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• DOD Extends Housing Allowance for Some Civilian Employees
• National Guard Bureau Guard News Update
• Obama, Karzai Plan Afghanistan Talks at White House
• Panetta to Visit European Allies
• U.S., NATO Patriots Deploy to Augment Turkish Air Defenses
• Budget Process 'A Mess,' Pentagon Spokesman Says
• Contracts for January 08, 2013
• Today in the Department of Defense, 1/9/2013
• Panetta to Host Karzai, Barak at Pentagon
• DOD Comptroller: Budget Stability Key to National Security
• This Week in the National Guard
• U.S., Afghan Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator
• Face of Defense: Undeterred Soldier Returns to Afghanistan
• Cyber Officials Weigh Opportunities, Challenges
• NORAD Exercise Planned for National Capital Region
• Guide to Long Term Care Helps Vets Make Important Decisions
• VA News Releases Update
• Deadline Nears to Nominate Employers for Recognition
• Military OneSource Provides Tax Assistance Service
• Today in the Department of Defense, 1/8/2013
• Propwash

DOD Extends Housing Allowance for Some Civilian Employees Posted: 08 Jan 2013 04:09 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DOD Extends Housing Allowance for Some Civilian Employees 01/08/2013 06:04 PM CST DOD Extends Housing Allowance for Some Civilian Employees By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - The Defense Department is extending housing allowances by one year for DOD civilians employed overseas by the U.S. European Command who were mistakenly granted the benefit, a Pentagon official said here yesterday. Seth Shulman, director of compensation for civilian personnel policy, told reporters the issue resulted from a misinterpretation at Eucom of Department of State Standardized Regulations, or DSSR, which govern allowances and benefits available to U.S. government civilians assigned to foreign areas. According to the regulations, a living quarters allowance can't be paid to an individual who is hired overseas after working for more than one employer. At Eucom, Shulman said, such employees were receiving living-quarters allowances, called LQAs. "We're very sensitive to the fact that employees who have been erroneously receiving LQA through no fault of their own have made life choices based on [its] continued payment," Shulman said. "So we're going to do everything we can to help them work through this." After some Office of Personnel Management claims decisions, Eucom officials brought the situation to DOD's attention and requested a one-year continuation of LQA payments and a waiver of indebtedness for affected employees. Shulman said DOD policy doesn't allow blanket waivers, so each affected employee will have to file for a waiver of indebtedness. The department supports waiving the indebtedness, he added, but each case has to be weighed on its individual merits. Shulman said the department has directed all components with employees in the Eucom area of responsibility to audit their employees' pay files to determine who is affected. "And because this challenge may be a little bit broader than just Eucom," he added, "we've so directed components with employees in other combatant command areas of responsibility in the overseas environment to do the same." Defense officials pointed out that civilian employees in areas beyond Eucom who fall under the same unusual circumstance have been authorized the same relief -- a one-year LQA extension and support of a waiver of indebtedness -- as long as there is no evidence of misrepresentation, fraud, or deception to acquire LQA in the first place.   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

National Guard Bureau Guard News Update Posted: 08 Jan 2013 04:06 PM PST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to Guard News for National Guard Bureau. James Hotaling named next Air National Guard command chief 01/08/2013 11:52 AM EST Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force here was named as the Air National Guard's next command chief today...   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by the National Guard Bureau. SOCIAL MEDIA: http://www.flickr.com/photos/TheNationalGuard http://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNationalGuard http://www.twitter.com/USNationalGuard This email was sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: National Guard Bureau · AHS 2 · 111 South George Mason Drive · Arlington, VA 22204 · 800-439-1420

Obama, Karzai Plan Afghanistan Talks at White House Posted: 08 Jan 2013 03:20 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Obama, Karzai Plan Afghanistan Talks at White House 01/08/2013 05:10 PM CST Obama, Karzai Plan Afghanistan Talks at White House By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - The centerpiece of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit here this week will be meetings Jan. 11 at the White House, where he and President Barack Obama can discuss the changes in Afghanistan and how the United States can work with the country in the future. Ben Rhodes, the deputy national security advisor for strategic communications, put the visit in perspective today during a phone-in news conference. Rhodes said the United States will continue drawing down the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan through this year and next. Around 68,000 American troops are in Afghanistan today. The United States "will not plateau" at that number through 2014, he said, but will continue the gradual drawdown. Depending on the situation on the ground, Rhodes said, there could conceivably be no American forces in the country in 2015. All aspects, he added, are under discussion. The United States is helping to train Afghan soldiers and police, and Afghan forces already have assumed much of the security burden in the country, he noted. "We want to have an Afghan partner that is capable of standing on its own with our support and denying safe haven [to terrorists] and having the ability to take the lead for its own security," Rhodes said. The visit this week is a chance for the two presidents to take stock of efforts in Afghanistan "and then to provide guidance going forward on a host of issues," he said. Reductions of U.S. forces will continue this year, Rhodes said, and they will be guided by the discussions Obama and Karzai will have. Rhodes did not get into specific numbers of forces or how many troops would stay in the country after the combat mission ends at the end of 2014. Afghanistan and the United States are working on a bilateral security agreement that includes a status of forces agreement for any American troops that would be in the country. Rhodes said their missions would be counterterrorism and training and equipping Afghan forces. "This is not a visit where President Obama will be making decisions about U.S. troop levels in the immediate future or beyond 2014," Rhodes said. "It's a visit where the two leaders will be able to consult about those issues, and then in the coming months, President Obama will be able to make those decisions in consultation with his national security team."  Related Articles: Panetta to Host Karzai, Barak at Pentagon   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Panetta to Visit European Allies Posted: 08 Jan 2013 03:19 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Panetta to Visit European Allies 01/08/2013 04:53 PM CST Panetta to Visit European Allies By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will depart Jan. 14 on a weeklong trip to Europe, visiting Portugal, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters here today. During the trip, Panetta will meet with his defense counterparts and discuss the mission in Afghanistan, Little said. "The secretary of defense wants to see very strong NATO allies, who have fought and died in Afghanistan," Little said. "There is a lot of work to be done with our European allies." These nations combined have provided thousands of troops to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, he noted. The trip is an opportunity for Panetta to reaffirm the strong U.S. commitment to transatlantic defense alliances and to develop deeper relationships with those allies, Little said. Little noted that defense leaders from all four countries have visited the United States, but that this would be Panetta's first trip to any of them as defense secretary. "We view it as a way of signaling our strong commitment to NATO and to our partners and allies who have been with us in Afghanistan and through many other challenges," he said.   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

U.S., NATO Patriots Deploy to Augment Turkish Air Defenses Posted: 08 Jan 2013 03:16 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S., NATO Patriots Deploy to Augment Turkish Air Defenses 01/08/2013 04:35 PM CST U.S., NATO Patriots Deploy to Augment Turkish Air Defenses By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - With advance elements of two U.S. Patriot missile batteries already on the ground in Turkey, additional defenders are prepared to deploy tomorrow in support of NATO's missile defense mission there. Airmen from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron loaded equipment for U.S. Army Europe's 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, and the 32nd AAMDC from Fort Bliss, Texas, aboard a C-5 aircraft today at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, officials at U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Europe confirmed. The 10th AAMDC will provide command and control for two Patriot missile batteries from the 32nd AAMDC. Meanwhile, roughly 400 U.S. personnel and equipment from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, based at Fort Sill, Okla., began flowing into Turkey late last week to man the equipment, U.S. European Command officials said. Additional equipment will arrive by sea later this month. In Turkey, the U.S. forces will be joined by missile defenders from Germany and the Netherlands, the only other NATO nations with PAC-3 Patriot anti-missile systems, which are each contributing two batteries to the mission. NATO foreign ministers agreed in late November to provide Turkey the air defense support it had requested. The request came after shells from Syria's political unrest -– which a new United Nations report estimated this week has claimed 60,000 lives -- spilled into Turkey. "NATO has decided to augment Turkey's air defense capabilities in order to defend the population and territory of Turkey and contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along the alliance's border," the ministers said in a statement released following the meeting. "Turkey is an important NATO ally, and we welcome the opportunity to support the Turkish government's request in accordance with the NATO standing defense plan," said Navy Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio, Eucom's deputy commander. Martoglio said the Patriot batteries will fall under NATO command once the systems become operational within the next several weeks. He emphasized that the deployment will be defensive only, and won't support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation. Army Lt. Col. Robert Ozanich, intelligence and security officer for the Kaiserslautern-based 10th AAMDC, said the command-and-control element his command is deploying will interact with the Turkish government and NATO forces to ensure they are providing the protections Turkey has requested. With experience throughout the European theater under their belts -- including recent deployments to Poland and to Israel during the Austere Challenge 2012 exercise -- the deploying soldiers have the experience and hands-on time with their equipment to carry out the mission, Ozanich said. "One of the biggest pieces is making sure that our soldiers are ready," he said. Equally important, he said, they have had the opportunity to work side by side with partner militaries and to develop an awareness of cultural customs, courtesies and sensitivities. "The people going forward look forward to doing the mission they have trained for," Ozanich said. "Our expectations are that we will be able to successfully complete this mission and provide the necessary protections to Turkey." "It's good to be in Turkey," said Army Maj. Brian Carlin, who deployed to Turkey with the advance elements. "We believe the measure of deterrence that we can add makes our soldiers' time away from friends and families back home worthwhile. Protecting our allies is what this alliance is all about." At this point, it's unclear how long the deployment will last. That, officials said, will be determined by the contributing nations in coordination with Turkey and NATO. (Jesse Granger and Army Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado from U.S. Army Europe contributed to this article.)   Biographies: Navy Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio Related Sites: U.S. European Command U.S. Army Europe   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Budget Process 'A Mess,' Pentagon Spokesman Says Posted: 08 Jan 2013 03:15 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Budget Process 'A Mess,' Pentagon Spokesman Says 01/08/2013 04:12 PM CST Budget Process 'A Mess,' Pentagon Spokesman Says By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - When reporters asked him about the budget process during a news conference here today, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little had a plain-spoken answer. "I could try to be somewhat heartfelt and diplomatic, but I'll boil it down to this: it is, at this stage, a mess," he said. The instability is "highly problematic" for the Defense Department, Little said, and affects the entire federal budget. Although Congress acted to delay a "sequestration" provision in budget law that would have triggered deep across-the-board budget cuts last week, he said, its failure to resolve sequestration once and for all is generating uncertainty among service members and civilians alike. "We've heard that already on the front lines in Afghanistan," he said. "The troops have serious questions about sequestration. This is not just a Washington issue. It's a Camp Bastion issue. It's an issue at Incirlik. It's an issue at our bases in Asia. We need to think carefully about this." Sequestration has been a topic of discussion for too long, Little said, noting that Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has said many times that there needs to be "a true, genuine, honest conversation about the budget." "It's time for Congress to act," he added. Little reiterated some potential effects of sequestration on the Defense Department that Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter outlined in August, adding that they haven't changed in the intervening five months. "[Sequestration] could seriously disrupt our forces and programs, to include readiness," Little said. "It could require us to substantially modify and scale back our new defense strategy." In addition, he said, it could reduce war funding and training for units deploying to Afghanistan, reduce commissary hours, delay payments to medical service providers and disrupt investment programs. "This is not a rational way to govern," Little said. Some temporary DOD employees also may be affected, he said. "We're going to do right by our employees in terms of communication and do what we have to do to follow the law," he added. "No decisions have been reached yet, but we're actively consulting with the Office of Management and Budget to see what actions we may need to take in advance of the [March 1] 'fiscal cliff' deadline." Even though the U.S. military may still be able to carry out the fight in Afghanistan and protect some programs, Little said, "overall, our mission as a department could be devastated -- at least for a short period of time. And that's not a prospect that any of us relish." Allowing three major fiscal problems to coincide in less than two months -- the debt ceiling, the continuing resolution that funds the government for only a portion of the fiscal year, and sequester -- "is just not the right way to go about business," Little said. "This is not the right way to run government." The Defense Department is "doing some serious planning for sequestration," he said. "We hope to avoid it. We don't want there to be uncertainty, but with less than two months to go before the next deadline hits for the 'fiscal cliff,' we need to be ready."  Related Articles: DOD Comptroller: Budget Stability Key to National Security Panetta Thanks Congress, Seeks End to Sequestration   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Contracts for January 08, 2013 Posted: 08 Jan 2013 02:25 PM PST You are subscribed to Contract Announcements for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Contracts for January 08, 2013 01/08/2013 04:06 PM CST FOR RELEASE AT 5 p.m. ET No. 012-13 January 08, 2013 CONTRACTS UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND'S             En Pointe Gov Inc., Gardena, Calif., is being awarded a $66,010,907 firm-fixed-price delivery order to procure commercial Microsoft software licenses and software assurance in support of U.S. Special Operations Command.  The place of performance is Gardena, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2015.  The U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (H92222-13-F-0035).  DEFENSE LOGISTIC AGENCY             R.D. Buie Enterprises Inc., Boerne, Texas*, was issued a modification exercising the second option year on (SPM8E6-10-D-0003/P00007).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $57,281,344 for tailored logistics support to provide items under the general category of wood products for the East Region.  Location of performance is in Texas with a Feb. 4, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were sixteen responses to the DLA Internet Bid Board solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.              Middle Atlantic Wholesale Lumber Inc., Baltimore, Md.*, was issued a modification exercising the second option year on (SPM8E6-10-D-0004/P00005).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $57,281,344 for tailored logistics support to provide items under the general category of wood products for the East Region.  Location of performance is in Maryland, with a Feb. 4, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were sixteen responses to the DLA Internet Bid Board solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.              Sylvan Forest Products Inc., Portland, Ore.*, was issued a modification exercising the second option year on (SPM8E6-10-D-0005/P00005).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $57,281,344 for tailored logistics support to provide items under the general category of wood products for the East Region.  Location of performance is in Oregon with a Feb. 4, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were sixteen responses to the DLA Internet Bid Board solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.              S & S Forest Products L.L.C., Boerne, Texas*, was issued a modification exercising the second option year on (SPM8E6-10-D-0006/P00005).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $57,281,344 for tailored logistics support to provide items under the general category of wood products for the East Region.  Location of performance is in Texas with a Feb. 4, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  There were sixteen responses to the DLA Internet Bid Board solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.              GE Aviation, Lynn, Mass., was awarded contract (SPRTA1-12-G-0006 Z61Q).  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, sole-source contract with a maximum $7,615,342 for turbine engine rotor blades.  Location of performance is in Mass., with a Feb. 28, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military service is Air Force.  There was one solicitation with one response.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 Defense Working Capital funds.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity.  AIR FORCE             Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co.,Sunnyvale, Calif., (F04701-95-C-0017) is being awarded a $12,972,373 contract modification for Space Based Infrared System high component.  The location of the performance is Sunnyvale, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by March 2013.  The Air Force Space and Missile Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity.              CENTECH Group, Falls Church, Va., (FA8771-04-D-0002-S4CI) is being awarded a $11,274,760 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quanity contract for operaion and maintenance services of base telecommunications systems.  The location of the performance is Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base, Nev.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.  The 99th Contracting Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., is the contracting activity.  *Small Business     U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Contracts/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 1/9/2013 Posted: 08 Jan 2013 02:23 PM PST You are subscribed to Today in DoD for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Today in the Department of Defense, 1/9/2013 01/08/2013 04:02 PM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, January 09, 2013   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Israel's Minister of Defense Ehud Barak to the Pentagon today at 6:45 p.m. EST. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Pedestrian Bridge only. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon. Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter has no public or media events on his schedule. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Panetta to Host Karzai, Barak at Pentagon Posted: 08 Jan 2013 01:34 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Panetta to Host Karzai, Barak at Pentagon 01/08/2013 03:11 PM CST Panetta to Host Karzai, Barak at Pentagon By Nick Simeone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will meet separately this week with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today, adding that the war in Afghanistan and the conflict in Syria remain key issues on Panetta's agenda as he enters what are expected to be his final weeks in office. Karzai will be given full military honors when he visits the Pentagon Jan. 10 for what Little said will be discussions on a broad range of issues concerning Afghanistan's future. In particular, Little said, the visit will be "an opportunity to discuss the ongoing transition to the Afghan security lead and our enduring commitment to Afghanistan following the completion of transition at the end of 2014," when the U.S-led NATO mission in Afghanistan is set to conclude. While no announcements have been made about U.S. troop levels after that date, Obama and Karzai signed an agreement in May which, after more than a decade of war, called for an enduring strategic partnership, with U.S forces continuing to train Afghan security forces and conducting counterterror operations. "It's not just about troop numbers in Afghanistan, it's also about a bilateral security agreement, progress on the peace process and a range of other issues and we think there will be a very productive discussion," Little said. Panetta will accompany Karzai on a tour of the 9/11 Memorial, built adjacent to the Pentagon to remember the 184 people who lost their lives when al-Qaida terrorists flew a jet into the nation's defense headquarters. Karzai will meet with Obama at the White House on Jan. 11. Tomorrow, Panetta will host Israeli Defense Minister Barak. Little characterized the meeting as another in a series of regular consultations, adding that discussion would include the civil war in Syria. Officials from both Israel and the United States have expressed concerns about the Syrian government's stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons. The United States repeatedly has warned President Bashar Assad's government that their use would be unacceptable. Israeli leaders have voiced concern such munitions could fall into the hands of Islamic militants and threaten the country's northern border. Syria's neighbor Turkey, which has been supporting opponents of the Assad regime, requested and received NATO support for the installation of six Patriot missile batteries intended to bolster the country's defense against a possible Syrian attack. Little said roughly half of the 400 U.S. troops attached to the Patriot batteries are now in Turkey and that all equipment and personnel should be in place by the end of the month. "This is a mission that is slated for up to a year," he said, "and we're going to continue to monitor the situation in Syria." The announcement of the Pentagon visits by Karzai and Barak came as Panetta prepares to transition out of his role as defense secretary, and a day after Obama nominated former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel to replace him. Little said Panetta will remain defense chief until his successor is confirmed by the Senate and sworn in. A joint DOD civilian-military transition team will begin providing Hagel with briefings on defense-related issues as he prepares for the confirmation process, he added.    Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

DOD Comptroller: Budget Stability Key to National Security Posted: 08 Jan 2013 12:04 PM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DOD Comptroller: Budget Stability Key to National Security 01/08/2013 01:48 PM CST DOD Comptroller: Budget Stability Key to National Security By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - Stability in the size of the Defense Department's budget -- and especially in the process of funding it -- is critical to maintaining national security, DOD Comptroller Robert F. Hale said here yesterday. During a keynote address at the Brookings Institution here, Hale discussed three steps that must be taken to accommodate lean budget times. Two of the steps already are in place, he said: determining a defense strategy to guide spending and instituting initiatives that stretch defense dollars. "And third, we need -- I would say desperately need -- more stability, both in terms of budget size and, maybe particularly, budget process," Hale added. In more than three decades of working in and around the defense budget, he said, he has never seen a period featuring greater budgetary uncertainty than the next few months present. Meanwhile, Hale said, he hopes to submit the fifth defense budget he's overseen as comptroller. "The first two [budgets] featured increases in the top line," he said. "The third one, in February 2011, featured substantial top-line reduction, and the last one featured a significant reduction: about $260 billion over a five-year period relative to our planned $487 billion [reduction] over 10 years. And we may not be done." The 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act, which Congress passed Jan. 1, may force further reductions, Hale said. Although the law avoided activating a "sequestration" mechanism in a budget law passed last year, the threat of that mechanism's automatic across-the-board cuts now looms beginning March 1, he added. "We're still working on the details, but the total sequestration for DOD appears to be roughly $45 billion if it all goes into effect -- about 9 percent of our budget," Hale explained. "That is less than the sequestration [amount of about $62 billion] we faced before passage of the New Year's Day act. That could have been as much as 12 percent. But we also have two fewer months in which to accommodate those changes," he said. At a time when U.S. national security challenges have never been more complex, Hale said, the lack of budgetary stability and the reliance on continuing resolutions, which fund only a portion of the fiscal year budget at a time, makes it very hard to plan and extremely hard to plan well. "We also cannot rule out an extension of the continuing resolution throughout the rest of this year, and that would sharply reduce the operation and maintenance funds that we have available and that we need to maintain readiness," one of the department's highest priorities, the comptroller said. And while U.S. troops are in Afghanistan, protecting funds for wartime operations means even larger cuts in base budget dollars available for readiness, he noted. "I think the nation's security would be better served if Congress adopted and then stayed with a more stable budget plan," Hale said. The department hasn't enjoyed much budget-process stability during his tenure as comptroller, Hale added. "I have personally coordinated four shutdown drills," he said. "During two of them, I was sitting in my office at 8 at night, not knowing whether at midnight we would shut down the department or not. Fortunately, we didn't in either case." Continuing resolutions -- the nation is operating under one right now, he pointed out -- "really hogtie the department and its ability to manage," Hale added. A questioner asked Hale how industry can help the department navigate in a leaner budget environment. "We need you to sharpen your pencils as much as we are trying to do with regard to your overhead and anything else that would help us hold down costs," he replied. The department's Better Buying Power initiative, established in 2010, was directed at improving efficiency and productivity for the $400 billion DOD spends annually on goods and services. Part of the initiative seeks to work "more closely with industry to see what you can do there. In return, we owe you some stability, and ... we're not there yet," Hale said. "My hope is that in the next two months, all of us in the leadership of the nation and the Congress can work together to provide that stability," he added. "Our national security demands no less." Biographies: Robert F. Hale Related Articles: Obama Signs $633 Billion Defense Authorization Act Panetta Thanks Congress, Seeks End to Sequestration   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

This Week in the National Guard Posted: 08 Jan 2013 10:48 AM PST Below are links to this week's stories about all the great work being done by you and your fellow National Guard members – both here at home and overseas. Maybe your state and your unit are featured in this week's lineup! Please visit our Website at http://www.nationalguard.mil and our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard for these and many other stories, photos and videos.   COL Eric D. Maxon Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications   Follow our senior leaders on their official Facebook pages: GEN Frank J. Grass: http://www.facebook.com/GeneralGrass LTG Harry M. Wyatt III: http://www.facebook.com/AirGuardDirector CMSgt Denise Jelinski-Hall: http://www.facebook.com/ChiefJelinskiHall CSM Brunk W. Conley: http://www.facebook.com/CSMConley   LT. GEN. STANLEY CLARKE CONFIRMED AS DIRECTOR, AIR NATIONAL GUARD ARLINGTON, Va. (1/3/13) – Lt. Gen. Stanley E. "Sid" Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force, has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next director of the Air National Guard. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2013/01/010313-Clarke.aspx FISCAL CLIFF LEGISLATION AFFECTS MILITARY, CIVILIAN PAYCHECKS WASHINGTON (1/7/13) - The legislation that President Barack Obama signed Jan. 2 that postponed the fiscal cliff means changes to military and civilian paychecks, Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials said. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2013/01/010713-Fiscal.aspx JAN. 21 DEADLINE APPROACHES TO NOMINATE EMPLOYERS FOR 2013 FREEDOM AWARD ARLINGTON, Va. (1/7/13) - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, is encouraging Guardsmen and Reservists to nominate their civilian employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award before the January 21 deadline. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2013/01/010713-Award.aspx MILITARY ONESOURCE, H&R BLOCK TEAM UP TO PROVIDE TAX ASSISTANCE WASHINGTON (1/8/13) - As tax season nears, Military OneSource and H&R Block have joined forces again to provide a free online tax preparation service for service members. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2013/01/010813-Military.aspx CALIFORNIA CAPTAIN JOURNEYS FROM CAMBODIA'S KILLING FIELDS TO GUARD SERVICE SACRAMENTO, Calif. (12/28/12) - Thoeuth Duong’s life story is a study in contrasts. Parts tragedy and providence, his account is torn from the annals of history and speaks to the veracity of the American Dream. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2012/12/122812-California.aspx DEPLOYED AIRMAN RECEIVES CHRISTMAS PHONE CALL FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (12/26/12) – "Hello, President Obama? ... I'm great, how are you?" http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2012/12/122612-obama.aspx MEDEVAC CREWS IN AFGHANISTAN BOOSTING PATIENT OUTCOMES WITH BLOOD PRODUCTS KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (1/4/13) - Code-named Vampire, a trial program is enabling some medics to administer blood products to wounded Soldiers while flying to a medical facility. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2013/01/010413-Medevac.aspx KENTUCKY NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS HELP CLEAN DJIBOUTI ROAD CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (1/7/13) - People rarely realize how much impact a Department of Public Works has until they live in a country that doesn’t have one. http://www.nationalguard.mil/news/archives/2013/01/010713-Kentucky.aspx   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by the National Guard Bureau. SOCIAL MEDIA: http://www.flickr.com/photos/TheNationalGuard http://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNationalGuard http://www.twitter.com/USNationalGuard This email was sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: National Guard Bureau · AHS 2 · 111 South George Mason Drive · Arlington, VA 22204 · 800-439-1420

U.S., Afghan Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator Posted: 08 Jan 2013 09:44 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S., Afghan Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator 01/08/2013 11:34 AM CST U.S., Afghan Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator today in the Pul-e Khumri district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported. The facilitator belonged to a group of insurgents who carry out bomb attacks in the province. He was personally responsible for assisting in the transfer of improvised explosive devices and conducting IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. In other Afghanistan operations today: -- A combined force killed two insurgents, including the Taliban leader Khanjar, in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district.  Khanjar, also known as Izat and Abu Khaled, directed attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested a local Taliban leader who oversaw the transfer and delivery of weapons and ammunition. -- An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested two insurgents during a search for a Haqqani network leader in Khost province's Sabari district. The Haqqani leader directs and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. In an operation yesterday, a combined force killed Taliban leader Mohammad Sayed and another insurgent in Helmand province's Washer district. Sayed distributed weapons and ammunition to Taliban fighters and was trying to acquire rockets for attacks targeting Afghan government officials. Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Face of Defense: Undeterred Soldier Returns to Afghanistan Posted: 08 Jan 2013 09:43 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Face of Defense: Undeterred Soldier Returns to Afghanistan 01/08/2013 11:11 AM CST Face of Defense: Undeterred Soldier Returns to Afghanistan By Army Sgt. Gene Arnold 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - An explosive ordnance disposal technician from Fort Drum, N.Y., is back in the country where he almost lost his life two years ago. Army Staff Sgt. Steven Wentzell survived a landmine blast and now trains Afghan national security forces in explosive ordnance disposal. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gene Arnold (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Staff Sgt. Steven Wentzell is training Afghan army explosive ordnance disposal teams in techniques, tactics and procedures. Wentzell said the Army wasn't always in his career path, even though he is the grandchild of a Medal of Honor nominee. At first, he said, he simply was looking for something that would give him a marketable skill for a civilian career. But after joining the Army, he added, he found he enjoyed military life. "I wanted something more stable," he said. "My grandfather was in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He was one of the men to drop the first bombs during the war, then he was a [prisoner of war] in the Korean War." His grandfather steered him toward the military, Wentzell said. "But I only wanted to do four years and get out," he added. "So I talked over my choice with my wife, and she agreed. Three days later, I was in the Army." Wentzell originally chose to become a heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanic, thinking that this profession would be a lucrative career choice. But he soon realized it wasn't the job for him, he said. He later deployed as a motor transportation operator in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This didn't give him the feeling he had hoped for when he joined the Army, he said. But on several missions, he saw explosive ordnance disposal technicians at work. Intrigued, he attended a question-and-answer session and decided to give EOD a shot. His curiosity sparked a new job interest, Wentzell said, but he wasn't sure early on if he wanted to continue on the path he had started. He gave EOD a chance, completing contract extensions to finish EOD school, and finally found what he was looking for, he said. When the time came to use his EOD skills in combat, he didn't hesitate to complete his mission. In March 2011, Wentzell was deployed to Regional Command South, where he cleared improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance. He finally got that rush of adrenaline and excitement he had been searching for all along, he said. With a child on the way, he re-enlisted during his deployment. Just days after the birth of his daughter, the unthinkable happened. A flash of light, heat and a sudden jolt of energy threw his body backward. He'd stepped on an anti-personnel mine attached to a 25-gallon jug packed with homemade explosives. The mine exploded, but the jug didn't. Still, Wentzell broke his tibia, fibula, heel, ankle and toes, and he was medically evacuated. "When I came to, I was angry; I wouldn't be able to keep my guys safe," Wentzell said. "I got depressed, because I was leaving my dudes. I knew I could keep them safe -- I wasn't sure about the next guy." But he added that he considers himself lucky, noting that others had been killed or had lost limbs in explosions of similar mines. The recovery process was long and hard, Wentzell said, but wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. He credits his determination and fighting spirit for cutting down his recovery time. Now deployed to Regional Command East, Wentzell said he has decided not to allow that one accident to define him. "I decided to come back here because I felt my time was cut short and I needed to do this," he said. "[If I didn't come back], I never could have known if I could handle it." The time away helped him see how much Afghanistan has changed, Wentzell said, and the partnership with the Afghan soldiers has brought a new sense of commonality. "I've realized that the Afghan and coalitions forces have a common goal: a better Afghanistan," he said. His current deployment has piqued another interest: instructing. "I'm trying to be an instructor at Fort Lee, Va., for the pre-EOD course before the actual course at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.," he said. "I want to stay in the Army and hopefully one day become a command sergeant major." For those who have been injured in combat and still want to serve, Wentzell has a message to share. "I really respect their decision," he said. "It's going to be hard, and at times, extremely hard. But if you have the will and determination to continue on, you'll be successful."  Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Cyber Officials Weigh Opportunities, Challenges Posted: 08 Jan 2013 08:58 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Cyber Officials Weigh Opportunities, Challenges 01/08/2013 10:17 AM CST Cyber Officials Weigh Opportunities, Challenges By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - The joint information environment will define the future as the services move closer to a common foundation, Defense Information Systems Agency officials said during a panel discussion here yesterday. The panel -- moderated by Anthony Montemarano, DISA's director for strategic planning and information -- was part of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association's monthly luncheon meeting for cyberdefense experts. "It's about bringing everyone together so that we have a common infrastructure to [develop] new technologies," Montemarano said. David Mihelcic, DISA's chief technology officer and principal director for global information grid enterprise services engineering, said the agency will focus on Internet protocol, client server computing, cloud computing and the "spiral" family of software development processes, among other technologies. "DISA has focused on leveraging leading-edge, but commercial, technologies and putting those together in a manner that supports the warfighters' needs," he said. "We have a long history of trying to bring capability to the warfighter securely." With most military and government agencies facing possible deep spending cuts, officials said, DISA and the Defense Department will continue to collaborate with industry to develop unified communications and mobility innovations in the face of shrinking information technology budgets. "We're not looking at trying to reinvent the wheel. We're trying to exploit the best wheel out there," Mihelcic said. "We're not going to develop unique technologies, [so] we're looking at industry to develop innovation that we can leverage." Whatever budget constraints may loom, he added, one aspect must not waver. "We cannot give up the security, the confidentiality or the pedigree of our data at the unclassified or classified levels," he said. From a cyberdefense perspective, Mark Orndorff, DISA's program executive officer for mission assurance and network operations, said that while his agency and DOD have Web content filtering and log-on security capabilities, he'd like to further develop them. "One of our primary efforts is to look across the existing infrastructure to better leverage those technologies," Orndorff said. Although areas such as mobility and cloud computing will create certain unavoidable gaps as technology matures, Orndorff said, training and minimizing duplication will be important in creating the optimal security architecture. "A key piece of this is the cyber workforce and developing the right training, lab and range environments to fully develop [the right architecture]," Orndorff said. That training, he explained, will help to ensure new technologies are developed with the best knowledge of the potential risks and outcomes. "We need to test [the technology], validate it and make sure we aren't going to do something that'll leave us exposed," he said. "But there are real benefits from an economic and cyberdefense effectiveness standpoint. As we build out the analytics, we're moving into the open-source, 'big-data' environment, and we're looking for solutions that will coexist in that big-data environment." Jennifer Carter, DISA's component acquisition executive, said that while efficiencies should be a main consideration in the way ahead, a common approach to the security posture can lead to process improvements and better long-range planning to stay current with technology and industry advances. "The underlying fundamentals should have that core component available for the services to leverage," she said. "We want to get the capabilities to the warfighters faster." Expediting certification and product validation will pave the way for DISA's endeavors in cloud computing, with a focus on mobile technologies and network operations, Carter said. "DISA has been designated the cloud broker for DOD, ... [and] we'll be looking at industry to develop interoperable technologies with an integrated suite of capabilities warfighters can access," she added.  Related Sites: Defense Information Systems Agency   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

NORAD Exercise Planned for National Capital Region Posted: 08 Jan 2013 08:21 AM PST You are subscribed to News Releases for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. NORAD Exercise Planned for National Capital Region 01/08/2013 09:53 AM CST IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 011-13 January 08, 2013 NORAD Exercise Planned for National Capital Region             North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its geographical component, the Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR), will conduct exercise Falcon Virgo 13-04 beginning Wednesday morning between midnight and 2 a.m. EST in the National Capital Region (NCR), Washington D.C.              The exercise is comprised of a series of training flights held in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region Coordination Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC), Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and CONR's Eastern Air Defense Sector.              Exercise Falcon Virgo is designed to hone NORAD's intercept and identification operations as well as operationally test the NCR Visual Warning System and certify newly assigned Command and Control personnel at the JADOC.              Civil Air Patrol aircraft and a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter will participate in the exercise.              These exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure CONR's rapid response capability.  NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command's response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.              In the event of inclement weather, officials will make a decision to postpone or cancel the exercise.              For more information, please contact NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs at 719-554-6889.     U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Guide to Long Term Care Helps Vets Make Important Decisions Posted: 08 Jan 2013 07:05 AM PST Veterans Health Administration Update: Inside Veterans Health Guide to Long Term Care Helps Vets Make Important Decisions 01/08/2013 08:00 AM EST There are a lot of pieces to the Long Term Care puzzle. VA puts them together with an online Guide to Long Term Care. See descriptions of Home and Community Based Services, Nursing Homes, Residential Settings, and much more. Connect With Us.   You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Health.  Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe.  Get this as a forward? Sign up to receive updates from Veterans Health.  Have questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.    Sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)

VA News Releases Update Posted: 08 Jan 2013 07:05 AM PST Veterans Health Administration Update VA News Releases Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Statement from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki on the Nomination of Sen. Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense 01/07/2013 12:00 AM EST Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki released the following statement in support of the nomination of Sen. Chuck Hagel as the next Secretary of Defense  Connect With Us        You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Health.  Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe.  Get this as a forward? Sign up to receive updates from Veterans Health.  Have questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.    Sent to smart_z64.1111@blogger.com on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)

Deadline Nears to Nominate Employers for Recognition Posted: 08 Jan 2013 06:50 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Deadline Nears to Nominate Employers for Recognition 01/08/2013 08:43 AM CST Deadline Nears to Nominate Employers for Recognition From an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve News Release WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - Reserve-component service members have until Jan. 21 to nominate their employers for a 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, manages the program, which recognizes employers who go beyond what the law requires in supporting the National Guardsmen and reservists who work for them in their civilian lives. The Freedom Award is the nation's highest recognition for employers who support Guard and Reserve members, and employers of every size and industry are eligible to receive the honor. Guard and Reserve members, or a family member acting on their behalf, may nominate their employers at http://www.FreedomAward.mil. "With today's evolving missions of the reserve component, as we adapt to the current national security policy, America's employers continue to provide steadfast support to the more than 1 million men and women serving in the National Guard and Reserve at home and abroad," said James Rebholz, ESGR's national chairman. "The Freedom Award is your opportunity to honor your employer for their critical support." Any civilian employer who has not previously received the award is eligible, and service members who previously nominated their employers may do so again, officials said. The Defense Department will recognize nominees, semi-finalists and finalists. The 2013 recipients will be announced in early summer and honored in Washington, D.C., during a ceremony in the fall. Past recipients have met with the president, the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ESGR officials noted.  Related Sites: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Military OneSource Provides Tax Assistance Service Posted: 08 Jan 2013 06:34 AM PST You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Military OneSource Provides Tax Assistance Service 01/08/2013 08:24 AM CST Military OneSource Provides Tax Assistance Service By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - As tax season nears, Military OneSource and H&R Block have joined forces again to provide a free online tax preparation service for service members. During an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Tony Jackson, a program analyst for the Military OneSource program office, detailed the services available for troops and their families. "Military OneSource is a gateway to a free tax preparation service, partnered with H&R Block," he said. "We also have tax consultants who can provide assistance, whether it's seeking and filling out tax forms or any other tax-related information." Jackson emphasized it is a safe and secure way for service members to prepare their taxes online. "Military OneSource and H&R block definitely meet industry standards for security for websites," he said. "Also, encryption software [is used], and there's also no selling of information, so service members and family members can be assured that their information is secure, and it stays within Military OneSource and H&R Block." Jackson noted that two services -- basic and premium – are provided through H&R Block, with one notable difference. The basic service is free, he said, and the premium service would apply to taxpayers who must file Schedule C returns, generally to report gains or losses from business ownership. "When you [start] getting into premium, ... you're going to incur some additional costs, where basic is free," Jackson said. "But if you have Schedule C tax issues, that's when you'd go to the premium. Again, the key point there is you do incur additional costs if you have to use the premium." For those not sure which service they should use, Jackson encouraged them to use the Military OneSource website as a guide. The site lists answers to frequently asked questions, he added. "You can always contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647," Jackson said. "We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so any questions you have, you can use the website or the call center at the [toll-free] number." Jackson said both methods are effective in contacting Military OneSource tax consultants offering useful services for troops and their families. "Not only do they provide forms and basic information relative to military-specific tax issues and questions, they are a gateway to get you to H&R Block," he said. "If your tax situation warrants, they'll get you to a volunteer income tax assistance clinic on your local military installation or larger command. It's one-stop shopping." These tax consultants cannot prepare tax forms or direct people to do anything, Jackson said. Everything is on a recommended basis. All members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps are eligible to use the service, he said, including members of the National Guard and Reserve components, regardless of activation status. Coast Guard reservists activated under Title 10 authority to serve with the Navy also are eligible, he added, and so are spouses and other family members enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. "Family members that have been designated to provide support to deployed service members, medically discharged retirees and discharged service members [within] 180 days of their discharge date are eligible for Military OneSource services," Jackson added. The key to these services is financial readiness, which is a Defense Department priority, Jackson said. "We understand that financial readiness is a readiness issue," he said. "If you have a service [member] who's concerned about their financial situation then that detracts from the mission." Jackson also provided his personal testament to using the free tax preparation program, having served on active duty in the Marine Corps as a personnel officer for more than 20 years. He said his family still uses the service. "In fact, I have a daughter right now who is currently a military spouse, and she continues to use it as well," he said. This program's ultimate goal, Jackson said, is to ensure service members and their families know that Military OneSource is an option. "We hope it's the first option ... for getting your taxes prepared or answering any questions or issues you have with taxes," he said. "Just know that Military OneSource is there to help you."  Related Sites: Military OneSource   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Today in the Department of Defense, 1/8/2013 Posted: 08 Jan 2013 05:23 AM PST You are subscribed to Today in DoD for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Today in the Department of Defense, 1/8/2013 01/08/2013 07:10 AM CST Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, January 08, 2013   Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter have no public or media events on their schedules. Update: Press Secretary George E. Little will brief the media at 1 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973). Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building. Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more. What's New in DefenseLINK More: news, photos, advisories, contracts, transcripts Contacts Additions and corrections for Today in the Department of Defense are invited and should be directed to the press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131 or +1 (703) 697-5132. Media Questions News media representatives with questions for the Department of Defense may reach our press desk by calling +1 (703) 697-5131. Public Inquiries All others are invited to contact our public inquiries section by phone or U.S. mail or through the web. See our comment page for details. Duty Officer A public affairs duty officer is available 24 hours a day through +1 (703) 697-5131. In case of a family emergency, please contact your local American Red Cross. Today in DoD | Pick a Day | Other Events | Subscribe |   U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Today/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense

Propwash Posted: 08 Jan 2013 01:03 AM PST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary A Free E-Mail Newsletter ISSN: 01.08.13 Issue 157/08 Aero-News.Net 'Propwash' Daily News Provided to registered subscribers, Daily: ISSN: 1530-9339 For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures: Manage Your Subscription here For Subscribe/Unsubscribe procedures and Privacy Statement, scroll to end. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to this day's ANN 'Propwash' Daily News Brief. We welcome and encourage your comments, criticism and suggestions... and hope that you'll become active members of the ANN community, though we'd like to ask you one big favor... PLEASE TELL EVERYONE ABOUT AERO-NEWS! NEWS SUMMARY: Remember... You Have to Go to www.aero-news.net to read the WHOLE story! There's much more! ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Daily Sponsor: 01.08.13 Edition: Aero-TV: Rotax 912 is -- Updating the Rotax 912 Series Powerplants The Latest Version of the Rotax 900 Series Shows Immense Promise Nearly a year ago, one of the worst kept secrets in sport aviation finally went public. A new variant of the much used (and abused) Rotax 912 was announced... this one, fuel injected. According to Rotax sources, the Rotax 912 iS engine will deliver 38% to 70% better fuel efficiency than comparable competitive engines in the light sport, ultra-light aircraft and the general aviation industry. Mass production of the Rotax 912 iS engines started a few months later and a number are already flying over North America. Enhancements include a modern fuel injection system and digital engine control unit (ECU) in order ensure optimal fuel and air mixture at any altitude for longer flight range, lower operating costs and CO2 emission reduction. The new Rotax 912 iS engine also provides a time of 2,000 hours between overhauls (TBO); the same TBO as the 912 engine. With more than 170,000 Rotax aircraft engines sold in almost 40 years, Rotax Aircraft Engines dominate the light sport and ultra-light aircraft market. With 20 authorized distributors and a network of more than 200 sales and repair centers supporting customers worldwide, BRP supplies engines to more than 80% of all aircraft manufacturers in its segment. © 2013, Aero-News Network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved. FMI: www.flyrotax.com, www.aero-news.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=9947e4ac-8662-44a4-b478-adc11ac6552a ----------------------------------------------------------------- Quick Turn-Around: Aspen Issues Correction For XM WX Data Issue Affects Evolution Flight Displays with EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver ANN has been informed that there is a recent issue that has cropped up with Aspen Evolution Flight Displays with EWR50 Evolution Weather Receivers... but we've been informed that a fix is already in the pipeline. An Aspen memo to their customers indicates that there is a "known, temporary issue with displaying XM weather on your Evolution Flight Displays." The company informed its users that, "The Evolution Software that interfaces with your weather receiver continually checks the age of the XM weather information it is receiving in order to ensure that the most current information is displayed; under normal operation when the information is updated, the software discards the expired weather data. The software issue treats all weather data received as old and so will not load any weather data to the displays. The software issue became evident on January 1, 2013. Since that time, our engineers have developed, tested and released a new software update, Evolution Software version 2.6.1 that resolves this condition. The software update will be available this week." For those experiencing this issue, customers are instructed to contact their local Aspen authorized dealer to arrange having the new software version installed in their applicable flight display(s). The update is free and, "the labor to install it is covered in full by Aspen." FMI: www.aspenavionics.com/support, salessupport@aspenavionics.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=d3814215-bfba-46d9-8135-03a648ad81cc ----------------------------------------------------------------- FAA Issues NOTAM For Obama Inauguration Tighter Than Normal Airspace Restrictions In Place On January 21 The planned 2013 Presidential Inauguration Festivities in Washington, DC are scheduled for January 21, 2013. At the request of the Department of Homeland Security and as part of the airspace security measures for the event, the FAA will be modifying the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) with additional flight restrictions between the hours of 1000-1800 local. Pursuant to 49 USC 40103(B), The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies the airspace defined in these NOTAMs as "National Defense Airspace". Any person who knowingly or willfully violates the rules concerning operations in this airspace may be subject to certain criminal penalties under 49 USC 46307. Pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by Law Enforcement/Security Personnel. Any of the following additional actions may also be taken against a pilot who does not comply with the requirements or any special instructions or procedures announced in this NOTAM: 1) The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of airmen certificates. 2) The United States government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 46307. 3) The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat. The DC SFRA is that area of airspace over the surface of the earth where the ready identification, location, and control of aircraft is required in the interest of national security. Specifically, the DC SFRA is that airspace, from the surface up to but not including FL180, within a 30 NM radius of 385134N/0770211W or the DCA VOR/DME. The usual restrictions apply. No General Aviation IFR/VFR flights will be authorized to transit through the DC SFRA. Part 135 and General Aviation aircraft on an active IFR flight plan may arrive and/or depart Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) and Manassas Regional/Davis Airport (HEF) only. Only authorized DOD and Law Enforcement/Air Ambulance operations are permitted within the DC SFRA with prior coordination and approval from the Air Security Operations Center (ASOC) at 866-598-9524. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMS before conducting any flight in the National Capitol Region, as conditions are subject to change with little of no notice. FMI: www.faa.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=1ac0a0b9-1655-4bd3-803f-343970b61c0e ----------------------------------------------------------------- Shuster Likely Will Present Contrast To Mica As Transportation Chair Incoming Committee Leader Says 'Transportation Is Not Necessarily A Partisan Issue' Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA), the incoming chair of the House Transportation Committee, may approach the panel's issues differently than his immediate predecessor, Florida Republican John Mica. Shuster (pictured), whose father Bud chaired the committee in 2001, is reportedly already taking a different tack than the very-conservative Mica. Politio reports that he has already shown a willingness to at least discuss a boost in the federal gasoline tax, as well as other revenue enhancement mechanisms. He has not said that any of them would actually be passed by the committee. Those might include more tolls on highways and a "miles-traveled" fee for vehicles. He has not talked specifically about aviation user fees. Shuster said that transportation is "not necessarily a partisan issue." Shuster reportedly has good working relationships with Democrats in both houses of congress, including Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Boxer is said to have a high opinion of Shuster as well. But while being lauded for his willingness to consider revenue enhancements, Shuster is seen as being a fiscal conservative, which is important to many in his party. He is also likely to butt heads with President Obama on some issues. Asked about the need for the White House to provide direction on long-term legislation, Shuster reportedly told Politio "They haven't taken the lead on much of anything around here in this town. So I'm not sure." Following his confirmation last week, Shuster released the names of the representatives who will serve on the committee, including Mica. “Working together, the Committee will focus on reforming programs and strengthening America’s transportation networks to make us more efficient, competitive, and prosperous. I am excited to get to get to work with a diverse team of returning and new Members in the 113th Congress,” he said. FMI: http://transportation.house.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=82f4ca1f-c7a7-4da4-b95a-52cfdbd72742 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Eclipse Submits RFI To USAF Request For Very Light Jet Fleet EAI Response Shows Converting Legacy Fleet To Eclipse Aircraft Could Save $1 Billion Eclipse Aerospace has responded to the U.S. Air Force's Request for Information (RFI) for a large fleet of Very Light Jets (VLJ) to support their Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) Multi-place Training Track. Eclipse Aerospace estimates its proposed solution could save 13 million gallons of jet fuel per year. Currently operating a 20 year old fleet of legacy business jets that has become increasingly expensive to support and maintain, the Air Force is examining innovative industry approaches to meeting SUPT syllabus requirements in a more affordable and cost effective manner. Mason Holland, Eclipse's CEO stated "I have met with senior Air Force leaders and they are looking for an efficient and affordable solution to their challenges. Eclipse is offering an innovative and quickly implementable alternative. In our response to the RFI we have proposed a solution that is expected to save the USAF hundreds of millions of dollars over the next ten years while upgrading their fleet with the most efficient and technologically advanced light jet currently in production." "Our submittal," Holland continued, "was fully responsive to the Air Force's request. It shows that the Eclipse Jet meets and/or exceeds all of the SUPT syllabus requirements. More important, from a budgetary viewpoint, our response demonstrates how the USAF can save over one billion dollars of O&M costs over ten years by converting to an Eclipse Jet fleet." The Eclipse Jet is 70% more fuel-efficient and 70% less costly to support than the current SUPT legacy aircraft. As the largest consumer of jet fuel in the U.S. Government, the Air Force is seeking ways to reduce their fuel consumption and operating costs. By converting the SUPT program to the Eclipse Jet, the USAF could save 130 million gallons of jet fuel over 10 years. "The Eclipse Jet is the perfect airplane for this Air Force mission," said Eclipse Aerospace Co-Founder Mike Press, a retired Air Force Colonel. "The Air Force is looking for significant savings and affordable solutions in this very tight budget environment and the Eclipse Jet is the only light jet that can meet the mission requirements, while at the same time providing the significant cost savings in fuel and operational support that the Air Force needs. At today's cost of jet fuel, fuel costs alone for this program would decrease by more than $500 million." (Eclipse 550 image from file) FMI: www.eclipse.aero For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=c1385f56-0649-4638-a23c-075aebc919e3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Dreamliner Fire Reported At Boston Logan Airport Airplane Belongs To JAL FAA officials say a fire was reported at Boston's Logan International Airport involving a Boeing Dreamliner belonging to Japan Airlines which had recently landed and routinely disembarked passengers. The airplane flies a non-stop Tokyo-to-Boston route for the airline. The Boston Globe reports that, according to the FAA, the fire occurred as the airplane sat at the gate. While the fire was reportedly not visible, the airplane was surrounded by emergency equipment for several hours after the fire was reported. Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said the department had been called to the airport to assist airport firefighters at about 1040 EST after a report of an electrical fire on an airplane. One government official said that the fire appeared to have started in the cargo hold where avionics wiring is located. Boston.com reports that the investigation is focusing on a battery in the cargo hold. Massport Fire Rescue Chief Robert J. Donahue said that the battery was part of an APU that is used only "when the plane is on the ground and its engines are turned off." Smoke was reported in the cabin shortly after the passengers had deplaned. He said the fire was extinguished within an hour. The NTSB is sending inspectors to Boston to examine the airplane. JAL had no immediate comment. (JAL Dreamliner image from file) FMI: www.ntsb.gov For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=ac10eb78-cd40-4ad4-b0e8-2b20e26fbd28 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Alpha Trainer Certified For Night Flight In Poland First European Ultralight To Receive The Approval From The CAA Pipistrel is officially flying the first European Ultralight aircraft certified for Night Flight in Poland, the Alpha Trainer. The company says the approval is due in large part to the efforts of its Polish distributor, Mr Krzysztof Bedkowski, and what the company says is an "excellent" relationship with the CAA of Poland. "We are proud that our Alpha Trainer is the first ultralight aircraft certified to fly in Poland under Night-VFR conditions," said Pipistrel's CEO Ivo Boscarol. "Night VFR gives Pipistrel Alpha Trainer owners the possibility to keep flying even when winter time shortens the sunshine hours. Flight schools also benefit (from) extended operating time with the Alpha, which is the most cost effective trainer for Night VFR operations." "With the Alpha, pilots can enjoy the beauty of flying over illuminated cities and over countryside under full moon," said Krzysztof Bedkowski, director or Skydream and Pipistrel distributor in Poland. "We are committed to collaborate with Polish Aviation Authorities to obtain the Night VFR certificate for the Pipistrel Virus SW and eventually for other Pipistrel models." The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer is a two-seat composite aircraft, powered by the Rotax 912 80 HP engine, burning only 2.5 US gallons per hour of fuel on a typical flight. The most popular LSA variant is produced in Italy, but also available is the Microlight/Ultralight model which is made in Slovenia. Alpha Trainer ships is one “full-equipment” configuration, which includes Radio, Transponder, GPS, Ballistic Parachute Rescue System, specially developed Analog/Digital instruments, extra strong landing gear, external lights and more. (Photo by Lukasz Bera provided by Pipistrel) FMI: www.pipistrel.si For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=0f5b3d0e-db50-40e2-8130-664e2d4657ed ----------------------------------------------------------------- Report: Foreign Students Without Visas Can Still Get Flight Training Have Until February 11th To Apply For Student Status A researcher and analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies writes in the organizations' blog that there are still flight schools that are allowing foreign students to learn to fly without proper government documentation ... and doing so legally. According to the blog, the GAO found last year that in 2011, the Department of Homeland Security allowed 167 flight schools that are not approved by the FAA or admit foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) contrary to the programs stated policies. According to a policy guidance document from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office dated and effective on December 11, 2012, "SEVP-certified flight training providers without FAA Part 141 or 142 certification have two months after the effective date of this guidance (on or before February 11th, 2012) [year quoted in the guidance notice, ed.] to apply for FAA Part 141 or 142 certification." The guidance goes on to say that once the certification has been obtained, the schools will have until the end of their "provisional status to obtain Full part 141 or 142 certification" The analyst, David North, says that the guidance would also seem to indicate that flight students at these schools have until February 11th to obtain student visas, and may currently be learning to fly in the U.S. without that documentation. FMI: Guidance Document For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=c4bdc6b2-a8aa-4a4a-979d-3d8e5e67c49f ----------------------------------------------------------------- CIT Places Order For 10 Airbus A350 XWB Aircraft Deliveries Should Begin In 2019 Transportation finance company CIT Group said Thursday that CIT Aerospace has placed an order with Airbus for 10 A350 XWB aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2019. “This order for Airbus A350 XWBs will further expand our portfolio of medium-to-long haul aircraft,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Transportation Finance. “As one of the leading lessors in the world with more than 110 twin aisle aircraft currently in our portfolio and on order, CIT Aerospace maintains one of the youngest, most fuel efficient fleets in the industry. This new order underscores our commitment to delivering highly efficient aircraft to our global customer base.” John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, said, “We are very confident that our A350 XWB Family will perfectly meet long haul operators’ needs by offering them the highest levels of comfort and efficiency. This repeat order for the A350 XWB from CIT clearly demonstrates this to be the case.” This order adds to CIT’s total order book as of September 30, 2012 of 157 aircraft of which 88 were Airbus aircraft. Including this latest announcement, CIT has ordered a total of 253 Airbus aircraft comprising 187 A320 Family, 51 A330 Family and 15 A350 XWB Family. (Image provided by Airbus) FMI: www.airbus.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=81a163fc-9161-47b6-a483-c12822165b1c ----------------------------------------------------------------- American, US Airways Issue Joint Statement Concerning MOU Airlines Acknowledge Pilots' Unions Framework For Pilot Integration Should A Merger Occur American Airlines and US Airways, with the participation of committee counsel for the Unsecured Creditors Committee, said Friday that they have completed discussions with the Allied Pilots Association and US Airline Pilots Association intended to develop a framework for the terms of employment for pilots, as well as a process for pilot integration, in the event of a merger between AA and US during restructuring. This memorandum of understanding was approved by the Allied Pilots Association's Board of Directors and by USAPA's Board of Pilot Representatives. This memorandum of understanding will assist all of the stakeholders, including the Boards of AMR and US Airways, in making an informed decision as to whether a merger should ultimately be pursued. The MOU is one of several elements to be considered before a decision on a merger can be made. Details regarding the MOU are still covered by the terms of a non-disclosure agreement so they cannot be further disclosed at this time. The MOU was approved by both pilots' unions late last week. The US Airways Pilots Association tweeted that its board's voted was unanimous. The board of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American pilots, approved the MOU by an 11-5 vote. The next meeting of the AMR board is January 9th. A full merger plan is not expected to be presented at that time. American management has held throughout the bankruptcy proceedings that it hopes to emerge from Chapter 11 as a stand-alone airline. FMI: www.american.com, www.usairways.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=932ce0d3-0998-45cf-bc0f-daf5a8325ac5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- First Burmese Spitfire Dig Underway Salvager Hopes To Find Airplanes Well Preserved, Eventually Flyable After 17 years of work and research, British farmer and aircraft enthusiast David Cundall has finally begun digging at the first of three sites where he thinks crates of rare WWII Spitfire airplanes were buried as the war was coming to a close. The first excavation got underway Friday at Mingaladon near Burma's main airport, according to the UK newspaper The Independent. The team hopes to find as many as 36 Mark XIV Spitfires interred in crates near the airport. Cundall was accompanied by a 91-year-old veteran who was in Burma at the time, and says he remembers seeing "double-decker-size crates" being readied for burial near the war's end. A British military archive shows that 124 of the airplanes were decommissioned without ever being flown in combat at the end of the Burmese campaign. At least eight eyewitnesses said they saw British and American troops bury the crated airplanes before they went home. Cundall said that he located the possible burial sites back in 2004, but protracted negotiations with the Burmese government have put the recovery effort on hold until now. The airplanes, if they are there, are beneath 25-30 feet of soil, packed in crates and hopefully well preserved against the elements. If the airplanes are found and brought back to the light of day, Cundall says it could "easily double" the number of complete Spitfires known to exist. (Spitfire image from file) FMI: www.aviation-history.com/supermarine/spitfire.html For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=a9d8cc07-3357-49a2-85a1-58a77e6264cc ----------------------------------------------------------------- Emirates, CAE Celebrate Ten-Year Partnership Over 10,000 Pilots And Technicians Trained Each Year In Dubai Emirates and CAE are celebrating the 10-year milestone of their joint partnership in the region. Over the past ten years, the business they formed in the UAE - Emirates CAE Flight Training (ECFT) - has earned a reputation in the industry for training excellence and thanks to a joint investment by the two companies of approximately $260 million, the center is now one of the largest in the world. Middle-eastern airline Emirates and Canadian-based CAE formed a joint venture in 2002 to set up and manage a flight training facility. It was the first training center of its kind in the Middle East to be approved by EASA, the FAA, and UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). From its beginnings in a small premises in the Dubai Airport Freezone with just two training full-flight simulators (FFS), the business has grown considerably. Now housed in a training center adjacent to the Emirates Aviation College in Garhoud, Dubai, 13 simulator bays provide training for Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, Gulfstream and Hawker Beechcraft aircraft types. The expansion over the past ten years has increased the training capacity to its current position of servicing over 200 aviation clients and training more than 10,000 pilots and technicians a year. Commercial airlines, business aircraft and helicopter operators also train their crews and maintenance staff at ECFT. In addition, management works in close collaboration with more than 20 different National Aviation Authorities to ensure that their specific requirements are also fulfilled. While around half the current customer base come from the Middle East region, the facility also provides its services to customers in a wide range of countries worldwide, who send their pilots to Dubai for their training. Approximately 30% come in from Europe and the remainder from across Asia and Africa. Looking toward the future, Emirates and CAE will expand further next year with the opening of a new training center in Dubai's Silicon Oasis. The center, expected to be officially opened before mid-2013, will increase still further the training capacity for both pilots and technicians. FMI: www.cae.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=fec7652e-13ff-461f-bb68-541b30c348ea ----------------------------------------------------------------- SCRA Announces Vertical Lift Consortium Agreement Parties Say The Five-Year Collaboration Will Advance Aviation Technologies The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) said Thursday that its Applied R&D sector has signed a five-year agreement with the Vertical Lift Consortium, Inc. (VLC). SCRA will serve as the consortia management firm, providing the professional management services necessary to effectively manage VLC’s business affairs. SCRA will also serve as the Consortium Administration Organization on VLC’s Other Transaction Agreement with Army Contracting Command – NJ in Picatinny, NJ. VLC was chartered to facilitate government, industry and academic collaborative efforts to develop advances in aviation technologies, supporting current and future Department of Defense requirements. Its mission is to work cooperatively with the Services, Joint Staff, Special Operations Command, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the DoD Research & Engineering enterprise to improve the long-term state of military vertical lift aircraft and the US vertical lift industrial sector. “We are extremely pleased to welcome SCRA Applied R&D to the VLC team as our Consortium Administration Organization,” said VLC Chairman Nick Lappos, who is also senior technical fellow for advanced technology with Sikorsky Aircraft. “It is important that the rotorcraft industrial enterprise, through the VLC, be a strong partner with our military customer to develop the next generation of high-speed, long-range military vertical lift.” “We are delighted to provide our consortia management expertise to help VLC deliver innovative solutions to solve Department of Defense needs,” said SCRA Applied R&D President Chris Van Metre. “This work builds upon our proven domain expertise, client satisfaction and outstanding delivery records, and we look forward to this new partnership with VLC.” FMI: www.scra.org, www.ivertical-lift.org For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=79c4f7d3-3e71-4116-94e9-d16de9d200c5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Arianespace To Launch VNREDSat-1A Built By Astrium For Vietnam Will Be Boosted Into Orbit In Mid-2013 Arianespace and Astrium signed the launch contract on Friday for the VNREDSat-1A Earth observation satellite, on behalf of the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology. This ceremony was attended by ESA's Director General and by representatives of the Directorate of Launchers. VNREDSat-1A will be launched during the second quarter of 2013 by the second Vega launcher, VERTA 1, performed by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Center, French Guiana, for the European Space Agency (ESA). The satellite will be carried in the lower position on the Vespa multiple launch structure used for this mission. The contract further expands bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and France, as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, established in 1973, according to Arianespace and Astrium. An optical observation satellite, VNREDSat-1A will be injected into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 416 miles. The 264 pound satellite is being built by Astrium, which will supply to Vietnam the complete satellite system and ground receiving facilities. Arianespace's family of launch vehicles, Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, is perfectly suited to satellites based on Myriade or AstroSat-100 platforms, such as VNREDSat-1A. Arianespace has already launched 12 satellites of this type from the Guiana Space center, seven using Ariane 5 (4 Essaim, 2 Spirale, Parasol), and five using Soyuz (4 Elisa, SSOT). Another satellite using this type of platform is also scheduled for an Arianespace launch. "We are especially proud of once again being able to work with Vietnam, following the successful launches of Vinasat-1 and -2 communications satellites," said Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. "With this contract, the fourth we signed for Vega, Arianespace clearly shows that it can offer customers a launch service perfectly adapted to this type of mission. We would also like to thank Astrium and Vietnam for placing their trust in us. We are very pleased to be working once more with Astrium, after having launched five of their satellites during the last four months of 2012." FMI: www.arianespace.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/aerospace.cfm?ContentBlockID=645864a4-f2b8-4fe6-b72b-6ae559efa7f6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pilot Royally Serves Alongside Marines RAF Exchange Officer Training With USMC When foreign countries look for help to better train their military, they sometimes look to train with other allied countries and learn strategies to better everyone as a team. One program offered by the British Royal Air Force is the Royal Air Force/United States Marine Corps Pilot Exchange Program. “In the exchange program, we have about a dozen pilots in the Unites States, but only one with Marines,” said Flight Lt. Daniel Shaw, the Royal Air Force exchange officer with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and a London, native. “It’s a valuable thing to take what I’ve learned here back to the United Kingdom and it makes the Royal Air force and the Marine Corps better organizations. That’s why this program exists.” During his three year tour, Shaw will learn everything there is to know about the F/A-18 Hornet and the tactics the Marine Corps uses to support Marines on the ground. “The knowledge [Shaw] brings to the table is unsurpassed,” said Capt. Taj Sareen, an F/A-18 Hornet instructor pilot with VMFAT-101, 3rd MAW and a San Francisco, native. “In the exchange program they only send their best pilots. He will be absorbed into the fighter pilot community. At the end of his three-year tour here, he will know what it means to be a Marine pilot and a Marine officer.” In the Royal Air Force, their purpose is to gain air power. However, in the Marine Corps the purpose of aircraft is to support the Marines and the ground and aid in amphibious assaults. The tactics and strategies are very different than those of the Royal Air Force, explained Shaw. "It’s an amazing opportunity [to work with Shaw],” said Sareen. “It’s a window into another world. He brings a completely different view and set of skills.” Not only does Shaw need to learn about the aircraft and strategies in the United States but he must also learn the culture. “If you drive on a Royal Air Force base, you might see people standing outside of their building and smoking, but on a Marine Corps [installation], you see people practicing fighting [techniques],” said Shaw. “There is learning to be had trying to speak ‘American’. We speak the same language, but you would be surprised on the different ways we use words.” Shaw is taking this opportunity to broaden his horizons. The training will hopefully prove to be a valuable asset for him in the future. “The perception is that the Marines are the best of the U.S. armed forces,” said Shaw. “While I’ve been here, I have not seen anything that would make me think anything different.” (Pictured: Flight Lt. Daniel Shaw, a Royal Air Force/United States Marine Corps Pilot Exchange officer with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and a London, native, checks the inside of ordnance for discrepancies before a training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA, Dec. 20. As a pilot with the British Royal Air Force, Shaw must learn to fly the F/A-18 Hornet as well as learn the strategies of the Marine Corps.) ANN Salutes Lance Cpl. Melissa Eschenbrenner FMI: www.marines.mil For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/military.cfm?ContentBlockID=ab220bb1-ca2f-4731-8cf1-682a9a998df4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- HeliFlite Acquires Sikorsky S-76 Executive Helicopter VIP Transport Aircraft Purchased By The Company In 2012 A third Sikorsky S-76 helicopter has been added to the fleet of helicopter services company HeliFlite. The purchase was the second aircraft acquired in last year for the 14-year-old company. The S-76 helicopter is finely appointed with a spacious seven-passenger luxury interior. The HeliFlite fleet now includes four Bell 430 and three Sikorsky S-76 executive helicopters. HeliFlite exclusively operates twin-engine and dual piloted cabin class aircraft, which accommodate 6-8 passengers. All aircraft are equipped with state of the art avionics. HeliFlite's safety record since founding in 1998 is exceptional, consistently receiving the highest accolades in the industry. The company maintains the prestigious ARG/US Platinum rating and is also been recognized by Wyvern, which recommends the company as a preferred operator. HeliFlite employs the top personnel in the industry. Its pilots average over 5,000 hours of flight experience and the Company's Director of Maintenance was formerly a maintenance supervisor for the presidential helicopter squadron. "We are very proud of our safety record during a period of sustained growth over the past few years. The acquisition of two aircraft this year assists us in being responsive to the service requirements of our growing client base," said Kurt Carlson, CEO. (Image provided by HeliFlite) FMI: www.heliflite.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=c3266399-47c7-4b61-b8b8-c6e0a6be87fb ----------------------------------------------------------------- Global Aerospace Announces New Branch Office in Cologne, Germany Will Look To Develop Business In Northern And Eastern Europe A new branch office for aviation and space insurance provider Global Aerospace in Cologne, Germany will be led by Joerg Jakobs, who joined the organization effective January 1st. Jakobs will be responsible for the development of business throughout northern and eastern Europe, working closely with the company's established underwriting and claims teams around the Group. In a news release, Global Aerospace said Jakobs brings over 25 years of experience in both underwriting and broking and joins Global from Kairos Consulting, a specialist aviation insurance and reinsurance intermediary he founded in 2003. “Our German branch complements and strengthens our network in Europe and I am delighted that it will be led by someone of Joerg’s calibre and professional standing,” said Nick Brown, Global Aerospace Group Chief Executive. “I am glad to have the opportunity to represent Global in Continental Europe and to become part of this industry-leading team," Jakobs said. "I am confident that there is a need for a true local alternative providing not only competitive terms, but also exceptionally good service, substantial capacity and outstanding financial security. My aim is to make Global Aerospace the local insurer of choice for professional aviation clients and brokers.” Global Aerospace is a provider of Aerospace insurance with a worldwide portfolio of clients who are engaged in every aspect of the Aviation and Space industries. FMI: www.global-aero.com For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=187216c1-209b-4d27-a17b-e39c48d3ac29 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN FAQ: View Aero-News YOUR Way... The 'Headlines Only' Option Choose How YOU Want To View Your Aero News: 'Headlines Only' Mode We're all pretty excited about the new website design here at ANN, but we HAVE heard from some of you that you liked the way that content was displayed on the old site. We hear you, and before you chuck your bitgrinder out a 5th story window, you should know that there are several ways that you can view your Aero-Content. ANN's New Main Page--Default Display Each time you visit www.aero-news.net, or click on your bookmark for us, you'll naturally come to the home page. The top content box lets you know what are the top stories of the day, and clicking on an image will take you directly to that story. Or, you can scroll down and find it on the page. Now, look to the right ... where it says "Change Display." If you are looking for an alternative way to access our content, one of these three clicks will most likely give you a presentation that you enjoy. Click On The 'Change Display' To Select Headlines Only The first option is to view Headlines Only. This option is most like the old site, where you got a list of just the headlines for that day. If that's the way you like to pick the stories you want to read, then this is the view for you. This Is What A Typical 'Headlines Only' Display Looks Like You'll see just a listing of the days headlines. Clean, concise, FAST, and easy to read. Scan for the stories you want and go to town! Of course, there are other ways to view your Aero-News. You can select Headlines and Teasers, or View Everything. And, if you're interested in a particular genre of news, such as "Airlines" or "Sport Aviation", the nav bar at the top of the page will give you a list of just those stories. But if you go that route, you'll probably miss a lot. Customize The Page To Display A Topic At A Time! We hope you come to love the new site as much as we do. Our development team worked long and hard to bring it to your computer. And as always, thanks for reading Aero-News. FMI: www.aero-news.net For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=293579da-a3f2-4b52-8ea5-3e3fd85a6c58 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (01.08.13) Aero-News: Quote of the Day ANN's Quote of the Day usually derives from current news, though we reserve the right to pick quotes out of history that have a bearing on the day's events and issues. Sometimes, you'll find them timely and in keeping with the content of the day's news... and sometimes, they'll just be thought-provoking. Reader suggestions and comments are welcome... and if particularly intriguing, timely, or poignant, may themselves become future Quotes of the Day. Let us hear from you, folks! Aero-News Quote of the Day "Our submittal was fully responsive to the Air Force's request. It shows that the Eclipse Jet meets and/or exceeds all of the SUPT syllabus requirements. More important, from a budgetary viewpoint, our response demonstrates how the USAF can save over one billion dollars of O&M costs over ten years by converting to an Eclipse Jet fleet." Source: Eclipse Aerospace CEO Mason Holland. FMI: www.eclipse.aero For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=dd5130b5-40d3-4bc3-a52d-c8ffa9e3e6e8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Term (01.08.13): Takeoff Run Available (TORA) Aero-Terms! Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game. Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms. Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term. Takeoff Run Available (TORA) The runway length declared available and suitable for the ground run of an airplane taking off. FMI: www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/pcg/T.HTM For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=b015a0de-2e16-454e-b362-a0797f4327d2 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (01.08.13) Aero-Linx! Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this is done on the Internet. The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile. Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well. Aero Linx: Air Zoo The Air Zoo is a nonprofit organization located in Portage, MI. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop, and banquet facilities. According to the museum's website, its mission is to preserve the legacy of flight for present and future generations. The vision is to be the number one aviation museum in the world. Their pledge is to provide the best experience possible to everyone, every time. FMI: www.airzoo.org/index.php For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/featurestories.cfm?ContentBlockID=90e1e8e9-ad3b-47c6-ac8f-fc017e8b135f ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANN Senior Staff Roster J.R. 'Zoom' Campbell CEO/Editor-In-Chief jim@aero-news.net Glen Moyer Aero-Cast Producer gmoyer@aero-news.net Tom Patton News Editor editor@aero-news.net Nathan Cremisino Ashley Hale Aero-TV Video Production Team Aero-TV HQ MKTG Inquiries Marketing Director mktg@aero-news.net Note: This newsletter is supported solely by sponsors like the one(s) listed herein. We stand 100% behind every ad that we run. If you ever have a problem with a company that advertises here please contact us and we will try to get it resolved. -- Aero-News Network Aero-News Network POB 305, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043. 863-299-8680, www.aero-news.net ANN Aero-Casts /podcasts Provided to registered subscribers, Daily. 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This Is His Address Get ANN's Free News Ticker We have designed a small "portable" News Ticker that will offer current ANN headlines about what is happening in the aviation world. It can be copied to virtually any Web site (including YOURS!) on the Internet by simply requesting the code and permissions from us. In addition to staying abreast of the latest headlines, you can click on any one of these News Tickers, no matter who's site it is on, and then go directly to ANN to read the news, in-depth, anytime you choose. You may request the code using our request form by logging on to www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm For those of you with web sites, be sure to drop us an e-mail at editor@aero-news.net and we'll be sure to check out your site for inclusion in our link sites, shortly. AND... don't forget to send your news and press releases to us via news@aero-news.net ! We want our coverage to include EVERY facet of aviation... so we need ALL the feedback we can get! 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