Obama: U.S., Iraq Forge New Relationship

we are building a comprehensive partnership

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2011 - With the last U.S. troops leaving Iraq, a new relationship between Iraq and the United States will stand front and center, President Barack Obama said at the White House today.

Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki spoke at a news conference as the last 5,500 U.S. troops in Iraq prepare to leave. When Obama took office there were 150,000 American forces in the country.

"This is a season of homecomings, and military families across America are being reunited for the holidays," Obama said. "In the coming days, the last American soldiers will cross the border out of Iraq, with honor and with their heads held high."

The president and the prime minister discussed the continuing U.S.-Iraqi relationship, and plans to "normalize" relations between the two countries. Obama called for "an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect."

Iraq has made tremendous progress since the coalition toppled Saddam Hussein from power in 2003. There have been free and fair elections, Iraq's economy is growing faster even than that of China, and Iraqi security forces "have been in the lead for the better part of three years, patrolling the streets, dismantling militias, conducting counterterrorism operations," Obama said.

"Today, despite continued attacks by those who seek to derail Iraq's progress, violence remains at record lows," Obama said. "And Mr. Prime Minister, that's a tribute to your leadership, and to the skill and the sacrifices of Iraqi forces."

As the war ends, Iraq will not stand alone, the president said.

"Today, the prime minister and I are reaffirming our common vision of a long-term partnership between our nations that is in keeping with our Strategic Framework Agreement, and it will be like the close relationships we have with other sovereign nations," Obama said. "Simply put, we are building a comprehensive partnership."

Obama and Maliki discussed how the United States could help Iraq train and equip its forces the same way America helps other nations around the world. "Given the challenges we face in a rapidly changing region, we also agreed to establish a new, formal channel of communication between our national security advisors," the president said.

The U.S.-Iraq relationship, he said, will boost regional security.

"Just as Iraq has pledged not to interfere in other nations, other nations must not interfere in Iraq," Obama said. "Iraq's sovereignty must be respected."

The drawdown in Iraq has allowed America to refocus resources and achieve progress in Afghanistan, put al-Qaida on the path to defeat and to better prepare for the full range of challenges that lie ahead, the president said.

Maliki thanked Obama for America's commitment to his country.

"Anyone who observes the nature of the relationship between the two countries will say that the relationship will not end with the departure of the last American soldier," Maliki said through a translator.

The United States and Iraq worked together to defeat terrorism and al-Qaida in Iraq, the prime minister said. Now the two countries can work together in peace to put in place the Strategic Framework Agreement "in the economic sphere, as well as in educational and commercial and cultural and judicial and security cooperation fields," Maliki said.

Iraq still needs U.S. help to bulk up its security forces -- especially in areas of training and equipping. Iraq has ordered 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and plans to order another 18.

Obama saluted the sacrifices of U.S. and Iraqi service members, noting the two countries will continue to work together toward a promising new future.

"A war is ending, a new day is upon us," the president said. "And let us never forget those who gave us this chance, the untold number of Iraqis who have given their lives, more than 1 million Americans -- military and civilian -- who have served in Iraq, nearly 4,500 fallen Americans who gave their last full measure of devotion, tens of thousands of wounded warriors and so many inspiring military families.

"They are the reason we stand here today," Obama continued. "And we owe it to every single one of them -- we have a moral obligation to all of them to build a future worthy of their sacrifices."

After the news conference, Obama and Maliki travelled to Arlington National Ceremony, Va., to pay respects to the fallen. Maliki placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Related Articles: U.S. Forces Have Met All Obligations in Iraq, General Says

Pentagon's Top Policy Chief to Step Down

I will personally miss her valued counsel-Panetta

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2011 - The Defense Department's third most senior official and top female leader has resigned, but will remain in position until February to ensure a smooth transition, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today.

Mich�le Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, today announced her intention to step down and return to private life, Panetta said.

"In her discussions with me, Mich�le made clear that her decision to leave is motivated by personal and family considerations," he said. "I am very pleased that she has agreed to stay on until early next year to enable a smooth transition."

Confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 9, 2009, Flournoy is responsible for all matters on formulating national security and defense policy, the integration and oversight of DOD policy, and plans to achieve national security objectives.

Panetta praised Flournoy for her dedicated service to the department, and her impact on national security interests.

"Mich�le has been an invaluable advisor to me during my six months as secretary of defense, and has been an outstanding departmental leader for nearly three years at a time of great consequence for our nation's defense," he said.

"From guiding our strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq, to helping set the department's priorities and global posture through the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review as well as the strategy review that has been underway this year, Mich�le has made a strong and lasting positive imprint on this department and on our nation's security," he said.

Flournoy is married to W. Scott Gould, deputy secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs, and they have three children.

Panetta lauded Flourney for her work within the department and expressed regret for her departure.

"Mich�le is a treasured colleague, and the entire Department of Defense will be sad to see her go, but she has built an incredible team that is a testament to her leadership," he said.
"I will personally miss her valued counsel, but I understand the stresses and strains that holding senior administration positions can have on families," Panetta noted.

"I look forward to having the opportunity to paying full tribute to Mich�le and wish her and her family all the best in the next stage of their lives," he said. "I'm confident that she will have many years of service in her future."
Biographies:
Leon E. Panetta
Mich�le Flournoy

DOD to Honor Blood Donors for Saving Lives

National Blood Donor Month

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2011 - The Defense Department plans to recognize blood donors early next year for their critical contributions to saving lives by giving blood to the Armed Forces Blood Program, the program's director said today.

"National Blood Donor Month, which is usually January of every year, is an attempt to recognize those blood donors and everyone involved in blood donation for their sacrifices and rolling up their sleeves in 2011," Army Col. Frank Rentas, director of the Armed Forces Blood Program, said during a Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service interview here.

"Next month ... we will be recognizing those donors that have supported our mission," he said. "Our mission is to provide blood and blood supplies whenever and wherever they're needed."
The joint program plays a key role in providing quality blood products for service members and their families in both peacetime and war, according to its website.

Rentas noted the demand for blood -- which only lasts 42 days in storage before perishing -- and shared different needs for blood donation which are based on the needs of the war fighter.

"Most people, when you say 'blood,' they refer to red blood cells," he said. "With red blood cells, O-negative is the most sought-after blood type because you can transfuse it to anyone out there.

"If you are looking at plasma, it's completely opposite," Rentas continued. "AB plasma is what we need because AB plasma is universal. So depending on our needs, we may target specific donors or specific blood types depending on what we need for a specific week."

The program director detailed the importance of receiving donations since one donor can potentially save three lives.
"If they're donating whole blood ... we split that unit into plasma and red cells," he explained. "One donation can actually save three different lives because we can make platelets out of some of those units as well.

"So the platelets can actually go to one recipient, the plasma can go to another, and the red cells can go to another," Rentas added. "So that would be three different recipients that you can save with one donation."

People can donate whole blood every 56 days, Rentas said, but some aren't eligible to donate. "Overseas, depending on where you are, you may or may not be able to donate," he explained.

An example, Rentas said, is people who were based in Europe in areas afflicted with what is known as Mad Cow Disease. "Even though I'm an O-negative blood donor, and donated many, many times in the [1980's], I was assigned to Germany from 1987 to 1990," Rentas continued, "and I have not been able to donate since because of Mad Cow Disease. Even though I feel perfectly fine, I'm not allowed to donate."

The colonel cited the Federal Drug Administration as the authority which dictates policies and guidelines to both civilian and DOD blood donor facilities.

"We're licensed to collect because we do have an FDA license," he said. "So we need to follow their policies ... one of their policies is if you have been in specific places where Mad Cow Disease has been a concern, you're not allowed to donate."

People can donate blood at more than 20 sites worldwide. Those who cannot donate blood, can still contribute by passing on the word, Rentas said.

"The best place for [service members] to get information is our website, www.militaryblood.dod.mil," he said. "[It has] anything that they need to know about locations, they can make appointments [and] reasons about why they may not be able to donate."

Rentas expressed his gratitude to donors for "rolling up their sleeves" to give blood and he encouraged them to continue to support the program.

"If you come to a DOD blood donor facility in January, we're going to be holding recognition ceremonies to express our gratitude for what you have done in 2011," he said.

Related Sites: Armed Forces Blood Program

Workshop in College of Nursing, CMC & Hospital

61 participants attended from Punjab and Srinagar

Ludhiana, 15th December, 2011(Shalu Arora) College of Nursing, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana organized one day workshop for Nursing Superintendents from Punjab State on HIV/AIDS care.
College of Nursing is conducting Training for Staff Nurses for HIV/AIDS patient care since 2009 under the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria (GFATM) Project.  So far conducted 47 workshops and trained 1410 staff nurses, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.

This workshop was organized for sensitizing the Nursing Superintendents regarding HIV/AIDS Nurses’ Training (GFATM).  Total 61 participants attended the workshop from various districts of Punjab and Srinagar.  Dr.  Subash Batta, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana was the Chief Guest on the occasion briefed about the HIV/AIDS scenario in Punjab.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Dr. Abraham G. Thomas, Director, CMC & Hospital, Ludhiana; Dr. Uggar Singh Souch, Distt. Programme Officer, Ludhiana; Dr. Daljit Singh, S.M.O., Eye Mobile, Ludhiana; Dr. Kanwal Masih, Medical Superintendent, CMC & Hospital, Ludhiana; Dr. Kim J. Mammen, Associate Director, CMC & Hospital, Ludhiana.  Resource persons were from Indian Nursing Council and Futures Group, New Delhi. Programme ended with valedictory session.

Father, Daughter Reunite in Afghanistan

"I feel blessed" By Army Spc. April York 2nd Brigade Combat Team KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 12, 2011 - An Army father and his soldier daughter have reunited in Afghanistan. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bobby Hagy and his daughter, Army Pfc. Amanda Hagy, share a laugh during their reunion on Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, Dec. 6, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. April York  Army Pfc. Amanda Hagy is an imagery analyst here at Camp Nathan Smith for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, from Fort Carson, Colo. Her father is Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bobby Hagy, the senior non commissioned officer for the 528th Sustainment Brigade from Fort Bragg, N.C.Amanda deployed to Afghanistan in May, and works in her brigade's tactical operations center. She had been deployed for about six months when her father was sent on a 30-day deployment to perform an inspection of the special operations groups under his leadership. Some of those groups are deployed in Afghanistan. "I knew that I was going to be near Amanda so when I got to Kandahar Airfield I put my feelers out to get over her way," the sergeant major said. "It's freaking awesome that my dad could come out here to see me," Amanda said. "I feel blessed." "It's been good to see her," the command sergeant major said, "and if I could stay around here for the next six months to be deployed with her, I would."

National Guard Marks its 375th Birthday

The Massachusetts colony was founded in 1630 By Bill Boehm National Guard Bureau ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 12, 2011 - The origin of the nation's state National Guard organizations sprang from the forming of militia in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 17th century. This illustration depicts the first muster of Massachusetts Bay Colony militia in the spring of 1637. This event took place after the Massachusetts General Court on Dec. 13, 1636 established three regiments within the colony to defend against enemy attack and preserve settlements. National Guard Bureau Illustration  The Massachusetts colony was founded in 1630. At that time, more than 5,000 men, women, and children had made the two-month voyage to the New World, leaving the relative comfort and safety of England behind in an effort to break free of religious intolerance, and to manage their communities the way they saw fit.In doing so, their actions tread new ground in the country that would become the United States of America. The military organization we know today as the National Guard came into existence with a direct declaration on Dec. 13, 1636 when the Massachusetts General Court in Salem established that all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to join the militia. The North, South, and East Regiments were established with this order. The decree, which excluded ministers and judges, stated that citizen-soldiers who mustered for military training could be and would be called upon to defend the colony when needed. Owing to many failures in the time that English settlers had attempted colonization in the Massachusetts frontier and elsewhere in North America, leaders decided that a proactive and ready state of mind must be kept by all citizens, particularly those training in military tactics. Being part of citizenry in small villages meant that a price must be paid for the freedoms that could potentially be enjoyed, were the colony to ultimately succeed. That price meant taking responsibility for defending the settlements of the Massachusetts colony. The outposts were austere, and the colony relied upon male pioneers to provide food, shelter, and defensive protection. Even with all available hands working, this was difficult. Worse, the nearby Pequot Indian tribe proved a restless and unpredictable neighbor, leaving the Massachusetts colonists vulnerable to guerilla-style attacks that could decimate the fledgling settlements. In an environment rife with disease, poor sanitation, and harsh weather conditions, all able-bodied members of the Massachusetts colony pulled together out of necessity. Self-sufficiency proved instrumental. In the New World, hiring mercenary fighters in the European tradition to ward off Indian attacks would be impossible. For one thing, the colonists had no money. Other foreign interests in the New World such as the French and Spanish, even if they were available for defensive purposes, did not share English views on religion and political matters. They would have seriously undermined the stability of the Massachusetts colony. Governing and policing the settlement would have to be left to the colonists themselves. The militia system of self defense proved successful. Soon after the militia was established in Massachusetts, the entire New England region defended itself against the aggression of the Pequot nation. Other colonies such as Connecticut and Rhode Island mustered militia units, and succeeded in forcing the Pequots to capitulate in 1638. Ultimately, the militia enlisted from the many small villages proved a strong component in building confidence for the settlement as a whole. Other colonial settlements in North America such as those in Florida, Virginia, and New Mexico utilized military protection to allow settlers safe passage and defend against aggressors, but Massachusetts proved to be the first to have its government establish and raise a militia of continuous service. That legal precedent and record of service has remained continuous and unbroken, no matter the change in each unit's function as a part of the militia or National Guard. This distinction qualifies it as the birthplace of the militia in the United States. With the North, South, and East Regiments established, its exemplary military tradition continues through this day with four Massachusetts National Guard units -- the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery, the 181st Infantry Regiment, and the 182nd Infantry Regiment. Today, Massachusetts' population numbers 6.5 million people, and the commonwealth figures prominently as a center of manufacturing, electronics/technology, and finance. Much has changed since 1636, but one thing has not: the National Guard still consists of citizen-soldiers and airmen providing assistance during natural disasters, training regularly to uphold high standards of readiness, and deploying to far-away countries to protect the United States' national interests. Although America's growth and expansion has made it a large military force around the world, the National Guard remains a community cornerstone -- just as it did when it was born on Dec. 13, 1636.

Related Sites: 375th Birthday of the National Guard History and Videos 375th Birthday of the National Guard Downloads

Khalsa College Chawinda Devi opened

Majithia,Chhina call it boon for rural area       Amritsar//December 14, 2011//Gajinder Singh King:

Making inroads in rural areas in its pursuit to provide higher education in backward areas, Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) today opened Khalsa College at Chawinda Devi, near Amritsar. Former minister and sitting MLA, Bikram Singh Majithia and KCGC honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina said after inaugurating the ultra-modern building of the college that the institution of higher would benefit hundreds of villages in this rural belt.

Majithia said, with the college opened, the 30-year-long demand of the area for such educational institution is fulfilled today. The college has come up at the cost of Rs.11.00 crores at the land donated by the village Panchayat. Majithia said that the institution was required in the area because the children, especially girls, had to travel to far away places including Batala and Amritsar for their college education.

He said he had found that parents were reluctant to send their wards, especially girls to the distant places. “Now they have higher education institute at their door step”, he said while inaugurating the building of the college. He thanked KCGC for taking this importance step to open the college in his assembly constituency.  On the other hand, Chhina thanked Majithia for facilitating the donation of 10 acre land for the college campus.

Chhina said it is their endevour to strengthen the educational infrastructure and opening of this college is a step ahead in this direction. KCGC Vice President Charanjit Singh Chadha, joint secretary Ajmer Singh Heir, Sardul Singh Mannan, Members Sukhdev Singh Abdal were present. Principal of the College, Dr.PS Dua said that they have already enrolled 86 students in the college for the current academic session and announced that they were opening various professional courses including B.Tech, from the next session.