OAM Participates in Annual Biking Event

(02/22/2011)On April 24th and 25th, 2010, 16 members of the Office of the Air and Marine (OAM) family took part in the 10th annual Face of America biking event. This is the second year in which the OAM “Capital Punishment” Team participated in this fundraising sport event that honors our military - injured, veterans and active duty - and the true American Spirit.

The race which is organized by World T.E.A.M. Sports (The Exceptional Athlete Matters), brings together participants with and without disabilities to honor and thank the disable young men and women returning from war for their service. The event also serves to honor active duty and retired military that participate in the two-day race.

	OAM team gather in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania after finishing the race

"This is a most rewarding event,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bill Oliver. “To be able to ride along with men and women who have served and paid such a high price to protect our freedom was a very uplifting experience."

This year event kicked off from the nation’s capitol before embarking on a 100-mile journey to Gettysburg, Pa. After close to 60 miles the group of near three hundred participants stopped in Frederick, Maryland, where they spent the night. The ride continued on Sunday with another 45+ miles to Gettysburg. The arrival into the historical town took the bikers thru the

	Photo Credit: Jon Steckbeck

battlefield and ended at Marine Barrack Gettysburg where they finished the event with a ‘Steaks and Beers’ celebration. During that time and all along the ride everyone had the opportunity to share stories and build camaraderie.

“This is a very challenging event where you experience the opportunity to ride along with participants of great tenacity and enduring spirit” said Air Interdiction Agent Michael Pullman. “The race is about facing challenges and building camaraderie with people that you are very proud to race with.”

“It was a great ride but an even better experience,” said Deputy Director, Marine Operations Martin Wade. “It was humbling and inspirational to ride side by side with some of our severely injured warriors. I’m looking forward to next year’s ride.”

The OAM Team came in second in total fundraising collecting as to date $23,187.42, but came in first in money raised per team member with an average of $1450 per Rider.

For information about next year event, log on to www.worldteamsports.org or contact one of OAM Capital Punishment” Team’s member. ( worldteamsports.org )

UPDATE

22 FEB 11 

(All Times Eastern)

ENCORE 1800 - Pentagon Briefing: Update on U.S. Forces Response to Gunfire Aboard the S/V Quest. (30min, VoD, Podcast)

Town hall to provide input to City's graffiti strategy

The City of Toronto in conjunction with Direct Engagement will hold a town hall meeting as part of work to develop a long-term community strategy on graffiti. Participants can attend the town hall either in person or through live streaming.

Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17 Davenport), Chair of the City's Licensing and Standards Committee, will welcome town hall participants. The event will feature several speakers who will provide unique perspectives about graffiti, followed by a panel discussion that will include time for questions and answers.

Date: Tuesday, May 31
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Location:    The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Interested members of the public are invited to attend the town hall by live streaming or in person.

Note: Live streaming will be available at http://www.directengagement.com/node/49. 

Statement by Adm. Mike Mullen on CJCS, VCJCS, and Chief of Staff for the Army

            "I fully support the President's decision to nominate Gen. Marty Dempsey and Adm. Sandy Winnefeld for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
            "Both men are extraordinary leaders, who will provide the Secretary of Defense and the President not only their best military advice, but also the great benefit of their decades of military experience and their command in combat operations.

            "I know, too, that they will represent faithfully and stridently the 2.2 million men and women in uniform, as well as their families.

            "In that same vein, I applaud the selection of Gen. Ray Odierno to succeed Gen. Dempsey as Army Chief of Staff. Like Marty, Ray is a combat-proven officer who made a real difference in Iraq, and who will lead the Army with strength and with passion as we complete our mission there and begin to transition in Afghanistan."