo, and Axelrod operated a series of five coffee display rack business opportunity companies: Selective Services Business, Best Gourmet Coffee, Cambridge Coffee, Royal Gourmet Coffee and South Beach Coffee. The business opportunities the defendants sold cost a minimum of approximately $10,000. Each company operated for six months to a year, and after one company closed, the next opened.
The indictment alleges that Berman and Gallo ran the companies, while working as salesman together with Axelrod. All three defendants allegedly made numerous false statements to potential purchasers of the business opportunities to induce them to buy. Among the misrepresentations alleged in the indictment are that purchasers would likely earn substantial profits, that prior purchasers of the business opportunities were earning substantial profits, that purchasers would be given lucrative "commercial accounts," and that the company would provide assistance in establishing and maintaining the business. According to the indictment, purchasers made little to no money on their investments, were unable to find profitable locations or accounts, and were not provided the support promised by defendants. In making misrepresentations to potential purchasers, Berman was violating a December 2000 federal court order barring him from misrepresenting profits, locations, and other aspects of business opportunities.
According to the indictment, once purchasers began filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau or state authorities, the defendants shut down each of their companies in turn, and opened the next one. In order to evade detection, all the defendants allegedly used aliases and gave out false addresses for the company. The indictment alleges that Berman and Gallo also avoided listing their own names on corporate and promotional documents, and instead paid people who did not work at the companies to be titular presidents.
"The Department of Justice is committed to protecting consumers from business opportunity fraud schemes," said Stuart F. Delery, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "As this indictment demonstrates, we will continue to prosecute individuals who seek to swindle innocent Americans out of their hard-earned money."
All three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In addition, Berman was charged with 8 counts of mail fraud and 9 counts of criminal contempt; Gallo was charged with 8 counts of mail fraud; and Axelrod was charged with 4 counts of mail fraud. If convicted, Berman, Gallo, and Axelrod face a maximum statutory term of 20 years in prison, a possible fine, and mandatory restitution on each conspiracy and mail fraud count. Berman faces a maximum statutory term of up to life in prison, a possible fine, and mandatory restitution on each of the criminal contempt counts.
"Business opportunity schemers use deceit to target and victimize hard-working Americans who are seeking opportunities to better provide for themselves and their families," said Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. "We will continue to vigorously pursue these individuals who seek to steal the American Dream from their victims."
"Cases like this one illustrate the Postal Inspection Service’s dedication to investigating business opportunity fraud that insidiously targets innocent victims," said Ronald Verocchio, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge in Miami.
The charges in the indictment form part of the government’s continued nationwide crackdown on business opportunity fraud.
This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants.
Acting Assistant Attorney Stuart Delery commended the investigative efforts of the Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Director Richard Goldberg and Trial Attorney Cindy Cho of the Consumer Protection Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
130629-N-ZG290-010
ARABIAN GULF (June 29, 2013) Sonar Technician 2nd Class Brennan Lukas, from Ventura, Calif., prepares to test fire a surface vessel torpedo tube launcher aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76). Higgins is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Wray/Released)
130627-N-QL471-099
ARABIAN GULF (June 27, 2013) The guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) fires a Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) during a live-fire exercise. Monterey is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho/Released)
ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER'S STATEMENT ON U.S. V. WINDSON
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Friday, June 28, 2013
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Implementation of the Supreme Court’s Decision in United States v. Windsor
Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement regarding the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance to Federal agencies. On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in United States v. Windsor, holding Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, unconstitutional. As a result of this decision, the Federal government will now be able to extend benefits to Federal employees and annuitants who have legally married a spouse of the same sex.
"Today’s announcement represents a historic step toward equality for all American families. The Supreme Court ruled this week that Americans in same-sex marriages are entitled to equal protection and equal treatment under the law. By extending health insurance and other important benefits to federal employees and their families, regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages, the Obama Administration is making real the promise of this important decision.
"These initial changes in federal benefits will make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of many. But this is only the beginning. As the President directed, the Department of Justice will continue to coordinate with other federal agencies to implement this ruling as swiftly and smoothly as possible. I look forward to sharing additional information as it becomes available. We will never stop fighting to ensure equality, opportunity, and – above all – justice for everyone in this country."
Friday, June 28, 2013
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Implementation of the Supreme Court’s Decision in United States v. Windsor
Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement regarding the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance to Federal agencies. On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in United States v. Windsor, holding Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, unconstitutional. As a result of this decision, the Federal government will now be able to extend benefits to Federal employees and annuitants who have legally married a spouse of the same sex.
"Today’s announcement represents a historic step toward equality for all American families. The Supreme Court ruled this week that Americans in same-sex marriages are entitled to equal protection and equal treatment under the law. By extending health insurance and other important benefits to federal employees and their families, regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages, the Obama Administration is making real the promise of this important decision.
"These initial changes in federal benefits will make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of many. But this is only the beginning. As the President directed, the Department of Justice will continue to coordinate with other federal agencies to implement this ruling as swiftly and smoothly as possible. I look forward to sharing additional information as it becomes available. We will never stop fighting to ensure equality, opportunity, and – above all – justice for everyone in this country."
U.S. DEDICATES EMBASSY IN BELGRADE, SERBIA
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
United States Dedicates New U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 1, 2013
In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with the Republic of Serbia, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, Michael D. Kirby, dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Belgrade today.
Occupying a 10-acre site adjacent to the Beli Dvor, the $149 million multi-building complex provides a secure, state-of-the-art, environmentally-sustainable workplace for over 350 embassy personnel.
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, LLP was the concept design architect and The Louis Berger Group of Washington, D.C. was the architect of record. The project was constructed by Framaco International of Rye Brook, New York.
The new facility incorporates numerous sustainable features to reduce operating costs and conserve resources, most notably a storm water detention pond; solar hot water technology; low-flow plumbing fixtures; and the careful selection of plantings to reduce the amount of irrigation needed. The facility has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.
Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 103 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 39 projects in design or under construction.
OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.
United States Dedicates New U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 1, 2013
In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with the Republic of Serbia, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, Michael D. Kirby, dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Belgrade today.
Occupying a 10-acre site adjacent to the Beli Dvor, the $149 million multi-building complex provides a secure, state-of-the-art, environmentally-sustainable workplace for over 350 embassy personnel.
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, LLP was the concept design architect and The Louis Berger Group of Washington, D.C. was the architect of record. The project was constructed by Framaco International of Rye Brook, New York.
The new facility incorporates numerous sustainable features to reduce operating costs and conserve resources, most notably a storm water detention pond; solar hot water technology; low-flow plumbing fixtures; and the careful selection of plantings to reduce the amount of irrigation needed. The facility has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.
Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 103 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 39 projects in design or under construction.
OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.
COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADE FOR B-52 STRATOFORTRESS BOMBERS
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE,
B-52s to receive communications upgrade
by Mike W. Ray
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
6/28/2013 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- Installation of a communications system upgrade earmarked for the venerable U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber fleet is scheduled to start here in July.
The Combat Network Communications Technology system will enable aircrews to send and receive information via satellite links, allowing them to change mission plans and retarget weapons while in flight. In addition, pilots will be able to interact better with other aircraft and with ground forces. Currently, mission information must be uploaded to a B-52 before each flight.
Other improvements will include a state-of-the-art computing network with workstations at each crew position and an integrated digital interphone with increased capacity that will allow crew members to talk with each other over headsets equipped with noise-canceling technology.
The $76 million CONECT upgrade will be performed by Boeing and covers a low-rate initial production of the first CONECT kits, along with spare parts, maintenance and service at Tinker AFB here.
Low-rate initial production is the first effort in the production phase of the program. The first eight CONECT kits in lot 1 will establish an initial production base for the system and will permit an orderly increase in the production rate for the CONECT system that is sufficient to lead to full-rate production upon successful completion of operational testing.
The contract for lot 2 is projected to be awarded in May 2014, for 10 CONECT kits. Then the full-rate production contract, projected for award in January 2015, will be for 10 CONECT kits.
Ultimately, CONECT is expected to be installed on all B-52H in the fleet.
The first B-52H to receive a CONECT kit will enter programmed depot maintenance at Tinker AFB in July and is scheduled to depart PDM next April. Each upgrade will take an estimated nine months to complete.
A CONECT kit was installed in a modified B-52 at Edwards AFB, Calif., and has been field tested for several years, Boeing spokesperson Jennifer Hogan said.
The B-52H was delivered to the Air Force in 1961-62. The aircraft have been kept aloft through regular maintenance and periodic upgrades. For example, GPS capabilities were incorporated into their navigation systems in the late 1980s.
"We are bringing this amazing workhorse of a bomber into the digital age and giving our customer the infrastructure necessary for continued future improvements," said Scot Oathout, Boeing's B-52 program director.
Citing engineering studies, Air Force officials said the heavy bombers could keep flying for at least another quarter-century.
B-52s to receive communications upgrade
by Mike W. Ray
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
6/28/2013 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- Installation of a communications system upgrade earmarked for the venerable U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber fleet is scheduled to start here in July.
The Combat Network Communications Technology system will enable aircrews to send and receive information via satellite links, allowing them to change mission plans and retarget weapons while in flight. In addition, pilots will be able to interact better with other aircraft and with ground forces. Currently, mission information must be uploaded to a B-52 before each flight.
Other improvements will include a state-of-the-art computing network with workstations at each crew position and an integrated digital interphone with increased capacity that will allow crew members to talk with each other over headsets equipped with noise-canceling technology.
The $76 million CONECT upgrade will be performed by Boeing and covers a low-rate initial production of the first CONECT kits, along with spare parts, maintenance and service at Tinker AFB here.
Low-rate initial production is the first effort in the production phase of the program. The first eight CONECT kits in lot 1 will establish an initial production base for the system and will permit an orderly increase in the production rate for the CONECT system that is sufficient to lead to full-rate production upon successful completion of operational testing.
The contract for lot 2 is projected to be awarded in May 2014, for 10 CONECT kits. Then the full-rate production contract, projected for award in January 2015, will be for 10 CONECT kits.
Ultimately, CONECT is expected to be installed on all B-52H in the fleet.
The first B-52H to receive a CONECT kit will enter programmed depot maintenance at Tinker AFB in July and is scheduled to depart PDM next April. Each upgrade will take an estimated nine months to complete.
A CONECT kit was installed in a modified B-52 at Edwards AFB, Calif., and has been field tested for several years, Boeing spokesperson Jennifer Hogan said.
The B-52H was delivered to the Air Force in 1961-62. The aircraft have been kept aloft through regular maintenance and periodic upgrades. For example, GPS capabilities were incorporated into their navigation systems in the late 1980s.
"We are bringing this amazing workhorse of a bomber into the digital age and giving our customer the infrastructure necessary for continued future improvements," said Scot Oathout, Boeing's B-52 program director.
Citing engineering studies, Air Force officials said the heavy bombers could keep flying for at least another quarter-century.
THE 400TH COMBAT SORTIE
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Face of Defense: Flight Engineer Reaches Combat Sortie Milestone
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia
380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 28, 2013 - A flight engineer assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here flew his 400th combat sortie recently.
Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Fahey, who reached the milestone June 14, has accumulated his total flying on two different aircraft platforms. He flew his 255th combat sortie on the KC-10 Extender tanker jet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Before that, he flew 145 combat missions as a flight engineer for the MH-60 Pave Low helicopter.
Fahey said he appreciates the opportunities he has had to support two distinct missions.
"Flying on the Pave Lows and being part of the Air Force Special Operations Command were the most challenging things I ever did in my life; their mission is so unique," he said. The KC-10 mission has provided him with a different perspective on the Air Force and a chance to see the world, he added.
As a flight engineer, Fahey monitors the engines and other critical flight systems while the aircraft is in flight. Working alongside his pilots, Fahey ensures the aircraft is fully functional throughout missions. The engineer must have mechanical and technical knowledge on the aircraft systems to provide quick response fixes to any issues while in flight. This knowledge lets the engineer work closely with maintenance personnel, debriefing them on issues an aircraft might have had.
Fahey is one of two flight engineers in the 908th EARS who have reached the milestone. He is the fourth flight engineer and the eighth member in the entire active KC-10 community to have accumulated more than 400 combat sorties.
"It is a significant achievement, one that symbolizes years of hard work through multiple deployments and long periods of separation from family," said Air Force Lt. Col. Mona Alexander, the 908th EARS commander. "Fahey has been flying for 13 years; he has more than 2,000 hours of combat time in the KC-10, and a total of over 4,200 hours flying in the MH-60 and KC-10."
Fahey, who is deployed from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., said he is humbled by the experience and continues to strive.
"This is so cool. It really is an awesome feeling hitting a milestone like this," he said. "It makes me reflect back to all the missions I have flown and gives me a feeling that I was part of something bigger than myself."
Fahey said he hopes that reaching this milestone will show younger airmen they can attain their goals.
"It is important to always stay mission ready; I was notified of this deployment a week and a half before I left," he said. "You need to be resilient. Deployments take their toll. By keeping a balance to my work and off-duty time, I am able to handle the stress that comes with flying so many missions."
Always moving forward and thinking about the next generation of leaders, Fahey said, he has entertained the notion of becoming a first sergeant.
"Being a first sergeant is something I have wanted to do since I was an airman," he said. "I had a really good 'shirt' who had a big impact on me. I would love to be able to give back and keep that tradition going."
Fahey said his accomplishments are not due to his work alone, but to the efforts of the entire unit.
"My crew has been awesome on this trip. They have made this deployment so easy to handle," he said. "I have to give my praise to the aircraft maintainers. They are phenomenal. They provide outstanding support day in and day out, regardless of the difficult environment that they are challenged to work in."
With options available, Fahey said, he'll approach the remainder of his military career in the same manner he reached 400 combat sorties: humbled by the experience, but seeing successes as stepping stones to bigger goals.
 |
| Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Fahey performs preflight checks on a KC-10 Extender prior to a June 14, 2013, mission in Southwest Asia. A flight engineer assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Fahey manages all systems on the aircraft throughout the flight. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia |
Face of Defense: Flight Engineer Reaches Combat Sortie Milestone
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia
380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 28, 2013 - A flight engineer assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here flew his 400th combat sortie recently.
Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Fahey, who reached the milestone June 14, has accumulated his total flying on two different aircraft platforms. He flew his 255th combat sortie on the KC-10 Extender tanker jet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Before that, he flew 145 combat missions as a flight engineer for the MH-60 Pave Low helicopter.
Fahey said he appreciates the opportunities he has had to support two distinct missions.
"Flying on the Pave Lows and being part of the Air Force Special Operations Command were the most challenging things I ever did in my life; their mission is so unique," he said. The KC-10 mission has provided him with a different perspective on the Air Force and a chance to see the world, he added.
As a flight engineer, Fahey monitors the engines and other critical flight systems while the aircraft is in flight. Working alongside his pilots, Fahey ensures the aircraft is fully functional throughout missions. The engineer must have mechanical and technical knowledge on the aircraft systems to provide quick response fixes to any issues while in flight. This knowledge lets the engineer work closely with maintenance personnel, debriefing them on issues an aircraft might have had.
Fahey is one of two flight engineers in the 908th EARS who have reached the milestone. He is the fourth flight engineer and the eighth member in the entire active KC-10 community to have accumulated more than 400 combat sorties.
"It is a significant achievement, one that symbolizes years of hard work through multiple deployments and long periods of separation from family," said Air Force Lt. Col. Mona Alexander, the 908th EARS commander. "Fahey has been flying for 13 years; he has more than 2,000 hours of combat time in the KC-10, and a total of over 4,200 hours flying in the MH-60 and KC-10."
Fahey, who is deployed from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., said he is humbled by the experience and continues to strive.
"This is so cool. It really is an awesome feeling hitting a milestone like this," he said. "It makes me reflect back to all the missions I have flown and gives me a feeling that I was part of something bigger than myself."
Fahey said he hopes that reaching this milestone will show younger airmen they can attain their goals.
"It is important to always stay mission ready; I was notified of this deployment a week and a half before I left," he said. "You need to be resilient. Deployments take their toll. By keeping a balance to my work and off-duty time, I am able to handle the stress that comes with flying so many missions."
Always moving forward and thinking about the next generation of leaders, Fahey said, he has entertained the notion of becoming a first sergeant.
"Being a first sergeant is something I have wanted to do since I was an airman," he said. "I had a really good 'shirt' who had a big impact on me. I would love to be able to give back and keep that tradition going."
Fahey said his accomplishments are not due to his work alone, but to the efforts of the entire unit.
"My crew has been awesome on this trip. They have made this deployment so easy to handle," he said. "I have to give my praise to the aircraft maintainers. They are phenomenal. They provide outstanding support day in and day out, regardless of the difficult environment that they are challenged to work in."
With options available, Fahey said, he'll approach the remainder of his military career in the same manner he reached 400 combat sorties: humbled by the experience, but seeing successes as stepping stones to bigger goals.
Monday, July 1, 2013
NSA LEADER WARNS OF CYBER ATTACKS AT CYBER SYMPOSIUM
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE,
Nation Must Defend Cyber Infrastructure, Alexander Says
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2013 - The United States must have a transparent debate on how it will protect itself in cyberspace, the director of the National Security Agency said yesterday.
"It is a debate that is going to have all the key elements of the executive branch -- that's DHS, FBI, DOD, Cyber Command, NSA, and other partners -- with our allies and with industry," Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander told an audience at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International Cyber Symposium in Baltimore.
Everyone involved must figure out how to work together as the cyber threat grows, said Alexander, who also commands U.S. Cyber Command.
In August, the Saudi Aramco oil company was hit with a destructive attack that destroyed the data on more than 30,000 systems, he said. In September, distributed denial of service attacks began on the U.S. financial sector, and a few hundred disruptive attacks have occurred since.
In March, destructive cyberattacks took place against South Korea, the general said.
"If you look at the statistics and what's going on, we're seeing an increase in the disruptive and destructive attacks. And I am concerned that those will continue," he said. "As a nation, we must be ready."
Over the past few years, there has been a convergence of analog and digital data streams, Alexander said. Now, everything is on one network -- information sent by terrorists, soldiers and school teachers travels through the same digital pipelines.
The cyber world is experiencing an exponential rate of change, he said. "It's wonderful," he added. "These capabilities, I think, are going to help us solve cancer. This is a wonderful opportunity."
But, he said, cyberspace also has vulnerabilities. "We're being attacked," Alexander said. "And we've got to figure out how to fix that."
The key to the nation's future in cyber is a defensible architecture, he said, embodied for the Defense Department by the Joint Information Environment. In that environment, mobile devices will securely connect with fixed infrastructure across the services in a way that allows the department to audit and take care of its data much better than it could do in the legacy systems, Alexander said.
The need to create one joint integrated cyber force is "a great reason for having NSA and Cyber Command collocated," Alexander said. Both are based on Fort Meade, Md.
"We can leverage the exceptional talent that the people at NSA have to help build that force," he added, "and that's superb."
Nation Must Defend Cyber Infrastructure, Alexander Says
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2013 - The United States must have a transparent debate on how it will protect itself in cyberspace, the director of the National Security Agency said yesterday.
"It is a debate that is going to have all the key elements of the executive branch -- that's DHS, FBI, DOD, Cyber Command, NSA, and other partners -- with our allies and with industry," Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander told an audience at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International Cyber Symposium in Baltimore.
Everyone involved must figure out how to work together as the cyber threat grows, said Alexander, who also commands U.S. Cyber Command.
In August, the Saudi Aramco oil company was hit with a destructive attack that destroyed the data on more than 30,000 systems, he said. In September, distributed denial of service attacks began on the U.S. financial sector, and a few hundred disruptive attacks have occurred since.
In March, destructive cyberattacks took place against South Korea, the general said.
"If you look at the statistics and what's going on, we're seeing an increase in the disruptive and destructive attacks. And I am concerned that those will continue," he said. "As a nation, we must be ready."
Over the past few years, there has been a convergence of analog and digital data streams, Alexander said. Now, everything is on one network -- information sent by terrorists, soldiers and school teachers travels through the same digital pipelines.
The cyber world is experiencing an exponential rate of change, he said. "It's wonderful," he added. "These capabilities, I think, are going to help us solve cancer. This is a wonderful opportunity."
But, he said, cyberspace also has vulnerabilities. "We're being attacked," Alexander said. "And we've got to figure out how to fix that."
The key to the nation's future in cyber is a defensible architecture, he said, embodied for the Defense Department by the Joint Information Environment. In that environment, mobile devices will securely connect with fixed infrastructure across the services in a way that allows the department to audit and take care of its data much better than it could do in the legacy systems, Alexander said.
The need to create one joint integrated cyber force is "a great reason for having NSA and Cyber Command collocated," Alexander said. Both are based on Fort Meade, Md.
"We can leverage the exceptional talent that the people at NSA have to help build that force," he added, "and that's superb."
RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS
Seaman Sophia Lam measures the bearing of navigational land marks during a strait transit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is the flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Corbin J. Shea (Released) 130622-N-SB587-014
A Marine from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) dives near the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a swim call after the conclusion of Exercise Eager Lion 2013. Eager Lion 2013 is an annual, multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and enhance security and stability in the region. Kearsarge is the flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th MEU, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Corbin J. Shea (Released) 130622-N-SB587-630
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