A gentle REMINDER that ISFAC members have requested to use this method of communication to share information vs. getting many emails from everyone each week.
November 20, 2009-
Hello ISFAC members-
A special thanks for your service goes out to Tech. Sgt. Jeffery P. Salonga of the 319th Logistic Readiness Squadron at the GFAFB. Salonga was presented a Bronze Star by the Honorable Daniel B. Ginsberg, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs, during a wing commander's call November 12, 2009.
Another HUGE kudos goes out to the Grand Forks Air Force Base as a whole! They recently received the gold-level Presidential Volunteer Service Award for Airmen who donated more than 12,000 hours of time to volunteer activities both on base and in the local community during 2009. Thanks for all you do for the Grand Forks regional area.
Welcome to Col. Donald Shaffer as he takes command of GFAFB. He says he fully intends to continue the work of his predecessor, Col. John E. Michel, improving base infrastructure and competing for new missions.
Welcome to Colonel Douglas Cox, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing and Colonel Fred Stoss, commander of the 91st Missile Wing to the Minot Air Force Base.
We have exciting news on the Grand Forks horizon in that we have started the Grand Forks Area Veterans Network. Now that the VA clinic is here in town several veteran based organization members felt the need to communicate about services available to our area veterans so we are not duplicating services. If you would like to get involved please let me know.
Thank you Governor John Hoeven for declaring Nov. 21-28, 2009, Military Family Appreciation Week in North Dakota. To download the proclamation please see:
http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2009/11/20091121.pdf
Soldiers' Angels just finished up our fundraiser Project Valour-IT. (Voice Activate Laptops and other technology for the wounded heroes.) We had teams representing the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy competing in a whole hearted feisty manner to claim the title of THE WINNER as in who could raise the most money for the cause. In two weeks we raised $113,124.90. The Marines took the title (again) raising $43,060.89. The Army came in with a close $32,758.80, followed by the Navy with $19,108.04 and last but not least the Air Force with $15,662.17. We had an online auction also that netted $2,535.00. The funds raised will allow us to purchase 188 voice-activated laptops. To date we have given away 4800 laptops to wounded heroes. The North Dakota Guard, Air Force and Marines have all been recipients of this project.
Any new events or changes to events on this list, I will highlight in RED so you can skim through this listing without having to look at everything on a weekly basis. I encourage every member of ISFAC to become more engaged in sharing events and activities. Please send me (shellemichaels@msn.com) your copy and paste ready ONLY (see event listing for format) information by Thursday of each week.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Don't forget give thanks for our freedom.
Shelle Michaels, Soldiers' Angels
EVENTS/MEETINGS:
Friday, November 20, 2009- Grand Forks Air Force Base- Wing Down Day.
Nov. 21-28, 2009: Military Family Appreciation Week in North Dakota http://governor.nd.gov/proc/docs/2009/11/20091121.pdf
Sunday, November 22, 2009: 1:30 pm. 1-188th ADA RAID IV Send Off- North Dakota Army National Guard Armory 1501 48th Street S - Grand Forks. MISSION: Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) mission has about 40 Soldiers and two Sentinel Radar missions of approximately 25 and 8 Soldiers each.
The AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar is generally used to alert and queue short range air defense weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching friendly forces. RAID-IV unit will be the fourth N.D. Army National Guard security surveillance mission. This unit is referred to as "RAID-IV" to distinguish it from other North Dakota units with similar missions.
The first surveillance mission was named 1-188th ADA JLENS (Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor) and was mobilized from November 2005 to February 2007. The second surveillance mission, also called "RAID," was mobilized from November 2006 to January 2008. Both previous surveillance missions were performed in Afghanistan. RAID III is currently in Afghanistan.
Commander- Cpt. Walyn Vannurden
FRG Leader- Jenn Vannurden
November 22-28, 2009 as Military Family Appreciation Week. We celebrate our nation's blessings and give thanks for our freedom to enjoy them and we take great pride in honoring the military families across North Dakota. Contact Jessica.b.clark@us.army.mil or ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information. North Dakota Proclamation will be sent out in the beginning of November.
Monday, November 23, 2009: Come to the Airman and Family Readiness 3rd Annual Open House Soup Supper Celebration. 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Enjoy hot soups, bread, punch, and desserts. Munch on some popcorn, soft pretzels, and join the kids in making different fall crafts. All are welcome! A&FRC, (701) 747-3241
Monday, November 23, 2009 : The North Dakota Campaign for Responsible Health Reform's Small Business Forums
Grand Forks: 9 am to 10 am at the Canad Inns (near the Alerus Center), 1000 South 42nd Street, GF. Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Fargo: 12 noon to 1 pm at Roers' Construction and Development, 200 45th Street South, Fargo. Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Tuesday, November 24, 2009: The North Dakota Campaign for Responsible Health Reform's Small Business Forums
Dickinson: 8 am to 9 am at the Days Hotel, 532 15th Street West, Dickinson. Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Bismarck: 12 noon to 1 pm at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck, 605 East Broadway Ave, Bismarck Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Tuesday, November 24th 12:15-1pm, Come and hear Naomi March and, from West Funeral Home, speak on "Something to Remember Me By" for our grieving series. Ms. March and will tell a story and talk about how memories of our loved ones add to our holiday gatherings. Lunch is free. HeartSprings, located at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fargo, ND. Contact Jan Nelson - jnelson1409@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009:. UND Military Affairs Committee 9:30 -11:00 a.m. in the Carnegie Hall Boardroom. By invitation only contact Sandy Monette Sandy.Monette@und.edu.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009: John Ferder will be coming home from deployment in Afghanistan on Wednesday, Nov 25, 2009 at 04:09 pm at the Bismarck Airport. The Ferderer's other son, Spc. Dennis Ferderer Jr., 20, died in Ad Duluiyah, Iraq on November 2, 2005. (1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga). Dina was the Gold Star mom that spoke at the dedication of the Memorial for the KIA of the Global War on Terror.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009: 6 pm Grand Forks Cottonwood Community Church will host a Thanksgiving banquet at the church (308 S. 5th St. in Grand Forks) in honor of all military personnel and families. It's our way of giving back and giving thanks for their dedication and sacrifice in service to our country. We will once again hire a chef for a delicious, catered turkey dinner and have live jazz music. Cottonwood is especially mindful of families that will be apart because of deployments as well as new service members recently stationed here that may have nowhere to go. Please contact our office (772-4126) to register. http://www.cottonwoodcommunity.org/
Wednesday, December 2, 2009: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
December 5, 2009: Military Appreciation Day Women's Hockey: UND vs. Bemidji State. Military adults and up to three dependents can gain free entry to this game. Home women's hockey games military adults and up to three dependents can purchase general admission tickets at $2 apiece. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Sunday, December 6, 2010. 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. UND Chester Fritz Auditorium. The UND Wind Ensemble directed by James Popejoy and the 188th Army Band, North Dakota National Guard, will present a combined concert at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 in UND's Chester Fritz Auditorium. No tickets are needed, and admission is free.
The North Dakota National Guard Band will be directed by Sgt. 1st Class Donald Nagle, and their program will include Brazilian Folk Dance Suite, William Rhoads; "The American Fanfare," Rick Kirby; "Salvation is Created," Pavel Tschnokoff patriotic marches, E.E. Bagley and Henry Fillmore; featuring Sgt. Thomas Jankowski, tuba soloist, on Oystein Baadsvik setting of Amazing Grace.
UND's Wind Ensemble will perform "Symphony in B-flat," Paul Hindemith; suite from Leonard Bernstein's "Mass"; contemporary works by Brank Karrick and Richard Saucedo; featuring senior music major Ryan Zahn in Cecil Chaminade's "Concertino for Flute." Joint concert: An arrangement of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride."
Monday, December 7, 2009 Tops in Blue. 7pm Chester Fritz Auditorium in Grand Forks. TOPS IN BLUE serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family, with priority to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United States of America and the United States Air Force. No tickets will be issued. Seats are on a first come first serve basis. (Check out the media document: http://www.airmanonline.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090430-074.pdf )
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Tops in Blue. Minot More details soon.
Thursday, December 10, 2009: Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs meets at 0800 at the Chamber office downtown Grand Forks. (Michaels-standing report and Slaughter sit on this committee.)
Thursday, December 10, 2009 Special Needs Resources for Military Families. MilitaryOneSource Webinars: Click on the link below to register - https://www.militaryonesource.com/Default.aspx?grm2catid=10&tabid=238
Thursday, December 10, 2009- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information.
Saturday, December 12, 2009- Wreaths across America Nationwide Remembrance Ceremonies will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. The ceremony will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, south of Mandan at 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 – Last day to book your reservation at the CanadInn at the $70/room federal rate for January 13, 2010 for the January 14th ISFAC meeting. Reservations are to be made by the individual directly by calling 701-772-8404 - under ISFAC, group reservation number 177841. Once a guest room reservation has been made it must be cancelled 48-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night stay charge. Reservations for this rate are to be received prior to December 15th, 2009. After this date the unused portion of the room block will revert back to the hotel for general sales. Reservations received after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and the current daily rate. When booking this room, if you plan on staying over January 14th as well, please let them know at the time of the reservation and CanadInn.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Friday, January 8-10, 2009—NDNG Volunteer Academy Fargo at the Doublewood Inn. The Volunteer Academy's are trainings offered four times a year to individuals who are interested in becoming members of a Family Readiness Group (FRG). Military personnel are also encouraged to attend to better understand the processes and workings of an FRG. This weekend event is packed full of invaluable trainings, speakers and information to help better prepare you and your family for military life and deployments. SSgt Jessica Clark - jessica.b.clark@us.army.mil or Gary Simmons - gary.k.simmons@us.army.mil
January 9, 2009: Military Appreciation Nigh Men's Hockey- UND vs. Minnesota State. Military adults and up to three dependents can buy single game tickets at $15 adult and $10 youth. All seats will be upper bowl. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Thursday, January 14th, 2010. ISFAC in Grand Forks. UND Med School, Soldiers' Angels and Veterans Upward Bound are the hosts at the Memorial Union (Swanson Hall room 10-12). Contact Shelle Michaels (ShelleMichaels@msn.com) for parking information. A block of (20) rooms have been set aside at the CanadInn (attached to the Alerus Center, 1000 South 42nd Street in Grand Forks – off the Demers Exit) with the $70/room federal rate for January 13, 2010. (This is a SPECIAL offer, as they normally do not give this rate.) Reservations are to be made by the individual directly by calling 701-772-8404 – under ISFAC, group reservation number 177841. Once a guest room reservation has been made it must be cancelled 48-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night stay charge. Reservations for this rate are to be received prior to December 15th, 2009.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
February 10-11, 2010 Minot, ND 58701 The Military Child Education Coalition's™ Living in the New Normal (LINN)™ training is a two-day professional development program that prepares school guidance professionals, educators and community members to recognize and address the issues facing children dealing with separation from a loved one or experiencing trauma, grief and loss due to the loss or injury of a loved one. It provides concerned adults with information to help support children during these times of uncertainty and gives them the framework to enable them to support families to ensure that their children have the tools to bounce back from life's storms and stressors. The MCEC's LINN™ efforts are predicated on the belief that children's inherent attributes of courage and resiliency can be strengthened through deliberate encouragement. Contact SPC Tonya Sigl, North Dakota National Guard State Youth Coordinator 701-333-4803 or tonya.sigl@us.army.mil for more details.
Thursday, February 11, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information.
Friday, February 12, 2010 – "Support the Red, White and Blue, Give Love – Give Blood." Soldiers' Angels Nationwide blood donation project. Save the date and watch for more details coming to a town near you. ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
Saturday, February 13, 2010 Deadline: The Officer's Spouses' Club of Grand Forks Air Force Base is offering scholarships to outstanding high school seniors and military spouses who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the fall of 2010. The applicant must be a dependent of a military member who is active duty, guard, reserve or retired, in the Grand Forks Air Force Base or Cavalier Air Station areas. Scholarship monies are for needed books, tuition and educational fees for one academic year of enrollment. For specific requirements, guidelines, and an application, please contact the GFAFB Officer's Spouses Club at OSCKielty@yahoo.com, area high school guidance counselor offices, or call Sarah Kielty at 701-631-0241. Application deadline is to be postmarked by February 13, 2010. Application: http://www.gfosc.com/
Saturday, February 13, 2010: Military Appreciation Men and Women's Basketball. UND vs. Chicago State. Military adults and up to three dependents can gain FREE entry to this game at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Home basketball games military adults and up to three dependents can purchase tickets at just $4 apiece. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive the tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Tuesday, February 16, 2009. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Thursday, March 11, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information.
Tuesday, March 17, 2010. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, March 18, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Thursday, April 8, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information.
April 13-15, 2010- 2010 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health - Grand Forks- Health Care in Transition: Creative Strategies - For more information, contact: Kylie Nissen at 701.777.5380 or Email: knissen@medicine.nodak.edu
Thursday, May 13, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information.
IN THE NEWS/NOTES:
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A vehicle operator from the 319th Logistic Readiness Squadron was recently awarded the Bronze Star.
Tech. Sgt. Jeffery P. Salonga was presented the award by the Honorable Daniel B. Ginsberg, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs, during a wing commander's call Nov. 12.
The Bronze Star is awarded for heroism or for meritorious achievement in ground combat. However, Sergeant Salonga doesn't take credit for this achievement.
"I received the bronze star not because of something I did, it's because of what each individual member of our team contributed to complete all the missions with no casualties," he said. Sergeant Salonga was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan for 12 months.
During his deployment, he trained members of the Afghan National Army how to execute combat conveys including proper counter insurgency tactics. In addition, he escorted military personnel and supplies throughout the country.
"Every day was memorable," said Sergeant Salonga. "We traveled north, east, west and south in the country. We were the only Air Force team doing that type of mission and the first to do it in Afghanistan."
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs toured Grand Forks Air Force Base, Nov. 11 to 13.
The Honorable Daniel B. Ginsberg used the visit as an opportunity to see firsthand the remarkable quality of life programs that have been implemented at Grand Forks AFB, speak with the Airmen that utilize these programs and meet and talk with many members of the local community.
Mr. Ginsberg heads a four-division department that deals at the policy level with Air Force manpower and Reserve issues. He is responsible for providing overall supervision of manpower, military and civilian personnel, Reserve component affairs and readiness support for the Department of the Air Force.
"Every base could learn from what's going on here," said Mr. Ginsberg. He said that prior to his visit he had heard of how well taken care of the people of Grand Forks AFB are, and that his visit confirmed this.
During his visit, Mr. Ginsberg spent an evening with members of the community, including University of North Dakota President, Dr. Robert Kelley, and Mayor of Grand Forks, Dr. Michael Brown. He also ate breakfast with the Airmen of Grand Forks AFB and toured the base's state of the art fitness center.
"In a time of dynamic transition, it's important to have our most senior Air Force leaders familiar with both the quality of our infrastructure and, most importantly, exposed to the host of superb, one-of-a-kind programs of Grand Forks Air Force Base," said Col. John E. Michel, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Grand Forks Air Force Base recently received the gold-level Presidential Volunteer Service Award for Airmen who donated more than 12,000 hours of time to volunteer activities both on base and in the local community during 2009.
"We are extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of the Warriors of the North," said Col. John Quinn, 319th Air Refueling Wing vice-commander. "It is a tangible representation of the unrivaled commitment and selfless dedication our Airmen have to not only improving the quality of life for their peers, but also for the local community."
The Presidential Volunteer Service Award program was established in 2003 by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in communities and encourage more people to serve, according to the Presidential Service Award Web site. The gold-level award requires that a family or group complete at least 1,000 hours of volunteer activities in a 12-month period, a requirement which GFAFB Airmen far surpassed.
The Warriors of the North volunteered for more than 20 events and organizations during the past 12 months, including the Humane Society, the Salvation Army, the Grand Forks Special Olympics and Red River Flood Relief. In addition, Airmen spent numerous hours volunteering for Airmen Against Drunk Driving, a program which guarantees participants a safe ride home to eliminate the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
"The Airmen on this base have never ignored an opportunity or left anyone without the help that they need," said Senior Airman Eric J. Hurtado, 319th Contracting Squadron and Airman's Activity Council president. "Regardless of the day or the time, Airmen of all rank from across the wing have constantly shown up ready to serve without hesitation. It is no surprise to me to find that Grand Forks was honored with this award and I would bet that the real count is higher than 12,000 hours."
To date, the President's Council has partnered with more than 80 leadership organizations and more than 28,000 certifying organizations to bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nation's deserving volunteers, according to the Council's Web site.
After weeks, months, even years of upheaval at Minot Air Force Base, a new commander is on the job, charged with getting things back in order.
Colonel Douglas Cox has replaced Colonel Joel Westa as commander of the 5th Bomb Wing after the Air Force said Colonel Westa had not maintained focus, discipline, and attention to detail.
The move came barely two weeks after the Air Force removed the other commander at the base - Colonel Christopher Ayers from his spot leading the 91st Missile Wing and replaced him with Colonel Fred Stoss.
You might say that Colonel Douglas Cox's path to becoming commander of the 5th Bomb Wing began back in August of 2007 when six nuclear warheads were accidentally flown from Minot Air Force Base across the country. That mishap started a series of events that cost dozens of people their jobs - and ultimately put Colonel Cox behind the desk.
(Col. Douglas Cox, 5th BW Commander) "Our first priority is to make sure we are ready."
Ready for what will be a series of inspections of the two bomber squadrons he oversees - including the brand new 69th. It was the failure of the 69th to be declared ready to do its nuclear mission that Air Force officials gave as a key reason for the ouster of former commander Colonel Joel Westa, who had been sent to Minot to resotre the bomb wing's reputation following that 2007 incident.
(Col. Douglas Cox, 5th BW Commander) "Safe, secure, and credible. And building that credibility is one of the biggest challenges that we are working on. We feel we present a credible mission capability right now but there is always room for improvement."
Colonel Cox says he considers it an honor to command the men and women of the 5th Bomb Wing. And he wants the public to know that the Air Force has been making command changes with one thing in mind - the safety and security of the nuclear weapons systems they control.
(Col. Douglas Cox, 5th BW Commander) "The Air Force is emphasizing accountability to make sure that I understand as the leader of the 5th Bomb Wing that it's my responsibility to always seek the very best performance and excellence from every single individual."
He says the public should feel reassured by the changes.
(Col. Douglas Cox, 5th BW Commander) "I am held to that standard and it's my responsibility to hold everyone in this wing to that standard."
Colonel Cox's wife and child will be joining him at Minot Air Force Base soon. Jim Olson, KX News.
Colonel Cox was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in the 1990s when he served as a navigator on the same B-52s he now is in charge of.
DORGAN, CONRAD HONOR AMERICA'S VETERANS
Senators take part in Veterans Day ceremony at Fargo VA Hospital
Fargo – Speaking at a Veterans Day ceremony at Fargo's VA hospital, U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad paid tribute Wednesday to the men and women who served in our country's armed forces.
"Millions of American men and women have left their homes and families and risked their lives to defend our country," Senator Dorgan said. "The hospital where we stand today is one example of the way we try to show our gratitude, but the fact is, we owe them a debt that could never be repaid. At a time when our nation is still coming to terms with the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, it is even more important that we take this day to reflect on the sacrifices they have made for our freedom and our safety, and to honor them for their courage and selflessness."
"Throughout our nation's history our veterans have paid the price of freedom. Today, let us honor all those who set aside their own interests when asked to serve in our Armed Forces during times of danger and uncertainty," Senator Conrad said. "Additionally, today our thoughts and prayers are also with the brave men and women of Ft. Hood as they recover from the tragic shootings there. Let us go forward with a continued resolve to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, not only on Veterans Day but every day."
The Veterans Day ceremony was organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in conjunction with the local AMVETS Post #7.
The Center for Rural Health connects resources and knowledge to strengthen the health of people in rural communities.
Housed at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the Center for Rural Health serves the people of the state, region and nation. As a resource, we identify and research rural health issues, analyze health policy, strengthen local capabilities, develop community-based alternatives, and advocate for rural concerns.
To subscribe to the for Rural Health (CRH) Updates - click http://ruralhealth.und.edu/listserv/subscribe.php to go to subscription form. For additional services and information, see the CRH web site at ruralhealth.und.edu or call 701-777-3848.
2010 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health - Health Care in Transition: Creative Strategies - April 13-15, 2010- Grand Forks-
For more information, contact:
Kylie Nissen
Tel: 701.777.5380
Email: knissen@medicine.nodak.edu
Who Should Attend:
Rural health care professionals, Public health professionals, Mental health professionals, Researchers, Social worker, Administrators - nursing home, hospital and clinic, Nurses, Dietitians , Educators, All individuals interested in improving health care service in rural areas
Objectives:
1. To provide continuing education to health and human service administrators, managers, researchers, and clinical providers in the areas of:
o Health care administration/Health promotion/disease prevention/Environmental health/occupational health/Diverse populations/health disparities
2. To create an environment of learning that is informative and educational to an inter/multidisciplinary audience of health and human service professionals.
3. To provide conference participants with the opportunity to formally present community based solutions to common rural and public health issues.
4. To provide conference participants with the opportunity to informally network with others to share skills and strategies meant to address access, financial, and quality of care issues found in rural and public health.
5. To foster an environment that is conducive to collaboration between different organizations, health/human service disciplines, and communities.
Keynote Speakers:
· Jim Hart, MD, Program Director, Executive Program in Public Health Practice
· Dr. Robert Kelley, President, University of North Dakota
· Wanda Agnew, PhD, Director, Nutrition Services, Bismarck Burleigh Public Health; Karen Ehrens, LRD, Health and Nutrition Consultant, Ehrens Consulting; and Sandra Poitra, RD, LD, Community Dietician, Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility
· Tom Morris, Director, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
Topics:
- Growing up healthy
- Traumatic brain injury
- Evaluation
- Telepharmacy
- Suicide prevention
- Rural/urban partnerships
- Electronic Health Records
- Effective communication
- Personal health records
- Veteran health
| - Workforce
- Health information technology
- Vaccinations
- ND disability health project
- Obesity
- Go Local ND
- Faith-based community programs
- Leadership and integrity
- Quality
- Oral Health
|
The Department of Defense remains strongly committed to helping military spouses find employment in high demand, high growth Portable Career fields. For those who are interested in pursuing such careers, DoD is expanding the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program. Why? Because it is a proven fact that the more training and education job seekers have, the more likely they will be hired into better jobs at higher salaries. https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/
Gates at National Guard Conference – Joint Senior Leaders Conference
19 November 2009
Defense Secretary Robert Gates told National Guard leaders on Thursday providing for the needs of America's citizen soldiers and airmen is a top priority for the Pentagon. North Dakota National Guard Leadership attended this conference.
http://pentagontv.feedroom.com/?fr_story=6d7e7b20256754dbace3ff3a45c5f8d8ed37022f&rf=rss
Publisher Seeks Veterans' Submissions
Exeter, NH: Publishing Works, Inc. seeks submissions from veterans for a book tentatively titled
MOMENTS OF HONOR to be published Veteran's Day 2010. Final collection will be an approximately 500-page paperbound book, in large format to include 20-30 personal reminiscences, letters, e-mails, etc., from veterans depicting experiences during all conflicts, from WWII to present. These pieces may be as long as 20 manuscript pages, or as short as a paragraph. The book will be divided into sections. Each piece submitted will be evaluated as to how and where it might best fit in. Any that do not fit the criteria will be returned:
· Victory/Loss
· Fear/Courage
· Honor/Regret
· Love/Longing
Contributors who are accepted will receive two free copies of the book as well as a 50% discount on all future purchases of the volume. All veterans will receive a 20% discount.
Requirements for Submission:
E-mail all submissions, if possible. If not, then mail to address below, and please include all contact information (phone, address, e-mail) as well as a SASE for return of materials. Materials will not be returned without a SASE. Do not send photos or any original material unless requested.
Submissions should be emailed to:
jeremy@publishingworks.com with Veteran in the subject line.
All phone queries may be directed to 603-778-9883. Ask for Jeremy or Carol.
The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2010. Final decisions will be made by July 1, 2010.
The North Dakota Campaign for Responsible Health Reform's Small Business Forums
What's taking place with the national health reform legislation and what does it mean for you, your family and your business?
You are invited to an important free public forum brought to you by the North Dakota Campaign for Responsible Health Reform (sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce).
North Dakota Taxpayers' Association
1720 Burnt Boat Drive
BISMARCK, North Dakota 58503
701-751-2530
The forum is intended for members of the business community and interested individuals and will provide valuable insight on health reform proposals from the US Senate and US House of Representatives, such as:
· The public option
· Proposed taxes, fees and regulations
· What reform ideas make the most sense?
· What does this legislation mean for your family and your business?
· How can you share input with North Dakota's members of Congress?
· These topics will be addressed during several forums listed below. You will leave with a better understanding of the current issues being debated and how to make your voices heard during this critical stage of the debate.
Monday, November 23 : The North Dakota Campaign for Responsible Health Reform's Small Business Forums
Grand Forks: 9 am to 10 am at the Canad Inns (near the Alerus Center), 1000 South 42nd Street, GF. Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Fargo: 12 noon to 1 pm at Roers' Construction and Development, 200 45th Street South, Fargo. Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Tuesday, November 24: The North Dakota Campaign for Responsible Health Reform's Small Business Forums
Dickinson: 8 am to 9 am at the Days Hotel, 532 15th Street West, Dickinson. Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Bismarck: 12 noon to 1 pm at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck, 605 East Broadway Ave, Bismarck Register for events - http://sbf.eventbrite.com/
Soldiers' Angels working along with In Their Boots is sponsoring- Operation In Their Boots - a one-of-a-kind Filmmaking Fellowship sponsored by Brave New Foundation where five OIF and OEF veterans* will be selected to direct their own, fully funded documentaries. Participants in this program will be selected from a 2-stage, online application process that includes the applicants pitch or proposal for a documentary that will capture their unique perspective of how the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have impacted their lives, and the lives of their families, loved ones and their communities. Selected participants will be paid a stipend of $7,500 and Brave New Foundation will designate a budget that will cover the selected project's production costs.
The only thematic requirement of the Fellowship applicants is that they must tell stories about the impact the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are having on people here in the United States, and they must be done from a non-partisan, non-ideological perspective. The applicants proposed projects may be autobiographical documentaries, intimate family stories, or documentary projects that focus on issues related to how the conflicts have impacted our nation.
(*Currently enlisted service members and other potential participants must get their commanding officer's prior approval to participate in this program).
General Guidelines
· Active duty, guard or reserve veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan and those still serving are eligible. Those who have not deployed in support of OIF or OEF are not eligible.
· Prior filmmaking experience is preferred, but not required. Applicants who can demonstrate strong storytelling skills and the proven ability to complete and deliver projects similar in scale to a 15-minute documentary will be considered.
· Participants must commit to attend a 3-day "Documentary Filmmakers Bootcamp" in Los Angeles March 5 – 7, 2010.
(Travel expenses for those who need it will be paid by Brave New Foundation)
· Participants must deliver a documentary of approximately 15-minutes by a deadline to be established by Brave New Foundation.
· Participants must collaborate with the In Their Boots Productions staff on the execution of production decisions and on establishing and maintain the thematic and creative direction of their project.
· Participants must agree to a "Producer Agreement" to participate in the program, and must agree to participate in all press-related events and campaigns.
Selected applicants will be notified by, or around January 1, 2010 and will have approximately two weeks to accept or deny participation in the program.
In Their Boots will fund the participants' projects. Participants will work with the ITB production staff to develop the stories they produce. The editing of all projects will take place at the ITB production offices in Los Angeles by ITB editors. The ITB production staff retains the right to make all final editorial and content decisions. The final projects will remain the property of Brave New Foundation.
http://www.intheirboots.com/ddoonan/
DORGAN SAYS VETERANS HEALTH BILL WILL HELP FULFILL OBLIGATION TO AMERICA'S SERVICE MEMBERS
Bill will help North Dakota's 57,000 veterans and their families
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The U.S. Senate has approved a bill co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) that will improve health care benefits to American veterans and their families.
"We have 57,000 veterans in North Dakota who answered the call and served their country. We have an obligation to ensure they have access to quality care," Dorgan said. "This is a bipartisan bill that will expand and improve veterans' health care services, and I believe it will help our nation fulfill its obligation to the men and women who served in our armed services."
More than a dozen veterans' service organizations and military groups support the bill, which will improve benefits for veterans and their families in a number of ways, including:
· Providing counseling, support and health care to family caregivers of wounded warriors
· Eliminating co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically injured
· Allowing the VA to reimburse veterans for emergency care received at non-VA facilities
· Improving VA service to rural communities by expanding VA's telemedicine program and its ability to coordinate with Indian Health Service and community organizations to provide medical services
· Requiring VA to train its mental health professionals in the treatment of sexual trauma
· Establishing and increasing eligibility for readjustment counseling for National Guard and Reservists who served in Iraq and Afghanistan
The bill is S. 1963, the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009.
DORGAN, CONRAD ANNOUNCE SENATE APPROVAL OF BILL BOOSTING MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IN NORTH DAKOTA
Legislation invests in new military facilities in Minot, Grand Forks, Bismarck and Fargo
Washington – The U.S. Senate approved an appropriations bill today that includes funding secured by U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad to construct new military facilities in Minot, Grand Forks, Fargo and Bismarck. Dorgan and Conrad said the bill will give a boost to North Dakota's military missions.
"North Dakota has a long and proud military tradition. Our state is home to some of the finest soldiers and airmen in America, as well as a number of missions that are critical to our national security," Senators Dorgan and Conrad said. "This legislation will give a boost to those missions, and help ensure that our state plays a key role in our nation's military for decades to come."
Dorgan is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which drafted the legislation. The North Dakota projects in the Military Construction Appropriations bill include:
* $12 million for a Consolidated Security Forces Facility at Grand Forks Air Force Base. This funding will be used to consolidate and modernize the Security Forces functions on Grand Forks Air Force Base. Existing facilities are outdated, fail to meet existing standards and are spread across four separate locations on the base. Consolidating these operations into one location will improve emergency response times, command and control, and law enforcement and security operations.
* $11.5 million for a Missile Procedures Training Operations Facility and Munitions Trailer Storage Facility at Minot Air Force Base. These new facilities are critical to the security and continued viability of the nuclear weapons and Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles that are deployed at the base.
* $11.2 million for a new Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo. This funding will be used to replace the existing center, which is used by the Navy Reserve and Army National Guard for training.
* $2 million for a Raymond J. Bohn Readiness Center Addition in Bismarck. This funding will be used to expand the Raymond J. Bohn Armory complex in Bismarck. The two-story addition will increase the administrative space available to the state's Joint Force Headquarters and the Army National Guard. The current building is limiting available support for deploying units.
The bill goes next to a conference committee that will negotiate a final version of the bill.
North Dakota National Guard Check out the new Task Force Times newsletter, for friends and family of KFOR 12 Soldiers: http://bit.ly/1iWGS7
North Dakota National Guard Check out the new Kosovo videos! http://www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
North Dakota National Guard Check out this "Family Matters" blog that recently featured a photo album with Bismarck's Centennial Elementary students and their teacher tying yellow ribbons at deployed Soldiers' homes. http://afps.dodlive.mil/2009/11/16/tie-a-yellow-ribbon/
North Dakota National Guard North Dakotans in Kosovo (story and video from KFYR-TV): http://bit.ly/2Xt6Lz
Shinseki Urges Guard Leaders to Spread VA Message
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2009 – The National Guard can play an important role in helping to spread the news about the Veterans Affairs Department's new programs to veterans in their communities, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told a National Guard conference just outside the nation's capital today.
Despite a long list of successful new programs this year, only about one-third of the nation's veterans have taken advantage of the services, Shinseki told more than 2,400 participants in the National Guard's first Joint Senior Leadership Conference at the National Harbor.
"We want them to know that VA is here," Shinseki said. "If you have the opportunity to talk about what VA offers, I appreciate some help here, and if you need help getting a VA representative to speak with veterans in your communities, call and we'll provide someone to do that. But I do need your help."
Shinseki highlighted some of VA's efforts this year to enhance education benefits through the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the department's efforts to end homelessness among veterans and to reduce veteran unemployment.
VA has the nation's largest integrated medical system, with 153 health care centers with affiliations with 102 university medical schools, the secretary said. VA's electronic health care records also are networked with nearly 800 community-based outpatient clinics in the United States, and VA operates 232 veteran centers, including mobile clinics, to reach veterans in rural areas, he added.
Nearly 300,000 civil servants man VA's health, benefits and national cemetery administrations to provide care and services for those who've served, Shinseki told the group.
In addition, he said, VA is the eighth-largest life insurance enterprise, with more than $1 trillion in coverage to more than 7 million clients. In education, VA is behind only the Department of Education in education benefits provided to Americans, with an annual payout of $9 billion a year. Also, VA guarantees about 1.3 million home loans with a balance of $175 billion.
But of the 23 million veterans in the United States, Shinseki said, fewer than 8 million are enrolled in VA programs.
"In purely business terms, that would describe a 30 percent market penetration," Shinseki said. "Veterans are our clients, so caring for veterans and providing them the services and benefits they have earned is VA's sole reason for existing, yet 70 percent of our market chooses to go elsewhere for support, or they do without."
With support from the National Guard, Shinseki said, he is certain more veterans can learn about what VA has to offer. It's the business of VA to make sure veterans get the benefits and services they've earned, he said.
"It's our intent to go after that 15 million part of the population that are not enrolled with us," he said.
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo --The commander of the North Dakota National Guard recently paid a visit to his state's Citizen-Soldiers as they prepare to assume responsibility for a U.S.-led NATO peacekeeping mission here.
Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, spent two days in Kosovo with troops from the Peace Garden State. He also held high-level meetings with NATO KFOR (Kosovo Forces) commanders and the U.S. Ambassador here.
The general was an honored guest at a Transfer-of-Authority ceremony at Camp Bondsteel, where North Dakota's 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), under the command of Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D., accepted responsibility for NATO's Multi-National Task Force-East (MNTF-E) sector to Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones of the California National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk was joined at the ceremony by Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Job, senior enlisted leader of Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard; Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, California National Guard adjutant general; Brig. Gen. Scott W. Johnson, commander of the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Clark, senior enlisted advisor to the California adjutant general; and German Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler, commander of NATO forces in Kosovo.
The ceremony marked the official beginning of the peacekeeping mission for more than 1,300 U.S. Soldiers, nearly half of which come from the North Dakota National Guard. The Soldiers will spend about nine months, maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for the people in Kosovo.
During his stay in Kosovo, Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk also sat down for breakfast with a select group of Soldiers and held a town-hall-style meeting with 150 other troops, who got a chance to ask the general questions and tell him what's on their mind.
"I'm proud of each of our soldiers. Our people are doing a tremendous job. Our people are very professional in what they do and they're going to make a difference," Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk said. "So my message to our Soldiers was 'thank you for your service; I'm proud of you. You're doing a great job and I appreciate that fact that I have the opportunity to visit with you, if just for a matter of days, for me it's a wonderful experience.'"
Even though the new task force's headquarters is based out of North Dakota, it comprises subordinate units from 13 states and the Virgin Islands. In all, nearly 40 states have Soldiers represented in the task force.
When combined with Soldiers from five other nations – Greece (Task Force Hellas) Poland, Ukraine (Task Force Pol/Ukr), Armenia and Romania – NATO's MNTF-E is a 2,200-member force. MNTF-E is one of five major sectors in Kosovo, where NATO military forces conduct peacekeeping patrols and interact with people.
Before arriving in Kosovo, Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk traveled to Djibouti, Africa to visit Soldiers with the Bismarck-based Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift, which is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
This small but highly specialized aviation unit serves with the Djibouti Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa. Their mission is to provide short-notice fixed-wing transportation for personnel and cargo within their area of operations.
_____
Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk assumed duties as the adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard on Aug. 26, 2006. He commands 4,500 North Dakota Air and Army National Guard men and women, with approximately 1,100 full-time federal and state employees.
Multi-National Task Force – East is a U.S.-led task force, commanded by Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann. The Headquarters is the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from North Dakota. MNTF-E includes nearly 2,200 Soldiers, including Task Force Hellas and Task Force PPOL/U KR (Polish/ Ukraine). The charter mission of MNTF-E is maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment and providing Freedom of Movement for the people in Kosovo.
For the latest latest MNTF-E information, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/user/KFORPAO
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kfor/
http://twitter.com/KFOR_PAO
http://www.facebook.com/notifications.php#/pages/KFOR-Multi-National-Task-Force-East/139368092429?ref=mf
http://www.nato.int/kfor/
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- A new U.S.-led KFOR (Kosovo Forces) task force,
made up of Soldiers from 37 states, officially took over responsibility of Multi-National Task Force-East (MNTF-E) on Saturday, joining units from five other NATO nations, all of which are maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo.
.
At a mid-day Transfer-of-Authority ceremony, Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D., 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the North Dakota National Guard, and the Soldiers who make up his task force, accepted responsibility of MNTF-E from Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones, 40th Infantry Division (Forward), of the California National Guard, and the Soldiers under
his command.
"We've trained very hard for this mission, really, for more than18 months now," Brig. Gen. Dohrmann said. We're all ready for the mission; I know the Soldiers are excited to get things started with the mission, and I'm very excited to get things started too."
More than 1,300 Soldiers comprise Task Force Falcon, the U.S. contingent of MNTF-E. Though its headquarters is based out of North Dakota, units that make up the task force come from 14 states and territories: Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Hawaii, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Michigan, Utah, and the Virgin Islands. In all, 37
states have Soldiers represented. (Below is a breakdown of units and where they're based.)
Nearly 2,200 Soldiers from several NATO countries, including the U.S., make
up the total MNTF-E force.
Stretching along Kosovo's eastern Administrative Boundary Line, MNTF-E is one of five sectors, where NATO peacekeeping forces conduct patrols and engage with people and institutions.
Brig. Gen. Jones and the Soldiers of the 40th ID (FWD), known as KFOR 11, based out of Los Alamitos, Calif., have been providing safety and security in Kosovo since they arrived in February of 2009.
"This has been an especially important time in my life and my career and it has been an extraordinary experience meeting so many wonderful people and making so many wonderful friends," said California's Brig. Gen. Jones. "We could not have been successful were it not for the many partnerships that we were pleased to have. Our efforts have been greatly enhanced by the team of teams and I truly believe that those partnerships have allowed us to have a
much more profound and lasting impact to Kosovo."
Brig. Gen. Dohrmann, with KFOR 12, looks forward to continuing that important mission with the help of multi-national partners from Task Force Hellas (Greece) and Task Force POL/UKR (Poland and the Ukraine), as well as units from Armenia and Romania.
"KFOR 12 Soldiers have been well-trained, are disciplined, and prepared to carry out their mission here in Kosovo," Dohrmann said. The Task Force I lead comprises Soldiers, both National Guard and Reserve, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, both civilian and military. They are all eager to begin what we have trained for months to do -- maintain a Safe and Secure Environment."
The incoming KFOR 12 Soldiers started arriving in Kosovo in late October.
Grand Forks Air Force Base is like Col. John Michel's field of dreams — he's building it because he's hoping they will come. "They" are new missions and, with them, maybe new business.
Grand Forks Air Force Base is like Col. John Michel's field of dreams — he's building it because he's hoping they will come. "They" are new missions and, with them, maybe new business.
The departing base commander told a Chamber of Commerce audience Tuesday the base has systematically built up its physical and human infrastructure because that will give it the best shot at new missions.
Currently, the base is looking at two opportunities, he said.
It's now a finalist to be the home of a new academy for noncommissioned officers. This would bring many new faces to the base who, Michel hopes, would leave with a good word for Grand Forks.
Michel has said in other interviews that his goal is to get the word out about what the base and the surrounding community offers, which improves the base's chances of getting new missions.
Besides the academy, the base is competing to be an MC-12 base, according to Michel. MC-12s are intelligence and reconnaissance platform based on Beechcraft's Super King Air.
Previously, the decisions concerning mission assignments were largely political, according to Michel, but the Air Force has moved toward an "enterprise approach" that uses a more objective analysis.
The quality of the infrastructure, the quality of airspace and community relations, he said, are keys in the analysis.
His "state of the base" speech focused on the infrastructure. There was a lot to rattle off:
- UND will be managing a federal center of excellence in unmanned aircraft systems in the heart of the base. Michel mentions this frequently in talk with civilians because one of his goals when he took over 16 months ago was to bring more civilian users to the base.
- A $13 million control tower that will be the newest in the Air Force is under construction. It's expected to be done in April.
- A $13 million fire station that will also be the newest in the service is in the works. Construction is expected to start in spring.
- "Tens of millions" in new sewer lines, parking lots and taxiway repairs.
- A new security building that consolidates the functions of several existing buildings is a candidate for funding.
- The base is working to refurbish the weapons storage area, just in case the Air Force needs a place to store bombs and missiles in future missions. The unmanned aircraft coming to Grand Forks, Predators and Global Hawks, are primarily reconnaissance platforms.
- An "Extreme Makeover: IT Edition" is happening at the base, Michel said, with new fiber optic lines and new hardware to ready the base for the new unmanned missions and its role as part of the military's high-frequency global communications system.
- With the goal of using more green energy, the base is studying ways to power hydrogen-cell vehicles with wind power and converting trash to power with UND's Energy and Environmental Center.
- An array of quality-of-life improvements from a 1-acre dog park, to a new hunting and fishing department at the PX, to facilities such as Sven's Kitchen, a professional kitchen built at the request of airmen where they can learn to cook. Michel cites the influence of various TV cooking shows.
Up next, he said, is a gathering place for teens called Sven's Lair with a skate park and basketball courts.
Michel also praised the community for its support over the years through donations of good and services, including the recent party celebrating the base's successful nuclear operational readiness inspection.
That was such a big deal that, last week, Michel threw a huge bash for all the airmen and gave them Friday off.
While North Dakota's other air base in Minot has suffered missteps on nuclear inspections, Grand Forks managed to get an "excellent" rating, including "outstanding" ratings in two areas. Outstanding is the highest rating, excellent is below that.
Michel again praised the relationship between the base and the community, saying it was one of the best he'd ever seen. Relationships are key in getting new missions, he said. "The Air Force wants to come to a place where they're wanted."
Michel is relinquishing his command Friday to take a job as the executive officer at Air Mobility Command headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Community leaders at the Chamber meeting said that's very good for Grand Forks Air Force Base, which is an AMC base.
Col. Donald Shaffer takes command of GFAFB
Col. Donald L. Shaffer, the new commander at Grand Forks Air Force Base, said he fully intends to continue the work of his predecessor, Col. John E. Michel, improving base infrastructure and competing for new missions.
The two served together at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Shaffer was, until his new assignment, the vice commander there. Michel had previously held the same job.
Shaffer officially assumed command Friday in Grand Forks in a transfer-of-command ceremony overseen by their boss, 18th Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice.
When Michel took the helm 16 months and five days ago, he made it his focus to increase usage of the base. He was to preside over the depopulation of the base as the 319th Air Refueling Wing, its main resident unit, gradually deactivates.
The last squadron of flying tankers will depart under Shaffer's watch and he'll greet the arrival of new unmanned aircraft, including the Global Hawk Block 40, the Air Force's most advanced reconnaissance drone.
In his speech before his airmen, Shaffer noted the constant change that's occurred at the base since it began operations in 1960. Noting the different aircraft and missile on display at the base entrance, he said, "The Grand Forks team has written the book on how to adapt and successfully lead change and we're doing it again now."
The base that started with nuclear missiles, nuclear bombers and interceptors will now be home to reconnaissance drones.
Michel earlier said the base is competing to host an academy for noncommissioned officers and a wing of MC-12 manned reconnaissance aircraft. He said he'd consciously worked to build up the base's infrastructure so that it's more competitive for such missions.
Outside the military, Michel is best known by the general public as a proponent of more civilian users on the base, including more missions for the Department of Homeland Security, which patrols the border with a Predator B drone, and training and research facilities for UND.
It's telling that in their separate speeches, both Michel and Shaffer singled out Mike Corcoran, the deputy director of DHS unmanned air operations in Grand Forks, along with other area dignitaries, such as various base ambassadors and Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown.
The two colonels and Lt. Gen. Allardice spoke warmly of the community and its support for the base. Allardice called Grand Forks a member of the air base community.
Michel had earlier talked about the importance of community support for the Air Force, both to help provide a good quality of life for airmen and to help lobby elected officials for base funding, his formula for improving the base and competing for missions.
Allardice referred to those things along with Michel's performance as a military commander when he honored Michel with a Legion of Merit.
"I will forever carry Grand Forks — both sides of the fenceline — in my heart," Michel said. He promised he'll be watching the community from afar as executive officer of Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., his next assignment.
OIF/OEF group seeks members: Grand Forks area OIF/OEF Veterans and servicemembers interested in joining an organization to network and participate in activities and volunteer opportunities can contact danny.blaha@und.edu. Meetings will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3817 in East Grand Forks.
Volunteers needed for Tops in Blue
Volunteers are needed for the Tops in Blue at the Chester Fritz Auditorium Dec. 7. The following positions are available: volunteer coordinator who will coordinate ushers, set-up crew and tear-down crew, 20 ushers are needed in Service Dress, a set-up crew of at least 15 people who are able to lift, a tear down crew of at least 15 people who are able to lift, a backstage crew of four individuals that will assist the team during the show backstage. A civil engineer representative is needed to assist the set-up team. A medical representative is also needed to coordinate medical coverage on-site for set-up, show time and tear-down. A Force Support Squadron representative is needed to coordinate lodging and food support. Lastly, a transportation representative is needed to coordinate bus and van support for the team. If interested in any of the positions, contact Master Sgt. Kelley Kerling via e-mail at Kelley.kerling-02@grandforks.af.mil.
OSC offers scholarships
The Officer's Spouses' Club of Grand Forks Air Force Base is offering scholarships to outstanding high school seniors and military spouses who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the Fall of 2010. The applicant must be a dependent of a military member who is active duty, guard, reserve or retired, in the Grand Forks Air Force Base or Cavalier Air Station areas. Scholarship monies are for needed books, tuition and educational fees for one academic year of enrollment. For specific requirements, guidelines, and an application, please contact the GFAFB Officer's Spouses Club at OSCKielty@yahoo.com, area high school guidance counselor offices, or call Sarah Kielty at 701-631-0241. Application deadline is to be postmarked by February 13, 2010. Application: http://www.gfosc.com/
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Gen. William M. Fraser III, Air Combat Command commander, visited Minot AFB to thank everybody for what they're doing and to reemphasize the criticality of the mission here Nov. 16 and 17. The general's visit came during a time when the base continues its' transition to Air Force Global Strike Command. The new major command will gain the 91st Missile Wing Dec. 1 and the 5th Bomb Wing Feb. 1. The standup of the new command is a way in which the Air Force continues its revitalization of the nuclear enterprise.
Angel Tree Program
The Minot First Sergeants Council sponsors the annual Angel Tree program and this Christmas we are asking for your continued generous support. The Angle Tree Program is designed to enable parents who desire assistance in providing an enriched holiday experience for their children. The Angel Tree will be located in the base exchange mall area. You can select an "Angel" and make your purchase at the BX for convenient one stop shopping! A collection box for your unwrapped gift(s) will be located near the Angel Tree. Please remember to attach your Angel tag to the gift before putting it in the collection box. If you prefer to shop elsewhere you can leave your unwrapped gift(s) at any First Sergeant's office. The deadline to purchase and turn in your gift(s) is Dec. 16. If you have any questions, or for alternate drop off location, please call Master Sgt. Fischer at 723-6109 or Master Sgt. Dozier at 723-3784.
New Missile Wing Commander Takes Over
The new commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base promises a new focus on perfection.
Colonel Fred Stoss took over as commander of the 91st after the Air Force removed Colonel Christopher Ayers from the position yesterday.
Colonel Stoss says the Air Force made the move for accountability reasons.
There had been two accidents in the past 18 months involving trucks hauling parts for missiles controled by the base.
Colonel Stoss says problems - both in the missile wing and the bomb wing of the local base - are being addressed, as the Air Force strives for a high level of performance regarding the handling and security of nuclear weapons.
(Col. Fred Stoss, 91st Missile Wing Cmdr.) "This is a business of such criticality and complexity that even one or two airmen making a mistake can have significant implications. Perhaps not every job in the military has quite the same implications so I would say the nuclear enterprise is on the high end of military operations."
Colonel Stoss says he has been involved in missiles and nuclear weapons for more than 20 years, and considers this assignment an honor.
(Col. Fred Stoss, 91st Missile Wing Cmdr.) "As a career ICBM launch officer the ultimate honor is to be wing commander. So it is a humble priveledge to come up here."
Colonel Stoss had most recently been serving at F-E Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.
His wife and two sons will be moving here soon
PROCLAMATION:
President Barack Obama pledged his support of military members and their families and said Americans have a "solemn obligation" to preserve their well-being in his proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.
The proclamation reads:
"No one pays a higher price for our freedom than members of our nation's military and their families. As sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and mothers and fathers are deployed, military families endure with exceptional resilience and courage. They provide our troops with invaluable encouragement and love, and serve our nation in their own right. During Military Family Month, we honor the families of our armed forces and thank them for their dedication to our country.
"Though only a small percentage of our nation's population, our troops bear the great responsibility of protecting our people. They, along with their families, serve us every day with courage and dignity. Ensuring that military families receive the respect they deserve and the support they have earned is a top priority for my administration.
"The strength of our nation is measured not just by our success on the battlefield, but also by our ability to support those families who have made so many sacrifices for us. Time and again, military families have shown their heart in the face of adversity. We have a solemn obligation to ensure that while our men and women in uniform discharge their duties, we do all we can to promote and preserve the well-being of their families. We must also support the families of our wounded warriors and our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy.
"This month, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of military families, convey to them our deepest respect and appreciation, and recommit ourselves to their support.
"Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, president of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as Military Family Month. I call on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our nation."
Governor John Hoeven signed the proclamation for North Dakota—
INVITATION:
You are cordially invited to attend the RAID IV Sentinel, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Send off Ceremony.
This invitation is extended by the Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major, LTC Scott Fontaine and CSM Monte Ohlhauser, and the Deploying Unit Commander and First Sergeant CPT Walyn Vannurden and 1SG Gregory Brockberg
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Grand Forks Armory Complex
1501 S. 48th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Dress is ACU for Military and Casual for Civilians
Reception to follow ceremony
Please show your support for our Hometown Heroes
RSVP to SSG Smallbeck at (701) 792-4503
THE NEXT MEETING: The Journey of our Wounded Warriors and their Families- January 14, 2010
Meet and greet over a cup of coffee starting at 9:30 a.m.
Meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Union/Swanson Hall Rooms 10-12
2901 University Ave
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037
1/2 block off the corner of the Crossroads of University Ave and Columbia Rd right next to the parking ramp (where there is parking available)
Sponsors: UND Medical School - Soldiers Angels -Veterans Upward Bound
Agenda
Welcome
Admin - introductions
Family Liaison Officer – GF Air Force Base (Family notification process)
Mortuary Affairs – Air National Guard (What happens before coming home)
Survivor Outreach Specialist (Who is there for me after it is all over)
Lunch – brought in
Words from Wounded Warriors (Guest speakers Mr. Sam Folberg and Sgt 1st Class Tim Wicks)
Operation Military Kid (focus on next meeting Month of the Military
Child)
Closing (next meeting date/time/agenda)
Hotel: A block of (20) rooms have been set aside at the CanadInn (attached to the Alerus Center, 1000 South 42nd Street in Grand Forks) with the $70/room federal rate for January 13, 2010. (This is a SPECIAL offer, as they normally do not give this rate.) Reservations are to be made by the individual directly by calling 701-772-8404 – under ISFAC, group reservation number 177841. Once a guest room reservation has been made it must be cancelled 48-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night stay charge. Reservations for this rate are to be received prior to December 15th, 2009. After this date the unused portion of the room block will revert back to the hotel for general sales. Reservations received after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and the current daily rate. When booking this room, if you plan on staying over January 14th as well, please let them know at the time of the reservation.
Lunch: Bring $10.00 for catered lunch
Email John Hanson to reserve your seat before January 7, 2010! john.hanson@grandforks.af.mil Happy Holidays and see you in 2010!
WHAT IS ISFAC?
The Interservice Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC) is a voluntary military cooperative partnership organized to provide multi-service networking for training and assistance to ensure Total Force Family Readiness.
Our purpose is to provide assistance to families regardless of service component.
The goal of the ISFAC is to strengthen existing family assistance delivery systems in the event of mobilization, deployment, or natural disaster through the interaction of committee members.
Many issues surrounding quality of life and family well-being can only be addressed by states. Across the nation current focuses are being developed in regards to spouse employment, including unemployment compensation for transferring military spouses, in-state tuition allowances, financial readiness, education, and the pressing needs of severely injured service members and their families. Many state leaders share our concern for the welfare of our Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families living within their borders, and we look forward to making significant progress in the future.
North Dakota ISFAC is currently focusing on six key topics; family support, educational benefits, license and registration benefits, tax and financial breaks, state employee
benefits and other special protections.
INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
Interservice Family Assistance Committee
· ISFAC Blog: www.isfac.blogspot.com
· ISFAC Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ISFAC
North Dakota National Guard Photos, Videos & Other Updates:
· www.ndguard.com
· www.119wg.af.ang.mil
· www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
· www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
· www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
· www.twitter.com/NDNGAberle
· www.facebook.com North Dakota National Guard
Soldiers' Angels:
· www.SoldiersAngels.org
· www.twitter.com/soldiersangels
· www.twitter.com/publicrelations
· www.twitter.com/maryann_sag
· www.twitter.com/valourit
· www.youtube.com/soldiersangels
· www.facebook.com Soldiers' Angels (OFFICIAL) listed as group, fan and cause
North Dakota Veterans Upward Bound:
· www.ndsu.edu/trio/veterans_upward_bound/
· www.twitter.com/NDVUB
· www.NDVUB.blogspot.com
· www.facebook.com North Dakota Veterans Upward Bound
Local Air Force:
Grand Forks Air Force Base:
· www.grandforks.af.mil
Minot Air Force Base:
· www.minot.af.mil
United States Air Force:
· www.af.mil
· www.facebook.com/USairforce
· www.twitter.com/AFPAA
· www.youtube.com/afbluetube
· http://airforcelive.dodlive.mil/
· www.flickr.com/photos/usairforce
United States Army:
· www.army.mil
· www.facebook.com/USarmy
· www.twitter.com/usarmy
· www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter
· www.youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter
United States Coast Guard:
· www.uscg.mil
· http://coastguard.dodlive.mil
· www.twitter.com/cgcompass
· www.youtube.com/user/USCGImagery
United States Marine Corp
· www.marines.mil
· www.youtube.com/user/MarineCorpsNews
· www.twitter.com/MarineCorpsNews
· www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/
United States Navy
· www.navy.mil
· www.twitter.com/navynews
· www.youtube.com/user/usnavyweb
· www.flickr.com/photos/usnavynvns
UND Center for Rural Health
· http://ruralhealth.und.edu
· www.Twitter.com/CRuralHealth
· www.facebook.com/CRuralHealth
If you are an ISFAC member and would like your Social Media listed here- please contactShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org and send the full listing as above. If you would like assistance setting up social networking for your organization, please feel free to talk to Shelle Michaels.
Shelle Michaels "May No Soldier Go Unloved"
Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.orgwww.SoldiersAngels.org
Ladies of Liberty Team Director
LadiesofLiberty@SoldiersAngels.orgwww.SoldiersAngelsLadiesOfLiberty.com
ACT NOW. GIVE MORE. SHOW SUPPORT.
