OBAMA VISIT

12/16/2014 09:10 AM CST

President Barack Obama spends time with an audience of 3,000 service members, military families, civic leaders and elected officials inside a Marine hangar on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 15, 2014. The purpose of the president's visit to the base was to thank troops for their service. Also speaking at the event were Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Margaret W. Boor, commanding general of the Army Reserve's 99th Regional Support Command, and Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Martin, commanding general.

Face of Defense: Soldier Brings Heat to Culinary Tryout

By Army Sgt. James J. Bunn
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., Dec. 16, 2014 - The scent of spices and steak filled the air as Army Sgt. Andrew Shurden displayed his cooking skills at culinary team tryouts here Nov. 18-21.

Army Sgt. Andrew Shurden prepares a potato dish during tryouts for the culinary arts team at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 21, 2014. Soldiers selected for the team will compete in the Military Culinary Arts Training Event at Fort Lee, Va. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James J. Bunn  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

If selected, Shurden, a food services specialist with the 42nd Military Police Brigade, and 15 other food services soldiers will compete in the Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training Event at Fort Lee, Virginia, in March.

The Lewis-McChord team will consist of eight team members, four student team members and four alternates. At the competition, the team will compete in eight events, including the Armed Forces Chef of the Year, Armed Forces Student Chef of the Year, nutrition cook-off, culinary exam, military kitchen competition, team buffet, student competitive training event and dessert.

Shurden said he has competed at Fort Lee twice before with a team from Hawaii and that he hopes his skills and experience will earn him a spot on the team. "I liked being on the team in Hawaii," he said. "I was able to learn more about being a chef and develop my skills beyond the dining facility."

American Culinary Federation Criteria

Shurden will need more than sharp knife skills and tasty food to earn a spot on the team. The judges will score competitors using the same criteria as the American Culinary Federation and are looking for chefs who can work well in a team and who have good work habits and strong cooking and organizational skills.

"First and foremost, we're looking at how well these chefs work in the kitchen," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesse Ward, one of the judges at the tryouts. "Second is skills used during the food preparation. We want to know that the flavors are good and the temperatures are correct."

At the beginning of the tryouts, team hopefuls had an opportunity to plan their menu for the cook-off. The next two days, competitors refined their menu selections and practiced cooking techniques.

Shurden has his sights set on the Armed Forces Chef of the Year portion of the competition, in which competitors have an hour and 15 minutes to cook and plate a meal using a mystery ingredient.

For the tryouts, the mystery ingredient was beef tenderloin. Shurden quickly trimmed the beef, sliced it into steaks and prepared it for the grill. His finished plate was a filet mignon on top of a blueberry red wine reduction topped with fried leeks, asparagus and layered potatoes.

A Lifelong Goal

"Before I joined the Army, I was a chef at a barbecue restaurant," said Shurden, a Tupelo, Mississippi, native. "Meat preparation is probably my strongest skill in the kitchen."

Shurden trained while working in a restaurant to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming a chef, but that wasn't his only dream, he said. The aspiring chef wanted to be a soldier as well. "I joined the Army as a cook so I could serve my country and continue my career as a chef," he said. "Being able to serve those who are serving is a rewarding to me."

His love of cooking started long before he worked in a restaurant or a military dining facility, Shurden said. "I'm from Mississippi, and food is a big part of life back home, and it has always been important in my family," he added. "I grew up watching my dad in the kitchen."

Shurden said he wants to compete not just for fun, but also for the opportunities that come from participating in the largest culinary arts competition in the United States. Soldiers who do well at the Fort Lee competition often are recruited to work at the Pentagon's dining facility.

Helping Fellow Soldiers

During the tryouts here, Shurden answered questions from younger soldiers about the meal he was preparing and the techniques he was using. "I am more than happy to teach anyone about cooking," he said. "Sharing what I know with others is as rewarding to me as knowing that someone enjoys the food I prepared."

At the end of the cook-off, the judges talked to all of the chefs about their food and offered critiques and constructive feedback.

"I want these guys to be able to take what they learn here and apply those skills in their unit's [dining facility]," Ward said. "This is a good way to build motivation in the soldiers competing and also improve the quality of food in their units."

Shurden and the other competitors will find out in February whether they were selected for the Lewis-McChord team

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”

 

JASON ALDEAN NAMED ARTIST OF THE YEAR;

HOSTS FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE AND LUKE BRYAN 

EACH SCORE THREE AWARDS

 

KENNY CHESNEY RECIPIENT OF GROUNDBREAKER AWARD; 

REBA PRESENTED WITH NASH ICON AWARD

 

NASHVILLE, TN. (Monday, December 15, 2014) – Winners have been announced for the star-studded inaugural AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS which aired LIVE tonight on FOX from Nashville’s Music City Center. Jason Aldean was named Artist of the Year, while hosts Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan scored the most awards of the evening with three each.
 
Florida Georgia Line won Group/Duo of the Year and won two additional awards for “This Is How We Roll” featuring Luke Bryan in the categories of Digital Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year. Bryan was also awarded Male Vocalist of the Year.
 
Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year and performed the title track from her hit album, “Platinum.” Eric Church’s “The Outsiders” was named Album of the Year and Kip Moore won Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by Samsung Galaxy®, the only fan-voted award of the night. Song of The Year went to “Beat of The Music” from hit maker Brett Eldredge, who also performed the awarding-winning song on the telecast.
 
Kenny Chesney performed “Til It’s Gone,” and was then presented with the Groundbreaker Award from actor and friend Vince Vaughn. The Groundbreaker Award recognizes an artist who has consistently pushed the boundaries and is a trailblazer in the realm of concerts, musical accomplishment, creative innovation and connecting with fans across the United States.
 
Multi-media entertainer Reba was the recipient of the first-ever NASH Icon Award, presented by longtime friend and radio host Kix Brooks. Kelly Clarkson and Miranda Lambert paid tribute to Reba by performing “How Blue,” “Take it Back” and “Fancy.” The NASH Icon Award celebrates an iconic artist whose extraordinary talent has influenced generations of musicians.
 
Following is the list of winners in the 11 categories for this year’s first-ever AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS:
 
ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Jason Aldean

 
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Luke Bryan

 
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Miranda Lambert

 
GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

• Florida Georgia Line

 
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to the Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s]

• “Beat of The Music” – Brett Eldredge; Songwriters: Brett Eldredge, Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville

 BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY® 

• Kip Moore

 
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

• “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line ft. Luke Bryan

 
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

• “The Outsiders” – Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Record Label: EMI Nashville

 
DIGITAL SONG OF THE YEAR

• “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line ft. Luke Bryan

 
GROUNDBREAKER AWARD

• Kenny Chesney

 
NASH ICON AWARD

• Reba

 
The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programing and Development, dick clark productions), John Dickey (Executive Vice President of Content and Programming, Cumulus), Richard Godfrey (“MTV Europe Music Awards”) and Tom Forrest (“CMT Crossroads”) are executive producers. Baz Halpin is co-executive producer.
 
AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS finalists and winners, other than Breakthrough Artist of the Year, are determined based on statistics and radio airplay charts from Nov. 1, 2013-Oct. 31, 2014. The finalists for Album of the Year were based on album sales from SoundScan and the finalists for Artist of the Year were based on a combination of Mediabase airplay, digital data provided by Big Champagne and tour information from Pollstar. All other award categories were made up of those with the largest audience reach, according to Mediabase.  
 
About dick clark productions
dick clark productions (dcp) is the world's largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the "American Music Awards," "Golden Globe Awards," "Academy of Country Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." Weekly television programming, includes "So You Think You Can Dance" from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and dick clark productions; as well as "Rising Star" and the upcoming “Boom!” from Keshet DCP, the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). In 2014, dcp will debut the "American Country Countdown Awards" (FOX), “Hollywood Film Awards (CBS) and "The PEOPLE Magazine Awards" (NBC). dcp also owns one of the world's most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with more than 55 years of dcp's award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances, and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.
 
About Cumulus
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands in order to deliver premium choices for listeners, provide substantial reach for advertisers and create opportunities for shareholders. Cumulus provides exclusive content that is fully distributed through approximately 460 owned-and-operated stations in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 10,000 broadcast radio affiliates and numerous digital channels Cumulus is well positioned in the widening digital audio space through a significant stake in the Rdio digital music service, featuring 30 million songs on-demand in addition to custom playlists and exclusive curated channels. Cumulus is also the leading provider of Country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand.  Nash serves over 90,000,000 Country fans through market leading broadcast radio short and long-form programming, NASH / Country Weekly  magazine, Nash Live Events, Nash TV and soon to be announced Nash licensed apparel and home goods. For more information, visitwww.cumulus.com. 
 

FLAG FOLDING

12/15/2014 05:14 PM CST

U.S. Navy Seaman JaCade Jones folds the U.S. flag aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 14, 2014.

Guinea’s Other Emergency: Organising Elections

Guinea approaches the second free presidential election in its history under difficult circumstances. Unless the government convenes a serious dialogue with the opposition, it risks electoral violence and exacerbating ethnic divisions.

In the midst of the Ebola crisis, Guinea is preparing for the presidential election due in 2015. The exact election date is just one of many points being contested by the government and opposition. The political debate is increasingly held along ethnic lines, rallying the vast majority of the Malinké behind President Alpha Condé’s coalition and the Peul behind former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo’s alliance. Violent protests around elections in 2012 and 2013, with highly contested results, brought both sides to the negotiating table, but the July 2014 talks about a future electoral framework quickly failed, marking the parties’ deep suspicion and unwillingness to compromise. A highly flawed judiciary adds to the climate of uncertainty and the government is reluctant to listen to calls for a new round of dialogue and international mediation. In its latest briefing, Guinea’s Other Emergency: Organising Elections, the International Crisis Group outlines the steps that should be taken to ensure peaceful elections.

The briefing’s major findings and recommendations are:

• Guinea’s controversy over electoral preparations is fuelling ethnic divisions, slowing down economic development and impeding the response to Ebola. But with June 2015 being the earliest discussed election date, there is still time to build minimum consensus on electoral arrangements.


• President Alpha Condé should invite the government and opposition to engage in a new round of talks, in which the two parties should suggest precise, comprehensive and realistic measures.


• The government should reshuffle the Independent National Electoral Commission and ensure that all commissioners are appointed in equal numbers by the two political coalitions and that decisions are made by consensus.


• The government should embrace the willingness of international partners such as the European Union, African Union and UN to provide formal and informal support and act as guarantors of a fair electoral process. An international evaluation mission should be requested to assess the electoral arrangements.


• When choosing a date for the presidential election, both sides should take into account that the long-delayed local elections, originally scheduled for early 2014, should be held a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months before the presidential polls, so as to give time for elected representatives to begin work.

“With a political scene split along ethnic lines, and in the grip of an Ebola epidemic that has weakened its economy, the government has two options”, says Vincent Foucher, West Africa Senior Analyst. “It can either promote dialogue and establish a credible election framework or run the risk of instability and ethnic violence”.

“Electoral regulations and institutions in Guinea are deeply flawed. Even where clear rules exist, they are often not enforced”, says Rinaldo Depagne, West Africa Project Director. “Key institutions, such as a Constitutional Court, are lacking, making a constructive dialogue between the government and opposition all the more urgent”.

New Study Finds Promising Drug Doubled Positive Effect in Hormone-Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Palbociclib is a drug developed to fight ER+ breast cancer cells New study shows drug when used in combination with anti-estrogen treatment letrozole nearly doubled progression-free survival in patients 65 percent of advanced breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2- breast cancer and will likely benefit from treatment Palbociclib was given "Breakthrough Therapy" designation by the FDA in 2013

In a groundbreaking study that offers new hope for women with advanced breast cancer, researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have published final clinical trial results that showed the amount of time patients were on treatment without their cancer worsening (called progression-free survival) was effectively doubled in women with advanced breast cancer who took the experimental drug palbociclib.   An investigational drug discovered and being developed by Pfizer Inc., palbociclib targets a key family of proteins (CDK4/6) responsible for cell growth by preventing them from dividing. Results of the multi-year phase 2 study showed a significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS0 for patients with advanced breast cancer that was estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2-negative (HER2-), who were given a combination of the standard anti-estrogen treatment letrozole and palbociclib, compared to letrozole alone.   "We're essentially putting the brakes on cell proliferation and causing these tumor cells to stop growing," said Dr. Richard Finn, associate professor of medicine at UCLA and lead author of the study.   The study was published today online ahead of print in the journal The Lancet Oncology.   Unlocking the Power of Palbociclib   The origin of the research began in 2007, when Finn and cancer pioneer Dr. Dennis Slamon, UCLA professor of medicine and director of the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program, held a pivotal meeting with Pfizer to discuss palbociclib and other experimental drugs in its pipeline.   Preclinical work testing the drug in a panel of human breast cancer cells growing in culture dishes showed very encouraging activity, specifically against ER+ cancer cells. This led to clinical study collaboration with Pfizer led by Finn and built on laboratory work directed by Slamon at the Translational Oncology Research Laboratory at UCLA.   "When we studied palbociclib, we found that signal (CDK4/6) inhibition in breast cancer that hadn't been seen before, or had been looked at but missed," said Slamon. "That's what really got us on the track."   Once the phase 1 study was completed and showed the drug was safe, the phase 2 study was performed in 165 post-menopausal breast cancer patients with advanced ER+, HER2- disease.   Phase 2 results showed progression-free survival was 20.2 months for patients who received palbociclib plus letrozole and 10.2 months for those who received letrozole only. The PFS results indicated a 51 percent reduction in the risk of disease progression with the addition of palbociclib to letrozole.   "What is really remarkable is that we doubled the median progression-free survival," said Finn. "With the addition of palbociclib, PFS effectively doubled. That type of result is not often seen in cancer medicine."   Results found that over 80 percent of the metastatic ER+ breast cancer patients in the study received some benefit from this treatment, said Finn and Slamon. The drug doesn't have side effects like traditional chemotherapy, such as infections, but does result in a lowered white blood cell count, which was very manageable.   A phase 3 international clinical trial of the drug conducted by Finn and Slamon with Pfizer in 660 ER+, HER2- advanced breast cancer patients is ongoing.   Because so many of the patients in the early testing showed significant long-lasting responses, the FDA granted palbociclib "breakthrough therapy" status in late 2013.   Patient Given Second Chance at Life   Gloria Zollar, 78, mother of five, joined the phase 2 clinical trial in August 2010, after her UCLA oncologist discovered that her advanced breast cancer had spread to her bones. She has been on treatment since that time, over four years.   But only one year later, doctors noticed that her tumors had stopped progressing, which allowed Zollar to remain active and continue playing golf.   "I am now in remission, and everyday I'm thankful to God that I'm alive and able to see my great-grandchildren and spend time with them," said Zollar.   With FDA having granted palbociclib "Breakthrough Therapy" status in late 2013, Zollar hopes the drug is made available to other patients battling this deadly disease.   "I am very pleased that other women could have a second chance at life like many of us who participated in the trial."

About UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has more than 240 researchers and clinicians engaged in disease research, prevention, detection, control, treatment and education. One of the nation's largest comprehensive cancer centers, the Jonsson center is dedicated to promoting research and translating basic science into leading-edge clinical studies. In July 2014, the Jonsson Cancer Center was named among the top 10 cancer centers nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, a ranking it has held for 14 years.

Obama: 'Afghan Combat Mission Ends but Commitment Endures'

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2014 - While the combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, the U.S. commitment to the nation will continue, President Barack Obama told U.S. troops today during a visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

President Barack Obama addressing troops at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 15, 2014. DoD video still  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"In just two weeks, the transition that we're making in Afghanistan will be complete," he said. "Afghans will take full responsibility for their security."

"This month," he said, "after more than 13 years, our combat mission in Afghanistan will be over. This month America's war will come to a responsible end."

Still a Dangerous Place

However, Obama cautioned that Afghanistan is still a "very dangerous place."

"But I want you, and every American who has served in Afghanistan, to be proud of what you've accomplished there," he said, "because your generation -- the 9/11 generation -- has met every mission that's been given to you."

"You helped decimate the core al-Qaida leadership and deliver justice to Osama bin Laden," Obama said. "He will not be attacking here anymore."

The president listed a range of U.S. military accomplishments, including pushing back the Taliban, training Afghan forces to take the lead and making possible a historic election this year along with the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan's history.

"Despite all of their challenges," Obama said, "Afghans are now looking to the future, and that's because of you. That makes us safer; it gives them a chance for a better future."

Obama said when he took office there were nearly 180,000 troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, but by month's end, there will be fewer than 15,000 remaining.

"We've now brought home about 90 percent of our troops," he said. The time of deploying large ground forces with large military footprints to engage in overseas nation-building is coming to an end, Obama added.

And despite the military becoming leaner, Obama said, he will ensure it remains "the best-trained, the best-led, the best-equipped military in the history of the world, because the world will still be calling."

Commitment to Afghanistan Endures

Obama said even as the combat mission ends, the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan will endure through a limited U.S. military presence there and the training and advising of Afghan forces.

"And we've got to conduct counterterrorism missions," Obama said, "because there's still remnants of al-Qaida there. After all the sacrifices you've made, we want to preserve the gains you've made."

The president said in addition to a "stable and secure" Afghanistan, American leaders want to make sure that country is never again used to launch attacks against the U.S.

American Leadership

More broadly, Obama said there are still challenges to U.S. security around the globe and in times of crisis, people around the world -- even America's critics -- look to one nation to lead and that is the United States.

"When the world calls on America," he said, "we call on you, our men and women in uniform, because nobody can do what you can do."

Obama said "nobody in history has been able to do what you've done." He noted the U.S. military has led a global coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq and Syria.

"Because of you," he said, "we have blunted their momentum, and we have put them on the defensive."

"These terrorists are learning the same thing that the leaders of al-Qaida have learned the hard way. They may think that they can chalk up some quick victories, but our reach is long. We do not give up."

"You threaten America, you will have no safe haven," he said. "We will find you, and like petty tyrants and terrorists before you, the world is going to leave you behind and keep moving on without you, because we will get you. That's thanks to you [service members]."

Life-saving Work in West Africa

Obama also noted the U.S. military has saved lives through its efforts in leading the fight against Ebola in West Africa.

"None of that would be possible without you," he said. "That's American leadership. That's the difference you make."

"Other countries are now willing to come in, because you laid the foundation," Obama said.

"Ultimately," he said, "we will have saved thousands of lives because of you. That's the difference you're making. There are people who are alive today because of what you guys are doing."

Extraordinary Service

Obama, "on behalf of more than 300 million Americans," thanked all U.S. service members for their "extraordinary service" and "send me" attitude.

 

"What makes us the best is all of you," he said. "It's your character and your willingness to say, 'send me'; your dedication to duty and your courage, and your readiness to defend our values and our ideals of freedom and liberty, not just for us, but for people all around the world."

"You are the backbone of the greatest nation on earth and you will always be that," Obama said.

"For that, America is eternally grateful," he said, "and I am incredibly proud to serve as your commander-in-chief."

DOD CONTRACTS

ARMY

Bis Services LLC, * Kenner, Louisiana (W912P8-15-D-0001); Circle LLC,* Bell Chase Louisiana (W912P8-15-D-0002); and Shavers-Whittle Construction LLC,* Mandeville, Louisiana (W912P8-15-D-0003), were awarded a $200,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award task order contract for armoring levees in the greater New Orleans, Louisiana, area with an estimated completion date of Dec. 15, 2020. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with 10 received. Funding will be determined with each order. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity.

General Atomics Aeronautical, Poway, California, was awarded an $114,598,215 modification (P00006) to contract W58RGZ-14-C-0008 to continue contractor logistics for the Warrior unmanned aircraft system. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $17,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Dec. 16, 2015. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and in Afghanistan. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Ordinance and Tactical Systems, Williston, Vermont, was awarded a $72,061,662 modification (P00002) to Foreign Military Sales contract W31P4Q-14-C-0154 to exercise a fiscal 2015 option for the fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2018 Hydra-70 Rocket System which includes M151 high explosive rockets, M274 smoke signal practice rockets, M229 high explosive rockets, MK66 MOD 4 motors (Air Force and Navy) and WTU-1/B practice warheads. Fiscal 2013 and 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $59,097,584 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Sept. 30, 2016. Work will be performed in Williston, Vermont, and Camden, Arizona. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Sigmatech, Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama was awarded a $57,440,905 cost plus fixed-fee contract for development, operations, maintenance and support for aviation element simulation. Funding and work location will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Dec. 14, 2019. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Army Contracting
Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-15-D-0006).

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $56,394,775 modification (P00217) to contract W58RGZ-12-C-0008 to exercise an option for five UH-60M aircraft for foreign military sales case MX-B-UEU, Mexican Navy. Estimated completion date isMay 30, 2016. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut. Fiscal 2010 funds in the amount of $2,221,115 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Cutter Enterprises,* Vernon Rockville, Connecticut, was awarded a $10,488,500 contract to repair the aircraft maintenance hangar and construct an F-15 shop addition at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of June 17, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with nine received. Fiscal 2012 and 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) and military construction funds in the amount of $10,488,500 are being obligated at the time of the award. National Guard Bureau, Milford, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (W912SV-15-C-0001).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Phillips 66 Company, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, has been awarded a maximum $93,603,982 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel. This contract was a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Locations of performance are Oklahoma and Texas, with an April 30, 2015, performance completion date. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency Energy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SP0600-14-D-0650).

The Resource Center,* Jamestown, New York, has been awarded a maximum $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for individualized first aid kits. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a one-year contract with no option year periods. Location of performance is New York, with a Dec. 14, 2015, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DS-15-D-N002).

NAVY

Combined Systems, Inc.,* Jamestown, Pennsylvania, is being awarded a $42,491,200 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MK 20 MOD 0, flash and single bang, diversionary grenades in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Ammunition and Weapons Program. MK 20 MOD 0, flash and single bang, diversionary grenades are non-lethal devices that are primarily used to both daze and disorient an enemy for the advancement of the user. Work will be performed in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by September 2019. Fiscal 2014 procurement of ammunition (Air Force) funding in the amount of $1,301,820 will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-15-D-JR01).

Data Link Solutions LLC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $32,606,821 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Multi-Functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) on Ship (MOS) Lot Four follow-on production (N00039-15-D-0022). The contract covers the fabrication, integration, testing and delivery of up to 12 MOS Lot Four production units for shipboard application. The contract also includes spares related to the aforementioned production. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $38,624,221. Work will be performed in Wayne, New Jersey (70 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2017. Fiscal 2013 and 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,580,902 will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-15-D-0022).


Robertson Fuel Systems LLC, Tempe, Arizona, is being awarded a $14,779,950 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-12-C-0097) to exercise an option for the procurement of two Mission Auxiliary Fuel Tank Systems for the MV-22 Osprey aircraft to extend range of flight requirements. Work will be performed in Tempe, Arizona, and is expected to be completed in February 2016. Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,779,950 will be obligated at the 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.

Lockheed Martin Corp., is being awarded an $11,661,566 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of sustaining engineering and logistics support services for the C/KC-130J aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the government of Kuwait. Work will be performed at Marietta, Georgia (63 percent); Afghanistan (11 percent); Palmdale, California (7 percent); Kuwait (6 percent); Greenville, South Carolina (3 percent); Iwakuni, Japan (3 percent); Miramar, California (2 percent); Cherry Point, North Carolina (2 percent); Elizabeth City, North Carolina (2 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas ( 1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2015. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-14-D-0006).

Sikorsky Support Services Inc., Stratford, Connecticut, is being awarded an $11,708,901 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0024) to exercise an option for organizational, intermediate, and limited depot-level maintenance in support of the F-5 aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station Key West, Florida (37 percent); Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada (35 percent); and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona (28 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy Reserve) funds in the amount of $8,343,644 are being obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

*Small business

DECK LANDING

12/15/2014 03:46 PM CST

An MV-22B Osprey aircraft lands on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, to embark Marines on the ship, in the Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 13, 2014.

STAGGERED FORMATION

12/15/2014 03:09 PM CST

Twenty-four Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft prepare to take off on Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in support of exercise Joint Forcible Entry 14B, Dec. 6, 2014. Eleven of the aircraft are model C-130H Hercules and 13 are C-130J Super Hercules.

Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 15, 2014 - U.S. and partner nation military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported.

Officials provided details of airstrikes conducted Dec. 13 through today.

Airstrikes in Syria

In Syria, eight fighter and bomber airstrikes near Kobani destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings and two ISIL staging positions and also struck another ISIL fighting position. A strike Near abu-Kamal destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

Airstrikes in Iraq

Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq using fighter, bomber, attack and remotely-piloted aircraft:

-- Three airstrikes near Mosul destroyed an ISIL fighting position, struck three tactical ISIL units and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun position.

-- Near Sinjar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL compound and struck a second ISIL compound.

-- An airstrike near Hit destroyed an ISIL vehicle, a trailer and an excavator.

-- Near Qaim, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.

-- An airstrike near Ramadi struck two ISIL vehicles.

-- Near Samarra, an airstrike stuck a tactical ISIL unit.

-- An airstrike near Kirkuk destroyed an ISIL vehicle and bunker and struck an ISIL tactical unit.

All aircraft returned to base safely, officials said, noting that airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community.

The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

 

Yellowstone in Winter

A winter trip to Yellowstone National Park might be described in one word: steamy. For 21 miles, the Firehole River collects runoff from erupting geysers and boiling hot springs, creating a ribbon of mist and hoar frost as the water begins its journey to the Missouri and beyond. Follow along all day as Yellowstone takes over Interior’s Instagram account, providing an inside look at the park during winter: 

Los Alamos Names New Laboratory Fellows for 2014

Honorees span sciences in physics, astrophysics, chemistry

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., December 15, 2014—The Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellows list expands by five this week as a new group of high achievers is named. The honorees this year are Christopher L. Fryer, Herbert O. Funsten, John C. Gordon, Jaqueline L. Kiplinger and David S. Moore.

“The sustained scientific excellence demonstrated by the work of Chris, Herb, John, Jaqueline and David exemplifies the outstanding people and capabilities we apply to today’s national security mission, and positions the Laboratory to be prepared to meet future challenges,” said Laboratory Director Charlie McMillan. “I applaud each of them for being recognized by their peers for considerable high level achievements and congratulate them for this very distinguished and honorable career milestone.”

The committee ranked this year’s nominations on the basis of:

•  Sustained, high-level achievements in programs of importance to the Laboratory

•  A fundamental or important discovery that has led to widespread use;

•  Having become a recognized authority in the field, including outside recognition and an outstanding record of publications.

The Fellows organization was established in 1981 and comprises technical staff members who have been appointed by the Laboratory director to the rank of Fellow in recognition of sustained outstanding contributions and exceptional promise for continued professional achievement. Fellows are limited to 2 percent of the Laboratory’s technical staff. They advise management on important issues, promote scientific achievement, and organize symposia and public lectures. The organization administers the annual Fellows Prize for Outstanding Research in Science or Engineering and the Fellows Prize for Outstanding Leadership in Science or Engineering.

About the Honorees:

Christopher Fryer is a widely recognized authority in astrophysics and is an American Physical Society fellow, a former Feynman Fellow, and he has been at Los Alamos 15 years. He is recognized for his supernova core collapse modeling work, able to model, predict, and explain observations (e.g. from NASA’s Swift mission), which broke ground by moving to 3-dimensional modeling assimilation. He has made valuable contributions to aid NASA in defining future astrophysics missions, and he sustains a wide range of collaborations with broader physics facilities. He is also involved in nuclear stockpile science, extending computer code capabilities especially in the areas of verification and validation.

Herbert Funsten is recognized as a world-renowned experimental space scientist and has led science instruments on NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) and Van Allen Probes missions and national security instruments on the DOE’s SABRS Validation Experiment (SAVE) and Space and Atmospheric Burst Reporting System (SABRS) payloads, while also participating in NASA’s Cassini, Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers (TWINS), Deep Space 1, Mars Odyssey, and Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) missions. He has made outstanding contributions to heliophysics as the principal investigator on the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) instrument that first discovered the “ribbon” of neutral atom emission from the Sun’s interaction with the interstellar medium. He has provided outstanding scientific leadership at Los Alamos as the Intelligence and Space Research Division chief scientist, former director of the Center for Space Science and Exploration, and dedicated service to the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program. He is also a recognized mentor, winning the Women’s Career Development Award.

John Gordon has 18 years of distinguished service at Los Alamos where he has become an international leader in inorganic chemistry and chemical transformations. He has excelled in three disparate areas of inorganic chemistry; modern f-element chemistry, energy production and storage, and advances in conversion of biologically derived carbohydrates into chemical feedstocks and fuels. For his internationally recognized research, Gordon has been named a Fellow of the AAAS, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and he also received a Los Alamos Fellows Prize for Leadership in Science. His research has resulted in fundamental discoveries, he has maintained a high level of achievements in programs important to the laboratory, and he has become a recognized international authority in his field. Gordon served as a group leader in the Chemistry Division before making a return to research in chemistry related to energy applications. He is also known for his strong mentorship, having served as mentor or co-mentor for 19 post-doctoral researchers, five of them becoming successful and independent Laboratory staff members. Gordon was recognized for this with a 2011 Exceptional Mentor Award.

Jaqueline Kiplinger is a recognized pioneer in uranium and thorium chemistry, and her research has significantly expanded the broad understanding of actinide and lanthanide chemical bonding and reactivity. Her synthetic innovations, often accomplished through chemistry previously thought impossible, have been adopted by researchers around the world. For her internationally recognized work, Kiplinger has been named a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She has received the Los Alamos Fellows Prize for Research, and most significantly, she was just awarded the American Chemical Society’s 2015 F. Albert Cotton Award in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry. Kiplinger’s scientific achievements have been paralleled by her 15 years of dedicated service to the Laboratory. Her innovative “green” methods for preparing actinide materials have earned two R&D 100 Awards and two NNSA Best-in-Class Pollution Prevention Awards. Kiplinger’s sustained excellence in mentoring numerous students and postdocs has been recognized by Los Alamos’ Student Distinguished Mentor Award, STAR Award, and Postdoc Distinguished Mentor Award.

David Moore’s laser shock experiments have opened the field of materials at extremes in pressure and temperature to a wide range of researchers. He has made it possible to study shocked materials in research labs with tabletop lasers, as well as to use de minimus quantities of materials to map out their equations of state under extreme conditions. Moore has contributed also to the lab through a continuous record of community service through mentoring and committee work, exemplified by Fellowship in the American Physical Society and International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, as well as a Los Alamos Fellows Prize for Leadership. He has contributed to national security through his work on explosives detection and by his work with a team initiating the lab’s homemade explosives course. Moore has performed high-impact work on national security in both the weapons program and the threat reduction directorate.

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About Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and URS Corporation for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.

Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Face of Defense: Soldier Credits Army Career to Basketball

By Tim Hipps
U.S. Army Installation Management Command

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 15, 2014 - Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Bartley credits military basketball for making him a soldier for life.

Army Staff Sgt. Ronald Bartley drives past Air Force Senior Airman Ollie Bradley during the 2008 Armed Forces Basketball Championships at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Bartley recently closed his illustrious playing career by helping the All-Army team to the silver medal in the 2014 Armed Forces Championships. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The Army's "Soldier for Life" campaign is designed to ensure that soldiers start strong, serve strong and reintegrate strong so they remain "Army Strong" when they leave service or retire and return to their communities.

Bartley already has run youth basketball camps in Colorado Springs while stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and said he intends to coach throughout the remainder of his military career and beyond.

As a 38-year-old All-Army starting point guard competing with and against some of America's best military basketball players, Bartley has more than met the Army's vision of a balanced, healthy, self-confident soldier whose resilience and total fitness enable him to excel in an era of high operational tempo and persistent conflict.

Contributing to a Championship

As the oldest player on the team, he helped the All-Army men strike silver at the 2014 Armed Forces Basketball Championships in November at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He led All-Army with 17 points in a 103-88 victory over eventual gold medalist All-Air Force, on Nov. 11. Two days earlier, Bartley tallied 11 points to help All-Army to an 84-71 victory over bronze medalist All-Navy.

In 2004, Bartley helped All-Army win the Armed Forces Championship at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. He returned for the 2005 tournament at Camp Pendleton, but was deployed to Camp Liberty in Iraq throughout 2006 and 2007. He rejoined the All-Army squad for the 2008 Armed Forces Championships at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, where he was named to the All-Armed Forces team.

Bartley returned for the 2009 tourney at Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee, and he helped All-Army secure silver at the 2010 Armed Forces Championship, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia. He missed the 2011 tournament while stationed in South Korea, but was back on the court for the black and gold at the 2012 Armed Forces Championships at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base, where All-Army failed to reach the title tilt. He announced his retirement as a player that day.

Retirement Announcement That Didn't Stick

"This is it for me," Bartley said following a 73-67 loss to All-Air Force, which knocked All-Army out of medal contention. "This is my last year. I'm going to try to get into the coaching ranks. I'm going to give my spot to the young guys."

Bartley was 36 then, already an aging player clinging to a young man's game. He sensed that it was time to start giving back. The furthest thing from his mind was another comeback. He did not, however, have it in his heart to walk away. The 2013 Armed Forces Championships were cancelled because of sequestration, but the annual tradition resumed in 2014.

When Bartley, at Fort Gordon, Georgia, learned that longtime basketball friend Army Capt. Carl Little of Fort Benning, Georgia, was named head coach of the All-Army team, he was determined to take one more shot at his elusive second Armed Forces gold medal.

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Bartley played for Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. After two years at Allegheny Community College, he transferred to NCAA Division II Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he played two seasons. He left school without his degree to play two years professionally in Lisbon for Portugal Telecom in the Portugal B League.

After getting cut, he joined the Army in 2003. Had he not discovered All-Army and Armed Forces basketball, Bartley said, he would no longer be in the military.

"Oh, no," Bartley said. "I wouldn't have been aiming for 20 [years of service]. I would have done my four, finished getting my degree, and got out. But because of the basketball, it has allowed me to stay in."

Beyond the Armed Forces Championships, Bartley has represented the Army on Conseil International du Sport Militaire, or CISM, squads at the annual Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe tournament, and in other international military tournaments. He helped Team USA win the 2008 CISM Basketball Championship at Lackland.

"The whole experience, I would never change it for the world, anything," he said. "It's been great."

Basketball Contributed to Army Career Decision

Along the way, Bartley said, he realized how to better move about the Army system and to better live military life.

"You're networking," he explained. "You're meeting people in higher ranks, and they're giving you insight on different things, military experience and things that help, so definitely, basketball has made me decide to go ahead and do my 20 years."

Bartley and Little played together in the Hampton Roads Pro-Am League, and later waged on-court battles in South Korea while Bartley was stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan and Little, then with the Air Force, was at Osan Air Base. When Bartley was playing for Shaw University, Little was playing in the same conference for Virginia State University.

"Once Ron heard I had received the [All-Army] head coaching job, he said he wanted to give it one more run," Little said. "I told him what I expected of him. I told him, 'I don't expect you to carry the load. I'm going to bring weapons around you so you don't have to do as much. Just bring that veteran leadership.' He was the only one on the team that has won a gold medal with the Army."

Little also knew exactly how to employ Bartley.

"He's been a point guard all his life -- I knew what he needed to be done to get the best out of him," said Little, who monitored Bartley's minutes to around 20 per game. "He had a breakout game against the Air Force, when we won by 15 points."

From the Court to the Bench

Now that Bartley's run is truly done, Little plans to add him to his bench as an assistant coach. "He knows what the guys need to be successful," he said.

Bartley, in turn, believes soldiers need these kinds of programs.

"I appreciate All-Army Sports from a soldier aspect," he said. "This right here makes being in the military, being in the Army, that much better because now you don't just say, 'I'm out here fighting wars and protecting my country.'"

Bartley said he believes the morale boost makes Army sports worthwhile. He also points to team-building and esprit de corps at international competitions as positive aspects of the program when people question why the military provides sports and entertainment opportunities for service members and their families.

"I would tell them they need to come and enjoy," Bartley said. "Come see what's really going on, instead of just reading about it or hearing about it. ... No budget cuts. We need this. This right here is what takes us as soldiers to another level. The camaraderie with the other forces, you can't beat it.

"Without this, I would not be going for my 20," he continued. "I would have been out eight years ago. This has been the best."

 

GAME DAY PROMOTION

12/14/2014 09:41 PM CST

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, promotes a soldier during the 115th Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Dec. 13, 2014.

COUNTER PIRACY EXERCISE

12/14/2014 05:58 PM CST

The USS Sterett , left, transits alongside the Jiangkai II CNS Yun Chang, right, and the CNS Chao Hu during U.S. - China Counter-Piracy Exercise 15 in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 11, 2014. The Sterett is deployed as part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and is supporting Operation Inherent Resolve conducting maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

NAVY WIN

12/14/2014 02:13 PM CST

Navy celebrates their 13th straight win against Army in the 115th Army-Navy football game in Baltimore, Dec. 13, 2014. Navy won 17-10, extending their winning streak against Army for the 13th straight year.