Guardian of the Week – Christine Greiner

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

Post written by Ademide Adedokun, Public Affairs Specialist for the Commandant of the Coast Guard

WASHINGTON D.C. - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt and Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Bob Papp present the 2009 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award to Christine Greiner at Coast Guard Headquarters Nov. 17, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley.

This week, we are honoring the services of Mrs. Christine Greiner, Ombudsman for the Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii. As Ombudsman, Greiner is quite literally the key link between the crew of the 378-foot cutter and the family members left behind when the ship deploys.
Since the inception of the program in the 1980s by Ms. Wanda Allen-Yearout, wife of retired Captain Tom Yearout, Coast Guard Ombudsmen have played many roles. They help young families adapt to military life. They welcome new families to units. They are a voice for family members to unit commands. They are a source of information for family members when their loved ones are deployed. And, perhaps most importantly, unit members can be sure that when they are far from home, there is a Coast Guard Ombudsman keeping watch over their family.
“Ombudsmen volunteer their time and talents to create a community for unit family members left behind,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael Leavitt praising the efforts of all Ombudsmen. “Their hard work and dedication allows members of the Coast Guard to continue to focus on mission execution while being secure in the knowledge that things are running smoothly on the home front.”

WASHINGTON D.C. - Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, talks with Christine Greiner and her husband OSCS Matt Greiner after Christine earned the 2009 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award Nov. 17, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley.

Earlier this week, Greiner was recognized as the Coast Guard Ombudsman of the Year. Her selfless service to the Jarvis family included little things – like updating the contact information for crew members and their dependents. A seemingly small action paid significant dividends down the road and ensured family members were accounted for and moved to higher ground during the 2009 tsunami season.
She also dedicated countless hours helping families adjust to island life by hosting briefs and spouses meetings in her own home. When a crewmember’s father passed away, Mrs. Greiner contacted the ship immediately then facilitated his return to his grieving family. At the end of the ship’s deployment the Ohana Committee she coordinated arranged for a patrol boat to deliver an enormous, beautiful, homecoming lei to wrap around the bow of the ship.
“Enthusiastically driven to provide the best possible services to the Jarvis’ extended ohana [family], Mrs. Greiner worked unceasingly to provide exceptional coordination between families and the command. I offer a hearty mahalo [thank you].” said Jarvis commanding officer, Captain Webster Balding, when nominating Greiner for the honor.
Starting with this year, the Coast Guard Ombudsman of the Year will be recognized as the Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year in honor of her 35 years of service to the Coast Guard.

WASHINGTON D.C. – The 2009 Wanda Allen-Yearout Ombudsman of the Year Award as presented to Christine Greiner at Coast Guard Headquarters Nov. 17, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley.

USCGC WAESCHE FINAL ACCEPTANCE

R 181835Z NOV 10

ALCOAST 558/10
COMDTNOTE 4621
SUBJ: 
1.  THE COAST GUARD EXECUTED FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE SECOND NATIONAL
SECURITY CUTTER, USCGC WAESCHE (WMSL 751), ON 05 NOVEMBER AT COAST
GUARD ISLAND, ALAMEDA, CALIF.  FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF WAESCHE IS PART OF
THE COAST GUARDS PLANNED ACQUISITION PROCESS. THIS MARKS THE END OF
THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT WAESCHE IS READY TO BE
TRANSITIONED FROM THE ACQUISITION TO THE SUSTAINMENT COMMUNITY AS
ESTABLISHED BY THE COAST GUARDS INTERIM SUPPORT PLAN.
2.  IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE POLICIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITYS ACQUISITION AUTHORITY, THE CONTRACTING OFFICER
PRELIMINARILY ACCEPTED WAESCHE FROM THE SHIPBUILDER AFTER REVIEWING
AND ADJUDICATING ALL CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS.  THE RECOMMENDATION
TO ACCEPT WAESCHE WAS CONCURRED WITH BY THE VICE COMMANDANT, BASED ON
INPUT FROM A COAST GUARD EXECUTIVE BOARD CONSISTING OF SENIOR LEADERS
FROM THE ACQUISITION DIRECTORATE, THE OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE,
OPERATIONAL COMMANDER, AS WELL AS THE COAST GUARDS TECHNICAL
AUTHORITIES, COMDT (CG-1), COMDT (CG-4) AND COMDT (CG-6).
3.  FOLLOWING PRELIMINARY ACCEPTANCE ON 06 NOV 2009, WAESCHE HAS
SUCCESSFULLY MET NUMEROUS MILESTONES INCLUDING A READY FOR SEA
EVALUATION, HOMEPORT TRANSIT THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL, COMMISSIONING,
FLIGHT DECK CERTIFICATION, AIRCRAFT DYNAMIC INTERFACE TRIALS AND
INFORMATION ASSURANCE AND TEMPEST TESTING.  CURRENTLY, WAESCHE
CONTINUES TO EXECUTE THE SCHEDULED POST DELIVERY PLAN.  THIS PLAN
INCLUDES ENHANCEMENTS TO MISSION SYSTEMS, WEAPONS TESTING AND
INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND SENSOR EQUIPMENT.
4.  FINAL ACCEPTANCE REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE MADE POSSIBLE
THROUGH THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF NUMEROUS INTERNAL AND
EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDING THE U.S. NAVY. SPECIAL APPRECIATION
GOES TO THE CREW OF WAESCHE, WHOSE TIRELESS COMMITMENT BROUGHT THIS
CUTTER TO LIFE.
5.  MORE INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL SECURITY CUTTER PROJECT IS
AVAILABLE AT HTTP://WWW.USCG.MIL/ACQUISITION/NSC
6.  RADM RONALD J. RABAGO, ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR ACQUISITION,
SENDS.
7.  INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.

Printable Version of FRONTLINE, the official publication of Hmeland Security

Printable Version of FRONTLINE, the official publication of Hmeland Security

CLICK HERE

U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize Hashish, Marijuana, Cash Blythe, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector seized approximately a pound and a half of hashish, 34 pounds of marijuana, and $35,100 in cash, and arrested one suspected smuggler on Wednesday. The search was initiated based on a service canine's alert. The search of a tractor-trailer by Yuma Station Border Patrol agents turned up marijuana, hashish and U.S. currency. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Blythe Station checkpoint on Highway 95 referred a Volvo tractor trailer for further inspection following a canine team alert. Agents found the hashish, marijuana, and cash concealed within a load of lettuce. The marijuana, with an estimated street value of $27,200, the hashish, with an estimated street value of $1,280, the $35,100 in cash, as well as the subject, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The truck and trailer were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol’s toll free telephone number at (1-866) 999-8727. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize Hashish, Marijuana, Cash

Blythe, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector seized approximately a pound and a half of hashish, 34 pounds of marijuana, and $35,100 in cash, and arrested one suspected smuggler on Wednesday. The search of a tractor-trailer by Yuma Station Border Patrol agents turned up marijuana, hashish and U.S. currency. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Blythe Station checkpoint on Highway 95 referred a Volvo tractor trailer for further inspection following a canine team alert. Agents found the hashish, marijuana, and cash concealed within a load of lettuce. The marijuana, with an estimated street value of $27,200, the hashish, with an estimated street value of $1,280, the $35,100 in cash, as well as the subject, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The truck and trailer were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol’s toll free telephone number at (1-866) 999-8727. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP Officers Gear Up To Process Surge Of Holiday Travelers At South Florida Airpor

tsCBP Offers Helpful Hints Travelers can Follow to Help Speed up Their Traveling Experience
(Thursday, November 18, 2010)

Miami – U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds air travelers to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate possible heavy traffic in air travel during the observance of Thanksgiving holiday in the United States on Nov. 25.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, implemented on June 1, 2009 requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. WHTI-approved travel documents include a passport, U. S. passport card, enhanced driver’s licenses or a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST). For more information, please visit the WHTI website. ( www.getyouhome.gov ) . WHTI document requirements for air travel have been in effect since January 2007.

CBP reminds travelers that Global Entry kiosks are available to the traveling public. Global Entry allows pre-approved members an alternative to regular passport processing lines. At the kiosk, Global Entry members insert their passport or lawful permanent resident card into a document reader, provide digital fingerprints for comparison with fingerprints on file, answer customs declaration questions on the kiosk’s touch-screen, and then present a transaction receipt to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers before leaving the inspection area.

Global Entry expedites the customs and security process for trusted air travelers while helping CBP ensure the safety of all airline passengers. Expanding this vital program allows us to improve customer service at airports and concentrate our resources on higher-risk travelers. For more information on Global Entry and how to register please visit the Global Entry website. ( Global Entry ) Additionally, CBP offers the following travel tips:

• Tip #1 – To avoid fines and penalties associated with importing prohibited items, travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section off the CBP website. ( Know Before You Go )
• Tip #2 – Be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth and have their approved travel documents available for the inspection.
• Tip #3 –Monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. Travelers should consult the CBP website site for hourly updates when planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits. During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative, less heavily traveled entry routes.
• Tip #4 – Build extra time into the trip in the event of crossing during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.
• Tip #5 – Know the difference between goods for personal use versus commercial use. For more details visit the following website. ( Travel )
• Tip #6 –Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and firewood into the U.S. from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted.
• Tip # 7 – During the holiday travel season, international travelers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when entering the U.S. Understand that CBP officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Toronto Meetings this Week

The Week Ahead
City of Toronto meeting schedule, November 22 - 26

Toronto City Council and its major committees will not be meeting again until after December 1, when the new City Council takes office. The boards of City agencies continue to hold their regularly scheduled meetings this fall. 

Monday, November 22
Board of Health
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., Committee Room 1

Toronto Public Library
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., Boardroom

Tuesday, November 23
No meetings scheduled

Wednesday, November 24
No meetings scheduled

Thursday, November 25
CNE Board of Governors meeting
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Exhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth Building, Fountain Dining Room

Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave., Boardroom

Friday, November 26
No meetings scheduled

Afghanistan 'Surge' Troops Appreciate Support from Home

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Nov. 19, 2010 - Already operating in some of the toughest conditions imaginable, and with winter setting in, the 101st Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team soldiers in Paktika province, Afghanistan, are keeping motivated and focused on their mission -- thanks, their commanders say, to their "Currahee spirit" and support from the home front. Many of the brigade's soldiers are based at combat outposts so isolated they're reachable only by air. They patrol at altitudes beginning at 7,400 feet and make regular contact with the enemy. Just two months into their deployment, the brigade has lost seven soldiers. As part of the "Steak- and Ice Cream Express" mission to boost morale for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, soldiers serving at remote bases, U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Preston, commander of the 801st Brigade Support Battalion, grills steaks for soldiers deployed to Forward Operating Base YahYa Khel, Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christina Sinders (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The brigade, the last of the 30,000-troop combat "surge" force to deploy to Afghanistan to support President Barack Obama's Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, has weathered some difficult times, its commanders agreed during a videoconference conducted here from their brigade headquarters at Forward Operating Base Sharana. "It's tough here in many ways," said Army Lt. Col. Dave Womack, commander of the 506th Infantry Regiment's 1st Battalion "Red Currahees." "It ain't Shangri-la," he continued. "The soldiers of Task Force Red Currahee live in austere environments. They are close to the enemy. They are partnered with their Afghan brothers and they are going out daily, conducting combat missions." To date, those missions have left seven brigade soldiers dead and more wounded. Just two days ago, the soldiers of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, paid last respects to two of their fallen soldiers during a memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base Connolly in Nangarhar province. Army Spc. Anthony Vargas and Army Spc. David C. Lutes both died from injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device exploded during a Nov. 8 patrol in the village of Wazir. Understanding the toll these losses take on his brigade, Army Col. Sean Jenkins, the brigade commander, said the Currahees draw strength from each other, their families, the Fort Campbell community, and the nation as a whole as they continue their mission. "We can't have bad days here as leaders," he said. "We can have tough days, and there are tough days. But you can feel the support from back home –- the phone calls, the emails. They lift you up early in the morning." Womack said he's amazed by the support his soldiers receive from all corners, and its positive impact on morale. "Every day, the support we get is unbelievable," he said. "An aircraft will land [or] a convoy will drop in with a package from a loved one. And that package will mean everything. In some cases, it means extra 'lickeys and chewies' and chow, and sometimes it's just a letter from home that connects you." The commanders said they're indebted to their families and everyone else who has reached out to them, and offered assurances that they're coping with the challenges as they concentrate on the mission. "It's really easy to focus around here, because the mission is important," Womack said. "We know why we are here and why we do it, and of course, we fight for one another and the mission at hand." As the soldiers perform "incredible" work, Womack urged those back home not to worry about troop morale. "It's great," he said. "But keep up the support because it makes a difference. We appreciate it on this end." Army Lt. Col. Dave Preston, with the 801st Brigade Support Battalion, knows the importance of letters and care packages from home. Each day, his soldiers deliver 3,000 pounds of mail to the brigade's myriad operating sites, including remote combat outposts. No combat outpost "goes more than five days without getting mail," he said. Mail deliveries are expected to climb dramatically as the holidays approach. Back at Fort Campbell, rear detachment leaders, family readiness group volunteers, and community members are assembling holiday packages to ship off to the brigade, ensuring no Currahee soldier gets overlooked. Next to mail, Preston's maintainers know that the next best way to a soldier's heart is through the stomach. So about once a month, they treat troops at outlying combat outposts to the "Steak and Ice Cream Express." Preston and a couple of his cooks set up a grill and prepare and serve up steaks, potatoes, corn on the cob, and heaping bowls of ice cream. It's a big hit with the troops, but Preston said it's just as meaningful for his own soldiers who enjoy taking care of their brothers in arms. "Despite the separations from their families and the schedule, morale remains high," he reported. "They love doing their job and taking care of soldiers." "This is a very challenging environment," said Army Lt. Col. Ivan Beckman, commander of the Special Troops Battalion Apaches. "But morale is very high for us over here. We are focused on the mission, and focused on taking care of each other."

Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Related Articles: U.S. Soldiers Achieve Gains in Paktika Province

The 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team members take care of each other as they endure combat losses in Afghanistan. Here, Army Spc. Jason Pehle comforts Army Spc. Juan Alvarez-Rivera as he touches the dog tags and pays his final respects to Army Spc. David C. Lutes, all with the 61st Cavalry Regiment. Lutes and Army Spc. Anthony Vargas were killed as a result of injuries suffered from a Nov. 8 IED attack on a convoy passing through the village of Wazir. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ryan Matson Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution The 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team honors its fallen soldiers while staying focused on its mission in Afghanistan. Here, a memorial display at Forward Operating Base Connolly honors fallen soldiers Army Spc. David C. Lutes and Army Spc. Anthony Vargas, both of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment. Lutes and Vargas died as a result of injuries suffered during a Nov. 8 IED attack on their convoy. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ryan Matson Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Army Releases October Suicide Data

                 The Army released suicide data today for the month of October.  Among active-duty soldiers, there were nine potential suicides:  two have been confirmed as suicides, and seven remain under investigation.  For September, the Army reported 19 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers.  Since the release of that report, six have been confirmed as suicides, and 13 remain under investigation.
                 During October 2010, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 16 potential suicides.  For September, among that same group, there were 10 total suicides.  Of those, four were confirmed as suicides and six are pending determination of the manner of death.
                 "Army efforts continue to focus on individuals who engage in high-risk behavior.  Risk within the force cannot be mitigated by suicide prevention programs alone.  Army leaders at every level have an enormous influence on helping to eliminate the stigma surrounding seeking behavioral health assistance, reducing high-risk behavior and reducing our unacceptable casualty rates," said Col. Chris Philbrick, deputy director of the Army Health Promotion, Risk Reduction Task Force.
                 "Through the coordinated efforts of leaders, medical professionals, chaplains, families and other members of the Army team, we can provide holistic care for those who seek help, while acting positively to reduce the high-risk population," Philbrick said.
                 Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Trained consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website athttp://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
                 Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact Military OneSource or the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center.  Trained consultants are available from both organizations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
                 The Military OneSource toll-free number for those residing in the continental United. States. is 1-800-342-9647; their Web site address is http://www.militaryonesource.com.  Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource Web site for dialing instructions for their specific location.
               

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, November 22, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling
Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.
 

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, November 21, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.
Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

 

Nations Should Be Cautious in Dealings With Iran, Gates Says

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia, Nov. 21, 2010 - Though sovereign nations can have relationships with any other nations they choose, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today, countries that choose to have a relationship with Iran should do so carefully, in light of its track record of ignoring U.N. Security Council Resolutions.
Gates, who arrived here today to participate in a conference of Western Hemisphere defense ministers, met with U.S. and South American reporters and was asked for his views on relationships Bolivia and Venezuela have with Iran.
Bolivia and Iran have agreed to work together in developing nation reservoirs of uranium, and Venezuela and Iran recently signed 11 agreements for cooperation in various areas. Iran's stated purpose in acquiring uranium is for civil power generation.
"Bolivia, obviously, can have relationships with any country in the world that it wishes to," Gates said. "But I think Bolivia needs to be mindful of the number of United Nations Security Council resolutions that have been passed with respect to Iran's behavior."
The secretary said the United States has no problem with Iran having civil nuclear capability, as long as it's in accord with International Atomic Energy Agency standards and all safeguards are in place to prevent development or proliferation of nuclear weapons.
As to whether Iran might use its relationship with Venezuela to advance its nuclear program, Gates said any nation considering a relationship with Iran in that arena should be cautious about "what the Iranian motives may be and what they are trying to do," given its history of ignoring U.N. Security Council resolutions concerning its nuclear program.
"If they're talking about civil nuclear power, and it's all safeguarded and under the IAEA, then we would have no reason to object," the secretary said. "I would add one other thing, though: I'm not sure that the Iranians have an independent capability to help somebody build a civil nuclear capability. Their own capability, at Bushehr, has been done under contract by the Russians, going back almost 20 years."
 

Biographies:
Robert M. Gates
Related Sites:
Special Report: Travels With Gates

NATO Unity Aids Comprehensive Afghan Strategy, Mullen Says

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2010 - After years of fighting the war in Afghanistan without enough NATO or U.S. forces, new agreements reached at the NATO Summit this weekend have brought unity to the multinational effort in that nation, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
Appearing this morning on CNN's "State of the Union" and ABC's "This Week," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen discussed progress in Afghanistan and other national security issues.
"As we have changed the strategy, focused and gotten the resources right over the course of the last year, this is the first time we really are where we need to be in terms of executing a comprehensive strategy," Mullen said.
As the summit ended yesterday, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a declaration of "enduring partnership," and representatives of 48 nations that contribute to the U.N.-mandated International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan issued a declaration affirming their resolve to lay foundations there for long-term security.
Mullen said he was encouraged by the declarations in Lisbon, Portugal, where NATO and the 48 contributing nations all affirmed 2014 as the deadline for turning security responsibilities over to Afghan security forces.
"I would describe it much like what we just went through in Iraq, where clearly they have the lead for their own security," Mullen said. "We are there in some capacity in a training, advising and assist mode, which we would expect to be for some time. But in terms of combat operations, they would have the lead."
NATO also affirmed the transition would start in the spring, the chairman said, and will be based on conditions on the ground as well as on "district by district" recommendations from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan.
"We've laid out a plan, we think it's a good target, and [we have] an expectation that it will be achieved," Mullen said.
With more than 650 coalition troops, including 451 Americans, killed in Afghanistan so far this year, Mullen said this period has been particularly difficult because of the influx of many more troops to the war zone.
"I would expect next year to be a very difficult year as well," the chairman said. "That said, the security situation has started to change, it has started to get better. We have sacrificed greatly -- tragic losses, far too many always -- but we've also succeeded in starting to reverse the momentum ... in some significant places.
"It isn't irreversible and it's still fragile," he added. "That's really where we are right now in this fight."
Mullen said he doesn't expect "any great strategic shift" to come from the review due out in December on progress in Afghanistan.
The review, he said, is "focusing on having gotten all the inputs right, how are we doing in implementation. And it's starting to move in the right direction."
In response to questions about the importance of having the U.S. Senate ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before the end of the year, Mullen noted that the lack of a treaty would endanger national security and threaten the important new relationship developing between the United States and Russia.
"There's no better example than this weekend, when [Russian] President [Dmitry] Medvedev was in Lisbon with all of NATO and supportive of a missile-defense capability in the future," the chairman said. "A year or two ago that just would not have been possible.
"The Russians have supported us in Afghanistan -- allowed us to transport some of our most significant equipment [through their territory]," he continued. "They've also helped in other ways that wouldn't be widely known. The relationship is maturing very specifically, and it's one that's helped us in Iran. There's an awful lot tied into the improvement of this relationship."
The new START also promotes transparency, predictability and understanding between two nations whose arsenals comprise more than 90 percent of the nuclear weapons in the world, he said.
Mullen also addressed a pending report about how the Defense Department should respond to a repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law associated with whether gays and lesbians should be able to serve openly in the U.S. military services. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced today that the report would be released to Congress and the public Nov. 30.
Many U.S. military allies, including military services in England, Canada, France, Australia and Israel, allow gays to serve openly, and Mullen said that information would be part of the final report.
Mullen said he personally supports the repeal "because [the practice] belies us as an institution. We value integrity and asking individuals to come in and lie about who they are today goes counter to who we are as an institution."

Police Activity Avoid Chestnut Road / 104

(Warren's Corners, NY) Avoid Route 104 Police in persuit of a possible wreckless operator. Location is between Wrights Corners and Bee Beee Road. Blue Fire bird weaving in and out of oncoming traffic according to reports.
Police began a chase starting in Wrights Corners and followed car from Ridge Road to Beebee to Chestnut back to bee bee at approximately 50 MPH

Map at left shows general area and the "A" item listed is meant to show the road only, not an end point or exactly where the activity took place.

The issue may clear up at any time and Motion Center will not be following this item.

Happy Holidays: Catholic Charities Video

FROM MOTIONCENTER.INFO

 

 MOTIONCENTER.INFO IS A GROUP SPEEDDOG COMPANY

Happy Holidays: Catholic Charities Video

FROM MOTIONCENTER.INFO

Food Bank of Western New York Video

FROM MOTIONCENTER.INFO

 An outstanding group of people send an important message.
 

Motioncenter News Brief

City fo Tonawanda now has their holiday / Chrisrmas Season light display on display at Clinton Park in the middle of the city. (Picture unrelated.)

Gas prices continue to climb as the shopping sheason begins. That deer picture above becomes more relevant.

This week the long awaited section of the 219 opened. Some felt that the extension would hurt business in Springville, NY. The goal of the extensions is to lcreate a preferred north south route for travelers, and logistics companys, including truck drivers.

Motion Center Nightside Update

(City of Tonawanda, NY) Clinton Park is lit up nightly i the City celebrating the season in multi color lights. (picture unrelated). Other local events include ;

• Hertel Holiday Walk - Buffalo, Vendors Hertel Avenue
•