From a U.S. Transportation Command News Release
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Oct. 24, 2014 - Limited commercial airline capacity and greater global demand for passenger service has put a strain on flights for deploying service members and those returning home from deployment from the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
"This past year, we saw three of our Department of Defense passenger carriers go bankrupt during a time of increased demand to support global operations," said Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Hall, chief of U.S. Transportation Command's Centcom Branch.
"We had projected that we could see flight delays of up to 45 days, and we well understood the effect delays would have on redeploying service members," Hall said. "Fortunately, delays matching the forecast have not happened."
With limited exceptions, the vast majority of passengers have been returned within two days of their scheduled return time, the lieutenant colonel said.
"We all feel delays of 30 to 45 days are unacceptable," he noted. "I want to assure service members and their families these were projections that have not come into being. We have all worked hard to ensure projections do not become reality."
Some passengers experienced delays caused by a brief lack of passenger service. But based on the original forecast, Transcom and Centcom had already been arranging for additional flights. Redeploying troops can expect they won't face significant delays.
Hall added that passengers who may be delayed need to stay in touch with their unit deployment managers, and those managers need to keep in close contact with transportation management officers because seats have been added, and those seats must be filled to ensure soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen can redeploy on schedule.
"With the support of military senior leaders, our team has added flights, and relaxed policies for passengers to fly on 'grey tails,' putting roughly 5,000 passengers on C-17s," Hall said. "In addition, recent Transcom contract awards have increased aircraft availability. We sincerely regret the delays that have occurred."
By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2014 - Walk through the Pentagon and you're bound to come across highly skilled military or civilian employees with disabilities -- including the Defense Department's director of disability programs, who is legally blind.
Randy Cooper serves as the Department of Defense Director of Disability Programs. His role in the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity is to provide strategic guidance for DoD on matters pertaining to the employment of individuals with disabilities.
"We in ODMEO work in partnership with DoD components to eliminate technological, architectural and programmatic barriers, to ensure the full participation of individuals with disabilities, including veterans in our DoD workplace and programs. We strive to advance equal opportunity and inclusion for all people with disabilities throughout DoD," Cooper told DoD News in an interview to mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month. President Barack Obama set aside October as a time to recognize the significant contributions American workers with disabilities make every day.
To that end the department has even established a comprehensive disability program management course for all components at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.
"National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize the significant contributions American workers with disabilities make each and every day," Cooper said. "It is an opportunity for us to reaffirm DoD's commitment to recruit, retain, and advance people with disabilities throughout our workforce. It's an opportunity for us to educate ourselves to eliminate the continuing myths stereotypes and fears that still linger about us folks with disabilities."
"It's an opportunity for us to be aware of the myths, stereotypes and fears we sometimes have about people with disabilities," he said, as well as to understand how the department can better recruit, train and advance people with disabilities.
DoD seeks to hire people with disabilities
Cooper is leading a whole-of-DoD effort to hire more people with disabilities, including troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"In fact, the president has directed us through Executive Order 13548 to increase the number of people with disabilities, including people with targeted disabilities, by up to two percent," he said. "These are individuals who have significant barriers to entering the workplace."
On Oct. 30, the department will host the 34th Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards Ceremony in the Pentagon. Twenty civilian employees and service members, as well as four exemplary DoD components, will be recognized for their work to advance a barrier-free workplace.
One resource the department taps for hiring people with disabilities is a partnership with the Department of Labor called the Workforce Recruitment Program, a recruitment and referral program for students and graduates with disabilities.
"This past year, we had over 250 participants in the [program]," he said. "Some of them became permanent DoD employees. DoD also relies on the Schedule A Hiring Authority for permanent hires of individuals with disabilities." Both the recruitment program and the hiring Authority help the department meet its diversity and inclusion objectives, Cooper noted.
Overall, he said, the Defense Department is building on its efforts to be a model employer of people with disabilities.
"Still today, there's a great deal in the workplace -- myths, stereotypes and fears -- about hiring someone with a significant disability," Cooper said, noting that's one reason he took the job as the department's point man for disability programs.
"It just became a natural part of who I am to advocate for people with disabilities in the context of equal opportunity and civil rights" he said.
By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2014 - It is imprudent to assess the U.S. strategy against terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant after only three months, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said during a Pentagon news conference today.
The Pentagon press secretary said the strategy against ISIL is not just sound, but it's working.
"The coalition continues to gain both momentum and strength," Kirby said. "And we know we're having a direct effect on ISIL inside Iraq and inside Syria."
Airstrikes against the terrorist group only began Aug. 8, Kirby reminded the reporters. At that time, U.S. government officials said the effort against the extremists would take time, and degrading and destroying the group would be hard and complicated.
"Here we are, not three months into it and there are critics saying it is falling apart, it's failing, the strategy is not sound," Kirby said. "You cannot adequately gain a sense of the strength of a strategy over the course of three months. It's just not possible. And it would be imprudent to do that."
ISIL is losing sources of revenue through airstrikes on refineries and crude oil collection points inside Syria, the admiral said. Other airstrikes have taken out ISIL command and control facilities and finance centers.
The strikes have hit training camps and destroyed "countless vehicles and artillery pieces and other firing positions," Kirby said.
"They've lost hundreds of fighters," he added. "They certainly, we believe, have lost the ability to move about as freely as they once could. And when they do, they are typically hit."
The group has had to change tactics, techniques and procedures to adjust to the coalition firepower and to the increased pressure from Iraqi and Kurdish fighters on the ground.
"That doesn't mean they're defeated," the admiral acknowledged.
ISIL is still pushing for ground and for adherents, he said. There will be times when the terror group will gain ground, Kirby said, but time is against them.
Combat is a see-saw, the admiral said, "It goes back and forth. And every day is different. We believe that the strategy is sound. We also believe that it is showing effect. And ... it's really important for people to have a sense of patience here as we work it through."
Wiley Wilson Burns & McDonnell Joint Venture, Alexandria, Virginia, is being awarded a maximum amount $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract for engineering and design services for general and administrative facilities. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed at various administrative facilities within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington area of responsibility, including but not limited to: Maryland (45 percent), Washington, District of Columbia (30 percent), and Virginia (20 percent). Work may also be performed in the remainder of the United States (5 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of October 2019. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $25,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 19 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N40080-15-D-0452).
Colonna's Shipyard Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-15-D-1501); Davis Boat Works Inc.,* Newport News, Virginia (N50054-15-D-1502); East Coast Repair & Fabrication LLC*, Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-15-D-1503); Lyon Shipyard Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-15-D-1504); and Tecnico Corp.,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N50054-15-D-1505), are being awarded a $24,000,000 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract to support U.S. Navy living barges and their auxiliary systems, including potential periodic docking. Contractors will furnish the necessary non-personal management, administrative and production services, materials, tools, equipment, facilities, and required support to accomplish a full range of depot level troubleshooting, repair, renewal, refurbishment, modernization, and maintenance. Work will be performed in the Norfolk, Virginia, area and is expected to be completed by November 2015. Each contractor will receive $72,000 at time of award. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds are being obligated, of which $360,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with six offers received. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
Information Sciences Consulting, Inc.,* Manassas, Virginia, is being awarded a $10,430,366 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price task order contract for motorcycle traffic safety training courses throughout the continental United States and Hawaii. The contract is for one base year and four one-year options, which if exercised, would bring the contract value to $36,303,703. Work will be performed in the Naval District, Washington, District of Columbia (5 percent); Mid-Atlantic (21 percent); Southeast (28 percent); Southwest (31 percent); Northwest (9 percent); Midwest (2 percent); and Hawaii (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by Oct. 26, 2015. If all options are exercised, work will continue until Oct. 26, 2019. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be released as individual task orders are issued. This contract was set aside as 100 percent small business competitive procurement via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with five offers received in response to this solicitation. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00244-15-C-0001).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $33,402,219 undefinitized contract action (P00559) to previously awarded contract FA8611-08-C-2897 for AIM-9X Configurable Rail Launcher (CRL) modification to the F-22. Contractor will provide upgrade to 220 AIM-9 CRLs with AIM-9X capability. Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2017. Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $5,783,310 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity.
Associated Petroleum Products, Inc.,* Tacoma, Washington, has been awarded a minimum $7,347,232 modification (P00014) to contract SP0600-13-D-4506. The modification is for additional diesel fuel line items. The revised total being awarded, based on this modification, is $38,174,038. This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. This is a competitive acquisition, and 33 offers were received. Location of performance is Washington, with a performance completion date of July 30, 2016. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Celebrity Floral Designer Amy Marella Announces Opening of Fleurish, A Unique Flower Bar
“Where You Are The Fleurist”
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (October 24, 2014) – Famed floral designer Amy Marella, who has created designs for LA’s top celebrities for years at The Hidden Garden, is pleased to announce the grand opening of her latest concept, Fleurish, the first dedicated design-it-yourself flower bar, in the chic Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Fleurish is the vision of Marella and co-founders Alex Frost and Allyson Arons, whose aim is to reinvent a flagging flower industry with its unique design-it-yourself concept, exclusive technology, and proprietary “iFleur tablets,” which include step-by-step tutorial instructions for guests to craft their own floral designs using fresh seasonal blooms.
At Fleurish guests can create their own arrangements, take a class, celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday party or bridal shower, or grab an exquisitely designed floral arrangement to go. They may also pick up a signature Fleurish gift such as the Boutique Basics floral tool kit to take home from the boutique. Curbside service, valet parking, and immediate on-demand delivery options will be available.
“I am so thrilled to announce the opening of Fleurish,” said co-founder Amy Marella, who also owns the renowned The Hidden Garden Floral Studio. “My customers are constantly telling me they wish they could be floral designers, and at Fleurish, they finally can be!” she said. “My co-founders and I saw an opportunity to create a beautiful space where people can create their own beautiful arrangements. Creating Fleurish is a dream come true and I’m so excited to share my vision with others.”
Upon entering the stylish, light-flooded space, guests can select from nine custom Fleurkits per season, which include everything needed for their chosen arrangement: a vessel, flowers and specialty trimmings, plus a uniquely designed box for easy transport. FleurKits start at $35.95, and a 45 minute studio fee at the flower bar costs $5.00, and may be reserved in advance. The flower bar is equipped with a sleek, user-friendly iFleur tablet to walk guests through the design process step-by-step.
From now through December 2014, Fleurish will be offering their Fall Collection of FleurKits, a selection of nine unique varietal arrangements, and a special monthly feature. The Fall Collection includes the fruit and bloom-filled Berried Delight; warm orange and yellow arrangements like Sherbert Sensation,Abundant Citrus and Sunshine & Succulents; dark purple and fuchsiaAutumn Twilight; the succulent arrangement Zen Love; a special blend of orchids in Orchid Affair; a unique standing bouquet Bundled Dreams; and the sunflower-filled Textured Fields.
Fleurish is available for private and semi-private events where guests of all ages can celebrate special occasions or simple date nights. Party packages for birthday parties, corporate events, children’s parties (such as the Petite Fleurists for ages 7-15 years), girls’ nights out, along with bridal and baby showers, are all available and begin at $40 per person. Fleurish will also offer a selection of classes that range in skill level from beginner to intermediate level, along with specialty workshops and live-demos.
In addition to Fleurish’s floral design classes, FleurKits, and parties, Fleurish will also include a retail boutique with select signature retail items including their Bouquet Basics 3-Piece Tool Kit ($54.95), which contains Fleurish’s custom rose stripper, floral scissors and a floral knife. Additional retail items include floral design must-haves such as: floral misters, aprons, individual floral arranging tools, and both liquid and powdered floral food.
About Fleurish
A unique, sophisticated design-it-yourself flower bar by celebrity floral designer Amy Marella of LA’s renowned florist The Hidden Garden -- where you can create your own arrangement, take a class, celebrate a special occasion, or pick up an exquisitely designed floral arrangement to go. The chic, light-flooded space in the heart of LA’s fashionable Brentwood neighborhood, will include a collection of exquisite blooms from the simplest roses to rare novelty orchids, as well as interactive “ifleur” technology, and a selection of signature retail gifts. Fleurish is the quintessential experience and party venue for all ages… where you are the fleurist. Flagship store Fleurish Brentwood to open October 24, 2014 at 11906 San Vicente Boulevard, with more locations to come.
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Oct. 24, 2014 - Defense Department leaders are ensuring the 30 members of a medical support team that may be called upon to respond to new cases of Ebola in the U.S. are receiving world-class, state-of-the-art training, a senior military doctor said.
Air Force Col. John J. DeGoes, command surgeon for U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, discussed the training and its potential impact should the team be called upon to respond to Ebola cases. The team began training here yesterday. It is comprised of 10 critical care nurses; 10 noncritical care in-patient nurses; five physicians with experience in infectious disease, internal medicine and critical care; and five individuals trained in specialties related to infection control. "Because there's this need," DeGoes said, "we're going to make sure that we can respond effectively to it, but only after people are trained fully and proficient. "It's absolutely critical that we train to standard and not to a pre-conceived time," he said. "There's risk, but we're doing everything to mitigate it and we think that this is an important mission for the United States of America." Open-Ended Training DeGoes noted that Northcom commander Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. emphasized the importance of training the team properly, even if that means expanding the training schedule. "There's no specific endpoint to this training," DeGoes said. "If we're not convinced on Saturday when we close down, Gen. Jacoby said we'll take Sunday off and we're back here again on Monday." Jacoby also spent a substantial amount of time observing the training and interacting with the team members, hospital staff and course instructors. DeGoes said he thinks the team -- composed of "some of the best the military health system has to offer" -- is receiving "some world-class training" to ensure they can succeed if they are called upon. "We're using really good training items," he said. "This isn't your grandfather's training where you're just sitting in a bland classroom hearing lectures and seeing PowerPoint [presentations]." Realistic Training Conditions Training is taking place in an actual Intensive Care Unit converted into a simulation center with state-of-the-art personal protective equipment, DeGoes said. Team members practice putting on personal protective equipment, or PPE, in a relevant setting, he said, simulating conditions they would encounter while caring for patients. The training is designed to help the team apply their new skills in the event they are necessary in an actual care environment. "They're in something that's nearly identical to where they'd be called to go," DeGoes said. "We're able to use the great training aids of the San Antonio Military Medical Center's Education, Training and Simulation Department." "They've got state-of-the-art mannequins here that they can simulate drawing blood," he said. "They can simulate all the things that you would do in an Ebola patient that was mildly sick to completely sick." DeGoes also noted a particular training aid -- glow germ -- that lights up under a black light, indicating simulated contamination. This drives home the importance of not just putting the equipment on correctly, but taking it off correctly as well, the colonel said. Focusing on Protective Measures "This is one of the diseases where PPE is not just helpful -- it could really save your life," he said. "And proper use of it will also protect other people in the hospital, so that health care workers don't unknowingly drag contamination to a previously clean area that could potentially get to another patient." The training includes measures to protect not just the health care workers, DeGoes said, but also the medical facility, other patients and families of health care workers. "So not only will they have this training, but they will be supported by appropriate protocols that don't assume that they were perfect in the PPE," he said. As precautions, DeGoes said the team will take their own temperatures twice a day, "even if they feel great enough to run a marathon." "That will happen every day while they're working," he said, "and then after they're done working, to protect them in the unlikely event [they get sick]. They would get diagnosed earlier and protect their families and the community in which they work and live." Serving the Nation DeGoes said the team's risk of exposure to Ebola is certainly a concern, "... but it is a need for the nation right now." He said the team members, doctors, nurses and trainers, understand that they have been asked to join with counterparts from civilian agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control, to take part in the national effort to stop this threat. "But it is a risk," DeGoes acknowledged, "and as command surgeon, and a physician myself, I want to make sure that we do everything, every day in patient care to be as safe as possible for our health care workers and for patients to ensure the best outcome." The colonel noted there's no template for a team like this, because "we've never had this before in the United States." "So it was with an abundance of caution that the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services got together to come up with this particular team that had some broad capabilities that could go to any facility," DeGoes said. Putting this team together, he said, shows the American people and the international community "that we are willing to work together to do whatever it takes to prevent the spread of this deadly disease." "Working together is key," DeGoes said, "because none of us have all of the resources, and clearly it is an interagency [effort]." The Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and DoD, he said, working together with the National Guard, are key to this response and part of Jacoby's strategic plan to improve the nation's bio-response preparedness -- not just for Ebola, but for other future requirements as well. (Follow Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone Marshall on Twitter: @MarshallDoDNews) | ||||||
|
Scientists and engineers from NASA's planet-hunting Kepler and K2 missions will answer questions about the missions on Reddit.com on Monday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. PDT.
Reddit, a popular online community where users vote on content they find interesting, has a sub-forum for interviews with volunteers who answer questions about their specific experiences. This “I Am A ______, Ask Me Anything,” template attracts people from all walks of life, including high profile ones, like the president of the United States, and the Mars Curiosity team.
Launched in 2009, Kepler is NASA's first mission to find and confirm small Earth-size planets around other stars in the habitable zone, the range of distance from a star where liquid water might pool on the surface of an orbiting planet. To date Kepler has identified more than 4,200 exoplanet candidates and verified nearly 1,000 as bonafide planets. Through Kepler discoveries, planets are now known to be common and diverse, showing the universe hosts a vast range of environments.
After the failure of two of its four reaction wheels following the completion of data collection in its primary mission, the Kepler spacecraft was resuscitated this year and reborn as K2, a mission that extends the Kepler legacy to observations in the ecliptic – the part of the sky that is home to the familiar constellations of the zodiac. The K2 mission will continue exoplanet discovery, and introduces new scientific observation opportunities to study notable star clusters, young and old stars, active galaxies and supernovae.
From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 25, 2014 - U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria Friday and today using bomber aircraft to conduct one airstrike, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 22 airstrikes Friday and today using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq.
In Syria, one airstrike near Kobani destroyed an ISIL artillery piece. In Iraq, three airstrikes near Bayji struck a large ISIL unit, a small ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building, damaged an ISIL building and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
One airstrike southeast of the Mosul Dam struck a large ISIL unit while 10 airstrikes west of the Mosul Dam struck four small ISIL units, one large ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building, six ISIL fighting positions and four ISIL staging locations.
Four airstrikes near Fallujah struck two small ISIL units, destroyed an ISIL vehicle and destroyed an ISIL fighting position. Two airstrikes near Qurayat al Hajjaj struck a small ISIL unit and destroyed an ISIL building. One airstrike east of Hayy Al Arabi destroyed an ISIL building. Finally, one airstrike near Aynzalah destroyed an ISIL building.
All aircraft departed the strike areas safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project power and conduct operations.
Among the coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq are the U.S., France, United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain.
A gorgeous sunrise overYellowstone National Park's Mammoth Hot Springs. Photo by Neal Herbert, National Park Service.
By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2014 - Members of the U.S. military joined players for the Washington Wizards and area students yesterday to prepare more than 1,000 meals for needy children and families.
The project was one of the first events of the military's "Commitment to Service" initiative with the NBA, which is focused on building a culture of service by meeting the needs of local communities.
"It's about bringing Americans together in a way that will both serve our military and serve our community," said ReneC. Bardorf, deputy assistant secretary of defense for community and public outreach, as she oversaw the preparation of meals at the giant warehouse that is the Capital Area Food Bank.
The "Commitment to Service" initiative aims to build stronger and more compassionate communities through projects such as this one. DoD officials also credit collaboration with the NBA, including its "NBA Cares" program, as well as USA Basketball's "Hoops for Troops" for providing ways to assist service members as they transition from the military.
"The NBA has been wonderful to us over the last 13 years as we've gone through these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and now ... we feel like the relationship has evolved to one where we'll go out together and partner with one another to serve our communities and empower those in the community to serve with us," Bardorf said.
Gen. Larry O. Spencer, Air Force vice chief of staff, was among members of the military on hand for today's event, which he described as another way in which those in uniform can work with the NBA to show appreciation.
"They're committed to basketball, we're committed to national defense," Spencer said "Both of us have a little different focus but there's one thing we have in common: we both want to give back to the community."
The Wizards' Garrett Temple agreed. He said, "With the hunger issue, it's such a big thing not only in D.C. and the nation but worldwide so helping out is definitely a big deal."
Acting-Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement following the shooting deaths of two Sheriff Departments’ Deputies today.
"Jennifer and I mourn the loss of Deputy Sheriff Daniel Oliver and Detective Michael Davis Jr. with great sorrow, and offer our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and colleagues."
"We are appalled by this malicious violence inflicted upon our communities and directed toward the men and women whose courage, duty and service to protecting the public is unsurpassed."
Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Daniel Oliver, 47, was shot when approaching a suspicious vehicle in Sacramento. The 15-year veteran of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department is survived by his wife and two children.
Placer County Sheriff’s Department Detective Michael David Davis Jr., 42, was shot in the line of duty in Auburn. The 15-year veteran of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department is survived by his wife and four children.
In honor of Deputy Oliver and Detective Davis, Lieutenant Governor Newsom, acting as Governor of California pursuant to section 12059 of the California Government Code, ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby Secretary Hagel placed a call this evening to U.S. Northern Command Commander, Gen. Chuck Jacoby, to get an update on the training for the military medical professionals that make up DoD's 30-person Ebola response team. Gen. Jacoby, who visited the team yesterday, praised the quality of the training and the enthusiasm of the team currently being trained. He made special mention of the superb support offered by staff and instructors at San Antonio Military Medical Center and Ft. Sam Houston, and he assured Secretary Hagel that the training was meeting CDC standards and would ensure the team's readiness to deploy on short notice if requested by the Department of Health and Human Services. Secretary Hagel thanked the general for his leadership and asked him to pass on his gratitude to the men and women of the team and of the San Antonio Military Medical Center and Ft. Sam Houston for everything they are doing to prepare for any possible support to civilian medical authorities. The secretary made clear that he remains committed to ensuring the team receives all the support they need. | |
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal, 19, of Riverside, California, died Oct. 23, in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, whose headquarters element deploys from Camp Pendleton, California.
For more information, media may contact the I Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs Office at (760) 763-7039 or after hours at(760) 207-5865.
“Designing a restaurant is like designing a sports car,” says architect Stephen Francis Jones. “You might have a sleek looking body that needs a big engine and has to perform at top speed all the time. How do I keep it sexy? How do I keep it running well? How do I keep it adequate to the task of satisfying customers?”
Jones, who is well-known for his local restaurant designs such as Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, MB Post in Manhattan Beach, and the retro chain Lucky Strike Lanes, continues to be one of the burgeoning food scene’s secret weapons – a designer who works tirelessly to meet the needs of his clients in any variety of situations by listening carefully to their expectations and adapting his vision and process accordingly.
Currently Jones is set to see the opening of several new eateries, including two right down the block from each other in Santa Monica. The Redwood Grille is stylish and sophisticated and subtly suggests the great outdoors while preserving a comforting vibe of class and beauty; Del Frisco’s Grille is colorful and crowd-pleasing, with an exhibition kitchen and stunning views of Santa Monica Bay. He’s also overseeing the finishing touches on Greenleaf Chop Shop in Costa Mesa; four Java House franchises in Nairobi; an artisan pizza concept (360 Degrees) also in Kenya; rebranding the design for La Brea Bakery as well as the brewery Brouwerij West (San Pedro); and starting work on Greenleaf at Roger’s Garden in Corona Del Mar (his fourth Greenleaf location).
Now in its seventeenth year,SFJones Architects is renowned among Los Angeles architecture firms for designing spectacular entertainment and dining destinations that radiate fresh, balanced aesthetics, making bold statements for national and international companies. "When people go out to dinner, their expectation is to have a stimulating sensual experience involving taste, ambiance and social interaction. My objective is to make the visual experience as delicious as the food," says Jones.
The firm’s recent restaurant projects include the oceanfront Shoreline Restaurant in Northern California; Toscanova in Calabasas; Simmzy’s in Long Beach; posh Bui Sushi Bar in Malibu; the rustic family-style Lazy Dog Cafes in Cerritos, West Covina and Rancho Cucamonga; the simple, modern Italian mozzarella bar Obika in Century City; the sophisticated Grill on the Alley Westlake; developer Rick Caruso’s Amici Trattoria at Americana in Glendale, The Whisper Lounge at The Grove; the Rainbow Junyuan Plaza, a five-level retail in Kunming, China; and Greenleaf on 17thStreet in Costa Mesa.
Whether creating an instantly-recognizable identity for national restaurants or cutting-edge quarters for a high-end dining destination, Jones creates dynamic environments for dining, relaxation, business and pleasure.
