Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
Affected Jurisdictions: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Wyoming Counties
...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST FRIDAY... A LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST FRIDAY. * LOCATIONS: PRIMARILY THE SOUTHERN HALF OF JEFFERSON COUNTY... NORTHERN HALF OF LEWIS COUNTY...AND EXTREME NORTHERN PORTION OF OSWEGO COUNTY. * TIMING: OVERNIGHT...CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 12 TO 18 INCHES IN THE MOST PERSISTENT BANDS. SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR LIKELY. * IMPACTS: HEAVY SNOW WILL PRODUCE VERY DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS WITH SNOW COVERED ROADS AND POOR VISIBILITY.
IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW THE WEATHER CAN VARY FROM LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW IN NARROW BANDS TO CLEAR SKIES JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE REGION BE PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES IN ROAD AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION FOR THE LATEST UPDATES.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
U.S Border Patrol Foils Maritime Smuggling Attempt Nine arrested after coming ashore on Dog Beach
Coronado, Calif. — On Saturday evening, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested nine Mexican nationals after they illegally entered the country aboard a small, open-bow boat along the San Diego County coastline.
At about 6:20 p.m., agents on patrol spotted a suspicious boat traveling with no visible running lights and approaching the shoreline near Dog Beach in Coronado. Agents observed the vessel come ashore and all of its occupants quickly disembark.
Agents intercepted the group of seven males and two females and determined that they were all Mexican nationals who had entered the United States illegally. They were arrested and transported to a local Border Patrol station for processing and further investigation. Agents identified two of the arrested men as being responsible for this smuggling attempt. They are in federal custody pending prosecution for alien smuggling. The vessel was seized by the Border Patrol.
The U.S. Border Patrol is a member agency of the Maritime Unified Command. The Maritime Unified Command, comprised of the Coast Guard, CBP, ICE, and state and local law enforcement partners operating in the San Diego and Orange County maritime domain, utilizes the fusion of intelligence, planning, and operations to target the threat of transnational crime along the coastal border.
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.
DOD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an insurgent attacked their unit with small arms fire.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, Ind.
Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, 29, of Athens, Ohio.
Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, Calif.
Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, 21, of Beaver Dam, Wis.
Pfc. Austin G. Staggs, 19, of Senoia, Ga.
Pvt. Buddy W. McLain, 24, of Mexico, Maine.
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 1st. Lt. Scott F. Milley, 23, of Sudbury, Mass., died Nov. 30 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La. . | |
|
Family Matters Blog: Dr. Biden Welcomes Guard Children
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2010 - I woke up to a torrential downpour today, but even the rain, and tornado warnings, couldn't dampen my enthusiasm about the day's events. I was heading to the vice president's residence in Washington, D.C., to attend a special holiday event.
|
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was hosting about 50 children, including 25 from local National Guard families, at the U.S. Naval Observatory. The day's itinerary included ornament and cookie decorating and letter-writing to deployed and wounded warriors.
I was in awe when I first walked into the Biden home. The large foyer already was adorned for the holiday season with dozens of lit candles, garland and wreaths decorated with gold, silver and pale green ornaments. Two soldiers in dark blue dress uniforms sang carols while a third accompanied them on the piano.
Dr. Biden, festive in a sleeveless red dress, walked in with a wave and a smile at the press, then took her place by the front door. The children filed in and she greeted each with a handshake or hug and welcoming words.
To one boy sharply dressed in a suit: "Look at you. Woo-hoo!" she said with a smile.
The children crowded into the living room dominated by a 12-foot Christmas tree adorned mostly in red. Dr. Biden talked to the children about how excited she was to move into this residence and decorate it in the Bidens' style. "We like a lot of color," she said.
But her favorite part of living there, Dr. Biden said, is having the opportunity to invite guests over. She then invited two of those guests to the front of the room: Sheila Casey, wife of Army Chief of Staff Army Gen. George Casey, and Cheryl McKinley, wife of Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Mrs. McKinley took time to explain what the National Guard's mission is to the students who weren't aware. "We really appreciate you all supporting moms and dads and families," she told the children.
Dr. Biden showed the children a framed picture of her son, an Army captain in the Delaware National Guard, with his own son in his arms. "This is when he got back from Iraq," she said.
She then asked the National Guard children if they had a parent deployed. Most of the children knew of someone who was or is deployed, whether a parent, uncle or family friend. "I know how hard it was for us as a family to have a son deployed," she said.
As the children dispersed to the activity stations, Dr. Biden stayed in the living room to write letters to deployed troops and wounded warriors. She sat on the floor alongside the children, red dress and all, and crafted a green holiday card. She stuck red ornament stickers on the front, along with a hand-drawn Christmas tree, and inside the card she wrote, "Thank you for your service to our country. Come home safely. Love, Jill Biden XO."
One girl named Blessing, who sat next to Dr. Biden, wrote, "Thank you for your service. You risk your life every day so I can live in peace."
"I can just imagine my son, when he was in Iraq, getting a card," Dr. Biden later told me. "It would mean a lot.
"It meant a lot to me that these children are focused on men and women overseas and want them to come home safely," she added.
After her card was complete, Dr. Biden moved on to the solarium where children were writing a wish for the nation in 2011 on red paper reindeer ornaments. These ornaments were then hung on the "peace" tree in the corner, which was decorated with white doves.
After a short caroling session, Santa Claus paid a surprise visit to the foyer and greeted the children with some handshakes and even a fist pump before posing for some pictures with Dr. Biden and the children.
The children, I noticed, were walking around in awe. "I found out yesterday that I'd get two treats: one, I get to go to the vice president's house; and two, I get to skip school," said Kate Roberts, daughter of Air National Guard Lt. Col. Andrew Roberts and his wife, Debbie. "This is really cool."
Ethan McDonald, son of Army National Guard Master Sgt. Marty McDonald and wife, Trish, told me that he found out about the event a few days ago. "I really enjoyed this," he said.
Ethan said decorating cards for servicemembers was the highlight of the day for him. "I couldn't wish any more than your safe return," he wrote in his card.
Today, the children gained lifelong memories, Mrs. Casey noted after the event. "This is fabulous," she told me. "I'm sure they'll talk about this for a long time to come."
Dr. Biden later told me that she was impressed by the sincerity of the children's thoughts and messages to servicemembers. "The children said so many heartwarming things," she said, such as "thank you for keeping me safe" and "thank you for taking care of us."
"It touched my heart," Dr. Biden said.
YN2 Vida: Appreciating the art of Jiu Jitsu
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young
Post written by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. MendenhallThere are many reasons fighters are drawn to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Some enter the sport with hopes of fame or fortune. Petty Officer 2nd Class Teodulo Vida, a Yeoman and single father of two stationed at Training Team West in Alameda, Calif., embraces Jiu Jitsu for the deeper rewards the sport offers; mainly a greater reverence for life and the strengthening of family bonds.
“Jiu Jitsu doesn’t just help in areas of your life, it helps in every way of your life,” explained Vida, who recently placed Fourth in the World Jiu Jitsu No-Gi Championship, held November 7, 2010 in Long Beach, Calif.
The World Championship was a bustling hive of countless fighters, trainers, and fans of Jiu Jitsu. The crowds spilled from the stands onto the main floor, with family, friends and fans surrounding the mats, cheering on their fighters.
“There were 23 men in my division and I participated in three fights,” said Vida. “I still remain humble to have the honor of participating in this event. It was a great time.”
Vida was introduced to Jiu Jitsu through his older brother Ted in the 1990s and was instantly attracted to the many ways its principles could improve his daily life. “My brother showed me how to apply Jiu Jitsu to my everyday life, through hard work, training and health,” said Vida.
The sport made such an impact on Vida that he has passed on his passion to his children, whom he regularly trains with.
“My entire family trains in Jiu Jitsu,” said Vida, “My older brother, my younger brother, my son and my daughter. It’s a family thing.”
An average training day for Vida and his family involves grueling cardio workouts, various drills involving squats, running and jumping jacks, and ends with 5-8 minute rounds of fighting.
“Fighting a five-minute round doesn’t sound long at all, but when you are fighting against someone who is trying to take you out, it can feel like an eternity,” explained Vida.
For Vida, the aches and pains of training are well worth the deeper benefits Jiu Jitsu provides him and his family.
“The philosophy behind Jiu Jitsu and how it makes you feel after training gives you a higher respect for life,” explained Vida, “You appreciate your life more.”
He wasn’t always so optimistic about the sport. “My brother dragged me to the Academy with my problems and a chip on my shoulder,” admits Vida. “I went in and got my butt kicked.”
Vida’s rough introduction to Jiu Jitsu quickly gave way to the deeper benefits that kept him coming back. “You develop respect after your first session. Respect for Jiu Jitsu, the Academy, and ultimately for your life and for yourself.”
Jiu Jitsu also gave Vida a fresh perspective on his career in the Coast Guard.
“In the same aspect as I appreciated my life more, I started to appreciate my job more,” explained Vida. “I thought about how important the Coast Guard is to me and my family and the benefits and support we get from the Service. I am a much more humble Coast Guardsman and I owe a lot of that to Jiu Jitsu.”
The prosperities of the sport never seem to cease for Vida, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to his family and the common bond they have found in Jiu Jitsu.
“I am a single parent of two kids,” explained Vida, “I do this for them. I represent my family and my academy, win or lose, and it’s great to know that my kids are watching me when I compete. I am a hero in their eyes, and that makes me proud.”
Naval Exercise Wraps Up In South Korea
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2010 - As the United States and South Korean militaries wrapped up four days of joint naval exercises, the task force commander said he's "exceptionally satisfied" with capabilities demonstrated during operations that sent a strong deterrent message to North Korea. "It certainly sends a message of collective and unified deterrence –- that we are prepared, we are ready, collectively, as allies," Navy Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander of Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5, said last night during a Pentagon Channel interview. "We certainly hope our activities here send a message that we are capable and we are ready to respond together to any potential contingency." The exercise was the third in the "Invincible Spirit" series Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and then-South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young agreed to over the summer after North Korea sank the South Korean navy ship Cheonan in March, killing 47 South Korean sailors. The latest exercise, Cloyd said, was conducted to reinforce U.S. commitment to its alliance with South Korea, to reassure other allies in the region of that commitment and to demonstrate freedom of movement in international waters throughout the Western Pacific. About 6,000 sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and embarked Carrier Air Wing 5, the cruiser USS Cowpens and destroyers USS Lassen, USS Stethem and USS Fitgerald participated, along with South Korean navy ships and their crews. In addition, both countries' air forces participated. Operating off South Korea's western coast, they conducted sustainability, readiness and interoperability training covering a broad spectrum of operations, from surface and anti-submarine warfare to air defense, Cloyd reported. "By training and practicing these varies types of capabilities and skills together, it allows us to be more prepared to operate and execute these kinds of missions should it be necessary to do so anywhere in the Western Pacific region," he said. Cloyd said he's "extremely confident in our collective capabilities to be able to execute any number of missions we may be asked to do," from "higher-end" operations such as those practiced during the exercise to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The first Invincible Spirit exercise, conducted in July, focused on naval and air readiness. The second, in October, involved five days of anti-submarine warfare exercises. The third exercise initially was slated for late October, but it was postponed due to scheduling issues. It began days after North Korea launched an artillery attack against the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong that left four dead, including two South Korean marines. |
Biographies: Navy Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd Related Sites: Task Force 70 U.S. Forces Korea |
|
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=USDOD. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com.
Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information.
Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more.
Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs.
This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/.
YN2 Vida: Appreciating the art of Jiu Jitsu
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young
Post written by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. MendenhallThere are many reasons fighters are drawn to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Some enter the sport with hopes of fame or fortune. Petty Officer 2nd Class Teodulo Vida, a Yeoman and single father of two stationed at Training Team West in Alameda, Calif., embraces Jiu Jitsu for the deeper rewards the sport offers; mainly a greater reverence for life and the strengthening of family bonds.
“Jiu Jitsu doesn’t just help in areas of your life, it helps in every way of your life,” explained Vida, who recently placed Fourth in the World Jiu Jitsu No-Gi Championship, held November 7, 2010 in Long Beach, Calif.
The World Championship was a bustling hive of countless fighters, trainers, and fans of Jiu Jitsu. The crowds spilled from the stands onto the main floor, with family, friends and fans surrounding the mats, cheering on their fighters.
“There were 23 men in my division and I participated in three fights,” said Vida. “I still remain humble to have the honor of participating in this event. It was a great time.”
Vida was introduced to Jiu Jitsu through his older brother Ted in the 1990s and was instantly attracted to the many ways its principles could improve his daily life. “My brother showed me how to apply Jiu Jitsu to my everyday life, through hard work, training and health,” said Vida.
The sport made such an impact on Vida that he has passed on his passion to his children, whom he regularly trains with.
“My entire family trains in Jiu Jitsu,” said Vida, “My older brother, my younger brother, my son and my daughter. It’s a family thing.”
An average training day for Vida and his family involves grueling cardio workouts, various drills involving squats, running and jumping jacks, and ends with 5-8 minute rounds of fighting.
“Fighting a five-minute round doesn’t sound long at all, but when you are fighting against someone who is trying to take you out, it can feel like an eternity,” explained Vida.
For Vida, the aches and pains of training are well worth the deeper benefits Jiu Jitsu provides him and his family.
“The philosophy behind Jiu Jitsu and how it makes you feel after training gives you a higher respect for life,” explained Vida, “You appreciate your life more.”
He wasn’t always so optimistic about the sport. “My brother dragged me to the Academy with my problems and a chip on my shoulder,” admits Vida. “I went in and got my butt kicked.”
Vida’s rough introduction to Jiu Jitsu quickly gave way to the deeper benefits that kept him coming back. “You develop respect after your first session. Respect for Jiu Jitsu, the Academy, and ultimately for your life and for yourself.”
Jiu Jitsu also gave Vida a fresh perspective on his career in the Coast Guard.
“In the same aspect as I appreciated my life more, I started to appreciate my job more,” explained Vida. “I thought about how important the Coast Guard is to me and my family and the benefits and support we get from the Service. I am a much more humble Coast Guardsman and I owe a lot of that to Jiu Jitsu.”
The prosperities of the sport never seem to cease for Vida, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to his family and the common bond they have found in Jiu Jitsu.
“I am a single parent of two kids,” explained Vida, “I do this for them. I represent my family and my academy, win or lose, and it’s great to know that my kids are watching me when I compete. I am a hero in their eyes, and that makes me proud.”
Face of Defense: Trainer Inspires Troops
197th Public Affairs Detachment WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2010 - Across a wide stretch of dirt and sand, a dozen soldiers lined up in formation, shields at the ready, waiting to be attacked by an opposing force. To the side, another soldier watched them intently, looking for any discrepancies or weaknesses in the formation.
A New Mexico native, Saenz has been in the military for 18 years, two of which he spent in Iraq. Saenz said his time overseas improved his skills as an instructor. "We actually had direct contact, not only with Iraqi nationals, but also detainees from all around," he said. "This kind of training was not around when I was a young soldier, and I'm glad I've been given the knowledge I have to show these troops out here." Saenz is passionate about his job. He laughs and jokes with the soldiers he trains, but also emphasizes how important their mission is. "He tells you what you need to work on, while at the same time telling you what you're doing right," said Army Spc. Rebekah Hubers, with the 1776th Military Police Company from Taylor, Mich. "He really motivates us and keeps our energy high, but also keeps us focused on the task at hand." Army Spc. Luke Langmeyer, also with the 1776th MP Company, explained why Saenz's training is so important. "He gets more in-depth," Langmeyer said. "I didn't see that back at [advanced individual training]. It's a good eye-opener ... and re-establishes why we train the way we do." Army Staff Sgt. Thomas St. George, also a 5th Armored Brigade instructor, has worked with Saenz for nearly three years and said he has observed the qualities that make him a unique and capable teacher. "He makes the training fun, makes it realistic, ... and the soldiers respond very well to him," St. George said. "We try to have a good sense of humor with our training. We believe that if we have a sense of humor with these guys, they'll pay more attention." It is also important that the training is not confusing or too complicated, he added. "For some of these newer, younger soldiers, it's a good hands-on experience," said Army Sgt. Scott Stonebreaker, from the 1776th MP Company. "It's straightforward. It's cut and dried. There's no beating around the bush ... and it'll help them out a lot during detainee ops." The Michigan soldiers will be escorting and searching detainees in Afghanistan, and Saenz stressed that they must not let their guard down at any time. "From my experience out there, the detainees were very compliant," he said. "They were very kind and polite individuals. But, at the same time, at any minute they could explode and turn on you. You let your guard down, they're going to take advantage of that." Saenz is very concerned with making sure he puts the proper information out to the soldiers and the trainees, St. George said. "He makes sure that he's very clear with his instructions. He's just an outstanding individual." Saenz has two daughters. While the 4-year-old doesn't quite understand what Daddy does at work, Saenz said, the 8-year-old is very curious and proud of her father. "She wants to know everything I do out here," he said. "And I give her a good idea of what I do [and] how much fun I have." As Saenz took a look around the area, soldiers prepared for another training exercise, having made the adjustments that he'd suggested earlier. "It makes me feel very good," Saenz said. "I can literally sleep well at night. I can feel satisfied of the type of job I do out here. "I know that, at one point or another, I reached out to every one of them," he added. | ||
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)