By Amaani Lyle
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2014 - The Defense Department released the quarterly suicide report for April through June of 2014, and the numbers, officials said, indicate a drop from first-quarter statistics for all services and components.
The second-quarter report summary showed 70 suicides among active duty service members, 14 suicides among Reserve component service members and 20 suicides among National Guardsmen.
In an off-camera briefing, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren reported comparison first quarter statistics of 74 active duty members, 24 Reservists and 22 National Guardsmen.
Possible Reasons for Decline in Suicides
Jacqueline Garrick, acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, said the decline could be attributable to the Defense Department's vigilant efforts to better understand and identify at-risk service members and veterans, greater collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and increased peer-to-peer, online and telephone counseling resources.
"We've brought on qualified responders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, many who have served in the military themselves and who understand that way of life," Garrick said, "and we're evaluating training to develop core competencies for peer, command, clinical and pastoral requirements."
Still, Garrick noted fear of career damage remains one of the major obstacles between veterans in crisis and the path to treatment and counseling.
"The goal is to eliminate the stigma of getting help," she said. "So there's been an increase in first-level, peer-to-peer groups, which have made a difference in enabling people who fear they may be jeopardizing their career to reach out for care."
Other resources, Garrick said, include a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year crisis line, online chat, and text-messaging service for veterans and service members of all statuses.
"This is free, confidential support for people who are having trouble, but also for people who want to help someone they see struggling," she said.
Garrick noted that DoD and VA recognize the need to help transitioning service members, as some 250,000 separate or medically retire from the military each year.
"We're developing a resiliency module for veterans training," Garrick said. "We want to make sure when you see resources such as Military Crisis Line, Veterans Crisis Line and all that branding is the same, you begin to recognize that's for you no matter what status you're in."
Suicide Factors, Overall Statistics
As the drawdown continues in Afghanistan, Garrick noted that while post-traumatic stress disorder is a common reaction to the rigors of deployments, recent wars are less relevant to current statistics than many realize.
"Just over half of service members who've attempted or died as a result of suicide have been deployed and less than 15 percent of that number had been in actual combat," she said. "Far more common reasons for suicide are financial problems, relationship issues, depression or abuse."
In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control listed suicide as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. That year, there were 38,364 suicides -- an average of 105 each day.
Garrick asserts that seeking help is a sign of strength, treatment works, and myriad resources remain available to current and former service members and their families.
"The problems that go unresolved only get worse and we know those have greater impacts on your life, your career, on your family," she said. "So we would encourage anybody to intervene and act early - that's the notion behind the power of one: everybody has the power to save a life."
By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2014 - The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program office announced today the European locations for heavy engine and heavy air frame maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade facilities.
"In the European region, F-35 initial air frame MROU capability will be provided by Italy by 2018," Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told reporters.
Bogdan is the Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office in Arlington, Virginia.
Italy has invested $1 billion into a purpose-built final assembly and check-out facility for the F-35, he said.
"As Italy builds up their production capability at the FACO, there's an opportunity later on to add more production capacity to that FACO if other partners and the U.S. want to build their planes there," the general said. If the facility does shift toward production, Bogdan explained, the United Kingdom would be assigned to provide additional air frame depot capability.
Engine heavy maintenance will initially be provided by Turkey by 2018, he said, "with Norway and the Netherlands providing additional capability two to three years after Turkey's initial capability."
Test cells for engine heavy maintenance are "very expensive -- in the tens of millions of dollars," the general said, and no single partner or their industry was willing to invest in more than one test cell in their nation.
"That's a big risk for industry and that partner long-term to get the return on that investment," Bogdan said. Based on projections by the program office, at least three test cells were needed in order to build a sustainable program in Europe, he said.
Global Sustainment Posture
The announcement is the next step in establishing a global sustainment posture for the aircraft, the general said, noting that he expects to announce the Pacific region locations next week. Regional assignments for components, systems repair, warehousing, support equipment and other global supply chain functions will begin next year, Bogdan added, eventually totaling hundreds of billions of dollars in potential work.
"There is much work still to be had on the F-35 global sustainment posture," he said, "and we will go through a similar process over the next few years of assigning that capability to those areas and those partners that provide us the best value for doing that kind of work."
Partner nations and countries participating in the foreign military sales program for the F-35 who also wish to be assigned MROU work are responsible for making the investments in their own infrastructure, the general said.
"Over time, the workload that gets sent to that partner nation is the way in which their industry can recoup that investment cost," Bogdan said.
Site Selection Process
The final site determinations were made after the F-35 program office solicited and evaluated proposals from nations interested in being assigned heavy engine or heavy airframe work, he said.
A site survey team visited each nation that responded, the general said, and the evaluations and site visits were used to compile a list of recommended locations for review by the Defense Department.
DoD's final decision took into consideration a number of factors in addition to the recommendations by the program office, Bogdan said, including geography, operational necessity and the expected distribution of aircraft.
Multiple Sites Guarantee Flexibility
Each nation that sets up a regional capability is guaranteed to always receive a workload that is equivalent to the number of aircraft it purchases, the general said. But as basing decisions change over time, he added, the additional regionally assigned workloads may shift based on who can provide the best value given past performance.
"We will probably look at this on a two- to three-year basis," he said, adding that cost is not the only consideration in determining best value.
"When you look at a best value type of arrangement, you're looking at quality of the work, you're looking at delivery schedule and are they meeting [it], and you're looking at cost," Bogdan said.
The site decisions will have no effect on where the F-35 is based, the general said.
"Those decisions are made at the DoD level for reasons other than this," he said. "The reason why we're standing up capability in all three regions is to provide the partners and the U.S. the freedom of maneuver and the freedom of action to base the plane anywhere they want globally and still have access to the kinds of support we need to keep the F-35 fleet going."
As they move toward a final peace agreement, the negotiators of the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) face the challenge of laying out a credible path for guerrilla fighters to abandon arms and reintegrate into society.
Talks to end five decades of civil conflict in Colombia have seen unprecedented progress. But negotiators still need to agree on arguably the most sensitive point on their agenda: a bilateral ceasefire, the “leaving behind of weapons” (or disarmament) and the reintegration of FARC members. In its latest report, The Day after Tomorrow: Colombia’s FARC and the End of the Conflict, the International Crisis Group examines which guarantees will be needed so that both sides can trust the future agreement. The stakes could not be higher. If FARC’s transition to civilian life fails or is incomplete, more violence could ensue, posing threats to the political legitimacy of the entire peace accord.
The report’s major findings and recommendations are:
“Previous disarmament and reintegration programs have faltered over high violence, public indifference and timid international involvement”, says Christian Voelkel, Senior Analyst for Colombia/Andes. “A bolder and faster response is needed this time to set Colombia irreversibly on a path toward peace”.
“The conditions under which FARC will leave behind their weapons and reintegrate into society are sensitive issues in a country that remains deeply divided over the negotiations”, says Javier Ciurlizza, Latin America Program Director. “But with international support, the parties have the opportunity to lay the foundations for the construction of a durable peace in Colombia”.
By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2014 - Fourteen individuals including a group of former New York City firefighters were honored by the Department of Defense with the Spirit of Hope Award today, named after the legendary entertainer Bob Hope to recognize selfless service and a dedicated commitment to the military.
"It's the academy awards for those who have excelled in giving," said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, who hosted the annual Pentagon ceremony. "Reading your stories I can't help but be reminded of the power of one. Bob Hope recognized this too."
Those honored were nominated by the four military branches, the Coast Guard and the Office of Secretary of Defense for actions "whose patriotism and service to members of the U.S. armed forces reflects the patriotism and service of Bob Hope," the comedian and actor who spent decades traveling the world entertaining deployed troops.
Those honored today were:
-- The Vigiano Group, nominated by the Office of Secretary of Defense: Eight former members of the Fire Department of New York and former Marines who experienced personal tragedy during the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The group takes its name in honor of New York City policeman Joseph Vigiano and his firefighter brother John, both of whom were killed in the collapse of the Twin Towers. The Vigiano Group was awarded for dedicating the last 10 years to supporting Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center.
-- Joyce W. Massenburg, nominated by the Army: Awarded for developing command climate surveys during the tour of three separate quartermaster generals which aided in prioritizing efforts to boost morale of soldiers. For 17 years, she served with a community service organization that provided economic development, health and physical awareness training, and participated annually in the Soldiers Walk for Hunger and other events. Her contributions extended to all Army personnel through her lead role in developing an Army human relations response course.
-- Marjorie L. and Arthur P. Miller, nominated by the Marine Corps: Awarded for volunteerism at Navy and Marine Corps bases around the world, enhancing programs benefitting service personnel and their families with a special focus on child care and recreational services.
-- Jaspen Boothe, president, Final Salute Incorporated, nominated by the Navy: Awarded for providing housing and other services to homeless women and veterans.
-- Victor M. Pulido, a retired Air Force technical sergeant, nominated by the Air Force: Awarded for his work with community and base organizations to enhance the quality of life of service personnel and their families as well as for providing meals to homeless and needy families.
-- Robert Powers, nominated by the Coast Guard: Creator of the American 300 Foundation, a service that connects members of the military with other Americans. Powers was awarded for bringing vital messages of resiliency and appreciation to military personnel who have faced some of the most challenging and stressful situations imaginable. American 300 tours have visited hundreds of bases and units, most of which have seen combat or operate in isolated and remote locations around the world.
WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES
American Technology Solutions International Corp., Fredericksburg, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0011); Artlin Consulting LLC, Fairfax, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0012); IPT Associates LLC, Billerica, Massachusetts (HQ0034-15-D-0013); Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0014); CACI Enterprise Solutions, Chantilly, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0015); Logistics Management Institute, McLean, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0016); Modern Technology Solutions Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0017); and Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-15-D-0018), are each being awarded a fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide professional and executive-level mission support services, technical support, technical studies, and research and development projects. The aggregate not-to-exceed amount for this contract is $300,000,000. The eight companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order as they are issued. Performance location will be determined with each order and the expected completion date is Dec. 14, 2019. Fiscal 2015 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $40,000 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 38 proposals received. Washington Headquarters Services is the contracting activity.
NAVY
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $44,530,685 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for organizational, selected intermediate, and limited depot level maintenance and logistics services for aircraft assigned to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Fallon, Nevada. Services will be provided in support of 20 F/A-18A-F; three EA-18G, five MH-60S, 14 F-16A/B; and two E-2 C aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada, and is expected to be completed in January 2016. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,407,500 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; nine offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-15-D-0001).
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (N00189-15-D-Z010); Serco Inc., Reston, Virginia (N00189-15-D-Z011); Systems Planning & Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (N00189-15-D-Z012); Whitney, Bradley & Brown, Reston, Virginia (N00189-15-D-Z013); and CACI Inc., Chantilly, Virginia (N00189-15-D-Z014), are being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts that will include terms and conditions for the placement of both cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price task orders for Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, (Manpower, Personnel, Training & Education) to provide professional, technical, and administrative support services. The total estimated value for the five contracts combined is $40,716,029. These five contractors shall compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia (95 percent) and Millington, Tennessee (5 percent). The work is expected to be completed by Dec. 10, 2018. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount $200,000 will be obligated at the time of award -- $40,000 for each of the five contracts at the time of award and these funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The requirement was competitively procured through full and open competition and solicited through the Federal Business Opportunities website, with seven offers received in response to this solicitation. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $38,498,028 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-14-C-5128) to exercise an option for continuing Platform Systems Engineering Agent support of the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) MK 2 development of CVN/Amphibious Modernization Advanced Capability Build 12/Technical Insertion 12 (ACB12/TI12). Work to be performed includes the achievement of key milestones for non-recurring platform systems engineering. Work to be performed also encompasses maintenance of and improvement to fielded baselines, support to ongoing test and evaluation events, support for changes to accommodate other platform types as well as conduct of or support of progress reviews to include Interim Progress Reviews, Integrated Combat System Reviews and SSDS Element Focus Reviews. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (90 percent); Tewksbury, Massachusetts (2.5 percent); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (2.5 percent); St. Petersburg, Florida (2.5 percent); and Tucson, Arizona (2.5 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funding in the amount of $3,473,123 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $40,105 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded $31,264,447 for cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable delivery order 0067 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-12-G-0006). This order provides for on-site flight test management, flight test engineering, design engineering, and related efforts for the Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron in support of the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland (53 percent); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (32 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2015. Fiscal 2015 aircraft procurement (Navy) and fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $31,264,447 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Tactical Lighting Systems Inc.,* Addison, Illinois, is being awarded a $24,515,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the procurement of a Sustainment Lighting System that will support launch and recovery operations at expeditionary airfields. This procurement includes the engineering and manufacturing development portion and a quantity of two vertical takeoff and landing modules and two runway modules. Work will be performed at Addison, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in December 2019. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,500,000 are being obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-15-C-0083).
Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $21,192,127 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2313) to exercise options for DDG 51-class lead yard services. This work will provide class engineering and design services including technical assistance to the follow shipbuilders in the interpretation and application of the detailed design developed by Bath Iron Works, the lead yard contractor. Lead yard services include: liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistics services, class design contractor services, class changes design services for follow ships, noise, shock, and vibration program, and special studies. Work will be performed in Brunswick, Maine (69 percent); Bath, Maine (28 percent); Washington, District of Columbia (2 percent); and Pascagoula, Mississippi (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2011 and 2012 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $21,192,127 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
Woodcrest Ace Hardware Inc., Riverside, California, is being awarded $14,000,000 for modification P00002 under a previously awarded fixed-price requirements contract (M00681-13-D-0003) to exercise an option for the consignment of industrial supplies for the Consolidated Material Service Center. This modification increases the value of the basic contract for a new total value of $42,000,000. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, California, and work is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2015. No contract funds are being obligated at the time of award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Regional Contracting Office-Marine Corps Installation West, MCB, Camp Pendleton, California, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon IDS, Andover, Massachusetts, was awarded a $30,192,917 modification (P00006) to a Foreign Military Sales contract (W31P4Q-14-C-0093) to procure engineering services for calendar year 2014 for the Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) system. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,394,897; fiscal 2014 'other' funds in the amount of $10,411,874; fiscal 2014 'other' funds in the amount of $15,878,825; fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,098,815; and fiscal 2015 'other' funds in the amount of $1,408,506, were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Jan. 31, 2016. Work will be performed in Germany, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Reliable Contracting Group LLC,* Louisville, Kentucky, was awarded a $8,417,693 firm-fixed-price contract with options for replacing the fuel pipeline at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, with an estimated completion date of March 21, 2014. Bids were solicited via the Internet with five received. Fiscal 2014 military construction funds in the amount of $8,417,693 are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W91278-15-C-0005).
Barr Laboratories Inc., North Wales, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $29,299,919 firm-fixed-price contract for supply of Adenovirus vaccine type four and type seven. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Locations of performance are Pennsylvania and Virginia with a Dec. 31, 2015, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPM2DP-15-D-0001).
Earlier this year, expressing concern that the U.S. Navy was relying too heavily on the littoral combat ship (LCS) to meet long-term targets for the size of its fleet, I announced that the Defense Department would not undertake new contract negotiations beyond 32 littoral combat ships, and directed the Navy to submit alternative proposals to identify and procure a more lethal and survivable small surface combatant, with capabilities generally consistent with those of a frigate. I specifically asked the Navy to consider completely new designs, existing ship designs, and modified LCS designs; and to provide their recommendations to me in time to inform the president's fiscal year 2016 defense budget.
After rigorous review and analysis, today I accepted the Navy's recommendation to build a new small surface combatant (SSC) ship based on upgraded variants of the LCS. The new SSC will offer improvements in ship lethality and survivability, delivering enhanced naval combat performance at an affordable price.
The LCS was designed to be a modular and focused-mission platform individually tailored for mine-sweeping, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. Given today's fiscal climate and an increasingly volatile security environment, I concluded the Navy must direct its future shipbuilding resources toward more multi-mission platforms that can operate in every region and across the full spectrum of conflict.
My decision today follows consultations with DoD's senior leadership and careful review of the Navy's recommendation and underlying analysis, which included detailed evaluation of 192 design concepts as well as consultation with fleet commanders, industry, surface warfare officers, engineers, program managers, and analysts.
The more lethal and survivable SSC will meet a broader set of missions across the range of military operations, and addresses the Navy's top war-fighting priorities. It will feature an improved air defense radar; air defense decoys; a new, more effective electronic warfare system; an over-the-horizon anti-ship missile; multi-function towed array sonar; torpedo defenses; and additional armor protection.
I have directed the Navy to assume a total buy of 52 LSCs and SSCs, with the final number and mix dependent on future fleet requirements, final procurement costs, and overall Navy resources. Production of the new SSC will begin no later than fiscal year 2019, and there will be no gap between production of the last LCS and the first SSC. A significant advantage to this approach is the ability to enhance naval combat performance by back-fitting select SSC improvements to the LCS fleet.
The Navy's new proposal, like the LCS, will continue to have its critics, but considering the context of our broader naval battle force and the current strategic and fiscal environment, I believe it represents our best and most cost effective option. By avoiding a new class of ships and new system design costs, it also represents the most responsible use of our industrial base investment while expanding the commonality of the Navy's
fleet.
Going forward, I have issued three directives to the Navy. First, by next May, the Navy will provide the secretary of defense with an acquisition strategy to support design and procurement of the SSC no later than fiscal year 2019, while continuing to identify further opportunities to enhance the new ship's survivability and lethality. Second, also by next May, the Navy will provide a detailed assessment of the cost and feasibility of back-fitting the SSCs enhancements onto LCSs already under contract. Finally, in advance of fiscal year 2017 budget preparations, the Navy will provide the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics and the director of cost analysis and program evaluation with detailed cost estimates as well as a plan for controlling those costs.
I want to thank the Navy for its rigorous analysis, as well as Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Sandy Winnefeld; Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Frank Kendall; Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Jamie Morin; and Director of Operational Test and Evaluation Michael Gilmore for leading a task force to analyze the Navy's recommendations. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure that our nation's fleet remains unrivaled for many decades to come.
Meeting Al Pacino should be on everyone’s bucket list. He’s one of the mensch wonders of the world. Al, he of the dog day very lived-in face, the calm inky black eyes, and such a telling way with an anecdote that even Oscar Wilde would rise up in envy. When Pacino talks, everyone stops texting.
Pacino plays an aging actor who finds it hard to distinguish the stage from his real life in one of the best films in the 74-year old actor’s career The Humbling. Pacino recalls his own humbling personal memories of facing one of an actors' worst nightmares. Botching Shakespeare when he Simon/Pacino sometimes found himself quoting lines from another Shakespeare play. The audience doesn’t understand a thing you’re saying anymore, and neither do you. But you find yourself recovering and quickly fast tracking back to the original Shakespeare play as if nothing happened. Gee. Yeah.
He described the movie as a dark comedy or a tragicomedy or a tragedy with a whole lot of comedy. The Humbling, is based on Philip Roth's last novel, depicting the life and work of noted actor Simon Axler (Pacino). There's something about the movie that's both unforgiving and forgiving at the same time. The opening sequence quickly sets the theme for the whole movie.
Ungraying his grizzled beard, Simon is reciting Shakespeare to his mirror image who talks back to him with observations about his personal life. When the director calls out “three minutes to curtain call” Simon rushes to the stage, gets lost and locks himself out of the theatre. When he frantically bangs on the door to be let in, the stage manager has no idea who he is and refuses him entrance. In a short time, the audience realizes this is a dream. But it is another one of an actor’s worst nightmares.
Pacino calls Philip Roth his favorite author— he's thinking about an actor losing his talent. Well, that is not quite what an actor goes through. Both Buck Henry and Barry Levinson and I got together a few times, talked. I think what we came up with, the spin being humorous, there's some fun here. There is so much of "King Lear" in this movie, but the classic line, for me, from "Lear," is when he rages, "I am a man more sinned against than sinning," and you see Simon as a man more sinning than sinned against.
The screening was hosted by Sharon Waxman’s The Wrap at the Landmark theatre in Los Angeles . The audience, a whole cabbage patch of intelligent industry insiders, not overdosed on Botox and bling. was deeply appreciative and gave Pacino a three minute standing ovation.
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS
$1 MILLION IN ISRAEL GRANTS
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Funding Provided To Nine Programs Supporting Emergency Needs, Economic Development And Jewish Identity
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11, 2014)—The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) today announced that it has awarded approximately $1 million in grants to meet Israel’s emergency needs, as well as for initiatives to support that country’s economic development and to strengthen Jewish identity.
Monies this year were awarded to nine programs in total and reflect an increase of approximately 65 percent from $600,000 granted in 2013 under its Israel Grants program, said The Foundation, the largest manager of charitable assets and planned giving solutions for Los Angeles Jewish philanthropists.
The Association for Children at Risk and Olim Beyahad: Rising Up Together are two of the organizations receiving funding this year for emergency needs and economic-development initiatives, respectively. The Association for Children at Risk is the recipient of a $102,400 grant, which will provide for a trauma prevention and intervention program to serve more than 1,000 autistic children and their parents. A three-year $144,000 grant will enable Olim Beyahad: Rising Up Together to continue growing its initiative that provides Ethiopian-Israeli university students and graduates with job training and placement services. In total, six of this year’s nine Israel Grants address emergency needs, including those related to the Gaza conflict.
Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Marvin I. Schotland stated: “It has been a difficult year for Israel. As always, but particularly during challenging times, The Foundation and its donors are here to offer essential support amid traumatic conditions.”
Schotland continued: “As we stepped up funding for critical needs, we continued our practice of awarding Israel Grants that stimulate economic empowerment and self-sufficiency—particularly among historically disenfranchised communities such as observant Jewish women and Ethiopians—and with the potential to place thousands in the workforce. These types of forward-thinking programs foster inclusion while fortifying the underpinnings of Israel’s vibrant and resilient society.”
According to Israel’s Southwestern United States Consul General David Siegel, “This past summer’s war with Gaza created new short and long term critical needs for communities living in Israel’s southern region. Thanks to The Foundation’s Israel Grants, the population of Southern Israel will be better protected physically, as well as emotionally. On behalf of the State of Israel, I commend The Foundation for the work it does to not only strengthen and secure the Jewish people, but also to develop Israel’s economy and help it grow and prosper.”
The Foundation awards its multi-year Israel Grants annually to organizations that have the potential to create meaningful change in the country, have achievable short-term outcomes, affect a significant number of people or regions, and offer opportunities for partnerships with other funders. Since 2006, The Foundation has made 43 Israel Grants for a total of more than $6 million.
Trauma Treatment for Autistic Children and Their Parents
The Association for Children at Risk received its grant for theAutism and Resiliency Program, which will provide trauma prevention and intervention to children with autism and their parents who have endured disturbing ordeals. The initiative will train hundreds of health and educational professionals in the autism field in resiliency and trauma prevention, and implement the resiliency program across Israel.
“Thanks to the generous support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, our trauma prevention and intervention program geared for the autism community will provide parents and children with tools and strategies to navigate through challenging times,” said Tzipi Nagel-Edelstein, CEO of the Association for Children at Risk.
Bringing Ethiopian Israelis into the Mainstream Workforce
The Employment, Empowerment, and Leadership for Ethiopian Israeli University Graduates and Students Program is a projectof Olim Beyahad: Rising Up Together. The organization was established to increase the employment of Ethiopian Israelis and, since its inception in 2007, has assisted about 600 individuals with job placement at 320 participating employers.
Each year under the program, some 80 to 100 new Ethiopian Israeli university graduates and current students will receive support securing permanent employment in their fields of study. The effort will also engage graduates to serve as role models for the younger generation of the Ethiopian Israeli community and encourage volunteerism in the broader society. The overall goal is to dispel negative stereotypes among Israelis toward Ethiopians, while reducing the overall poverty level of this historically disenfranchised group.
Additional Awards
Other Israel Grants for emergency needs (listed alphabetically) include:
Other Israel Grants for economic development and Jewish identity (listed alphabetically) include:
About The Foundation
Established in 1954, the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) is the largest manager of charitable assets and the leader in planned-giving solutions for Greater Los Angeles Jewish philanthropists. The Foundation currently manages assets of more than $900 million and ranks among the 11 largest Los Angeles foundations. In 2013, The Foundation and its donors distributed $65 million in grants to more than a thousand organizations with programs that span the range of philanthropic giving. For more information, visitwww.jewishfoundationla.org.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Levy Restaurants will host more than 400 pre-selected schoolchildren from the community surrounding Dodger Stadium at their annual Children’s Holiday Party tomorrow from10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Lot L and the Stadium Club. Dodger Alumni Al Downing, Al “The Bull” Ferrara, “Sweet” Lou Johnson, Lee Lacy, Matt Luke, Dennis Powell and Derrel Thomas will partake in this year’s Children’s Holiday Party along with Los Angeles Sparks Guard Candice Wiggins. This event is part of the club’s Season of Giving, a community-focused campaign that seeks to improve the lives of children in Los Angeles throughout December. The Dodgers have hosted the Children’s Holiday Party for Los Angeles area youngsters for more than 30 years.
“It is a privilege for the Dodgers to welcome the youngsters from our neighborhood annually to enjoy a day of lunch, holiday fun and gifts,” said Dodger Executive Vice President Bob Wolfe. “Each season we do our best to provide great entertainment on the field for our fans and during the holiday season it gives us great pleasure to be able to put smiles on the faces of these deserving youngsters.”
Participating neighborhood schools include Allesandro Elementary School, Ann Street Elementary School, Castelar Elementary School, Clifford Street School, Dorris Place Elementary School, Elysian Heights Elementary School, Logan Street School, Solano Avenue Elementary School and La Tijera Academy of Excellence Charter School, as well as children of military members from the Fort Irwin National Training Center. In addition, Ritter Elementary School, Dolores Huerta Elementary School, Sunrise Elementary School, Figueroa Street School and Clinton Middle School will attend tomorrow’s Children’s Holiday Party.
Dodger alumni Downing, Ferrara, Johnson, Lacy, Luke, Powell and Thomas will join the youngsters in playing games, serve lunch and distribute gifts. Special guest Santa Claus will also be on hand for photos and to distribute toys. A Blue Prints photo booth will be part of the event for children to take home holiday-themed photos. The Children’s Holiday Party will include snow elements courtesy of Artic Glacier Ice for the children to also enjoy.
Lunch will be provided to each student courtesy of Levy Restaurants and milk will be served courtesy of Driftwood Dairy. The schoolchildren will also receive a new pair of Skechers shoes. Skechers, a Los Angeles-based footwear brand has previously partnered with the Dodgers and LADF on several charitable events at both Dodger Stadium and in the local community. The Dodgers will also distribute toys to each youngster at the conclusion of tomorrow’s event courtesy of Mattel Children’s Foundation which has donated 500 toys.
Parties interested in making contributions in support of the Season of Giving and LADF programs can visit www.dodgers.com\ladf. Nonprofit organizations who would like to request an in-kind holiday donation from the Dodgers should visitwww.dodgers.com\donations.
The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with six World Series championships and 21 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience at Dodger Stadium, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history, and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world.
Visit the Dodgers online at www.dodgers.com, follow them on Twitter @Dodgers and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Dodgers.
For media information, visitwww.dodgerspressbox.com.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is the official team charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Its primary focus is to support cornerstone programs in Sports + Recreation, Education + Literacy and Health + Wellness benefitting children and families in need throughout the greater Los Angeles region. By leveraging strategic partnerships, the mission is to harness the power of the Dodger brand and the passion our fans have for Los Angeles into a vehicle for positive change in under-served communities. Visit the Dodgers online atwww.dodgers.com, follow them on Twitter@Dodgers and like them on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/Dodgers.
For media information, visitwww.dodgerspressbox.com.
Sri Lanka’s upcoming presidential election promises more competition than was initially anticipated. But with that comes a great risk of violence. Long-term stability and post-war reconciliation can only be achieved through a peaceful election resulting in a government committed to serving the interests of all Sri Lankans.
Surprising many observers, Sri Lanka’s 8 January presidential election between incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa and his former ally Maithripala Sirisena looks set to be a close contest. Promising to abolish the executive presidency and revive parliamentary democracy, the opposition offers a different vision from that of the government, which is increasingly entrenched in power. In its latest briefing, Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election: Risks and Opportunities, the International Crisis Group examines the challenges facing Rajapaksa and the opposition, and how domestic and international actors can mitigate the risk of political instability.
The briefing’s major findings and recommendations are:“The opposition’s attempt to reopen democratic space also brings with it risks of violence and instability”, says Alan Keenan, Sri Lanka Senior Analyst. “The tighter the race, the more violent it threatens to be”.
“Whoever wins in January, issues of devolution of power, accountability and reconciliation, and of the equal status of Tamils and Muslims in a Sinhala majority state, will remain contentious”, says Jonathan Prentice, Chief Policy Officer and Acting Asia Program Director. “Navigating this terrain will require political skills and statesmanship by all parties, with the cooperation of Sri Lanka’s international partners”.
