Mullen:Congress must fund the State Department

By Lisa Daniel of American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2011 - The importance of strong civilian-military partnerships has never been greater, and the secretaries of state and defense are setting the example for how to build and sustain those partnerships, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks at the inaugural Global Chiefs of Mission Conference at the State Department in Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 2011. DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen made the comments to more than a hundred Foreign Service officers at the State Department's inaugural Global Chiefs of Mission Conference here.

"Thanks for what you do, thanks for what you do for our country and for people around the world," he said. "Your participation and feedback is absolutely critical in everything we're doing."

Mullen added that in his four decades in the Navy he was "trained very early on in ports around the world how important the country teams were. I can't say enough about the importance of the team right now."

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton are setting an example for diplomats and service members at every level to follow in breaking with history to create a close working relationship, Mullen said.

"My capstone view is to be fortunate enough to literally watch two masters in Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates," he said. "Many of you have grown up in this business where the secretaries of state and defense did not have each other over for dinner very often. It's actually fun to listen to Secretary Gates regale me with stories of the past. But those stories are in the past.

"We cannot, in this world we are living in right now, live without the kind of relationship we have between these two secretaries," the chairman continued. "The difference that they make in terms of setting the example ... resonates in both organizations. You see it from the very top to the most junior people we have in the field. I think it is an example for the 21st century that we fundamentally need to adopt."

Mullen noted that he and Gates sometimes appear before the House and Senate foreign relations committees, and that Clinton has appeared before armed services committees – often at the same time.

And Clinton, in introducing Mullen, said they frequently meet to talk through complex international issues. The chairman, she said, "grasps in a very deep and profound way a vision of an integrated American power."

"Time and time again, he has brought sensitivity and insight into causes of dilemmas we are watching unfold, and the forces at work," Clinton said.

Mullen said he tries to stay focused on the next generation of leaders and has been impressed with both the military members and civilians serving around the world, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he said the wars "changed us" into realizing the need for collaboration.

"I have great confidence in our future, because this young generation is wired to serve," he said, "and we just have to figure out how to give them the paths to serve, because we all will transcend this business to another part of our life.

Military relations in places such as Pakistan, Colombia and Haiti have been made easier due to the judgment and leadership of the State Department's ambassadors, Mullen said. "That's changing the world," he said, "and we do that in ways now that some of us couldn't imagine a few years ago."

To continue with such progress, Congress must fund the State Department at appropriate levels, Mullen said.

"We have got to get the State Department budget right," he said. "We took too much money away. And when you take money away from the State Department, you take people away, and people are your main effort. Having a robust enough budget to meet the needs of our time is absolutely mandatory.

"I'm not going to go so far as to say you can have some of mine," he continued, drawing laughter, "but I recognize that if these teams are going to work together, their budgets need to be about right."

Biographies:
Hillary Rodham Clinton 
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Related Sites:
State Department 

A Nation Builder Who was young even at the age of 84

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, Dear Gursikh Veerji & Bhenji In 1908, the passion to uplift the Sikh Panth led to the creation of Punjab & Sindh Bank. (It was a part of the Gurdwara Sudhar movement.) With his far-sighted visionary friends like Bhai Vir Singh, Sunder Singh and Tarlochan Singh they created this bank. To honour such great people and to change lives of several in the panth, Sukrit Trust has embarked upon a unique mission "KIRAT CARNIVAL"

VISION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE Panth Ratan, Dr. Inderjeet Singh Founder of Punjab & Sindh Bank

A movement to counter drugs and depression by promoting work  culture in Punjab was started here today under the auspices of  Sukrit Trust.Dedicated to the birth centenary of Legendary  Banker and Nation Builder, Dr. Inderjeet Singh,former Chairman,  Punjab and Sind Bank, the Sukrit Trust is organizing Kirat  Carnival 2011.  More than two lac students are expected to participate in 7  different competitions as well as events like  panel discussion, debates etc. S Jaswinder Singh Khalsa UK, Chairman of the Organizing  Committee disclosed that as many as 100 seminars will be  organized on Kirat Culture and the various dimensions of  promoting  smart and hard work as a way of life among the youth. Of  these about 60 seminars will be in Punjab, 30 in rest of  the country and rest 10 in USA, Canada, UK and other  European countries. The National Organizing Secretary of Kirat Carnival 2011,  Dr.Renuka Sarabjeet Singh said that the Kirat Carnival will  emphasize on the fact that we are what we think. Who assume  defeat are defeated and who imagine victory, win the battles  of life. Work is the panacea of all our ills as it gives a  genuine feeling of fulfillment. The colorful brochure of the Carnival was released here by  eminent social workers S. Ujagar Singh and S Sukhbir Singh.  It is noteworthy that Dr Inderjeet Singh was a legendary  banker in the history of modern India who pioneered in  small lending and agricultural loans. He provided employment  to over 18,000 youth. He focused on opening the branches of  bank in the rural areas of Punjab. The enthusiasm of Dr. Inderjeet Singh can be guessed  from the fact that he started a new bank –  Bank of Punjab - in 1995,  when he was at the age of 84 years.

Combat Decorations for two Brothers

Posted on : Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 8:47 PM By Army Sgt. Scott Davis of Regional Command East BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan: Two brothers in the 101st Airborne Division were decorated for separate combat actions during their deployment to Afghanistan. Army Sgt. Jason Busch, left, and his brother, Army Cpl. Josh Busch, were decorated for combat in Afghanistan. The soldiers, who are from Seymour, Wis., both serve with the 101st Airborne Division. Courtesy photo  One received a Silver Star Medal in December for actions during a five-day firefight in Kunar province, and the other received a Purple Heart in January after a firefight at Forward Operating Base Andar. Army Cpl. Joshua Busch of Company D, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, was on a mission in November when insurgents attacked his platoon. "We got hit pretty hard," said Josh, the younger brother. "By the end of the first night, I was the highest-ranking soldier in the platoon as a corporal, so I took charge as the platoon sergeant." By the end of the fight, his platoon of 22 was down to nine uninjured soldiers. He was decorated Dec. 7 for his heroic actions during that battle. Army Sgt. Jason Busch, Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, recalled the battle that took place about a month later in which he earned his Purple Heart. "The enemy was hiding in a basement. ... Two Afghan national policemen were going to go in, and I was to follow," he said. "They kicked down the door, and as soon as they started to enter, they both got shot and fell down. I looked in and saw the enemy about 10 feet away. We both started firing at each other at the same time. I got hit as I was getting down into a prone position." Jason kept firing even after he was shot. "Right away, I started coughing up blood and could barely breathe," he said. "I shouted for a medic, but they couldn't help me, since the insurgent was in the room in front of me. When I realized they couldn't get to me, I somehow stood up, stumbled over to the medic and collapsed. Doc slowing my breathing saved my life. I was medically evacuated about 10 to 15 minutes later." The soldiers, who are from Seymour, Wis., are proud of each other and what they had to go through. "When my brother got decorated, I felt a lot of pride for him, but I also felt a lot of sadness for what he had to go through to get that medal," Jason said. "I wish that I could have been there instead." Though both had planned to get out of the Army, they decided to stay with their platoon for this deployment. Josh extended his enlistment, and Jason re-enlisted for two more years. "I actually re-enlisted for four more years less than a week before I got shot," Jason said. "I'm going to stay in and possibly pursue a career as a flight warrant officer." Josh said he and his brother always have been close. "My brother joined when I was in high school," he said. "I think he joined because he knew I was going to and didn't want me to go through it alone." When Josh got to basic training, the drill sergeants asked if anyone had siblings in the Army. Josh said yes and was given the chance to be stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., with his brother, though they are in different brigades. Josh will finish his deployment soon, while Jason is recovering in the United States. "It's got to be tough on our parents having two kids deployed at the same time," Josh said. "Our mom is a worrier, and she tries to find out anything she can about what we are doing out here. We try not to tell them too much about what goes on out here to keep them from worrying more."

Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force

1,100 National Guard members activated

Posted on Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 7:39 PM

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell of National Guard Bureau WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2011 - In response to blizzard conditions and strong winter storms across a third of the country, six governors have declared states of emergency and about 1,100 National Guard members from 11 states have been activated or are on standby, National Guard Bureau officials said. Soldiers with the Illinois National Guard's 3637th Maintenance Company load their Humvees before moving out to provide roadside assistance to stranded motorists on Illinois interstate highways, Feb. 1, 2011. Courtesy photo  As of 6 p.m. EST yesterday, the governors of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin had declared states of emergency, and the Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin National Guard had activated. Meanwhile, Guard members in Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania were on standby, officials said. A day after Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency, the Missouri National Guard called up more than 600 soldiers and airmen to conduct emergency missions throughout the state. The Missouri Guard members will be spread over three task forces, Army Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general, said. "Our force is seasoned by dozens of overseas deployments and 18 state emergency missions since 2005," Danner said. "Our citizen-soldiers and airmen are ready to protect their fellow Missourians in their time of need, whether they are conducting door-to-door safety visits or clearing critical paths for emergency vehicles so first responders can do their jobs." Soldiers and airmen with Task Force East, based in St. Louis; Task Force Northwest, based in Kansas City; and Task Force Southwest, based in Springfield, are making door-to-door safety visits, providing critical infrastructure power generation, helping stranded motorists, conducting presence patrols and clearing emergency routes to support first responders. The Missouri Guard also has sent liaison officers to emergency operation centers. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has activated more than 500 Illinois National Guard members to help stranded motorists. They will be stationed at rest areas along Interstate 70 and other highways and will coordinate with the Illinois State Police to ensure the safety of travelers stranded along the roads. "We must do everything we can to keep motorists safe during this massive winter storm," Quinn said. "Illinois Department of Transportation crews are working nonstop to clear roadways, and the Illinois State Police will also be closely monitoring our highways. These troops from the Illinois National Guard will help ensure public safety along the roadways, and I urge everyone to exercise caution when traveling." Guard members stationed along the highways will provide water, snack bars and roadside safety tips to stranded motorists and will relay information regarding road conditions, vehicle accidents and stranded motorists to state police officers. "I'm proud that the Illinois National Guard is able to play our part in responding to this winter storm," said Army Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, Illinois adjutant general. "Our soldiers and airmen respond to the governor's call to help in state emergencies, just as we answer the president's call to serve overseas. It takes selfless citizens to serve in today's National Guard –- whether in Illinois or across the world." In Arkansas, the National Guard has about five Guard members transporting supplies from Little Rock to the Washington County emergency management facility in Fayetteville in preparation for any needed assistance. The Indiana National Guard had not yet been activated last night, but about 875 Guard members were on standby. About 30 members of the Iowa National Guard are helping stranded motorists. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared a state of emergency, which activates the disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan, which authorizes state resources and funds to expedite emergency assistance statewide, including the National Guard. In Oklahoma, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is using the Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City for equipment staging, but no National Guard personnel are anticipated to be used to support this FEMA mission assignment, officials said. The Texas National Guard has about 30 Guard members assisting stranded motorists in Wichita Falls and Lubbock. With Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declaring a state of emergency, Air Force Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the state's adjutant general, can activate elements of the Wisconsin National Guard to active duty to assist local authorities if needed. The declaration also directs all state agencies to assist in any response or recovery efforts. New Jersey and Pennsylvania have Guard members on standby, but no mission requirements had arisen as of last night.

Related Sites: National Guard Bureau

Painting in a Observation Post

By Army Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell of Task Force Bastogne KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Feb. 1, 2011 - The soldier's ink-stained, dirt-caked hands grasped his body armor and helmet as he prepared to depart the dimly lit plywood building on top of Observation Post Mustang. Army Pfc. Luke I. Schlueter finishes a unit logo in the tactical operations center of Observation Post Mustang in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, Jan. 28, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell  Bracing against the crisp, whipping wind on the 6,500-foot mountain, Army Pfc. Luke I. Schlueter pulls on his gloves and adjusts his fleece jacket before settling down to look through various sets of binoculars and scopes at the draws, spurs and ridges surrounding the small observation post. For the last nine months in eastern Afghanistan, pulling guard duty has been Schlueter's job as a cavalry scout assigned to Troop C, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Bandit, of the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. "I do my job because it's my job, but my hobby is art," Schlueter said. "Taking a blank piece of paper and making something out of it is just a way of reminding me why I'm here and what's going on." Since age 6 growing up in Okinawa, Japan, Schlueter employed art as a way to express himself. His mother bought him coloring books, but he wouldn't color in them. Instead, he'd trace the outlines. While living at the top of Afghanistan, he has plenty of outlines to trace now. "You've got all these mountains," he said. "Especially the clouds and everything that are here, it's crazy. Where I'm from in Nebraska, it's all flat. I mean, you get to see clouds and stuff, but not like it 'is here.' It's ... it's ... it's ridiculous." Schlueter, from Bellevue, Neb., draws anything –- mountains, people, animals, surrealistic landscapes, or whatever his buddies ask of him. "When people see something they want me to draw and get something off their mind, that's usually when I come into play," Schlueter said. "They say, 'Hey Schlueter, draw this,' and it gives them a laugh." Since following his older cousin and sister into the Army, he has put his talents to use at some odd times. "I was in basic training, and the night before you get out -- when everybody's cleaning and everything -- I got told to paint the barracks –- all three floors," Schlueter said. "I painted everything. And then I painted the squadron rock, which the squadron sergeant major gave me a coin for, because he was really impressed with it." In the tactical operations center at Observation Post Mustang, Schlueter has been working on another piece of art. For the past few days, he has been hunkered close to a large eagle he's drawing around his unit's crest. Past unit emblems adorn the walls, providing a respite from the utilitarian maps, charts and wires. "It's nice to work on a piece that's going to be around for a while," Schlueter said. His squadron's blue and red logo covers nearly half of a wall. He added that soldiers' esprit de corps at their hilltop living quarters may benefit from his efforts to bring a little more color to Army green. "I've been told the reason why Wal-Mart's blue is because it helps people who are shopping be more relaxed. So yeah, I guess it makes people have better morale," he said with a laugh.

Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force

States of emergency declared by 4 governors

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell of National Guard Bureau
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2011 - Four governors have declared states of emergency and one has mobilized his state's National Guard due to blizzard warnings and strong winter storms.

Army Staff Sgt. Travis Radtke and Army Staff Sgt. Jason Copley, both of the Missouri National Guard, perform preventive maintenance checks on vehicles at the Missouri National Guard armory in Springfield, Mo., Jan. 31, 2011. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in preparation for a severe winter storm. U.S. Army photo by Ann Keyes

By 9 a.m. EST today, the governors of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois had declared states of emergency, with three to six inches of sleet and up to a foot and a half of snow anticipated for some areas.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon mobilized about 600 Missouri National Guard members to support local authorities with emergency route clearance, door-to-door safety visits, generator assistance and stranded-motorist support, Missouri Guard officials said. The Missouri Guard also has sent liaison officers to emergency operation centers in affected cities and counties.
Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner, Missouri's adjutant general, said that the Missouri Guard has dealt with similar situations before, and that he feels confident Guard members will get the job done again.
"The leadership and soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard are seasoned professionals," Danner said. "We will apply lessons learned from years of experience to help the citizens of Missouri."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using the Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, Okla., for equipment staging, but National Guard officials said they don't anticipate this FEMA mission assignment will require Guard support.
 

Related Sites:
Missouri National Guard 

Top CFC Donations by Defense Employees

Posted on Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 3:53 AM By Terri Moon Cronk of American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 - For the second straight year, Defense Department employees donated or pledged more than $17 million in the Combined Federal Campaign, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said today. Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III presents a check for $17.2 million to Rene Acosta, president and CEO of Global Impact, the firm that manages the Combined Federal Campaign, at a Jan. 31, 2011, ceremony at the Pentagon. DOD photo by R.D. Ward  "Year after year we've demonstrated a strong commitment to service and to charity," Lynn said to award winners and canvassers at an awards ceremony in the Pentagon auditorium. "[Dr. Martin Luther King] was devoted to enhancing the lives of others and expanding opportunities for all," Lynn said. "Dr. King once remarked, 'Life's persistent and urgent question for all was, 'What are you doing for others?' Over the course of the past year, thousands across the department have answered that question." Even in today's time of economic challenges and hardships, Lynn noted, Defense CFC donors made sacrifices. "The department as a whole is not immune to tough economic realities," he said. "While we confront these hardships, there are those out there for whom the times are even tougher. In these challenging times, their struggles are a challenge to us all." That, he added, makes the "compassion of giving by those in this room and throughout the department all the more admirable." Lynn told the audience their philanthropy led the CFC to another resounding success. The $17.2 million raised by DOD employees, Lynn said, "underscores the department's culture and tradition of charity, and these contributions will have a real impact on real people." Defense employees, Lynn added, donated 10 percent more than the average federal worker in this year's campaign. "Each one of you is responsible for helping feed the hungry. Each one of you is essential for helping house the homeless. Each one of you ensures expanded access to education, and lifts up those less fortunate than ourselves," he said. Lynn noted the campaign also lent a hand to members of the military. "Your charitable efforts are vital to improving the lives of wounded service members and their families," he said. "The results of your efforts are very real and very powerful. You are all remarkable individuals and organizations who came together for a common, noble cause." CFC is the world's largest workplace charity campaign. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits worldwide.

Biographies:  William J. Lynn III  Related Sites: Combined Federal Campaign