The following road closure has now ended
Location:
Fairlawn Ave from Jedburgh Rd to Greer Rd
Description: road closed 133 fairlawn jedburgh to greer due to sewer repair
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Gates at American Legion
Gates at American Legion
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Gates at American Legion
Gates at American Legion
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Gates at American Legion
Gates at American Legion
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Veterans Affairs Works to Reduce Claims Backlog
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
Veterans Affairs Works to Reduce Claims Backlog
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
Veterans Affairs Works to Reduce Claims Backlog
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
AS HURRICANE EARL APPROACHES, FEMA URGES EAST COAST RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED
Families Should Visit Ready.gov to Learn Steps to Prepare for Hurricanes and Severe Weather
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
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.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
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.
AS HURRICANE EARL APPROACHES, FEMA URGES EAST COAST RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED
Families Should Visit Ready.gov to Learn Steps to Prepare for Hurricanes and Severe Weather
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
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.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
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.
AS HURRICANE EARL APPROACHES, FEMA URGES EAST COAST RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED
Families Should Visit Ready.gov to Learn Steps to Prepare for Hurricanes and Severe Weather
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
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.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
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.
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
TWC’s Jim Cantore debut in advance of National Preparedness Month
PSAs Featuring TWC’s Jim Cantore debut in advance of National Preparedness Month
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2010 / — In a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for possible emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council have joined today with The Weather Channel® (TWC) to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are an extension of the national Ready PSA Campaign and will be distributed in advance of National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.
“These PSAs provide another opportunity to reach Americans about the importance of preparedness,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “While we closely monitor Hurricane Earl and other storms in the Atlantic, FEMA continues to remind the public to take steps now to prepare for severe weather and to help keep their family safe.”
Created by TWC, the new television PSAs feature TWC's on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore and a real family who lost their home to a natural disaster. Cantore encourages all Americans to follow the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov and www.weather.com/ready respectively, where they will find preparedness information and resources. The ads will run on TWC and will be distributed to national, cable and local broadcast networks.
“Partnering with FEMA and the Ad Council on this issue is a perfect fit for The Weather Channel Companies, as it allows us to continue to spread the message on preparation for severe weather that we have been sharing for more than 25 years,” said Mike Kelly, CEO and president, TWCC.
According to an August 2009 national Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agree that taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 58 percent have taken any steps to prepare. More than half of Americans (52 percent) say that they are not taking steps because they believe that they are unlikely to be personally affected by an emergency.
“Millions of households presently turn to The Weather Channel to learn about inclement weather conditions in their neighborhoods, so they are an ideal partner for the Ready Campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “The ads serve as a reminder that now is the time to follow FEMA’s three simple steps so that we are all prepared for a potential disaster.”
This is the first time TWC has partnered with an Ad Council campaign, as well as aired Ad Council PSAs on their network. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council first launched the Ready PSA Campaign in February 2003. The campaign is now managed under FEMA. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $844 million in donated media support, www.ready.gov, has received more than 2.6 billion visits, and more than 54.3 million Americans have downloaded the campaign’s informational brochure. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's 68-year history. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
PSAs are available to view and download on Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/america/about/psa.html
THE WEATHER CHANNEL COMPANIES
The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWC also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWC, which include the weather.com® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2010 / — In a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for possible emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council have joined today with The Weather Channel® (TWC) to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are an extension of the national Ready PSA Campaign and will be distributed in advance of National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.
“These PSAs provide another opportunity to reach Americans about the importance of preparedness,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “While we closely monitor Hurricane Earl and other storms in the Atlantic, FEMA continues to remind the public to take steps now to prepare for severe weather and to help keep their family safe.”
Created by TWC, the new television PSAs feature TWC's on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore and a real family who lost their home to a natural disaster. Cantore encourages all Americans to follow the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov and www.weather.com/ready respectively, where they will find preparedness information and resources. The ads will run on TWC and will be distributed to national, cable and local broadcast networks.
“Partnering with FEMA and the Ad Council on this issue is a perfect fit for The Weather Channel Companies, as it allows us to continue to spread the message on preparation for severe weather that we have been sharing for more than 25 years,” said Mike Kelly, CEO and president, TWCC.
According to an August 2009 national Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agree that taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 58 percent have taken any steps to prepare. More than half of Americans (52 percent) say that they are not taking steps because they believe that they are unlikely to be personally affected by an emergency.
“Millions of households presently turn to The Weather Channel to learn about inclement weather conditions in their neighborhoods, so they are an ideal partner for the Ready Campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “The ads serve as a reminder that now is the time to follow FEMA’s three simple steps so that we are all prepared for a potential disaster.”
This is the first time TWC has partnered with an Ad Council campaign, as well as aired Ad Council PSAs on their network. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council first launched the Ready PSA Campaign in February 2003. The campaign is now managed under FEMA. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $844 million in donated media support, www.ready.gov, has received more than 2.6 billion visits, and more than 54.3 million Americans have downloaded the campaign’s informational brochure. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's 68-year history. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
PSAs are available to view and download on Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/america/about/psa.html
THE WEATHER CHANNEL COMPANIES
The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWC also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWC, which include the weather.com® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
TWC’s Jim Cantore debut in advance of National Preparedness Month
PSAs Featuring TWC’s Jim Cantore debut in advance of National Preparedness Month
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2010 / — In a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for possible emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council have joined today with The Weather Channel® (TWC) to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are an extension of the national Ready PSA Campaign and will be distributed in advance of National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.
“These PSAs provide another opportunity to reach Americans about the importance of preparedness,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “While we closely monitor Hurricane Earl and other storms in the Atlantic, FEMA continues to remind the public to take steps now to prepare for severe weather and to help keep their family safe.”
Created by TWC, the new television PSAs feature TWC's on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore and a real family who lost their home to a natural disaster. Cantore encourages all Americans to follow the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov and www.weather.com/ready respectively, where they will find preparedness information and resources. The ads will run on TWC and will be distributed to national, cable and local broadcast networks.
“Partnering with FEMA and the Ad Council on this issue is a perfect fit for The Weather Channel Companies, as it allows us to continue to spread the message on preparation for severe weather that we have been sharing for more than 25 years,” said Mike Kelly, CEO and president, TWCC.
According to an August 2009 national Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agree that taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 58 percent have taken any steps to prepare. More than half of Americans (52 percent) say that they are not taking steps because they believe that they are unlikely to be personally affected by an emergency.
“Millions of households presently turn to The Weather Channel to learn about inclement weather conditions in their neighborhoods, so they are an ideal partner for the Ready Campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “The ads serve as a reminder that now is the time to follow FEMA’s three simple steps so that we are all prepared for a potential disaster.”
This is the first time TWC has partnered with an Ad Council campaign, as well as aired Ad Council PSAs on their network. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council first launched the Ready PSA Campaign in February 2003. The campaign is now managed under FEMA. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $844 million in donated media support, www.ready.gov, has received more than 2.6 billion visits, and more than 54.3 million Americans have downloaded the campaign’s informational brochure. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's 68-year history. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
PSAs are available to view and download on Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/america/about/psa.html
THE WEATHER CHANNEL COMPANIES
The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWC also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWC, which include the weather.com® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2010 / — In a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for possible emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council have joined today with The Weather Channel® (TWC) to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are an extension of the national Ready PSA Campaign and will be distributed in advance of National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.
“These PSAs provide another opportunity to reach Americans about the importance of preparedness,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “While we closely monitor Hurricane Earl and other storms in the Atlantic, FEMA continues to remind the public to take steps now to prepare for severe weather and to help keep their family safe.”
Created by TWC, the new television PSAs feature TWC's on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore and a real family who lost their home to a natural disaster. Cantore encourages all Americans to follow the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov and www.weather.com/ready respectively, where they will find preparedness information and resources. The ads will run on TWC and will be distributed to national, cable and local broadcast networks.
“Partnering with FEMA and the Ad Council on this issue is a perfect fit for The Weather Channel Companies, as it allows us to continue to spread the message on preparation for severe weather that we have been sharing for more than 25 years,” said Mike Kelly, CEO and president, TWCC.
According to an August 2009 national Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agree that taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 58 percent have taken any steps to prepare. More than half of Americans (52 percent) say that they are not taking steps because they believe that they are unlikely to be personally affected by an emergency.
“Millions of households presently turn to The Weather Channel to learn about inclement weather conditions in their neighborhoods, so they are an ideal partner for the Ready Campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “The ads serve as a reminder that now is the time to follow FEMA’s three simple steps so that we are all prepared for a potential disaster.”
This is the first time TWC has partnered with an Ad Council campaign, as well as aired Ad Council PSAs on their network. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council first launched the Ready PSA Campaign in February 2003. The campaign is now managed under FEMA. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $844 million in donated media support, www.ready.gov, has received more than 2.6 billion visits, and more than 54.3 million Americans have downloaded the campaign’s informational brochure. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's 68-year history. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
PSAs are available to view and download on Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/america/about/psa.html
THE WEATHER CHANNEL COMPANIES
The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWC also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWC, which include the weather.com® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
TWC’s Jim Cantore debut in advance of National Preparedness Month
PSAs Featuring TWC’s Jim Cantore debut in advance of National Preparedness Month
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2010 / — In a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for possible emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council have joined today with The Weather Channel® (TWC) to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are an extension of the national Ready PSA Campaign and will be distributed in advance of National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.
“These PSAs provide another opportunity to reach Americans about the importance of preparedness,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “While we closely monitor Hurricane Earl and other storms in the Atlantic, FEMA continues to remind the public to take steps now to prepare for severe weather and to help keep their family safe.”
Created by TWC, the new television PSAs feature TWC's on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore and a real family who lost their home to a natural disaster. Cantore encourages all Americans to follow the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov and www.weather.com/ready respectively, where they will find preparedness information and resources. The ads will run on TWC and will be distributed to national, cable and local broadcast networks.
“Partnering with FEMA and the Ad Council on this issue is a perfect fit for The Weather Channel Companies, as it allows us to continue to spread the message on preparation for severe weather that we have been sharing for more than 25 years,” said Mike Kelly, CEO and president, TWCC.
According to an August 2009 national Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agree that taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 58 percent have taken any steps to prepare. More than half of Americans (52 percent) say that they are not taking steps because they believe that they are unlikely to be personally affected by an emergency.
“Millions of households presently turn to The Weather Channel to learn about inclement weather conditions in their neighborhoods, so they are an ideal partner for the Ready Campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “The ads serve as a reminder that now is the time to follow FEMA’s three simple steps so that we are all prepared for a potential disaster.”
This is the first time TWC has partnered with an Ad Council campaign, as well as aired Ad Council PSAs on their network. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council first launched the Ready PSA Campaign in February 2003. The campaign is now managed under FEMA. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $844 million in donated media support, www.ready.gov, has received more than 2.6 billion visits, and more than 54.3 million Americans have downloaded the campaign’s informational brochure. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's 68-year history. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
PSAs are available to view and download on Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/america/about/psa.html
THE WEATHER CHANNEL COMPANIES
The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWC also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWC, which include the weather.com® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2010 / — In a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for possible emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council have joined today with The Weather Channel® (TWC) to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are an extension of the national Ready PSA Campaign and will be distributed in advance of National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.
“These PSAs provide another opportunity to reach Americans about the importance of preparedness,” said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “While we closely monitor Hurricane Earl and other storms in the Atlantic, FEMA continues to remind the public to take steps now to prepare for severe weather and to help keep their family safe.”
Created by TWC, the new television PSAs feature TWC's on-camera meteorologist Jim Cantore and a real family who lost their home to a natural disaster. Cantore encourages all Americans to follow the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses. The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov and www.weather.com/ready respectively, where they will find preparedness information and resources. The ads will run on TWC and will be distributed to national, cable and local broadcast networks.
“Partnering with FEMA and the Ad Council on this issue is a perfect fit for The Weather Channel Companies, as it allows us to continue to spread the message on preparation for severe weather that we have been sharing for more than 25 years,” said Mike Kelly, CEO and president, TWCC.
According to an August 2009 national Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agree that taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 58 percent have taken any steps to prepare. More than half of Americans (52 percent) say that they are not taking steps because they believe that they are unlikely to be personally affected by an emergency.
“Millions of households presently turn to The Weather Channel to learn about inclement weather conditions in their neighborhoods, so they are an ideal partner for the Ready Campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “The ads serve as a reminder that now is the time to follow FEMA’s three simple steps so that we are all prepared for a potential disaster.”
This is the first time TWC has partnered with an Ad Council campaign, as well as aired Ad Council PSAs on their network. The Department of Homeland Security and the Ad Council first launched the Ready PSA Campaign in February 2003. The campaign is now managed under FEMA. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $844 million in donated media support, www.ready.gov, has received more than 2.6 billion visits, and more than 54.3 million Americans have downloaded the campaign’s informational brochure. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's 68-year history. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
PSAs are available to view and download on Ready.gov: http://www.ready.gov/america/about/psa.html
THE WEATHER CHANNEL COMPANIES
The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) is made up of The Weather Channel television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and Weather Services International (WSI). The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWC also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWC, which include the weather.com® site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//NetRatings. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
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Hurricane Earl Preps
Hurricane Earl Preps (click for details)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Hurricane Earl Preps
Hurricane Earl Preps (click for details)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Hurricane Earl Preps
Hurricane Earl Preps (click for details)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
Afghanistan Operations
Afghanistan Operations
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
Afghanistan Operations
Afghanistan Operations
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
Afghanistan Operations
Afghanistan Operations
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSE PALADINO FOR NY GOVERNOR
(SYRACUSE, NY) - The campaign for Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, Republican candidate for Governor of New York, today announced that the State Board of the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which represents over 700 member-companies, has overwhelmingly endorsed Carl Paladino for Governor.
ABC leaders announced the endorsement standing with Paladino at the group's Syracuse headquarters Tuesday morning. The statewide organization has committed to helping the Paladino campaign get out the vote for the September 14th Republican primary. This is the first primary endorsement for governor in the history of the organization.
"In Carl Paladino we see a like-minded compatriot who respects our core values to encourage open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction based solely on merit. We are endorsing him for Governor of New York as he is the only candidate running who will work to promote free enterprise within the construction industry," said State Board Member and general contractor David Resetarits.
"With Carl's hands-on development experience, we know he will join us in our fight to stop Wicks Law requirements that have forced almost $9 billion in additional costs on New York taxpayers over the past 30 years and increases the possibility of corruption and racketeering in the construction industry," Resetarits said.
"The Associated Builders and Contractors endorsement is important to our campaign because they represent some of the most aggrieved businesses in New York," said Carl Paladino, a successful Buffalo developer and attorney. "As someone who has been constructing buildings across the state for the last 40 years, I know first hand how debilitating and disruptive State laws and regulations can be on business. I join ABC in support of real Wicks Law reform and in opposition to project labor agreements that prevent full and open competition."
ABC has 77 chapters nationwide representing 25,000 merit shop construction-related firms with two million employees. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the construction industry and its member firms work within the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
Carl Paladino, a successful Western New York real estate developer and attorney, declared his candidacy for Governor of New York in April. He and Tom Ognibene, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, have petitioned their way into the Republican Primary and canvassed to create a Tea Party-inspired line: the Taxpayers Party. For more information on where Carl Paladino stands on the issues, please visit http://www.paladinoforthepeople.com.
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSE PALADINO FOR NY GOVERNOR
(SYRACUSE, NY) - The campaign for Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, Republican candidate for Governor of New York, today announced that the State Board of the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which represents over 700 member-companies, has overwhelmingly endorsed Carl Paladino for Governor.
ABC leaders announced the endorsement standing with Paladino at the group's Syracuse headquarters Tuesday morning. The statewide organization has committed to helping the Paladino campaign get out the vote for the September 14th Republican primary. This is the first primary endorsement for governor in the history of the organization.
"In Carl Paladino we see a like-minded compatriot who respects our core values to encourage open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction based solely on merit. We are endorsing him for Governor of New York as he is the only candidate running who will work to promote free enterprise within the construction industry," said State Board Member and general contractor David Resetarits.
"With Carl's hands-on development experience, we know he will join us in our fight to stop Wicks Law requirements that have forced almost $9 billion in additional costs on New York taxpayers over the past 30 years and increases the possibility of corruption and racketeering in the construction industry," Resetarits said.
"The Associated Builders and Contractors endorsement is important to our campaign because they represent some of the most aggrieved businesses in New York," said Carl Paladino, a successful Buffalo developer and attorney. "As someone who has been constructing buildings across the state for the last 40 years, I know first hand how debilitating and disruptive State laws and regulations can be on business. I join ABC in support of real Wicks Law reform and in opposition to project labor agreements that prevent full and open competition."
ABC has 77 chapters nationwide representing 25,000 merit shop construction-related firms with two million employees. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the construction industry and its member firms work within the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
Carl Paladino, a successful Western New York real estate developer and attorney, declared his candidacy for Governor of New York in April. He and Tom Ognibene, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, have petitioned their way into the Republican Primary and canvassed to create a Tea Party-inspired line: the Taxpayers Party. For more information on where Carl Paladino stands on the issues, please visit http://www.paladinoforthepeople.com.
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSE PALADINO FOR NY GOVERNOR
(SYRACUSE, NY) - The campaign for Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, Republican candidate for Governor of New York, today announced that the State Board of the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which represents over 700 member-companies, has overwhelmingly endorsed Carl Paladino for Governor.
ABC leaders announced the endorsement standing with Paladino at the group's Syracuse headquarters Tuesday morning. The statewide organization has committed to helping the Paladino campaign get out the vote for the September 14th Republican primary. This is the first primary endorsement for governor in the history of the organization.
"In Carl Paladino we see a like-minded compatriot who respects our core values to encourage open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction based solely on merit. We are endorsing him for Governor of New York as he is the only candidate running who will work to promote free enterprise within the construction industry," said State Board Member and general contractor David Resetarits.
"With Carl's hands-on development experience, we know he will join us in our fight to stop Wicks Law requirements that have forced almost $9 billion in additional costs on New York taxpayers over the past 30 years and increases the possibility of corruption and racketeering in the construction industry," Resetarits said.
"The Associated Builders and Contractors endorsement is important to our campaign because they represent some of the most aggrieved businesses in New York," said Carl Paladino, a successful Buffalo developer and attorney. "As someone who has been constructing buildings across the state for the last 40 years, I know first hand how debilitating and disruptive State laws and regulations can be on business. I join ABC in support of real Wicks Law reform and in opposition to project labor agreements that prevent full and open competition."
ABC has 77 chapters nationwide representing 25,000 merit shop construction-related firms with two million employees. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the construction industry and its member firms work within the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
Carl Paladino, a successful Western New York real estate developer and attorney, declared his candidacy for Governor of New York in April. He and Tom Ognibene, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, have petitioned their way into the Republican Primary and canvassed to create a Tea Party-inspired line: the Taxpayers Party. For more information on where Carl Paladino stands on the issues, please visit http://www.paladinoforthepeople.com.
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Information Week Magazine: The U.S. Needs To Close Its Skills Gap
Information Week
FROM THE EDITOR: The U.S. Needs To Close Its Skills Gap
Special Thanks to : Chris Murphy
What does the U.S. government need to fight the escalating cyberthreat? Here's a hint: The Departmental of Homeland Security and the Air Force recently got the OK to hire almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years.
It's people. The federal government's travails in recruiting and keeping cybersecurity talent is the cover story of this week's issue of InformationWeek Government. The feds are trying to figure out how best to define IT security roles and vet candidates. Writes J. Nicholas Hoover:
"Attracting experienced cybersecurity pros to government work is the bigger challenge, however. Hiring backlogs for cybersecurity pros are as long as a year at the Air Force District of Washington, an Air Force Unit based at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland."
Also in this week's issue, we explain why the government is trying to create an "identity ecosystem" for trusted interactions online, and how it thinks it can get the private sector to embrace it. Also John Foley writes about the disconnect between federal CIO Vivek Kundra's vision for IT transformation and the reality that drives most agency decisions.
This week, we also bring you InformationWeek SMB, a special issue looking at a strategy for disaster recovery that small businesses can afford. The key: integrated data protection that combines backup, replication, and other features.
Closing The Cybersecurity Gap In Government
In the face of unrelenting threats to systems and networks, federal agencies must find ways to attract qualified workers and develop new skills internally.
By J. Nicholas Hoover
InformationWeek
August 28, 2010 12:00 AM (From the August 30, 2010 issue)
Download the entire September 2010 issue of InformationWeek Government, distributed in an all-digital format (registration required).
Across the federal government, agencies are grappling with a shortage of cybersecurity pros who have the skills to protect their computers and networks from relentless, and increasingly dangerous, forms of attack. The Department of Homeland Security and the Air Force received authority to expedite the hiring of almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years, but fast-track hiring is a stopgap solution. The long-term answer requires new training programs and better ways of attracting and retaining employees with the sought-after skills.
More Government InsightsWhitepapersDeveloping an Information Security and Risk Management Strategy Top Reasons to Choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux Videos
In Microsoft Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010, users can do some fine-grained image editing, including recoloring and background removal. In PowerPoint, you can also edit videos, trimming the start & finish, applying affects, & applying file compressionAt a recent cybersecurity workforce conference at the National Institute for Standards and Technology's offices in Gaithersburg, Md., chief information security officers and other government IT managers identified a range of related issues: a confusing morass of certifications; HR processes that identify candidates based on buzzwords, not bona fide experience; drawn-out hiring and security-clearance processes; federal mandates that push unqualified people to the front of the hiring line; and competition with the private sector for job candidates.
Given the scope and urgency of the challenge, cybersecurity workforce development has become a key IT initiative of the Obama administration and, government officials say, one of the top priorities of White
House cybersecurity coordinator Howard Schmidt.
Increased efficiency through converged infrastructure and modular blade servers.
Close the Technology Gap in the Public Sector
Cybersecurity education and workforce development were addressed in the Bush administration's Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, and in April that work was folded into a broader effort called the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by NIST's Dr. Ernest McDuffie. Two elements of NICE deal explicitly with the federal cybersecurity ranks, one with workforce structure and the other with training and professional development.
"We've got a problem of where the next generation of engineers are going to come from," McDuffie says. "Awareness, education, workforce, and training all have to come together." NICE is still in the early going. McDuffie and team are identifying program goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
In fact, the problem is even more fundamental. The feds have long had difficulty describing the job of cybersecurity specialists, so the Office of Personnel Management, the government's HR department, is working to provide new guidance around cybersecurity job classifications, hiring, and performance management.
Much of OPM's work so far has been gathering information and developing draft policies. OPM and its auditors have found cybersecurity pros working in as many as 18 different federal job "series," or groups of formally defined jobs. They're mulling whether the cybersecurity workforce needs its own series to help define and track the cybersecurity workforce. OPM is also assessing whether hiring authorities and practices need to change, says Maureen Higgins, OPM's assistant director for agency support and technology assistance.
FROM THE EDITOR: The U.S. Needs To Close Its Skills Gap
Special Thanks to : Chris Murphy
What does the U.S. government need to fight the escalating cyberthreat? Here's a hint: The Departmental of Homeland Security and the Air Force recently got the OK to hire almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years.
It's people. The federal government's travails in recruiting and keeping cybersecurity talent is the cover story of this week's issue of InformationWeek Government. The feds are trying to figure out how best to define IT security roles and vet candidates. Writes J. Nicholas Hoover:
"Attracting experienced cybersecurity pros to government work is the bigger challenge, however. Hiring backlogs for cybersecurity pros are as long as a year at the Air Force District of Washington, an Air Force Unit based at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland."
Also in this week's issue, we explain why the government is trying to create an "identity ecosystem" for trusted interactions online, and how it thinks it can get the private sector to embrace it. Also John Foley writes about the disconnect between federal CIO Vivek Kundra's vision for IT transformation and the reality that drives most agency decisions.
This week, we also bring you InformationWeek SMB, a special issue looking at a strategy for disaster recovery that small businesses can afford. The key: integrated data protection that combines backup, replication, and other features.
Closing The Cybersecurity Gap In Government
In the face of unrelenting threats to systems and networks, federal agencies must find ways to attract qualified workers and develop new skills internally.
By J. Nicholas Hoover
InformationWeek
August 28, 2010 12:00 AM (From the August 30, 2010 issue)
Download the entire September 2010 issue of InformationWeek Government, distributed in an all-digital format (registration required).
Across the federal government, agencies are grappling with a shortage of cybersecurity pros who have the skills to protect their computers and networks from relentless, and increasingly dangerous, forms of attack. The Department of Homeland Security and the Air Force received authority to expedite the hiring of almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years, but fast-track hiring is a stopgap solution. The long-term answer requires new training programs and better ways of attracting and retaining employees with the sought-after skills.
More Government InsightsWhitepapersDeveloping an Information Security and Risk Management Strategy Top Reasons to Choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux Videos
In Microsoft Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010, users can do some fine-grained image editing, including recoloring and background removal. In PowerPoint, you can also edit videos, trimming the start & finish, applying affects, & applying file compressionAt a recent cybersecurity workforce conference at the National Institute for Standards and Technology's offices in Gaithersburg, Md., chief information security officers and other government IT managers identified a range of related issues: a confusing morass of certifications; HR processes that identify candidates based on buzzwords, not bona fide experience; drawn-out hiring and security-clearance processes; federal mandates that push unqualified people to the front of the hiring line; and competition with the private sector for job candidates.
Given the scope and urgency of the challenge, cybersecurity workforce development has become a key IT initiative of the Obama administration and, government officials say, one of the top priorities of White
House cybersecurity coordinator Howard Schmidt.
Increased efficiency through converged infrastructure and modular blade servers.
Close the Technology Gap in the Public Sector
Cybersecurity education and workforce development were addressed in the Bush administration's Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, and in April that work was folded into a broader effort called the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by NIST's Dr. Ernest McDuffie. Two elements of NICE deal explicitly with the federal cybersecurity ranks, one with workforce structure and the other with training and professional development.
"We've got a problem of where the next generation of engineers are going to come from," McDuffie says. "Awareness, education, workforce, and training all have to come together." NICE is still in the early going. McDuffie and team are identifying program goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
In fact, the problem is even more fundamental. The feds have long had difficulty describing the job of cybersecurity specialists, so the Office of Personnel Management, the government's HR department, is working to provide new guidance around cybersecurity job classifications, hiring, and performance management.
Much of OPM's work so far has been gathering information and developing draft policies. OPM and its auditors have found cybersecurity pros working in as many as 18 different federal job "series," or groups of formally defined jobs. They're mulling whether the cybersecurity workforce needs its own series to help define and track the cybersecurity workforce. OPM is also assessing whether hiring authorities and practices need to change, says Maureen Higgins, OPM's assistant director for agency support and technology assistance.
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