DOD CONTRACTS

 

AIR FORCE

 

Exelis Services, Hellerup, Denmark, has been awarded a $411,000,000 hybrid, firm-fixed price with economic price adjustment and cost reimbursable line items maintenance contract for Thule Air Base to include: civil engineering, airfield/water port operations, fuels management, transportation, non-secure communications, environmental management, food service, medical/public health, supply, recreation and community services. Work will be performed at Thule Air Base, Greenland, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2022. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, with four offers received. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $505,789 are being obligated at the time of award. The 21st Contracting Squadron, Detachment 1, Copenhagen, Denmark, is the contracting activity (FA2523-15-C-0001).
 

DynCorp International Limited Liability Co., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $81,983,360 modification (P00029) to previously awarded contract FA8617-12-C-6208 for Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply non-personal services for the joint primary aircraft training system T-6A/B Texan II Aircraft. Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance and Navy operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $29,003,790 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
 

Accenture Federal Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $77,847,977 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action for Defense Enterprise Accounting Management System Development (DEAMS) Final Phase. Contractor will provide requirements analysis, gap analysis, blueprinting, design, build, test, pre-deployment, deployment support, and operations and post-production support for the remaining DEAMS capability releases through contractor support. The scope will focus on program management, systems engineering and architecture, blueprinting, solution development, solution testing, deployment support, solution support and maintenance, and transition management. Work will be performed at Fairborn, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2017. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $16,354,132 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, is the contracting activity (FA8770-15-C-0509).

Exelis Systems Corp., Systems Div., Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, has been awarded a $21,341,441 cost-plus-award-fee modification (P00966) for launch and test range system support to the Eastern and Western Ranges. Work will be performed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance; research, development, test and evaluation; and other procurement funds in the amount of $13,921,755 are being obligated at the time of award. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (F04701-01-0001).

Boeing Aerospace Operations, Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been awarded a $9,261,602 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification (P00212) to previously awarded contract FA8106-07-C-0001 for VC-25 Avionics Modernization Program. Contractor will subcontract support necessary to provide nonrecurring engineering services, and associated hardware, in support of research and development of enhanced avionics capability in support of the VC-25A platform. Work will be performed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2018. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $9,261,602 are being re-aligned at the time of award from funding previously obligated under the contract. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.

ARMY

 

BAE Systems, York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $141,788,689 modification (P00011), exercising Option 1, to fixed-price-incentive contract W56HZV-14-C-0002, for 18 Self-Propelled Howitzers and 18 Carrier Ammunition Tracked vehicles. Fiscal 2014 and 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $141,788,689 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Feb. 28, 2017. Work will be performed in Elgin, Oklahoma (18 percent), and York, Pennsylvania (82 percent). The cumulative total for the contract, with this modification, is $386,734,224. Army Contracting Command, Tank and Automotive (Warren),Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
 

Boeing Co., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $121,166,915 firm fixed-price, undefinitized contract action to support Apache performance based logistics of the D-Unique, D/E Common and E-Unique components services and supplies. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with one offer received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $90,854,936 are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-15-C-0017).

Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $48,700,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for test instrumentation enterprise development and support. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with five received. Army Program Executive Office, Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-15-D-0001).

Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $15,300,934 modification (P00012) to foreign military sales contract W31P4Q-13-C-0129 for an undefinitized contract action to purchase 74 Javelin Block I Missiles, 318 Battery Coolant Units, 22 Outdoor Trainer Instructor Stations, 22 Javelin Weapon System-Student Stations and 44 tripods to support the U.S. Army and foreign military sales customers, including Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Fiscal 2010, 2011, and 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $11,475,700 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is April 30, 2023. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Missile), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Honeywell International Aerospace, Tempe, Arizona, was awarded a $13,910,890 modification (P00032) to firm-fixed-price contract W58RGZ-11-C-0039 for technical, engineering, and logistical services for maintenance and overhauling T-55 engines. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $13,910,890 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Nov. 1, 2016. Work will be performed at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, Corpus Christi, Texas. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Boeing Co., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $10,223,886 modification (P000910) to firm-fixed-price contract W58RGZ-10-D-0027 for component material and over and above purchases for technical engineering, logistical services and support, for a six-month contract extension with the Corpus Christi Army Depot. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date isApril 30, 2015. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Stanley Associates Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $10,106,913 modification (P00055) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W52P1J-10-C-0003 to sustain the Army's prepositioned stock and maintenance management capabilities in support of the Army Force Regeneration process. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $7,094,472 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is April 29, 2015. Work will be performed in Kuwait (51 percent) and at multiple sites in Virginia (49 percent). Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity.

Universal Technologies, Inc.,* Estill Springs, Tennessee, was awarded an $8,560,000 firm-fixed-price contract for forgings and castings for the production of the M66 Machine Gun Ring Mount. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2018. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with two received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W9098S-15-D-0004).

NAVY

 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, was awarded a $35,545,211 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only contract for engineering and technical services to support the Navy in developing, assessing, upgrading and modernizing the Persistent Littoral Undersea Surveillance program, the Digital Acoustic Communications development program, the Remote Environmental Measuring Units (REMUS) Autonomous Undersea Vehicle program, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal "Fast Track" program, development and operational support for the REMUS Automated Submarine Launch and Recovery Capability program, and the development of new advanced ocean technologies related to these programs. These systems are essential to evaluate the evolving advanced ocean technologies, improve operational capability, support rapid prototype development, and provide technology improvement recommendations including: battery and energy systems, propulsion systems, navigation systems, control systems, sensor systems, acoustic communication systems, data acquisition systems, and the development of new functionality to shipboard systems. Work will be performed in Woods Hole, Massachusetts (55 percent); Newport, Rhode Island (15 percent); Andros Island, Bahamas (10 percent); Groton, Connecticut (5 percent); Kings Bay, Georgia (4 percent); Bangor, Washington (2 percent); San Diego, California (2 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (2 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (2 percent); Niantic, Connecticut (1 percent); Dresden, New York (1 percent); and Keyport, Washington (1 percent); work is expected to be completed in August 2019. Fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation contract funds in the amount of $645,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) - only one or limited number of sources and no other suppliers will satisfy the requirements. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity (N66604-14-D-0344). (Awarded Aug. 27, 2014.)
 

Wolf Creek Federal Services, Inc.,* Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $28,300,296 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract (N40192-14-D-9000) to exercise option one for housing operations and maintenance services and change of occupancy maintenance for various military installations in Santa Rita, Guam. The work to be performed provides for management and housing operations to maintain and repair family housing units, unaccompanied housing units, and provide any services, maintenance and change of occupancy maintenance in both vacant and occupied family housing units and unaccompanied housing units to include management, supervision, quality control, labor, tools, equipment, material, supplies, incidental engineering, and transportation necessary. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $130,657,282. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam (60 percent), and Yigo, Guam (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2015. Fiscal 2015 family housing operation and maintenance (Navy and Air Force); fiscal 2015 quarter operations (Navy); and fiscal 2015 sustainment (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $11,139,564 are being obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity.

Railroad Construction Co., Inc., Paterson, New Jersey, is being awarded an $8,261,728 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40085-14-D-5200) to exercise option one for the maintenance and repair of railroad trackage at Naval Weapons Station Earle. The work to be performed provides for preventive maintenance of railroad switch turnouts, maintenance of railroad track right-of way to include weed control and tree trimming, ultrasonic testing of railroad track components, maintenance of railroad crossings, and the repair of railroad trackage to include the replacement of crossties, switch timbers, rail and switch turnout components. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $16,301,483. Work will be performed in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by October 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $300,000 (Continuing Resolution Authority apportionment throughDec. 11, 2014) are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Public Works Department Earle, Colts Neck, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

KPMG LLP, McLean, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $9,662,653 firm-fixed-price contract for audit readiness management, personnel, and documentation services. This contract was a competitive acquisition and six offers were received. This is a one-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Virginia, with an Oct. 27, 2015, performance completion date. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office, Richmond, Virginia (SP4703-11-A-0017-0052).
 

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

 

Orbital Sciences Corp., Dulles, Virginia, has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HR0011-15-C-0020) for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) research project with a Phase 1 total amount of $7,174,748. Phase 1 of the contract is the first of a three-phase program and has a period of performance of 10 months. Fiscal 2014 research and development funds in the amount of $4,618,063 have been applied to Phase 1 at the time of award. Work will be performed in Dulles, Virginia, with an expected completion date of Aug. 31, 2015. This contract was a competitive acquisition. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
 

*Small business

SOLDIER'S MEDAL

11/01/2014 07:42 AM CDT

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, presents a solider with a Solider's Medal after holding a town hall meeting with the 10th Mountain Division on Fort Drum, N.Y., Oct. 31, 2014.

RESPECTED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSE BEN ALLEN FOR STATE SENATE

RESPECTED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSE BEN ALLEN FOR STATE SENATE Allen Gains Widespread Endorsements from Major Public Safety Organizations

Santa Monica, CA -- In his bid to represent California’s 26th State Senate District, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board Member Ben Allen has earned endorsements from every law enforcement organization that has endorsed candidates in the 26th State Senate District Election to date.  Don Jeffrey Stock, President of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs stated, “The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the largest association of deputy sheriffs and district attorney investigators in the United States, currently representing more than 8,000 sworn law enforcement officers, is pleased to endorse your [Ben Allen's] candidacy for election to the California State Senate District 26.” "After an extensive selection process, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) Board of Directors is proud to endorse Ben Allen for State Senate. In addition to Ben’s commitment to affordable education and sustainable job creation, his pledge for public safety and a safe environment for all of us will be among his highest priorities. We look forward to a long and positive partnership," said Tyler Izen, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.   President of the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA) Brian Moriguchi added, "PPOA is proud to endorse Ben Allen for Senate. Ben cares about the community and will be a strong advocate for public safety. He has the leadership qualities and compassion we need in government to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe for all people." "The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) prides itself on carefully scrutinizing the qualifications of every candidate. Ben Allen will be an excellent representative for our District, especially in regards to the issues involving public safety. As public safety officers, we appreciate Ben's willingness to keep the avenues of communication open and his concerted efforts to seek our input on issues involving public safety and law enforcement. The Peace Officers Research Association of California is proud to endorse Ben Allen's campaign for State Senate in District 26," said Michael Durant, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California. "I am so pleased to have widespread support from the leading public safety organizations for my campaign for State Senate," said Ben Allen. "Public Safety is an issue that crosses party lines and touches every community in District 26 and throughout our country. As our next State Senator, I will work closely with our local elected leaders and public safety officials to provide the training, resources, and support necessary to keep our District a safe home for all residents."   Ben Allen placed first among a crowded field in the open primary for the 26th State Senate District, held on June 3, 2014.   With these distinguished endorsements, Allen gains momentum with the support of a growing list of public safety organizations including Southern California Alliance of Law Enforcement (SCALE), Santa Monica Police Officers Association (SMPOA), Redondo Beach Police Officers Association, Long Beach Police Officers Association which have endorsed Ben Allen for State Senate, the only candidate who grew up in the District and who has represented Californians as a public servant at the state and local levels. He has earned the endorsements of some of the region's most recognizable and respected leaders, including U.S. Representatives Henry Waxman and Grace Napolitano; former U.S. Representatives Anthony Beilenson, Howard Berman, Yvonne Burke, and Mel Levine; Los Angeles County Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Don Knabe; former; State Senators Fran Pavley and Jerry Hill; former State Senators Tom Hayden and Alan Sieroty; and Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Paul Krekorian, and Tom Labonge.   For the full list of Ben Allen's endorsements, please click here. The 26th State Senate District consists of the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, El Segundo, Avalon, Lomita, Torrance, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills; the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood, Westwood Village, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Little Holmby, Sunset Hills, Beverly Grove, Mar Vista, Mid City West, Miracle Mile, Larchmont Village, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Fairfax, Carthay, Fremont Place, Hancock Park, and Windsor Square; and the unincorporated Los Angeles County communities of Marina Del Rey, San Clemente Island, Santa Catalina Island, Franklin, Centinela, and Ocean View.

Ventura County DA Condemns Brownley Ads Against Jeff Gorell; Demands Brownley Take Them Off the Air

   

 

CAMARILLO, CA - Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten today condemned television ads and campaign mailers from Congressional incumbent Julia Brownley attacking Jeff Gorell on domestic violence and called on Brownley to immediately take them off the air.

 

 "As a Ventura County Prosecutor for seven years, Jeff Gorell fought to protect women from acts of violence.  Brownley's ads are false, unfair and malicious.  Jeff has never, and will never condone violence against women," said Totten.

 

"I am very disappointed that Congresswoman Brownley's campaign would stoop to this level of desperation," continued Totten.  "During his service in the State Assembly, Jeff has been a strong voice for Crime Victims, earning support from Law Enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League, for his work in strengthening laws against criminals who prey on women"

 

"These kind of hateful attacks have no place in our elections," declared Totten.  "Congresswoman Brownley should take them off the air and immediately apologize to Jeff and Laura Gorell for her campaign's disgraceful attacks against a Veteran and a Prosecutor whom the Ventura County Star has praised for his integrity."

 

 

Dempsey Discusses 'Strategy in the Open' at Syracuse Event

By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2014 - The world has always faced challenges, but the difference today is many strategy and policy decisions are made in public, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday at Syracuse University in Central New York.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told the University's Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families that the shift to public decision-making for him has been evolutionary. But, "in your lifetime in public service ... you will find increasingly that you are constantly under scrutiny for the decisions you make."

Because of that scrutiny, decision-makers often find that they change decisions almost as soon as they have made them, he said. Policymakers make decisions under the observation of 330 million fellow citizens.

Complicated v. Complex

Ever the wordsmith, Dempsey also took policy makers to task for confusing the words complicated and complex. "Think of complicated as something you can disaggregate, deal with its component parts, put it back together and the problem is largely solved," he said.

Complex issues have at the starting point the fact that as soon as they are touched they change things. "It's the Heisenberg principle there is no such thing as a pure experiment because when you ... touch it, you change it," he said. "That's what we're facing today across the globe."

The chairman used his favorite mnemonic device 222 and 1 to talk about the state of the world.

The device means two heavyweights, two middleweights, two networks and a domain.

China, Russia

China and Russia are the heavyweights and the chairman is acutely aware that whatever the United States does around the world affects the security relationship with those two heavyweights.

North Korea and Iran are the two middleweights: North Korea for the instability it brings to Northeast Asia and potentially the globe. With Iran "we're on a path to resolve the nuclear issues" that mar that country's relations with the rest of the world, he said. But the nuclear issues are just the tip of the iceberg with Iran. There are also problems with Iran sponsoring terrorism, launching a cyberwar and much else, he said.

The first of the two networks is the al-Qaida affiliate network. This is the fanatical religious network that runs from Central Asia across the Middle East into North Africa. From Pakistan to Nigeria, the network is a problem, he said.

The other network is transnational organized crime and doesn't get the notoriety it should, the chairman said. "It makes more money in a year than most countries on the planet ... and that money gets turned into weapons and into the hands of the terror networks," he said.

Danger of Cyber

The domain is cyber. "It's manmade, and we can understand it, but it's becoming increasingly dangerous because of the ability of someone with a laptop to do more with that device than many can do with bullets," he said.

Cyber is an emotional issue, but Americans need to have the conversation about the domain. "We've got to ... find a way to collaborate on standards and information sharing and what is the role of the government in the cyber domain," he said. America is most vulnerable to a cyber attack, the chairman said.

President Obama Speaks with Troops Deployed in Operation United Assistance

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2014 - President Barack Obama has spoken with service personnel working to stop the spread of Ebola in West Africa to offer his profound gratitude for their role in Operation United Assistance.  

Here is the statement released by the White House: 

The President spoke by phone on Saturday afternoon with U.S. service members in Liberia and Senegal taking part in Operation United Assistance, the U.S. military mission to contain the Ebola outbreak at its source.

The President, on behalf of the American people, offered his profound gratitude to the dedicated men and women providing logistics support, engineering expertise, construction services, and other elements needed to bring the epidemic under control. The President underscored that the civilian-led, whole of government strategy to tackle Ebola on the frontlines is the most effective way to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the American people from additional cases at home. He concluded the call by noting that, while we must not relent in this campaign, initial signs of progress in Liberia were a testament to the skill and determination of these service members and their civilian counterparts. Their service embodies American leadership at its finest.

OCCIDENTAL 41, POMONA-PITZER 17

LOS ANGELES — Bryan Scott had a big game through the air, Shay Mueller swung the momentum with a fumble recovery for a touchdown at the end of the first half and the Tigers kept the "Drum" Trophy for an eleventh consecutive year, beating the Sagehens 41-17 at Jack Kemp Stadium on Saturday.

It is the oldest college football rivalry on the West Coast, dating back to 1895.

Scott, the 2013 SCIAC Newcomer of the Year, threw for 296 yards on 20-25 passing, including four touchdowns. Devin Bullock was on the receiving end of three of them, two on swing passes near the goal line and the other on an out route.

Pomona-Pitzer held a 17-14 and did well moving the ball on the ground before Nicholas McHughforced the ball loose from Aseal Birir deep in Pomona-Pitzer territory. Muller scooped it up, scoring with 22 seconds left to give the Tigers a 20-17 lead headed into the locker room.

Besides the one blemish, Birir had an outstanding game, running for 217 yards on 28 carries.

On Oxy's opening drive in the second half, Scott found Kaleb Mitchell for a 59-yard score through the air, giving Oxy a comfortable cushion. 

The Tigers outscored the Sagehens 21-0 in the second half.

Crizer caught Oxy's longest play from scrimmage, taking a 62-yard pass inside the 5-yard-line in the first half. Crizer finished with three catches for 109 yards.

Oxy star running back Kwame Do quietly had a solid game on the ground, finishing with 131 yards and a touchdown on 25 touches. 

Mueller led Oxy on the defensive side of the ball, adding a second-half interception to his impressive night. Devin Chapman made eight tackles, Dallas Gosselin had a sack and Mueller,Teran Mawhinney, Matthew Malos and McHugh all added seven tackles. 

Season Impact: With the win, Oxy improves to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in SCIAC play. Depending on the outcome of the Tigers' game next week and the result between Redlands and Chapman (both 5-0 in SCIAC), the Tigers could be playing for a SCIAC Championship at Redlands in their season finale if the Bulldogs knock off the Panthers tomorrow.

Next Game: The Tigers play at Cal Lutheran, Oxy head coach Doug Semones' Alma mater, in Thousand Oaks on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

Oxy Football Hall of Fame: At halftime, nine Oxy football greats were inducted into the revived Occidental Football Hall of Fame. It is the program's third year since renewing the tradition that was dormant for several decades.

All but one of the inductees were members of Oxy's 1982 team that defeated the University of San Diego 34-20 on national television during the NFL player's strike, despite being a heavy underdog. Under then first-year head coach Dale Widolff, that 1982 team sparked a three-year SCIAC Championship run from 1983-1985, setting the tone for eight more championships after that and Oxy's rise as a West Region power for the next 30 years. 

Matt Kurilich, Class of 1953 - Kurilich is one of just a handful of Oxy athletes in its long history to be selected into multiple sport halls of fame. Kurilich is also a prominent baseball player and in the Oxy Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Eric Raff, Class of 1983 - Raff was a four-year defensive starter and a three-time All-SCIAC selection. He was Oxy's Defensive Lineman of the year from 1980-1982. 

Scott Grosse, Class of 1984 - Grosse was a Football Digest All-America First Team selection at nose guard in 1984. He was Oxy's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1983 and 1984.

Dan Osborn, Class of 1984 - Osborn was a 1982 AP and Kodak First Team All-American in 1982 and Oxy's co-Most Valuable Player in 1982-83.

Ron Scott, Class of 1984 - Scott was the SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and an NCAA All-American in 1984. 

Jon Finstuen, Class of 1985 - Finstuen was named Oxy's Most Valuable Offensive back and First Team All-SCIAC in 1983 and 1984. He later suited up for two games for the Los Angeles Rams. 

Jeff Goldstein, Class of 1986 - Goldstein was a First Team All-SCIAC running back, the Jack Kemp Offensive Back and Oxy's Iron Man award winner. 

Parris Devine, Class of 1986 - Devine was a four-year defensive starter, three-year All-SCIAC selection and the 1985 SCIAC Defensive MVP.

Vance Mueller, Class of 1986 - Mueller was named the Cheverolet Player of the Game when Oxy beat USD on national television and later went on to be a fourth round draft pick in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1986-1991. Mueller shared Oxy's Most Valuable Player award with Dan Osborn in 1982-193 and also earned the award in 1984. Mueller is the father of current Tiger football player Shay Mueller.

Operation Warm Wishes 6th Annual Unity in the Community Thanksgiving Spectacular

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, to remember the year that has passed and to be thankful for what we have been given. Thanksgiving is also a time to remember those less fortunate, the needy, the forgotten, and the homeless.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014, from Noon until 5:00 PM Operation Warm Wishes, will host and serve FREE Thanksgiving dinner, with all the trimmings, to families in need, senior citizens, troubled youth, the homeless, those suffering from various illnesses and all in need. This is going to be an amazing event all to help those in need. 

Operation Warm Wishes 6th Annual Unity in the Community Thanksgiving Spectacular at Peppertree Park. (230 W 1st Street Tustin, CA 92780)

Join Operation Warm Wishes as we come together to serve FREE Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings to the homeless, at risk youths, struggling families, Senior Citizens, Veterans and all those in need at Pepper Tree Park in the city of Tustin. It's going to be a beautiful and amazing day of family, fun and Thanksgiving! All is welcome! For more information please call (714) 363-6621 or visit www.OperationWarmWishes.com 

Together we can make a difference! Together we can touch lives!

For more information please call (714) 363-6621 or visitwww.OperationWarmWishes.com

DoD Releases Strategic Sustainability Plan

By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2014 - The Defense Department released a plan today intended to mitigate the effects of climate change on military operations and national security in what officials describe as a comprehensive framework for action through 2020 that calls for using resources more efficiently and acquiring more energy from renewable sources.

The Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan details DoD's goals for taking sensible and measured steps to mitigate the risk on operations posed by such climate change effects as flooding, surging sea levels, severe weather and extreme temperatures, by "managing the unavoidable and preparing for the possible," officials said in announcing the plan's release.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has called climate change a future trend that will affect U.S. national security and how the military executes its missions, including being increasingly called upon to respond to natural disasters.

Must Recognize Risk Exists to Mitigate It

"There are plenty of things we can do to mitigate the risk, but in order to mitigate risk, you have to recognize that it exists," said John Conger, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, who added that he considers the military's ability to conduct its mission in light of predicted environmental changes his top concern.

"We are trying to do a job here to protect the country, and this is one of those trends that might affect our ability to do that," he said. "We cannot ignore it. We need to be aware of the risks that it poses."

The report explains how climate change could directly affect military installations and operations, noting "some of the department's low-lying coastal installations are threatened by coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise."

Hagel has highlighted the Hampton Roads area in Virginia -- home to the largest concentration of U.S. military sites in the world -- as one area under threat. "We see recurrent flooding today, and we are beginning to work to address a projected sea level rise of 1.5 feet over the next 20 to 50 years," he said in releasing the department's 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap earlier this year.

Conger said this is one example that shows the department is going to have to adjust to accommodate environmental change. "There are projections that we have out to 30 years where we're looking at a foot or two feet of sea level rises in that particular area," he said. "That will affect some of our infrastructure, but it's not going to make the base useless."

Extreme Heat Affects Training

In addition, the Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan says conditions such as more frequent extreme heat projected with climate change could limit outdoor military training, potentially affecting readiness.

"There are 'black flag' days where when it's over 90 degrees [and] you can't have the guys running for their training," Conger explained. "It affects live-fire training in that if it's particularly dry, you can't use live fire because it's more likely to set off a fire."

A comprehensive review of all U.S. installations will be conducted to assess the potential impact that climate change could have on the thousands of buildings, bases and other sites owned by the department.

In addition, the report lays out how the department will use a wide range of practices -- including reducing energy demand -- that, along with efforts by partner nations, are intended to move military operations away from vulnerabilities such as relying on traditional petroleum and electricity networks, resources that increasingly are at risk in some parts of the world.

Waiting Would Require Doing Much Bigger Things

"There are a whole range of things from the distant to the proximate we have to deal with," Conger said. "If we wait until the long-term problem is proximate, then we have to do much bigger things in order to deal with it."

The release of the report coincides with the fifth anniversary of President Barack Obama's 2009 executive order on environmental, energy and economic performance, which set aggressive energy, climate and environmental targets for federal agencies for efforts such as using more alternative fuels and renewable resources, conserving water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging teleworking.

Administration officials say these measures already have helped to reduce the federal government's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 17 percent since 2008, the equivalent of permanently taking nearly 2 million cars off the road.

Happy Halloween - one of the coolest symbols of this special day...

Mexican free-tailed bats exiting Bracken Bat Cave in Texas. (Ann Froschauer/@USFWS)

Happy Halloween - one of the coolest symbols of this special day are bats! Bats are amazing animals that are vital to the health of our environment and economy - eating tons of insects nightly, pollinating flowers and spreading seeds that that grow new plants and even trees. Bats are in decline nearly everywhere they are found. Bats in the U.S. and Canada have declined dramatically as the disease, #whitenosesyndrome has killed over 6 million bats in just six years. To learn more about what we’re doing to combat this disease, visitwww.whitenosesyndrome.org/.

EPA Releases Climate Plans

EPA Releases Climate Plans on Fifth Anniversary of President Obama’s Sustainability Initiative

Plan Builds Capacity to Protect Human Health and the Environment in a Changing Climate   

As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, EPA today released plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change impacts such as flooding, sea level rise, severe weather and temperature extremes. These Sustainability Plans and Climate Change Adaptation Plans coincide with the fifth anniversary of President Obama’s 2009 Executive Order on Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance, which set aggressive energy, climate and environmental targets for agencies, and detail how EPA’s actions have already contributed to reducing the Federal Government’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 17 percent since 2008 – the equivalent of permanently taking 1.8 million cars off the road.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is already challenging our communities and our ability to protect the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.  “EPA’s Adaptation Plan provides the agency with a roadmap for how we will anticipate and plan for a changing climate, while our Sustainability Plan identifies specific ways we will help slow the rate of climate change by reducing our own carbon footprint.”

 

Climate Change Adaptation Plan

When he laid out his Climate Action Plan to cut carbon pollution, prepare communities for the impacts of climate change, and lead international efforts to reduce emissions, the president reiterated his commitment to leading by example in the Federal Government. The climate change impacts that are hitting communities across the country – ranging from more severe droughts and wildfires to record heat waves and damaging storms – are also affecting Federal facilities, operations and resources.  The President directed agencies to assess their vulnerabilities to these impacts in Climate Change Adaptation Plans and outline how they will protect Federal programs and taxpayer investments.  

The EPA Plan identifies priority actions the Agency will take to incorporate considerations of climate change into its programs, policies, rules and operations to ensure they are effective under future climatic conditions. The Plan reflects input received from States, Tribes and municipal and county officials during development, as well as comments received during a formal Tribal consultation process and a 60 day public comment period during the Winter of 2013.

EPA is also releasing final Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plans from its National Environmental Program Offices and all 10 Regional Offices.  The Implementation Plans, which also reflect responses to public comment, provide more detail on how EPA Programs and Regions will carry out the work called for in the agencywide Plan in partnership with states, tribes, and local governments.  

EPA commitments include:

• Incorporating climate adaptation criteria in the Brownsfields grants process to ensure cleanup actions taken by communities are effective as the climate changes.
• Integrating considerationsof climate change into the Clean Water State Revolving Funds process and continue working with States to ensure investments in water infrastructure are resilient to change in climate
• Providing communities with the tools they need to increase their resilience.  For example, a Stormwater Calculator and Climate Adaptation Tool empowers community planners to estimate the amount of stormwater runoff that they'll have to manage today and in the future.

 

Sustainability Plan

To do its part to help prevent the worst impacts of climate change, as the largest energy user in the Nation, the Federal Government must also lead by example to reduce its emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases.  EPA’s Sustainability Plan outlines how the agency has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 57.4 percent, and it is meeting additional water, energy and waste targets.  

EPA has consistently met or exceed the federal requirements for energy efficiency, fuel use, renewable energy, and other high-performance sustainable building metrics. In 2013, for example, EPA exceeded the 24 percent energy intensity reduction from its FY 2003 baseline, reducing its FY 2013 energy intensity by 25.6 percent from FY 2003. In FY 2013, EPA also reduced fleet petroleum use by 38.9 percent compared to the FY 2005 baseline, exceeding the goal of 16 percent.

Dempsey, Battaglia Explain Rationale for Monitoring

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2014 - The 21-day controlled monitoring program for U.S. service members returning from West Africa is a conservative and prudent approach, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his senior enlisted advisor said today. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia said they see the reintegration program troops will undergo upon return from Operation United Assistance as a move that fits the needs of service members and their families. They said military leaders will continue to assess and adapt the program as needed. Both leaders said the military mission in Africa is unique in several ways. "Our forces are the largest in number, and we are there for the longest duration," Dempsey said, adding that the vast majority of service members deploying are not medical professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols call for self-monitoring for returning health care workers who are generally traveling alone or in small groups. But service members are not schooled in these protocols and will number in the hundreds and thousands, Dempsey said. Reintegration Not New Reintegration is not new to service members and families -- in fact, the military does this all the time, Dempsey said. "We tailor the reintegration program to what the soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, Coast Guardsmen have been through," he said in a phone interview from his Pentagon office. "It varies on occasion from service to service." With up to 4,000 American service members deploying to West Africa to provide support for the worldwide effort against the Ebola virus, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had to develop a unique program for when large numbers of troops come home. What the chiefs, the senior enlisted leaders and Dempsey agreed with was a controlled monitoring protocol where medical personnel will monitor and report to a chain of command. It is "certainly a conservative approach, but also a prudent approach until we learn more about this mission," Dempsey said. Program Could Change This could change, the chairman said. "We're over there for six months at a time, and we don't think it will be one deployment," he said. He went on to say the overall operation could last 18 months or more. But the chiefs will reassess the reintegration protocols in 45 days, he said, and will listen to medical personnel, the service members themselves and the families. "If we think we've been too conservative, we will make an adjustment, and I can't predict what that will be," Dempsey said. "I feel good where we are now, but I'm open to the possibility that 45 days from now we will adapt." The reintegration protocol does not indicate a lack of trust in the men and women serving, Battaglia said. "We supervise a lot of things we do in military operations, and this is just that a military operation," he said. "I'm talking with families around the services. They, too, would rather be safe than sorry." Dempsey stressed that the chiefs' decision was based on what they believed was best for the force and their families, but also was informed by the Pentagon's medical experts. "There is a 21-day incubation for this disease, and that's how we determined the controlled monitoring," he said. "Based on what we know about how this disease spreads, it shouldn't be a problem." American service members have been deploying around the world in large numbers since World War II. Service leaders know all about deploying, redeploying and reintegrating from the Middle East or Central Asia. But West Africa is a different environment, with different challenges. Prudent Course "I think it is prudent to take the 21 days, get a good clean bill of health, let that shot clock expire on what we know the incubation period of the disease [to be], and then we send our young men and women home to their families when we're confident that they are healthy," Dempsey said. "It's pretty clear that the senior commissioned and noncommissioned leaders take pretty seriously their responsibility to protect those who serve, and so we're taking this approach now and we'll adapt it as we need to over time." Battaglia echoed the assertion. "As a military force, we lead, we supervise and we take care of our own," he said. "It's as important as the mission itself. When it involves the health and welfare of our men and women and military families, we will always take the more proactive approach. Controlled monitoring is an example of that. "I feel very strongly that this is the safest post-deployment protocol in support of Operation United Assistance," he continued. "We will continue to assess the situation on the ground to ensure it remains the most effective and safest method."

The Home Depot Foundation Awards Grant To Redding Veterans Home

 

Redding – Starting today, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) begins enhancing the outdoor living space at the Redding Veterans Home thanks to a Celebration of Service grant from The Home Depot Foundation. The $12,000 grant, along with the assistance of The Home Depot volunteers, installs seating, a bird aviary, and therapeutic garden beds with irrigation. 

 

“We are grateful for The Home Depot Foundation’s generosity and appreciate their recognition of our Veterans service and sacrifice for our country,” said Redding Home Administrator Timothy Bouseman. “When complete, the new space provides our residents a beautiful and peaceful place to gather and a garden to work in side-by-side.”

 

“Team Depot” awarded the grant on October 22, 2014.  

 

Team Depot’s 2014 Celebration of Service campaign plans to improve more than 1,000 Veteran homes and facilities before Veterans Day. This is the fourth year of the campaign.   Team Depot’s associate volunteers remain committed to improving the lives of our U.S. military veterans and their families nationwide. 

 

The Home Depot Foundation and its partner nonprofit organizations donate millions of volunteer hours, tools, and supplies to community service projects each year.  Formalized in 1992, Team Depot programs bring together volunteerism, do-it-yourself expertise, product donations and monetary grants as a way to support the communities where the associates live and work.

 

Our Veterans Home of California – Redding opened its doors on October 25, 2013, and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a “Founders Day” celebration, including  the burial of a time capsule.  The time capsule will be dug up and revealed on October 25, 2034.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Meeting with Albania's Minister of Defense Mimi Kodheli

Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:
 

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with Albania's Minister of Defense Mimi Kodheli, today at the Pentagon.

Secretary Hagel thanked Minister Kodheli for her leadership in Albania's generous support to the Government of Iraq through resupply donations. Albania has played a leading role in the international effort underway to resupply Iraq's Kurdish forces with ammunition and equipment needed in the fight against ISIL.

The leaders discussed Albania's defense reform efforts, including the Albanian officers who recently graduated from the New Jersey National Guard Officer Candidate School. They agreed to continue to work together on building Albanian capacity for training and education.

Minister Kodheli highlighted the Albanian Ministry's efforts to modernize the Albanian armed forces with NATO-standard weapons, and encouraged U.S. defense investment in Albania.


Finally, Secretary Hagel noted Albania's support to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, and thanked Albania for its commitment to the Resolute Support mission post-2014.
 

Teachers of the Year: We endorse Tuck

Teachers of the Year speak out: We've been pink-slipped 9 times... we need change

Los Angeles--Three former Teachers of the Year are stepping forward today to announce their support of Marshall Tuck for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. As awarded Teachers of the Year, Bhavini Bhkata, W. Kipp Morales, and Andrew Shean have seen firsthand how current rules and Sacramento bureaucracy hold back their chosen profession. Despite being at the top of their profession, the three teachers have been pink-slipped nine times between them because of laws like those overturned in the Vergara case that hold back the profession and harm our ability to educate kids.  “As California public school teachers and educators, we have dedicated our lives to helping students learn and achieve. We know firsthand how important it is to have leadership that understands that in order for students to be successful, teachers must be supported and given the flexibility to work with our local communities, with school leadership and with parents to create the best possible experience for every child. We entered the profession of teaching to make a difference in children’s lives and ensure that all California kids are given the opportunity to receive a quality education. That is why we are supporting Marshall Tuck. His plan for supporting the profession through better pay, increased training, freedom from crippling bureaucracy and changes to laws like ‘Last in, First out’ are the right steps for California’s kids.” “We are particularly disturbed by recent attacks on Marshall’s outstanding record improving schools in some of California’s toughest neighborhoods. As you know, Marshall has led two innovative school systems in high-need areas: Green Dot Public Schools and the Partnership for LA Schools. These school systems--both union systems--serve as national models for parental involvement, effective technology in the classroom, and excellent teaching methods. These schools have been good for teachers and we welcome Marshall’s leadership in Sacramento.” About Bhavini Bhkata School: Bradoaks Elementary School, Monrovia Unified Award: Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award Times Pink Slipped: 6 (pink slipped or displaced based on seniority) Additional Comments: “I've been a public school teacher for 10 years, and have been pink-slipped for 6 of them …. being a Teacher of the Year, and having received 6 pink slips -- that doesn't make much sense to anyone. Marshall understands what makes sense for students, for teachers, and for public schools. He is one of the first people I have come across who believes that teacher quality outweighs a teacher's seniority. He is 100% for the best outcomes for kids. He believes teachers have the largest impact on students during their school day, regardless of their home environments. He doesn't give up because students live in a certain zip code, instead, he welcomes the opportunity to provide a supportive and rigorous learning environment while kids are in school. Marshall is behind great teachers, he is behind great principals, and he is absolutely behind the students in our state.” About W. Kipp Morales School: Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Award: Teacher of the Year Number of times pink-slipped: 1 Additional statement: “I support Marshall Tuck's innovative initiatives that seek to move student achievement, teacher compensation, and...yes...teacher unions...out of the self-created quagmire and into a culture of success like my school has obtained.” About Andrew Shean: School: Abraxas High School, Poway Unified School District Award: Two-time Teacher of the Year Number of times pink-slipped: 2 Additional statement: “We have to change a system that forgoes merit [and the] difference a teacher makes in the lives of children [during] tough budget decisions. It is time to start questioning the status quo and putting kids first. I fully support marshall Tuck and am hopeful others will too!” Current role: Vice Provost of Curriculum and Innovation, Ashford University

About Marshall Tuck Marshall Tuck is the only candidate for State Superintendent with a proven record of increasing graduation rates, improving student achievement, and turning around failing schools. In this campaign, every major newspaper in California has endorsed Tuck. TheSan Francisco Chronicle praised Tuck for his “efforts to turn around high-poverty, low-performing public schools.” The LA Times calls Tuck “an overdue force for change,” with “the energy and vision to turn California’s schools around.” Tuck served most recently as founding CEO of the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s groundbreaking collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District to operate 17 struggling public elementary, middle, and high schools serving 15,000 students. Under Tuck’s leadership, these schools increased four-year graduation rates by over 60%, improved school safety and student attendance, and launched the innovative Parent College, now a national model for getting parents more involved in their kids’ education. Over the last 5 years, the Partnership schools ranked first in academic improvement among school systems with more than 10,000 students. Prior to launching the Partnership, Tuck served as President of Green Dot Public Schools, a leading charter school operator based in Los Angeles. Tuck joined Green Dot in 2002, when it had one school, and helped them expand to 10 charter high schools by 2006. With a student-centered approach that empowered principals, teachers, and parents, Green Dot schools substantially outperformed comparable schools’ graduation rates and overall academic achievement. Before devoting his career to helping students, Tuck was an executive at Model N, a successful enterprise software company based in the Bay Area. Prior to that, he worked in finance, and spent a year teaching and doing service work internationally, primarily in Zimbabwe and Thailand. The son of a teacher, Tuck was born in Burlingame, CA and attended parochial elementary school and public middle and high schools. He graduated from UCLA and Harvard Business School. Tuck lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Mae, and their son Mason.

Singer and Education Activist John Legend Endorses Tuck

Shared vision: Every child deserves access to great teachers, quality education

Los Angeles -- Singer and education activist John Legend announced his support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Marshall Tuck this morning by tweeting his support from the road of his "All of Me" tour and releasing the following statement: “As you know, I believe it’s so important that every kid in the country has equal access to a great education--and I’m dedicated to helping turn around our schools. There is nothing more significant we can do for our kids than ensure that every child has a great teacher and a real chance to succeed. Yet in California we are fundamentally failing to provide that opportunity. That’s why I am joining thousands of Californians--liberal and conservative--in supporting Marshall Tuck for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Because when it comes to our kids, we need major change, now. A vote for Marshall Tuck is a vote for a ‘kids first’ agenda when it comes to education.” Beyond his accomplishments as a talented and popular singer, Legend is known for his commitment to education, serving on the boards of Teach for America, Harlem Village Academies, and Stand for Children. Legend’s endorsement adds to the growing momentum for Tuck, who was most recently leading in the polls and has received the support of every major newspaper in California. The normally quiet race for California’s top education official is shaping up to be the most heated on the ballot and is seen nationally as a referendum on change vs. the status quo, with leaders like Legend siding firmly with Tuck. “One-in-eight kids in public school in America is in California public schools, yet our schools rank 45th in the nation in reading and math,” Legend continued. “That’s unacceptable. In Tuck we have the chance to change the lives of the millions of kids in California, and to help lead a nation that must do better by its kids.” Tuck, a passionate educator and former charter school leader who also stepped up as CEO of the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools and led the turnaround of 17 failing public schools in some of the city’s toughest neighborhoods, is challenging incumbent Tom Torlakson, a 30+ year politician and staunch defender of the status quo.

About Marshall Tuck Marshall Tuck is the only candidate for State Superintendent with a proven record of increasing graduation rates, improving student achievement, and turning around failing schools. In this campaign, every major newspaper in California has endorsed Tuck. TheSan Francisco Chronicle praised Tuck for his “efforts to turn around high-poverty, low-performing public schools.” The LA Times calls Tuck “an overdue force for change,” with “the energy and vision to turn California’s schools around.” Tuck served most recently as founding CEO of the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s groundbreaking collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District to operate 17 struggling public elementary, middle, and high schools serving 15,000 students. Under Tuck’s leadership, these schools increased four-year graduation rates by over 60%, improved school safety and student attendance, and launched the innovative Parent College, now a national model for getting parents more involved in their kids’ education. Over the last 5 years, the Partnership schools ranked first in academic improvement among school systems with more than 10,000 students. Prior to launching the Partnership, Tuck served as President of Green Dot Public Schools, a leading charter school operator based in Los Angeles. Tuck joined Green Dot in 2002, when it had one school, and helped them expand to 10 charter high schools by 2006. With a student-centered approach that empowered principals, teachers, and parents, Green Dot schools substantially outperformed comparable schools’ graduation rates and overall academic achievement. Before devoting his career to helping students, Tuck was an executive at Model N, a successful enterprise software company based in the Bay Area. Prior to that, he worked in finance, and spent a year teaching and doing service work internationally, primarily in Zimbabwe and Thailand. The son of a teacher, Tuck was born in Burlingame, CA and attended parochial elementary school and public middle and high schools. He graduated from UCLA and Harvard Business School. Tuck lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Mae, and their son Mason.

Hagel Thanks Albanian Counterpart for Support in ISIL Fight

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel thanked Albanian Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli during a Pentagon meeting yesterday for her leadership in Albania's support to the Iraqi government in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel hosts an honor cordon to welcome Albanian Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli to the Pentagon, Oct. 30, 2014. DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby noted that Albania has played a leading role in the international effort underway to resupply Iraq's Kurdish forces with ammunition and equipment.

"The leaders [also] discussed Albania's defense reform efforts, including the Albanian officers who recently graduated from the New Jersey National Guard Officer Candidate School," Kirby added. "They agreed to continue to work together on building Albanian capacity for training and education."

Kodheli highlighted the Albanian Defense Ministry's efforts to modernize the country's armed forces with NATO-standard weapons, and she encouraged U.S. defense investment in Albania, the press secretary said.

Hagel noted Albania's support to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, the admiral said, and thanked Albania for its commitment to the post-2014 Resolute Support mission there.